Picture book guides: questions to ask and activities to try

666 picture books, each with questions to ask after reading and two 5-minute activities. Find the book for what your child is going through, then make the most of it together.

Big feelings Worries, fear and missing someone Change and new things Nature and the world around us Confidence, mistakes and trying again Losing and being a good sport Friendship, sharing and siblings Communication Neurodiversity and sensory differences Disability and inclusion

Big feelings

The Colour MonsterAnna Llenas · ages 3–6Naming feelings The Rabbit ListenedCori Doerrfeld · ages 4–8Sitting with difficult feelings The Paper DollsJulia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb · ages 3–6Loss, grief and holding on to happy memories TiddlerJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Tall tales, telling the truth, and imagination When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry…Molly Bang · ages 3–7Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards Where the Wild Things AreMaurice Sendak · ages 3–7Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved Grumpy MonkeySuzanne Lang and Max Lang · ages 3–7Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason A Great Big CuddleMichael Rosen and Chris Riddell · ages 0–5Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings Anna Hibiscus' SongAtinuke and Lauren Tobia · ages 3–7Big happy feelings, and how to let them out Augustus and His SmileCatherine Rayner · ages 3–6Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help DoggerShirley Hughes · ages 3–7Losing a favourite toy, and a kind big sister HappyMies van Hout · ages 2–6Naming feelings, one bright fish at a time Harry and the Bucketful of DinosaursIan Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds · ages 3–6Losing something you love, and speaking up for it I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!Emma Chichester Clark · ages 2–6Worrying about being replaced, and favourite toys Luna Loves Library DayJoseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers · ages 3–7Parents living apart, and special time with each of them PenguinPolly Dunbar · ages 2–6Frustration when someone won't respond, and patience in friendship So MuchTrish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury · ages 0–5Feeling loved by a big family Splash, Anna Hibiscus!Atinuke and Lauren Tobia · ages 3–7Wanting someone to play with you HowlKat Patrick and Evie Barrow · ages 3–7Having a terrible day and needing to let it out I Am HungryMichael Rosen and Robert Starling · ages 2–5Hungry moods, and a very silly squirrel Fly BoyJJ Bola and Clara Anganuzzi · ages 4–8Anger, sadness and being understood BeneathCori Doerrfeld · ages 3–7Feelings hidden beneath the surface I Really Want to Shout!Simon Philip and Lucia Gaggiotti · ages 3–7Feeling cross and wanting to yell Through the Magic MirrorAnthony Browne · ages 3–7Being fed up, and seeing the world differently Blue Monster Wants It All!Jeanne Willis and Jenni Desmond · ages 3–7Always wanting more, and what really makes us happy Smile Out LoudJoseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett · ages 5–8Poems to read aloud for confidence and happiness The Glass HeartSally Gardner · ages 5–8An enchanting fairy tale about fragile hearts The Smile ShopSatoshi Kitamura · ages 3–7Losing something, and finding kindness is worth more than money The Bad-Tempered LadybirdEric Carle · ages 2–5Being grumpy and picking fights, and learning to share A Bottle of HappinessPippa Goodhart and Ehsan Abdollahi · ages 4–8What happiness is, and whether you can share it Rain Before RainbowsSmriti Halls and David Litchfield · ages 3–7Hope through hard times SweepLouise Greig and Júlia Sardà · ages 3–7A bad mood that grows and grows When Sadness Comes to CallEva Eland · ages 3–7Welcoming sadness and letting it be Bad PandaSwapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey · ages 6–9Being fed up with being cute Bumble and Snug and the Angry PiratesMark Bradley · ages 5–7Big feelings, in a first graphic novel The ElephantPeter Carnavas · ages 7–9A parent's sadness, and how a child can help An Emotional MenagerieThe School of Life · ages 7–10An A to Z of feelings in rhyming poems GorillaAnthony Browne · ages 4–8A lonely child, a busy dad and a magical gorilla Michael Rosen's Sad BookMichael Rosen and Quentin Blake · ages 6–10A father's honest grief, and how sadness feels The Truth PixieMatt Haig and Chris Mould · ages 5–8A pixie who can only tell the truth The Exploding Life of Scarlett FifeMaz Evans and Chris Jevons · ages 7–10A girl whose big feelings make things explode It's a No-Money DayKate Milner · ages 4–8A family visiting a food bank Judy MoodyMegan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds · ages 7–9A girl with lots of moods Tilly and the Time MachineAdrian Edmondson and Danny Noble · ages 6–9A time machine and a dad lost in the past FArTHERGrahame Baker-Smith · ages 7–11A father's dream of flight, and a son who carries it on Mr Tiger Goes WildPeter Brown · ages 3–6Feeling bored of being sensible, and finding a time and place to be wild

Worries, fear and missing someone

The Huge Bag of WorriesVirginia Ironside · ages 5–8Talking about worries Ruby’s WorryTom Percival · ages 4–7A child whose worry grows while they keep it to themselves The Invisible StringPatrice Karst · ages 4–7Being apart at drop-off, a sleepover or the start of school Stick ManJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Missing home or family, and being away from people you love Monkey PuzzleJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Getting lost, and asking someone for help The GruffaloJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Feeling scared, and using your wits Goodnight MoonMargaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd · ages 0–4Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep Silly BillyAnthony Browne · ages 3–7Children who lie awake worrying at night Owl BabiesMartin Waddell and Patrick Benson · ages 2–5Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back The Kissing HandAudrey Penn · ages 3–6Nerves about starting school or being apart Peace at LastJill Murphy · ages 2–5Bedtime, and staying patient when things keep going wrong A Bit LostChris Haughton · ages 2–5Getting lost, and asking for help Lullabyhullaballoo!Mick Inkpen · ages 2–5Bedtime, and a noisy night that won't settle Bedtime for MonstersEd Vere · ages 3–6Bedtime fears, with a funny twist Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth · ages 2–6Being scared of the dark at bedtime Don't Worry, Little CrabChris Haughton · ages 2–5Being scared to try something new Emily Brown and the ThingCressida Cowell and Neal Layton · ages 3–7Being afraid of the dark, and things that go bump in the night Jabari JumpsGaia Cornwall · ages 3–7Working up the courage to try something scary Kangaroo KissesNandana Dev Sen and Pippa Curnick · ages 2–6Bedtime stalling, and a funny bedtime routine Maisy Goes to BedLucy Cousins · ages 1–4Getting ready for bed, step by step Ten in the BedPenny Dale · ages 1–5Counting down at bedtime The Baby Who Wouldn't Go to BedHelen Cooper · ages 2–5Not wanting to go to bed The Everywhere BearJulia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb · ages 3–6Getting lost, and finding your way back home Orion and the DarkEmma Yarlett · ages 3–7Being scared of the dark, and making friends with it I Really, Really Don't Like PartiesAngie Morgan · ages 3–7Finding parties too loud and busy Where Is the Dragon?Leo Timmers · ages 3–6Scary shapes in the dark, and a clever hidden dragon The Shy BookHoward Pearlstein · ages 3–7Feeling shy, and worrying that others will find you boring A Dark, Dark TaleRuth Brown · ages 3–6A spooky story with a gentle surprise Captain TobySatoshi Kitamura · ages 3–7A stormy night, and an imaginary sea adventure The Gumdrops: Quest for BraveryElissa Elwick · ages 5–8Being brave, with help from an imaginary friend The DarkLemony Snicket and Jon Klassen · ages 3–7Being afraid of the dark, and meeting it Kitty and the Moonlight RescuePaula Harrison and Jenny Løvlie · ages 5–8Being brave in the dark, in a first chapter book Small in the CitySydney Smith · ages 4–8Feeling small in a big city, and looking for someone you love Harry the Poisonous CentipedeLynne Reid Banks and Tony Ross · ages 6–9A centipede's adventures in the world of the Hoo-Mins The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly GalleonJonny Duddle · ages 5–8A mysterious ghost ship and pirate friends Milton the MightyEmma Read · ages 7–9A worried spider who becomes a warrior My Funny FamilyChris Higgins and Lee Wildish · ages 6–9A worrier in a big, chaotic family The Owl Who Was Afraid of the DarkJill Tomlinson · ages 4–8A baby owl who's afraid of the dark The Worries: Sohal Finds a FriendJion Sheibani · ages 6–9Worries that come to life Charlie Changes Into a ChickenSam Copeland and Sarah Horne · ages 7–10Worries that make you change into animals Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid of Ghosts!Katie and Kevin Tsang and Nathan Reed · ages 6–10Pretending not to be scared Danger Is EverywhereDavid O'Doherty and Chris Judge · ages 8–11A very silly handbook for avoiding danger The Last FirefoxLee Newbery and Laura Catalán · ages 7–10A scared boy guarding a magical fox

