Reading books can take you to magical places, dark alleys and mystic seas. Where the turn of a page will see the leap of a mermaid a giant or a ghost. I am a self-confessed bookworm. I had a library card aged five and dragged my poor mum and grandmother there every week to check out the new titles.
Books were my first love and something that I hope all of my children will enjoy too.
Take a look at these top 25 books to kickstart a love of reading and a lifetime full of imagination in your children.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay for tea.
Each Peach Pear Plum
This classic book from author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a real favourite with families
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar deserves its reputation as a much-loved classic.
The Elephant and the Bad Baby
One day, an elephant offers a baby a ride through the town, and the set off on a great adventure.
Lost and Found
Once there was a sad, lonely penguin who appeared at the door of a young boy. The boy decided he must be lost, so he set off to find his home.
Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears
Little Mouse is scared of most things, from creepy crawlies and loud noises to getting lost.
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
Charlie tricks his younger sister, Lola – an extremely fussy eater – into eating all her least favourite foods.
Room on the Broom
From former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and longtime collaborator Axel Scheffler comes this much-loved tale about a witch and her gang of friends.
The Snowman
James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.
Dear Zoo
This appealing story, in lift-the-flap, board-book format has been a favourite with toddlers ever since it was first published in 198
Gorilla
Hannah’s favourite animals in the whole world are gorillas, but her dad is always too busy to take her to the zoo.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy
This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town
Not now, Bernard
The classic tale of Bernard, whose distracted parents fail to notice that their son has been eaten and replaced by a monster.
Where the Wild Things Are
First published in 1963, this classic picture book will fascinate both children and adults, evoking the fierce intensity of childhood
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters
Brilliantly designed with lots of little details to spot, this old favourite will be enjoyed time and time again
The Cat in the Hat
When Sally and her brother are left alone on a rainy day, they think they are in for a dull time – but then the Cat in the Hat appears.
Meg and Mog
In this, the first story about much-loved characters Meg the witch and Mog her cat, the pair go off to a wild Hallowe’en party with all the other witches
Would You Rather…
A classic for children, Would You Rather… presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fantastical and real-life choices. It’s great for building confidence with little ones about making their own choices for their own reasons.
Princess Smartypants
Princess Smartypants does not want to get married. She enjoys being a Ms But being a rich and pretty princess means that all the princes want her to become their wife.
