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.

As Pippa watches her friends express themselves through their special dance moves, she wonders if she will ever find the dance in herself. With gentle encouragement from the others, Pippa discovers that it's all about taking the first step. A story about the freedom to be yourself and the fun of joining in.

A celebration of a child's growing self awareness, and a prime example of how books can contribute to this.

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.

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?

King Leonard is so rich that he can buy whatever he wants. Anything old or broken is thrown onto the growing pile of trash outside his castle. But one day something breaks that can't be easily replaced. And what's worse, King Leonard can't find anyone who knows how to fix it.

Errol loves gardening, but he doesn't have a proper garden. Although his home is full of beautiful plants, he longs for an outdoor space where he can grow things. A chance discovery leads to a solution, but Errol can't do everything on his own. Luckily, help is near at hand!

When a Traveller family experiences a run of bad luck, an imaginative boy called Yokki lifts their spirits with tales of a magical white horse. A traditional Traveller-family folk tale which inspires hope and celebrates creativity. Told by a Romani storyteller together with a picture book author to positively reflect Travelling cultures.

A Traveller girl creates her own musical instrument from a willow branch and lots of recycled objects. She plays it enthusiastically, but it sounds terrible! Ignoring warnings not to awaken the ogre in the hills, Ossiri goes there to practise playing her instrument.

The Jar of Happiness is a heartwarming tale penned by Ailsa Burrows. Published in 2015 by Child's Play International Ltd, this book is a delightful addition to the genre of children's literature. The story revolves around a magical jar that holds the essence of happiness. Burrows, with her enchanting storytelling, takes the reader on a journey of joy, sorrow, and the discovery of true happiness. This book is not just a story, but a life lesson wrapped in a beautiful package of words and illustrations. It's an ideal read for children and adults alike, reminding us that happiness can be found in the simplest of things. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of joy with The Jar of Happiness.

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

Brigg lives in a small, grey room in a large, grey city. When he finds a book in the library labelled 'Do Not Read', he cannot resist borrowing it. In it, he comes upon pictures of bright, vibrant objects called flowers. A deceptively simple and haunting story, beautifully and mysteriously illustrated, set in a bleak future metropolis.