Change and new things

The Koala Who CouldRachel Bright and Jim Field · ages 3+Handling change and unfamiliar situations A Squash and a SqueezeJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Seeing that what you have is enough, and looking at a problem differently The Very Hungry CaterpillarEric Carle · ages 2–5Growing and changing, and waiting for something good Green Eggs and HamDr. Seuss · ages 3–7Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayJudith Viorst and Ray Cruz · ages 4–8A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair The Name JarYangsook Choi · ages 4–8Starting somewhere new and wanting to fit in The Tiger Who Came to TeaJudith Kerr · ages 2–6Coping calmly when plans change unexpectedly TadBenji Davies · ages 3–6Growing up at your own pace, and being brave about change 15 Things Not To Do With a BabyMargaret McAllister and Holly Sterling · ages 3–6Getting ready for a new baby brother or sister A New House for MousePetr Horáček · ages 2–5Looking for a place that fits, and noticing what changes Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus!Atinuke and Lauren Tobia · ages 3–7A new baby (or two!), and feeling left out Lulu Gets a CatAnna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw · ages 2–6Getting a pet, and learning to look after it Otto the Book BearKatie Cleminson · ages 3–7Being left behind, and finding a new home There's Going to Be a BabyJohn Burningham and Helen Oxenbury · ages 2–6Waiting for a new brother or sister Noah's New HomeZeshan Akhter and Nabila Adani · ages 4–8Arriving somewhere new as a refugee King of the ClassroomDerrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton · ages 3–6Starting school with confidence The Pocket ChaoticZiggy Hanaor and Daniel Gray-Barnett · ages 4–8Becoming independent for the first time The Big JourneyMichael Rosen and Daniel Egnéus · ages 3–7A long journey to a new home Badger's Parting GiftsSusan Varley · ages 4–8Death, grief and remembering someone you love The Boy Who Grew a TreePolly Ho-Yen and Sojung Kim-McCarthy · ages 5–8A new sibling, a magical tree and saving the library Coming to EnglandFloella Benjamin and Diane Ewen · ages 5–8Moving country, and the Windrush generation Dadaji's PaintbrushRashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane · ages 4–8Losing a grandparent, and finding a way forward If All the World Were...Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys · ages 4–8Losing a grandparent, and remembering IslandbornJunot Díaz and Leo Espinosa · ages 5–8Where your family comes from, and memories of home Meerkat MailEmily Gravett · ages 3–7Leaving home, and finding home is best Sona Sharma, Very Best Big SisterChitra Soundar and Jen Khatun · ages 6–8Becoming a big sister Tadpole's PromiseJeanne Willis and Tony Ross · ages 4–7Growing and changing, and promises you can't keep The CometJoe Todd-Stanton · ages 4–7Moving to the city and missing home Grandad's CamperHarry Woodgate · ages 4–8A grandad's love story, grief and new adventures Isadora Moon Goes to SchoolHarriet Muncaster · ages 5–8Fitting in when you're half fairy, half vampire My Name Is Not RefugeeKate Milner · ages 4–8A refugee journey, with questions for the reader Diary of an Accidental WitchHonor and Perdita Cargill and Katie Saunders · ages 7–10Accidentally starting at witch school Elen's IslandEloise Williams · ages 7–10A summer on a tiny island with a grandmother she hardly knows LobLinda Newbery · ages 7–10A green man in Grandpa's garden Ocean Meets SkyThe Fan Brothers · ages 4–8Remembering Grandfather, and sailing to where ocean meets sky PizazzSophy Henn · ages 7–10A superhero who'd rather be normal Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble MagnetZanib Mian and Nasaya Mafaridik · ages 7–10A boy with a big imagination at a new school Wisp: A Story of HopeZana Fraillon and Grahame Baker-Smith · ages 4–9Hope for a child born in a refugee camp AllergicMegan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter · ages 8–11Severe allergies, feeling left out and wanting a pet Danny Chung Does Not Do MathsMaisie Chan · ages 8–11A grandmother arrives from China and shares his room The Day War CameNicola Davies and Rebecca Cobb · ages 5–9A child forced to flee war, and a small act of kindness The JourneyFrancesca Sanna · ages 4–9A family fleeing war Invisible StanleyJeff Brown and Rob Biddulph · ages 6–8A sudden change that's fun at first, and harder than it looks Hello LighthouseSophie Blackall · ages 5–9Change over time, and looking after something important Blown AwayRob Biddulph · ages 2–5An adventure far from home, and finding your way back The Colour Monster Goes to SchoolAnna Llenas · ages 3–6Starting school, and feeling nervous about something new Isadora Moon Goes CampingHarriet Muncaster · ages 5–8Trying new things, and families who do things differently Spot Goes to SchoolEric Hill · ages 1–4Getting ready for nursery or school, with flaps to lift

