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Books we love Trying to find books that are engaging and the right age range for a child can be tricky, so we've put together some suggestions to help you find the best books for young children. 
Pocket's Christmas Wish
Ann Bonwill Why we love this book
Chick: a Pop-up Book
Ed Vere Why we love this bookThe simple text and graphic (but sturdy) novelties in this book will entice any young child to follow it through. The book describes chick's first day, from emerging from its shell to going to sleep with mummy.
Tickle, Tickle
Helen Oxenbury Why we love this bookHelen Oxenbury's classic board books for babies - Tickle, Tickle, Clap Hands, Say Goodnight and All Fall Down - are a perfect introduction to books for babies and a reminder, for the reader, of the fun to be had in sharing books.
Playtime Rhymes for Little People
Clare Beaton Why we love this bookA fun way to introduce children to some favourite and less familiar rhymes. The book includes suggested actions and a CD with each rhyme played to music. Ideal for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Touch and Play!
Emma Dodd Why we love this bookThis book-based 'play centre' offers lots of touch, sound and play elements for young children to explore.
There's an Ouch in My Pouch!
Jeanne Willis Why we love this bookAn appealing story for toddlers and preschoolers who are discovering independence. It is also a very useful story to share with young children who have a new younger sibling in the household.
Let's Feed the Ducks
Pamela Venus Why we love this bookTamarind's speciality is multicultural titles with realistic images of young children doing everyday activities - here, feeding the ducks.
The Rumble in the Jungle
Giles Andreae Why we love this bookAn exuberant collection of poems about animals in the jungle that young children will love returning to again and again. The poems are by Giles Andreae, also known as Purple Ronnie.
Dig, Dig, Digging
Margaret Mayo Why we love this bookA wonderful book for young children who enjoy tractors, trains and anything involving transport. Other titles by Margaret Mayo include 'Choo Choo Clickety Clack' and 'Emergency!'.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Eric Carle Why we love this bookThis is a gentle, rhythmic introduction to colours, illustrated by the creator of the classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which is also recommended for toddlers and preschool children.
The No-no Bird
Andrew Fusek Peters Why we love this bookA tale of consequences for younger and older children who love saying 'No'.
Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose
Julia Donaldson Why we love this bookThis title brings together a great rhyming story about meal time, with a gentle introduction to manners. Lovely illustrations, too.
Duck's Key, Where Can it Be?
Jez Alborough Why we love this bookThis is one of a series of titles about Duck, who gets into all sorts of scrapes and adventures but always wins through in the end. We like this title because of the interactivity provided by the hunt for the key. Great for toddlers and upwards.
Pants
Giles Andreae Why we love this bookThis book is great for older toddlers and preschool children. The rhymes make it a real page-turner and children will love the wacky humour - and the pants!
Roar!
Margaret Mayo Why we love this bookThis is a fun, rhyming picture book that toddlers can grow with as they learn the sounds each animal makes. They will enjoy creating the sounds with the reader.
Can't You Sleep, Little Bear
Martin Waddell Why we love this bookA lovely story to share with young children who can't sleep. The repetitive text is soothing and the illustrations charming.
First Cot Book
Andy Everitt-Stewart Why we love this bookYou cannot introduce books to babies too soon and this makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift for a new born baby. The strong black and white illustrations will help baby's eyes to focus
Up and Down!
Emily Hawkins Why we love this bookThis is one of many 'Amazing Baby' board books which are aimed at very young children. Bold illustrations and cut-outs along with deceptively simple text make these a pleasure to share.
That's Not My Bear
Fiona Watt Why we love this bookThe 'That's not my...' (truck, kitten, dragon etc) touchy feely series from Usborne is a perennial favourite. Young babies love exploring the 'touch and feel' elements and these are a great introduction to books.
The Pop-up Dear Zoo
Rod Campbell Why we love this bookRod Campbell's 'Dear Zoo' books have been in print for many years and we enjoyed this pop-up version which introduces an early element of interactivity for young children.
Peek-a-boo!: Nursery Games
Annie Kubler Why we love this bookWhich baby doesn't enjoy playing 'peek-a-boo'? Enjoy sharing some traditional nursery games with your young child. Other books from Child's Play include See-Saw and Pat-a-Cake nursery rhymes.
Each Peach Pear Plum
Janet Ahlberg Why we love this bookAnother all-time classic that can be shared with very young children but also enjoyed as they grow older. Children will enjoy spotting the nursery rhyme characters hiding on each page.
Hooray for Fish!
Lucy Cousins Why we love this bookAnother of our favourites thanks to its brightly coloured pages and simple text. If your child enjoys this, there is also a large-sized picture book they can move on to when they are a little older, which comes with a DVD.
Baby Plays
Verna Wilkins Why we love this bookThe baby board books from publisher Tamarind focus on baby's everday activities ('Baby Finds' 'Baby Goes') with bold text and illustrations to encourage young children to engage with the stories.
Baby Touch Colours
Ladybird Why we love this bookBright colours and bold spreads with 'touch and feel' elements mean there is lots for young hands and eyes to explore on these pages.
Lullaby Baby
Emma Dodd Why we love this bookThis book has Amazing Baby's trademark contemporary design and durable board pages, along with some new arrangements of our favourite nursery rhymes sung by girl band Funtastic.
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Book of the weekShip's Cat DorisJane Simmons
~ Babies & Toddlers Meet the AuthorHolly WebbHolly Webb's stories about lost cats and homesick puppies have sold in their thousands and helped many young children to become confident readers.
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