Quentin Blake books
Quentin Blake has been bringing stories and poems to life for decades - and his instantly recognisable illustrations are still making children smile today.
The first ever Children's Laureate has some wonderful books under his belt - whether it's his own wonderful titles, his collaborations with writers like John Yeoman and Michael Rosen, or his iconic illustrations of classic Roald Dahl stories.
We've put together a list of just some of our favourites for you and your family to enjoy.
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Quentin Blake's ABC
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+Learning your alphabet has never been so much fun as with this brilliantly funny book from a favourite author and illustrator Quentin Blake.
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Quentin Blake's Nursery Rhyme Book
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 1+
Reading age: 6+This collection of lesser-known nursery rhymes from the 1950s, with lively illustrations by Quentin Blake, will introduce children to a host of intriguing characters.
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The Five of Us
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 4+This book is testament to Blake's belief that all children need to be able find themselves in books.
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Angelica Sprocket's Pockets
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox Picture Books
Interest age: 3-5
Angelica’s small chums are enchanted by the contents of her pockets which include mice, cheese, hankies, frying pans, umbrellas and much more!
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Patrick
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 0
Reading age: 6+Setting out to buy a violin, Patrick finds that playing it transforms not only his outlook on life, but the lives of all he meets, be it plant, animal or human!
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Michael Rosen's Sad Book
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 6+The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Michael Rosen's Sad Book, which deals with the death of the author's own son.
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Revolting Rhymes
Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+This is an hilarious collection of some well-loved fairy tales, cleverly reinvented by Roald Dahl.
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All The Year Round
Author: John Yeoman Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+With Quentin Blake's instantly recognisable illustrations, this picture book contains 12 funny poems by John Yeoman: one for each month of the year, with suggested activities. A lovely, funny book that captures the fizz and farce of close family life.
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Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+This modern fairy-tale with a brilliantly inspiring young heroine is one of Roald Dahl's best loved stories.
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Quick, Let’s Get Out of Here
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+Two former Children’s Laureates join forces for this brilliantly entertaining poetry collection for children
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The Box of Delights
Author: John Masefield Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: The Box of Delights
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 6+A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The police don't believe Kay, so when his family and the Bishop are scrobbled up just before Christmas, he knows he must act alone...
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The Tale of Kitty - In - Boots
Author: Beatrix Potter Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 8+Miss Kitty is an elegant and graceful house cat, well-behaved and doted on by her owner. However, at night she sneaks out to the woods to pursue her favourite pastime: poaching!
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Three Little Monkeys
Author: Emma Chichester Clark Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+Three Little Monkeys is the tale of Hilda Snibbs's attempts to keep a trio of messy monkeys under control - and the disasters that occur when she pops out for the afternoon. The story is a romp and promises lots of laughs.
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Flights of Fancy: Stories, Pictures and Inspiration from Ten Children’s Laureates
Author: Quentin Blake Anne Fine Michael Morpurgo Jacqueline Wilson Michael Rosen Julia Donaldson Anthony Browne Malorie Blackman Chris Riddell and Lauren Child
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, the incredible authors and illustrators who have held the title have come together to make one magical anthology, full of inspiration to help children’s imaginations soar.
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A Near Thing for Captain Najork
Author: Russell Hoban Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 8+This is another fantastic collaboration between Hoban and Blake. The story is a joyous, nonsensical tale of misadventure and the illustrations capture the absurdity perfectly.
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The Rain Door
Author: Russell Hoban Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+This adventurous tale is a flawless blend of excitement and surrealism that children are sure to adore.
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The Twenty-Elephant Restaurant
Author: Russell Hoban Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 8+This is sure to raise lots of giggles and become a firm favourite, especially this lovely new hardback edition, which would make the perfect gift.
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Jack and Nancy
Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+Jack and Nancy long to have an adventure - and then one day a strong wind and an umbrella make their wish come true.
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Rumbelow's Dance
Author: John Yeoman Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+Rumbelow is dancing on his way to his grandparents' house - and soon, everyone else is joining in to dance too.