Nature and the world around us

Because of an AcornLola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon · ages 3–7How everything in nature is connected Beware of the CrocodileMartin Jenkins and Satoshi Kitamura · ages 4–8Curious children who love real animal facts Christopher NibbleCharlotte Middleton · ages 3–7Caring for nature, and making a difference Dot.Randi Zuckerberg and Joe Berger · ages 3–7Screen time, and remembering the fun of the real world Errol's GardenGillian Hibbs · ages 3–7Gardening, community, and asking for help with a big idea Hot HippoMwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway · ages 3–7Keeping promises, and a traditional-style animal tale Hungry HenRichard Waring and Caroline Jayne Church · ages 2–6A very simple story with a brilliant twist Katie's Picture ShowJames Mayhew · ages 3–7A first visit to an art gallery Mister SeahorseEric Carle · ages 2–5Dads who care for their babies, and life under the sea Once Upon a JungleLaura Knowles and James Boast · ages 3–7How the jungle food chain works Once Upon a StarJames Carter and Mar Hernández · ages 4–8Big questions about the sun, stars and how we got here Our Very Own DogAmanda McCardie and Salvatore Rubbino · ages 3–7Getting a pet, and how to care for it RainManya Stojic · ages 2–6The five senses, and rain on the savannah Surprising SharksNicola Davies and James Croft · ages 4–8Real facts about sharks, and looking past first impressions The Bog BabyJeanne Willis and Gwen Millward · ages 3–7Caring for wild creatures, and letting them go The Boy Who Lost His BumbleTrudi Esberger · ages 3–7Bees, the seasons, and caring for nature The TreeNeal Layton · ages 3–7Sharing the world with wildlife There's a Tiger in the GardenLizzy Stewart · ages 3–7Imagination, grandparents and the magic of the garden TreesLemniscates · ages 3–7Noticing trees through the seasons We're Going to Build a DamGillian McClure · ages 3–7Teamwork and play by the water Yucky WormsVivian French and Jessica Ahlberg · ages 4–8Discovering how amazing worms really are The Concrete GardenBob Graham · ages 3–7Creativity, community and hope The Emerald ForestCatherine Ward and Karin Littlewood · ages 3–7Orangutans, rainforests and losing a home Flower BlockLanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang · ages 3–6Nature, wonder and growing things in the city The Last TigerPetr Horáček · ages 4–8Freedom, animals and caring for wildlife Pattan's PumpkinChitra Soundar and Frané Lessac · ages 3–7Caring for living things, and a flood tale from India Big Brilliant WorldMatt Ralphs and Aysha Tengiz · ages 2–6Exploring the world's cities, and first words in other languages I See a StarSaskia Gwinn · ages 2–6The life cycle of a star, explained for little ones Hey, Water!Antoinette Portis · ages 3–7Spotting water everywhere, from rain to tears Oi! Get Off Our TrainJohn Burningham · ages 3–7Endangered animals, and making room for others Peep Inside Night-TimeAnna Milbourne and Simona Dimitri · ages 1–4What happens when night falls We Planted a PumpkinRob Ramsden · ages 2–6Growing something, waiting and caring for it A First Book of NatureNicola Davies and Mark Hearld · ages 3–8A first taste of nature, season by season The Happy HedgerowElena Mannion and Erin Brown · ages 4–8Hedgerows, wildlife and caring for the countryside The Search for the Giant Arctic JellyfishChloe Savage · ages 4–8Exploring, science and spotting what others miss Pop-Up DinosauriumChris Wormell · ages 5–8Dinosaurs up close, with pop-ups VolcanoClaire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft · ages 5–8Volcanoes deep under the sea, and the life they create The Waking WoodAlexi Francis · ages 4–7Family, growing up and the life of a wood Outside InDeborah Underwood and Cindy Derby · ages 4–7Noticing nature even when you're indoors Amara and the BatsEmma Reynolds · ages 4–8Caring about wildlife and taking action Bee and MeAlison Jay · ages 3–7Overcoming fear of bees, and why bees matter Building a HomePolly Faber and Klas Fahlén · ages 3–6Diggers, builders and how a home gets made Dinosaurs and All That RubbishMichael Foreman · ages 4–8Pollution, rubbish and caring for the planet Everything Under the SunMolly Oldfield · ages 5–8A curious question for every day of the year Gaspard the FoxZeb Soanes and James Mayhew · ages 3–6City foxes, and the animals we share our streets with Greta and the GiantsZoë Tucker and Zoe Persico · ages 4–8Standing up for the planet, even when you're small Here We AreOliver Jeffers · ages 2–7A guide to life on planet Earth If You Come to EarthSophie Blackall · ages 4–8A guide to Earth, and caring for it and each other Look Up!Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola · ages 3–7Space, curiosity and getting your brother off his phone LotsNicola Davies and Emily Sutton · ages 5–8How many kinds of living things there are, and why it matters Omar, the Bees and MeHelen Mortimer and Katie Cottle · ages 4–7Planting wildflowers and helping bees A Seed Is SleepyDianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long · ages 4–7How seeds sleep, travel and grow Somebody Swallowed StanleySarah Roberts and Hannah Peck · ages 3–6Plastic pollution in the ocean There's a Rang-Tan in My BedroomJames Sellick and Frann Preston-Gannon · ages 3–7An orangutan who has lost her home This Is How We Do ItMatt Lamothe · ages 4–8One day in the life of seven children around the world Under the OceanAnouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud · ages 3–7A pop-up journey around the world's oceans Until I Met DudleyRoger McGough and Chris Riddell · ages 4–8Silly explanations, and how machines really work Welcome to Our WorldMoira Butterfield and Harriet Lynas · ages 3–6How children live all around the world What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?Emma Carlisle · ages 4–7Looking at trees as living things The Bee BookCharlotte Milner · ages 5–8All about bees, and why they need us The Big Book of the UKImogen Russell Williams and Louise Lockhart · ages 5–8The wonders, history and customs of the UK Everything You Know About Dinosaurs Is Wrong!Nick Crumpton and Gavin Scott · ages 6–9Dinosaur myths, and what scientists really know FACTopia!Kate Hale and Andy Smith · ages 7–10A trail of crazily connected facts Funny Bums, Freaky BeaksAlex Morss, Sean Taylor and Sarah Edmonds · ages 5–8Weird and wonderful animal body parts The Great Fire of LondonEmma Adams and James Weston Lewis · ages 5–8The Great Fire of London, 1666 Hilda and the TrollLuke Pearson · ages 7–10Exploring the wild, and magical creatures How to Help a Hedgehog and Protect a Polar BearJess French and Angela Keoghan · ages 6–970 everyday ways to help animals and the planet If the World Were 100 PeopleJackie McCann and Aaron Cushley · ages 5–8Understanding the world's population Marvellous MachinesJane Wilsher and Andrés Lozano · ages 7–10Looking inside incredible machines The Most Important Animal of AllPenny Worms and Hannah Bailey · ages 5–8The animals our planet can't live without A Perfect SpotIsabelle Simler · ages 4–7A ladybird's journey to find the perfect spot Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of SpaceDominic Walliman and Ben Newman · ages 7–10A cat's guide to space and the universe A RiverMarc Martin · ages 4–8An imaginary journey down a river to the sea Shiny Pippin and the Broken ForestHarry Heape and Rebecca Bagley · ages 6–9An ordinary girl, a magical forest and a cheeky narrator The Street Beneath My FeetCharlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer · ages 5–8A journey down through the layers of the Earth Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!Fiona Waters and Britta Teckentrup · ages 4–10An animal poem for every day of the year The WomblesElisabeth Beresford · ages 6–9Making good use of bad rubbish The Big Book of the BlueYuval Zommer · ages 4–8Answers to fishy questions about sea creatures A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu and YouMike Barfield and Jess Bradley · ages 6–10A day in the life of everything Earth-Shattering EventsRobin Jacobs and Sophie Williams · ages 7–10Volcanoes, earthquakes, storms and tsunamis The Epic Book of EpicnessAdam Frost · ages 7–10Amazing facts in eye-popping infographics The Greatest Show on EarthMini Grey · ages 5–9The whole history of life on Earth as a stage show Lists for Curious KidsTracey Turner and Caroline Selmes · ages 6–10263 fascinating lists Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) SmallJess Wade and Melissa Castrillón · ages 5–9The science of atoms and tiny things The Pebble in My PocketMeredith Hooper and Chris Coady · ages 6–10The 480-million-year story of a pebble The Rhythm of the RainGrahame Baker-Smith · ages 4–9Following water from a mountain pool to the sea and back The Tin ForestHelen Ward and Wayne Anderson · ages 4–8Turning a junkyard into a living forest The Wild RobotPeter Brown · ages 7–10A robot learning to survive in the wild WindowJeannie Baker · ages 4–9A wordless view of a changing landscape World-Whizzing FactsEmily Grossman and Alice Bowsher · ages 7–10Awesome Earth questions answered Atlas of AdventuresLucy Letherland · ages 6–10More than 100 adventures around the world The Bacteria BookSteve Mould · ages 7–10Gross germs, vile viruses and funky fungi Curiosity: The Story of a Mars RoverMarkus Motum · ages 6–10NASA's Mars rover tells its own story Explorers: Amazing Tales of the World's Greatest AdventurersNellie Huang and Jessamy Hawke · ages 7–1050 great explorers and their adventures FlotsamDavid Wiesner · ages 5–9A wordless mystery from the bottom of the sea The History of the World in 100 AnimalsSimon Barnes and Frann Preston-Gannon · ages 7–11How 100 animals shaped human history How Was That Built?Roma Agrawal, Katie Hickey and Sally Beets · ages 7–11The stories behind amazing structures I Am the Seed That Grew the TreeFiona Waters and Frann Preston-Gannon · ages 6–10A nature poem for every day of the year IllumanatomyKate Davies and Carnovsky · ages 7–11See inside the human body with a magic lens Invented by AnimalsChristiane Dorion and Gosia Herba · ages 7–11Inventions inspired by animals IslandMark Janssen · ages 3–7A shipwreck, an island and a big surprise Kay's AnatomyAdam Kay and Henry Paker · ages 8–12A complete (and completely disgusting) guide to the body MapsAleksandra and Daniel Mizielińscy · ages 5–10A lavish illustrated atlas of the world The Curious GardenPeter Brown · ages 4–8Caring for nature, and how one child can change a whole city Katie and the SunflowersJames Mayhew · ages 4–8Meeting famous paintings, and putting things right after a mistake Where the Forest Meets the SeaJeannie Baker · ages 5–8Rainforests, the past, and wondering what the future holds Commotion in the OceanGiles Andreae and David Wojtowycz · ages 2–5Sea creatures, rhymes and joining in

