How can I stop my two year old bookworm tearing books?

[Nonicknamesleft]

For several months now, my daughter has been tearing pages in books. It's weird because she absolutely loves books and reading, and seems to do this tearing thing quite randomly and suddenly. I've had to stop using the libary as it became too expensive to keep replacing stuff, and we can no longer leave books in her cot at night which she loves having. It's reached a stage that only board books can be left lying around.

She appears to understand that it's wrong, but won't stop. We hoped she'd grow out of it but it's been going on for a while, and can be quite upsetting because she does it to lovely things that have been given as presents, as well as more easily replaced things.

Has anyone else had to deal with this problem? How do I stop her doing it without refusing to let her have books? She's two years old and capable of conversation.

[AbbeyA]

Just be firm-take it off her immediately and say 'no'. It may take a while.

[ethanchristopher]

get her some boardbooks?

[MrsBadger]

back to board books for a while?

[GreenMonkies]

I echo EC and Mrs B, my DD2 is the same, I just don't lt her read books with fragile pages. She has board books only!

[CaptainNancy]

Your library shouldn't be charging you!!!!
All damage to children's books is written off in our authority- thats why children have their own tickets!
I agree- back to board books unless you're reading them with her. She'll get the hang of it.
Maybe she was doing it for your attention, because Mummy's reaction is funny?
Thankfully my DD has never done this- we have a house full of books!