Picture books are a good source of entertainment during lockdown days and evenings: incorporating reading into the daily routine can help alleviate stress.Picture books introduce early years children to books they can start to read. They can also educate children about the world as they become more curious. Below are 50 books that deal with a range of themes, issues, characters and settings to provide a fun read for everyone. We hope you enjoy working your way through our long list of recommendations!Handa’s Surprise By Eileen BrowneFollow Handa as she picks fruit for Akeyo and see what happens along the way.The Gruffalo By Julia Donaldson And Axel SchefflerImage © FlickrIf you read The Gruffalo you’ll meet a courageous mouse and a famous monster.One Day On Our Blue Planet By Ella BaileyA cute and curious lion cub is a perfect companion to your child’s imagination as they explore the big blue planet we call home.When I Coloured In The World By Ahmadreza AhmadiImage © Tiny OwlTranslated by to English by Azita Rassi, this is a wonderful book with a powerful message that we can all learn from: there is power in positivity.Kangaroo Kisses By Nandana Dev SenWe can all relate to bedtime delays and Kangaroo Kisses is delightfully relatable with enough fantasy to capture our hearts.The New Small Person By Lauren ChildGaining a new family member is a touching and relatable time for many. This book explores this topic in a poignant way.Last Stop On Market Street By Matt De La PeñaBus journeys can be a prominent memory for many children, this book explores how to find the beauty and fun in everyday situations.Freddie And The Fairy By Julia DonaldsonImage © Macmillan Childrens BooksA book with a central message about showing compassion towards people who are hard of hearing.The New Kid By Marie Louise FitzpatrickThis is a great book to encourage young children to think about other people’s feelings and show compassion to other young people.We Are Family By Ryan WheatcroftReaders are introduced to eight different families. This is a lovely children’s book to explain how different families can come in all shapes and sizes.I’m A Girl! By Yasmeen IsmailI’m A Girl! Joyfully and simply encourages children to express and be themselves.I Could Be, You Could Be By Karen OwenReading this book with young children can prompt a discussion about what they could be and they really could be anything!The Cat In The Hat By Dr SeussThis is a classic children’s book and is a lesson in how even the messiest situations should be cleaned up after!The Swirling Hijab By Na’ima Bint RobertImage © GoodReadsA beautiful book about a child playing with her mother’s hijab, it is informative an imaginative whilst conveying the religious significance of the hijab in a great way for kids.Frog And The Stranger By Max VelthuijsWhen Rat arrives at the pond where Frog lives, many of the other animals dislike Rat before they meet! The message of not judging anyone before you know them is timeless and important.Made By Raffi By Craig PomranzWhen Raffi knits a scarf for his dad’s birthday, the other children tease him. But when it comes down to it, the children realise they need Raffi’s knitting skills.Elmer By David McKeeImage © FlickrLaughter is the best medicine and this classic book shows how being yourself is incredibly important!Grandma By Jessica ShepherdA positive book that talks about old age and dementia in a way children can understand.Susan Laughs By Jeanne WillisA story about a busy and active child who loves many things that we remember from our own childhood.We’re Going on a Bear Hunt By Michael RosenFollow a family as they search for a bear- this book could inspire a love for walking.Mog The Forgetful Cat By Judith KerrImage © HarperCollinsAn endearing cat is at the centre of this book your children will love, we can all be forgetful sometimes and feel a bit like Mog.You Choose By Pippa GoodhartThis is an interactive book children love, your child chooses the story!Here I Am By Patti KimEarly years reading can help children feel seen and heard, and also provide them with the language to talk about their experiences.Not All Princesses Dress In Pink By Jane Yolen And Heidi StempleAn empowering read, which talks about all kinds of princesses.The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year TaleImage © Vernon Barford SchoolA magical picture book your children will love. Reading the chaos that this crafty wok creates will have the family giggling.Mirror By Jeannie BakerThis picture book can help children see that love ties every family together, no matter where they are.There’s A Bear On My Chair By Ross CollinsSee what happens when the tables turn on a bear who thought he could sit in the mouse’s house.King & King By Linda De Haan and Stern NijlandA love story picture book for early years with a message of acceptance children will enjoy reading.The Jar of Happiness By Ailsa BurrowsA picture book for early years all about creating and nurturing happiness.Beegu By Alexis DeaconThis picture book can show early years children how to see the world through different eyes and empathise with Beegu.Six Dinner Sid By Alexis DeaconImage © Hodder Childrens BooksA cunning cat with six owners having six dinners! What could go wrong?Farmer Duck By Martin WaddellFarmer Duck is an early years story about friendship perfect for when you need an uplifting read.Dogs Don’t Do Ballet By Anna KempA small dog with big dreams, use this story as inspiration to dance around.Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy By Lynley DoddImage © PuffinFollow in the footsteps of Hairy Maclary and read all about his adventures.Heather Has Two Mummies By Leslea NewmanOne of the most famous LGBTQ+ inclusive children’s books, this early years story is simple and lovely.Yokki And The Parno Gry By Richard O’Neill And Katharine QuarmbyAn uplifting story within a story, it illustrates a traditional Traveller folk tale.The Journey Home By Frann Preston-GannonA story with cute characters and a message about conservation.Blue Monster Wants It All! By Jeanne WillisThis early years story tells us that money can’t buy happiness, something everyone needs reminding of sometimes.Space Song Rocket Ride By Sunny ScribesRead this fantastical story and a group of courageous kids as they travel through space together.Oi! Get Off Our Train By John BurninghamA night-train with some unwanted guests, a little boy and his toy dog find themselves on a journey to dreamland.Little Red And The Very Hungry Lion By Alex T SmithA brave little girl outsmarts a tiger in this exciting story.How To Find Gold By Viviane SchwarzImage © Walker booksA brave girl and a crocodile go on a dangerous adventure together.Max The Champion By Sean StockdaleA sporty story which makes anyone want to pick up a ball and play.Immi By Karin LittlewoodImage © Gullane Children’s BooksIt’s impossible not to love Immi. When she finds unusual gifts one after another, we are left wondering where they are coming from…Animal Boogie By Debbie HarterA story of six Indian animals you can sing along with as they dance in the jungle.Burglar Bill By Allan Ahlberg And Janet AhlbergA funny and compelling story about doing the right thing, Burglar Bill takes a thoughtful turn and leaves the reader with a happy message.Paddington By Michael BondA famous bear arrives in London, Paddington has stayed relevant since it was first written in 1958.Alfie’s Angels By Henriette BarkowAlfie dreams of becoming an angel more than anything and this inspiring story is about following your dreams no matter who you are.The Cloud By Hannah CummingA relatable story about a little girl having a bad day. This tale is about looking after one another.Rabbityness By Jo EmpsonReading this tale may inspire some artistry! A lovely, thoughtful story to encourage young children to be themselves.
Picture books are a good source of entertainment during lockdown days and evenings: incorporating reading into the daily routine can help alleviate stress.
