Picture Books
A good picture book is timeless. Here we have a highlighted selection of new and favourites, but we have a full collection in store and available to order.
We also stock a range of books designed to help kids through difficult times, please email if you would like us to research anything particular.
Make Tracks : Building Site, Johnny Dyrander ( board book June 2023)
£7.99
Get to know things that go in these action-packed board books featuring sliding counters. Discover different building site vehicles in this series of interactive board books with easy-to-use moving parts. Learn vehicle vocabulary with simple first words, clear diagrams and helpful text prompts to encourage discussion. Then trace the transport around different tracks with a moving counter on every spread and the cover.The perfect book for children who love diggers and dump trucks - and being in the driving seat! Other titles in the series include: Farm
Mavis The Bravest, Lu Fraser (May 2023)
£6.99
An irresistible story about finding the bright spark of braveness inside from the creators of One Camel Called Doug, and the author of award-winning The Littlest Yak. Mavis is not like her adventurous friend Marge. Mavis is a chicken who finds EVERYTHING scary (night-time and daytime and anything hairy!).So when the slumbering peace of their cosy barn is disturbed by someone trying to steal their friend Sandra the sheep, will Mavis be able to find her bright spark of braveness and save Sandra? This adorably warm-hearted story is brimful of humour, reassurance - and two exceedingly courageous chickens!
Maybe, Chris Haughton ( paperback April 2021)
£7.99
From Chris Haughton comes a funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking). Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their branch in the forest canopy. "Ok, monkeys! I'm off," says the big monkey."Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there." Mmm ... mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ...
maybe ... maybe they could just look at the mangos? That'd be ok, right?
Meet The Weather, Carys Hart ( Paperback March 2023)
£7.99
WHOOOOSH! We're off on an exciting adventure in our hot-air balloon to say hello to all the different kinds of weather that make up our world. Join in with the rhymes and get ready to meet everything from whooshing wind to bright rainbows and shimmering sunshine. Little ones will be swept away on an unforgettable journey in this striking, action-packed picture book.This bold, bright follow-up to the acclaimed picture books Meet the Planets and Meet the Oceans is packed with gorgeous illustrations of everything from rainy rainforests to snowy mountains and stormy seas. Combining STEM learning with a rhyming twist, it's perfect for all little meteorologists!
Misery Moo, Jeanne Willis (children's paperback)
£6.99
There was once a cow who was always miserable, and a lamb who tried to cheer her up. But the cow was impossible to cheer up! Even Father Christmas was too jolly for her. The poor lamb burst into tears himself, and wallowed in misery.Finally the cow started to miss him, and gave him the best birthday present ever - a great big grin! With the brilliant illustrations of Tony Ross, this will be a firm family favourite.
More Peas Please, Tom McLaughlin ( paperback May 2023)
£7.99
A vibrant picture book story to help encourage picky or reluctant eaters, perfect to read together with children aged 3+"I can't eat peas!" exclaimed Milo. "They're too GREEN! Greener than a stinky, swampy pond, greener than a giant dragon, greener than a fleet of space-sick aliens. "It's fair to say that Milo doesn't like peas! Is it possible that his sister could help him change his mind by showing them how cool they can be? A fun, fantastical picture book which might just encourage little ones to give peas a chance!
Mouse's Wood : A Year in Nature, Alice Melvin ( April 2023)
£7.99
Mouse's Wood : A Year in Nature
This exquisitely illustrated picture book with die-cut flaps follows the woodland ramblings of Mouse through the change in seasons. Written in a gentle rhyme that reflects the slow pace of Mouse's rambling journey, and illustrated in the inimitable style of Alice Melvin, Mouse's Wood is a heart-warming celebration of slow living in nature. The story follows Mouse, who first ventures out in wintry January to visit his friend Squirrel.
Mouse moves on to wake up Hedgehog for the arrival of spring and as he continues along the path in the wood, Mouse's journey from friend to friend maps out the changes in seasons from January through to December, from picnicking among the bluebells with Mole in May and picking berries with Dormouse in June, to taking refuge in Fox's cozy caravan as winter draws in.
On the Farm : A Push, Pull, Slide Book, by Axel Sheffler ( board book)
£7.99
From the illustrator of The Gruffalo and other Julia Donaldson books, this is a charming board book with rhyming text, moveable parts and engaging illustrations on every page.
