Mythical creatures for 0-5

Mythical creatures can be exciting, wild, thrilling … and if you find one, they can become a good friend. In the early years, children love reading about imaginary creatures – and drawing their own. This selection of books could be used to inspire creativity and empathy.

  • Big Bad Dragon Club

    by Beach 

    2023 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A funny picture book about dragons learning they don’t always have to be bad!

  • How to Grow a Unicorn

    by Rachel Morrisroe, illustrated by Steven Lenton 

    2021 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A beautifully illustrated book about a young girl who gets more than she bargains for when she buys a packet of unicorn seeds for her grandmother. Fun and magical. 

  • Mermaid

    by Cerrie Burnell 

    2015 2 to 9 years 

    • Disability
    • Mobility/​wheelchair

    Luka loves living by the sea, but neither he nor his brothers have ever learned to swim.

  • There’s No Such Thing as Dragons

    by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Katy Halford 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    When a little boy is told by his grandpa that there’s no such thing as dragons, he doesn’t believe it for a second. But if the boy has any chance of proving that the mythological beasts are real, he needs proof!

  • Don’t Ask the Dragon

    by Lemn Sissay, illustrated by Greg Stobbs 

    2022 2 to 7 years 

    • Adventure
    • Picture books

    A charming tale about a young boy who wonders where is home. With the help of some animals and wise dragon, he discovers home is never far away. The first children’s book from bestselling author and poet Lemn Sissay, this is a lovely celebration of curiosity and belonging. 

  • The Troll

    by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by David Roberts 

    2009 4 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    This fun and unusual picture book brings together two classic tales with a modern twist

  • The Singing Mermaid

    by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, illustrated by Lydia Monks 

    2012 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    When Sam Sly invites the Singing Mermaid to join the circus, she is excited by the promise of fame and fortune. But things are not what they seem, and the Singing Mermaid soon finds herself confined to a fish tank, longing for the freedom of the ocean.

  • Are You a Monster?

    by Guilherme Karsten 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    Are you a monster? No? Well, can you make a big loud noise? Oh no…! A wonderfully fun and brilliantly interactive picture book for all ages.

  • Monsters Never Get Haircuts

    by Marie-Hélène Versini, illustrated by Vincent Boudgourd 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Let’s get to know monsters a little better.What do they like? What don’t they like? The simple text promotes conversations about what makes us different, using slightly scary – but thrilling! –monsters. 

  • Unicorn Not Wanted

    by Fred Blunt 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    This is NOT a story about unicorns. Or pugs. It is set in the Wild West, with cowboys. But hang on a minute – who’s that? Toddlers will giggle away as a unicorn and pug desperately try to infiltrate this very silly picture book story.

  • Grandad’s Secret Giant

    by David Litchfield 

    2017 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Although the Secret Giant is rarely seen, grandad is convinced he exists. Maybe he’s lonely, and just needs a friend? There’s a mysterious luminosity to the illustrations of this magical story about accepting people who are different.

  • Yetis Don’t Exist!

    by Katie Thompson, illustrated by Loretta Schauer 

    4 to 5 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Humans have decided that yetis definitely don’t exist. Outraged by being cancelled, the yetis decide that they should prove their existence – but will they find any humans?

  • The Café at the Edge of the Woods

    by Mikey Please 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Rene opens a café, but her only customer is an ogre! By disguising her food as disgusting bats and battered mice, she becomes a hit with the locals. A brilliantly illustrated, hilarious picture book.