A collaborative initiative from Bristol Early Years and The Bristol and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub
Are you an early years practitioner, teacher or leader looking to enhance your knowledge of children’s literature and develop your practice? The Early Years Book Club is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals while exploring exceptional children’s books that can transform your setting.
What is the Early Years Book Club?
The Early Years Book Club brings together professionals from Bristol’s early years sector to share ideas, develop practice, and celebrate the joy of reading. Each month, carefully selected books around a specific theme are featured, providing rich resources to enhance children’s learning experiences and foster meaningful conversations.
Recent Monthly Themes
January 2025: Feelings and Emotions
January’s collection focused on helping children understand and express their emotions—a crucial aspect of early development.
5 Books We Love:
Feelings – Inside My Heart and In My Head by Libby Walden
Barbara Throws a Wobbler by Nadia Shireen
The Artist by Ed Vere
Wow – Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood
I Follow The Fox by Rob Biddulph
Poem of the Month:
“My Teddy Has a Fright” by Charles Thompson is a delightful poem that opens conversations about feelings and emotional responses. Try asking your children what they do when they have a fright! The poem works wonderfully with teddy props that children can cuddle and hold tight.
What, Why, Wonder Pick:
Slow Down by Rachel Williams and Freya Hartas is a beautiful resource containing 50 short stories and observations on nature. It is perfect for group time or one-to-one moments of connection. The book encourages children (and adults!) to slow down, calm down, and appreciate the wonders around them.
Explore January’s Early Years Book Club here
February 2025: Race Equality
February’s selections celebrated diversity and promoted meaningful conversations about race equality and inclusion.
5 Books We Love:
- Nabil Steals a Penguin
- I Love Me
- The Katha Chest
- A Dress with Pockets
- Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Poem of the Month:
“Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss” by Joseph Coelho is a short and sweet poem perfect for learning actions together. Who are your children blowing kisses to?
What, Why, Wonder Pick:
My Skin, Your Skin is a powerful book facilitating meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism with young children. Most importantly, it empowers children to develop self-love, self-esteem, and self-worth, regardless of skin color.
Explore February’s Early Years Book Club here
Join Our Community!
The Early Years Book Club welcomes all practitioners, teachers, staff, and leaders working in Early Years settings across Bristol. Learn more here.