One Camel Called Doug, Lu Fraser ( picture book, Feb 2022)
£6.99
A warmly reassuring rhyming story (with a fun counting element!) about how it's ok to need a little alone time, from the author of the award-winning The Littlest Yak. Doug the camel is all alone and sometimes he wonders whether one is enough (it makes playing hide and seek terribly tough...). So when at first one, then two, then three, then four more camels turn up (followed by a whole camel herd), Doug delights in the possibilities all these new friends bring.But when Doug is 'all camelled out' from all the excitement and it's time to count down to bedtime, he takes just as much pleasure from the peace of being alone once again. Lu Fraser's warm, funny text is a delight to read out loud and is brilliantly illustrated by Sarah Warburton in the first book from this exciting new picture book partnership.
Penelope Snoop Ace Detective, Pamela Butchart ( PB March 2022)
£6.99
A brilliantly funny and original picture book featuring a feisty female detective who is absolutely the BEST Finder-Outer-in-the-Whole-Wide-World! Penelope Snoop has a new case to solve - her favourite toy, Sidney the Smelly Sock Snake, has disappeared. With her trusty sidekick, Carlos the dog, Penelope sets out to uncover the mystery - and begins a search for the Sock Snake which will take them right up into outer space! Hilarious, original and fabulously illustrated, this is an irresistible picture book from the bestselling, award-winning Pamela Butchart.
Peppa Loves Our Planet
£7.99
Learn simple ways to help the planet with Peppa and George ...
It is Love Our Planet Week at playgroup, and Madame Gazelle asks the children to make a scrapbook of all the things they can do to help look after our planet. Peppa and George recycle, grow their own vegetables, turn off the taps when they are brushing their teeth and scooter to playgroup instead of going in the car. They learn that every little thing makes a BIG difference! Peppa loves our planet! Everyone loves our planet!All Peppa Pig books are printed on paper from responsibly managed sources.
This Peppa Pig book is printed with environmentally friendly vegetable inks and a water-based finish on the cover.
Press Here, by Herve Tullet
£6.99
Press Here is an award winning invitation to press the yellow button on the cover and start a fun and interactive story with colour and movement. Guaranteed to delight preschool children.
It works on a very simple premise but somehow never disappoints!
Priya Mistry and the Paw Prints Puzzle, Babita Sharma (Hardback March 2024)
£12.99
Introducing Priya Mistry - corner shop super sleuth! She's a Mistry by name, and mysteries are her game. When some puzzling paw prints appear on the floor of her family's corner shop, Priya grabs her mission kit and kicks off an investigation. Can Priya crack the case and uncover the mysterious creature before it eats all the food in the shop?This is a fantastically fun and mischievously mysterious picture book that is perfect for little detectives!
Great for ages 3 - 6
Puffling and the Egg, Gerry Daly ( paperback picture book March 2024)
£8.99
When Puffling finds a lost egg on Skellig Michael, she sets off on a brand new adventure to return the egg to its nest!She travels all over the island searching the owner of this stray egg, meeting lots of new friends along the way ... but who lost this mystery egg? And what kind of baby animal is going to hatch from it?
Ready Steady Squirrel, Nicola Kinnear ( paperback October 2023)
£7.99
It's winter in the forest: time for squirrels to gather all the nuts and acorns and pine cones they'd squirrelled away in the autumn. Evie's determined she can do it all by herself. She's ready.She's steady. She's going squirrelling! But it's a huge task. Can she really do it all on her own? Or should she let her friends lend a hand? Nicola Kinnear's superb illustrations are her best ever, in this endearing story about courage and kindness.
This is the perfect story for bedtime . . .
Simon Sock, Sue Hendra ( paperback 2018)
£6.99
A wonderful new character from the bestselling creators of Barry the Fish with Fingers and the illustrator of Goodnight Digger. Simon is an odd, stripey sock. He lives in the drawers with all the other socks.Every day two socks get picked to go on an adventure. The sparklies go to parties. The woolies go the park.
The smarts go to school. Everyone has a pair... except Simon.
Will he ever find his perfect match? A hilarious story celebrating friendship and difference from an exciting new picture book partnership. Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet's hilarious books have sold over 1 million copies!
Solo : Can a dog called Solo be part of the pack?, Adam Beer ( picture book, July 2022)
£6.99
A terrific book to encourage sharing and making new friends - not to mention the perfect present for dog lovers! 'Adam's lively hounds are a scratchy, inky delight!' - Sara Ogilvie, illustrator of The Detective Dog
Meet Solo the dog. This is his island - and these are his things and his humans. So when a group of other dogs turn up, Solo doesn't like it - not one bit - and he tells them so quite firmly.
