Books about soft toys for 0 to 5

Soft toys are a source of comfort for many young children, and they are often taken absolutely everywhere. These books show beloved companions on exciting adventures with their child, occasionally getting lost, and always being adored.

  • Dogger

    by Shirley Hughes 

    1977 2 to 6 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Dogger is Dave’s special toy. So when Dogger gets lost at the funfair, Dave is desolate. Will they find each other again? Exploring concepts of love, loss and kindness, this classic tale will be cherished by the entire family and will particularly appeal to any child who has a favourite toy.

  • Bear Shaped

    by Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden 

    2020 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Autistic spectrum conditions
    • Disability

    This beautiful picture book is based on the true story of a family’s public search for a missing toy. The Jack of the illustrations are utterly convincing, a testimony to the fact that the illustrator worked so closely with the real’ Jack (who happens to be on the autistic spectrum). Delicate, timeless artwork also cleverly incorporates all sorts of satisfying details to explore and discuss. 

  • Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?

    2023 4 to 6 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Penguin sits on his beloved teddy Mikki Olsen and then can’t find him. Can you spot the teddy? A funny, interactive book that should make toddlers giggle with delight. 

  • Dexter Lost his Boo-Woo

    illustrated by Ben Mantle 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A funny and rhyming picture book about favourite toys, blankies and snugglies, and what happens when we lose them, with a really enjoyable, readable rhyme.

  • Constance in Peril

    by Ben Manley, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark 

    2021 4 to 6 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Ben Manley and Emma Chichester Clark’s absolutely delightful story about a much-loved toy will strike a chord of recognition in all children who may have a Constance” doll of their own. Funny, charming and offbeat. 

  • The Everywhere Bear

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb 

    2017 4 to 6 years 

    • Adventure
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    This picture book about a missing toy bear somehow seems like a classic already – with a lovely whiff of nostalgia about it all, while also feeling very current and gently inclusive.

  • The Velveteen Rabbit: Or How Toys Become Real

    by Margery Williams, illustrated by Sarah Massini 

    2016 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Since 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit has grabbed the hearts of families everywhere. It’s the story of a toy rabbit who becomes Real’ through a little boy’s love – and a lovely reminder for children to keep believing in magic and imagination and hope.

  • Winnie-the-Pooh

    by A A Milne, illustrated by E H Shepard 

    1926 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny

    No child’s library could be complete without A A Milne’s stories about Pooh, Christopher Robin and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

  • That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown

    by Cressida Cowell, illustrated by Neal Layton 

    2015 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Emily and her toy rabbit, Stanley, love to go on adventures together.