Recommended Reads for Preschool: New Additions for 2025

This is a refreshing, positive picture book about loss and change.

It tells the story of Shingai and his mother, who are both struggling to cope with the departure of his father. It’s not spelt out whether the father has left or has died – the lessons could be equally applicable to either scenario. As Shingai’s destructive behaviour gets progressively worse, eventually his mother joins in, which leaves Shingai confused. This eventually leads him to the understanding that they both still have each other and they both consider what two people can enjoy and accomplish together.

Powerfully, Shingai only makes the breakthrough he needs to adapt to the changes in his life after his mother acknowledges and expresses her own grief and loss.

This is a lovely book for sharing in difficult circumstances. The illustrations are bright and appealing and the overall message is of hope and new beginnings.

In a world full of numbers… There is only one you!

One in a Million is a delightful story for pre-school readers, to be thoroughly enjoyed at bedtime and in the nursery classroom. The story tells of Debra the Zebra, who is learning to count and spends her time counting everything around her. There are plenty of opportunities for counting along with Debra and links could be made in EYFS classrooms to a variety of learning in maths as well as discussions about special bonds with relatives and caregivers.

As Debra becomes daunted by how big the world is and how many things there are to count, her mum is there to remind her that although there are millions of things in the world, it is all about those special loved ones who count the most

This book boasts a heartwarming story and beautiful, bright illustrations that will capture the interest of little ones in homes and nurseries alike.

Mia has just moved house and spots a dilapidated doll house on the side of the road in her neighbourhood. As she begins to repair and decorate it on her porch, other children come to join the play, bringing offerings – a lolly pop stick bed, a rug and cotton wool cushions – and all are made to feel welcome. Mia notices a boy watching from his window but is too shy to join in with their play. However, when the Autumn rain batters the house, he appears and helps her to fix it. She generously and cleverly suggests he looks after it over Winter, thus bringing him into the group of friends, that we see playing through the changing seasons.

A sensitively told story, with stunning illustrations, this would make a beautiful book for encouraging class and the whole school community, with the strong central message that every child is welcome and everyone has something to give and share with others.

The Twirly Wiggly Dance invites the reader to share in the traditions associated with a Muslim wedding through the eyes of a small child called Intisar. She has been asked to be a part of a big group dance at the Walima, the final part of the wedding ceremony, a celebration party!

Intisar worries about getting the dance right, and this thread runs through the story as Intisar learns about each aspect of the celebration until the evening of the Walima, where Intisar has to decide whether to perform or watch the dance.

The story beautifully describes Muslim wedding traditions, and there is a short chapter at the end of the story which explains a little more about each tradition, relating it to the story itself.

The book would be perfect as part of a PSHE or RE topic around special times. It would also be a great resource to open up conversations around feeling worried or nervous about doing something new; Intisar overcomes her worries and inspires others to dance as a result!

It’s not easy to find top-quality non-fiction books for the youngest children, especially those children who genuinely love to learn facts but are not ready for dense paragraphs of text.

DK’s My Very Important Human Body Encyclopedia is perfect for the job – a fantastic non-fiction guide, making the human body’s complexities fascinating for young readers. It clearly explains everything from bones to brains with accessibility.

Packed with interesting visuals and digestible facts, it hits the spot for young children wanting to learn more about what goes on inside the human body. This superb resource, like the rest of the My Very Important series, helps young children to understand the world around them and enjoy reading early information texts.

In this book, the concept of sitting down to breakfast is shared with an ever-increasing company of animals! This is a story which uses repetition and sound, perfect for little ones to join in with. Each creature that joins the breakfast makes its unique sound, – ‘peck, tap, peck’, or ‘nip, top, tip’,.

The visiting animals range from the familiar to the more imaginative creatures from the world of fairy tales. Counting is a key element within the story as a whopping 255 all turn up for breakfast. The only way to present all of these animals on a page is through the use of a fold-out page, which will have children studying the beautiful images with fascination

This is a book that children will ask to share again and again, as, with every reading, something new will be seen or heard. It will be read on many different levels; observing the creatures, enjoying their sounds and then exploring the mathematical patterns. This is a book that will become a firm favourite in EYFS classrooms.

Dotty is a plain doughnut in a shop full of exotic doughnuts. She is desperate to be noticed, so she tries to transform herself into another kind of doughnut that someone might pick. This is a wonderfully dotty book, featuring all sorts of wild-flavoured doughnuts such as Bubble Gum, Matcha Madness or Lemon Meringue – all of them superstars in Dotty’s eyes!

The story teaches you to love yourself for who you are in a very comical and engaging way. The illustrations are bright and bold, and even plain Dotty looks pretty fabulous with her red rimmed glasses. There is something incredibly appealing about the doughnuts in this book. Younger children will love the look of this book, and older children will enjoy the humour, and as the tagline says, “Being yourself is fabulous”.

A charming picture book about Cuthbert, a camel having a very bad day (relatable to any children who have ever been said to have “the hump”). Fortunately for Cuthbert, a new friend helps him discover how a shift in perspective can brighten even the gloomiest of mornings.

