For many, when it comes to children’s stories, Julia Donaldson needs no introduction. Bedtime with our little one consists of choosing 2 or 3 stories for us to read and Julia Donaldson is a firm favourite of ours. It is a pleasure to read these stories to your little ones and as they learn the rhymes with you, they finish your sentences with enthusiasm and glee. Her timeless stories are best known for their rhyming and amazing characters. And lets not forget that these books are beautifully illustrated by the best children’s illustrators out there.
Who is Julia Donaldson?
Julia Donaldson is a English writer who is best known for her rhyming stories for children. There are, at the time of writing this, 184 published books that cover both learning and some of the books that you can see below. Julia has won countless awards during her career – certainly too many to mention here. However, we will mention that Julia received an MBE in 2011 for service to literature.
What age are they for?
Many of Julia’s stories start with a suggested reading age of 3+. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t read them to under 3s as the stories are just amazing. The books that have been reviewed in ‘Tales from Acorn Woods‘ are a good starting place for the youngest as the series features flaps and short rhymes that they can participate in.
What we love about Julia Donaldson’s stories is that they are the optimum length for any child’s bedtime. I am sure you will agree that the bedtime battle of ‘how many stories’ is a familiar one amongst all us parents. However, these books will leave any child and parent wanting to explore more. One of the most popular books of Julia’s is The Gruffalo.
Whilst we have picked only a selection of books below, it goes without saying that there are many many more out there to choose from.
We hope you enjoy our reviews below. If you have a favourite that we haven’t listed, let us know in the comments and we will be sure to add it.
The phenomenal story of the mouse and the Gruffalo. Who could possibly be more scared….’the mouse’, I hear you say? A cunning mouse escapes becoming supper from the fox, the owl and the snake but then towards the end has the Graffulo running off scared too. A wonderfully written book, with a perfect rhyming story that will have your children excited to hear it for years to come. There is also many a theatre production and often woodland trails featuring the characters from the Gruffalo and your child can be hugely enthused if they have already met the characters in the books.
Available through Amazon
What is the story about?
A great farmyard tale of the witty ladybird who tricked the robbers (Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len). Another lovely story for the youngest reader as they learn about animals; where they live and the noises they make. The hardback version with flaps means that your little one can participate; just be careful they do not get too enthusiastic and rip the flaps! Perfectly illustrated and it is a sure bet that you will be asked to read it again and again.
A terrific and witty adventure (Guardian)
Available through Amazon
A Ladybird sequel to “What the Ladybird Heard” is the story of Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh who have escaped from jail. A slightly longer story and rhyme than its previous plot; a perfect follow on as your little one continues to develop their attention. They are up to their mischief again but the cunning Ladybird is going to stop them in their tracks. Poor old hen and her eggs!!
Available through Amazon
How many things can a witch fit on her broom before it SNAPS?! Join the witch on a rhyming journey as she meets a dog, a bird and a frog before her close encounter with the greedy dragon. Lucky for the Witch, her cunning animals friends save her from the wicked dragon and set off in the sunset.
Available through Amazon
What is the story about?Â
There once was a dog with a keen sense of smell.
She was known far and wide as Detective Dog Nell.Â
Detective Dog Nell loves books and one day at the school all of the books disappeared. This is a lovely story with a message engendering a passion for reading and enjoyment in books. Detective Dog Nell is on the case and takes you on a rhyming adventure across the town to find the culprit. The book has a great ending that leaves the children and the children of the school happy.
Available through Amazon
This is the story of the rat who kept stealing food from all of the others on the highway. That was until one day when the duck come up with a cunning plan to end the rats capers. With lots to see and talk about on the pages with your little one, this is another great book to add to the collection. Available in hard and soft back.
Available through Amazon
The story of the monkey that has lost his Mummy. Luckily for the monkey, there is a kind butterfly that helps monkey find his Mummy. On Monkey’s journey through the jungle you get to meet lots of animals as butterfly works out who the monkey’s mummy really is. One for lots of kisses and cuddles as Mummy is found.
Available through Amazon
What is the story about?Â
A wonderful rhyming story of five animals rejoicing in their ugliness. The question is, who is the ugliest? A story about animals who are often unloved in other children books but shows that even the ugliest of animals still have beauty in the eye of the beholder and their babies.
Available through Amazon
A squash and a squeeze is the first picture book to be written and illustrated by Julia and Axel. This classic story is about a little old lady who lives on her own in a small house. A wise old man helps the little old lady to appreciate what she has; a lovely message to read to your little one. .
Available through Amazon
Age:Â 3 – 5 Years
What is the story about?Â
The story of the paper dolls that go on an adventure in and out of the house. Whilst on their adventure, they escape the clutches of many threats along the way. That is until they met the pair of scissors. A beautifully written and illustrated book that you will be able to read again and again.
Available through Amazon
Age:Â 1 – 6 Years
What is the story about?Â
This is the story of the night monkey and the day monkey. Living worlds apart, at first the monkeys don’t appreciate each others worlds. But when they spend time together, they realise that they have more in common and become great friends. A fantastic book for babies and toddlers.
Available through Amazon
Please do drop a comment below if you have any other Julia Donaldson books that feature in your favourites.
