Picture books play a vital role in early childhood because young children engage with and comprehend images before they begin reading words. This is why introducing picture books at an early age is so beneficial. At this stage, children’s ability to interpret stories varies widely, which is normal. They delight in exploring stories through illustrations, asking questions, and predicting what might happen next. Books with repetitive phrases and rhyming patterns are especially effective, as they help children anticipate words, mimic sounds, and commit language to memory. These elements also encourage active participation, making storytime a fun and interactive experience.
- Alfie Gets in First – Shirley Hughes Alfie accidentally locks his mum out after rushing inside. The problem is resolved with warmth and everyday charm in this beloved series about a lovely little boy.
- Winnie the Witch – Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul Winnie and her black cat Wilbur navigate magical mishaps in this colourful, chaotic series full of giggles.
- The Elephant and the Bad Baby – Elfrida Vipont, illustrated by Raymond Briggs An elephant takes a naughty baby on a rumpety ride, teaching manners in this playful classic.
- The Jolly Postman – Janet and Allan Ahlberg A postman delivers letters to fairy-tale characters, with real envelopes for children to explore.
- Elmer – David McKee Elmer, the patchwork elephant, learns to embrace his uniqueness in this vibrant tale of self-acceptance.
- Mr Blobby – Roger Hargreaves From the Mr. Men series, this blob-shaped character’s silly antics delight with simple humour.
- The Smartest Giant in Town – Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler A generous giant gives away his new clothes to help friends, blending kindness with catchy rhymes and lovely illustrations.
- The Paper Bag Princess – Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko A brave princess outsmarts a dragon and ditches her prince, flipping fairy-tale norms.
- The Day the Crayons Quit – Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers Crayons complain to their owner in hilarious letters, sparking creativity and laughter.
- Superworm – Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler A stretchy worm saves his friends from a villainous lizard in this action-packed rhyme.
- The Enormous Crocodile – Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake A sneaky crocodile plots to eat children and is thwarted by jungle friends in Dahl’s cheeky style.
- The Bear and the Piano – David Litchfield A bear discovers a piano and fame, but learns that home is where the heart is in this touching story.
- The Princess and the Pea – Lauren Child A quirky retelling with mixed-media art, testing a princess’s sensitivity in a fun, modern way.
- You Choose – Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt An interactive picture book where kids pick characters, homes, and adventures.
- Dogger – Shirley Hughes Dave loses his beloved toy dog, and his sister’s kindness saves the day in this gentle tale.
- Not Now, Bernard – David McKee Bernard’s parents ignore him as a monster takes his place, blending humour with a sly twist.
- The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch – Ronda and David Armitage Mr. Grinling’s lunch is stolen by seagulls, solved with clever tricks in this seaside story.
- Oi Dog! – Kes and Claire Gray, illustrated by Jim Field Frog assigns animals new rhyming seats (like “dogs on logs”), building on the Oi Frog! hilarity.
- Lost and Found – Oliver Jeffers A boy helps a lost penguin find home, discovering friendship in this sweet, whimsical tale.
- The Disgusting Sandwich – Gareth Edwards, illustrated by Hannah Shaw A badger chases a sandwich dropped in hilarious, messy mishaps, perfect for silly fun.
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury A rhythmic, adventurous journey that delights in repetition and suspense.
- Rosie’s Walk – Pat Hutchins A clever, visually-driven story where a hen obliviously outsmarts a lurking fox.
- Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak A timeless tale of imagination and adventure with stunning illustrations.
- The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler A beloved rhyming story about a mouse’s clever tricks to avoid being eaten.
- Bear Snores On – Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman A sweet and cozy story featuring forest animals gathering while a bear sleeps through the fun.
- How to Catch a Star – Oliver Jeffers A beautifully simple story about a child’s determination and wonder.
- What the Ladybird Heard – Julia Donaldson A wonderfully rhythmic and interactive farmyard adventure with a clever ladybird.
- My Grandpa – Marta Altés A beautifully touching book about the bond between grandparent and grandchild.
- Bears Don’t Eat Egg Sandwiches – Julie Fulton, illustrated by Rachel Suzanne A quirky, playful tale featuring a very picky bear!
- Daddy Lion’s Tea Party – Mark Sperring, illustrated by Sarah Warburton A lively read blending manners, imagination, and the fun of a tea party.
- The Squirrels Who Squabbled – Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field A lovely story about friendship and learning to share.
- If You Take a Pencil – Alan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman A fun, imaginative book exploring endless possibilities of drawing.
- Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? – Bill Martin Jr, illustrated by Eric Carle A fantastic follow-up to Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, focusing on sounds.
- Mr Wolf’s Pancakes – Jan Fearnley A clever twist on fairy tales, following a determined Mr. Wolf who wants his pancakes.
- The Lion Inside – Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field A lovely tale about confidence and bravery.
- Curious George Makes Pancakes (and the Curious George series) – H.A. Rey Playful adventures featuring the classic mischievous monkey.
- Beegu – Alexis Deacon A beautifully illustrated, touching story about an alien searching for belonging.
Books open the door to adventure, imagination, and learning, and we hope this list brings joy to many storytimes with your child. We’d love to hear which books became favourites – share your thoughts in the comments below!