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A message from Anthony Browne, one of the UK's most brilliant and respected Picture Book Illustrators, who was Children's Laureate 2009-11:

Very Hungry Caterpillar Day – 20 March

 "Picture books are special – they're not like anything else. Sometimes I hear parents encouraging their children to read what they call proper books, books without pictures, at an earlier and earlier age. This makes me sad, as picture books are perfect for sharing, and not just with the youngest children. As a father, I understand the importance of the bond that develops through reading picture books with your child. We have in Britain some of the best picture book makers in the world, and I want to see their books appreciated for what they are – works of art." Picture books, he said, are "perfect for any age".

The books in this genre will have more story than those books featured in the Baby and Toddler genre but still with lots of stunning imagery to share with your child and for them to enjoy alone.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Day – 20 March

As children begin to communicate more readily and are a little more dextrous then you’ll find they want to occupy their mind with books that are a little more challenging, perhaps even with more pages and more of a storyline. 

The picture books in this section with a greater range of text to accompany some absolutely stunning imagery provide a terrific next stage. 

Titles in this section will be refreshed each month with a range of new and older titles that we feel should not to be missed by any young child.

Click here to read some helpful tips from top childrens' publisher Egmont.




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Featured Books for 3+ readers

This Month's Featured Books


Last Month's Featured Books 
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A Bus Called Heaven
A Bus Called Heaven
Bob Graham
Prize-winning illustrator/ author Bob Graham creates a magical story of how a community is changed by the arrival of a broken down old bus. Led by Stella, everyone gets involved in smartening up the bus and everyone has a smile...
Format: Hardback - Released: 02/02/2012
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One Cool Cat
One Cool Cat
Susannah Corbett
Meet One Cool Cat. He’s got it all: the swagger, the looks, the coolness, so what else could he possibly need? Certainly not luck - One Cool Cat puts this theory to the test as he walks under ladders and confidently breaks a...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/03/2012
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Utterly Lovely One
Utterly Lovely One
Mary Murphy
Warmly expressed, this is a wonderful outpouring of the special love between a parent and a growing baby. This time, the parent is a crane and the baby is a delightful baby cranelet. Unabashed at pouring out so much emotion,...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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The Great Explorer
The Great Explorer
Chris Judge
Resourceful Tom has a great fantasy adventure in this exciting and action-packed story with clear, bold illustrations. Setting out to find his father who has gone missing on an expedition to the North Pole, Tom sails through icebergs, flees from...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Goat Goes to Playgroup
Goat Goes to Playgroup
Julia Donaldson
Playgroup has begun. Time to have some fun. A comforting story for any child starting at, or already attending, a playgroup. Perfect for reading aloud, even the youngest toddler will enjoy Goat's antics. 
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/02/2012
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Clare Beaton's Bedtime Rhymes
Clare Beaton's Bedtime Rhymes
Clare Beaton
Classic bedtime rhymes for small children, including favourites like ‘I See the Moon’, ‘Wee Willie Winkie’ and ‘Brahms’ Lullaby’. Soothing poems have been chosen to develop language and learning skills, while also encouraging peaceful and relaxing bedtimes. Click here for more by Clare...
Format: Board book - Released: 01/01/2012
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Mole's Sunrise
Mole's Sunrise
Jeanne Willis
A beautifully illustrated and moving story about a blind mole who wonders what a sunset is like.  This is a heart-warming tale about the shared experience of blind Mole and his friends. You're in the right place if you want a...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Icky Little Duckling
Icky Little Duckling
Steve Smallman
What a delightful story featuring a rather bemused rabbit who ends up with none other than a duckling in his burrow.  However, rabbit doesn't want duckling to stay but duckling has other ideas.  I wonder if they'll learn to live...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/02/2012
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Happiness is a Watermelon on Your Head
Happiness is a Watermelon on Your Head
Daniel Hahn
This is a brilliantly funny picture book to share with any toddler.  Parent and child are sure to laugh through it as you meet three rather miserable ladies who live in a completely mad world but by the end of...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/02/2012
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One Kiss, One Hug
One Kiss, One Hug
Jason Chapman
A lovely, warm hug of a story, this deliciously funny and resonant book showcases a stunning new illustration style from an established author/illustrator.  
