Since 1967 on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday (2 April) International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to books for young minds. Here are our top ten children’s books to mark this wonderful day.
The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan
A story filled with chocolate and adventure – who could say no to that? Follow Jelly on her quest to stop the chocopocalypse and have a giggle along the way.
The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle
An absolutely ridiculous book that promises to make you laugh out loud. The Gigglers are such a brilliant creation, and the way they punish grown ups for telling off children is genius. Prepare yourself for a lot of sniggering!
Car, Car, Truck, Jeep by Katrina Charman
Putting a new slant on an old favourite, this colourful rhyming journey to the seaside is sung to the tune of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and showcases vehicles and transport of all kinds (my toddler was sold at the first car!). Joyful, noisy and exciting.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A classic and much-loved picture book featuring a little mouse as he walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake. The gruffalo is turning 20 this year!
WANTED: The Chocolate Monster by Pip Jones
One day when a little girl is watching TV, the newsreader delivers a shocking public warning: a chocolate monster named ‘The Chunk’ is on the loose! A delightful book about the joys of chocolate for all the other chocolate monsters out there (this writer included).
Under the Same Sky by Britta Teckentrup
A beautiful book with dreamy collage illustrations. It shows the way that animals across the world can have the same interests, hopes and dreams, allowing young readers to reflect on the community of our united world.
The Tigon and the Liger by Keilly Swift
Tyler the tigon was terribly rare. A big cat like him isn’t found everywhere. Unique from his ears to his tail to his tum, his dad was a tiger, a lion his mum…a story about not feeling like you quite fit in. Beautifully illustrated and recently made into a theatre production.
Alice’s adventures in wonderland by Lewis Caroll
This much-loved children’s classic remains a favourite with us and doesn’t need much introduction.
When an elephant falls in love by Davide Cali and Alice Notti
Adults will recognise all the symptoms of the first flush of love in this tongue-in-cheek picture book, and children will delight in the funny illustrations and the happy ending
The Tiger who came to tea by Judith Kerr
Sophie and her Mummy are having tea in the kitchen when in walks a hungry tiger who asks to stay to tea. Currently can be seen at the Discover Story Centre in Stratford.
Have we missed anything off the list? What are your favourite books?