In honour of World Book Day I’ve compiled a list of 25 books I think you need to build a child’s library, whether you have children of your own or simply like buying literary gifts for friends! Be sure to take a peek at the first 15 here.

Now, on with the final 10…

16. The Nursery Collection ~ Once upon a time, when Izzy’s library was much smaller, these were far and away the most read books in our collection. In fact, I’m pretty sure I still know them off by heart. ‘Two shoes, new shoes, bright shiny blue shoes’! The simple rhyming text and charming illustrations introduce important concepts such as colours, numbers, noises, shapes and sizes in a fun and appealing way. A great gift for a newborn or first birthday.

17. The Lorax ~ Basically, if Dr Seuss wrote it, you need to buy it. The wacky characters, colourful illustrations, playful use of language and wisdom woven throughout the pages of his books makes them essential to any collection. The haunting tale of The Lorax tackles the dangers of destroying our forests and woodlands, perhaps making it more relevant today than ever before.Other favourites include Oh The Places You’ll Go, Green Eggs and Ham, and The Cat in the Hat. The Sleep Book is a wonderful bedtime story for slightly older children too.

18. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt ~ This book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury is a joy to read aloud and never fails to inspire fun and games. If you ever catch sight of me and my children stomping across a field, wandering through a wood or running along a beach, you can be pretty certain we’re reciting the words from this book. ‘We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one! What beautiful day. We’re not scared’!

19. Where The Wild Things Are ~ Easily one of my favourite children’s books of all time. I’m in awe of the the world Sendak creates for Max through such simple text. The rather surreal In the Night Kitchen is also incredibly popular in this house. I can’t claim to have a clue what it’s about, but the children love reading it!

20. Where’s My Teddy? ~ Jez Alborough’s books are wonderful, but it’s this title that has made the biggest impression on me. Jesse knew every word by heart at 2 years old and I’ve always enjoyed reading the fun tale of Eddy, his teddy and a giant bear. The book’s message that everyone, big or small, needs someone to ‘huddle and cuddle’ is an important one.

21. Lost and Found ~ Oh Oliver Jeffers, how I love you so! Lost and Found is an uplifting account of an unlikely friendship between a boy and a penguin. The unique illustrations and clever storytelling give this book a dreamlike quality that children seem to adore. If this is well received then I’d highly recommend Stuck, The Way Back Home and How to Catch a Star. Jeffers’ books are, without doubt, future classics.

22. Rabbityness ~ Although I only picked up this recently published book a little over a week ago, it has already won a place in my list of essential purchases. This is a story of a special rabbit who enjoys doing rabbity things. He also loves un-rabbity things, and his creativity and energy are a source of joy and inspiration to other rabbits. When Rabbit vanishes suddenly, his friends are desolate, but it soon emerges that Rabbit has left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own un-rabbity talents. This book celebrates individuality and encourages creativity, while also tackling the issue of loss and grief in a positive way. I feel quite strongly about introducing books that deal with these emotive issues from an early age, rather than leaving tricky conversations about the feelings provoked by such events for times that may already be difficult enough. Other great books that deal with this aspect of life are The Heart and the Bottle and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book.

23. The Night Pirates ~ This cleverly illustrated book tells the story of a group of girl pirates who abduct a boy and the front of his house. Once they return to the high seas they embark on an adventure that brings them face to face with a gang of lazy, grown-up pirates. Did I mention the book has GIRL PIRATES!? A brilliant read.

24. Cave Baby ~ Another Julia Donaldson masterpiece, this time illustrated by Emily Gravett {whose own books Wolves and Again I also love}. This is another excellent celebration of individuality and creativity, featuring an infant who’s very handy with a paintbrush. The perfect book for babies who love to paint or for the offspring of artistic parents.

25. I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato ~ ‘I have this little sister Lola, she is small and very funny’. Charlie and Lola have become two of my favourite characters in recent years. Lauren Child’s witty dialogue is a pleasure to read and I love the creative way in which she approaches key childhood issues and themes, in this case fussy eating. My children still refer to tomatoes as ‘moonsquirters’ and prefer to call peas ‘green drops’ thanks to this book. Slightly Invisible and I am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed would be my other top picks from this series.

So, there you have it, that’s 25. Spotted any glaring omissions? Which children’s books could you never be without?

Love Audrey xxx