In celebration of World Book Day, we round up the best new children’s books for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers.

A Home for Stone by Corrine Averiss and Rosalind Beardshaw

This very sweet story about kindness and finding friends in unexpected places comes from the award-winning creators of My Pet Star. A little boy finds a lonely stone on the beach and decides to find a home for him with other stones ‘just like him’. But stone has other ideas… We loved this heartwarming tale and Rosalind Beardshaw’s beautiful illustrations will capture little ones’ imaginations.

hachettechildrens.co.uk

Sneak! By Beatriz Giménez de Ory and Paloma Valdivia (English text by Lisa Rosinsky)

Introducing future scientists to STEM topics, this interactive board book from the ‘slide-and-see’ series invites little ones to guess which animals could be hiding in amongst the flora and fauna. Packed full of educational facts, we loved this playful guessing game.

barefootbooks.com

The magic of me by Ben Cort

With vibrant illustrations, this book invites little readers to dream big. The story follows a little boy as he adventures through a fantastical world filled with giants, robots, dragons and more. Ben Cort is the illustrator of many well-known books including Shark in the Dark and Aliens Love Underpants. Little ones will love studying the detailed drawings in this magical book.

hachettechildrens.co.uk

Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Mariona Cabassa

Inspired by the author’s own experience with anxiety, this gorgeous book helps start conversations about worries with your little one. Lyrical verse and colourful illustrations reassure young readers that they have the strength to handle whatever comes their way.

barefootbooks.com

I Can Do That Too by Britta Teckentrup

Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog return for the third instalment in this series from much loved author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup. Teckentrup’s beautifully textured illustrations bring to life a sweet tale about finding your strengths. Teaching little ones it’s okay to try new things (and it’s also okay if you’re not ready to do them), it’s definitely a book you’ll find yourself returning to bedtime after bedtime.

prestel.com

The Library Mouse by Frances Tosdevin & Sophia O’Connor

Quill the mouse dreams of writing books and sharing them with the children in the library that he lives in. But getting his voice heard seems like a tall task when he’s such a small creature. Beautifully illustrated, we loved this tale about bravery and the magic of books. (Out April 2024).

amazon.co.uk

Two Rabbits by Larissa Ferenchuk and Prue Pittock

Best friends Little Brown Rabbit and Little Grey Rabbit have had an argument. Can they overcome their differences and admit their mistakes? This sweet tale explores themes about friendship and feelings through Prue Pittock’s whimsical illustrations.

amazon.co.uk

Ketchup On My Sundae by Nelleke Verhoeff

From the ‘mix-and-match’ series, this playful board book allows little ones to explore culinary flavours by creating their own delicious (or hilariously revolting!) food combinations. Smelly garlic in my milkshake? No thank you. This book will have little ones in stitches at bedtime.

barefootbooks.com

When I Feel Brave by Britta Teckentrup

Another gorgeous new book from Britta Teckentrup, When I Feel Brave follows on from the Berlin-based author’s much loved book When I See Red. Exploring what it means to be brave, the story follows a little girl as she wanders through the forest and meets a bear. This beautifully illustrated book is destined to become a classic.

prestel.com

Copy That, Copy Cat! By Katrina Tangen and Guilia Orecchia

This rhyming lift the flap book introduces young learners to the concept of biomimicry in a fun format. From flippers to aeroplanes, turn the page to see how human inventions mimic biology. Playful and informative.

barefootbooks.com

When The Fog Rolls in by Pam Fong

This tenderly illustrated story follows a little penguin who gets lost in the fog. Helping parents start conversations with their little ones about feeling lost, making decisions, and broadening their perspectives, it’s a heartwarming bedtime read.

amazon.co.uk

Argentina by Aixa Pérez-Prado and Mariana Ruiz Johnson

From the ‘our world’ series, this vibrant board book will take little readers on a trip around the world to Argentina. Dance the tango, sip on warm leche, and see the city lit up at night. We love how all the Spanish words are spelt out phonetically too.

barefootbooks.com

Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock, and Dung Ho

A heartwarming story about adoption, this beautifully illustrated book follows a little girl who notices her eyes are different to her parents’. Delving into her history, she discovers that even though she might not look the same as her family – it’s their love that connects them. We loved this empowering tale, that will start important conversations about families and acceptance.

amazon.co.uk