By Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Emely Gravett

Cave Baby is lonely until he discovers the joy of cave painting. But Mum, a fine painter herself, and Dad don't appreciate his more colourful efforts. Then, some nocturnal adventures with woolly mammoths, who do appreciate talent, reassure him. Words and pictures are splendidly matched, investing Baby with humour and individuality. A delight for all budding artists – and everyone else too!

By Anna McQuinn

Illustrated by Hannah Shaw

A nice twist on counting sheep, this is great fun, with delightful illustrations that mirror the bunt of wakefulness that comes with bedtime. Sylvie finds the huge number of sheep she has conjured up just as 'exasperating' as her mother found her – they won't stay still enough for her to count – until they fall asleep in the sun after a day at the beach. A perfect bedtime story.

By Rod Campbell

Goodnight Buster! Is a comforting picture book based around a toddler's bedtime routine. The words are simple, the textured pets and toys are soothing for tiny hands and the pull-down tab at the end for closing Buster's eyes work a treat!

By Nicola Killen

Paint on the wall, peas in the hall…the house is in total chaos. Who could the culprit(s) be? With a simple question-and-answer structure, this debut picture book ticks a lot of boxes: a clear text that allows for rhythm and rhyme, illustrations that are both bright and soft, a real interaction between word and image, and plenty of clues and surprises for the attentive sleuth. One to read and reread.