Rachel Bright‘s rhyming text and Jim Field’s characterful illustrations create a funny story with an uplifting feel. This is a perfect read for preschoolers exploring their feelings and the power to turn things around when the day is going wrong.

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.

Inspired by the words of Jo Cox, ‘We have more in common than that which divides us,’ and dedicated to ‘every child who has ever had to leave their home behind,’ this book is a showcase of thoughtfulness, empathy, kindness and inclusion.

Firstly, the vibrant palette of neon pinks and oranges stands out, drawing your eye to the cast of inclusive characters shown throughout, many subverting stereotypes of gender, race, and disability – showing wide-ranging positive representation.

The premise of the story is that somewhere in the world is someone who has the same likes, dislikes, sense of humour and interests as you and the reader is invited to imagine this with the dual illustrations showing two very different characters, sharing a characteristic. Once the connection has been made, the reader is invited to think about how they could support and care for this person if they needed shelter or friendship after having to leave their home, encouraging giving, sharing, listening and talking as ways to make them feel welcome.

Tom Percival has the knack of using words and drawings to distil the deep feelings of childhood. It’s a formula, but one that works so well. In this latest book to join the series that began with Ruby’s Worry, he addresses the disappointment of ruined plans.

Bea is brimming with excitement that she will be celebrating her birthday with her whole extended family. It will all be perfect! But first, a little snowfall means the postman can’t deliver her presents and then more and more snow means her family can’t make it to her party. As her plans are shattered, jagged lines splinter across the illustrations, symbolising very visually how Bea’s happiness has been broken by disappointment. The rest of the book shows how Bea, helped by the kindness of her family, finds a way to move forward and appreciate that there is more than one way to perfection.

It’s a sweet and hopeful book – fun to read in its own right, but also a great way to discuss uncomfortable feelings with young children. While reassuring the reader that furious misery is normal following disappointment (the emotion is shown so well through the picture of Bea’s face, rather than in words!), embedded in the story is a wise lesson about looking around for small pleasures to stop it ruining a whole day.

This is a beautifully illustrated very simply story book for young children. The story tells the story of ‘digger’ and his companions searching for their missing cone friend.

With a very simple storyline and lovely illustrations, this picturebook by Morag Hood would appeal most to pre-school and reception age children,  and especially those with an interest in vehicles and construction.

There’s nothing faster than a cheetah… or is there?

The eye-catching cover, with its bright pink background and comical illustrations, creates a real buzz and get the book talk flowing. From start to finish, this book does not disappoint!

Packed with large, bold print, repetitive language and comical illustrations, it hooks younger readers and is a great read-aloud story with lots of giggles guaranteed.

After reading, the children are keen to share their wacky ideas about what might be faster than a cheetah. The speed stats on the inside covers are also a great starting point for further discussions! This is a brilliant book to inspire EYFS children.

The Circular Square is a clever picturebook that will engage young children with its humour and illustrations.

The concept and language used by the author, Simon Philip, mean this is an ideal text for Early Years children. The rhyming story describes all of life’s ups and downs and how these shape us, quite literally.

The character of Square does not like his edges or straight sides but chooses to focus on the positives of life. As he does that, he slowly becomes more rounded without even noticing.

This story has a wonderful message about having a positive mindset and showing resilience.

Award-winning artist Emma Carlisle brings us her new observations of the passing of time and seasonal change, inspired by her new garden at home.

A Home is a Nest focuses on British birds and animals bringing up their young in cosy, safe nests and homes in the wild alongside the young family of humans who feature in the background. The rhyming narrative takes young readers gently through the seasons, and the illustrations provide clues about nature’s activities, usually hidden from view from us all but on full display in the book, thanks to the artist’s gentle illustrations.

The book covers a whole year by which time the young animals have left their nests to start their own journeys. This book is suitable for sharing with young children, or anyone who wishes to introduce the idea of parenthood, the seasons and nature’s rhythm around the year.

A sweet and charming story about the different ways to say I love You. Bush baby wants to find a special way to show somebody special his love for them. Should he sail to sea or climb the highest mountain? Should he buy flowers or make a special card? Or perhaps he can simply find a way to explain the special sparkly feeling that his unconditional love gives him. This is a wonderful book for Valentines Day, with a story that tries to encapsulate the puzzle of expressing one of the biggest feelings of all.

The superbly clever, laugh-out-loud rhyming book is sure to be another hit in the classroom. It’s brilliant to have books that make exploring phonics and spelling patterns so much fun. They’re great for reading for pleasure too.

Following on from The Cat and the Rat and the Hat, and The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat, The Bear and the Hare and the Fair cleverly combines phase 5 phonics with hilarious antics. As the title suggests, Hare persuades Bear from the chair in his lair and off they head to the fair. They tempt each other with different rides and seem to have rather different tastes! But do Bear and Hare dare to go on the rollercoaster?!

With hilarious illustrations, joyous rhymes and great onomatopoeia too, this one is lots of fun to read aloud and join in with.

A charming and funny picture book that has been much-loved by preschoolers for over a decade now. It tells the simple story of a determined Mouse trying to oust a very comfortable Bear from his favourite chair. Mouse’s increasingly funny attempts to move the large, oblivious Bear are sure to bring giggles.

The book’s bold illustrations and simple, rhyming text make it perfect for EYFS children. The ending is humorous and children will choose to hear the story again and again.

A five-star delightful storytime read, making it a wonderful addition to any preschool bookshelf.

Poppy and Sam’s Complete Book of Farmyard Tales is a collection of Usborne’s classic Apple Tree Farm stories, recently reissued to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Poppy and Sam.

This series features iconic illustrations, easy-to-read text and familiar humour that combine to draw young readers into the comforting world of Mrs Boot the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam and their menagerie of animal friends.

This series is a staple for EYFS children, laying a strong foundation for early reading. The text and simple sentence structure support emergent readers, while a hidden little yellow duck on each page adds interactive fun.

Is It a Seed? is an imaginative picture book that encourages wonder. A young girl and her brother discover an unusual seed, prompting a flurry of speculation about what it might become – from a tiny flower to a giant’s beanstalk.

The story captures something of the wonder of planting seeds for young children, making it a perfect classroom choice for EYFS children learning about growing plants or life cycles.

The bright illustrations vividly depict these potential scenarios imagined as the family plants the seed. The book also gently encourages a connection with the natural world, making it a delightful read-aloud that celebrates curiosity and the magic of growing plants.

This is an adorable preschool read.

Bright and colourful illustrations enhance the appeal of the story by drawing the eyes to them while reading. Annabelle learns about life cycles through watching Flower grow, die and reproduce even more flowers throughout the seasons.

Flower gives Annabelle such great joy. I find flowers always brighten my day as they do hers. Repetitive phrases and fairly simple language make this book perfect for emerging and newly independent readers. It’s also a gentle and affirming storytime choice.

When Grandpa is ill, Cora wants to make the right impression during her visit. Thoughtfully, she wears a hat that he once bought for her. At the hospital, Cora realises how frustrating it must be for Grandpa to only have a small square of sky to look at. This sets Cora to thinking about how to bring the outside in.

Using her special hat, Cora scoops up the features of the sea – ‘the softness of the sand and the seagull cries all wrapped up in the wind.’ Next, she uses her hat to bring the countryside and all its sounds and colours to Grandpa’s hospital bed. Into the hat goes the fun of the fair, the marketplace and the night sky. When the wind blows Cora’s hat away, she is perplexed. How can she continue to bring Grandpa his adventures and taste of the outside if she no longer has her hat?

Cora doesn’t need to worry, though – Grandpa is feeling much better, and he explains that it wasn’t the hat that aided his recovery, it was Cora, her kindness and her imagination. This is a heartwarming story of the love between generations. Beautiful descriptions awaken the senses and the bright, bold, slightly scribbly illustrations add to the charm.

Ruby Wright’s debut, Animal Crackers, is such a joyful and gently humorous picturebook!

This is a heartwarming story beginning with a scenario that may feel familiar to many children – animal-mad Maisie wishes for a pet, but Mum says it is not to be, living in such a small flat. Much to her delight, her wishes come true via magical animal crackers. This leads to a delightfully chaotic zoo appearing all around.

The story beautifully blends fantasy with relatable modern family life. It’s an encouraging read-aloud that celebrates animals, imagination and the joyful mess of unexpected wishes.

Aqua Boy is about a young boy whose parents are ocean guardians, helping to look after the beach and sea near where they live.

Aaron and Angel, his sister, enjoy spending time by the ocean although Aaron isn’t as confident in the water as Angel. After a big storm, the family help to clear the rubbish that has been brought onto the shore until Aaron notices an octopus stranded on the sand. With help, he saves the octopus and, in the process, he discovers that swimming underwater enables you to see and learn about the different sea creatures that live there as well as show that you can achieve things eventually.

This is a lovely book to share with children who enjoy caring for the beach, ocean and the different creatures that call it home. There are many opportunities for discussion through the bright but simple illustrations and at the back of the book it provides information for protecting octopuses and the ocean, incorporating an enjoyable mix of fiction and non-fiction.

Highly recommended!

This is a read-aloud book that demands that the reader find a voice for the Blue Monster and a voice that conveys something of the character’s charm, even though he eats anyone who won’t play with him!

The illustrations capture each character’s feelings, and seeing Blue Monster’s body language change as he becomes more and more embarrassed and guilty is a joy! The approach to solving friendship problems is clear and simple, and one that could easily be used with a class of children.

This book is so simple and enjoyable. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story holds a powerful message that is given gently and humorously.

This first nature book is a beautiful celebration of small moments in nature that calm and soothe the soul. A wonderfully calming book to engage young readers in nature and support teaching of new vocabulary.

This information book makes for a calming read where you will discover the details in the artwork, and plant a seed that will bloom and grow as EYFS nature lovers discover nature at its most magical. From bestselling children’s book creator, Clare Beaton, each page is beautifully illustrated in paper collage – you will find some simple activities at the back of the book, along with a glossary of interesting words, too.

A fantastic book that could be shared whole class, in a group or on a 1:1 basis. Perfect for teaching understanding of the seasons.