                
   |
 |
|
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. Illustrated Stories for Christmas
Why we love this bookPublisher Usborne has a well-deserved reputation for creating quality anthologies of stories for children based on particular themes. This collection is especially welcome during the Christmas season as it provides a wonderful reminder of some of our classic winter stories which are told in an easily-accessible version for younger readers. Each story is also beautifully and originally illustrated so it makes a gorgeous gift book for Christmas. 
Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae Why we love this bookTo mark the tenth anniversary of Giles Andreae’s modern classic, Giraffes Can’t Dance, publisher Orchard Books has created a wonderful pop-up version that will make a cherished Christmas gift for young children. Among our favourite pop-up novelties are the tango’ing lions and the baboons doing a Scottish reel. The pop-ups are not just a gimmick, though, they really do support the story.
Yummy: My Favourite Nursery Stories
Lucy Cousins Why we love this bookLucy Cousins is best known as the creator of the gentle Maisy character, but her new collection of nursery tales takes a very different approach. This collection is instead energetic, colourful and dramatic and will be loved by boisterous young people, and boys in particular. Cousin's stories don't pull any punches but the greedy wolves always get their just deserts.
Tabby McTat
Julia Donaldson Why we love this bookTabby McTat is the latest title from due Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. Donaldson’s trademark rhyming story tells of Tabby McTat, the busker’s cat, who accompanies the busker as he sings with his guitar. Axel Scheffler’s drawings are bright and bold and give an added dimension to the story.
Eeeek, Mouse!
Lydia Monks Why we love this bookThis lively, colourful story will appeal to young children who may or may not like bugs and mice – but will love joining in to say 'Eeek, mouse!' every time a mouse scuttles across the page. Eeek Mouse will also make a perfect family story if the adults in the family tend to shriek at the sight of a passing bug (or rodent!). Ideal for children aged 2-4 years.
The Troll
Julia Donaldson Why we love this bookThe story, a modern take on the Three Billy Goats Gruff fairy tale, is written by Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo. While this story is not written in rhyme, like many of Donaldson’s previous books, its humour, colourful spreads and the familiarity of the story will bring children back to it again and again.
Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs
Ian Whybrow Why we love this bookIt is ten years since the first edition of Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs was created and publisher Puffin has created a special anniversary edition to celebrate. The popularity of the story stems of course from the wide appeal of dinosaurs but also because Harry is a very ‘real’ boy.
Aliens in Underpants Save the World
Ben Cort Why we love this bookThis is a brightly-illustrated story that children will love as it involves favourite themes (spaceships and pants) and is told in a fast-paced, rhyming text with bundles of humour. The original book, Aliens Love Underpants, has been selling consistently since it was published two years ago
Dougal the Digger
Benedict Blathwayt Why we love this bookDougal the Digger is a picture book which will intrigue any child who is interested in diggers and building sites. There is much here to engage young reader in exploration and discussion. This book will particularly engage boys.
Storytime: First Tales for Sharing
Stella Blackstone Why we love this bookWhen your child is ready to progress to longer shared stories, this book offers bright illustrations to support retellings of some favourite children's stories. There is also a CD with the stories read by Jim Broadbent.
Stick Man
Julia Donaldson Why we love this bookA classic story from the creators of 'The Gruffalo'. Stick Man is no ordinary stick but when he is mistaken for one and taken from his home, so begins an eventful journey to return to his family.
Splat the Cat
Rob Scotton Why we love this bookA perfect story to share with children starting school or nursery, from the creator of Russell the Sheep. Adults as well as children will enjoy the gentle fun of the illustrations and exploring the detail on every page.
Dinosaurs Love Underpants
Claire Freedman Why we love this bookFirst it was aliens ('Aliens Love Underpants') but now the dinosaurs are fighting over the underpants. This is a sure-fire winner with young children - pants and dinosaurs combined!
Look Out, Stripy Horse!
Jim Helmore Why we love this bookA follow-up from 'Who are you, Stripy Horse?' sees the toy shop character in a new adventure involving some escaped jigsaw puzzle monkeys. A wonderful new take on toys coming to life after dark.
I Don't Want a Posh Dog
Emma Dodd Why we love this bookWhat makes a perfect dog? 'A posh dog, a pattern dog, a handbag dog, a snappy dog . . .' Perfect partnering of rhyme and illustration.
Sir Charlie Stinkysocks and the Really Big Adventure
Kristina Stephenson Why we love this bookThis is a wonderful bedtime story that turns spooky things on their head and puts little boys (and girls) in charge.
Scaredy Squirrel
Melanie Watt Why we love this bookScaredy Squirrel is a favourite for nervous young children. Squirrel is frightened of people / roads / going out but in each of his adventures (see Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend / At the Beach) he realises that taking risks can be fun.
Big Eyes, Scary Voice
Edel Wignell Why we love this bookA scary sound in the park sets off an adventure for two children (and their mum). A story that encourages exploring and discovery.
You're Not So Scary, Sid!
Sam Lloyd Why we love this bookFrom the publisher of 'Calm Down Boris' (recommended by Richard & Judy) comes another winning interactive story - it is up to the reader not to make it too scarey.
One Mole Digging a Hole
Julia Donaldson Why we love this bookSimple, clever rhyming text along with great illustrations make this a fun early counting book.
But Excuse Me That is My Book
Why we love this bookCharlie and Lola love visiting the library but on this visit, Lola learns that other people also borrow books - even her favourite.
Maisy Goes to the Library
Lucy Cousins Why we love this bookA book to share with youngsters before a trip to the library, or sharing a child's knowledge of the library if they are already a regular. See also Charlie and Lola's 'But Excuse Me That is My Book'.
Penguin
Polly Dunbar Why we love this bookBen gets a present, a Penguin, and is thrilled but he can't get it to talk. It is Penguin who decides when he needs to talk. A lovely story with an underlying suggestion of true friendship.
|
|
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.
|