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These are the picture books that are handed down from generation to generation. Every new parent looks forward to reading these cherished stories to their young children. They make for perfect presents for any newborn child's bookshelf - they'll grow into them. At Bookbag, we love these, have always loved these and will always love these. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites? Older children will want to check out the [[Top Ten Classics of Children's Literature]].

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|author=Maurice Sendak

|title=Where the Wild Things Are

|rating=5

|summary=A mixture of imagination, dreams and very realistic toddler psychology, combined with wonderful illustrations in this deserved picture book classic. A must for any child aged 2 to 4.

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|author=Judith Kerr

|title=The Tiger Who Came to Tea

|rating=4.5

|summary=If your budget for picture books is limited and you're not sure which ones are for buying and which are for borrowing, look no further. ''The Tiger Who Came To Tea'' is one for buying. Children love it. It's simple, strong and rhythmic. It might be a tad dated, but it's one for the bookshelf, not the library ticket.

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|author=Michael Bond

|title=Paddington

|rating=3.5

|summary=The iconic marmalade loving bear in a duffle coat makes his first appearance in this abridged for younger children version of the original. The illustrations are dynamic and bring the story to life, while shorter & simpler text makes this book a good way to introduce younger readers to Paddington.

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|author=Lynley Dodd

|title=Hairy Maclary

|rating=5

|summary=Like all great picture books, Hairy Maclary is built on rhyme, rhythm, repetition and humour. It's vibrant, bright and alive. There are hundreds upon hundreds of picture books from which to choose when you're buying for your child. Put Hairy Maclary and his friends near to the top of your list.

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|author=Brian Wildsmith

|title=Favourite Nursery Rhymes

|rating=5

|summary=Over eighty of the best nursery rhymes presented in a glorious compendium, with delightful illustrations to pore over. Every young child should have this book.

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|author=Julia Donaldson

|title=The Gruffalo

|rating=5

|summary=A monster of a genius design and a smart little mouse feature in this incredibly and deservedly popular rhymed tale. It's a good candidate for a children's classic, and a book I would definitely recommend. Great fun to read, the moral message of using your imagination and brain power to protect oneself from predators slightly dubious but very entertaining.

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|author=Eric Carle

|title=The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book

|rating=4.5

|summary=A superb example of paper engineering which will delight any small child (or adult) particularly when it's the iconic hungry caterpillar munching his way through the pages. Highly recommended.

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|author=Dr Seuss

|title=The Cat in the Hat: Green Back Book (Dr Seuss 50th Birthday Edition)

|rating=5

|summary=A classic picture book, with trademark Seussian quirky illustrations and playful, rhythmic, repetitive text written using just 236 words, this slightly anarchic classic will delight children while motivating emerging readers to practice their skills.

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|author=Gene Zion

|title=Harry the Dirty Dog

|rating=4.5

|summary=The best picture books grow with familiarity and repetition. If they work, as Harry The Dirty Dog works, they will be with you for a very long time. Harry's a wonderful character in a sweet and funny little story. This is a picture book to buy, not borrow.

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|author=Judith Kerr

|title=Mog the Forgetful Cat

|rating=5

|summary=Mog the Forgetful Cat is one of those picture books you need to buy, not borrow. The text is perfect; accurate, rhythmic, humorous. The illustrations are alive. Mog is the cat with whom every child can identify. A must-have for all toddlers.

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