Luna’s Top 5 Picture Books for Children: Fun Stories About Animals and Friendship! 📚🌙

Hey, fellow book lovers! If your kiddos have already fallen in love with Not so Close and are looking for more captivating reads, I've got you covered, with my top 5 picture books for children. Picture books are a magical gateway for little ones, opening up worlds of adventure, friendship, and learning.

Luna's Top 5 Picture Books for Children

I’ve sniffed out five delightful picture books that I think will spark your child’s imagination and make for perfect bedtime stories. They’ve all got animal themes, just like me, and each one will help your kids grow in empathy, kindness, and creativity.

Luna enjoying a relaxing read of Not so Close.

1. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

One of the classics that every child should experience is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This story follows a caterpillar that munches through 15 different foods, teaching kids about healthy eating and the days of the week. With its vibrant illustrations, children will learn about counting and metamorphosis in a fun way. It's a staple in children's literature, and I am particularly drawn to books featuring characters that appreciate food as much as I do.

2. "How To Be Me - One Mimic Octopus, Too Many Personalities" by Amy Dodero

Now, I may not have tentacles (although I do sometimes try to fetch eight toys at once), but I can totally relate to Mimi’s struggle. Being different isn't always easy. Just like how some kids don’t understand why I need my space, Mimi wants to fit in and ends up hiding who she really is. But here’s the thing; when she stops pretending and embraces her true self, she finds real friends who love her for who she is. It's a lesson I think everyone can learn: being yourself is always the best way to make friends, whether you have paws or tentacles!

3. "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson

For a dose of humour and adventure, The Gruffalo is the perfect pick! This story showcases a brave and clever mouse who outsmarts predators by inventing tales of a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo. The book teaches children about bravery and cleverness while entertaining them with fun rhymes and whimsical illustrations. I'm very brave, so don't need to outsmart predators, but I understand that others need to learn such tricks.

4. "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" by Eric Litwin

You might be thinking, "Luna, you're a dog, why are you recommending a book with a cat in it?" Well, let me tell you, that whilst I'm not over the idea of chasing a cat, it's in my instincts after all, I appreciate that they have as much right to be here as dogs do. And what’s better than a cool cat? A cat that loves his white shoes, of course! Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes is a delightful journey through music, colour, and positivity. Pete steps into messes but always maintains his upbeat attitude. This story teaches resilience, showing kids that even when things don’t go as planned, they can keep smiling.

5. "The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!" by Mo Willems

Firstly, any book with a reference to dogs or puppies is a must, but if your child loves humour, then The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! is even more of a must-read. Mo Willems creates relatable characters, and the pigeon is no exception! As it hilariously pleads for a puppy, kids will enjoy the funny expressions and dialogues. The minimalist illustrations keep the focus on the story, promising lots of giggles and fun discussions about pet ownership.

Uncover New Adventures

With so many wonderful picture books out there, the adventure doesn’t have to stop with Luna & Friends! Each of these stories offers joy, excitement, and learning opportunities that will fuel imaginations.

And if you haven’t yet met me, be sure to check out Not so Close, the first book in the Luna & Friends series, where I embark on a journey of friendship, fear, and understanding with a boy called Jack. It’s a perfect addition to your bookshelf, full of valuable lessons for kids about empathy and interacting with dogs!

So gather your little ones, snuggle up, and dive into these delightful stories that will spark creativity and create cherished memories.

Happy reading, and may your book collection continue to grow as you explore new enchanting worlds together!

Love from Luna

P.S. I'm not affiliated with any stores or brands, so I haven't included direct links to purchase. But if you're looking to grab a copy, there's always Amazon. Even better, why not check out your local bookshop? If they don't have it in stock, they might be able to order it in! You can also find Not so Close and How To Be Me on Waterstones or The Great British Bookshop (for some print-on-demand titles).