Top picture book picks for summer

We've officially reached summer, so what better way to celebrate than by telling you all about our lovely picture books out this month, all delightful summer reads. 

Ellie and Lump's Very Busy Day

In this big-hearted and bouncy read-aloud story about a special day in the life of two adorable elephants, Ellie and Lump are bubbling with energy from the moment they wake up – they’re just ready to explode! There’s a lot to do: boing-boing-bouncing on beds, split-splatting eggs for breakfast, whizz-whooshing around on supermarket trollies and blowing up balloons. They’re planning a big birthday surprise … but who is it for? Illustrator Becky Palmer captures the joy and excitement of a day out with mum and the thrills of planning a party, while the read-aloud text with wonderfully rhythmical sound effects makes this a fizzy first reading experience perfect for sharing with toddlers.

A Brave Bear

In this joyful story about children and their parents from the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise, a daddy bear and a baby bear spend a very special day together. It's as hot as hot can be, and Dad Bear says, "I think a pair of hot bears is probably the hottest thing in the world." So Little Bear suggests that they go to the river to cool down. But what will happen when Little Bear tries to impress his dad by doing a big jump across the rocks? The perfect present for Daddy Bear and Baby Bears alike, all readers will rejoice in the gorgeous characterization, the warmth of the storytelling and the deliciously detailed artwork of illustration star, Emily Hughes.


Elsie Piddock Skips in her Sleep

Elsie Piddock is a born skipper. By the age of seven, news of her skipping talents has reached the fairies and they invite her to Mount Caburn for lessons. The High Skip, the Slow Skip, the Skip Double-Double, the Long Skip, the Strong Skip, the Skip Against Trouble… Elsie Piddock learns them all, and soon there’s not a mortal or fairy to touch her. Many, many years later, a greedy Lord buys Mount Caburn and threatens to build factories on its land. Can Elsie Piddock save the skipping ground for the next generation? Sparkling with charm and a liberal sprinkling of fairy dust, Elsie Piddock's story is one to be cherished.

All in One Piece

"If you are not familiar with these stories, you really have not lived ... you just couldn't get better" Guardian 
A hilarious tale of family life, this is a beautiful new edition of a modern picture book classic in the Large Family series, Mr and Mrs Large the elephants are putting on their best suit and dress – they're going to a dinner-dance! But, with Lester, Laura, Luke and the baby determined to help Mum and Dad get ready, will they make it out all in one piece? With a foreword and gorgeous foil lettering on the cover and spine, this is a beautiful book to treasure.

Mr Large in Charge 

The perfect Father's Day gift! Mrs Large isn't feeling too good. So Mr Large sends her back to bed. "I'll take charge," he says. Mrs Large settles down for a nice rest while Mr Large and the children get busy hoovering, dusting and tidying. But Mrs Large's day doesn't turn out to be quite as restful as she had first hoped! With a foreword and gorgeous foil lettering on the cover and spine, this is a beautiful book to treasure.

Pick up a copy of all these books in your local bookshop.

Join in the fun and download our free A Brave Bear and Mrs, Mole, I'm Home! activity sheets.