Confidence, mistakes and trying again

The Most Magnificent ThingAshley Spires · ages 4–8Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again The Girl Who Never Made MistakesMark Pett and Gary Rubinstein · ages 5–8Fear of mistakes, perfectionism and trying new things The Lion InsideRachel Bright · ages 4–7A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed Giraffes Can’t DanceGiles Andreae · ages 4–7A child who measures themselves against what other children can do Perfectly NormanTom Percival · ages 4–7A child who hides something about themselves to fit in ZogJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Keeping going after mistakes, and finding what you are good at The Snail and the WhaleJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Children who feel small, or too little to make a difference Sugarlump and the UnicornJulia Donaldson and Lydia Monks · ages 3–6Wanting to be someone else, then valuing who you are The Ugly FiveJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Being loved as you are, whatever you look like The Cat in the HatDr. Seuss · ages 3–7Making choices when no grown-up is watching, and owning up afterwards We're Going on a Bear HuntMichael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury · ages 2–6Keeping going when something is hard, and facing fears together The Book of MistakesCorinna Luyken · ages 4–8Children who get upset or give up when something goes wrong Beautiful Oops!Barney Saltzberg · ages 2–6Little ones who get upset about spills, tears and smudges IshPeter H. Reynolds · ages 4–8Children who give up because their work isn't 'right' The DotPeter H. Reynolds · ages 4–8Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried After the FallDan Santat · ages 4–8Children who are scared to try again after something went wrong ElmerDavid McKee · ages 2–6Children who feel different or want to fit in The Tiny SeedEric Carle · ages 3–7Patience, feeling small, and keeping going SupertatoSue Hendra and Paul Linnet · ages 3–6Bravery, helping others, and a lot of laughs A Brave BearSean Taylor and Emily Hughes · ages 3–6Being brave, and the people who help us AbigailCatherine Rayner · ages 3–6Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way Alfie Gets in FirstShirley Hughes · ages 2–6Solving a problem yourself when you're stuck Astro GirlKen Wilson-Max · ages 3–6Dreaming big, and girls who love space Avocado BabyJohn Burningham · ages 3–6Fussy eating, and the fun of being strong Blackbird, Blackbird, What Do You Do?Kate McLelland · ages 3–6Finding what you're good at, and being yourself George and the DragonChris Wormell · ages 3–7Small heroes, big fears, and surprises I'm a Girl!Yasmeen Ismail · ages 3–7Being yourself, whatever anyone expects Julian Is a MermaidJessica Love · ages 3–7Being yourself, and being loved for it Katie Morag Delivers the MailMairi Hedderwick · ages 3–7Making a mistake and putting it right No Dinner!Jessica Souhami · ages 3–7Quick thinking, and a traditional tale from India Oh No, George!Chris Haughton · ages 2–6Self-control, temptation and trying to be good Ruby's SwordJacqueline Véissid and Paola Zakimi · ages 3–7Keeping up with big siblings, and imaginative play The Leopard's DrumJessica Souhami · ages 3–7Being small, clever and brave The Night PiratesPeter Harris and Deborah Allwright · ages 3–7Adventure, bravery and girl pirates The Tiger-Skin RugGerald Rose · ages 3–7Making a brave choice when it really matters The Very Busy SpiderEric Carle · ages 0–4Sticking at a job, even when others want you to play TitchPat Hutchins · ages 2–5Being the youngest and smallest Today I Will Fly!Mo Willems · ages 3–7Big ambitions, and a friend who worries We're Going on a Lion HuntDavid Axtell · ages 2–6Pretend bravery, and joining in with an adventure What the Ladybird HeardJulia Donaldson and Lydia Monks · ages 2–6Being small, quiet and clever Oh No, Flo!Catherine Cawthorne and Mike Byrne · ages 3–6Trying to help, even when it goes wrong Fabulous Fifi, the Flamenco FlamingoAlice Corrie and Ipek Konak · ages 3–7Being fabulous, being yourself, and having a go in front of others How to Catch a StarOliver Jeffers · ages 3–7Big dreams, trying again, and finding them in unexpected places Billy and the BeastNadia Shireen · ages 3–7Being brave and quick-thinking to help your friends Pippin Paints a PortraitCharlotte Mei · ages 3–7Finding your own way of making art I Am a TigerKarl Newson and Ross Collins · ages 3–7A little mouse with very big confidence GiganticRob Biddulph · ages 3–7Being the smallest, and being brave when it counts The Midnight PantherPoonam Mistry · ages 4–8Feeling different, and finding your place Chocolate CakeMichael Rosen and Kevin Waldron · ages 3–7Temptation, sneaking and being found out I Can Only Draw WormsWill Mabbitt · ages 3–6Counting, silly humour and doing your best Yokki and the Parno GryRichard O'Neill and Katharine Quarmby · ages 4–8Hope, storytelling and Traveller culture Fairytale Fiasco: Hansel and GretelMyles McLeod and Evgenia Golubeva · ages 5–8Not falling for tricks, in a fairy tale twist Ada Twist, ScientistAndrea Beaty and David Roberts · ages 4–8Endless questions, curiosity and science All the Ways to Be SmartDavina Bell and Allison Colpoys · ages 3–7Celebrating every kind of talent Amazing GraceMary Hoffman and Caroline Binch · ages 4–8You can be anything you want to be Ballerina DreamsMichaela DePrince and Ella Okstad · ages 5–8Following a dream against the odds An Engineer Like MeShini Somara and Nadja Sarell · ages 5–8Curiosity, engineering and inventing things Eyes That Kiss in the CornersJoanna Ho and Dung Ho · ages 4–8Loving your eyes and your heritage Hotel FlamingoAlex Milway · ages 6–8Hard work and teamwork, in a funny early chapter book Izzy GizmoPip Jones and Sara Ogilvie · ages 3–7Inventions that go wrong, and not giving up Marv and the Mega RobotAlex Falase-Koya and Paula Bowles · ages 5–7An ordinary boy who becomes a superhero Midnight MagicMichelle Harrison and Elissa Elwick · ages 5–8A magical kitten who is different from the rest The Paper Bag PrincessRobert Munsch and Michael Martchenko · ages 4–7A clever princess who rescues the prince The Proudest BlueIbtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali and Hatem Aly · ages 4–8Wearing hijab with pride, and sisterhood The Tale of Peter RabbitBeatrix Potter · ages 3–7Disobedience, danger and getting home safe The WonderFaye Hanson · ages 4–8A daydreaming child whose imagination is a gift The Barnabus ProjectThe Fan Brothers · ages 5–8Being a misfit, and dreaming of freedom Cakes in SpacePhilip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre · ages 6–9A space adventure with very dangerous cakes Fluff the Farting FishMichael Rosen and Tony Ross · ages 5–7Not getting what you wanted, and making it work anyway Hidden FiguresMargot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman · ages 5–8Four Black women who helped NASA reach space The HodgehegDick King-Smith · ages 6–8A brave hedgehog with a plan, in a classic chapter book How to Be ExtraordinaryRashmi Sirdeshpande and Annabel Tempest · ages 5–8Real people who were extraordinary in different ways Kate on the CaseHannah Peck · ages 7–9A young reporter solving a mystery Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black HistoryVashti Harrison · ages 5–8Bold Black women who changed the world Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible EdiblesRupert Kingfisher and Sue Hellard · ages 6–9A girl, a magical food shop and a horrible uncle Meet Pippi LongstockingAstrid Lindgren and Ingrid Vang Nyman · ages 5–8The strongest girl in the world Mr Penguin and the Lost TreasureAlex T. Smith · ages 6–9A penguin adventurer on a treasure hunt Ossiri and the Bala MengroRichard O'Neill and Katharine Quarmby · ages 4–8Practising, making music and being yourself The Princess in BlackShannon Hale, Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham · ages 5–8A prim princess who is secretly a superhero Rosie Revere and the Raucous RivetersAndrea Beaty and David Roberts · ages 6–9Flops, fails and persevering as an engineer Space DetectivesMark Powers and Dapo Adeola · ages 7–9Two boys solving mysteries in space Sunflower SistersMonika Singh Gangotra and Michaela Dias-Hayes · ages 4–8Wearing bright colours and loving your skin Too Small TolaAtinuke and Onyinye Iwu · ages 6–8Being small, determined and strong Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake EscapeDermot O'Leary and Nick East · ages 6–9A nearly blind cat ninja on a rescue mission The Worst WitchJill Murphy · ages 6–9Getting things wrong at witch school The Accidental Prime MinisterTom McLaughlin · ages 7–10An ordinary boy who ends up running the country Agent Weasel and the Fiendish Fox GangNick East · ages 6–9A woodland super-spy saving the day Anisha, Accidental DetectiveSerena Patel and Emma McCann · ages 7–10A wedding, a kidnapping and an accidental detective Barb the BraveDan Abdo and Jason Patterson · ages 6–9A small warrior who saves everyone The Bookshop GirlSylvia Bishop and Ashley King · ages 7–9A girl who lives in a bookshop and can't read Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the WorldKate Pankhurst · ages 5–9Brave women who changed the world The Firework-Maker's DaughterPhilip Pullman and Peter Bailey · ages 7–10Following your dream, and what courage really means Harley Hitch and the Iron ForestVashti Hardy and George Ermos · ages 7–9A young inventor, her robot dog and a mystery Iguana Boy Saves the World With a Triple Cheese PizzaJames Bishop and Rikin Parekh · ages 7–10A boy with a very disappointing superpower JumanjiChris Van Allsburg · ages 5–10A board game that comes to life Leon and the Place BetweenAngela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith · ages 5–9Proving magic is real Leonora Bolt: Secret InventorLucy Brandt and Gladys Jose · ages 7–10A secret inventor and a secret society Malala's Magic PencilMalala Yousafzai and Kerascoët · ages 5–9Speaking up for what's right Nim's IslandWendy Orr and Kerry Millard · ages 8–10A girl alone on an island, being brave The No. 1 Car SpotterAtinuke and Warwick Johnson Cadwell · ages 6–9A boy who spots cars and solves problems Ottoline and the Yellow CatChris Riddell · ages 7–10A Mistress of Disguise solving a jewel mystery Piggy HandsomePip Jones and Adam Stower · ages 5–8A very confident guinea pig who wants to be famous The Royal RabbitsSanta and Simon Sebag Montefiore and Kate Hindley · ages 7–9The smallest rabbit saving the day The Sheep-PigDick King-Smith · ages 6–9A pig who becomes a sheepdog, by being polite The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel JonesWill Mabbitt and Ross Collins · ages 8–11Kidnapped by animal pirates Violet and the Pearl of the OrientHarriet Whitehorn and Becka Moor · ages 7–10An amateur detective and a missing pearl Arthur and the Golden RopeJoe Todd-Stanton · ages 6–9A small, bookish boy who saves his village Dragons at Crumbling CastleTerry Pratchett · ages 7–10A small boy fighting dragons, and other stories Emil and the DetectivesErich Kästner · ages 7–10A boy and a gang of children catching a thief The ExplorerKatherine Rundell · ages 8–11Surviving in the Amazon after a plane crash The Girl Who Stole an ElephantNizrana Farook · ages 8–11A thief, a jewel and an escape through the jungle The Great ChocoplotChris Callaghan · ages 7–10The end of chocolate, and a plot to uncover The Highland Falcon ThiefM. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman and Elisa Paganelli · ages 7–10A jewel thief on a royal steam train How to Train Your DragonCressida Cowell · ages 8–11A smallish Viking and his very naughty dragon Ice PalaceRobert Swindells · ages 7–9A brave journey to rescue a little brother Kid NormalGreg James, Chris Smith and Erica Salcedo · ages 8–11A normal kid at a school for superheroes KrindlekraxPhilip Ridley · ages 7–10A small boy versus the monster in the sewers The Legend of Podkin One-EarKieran Larwood and David Wyatt · ages 8–11A young rabbit chieftain's son on the run The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess PartyShannon Hale, Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham · ages 5–8Juggling lots of jobs at once, and a party that keeps going wrong Planet Omar: Unexpected Super SpyZanib Mian and Nasaya Mafaridik · ages 7–10Solving a mystery fairly, without jumping to conclusions Harley Hitch and the Missing MoonVashti Hardy and George Ermos · ages 7–9Owning up to a mistake, and working out how to fix it This Is Not My HatJon Klassen · ages 3–7Taking what isn't yours, and reading between the lines Sam and Dave Dig a HoleMac Barnett and Jon Klassen · ages 4–7Sticking at a plan, and seeing what the pictures show The Thing Lou Couldn't DoAshley Spires · ages 3–7Trying something new when you're sure you can't Mog the Forgetful CatJudith Kerr · ages 2–5Getting things wrong, and being loved anyway The Tale of Jemima Puddle-DuckBeatrix Potter · ages 3–7Trusting strangers, and listening to people who look out for you

