Children's books: How reading to kids can help them to understand the world

We talk to authors and parents who say reading to their children is one of the best ways to help them explore and understand the complexities of the world 

David King with his son Adam King at their home in County Cork

One of the first gifts GP Christina McDonnell received for her newborn daughter three years ago was a hardback book called That’s Not My Teddy.

“I thought we’d have to wait a bit to use it until she was older,” says Ennis-based Christina, who recalls wondering about the suitability of such a gift for a tiny baby.