The best cheap children’s books loved by tots, recommended by parents

This much-loved children's book, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, will quickly become your child's new favorite adventure. At just £2, it takes young readers on an exciting journey over hills, across rivers, and through forests in search of the big bad bear. With its rhythmic text and engaging sounds, this book is perfect for children of all ages to act out and enjoy.

Readers describe the story as a "classic" and "lovely." One reviewer shares, "Great, classic story! Lovely bright pictures that my baby enjoys. Great value deal." The beautiful and vibrant illustrations enhance the experience, while the repetitive rhymes make it fun to read aloud. Another parent says, "Classic story, repetitive but a fun story to read to your child. Enjoyable!"

Personalised books often come at a high price, but Baby, Where Are You? offers a budget-friendly option. By inserting your child’s name into the story, this lift-the-flap book makes reading an interactive and engaging experience. "It’s a sturdy board book with nice, gentle colors and cute animal pictures throughout," a reviewer shared. The final flap reveals a hidden mirror, making it an exciting surprise for babies and toddlers.

By the time your child visits the zoo, they'll be an expert in naming animals thanks to Dear Zoo. This affordable classic is a fantastic addition to any child's library, as it's a book they'll love to read over and over again.

Parents praise this book for its interactive flaps and engaging story. One reviewer writes, "This book is such fun for little ones. It is a simple, clever picture book with exciting flaps which lift to reveal a series of animals. It really stimulates the imagination of young children."

The book's sturdy construction makes it durable for little hands, while the simple yet engaging storyline keeps children's attention. The interactive flaps and animal sounds are highlights for many readers. Another reviewer adds, "Children will love to press the buttons to hear the animal sounds and open the flaps to discover which animal arrives."

Ideal for children aged 7 to 10, Gangsta Granny is a witty and heartwarming book that tackles deeper themes with humor. Written in a style reminiscent of Roald Dahl, this book is sure to make kids laugh, reflect, and question all at once.

Readers describe it as "amusing and entertaining" from beginning to end. One grandparent shares, "My 9-year-old granddaughter really liked this book, and it has encouraged her to read on her own." The storytelling is engaging, with a balance of emotion and humor, while the pacing keeps young readers hooked.

For a creative and relaxing activity, the CRAYOLA Colours of Kindness Colouring Book offers 48 pages of fun illustrations with positive messages. This book encourages mindfulness while providing a simple, enjoyable pastime. "Great value, also includes stickers!" one reviewer shared. Another mentioned, "The paper is just like in the old colouring books from when I was a child. Nice variety of pictures to colour in, me and my son love it."

A timeless classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells the delightful story of a caterpillar's journey as he munches his way through the pages. The textured cut-outs add an interactive element, making it an irresistible read for toddlers.

Parents consider this book essential for any young child's library. "The book was a board book which is great for toddlers. The caterpillar stuffy is great quality and going strong. Highly recommend this for your hungry caterpillar lovers!" one reviewer raves.

With its bright illustrations and educational value, this book teaches counting, days of the week, and the metamorphosis process. The cut-out holes are particularly engaging for young readers.

The Gruffalo is a beloved modern classic that children will want to read over and over again. Featuring charming characters like Mouse and Snake, it delivers a fun and imaginative story with a catchy rhyming structure.

Parents love this book for its engaging rhythm and memorable illustrations. "My son doesn't yet understand the words, but with the pictures and the rhythm of the story, his understanding and enjoyment grow," one reviewer shares. The book's sturdy design ensures it can withstand repeated readings.

"Where's Spot?" is a classic interactive book that engages young children through lift-the-flap surprises. Parents looking for an affordable and durable book will appreciate its simple yet engaging storyline, which encourages curiosity and participation. As children lift the sturdy flaps, they follow the journey of finding Spot, making it a fun and interactive reading experience.

Many parents find it a great choice for toddlers due to its simple text and charming illustrations. One reviewer shared, "I was a big fan of Spot the dog when I was a child, so it just shows that 30 years on, the character is still popular and lovable."

Another parent noted that the book is the "right length, colorful, and has enough going on to keep a child captivated and intrigued." The interactive element makes it a fun read-aloud, helping children build vocabulary while enjoying the process of discovery.

For parents seeking an affordable book with rhythm and rhyme, "Room on the Broom" is an excellent choice. Written by Julia Donaldson, the same author as "The Gruffalo," this book is well-loved for its engaging, repetitive text and delightful illustrations. Its rhythmic storytelling makes it a fun read-aloud experience, and the clever wordplay helps young children develop language skills.

Parents appreciate how the book captures children's attention, with one reviewer noting, "My three-year-old granddaughter loves all her Julia Donaldson books, and this one is no exception. The rhymes and illustrations are very engaging."

Another parent shared that after hearing the story a few times, their child was able to "'read' it back," highlighting how the catchy structure supports early literacy. The book’s positive message about friendship and teamwork is another reason why it remains a favourite among families.

