Great Picture Books We're Loving Right Now

You’re never too old for a picture book. At their very best, picture books are small works of art, rich in language, illustration and emotion and they reward being read again and again. They support early development, spark conversation and imagination, and offer that perfect excuse to pause, cuddle up and share a quiet moment together. Below are some of the new picture books we're really excited about, chosen for their warmth, humour and read-aloud joy and we’d love to hear which ones you’re enjoying too.

If you’re looking for something more specific, you might also enjoy our themed booklists on Temper Tantrums, Superheroes, Monsters, Getting Ready for School, or welcoming a new sibling with our Best Books for New Big Sisters and Best Books for New Big Brothers. Many families also return again and again to favourite creators like Julia Donaldson, Rob Biddulph, Joseph Coelho, Rachel Bright and Jim Field or series like Big Bright Feelings and Supertato.

Georgina Atwell

Toppsta

2026-01-11

2025-07-03

Best Picture Books for Children

A Crinkled Screaming Thing

Told from the perspective of a brand new baby, this gently funny and deeply reassuring picture book by Sarah Tgaholm and Ruby Write, published by Andersen Press, arrives in January and explores sibling love in a beautifully fresh way.

Everything feels big, bright and overwhelming at first, but there is comfort in Small Big One, an older sibling who knows just how to turn tears into giggles and fear into fun. As the baby grows, so does their bond, in a tender, joyful celebration of siblings, love and the small moments that matter most.

You can enter our giveaway to win a copy to review (Ends 13th Jan)

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Rock and Roll

This bold and playful picture book by Ruby Amy Thompson, published by Little Tiger, lands in February and introduces two characters who seem very different at first. Rock is quiet and solid, while Roll is soft, expressive and loves the spotlight.

Always appearing on opposite pages, their worlds slowly begin to overlap in thoughtful and surprising ways. With striking visuals and a lovely read-aloud rhythm, this joyful story gently celebrates curiosity, connection and the small moments that bring us together.

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100 Goats and Granny!: A funny rhyming counting book for 3-7-year-olds to share with grandparents

Counting has never been quite this much fun. Out in February, this lively and laugh-out-loud picture book by Atinuke, with vibrant illustrations from Lauren Hinds, published by Walker Books, is a joyful introduction to numbers from 1 to 100.

Granny’s much-loved goats follow her everywhere – to the tailor, the salon and even onto the bus – causing mischief along the way. As children help Granny keep count through busy streets and bustling markets, there’s plenty to spot, laugh at and talk about in this rhythmic, community-filled counting story.

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The Big Journey

This new picture book by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus, is published by Bloomsbury in February and is one we’re especially excited about. We’ve long been big fans of Michael Rosen’s storytelling, and this feels like a book that will stay with families long after the final page.

Following Big Bear and Little Bear as they set out to find a new home, the story is full of courage, care and quiet determination. A gentle sequel to The Big Dreaming, it offers comfort, hope and reassurance, making it a lovely book for sharing and talking together.

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Magpie and the Sparkling Words: A heartening rhyming story packed with new vocabulary for children!

Celebrating language, kindness and the natural world, this lyrical picture book by Lucy Rowland, with joyful illustrations by Craig Shuttlewood, is published by Bonnier Books and publishes in May.

Set in a mystical woodland, it follows Magpie, who loves collecting the sparkling words she hears from the animals around her. When the forest falls quiet, Magpie begins to realise that words shine brightest when they are shared, making this a lovely story for sparking conversations about teamwork, generosity and the joy of language.

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Best Picture Books for Children

A Crinkled Screaming Thing

Rock and Roll

100 Goats and Granny!: A funny rhyming counting book for 3-7-year-olds to share with grandparents

The Big Journey

Magpie and the Sparkling Words: A heartening rhyming story packed with new vocabulary for children!

New Graphic Novels for Kids

Celebrating Judith Kerr's beloved stories with these gorgeous new editions!