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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My Very First Easter Playtime Activity Book with Stickers
My Very First Easter Playtime Activity Book with Stickers
Lois Rock
This book of on-the-page puzzles, games and stories - with a page of stickers to use to complete the activities throughout - will provide lots of fun for little ones in the run-up to Easter. Using Easter symbols and spring...
Format: Paperback - Released: 20/01/2012
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The Lion Bible for Me
The Lion Bible for Me
Christina Goodings
Toddlers will be delighted to own this colourful Bible, which is comprehensive yet very accessible with 46 stories about all the key people and events in the Bible told in short, simple episodes (a double-page spread for each) with lots...
Format: Hardback - Released: 17/02/2012
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My Green Day
My Green Day
Melanie Walsh
Tips for going green in everyday life are easily followed in this beautiful picture book introduction to conserving the world. Saving on fuels by making use of nature for things like drying clothes, composting, not wasting food, home cooking and...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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I Don't Want to be a Pea!
I Don't Want to be a Pea!
Ann Bonwill
A celebration of friendship and of differences, this is a touching story of developing friendship and accommodating the feelings of others. Hippos and peas belong together and Hugo and Bella are no exception. But there are times when they cannot...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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The House of 12 Bunnies
The House of 12 Bunnies
Caroline Stills, Sarcia Stills-Blott
Bedtime with one baby may seem bad. Try it with 12 bunnies! 12 of everything means there is masses to count as the bunnies, eat, wash, play and get to bed. Readers will love helping Sophie to find the one...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/06/2011
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Here Comes the Poo Bus
Here Comes the Poo Bus
Andy Stanton
Prize-winning funny book author Andy Stanton of Mr Gum fame has created a gleefully gruesome picture book celebrating just about everything that is nasty! When Uncle toad invites and all to hop aboard his bus they think they are in...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Clare Beaton's Farmyard Rhymes
Clare Beaton's Farmyard Rhymes
Clare Beaton
Full of life, the beautifully stitched pictures of familiar farm animals each perfectly matched with a rhyme makes a wonderful introduction to sheep, cows and horses. A wonderful book to read again and again at bedtime. Click here for more...
Format: Board book - Released: 01/01/2012
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Christopher's Caterpillars
Christopher's Caterpillars
Charlotte Middleton
The wonder of nature is brilliantly captured in this endearing story of what happens when you try to make pets out of caterpillars. Guinea pigs Christopher and his friend Posie love their garden and they love caterpillars too. But they...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/02/2012
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Bella's Butterfly Ball
Bella's Butterfly Ball
Anna Nilsen
The follow-up to the very popular Bella's Midsummer Secret.  A lovely story containing everything children would expect from a fairy book.  Beautifully illustrated with large flaps to lift and a special pop-up surprise at the end.
Format: Paperback - Released: 26/01/2012
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Love Monster
Love Monster
Rachel Bright
No one likes a funny-looking monster with sticking-out teeth and staring, googly eyes – especially if he lives in Cutesville, the home of cuddly bunnies and fluffy kitties. Poor Monster! Will he find happiness? He just needs one person to...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Wolf Won't Bite!
Wolf Won't Bite!
Emily Gravett
Roll up! Roll up! Kate Greenaway medal winner Emily Gravett will make children laugh uproariously as the foolish pigs risk all. The three circus-owning pigs make the wolf the star of their show. They can make him stand on a...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/02/2012
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My Mum and Dad They Make Me Laugh
My Mum and Dad They Make Me Laugh
Nick Sharratt
Mum is crazy about spots - spotty clothes, spotty wallpaper, spotty games like dominoes; Dad loves stripes - stripy suits and stripy ties, stripy humbug sweets. No wonder they make their son laugh - mind you, they think that he's...
Format: Paperback - Released: 02/02/2012
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Where the Wild Things are
Where the Wild Things are
Maurice Sendak
Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor: "The text is very minimal but perfect - and the illustrations are glorious. This isn't a scary book in the slightest, though the monsters are grotesque, equipped with very sharp teeth and pointy claws.  Little Max...
Format: Paperback - Released: 04/05/2000
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Lavender's Blue
Lavender's Blue
Kathleen Lines
Chosen by February 2012 Guest Editor, Jacqueline Wilson: "I think every child should have a special book of nursery rhymes - these odd quirky strange little verses are a first vital introduction to poetry, and all toddlers love to chant along with...
Format: Paperback - Released: 01/03/2007
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Last Month's Featured Books


