The best children’s books of all time for under 5s

This book is undoubtedly the number one modern children's classic. It's a publishing phenomenon, has sold over three million copies worldwide, been turned into a TV adaptation and led to numerous merchandise spin-offs (Trunkis, duvets, onesies…you name it). But it's the simplicity of the fable-like story – a clever mouse escaping the clutches of other woodland animals – and the colourful characters and wonderful illustrations by Axel Scheffler that make it a firm family favourite.Equally wonderful are The Stick Man and Zog from the same powerhouse author and illustrator duo.

All of Little Mouse's fears are captured in this scrapbook with pictures, doodles, and more. Use it to help talk your children through any fears they might have and to help them see they're not alone.

Loved by generations, this book follows a family as the dad takes his children, and dog, on an adventure to find a bear. It's the perfect contemporary book for a rainy day.

This award-winning picture book gave rise to a series of books about Daisy, the spirited little girl, who doesn't like much of what she's given for tea – and won't be tempted by anything.

Tackle fussy eating in a fun way, thanks to Charlie and Lola - who will never not ever eat a tomato, until her brother plays a trick on her.

A book that's been a firm favourite with parents and toddlers for years, Dear Zoo is an interactive flap book that your tot will love. Will they ever manage to find the perfect pet as they discover the different animals the zoo has sent?

The Elephant takes the Bad Baby for a ride and they go 'rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta down the road.' They help themselves to ice creams, pies, buns, crisps, biscuits, lollipops and apples, and the shopkeepers follow them down the road shouting and waving. All ends well as the Bad Baby learns to say 'Please' and his mother makes pancakes for everyone.

Beware the parent who promises a trip to the zoo to see a gorilla but never fulfils the dream - one day, that toy gorilla your little one owns might turn into the real thing...

This set of Gruffalo mini books features all your favourite characters from the deep dark wood. Learn about colours, numbers, opposites and animals with this set of four bold, bright board books.

From writing songs for McFly to bedtime stories for tots, dad of three Tom Fletcher clearly knows exactly what children love in a book. Teaming up with bandmate Dougie Poynter, the duo tell the story of Danny and Dinosaur on their mission to space (without Dino's all important lunchbox).

The story of a lost toy accompanied by oh-so-familiar illustrations make this Shirley Hughes tale a classic.

From the author of the Horrid Henry books, this is a beautiful picture book about a little boy who likes chatting to the moon. The illustrations are striking – there are lovely scenes to look at including deep-diving mermaids and cloud-topped mountains, smiling tigers and children all looking out to the moon.

A quirky tale of a bear who's lost his hat and tries his hardest to find it, you'll love being in on the joke as you read this aloud.

This book has 225 words vital to your little one's 'new reader' vocabulary. The cheeky Cat arrives and causes mayhem with his suggested rainy day games in the home of two young children, while their mother is out.

This is the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare, and how it's impossible to measure how much you love your child. Dare you not to cry before you reach the end.

A simple tale of a gang of dogs with rhyming names who go for a walk and get the life frightened out of them by a big scary cat. Not a lot really happens, tbh, but it's charming and loved by generations nonetheless.

Little Princess, as I'm sure we're all aware, is a bit of a princess, it has to be said - and this is no different when it comes to potty training. Help your little one's journey to toilet training with this funny tale.

Follow the route of the postman as he delivers mail to some of the most famous characters in children's literature, from the big bad wolf to Cinderella, with interactive envelopes for little hands to discover.

Meg and Mog go off to a Halloween party with all the other witches, in a tale full of magic, colours, shapes, and mystery for little readers.

Beautifully illustrated, we follow the story of a little boy who finds a penguin and wants to get him home - but what really is 'home'?

Maisy's adventures have been translated into 28 languages and sold more than 25 million copies. There are now more than 150 Maisy stories full of letters, numbers, and shapes for your baby to learn.

You can download this on to your Kindle but it's just not the same as reading with your toddler and seeing all the holes in the pages. Another absolute classic that deserves its place on every toddler's bookshelf.

Another star turn from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; follow the adventures of a rather careless witch and her grumpy cat.

Each Peach Pear Plum is a timeless picture book classic from the best-selling illustrator/author team of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Each beautifully illustrated page encourages young children to interact with the picture to find the next fairy tale and nursery rhyme character.

Fairy Godmothers have been replaced by Fairy Geek Mothers, and fairy tale land has all gone a bit Pete Tong, tbh. Can Princess Smartypants save the day and return sanity?

An absolute classic, your children's bookshelf wouldn't be complete without the wonderful tales by Beatrix Potter, starting of course with the legendary Peter Rabbit.

Perfect for little babies to learn about how we all have ten fingers and ten toes, whatever other differences we might have.

Another classic that has stood the test of time, this beautiful story of Sophie and her very hungry tea-time guest is a must if you've got an animal-lover in your brood. Why not plan a tea-party for your own hungry tigers at the weekend?

One of many, many in the 'That's Not My...' range of books, these little hardbacks are full of textures for little hands and are adored by babies and toddlers everywhere.

Spot is a timeless classic. In the book, puppy Spot has gone missing at dinner time and Mummy dog, Sally, must find him. This book is part of a collection of many stories about Spot's adventures that are a part of pretty much everyone's childhood.

It wouldn't be Christmas without watching this on the TV, so enhance the pleasure of this wonderful story with the book for all year round too.

This adorable story of Max and his monsters has entertained children for years. After dressing up in his wolf costume, Max wreaks so much havoc he is sent to bed before dinner (sound familiar?). That night, his bedroom transforms into a forest, and he is taken to where the Wild Things are.

With expressive illustrations, gentle repetition of the phrase 'Not now, Bernard', and quite dark overtones, this book will be remembered well into your adult years.

Would you rather drink snail squash or eat mashed worms? Help a witch make stew? Tickle a monkey? Or maybe - if you could really be anyone or do anything in the world - would you rather just be . . . you?