Celebrate World Book Day with Some of Our Favourites

Each year, as children across the UK and Ireland dress up as their favourite characters and embark on literary journeys, we are reminded of the magic that books bring into our lives. It is a day to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and most importantly, the readers who dive into the pages and bring these stories to life. At Pepa London, we believe that every story is an opportunity to inspire, learn and dream. This year, we invite you to celebrate reading with our curation of books that will suit any age or interest.

From timeless classics to modern tales, our selection has been carefully chosen to ignite imaginations and foster a love for reading. Whether your little ones dream of magical lands, daring adventures, or simply finding out more about the world around them, our collection has something for every young reader.

So, without further ado, let us dive into our selection of books that celebrate courage, friendship and the power of imagination.

For Babies

PEEPO! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This book’s timeless charm captures the simple joys and discoveries of a baby's day. The rhythmic text and peek-a-boo holes in this delightful board book invite interaction and engagement, making reading time a fun, multisensory experience. Each page beautifully illustrates scenes from a baby's perspective, encouraging little ones to explore the world around them through the eyes of the child in the story.

For Toddlers

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter

The enchanting narrative and timeless illustrations capture the essence of curiosity and perseverance. Beatrix Potter's tale, with its rich, engaging storytelling and beautifully detailed artwork, introduces toddlers to the adventures of the determined Jemima as she seeks a safe place to lay her eggs. This story not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about caution and the importance of listening to wise advice. It is a wonderful way to spark imagination and nurture an early love for nature and animals in young minds.

For Little Boys

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

This classic offers thrilling tales of adventure, friendship and courage. The collection of stories, featuring the young boy Mowgli raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, provides not just entertainment, but also valuable life lessons on resilience, respect for nature, and the importance of belonging and community. The diverse and captivating characters, from the wise panther Bagheera to the carefree bear Baloo, offer young readers a range of role models, showcasing different strengths and virtues. "The Jungle Book" ignites the imagination of young boys, encouraging them to explore the world around them with curiosity and bravery.

For Little Girls

Flower Fairies of the Spring by Cicely Mary Barker

This book offers an enchanting blend of art and poetry, celebrating the beauty of nature and the magic of the changing seasons. Cicely Mary Barker's exquisite illustrations and whimsical poems introduce young readers to the delicate fairies that inhabit the garden and countryside, each fairy representing a specific flower in bloom. This book not only nurtures a love for poetry and art but also encourages an appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world and the importance of caring for it. The gentle lessons interwoven with the charm of the fairies and their floral kingdoms are perfect for inspiring imagination, creativity and a sense of wonder in young girls.

Best Educational Book

Little People, Big Dreams: David Attenborough by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Finally, our pick for an educational book is this inspirational narrative of an impactful life story. This book introduces young readers to the legendary broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, whose life-long dedication to exploring and conserving the natural world has made a profound impact globally. It is a story that educates and motivates, highlighting the importance of curiosity, passion for nature and the responsibility we all share in protecting our planet. The "Little People, Big Dreams" series is renowned for making complex ideas accessible and inspiring to children, and this book is no exception. It encourages young minds to dream big and to see how they, too, can make a difference in the world, just like Attenborough.

As we celebrate the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities it brings, we hope these carefully selected books inspire your little ones to explore, dream and discover the world around them with fresh eyes and eager hearts.

You can learn more about the importance of early childhood reading from the National Literacy Trust here, and find some tips from Book Trust here.