Books by the author JULIA DONALDSON
Bob Bug and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
Discover what life is like being small with Bob Bug, find out if Top Cat becomes king of the garden and learn how to make tasty buns!
Characters: Bob
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book
Julia Donaldson
Charlie Cook is reading a book about a pirate captain, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading about a knight, who is reading about a frog . . . From kings and queens to aliens and ghosts, there's something for everyone in Charlie's amazing book of adventure!Charlie Cook's Favourite Book is both entertaining and original - a sure-fire winner from the unparalleled picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. This edition features the classic story with a stunning, redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans - big and small!
Characters: Charlie
Freddie and the Fairy
Julia Donaldson
Freddie wants nothing more than a pet, so when the fairy Bessie-Belle offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. But Bessie-Belle can’t hear very well and Freddie tends to mumble, which means the wishes aren’t turning out as planned! Whatever can they do? Luckily the Fairy Queen is on hand to help.
Characters: Freddie
Jack and the Flumflum Tree
Julia Donaldson
Set sail with Jack for an adventure on the high seas in this wondrous story from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and David Roberts.Jack's Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! And the only cure is the fruit of the flumflum tree which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It's a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail with a motley crew of three and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items from chewing gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey?Jack and the Flumflum Tree is a fantastic, action-packed rhyming adventure from Julia Donaldson, bestselling author of The Gruffalo, with richly detailed illustrations from award-winning illustrator David Roberts.
Jonty Gentoo
Julia Donaldson
“Gorgeous . it has a lovely message about finding your place in the world.” - Good Housekeeping Magazine Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the Lennon and McCartney of children's publishing" Sunday Times Join a plucky little penguin on the journey of a lifetime, in this fabulous new picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole. One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (with an accidental detour to the North Pole!) Children will be cheering Jonty on as he finally finds his way, in this captivating story of bravery, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Jonty Gentoo is an official UK Number One Children's Bestseller (17 Sept 2024) Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page Fantastic illustrations of the natural world, with lots of details to spot, including seals, polar bears . . . and lots and lots of penguins! This hardback edition comes with a beautifully foiled dust jacket, making it the perfect lifetime gift for any child's library Julia and Axel are the team that have created picture book favourites such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and Superworm - all of which have been made into animated films premiering on BBC1 Christmas Day. The animated film of Tiddler stars voice artists including Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as the narrator, Lolly Adefope (Ghosts) as Miss Skate and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip)
Characters: Jonty
Ron Rabbit's Egg
Julia Donaldson
Written by award-winning author Julia Donaldson, Songbirds Phonics are highly decodable, beautifully illustrated real stories. In Ron Rabbit's Egg, Ron Rabbit dreams of being rich.
Characters: Ron
Rosie's Hat
Julia Donaldson
Rosie's Hat isn't just any old hat. When a gust of wind sweeps it off her head, it goes off on a whole hatful of adventures!It becomes a toy for a dog, a hiding-place for a mouse, a frisbee for some children and even a nest for some birds. Surely poor Rosie will never find her hat again . . . or will she?This satisfyingly circular tale from Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, is packed with irresistible sound effects, making it perfect for children to join in with – and Anna Currey's beautiful watercolour illustrations perfectly capture the warmth and fun of the story.From the creators of One Ted Falls Out of Bed: 'Another little miracle from Julia Donaldson.' - The Bookseller
Characters: Rosie
Scarecrows' Wedding
Julia Donaldson
Betty O'Barley and Harry O'HayWere scarecrows. (They scaredLots of crows every day.)Harry loved Betty, and Betty loved Harry,So Harry said, 'Betty, my beauty let's marry!''Two scarecrows are planning the perfect wedding and set off to find everything on their list.But wicked scarecrow, Reginald Rake, has other ideas and almost ruins their special day. Harry O'Hay must become a hero before he and Betty O'Barley can have the wedding of their dreams.Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlersA wonderfully funny story with drama, humour, originality - and a happy ending from the UK's number one picture book author and illustratorPerfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spotFrom the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated filmsThe Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Tabby McTat: 1
Julia Donaldson
The heart-warming picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog."Me, you and the old guitar.How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.MEEE-EW and the old guitar.How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!" Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker.But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated.Will they ever find each other again?Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlersA heartwarming and charming story from the UK's number one picture book author and illustratorPerfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spotFriendship and loyalty are at the heart of this storyPerfect for cat lovers!From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated filmsThe Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.Praise for Tabby McTat:'Absolutely purr-fect' The Times'Scheffler's detailed drawings have an optimistic allure and Donaldson's soothing rhymes make this perfect for bedtime' Daily Telegraph'It has the same old fashioned, long-lasting magic as Mary Poppins; and it's also absolutely accurate about the real nature of cats' The Times'Donaldson's lovely bounding rhymes make Tabby McTat a pleasure to read out loud to children of three or four and up. Scheffler's richly detailed illustrations are warm and witty' FT'Donaldson's rhythmic text carries the reader through this urban fairytale of friendship, singing - and kittens' Yorkshire Post
Characters: Fred
The Bowerbird
Julia Donaldson
The Bowerbird is the irresistible tale of Bert – a small bird with a very big heart, from Number One bestselling Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration. Bert the bowerbird has made the most perfect bower nest, complete with a pretty purple flower, and is hoping it will help him to meet the bird of his dreams. But will all his efforts to create a beautiful display be enough to win over Nanette? A stunningly illustrated book with a wonderful rhyming tale for little ones, from the creators of The Go-Away Bird.
