Hey there, fellow book lovers! Bryce here.
So you’re standing in front of a bookshelf (or scrolling through Playful Platypus’s amazing collection) and wondering… which book is gonna be THE ONE? The one that makes your kid’s eyes light up? Yeah, I’ve been there. Actually, I’m still there every time I walk into a bookstore.
Let me share what I’ve learned after years of watching kids fall in love with stories.
## **Start With Their World**
Kids are smart. Way smarter than we give them credit for. They know when something feels real to them. Look for books that mirror their experiences – maybe it’s about losing a sock (hey, we’ve all been there!), or dealing with a new sibling, or just… being scared of the dark.
But here’s the thing. Sometimes the best books take them somewhere completely NEW. Like Gary Campbell’s stories at Playful Platypus – they’ve got this magical way of being both familiar AND surprising.
## **The Art Matters (Like, Really Matters)**
Okay, confession time. I judge books by their covers. There, I said it.
And when it comes to kids’ books? The illustrations ARE the story for so many young readers. Before they can even read the words, they’re reading the pictures. They’re finding details you missed. They’re creating their own narratives.
That’s why I love places that get this – like when you see Trevor Campbell’s original art pieces alongside the books. It shows they understand that visual storytelling isn’t just decoration. It’s communication.
## **Age Is Just a Suggestion**
Those age ranges on books? Take them with a grain of salt. Seriously.
I’ve seen 3-year-olds totally absorbed in books “meant” for 6-year-olds. And 8-year-olds who still want their favorite picture book from when they were 4. That’s NORMAL. That’s actually beautiful.
What matters more:
– Can they connect with it?
– Does it spark questions?
– Do THEY want to hear it again?
## **The Read-Aloud Test**
Here’s my secret weapon when choosing books… I read a page out loud. Right there in the store. (Yeah, I’m that person.)
Because let’s be real – you’re gonna be reading this book A LOT. Like, possibly 47 times in one week. So it better have:
– Rhythm that feels natural
– Words that are fun to say
– Moments where you can do silly voices
– A flow that doesn’t make you stumble
## **Look for Books That Grow**
The best children’s books? They’re like those toys that kids play with differently as they grow.
A 2-year-old might just love the colors and sounds. A 4-year-old starts following the plot. A 6-year-old notices the subplot you never saw coming. And honestly? You might find something new in there too.
## **Trust Your Gut (And Theirs)**
Sometimes a book just… feels right. Maybe it’s the way your kid grabbed it off the shelf. Maybe it’s how they trace their finger along the cover. Maybe it’s because it reminds you of a book YOU loved.
That instinct? It’s usually spot on.
## **The Local Touch**
One more thing – and this is close to my heart. When you support places like Playful Platypus, you’re not just buying a book. You’re supporting authors like Gary Campbell who pour their hearts into every story. You’re supporting artists who create magic with their hands. You’re keeping the dream alive for all of us who believe stories matter.
Plus, free shipping across Australia? Come on. That’s just making it easy to say yes to more books. (Not that we need an excuse…)
## **Here’s What I Really Think**
Choosing children’s books isn’t about finding the “perfect” book. It’s about building a library of experiences. Some books will be instant favorites. Some will gather dust for a year and then suddenly become essential. Some will make you cry (in a good way). Some will make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
All of them matter.
So next time you’re browsing – whether it’s at Playful Platypus or anywhere else – remember this: the best book is the one that makes a child want to turn the page. Everything else? That’s just details.
Happy reading, friends. May your bookshelves always be full and your bedtime stories never get old.
\- Bryce
P.S. If you find that mystery of the missing sock… let me know. Mine keep disappearing too.
