Here are some of our best picture book suggestions for sensitive young children.

Books to be read with a hug…

Jez Alborough’s Hug is a very cute board book for babies and toddlers to play with. With exuberant illustrations and just three words (‘Hug’, ‘Bobo’, ‘Mommy’), this book reveals the story of Bobo, a tiny chimp in need of a BIG hug. Walking through the jungle he passes lots of creatures enjoying a cuddle together – elephants, chameleons, lions, giraffes, hippos – and soon begins to despair of finding his own cuddle. But don’t worry, I promise that there’s a happy ending on the final page.

Further suggestions:

• I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey
• The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood
• Hugless Douglas by David Melling

Books that tackle separation anxiety…

I adore this brand-new picture book from talented duo Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys. Their ‘love umbrella’ is a sweet metaphor for love that’s invisible but ever-present, no matter where you are. Bell’s list of worries and fears that a child might face is thoughtful in its scope – from moving house to forgetting to bring a hat to school – and Colpoys’s distinctive artwork tenderly plays off the text. I especially love that the book features all kinds of families. Under the Love Umbrella is perfect for children ages 3 and up who are challenged by the prospect of venturing out into the world alone.

Further suggestions:

• A Kissing Hand (board book edition) by Audrey Penn and Barbara Leonard Gibson
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Geoff Stevenson

Books that applaud individuality…

This joyful celebration of creativity, individuality and silliness is such a favourite with our staff that it was voted one of our top ten picture books of last year. Doodle Cat shares all the things he loves, from the big things, such as ‘difference’, to the small things, such as ‘farts’. Toddlers (and adults!) will find plenty to giggle at here, ensuring I am Doodle Cat will be a popular pick for reading aloud.

Further suggestions:

• Josephine Wants to Dance by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
• I Love Me by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
• I’m a Girl! by Yasmeen Ismail

Books that celebrate a parent or carer’s love for their child…

This classic Australian picture book from Mem Fox features nostalgic illustrations from Pamela Lofts and a whole lot of love. Koala Lou is the first child born in a large family and lately, she’s felt worried that her mother has been too busy to pay her any attention. So she decides to enter tree-climbing at the Bush Olympics; if she wins then her mother might notice her again. Of course, her mother has loved Koala Lou all along and the story ends with a big cuddle. A great read aloud with a repeated refrain (Koala Lou, I DO love you!) for ages 4 and up.

Further suggestions:

• Guess How Much I Love You (mini pop-up edition) by Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram
• On the Day You Were Born by Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury

Books that jump-start conversations about bad feelings…

Bill is having a very bad day – Mr Huff keeps following him around and making everything seem difficult. Bill tries to get rid of him, but Mr Huff just gets bigger and bigger. Then they both stop, and a surprising thing happens… Anna Walker’s Mr Huff is a gorgeous picture book for opening up a space to talk about bad feelings with small children, ages 3 and up. And I couldn’t help but feel for Mr Huff who has a personality of his own. (For an added bonus, you can also watch an utterly adorable book trailer.)

Further suggestions:

• Penguin Problems by Jory John and Lane Smith
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz
• Tough Guys Have Feelings Too by Keith Negley

Bronte Coates