He doesn't want to share his things and he thinks they're running out of control (although it does look quite fun...). Only, once the others have gone, Solo finds that he misses his new friends, and races to get them back. Will Solo come to see that no dog is an island, and that some things are just better with friends? Find out in this irresistible author-illustrator debut from Adam Beer, the illustrator of Mammoth.
Spaghetti Hunters, Morag Hood ( paperback)
£7.99
Spaghetti Hunters is a brilliantly funny and wonderfully silly picture book, featuring a duck, a tiny horse and quest for spaghetti, from the award-winning Morag Hood - creator of The Steves, I Am Bat. Duck has lost his spaghetti, and Tiny Horse has a plan to save the day. But what exactly do you bring to a Spaghetti Hunt? A spade, a fishing rod, a jar of peanut butter, cutlery and some binoculars, obviously.Searching far and wide, Tiny Horse catches worms, a ball of string, even a snake - but no spaghetti. Disaster! Until Duck consults a recipe book and armed with flour, eggs and a pasta maker, sets about making his own spaghetti. This infectiously comic story encourages reading and home-cooking, teaching children about where food really comes from.
Stompysaurus, by Rachel Bright ( picture book Sept 2022)
£6.99
A reassuring tale about coping with overwhelming feelings and frustration, The Stompysaurus is the latest book in the DinoFeelings series by Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton, creators of The Worrysaurus. One morning, Stompysaurus wakes from a happy dream, feeling excited for the new day, until things start to go a bit wrong. His brother's being a tease, his breakfast isn't his usual favourite and NOTHING is going right.His STOMPS and ROARS start rising inside him, until they EXPLODE! But a tricky start doesn't have to mean a stompy finish. Can Stompysurus find a new way of looking at things and turn his day around?The perfect picture book to help children learn to overcome feelings of anger and annoyance when it seems like everything is going wrong. From the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.
Storm In A Jar, Samuel Langley-Swain ( picturebook, Sept 2021)
£7.99
A lovely story that encourages children to talk about bereavement but also feelings around anger and how to embrace, release and manage them. Arlo has lost his granny, but the story can easily be widened to talk about loss of other loved one.
With Inclusive representation including BAME lead character with hearing aid and step-parents.
Ten Little Bugs, Mike Browlow ( paperback August 2023)
£7.99
Join ten playful bugs for moonlight fun in this charming rhyming counting adventure! The Bug Hotel is hosting the Moonbeam Ball so ten little bugs are getting everything ready for the party. Can these lively bugs send out invites, decorate the ballroom and arrange a musical surprise before the guests arrive? Follow the ten little bugs as the buzz and bounce through a wonderful mini-beast world - meetings spiders, bees and dragonflies along the way. Read the bouncy rhyming story and count from ten to one and back again, as the little bugs disappear then reappear.Spot and count the details on each page, and join in with the magical read-aloud sounds. Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story, the " Ten Little" series is fun and entertaining on every page.
Ten Little Penguins Mike Brownlow ( paperback Sept 2022)
£6.99
Join ten adorable penguins for frost-filled fun in this charming rhyming counting adventure!Oh no! Granny Penguin isn't feeling very well so ten little penguins hatch a plan to cheer her up. Can these ten lovable penguins find gifts and bring them back to Granny so they can all play together again?Follow the ten little penguins as they slide and dive through a wintry, watery wonderland - meeting seals, dolphins and whales along the way. Read the bouncy rhyming story and count from ten to one and back again, as the little penguins disappear then reappear.Spot and count the details on each page, and join in with the magical read-aloud sounds. Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story, Ten Little Penguins is perfect for sharing.
Ten Minutes to Bed Little Fairy, Rhiannon Fielding ( paperback 2022)
£7.99
A magical new story in the no.1 bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series, written specifically to help children settle down for bedtime. Poppy the fairy wishes she could fly as high as all of her friends, but there's just one thing - her wings are very small! When Poppy spots a lost gnome far from his glade, she is determined to use her wings and get him to safety. But can this little fairy fly to the rescue and still get back home before bedtime? Weaving a journey from lively beginning to gentle end, this enchanting, heart warming tale is perfect for little readers everywhere and will help them settle down for bed.
Lots of other titles in the Ten Minutes to Bed series : Dragon, Dinosaur, Unicorn, Mermaid, Little Monster.
The Baddies, Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler ( paperback Sept 2023)
£7.99
The brand-new picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a riot of slapstick fun and silliness. The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land. They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst.When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait to scare her out of her wits. But the little girl quickly shows them that you don't have to be big to be brave, and baddies don't always win. Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot.
