Books about mythical creatures for 0-5

Yeti and the Bird

Mythical creatures can be exciting, wild, thrilling . . . and if you find one, they can become a good friend. In the early years, children love reading about imaginary creatures - and drawing their own. This selection of books could be used to inspire creativity and empathy.  

  • There's No Such Thing as Dragons

    There's No Such Thing as Dragons

    Author: Lucy Rowland Illustrator: Katy Halford
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 3-5
    Reading age: 8+

    When a little boy is told by his grandpa that there’s no such thing as dragons, he doesn’t believe it for a second. But if the boy has any chance of proving that the mythological beasts are real, he needs proof!

    Yn llawn darluniau bywiog, lliwgar, mae yna lawer o fanylion i'w mwynhau, gan gynnwys dreigiau cudd y bydd y plant wrth eu boddau'n dod o hyd iddyn…

  • Big Bad Dragon Club

    Big Bad Dragon Club

    Author: Beach
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster
    Interest age: 2-5
    Reading age: 5+

    A funny picture book about dragons learning they don't always have to be bad!

  • Don’t Ask the Dragon

    Don’t Ask the Dragon

    Author: Lemn Sissay Illustrator: Greg Stobbs
    Publisher: Canongate
    Interest age: 3-5

    A charming tale about a young boy who wonders where is home. With the help of some animals and wise dragon, he discovers home is never far away. The first children's book from bestselling author and poet Lemn Sissay, this is a lovely celebration of curiosity and belonging. 

  • How to Grow a Unicorn

    How to Grow a Unicorn

    Author: Rachel Morrisroe Illustrator: Steven Lenton
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 2-4

    A beautifully illustrated book about a young girl who gets more than she bargains for when she buys a packet of unicorn seeds for her grandmother. Fun and magical. 

  • Unicorn Not Wanted

    Unicorn Not Wanted

    Author: Fred Blunt
    Publisher: Happy Yak
    Interest age: 4-5

    This is NOT a story about unicorns. Or pugs. It is set in the Wild West, with cowboys. But hang on a minute – who’s that? Toddlers will giggle away as a unicorn and pug desperately try to infiltrate this very silly picture book story.

  • If I Had A Unicorn

    If I Had A Unicorn

    Author: Gabby Dawnay Illustrator: Alex Barrow
    Publisher: Thames & Hudson
    Interest age: 2-5

    A beautifully illustrated daydream about an ideal pet with superpowers and rainbow poo!

  • The Singing Mermaid

    The Singing Mermaid

    Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
    Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
    Interest age: 3+
    Reading age: 6+

    When Sam Sly invites the Singing Mermaid to join the circus, she is excited by the promise of fame and fortune. But things are not what they seem, and the Singing Mermaid soon finds herself confined to a fish tank, longing for the freedom of the ocean.

  • Freddie and the Fairy

    Freddie and the Fairy

    Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Karen George
    Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
    Interest age: 3+
    Reading age: 6+

    Freddie rescues a fairy who offers to grant him his every wish. The only problem is that she can't hear very well, and so his wishes result in some unexpected surprises...

  • Yeti and the Bird

    Yeti and the Bird

    Author: Nadia Shireen
    Publisher: Jonathan Cape
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 6+

    Yeti is all alone in the forest: he is so big and scary that all the animals leave him alone. Then one day a funny little orange bird turns up

  • The Café at the Edge of the Woods

    The Café at the Edge of the Woods

    Author: Mikey Please
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Interest age: 5-6

    Rene opens a café, but her only customer is an ogre! By disguising her food as disgusting bats and battered mice, she becomes a hit with the locals. A brilliantly illustrated, hilarious picture book.  

  • Troll Swap

    Troll Swap

    Author: Leigh Hodgkinson
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 3+
    Reading age: 6+

    A little girl called Tabitha decides to swap places with Timothy the hairy troll in this lively picture book.

  • Grandad’s Secret Giant

    Grandad’s Secret Giant

    Author: David Litchfield
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-5

    Although the Secret Giant is rarely seen, grandad is convinced he exists. Maybe he's lonely, and just needs a friend? There's a mysterious luminosity to the illustrations of this magical story about accepting people who are different.

  • Are You a Monster.jpg

    Are You a Monster?

    Author: Guilherme Karsten
    Publisher: Happy Yak
    Interest age: 4-5

    Are you a monster? No? Well, can you make a big loud noise? Oh no…! A wonderfully fun and brilliantly interactive picture book for all ages.

  • Monsters Never Get Haircuts

    Monsters Never Get Haircuts

    Author: Marie-Hélène Versini Illustrator: Vincent Boudgourd
    Publisher: Boxer Books
    Interest age: 4-5

    Let’s get to know monsters a little better.What do they like? What don’t they like? The simple text promotes conversations about what makes us different, using slightly scary – but thrilling! –monsters.