Some British children’s picture books have become such classics in North America that we don’t even think of them as British books. They’re simply well loved favorites that no childhood can do without, like Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit.
Others haven’t reached the same levels of popularity across the pond, which is a shame. There are some really wonderful British children’s picture books that would make a great addition to a child’s library.
I spent half of my childhood growing up in the United Kingdom, the other half in America, so I had exposure to the classics from both places. This is my list of some of the favorite picture books from Britain that I think deserve more popularity in the United States.
This list doesn’t cover all of the amazing children’s picture books the U.K. has to offer, but it’s a great starting point if you want to add some British classics to your bookshelf.
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1. The Mr. Men and Little Miss Series
I’m including the whole series here because they’re wonderful. If I had to pick a starting book, it would probably be either Mr. Greedy or Mr. Tickle, but they’re all fantastic. It would be even better to pick up a box set, since the books are very short.
Mr Men Box Set by Roger Hargreaves
2. The Gruffalo + The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo and sequel The Gruffalo’s Child, by Scottish children’s author Julia Donaldson, have gained some popularity in the United States since the creation of the Gruffalo movies. If you haven’t seen them, you need to. They’re great!
These books are a bedtime story favorite for us.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson
3. Room on the Broom
This is another wonderful book from Julia Donaldson. It also has a short film adaptation which is just as charming as the Gruffalo series movies. I highly recommend it.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
4. Each Peach Pear Plum
This sweet rhyming book has a hidden Mother Goose character on each page, making it a fun interactive book for little kids.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
5. Percy the Park Keeper
The Percy the Park Keeper series by Nick Butterworth has been an English classic for decades. There are many books in this beautifully illustrated series that feature Percy and all of his animal friends.
One Snowy Night is a sweet classic, but you really can’t go wrong with any books in the series.
One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
6. The Jolly Postman
From the authors of Each Peach Pear Plum, The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters is another beloved British classic.
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters follows a postman as he delivers letters to favorite fairytale and Mother Goose characters.
It’s a cute, whimsical rhyming book with handwritten notes worked into the story and playful illustrations.
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
7. Brambly Hedge
Brambly Hedge is a quintessentially British book with absolutely beautiful illustrations.
If you’re not familiar with the series, it has similarities to Beatrix Potter books.
The stories follow the lives of a mouse family through the seasons. Kids will love the sweet adventures they go on and will be mesmerized by the detailed pictures.
The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem
8. The Tiger Who Came to Tea
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a funny story about a girl and her mother who are surprised to find a tiger at their front door. They let him in and try to be good hosts to their unusual guest with a giant appetite.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
9. Mog the Forgetful Cat
Here is another classic by the author Judith Kerr. There are many books in the series that features Mog and the family she lives with.
The stories follow Mog and the silly troubles she gets herself into because of her bad memory.
This book has been a British favorite for more than 50 years.
Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr
These are only a few of the best classic British children’s picture books to add to your collection. If you have never read them, give them a try. Your kids (and you!) will love them!
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