Children�s favourites

Some children’s books we keep going back to again and again. But what’s the secret to a good children’s book?

Is it the illustrations that captivates childen the most, or the story itself that ignites their imagination? Perhaps the lyrical nature of the words, or the fantastic pop-ups.

As part of the National Year of Reading we'd love to hear from you and share your thoughts on the website. Please tell us which books you and your children love to read together and why they have been such favourites.

We will publish as many of your entries as possible. Submissions may be slightly edited.

Terms and Conditions

One of our favourites is Sanji and the Baker written by Robin Tzannes and illustrated by the fantastic Korky Paul.
My daughter never tires of all the wonderful detail in the illustration and the story is witty with a neat twist. For me, it is fun to put on the voices and pull the faces of the characters while I read it to her.

Elizabeth Ixer

Pants by Giles Andreae and Nick Sharratt.
My son is 21 months and doesn't tire of this book, usually wanting it repeated 2 or 3 times. It was his first book, bought and read to by his cousin at least 5 times at the hospital when he was just 24 hours old! He seems to love the way it rhymes and points to the pictures as I read. We're currently eagerly waiting to receive More Pants!

Jane Chandler

I'm Not Cute by Jonathan Allen. This was a book given by Bookstart and my little boy loves it so much he follows me round with the book.
Also The Pig In The Pond by Martin Waddell. My little boy loves the animals in this book and the noises they make.

Jo

Teddy Robinson by Joan Robinson. I loved this collection of stories when I was little and plan to read them to my baby (due in March). The illustrations and stories are so lovely.

Ruth Settle

Enid Blyton's The magic faraway tree. My mum read it to me as a little girl around 30 years ago and I just can't wait to read it to my daughter when she is old enough.

Andrea

My two year old daughter and I love reading together. Her favorite books at the moment are Alice the fairy by David Shannon; she even dresses up as her when playing. Also we love reading Jez Alborough's Duck series. Personally I love Guess how much I love you by Sam McBratney. I have loved this book for years, and as soon as I had my own child, I read this to her every opportunity!

Wendy Rhodes

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell - a lift-the-flap book with animals. My 16-month-old son loves it and likes to make the animal noises now he is getting a bit older.
Another favourite is The Very Clever Crocodile by Jack Tickle - the pop ups are fantastic and very 3D. They frightened him a little at first but now he loves it.

Natalie Murphy

Bear About Town by Stella Blackstone. My daughter has loved this book since she was about 6 months old, and a year later, it's still going strong! The pictures are bright with just the right amount of detail for a toddler who enjoys pointing things out, and it's accompanied by a jaunty rhyming text

Val Cobbin

Peace at last by Jill Murphy. My daughter, who is just 2, loves this book as much as any other book, although I do suspect she likes hearing me take on the voice of a very tired daddy!! (I've had plenty of practice).

Heather

Koko the Crocodile by Mara Menzies. This was a book I chanced upon written by a local African/Scottish author. My daughter is 7 months old and adores it. The illustrations are unique and bright and the rhyming story is delightful. Reading it together at bedtime is always a pleasure.

Matthew Sykes

George�s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl. My four-year-old son loves to "mix potions and set traps" so this book really captured his imagination.

Louise Manning

The Gruffalo - the pictures, the rhyme, the clever twist, the chance to act out while I read it, watching my 4-year-old act out while she recites it... what's not to love.

Lullabyhullaballoo - a particular favourite of many Mick Inkpen favourites. This story has subtle rhythm, rhyme and repetition, the quirky Inkpen humour and a fabulous fold out layout.

I am not sleepy and I will not go to bed: A fabulous story every parent and child can relate to, with the funky artwork of Lauren Child and a cool prose style that my daughters love to copy (actually Mummy...).

I can't count the number of times I have read these stories, and I don't care. They all grab our attention with meticulous illustrations which can be explored, and distinctive writing styles which appeal to children and adults can appreciate the skill involved.

Jennifer Downs

Koko the Crocodile by Mara Menzies. This was a book I chanced upon written by a local African/Scottish author. My daughter is 7 months old and adores it. The illustrations are unique and bright and the rhyming story is delightful. Reading it together at bedtime is always a pleasure.

Matthew Sykes

Each Peach Pear Plum - Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Tall - Jez Alborough. Our 15-month-old boy loves bright pictures, animals and flaps. Most of all though he loves turning the pages! Board books are definitely essential at the moment!

Rebecca Godfrey

We have recently discovered Shirley Hughes' Alfie stories! Absolutely wonderful - beautiful drawings and heart warming attention to detail story-wise - perfect!

Julie Welby

Further resources

Best-Book-guides Booktrust Best Book Guides
Download our free guides to the best children’s books.

See more recommended books from the Booktrust children’s books website.
www.booktrustchildrensbooks.org.uk

We also produce guides for parents in our Bookstart packs, each tailored for children's specific ages: