Each term  we  choose a book this terms book is AAArgh Spider!! By Lydia Banks. If you would like a copy to share with your children at home it is available form all good book shops, and you can also get copies from amazon by clicking here

Poor little spider! She just wants to be a family pet but despite showing the family how good she is at dancing, feeding and washing all they do is scream “Aaaarrgghh SPIDER!” and throw her outside.

It’s not until she makes beautiful sparkly webs in the garden that the family reconsiders – much to the delight of the spider. However a beautiful twist at the end keeps the fun going until the very end!

This is a fantastic picture book and has been a great hit with my daughter (aged 3 and a bit).

It works on so many levels – it’s got: emotive phrases (shouting “Aaaarrgghh SPIDER”), simple repetition for joining in (“out you go!”), simple language for early readers (“Look at me”), large bold simple pictures (with great expressions), a page of touchy-feely sparkly webs and a great sense of humour.

Since this book is just plain fun from cover to cover, it’s sure to become a firm favourite with your family too. And since it’s so much fun it won’t become one of those books you’ll get fed up with re-reading (and so you won’t have to hide it behind the sofa).

Helping your child with reading

Reading with your child is vital. Research shows that it’s the single most important thing you can do to help your child’s education. It’s best to read little and often, so try to put aside some time for it every day.

Think of ways to make reading fun – you want your child to learn how pleasurable books can be. If you’re both enjoying talking about the content of a particular page, linger over it for as long as you like.

Books aren’t just about reading the words on the page, they can also present new ideas and topics for you and your child to discuss.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy books:

• Encourage your child to pretend to ‘read’ a book before he or she can read words.
• Visit the library as often as possible – take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.
• Schedule a regular time for reading – perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.
• Buy dual-language books if English isn’t your family’s first language – you can talk about books and stories, and develop a love for them, in any language.
• Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in – maybe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport.
• Make sure that children’s books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.