Books in the Child's Play Library series

First published in 1984, a picture book in which the Little Mouse will do all he can to save his strawberry from the Big, Hungry Bear, even if it means sharing it with the reader.

In this new addition to our 'Travellers' Tales' series, Sonny devotes his weekend to helping his neighbours and fellow Travellers with a variety of tasks. He uses many skills, from telling a story at a wedding, to restoring a caravan. In fact, the only thing he doesn't do over the weekend is his homework - his workbook is missing!

When Matthew loses a tooth, Jessica decides to make the Tooth Fairy's visit doubly worthwhile.

Twenty-four robbers display their cooking talents in this retelling of the traditional skipping rhyme.

When a tiger comes to stay at Valentine's guest house, the human visitors all check out in a rush. Luckily, the hotel soon starts to fill again - but with a very different collection of residents, all with new and differing needs. Elsie and Valentine make lots of changes to accommodate the new guests, and a very popular, accessible and unusual guest house results! A beautiful debut picture book about diversity, inclusivity and empowerment.

A girl considers her future while she people-watches at her local outdoor pool. Choices, both insignificant and life-changing, are all around us. Whether we want to make a splash or just dip our toes into new experiences, there's always a decision involved. Profound and humorous, CHOICES encourages readers to value the power behind their thoughts and actions!2021 Golden Pinwheel Special Mention.

Vincent and Grandma are on their way to the beach. As they get nearer to their destination, his excitement grows as he imagines riding on the roller coaster and other attractions! With thanks to Reach Charity and their members for helping us to ensure authentic representation of a child with an upper limb difference.

It's time to buy a new pair of shoes. There's footwear for every occasion, but which ones should we buy? Driven by a powerful, rhythmic and rhyming text, this book celebrates the excitement of a shopping trip, and encourages discussion of the many choices available.

This read-aloud storybook celebrates all types of friendship - at home, at school, and at play. Friends who share in the fun of everyday life, and who are there when we need them. With rhyming text, lively illustrations, and an inclusive collection of diverse characters, this book reminds us how important it is to have friends.

When a princess who behaves like a dragon meets a dragon who behaves like a princess, who knows what will happen!

Lizzie and Dominic desperately want a kitten but they get much more than they bargain for.

Bea loves lions and knows everything there is to know about them. She lives by the beach, but she doesn't like sand one little bit! One day, her mother persuades her to visit the beach, where she meets a sand sculpture of a lion who is afraid of water. A funny and tender book about friendship and the resilience needed to accept change.

Olivia really doesn't like her nickname - mostly because it gets her into some sticky situations! How can she persuade her mum to stop using it? A hilarious look at the affectionate names we give the ones we love, with an interesting angle on identity and self-assurance.

Lucy knows how to do everything. All her friends ask her for help if they need to know the right way to do something. When Toshi arrives, Lucy thinks he can't do anything properly at all. She can barely hide her frustration. When she finally tries to teach Toshi the right way to do things, she learns a very important lesson herself.

For children who grow up in the care of a parent who has bipolar disorder, life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. This story helps us to understand the causes of bipolar disorder and how we can learn to live with someone who has it.

A family spends a day at the seaside, enjoying the smells and sensations that are unique to the coast. Evocative rhyming text immerses the reader in the experience of visiting a beach. Part of CLPE's 'Corebooks' Selection.

Plunge into this exploration of the ocean, with poetic text and beautiful illustrations by Julia Groves. A die-cut hole encourages children to look carefully through the book and adds to the sense of discovery.

When a sky calf visits the Hospital for Magical Beasts out of the blue, Dr Astrid tries to diagnose the newcomer and apply her usual treatments. But the sky calf doesn't respond and it isn't clear what is wrong. How can Astrid nurse the sky calf back to full health? A sensitive story about how empathy and compassion can help make a real difference.

Keith is a cat, but he'd rather be a pigeon. He loves to watch them and learn their ways, but they won't let him get too close. Will Keith ever make friends with the pigeons and learn how it feels to be one? Will he ever find out who he really is and feel comfortable just being Keith?

Milo and Monty are very different dogs. Monty enjoys hugs and noisy playtimes, but Milo prefers to avoid people and hide in a cosy, quiet space. One day, during a family reunion, Milo finds cousin Henry is hiding in his special space. Henry also finds hugs uncomfortable, dislikes loud noises, and has a favourite toy that he takes everywhere...

Sasha's dads want to buy her a new sweater, because her old one is such a disgrace. The trouble is, all the stains, rips, stretches, and wrinkles remind Sasha of the exciting adventures and fun she's shared with her friends and family. One by one, Sasha recalls the wonderful times she's had in her sweater, and lists the marks they've left.

Charlie is excited about his first day at a new school, but when he gets there, he finds it full of cats! The difference is quite a shock for Charlie, who isn't sure how to cope. How can he make new friends? He may find the answer he's looking for in the library...

Sky lives, plays and learns in a circus - she even dreams about performing! In this picture book, the excitement of the circus influences every aspect of Sky's life. But who's the star of the show?

Norman John Gillies was one of the last children ever born on St Kilda, five years before the whole population was evacuated forever. People had lived on these islands for over 4000 years, developing a thriving, tightly-knit society. Why and how did this ancient way of life suddenly cease in 1930?

Thing leads a simple life with its friends, Cactus and Moose the Shadow Puppet... until the day Thing sees Other Thing through the telescope! How will Thing react, and what will happen when Moose the Shadow Puppet suddenly disappears? A quirky story about how generosity, understanding and tolerance can lead to true friendship.

Nipper hates being left alone all day while his best friend Richard is at work. But when he realizes one morning that Richard has left his lunchbox behind, Nipper sets off on a difficult journey to deliver it. Will Nipper find Richard in time?

A little rhino charges around his house and school. Everyone reminds him to be more careful, but his clumsiness continues. Will he remember to be gentle when it's most important?