100 Best Books for Children: 0-5
Take a look at our pick of the best books for 0-5 year olds from the last 100 years.
Are you looking for the best books to read to your baby? Our Bookstart website has everything you need, from booklists to tips!
Each Peach Pear Plumby Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Puffin
This classic book from author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a real favourite with families
The Snowmanby Raymond Briggs
Puffin
James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
Gorillaby Anthony Browne
Walker Books
Hannah's favourite animals in the whole world are gorillas, but her dad is always too busy to take her to the zoo.
Would You Rather?by John Burningham
Jonathan Cape
Would you rather drink snail squash or eat mashed worms? Help a witch make stew? Tickle a monkey?
Dear Zooby Rod Campbell
Campbell Books
This appealing story, in lift-the-flap, board-book format has been a favourite with toddlers ever since it was first published in 1982.
The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle
Puffin
Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar deserves its reputation as a much-loved classic.
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomatoby Lauren Child
Orchard Books
Charlie tricks his younger sister, Lola - an extremely fussy eater - into eating all her least favourite foods.
Princess Smartypantsby Babette Cole
Puffin
Princess Smartypants does not want to get married. She enjoys being a Ms. But being a rich and pretty princess means that all the princes want her to become their wife.
Room on the Broomby Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Macmillan Children's Books
From former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and longtime collaborator Axel Scheffler comes this much-loved tale about a witch and her gang of friends.
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fearsby Emily Gravett
Macmillan Children's Books
Little Mouse is scared of most things, from creepy crawlies and loud noises, to getting lost.
Where's Spot?by Eric Hill
Puffin
This adorable picture book about Spot the dog is the first in the Spot series
Doggerby Shirley Hughes
Red Fox
When Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is desolate.
Lost and Foundby Oliver Jeffers
HarperCollins Children's Books
Once there was a sad, lonely penguin who appeared at the door of a young boy. The boy decided he must be lost, so he set off to find his home.
The Tiger Who Came to Teaby Judith Kerr
HarperCollins Children's Books
Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.
I Want My Hat Backby Jon Klassen
Walker Books
A bear sets out in search of his hat - he loves his hat and he wants it back
Not now, Bernardby David McKee
Andersen
The classic tale of Bernard, whose distracted parents fail to notice that their son has been eaten and replaced by a monster.
Meg and Mogby Helen Nicholl & Jan Pienkowski
Puffin
In this the first story about much-loved characters Meg the witch and Mog her cat, the pair go off to a wild Hallowe'en party with all the other witches
We're Going on a Bear Huntby Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
Walker Books
Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.
I Want My Potty!by Tony Ross
Andersen Press
The Little Princess hates nappies, and thinks there must be something better.
Where the Wild Things Areby Maurice Sendak
Red Fox
First published in 1963, this classic picture book will fascinate both children and adults, evoking the fierce intensity of childhood
The Cat in the Hatby Dr Seuss
HarperCollins Children's Books
When Sally and her brother are left alone on a rainy day, they think they are in for a dull time - but then the Cat in the Hat appears.
The Elephant and the Bad Babyby Elfrida Vipont & Raymond Briggs
Puffin
One day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.