Best Books for 0-5 years
In 2015, we put together a list of the 100 best books for children from the last 100 years.
The books below are ones suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers aged 0-5.
Interested in seeing all 100 books across the different age groups?
- See what else is in our 100 best books list
- Take the quiz to see how many you've read!
- Looking for NEW books? See the ones we love most this month
-
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Author: Judith Kerr
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's BooksSophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.
-
Where's Spot?
Author: Eric Hill
Publisher: PuffinThis adorable picture book about Spot the dog is the first in the Spot series
-
Each Peach Pear Plum
Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Publisher: PuffinThis classic book from author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a real favourite with families
-
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Publisher: PuffinEric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar deserves its reputation as a much-loved classic.
-
The Elephant and the Bad Baby
Author: Elfrida Vipont Illustrator: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: PuffinOne day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.
-
Dogger
Author: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Random HouseWhen Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is desolate.
-
Lost and Found
Author: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's BooksOnce there was a sad, lonely penguin who appeared at the door of a young boy. The boy decided he must be lost, so he set off to find his home.
-
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
Author: Emily Gravett
Publisher: Pan MacmillanLittle Mouse is scared of most things, from creepy crawlies and loud noises, to getting lost.
-
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
Author: Lauren Child
Publisher: HachetteCharlie tricks his younger sister, Lola - an extremely fussy eater - into eating all her least favourite foods.
-
Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Publisher: Macmillan Children's BooksFrom former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and longtime collaborator Axel Scheffler comes this much-loved tale about a witch and her gang of friends.
-
The Snowman
Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: PuffinJames builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
-
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Author: Mem Fox Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker BooksThis charming first book is perfect for new arrivals.
-
Dear Zoo
Author: Rod Campbell
Publisher: Campbell BooksThis appealing story, in lift-the-flap, board-book format has been a favourite with toddlers ever since it was first published in 1982.
-
Gorilla
Author: Anthony Browne
Publisher: Walker BooksHannah's favourite animals in the whole world are gorillas, but her dad is always too busy to take her to the zoo.
-
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Walker BooksFollow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.
-
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
Author: Lynley Dodd
Publisher: PuffinThis hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town
-
Not now, Bernard
Author: David McKee
Publisher: AndersenThe classic tale of Bernard, whose distracted parents fail to notice that their son has been eaten and replaced by a monster.
-
Where the Wild Things Are
Author: Maurice Sendak
Publisher: Red FoxFirst published in 1963, this classic picture book will fascinate both children and adults, evoking the fierce intensity of childhood
-
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters
Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Publisher: PenguinBrilliantly designed with lots of little details to spot, this old favourite will be enjoyed time and time again
-
I Want My Hat Back
Author: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Walker BooksA bear sets out in search of his hat - he loves his hat and he wants it back
-
The Cat in the Hat
Author: Dr Seuss
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's BooksWhen Sally and her brother are left alone on a rainy day, they think they are in for a dull time - but then the Cat in the Hat appears.
-
Meg and Mog
Author: Helen Nicholl Illustrator: Jan Pienkowski
Publisher: PuffinIn this the first story about much-loved characters Meg the witch and Mog her cat, the pair go off to a wild Hallowe'en party with all the other witches
-
Would You Rather…
Author: John Burningham
Publisher: Red FoxA 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.
-
Princess Smartypants
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: PenguinPrincess Smartypants does not want to get married. She enjoys being a Ms. But being a rich and pretty princess means that all the princes want her to become their wife.
-
I Want My Potty!
Author: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen PressThe Little Princess hates nappies, and thinks there must be something better. This is classic picture book entertainment, which will be especially appreciated by any children who are learning to love their potty!