The Cook and the King
Julia Donaldson
A deliciously funny cooking adventure from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and David Roberts.There once was a very hungry kingWho needed a cook like anything . . .. . . but the king is very fussy; he tries all the cooks in the kingdom, but no one is good enough. Then he spots Wobbly Bob. Maybe Bob can whip up his favourite dinner? But how will Bob be able to cook for the king when he’s scared of . . . well, everything?!Discover how the hungry king helps Wobbly Bob face his fears on a cooking adventure across the land and sea.The Cook and the King is a brilliantly funny story from the award-winning picture book duo Julia Donaldson and David Roberts, creators of Tyrannosaurus Drip. With fun rhyming verse and richly detailed illustrations, this is sure to become a firm favourite with children and adults alike.Enjoy more stories from Julia Donaldson and David Roberts: The Troll, Tyrannosaurus Drip, Jack and the Flumflum Tree and The Flying Bath.
Characters: Bob
The Detective Dog
Julia Donaldson
When a crime needs solving, there’s only one dog for the job! Join Nell the Detective and help solve the mystery of the missing books.There once was a dog with a keen sense of smell.She was known far and wide as Detective Dog Nell.Peter’s dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell. Her ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work solving mysteries and finding all Peter’s lost toys. But Nell has other talents too . . .When she’s not cracking cases, Nell goes to school with Peter and listens to the children read. Books about dinosaurs, books about space and even books about dogs – Nell loves them all! But one day Peter and Nell arrive at school to find all the books have disappeared! Who could have taken them, and why? Luckily, Detective Dog Nell, with help from the whole class, is ready to sniff out the thief!Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by the multi-talented illustrator and print-maker Sara Ogilvie, The Detective Dog is a fast-paced celebration of books, reading, libraries and the relationship between a little boy and his rather special dog.
The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes
Julia Donaldson
A magical adventure about a girl, a bear and some very special shoes from the bestselling creators of What the Ladybird Heard and Sugarlump and the Unicorn.When Josephine leaves the shoe shop after buying some new running shoes, she hears an unusual sound – Click-click! Click-click! A bear with a backpack is following her! Luckily for Josephine, her new shoes are anything but ordinary – these are magic shoes. But can they help her escape the bear when there's a mountain, a bog and even a lake in her way?The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes is an exciting adventure from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard. Full of action and imagination, and with a delightfully unexpected ending, this gorgeous book is one to enjoy over and over again.Enjoy more stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: The Princess and the Wizard, The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday.
Characters: Josephine
The Hospital Dog
Julia Donaldson
Written by the brilliant Julia Donaldson and stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Sara Ogilvie, The Hospital Dog is a big-hearted tale about a very special, very brave dog.Here is a dog, a Dalmatian called Dot,Is she quite ordinary? NO, SHE’S NOT!After their breakfast and a swim in the sea, Dot and her owner Rose jump on the bus to the hospital. Dot loves visiting the children of Wallaby Ward and they’re always pleased to see her too; from a crying baby to a bored teenager – a pat, a stroke and a cuddle with Dot cheers everyone up. But the work of the hospital dog doesn’t stop there and when one of her patients is in trouble, it’s up to Dot to save the day!
The Magic Paintbrush
Julia Donaldson
With her magic paintbrush, Shen can paint steaming pots full of fish and oysters to feed the hungry people in her village, but when the evil emperor hears of her gift he commands Shen to paint gold for him instead. She is determined to keep her promise to paint only for the poor, but how can she match the emperor's mighty power?In The Magic Paintbrush, Julia Donaldson's brilliant verse combines with beautiful illustrations from Joel Stewart, creator of The Adventures Abney and Teal, to bring vibrant life to a traditional tale of how a little girl's integrity can withstand the corruption of power and greed.This edition features a stunning redesigned cover, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson fans – big and small!
