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Hand-picked by the LoveReading4Kids editorial panel · Last reviewed 12 September 2026 · Meet the panel
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.
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.
“This is a much-loved classic but as relevant today as it was when first published in 1969!” Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
“A signed, limited edition of the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury” Our review, by Julia Eccleshare MBE
“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
“Jacqueline Wilson, February 2012 Guest Editor : "The text is very minimal but perfect - and the illustrations are glorious” Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
“What is the perfect pet?” Our review, by Julia Eccleshare MBE
“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
“A wonderful story about believing in the unexpected and magical” Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
“Kate Greenaway Medal winner in 1978” Our review, by the LoveReading4Kids team
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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