Best books for 3 to 5 year olds
Picture books, early readers and novels suited to children aged 3 to 5, chosen for stories that build empathy and show children the wide world, with Indian authors first. Age ranges are a guide: every child reads differently, so do look one band up and one down too.
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Dadaji's Paintbrush
by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Ages 4–8Indian author
A boy and his grandfather paint together every day in their village. When Dadaji dies, the boy finds his way back to painting and to happy memories.
Heads-up: Death of a grandparent
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The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk
by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
Ages 3–5Indian author
The classic nursery song takes a ride through India on a bouncy, beeping tuk tuk, picking up passengers, cows and all. A joyful read-aloud to sing along to.
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A Bucket of Blessings
by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
Ages 3–6Indian author
A little monkey sets out to bring rain to his thirsty village in this gentle retelling of an Indian folk tale about kindness and gratitude.
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Festival of Colors
by Surishtha Sehgal & Kabir Sehgal
Ages 3–6Indian author
Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo gather flowers, grind colours and share them with friends and neighbours as they get ready for Holi.
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Binny's Diwali
by Thrity Umrigar
Ages 4–7Indian author
Binny is excited to tell her class about Diwali but gets tongue-tied at first. A warm story about sharing your culture with friends at school.
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My Dadima Wears a Sari
by Kashmira Sheth
Ages 4–7Indian author
Rupa loves her grandmother's saris and all the things a sari can do, from shading a baby to carrying treasures. A tender look at family, heritage and belonging.
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Always Anjali
by Sheetal Sheth
Ages 4–7Indian author
Anjali can't find a bike plate with her name on it, and then gets teased at school. She learns to be proud of who she is and where her name comes from.
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What Shall I Make?
Ages 3–6Indian author
Neeraj turns a ball of dough into a snake, a mouse, a cat and a lion, before Amma helps him turn it into a roti. A playful story of imagination in the kitchen.
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Catch That Crocodile!
Ages 3–6Indian author
A crocodile wanders into town and everyone tries, and fails, to catch it. A rollicking rhyme with lively art by Pulak Biswas.
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Paati's Rasam
by Janaki Sabesh
Ages 3–6Indian author
A cosy story about Paati, her much-loved rasam and a kitchen full of family. A warm read about grandparents and South Indian food.
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Ganesha's Sweet Tooth
by Sanjay Patel & Emily Haynes
Ages 4–7Indian author
Ganesha breaks his tusk on a super-jawbreaker laddoo, and the poet Vyasa helps him find a use for it. A funny retelling of how the Mahabharata was written.
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Dig Dig Dinosaur
by Prof. Anjali Goswami
Ages 4–5Indian author
Three children set off on an expedition to discover dinosaurs in a faraway land.
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One in a Million
by Smriti Halls
Ages 4–5Indian author
Debra the zebra can count — but what comes after ten? A heartwarming picture book to snuggle up with together.
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Reggie Rabbit: The Great Carrot Heist
by Swapna Reddy
Ages 5–9Indian author
Can amateur detective Reggie Rabbit solve the mystery of the missing carrots? A humorous heist in comic book style.
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You and Your Body
by Dr Punam Krishan
Ages 5–9Indian author
Learn how your heart, lungs, and brain work with this fun and informative lift-the-flap book.
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Tiger on a Tree
Ages 3–6Indian author
A tiger gets stuck up a tree — and no one in the village can agree on what to do about it. A brilliantly funny picture book with rollicking rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations by Pulak Biswas. Published in multiple Indian languages.
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Gajapati Kulapati
by Ashok Rajagopalan
Ages 4–6Indian author
The most adorable elephant catches a cold with wonderfully messy results. A beloved classic with repetitive sounds perfect for reading aloud.
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Ammachi's Glasses
by Priya Kuriyan
Ages 3–5Indian author
A hilarious wordless picture book about a grandmother who misplaces her glasses and proceeds to cook chappals and eat spiders.
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Flutterfly
Ages 3–6Indian author
A wordless picture book in black-and-white with coloured butterflies. Children make up their own story each time — a different book on every read.
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Out of the Way! Out of the Way!
Ages 4–7Indian author
A boy in India sees a baby tree growing by the path and protects it. The tree flourishes throughout his lifetime despite all the changes around it.
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Maharani the Cow
by Christy Sudhir
Ages 4–7Indian author
Maharani the cow sits cheerfully in the middle of busy streets, holding up traffic for hours on end. A gentle, wry, very Indian picture book.
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Jalebi Curls
Ages 4–6Indian author
A Raja who dreams of jalebis in his sleep is in for a bizarre adventure. Curl up with this delicious and silly read-aloud.
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Eecha Poocha
by Kala Sashikumar (retold)
Ages 4–7Indian author
A retelling of a Malayalam folk tale about a greedy cat and a fly. Poocha drinks up all the soup and swells like a balloon. What happens next?
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The Pleasant Rakshasa
by Sowmya Rajendran
Ages 4–7Indian author
Karimuga the friendly rakshasa decides to share his beauty with jealous fellow rakshasas. A conversation about sharing and inner beauty.
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Purple Jojo
by Sameera Zia Qureshi
Ages 3–5Indian author
A puppy wakes up with big purple patches on him! Children guess how Jojo got the purple stains in this charming bilingual story.
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Sunu-Sunu Snail
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 3–6Indian author
A little snail rushes home to tell his mother all about the sights, sounds, and noises of a storm. Sweet and sensory.
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Mallipoo, Where Are You?
by Radhika Chadha
Ages 3–6Indian author
Mallipoosundari the baby piglet goes missing! Her elephant friends try to find her in this warm, funny tale about caring for others.
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Gobble You Up
by Retold by Gita Wolf
Ages 5–8Indian author
A Rajasthani trickster tale about a wily jackal who tricks and eats his friend the crane — and then just keeps eating. Illustrated in Gond style.
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Rooster Raga
Ages 4–7Indian author
A rooster who sings only carnatic ragas causes chaos in his village — until his unique voice wins everyone over. A funny, musical picture book, published in English and several Indian languages.
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The Susu Pals
by Richa Jha
Ages 4–7Indian author
A breezy urban picture book with a real take on friendship challenges — what happens when friends don't always agree or play fair?
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Boo! When My Sister Died
by Richa Jha
Ages 5–9Indian author
A gentle, honest picture book about coping with the death of a sibling. Helps children and families navigate grief together.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Machher Jhol
by Richa Jha
Ages 5–8Indian author
A refreshingly subtle and sensitive look at physical disability through the lens of food and family. Delicate and warm.
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Aai and I
by Mamta Nainy
Ages 5–9Indian author
A child explores her identity against the backdrop of her mother's illness with cancer. Honest, warm, and reassuring.
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Looking for Laddoo
by Aparna Karthikeyan
Ages 4–7Indian author
Karthik and his veterinarian mother weave through the iconic streets of Chennai searching for their missing pup, Laddoo — helping animals along the way. A warm, funny city adventure rooted in South Indian everyday life.
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Thatha's Pumpkin
by Lalita Iyer
Ages 4–7Indian author
Tia's grandfather has grown an enormous pumpkin — the biggest he's ever seen. When it's too large to eat alone, Tia must find homes for each little wedge. A gentle story about generosity, sharing, and community.
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Lights Out
by Vibha Batra
Ages 5–8Indian author
A young boy convinces his whole village to spend their nights in darkness to save a sparrow and her eggs. A gentle, powerful conservation story.
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Monkeys on a Fast
by Adapted from Buddhist tale
Ages 4–7Indian author
Mischievous monkeys decide to observe a fast — but with hilarious, chaotic results. Adapted from a classic Buddhist tale with lively illustrations.
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Das Din (Ten Days)
by Pridhee
Ages 4–6Indian author
A delightful lift-the-flap and pull-tab bilingual board book in Hindi and English. Children learn to count to ten through playful interactive pages.
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Gol Mol Bol
by Pridhee (music by Ramya Shankar)
Ages 4–6Indian author
A collection of classic Hindi nursery rhymes brought to life with charming illustrations and a downloadable music track. Warm and sing-along.
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I Won't Wash My Hair
by Aparna Kapur
Ages 5–7Indian author
When Divya refuses to wash her hair, it becomes home to worms, peanuts and pencils. A gleefully gross Hook Book for reluctant hair-washers.
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Flying with Grandpa
by Madhuri Kamat
Ages 5–8Indian author
A poignant, funny story about the special bond between a grandfather and his grandson. A perfect read-aloud that children and adults will love.
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Simply Nanju
by Zainab Sulaiman
Ages 5–8Indian author
A heartfelt story that makes children sensitive and accepting towards differently-abled and special-needs children. Warm and thoughtfully told.
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The Night the Moon Went Missing
by Various
Ages 4–7Indian author
The moon goes missing and everyone searches for it in this charming multilingual story. Free to read on StoryWeaver in English, Hindi, Tamil and more.
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Tales of Birbal (Amar Chitra Katha)
Ages 5–9Indian author
Birbal's legendary wit against all challengers — in Amar Chitra Katha's iconic comic format, one of India's most beloved children's comics for over 60 years.
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Amma Tell Me About Diwali!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The story of Diwali — Ram and Sita's return, the triumph of light over darkness — told in joyful rhyme with vibrant illustrations. Part of Bhakti Mathur's beloved 22-book Amma Tell Me series on Indian mythology and festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Holi!
Ages 4–7Indian author
The legend of Prahlad and Holika and the explosion of colour play that follows — the Holi story retold in lilting rhyme. A joyful introduction to one of India's most exuberant festivals.
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Amma Tell Me About Krishna!
Ages 4–7Indian author
Krishna's birth, his butter-stealing mischief in Vrindavan, and his heroic adventures — retold in warm, accessible rhyme with gorgeous illustrations. A perfect first mythology book for young children.
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Amma Tell Me About Ganesha!
Ages 4–7Indian author
How Ganesha got his elephant head, why he carries a modak, and what makes him the most beloved deity in the Hindu pantheon — told in rhyme for the very young.
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Women in Sports (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
Five extraordinary Indian sportswomen — PT Usha, Arunima Sinha, Bhakti Sharma, Chandro and Prakashi Tomar — their stories of grit and resilience told in simple verse with stunning illustrations. Award-winning.
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My Grandfather's Funny Eyebrows
by Arthy Muthanna Singh & Mamta Nainy
Ages 4–7Indian author
A warm, giggle-filled picture book about a grandchild's deep fascination with a wonderfully eccentric grandfather — and the legendary eyebrows that seem to have a personality of their own.
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Pickle Mania
Ages 4–7Indian author
Nitya wants to eat Thatha's fiery red pickles, but everyone says they're too spicy for children. When she finally gets a taste, they are! So she finds her own way to make a pickle that's just right. A delicious story about grandparents, determination and creative problem-solving.
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Ruk Jaana Nahin (Don't Stop)
Ages 5–9Indian author
Stories from Eklavya's progressive children's literature programme — featuring children from rural India who overcome obstacles, challenge norms, and discover their own voices.
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Amma, Tell Me About Ramayana!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the epic tale of Rama, Sita and Ravana as a bedtime story — part of the bestselling Amma Tell Me series.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Fought The Demons!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Amma tells the story of baby Krishna's mischief and his early battles with the demons sent by his uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me How Krishna Defeated Kansa!
Ages 4–8Indian author
The story continues as young Krishna grows up and finally confronts his tyrant uncle Kansa.
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Amma Tell Me About Hanuman!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part one of the Hanuman trilogy — the birth and boyhood of the monkey god, and how he came to serve Rama.
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Amma Tell Me How Hanuman Crossed The Ocean!
Ages 4–8Indian author
Part two of the Hanuman trilogy, following his leap across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita.
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Courage with Anandibai Joshee (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket (illus. Sriya Singh)
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Anandibai Joshee, one of the first Indian women to earn a medical degree, told to model courage for young readers.
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Passion with Aditi Pant (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket (illus. Boski Jain)
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Aditi Pant, India's first oceanographer and one of the first women to travel to Antarctica.
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Adaptability with Arunima Sinha (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest, told to model adaptability.
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Trust with PT Usha (Learning TO BE)
by Pervin Saket
Ages 5–9Indian author
The story of PT Usha, one of India's greatest track athletes, told to model trust and self-belief.
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Kahaani Rangeeli
by Pridhee Anu Sehgal
Ages 1–4Indian author
An interactive touch-and-feel board book pairing simple Hindi words and colours for toddlers, from the makers of Kahaani Chamkeeli.
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Nila Nila (Tamil)
by T4Tales
Ages 1–4Indian author
A Tamil-English interactive board book for toddlers, bringing T4Tales' bilingual reading experience to a new Indian language.
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Gutargoo
Ages 1–4Indian author
A sensory board book of everyday sounds and words for babies and toddlers just starting to talk.
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Chuglubugloo
by T4Tales
Ages 1–4Indian author
A playful interactive board book of silly sounds and words designed for very young children.
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Do!
by Gita Wolf
Ages 4–8Indian author
A minimalist handmade picture book of everyday actions and verbs, illustrated in the style of Indian tribal pictograms.
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My Mother's Sari
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 2–5Indian author
A young child explores all the wonderful things a mother's sari can become — a swing, a tent, a peekaboo curtain.
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Laxmi's Mooch
by Shelly Anand
Ages 4–8Indian author
Laxmi is teased for the fine hair above her lip, until her family helps her see it as something to be proud of.
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Bracelets for Bina's Brothers
by Rajani LaRocca
Ages 4–8Indian author
Bina wants to make rakhi bracelets for her brothers but keeps running out of supplies, so she gets creative with what she has.
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Kesar and the Lullaby Birds
by Aditi Oza
Ages 4–8Indian author
A gentle bedtime story about a girl, her grandmother, and the birds who help sing her to sleep.
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Tuntuni's Tales
by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury
Ages 5–9Indian author
Classic Bengali fables starring the clever tailorbird Tuntuni, first published in 1911 and beloved across generations.
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Mohini Made Friends
by Shruthi KP
Ages 5–8Indian author
A sweet story of Mohini making new friends at school, written by a Mohiniyattam dance performer and woven through with the spirit of classical Indian dance.
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Alphabet Soup For The Young Environmentalist
by Meena Raghunathan
Ages 5–9Indian author
An A-to-Z of environmental ideas and eco-habits, introduced playfully for young readers just starting to think green.
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The Armenian Champa Tree
by Mahasweta Devi
Ages 5–8Indian author
A tribal boy flees with his beloved pet goat to escape a ritual sacrifice, finding sanctuary by an old Armenian church tree, in a tender tale from a celebrated Indian author.
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If There Was One Thing I Could Be
by Kalpana Subramanian
Ages 3–6Indian author
Vir imagines what it would be like to be a bird — feathers, a beak, and all — before discovering that being himself is the most fun of all.
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Busy Ants
by Pulak Biswas
Ages 2–5Indian author
A wordless picture book following a line of ants as they go about their busy day — a classic of Indian picture-book art by the award-winning illustrator Pulak Biswas.
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Mahi: The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains
Ages 5–10Indian author
Young elephant Mahi is desperate to fly like the birds — and his hard-of-hearing grandfather insists elephants can. A whimsical, gently satirical fable about dreams and curiosity. Illustrated by Doodlenerve.
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Aao Bhai Khillu (आओ भाई खिल्लू)
by Prabhat
Ages 5–10Indian author
A collection of 47 playful Hindi poems for children by Prabhat, one of the best-loved contemporary Hindi children's poets.
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Master of the 7 Swars
by Pratyush Gupta
Ages 5–10Indian author
A crow named Kaga dreams of singing like the legendary Tansen, and flies off on an adventure through the seven swaras of Hindustani music. A striking pop-up book (from the Swarpeti project) with shadow-play pages and a companion music app. Publishing Next Children's Book of the Year.
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Seven Swaras: My First Book of Carnatic Music
by Aparna Kaushik
Ages 2–6Indian author
A bright, gentle first introduction to the seven swaras of Carnatic music for toddlers and preschoolers, with colourful illustrations and simple explanations of why learning music is fun.
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Zakir and His Tabla: Dha Dhin Na
by Sandhya Rao
Ages 5–10Indian author
From the rhythms his father Ustad Alla Rakha played to him as a newborn to taking the tabla to the world, this joyful picture-book biography follows Zakir Hussain's life in beats and vignettes. Illustrated by Priya Kuriyan.
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Thakitta Tharikitta Bouncing Ball
by Jacob Samson Muttada
Ages 3–6Indian author
Abu's big red ball bounces to the beat of dance syllables — thakitta tharikitta! A rhythmic read-aloud that brings the sounds of Indian dance to little ones. Illustrated by Ashok Rajagopalan.
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The Rabbit in the Moon
by Indrani Krishnaier
Ages 3–7Indian author
When a herd of elephants tramples through the jungle, do the little rabbits run away? No — they come up with a clever plan involving the moon. A retelling of a classic Jataka-style tale, published in bilingual editions. Illustrated by Harsha Nagaraju.
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She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change
by Suma Subramaniam
Ages 4–8Indian author
A picture-book biography of M.S. Subbulakshmi, who loved to sing at a time when girls weren't allowed to perform in public — and grew up to become a legendary Carnatic singer who used her voice for India's freedom and for peace. Illustrated by Shreya Gupta.
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The Girl Who Loved to Sing: Teejan Bai
Ages 5–8Indian author
Before Teejan Bai became a world-famous Pandavani singer, she was a little girl who had to fight poverty and tradition for the freedom to sing. A warmly illustrated short biography from the Dreamers series.
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The Musical Donkey (Paadum Kazhuthai)
by Niveditha Subramaniam
Ages 2–5Indian author
A donkey who loves to sing — even if nobody else loves hearing him! A cheerful, funny board-style picture book for the youngest readers, available in bilingual editions including English–Tamil (Paadum Kazhuthai).
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Born to Bat: Mithali Raj (Little Leaders)
by Arthy Muthanna Singh & Mamta Nainy
Ages 5–9Indian author
A picture book inspired by the life of Mithali Raj, former captain of India's women's cricket team — how a little girl who loved to sleep and dream found the grit to become a champion.
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The Clever Tailor
Ages 4–8Indian author
Rupa Ram, a famous but poor tailor, dreams of stitching something for his own family — and when he is gifted a new saafa, he uses his imagination again and again. A warm Rajasthani tale.
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List-O-Mania
Ages 4–8Indian author
Kimaya makes lists for everything — until a playdate goes wrong and she learns that some fun can't go by the list.
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Girls on Wheels
Ages 4–8Indian author
Inspired by India's girls' skateboarding revolution: three friends cheer each other through the falls and triumphs of learning to skate.
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Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps
Ages 4–6Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Varun peeks into his sister's Bharatanatyam class and discovers he loves dance too — with their grandfather cheering him on. South Asia Book Award winner.
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Brown Is Beautiful
Ages 4–8Indian author
A South Asian girl collects beautiful brown things on a walk in the woods and learns to love her own brown skin.
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Bindu's Bindis
Ages 3–7Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
Bindu's bindis connect her to her Nani and give her courage at the school talent show. A companion to The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh.
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My Name
Ages 3–6Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
When an Indian American boy starts at a new school, he learns to celebrate his name and everything that makes him unique.
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Thank You, Teacher!
Ages 4–8Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)
A rhyming thank-you to teachers for everything they do, from everyday triumphs to school-trip disasters.
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Biji's in the Kitchen!
Ages 5–7Indian author
Biji is freestyle and fun — but when she's in the kitchen, everyone beware! A funny illustrated Hook Book about a Punjabi grandmother who cannot cook.
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Princess Easy Pleasy
Ages 4–6Indian author
Princess Easy Pleasy is anything but easy to please — her seasonal quirks drive the royal packer up the wall.
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The Good Indian Child's Guide to Playing Cricket
Ages 5–9Indian author
A tongue-in-cheek guide to India's favourite game and what it takes to be a 'good' Indian child on the gully cricket pitch.
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The Good Indian Child's Guide to Eating Mangoes
Ages 5–9Indian author
Does eating mangoes need a guide book? A funny, juicy look at India's favourite fruit, with a personality quiz and mango trivia.
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A Home of Our Own
by Meghaa Aggarwal (illus. Habib Ali)
Ages 4–8Indian author
Sunehri and her friends, who live on the city streets, decide to play house with old plates, empty chip packets, plastic bottles and a broken helmet they have collected. A tender look at play, friendship and what makes a home.
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Maari – A Gift from the Skies
Ages 4–8Indian author
Heat waves have left Kanmani's Tamil Nadu village burnt and bare, yet everyone is getting ready for a festival, with decorated pots, bright silk saris and the beat of the parai drum. A story about finding safety in community, calm in chaos, and the gentle empathy of nature.
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Where Is Mr. Thookam?
by Anusha Veluswamy (illus. Janan Abir)
Ages 3–7Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India
Pattu wakes in the night to find Mr. Thookam (sleep) gone, and she and her Akka set out to find him. A funny, comforting story about night-time fears and the love between two sisters.
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Amma's Magic Handbag
by Vaishali BK (illus. Chandrima Chatterjee)
Ages 4–7Indian author
When feelings get too big, Amma doesn't rush to fix them. She stays, listens and plays, pulling small, magical things from her handbag. A gentle book about emotions and the power of a parent's presence.
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A Song From Where I Live
by Smrithi Devakumar
Ages 4–8Indian author
A love letter to home and the natural world, from the earth and sky to the wind, inviting readers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and ask what makes their wings shimmer.
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Can You Draw Love, Abbu?
Ages 4–8Indian author
Zoya and her Abbu try to draw feelings like love, happiness and contentment. A tender story set in a warm Indian home about a father and daughter, creativity and naming emotions.
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Pooni, Pooni, Where Are You?
by Manjula Padmanabhan
Ages 1–3Indian author
Minnie can't find her little cat anywhere! Bright, bold pictures help toddlers follow Pooni around in this find-it board book from the creator of Where's That Cat?
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Who Is Boodabim?
Ages 1–3Indian author
Is Boodabim a cloud? A fish? A tiger? Or a clown? A playful guessing-game board book that gets toddlers naming shapes, animals and things.
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Oluguti Toluguti
by Radhika Menon & Sandhya Rao, eds. (illus. Kshitiz Sharma)
Ages 2–6Indian author
54 rhymes from 18 Indian languages in lively English versions that keep the sounds: kau kau crows, chuk chuk trains, chham chham rain and dam padam pappadams. A joyful celebration of India's many languages.
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Haathi Bhai
by Traditional Gujarati rhyme (illus. Paridhi Didwania)
Ages 0–3Indian author
A big, round, colourful Haathi Bhai is on his way! A sturdy board book that turns a lively Gujarati rhyme into English without missing a beat.
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Akkad Bakkad
by Traditional Punjabi rhyme (illus. Shreya Sen)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Numbers walk, run, skip and laugh in this board book of a favourite Punjabi counting rhyme, adapted into English with bright, bold pictures.
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Cheep Cheep
by Traditional Marathi rhyme (illus. Soumya Menon)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Birds, animals and the everyday sounds of a child's world, in an English board-book version of a Marathi rhyme that encourages little ones to listen and look around.
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Dosa Amma Dosa
by Traditional Tamil rhyme (illus. Anupama S. Iyer)
Ages 0–3Indian author
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… hot dosas for the family! A board book of the much-loved Tamil rhyme about making and sharing dosas, with pictures inspired by wooden toys.
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Jhiri Jhiri Rain
by Traditional Bengali rhyme (illus. Priyadarshini Banerjee)
Ages 0–3Indian author
Jhiri jhiri comes the rain… and with it the sights and sounds of a wet, wet world. A board book of a Bengali rhyme that is just as musical in English.
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Karadi Rhymes with Usha Uthup
by Shobha Viswanath (sung by Usha Uthup)
Ages 1–5Indian author
Indian rhymes for Indian children, about mangoes, not daffodils, and kites, not surfboards. Three picture books with QR codes for songs set to simple Indian ragas and sung by Usha Uthup.
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Junior Kumbhakarna
Ages 4–8Indian author
Every night Kukku asks his father for the story of Kumbhakarna, the giant who sleeps for six months at a stretch, and every night he dozes off at the same moment the giant does. In his dream, everyone tries everything to wake the giant up. A wildly funny retelling of an episode from the Ramayana, illustrated by Shreya Sen.
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I Want a Pet
Ages 5–7Indian author
Jasbir has always wanted a pet, not a sibling. Then one day a buffalo walks into his life and refuses to leave. A funny, warm Hook Book that bridges picture books and early chapter books, illustrated by Reshu Singh.
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The Day I Crossed the Ramganga
by Siddhesh Gautam
Ages 5–8Indian author
A young boy longs to visit his father's office, but the Ramganga river lies in between. Can he find the courage to cross it?
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Blue
by Devashish Makhija (illus. Satwik Gade)
Ages 5–7Indian author
It's the annual kite festival and Bhim wants to be part of it. He is, though not quite in the way he expected. A short, warm Hook Book about finding your own place.
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Crow vs Vada
by Aruna Shekar
Ages 3–6Indian author
The tea stall opens, hot masala vadas pile up, and Crow just wants one. But the tea-seller is watching, and there are other competitors too. Who wins? A cheeky new spin on a classic tale.
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Magic Stitches
Ages 3–7Indian author
A little boy loves to crochet, and the other boys make fun of him. As they watch, his stitches turn into a cape, a river and a maze. Will they join him?
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Hugs Are (Not) for Everybody
by Ella Russell
Ages 3–7
At a birthday party, the guests discover that not everyone enjoys a hug, and try waves, high-fives and handshakes instead. A cheerful first book about asking before touching.
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Respect Me! Respect My Boundaries!
Ages 3–8
Everyday situations help children work out what feels okay and not okay, and how to say so. Covers body ownership, consent, feelings and speaking up.
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Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent
by Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli
Ages 1–4
A simple board book that helps toddlers notice their feelings, say yes or no, and listen when others do. Part of the First Conversations series.
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No Means No!
Ages 3–8
A little girl knows she's the boss of her own body and says no to things that don't feel right, from hugs to tickles. Teaches personal boundaries and respecting others' choices.
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Same Love, Different Hug
Ages 3–7
Different people like different kinds of hugs, and some would rather wave or shake hands. A gentle look at all the ways we can show love while respecting each other.
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Hattie Hates Hugs
Ages 3–7
Hattie doesn't want hugs at the family reunion, and her great-grandma helps her find the words to set boundaries. With new confidence, she enjoys the day.
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My Body Belongs to Me
by Jill Starishevsky
Ages 3–8
A rhyming book that teaches children their private parts are private, and that they should tell a trusted adult if anyone touches them inappropriately.
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Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
Ages 3–8
Prince Alfred learns the difference between good secrets and bad ones, and that he should always tell if someone touches his private parts. A gentle body-safety story.
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Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect
Ages 4–10
Teaches children about body ownership, respect, feelings, choices and recognising bullying, with discussion questions for parents and teachers.
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The Boy with the Dancing Bells: The Story of Akram Khan
by Samira Ahmed (illus. Humayra Kabir)
Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)
The story of Akram Khan, the British-Bangladeshi dancer who grew up dancing kathak and went on to create his own style. A picture-book biography about a boy who followed his love of dance.
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Daddy, Papa, and Me
by Lesléa Newman
Ages 1–4
A toddler spends a busy, happy day playing, cooking and cuddling with Daddy and Papa. A warm rhyming board book about a two-dad family.
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Owl Moon
by Jane Yolen
Ages 4–8
A girl and her father walk quietly through the snowy woods on a winter night to go owling. A Caldecott Medal classic about patience, wonder and time together.
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Knuffle Bunny
by Mo Willems
Ages 2–5
Trixie and her dad take a trip to the laundromat, and her beloved bunny gets left behind. A funny Caldecott Honor story about a dad who saves the day.
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Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
by Eric Carle
Ages 2–6
Monica wants to play with the moon, so Papa fetches a very long ladder and climbs up to get it for her. A classic with fold-out pages about a father's love.
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My Papi Has a Motorcycle
by Isabel Quintero
Ages 4–8
Daisy rides with her carpenter dad through their changing neighbourhood every evening. A love letter to fathers, daughters and home.
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Night Job
by Karen Hesse
Ages 4–8
A boy spends Friday nights with his dad on his job as a school custodian, sweeping, listening to the ball game and falling asleep to the hum of the floor polisher.
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Dad by My Side
by Soosh
Ages 3–6
A little girl and her dad do everything together, from building to exploring to comforting each other. Gentle illustrations celebrate a father's steady love.
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My Dad Used to Be So Cool
by Keith Negley
Ages 3–6
A boy wonders why his dad, who once played in a band and rode a motorcycle, isn't cool anymore, and discovers what his dad chose instead.
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Just Me and My Dad
by Mercer Mayer
Ages 3–6
Little Critter goes camping with his dad and is sure he's taking care of everything. A gentle, funny classic about a father's patience.
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I'm a Big Brother
by Joanna Cole
Ages 2–5
A boy welcomes the new baby home and learns all the ways he can help look after him. A reassuring book for new big brothers.
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The New Small Person
by Lauren Child
Ages 3–7
Elmore Green doesn't want to share his life with his new little brother, until the two of them find they have a lot in common.
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Kitchen Dance
by Maurie J. Manning
Ages 3–7
Two children creep downstairs to find their parents singing and dancing while doing the dishes, and are scooped into the dance.
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Drawn Together
by Minh Lê
Ages 4–8
A boy and his Thai-speaking grandfather can't understand each other's words, until they discover they both love to draw.
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Big Papa and the Time Machine
by Daniel Bernstrom
Ages 4–8
A boy is scared on his first day of school, so his grandfather takes him on a ride through his own memories of being brave.
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Doug Unplugged
by Dan Yaccarino
Ages 4–8
Doug the robot downloads facts all day, until he unplugs and explores the city with a real friend, learning far more than any download.
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Goodnight iPad
by Ann Droyd
Ages 4–8
A funny parody of Goodnight Moon in which every gadget in the house keeps the family awake, until Grandma steps in.
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Unplugged
by Steve Antony
Ages 3–6
Blip the robot is always plugged in, until a power cut sends her outside to discover friends, fresh air and fun.
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Tek: The Modern Cave Boy
by Patrick McDonnell
Ages 4–8
Tek the cave boy never looks up from his tablet, and the whole prehistoric world tries to get him outside. A funny look at screen habits.
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Nerdy Birdy Tweets
by Aaron Reynolds
Ages 5–8
Nerdy Birdy loves a social media game, but when he posts an embarrassing photo of his best friend, he learns about kindness online and off.
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Screen Time Is Not Forever
by Elizabeth Verdick
Ages 1–4
A simple, friendly board book that helps little ones understand why screen time has limits, and what else is fun to do.
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Chicken Clicking
Ages 4–8
A chick sneaks onto the farmer's computer, shops online and arranges to meet a new 'friend', who turns out to be a fox. A cautionary tale about online safety.
Heads-up: Mild peril
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Bilal Cooks Daal
by Aisha Saeed
Ages 4–7
Bilal invites his friends to help cook his favourite dish, daal. As they wait for it to simmer, the friends learn about patience, sharing and each other's cultures.
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Big Red Lollipop
by Rukhsana Khan
Ages 4–7
Rubina has to bring her little sister to a birthday party, and it doesn't go well. An honest, funny story about sibling rivalry, fairness and forgiveness.
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Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox
Ages 3–5
Children around the world may look different and live in different places, but inside, their hearts are just the same. A simple, reassuring first book about diversity.
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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
by Mem Fox
Ages 1–4
Babies are born all over the world, and every one of them has ten little fingers and ten little toes. A rhythmic, much-loved celebration of babies everywhere.
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The Colors of Us
by Karen Katz
Ages 3–6
Lena wants to paint herself brown and learns from her mother that brown comes in many shades, from cinnamon to chocolate. A celebration of skin colour.
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Global Babies
by The Global Fund for Children
Ages 1–4
Photographs of babies from seventeen cultures around the world, each cared for and loved. A simple board book about how alike we all are.
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Happy in Our Skin
by Fran Manushkin
Ages 2–5
A cheerful look at all the colours skin comes in, and all the things skin does for us. Bouncy text and bright pictures for the very young.
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Handa's Surprise
by Eileen Browne
Ages 3–5
Handa carries seven fruits in a basket on her head to her friend Akeyo, but along the way animals sneak them away one by one. A funny, much-loved read-aloud set in Kenya.
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Baby Goes to Market
by Atinuke
Ages 2–5
Baby rides on Mama's back through a busy Nigerian market, collecting treats from friendly stallholders. A bright counting story full of warmth.
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Lulu Loves the Library
by Anna McQuinn
Ages 2–5
Every Tuesday Lulu and her mummy go to the library, and Lulu loves every part of it. A gentle celebration of books and reading with a Black girl at its heart.
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The Snowy Day
Ages 3–5
Peter explores his city on a snowy day, making tracks and snow angels. A Caldecott Medal classic, and one of the first picture books with a Black child as its hero.
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Peter's Chair
Ages 3–5
Peter's old baby things are being painted pink for his new sister, and he decides to run away with his chair. A classic about adjusting to a new baby.
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Whistle for Willie
Ages 3–5
Peter wishes he could whistle for his dog Willie, and keeps trying until he can. A classic about patience and practice.
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More More More, Said the Baby
Ages 1–4
Three toddlers from different families are scooped up, swung and loved by the grown-ups around them. A Caldecott Honor book full of warmth.
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Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
Ages 3–6
Jabari is sure he's ready to jump off the diving board, until he's at the top. With his dad's gentle support, he finds his courage.
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Hands Up!
by Breanna J. McDaniel
Ages 2–5
A young girl raises her hands to stretch, to reach, to high-five and to celebrate. A joyful, rhythmic look at a Black girl's everyday life.
