The best new Ladybird books out in 2021

Peppa Pig: Peppa's Mermaid Friends (7 Jan) 

Peppa Pig and friends are channelling their inner mermaid – they know that it’s better down where it’s wetter! Little readers can join in the fun by lifting up the flaps on every page and discovering all the magical underwater surprises.

Ned and the Great Garden Hamster Race by Kim Hillyard (21 Jan)

It’s the day of the Great Garden Hamster Race and hamsters have come from all over the world to take part. Ned has been training long and hard for this and is determined to win. But on the route, he comes across some fellow critters in need of his help…

What to Look For in Spring by Elizabeth Jenner & Natasha Durley (21 Jan)

Uncover the secrets of the seasons. Spring, summer, autumn and winter – whichever season we’re in, the UK is filled with all kinds of life. You and your little one can take a walk through the different months with the new What to Look For series and learn which plants come out, how animals survive and the general wonders to be found. 

Peppa Loves Reading (4 Feb)

Peppa loves reading, and we can’t say we blame her. She loves it so much she’s decided to start a book club. So, Mummy and Daddy Pig ask Peppa and George’s friends to come round so they can all discuss their favourite book.

Baby Touch: Seasons (4 Feb)

Introduce your baby to the seasons with this bright, interactive book from the Baby Touch series. Featuring touch-and-feel patches, grabbable tabs and high contrast colours, this is a great book to encourage first words and a love of books.

Water World by Ben Rothery (4 Feb)

Natural world illustrator Ben Rothery is back, and this time he’s focusing on our ocean ecosystems. From the warm coral seas of the tropics to the frozen oceans around the poles, mini nature lovers will meet a host of creatures big and small, learn about their habitats and discover how global warming is affecting them.

Peppa Loves Easter (18 Feb)

Madame Gazelle has organised a special Easter eggstravaganza for Peppa and her friends at playgroup. There are cakes to eat, eggs to decorate and cards to make. And there’s also a very large Easter egg – but who’s inside it? This sweet story makes the perfect Easter gift for Peppa fans. 

Bees: A Lift-the-flap eco book by Carmen Saldana (4 Mar)

Made from 100% recycled board, this new eco collection will teach children why our seas, trees and bees are so important. A wonderful introduction to some very important topics, there are also sections on how little eco-warriors can help do their bit.

Busy Day: Firefighter by Dan Green (4 Mar)

As we all know, firefighters have very busy and important jobs. And now little readers can join in and help with this lift-the-flap book. From sliding down the pole at the station to unrolling the hose ready to put out a fire, tots can learn about the typical day of a firefighter whilst developing their fine motor skills.

Magic Windows: Weather by Libby Burns (4 Mar)

This new non-fiction series is ideal for curious tots. In Magic Windows: Weather, with each sliding tab will teach children how rain, wind, snow and other types of weather are formed. A great one to read on a rainy day (pardon the pun)!

Pablo Goes Shopping (4 Mar)

Based on the hit TV series and written by writers on the autism spectrum, Pablo and his friends are off to the supermarket aka the super place! There are so many different super things to see, but Wren finds the supermarket too bright and too loud. So, it’s up to Pablo and the others to help Wren find different ways to enjoy their visit.

Hey Duggee: The Potty Badge (18 Mar)

There’s no one better to earn your potty badge with than the Squirrels! Duggly, Duggee’s little nephew has come to visit the clubhouse and he’s no longer wearing his nappy. When Duggly needs to use the potty, the Squirrels help him by teaching Duggly a special song. This gentle tale is perfect for helping encourage little ones learning how to use the potty. 

Baby Touch: Happy Eid! (1 Apr)

Eid is an important celebration as it marks the end of Ramadan. And this adorable touch-and-feel book is great for introducing really little ones to the holiday, as well as some of their first words.

Hey Duggee: Duggee and the Dinosaurs (15 Apr)

The Squirrels have been digging in the garden when Roly ends up finding something that looks like a rock – but it’s actually a fossil! Duggee already has his fossil badge, so it’s up to him to teach the others all about dinosaurs.

Little Pop-Ups: Goldilocks and the Three Bears (15 Apr)

Little readers can discover the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and learn all about opposites with this pop-up book. Based on the classic fairy tale, every page features a central pop-up that will delight tots.

Peppa Pig: Peppa's Countdown to Bedtime (29 Apr)

It’s bedtime, but Peppa isn’t quite ready to go to sleep just yet. So, her family count down all the things Peppa loves to help her drift off. This story is perfect for cheeky little piggies who need help settling down in the evening. 

A Ladybird Book: Baby Animals (6 May)

Help them begin to build their own encyclopaedia with this collection of educational books. Filled with interesting facts about the world, including how baby animals survive in the wild and how trees are essential for life on Earth, it’s time to start making space on that bookshelf.

Smiley Eyes, Smiley Faces by Dawn McNiff & Zoe Waring (10 May)

The events of 2020 mean that children are now growing up in a world where adults wear face masks whenever they leave the house. But even though you can’t see their mouths, it doesn’t mean they’re not smiling. In Smiley Eyes, Smiley Faces, little ones will take a journey through town where they’ll meet lots of different face mask wearers. And each time they meet a new person, they can lift their face mask flap to reveal a smiley face.

Hey Duggee: The Football Badge (13 May)

Duggee has his football badge, so he’s teaching the Squirrels how to play the much-loved game. But they’re a way off from being Lionel Messis anytime soon. Will they ever get the ball to go in the right direction so they can score a goal? 

Busy Day: Athlete by Dan Green (3 Jun)

Do you have a budding mini athlete who wants to win a gold medal one day? Well, they can start warming up with this interactive book from the Busy Day series. On each page, little ones can use the action flaps to see what an athlete does in a day. Ready, set, go!

Baby Touch: Little Library (10 Jun)

Introduce tots to their first colours, numbers, shapes and words with this mini-library. Great for reading on the move or at home, all four books have bright and fun illustrations and simple text that will keep little readers engaged. Plus, the backs of the books form a jigsaw when brought together!