This Month's Featured Books 
More Featured Books 
See ALL Featured Books, with Opening Extracts, in this category 

 
Arthur's Dream Boat
Arthur's Dream Boat
Polly Dunbar
This is a highly original and magical picture book with playful, modern touches and a breathtaking colour palette, so enchanting that readers will be scrambling for a seat in Arthur's dream boat!
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/03/2012
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Tell Me the Day Backwards
Tell Me the Day Backwards
Albert Lamb
Brilliantly simple and most effective, the device of telling a day backwards makes a perfect structure for a picture book. Mummy Bear is tucking Baby Bear up for the night; before falling asleep they recall the story of their incident-packed...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Ella
Ella
Alex T. Smith
Ella is a little ladybird with big dreams. Her ugly wasp stepsisters make her do all the housework, all of the time, and Ella feels very sad. Then one day the famous Parisian artist Pierre decides to throw a Grand...
Format: Hardback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Monkey Red, Monkey Blue
Monkey Red, Monkey Blue
Nicki Greenberg
Jolly chaos follows Monkey Red and Monkey Blue, the two bad monkeys who run amuck after bedtime. Together they create a riotous midnight feast; fruit salad, pancakes, popcorn - there’s food everywhere and it flies across the page in a...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/01/2012
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Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Ox and the Yak and Other Stories
Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Ox and the Yak and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
The Children's Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: Odd Pet and Other Stories
Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: Odd Pet and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
The Children's Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: Top Cat and Other Stories
Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: Top Cat and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
The Children's Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging...
Format: Paperback - Released: 13/01/2012
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Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Scrap Rocket and Other Stories
Oxford Reading Tree Songbirds: The Scrap Rocket and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
The Children's Laureate and best-selling author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson has carefully created the Songbirds Phonics series to support children who are learning to read. Julia Donaldson has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop
Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop
Chloe Inkpen, Mick Inkpen
Favourite characters Zoe and Beans are back in this delightfully magical adventure. When Zoe tempts Beans to jump through the hoop with a handful of Choccy Bears she has no idea what will happen next! Poor Beans! The hoop is...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Wild Child
Wild Child
Jeanne Willis
Meet Wild Child! She's spirited and curious. She's fearless and free. She lives alone in a mystical, prehistoric world - the last child in a dramatic landscape, where anything could happen. Follow her through her day as she explores her...
Format: Hardback - Released: 05/01/2012
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This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye
This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye
Richard Byrne
This is a perfect picture book for kids who are just heading off to school or in their first term at school or at a point where they're beginning to progress onto chapter or story books but still enjoy returning...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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The Diabolical Mr Tiddles
The Diabolical Mr Tiddles
Tom McLaughlin
How far will Mr Tiddles the cat go to keep his loving master Harry happy? Harry has longed for a cat but, when Mr Tiddles arrives, things begin to get a bit out of hand. Every day he brings Harry...
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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My Mum's the Best
My Mum's the Best
Rosie Smith
My mum's the best because... Is it her hugs, her kisses, her dancing? Whatever it is that makes a mum the best, this simple, classic book has it all - and features a cast of hilarious animal characters, too!
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Gary and Ray
Gary and Ray
Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams is an exciting new picture book talent and in Gary and Ray she has produced a vividly written and illustrated, delightful story about friendship.
Format: Paperback - Released: 05/01/2012
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Cuddle Bear
Cuddle Bear
Claire Freedman
Meet Cuddle Bear, the unforgettable hero with hugs for everyone! A perfect book for parent and child to share time and time again. Click here to visit the author page for Claire Freedman, where you can read a Q&A including...
Format: Hardback - Released: 02/01/2011
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The Flute
The Flute
Rachna Gilmore
Full of hope springing from adversity, this is a touching story elegantly told, whose mood is captured in beautifully evocative illustrations. Chandra grows up hearing the tunes celebrating the wonders of nature that her mother plays on the magical flute....
Format: Hardback - Released: 28/08/2011
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More Featured Books


