The best children’s books of all time for under 5s

With help from BookTrust, we've chosen some of the best children's books ever for your little ones under the age of five

Best children's books ever

by Sophie Knight |
Updated on

From Beatrix Potter to Julia Donaldson, from a tiger at teatime to a mouse on a bus, there are millions of children's books to choose from. But, how to choose? Whether you're buying books for your own children, or gifts for friends and family, there's no denying that words on a page give life to imagination and creativity. It's just hard to choose the best ones - we know.

Recently, BookTrust compiled a list of the best 100 children's books from the last 100 years. BookTrust is the UK's largest reading charity and reaches 3.9 million children each year - so they should know what they're talking about.

We've taken their choices for the best books for children under five years old - and also added in a few of the Closer Team's favourites, too.

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The best children's books of all time

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler1 of 34

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

This book is undoubtedly the number one modern children's classic. It's a publishing phenomenon, has sold over three million copies worldwide, been turned into a TV adaptation and led to numerous merchandise spin-offs (Trunkis, duvets, onesies…you name it). But it's the simplicity of the fable-like story – a clever mouse escaping the clutches of other woodland animals – and the colourful characters and wonderful illustrations by Axel Scheffler that make it a firm family favourite.Equally wonderful are The Stick Man and Zog from the same powerhouse author and illustrator duo.

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett2 of 34

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett

All of Little Mouse's fears are captured in this scrapbook with pictures, doodles, and more. Use it to help talk your children through any fears they might have and to help them see they're not alone.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury3 of 34

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

Loved by generations, this book follows a family as the dad takes his children, and dog, on an adventure to find a bear. It's the perfect contemporary book for a rainy day.

Daisy: Eat Your Peas by Kes Gray and Nick Sharratt4 of 34

Daisy: Eat Your Peas by Kes Gray and Nick Sharratt

This award-winning picture book gave rise to a series of books about Daisy, the spirited little girl, who doesn't like much of what she's given for tea – and won't be tempted by anything.

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child5 of 34

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child

Tackle fussy eating in a fun way, thanks to Charlie and Lola - who will never not ever eat a tomato, until her brother plays a trick on her.

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell6 of 34

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

A book that's been a firm favourite with parents and toddlers for years, Dear Zoo is an interactive flap book that your tot will love. Will they ever manage to find the perfect pet as they discover the different animals the zoo has sent?

The Elephant and the Bad Baby by Elfrida Vipont  and Raymond Briggs7 of 34

The Elephant and the Bad Baby by Elfrida Vipont and Raymond Briggs

The Elephant takes the Bad Baby for a ride and they go 'rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta down the road.' They help themselves to ice creams, pies, buns, crisps, biscuits, lollipops and apples, and the shopkeepers follow them down the road shouting and waving. All ends well as the Bad Baby learns to say 'Please' and his mother makes pancakes for everyone.

Gorilla by Anthony Browne8 of 34

Gorilla by Anthony Browne

Beware the parent who promises a trip to the zoo to see a gorilla but never fulfils the dream - one day, that toy gorilla your little one owns might turn into the real thing...

My First Gruffalo Little Library by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler9 of 34

My First Gruffalo Little Library by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

This set of Gruffalo mini books features all your favourite characters from the deep dark wood. Learn about colours, numbers, opposites and animals with this set of four bold, bright board books.

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Planet! by Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Garry Parsons10 of 34

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Planet! by Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Garry Parsons

From writing songs for McFly to bedtime stories for tots, dad of three Tom Fletcher clearly knows exactly what children love in a book. Teaming up with bandmate Dougie Poynter, the duo tell the story of Danny and Dinosaur on their mission to space (without Dino's all important lunchbox).

Dogger by Shirley Hughes11 of 34

Dogger by Shirley Hughes

The story of a lost toy accompanied by oh-so-familiar illustrations make this Shirley Hughes tale a classic.

Do You Speak English, Moon? by Francesca Simon and Ben Cort12 of 34

Do You Speak English, Moon? by Francesca Simon and Ben Cort

From the author of the Horrid Henry books, this is a beautiful picture book about a little boy who likes chatting to the moon. The illustrations are striking – there are lovely scenes to look at including deep-diving mermaids and cloud-topped mountains, smiling tigers and children all looking out to the moon.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen13 of 34

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

A quirky tale of a bear who's lost his hat and tries his hardest to find it, you'll love being in on the joke as you read this aloud.

