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KS1 Best Picture Books
View our reading list of highly recommended picture books for KS1 children. These delightful reads are perfect for fostering a love of reading. Tailored for the 5 to 7 age group, they serve as excellent resources for teaching reading, grammar, and writing skills.
Year 1 Best Picture Books
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
"Lost and Found" tells the touching story of a boy who discovers a lost penguin on his doorstep. Concerned for its safety, he embarks on a journey to return it home, overcoming challenges and forming a strong bond along the way. Upon reaching the South Pole, the boy learns the penguin was seeking companionship. Oliver Jeffers’ delightful illustrations highlight the joy of unexpected friendships, making this a timeless tale for all ages.
Beegu by Alexis Deacon
Beegu, a heartwarming children's book, follows a small, lost creature stranded on Earth. As Beegu searches for kindness and understanding, her alien appearance contrasts with her gentle nature, resonating with young readers. The story explores themes of belonging, empathy, and friendship. Deacon's expressive illustrations enhance the narrative, capturing Beegu's emotions and the vibrant world around her, delivering a powerful message of acceptance and hope.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
"The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle is a beautifully illustrated children's book that follows a small seed on its journey through the seasons. Swept away by the wind, it faces challenges but perseveres, ultimately finding a place to grow into a strong flower. The story showcases themes of resilience and growth, enhanced by Carle's vibrant artwork, making it an engaging read for young readers.
The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas
"The Colour Monster" by Anna Llenas is a charming children's book that helps kids understand emotions through a lovable monster. The story follows the Colour Monster, who wakes up feeling confused because his emotions are mixed up. With the help of a young girl, he learns to sort his feelings, each represented by a different color. Through vibrant illustrations and simple storytelling, children are encouraged to recognize and express their emotions, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators.
The Naughty Bus by Jan and Jerry Oke
This is a charming children's book that follows the adventures of a playful toy bus. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative, it captures young readers' imaginations as the Naughty Bus explores various settings and causes mischief. The story encourages curiosity and creativity while subtly teaching lessons about responsibility and problem-solving in a fun way.
The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright
This heartwarming picture book follows a little mouse who feels small in a bustling world. Inspired by the bravery of a lion, the mouse sets out to gain confidence. As he approaches the lion's den, he learns that true courage isn’t about size. With charming rhymes and delightful illustrations, the story conveys a message of self-belief and the inner strength we all possess, encouraging readers of all ages to embrace their unique qualities and find their own roar.
Lost in the Toy Museum by David Lucas
In a whimsical world, toys come to life at night in a museum. Bunting, an old toy cat, embarks on an adventure to find his missing friends. Along the way, he meets delightful characters, each with their own charm. The story is enriched with vivid illustrations and explores themes of friendship, curiosity, and discovery, evoking nostalgia for the playful spirit of childhood.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
"We're Going on a Bear Hunt" is a beloved children's book that takes readers on a fun adventure with a family searching for a bear. The rhythmic text invites participation as they encounter different landscapes and challenges. Vivid descriptions and a playful tone spark imagination and excitement, culminating in a delightful twist. With charming illustrations, this classic celebrates exploration and creativity, enjoyed by generations.
The Ugly Five by Julia Donaldson
"The Ugly Five" is a charming picture book set in the African savanna, highlighting often-overlooked animals like the wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena, and marabou stork. Through Julia Donaldson's playful rhymes, it teaches children about self-acceptance and valuing diversity. Axel Scheffler's vibrant illustrations enhance the story, celebrating unique qualities and reminding readers that true beauty comes from within.
Super Duper You by Sophie Henn
Super Duper You by Sophie Henn is a charming picture book that celebrates each child's uniqueness. With lively illustrations and a fun narrative, it encourages self-expression and confidence, reminding kids that being themselves is truly special. Through playful rhymes, it delivers an uplifting message of self-acceptance, making it an ideal read for fostering a positive self-image in children.
Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson
This charming picture book, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, follows a little monkey searching for his mother in a colorful jungle, helped by a well-meaning but confused butterfly. Their humorous misunderstandings lead to funny encounters with various animals, teaching kids about wildlife.
With smooth, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, the story conveys themes of family, friendship, and perseverance, making it delightful for readers of all ages.
With smooth, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, the story conveys themes of family, friendship, and perseverance, making it delightful for readers of all ages.
Funny Bones by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This is a delightful children's picture book featuring skeletons as the main characters. It follows a big skeleton, a little skeleton, and a dog skeleton on their nighttime adventures. With playful language and charming illustrations, it brings a lighthearted touch to spooky themes. The book's rhythmic repetition makes it fun to read aloud, ensuring laughter and joy for young readers.
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