This Month's Featured Books 
Last Month's Featured Books 
See ALL Featured Books, with Opening Extracts, in this category 
 
How Do You Feel?
How Do You Feel?
Anthony Browne
Former Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne’s characteristic and affecting illustrations are skilful in capturing simple emotions. Happy, sad, lonely, guilty, confident and shy – all these and more are eloquently expressed on the faces of Browne’s endearing chimpanzees.
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/11/2011
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A House in the Woods
A House in the Woods
Inga Moore
Through its beautiful illustrations, this is a wonderful building story which captures all the joys of sharing. Two little pigs build themselves beautiful new homes. When away wandering in the woods, a moose and bear move in. The pigs are...
Format: Hardback - Released: 06/10/2011
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Has Anyone Seen My Chihuahua?
Has Anyone Seen My Chihuahua?
Clare Wigfall
Playful, vibrant, highly entertaining and brilliantly innovative, this is an original debut picture book about a child's missing chihuahua. Clare's voice is contemporary, accessible and very funny and the words are written in dialogue with accessible yet entertaining language.  The...
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/11/2011
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Chilly Milly Moo
Chilly Milly Moo
Fiona Ross
Cows make milk, don’t they? All the cows make lovely milk except for Milly Moo who always seems to be too hot to be able to make the milk come. Milly fears for her future as a non-milk producing cow...
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/11/2011
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The Lion and the Mouse
The Lion and the Mouse
Jerry Pinkney
A prize-winning book of exceptional beauty, this wordless version of Aesop’s classic story of how a lion’s life is transformed by an act of generosity when it saves the life of a mouse is a gem. The wonderful tawny colours...
Format: Paperback - Released: 06/10/2011
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The Boy Who Hated Toothbrushes
The Boy Who Hated Toothbrushes
Zehra Hicks
A Lovereading4Kids 'Debut of the Year 2011' selection. 3+. Billy hates toothbrushes. He’s tried all kinds but refuses to use any of them! But then he loses a tooth and the tooth fairy leaves him something to make sure the...
Format: Hardback - Released: 03/06/2011
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This Book is Totally Christmassy (Maggie and Rose)
This Book is Totally Christmassy (Maggie and Rose)
Maggie Bolger
An activity book that contains oodles of things to make and do throughout the Christmas season. It is packed with simple games, fun things to make and creative activities for young children. The Maggie & Rose team was set up in...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/11/2011
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The Three Sillies
The Three Sillies
Tony Ross
Silliness of all kinds is wittily celebrated in this delightful picture book. Sensible and handsome George is surprised by the silliness of Jess, the girl he falls in love with. In fact, he is so surprised that he decides he...
Format: Paperback - Released: 03/11/2011
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The Highway Rat
The Highway Rat
Julia Donaldson
Shortlisted for the Galaxy Children's Book of the Year Award 2011 Best-selling author/ illustrator combination Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have teamed up for another great adventure. Many of the creatures that appear in The Gruffalo feature in this rollicking adventure...
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/09/2011
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Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party
Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party
Melanie Watt
Scaredy Squirrel is planning his own birthday but despite the detailed plans,things go swry when the guests arrive. Will he play dead and canel? Or will Scaredy face the music.
Format: Hardback - Released: 01/09/2011
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Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Terrible Secret
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Terrible Secret
Kristina Stephenson
In the dead of night - when the wind is right - there comes a pitiful sobbing; out of the rumbling, grumbling castle and down the side of the hill...Who could it possibly be? And what is this terrible secret...
Format: Paperback - Released: 07/11/2011
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See ALL Featured Books, with Opening Extracts, in this category 
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