Losing and being a good sport

Sally Sore LoserFrank J. Sileo and Cary Pillo · ages 4–8Children who get upset, cheat or quit when they lose a game Winners Never Quit!Mia Hamm and Carol Thompson · ages 4–8Children who quit or storm off when they start losing

Friendship, sharing and siblings

The Invisible BoyTrudy Ludwig · ages 5–8Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion A Friend for HenryJenn Bailey · ages 4–8Autism, friendship and sensory/social differences Hands Are Not for HittingMartine Agassi · ages 4–8Talking about safer hands during conflict The Smartest Giant in TownJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Kindness, generosity and giving to others The Highway RatJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Taking what isn't yours, greed and learning to share Room on the BroomJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Making room for others, and friends who stick together SuperwormJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler · ages 3–6Friends helping each other when someone is in trouble The Day the Crayons QuitDrew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers · ages 3–7Seeing things from someone else's point of view Oi Frog!Kes Gray and Jim Field · ages 3–6Rhyming fun, and talking about rules and speaking up Fair SharesPippa Goodhart and Anna Doherty · ages 3–6What's fair, and why fair isn't always the same Pumpkin SoupHelen Cooper · ages 3–7Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends A Splendid Friend, IndeedSuzanne Bloom · ages 2–5Making friends with someone very different from you Aaaarrgghh, Spider!Lydia Monks · ages 3–6Fitting in, and giving someone different a chance Alphonse, There's Mud on the Ceiling!Daisy Hirst · ages 3–6Playing together as siblings, and indoor versus outdoor games Big Box Little BoxCaryl Hart and Edward Underwood · ages 2–5Opposites, rhyme and an unexpected friend Biscuit BearMini Grey · ages 3–6Making friends, and a sweet ending BlocksIrene Dickson · ages 2–4Sharing toys at playtime Blue ChameleonEmily Gravett · ages 2–5Feeling lonely, fitting in, and colours and shapes Blue PenguinPetr Horáček · ages 3–6Being different and wanting to belong Colin and Lee, Carrot and PeaMorag Hood · ages 2–6Making friends with someone who's different from you Croc and BirdAlexis Deacon · ages 3–7Brothers and sisters who are very different Handa's SurpriseEileen Browne · ages 2–6Giving to a friend, guessing, and a funny surprise Happy Birthday, MaisyLucy Cousins · ages 1–4Birthdays, parties and celebrating with friends Hello, Friend!Rebecca Cobb · ages 3–6Making friends, and noticing what the other person wants Iris and IsaacCatherine Rayner · ages 3–6Falling out with a friend, and making up Kipper's BirthdayMick Inkpen · ages 2–6Birthdays, friends, and getting days muddled Lost and FoundOliver Jeffers · ages 3–7Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect Mr Gumpy's OutingJohn Burningham · ages 2–6Getting along, rules, and what happens when everyone squabbles My Very Own SpacePippa Goodhart and Rebecca Crane · ages 3–6Needing some space, and boundaries On Sudden HillLinda Sarah and Benji Davies · ages 3–7Jealousy, and letting someone new join in Puffin PeterPetr Horáček · ages 2–6Missing a friend, and describing someone clearly Shh! We Have a PlanChris Haughton · ages 2–6Kindness, and better ways than grabbing That's Not How You Do It!Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar · ages 3–6Learning that there's more than one right way The Gigantic TurnipAleksei Tolstoy and Niamh Sharkey · ages 2–6Teamwork, and how everyone can help The Girl with the Parrot on Her HeadDaisy Hirst · ages 3–7A best friend moving away, and making a new one The Perfect SofaFifi Kuo · ages 2–6Choosing together, and agreeing with a friend The Way Back HomeOliver Jeffers · ages 3–7Problem solving, and helping someone in the same trouble This Is My RockDavid Lucas · ages 2–6Not wanting to share, and finding it's lonely When's My Birthday?Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson · ages 2–6Waiting for your birthday, and all the excitement Where Bear?Sophy Henn · ages 2–6Growing up, letting go and finding where you belong The Pirate TreeBrigita Orel and Jennie Poh · ages 3–7Making friends with someone new through play I'm Going to Make a FriendDarren Chetty and Sandhya Prabhat · ages 3–6Moving somewhere new, and working out how to make a friend Terrible HorsesRaymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max · ages 3–7Brothers and sisters who fight, and finding a way to get along Hank Goes HonkMaudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie · ages 3–6Interrupting, being loud, and thinking about others George and TaoClaude K. Dubois · ages 2–5Playing gently, and making up after getting too excited Alex and AlexZiggy Hanaor and Ben Javens · ages 3–6Friends who like different things, and accepting each other Mr BigEd Vere · ages 3–7Looking scary on the outside, and being lonely CorduroyDon Freeman · ages 1–5Being loved as you are The Hare Who Wouldn't ShareSteve Small · ages 3–7Not wanting to share, and finding out why it matters Teddy's Midnight AdventureYoko Mori · ages 3–7A favourite toy, and a gentle night-time adventure That Rabbit Belongs to Emily BrownCressida Cowell and Neal Layton · ages 3–7A much-loved toy, and standing up for it Oof Makes an Ouch!Duncan Beedie · ages 3–7Jealousy between friends, and the power of words A Bear Called PaddingtonMichael Bond and Peggy Fortnum · ages 5–8Kindness to newcomers, and the first Paddington stories The PlaydateUje Brandelius and Clara Dackenberg · ages 4–8Looking forward to a playdate, and when it doesn't go to plan Katie Morag's Island StoriesMairi Hedderwick · ages 3–7Island life, family and mischief My Friend BearJez Alborough · ages 2–5Feeling lonely, and finding a friend Luna Grace, Girl from Outer Space: Sea SafariJulie Sykes and Emily Jones · ages 5–8Fitting in on a new planet, in an early chapter book Harmony HouseMonika Singh Gangotra and Nicci Martin · ages 4–8Disagreeing, listening and making music together Mrs Noah's PocketsJackie Morris and James Mayhew · ages 4–8Making room for the creatures nobody wants The Adventures of the Dish and the SpoonMini Grey · ages 4–8What happened after the Dish ran away with the Spoon And Tango Makes ThreeJustin Richardson, Peter Parnell and Henry Cole · ages 3–7Different kinds of families, from a true penguin story Anna HibiscusAtinuke and Lauren Tobia · ages 6–9Big family life in West Africa, in a first chapter book BeeguAlexis Deacon · ages 3–6Feeling lost and unwelcome, and being welcomed Can I Join Your Club?John Kelly and Steph Laberis · ages 3–6Being left out, and starting a club for everyone The Girl and the DinosaurHollie Hughes and Sarah Massini · ages 3–7A lonely girl and a magical friend The GirlsLauren Ace and Jenny Løvlie · ages 4–8Friendship that lasts through growing up Jasper and ScruffNicola Colton · ages 5–8An unlikely friendship, in a funny early chapter book Lights on Cotton RockDavid Litchfield · ages 4–8Wishing to be somewhere else, and realising what you have Little GlowKatie Sahota and Harry Woodgate · ages 3–7Festivals of light, seen by a shy little flame Lubna and PebbleWendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus · ages 4–8Comfort, friendship and giving something precious away Meet the TwitchesHayley Scott and Pippa Curnick · ages 