Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson’s Owl Babies has comforted generations of young readers and is rightly lauded as a modern classic. Its tender portrayal of separation and reunion, the story of the three worried little owlets waiting for their mother to come home, perfectly captures feelings of attachment, worry and reassurance that young children may experience. Read on for our recommendations of what to read after this wonderful story.
Owl Babies’ simple but powerful text, paired with the detailed, dark and texturally beautiful illustrations, highlight the owlets’ fears, but also the deep comfort they find when their mother returns. This wonderfully simple story arc of worry and resolution has made this picture book universally popular with families and educators alike.
Our recommendations for further reading include powerful stories that also explore feelings of love and attachment, books with similarly cosy wintery themes, or titles which suit children who have loved Owl Babies but are ready for more complex storylines. We hope you enjoy them!
Comforting classics
Another classic title from Martin Waddell, Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear? Is a beautifully warm and cosy book about a young bear who needs some extra reassurance from Big Bear before falling asleep for the night. With gorgeously comforting illustrations by Barbara Firth, this is a perfect bedtime book.
Guess How Much I Love You is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your little one. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read, and the loving message is perfect for creating bonding reading experiences.
Shirley Hughes’ Dogger is an exceptional picture book that tells the story of a young boy losing his favourite stuffed toy. It explores similar themes of separation and reunion and is a sensitive and reassuring read for young children.
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.
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.
Cosy wintery books
Let’s Stick Togetherby Smriti Halls and Steve Small tells the story of Squirrel and Bear. They are the best of friends, but sometimes they don’t see things in quite the same way. When Squirrel decides they should have a party, Bear starts to feel anxious, then, when the party starts, Squirrel feels a little left out. Ultimately, the pair cheer each other up and realise the importance of sticking together. A charming picture book about friendship and individuality.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Manfeatures the trademark rhyming and illustrative brilliance you would expect from this pair of creators. Follow the brave Stick Man as he journeys through perilous situations to return to his beloved family in time for Christmas.
One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth is a timeless tale of woodland animals caught in a snowstorm searching for a safe place to stay. One by one, they knock at Percy the Park keeper’s door and are welcomed into his warm, cosy hut. A satisfying story that has the same kind of comforting woodland magic as Owl Babies.
Squirrel and Bear are the best of friends, but sometimes they don’t see things in quite the same way. For instance, when Squirrel decides they should have a party, Bear is very into the idea until anxiety strikes and he starts to feel that perhaps it would be better for everyone if he just went to bed.
The award-winning creators of The Gruffalo now present us with a modern variation on a long-established folk tale theme, which details the perilous adventures of a stick.
This is a heartwarming story of animals in winter – the story teaches children to look and think about the world around them.
Next steps
The unique Invisible Dogs by Ruby Wright focuses on Ida as she starts school for the first time. Though initially nervous, she is comforted by her grandad when he suggests that she brings two imaginary dogs with her to remind her of home. Themes of separation and attachment are present here, and this is well suited to children who are preparing for their first school experiences.
Maurice Sendak’s seminal Where the Wild Things Are follows Max’s journey into the depths of his imagination, to the land of the Wild Things. After his monstrous and daring adventures, he returns to find a warm plate of dinner waiting in his room, a reminder that his mother will always be there for him.
In Lu Fraser and Paddy Donnelly’sAva and the AcornAva and her grandad share happy memories of an old oak tree in a heartfelt exploration of growth, change and loss told through the magic of seasonal changes. This is a beautiful picture book which celebrates family and memories, with a slightly more complex and reflective storyline.
Ida is nervous about life at her new school until her grandpa encourages her to imagine a pair of invisible dogs which help her feel more confident in the playground.
Max is being naughty, and his mother sends him to bed without dinner, calling him a “wild thing.” As Max sits in his fury, a boat appears, taking him to a world of monsters and wild things with big claws and teeth. A classic picture book and one of the first to explore a child’s feelings of anger.
Ava and her grandad share happy memories of an old oak tree in this heartfelt exploration of growth, change and loss told through the magic of seasonal changes. A beautiful picture book.
