A selection of classic children's picture books on a bright yellow background

Article-Card-Puffin-Best-Classic-Picture-Books.jpg

Children's reading lists

The best classic children’s picture books

empathy-reading-list-788×306.png

10 inspiring books to teach tots about empathy

My Grandad

A celebration of grandads everywhere! 
 
“My Grandad looks quite old, with lots of wrinkles on his face – a bit like a dinosaur... 
 
 I LOVE DINOSAURS!” 
 
Grandads – all different and all a little bit the same… We love our grandads and they love us! 
 
Award-winning author and illustrator and former Children's Laureate Anthony Browne shares a warm look at the relationship between grandad and grandchild.

Anthony Browne is the acclaimed author and illustrator of such prize-winning bestsellers as Gorilla (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award), Willy the Wizard, My Dad, Voices in the Park(winner of Kurt Maschler Award) and Zoo (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal). 
 
In 2009, Anthony was appointed Children's Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of picture books. Anthony was also the first British winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest international honours for illustration. His work has been widely exhibited and his books are published all over the world.

A celebration of grandads everywhere! 
 
Grandads – all different and all a little bit the same… We love our grandads and they love us! 
 
Award-winning author and illustrator and former Children's Laureate Anthony Browne shares a warm look at the relationship between grandad and grandchild.

The Three Wishes

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? Anthony Browne is back with a brilliantly funny story with a moral message at its heart. 
 
Lambert, Hilda and Ros are bored on the sofa, watching tv and a little bit grumbly. . . However after a surreal turn of events, the three friends are visited by a mysterious blue fairy who gives them more than they bargained for. Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true... 
 
The Three Wishes is a hilarious twist on a tale that focuses on the importance of being content and present in the moment.

Our Girl

The newest member of Anthony Browne's globally bestselling series - joining My Dad, My Mum and My Brother in a celebration of all things girl

Anthony Browne is the acclaimed author and illustrator of such prize-winning bestsellers as Gorilla (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award), Willy the Wizard, My Dad, Voices in the Park (winner of Kurt Maschler Award) and Zoo (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal). 
 
In 2009, Anthony was appointed Children's Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of picture books. Anthony was also the first British winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest international honours for illustration. His work has been widely exhibited and his books are published all over the world.

She's lovely, our girl! 
 
A joyful and empowering celebration of daughters, granddaughters, sisters and girl-children everywhere - showing all the many things that girls can be. 
 
A brand-new picture book from award-winning and best-loved creator, Anthony Browne.

Ladybird Readers Beginner Level - Anthony Browne - My Mum (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
 <ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>My Mum, a Beginner level Reader, helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and focuses on vocabulary that young children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition support understanding, and speaking and listening activities develop confidence. 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Anthony Browne (Author) 
Anthony Browne is the acclaimed author and illustrator of such prize-winning bestsellers as Gorilla (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award), Willy the Wizard, My Dad, Voices in the Park(winner of Kurt Maschler Award) and Zoo (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal). 
 
In 2009, Anthony was appointed Children's Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of picture books. Anthony was also the first British winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest international honours for illustration. His work has been widely exhibited and his books are published all over the world. 
 
Ladybird (Author) 
We make growing up the best story ever! Here at Ladybird, we publish books to inspire curious minds. From first words to fluency, we're here for young readers at every step. As the home of Read it yourself, Ladybird Readers and First Words with Peppa, we guide learners from one story to the next - sparking plenty of smiles along the way.

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction - featuring Spot, Peppa Pig and Peter Rabbit and classic authors such as Roald Dahl. 
 
Recommended for children aged 3-11, the eight levels of Ladybird Readers follow the CEFR framework(Pre-A1 to A2+) and include extra learning activities that develop key skills and provide preparation for the Cambridge English tests. Each book is Lexile measured and introduces key vocabulary and character names at the start of each reader. The books are written by language learning experts and include access to online audio, supplementary activities and learning resources including role plays, phrase cards and lesson plans. 
 
The Beginner level helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and vocabulary that children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition develop understanding, and language activities build confidence.

Ladybird Readers Beginner Level - Anthony Browne - Willy and Harry (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
 <ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>Willy and Harry, a Beginner level Reader, helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and focuses on vocabulary that young children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition support understanding, and speaking and listening activities develop confidence. 
 
"I am sad," Willy says. "I want a friend. Are we friends?" 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Ladybird Readers Beginner Level - Anthony Browne - Tom's Birthday (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
 <ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>Tom's Birthday, a Beginner level Reader, helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and focuses on vocabulary that young children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition support understanding, and speaking and listening activities develop confidence. 
 
