Great Books Guide 2021: for 4 to 5 year olds
Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any child aged 4 to 5 will love.
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Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep
Author: Catherine Rayner
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 2-4
A perfect bedtime book, Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is tenderly illustrated in watercolour as always by Rayner, giving readers gentle pages to fall into and inspire soft, reassuring dreams.
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Meet the Oceans
Author: Caryl Hart Illustrator: Bethan Woollvin
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-8
A vibrant picture book all about the incredible bodies of water which make up most of our planet, providing young readers with a lively introduction to the importance of looking after the world's oceans.
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Just One of Those Days
Author: Jill Murphy
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 2-5
Everyone in the Bear household is having a difficult day - even Baby Bear! Luckily, it's nothing a pair of cosy pyjamas and pizza for tea can't solve.
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Pirate Stew
Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-8
A little boy and his sister are surprised to say the least when their babysitter turns out to be a huge, bearded pirate - and he's invited all his friends round for stew! A great book for storytime with brilliant illustration by former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell.
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I Say Boo, You Say Hoo
Author: John Kane
Publisher: Templar Books
Interest age: 4-8
The rules are simple: if you see the colour blue, you must shout out Stinky Poo! If you see a tree, you have to shout ME! Sounds easy enough - but things get sillier and sillier in this hilarious call and response book.
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What Happened To You?
Author: James Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George
Publisher: Faber
Interest age: 4-8
Joe just wants to play pirates, but the other children notice that he only has one leg and start asking him a barrage of questions. A stunningly clever book with a clear message that someone who happens to be disabled is not a teaching tool, with practical advice for parents on handling questions about this.
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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.
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Spaghetti Hunters
Author: Morag Hood
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 2-5
Duck is looking for his spaghetti, but he can’t find it anywhere! Fortunately, Tiny Horse, self-proclaimed spaghetti hunter, has all the kit to help them find the elusive pasta.
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Barbara Throws A Wobbler
Author: Nadia Shireen
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 3-5
Nadia Shireen’s brilliant book about temper tantrums is a definite must-have for any parents of 3-5 year olds who may have had a wobbler or two. As ever, Shireen’s humour and empathy with little ones shines through.
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Dog Gone
Author: Rob Biddulph
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 4-5
When Edward Pugglesworth loses his owner, Dave, in the woods, he's sure he's done for - but maybe his dog walk hasn't gone as wrong as he thinks?
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The Hospital Dog
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 2-5
This is the charming story of Dot the dalmatian, a very special dog indeed, who finds out just how important her hospital visits are. The story is told in rhyming couplets which are delicious to read aloud and share with children, and the bright, inclusive illustrations are full of life, warmth and expression.
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Ned and the Great Garden Hamster Race
Author: Kim Hillyard
Publisher: Ladybird
Interest age: 3-6
There’s only one thing on Ned’s mind today and that’s winning. A funny, heartwarming story about a little hamster, a big race and the value of kindness.
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Not That Pet!
Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-5
An enjoyable rhyming book with wholesome illustrations, Not That Pet! is perfect for young families considering bring an animal into their lives, and a lovely story about an everyday family and their dynamics.
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I Am Every Good Thing
Author: Derrick Barnes Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 7+The little boy depicted in this gorgeous book is a ball of energy; a gentleman and a scholar; a hilarious friend and a good brother. But, sometimes, he is afraid of the world around him. A stunning visual poem dedicated to supporting and loving black boys.
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Octopus Shocktopus!
Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Steven Lenton
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 3-5
One day, a huge pink octopus appears on the roof of a young family’s house, and despite the fire brigade’s best efforts, it seems that it’s there to stay! Peter Bently’s wonderfully crafted rhyming story is brilliant to read aloud.
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Coming to England
Author: Floella Benjamin Illustrator: Diane Ewen
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 4-5
This picture book autobiography explores the early life of Floella Benjamin, celebrated writer, actress and television presenter. It begins in her childhood home of Trinidad and charts her move to England in 1960 as part of the Windrush generation.
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The Pirate Mums
Author: Jodie Lancet-Grant Illustrator: Lydia Corry
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5
This brilliantly fun story about a day out gone awry - and two seriously committed pirate mums - is a lovely book to read aloud, with a heart-warming message.
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It's Only Stanley
Author: Jon Agee
Publisher: Scallywag Press
Interest age: 3-6
The Wimbledon family keep getting woken up by their dog, Stanley - what could he possibly be up to in the middle of the night? Find out in this brilliantly inventive and funny picture book.
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Can Bears Ski?
Author: Raymond Antrobus Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-6
Why do people keep asking Little Bear "Can bears ski?" A lovely and authentic picture book about hearing loss, inspired by the author's earliest memory of being read to as a child.
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The Runaway Pea Washed Away
Author: Kjartan Poskitt Illustrator: Alex Willmore
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 4-5
The Runaway Pea returns in this madcap adventure which sees him washed down the plughole and on his way to the big wide world!