Meet the Team | Our favourite children's storybooks
What a beautiful nightly ritual storytime is. Reading with a child helps them to learn about the world, build literacy, grow their imagination and nurtures a lifelong love of books. It can also be a lovely way for you to bond, make them giggle using your weird and wonderful character voices, or to wind down from a big day.
The Love Mae team all have very fond memories of reading these classic storybooks as children or to their children - even if it was read a bazillion times!
If you have a great recommendation that you would love us to share? We'd love to hear from you! Reach us at marketing@lovemae.com.au
Claire's Favourites...
Sippy and Sunny by Vicky Wood
A beautiful, magical tale set in Byron Bay about a girl (Sunny) and her dragon (Sippy). This has been a favourite in our house since Gigi was 3 and we still continue to read it today. We love the conservation message and the fact it's set in our hometown and features many of the iconic Byron landmarks and events. The illustrations are gorgeous and Gigi loved the gold feather that is included.
Claris the Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess
Claris is a mouse who dreams of being a fashion designer, so following her dream she arrives in Paris and the story unfolds. This is the first book by acclaimed fashion illustrator Megan Hess - who has worked for all the top French fashion houses. Gigi and I love that the story is about friendship and following your heart. We love Megan's gorgeous illustrations and on each page we pick our favourite outfits and shoes!
The Magic Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton
Gigi and I just love reading a chapter a night to see what Chinky, Molly, Peter and the chair get up to. Enid's stories never tire and are so whimsical! I loved them as a child and it's lovely to share them with Gigi now she is older and is ready for chapter books.
Lucy's Favourites...
The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne
My earliest and fondest story time memories are of Winnie The Pooh and the other little creatures in the 100 Acre Wood. My absolute favourite was always The House at Pooh Corner, my poor mum must have read it a thousand times! I loved it so much that eventually when I was gifted my first ever Walkman as a little girl, I pretty much had the tapes running 24/7. I still love the illustrations and little lessons of friendship throughout the story. I’ll be reading to my kids if I have any, whether they like it or not haha!
Ammber's Favourites...
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Both my son and daughter LOVED this book, although it's hard to single out just ONE Mem Fox book (I must have read The Green Sheep 1000 times!). But this one has something really special as you follow Grandma Poss and Hush on their quest. We love the culinary journey around Australia as they try to make Hush visible again.
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
My 10-year-old son Oscar still can't get enough of the hilarious Pig the Pug and his devilish ways! There's always a valuable lesson for Pig to learn about being a kinder Pug.
Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
My husband read a huge collection of Roald Dahl books to our son Oscar, and this was his absolute favourite. His favourite part is when Mr Fox triumphs over the farmers, and he invites all of the hungry underground animals to a great celebratory feast.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls 1 & 2 by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Every time I read this with my daughter Evie (7) I discover something new and inspiring. The artwork and stories of great women in this book, make me wish I had a book like this as a little girl. But I am so glad to share it with my daughter and hear her dream big about the many things she might become.
Shaun's Favourites...
Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman
The book from my childhood that keeps popping up in my thoughts is 'Are You My Mother?’. P. D. Eastman, author and illustrator was a protege of Dr Seuss so if you were a Dr Seuss fan no doubt you would have come across this story. It begins with a little bird and his journey to find the mother he never met. After hatching alone in the nest, the little bird sets out on a humorous and sometimes frightening adventure. The little bird's innocence shines as he asks everything from a kitten to a ‘SNORT’ if they were his mother. I’m not sure if it was the story or the illustrations that drew me in, both amazing and timeless. Being able to share it with my kids was a pleasure and just a little bit exciting.
