Bookstart Pre-schooler for ages 3-4

Watch Out! There’s a Monster Coming!

Author: Karl Newson Illustrator: Zehra Hicks
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5

Tiptoeing, sneaking,snuffling and creeping, a monster travels far and wide in pursuit of its favourite snack. But will it find what it hungers for? And is it what we expected?

Wanna see A Llama?

Author: Simon Philip Illustrator: Ian Smith
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5

Two children are out and about in a city, looking for llamas. One of the children issupposedly a llama expert, but will the children find one? Funny and interactive.

Are You A Sleepy Monster?

Author: Guilherme Karsten
Publisher: Happy Yak
Interest age: 2-3

It’s sleepover time for little monsters – and the monster in this book is very excited to welcome readers to their special monster den under the bed. They are a little confused to realise that readers may prefer to sleep on top of the bed, however, AND that they don’t have special monster pyjamas. Most odd.

Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 4-5

This joyful picture book celebrates what makes us who we are, from the qualities we inherit from family to our cultural heritage and personal experiences. With lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this is an unusual, thought-provoking and uplifting tale.

All Aboard the Numbers Train

Author: Illustrator: Sean Sims
Publisher: Oxford
Interest age: 2-3

Join the crew of the intergalactic numbers train as it prepares to blast off into space! There are so many fun things to count in this beautifully illustrated picture book for children learning numbers.

Cheeky Monkey

Author: Zehra Hicks
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 2-5

A cute little red monkey wants to play, but nobody wants to play with her! She accidentally causes havoc wherever she goes in her search for a playmate - until she says a magic word that makes everybody want to play with her.

Supertato: Super Squad

Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 2-3

Supertato is on a mission to teach Evil Pea a lesson and rallies the Super Squad to help - but what do sprinkle-covered cupcakes have to do with defeating their nemesis? A hilarious, action-packed, and delicious picture book.

I Really Really Need A Wee

Author: Karl Newson Illustrator: Duncan Beedie
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 2-3

Whilst she's out and about, little Bush Baby suddenly really, REALLY needs a wee! A funny book that relates the universal experience of needing a wee and not being able to find anywhere to go, I Really Really Need a Wee reminds readers of the importance of going before you leave the house.

Colours with a Ladybird

Author: Dawn Sirett Illustrator: Rachael Parfitt Hunt
Publisher: DK
Interest age: 4-5

Ladybird is on a mission to collect all the shiny rainbow boots from different animals. A bright and highly interactive board book with engaging finger trails, which helps children to learn basic colours and animal vocabulary and develop their fine motor skills.

When Cucumber Lost His Cool

Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Tom Knight
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 3-6

A super-chilled cucumber hands out confidence tips to his foody friends, but when he starts to feel left out, he totally loses his cool. Exploring anxiety and jealousy, this laugh-out-loud story is a super fun way for children to think about emotions.

The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat

Author: Em Lynas Illustrator: Matt Hunt
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 7+

A hilarious, zany picture book about a stoat, a boat and a goat (in a colourful coat!) written in clever rhyme and tongue twister text.

Mae Stoat yn arnofio yn ei hoff gwch nes i afr, sydd awydd arnofio mewn cwch, darfu arno. Ond dydy Stoat ddim yn hapus o gwbl – cwch Stoat ydy hwn ac yn sicr nid yw'n lle addas i afr!

My Dad is a Grizzly Bear

Author: Swapna Haddow Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 4-5

The dad in this book is very bearish - he loves honey, chases his little boy around while growling, and naps everywhere. And there's nothing like a grizzly bear hug from your dad to make you feel safe. A charming picture book celebrating all the bear-like dads out there.