Make story time their favourite part of the day, with our roundup of the best picture books for children, from the 2013 new releases.
We all remember some of our first books, whether it was The Hungry Caterpillar or Dear Zoo, showing us just how important and influential reading can be no matter what your age.
So, we’ve handpicked our favourite new children’s picture books for 2013, to ensure their bedtime story is one they’ll be asking for night after night.
Zubert
By Charlie Sutcliffe
tate.org.uk
This picture book doesn’t officially launch until October, but you can already pre-order online. Illustrated by celebrated artist Charlie Sutcliffe, this will be as much as a pleasure to read for mum and dad, as your little bookworms.
Rabbits In The Park: A Book of Colours
By Natalie Russell
panmacmillan.com
Little ones will learn the colours of the rainbow with ease with this adorable bunny inspired book. From Brown Rabbit’s green kite to Rose Rabbit’s orange scarf, pick out and point the colours before bed.
Goat Goes To Playgroup
By Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
panmacmillan.com
This comforting and beautifully illustrated paperback is ideal if your little one is about to start nursery or school – not just for them but for you too.
That’s Not My Prince – That’s Not My…
By Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
waterstones.com
With a new Royal arrival on the way, this charming story of a little prince couldn’t come at a better time. With rhythmic text, colourful illustrations and tactile patches, little ones will be saying, “again, again!”
Stick Man’s First Words
By Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson
foyles.co.uk
Words, numbers, colours, animal sounds and more are explored in this early learner book. The story follows Stick Man as he traces back his family tree, so cuddle round with the whole family and enjoy.
The Circus and Other Stories
By Marshak and Lebedey
tate.org.uk
Four original children’s books published during the soviet Union have been reworked and republished into this stunning volume. Blending together painting, poetry and typography, we wouldn’t be surprised if this book spawned some future artists.
Doug Unplugged
By Dan Yaccarino
bookdepository.co.uk
One for little robot lovers, Doug the Robot takes the brave step to unplug from his computer feed and see the world first hand. Show little ones that life isn’t all about the Tweets, the Pins and the Instagrams.
No-Bot, The Robot with No Bottom
By Sue Hendra
tesco.com
Little ones will giggle at this adorable tale of Bernard the ‘Bot who can’t find his bottom. From birds thieving it to use as a nest to squirrels building sandcastles with it, will Bernard ever find his bottom?
My Grandpa
By Marta Altes
panmacmillan.com
This heartfelt story will give little ones a little comfort and explanation on the relationship between themselves and their grandparents. Follow little bear as he sees his beloved grandpa get older, in a tale that is poignant, big-hearted and beautifully observed.
Honk, Honk! Baa, Baa
By Petr Horacek
WH Smith
This animal inspired book is perfect for inquisitive little toddlers. Learn with noises all the animals make from ‘meow’ to ‘quack, quack’ in this fun, bright and bold book.
Let your little ones get active this summer with StyleNest’s roundup of Best Outdoor Games for Kids.