10 classic books for toddlers

For my time as Writer in Residence, BookTrust have asked me to come up with some book lists – and I’ve had the BEST time putting them together! 

For my first list I’ve chosen 10 books that are widely regarded as ​‘classics’ – so the beloved books that have stood the test of time and are as popular today as when they were first released, perhaps even more so. Although they’re all quite different, they each have huge charm, originality, beautiful illustrations and – most importantly of all – they’re a delight to read aloud. 

Everyone has favourite books (and we don’t all enjoy the same ones, of course) but these are 10 tried and tested titles that families regularly tell me they love sharing – and which I read over and over again to my kids, too. 

If you want to set yourself the challenge to read them all, we’ve created a cute little ​‘Book Bingo’ printable so you can put it up at home and award yourselves a sticker (or a big tick!) every time you and your little read one of them together. 

I’d love to know what you think of my selection – what would you add instead? 

Keep an eye out for some more of my booklists, coming soon – including 10 brilliant books for babies, 10 interactive books for inquisitive toddlers, and the 10 funniest little books ever! 

The perfect first picture book for 12 months and up – bold, colourful animal images and an engaging, repetitive text which invites you to turn each page. 

Full of love and joy, with a sweet, repeated refrain – ​‘SO MUCH!’ – this is the ultimate celebration of family life. 

Generations of children have grown up with this charming story of the hungry tiger who visits a little girl and her mum one afternoon. 

The very youngest of readers will be able to follow this unapologetically silly story of Mr Magnolia, who remains resolutely cheerful, despite having only one boot. 

The story of Sarah and Percy and Bill – three small owls who are waiting for their mum to return. A book for busy mums and their impatient families! 

I think I can still recite this word for word, we used to read it so often. A delightful tongue-twister of a story with a cast of cute dogs. 

First published in 1969, Eric Carle’s ravenous caterpillar is still nibbling holes in pages and enchanting children more than fifty years later. 

You’ll find something new to spot in this book every time you read it. Intricate illustrations and a cast of fairytale characters combine in this gentle rhyming story. 

The spectacular tale of a tiny snail and a humpback whale that teaches us all gentle lessons about hope and possibility – and opens children’s eyes to the wonders of the world. 

I always love a text that asks to be joined in with because it invites tiny readers to be a part of the story. And there’s a ​‘scary-not-scary’ bear for a little bit of a thrill at the end!