Children's books

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A decorative banner featuring a portrait of Jacqueline Wilson and a collage of playful illustrations like a rubix cube, a heart shaped locket, and bunny ears

The Penguin books that inspired generations of young readers

Reading lists

A picture of several different children's books on a pink to blue ombre background; each book has a bright yellow shadow

The 100 best children’s books of all time, as chosen by our readers

Children's reading lists

10 children's classics for big adventures

9 children’s classics with big adventures

Explore our children's books

Our spotlight authors

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Penguin Shop

Browse the Penguin Shop online and discover gifts to inspire and delight book lovers.

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Puffin Clothbound Classics

£76.95

£50

V&A Children's Classics

3 for £21

The Roald Dahl Classic Collection

£159.80

£140

Puffin Books

Puffin is the home of some of the most iconic characters, authors and illustrators, alongside dazzling new talent.

Ladybird Books

Ladybird Books publish all your little one's favourite characters, from Peppa Pig and Spot to Topsy and Tim.

Who’s your godly parent?

9 different types of poetry

16 of the weirdest and wackiest facts on the human body

About our children's books

The best children’s books entertain young people, teach them how to empathise, introduce them to new worlds, and show them the power of the imagination. And there are popular children’s books for every stage of a young person’s life, from Ladybird’s iconic picture books to young adult fiction. Introduce the magical world of stories with children’s picture books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where’s Spot? and the Peppa Pig series. As children become more confident readers, they can enter the worlds of Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit and Roald Dahl’s mischievous novels or try a children’s book series, like Jeff Kinney’s hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Tamzin Merchant’s The Hatmakers. And for older readers seeking adventure, try books by Tom Fletcher, Jacqueline Wilson and Philip Pullman, or head into Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson adventures. Want more reading material? Head to our list of the 100 best children’s books.