Bookstart Toddler: more great books for 1-2s

Hand-picked books that are perfect for children aged 1–2, selected to help families get more from their Bookstart Toddler pack.

  • Cluck Cluck Duck: Lift the Flaps

    by Mama Makes Books, illustrated by Rachel Saunders 

    2022 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Funny
    • Interactive

    Cluck Cluck Duck is part of the light-hearted Funny Farm” series. Just like Tractor Tractor, the title combines humour and interaction with some fun and subtle early learning, as well as a wider social angle.

  • Zeki Loves Daddy

    by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson 

    2021 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    An ideal gentle step-up from a board book, this sweet story about daily life with Daddy and Zeki is filled with love, play and snuggles. Fun rhyming text makes this an ideal book for shared reading time. 

  • Baby on Board: Car

    by Seb Braun 

    2023 0 to 2 years 

    • Board books
    • Touch and feel books
    • Travel

    All aboard the baby car with this bright and chunky board book for little ones.

  • The Nose, Toes and Tummy Book

    by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Gosia Herba 

    2023 0 to 2 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    This is your nose. BEEP! What a noisy nose! A delightful, interactive book for babies.

  • Elmer’s Weather

    by David McKee 

    1994 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Classics

    Everyone’s favourite patchwork elephant is experiencing all kinds of weather in this chunky board book for the very youngest book lovers. A lovely way to introduce a classic character. 

  • Time For Bed, Panda

    by Jo Lodge 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    It’s time for this adorable googly-eyed panda to get ready for bed – that means having a bath, brushing her teeth and reading a story! A delightfully cuddly and sweet board book for little ones.

  • The Every Baby Book

    by Frann Preston-Gannon 

    2022 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    Over the course of one day, we see many different kinds of families engage in the same similar routines: breakfasts, nappy changes, dinners, bedtime. A warm and comforting book with an ultimate message of love and togetherness, which is perfect for bedtime or quieter moments. 

  • Baby Touch: Food

    by Ladybird Books, illustrated by Lemon Ribbon Studio 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Non-fiction
    • Touch and feel books

    Whether it’s soft ice-cream, messy pasta or bobbly rice cakes, food to babies is all about texture and fun, and this bright and appealing touch-and-feel board book lets them explore without making a mess!

  • Bear’s Wash Day

    by Nicola Kent 

    2024 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    Can you help Bear do the washing by lifting the flaps and turning the wheels? Lots of interactive fun for babies and toddlers, which will improve their fine motor skills.  

  • Imagine if… Veggies

    by Aya Watanabe 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Discover different ways to look at veggies in this delightful board book with sturdy tabs to push and pull. Irresistible interactive fun for babies and toddlers.

  • Rainforest (Now You See it!)

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    Find the hidden rainforest animals in this brilliant board book, featuring die-cut holes and high-contrast graphics. Perfect for building early visual perception skills.

  • Zeki Loves Mummy

    by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson 

    2021 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Picture books

    Somewhere between a board book and a picture book, this is ideal for two to three year olds who will enjoy the rhyming text and sweet story about daily life with Mummy and Zeki. Sure to prompt plenty of hugs and snuggles with mummies everywhere. 

  • Dear Zoo

    by Rod Campbell 

    1982 0 to 6 years 

    • Board books
    • Classics
    • Interactive
    • Picture 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.

  • Name Your Numbers

    by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Edward Underwood 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    A brilliantly colourful rhyming board book which introduces first numbers through eleven different animals and includes a surprising (snappy) pop-up!

  • Move and Play: I Want to be a Duck

    illustrated by Pintachan 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    A fun and bright early picture book with fun things to learn and plenty of play opportunity. 

  • Don’t Mix Up My Dinosaur

    by Rosamund Lloyd, illustrated by Spencer Wilson 

    2023 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive
    • Touch and feel books

    Mix and match the dinosaurs’ horns and tails to create new dino friends! A super-fun, colourful touch and feel book.