The world is a little weird right now, isn’t it? Most of us are trapped inside, spending 24/7 with our children and wondering how to keep them busy and ourselves sane.

But there’s one way to offer a bit of stability in these crazy times: open a book!

First 5 Forever, a program developed by the State Library of Queensland, believes that when kids share stories with those closest to them, it helps to build their special bond and also helps to nourish the connections in their developing brains.

Books are also great tools to help kids understand or talk about tricky emotions. So, we not only decided to compile the six most timeless books to read with your children during isolation, but also handpicked the ones that support their ability to deal with emotions.

They may be timeless, but they’re also extremely timely, because they help our little ones develop resilience as they try to understand their feelings about the world we’re in right now.

Also, just a heads-up: if you need some extra helpful tips, activities and ideas to keep young kids busy during isolation, head to the First 5 Forever’s website.

Now, let’s dive in.

Llama Llama Misses Mama, Anna Dewdney

This rhyming, reassuring story is all about Llama Llama’s first day of preschool. Llama Llama’s Mama is by his side and he meets the teachers and the other children but then it’s time for Mama to leave. Llama Llama is no longer excited. Will his Mama come back?

Spoiler: She does! This book teaches children it’s totally OK to miss mum but being brave opens up a whole new world.

Image: Supplied

Tiger Days, M.H. Clark

Young kids love hearing how they’re fast like a cheetah or tall like a giraffe. This is a book version of this sentiment.Tiger Dayslooks at all the ways to feel and be, from fierce like a tiger to slow like a snail. It really helps children, especially those a bit younger, to understand their emotions and learn how to express themselves.

Image: Supplied

Don’t Think about Purple Elephants, Susanne Merritt

This is a bit of a special book, which is perfect for kids who are perhaps a little sensitive. Don’t Think about Purple Elephantsfocuses on a little girl called Sophie who is prone to worrying. She is fine in the day, when around her family and friends. But at night her thoughts come alive. That is until her mother comes up with a solution - try not to think about purple elephants. A novel way to ease worry!

Image: Supplied

Where The Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

A classic, really. The main character Max puts on a wolf costume and causes mischief. His mum isn’t happy with his antics and calls him a ‘Wild Thing’, sending him to bed without dinner. But that’s where Max’s wild adventures begin.

A forest grows in Max’s room, an ocean rushes by with a boat to take him on a journey. A great way to show busy minds that your imagination is your friend.

Image: Supplied

The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon, Matthew Burgess

This book by Matthew Burgess is a funny take on bad moods. We all have them, after all! AndThe Unbudgeable Curmudgeonlooks at how sometimes, no matter what you do, you can’t help someone get out of one and then suddenly you’re in a bad mood also. The illustrations, by Fiona Woodcock, also make this the perfect page turner.

Image: Supplied

Ish, Peter H Reynolds

Have a mini perfectionist in your home? Then this book is perfect. The tale focuses on a boy called Ramon who loves to draw but a throwaway comment from his brother leaves him struggling to put pencil to paper. His sister shows him that “getting it right” should be replaced with “ish-ly”. Doing things goodishis great message no matter what your age.

Image: Supplied

What timeless books do your children love?