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My Friend Isabelle
by Eliza Woloson
Ages 3–6
Charlie and Isabelle are best friends. Isabelle has Down syndrome, and the two of them are alike in some ways and different in others. A simple story about friendship and difference.
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Red Is a Dragon
Ages 2–5
A girl spots colours all around her Chinese-American neighbourhood, from red dragons to yellow mooncakes, in a rhyming book of colours.
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Round Is a Mooncake
Ages 2–5
A little girl finds round, square and rectangular things in her neighbourhood, from mooncakes to dim sum. A rhyming book of shapes rooted in Chinese culture.
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Hush! A Thai Lullaby
by Minfong Ho
Ages 1–4
A mother asks each noisy animal to hush so her baby can sleep, while the baby stays wide awake. A Caldecott Honor lullaby set in rural Thailand.
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Mama, Do You Love Me?
by Barbara M. Joosse
Ages 2–5
An Inuit girl tests how far her mother's love goes, and Mama assures her it never ends. A tender, reassuring bedtime story.
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Don't Touch My Hair!
by Sharee Miller
Ages 3–6
Aria loves her hair, but everyone wants to touch it without asking. A funny, empowering story about consent and personal space.
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Lovely
by Jess Hong
Ages 3–6
Big, small, curly, straight, loud, quiet: lovely comes in every shape and size. A bold celebration of how different people look.
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The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
Ages 3–6
Chester Raccoon is nervous about starting school, so his mother kisses his palm to give him a kiss he can carry all day. A classic for first-day nerves.
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The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
Ages 3–7
Twins learn that an invisible string of love connects them to the people they care about, even when they're apart. Often used for separation and loss.
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In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
by Jo Witek
Ages 2–5
A girl describes how each feeling sits in her heart, from happy and brave to sad and angry. A beautiful first book for naming emotions.
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Grumpy Monkey
by Suzanne Lang
Ages 3–6
Jim Panzee is grumpy for no reason, and everyone keeps telling him to cheer up. A funny book about letting yourself feel what you feel.
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Ruby Finds a Worry
by Tom Percival
Ages 3–6
Ruby's small worry grows bigger each day until she learns that talking about it makes it shrink. A gentle book about sharing worries.
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The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages 3–6
When Taylor's block tower falls, the animals all offer advice, but only the rabbit simply listens. A quiet, powerful book about empathy.
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Llama Llama Misses Mama
by Anna Dewdney
Ages 3–5
It's Llama Llama's first day of school and he misses his mama. He finds out that school can be fun too. A rhyming read-aloud for first-day nerves.
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Owl Babies
by Martin Waddell
Ages 2–5
Three baby owls wake up and find their mother gone. They wait and worry until she flies home. A classic for little ones who miss a parent.
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We're Different, We're the Same
by Bobbi Jane Kates
Ages 3–6
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends show that noses, hair and skin look different on everyone, but they all do the same jobs. A cheerful first book about diversity.
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Mae Among the Stars
by Roda Ahmed
Ages 4–7
Little Mae dreams of going to space, and her parents tell her she can. Inspired by Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space.
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A Chair for My Mother
Ages 4–7
After a fire, Rosa, her mother and grandmother save coins in a jar to buy a comfortable chair. A Caldecott Honor classic about family, work and community.
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Dear Juno
by Soyung Pak
Ages 4–7
Juno can't read Korean, but he finds a way to write back to his grandmother in Seoul with drawings. A sweet story about love across distance.
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What's That Noise?
by Charlie Higson
Ages 3–5
Bob is hiding in a box and being very noisy. The more he gets away with it, the more ridiculous things he adds. Great read-aloud.
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Ant Party
by Ross Montgomery
Ages 3–7
Andy the ant wants a small birthday party but the whole colony turns up. Can the ants work together when an uninvited guest crashes the fun?
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The Biggest Dog in the Book
by Ben Lerwill
Ages 3–5
Agnes the Chihuahua isn't the biggest dog — so who is? Repetitive text makes it a joy to read aloud.
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The Tour at School
by Katie Clapham
Ages 4–7
A child joins a new school and gets a whirlwind tour; the confident guide doesn't need a tour guide — he needs a friend.
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Oh No, Flo!
by Catherine Cawthorne
Ages 3–5
Flo the sheepdog tries to help Farmer but mixes everything up. A funny farmyard fiasco.
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The Girl at the Front of the Class
by Onjali Q Raúf
Ages 4–7
A boy discovers his new classmate has fled her home. Celebrates being welcoming and kind toward newcomers.
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Dance Just Like So!
by Annemarie Anang
Ages 4–7
Kwesi choreographs special moves for Gran after she injures her knee. Celebrates dance and the loving grandparent-child bond.
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Don't Think of Tigers
by Alex Latimer
Ages 4–7
The creator offers to draw anything the reader wants — as long as it's not a tiger. Funny and colourful; highlights perseverance.
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Taking the Long Way Home
by Jake Hope
Ages 4–5
Zahra hates long walks but when Uncle Jerome picks her up birds become pterodactyls and the walk becomes a magical adventure.
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Jenny Peckles Lays Eggs With Speckles
by Rachel Emily
Ages 4–5
A silly, fun, inventive rhyming book about clever chickens and the lengths they'll go to in order to stand out.
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The Bear and the Hare and the Fair
by Em Lynas
Ages 4–5
A lovely book about friendship, trying something new, and going out of your comfort zone. Full of rhyming, fun language.
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We Are Definitely Human
by X. Fang
Ages 4–5
An alien family crashes into Mr and Mrs Li's house and insists they are human. Wonderfully absurd.
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The Footballing Fairy
by Elli Woollard
Ages 4–5
Femi the fairy adores football but her shots aren't always on target. A charming book about following your dreams.
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I'm Going to Make a Friend
by Darren Chetty
Ages 5–7
A child who moves to a new area decides to build their own friend but in helping each other they make a real friend after all.
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My Rice is Best!
by Selina Brown
Ages 4–5
A bright and sweet book that explores differences between cultures as well as what unites us all.
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Hank Goes Honk
by Maudie Powell-Tuck
Ages 4–5
Hank honks ALL the time. Can he learn to be considerate to others? Children will join in with the honking.
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Frank the Pizza
by Eoin McLaughlin
Ages 4–5
Frank's off to a party but is he looking too delicious? Funny and silly with possible snack cravings as a side effect.
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Liliana the Strong
by Quentin Blake
Ages 4–5
Liliana is very strong — she can lift a piano, a cow, and even a whale! A brilliant collaboration between two award-winning creators.
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The Shy Book
by Howard Pearlstein
Ages 5–9
This book hides from you but you help it become confident by answering its questions. Teaches social skills creatively.
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The Café at the Edge of the Woods
by Mikey Please
Ages 4–7
Rene opens a café but her only customer is an ogre! By disguising her food as bats and battered mice she becomes a hit.
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Slug Life
by Moesha Kellaway
Ages 5–9
Join Stevie the World's grumpiest slug as he learns what makes slugs special. Hilarious mix of narrative and non-fiction.
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Don't Trust Fish!
by Neil Sharpson
Ages 4–5
An absolute must-read for fans of humorous picture books. A hoot on every page while also giving genuinely interesting fish facts.
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Dot! Scribble! Go!
by Hervé Tullet
Ages 4–5
Another ingenious interactive book from the creator of Press Here. You can paint with just your hand!
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Usborne Lift-the-flap: Why Do We Need Worms?
by Katie Daynes
Ages 4–7
A fascinating guide to worms, their habitats and helpful habits in nature, with lift-the-flap features.
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A Little Blue Dot: Meet the Planets
by Maren Hasenjäger
Ages 5–9
Introduces the planets of the Solar System through the eyes of Earth, with a message about what makes our planet unique.
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Open Wide! Jaw-Dropping Mouths
by Dr Letizia Diamante
Ages 5–9
A fascinating, original take on the animal non-fiction book — all about teeth, mouths, and animal habits.
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Beat This Book
by Howard Calvert
Ages 5–9
Funny and silly, this book entertains children for a long time with over 40 ridiculous challenges to try.
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We Can! Make a Difference
Ages 4–7
An inclusive picture book about 15 children planning a We Can festival, written with real children. Features diverse abilities.
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Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth
by Alex Latimer
Ages 5–9
Gordon is terribly mean. But when a piglet gives him a flower he wonders — could he be brave instead? Very funny.
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The Search for Carmella
by Chloe Savage
Ages 5–9
Marine biologist Dr Rose takes a submersible craft deep into the ocean to search for a legendary beast.