5–7Toy rabbits that come alive, in a first chapter book Milo Imagines the WorldMatt de la Peña and Christian Robinson · ages 4–8Imagining other people's lives, and not judging by looks MixedArree Chung · ages 3–6Colours that won't mix, and finding unity The Pirate MumsJodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry · ages 3–7Embarrassing parents, and being proud of your family Polly and the PuffinJenny Colgan and Thomas Docherty · ages 5–7Caring for an injured puffin, and letting go Rabbit's Bad HabitsJulian Gough and Jim Field · ages 6–8Friendship, sharing and a rabbit with bad habits Something ElseKathryn Cave and Chris Riddell · ages 3–6Being left out, and then leaving someone else out Olga da PolgaMichael Bond and Catherine Rayner · ages 6–8A guinea pig with a big imagination and tall tales The Velveteen RabbitMargery Williams and Sarah Massini · ages 3–7Being loved, and what makes something Real We Are All Born FreeAmnesty International · ages 6–9Human rights, explained simply What Is Racism?Katie Daynes · ages 4–7Explaining racism to young children The Adventures of Harry StevensonAli Pye · ages 5–8A small guinea pig with big adventures Aziza's Secret Fairy DoorLola Morayo and Cory Reid · ages 6–8A magical door and an inclusive fairy adventure Bad Nana: Older Not WiserSophy Henn · ages 6–8A grandma who is up to no good BloomAnne Booth and Robyn Wilson-Owen · ages 4–7How kindness helps things grow The ClimbersAli Standish and Alette Straathof · ages 5–8Friendship with someone others fear Genie and TeenySteven Lenton · ages 5–8A genie who gets things wrong, and his puppy best friend The Green ShipQuentin Blake · ages 4–8Imaginary voyages, and an unlikely friendship Horrid HenryFrancesca Simon and Tony Ross · ages 6–8A very naughty boy, and laughing at bad behaviour Indigo Wilde and the Creatures at Jellybean CrescentPippa Curnick · ages 7–9A house full of magical creatures, and one dangerous escapee The InvisibleTom Percival · ages 4–8Feeling invisible, and helping others be seen The Little PrinceAntoine de Saint-Exupéry · ages 7–10Love, friendship and seeing what really matters Lizzie and LuckyMegan Rix and Tim Budgen · ages 6–8A young detective and her Dalmatian sidekick Marge in ChargeIsla Fisher and Eglantine Ceulemans · ages 5–8A rule-bending babysitter with rainbow hair The Marvellous Granny Jinks and MeSerena Holly and Selom Sunu · ages 6–8A grandma with magic tricks Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!Ben Clanton · ages 5–8An unlikely friendship in a funny comic The Naughtiest UnicornPip Bird and David O'Connell · ages 5–8A very naughty unicorn and an unlikely friendship Nen and the Lonely FishermanIan Eagleton and James Mayhew · ages 4–8A merman, a lonely fisherman and love Picklewitch and JackClaire Barker and Teemu Juhani · ages 6–9A grumpy tree witch and an unlikely friend Ramadan MoonNa'ima B. Robert and Shirin Adl · ages 4–8The wonder and joy of Ramadan and Eid Super Happy Magic Forest: The Humongous FungusMatty Long · ages 6–9Five unlikely heroes and a very silly quest Unicorn MuddleHannah Shaw · ages 5–8A rule-breaking princess and her pig unicorn Clarice Bean, Utterly MeLauren Child · ages 6–9A chaotic family, school and an imaginary detective We All Celebrate!Chitra Soundar and Jenny Bloomfield · ages 4–8Celebrations around the world We're All WondersR. J. Palacio · ages 4–7Looking different, and choosing kindness Where the Poppies Now GrowHilary Robinson and Martin Impey · ages 5–8Friendship, the First World War and remembrance Wigglesbottom Primary: The Toilet GhostPamela Butchart and Becka Moor · ages 5–8Laugh-out-loud school stories Yours Sincerely, GiraffeMegumi Iwasa and Jun Takabatake · ages 5–8A pen-pal friendship across the world The AbominablesEva Ibbotson and Jamie Littler · ages 8–11Smuggling a family of yetis across Europe The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.Jen Carney · ages 7–10Friendship, school and family in a funny diary Amelia Fang and the Barbaric BallLaura Ellen Anderson · ages 7–10A little vampire who doesn't fit in Barry Loser: I Am Not a LoserJim Smith · ages 7–10Coolness, friendship and an annoying new boy Boot: Small Robot, Big AdventureShane Hegarty and Ben Mantle · ages 7–10A small robot searching for home The Boy Who Grew DragonsAndy Shepherd and Sara Ogilvie · ages 6–9Growing a dragon in Grandad's garden Bunny vs MonkeyJamie Smart · ages 7–10A woodland rivalry in a very funny comic Charlotte's WebE. B. White and Garth Williams · ages 6–10Friendship, loyalty and loss Dave PigeonSwapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey · ages 6–8Two pigeons and their plan to get rid of a cat Einstein the PenguinIona Rangeley and David Tazzyman · ages 6–9A penguin who turns up to stay Finn Family MoomintrollTove Jansson · ages 7–10Moominvalley, a magic hat and a summer of adventures The Giving TreeShel Silverstein · ages 4–10Giving, taking and love over a lifetime GrimwoodNadia Shireen · ages 6–9Two fox siblings in a very strange wood I Am the SubwayKim Hyo-eun and Deborah Smith · ages 5–10The lives of people on a city train The Nothing to See Here HotelSteven Butler and Steven Lenton · ages 6–9A hotel for magical creatures Pugs of the Frozen NorthPhilip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre · ages 7–10A race to the top of the world, pulled by pugs Skunk and BadgerAmy Timberlake and Jon Klassen · ages 7–10An unlikely friendship between very different housemates The Spy Who Loved School DinnersPamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham · ages 7–10Is the new girl a spy? Thimble Monkey SuperstarJon Blake · ages 7–9A family's very naughty monkey The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of PigEmer Stamp · ages 7–10A pig's diary, with awful grammar Voices in the ParkAnthony Browne · ages 5–9Four people, four versions of one walk The Wizard in My ShedSimon Farnaby and Claire Powell · ages 7–10A wizard from the Dark Ages living in the shed The Worst Class in the WorldJoanna Nadin and Rikin Parekh · ages 7–9The naughtiest class at school The Beast and the BethanyJack Meggitt-Phillips and Isabelle Follath · ages 8–11A selfish man, a hungry beast and a very naughty girl The BorrowersMary Norton · ages 7–10Tiny people living under the floorboards The Beast Beyond the FenceMarcus Rashford, Alex Falase-Koya and Marta Kissi · ages 7–10Friends investigating a spooky mystery Cookie! and the Most Annoying Boy in the WorldKonnie Huq · ages 7–10Chaotic family life and a science project The House at the Edge of MagicAmy Sparkes · ages 8–11A pickpocket and a very strange magical house I Swapped My Brother on the InternetJo Simmons and Nathan Reed · ages 7–9Swapping your brother for a better one Knights and BikesGabrielle Kent and Rex Crowle · ages 8–11Two girls, bikes and a legendary treasure The Land of RoarJenny McLachlan and Ben Mantle · ages 8–11Returning to the imaginary world of childhood The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeC. S. Lewis · ages 7–11Four children step through a wardrobe into Narnia Extra YarnMac Barnett and Jon Klassen · ages 4–7Kindness and sharing, and saying no when it matters The Day the Crayons Came HomeDrew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers · ages 4–7Looking after your things, and seeing things from another point of view The Storm WhaleBenji Davies · ages 3–6Loneliness, caring for others and letting go