It is Tom's birthday. Where is Tom's house? 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Ladybird Readers Beginner Level - Anthony Browne - My Dad (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
 <ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>My Dad, a Beginner level Reader, helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and focuses on vocabulary that young children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition support understanding, and speaking and listening activities develop confidence. 
 
My dad says, "Let's go!" 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Hide and Seek

A heart-warming new picture book about a game of hide-and-seek from the masterful Anthony Browne.

Cy and Poppy's dog Goldie has gone missing and to take their minds off the loss, they head to the lonesome, tangled woods to play hide-and-seek. There they find all kinds of things - a crocodile, a duck, an armchair and maybe a monster in this lovingly detailed story.

Anthony Browne (Author, Illustrator) Anthony Browne is the acclaimed author and illustrator of such prize-winning bestsellers as Gorilla (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award), Willy the Wizard, My Dad, Voices in the Park (winner of Kurt Maschler Award) and Zoo (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal). 
 
In 2009, Anthony was appointed Children's Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of picture books. Anthony was also the first British winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest international honours for illustration. His work has been widely exhibited and his books are published all over the world.

When their dog goes missing, Cy and Poppy play hide and seek to distract themselves. Poppy counts to ten and looks for Cy - but she can’t find him anywhere. But then there’s a rustling from the woods – maybe someone else can help her find him…? 
A reassuring tale of sibling love by the master Anthony Browne.

What If...?

An enchanting new picture book from master storyteller and former Children's Laureate, Anthony Browne.

Former Children's Laureate Browne consistently produces visually stunning and emotionally subtle books, and this is no exception...Tender, funny, reassuring and highly original, this is a book to share and cherish. Browne is, quite simply, a genius

Anthony Browne is the master of reassuring picturebooks about anxiety

Children's Book of the Week, The Sunday Times

It's a lovely read, especially if you have a young child who tends to worry about things that he or she has never experienced before. It's a very visual book with ... lots of illustrations teeming with details to discover with your child.

Skilfully written and illustrated ... Very reassuring and superbly told, this story leaves you wanting more - maybe for first visits to the dentist, first day at school, swimming lessons and so on.

A new Anthony Browne book is always a treat. Browne is the sort of author-illustrator who knows exactly how to describe the feelings a child goes through in ordinary everyday life, then picture them allegorically in ways that children just "get"... A fantastic romp...This is a truly special book

Anthony Browne has an unique way of looking at the world which really makes the reader think - there are many layers to his stories which make them equally enjoyable for children and adults.

A good book for children who display some degree of anxiety at social occasions.

A real treat for Anthony Browne's fans... a nice and useful book which will help children (and their parents) get rid of any pre-party fears.

Joe is nervous about his first big party, and as Mum walks him along the darkening street to his friend’s house, his imagination starts to run wild. They search for the right place, looking through the windows, wondering "What if...?" while making surprising discoveries along the way.

Me and You

A thought-provoking picture book looking at both sides of the classic fairytale "Goldilocks and the Three Bears".

Goldilocks may be familiar, but Anthony Browne, the children's laureate, has made the story new in Me and You adding rich interpretation in text and pictures

The differing styles of illustration implicitly raise issues of who belongs where and the tale as a whole asks many questions about right and wrong

As always Anthony's illustrations are mesmerising

Alongside the re-telling of a fairytale is a completely different, quite modern story. Anthony Browne's words present one and his pictures the other until, as the book nears its end, the two come together . . . There are so many layers in this story that it will entrance young readers time after time

Anthony Browne has an extraordinary knack of turning a story into so much more . . . Once again, the author extends the boundaries of the picture book with this rich and thought-provoking story

Me and You is a thought provoking, post-modern version on the well-loved fairytale . . . The most 
rewarding of picture books

It's the Goldilocks tale from a fresh perspective, but the more you dig, the more Me and You will reveal. It's an utterly gorgeous picture book that works on so so so many levels

This is a wonderful re-telling by Anthony Browne of the Goldilocks fairy tale, which Browne gives a modern setting and a contemporary twist . . . The story is beautifully presented with the Bear family's world drawn in bright colours while 'Goldilocks' inhabits a bleak inner city landscape. The ending turns our usual convictions on their head, however, as we are shown it is the grey city world that has the warmth of a real home

The merging of the fairytale/streetscape ending is a masterstroke

A thought provoking new take on the traditional story of Goldilocks . . . Anthony Browne leaves readers lots to think about

Me and You is a wonderful example of the power of illustrations and how hey can play as important a role as words

Anthony Browne offers a new perspective on an old tale

Three bears decide to go out for a walk in the park while their porridge cools. Meanwhile a little girl has lost her mum and lost her way and is walking the streets alone, until she happens upon a house... 
 
