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.
See our best books for other age groups
Please note: This list was published in 2015. We are currently working on a revised and more up-to-date list which more adequately reflects the brilliant diversity of children's literature over the last 100 years. Please take a look at Books We Love for our reviews of current brilliant books.
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The Tiger Who Came to Tea
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The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea.
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Where's Spot?
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Where's Spot?
This adorable board book about Spot the dog is the first in the Spot series
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Each Peach Pear Plum
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Each Peach Pear Plum
This classic book from author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a real favourite with families
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar deserves its reputation as a much-loved classic.
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The Elephant and the Bad Baby
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The Elephant and the Bad Baby
One day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.
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Lost and Found
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Lost and Found
Once 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 fi…
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Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
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Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
Little Mouse is scared of most things, from creepy crawlies and loud noises, to getting lost.
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I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
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I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
Charlie tricks his younger sister, Lola - an extremely fussy eater - into eating all her least favourite foods.
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Room on the Broom
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Room on the Broom
From former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and longtime collaborator Axel Scheffler comes this much-loved tale about a witch …
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The Snowman
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The Snowman
James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
With beautiful illustrations of babies born all over the world and gentle rhyming text, this charming book is perfect for sharing …
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.
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Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
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Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town
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Not now, Bernard
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Not now, Bernard
The classic tale of Bernard, whose distracted parents fail to notice that their son has been eaten and replaced by a monster.
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Where the Wild Things Are
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Where the Wild Things Are
When Max puts on his wolf suit and shouts at his mother, he is sent to his room without any supper. But then, his bedroom turns in…
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The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters
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The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters
Brilliantly designed with lots of little details to spot, this old favourite will be enjoyed time and time again
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I Want My Hat Back
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I Want My Hat Back
A bear sets out in search of his hat - he loves his hat and he wants it back
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The Cat in the Hat
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The Cat in the Hat
When 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 app…
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Meg and Mog
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Meg and Mog
In 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…
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Would You Rather…
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Would You Rather…
A classic for children, Would You Rather... presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fan…
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Princess Smartypants
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Princess Smartypants
Princess Smartypants does not want to get married. She enjoys being a Ms. But being a rich and pretty princess means that all the …
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I Want My Potty!
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I Want My Potty!
The Little Princess hates nappies, and thinks there must be something better. This is classic picture book entertainment, which wi…
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