Picture books:

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. I can still recite this 10 years after my kids grew out of it and it still makes me smile. A perfect game of hide-and-seek with nursery rhyme characters. Utterly satisfying and highly recommended, as is Peepo! by the same team.

The Cross with us Rhinoceros by John Bush and Paul Geraghty. Who knew that you could get so much tension into so few words? I must have read it out loud a thousand times and never once got bored. A perfect example of the art of picture book.

Snake Supper Alan Durant and Ant Parker. Lots of sssss-ing and snake, with a great comeuppance for the villain. Brilliant—and the snake’s face has to be seen to be believed.

This Old Car Colin and Jacqui Hawkins. I worked with Colin and Jacqui on this one as editor, and I’ve never laughed so much in my life. My kids loved Mr Bear and friends, and we still say, “What a twit, where will he fit?” when someone in the family is being particularly dense. Mr Bear’s Plane is the equally good sequel.

Good-night, Owl! by Pat Hutchins. This book is why my son is obsessed with owls. And you can read it over and over again without being bored. Funny and wise and wonderful.