Books to promote speech and language development

Britannica’s 150 First Words

Author: Claire Laties Davis Illustrator: Kasia Dudziuk

Interest level: 1-2

Reading age:

With a useful and approachable foreword from Claire Laties Davis, a Speech and Language Therapist, this terrific large board book …

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Little fingers will love to follow the very hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through the pages of this classic, colourful,…

Dear Zoo

Author: Rod Campbell

Interest level: 2+

Reading age:

This appealing story, in lift-the-flap, board-book format has been a favourite with toddlers ever since it was first published in …

A Squash and a Squeeze

Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age: 6+

An anxious little old lady has a house that is just too small - but when she asks a wise old man for help, he suggests a rather st…

Oi Frog!

Author: Kes Gray Illustrator: Jim Field

Interest level: 3-6

Reading age:

Bright, bold, expressive illustrations add to the fun in this hilarious picture book with a knockout ending.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Interest level: 2-6

Reading age: 6+

Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.

Holey Moley

Author: Bethan Clarke Illustrator: Anders Frang

Interest level: 3-7

Reading age: 4+

Moles live in holes, right? This funny book plays with rhyme as Gus the Goat tries to guess where his friend Mavis Mole lives.&nbs…

Du Iz Tak?

Author: Carson Ellis

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 6+

A seed is sown in the ground next to a log and grows into a beautiful plant, much to the surprise of some rather stylish insect cr…

Old Macdonald Had a Farm

Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Jill Howarth

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

Young children will love singing along to the familiar nursery rhyme Old Macdonald while learning to count to five in this delight…

Whisper Shout Let It Out!

Author: Madhvi Ramani Illustrator: Anuska Allepuz

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age: 6+

A bold, celebratory book all about children finding their inner voice. Join a group of friends as they experiment with the sounds …

Hen in the Bed

Author: Katrina Charman Illustrator: Guilherme Karsten

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

This charming version of the classic counting song “Ten in the Bed” features a cast of adorable animals all doing the bidding of t…

Are You a Monster?

Author: Guilherme Karsten

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

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

Bear’s Wash Day

Author: Nicola Kent

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

Can you help Bear do the washing by lifting the flaps and turning the wheels? Lots of interactive fun for babies and toddlers, whi…

Quiet!

Author: Kip Alizadeh

Interest level: 2-7

Reading age: 5+

A small child takes us on an auditory tour of her home in this delightful picture of family life, ingeniously interpreted through …

Can You Choo Choo Like a Train?

Author: Illustrator: Cocoretto

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

Roarr!

Author: Sam Taplin Illustrator: Ailie Busby

Interest level: 0-2

Reading age:

Experience excitement of the jungle as wildlife is brought to life by an interactive slider and animal sounds.

Monsters at School

Author: Laura Baker Illustrator: Nina Dzyvulska

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

Join a colourful array of monsters as they head to school for a fun-filled day, in this energetic rhyming picture book.  …

The Thunk

Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Deborah Allwright

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age: 4+

This is a fabulously funny picture book by the author of Ten Fat Sausages, brimming full of Michelle Robinson’s trademark silly hu…

Smelly Peggy

Author: Helen Stephens

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

This delightful picture book about Peggy, a lovable, mischievous and sometimes smelly rescue dog, is full of warmth and gentle hum…

Wow! What a Day!

Author: Illustrator: Alberta Torres

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age: 4+

Follow one toddler’s lively account of their busy day in this charmingly playful and inclusive board book about daily routines for…

Zeki Rise and Shine

Author: Anna McQuinn Illustrator: Ruth Hearson

Interest level: 2-3

Reading age:

Rise and shine, it’s time to wake up for little Zeki. Follow little Zeki as he gets ready with Mummy and Daddy for a morning of fu…