Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Kes Gray Books

Zebracadabra!

Picturebook

This abulously funny picture book comes from Kes Gray, author of Oi Frog!

Zebracadabra is the master of magic. He is so clever, he can transform his animal friends with just one word – “ZEBRACADABRA!”  Pink flamingos turn into black-and-white stripy flamingos, Green alligators turn into black-and-white stripy alligators and colourful parrots turn into – you guessed it – black-and-white stripy parrots! But he is the best magician in the world, so turning them back to themselves will be no trouble at all. Or he would be, if only he knew how!

This funny storytime favourite is perfect for sharing with little ones, bigger ones and is a definite for classrooms. As well as fun animal capers, the book offers a conversation point about being honest and owning up to our actions. We all feel like covering up the truth sometimes, but being honest is always the best way!

Highly recommended animal story for Year 1 story times!

Oi Dinosaurs!

Jim Field & Kes Gray

Picturebook

Oi Dinosaurs! by Kes Gray and Jim Field brings back the beloved Oi Frog and Friends crew for a hilariously rhyming dino-themed adventure. Frog, Cat, and Dog debate what dinosaurs didn’t sit on, leading to comical scenarios like Pterosaurs avoiding bendy straws. It’s a guaranteed giggle-fest for young dinosaur fans.

It’s hard not to be impressed by and amused at the rhymes in this latest addition to a bestselling series – unlike frogs and dogs, dinosaur names are not the easiest words to rhyme with, after all!

Jim Field’s vibrant illustrations perfectly capture the joyful silliness. This book is ideal for shared reading with little ones, offering laugh-out-loud fun and encouraging a love for language.

Attack of the Giant Slugs

Kes Gray

Chapter book

Don’t panic, but you’re in danger.

At least, you would be, if Jack Beechwhistle wasn’t around to protect the world from alien attacks, zombie sweet-shop owners, and exploding conkers – with a bit of help from his trusty sidekicks, Colin and Harry (as long as it’s not past Colin and Harry’s bedtime). Their missions are daring, dangerous, and deadly. They even have top-secret headquarters (the shed by the rhubarb patch).

But now Jack’s about to face his most challenging challenge yet. The Attack of the Giant Slugs.

And they’re on their way to Jack’s school – right in the middle of maths!

Daisy And The Trouble With London

Kes Gray

Chapter book

The Daisy and the Trouble With… books by Kes Gray are a hit with younger readers getting to grips with the independent reading of chapter books. Children enjoy the funny, illustrated adventures recounting the ups and downs of Daisy’s life as she gives her take on visits to the zoo, going on holiday, having a birthday or taking part in sports day. Mishaps seem to follow Daisy wherever she goes and she finds herself in plenty of sticky situations to sort out. Kes Gray’s line illustrations add a familiar warmth and humour to these popular chapter books.

In this story, Daisy visits London with her grandparents, who are keen to see the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Daisy, on the other hand, is mostly interested in seeking out pigeons.

A super loveable series for Year 2 and beyond.

Oi Aardvark!

Jim Field & Kes Gray

Picturebook

The team behind the bestselling favourite OI FROG! is back with another hilarious picture book that is guaranteed to get little ones laughing out loud. Join in with the fun and silliness, and meet a whole host of crazy creatures from aardvarks to zebras, along the way. The perfect riotous read for all OI! fans – the laughter never ends with Oi Frog and Friends…

You’re Called What?

Kes Gray & Nikki Dyson

Picturebook

Ice Cream Cone Worm. Monkeyface Prickleback. Pink Fairy Armadillo. You’re called WHAT?!

Welcome to the Ministry of Silly Animal Names where all the creatures have one thing in common: they want to change their names.

A unique and rip-roaringly funny, tongue-twisting story full of weird and wonderful real creatures and facts at the end that will amaze. Written by Kes Gray, the bestselling, award-winning author of Oi Frog! and illustrated with charm and wit by dazzling new talent, Nikki Dyson.

The Diddle That Dummed

Fred Blunt & Kes Gray

Picturebook

A laugh-out-loud musical story full of hilarious word play and silliness from the author of Oi Frog! , brilliantly illustrated by Fred Blunt.

Flinty Bo Diddle is writing a tune for his fiddle. All his diddles have lined up nicely – except for one who keeps going DUM, right in the middle! No matter what he tries he just can’t get this diddle to diddle like it’s supposed to!

A story about standing out from the crowd that will have you in fits of giggles!

Kes Gray is the author of the top ten bestselling series Oi Frog and Friends, which has sold 1.4 million copies to date.

Daisy Eat Your Peas

Kes Gray & Nick Sharratt

Picturebook

We love the Daisy books! Eat Your Peas is one of the earlier picture books featuring the much-loved character Daisy, who now also stars in her own series of illustrated chapter books too.

This story introduces younger children to the popular character and many readers will relate to the scenario Daisy faces when she finds herself with a plate of peas in front of her at dinnertime. The story features a repeated refrain of “I Don’t Like Peas” – which children love to join in with – and readers will adore the escalating promises Mum makes to try to tempt Daisy to eat her veg. The close-up illustrations of facial expressions help preschool children to interpret and understand character emotions, and the additional pea-themed details to spot throughout the pages are so much fun too (look out for Mum’s necklace and earrings!).

Super Daisy

Kes Gray & Nick Sharratt

Picturebook

This is a fun story about Super Daisy’s mission to save Planet Earth, which is on a collision course with Planet Pea. This book is full of bold illustrations, flaps and pull-tabs.

Daisy and the Trouble with Chocolate

Kes Gray & Nick Sharratt

Chapter book

Here comes trouble!

Daisy is usually happy with her strawberry Dip Dab lollies or Crunchy Cream biscuits, but when Easter comes round, it’s all about chocolate.

And the trouble with chocolate is, it’s TOO DELICIOUS. So when Daisy’s mum tells her they’re going to Chocolate Land as a special treat, she is REALLY excited!

PLUS she has been chosen to look after the class hamsters, Pickle and Pops! This could be the best Easter ever.

But the trouble with hamsters and chocolate is , the two shouldn’t mix…

Best Books by Age

Popular Children's Authors

Kes Gray Books

News: Reflecting Realities Report 2025: Summary of Findings

NEWS: The Children’s Booker Prize is Established

Stories That Make You Feel: Simon Stephenson on The Snowman Code

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review