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss14 of 34

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss

This book has 225 words vital to your little one's 'new reader' vocabulary. The cheeky Cat arrives and causes mayhem with his suggested rainy day games in the home of two young children, while their mother is out.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney  and Anita Jeram15 of 34

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram

This is the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare, and how it's impossible to measure how much you love your child. Dare you not to cry before you reach the end.

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd16 of 34

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd

A simple tale of a gang of dogs with rhyming names who go for a walk and get the life frightened out of them by a big scary cat. Not a lot really happens, tbh, but it's charming and loved by generations nonetheless.

I Want My Potty – Little Princess by Tony Ross17 of 34

I Want My Potty – Little Princess by Tony Ross

Little Princess, as I'm sure we're all aware, is a bit of a princess, it has to be said - and this is no different when it comes to potty training. Help your little one's journey to toilet training with this funny tale.

The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg18 of 34

The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Follow the route of the postman as he delivers mail to some of the most famous characters in children's literature, from the big bad wolf to Cinderella, with interactive envelopes for little hands to discover.

Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski19 of 34

Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski

Meg and Mog go off to a Halloween party with all the other witches, in a tale full of magic, colours, shapes, and mystery for little readers.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers20 of 34

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

Beautifully illustrated, we follow the story of a little boy who finds a penguin and wants to get him home - but what really is 'home'?

Maisy's Bus by Lucy Cousins21 of 34

Maisy's Bus by Lucy Cousins

Maisy's adventures have been translated into 28 languages and sold more than 25 million copies. There are now more than 150 Maisy stories full of letters, numbers, and shapes for your baby to learn.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle22 of 34

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

You can download this on to your Kindle but it's just not the same as reading with your toddler and seeing all the holes in the pages. Another absolute classic that deserves its place on every toddler's bookshelf.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler23 of 34

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Another star turn from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; follow the adventures of a rather careless witch and her grumpy cat.

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg24 of 34

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Each Peach Pear Plum is a timeless picture book classic from the best-selling illustrator/author team of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Each beautifully illustrated page encourages young children to interact with the picture to find the next fairy tale and nursery rhyme character.

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole25 of 34

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole

Fairy Godmothers have been replaced by Fairy Geek Mothers, and fairy tale land has all gone a bit Pete Tong, tbh. Can Princess Smartypants save the day and return sanity?

The Tale Of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter26 of 34

The Tale Of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

An absolute classic, your children's bookshelf wouldn't be complete without the wonderful tales by Beatrix Potter, starting of course with the legendary Peter Rabbit.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury27 of 34

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury

Perfect for little babies to learn about how we all have ten fingers and ten toes, whatever other differences we might have.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr28 of 34

The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr

Another classic that has stood the test of time, this beautiful story of Sophie and her very hungry tea-time guest is a must if you've got an animal-lover in your brood. Why not plan a tea-party for your own hungry tigers at the weekend?

Thatu2019s Not My Kitten29 of 34

That’s Not My Kitten

One of many, many in the 'That's Not My...' range of books, these little hardbacks are full of textures for little hands and are adored by babies and toddlers everywhere.

Where's Spot? by Eric Hill30 of 34

Where's Spot? by Eric Hill

Spot is a timeless classic. In the book, puppy Spot has gone missing at dinner time and Mummy dog, Sally, must find him. This book is part of a collection of many stories about Spot's adventures that are a part of pretty much everyone's childhood.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs31 of 34

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

It wouldn't be Christmas without watching this on the TV, so enhance the pleasure of this wonderful story with the book for all year round too.

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak32 of 34

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This adorable story of Max and his monsters has entertained children for years. After dressing up in his wolf costume, Max wreaks so much havoc he is sent to bed before dinner (sound familiar?). That night, his bedroom transforms into a forest, and he is taken to where the Wild Things are.

Not Now, Bernard by David McKee33 of 34

Not Now, Bernard by David McKee

With expressive illustrations, gentle repetition of the phrase 'Not now, Bernard', and quite dark overtones, this book will be remembered well into your adult years.

Would You Rather? by John Burningham34 of 34

Would You Rather? by John Burningham

Would you rather drink snail squash or eat mashed worms? Help a witch make stew? Tickle a monkey? Or maybe - if you could really be anyone or do anything in the world - would you rather just be . . . you?

Sharing books with your children is fun, as well as teaching them all sorts of life skills - before they can even think about reading, you can get them used to having books around and hearing stories and tales.

Storytime is a great chance to bond with your kids too - laughing together, or reading books about difficult subjects, or even helping them to potty train. There's quite literally a book about everything and anything.

For babies and toddlers, following the Bath, Book, Bed routine is a great nighttime routine that you can start from a really early age, helping your baby to settle into a happy, sleepy state.

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