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

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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