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Great picture books for the summer holidays

Pass It On

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!

  • The Cloudspotter

    The Cloudspotter

    Author: Tom McLaughlin
    Publisher: Bloomsbury

    Franklin was called 'The Cloudspotter' - and he didn't want to share his clouds with anyone. That's why he pops the infuriating Scruffy Dog into a hot-air balloon and lets her fly away. A charming story about a lonely little boy who finds a friend.

  • Hedgehog Holidays

    Hedgehog Holidays

    Author: Ruth Green
    Publisher: Tate

    Herbert and Hilda Hedgehog have been enjoying a book about the seaside and decide to go and see it for themselves. This gentle story has a bouncy rhyme, and the tone remains sweet and upbeat throughout.

  • Hector and Hummingbird

    Hector and Hummingbird

    Author: Nicholas John Frith
    Publisher: Scholastic/Alison Green Books

    The story of Hector and Hummingbird is a lovely one for children with - sometimes irritating but always lovable - little brothers and sisters. The 1950s style and colouring of this fantastic picture book is very appealing.

  • Going to the Volcano

    Going to the Volcano

    Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: Miguel Ordonez
    Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books

    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 and anarchic picture book from the author of the Mr Gum series is ideal for reading aloud.

  • We Are Not Frogs!

    We Are Not Frogs!

    Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Sam Usher
    Publisher: Picture Squirrels

    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 nature tale and Sam Usher's sensitive and funny illustrations bring this story hoppingly alive.

  • Come Away from the Water, Shirley

    Come Away from the Water, Shirley

    Author: John Burningham
    Publisher: Red Fox

    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 vibrant depiction of Shirley’s magical inner world. Fantastic.

  • I Need a Wee!

    I Need a Wee!

    Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster

    Alan the bear is having a fantastic time at the funfair until he starts dancing in that unmistakeable way and his friends have to help him find somewhere he can have a wee. But unfortunately there's nowhere to go, until Alan stumbles onto a stage and manages to win a most useful (and capacious) trophy.

  • Billy and the Beast

    Billy and the Beast

    Author: Nadia Shireen
    Publisher: Puffin

    Billy and her friend Fatcat are enjoying a walk in the woods when they notice that the bunnies and mice have gone missing – and a hungry Beast is collecting ingredients for a terrible soup. An empowering story, full of humour and humanity. 

  • Harold’s Hungry Eyes

    Harold’s Hungry Eyes

    Author: Kevin Waldron
    Publisher: Phaidon

    Young readers will love this story of hungry Harold the dog, and have a great time spotting all the original places that food has replaced normal everyday items. Kevin Waldron's artwork is bright and colourful with a quirky, modern use of collage.

  • Pass It On

    Pass It On

    Author: Sophy Henn
    Publisher: Puffin

    The little girl in this bright, happy book embraces the simple act of passing on smiles, laughs, chuckles and whoops to others.

  • Bee

    Bee

    Author: Britta Teckentrup
    Publisher: Little Tiger

    This bee-autiful and special book takes children on a poetic journey through the bee's day.

  • Smart About Sharks

    Smart About Sharks

    Author: Owen Davey
    Publisher: Flying Eye

    Presenting an ever-popular topic, this fantastic, high quality illustrated book is fascinating and attractive.