7 Julia Donaldson Books Kids Want to Read Every Night (Ages 3–7)

 

Some picture books are read once — but some become favourites that children ask for again and again.

Julia Donaldson’s stories are just that, filled with rhythm, imagination, and characters kids instantly love.

1. Room on the Broom — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Have you ever imagined what it would be like if a kind witch lost her belongings one by one while flying on her broom, only to be helped by unexpected animal friends along the way? This charming idea is beautifully brought to life here.

It is a fun rhyming story where the witch and her cat set off on a journey, gradually joined by a dog, a bird, and a frog — each adding a touch of humour and warmth to the adventure. As the group grows, so does the fun, creating a lively and engaging reading experience for young children.

The story gently unfolds into a playful adventure of friendship, teamwork, and kindness, as the characters come together to face a surprising challenge in the sky. Children especially enjoy the rhythm, repetition, and the excitement of watching new friends join the broom.

Through its simple yet imaginative storytelling, the book creates a magical world filled with laughter, cooperation, and memorable characters that children love to revisit again and again.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy rhyming stories, magical adventures, and engaging read-aloud picture books.

2. The Gruffalo’s Child — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

This is one of the cutest picture books I have read. The final scenes feel especially relatable for parents of preschoolers, and the illustrations bring those moments to life in a way that is sure to make both parents and children smile.

The story follows the Gruffalo’s child, who ignores her father’s warnings and quietly sneaks out of the cave while he is fast asleep — something many young children tend to do when they are not ready to sleep and are looking for a little adventure.

This is one of Julia Donaldson’s most delightful stories, and a book that children enjoy hearing again and again. It is the kind of story that quickly becomes a favourite at bedtime, as little ones love revisiting the adventure night after night.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy rhyming stories, gentle suspense, and books they love to hear again and again.

 

3. The Ugly Five — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Have you ever noticed how children often pick their favourite animals based on how cute or beautiful they look? This playful idea is gently explored in The Ugly Five, where Julia Donaldson turns the idea of “ugly” animals into something warm, funny, and full of heart.

The story follows five African animals — the wildebeest, hyena, warthog, vulture, and marabou stork — who proudly call themselves the “Ugly Five.” Even though they may not be considered traditionally beautiful, they walk through the African plains with confidence and joy, enjoying life exactly as they are.

As the story unfolds, children are introduced to the babies of these animals, who see their parents very differently — not as ugly at all, but as lovable and special in their own unique way. This gentle contrast makes the story both humorous and deeply touching.

Through its rhythmic storytelling and expressive illustrations, the book softly encourages children to look beyond appearances and understand that every creature has its own kind of beauty. It is a light, cheerful reminder that love and family often shape the way we see the world.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy funny animal stories and gentle messages about kindness, acceptance, and looking beyond appearances.

4. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Have you ever received a gift in a box that opens to reveal another box, and then another, and yet another? This clever concept is beautifully used by Julia Donaldson in Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book.

It is a very unique way of storytelling, where the story begins with a little boy reading a book about a pirate, who is reading about Goldilocks, who in turn is reading about a knight — and the cycle continues until the story finally comes back to the little boy at the beginning.

This makes for a fun and engaging reading experience, especially for children who find it difficult to stay focused on a single story for too long. As the story moves from one book to another, children are introduced to a wide variety of characters — from fairy tale figures and a queen to a ghost, a knight with a dragon, a spaceman, and even a greedy crocodile — making it feel like there is something interesting for everyone.

Through its imaginative structure and playful storytelling, the book gently celebrates the joy of reading and how one story can lead to another.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy imaginative storytelling, fast-changing plots, and books that introduce them to a variety of characters and stories.

 

5. Tiddler: The Storytelling Fish — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

What if a child’s wild imagination could actually help them out of trouble one day? Tiddler: The Storytelling Fish is a delightful story that brings this idea to life in the most charming way. 

This is yet another lovely find from Julia Donaldson’s collection of picture books. I love the way Tiddler, the little fish, lets his imagination run wild and comes up with tall stories each day when he is late for school.

His stories are full of adventure and wonder, and even though they sound quite unbelievable, they capture the attention of everyone around him — especially Little Johnny Dory, who enjoys them the most.

It is fascinating to see how Tiddler’s stories travel from one sea creature to another, spreading far and wide across the deep blue ocean. As luck would have it, when Tiddler gets lost, it is these very stories that help him find his way back home, as each creature passes on the tale until it finally leads him to safety.

Through this playful and imaginative story, Julia Donaldson gently celebrates the power of storytelling and shows how imagination can sometimes help us in the most unexpected ways.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy imaginative stories, rhyming text, and tales about storytelling and adventure.

 6. The Magic Paintbrush — Julia Donaldson & Joel Stewart

Which child would not love to have a magic wand… or a magic pencil? Or even better, a magic paintbrush that can bring anything to life?

This is exactly the kind of idea that instantly pulls a child into the story — the thought that whatever they draw could suddenly become real. It is imaginative, exciting, and something children naturally love to think about while reading.

This beautiful retelling of a classic Chinese folktale follows a little girl named Shen, who receives a magical paintbrush from an old man. He gives it to her with one condition — she must only use it to help those in need. Shen keeps her promise and begins painting simple things for people in her village, and to her delight, everything she draws comes alive.

As the story moves forward, it naturally makes children start imagining their own wishes — what would they paint if they had such a brush? It quietly pulls them into that world of “what if” thinking, which is what makes the story so engaging.

But things take a turn when the Emperor hears about the magic paintbrush. He becomes greedy and demands Shen use it for his own selfish desires. When she refuses, she is locked away, and children are left wondering what will happen to her and the brush.

Through its gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations, the book quietly carries a message about kindness, honesty, and using talent for the right reasons — without ever feeling heavy-handed.

If your child enjoys calmer and more soothing stories, you may also enjoy these gentle bedtime picture books.

Age range: 4–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy magical stories, folktales, and imaginative “what if” adventures.

7. The Scarecrows’ Wedding — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

A sweet and engaging story about friendship, love, and determination, told in a gentle way that children will enjoy. It follows two scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are deeply in love and are planning to get married.

Before the wedding, Harry sets off to collect a few special items from their list, leaving Betty waiting patiently for his return. Along with Betty, readers too will find themselves waiting eagerly, as Harry takes longer than expected to return.

The excitement builds further when the farmer brings in another scarecrow to take Harry’s place, making children wonder if Harry will return in time to marry Betty after all.

The bright, warm, and colourful illustrations make the story even more engaging, creating a fun and memorable reading experience for little ones.

Age range: 3–7 years

Best for: Children who enjoy rhyming stories, gentle suspense, and heartwarming tales about love and friendship.

Final Thoughts

These are the kind of stories that quickly become part of a child’s daily reading routine.

Once you start reading them, don’t be surprised if your child asks for them every night.

You may also enjoy:

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