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Blue Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam
by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson
Ages 5–9
Join three unlikely friends in a hilarious, wacky adventure packed with silliness and heart.
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Snails of the Unexpected
by Terrie Chilvers
Ages 5–9
Snails Fergus and Shelby use mega-morphing skills to save their home and foil a dastardly plot. Laugh-out-loud fun.
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George and the Mini Dragon
by George Webster & Helen Harvey
Ages 5–9
How can George keep his mini dragon secret when she flies about causing chaos? Stars a character with Down syndrome.
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Amelia Cheeseheart: Mummy Mayhem
by Cat Weldon
Ages 5–9
Amelia and Webster must find out who is stealing objects from the museum — and why. Action-packed comic strip style.
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The Moonlight Mystery Agency
by Vashti Hardy
Ages 5–9
Can Hana and her cat friend solve the mystery of the stolen unicorn's birthday cake? Dyslexia-friendly.
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Beastie Bros: The Cabbage Juice Crime
by David O'Connell
Ages 5–9
Brothers Dribble the snail and Dash the firefly investigate the theft of Dribble's invention by dastardly dung-beetles.
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Detective Stanley and the Mystery
by Hannah Tunnicliffe
Ages 5–9
Stanley the Detective dog is brought out of retirement for one last intriguing case. Highly illustrated and hilarious.
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Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion
by Abiola Bello
Ages 5–9
Twins Misha and Ziggy have secret superpowers — talking to animals and shapeshifting. Can they save a black lion?
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Meet the Mubbles
by Liz Pichon
Ages 5–9
The mischievous Mubbles live on the Isle of Smile until a mysterious delivery causes chaos. Liz Pichon's first graphic novel.
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Destiny Ink: Birthday Secret
by Adeola Sokunbi
Ages 5–9
Destiny is feeling left out at her cousin's birthday party. Can a talking teddy bear help her enjoy it?
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One Smart Cookie
by Mika Song
Ages 5–9
How can the squirrels get an endless supply of cookies? They have a plan! A funny graphic novel for newly confident readers.
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Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here…
by Aoife Dooley
Ages 5–9
A gang of deep sea creatures embark on four hilarious adventures in this vibrantly illustrated graphic novel.
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The Great Pollination Investigation
by Deborah Hocking
Ages 5–9
What's the link between flowers and the food we eat? Lift flaps to learn more. Stunning and packed with facts.
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The Guinea-Pig Party
by Holly Webb
Ages 5–9
Katy finds a guinea pig in her garden! But can she really keep her? A sweet chapter book for animal lovers.
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Ava Spark: Hello, I'm Here!
by Alex Field
Ages 5–9
Ava and her friends concoct a plan to welcome the new girl to their class. Features a protagonist with a disability.
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Ivy and Bearlock Holmes
by Kristyna Litten
Ages 5–9
Ivy and grandpa Bearlock Holmes solve the case of the missing Agave flower with interactive puzzles for young detectives!
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My Upside Down World
by Ken Spillman
Ages 5–9
A girl wakes to find her world literally turned upside down by her brother. A layered story readable as sibling chaos or something larger.
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The Story of Ferdinand
by Munro Leaf
Ages 4–7
The classic story of a bull who prefers sitting under a tree smelling flowers to fighting — a beloved tale about being yourself.
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Juan Bobo Busca Trabajo
Ages 4–7
The hilarious adventures of Juan Bobo, the beloved Puerto Rican folk hero who goes out looking for work with wonderfully chaotic results.
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Goal!
by Mina Javaherbin
Ages 5–8
Six boys play soccer in a South African township with a ball made from plastic bags, racing to finish before a rival gang interrupts their game. Joyful and hopeful.
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Wilma Unlimited
by Kathleen Krull
Ages 5–8
The true story of Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio as a child to become the fastest woman alive at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Astonishing and deeply moving.
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Emmanuel's Dream
by Laurie Ann Thompson
Ages 5–8
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born with a deformed leg in Ghana but cycled 400 miles across the country to change attitudes toward disability. A real-life superhero story.
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Frog and Toad Are Friends
by Arnold Lobel
Ages 4–7
Five timeless stories about optimistic Frog and grumpy Toad — borrowing a button, finding a lost list, waiting for letters. A landmark classic about loyal, imperfect friendship.
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Enemy Pie
by Derek Munson
Ages 5–7
Jeremy's dad has a recipe for enemy pie — but first Jeremy has to spend a whole day with his enemy. A warm, funny story about turning rivals into friends.
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Each Kindness
Ages 5–8
Chloe refuses to befriend the new girl Maya — and when Maya disappears, Chloe must live with the regret. A profound, bittersweet story about what kindness left undone costs us.
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The Recess Queen
by Alexis O'Neill
Ages 4–7
Mean Jean rules the playground — until small new girl Katie Sue isn't the least bit afraid. A lively rhyming story about courage and the most unexpected friendship.
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When Aidan Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff
Ages 4–8
Aidan transitioned before the baby arrived — so he helps his parents rethink the nursery they'd already set up. A sweet, matter-of-fact Stonewall Award winner.
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Red: A Crayon's Story
by Michael Hall
Ages 4–7
A crayon labelled RED is actually blue inside and feels like a failure — until someone asks him to draw the ocean. A gentle, perfect metaphor for identity and self-acceptance.
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Neither
by Airlie Anderson
Ages 4–7
In a land of birds and fish, a creature is born that is neither — it doesn't fit in anywhere until it discovers a place where everyone belongs. Gentle and universal.
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Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry
Ages 4–7
A young Black girl wants her hair to look perfect for a special occasion, so her father — who has never done hair before — steps up. Celebrates Black hair and father-daughter love. Academy Award-winning film.
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Alma and How She Got Her Name
by Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages 4–7
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela wonders why she has so many names — until her father tells the story of each ancestor they honour. Caldecott Honor. A love letter to heritage.
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The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
Ages 5–8
Unhei moves from Korea to America and worries her name is too hard to say. Her classmates create a jar of name suggestions — but she already has a perfect name. Warm and funny.
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Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Ages 5–8
A young Black boy gets a fresh haircut at the barbershop and walks into school feeling like a king. A glorious, joyful Coretta Scott King Award-winning celebration of Black boyhood.
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I Am Enough
by Grace Byers
Ages 4–7
A lyrical, empowering poem about loving who you are, how you look, and where you come from. Celebrates Black girls and the joy of being exactly enough.
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Mixed Me!
by Taye Diggs
Ages 4–7
Mike is a biracial boy with wild, wonderful hair. When kids ask questions about his mixed heritage, he answers with pride. A joyful, affirming story about mixed-race identity.
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The Dot
by Peter H. Reynolds
Ages 4–7
Vashti believes she can't draw — until her teacher asks her to 'make a mark and see where it takes you.' A perfect book about creativity, courage, and the art inside all of us.
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Beautiful Oops!
by Barney Saltzberg
Ages 3–6
Every smudge, torn page, and accident is a chance to make something beautiful. A tactile, hands-on book that turns art anxiety into pure creative joy.
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Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown
Ages 5–8
The great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is celebrated through the animals she loved and painted — spider monkeys, a deer, a black cat — that fed her extraordinary imagination.
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Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Ages 5–9
Before John Coltrane became a jazz legend, he was a boy who listened — to church choirs, to radios, to the South Carolina world around him. A lyrical, profound tribute.
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Wangari's Trees of Peace
by Jeanette Winter
Ages 5–8
The true story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai of Kenya, who mobilised women to plant 30 million trees to restore Africa's forests. Beautiful and essential.
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Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse
by Alexandria Giardino
Ages 5–8
The story of how the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda found his muse in Matilde and in the everyday world around him. Gorgeous illustration and lyrical text.
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Malala's Magic Pencil
Ages 4–7
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala tells her childhood story and her wish for a magic pencil to redraw the world — give every child food, freedom, and a chance to learn.
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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
by Chelsea Clinton
Ages 5–8
Harriet Tubman, Clara Lemlich, Sonia Sotomayor, and ten more — each woman who refused to be told no. A joyful, affirming collective biography.
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I Am Gandhi
by Brad Meltzer
Ages 5–8
From the Ordinary People Change the World series — a warm introduction to Gandhi's belief in non-violence and the quiet courage it takes to stand up for what is right.
Heads-up: Racism & discrimination
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I Am Martin Luther King Jr.
by Brad Meltzer
Ages 5–8
From the Ordinary People Change the World series — an accessible, warm introduction to Dr King's dream of equality and the meaning of peaceful protest.
