3 Picture Books Young Children Love — From a Classic to Modern Favourites (Ages 1–7)

 

Cuddling up and reading together is one of my child’s favourite ways to spend time with us at home. In our seven-year reading journey, we have come across picture books of all shapes and sizes—some that help children drift off to sleep, some that awaken curious little minds to explore more, and some that children love coming back to again and again.

In this curated list of picture books, I have included a wonderful classic alongside modern children’s favourites. This blend of old and new allows little imaginative minds to experience the best of both worlds—books that have stood the test of time and books that continue to charm young readers today.

Picture books are often a child’s first stepping stone into the world of stories. Long before they begin reading on their own, children experience books through the voices of parents, the turning of pages, and the colourful illustrations that bring each story to life.

Here are three delightful picture books that young children continue to enjoy—from playful lift-the-flap fun to imaginative storytelling and a timeless classic.

 

1. Postman Bear — by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A lift-the-flap book is always a baby’s favourite, as they feel more engaged when they are invited to do something while reading, instead of simply listening to the story. But even slightly older children, around five or six years old, remain just as curious to discover what lies hidden under the flaps.

Postman Bear is an exceptionally engaging and well-written story about a bear who sets out to deliver letters to three of his friends. As little readers travel along with him on his route, they lift the flaps on each page to discover which of Bear’s animal friends lives in which home.

As the letters are delivered, the number of letters gradually decreases, gently encouraging children to count backwards from three to one. In this way, the story quietly introduces a simple counting concept while keeping the reading experience playful.

Though it is a small book, it offers many little discoveries along the way—lift-the-flap fun, learning to count backwards, noticing where different animals live, and finally celebrating the warmth and joy of friendship.

The simple storyline and bright illustrations make it easy for very young readers to follow along. At the same time, lifting the flaps helps develop curiosity and fine motor skills as children eagerly explore each part of the story.

With its playful interaction, this book quickly becomes one that children love returning to again and again.

If your child enjoys books by Julia Donaldson, you may also enjoy this collection of her most loved picture books.

Age: 1–5 years
Best for: Interactive reading and encouraging curiosity through lift-the-flap surprises.

 

2. The Singing Mermaid — by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks

Being a girl mom has made me read quite a few mermaid stories, as my daughter was once completely obsessed with them. Over time I began to feel like a bit of a “mermaid story expert,” and that is exactly why I can confidently vouch for Julia Donaldson’s The Singing Mermaid. It is a truly unique story that children from two to seven years of age can enjoy.

The sparkling illustrations, with touches of glitter on every page, immediately catch the attention of younger readers, while the engaging storyline keeps older children interested as well.

The story is about a mermaid who lives in the ocean and spends her days singing to the sea creatures around her. They love listening to her beautiful voice and gather around whenever she sings. One day, however, a sly circus owner who has come to town hears her voice and makes grand promises of a life full of fame and luxury and convinces her to leave the ocean with him.

Trusting his words, the mermaid leaves the ocean and begins performing at the circus. But after singing there for an entire year, she slowly realises that the circus owner has tricked her and has no intention of letting her return home.

Thankfully, the mermaid is not alone. Her new friends at the circus—the circus cat, dogs, the acrobat, and her old ocean friend the seagull—come together to help her escape. But leaving the circus is not so simple. After all, the poor mermaid has a tail, but no legs!

Lydia Monks’ vibrant illustrations add life and colour to every page, bringing both the circus scenes and the underwater world vividly to life.

Age: 2–7 years
Best for: Children who enjoy imaginative adventures and lively read-aloud stories.

  

3. The Story of Babar the Little Elephant — by Jean de Brunhoff

A beautiful animal picture book and a timeless classic, The Story of Babar the Little Elephant has been loved by young readers for generations.

The story begins with Babar, a little elephant born in a great forest. His early days are filled with affection from his mother and joyful play with his friends in the forest, until one day his mother is killed by a hunter.

As Babar flees from the hunter, he eventually reaches a town. There he learns the ways of town life and slowly grows into an educated and cultured young elephant, though he continues to miss his mother and the carefree days of his childhood.

But as luck would have it, Babar eventually gets the chance to return to his forest—and in an unexpected turn of events, he even becomes the king there.

Most children love animal stories, especially when they include a sense of adventure. As Babar explores new surroundings and grows through his experiences, the simple illustrations and charming storytelling make him a character that young readers quickly grow fond of.

For many families, Babar remains one of those stories that children enjoy hearing again and again.

Age: 3–7 years
Best for: Introducing children to classic picture book characters and timeless storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Picture books can be many things. Some are adventurous, some interactive, while others can be calming, relaxing, or simply timeless classics.

Through these different kinds of stories, children enjoy, interact, express themselves, and gradually form a deep connection with books. Over time, they also begin to learn and understand the world around them.

Books like these offer young readers different ways to experience stories while creating meaningful reading moments that families can cherish for a long time to come.

Whether children are helping Bear deliver letters, listening to a mermaid sing, or discovering the world alongside Babar, each story brings its own special charm to storytime.

If you enjoy discovering picture books like these, you may also like exploring my list of interactive board books babies love and thoughtful picture books that help children understand feelings.