Picture books

Picture books are a child's first view of the world of reading. They include artwork by some of the best illustrators in the world, transporting the suburban western toddler to China, outer space, jungles, the 19th century, or primary-coloured worlds where mice make cakes with the assistance of chickens, for the birthday party of a squirrel. And it all makes perfect sense.

Illustrators and authors covered by this group include Quentin Blake, Shirley Hughes, Helen Oxenbury, Mick Inkpen (surely the best ever name for an illustrator?), Lauren Child, Eric Carle, Lucy Cousins, Mo Willems, and Doctor Seuss, but of course there are thousands more names we could add.