The bears arrive home and discover several things are amiss... What will they find upstairs?

Bear Hunt

Anthony Browne is the acclaimed author and illustrator of such prize-winning bestsellers as Gorilla (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award), Willy the Wizard, My Dad, Voices in the Park(winner of Kurt Maschler Award) and Zoo (winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal). 
 
In 2009, Anthony was appointed Children's Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of picture books. Anthony was also the first British winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest international honours for illustration. His work has been widely exhibited and his books are published all over the world.

This story is all about a very clever white bear and his magic pencil. Everything Bear draws becomes real! He draws a circle and it becomes a hole through which he can escape. He even draws a rope that he can swing on. And when two bear hunters are after him, his magic pencil comes in very handy!

My Dad

In praise of dads of all sorts - everywhere!

The perfect gift for Father's Day 
 
He's all right, my dad. He's as strong as a gorilla and as happy as a hippopotamus. He's a great dancer, a brilliant singer,he's fantastic at football and he makes me laugh. A lot. But that's not all that's great about my dad . . . 
 
A warm and hilarious tribute to Dad (and to dads everywhere) by the ever-brilliant and inventive Anthony Browne. 
 
“Bought this for a first Father's Day present for my husband from my 4-month-old son. He loves it and reads it with daddy most nights. Daddy loves the big hug he gets from my son at the end.” - a 5-star reviewer.

Inspired when he one day found his father’s old dressing gown and felt instantly close to him, Browne wrote this lovingly illustrated tribute to a child’s pride in his father. It instantly appeals: most children see their parents as superheroes even when their feats of heroism are simple everyday tasks

This is a perfect title for children to share with their dads. With a very minimal text and wonderful full page illustrations, this is a title that will warm the hearts of readers of all ages

The pictures are extraordinary and unforgettable and celebrate dads in a way few books do

For sheer illustrative wit, Anthony Browne is unsurpassed

Anthony Browne is a sublime master of the visual pun

The Magritte of the pre-schoolers, Browne's illustrations are among the most distinctive and surreal of any children's artist. A beautiful tribute to a very special dad in a dressing gown

A celebration of all things "dad" from the quirky to the moving

It's humorous and charming. Dads and kids alike will love it

My Brother

A warm, funny celebration of brothers from acclaimed author-illustrator Anthony Browne.

A sweet ode to boyhood that demonstrates the high esteem in which surprising qualities - such as whistling - can be regarded in a young child's mind

Browne has woven in lots of details for the observant child to discover. Whimsical cartoon characters are sketched in coloured pencil on lined notepaper and you get the feeling a child played a part in the making of this book

As we have come to expect from Anthony Browne, this picture book is full of wonderful illustrations and imaginative text. It is a great book for discussing a child's place in the family and things they like about each other and would be useful resource for introducing a topic on the family and ourselves. A brilliant book for brothers to share

My brother is really COOL. He's a SUPER skateboarder and he's got MASSIVE muscles. He can run so FAST that . . . he can FLY! Yes, my brother is really COOL. 
 
A humorous, affectionate tribute to brothers, perfect for adults and children everywhere. A brilliant follow-up to the best-selling My Dad and My Mum!

My Mum

The perfect book for all mums! A brilliant follow-up to the bestselling My Dad.

Each spread is a perfectly conceived whole, each picture demanding endless scrutiny . . . Original, unexpected, funny and typically Browne

The pictures are a delight, an easy function of the ordinary with the surreal, painted with clear-eyed detail. Very witty, very true. Small children will love Mum and so will parents

This book will find ready readers in Browne's many fans who will enjoy inter-textual fun in recognition of his trademark images

A joy of a book, a celebration of mum's everywhere

She's nice, my mum . . . 
 
My mum's a fantastic cook, and a brilliant juggler. 
 
She's a great painter, and the strongest woman in the world! 
 
She's really nice, my mum. 
 
A warm, funny tribute to Mum (and to mums everywhere) by the brilliant author/illustrator Anthony Browne.