Heads-up: Racism & discrimination
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Ages 3–5
A tiny caterpillar eats through a spectacular array of food before emerging as a butterfly. One of the most beloved picture books of all time — an art-and-science classic.
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Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China
by Ed Young
Ages 5–8
Three sisters left alone outwit the wolf who pretends to be their grandmother. A Caldecott Medal-winning retelling of a Chinese folk tale, atmospheric and beautiful.
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The Paper Crane
by Molly Bang
Ages 4–7
A poor restaurant owner shows kindness to a stranger who leaves behind a paper crane that, when clapped, comes to life and dances. A hauntingly beautiful story.
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Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
by Chieri Uegaki
Ages 4–7📱 eBook only in India
Hana's grandfather played violin in Japan; now she wants to honour him by performing at the school talent show — even though she has only just begun.
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The Korean Cinderella
by Shirley Climo
Ages 5–8
Pear Blossom is mistreated by her stepmother until magical creatures help her win the favour of the magistrate. A beautifully illustrated Korean folk tale retelling.
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Bee-Bim Bop!
Ages 3–6
A child helps her mother shop, chop, and cook a traditional Korean meal — all in bouncy, irresistible rhyming verse. A joyful celebration of Korean food and family.
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My Neighbor Totoro: Picture Book
by Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli
Ages 4–7
Based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film — two sisters move to the countryside and discover the gentle forest spirit Totoro. Magical, warm, and universally adored.
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La lechera / The Milkmaid
Ages 4–7
The Aesop fable reimagined in a Latin American setting — a milkmaid dreams of riches on her way to market and loses everything by counting her chickens too soon.
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Abuela
by Arthur Dorros
Ages 4–7
Rosalba and her grandmother soar over New York City in a magical daydream. A bilingual English-Spanish picture book celebrating Latina family and imagination.
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Fantastic Mr Fox
by Roald Dahl
Ages 5–8
Mr Fox outwits the three most horrible farmers — Boggis, Bunce, and Bean — in a furiously funny underground adventure. A perfect gateway Roald Dahl for younger readers.
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See Inside Your Body
Ages 5–9
Lift over 100 flaps to discover how your heart pumps blood, how your lungs work, and what happens when you eat. One of Usborne's all-time bestsellers for curious young readers.
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See Inside How Things Work
Ages 5–9
Lift the flaps to find out how aeroplanes stay in the air, how computers think, and how bridges hold up. Usborne's tactile approach to engineering and physics for young minds.
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Shin-chi's Canoe
by Nicola I. Campbell
Ages 5–8
Shi-shi-etko's little brother Shin-chi arrives at residential school. Their one comfort is a tiny canoe he carries as a reminder of home. Based on the author's family experience. Tender and essential.
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My Heart Fills With Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith
Ages 3–6✈️ Import only (pricey)
A lyrical picture book celebrating the small things that fill an Indigenous child's heart — the smell of bannock, warm sun on your face, holding hands with a grandparent. Gentle and joyful.
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The Bear and the Wildcat
by Kazumi Yumoto (illus. Komako Sakai)
Ages 4–7
A bear grieving his best friend — a small bird — meets a wildcat carrying a caged bird. What starts warily becomes a tender friendship. A beloved Japanese picture book about loss, love, and companionship.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Can Bears Ski?
by Raymond Antrobus & Lauren Spollon
Ages 4–7
Bear can't hear well and his friends struggle to understand. A tender, funny story about hearing loss and what it means to really listen — by the award-winning Deaf poet Raymond Antrobus.
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The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales
by Dawn Casey (illus. Anne Wilson)
Ages 5–9
Seven folk tales from seven continents — Japan, the Amazon, West Africa, India, and more — each honouring the relationship between people and the natural world. Luminous and vital.
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Walking Through the Jungle
by Debbie Harter
Ages 3–5
A child walks through jungle, ocean, mountains, and river — encountering lions, whales, crocodiles, and more in bold, cheerful illustrations. A beloved Barefoot Books classic for the very young.
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Saffron Ice Cream
by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Ages 4–7📱 eBook only in India
A young girl newly arrived in America misses the flavours and colours of Iran — until she discovers a connection between her new home and old one at a fairground by the sea. Warm and bittersweet.
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The Empty Pot
by Demi
Ages 4–8
A Chinese emperor challenges his people to grow the most beautiful flower. Only honest Ping dares admit his pot is empty — and is rewarded for his integrity. A timeless tale of truth and courage.
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I Am Hua Mulan
by Yu Rong
Ages 5–9
The legendary story of Hua Mulan — the girl who takes her father's place in battle — retold through breathtaking traditional Chinese papercutting art. A visually stunning celebration of courage and devotion.
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A New Year's Reunion
by Yu Li-Qiong
Ages 3–6
A young girl's father comes home for Chinese New Year — making dumplings, setting off fireworks, sharing warmth before he must leave again. A tender, luminous picture book. Bologna Ragazzi Award winner.
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The Runaway Wok
by Ying Chang Compestine
Ages 4–7
A magical wok runs away from a rich miser's kitchen — collecting food and treasures to give a poor family on Chinese New Year's Eve. A rollicking, funny retelling of a classic folk tale.
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My First Book of Mandarin Chinese Words
by Faye-Lynn Wu
Ages 3–6
An illustrated bilingual introduction to Mandarin Chinese — words grouped by theme (colours, animals, family, food) with each entry in English, Chinese characters, and Pinyin. Perfect for early Mandarin learners.
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Dim Sum for Everyone!
by Grace Lin
Ages 3–5
A young girl and her family visit a dim sum restaurant and share beloved dishes together. A warm, joyful celebration of Chinese family culture and food, with simple text perfect for early readers.
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The Tears
by Sibylle Delacroix
Ages 4–7
A gentle picture book that reassures children crying is a normal, healthy part of feeling sad, scared, or hurt — and one important way we learn and grow.
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Grandpa's Ocean
by Arielle North Olson
Ages 3–7
A grandfather and grandson explore whales, starfish, sea lions, and glorious sunsets together on a seaside visit, celebrating the bond between generations.
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The Highest Mountain of Books in the World
by Rocío Bonilla
Ages 4–8
Lucas wants to fly more than anything — and discovers through books that there's more than one way to do it, in a whimsical homage to the love of reading.
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My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things
by DK
Ages 5–9
A vibrant first encyclopedia for curious young readers, covering animals, people, places, planets, and more with fun facts and colourful illustrations.
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Dreamers
by Yuyi Morales
Ages 4–8
An autobiographical picture book about a mother and baby who immigrate from Mexico to the US and discover the transformative power of the public library. Pura Belpré Award winner.
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Islandborn
by Junot Díaz
Ages 5–8
A girl who left her Caribbean island as a baby asks her family and neighbors what it was like, piecing together a vivid, magical portrait of the home she can't remember.
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Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match
by Monica Brown
Ages 5–8📱 eBook only in India
Marisol McDonald is Peruvian and Scottish American, and nothing about her matches — and that's exactly how she likes it. A joyful bilingual celebration of mixed heritage.
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We Are Water Protectors
by Carole Lindstrom
Ages 5–9
Inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America, a young water protector stands against a black snake threatening her people's water. Caldecott Medal winner.
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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Ages 4–8
A lyrical celebration of fry bread as it brings together generations of a Native American family — with a closing note on the diversity of Native nations today. Sibert Medal winner.
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The Day You Begin
Ages 5–8
Nadia feels different from everyone in her classroom until she finds the courage to share her own story out loud. A lyrical, affirming picture book about the things that make us who we are.
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Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña
Ages 4–8
CJ and his grandmother ride the bus across town after church, and Nana helps him see the beauty and community in everything he thinks he's missing. Newbery Medal winner.
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All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold
Ages 3–7
A joyful, rhyming celebration of a school where every child — whatever their background, faith or family — is welcome just as they are.
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Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong'o
Ages 4–8
Sulwe, whose skin is the color of midnight, longs to be lighter until a magical journey teaches her that true beauty shines from within. A tender story about colorism and self-love, by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o.
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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho
Ages 4–8
A young girl notices her eyes look different from her friends' — until she recognizes the same eyes in her mother, grandmother and little sister, and learns to see them as beautiful. A lyrical celebration of Asian beauty and heritage.
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And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
Ages 4–8
Based on a true story at New York's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins named Roy and Silo hatch and raise a chick of their own. A gentle, true tale about different kinds of families.
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Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
Ages 4–8
After seeing three women dressed as mermaids, Julián longs to be one too — and his abuela shows him exactly how, with full and joyful acceptance. A warm celebration of self-expression.