The Boy: His Stories and How they Came to Be, by Oliver Jeffers
£25.00
A spectacular collection of four much-loved modern classics from the multi award-winning, internationally best-selling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers, along with a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the making of each in four fascinating sketchbook sections. Oliver Jeffers is originally from NI, although now based in New York.
Contains the following stories: How to Catch a Star, Lost and Found, The Way Back Home, & Up and Down. Also within the pages of this exquisite collection is a special letter from Oliver Jeffers and more than 100 wonderfully distinctive sketches, notes and ideas, carefully chosen from his archives and revealed here for the first time. A real collectible edition.
The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas (paperback)
£7.99
One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows thim what each feeling means through colour. What is the Colour Monster feeling? And can you help him feel a little less mixed up? A gentle exploration of feelings for young and old alike.
The Dress In the Window, Robert Tregoning ( paperback Oct 2023)
£7.99
One day a boy is walking past a second-hand shop when he sees a dress. It's no ordinary dress - it's glittering, sparking, dazzling, and red. For the boy it's love at first sight. Yes, he's a boy and yes, he wants to wear the dress.His mum suggests he do some odd jobs to save the necessary money, but what if someone else buys it first? An affirming, uplifting tale about love, acceptance, and being true to yourself.
The Girl and the Dinosaur, Hollie Hughes ( picture book, August 2020)
£7.99
A lovely gentle story, with evocative illustrations, destined to be read for years to come. The wishing stars burn bright tonight, the air is thick with dreams, and a deeply sleeping dinosaur is waking up, it seems . .In a town by the seaside, Marianne is often seen foraging on the beach. But she isn't playing with children her own age.
Instead Marianne is alone, and digging for dinosaur bones to build a special sort of companion. Then, one night, she goes to sleep wishing with all her heart that her dinosaur might come to life . .
The Girl Who Loves Bugs, Lily Murray ( paperback August 2023)
£7.99
The Girl Who Loves Bugs is a hilarious and heart-warming story empowering young girls to always be curious. Evie loves bugs. And she's fed up of having to keep up with her mums and brother on walks when she'd rather be peering under logs and examining snails.So, one day, she decides to bring the bugs inside, so she can be with them all the time. The problem is, the family is coming to stay, even fearsome Great Gran, who doesn't stand for any nonsense. And on the day of their arrival, Evie wakes up to find her bugs have escaped .
. . all over the house! What is Great Gran going to say?A beautiful, bug-filled story about following your dreams, and the unconditional love of family.
With ideas and tips at the back for looking after some of your own bugs (outside!).
The Golden Hare, Paddy Donnelly ( signed while stocks last)
£13.99
Meara and Grandad set out on a journey to find the Golden Hare, a mythical, shape-shifting creature that can jump to the moon in two-and-a-half leaps! Along the way, they discover all sorts of treasures in the trees, under the ground and in the waves. And who knows where that clever Golden Hare might be hiding ...
A gorgeous story and illustration from Northern Irish illustrator and author Paddy Donnelly, who is always generous with his time and calls in to sign his books when he's in Belfast :)
The Happy Hedgerow (hardback October 2021)
£10.99
Nestled in the countryside, lies a barley field surrounded by hedgerows and woods. Old Oak stands amidst his own beloved hedgerow, which teems with contented wildlife. One day the farmer decides to get rid of one of the hedgerows: the old Oak watches in sorrow as his dear friend Beech's hedgerow is pulled up and destroyed.Now the soil dribbles down the hill when it rains, and the wind blows away the top soil. The crops will no longer thrive in this huge new field. But hope is returned when a new farmer comes to plant saplings one cold winter morning.
By showing children just how empty our countryside would be without these wonderful, ancient habitats, the story engenders a lasting affection and appreciation of our hedgerows. Illustrated in a charming style, with accurate details of flora and fauna.
The Heart of A Giant, Hollie Hughes (paperback July 2023)
£7.99
A journey of friendship and discovery from the author of very popular The Girl and the Dinosaur. There's a shape up in the hills, where a giant's said to sleep,beneath a grassy blanket, on a bed of moss and peat . .. Then, one day, the sleeping giant wakes - and a small boy called Tom is plunged into an unforgettable adventure. Along the way, he'll discover what it means to be a true friend - and that even an ordinary boy can have the heart of a giant.
With a beautiful rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations from debut talent Anna Wilson, this beautiful book is a treat.
