1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Judith Kerr
Now in its 40th year, this tale about Sophie, her extremely hungry visitor, and the brilliantly matter-of-fact way in which he is sated, is beloved by millions. And rightly so.
Harper Collins, £5.99
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2. Goodnight Moon, Wise Brown and Hurd
Such are the extraordinarily, soporific powers of this American children’s classic, that some say it has magical properties. Fabulous, from start to finizzzzzzzzzz.
Campbell Books, £4.99
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3. How to Catch a Star, Oliver Jeffers
A small boy decides to befriend a star in this spellbinding, and slightly heartbreaking tale of childish self-belief and human enterprise. Jeffers’ charming illustrations deserve their many awards.
Harper Collins, £4.99
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4. Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren
The big-hosieried Swedish orphan has been given a timely makeover by Charlie and Lola creator, Lauren Child. Thankfully, she hasn’t adopted their annoying middle-class views.
Oxford University Press, £14.99
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5. Alfie and the Big Boys, Shirley Hughes
Shirley Hughes’ beautifully observed – and exquisitely illustrated – books are a national treasure. In this latest Alfie adventure, our boy hero discovers that even big boys cry. Wimps.
Random House, £10.99
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6. Penguin, Polly Dunbar
Second only to the tiger in terms of literary popularity, children’s books about penguins are ten-a-penny. This, however, is a really good one, with a natty twist at the end.
Walker Books, £7.50
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7. The Smartest Giant in Town, Julia Donaldson
Gruffalo, schmuffalo. Forget that draining little mouse, and instead get this book from his creators – a quirky, and genuinely funny, tale about a kindly giant and his new wardrobe.
Macmillan, £5.99
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8. Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon, Mini Grey
Grey’s multi-award-winning parable about love, friendship and old age requires quite a sophisticated reading of the illustrations to really make sense, but it’s all the richer for it. Lovely.
Jonathan Cape, £10.99
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9. Hop on Pop, Dr Zeuss
Written using the 100 words upon which a child’s vocabulary should be built, Hop on Pop is a triumph of the intellectual and the inspirational. Pure genius. But you knew that, right?
Picture Lions, £3.99
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10. Usborne Illustrated Fairy Tales, Rosie Dickie
These abridged classics come with their own set of illustrations – from the fun to the fantastical. Better still, these will wet a child’s appetite for literary adventures ahead.
Usborne, £10.99
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24 January 2008, Chosen by Jo Ellison
