The Guardian’s top children’s picture books as nominated by readers

Animalia Graeme Base

This captivating journey is more than just a picture book – it's a visual adventure filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Perfect for curious minds and art enthusiasts of all ages. Unlock the magic of Animalia and be whisked away on an alphabetic exploration like no other!

Are We There Yet? 20th Anniversary Edition Alison Lester

Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition. This delightful picture book takes young readers on a journey across Australia, as a family explores the outback, the bush, and the coast. Along the way, kids will learn about the geography, culture, and people of our fascinating country, all through the eyes of a lovable family.

Kissed by the Moon Alison Lester

Part poem, part lullaby, this gentle story celebrates a baby's wonder at our beautiful world.

Perfect for bedtime or relaxation, this whimsical picture book takes children on a peaceful and magical journey.

Mr Mcgee Pamela Allen

A hilarious romp full of the music of language from a legend in the world of children's literature.

I wonder if you want to fly, to float about up in the sky?

There's magic here for everyone – a picture book that's just for fun.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes Board Book Mem Fox, Helen Oxenbury

As everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes . . . A delightful Australian classic that will have children begging to hear it again and again.

From two of the most gifted picture book creators of our time, here is a celebration of babies and the joy they bring to everyone, everywhere, all over the world!

There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake Hazel Edwards, Deborah Niland

The imaginary Hippo can do what he likes on the roof. In fact, he does all the things a little girl wishes she could, but is not allowed. When she takes a bath, the hippo takes a shower; when she goes to bed, the hippo watches television on the roof. And when the repair men come to fix the roof, the hippo conveniently disappears, returning of course to eat a very large piece of cake.

Where is The Green Sheep? Mem Fox, Judy Horacek

Mem Fox and Judy Horacek take you on a wildly wonderful adventure in their rollicking search for the green sheep in this Australian classic.

Here is the blue sheep, and here is the red sheep.

Here is the bath sheep, and here is the bed sheep.

But where is the green sheep?

Who Sank the Boat? Pamela Allen

Who sank the boat? Was it the cow or the donkey or the sheep with her knitting? Surely it wasn’t the tiny little mouse?

Winner of the 1983 Australian Picture Book of the Year Award, this wonderfully illustrated book is designed for sharing aloud and will make children giggle as they guess which animal spoilt a day’s rowing by sinking the boat.

John Brown, Rose & the Midnight Cat Jenny Wagner, Ron Brooks

Rose lived with her dog, John Brown. ‘Just the two of us,’ said Rose, until the mysterious midnight cat came along, and things began to change. An award-winning classic tale.

The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery Graeme Base

Dive into an enigmatic world crafted by Graeme Base, the acclaimed author and illustrator of Animalia, where you're not just a reader but a detective too. Get ready to don your detective hat and plunge into this captivating mystery – secure your copy of this intriguing puzzle of a book today!