Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Age Group: EYFS (Ages 2-5)

Brave Little Bear

Picturebook

Being brave when you feel afraid is the very bravest brave of all . . .

It’s time for Arlo’s family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but he isn’t so sure about all this change. Arlo likes their home just as it is; and after all, his sister, Eva, is the brave one. But when a snowstorm separates them as they travel through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that when it’s his turn to be brave, being afraid won’t stop him from saving the day.

With heartwarming illustrations, this tender story by internationally acclaimed picture book creator Steve Small is perfect for anyone who has ever been afraid of change.

Wrapping Things

Hilary Jean Tapper & Linda Burgess

Picturebook

Very charming story for small children, aged 2-6.

In this story of cosy and chaotic family life, the imaginative world of a little child is front and centre.

Rosie likes to wrap things up: her crayons, her toys, her kitten, a parcel for Granny, some baking, flowers.

Rosie herself is wrapped up in a towel after her bath; her mother wraps up warm when she goes out in the cold, dark night; and Granny wraps Rosie up in her bed when she”s too upset to sleep by herself.

And finally a brand new baby is all wrapped up in a cuddly blanket.

The Home That Love Built

Jessica Meserve

Picturebook

This is the wind that whipped and whirled.

This is the lightning that zipped and zapped.

This is the thunder that bombarded and blasted.

And these are the animals… all soggy and sad.

When a terrible storm tears through the forest, everything seems lost.

Trees are toppled.

Nests, nooks and burrows are destroyed.

The animals are left with nothing but ruins.

But then, a new home begins to grow – not an ordinary home, but one built from the efforts of every single animal in the forest.

A home made not just of twigs and leaves, but of kindness, courage, and love.

Told in a rhythmic, cumulative style and paired with breathtaking illustrations, The Home That Love Built is a powerful celebration of friendship, teamwork and rebuilding after loss.

Children and adults alike will be drawn to its rich, poetic language and its empowering message of resilience.

Perfect for fans of Our Tree, also by Jessica Meserve, Our Tower by Joseph Coelho, and The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, this touching tale is ideal for classrooms exploring big emotions like fear of change, sadness and grief.

It’s also a gentle, comforting story for bedtime snuggles – reminding children that even in their hardest moments, they are part of a community and held by those who love them.

Owl and Moon

Kate Rolfe

Picturebook

A magical nighttime story for little ones about overcoming your fears and standing tall on your own two feet.

From Kate Rolfe, the award-winning creator of Wiggling Words and Wolf and Bear, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Carnegie Medal for Illustration.

When Moon shines down, Owl’s toes feel tingly and her wings feel fluttery, and she can’t help but dance in the moonlight. But what happens when Moon begins to wane and Owl is left in the darkness? Will she find the inner strength to venture out beyond her treetop home and dance anyway?

Owl and Moon is an uplifting story for young children about resilience, friendship, and how to shine your light even in the deepest dark, that will bring a touch of comfort and magic to bedtime.

Am I Yours?

Alex Latimer

Picturebook

When an icy wind pushes an egg from its nest, five friendly dinosaurs must get it home before dark.

But who does the lost egg belong to?

And will they figure it out in time?

The Big Green: Everyone Can Make a Difference

Ken Wilson-Max

Picturebook

One hot day at the edge of the desert, Maryam and Issa know something exciting is going to happen. Mum and Dad bring spades, Uncle Cedric brings lots of plants and seedlings, the neighbours bring water. Everyone works together, digging, planting and watering – and the children all help too. Then they wait… and hope…

Set in Mali, this powerful story is about the creation of The Great Green Wall of Africa, an exciting real-life project to bring trees, growth and regeneration across sub-Saharan Africa.

Ada, Go, Go Go!

Daishu Ma

Picturebook

Ada and friends are lined up on their scooters, ready for the big race! Go, go, go! But – oops! Ada’s had a little fall. Not to worry – her pals all stop to make sure she’s ok, and everyone crosses the finish line together!

Babies, toddlers and parents will love this charming story, featuring the ever-curious Ada and her colourful animal friends! Perfect to read aloud again and again, this sturdy board book teaches a gentle lesson about friendship and kindness.

Perfect for fans of Where’s Spot? and Dear Zoo.

Let’s Play

Alex Strick & Annie Kubler & Sarah Dellow

Picturebook

Let’s Play is a touch and feel book for absolutely everyone!

We can use our senses to find the spotty ball, fluffy rabbit, building bricks and bathtime duck, before it’s time to put bunny to bed.

Bright high-contrast imagery, tactile features and keywords all in signs and braille make this books accessible to all.

Won’t Go!

Fotini Tikkou & Sumana Seeboruth

Picturebook

Time to leave? No, no, no! I’m too busy. I can’t go!

When it’s time to leave for dance class, this stubborn tot doesn’t want to go. It can be hard to transition to a new part of the day! But she learns that as hard as it is to stop having fun… getting out the door leads to more adventures.

Part of the Feelings & Firsts series
Perfect to help kids with transitions
Provides language kids can use to express big feelings
Also available in bilingual Spanish

Zeki Goes to the Market

Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson

Picturebook

Zeki, let’s go to the market! The stalls are a feast for the senses: spices for Zeki to smell, honey buns to taste, belly butter to touch and oodles of noodles to take home. It’s a busy and tasty day!

Explores: First experiences, new foods, relationships, exploring new tastes, communication, inclusion.

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