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The Family Book
by Todd Parr
Ages 2–6
A bright, silly, reassuring look at all the different shapes families come in — big, small, same-sex parents, adoptive, single-parent — with one loving message: all families are special.
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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor
Ages 4–8
A garden of children with diabetes, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD and other differences work together to build something beautiful — narrated by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who has type 1 diabetes herself.
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I Am Every Good Thing
Ages 5–9
A joyful, rhythmic affirmation of Black boyhood — brave, kind, creative, smart and so much more. A companion to the bestselling Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.
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One
by Kathryn Otoshi
Ages 4–8
Blue is a quiet color, and Red doesn't like it. When the other colors join in the bullying, it takes One to stand up and count everyone in. A bold, simple story about standing up for others.
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Amazing Grace
by Mary Hoffman
Ages 4–8
Grace loves acting out stories, and dreams of playing Peter Pan in the school play — until a classmate says she can't, because she's a girl and she's Black. A beloved British classic about believing you can be anything.
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Grandad's Camper
by Harry Woodgate
Ages 4–8
A granddaughter remembers the adventures her grandad and his late husband Gramps once had in their camper van — and helps Grandad find the courage to hit the road again. A tender story about love, loss and LGBTQ+ family, winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Look Up!
by Nathan Bryon
Ages 4–8
Rocket loves space and wants everyone — including her wheelchair-using Grandad — to look up from their screens and marvel at the night sky. A joyful STEM adventure starring a Black British family.
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The Boy with Flowers in His Hair
by Jarvis
Ages 4–8
Elliot's hair is made of beautiful flowers, but one day the flowers start to fall — and his best friend Michael finds a way to help him feel like himself again. A gentle story about friendship, difference and self-expression.
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Susan Laughs
Ages 4–8
Susan swims, rides, laughs and plays just like any other child — a rhyming celebration of an ordinary girl's everyday life, with a gentle final-page reveal that she uses a wheelchair. A much-loved disability-inclusion classic.
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You Can
by Alexandra Strick & Steve Antony
Ages 2–7
A joyful, rhyming picture book in the real words of disabled children themselves, imagining all the things they can be and do when the world is built around them.
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What Happened To You?
by James Catchpole
Ages 4–8
Joe just wants to play pirates in the park, but every new child who meets him asks the same question about his missing leg. A funny, honest, practical picture book, written by an author with a limb difference himself.
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This Is Me
by George Webster & Claire Taylor
Ages 3–7
CBeebies presenter George Webster, who has Down syndrome, celebrates everything that makes each of us unique — our bodies, families, feelings and dreams.
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Talking Is Not My Thing
by Rose Robbins
Ages 3–7
A lively picture book following a non-verbal autistic girl and her big brother through their busy day — full of energy, humor and a fresh way of seeing communication.
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Knock-Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids
by May B. Gigglin
Ages 5–9
An entire book of knock-knock jokes paired with short, giggly stories — perfect for beginning readers who love a good pun.
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I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles
by Jean Marzollo & Walter Wick
Ages 4–8
Rhyming riddles send readers hunting through richly detailed photographed scenes to find hidden objects. A classic, endlessly re-playable picture-riddle series.
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Leo Messi (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
How a small boy from Rosario, told he was too little, became one of the greatest footballers in the world through practice and team play.
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Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan
Ages 4–8✈️ Import only (pricey)
Young Michael worries he's too short for basketball; his parents teach him that patience, practice and hard work matter more than height.
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Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball
by John Coy
Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)
The true story of how teacher James Naismith invented basketball to turn an unruly gym class into a team.
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Swimmy
by Leo Lionni
Ages 3–6
A small black fish teaches a school of red fish to swim together as one big fish and outsmart the hungry ones — a Caldecott Honor classic about teamwork.
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Teamwork Isn't My Thing, and I Don't Like to Share!
by Julia Cook
Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)
RJ hates group work and sharing — until his coach and his mum help him see why teamwork makes everyone better.
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Froggy Plays Soccer
by Jonathan London
Ages 3–6
Froggy's team is in the big game, and he must remember the one rule: don't touch the ball with your hands! A funny first sports story.
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Stone Soup
by Jon J Muth
Ages 4–8✈️ Import only (pricey)
Three monks show a wary village how much they can make when everyone shares a little — a Chinese-set retelling of the classic folk tale.
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Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Ages 5–8
Nate the Great, boy detective, loves pancakes and solves his friend Annie's missing-picture case — a classic first mystery for new readers.
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Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Lisbeth Kaiser
Ages 4–8
How a quiet seamstress's refusal to give up her bus seat helped spark the civil rights movement.
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Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
The Polish girl who loved learning and became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.
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Amelia Earhart (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
The pilot who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.
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Mother Teresa (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
The nun who made Kolkata her home and devoted her life to caring for the poorest of the poor.
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Mary Kom (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
The girl from Manipur who became a six-time world boxing champion and Olympic medallist.
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Jane Goodall (Little People, Big Dreams)
by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Ages 4–8
The girl who loved animals and grew up to study chimpanzees in the wild and protect them.
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I Am Rosa Parks
by Brad Meltzer
Ages 5–8
Rosa Parks tells her own story, with a lesson about standing up for what's right. Part of the Ordinary People Change the World series.
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Global Baby Bedtimes
by The Global Fund for Children
Ages 0–3
Photographs of babies around the world getting ready for bed, from Panama to Peru and Vietnam to Argentina. Every one of them is cuddled, snuggled and loved.
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Whose Toes Are Those?
by Jabari Asim (illus. LeUyen Pham)
Ages 0–3
A cheerful, bouncy rhyme celebrating a beautiful brown baby's toes, made for lap-time giggles and toe-counting.
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Lokpriya Baalgeet
by Wonder House Books
Ages 1–4
A padded board book of traditional Hindi nursery rhymes with bright pictures, for singing together with little ones.
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The Girl Who Played With Colour
by Samira Ahmed (illus. Humayra Kabir)
Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)
When young Rana moves to London from a small village in Bangladesh, she has no way to talk to those around her except through her colouring pencils. The true story of how artist Rana Begum found her voice through drawing. From the Deshis Create series.
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Cloud Boy
by Greg Stobbs
Ages 3–7
Bobby floats up into the sky whenever his attention drifts. He ties himself down to focus like his friends, but it leaves him feeling empty, until the people around him learn to see the world his way.
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How to Catch an Idea
by Forest Xiao
Ages 3–7
A curious girl sets out to discover where ideas come from: do they grow like seeds, bake like buns or get caught from the sea?
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The Beautiful Layers of Me
by Sophia Payne (illus. Ruchi Mhasane)
Ages 4–7✈️ Import only (pricey)
Ameena feels like a princess in her first salwar kameez until a neighbour calls it pyjamas. With her family's help she learns to wear her heritage with pride.
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Our Lake
by Angie Kang
Ages 4–8
Two brothers take their first trip back to the lake without their father. A tender, quiet story about love, loss and the bond between siblings.
Heads-up: Death & grief
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Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts (illus. Noah Z. Jones)
Ages 4–8
Jeremy longs for the shoes everyone at school is wearing, but Grandma says there's no room for 'want', only 'need'. When he finally gets a pair that's too small, he makes a kind choice.
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Dancing Dumplings for My One and Only
by Eva Wong Nava (illus. Natelle Quek)
Ages 4–8
A girl loves making dumplings with her grandma. When Grandma falls ill, she pours her love, memories and worry into the dumplings Grandma taught her to make.
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Every Peach Is a Story
by David Mas Masumoto & Nikiko Masumoto (illus. Lauren Tamaki)
Ages 4–8✈️ Import only (pricey)
On her Japanese American family's peach farm, Midori asks if the peaches are ripe. Her grandfather says a ripe peach tastes like a story, and shares the family history behind every fruit.
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Noah's New Home
by Zeshan Akhter (illus. Nabila Adani)
Ages 4–8
Noah's family arrive in a new country as refugees. He misses his Baba, Jida and old home, and when fireworks bring back hard memories, his family and new community help him feel safe.
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Taste of Home
by Maryam Hassan (illus. Anna Wilson)
Ages 3–7
Tariq loves food, from big family dinners to lunchbox surprises. Asked to bring one special dish to a class picnic, he listens to his family's food stories and finds the one that tells his.
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Wiggling Words
by Kate Rolfe
Ages 3–6
A child gets lost in a forest of letters as words wiggle off the page. With creative thinking, they find their own way through, sharing tips that helped the dyslexic author.
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Zeki Goes to the Market
by Anna McQuinn (illus. Ruth Hearson)
Ages 1–3
Zeki and his family go to the market: spices to smell, honey buns to taste and noodles to take home. A busy, tasty day.