The littlest Yak 2 ; The New Arrival by Lu Fraser
£6.99
This irresistible follow-up to the bestselling, award-winning The Littlest Yak celebrates new siblings and the way that a heart can grow to fit even more love inside! Gertie the yak is back! And she's going to be a big sister! Gertie wants the new baby to feel right at home, so she paints a welcome sign, knits a bib and plans to share all her favourite things. But when Gertie realises she might have to share Mummy too, she starts to have a bit of a wobble... This adorable and touching new adventure for the littlest yak reassures with warmth and humour as Gertie learns that, with the new arrival, she's loved a whole heartful more!
The Littlest Yak, Lu Fraser & Kate Hindley ( paperback)
£6.99
WINNER OF Oscar's Book Prize 2021
Perfect for fans of Rachel Bright and Julia Donaldson, The Littlest Yak is a joyous, rhyming caper that teaches little ones to celebrate their own unique talents!
Gertie is the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she's feeling stuck in her smallness - she wants to grow UP and have bigness and tallness! But when it turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do, might she come to see that she's perfect, just the way she is? A rollicking, heartwarming and reassuring story from debut author, Lu Fraser and much-loved illustrator, Kate Hindley.
The Pet Potato, Josh ( paperback March 2023)
£7.99
Albert is so desperate to get a pet, he'll take anything - a cat, a dog, giraffe... he's not fussy, so he's super excited when Dad finally brings a pet home. There's just one problem: it's a potato.Potatoes can't do anything a proper pet does... can they?!Branford Boase Award shortlisted Josh Lacey and World Illustration Award shortlisted Momoko Abe bring warmth and humour in perfect measure to this story, perfect for any child who's desperate for a pet!
The Wind In The Willows - 90th Anniversary picture book version
£7.99
A stylish foiled picture book adaptation - celebrating 90 years of E. H. Shepard's iconic original illustrations!
Story beautifully abridged by Timothy Knapman, perfect for 3 -6 year olds to introduce them to the classic story.
"Don't you know?" grinned Rat. "Oh, Mole! There is nothing half so much fun as simply messing about in boats!" A world of wonders awaits Mole as he emerges from his little underground home one spring day.
He discovers the sights and delights of the river aboard Rat's rowing boat. He ventures into the Wild Wood, home to kindly Badger. In the company of fun-loving Toad, he feels the thrill of the open road.
But Mole soon learns that where there is Toad, there is trouble. Toad has a dangerous new hobby, and Mole and his friends must use all their wits and courage to keep him from disaster! Kenneth Grahame's delightful characters, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad, have entertained generations of children.
The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds, David Almond ( hardback October 2022)
£12.99
She made her marks. She whispered her words. Then she said,"Go on.Be happy. Up you go."
When Nanty Solo comes to town, she says she can turn children into birds. The parents are skeptical, but the children want to fly.
And before very long, everyone does. A celebratory, lyrical story that will make your heart and imagination soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to life in glorious uplifting paintings by award-winning illustrator Laura Carlin.
The Worst Sleepover in the World, Sophie Dahl ( children's book July 2023)
£7.99
A playful picture book exploring the hilarious complications of first friendships. Ramona is having her best friend Gracie to stay the night. It's their first ever sleepover and she wants to make a den, read stories, dance like a wild thing, stay up all night and have a midnight feast.It'll be the BEST SLEEPOVER IN HISTORY. But nothing quite goes to plan. Will Gracie, Ramona and her little sister Ruby be able to solve their problems and still be friends in the morning?
To The Other Side, Erika Meza ( paperback 2023)
£8.99
To The Other Side explores the journey of two young refugee children in search of safety. Perfect for opening up conversations about conflict and war, encouraging empathy and understanding. A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game.To win, she tells him, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Each child imagines what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school. But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are more real than they imagined.
And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead, and reach the other side. A stunning, symbolic and emotionally rich picture book about the spirit and strength it takes to leave your home behind. Beautifully brought to life by author-illustrator Erika Meza.
Usborne : All About Worries and Fears, Felicity Brooks
£9.99
There can be a lot to worry about when you are little, from monsters under the bed to Monday's maths test, but one person's scary spider is another's perfect pet, so how can we learn to stop everyday fears and worries from growing out of proportion or even overwhelming us? This book helps children understand why we have different fears and worries and the physical effects they can have on our bodies. It then offers all sorts of fun and helpful activities and strategies to help manage and even overcome them.
Now only available in paperback
