Books about people who help us, for age 0-5

Discovering people in our community who help us (and their exciting vehicles!) is a key part of children’s early years. As their worlds broaden to people and things outside the home, so they learn how some people have jobs that keep us safe and well. These are some of our favourite books to engage and excite young children on this topic.

  • Make Tracks: Emergency

    by Johnny Dyrander 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books

    Robust, interactive board book on emergency vehicles.

  • Olu’s Teacher

    by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mba 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    Olu’s nervous about going to nursery – but luckily his teacher is the very cool Jay! A reassuring, gentle story to allay any worries about this first step. 

  • Play Pals: To the Rescue

    by Sam Lloyd 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    Help the firefighter, paramedic, lifeguard and helicopter pilot in this interactive lift the flap book. This would be perfect for sharing with toddlers. 

  • Loud!

    by Rose Robbins 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • ADHD
    • Behavioural/​emotional/​social
    • Disability

    Abigail is always fidgeting and giggling at school until Miss Butler discovers her love of singing and songwriting. It’s implied that Abigail has ADHD but this beautifully delivered book will resonate with any child who’s ever found it tricky to do what is expected of them.

  • A Superhero Like You

    by Dr Ranj, illustrated by Liam Darcy 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Lily wakes up one day and decides she wants to be a superhero – but not the kind that flies around in a cape or wears their underpants over the trousers. It turns out, superheroes are everywhere…

  • I’m the Bin Lorry Driver

    by David Semple 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    Hop aboard the bin lorry and follow a day in the life of a bin lorry driver! A picture book full of prompts and action to engage early learners.

  • My Beautiful Voice

    by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme
    • Disability

    When a child who never speaks gets a new teacher, she is blown away by her colourful personality. A gentle story that pays homage to the people that sometimes come into our lives to guide us through difficult times, and the power of a fantastic teacher.

  • Rescue Crew

    by Suzy Senior, illustrated by Mike Byrne 

    4 to 5 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Mechanic Cat and Rescue Rat are the best at fixing vehicles and rescuing their pals. That’s why they are called the Rescue Crew. But when the Rescue Crew’s breakdown truck gets stuck, who will be able to save them? 

  • The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters

    by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg 

    1999 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Brilliantly designed with lots of little details to spot, this old favourite will be enjoyed time and time again

  • How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs

    by Dr Punam Krishan, illustrated by Sol Linero 

    2022 5 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    What is a doctor and how do you become one? What do doctors need to learn, and what are the different kinds of doctors you can be? Answering these and many more questions, such as Who looks after older people?’ and What happens when someone has a baby?’ this helpful picture book, perfect for mid-and upper-primary readers, explains how a variety of people in healthcare help us and what their jobs consist of.