Review: Routes to Reading

Reading has always been a big part of my life and a passion that I want to pass down to my son. It looks like I have gott my wish because although Noah is only 10 months old he already loves books and reading is currently his favourite thing to do. Not only does he enjoy being read to but he also likes to look at the pictures and open, close and turn the pages himself.

In case you missed it last month we reviewed our first month selection of books from the absolutely fabulous Routes to Reading book subscription service, which you can read here. 

Routes to Reading is a great concept. By subscribing to Routes to Reading your baby will receive hand picked books every month and the books are suitable for babies and toddlers up to the age of three. You can subscribe for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or 12 months which is great if you wanted to try it out for a month or two before subscribing for any longer. 

This month we received "Peekaboo, Who are you?" and "Five little Monkeys." 

The first book, "Peekaboo, Who are you?" is illustrated in a bright and fun manner which really attracted Noah's attention. The book has felt flaps instead of card which I haven't come across before. It's a great idea because the felt is tougher are ideal for clumsy baby hands.

Our second book "Five little Monkeys" is a fabulous little finger puppet book. Noah found the monkey finger puppet hilarious and giggles so much when I tickle his chin with it. The book rhymes and it's a great book to sing to you little one whilst bouncing them on your lap. 

We adored both books as not only were they both suitable for Noah's age but they were lots of fun too! 

Here are some reading tips provided by Routes to Reading-

- Variety is the spice of life and this is true for the books you read with your baby too. Choose books with puppets, flaps, tabs and sliders so your baby has something to interact with.

- Make books easily available to your baby, and use every opportunity to make up stories about what your child is doing. Your baby may have favourite books by now which you will be reading often and trying to find different ways to make exciting and fresh.

- Continue to share nursery rhymes. As well as saying or singing the rhyme, try and now use a favourite nursery rhyme book too.

We were sent these books for the purpose of this review. However all opinions are my own. 

Review: Routes to Reading

For as long as I can remember I have always loved to read. From being a young child, curled up in bed reading "Spot the dog" til now squeezing in a quick ten minutes read of "Game of Thrones" on my iPad while Noah naps. I always knew I wanted to pass that passion on to my future children as it's a invaluable interest which not only keeps you entertained but keeps your mind sharp too.

Throughout my pregnancy I was picking up baby books here and there and built up quite the library for his arrival. I even found my childhood favourite "Spot the dog" and the memories came flooding back. I bought it for Noah and I have to say it's one of my favourite book to read to him even if he does try to rip off all the flaps!

Baring all this in mind you can understand my excitement when Routes to Reading contacted me asking if Noah would like to sign up to their baby book club! I jumped at the chance and was so excited for our first month installment.

By subscribing to Routes to Reading your baby will receive hand picked books every month and the subscription is perfect for babies and toddlers up to the age of three. You can subscribe for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or 12 months which is great if you wanted to try it out for a month or two before subscribing for any longer. Not only is Routes to Reading a great gift for your baby but it would also be a lovely gift to another child or even an expectant Mother.

Our first months subscription arrived last week and I was so excited to see what books we had been sent. We received two books called "Fur" and "Mealtime", both are wooden books and ideal for Noah's age.

"Mealtime" is a sensory, touch and feel book. Each page displays different food and drink with different textured areas. Noah loves to flip though this book whilst looking at and touching all the brightly coloured pictures. It's a great book for the age that he is now but will be just as good when he is a little older and is learning the words to the different food and drink on the pages.

"Fur" is a sligtly larger wooden book, all about cats and kittens. This book was ideal for us as I am a self confessed crazy cat lady and Noah is already becoming such a huge animal lover. We both loved it. The story is short and sweet and the illustrations are gorgeous. Noah must enjoy "Fur" just as much as I do because every time we read this book he smothers the cats in kisses, which is insanely cute!

I have reviewed a dozen subscription services in the past and I have to say that Routes to Reading is one of my favourites, if not favourite! As an avid book lover and believer of the importance of reading to your children (whatever the age!) I can't rate Routes to Reading any higher!

- I was sent these books for the purpose of this review. However all opinions are my own.