Classics

Sometimes nothing beats a classic. Here’s a list of classic picture books to share with your toddler or younger child, some of which you may have enjoyed when you were little.

  • Where’s Spot?

    by Eric Hill 

    2009 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    This adorable board book about Spot the dog is the first in the Spot series

  • Each Peach Pear Plum

    by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg 

    1978 0 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    This classic book from author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a real favourite with families

  • Guess How Much I Love You

    by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram 

    2014 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics

    This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.

  • Peepo!

    by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg 

    2011 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A rhyming peek-a-boo journey through a day in the life of a baby. A much-loved picture book classic that delights babies, toddlers and their parents.

  • The Elephant and the Bad Baby

    by Elfrida Vipont, illustrated by Raymond Briggs 

    1973 0 to 4 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    One day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.

  • The Gruffalo

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler 

    1999 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    In this much-loved picture book, a little mouse walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake.

  • Dogger

    by Shirley Hughes 

    1977 2 to 7 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.

  • Dear Zoo

    by Rod Campbell 

    1982 0 to 7 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.

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    by Eric Carle 

    1994 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful, interactive picture book.

  • We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

    by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 

    2015 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.

  • Mog the Forgetful Cat

    by Judith Kerr 

    2010 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    Reformatted and reissued, Mog the Forgetful Cat has lost none of its gentle charm.

  • The Tiger Who Came to Tea

    by Judith Kerr 

    1968 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.

  • So Much!

    by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury 

    2008 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    One by one, family members drop by on a mum and her tot – all wanting to squeeze, kiss and give undivided attention to the baby. An adorable picture book, which is high-spirited, vibrant and fun. 

  • You Choose!

    by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt 

    2004 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Create your own story with this brilliant interactive book full of detailed, colourful illustrations.

  • Would You Rather…

    by John Burningham 

    1978 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    A classic for children, Would You Rather… presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fantastical and real-life choices. It’s great for building confidence with little ones about making their own choices for their own reasons. 

  • Peace At Last

    by Jill Murphy 

    2007 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    The hour is late and Mr Bear is tired. But he just can’t sleep – however hard he tries, all he can hear are the noises in the house.

  • Five Minutes’ Peace

    by Jill Murphy 

    1986 2 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Mrs Large the elephant just wants five minutes of peace away from her three boisterous children… but that proves to be a bit of a challenge! This funny, charmingly observed portrayal of family life is sure to resonate with parents and children alike.

  • I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato

    by Lauren Child 

    2000 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Charlie tricks his younger sister, Lola – an extremely fussy eater – into eating all her least favourite foods.

  • 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