Willy And Hugh

A beautifully observed picture book about friendship starring the one and only Willy the Chimp

Anthony Browne is one of the most talented artists working in children's books today and it's always exciting to see a new book by him. It is even more exciting when the book in question is about the marvellous character Willy

No one who knows Anthony Browne's work will be surprised to learn that the illustrations are quite wonderful

Anthony Browne's stunning and masterful drawings, combined with a bizarre sense of humour, make Willy's exploits increasingly compulsive

Hurrah! we all say. Willy is back to delight us

Browne is one of those acclaimed picture book authors who never disappoints

This is a touching story aided by very expressive pictures

Willy hasn't got any friends and no-one ever lets him join in with their games. 
He is lonely . . . until the day he bumps into Hugh Jape in the park. 
 
Willy and Hugh are very different but they make a great team!

King Kong

A stunning, dramatic version of the classic film, King Kong.

Browne creates an understanding for the creature's emotions. Without spectacular cinematic effects, the themes of the story are much more apparent

A stunningly illustrated picture book that is just right for secondary school ages . . . With wit and verve in the artwork this is a winner

"It was Beauty that killed the Beast" 
 
King Kong is a giant gorilla, a massive monster of an ape who lives on a remote island. The mighty beast falls for a beautiful girl, Ann Darrow, and desperate to have her he finds himself lured into captivity. He is brought to civilisation and put on show, but when he sees Ann he breaks his heavy chains and begins to wreak havoc on the streets of New York . . . 
 
The enthralling story of King Kong involves battles with dinosaurs, daring rescues and incredible escapes - endless thrills lead up to one of the most famous climaxes of all time!

The Shape Game

The paperback version of what has been hailed as Browne's best work has finally arrived!

Packed full of interesting detail and visual jokes, one look is never enough, and children will want to return to the book many times

'I was a little boy and I didn't know what to expect. It was my mother's idea - that year for her birthday she wanted us all to go somewhere different. It turned out to be a day that changed my life forever.' 
 
A family reluctantly visits an art gallery but one by one each member is energized by a different picture in the gallery and transported into the imaginative and colourful world of art.

The Night Shimmy

A beautifully illustrated and masterfully told tale.

Anthony Browne . . . Sublime master of the visual pun

There is someone in every class who will identify with Eric

Eric doesn't like to talk. His secret friend, the Night Shimmy, says everything for him. Then he meets Marcia, who doesn't mind that he is quiet. As the two become friends, the Night Shimmy disappears. Angry and scared, Eric refuses to play with Marcia. But soon she needs his help and Eric discovers that he doesn't need his imaginary friend after all.

Willy The Wizard

Willy the chimp loves football and dreams of being a star player. 
But he doesn't have any boots so he's never been picked for the team. 
Then, one evening, Willy meets a mysterious stranger and his luck begins to change . . .

Voices in the Park

Highly original story about children overcoming adult snobbery, told in four voices and illustrated by Browne's unique, surreal artwork.

Highly original talent . . . Browne's picures of the city streets and the park are a joy to look at . . . Anthony Browne first editions are likely to become collector's items

The haunting Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne turns a simple tale and a visually stunning series of surreal pictures . . . into a many-layered odyssey . . . this book will last a long time

A genuinely thought-provoking read, and, as usual with Anthony Browne's work, the illustrations, with their surreal references draw the reader in

Four different voices tell their own versions of the same walk in the park. The radically different perspectives give a fascinating depth to this simple story which explores many of the author's key themes, such as alienation, friendship and the bizarre amid the mundane. 
 
Anthony Browne's world-renowned artwork is full of expressive gorillas, vibrant colours and numerous nods to Magritte and other artists, while being uniquely Browne's own style.

Anthony Browne

This time, his subject is peer pressure and the evils of bullying; and readers... will learn some important lessons from one of our most intriguing children's writers.

A fairytale from picture-book legend, Anthony Browne. 
 
"Once upon a time in the days when wolves roamed the land, there lived three boys, who one day wandered deep into the woods and came across a little cottage they’d never seen before..." 
 
They think that maybe a witch lives in the cottage - at first they are curious, but soon they start to tease the inhabitant, with surprising consequences... 
 
Exploring bullying, peer pressure and making assumptions, this new tale weaves an empathetic moral among stunning artwork and storytelling.

Anthony Browne

Praise for Once Upon a Time in the Woods

This time, his subject is peer pressure and the evils of bullying; and readers... will learn some important lessons from one of our most intriguing children's writers.

Books by Anthony Browne

Articles featuring Anthony Browne

The best classic children’s picture books

10 inspiring books to teach tots about empathy

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter