Books about soft toys for 0-5
Soft toys are a source of comfort for many young children, and they are often taken absolutely everywhere. These books show beloved companions on exciting adventures with their child, occasionally getting lost, and always being adored.
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Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?
Author: Alex Macdonald
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-5
Penguin sits on his beloved teddy Mikki Olsen and then can’t find him. Can you spot the teddy? A funny, interactive book that should make toddlers giggle with delight.
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Constance in Peril
Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 4-5
Ben Manley and Emma Chichester Clark’s absolutely delightful story about a much-loved toy will strike a chord of recognition in all children who may have a "Constance" doll of their own. Funny, charming and offbeat.
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Drew, Moo and Bunny, Too
Author: Owen Sheers Illustrator: Helen Stephens
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+With soft yet dramatic illustrations, and a rollicking rhythm and rhyme to the words, this is a delight to read aloud. It would be suitable for pre-schoolers, but also even up to 8 year olds, with lots to discuss and the sound of the words to enjoy.
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Winnie-the-Pooh
Author: A A Milne Illustrator: E H Shepard
Publisher: Methuen
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+No child's library could be complete without A A Milne's stories about Pooh, Christopher Robin and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
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Dogger
Author: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 2-5
Dogger is Dave's special toy. So when Dogger gets lost at the funfair, Dave is desolate. Will they find each other again? Exploring concepts of love, loss and kindness, this classic tale will be cherished by the entire family and will particularly appeal to any child who has a favourite toy.
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Dexter Lost his Boo-Woo
Author: Shane Hegarty Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-5
A funny and rhyming picture book about favourite toys, blankies and snugglies, and what happens when we lose them, with a really enjoyable, readable rhyme.
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Bear Shaped
Author: Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 2-6
This beautiful picture book is based on the true story of a family’s public search for a missing toy. The Jack of the illustrations are utterly convincing, a testimony to the fact that the illustrator worked so closely with the ‘real’ Jack (who happens to be on the autistic spectrum). Delicate, timeless artwork also cleverly incorporates all sorts of satisfy…
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The Velveteen Rabbit: Or How Toys Become Real
Author: Margery Williams Illustrator: Sarah Massini
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+Since 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit has grabbed the hearts of families everywhere. It's the story of a toy rabbit who becomes 'Real' through a little boy's love - and a lovely reminder for children to keep believing in magic and imagination and hope.
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Lionheart
Author: Richard Collingridge
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 6+With his beloved soft toy Lionheart at his side, Richard has the courage to confront his night-time fears. This enchanting picture book has warm, atmospheric illustrations.
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Knuffle Bunny
Author: Mo Willems
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+On a routine visit to the laundrette in their Brooklyn neighbourhood, Dad accidentally puts Trixie’s beloved stuffed animal into the machine along with the washing.
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The Everywhere Bear
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Rebecca Cobb
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-5
This picture book about a missing toy bear somehow seems like a classic already - with a lovely whiff of nostalgia about it all, while also feeling very current and gently inclusive.
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Tatty Ratty
Author: Helen Cooper
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 5+Molly is very upset when she loses her beloved toy, Tatty Ratty. Her parents console her by helping her imagine all the wonderful adventures Tatty Ratty is having while he is away.
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That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown
Author: Cressida Cowell Illustrator: Neal Layton
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 5-6
Reading age: 6+Emily and her toy rabbit, Stanley, love to go on adventures together.
