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
Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful,…
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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
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 …
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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 is rebellious, independent, and very happy being single - but her parents want her to get married and settle …
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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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