Communication

Can Bears Ski?Raymond Antrobus · ages 4–8Deafness, hearing differences and hearing aids I Talk Like a RiverJordan Scott · ages 4–8Stuttering and communication differences Not Now, BernardDavid McKee · ages 3–7Feeling ignored, and talking about listening to each other All Join InQuentin Blake · ages 3–7Joining in, making noise together, and having fun with words The Animal BoogieDebbie Harter · ages 2–5Moving, dancing and joining in with a song Billy's BucketKes Gray and Garry Parsons · ages 3–6Imagination, and wanting grown-ups to believe you Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle · ages 0–4Colours, animals and joining in with repeated words Counting with Tiny CatViviane Schwarz · ages 1–4First counting, and knowing when you have enough Dear ZooRod Campbell · ages 0–4First words, animals and lifting the flaps Dig Dig DiggingMargaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe · ages 1–5Machine-mad little ones, and joining in with sounds Dinosaur Dig!Penny Dale · ages 2–5Dinosaurs, diggers and counting Dinosaur Roar!Henrietta Stickland and Paul Stickland · ages 0–4Opposites, rhyme and dinosaurs DogsEmily Gravett · ages 2–5Opposites, choosing a favourite, and a twist Down by the StationJess Stockham · ages 0–4Singing a favourite rhyme and spotting vehicles Down the Back of the ChairMargaret Mahy and Polly Dunbar · ages 3–7Imagination, rhyme and a family that works things out Driving My TractorJan Dobbins and David Sim · ages 1–5Counting, farm animals and a song to join in with Each Peach Pear PlumJanet and Allan Ahlberg · ages 0–5Playing I spy, rhyme and favourite nursery characters Here We Go Round the Mulberry BushSophie Fatus · ages 1–5Singing about getting ready for the day Here's a Little PoemJane Yolen, Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Dunbar · ages 1–5A first book of poems about everyday life Hooray for Fish!Lucy Cousins · ages 0–4Colours, describing words and a happy ending I Will Not Ever Never Eat a TomatoLauren Child · ages 3–7Fussy eating, and imagination at mealtimes I Won't Eat ThatChristopher Silas Neal · ages 2–6Fussy eating, and finding what you like Knuffle BunnyMo Willems · ages 2–6Losing a favourite toy, and being understood before you can talk Lulu Loves the LibraryAnna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw · ages 2–6Loving books, and visiting the library LunchtimeRebecca Cobb · ages 2–6Not being hungry at mealtimes, and a funny twist Mister MagnoliaQuentin Blake · ages 3–7Rhyme, silliness and wanting something you don't have Mr Rabbit and the Lovely PresentCharlotte Zolotow and Maurice Sendak · ages 2–6Colours, and choosing a thoughtful present My Very First Mother GooseIona Opie and Rosemary Wells · ages 0–5Sharing nursery rhymes with babies and toddlers Naughty BusJan Oke and Jerry Oke · ages 2–5Imaginative play with toys Oliver's VegetablesVivian French and Alison Bartlett · ages 2–6Fussy eating, and trying vegetables you grew Orange Pear Apple BearEmily Gravett · ages 0–4Playing with four simple words and colours Peepo!Janet and Allan Ahlberg · ages 0–3Peekaboo, rhyme and noticing details Please, Mr PandaSteve Antony · ages 2–6Saying please and thank you Quiet!Kate Alizadeh · ages 1–5Listening to the sounds of home Rhinos Don't Eat PancakesAnna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie · ages 3–7Feeling ignored, and wanting grown-ups to listen Rosie's WalkPat Hutchins · ages 2–5Position words, and spotting what the character can't see Shark in the Park!Nick Sharratt · ages 2–5Rhyme, guessing and looking closely Stanley's StickJohn Hegley and Neal Layton · ages 3–7Imagination, and how much fun a stick can be Stomp, Chomp, Big Roars! Here Come the Dinosaurs!Kaye Umansky and Nick Sharratt · ages 1–5Action rhymes for dinosaur fans Tanka Tanka Skunk!Steve Webb · ages 1–5Rhythm, sounds and drumming along Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little ToesMem Fox and Helen Oxenbury · ages 0–3Babies around the world, and what we all share The Baby's CatalogueJanet and Allan Ahlberg · ages 0–3First words, and the busy life of a family with a baby The Hueys in None the NumberOliver Jeffers · ages 3–7Counting, and the puzzle of zero The Train RideJune Crebbin and Stephen Lambert · ages 1–5A rhythmic journey, and spotting things out of the window To Market! To Market!Anushka Ravishankar and Emanuele Scanziani · ages 3–7Nonsense rhyme, and the fun of a busy market Walking Through the JungleJulie Lacome · ages 1–5Joining in with a jungle rhyme We're Going on a Picnic!Pat Hutchins · ages 2–5Spotting what the characters don't notice Where's Lenny?Ken Wilson-Max · ages 1–4Playing hide and seek at home Where's Spot?Eric Hill · ages 0–3Lifting flaps, first words and finding Spot The Museum of ShapesSven Völker · ages 2–6Learning shapes in a playful way Press HereHervé Tullet · ages 2–6Following instructions, and the magic of an interactive book Bears Don't Eat Egg SandwichesJulie Fulton and Rachel Suzanne · ages 3–6A funny surprise visitor, and what bears really eat Who's in the Loo?Jeanne Willis and Adrian Reynolds · ages 2–6Toilet humour, rhyme and waiting your turn Baby GozSteve Weatherill · ages 0–4Looking for Mum, and guessing animals from clues Aliens Love UnderpantsClaire Freedman and Ben Cort · ages 2–6Pure silliness, rhyme and laughing together FunnybonesJanet and Allan Ahlberg · ages 3–7A funny-not-scary classic about skeletons Seahorses Are Sold OutConstanze Spengler and Katja Gehrmann · ages 3–7A busy parent working from home, and a very funny pet shop It's Only StanleyJon Agee · ages 3–7Spotting what's really going on in a funny rhyme SSSSNAP! Mister SharkNeal Zetter and Chris White · ages 3–7Joining in with a poem out loud This Book Just Ate My Dog!Richard Byrne · ages 3–7A book that swallows things, and readers who help Zim Zam Zoom!James Carter and Nicola Colton · ages 3–7Poems to read out loud and act out Little Green DonkeyAnuska Allepuz · ages 2–6Picky eating, and trying new food Rapunzel Is a Lettuce: Poems to Grow WithJoseph Coelho and Shirley Hottier · ages 5–8Poems to explore, imagine and read aloud Don't Trust Fish!Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat · ages 4–7A very silly warning about fish Axel Scheffler Fairy Tale TreasuryAxel Scheffler · ages 2–6Classic fairy tales to share at bedtime Splash Day!Nick Sharratt · ages 4–7A splashy rhyme for early readers You Choose!Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt · ages 2–6Making choices and imagining CinnamonNeil Gaiman and Divya Srinivasan · ages 4–8Finding your voice, in a fairy tale from a hot country Goodnight EveryoneChris Haughton · ages 1–4Winding down for bed Cops and RobbersJanet and Allan Ahlberg · ages 3–7A rhyming chase, and good triumphing over naughty Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's DairyLynley Dodd · ages 1–5A rhyming walk with a gang of dogs The Emperor of AbsurdiaChris Riddell · ages 3–7A dreamlike land where nothing is what it seems There Are Cats in This BookViviane Schwarz · ages 2–5Playing with cats inside a book Meg and MogHelen Nicoll and Jan Pieńkowski · ages 2–6A witch, her cat and a spell gone wrong I Want My Hat BackJon Klassen · ages 3–7Reading between the lines, and a very funny ending You Can't Take an Elephant on the BusPatricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman · ages 3–7Silly animals on unsuitable transport Hole in the ZooChloë and Mick Inkpen · ages 3–6Escaped animals and rhyming mayhem How to Wash a Woolly MammothMichelle Robinson and Kate Hindley · ages 3–7Following instructions, in a very silly way The Café at the Edge of the WoodsMikey Please · ages 3–7A spooky-funny rhyming tale about a strange café Dinosaurs in the Supermarket!Timothy Knapman and Sarah Warburton · ages 3–6Making a boring trip fun with imagination The Book With No PicturesB. J. Novak · ages 4–8Making the grown-up say silly things Claude in the CityAlex T. Smith · ages 5–7A funny first chapter book about a dog's day out Du Iz Tak?Carson Ellis · ages 3–7Working out meaning from pictures and an invented bug language I Don't Like Books. Never. Ever. The End.Emma Perry and Sharon Davey · ages 4–7A girl who doesn't like books, and the books fight back Man on the MoonSimon Bartram · ages 4–8A day on the moon, and the aliens Bob never notices Mixed Up Fairy TalesHilary Robinson and Nick Sharratt · ages 3–7Mixing up fairy tales for silly new stories Poems AloudJoseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett · ages 5–8Poems made to be read out loud Squishy McFluff: The Invisible Cat!Pip Jones and Ella Okstad · ages 5–7An imaginary cat who gets the blame Super Silly MuseumsNick Sharratt · ages 4–7Strolling around very silly museums You're Called What?!Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson · ages 3–7Real animals with very silly names Battle BunnyJon Scieszka, Mac Barnett and Matt Myers · ages 5–8Turning a boring book into an exciting one A Child of BooksOliver Jeffers and Sam Winston · ages 4–8The adventure and comfort of reading Mr MajeikaHumphrey Carpenter · ages 6–8A magical new teacher, in a classic chapter book The Diary of a Killer CatAnne Fine · ages 6–9A cat's side of the story Dog ManDav Pilkey · ages 6–9A silly superhero comic that gets kids reading Everybody CountsKristin Roskifte · ages 4–8Counting to 7.8 billion, and everyone's story Flat StanleyJeff Brown and Rob Biddulph · ages 6–8Being squashed flat, and making the most of it Inside the VillainsClotilde Perrin · ages 5–9Looking inside fairy-tale villains Perfectly Peculiar PetsElli Woollard and Anja Boretzki · ages 4–8Silly poems about very unusual pets Tell Me a DragonJackie Morris · ages 3–8Everyone has their own dragon Traction Man Is HereMini Grey · ages 4–8An action figure's heroic adventures around the house The True Story of the Three Little PigsJon Scieszka and Lane Smith · ages 5–8The wolf's side of the story Where Zebras GoSue Hardy-Dawson · ages 7–10Poems from the savannah to fairy-tale realms The 13-Storey TreehouseAndy Griffiths and Terry Denton · ages 6–9A ridiculous treehouse and laugh-out-loud adventures The Adventures of Captain UnderpantsDav Pilkey · ages 6–9Two pranksters and the superhero they create Apes to Zebras: An A–Z of Shape PoemsRoger Stevens, Liz Brownlee and Sue Hardy-Dawson · ages 6–9Animal poems shaped like the animals Call Me LionCamilla Chester · ages 8–11Selective mutism, dancing and finding your voice Can I Build Another Me?Shinsuke Yoshitake · ages 5–9What makes you, you Daydreams and JellybeansAlex Wharton and Katy Riddell · ages 6–10Funny and thoughtful poems for primary children The Dictionary of Difficult WordsJane Solomon and Louise Lockhart · ages 7–11More than 400 perplexing words The Dragon in the LibraryLouie Stowell and Davide Ortu · ages 7–10A girl who hates reading discovers a magical library The DragonsitterJosh Lacey and Garry Parsons · ages 6–9Looking after Uncle Morton's dragon The Grunts in TroublePhilip Ardagh and Axel Scheffler · ages 7–10A very grubby family and a lot of trouble The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour DogJeremy Strong · ages 7–10A boy, a bet and a very fast dog InvestiGatorsJohn Patrick Green · ages 7–9Two alligator detectives and a lot of puns JourneyAaron Becker · ages 4–9A wordless journey drawn with a red crayon My Mum's Growing DownLaura Dockrill and David Tazzyman · ages 7–10Poems about a mum who acts like a kid A Necklace of RaindropsJoan Aiken and Jan Pieńkowski · ages 5–9Eight magical classic stories Please Mrs ButlerAllan Ahlberg · ages 6–10Funny poems about school life The Silly Book of Side-Splitting StuffAndy Seed and Scott Garrett · ages 8–11Silly facts, jokes and true stories TuesdayDavid Wiesner · ages 4–9Flying frogs on a very strange night Werewolf Club Rules!Joseph Coelho · ages 7–10Poems with a howl You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum!Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman · ages 7–10A grumpy villain and a very silly town The Best Ever Book of Funny PoemsBrian Moses · ages 7–11Giggle-worthy poems to read aloud The Brilliant World of Tom GatesLiz Pichon · ages 8–11Doodles, excuses and a band called Dogzombies Hot Like FireValerie Bloom and Debbie Lush · ages 6–10Joyful poems mixing English and Jamaican patois I Bet I Can Make You LaughJoshua Seigal and Tim Wesson · ages 7–11Stupendously silly poems Who Is Driving?Leo Timmers · ages 2–5Guessing games, describing words and lots of talk Dinosaurs Love UnderpantsClaire Freedman and Ben Cort · ages 3–6Laughing together, rhymes and a very silly take on dinosaurs The 26-Storey TreehouseAndy Griffiths and Terry Denton · ages 6–9Getting reluctant readers hooked, with lots of jokes Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff)Liz Pichon · ages 8–11Reluctant readers, doodling, and annoying big sisters Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle · ages 0–4Animal sounds, listening and joining in with repeated words

