Babette Cole: some favourites
When Babette Cole died at the beginning of 2017, many authors and fans went into mourning - she was a unique and joyful voice in children's books.
Unafraid to tackle big and tricky issues with a light, hilarious touch, Babette was also prolific - creating over 70 books throughout her career. Her fantastically detailed illustrations have been just as big a part of that achievement as her words.
Unfortunately, we don't have space to list all of Babette's books, so below are just a few that we love to bits - whether that's because they broke ground at the time, had something to say, or just made us laugh really, really hard.
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A Dose of Dr Dog
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 6+The focus on tropical diseases means A Dose of Doctor Dog is not as educational in its focus as the first in the series, Doctor Dog, but it also means that Babette Cole’s anarchic sense of humour can be fully unleashed.
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Prince Cinders
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+Prince Cinders leads a hard life, bullied by his three big hairy brothers - that is, until one Saturday night when Cinders' luck changes
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Princess Smartypants
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+Princess Smartypants is rebellious, independent, and very happy being single - but her parents want her to get married and settle down! This hilarious picture book has a subversive protagonist and a strong message about choosing your own destiny.
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Princess Smartypants and the Missing Princes
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 8+A stroppy, independent-minded princess sets out to solve the mysterious disappearance of the prospective husbands of her three best friends.
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Dr Dog
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Random House Children's
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+Cole's funny illustrations demonstrate serious but easy-to-understand facts about personal hygiene, such as washing your hands, wearing a coat and not picking your nose.
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Mummy Laid an Egg!
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+This facts-of-life book has become a classic, despite its controversial subject matter. Cole firmly believed in children's right to knowledge about their own bodies and the accompanying pictures are never vulgar.
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Princess Smartypants Breaks the Rules
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+As with other books in the Princess Smartypants series, Cole has a lot to say here about gender stereotyping, but the book is more than a conveyor belt for politically correct messaging. The book is beguiling, compelling and droll.
