AS a HUGE book fan (I will NEVER own a kindle) it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that I’m passionate about getting my little Elsie interested in books.

Admittedly, she is very young still, however I’m already introducing her to all kinds of books from soft ones to squeaky ones, ‘baby’ ones to more grown up children’s ones.

Two children’s books that have become firm favourites with Elsie (and myself) are The Fearsome Beastie and Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball by the acclaimed and award-winning children’s author Giles Paley-Phillips.

Elsie is too young to truly enjoy them to their full potential yet (really I’d say they’re for children aged 3 and upwards) but I can already tell that she is a huge fan!

They’re some of the few books that hold her attention for more than a few minutes and she’s always trying to turn the pages.

Here are five reasons we love Giles’ super duper books and why you and your children will too.

* The storytelling is genius

Giles’ books are quite simply incredible and an absolute joy to read. The stories – created with rhyme – are brilliant, funny and even a little scary too!

But if you’re thinking, that you don’t want your child to be frightened, don’t worry. Both ‘The Fearsome Beastie’ and ‘Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball’ are frightening in the good sense in that they build tension, excitement and just the right amount of fear!

Essentially they’re slightly darker, modern fairytales in that good always triumphs over evil, coming up trumps in the end.

* The illustrations are incredible

I’ve seen quite a fair few children’s books over the years and when it comes to illustrations, I have to say, I think these are up there with the best.

Gabriele Antonini’s bright, bold and dramatic designs are breathtakingly stunning and suit the stories perfectly, working in harmony with Giles’ rhyming prose.

Elsie, at only 9 months old, already loves to look at and examine the pictures. Honestly, they’re so impressive, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see these books becoming animated films in the future.

* The rhymes are super catchy

I personally love rhyming children’s books as they add a great sense of flow and structure to stories.

Giles’ rhymes are particularly excellent and I have loved reading them aloud to Elsie, even though she doesn’t really know what I’m saying yet! You could say I’m enjoying them as much as, if not more than her!

* The books are entrancing

Right from the beginning, Giles’ books leave you well and truly hooked, making them utterly engaging. I can imagine that children will absolutely love these books being read to them at bedtime, when it’s a little darker and so, a little scarier!

A few unexpected twists and turns, mixed with just the right amount of suspense, will keep your child’s attention right until the end. Have a child who isn’t too interested in books? Then try these. You really won’t go wrong.

* The books are ‘not the norm’

Firstly, let me be clear, I mean this in the best possible sense. Many children’s books can be a little too bland and safe, often lacking in humour and fascinating characters. But Giles’ books are witty, warm, a little cheeky and even a bit daring at times!

They remind me very much of the Roald Dahl books that I adored so much as a child, like ‘The Twits’ and ‘The BFG’ and ‘Matilda’. Why?

Because Giles’ books will strengthen the vivid imagination of your little ones, make their eyes go wide with excitement and their hearts beat a little faster.

In a nutshell, they’re modern day classics that all children should own and believe you me, I don’t say that lightly.

Till the next time, know that you – or your children – can NEVER have too many books.

Katie

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*Both books were kindly gifted however, as always, I have only reviewed them because I love them. It’s as simple as that.