Neurodiversity and sensory differences

A Day With No WordsTiffany Hammond · ages 4–8Autism, AAC and communication without spoken words This Beach Is Loud!Samantha Cotterill · ages 4–8Sensory overwhelm and busy environments My Whirling Twirling MotorMerriam Sarcia Saunders · ages 4–8ADHD, movement, impulsivity and strengths Gina Kaminski Rescues the GiantCraig Barr-Green and Francis Martin · ages 3–7A confident autistic heroine, and fixing a fairy tale Wiggling WordsKate Rolfe · ages 3–6A neurodivergent reader's creative mind Through the Eyes of MeJon Roberts and Hannah Rounding · ages 3–7Life as a young autistic child Me and Mister PMaria Farrer and Daniel Rieley · ages 6–9Life with an autistic brother, and a very unusual helper

Disability and inclusion

What Happened to You?James Catchpole · ages 4–8Physical disability, limb difference, curiosity and privacy You're SO Amazing!James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole · ages 4–8Disability, inclusion and avoiding inspiration stereotypes My City SpeaksDarren Lebeuf · ages 4–8Visual impairment and sensory exploration We Move TogetherKelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire · ages 4–8Mobility, accessibility, inclusion and disability community You Are EnoughMargaret O'Hair and Sofia Sanchez · ages 4–8Down syndrome, belonging and inclusion Just Ask!Sonia Sotomayor · ages 4–8General conversations about disability, difference and respectful curiosity Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed PercussionShannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth · ages 4–8Deafness, determination and finding your own way SplashClaire Cashmore and Sharon Davey · ages 3–6Overcoming a fear of water, and limb difference You Can!Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony · ages 4–8An empowering book for every child, including disabled children An Alien in the Jam FactoryChrissie Sains and Jenny Taylor · ages 7–9A young inventor with cerebral palsy and an alien sidekick El DeafoCece Bell · ages 8–12Hearing loss, a hearing aid and a superhero alter ego Harriet vs the GalaxySamantha Baines and Jessica Flores · ages 7–10A girl whose hearing aids pick up aliens

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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026

Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice.