Great picture books for the summer holidays
The summer holidays are here, which means picnics in the park, getaways to the beach and lazing in the back garden (weather permitting).
Take one or two of these books out with you. You can have a read inbetween having lunch and playing on the swings!
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The Misadventures of Frederick
Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 7+
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The Misadventures of Frederick
Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 7+
Emily is playing in the forest when she sees a boy watching her from a grand house. She invites him to play, but his mother refuse…
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The Quiet Crocodile Goes to the Beach
Author: Natacha Andriamirado Illustrator: Delphine Renon
Interest level: 3-5
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The Quiet Crocodile Goes to the Beach
Author: Natacha Andriamirado Illustrator: Delphine Renon
Interest level: 3-5
Reading age:
Fossil the quiet crocodile loves the beach but doesn't like the idea of going in the water. Lots of little ones aren’t sure a…
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Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
Author: Andrea Beaty Illustrator: David Roberts
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 6+
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Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
Author: Andrea Beaty Illustrator: David Roberts
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 6+
Sofia Valdez isn’t just a do-gooder: she’s a do-better, visiting people in her community who can’t get out much, or just stopping …
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How To Be A Lion
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
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How To Be A Lion
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
Leonard is a gentle lion: just because you’re a lion doesn’t mean that you have to roar. A book about ignoring the aggressive…
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The Cloudspotter
Author: Tom McLaughlin
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 6+
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The Cloudspotter
Author: Tom McLaughlin
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 6+
Franklin was called 'The Cloudspotter' - and he didn't want to share his clouds with anyone. That's why he pops the infuriating Sc…
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Hedgehog Holidays
Author: Ruth Green
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
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Hedgehog Holidays
Author: Ruth Green
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
Herbert and Hilda Hedgehog have been enjoying a book about the seaside and decide to go and see it for themselves. This gentle sto…
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Hector and Hummingbird
Author: Nicholas John Frith
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
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Hector and Hummingbird
Author: Nicholas John Frith
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
The story of Hector and Hummingbird is a lovely one for children with - sometimes irritating but always lovable - little brothers …
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Seal Surfer
Author: Michael Foreman
Interest level: 5-8
Reading age: 6+
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Seal Surfer
Author: Michael Foreman
Interest level: 5-8
Reading age: 6+
A welcome re-publication of Foreman's timeless and evocative account of a boy's relationship with life and death.
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Going to the Volcano
Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: Miguel Ordonez
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
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Going to the Volcano
Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: Miguel Ordonez
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
Dwayne is heading off with Jane to look at the volcano. But when they get there, they have a bit of a shock! This hilarious a…
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We Are Not Frogs!
Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Sam Usher
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
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We Are Not Frogs!
Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Sam Usher
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
Alice and Jago are playing in granny's garden one day when they find lots of toads in the long grass. Michael Morpurgo's lovely na…
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Rules of Summer
Author: Shaun Tan
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 5+
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Rules of Summer
Author: Shaun Tan
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 5+
An excellent book illustrating 'what I learned last summer' that would be an inspiring addition to any bookshelf.
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Come Away from the Water, Shirley
Author: John Burningham
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
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Come Away from the Water, Shirley
Author: John Burningham
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 5+
John Burningham’s simple yet sophisticated account of a trip to the seaside is both a masterly drawing of grumpy Mum and Dad and a…
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I Need a Wee!
Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
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I Need a Wee!
Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
Alan the bear is having a fantastic time at the funfair until he starts dancing in that unmistakeable way and his friends have to …
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My Two Grandads
Author: Floella Benjamin Illustrator: Margaret Chamerlain
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 8+
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My Two Grandads
Author: Floella Benjamin Illustrator: Margaret Chamerlain
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 8+
Aston’s granddads are different from each other, but both love playing musical instruments.
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Billy and the Beast
Author: Nadia Shireen
Interest level: 4-6
Reading age: 6+
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Billy and the Beast
Author: Nadia Shireen
Interest level: 4-6
Reading age: 6+
Billy and her friend Fatcat are enjoying a walk in the woods when they notice that the bunnies and mice have gone missing – a…
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Harold’s Hungry Eyes
Author: Kevin Waldron
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
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Harold’s Hungry Eyes
Author: Kevin Waldron
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
Young readers will love this story of hungry Harold the dog, and have a great time spotting all the original places that food has …
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Pass It On
Author: Sophy Henn
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
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Pass It On
Author: Sophy Henn
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
The little girl in this bright, happy book embraces the simple act of passing on smiles, laughs, chuckles and whoops to others.
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Smart About Sharks
Author: Owen Davey
Interest level: 4-12
Reading age: 7+
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Smart About Sharks
Author: Owen Davey
Interest level: 4-12
Reading age: 7+
Presenting an ever-popular topic, this fantastic, high quality illustrated book is fascinating and attractive.
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Finn Family Moomintroll
Author: Tove Jansson Translator: Elizabeth Portch
Interest level: 5-8
Reading age: 6+
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Finn Family Moomintroll
Author: Tove Jansson Translator: Elizabeth Portch
Interest level: 5-8
Reading age: 6+
Moomintroll is cheerful and chubby and lives in the magical Moominvalley with his mother, Moominmamma, his father, Moominpappa and…
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