Toys break. Clothes get outgrown. But the stories we read together?
They echo in bedtime whispers, giggles under the blanket, and childhood memories that stay forever.
If there’s one author whose books we never get tired of reading — it’s Julia Donaldson. Her rhyming stories, unforgettable characters, and meaningful messages make her books perfect for kids from toddlers to early readers.
In this post, I’ve listed the best Julia Donaldson books for kids, sorted by age, based on what worked beautifully with my child at each stage.
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👶 Best Julia Donaldson Books for Toddlers (1.5 to 3 Years)
These books are short, rhythmic, and full of repetition — ideal for building vocabulary, attention, and sound recognition.
📘 1. One Mole Digging a Hole
A fun counting book with animals doing silly tasks — perfect for numbers and rhyming sounds.
📘 2. Hippo Has a Hat
Animal friends shopping for clothes. The colourful illustrations and simple rhymes make it a hit with 2-year-olds.
📘 3. Toddle Waddle
Simple words, repetitive sounds, and adorable waddling — toddlers love to mimic the rhythm.
🧒 For Ages 3 to 4.5 Years:
Engaging stories with rhyme, character repetition, and a gentle moral.
📗 4. Monkey Puzzle
A little monkey looking for his mom — sweet, funny, and builds vocabulary around animals.
📗 5. The Gruffalo
Probably her most loved book! A clever mouse avoids danger with storytelling — perfect for introducing imagination and bravery.
📗 6. Room on the Broom
A witch, a cat, and a broom that keeps getting crowded — teaches sharing, helping, and team spirit in a magical way.
🧠 For Ages 5+ (Early Readers & Repeat Listeners):
Longer stories, bigger themes, and more emotional depth.
📕 7. Stick Man
A stick family tale of adventure, longing, and reunion — very touching and builds empathy.
📕 8. Zog
A dragon learning life lessons in school — great for conversations around learning, failing, and helping others.
📕 9. The Snail and the Whale
Travel, kindness, and courage in a big world — beautiful rhyme and rhythm with stunning visuals.
📕 10. The Smeds and the Smoos
Aliens from different planets fall in love — a gentle introduction to diversity and inclusion.
❤️ Why We Love Julia Donaldson’s Books:
- The rhymes stick in your head — and your heart
- The stories grow with your child
- The illustrations (by Axel Scheffler) are magical
- They’re as fun for parents as they are for kids
💬 Final Thoughts:
These books have been more than just bedtime reads — they’ve shaped imagination, built vocabulary, and sparked giggles night after night.
So whether your little one is just starting to enjoy story time or beginning to read aloud, Julia Donaldson has a book that feels just right.
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