August, 2025
10 Picture Books to Read If Your Child Loves Julia Donaldson
If you know every word of The Gruffalo or Room on the Broom off by heart, and could probably recite a dozen Julia Donaldson books in your sleep, then you’re not alone. With their catchy rhymes, unforgettable characters, and beautiful illustrations (in particular those by Axel Scheffler), it’s no wonder Julia Donaldson’s stories are a beloved staple in many family bookshelves (ours included!). As much as we all genuinely adore them, it may very well be time to reclaim your sanity and explore some fresh bedtime material – that still rhymes and teaches something useful too!
In this list, you’ll find 10 wonderful picture books that offer a similar blend of fun, rhythm, and playful storytelling, including The Wizard’s Assistant, a magical new picture book that fans of Zog, The Highway Rat and The Snail on The Whale are sure to love.
Perfect for ages 3 to 6, these fabulous stories are ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking for books that entertain at the same time as teach children important life lessons.
1. The Wizard's Assistant by Mel Scott-Avis
In a similar rhyming style to Julia Donaldson, this magical debut picture book tells the tale of a greedy, mean wizard named Grimble, who deceives his trusting customers with useless potions, until his kind and honest assistant, Sincerus, shows him that honesty is the best policy, and doing the right thing brings far greater rewards.
Moral: Be honest and kind to others… because sometimes, dishonest actions have consequences!
2. Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field
A hilarious rhyming book where animals sit on increasingly ridiculous objects. It’s fast-paced, silly, and a joy to read aloud. If you haven’t yet added this one to your family repertoire, click the thumbnail image above to grab your copy!
Moral: Embracing rules… or bending them with flair.
This inspiring story encourages children to find their inner courage, all wrapped up in a catchy rhyme and gorgeous artwork.
Moral: Even the smallest voice can make a big roar.
4. Sugarlump and the Unicorn by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks
Okay, so technically a Donaldson book, but one that (we think), is sometimes overlooked. It blends rhyme, sparkle, and a touching message about appreciating what you have.
Moral: The grass isn’t always greener.
5. The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
Although this story doesn’t actually rhyme, it deserves a mention nonetheless. It’s a beautifully illustrated story about ambition, fame, and finding your way back to the things that matter most.
Moral: Success is sweeter when shared.
6. The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright & Jim Field
Talented duo Rachel Bright & Jim Field deservedly make the list again – this is a fantastic read-aloud story, with a lovely rhythm. Kevin the Koala doesn’t like change, until he learns it might not be so bad after all.
Moral: Sometimes, change helps us grow.
7. You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus by Patricia Cleveland-Peck & David Tazzyman
This one doesn’t have an obvious moral, but it deserves a mention for being a delightfully silly, bouncy read full of ridiculous animal scenarios and rhyme.
Moral: Being accommodating of different needs.
8. Poo in the Zoo by Steve Smallman & Ada Grey
Rhyming fun with just the right amount of toilet humour to get a genuine giggle out of your little ones. Similarly to number 7 on our list, the lesson is a little more hidden, but it could be used to initiate conversations about being kind to animals and wildlife.
Moral: Caring for animals.
9. The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle
A genuinely funny read with rhyming verse and great attention to detail. This book is definitely one you won’t mind reading again and again!
Moral: Being accepting of others.
10. There's a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
A clever, rhyming tale about a frustrated little mouse who finds a big bear sitting in his favourite chair, and refuses to budge. With witty wordplay and expressive illustrations, it’s a fun and relatable read.
Moral: Learning to see things from another’s perspective
References
Children’s books mentioned
Bright, R. and Field, J. (2016) The Lion Inside. London: Orchard Books.
Bright, R. and Field, J. (2017) The Koala Who Could. London: Orchard Books.
Cleveland-Peck, P. and Tazzyman, D. (2015) You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus. London: Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
Collins, R. (2015) There’s a Bear on My Chair. London: Nosy Crow.
Donaldson, J. and Monks, L. (2014) Sugarlump and the Unicorn. London: Macmillan Children’s Books.
Duddle, J. (2012) The Pirates Next Door. London: Templar Publishing.
Gray, K. and Field, J. (2014) Oi Frog!. London: Hodder Children’s Books.
Litchfield, D. (2016) The Bear and the Piano. London: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.
Smallman, S. and Grey, A. (2015) Poo in the Zoo. London: Little Tiger Press.