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A great picture book is a child's first taste of the magic of reading - and often a grown-up's favourite part of the day too. Long before a child can read a word, sharing a picture book builds language, imagination and the warm association between books and being loved that lasts a lifetime. The best of them work on the hundredth reading as well as the first.
The short answer
- The one to start with
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler — rhymes children learn by heart
- Best for babies
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell — flaps to lift, over and over
- Best modern classic
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr — tea, cake and one very hungry tiger
What makes a brilliant picture book?
Look for rhythm and rhyme that beg to be read aloud, illustrations a child can pore over and find something new in each time, and a story short enough to hold a small attention span but rich enough not to wear thin for the adult reading it. Repetition and a satisfying refrain are gold - they're how little ones join in and, soon enough, 'read' the book back to you. The titles below are the modern classics that do all of this.
Our pick of the best picture books
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Counting, colours, days of the week and a glorious ending - the bright, die-cut classic every childhood deserves.“This is a much-loved classic but as relevant today as it was when first published in 1969!”Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
A rhythmic, joinable-in adventure made to be chanted aloud; 'we can't go over it, we can't go under it…'“A signed, limited edition of the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury”Our review, by Julia Eccleshare MBE
Reviewed by Julia Eccleshare MBEThe Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
A clever mouse, a made-up monster and irresistible rhyme; the modern bedtime classic.“Former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson followed up her best-selling The Gruffalo with a story about The Gruffalo’s Child”Our review, by Julia Eccleshare MBE
Reviewed by Julia Eccleshare MBEWhere the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Max, the wild rumpus and the comfort of coming home; a perfect, timeless picture book about big feelings.“Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor : "The text is very minimal but perfect - and the illustrations are glorious”Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamDear Zoo by Rod Campbell
A lift-the-flap favourite for the very youngest - simple, surprising and endlessly re-readable.“What is the perfect pet?”Our review, by Julia Eccleshare MBE
Reviewed by Julia Eccleshare MBEGuess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Little Nutbrown Hare and a gentle bedtime contest of love; tender and reassuring.“A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month February 2018 | One of our special picks for Mothering Sunday A delightful gift set with a board book and 24 baby cards to record the special moments in your baby's life”Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
Reviewed by the LoveReading4Kids teamThe Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
An unexpected stripy guest empties the cupboards; a whimsical, much-loved tea-time tale.“A wonderful story about believing in the unexpected and magical”Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
Audiobook read by Geraldine McEwanEach Peach Pear Plum by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
An I-spy rhyme woven through nursery-rhyme characters; beautiful, clever and made for sharing.“Kate Greenaway Medal winner in 1978”Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
Chosen by experts, not an algorithm
Every title is chosen by LoveReading4Kids' children's-book specialists - people who share books with real children every day. We've recommended on merit since 2005, and through our Schools Reading Programme we see which stories truly capture the very youngest readers. When you buy through us, up to 25% of the cover price can go to a school of your choice.
Each is named, with a photograph and full biography, on our editorial experts page.
Members of the panel include:
Julia Eccleshare MBEAward-winning children’s literature expert and former Guardian Children’s Editor
Joy CourtLeading children’s literature expert and former Chair of the CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals
Amy McKayFormer UK School Librarian of the Year and Yoto Carnegies National Coordinator
Deborah MaclarenLoveReading CEO and literary prize judge, championing books and reading for pleasure
Making the most of picture books
Read with expression, point at the pictures and let your child turn the pages - and don't worry about reading the 'same one again'. That repetition is exactly how early language and confidence grow. A picture book loved to tatters is a job well done.
Your questions answered
What age are picture books for?
Picture books suit babies through to around five, and many are loved well beyond that. The youngest enjoy bold images, flaps and rhythm; preschoolers follow more of the story. There's no rush - picture books build language and a love of reading long before a child reads alone.
How do picture books help my child learn to read?
Enormously. Sharing them builds vocabulary, listening, and the understanding that print carries meaning - all foundations for reading. Rhyme and repetition tune a child's ear to the sounds of language, and joining in with a favourite refrain is often the very first 'reading' a child does.
Who picks these picture books?
Our LoveReading4Kids experts, with insight from real schools through the Schools Reading Programme. Each choice rests on human judgement about which books genuinely delight the very youngest readers - never on a sales ranking or a trending list.
My toddler wants the same book every night. Is that okay?
More than okay - it's brilliant. Rereading a favourite is how young children master language, anticipate the story and build confidence. Follow their lead; the book they demand again and again is doing exactly the job a great picture book should.