For families looking for an affordable bedtime book set, "Peppa Pig Bedtime Library" is a practical and enjoyable option. The collection includes four small books that guide children through bedtime routines, making it a useful tool for reinforcing nighttime habits. The books are compact and easy to store, making them convenient for travel as well.

Parents find this set particularly useful for young toddlers, with one reviewer stating, "A wonderful set of bedtime stories for little Peppa Pig fans! The books are small but perfect for tiny hands." Another mentioned that the stories are "short and sweet, just right for bedtime," and appreciated the sturdy pages that withstand rough handling. While some parents wish the books were slightly larger, many find the set a great value for introducing little ones to bedtime reading.

For parents with children who adore Bluey, this book set is an affordable way to bring their favourite characters into reading time. Made of sturdy board, these books are designed for small hands and offer bright, engaging illustrations featuring Bluey and her friends.

Many parents appreciate the set’s durability and simplicity. One reviewer shared, "My daughter enjoys the stories about Bluey's various friends!" However, they also noted that "Bluey & family appear, but the main focus is on Bluey's friends," which might not be what every child expects. The set also features a puzzle on the back of the books, adding an extra element of fun.

For children who love adventure, fantasy, and mythology, the Percy Jackson series is a fantastic choice. This collection introduces readers to a world of Greek gods, demigods, and thrilling quests, making it perfect for older children expanding their reading list and vocabulary. One reviewer shared, "I bought this box set for my 8-year-old grandson, and he has devoured them at an incredible rate! He says these are the best books he’s ever read."

The Chronicles of Narnia is a timeless fantasy series that transports young readers to a magical world filled with adventure, talking animals, and epic battles between good and evil.

This collection includes all seven books, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in C.S. Lewis’s classic tales. One reviewer noted, "This set is such great value and a fantastic gift for 8-10-year-olds. I keep buying these as gifts!" Another added, "Excellent price for the complete set, classic children's literature."

The Peter Rabbit My First Little Library is a delightful introduction to books for babies and toddlers. This box set helps children learn colors, numbers, shapes, and words through beautiful illustrations and simple language.

Many parents appreciate the book’s sturdy pages and nostalgic charm. "The Peter Rabbit My First Little Library is perfect for introducing little ones to the world of reading!" one reviewer shared. While the books are small, another reviewer noted, "That does not detract from the quality of this set, all contained in a little binder."

Jacqueline Wilson is known for her heartfelt and thought-provoking stories, and The Illustrated Mum is no exception. This novel explores complex themes like mental health and family dynamics, making it a compelling read for older children. One reviewer expressed, "This was such a powerful, raw, emotional storyline. Wilson is so clever in how she portrays the story to a younger audience. I cried a lot throughout this book, it made me think about how lucky my children are."

If your child loves the colourful adventures of Elmer the Elephant, this 10-book bundle is a wonderful way to introduce them to Elmer’s world. These beautifully illustrated stories by David McKee are perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Parents of children aged 5+ will appreciate how these charming books capture their little ones' imaginations. One parent shared, "Got these to hand out at a birthday party instead of party bags. The kids loved them, and the parents loved the out-of-the-box thinking and affordability."

Includes:
• Elmer
• Elmer and Wilbur
• Elmer and Butterfly
• Elmer and the Rainbow
• Elmer on Stilts
• Elmer’s Birthday
• Elmer’s Walk
• Elmer and Grandpa Eldo
• Elmer and the Bedtime Story
• Elmer and Super El

Farmyard fun comes to life with this delightful 10-book collection. Ideal for younger children aged 3+ years, this bundle is packed with adorable stories that will engage your child's imagination while teaching them about animals, nature, and friendship. It’s the perfect way to nurture a love of reading early on.

Includes:
• Dilly the Donkey
• Say Hello to the Animals
• The Sheep Who Hatched an Egg
• The Cow Who Climbed a Tree
• Ducktective Quack
• Farmer Clegg’s Night Out
• Farmer Llama
• The Great Gran Plan
• One Fox
• Hamilton’s Hats

Little Princess: 10 Kids Picture Book BundleIntroduce your little one to the Little Princess series, where curiosity and humor combine to create stories kids can really relate to, one parent shared, "Brilliant books for my 3-year-old daughter. She can relate to all the stories, which makes them very enjoyable for her.” With engaging characters and situations that are full of charm, this bundle is great for young readers who enjoy books with strong personalities and fun adventures. One reviewer said, "Super selection of books, amazing value, and the perfect gift."

Includes:
• I Want My Dinner!
• I Don’t Want to Go to Bed!
• I Want My Dummy!
• I Don’t Want to Go to Hospital!
• I Want My Potty!
• I Want To Be!
• I Want My Tooth!
• I Want a Friend!
• I Want My Mum!
• I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!