Despite protestations and declarations of wide awake-ness, there’s no time quite like bedtime with our kids.
Whether your little one has reached school age or not, cuddling up together at the end of a bustling day provides essential bonding time and helps both parent and child to wind down for the night.
It goes without saying that bedtime stories are some of the most memorable parts of our childhoods, which is rather strange given that we were likely half-asleep for many of their recitations. We all remember our favourite stories from those early days of our lives. We’d repeatedly ask parents, grandparents and guardians to revisit our favourites night after night; so often that they would end up having the entire story memorised without trying.
We’d get sent up to bed after supper to prepare our bedrooms for a cosy evening of magical storytelling. This would involve changing into our best pair of pyjamas, lining up our cuddly toys so they too can have a perfect view of the illustrated picture book, turning on a night light and tucking ourselves in before the resident reading expert made it to our bedroom door.
Before long, we’d be transported into an eye-widening make-believe world filled to the brim with countless adventures and subtle life lessons that would slowly but surely go on to influence our behaviours and moral compass in adult life. Most importantly, they’d fill our childhood dreams with endless possibilities of adventure, boosting our imaginations and creativity.
Many of the most famous illustrated children’s books continue to be wildly popular today. For instance, Roald Dahl first began writing children’s stories 1940s he began working with beloved illustrator Quentin Blake in the 1970s. To this day, books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG remain firm family favourites.
From absolute classics to contemporary tales with unique art styles, keep scrolling for some of the best illustrated children’s books of all time.
Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Illustrated by Jen Corace
The adorably illustrated Little Pea must learn to eat all of his sweets before tucking into vegetables for dessert. In this topsy-turvy land, Rosenthal and Corace create a brilliant, playful and minimalist illustrated book for the pickiest of little eaters.
Buy now £6.81, Amazon
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez
With an incredibly inventive concept, rhythmic rhymes and beautiful illustrations to boot, your children will adore The Magical Yet. According to the story, from the day that we’re born, we’re entrusted with a special companion known as the Yet. Whether you can’t tie your shoes or are learning to play a new instrument, the Yet is there to help you out. No matter what you can’t do, Yet is always around.
Buy now £12.89, Amazon
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Based on the Oscar-winning short film, Hair Love celebrates father-daughter relationships and the power of loving your natural hair.
Buy now £7.35, Amazon
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
This instant best-seller has been enchanting families since its release back in 2012. The premise is simple, the incredibly comedic Klassen tells the story of a bear whose hat is gone, and he wants it back. He asks every animal in the land whether they’ve seen his hat, to no avail. But just when the bear begins to lose hope, one character swoops in to reignite his mission.
Buy now £7.59, Amazon
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Sendak’s wonderfully magical children’s book has been a family favourite since the early 1960s. Considered groundbreaking due to its glorious treatment of the full spectrum of children’s emotions, it’s a brilliant soothing tale for anxious, imaginative and sometimes troublesome little ones.
Buy now £6.29, Amazon
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A 150-year-old fantasy adventure which continues to enchant and enthral both adults and children alike, ever-curious Alice falls down the rabbit hole to discover an entire universe lies hidden beneath it. Featuring Sir John Tenniel’s iconic illustrations depicting iconic and beloved characters, many readers are unaware of the fact that the novel also has a marvellous sequel. Follow this classic up with Through the Looking Glass.
Buy now £4.38, Amazon
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
A moving illustrated tale for readers of all ages, Shel Silverstein’s classic book teaches us the wonders of generosity and the dangers of giving into greed and entitlement.
Buy now £10.99, Amazon
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
Over 50 years old and still going strong, Judith Kerr’s classic story is all about young Sophie and her rather extraordinary teatime guest. The timeless illustrations are realised in brilliant colour and are wondrously full of life.
Buy now £4.00, Amazon
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Peter Rabbit is a rather mischievous little creature who gets into all sorts of trouble in McGregor’s garden. Between him and his three other bunny companions, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail, Peter is by far the naughtiest. Children have loved reading and looking at the idyllic pastoral illustrations by Beatrix Potter since 1901.
Buy now £6.99, Waterstones
Roald Dahl Collection 16 Books Box Set, Illustrated by Quentin Blake
Enjoy Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake’s entire illustrated collection at a value-for-money price. Delightfully unique, narratively complex yet easy for little ones to grasp, there’s a reason all of Dahl’s books and Blake’s illustrations have stood the test of time.
Buy now £28.03, Amazon
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Illustrated by William Nicholson
If you’re in the market to invest in a family heirloom that’ll be passed down for generations, we recommend this folio edition of Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit, illustrated by William Nicholson. A work of art that will delight adults and children alike, the story is a heartwarming tale of enduring love which follows a cloth rabbit’s quest to become real.
Buy now £42.95, Folio Society
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Perhaps one of the most memorable, chant-out-loud children’s books of the last few decades, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a classic worth adding to your little one’s bustling bedtime bookshelf. Follow along as one adventurous family splish splash sploshes through a cumbersome landscape to catch a glimpse of a wild bear.
Buy now £4.00, Amazon
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Frankly one of the most colourful illustrated books of them all, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is sure to elicit some pre-bedtime giggles from your little one. There are also tactile board book versions for the littlest of readers. Follow along as the hungriest of caterpillars eats his way through the muddy landscape before he can become a butterfly.
Buy now £4.00, Amazon
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A little mouse walks through the woods, coming face to face with rather scary predators along the way. In this classic, Donaldson and Scheffler craft a marvellous yarn about a very clever tiny creature.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Little Echo by Al Rodin
A gorgeous tale about courage and finding your voice, Little Echo is about a creature who lives alone in a cave. One day, when Max comes into the cave in search of treasure, Little Echo discovers that she may no longer have to mimic the voices around her and can find a voice of her own. Al Rodin’s kaleidoscopic artwork is sure to capture little imaginations.
Buy now £7.35, Amazon
A Lion in Paris by Beatrice Alemagna
Critically acclaimed and innovatively illustrated, A Lion in Paris is about discovering one's identity in strange new places.
Buy now £14.69, Amazon
Thank You, Omu! By Oge Mora
Pronounced Ah-moo, Omu means “Queen” in Igbo, but growing up the author used the word to mean “Grandma”. Everyone in Omu’s neighbourhood is captivated by the delicious smell of her stew, and she divvies up portions for everyone who asks. In the end, will there be any left for Omu? This is a lovely story about the power of community and the love that is so often put into home-cooked meals.
Buy now £12.22, Amazon
