2–5 yrsThe Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
Peter spends a magical day playing in the snow in this Caldecott-winning classic — one of the first picture books to centre a Black child in an everyday adventure. Simple, joyful, and quietly groundbreaking.
2–5 yrsGoodnight Gorilla
Peggy Rathmann
A sneaky gorilla steals the zookeeper's keys and lets all the animals follow him home for the night. A nearly wordless picture book that children love to narrate themselves — fresh every time.
2–5 yrsThe Napping House
Audrey Wood
In a cosy house on a rainy afternoon, everyone is sleeping — Granny, child, dog, cat, and mouse — all piled together in a wonderful cumulative heap. A beloved classic perfect for reading aloud slowly, slowly, until everyone drifts off.
2–5 yrsLittle Blue Truck Makes a Friend
Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck meets a new friend who is too shy to play. A gentle, warm story about reaching out, being patient, and the joy of making a new friend — perfect for children starting childcare or playgroup.
2–4 yrsCat's Cookbook
Julia Donaldson
Cat is cooking up a feast! Lift the flaps to discover what's hiding in the kitchen in this fun interactive book for the very youngest readers. Bright pictures and simple words make it perfect for sharing.
2–4 yrsChicka Chicka Boom Boom
Bill Martin Jr
The letters of the alphabet race each other up a coconut tree in this rhythmic, vibrant picture book. Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault's bouncy text makes learning the alphabet genuinely fun.
2–4 yrsFox's Socks
Julia Donaldson
Fox can't find his socks! Lift the flaps to search behind the sofa, under the rug, and in the washing machine. A perfect first lift-the-flap book for toddlers that builds reading readiness through play.
2–5 yrsCorduroy
Don Freeman
A teddy bear in a department store longs for a home, and a little girl named Lisa saves up her own money to give him one. A warm story about belonging, friendship, and unconditional love.
2–5 yrsHello, World! Solar System
Jill McDonald
A bright, bold introduction to the planets, moons, and stars for the youngest curious minds. Simple language and vivid illustrations make exploring our solar system fun and accessible — a perfect first science book for toddlers and preschoolers.
2–5 yrsWaiting for Baby
Rachel Fuller
A young child watches their mother's belly grow, wonders what the baby will be like, and feels the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with waiting. Rachel Fuller's gentle book is perfect for the months of anticipation before a new sibling arrives.
2–5 yrsLlama Llama Red Pajama
Anna Dewdney
Baby Llama puts on his red pajamas, hears a bedtime story, and then — where is Mama? A rhythmic, reassuring picture book that captures the bedtime worry of a small child and the comfort of a parent who always comes back.
2–5 yrsGoodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
Sherri Duskey Rinker
As the sun sets over the construction site, the hardworking trucks finish their jobs and settle in for the night. Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck — each gets a soothing send-off in this irresistible bedtime book for vehicle-loving children.
2–5 yrsCan't You Sleep, Little Bear?
Martin Waddell
Little Bear is afraid of the dark and cannot sleep — so Big Bear brings lantern after lantern, each one bigger than the last. A warm, tender story about love, reassurance, and the darkness that is never quite as frightening as it seems.
2–5 yrsOwl Babies
Martin Waddell
Three owl babies wake up to find their mother gone and wait anxiously in the dark for her to return. A warm, reassuring story about the fear of separation and the comfort of a parent's return.
2–5 yrsZa-Za's Baby Brother
Lucy Cousins
Za-Za the zebra is not sure she likes having a new baby brother — he takes all of Mummy and Daddy's attention and doesn't do anything interesting yet. Lucy Cousins's bright, simple book perfectly captures toddler jealousy and the journey toward acceptance.
2–6 yrsThe Pigeon Needs a Bath!
Mo Willems
The Pigeon absolutely, positively does NOT need a bath. (He really does.) Mo Willems's irresistible, grumpy Pigeon is at his funniest in this hygiene stand-off that every bath-resistant toddler will instantly recognise.
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