Characters: Shen
The Paper Dolls
Julia Donaldson
The Paper Dolls is a stunning, lyrical story of childhood, memory and the power of imagination from Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, and award-winning illustrator Rebecca Cobb.A string of paper dolls go on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. They soon escape the clutches of the toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, but then a very real pair of scissors threatens . . .The Paper Dolls is a beautiful and evocative story from Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, the bestselling creators of The Everywhere Bear.
The Princess and the Wizard
Julia Donaldson
"The princess may try seven times to escapeBy changing her colour and changing her shape."But each time Princess Eliza changes – into a blue fish, a yellow chick, a red fox or a black cat – the wicked wizard finds her and sets her another horrible task. Will this plucky princess be able to outwit him and escape back to the palace in time to cut her birthday cake?The Princess and the Wizard is a magical adventure from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard. With brilliant rhyming verse and bright and distinctive illustrations, this story is perfect for reading together.
Characters: Eliza
The Singing Mermaid
Julia Donaldson
Tempted by the promise of fame and fortune, the Singing Mermaid joins a circus. The crowds love her, but the poor mermaid is kept in a tank by the wicked circus owner Sam Sly, and she soon longs to return to the freedom of her ocean home.The Singing Mermaid is a delightful tale from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard. With brilliant rhyming verse, bright and distinctive illustrations, this story is loved by children and parents alike.Enjoy all the stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: Sharing a Shell, The Princess and the Wizard, The Rhyming Rabbit, The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox, What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday.
Characters: Sam
The Smartest Giant in Town
Julia Donaldson
Meet a very helpful giant in this funny, big-hearted tale from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.George wished he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it's time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he's the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!This handy board book format of The Smartest Giant in Town is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans!Also available in board book format and with striking redesigned covers are: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.
Characters: George
The Smeds and the Smoos
Julia Donaldson
Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo and Stick Man.' By a loobular lake on a far-off planet There lived a young Smed, and her name was Janet. Not far away, on a humplety hill, There lived a young Smoo by the name of Bill.' The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There’s even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!
The Snake Who Came to Stay
Julia Donaldson
Polly has set up a pets' holiday home for the summer and with a house full of greedy guinea pigs, pesky parrots and slithering snakes, Mum is getting more fed up by the day! Especially when Doris the snake goes missing...Can Polly find Doris before the snake finds the guinea pigs? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile
Julia Donaldson
Full of fun and packed with adventure, The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile tells the tale of Ruth Mary the tooth fairy, who gets more than she bargained for when she collects the teeth of some jungle animals, including a less-than-friendly crocodile! A brilliantly illustrated story from picture-book superstars Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks - perfect for any child with a wobbly tooth! Ruth Mary is used to collecting teeth from under the pillows of sleeping children, not animals. But when the Fairy Queen sends her off to the jungle, Ruth Mary doesn't mind. And all is going well. That is, until she collects the tooth of a crocodile, who wakes up and decides Ruth Mary looks like a tasty snack! And with her wings not working, how will the tooth fairy escape?
Characters: Ruth
Tim's Bad Mood
Julia Donaldson
Written by award-winning author Julia Donaldson, Songbirds Phonics are highly decodable, beautifully illustrated real stories. In Tim's Bad Mood, Tim Tomkins is very grumpy!
Wake Up Do, Lydia Lou!
Julia Donaldson
A little ghost tries to give Lydia Lou a scare . . . but he can't even wake her up. So he fetches his noisy animal friends to help!Mew! Moo! Too-whit too-whoo!Wake up do, Lydia Lou!Will anything ever wake her?A gentle and playful bedtime read from Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, and prize-winning illustrator Karen George. Wake Up Do, Lydia Lou! is full of fun sounds which children will love to join in with time and time again.
Characters: Lydia
Where Were You Bert and Other Stories
Julia Donaldson
Songbirds Phonics have been carefully created by Julia to support children who are learning to read and are used in schools to teach phonics and inspire a love of reading. This Level 6 Songbirds collection contains 6 exciting phonics stories in one, with built-in progression to build reading confidence and success: *Tara's Party *Paula the Vet *Where Were You Bert? *Clare and the Fair *The Deer and the Earwig *Jack and the Giants
Who Lives Here?
Julia Donaldson
One little boy is very excited when he receives an invitation to go and play at his friend Dan's house. But there's just one problem, he doesn't know which house on South Street Dan lives in. Along the way he meets some very interesting neighbours, including a cook, a pirate and ghost. But which door does Dan live behind? A wonderful game of dressing-up awaits. Will he ever be able to find the right house? Written in Julia Donaldson's trademark rhyming style and with adorable illustrations packed full of details to spot from the award-winning Rebecca Cobb, this is a book to delight young children, and to read again, and again . . . and again!
Characters: Dan
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We check all suggestions, so please ensure that all recommendations are picture books aimed at children less than 6 years old.