These three gentle, beautifully illustrated stories feature Alfie and his good friend Grandma. A missing tortoise is disguised as a stone, Alfie goes exploring indoors and Alfie and Grandma help a lost sheep. A map at the back of the book shows Grandma’s house, so that readers can spot locations that feature in the story. Age 3+

With its swishing and squelching and tiptoeing in the dark, children will love the suspense of this adventure. It was first published in 1989, when the Smarties Book Prize judges gave it top marks. Age 3+

In this dreamlike wintry tale, written, illustrated and lithographed by influential textile designer Enid Marx (a friend and contemporary of Eric Ravilious), the Little White Bear jumps onto a boat full of wartime shipwrecked sailors and, after sharing adventures with an Eskimo family, accompanies them to safety in time for Christmas. Age 4+

Gulliver awakes to find himself tied up and surrounded by tiny people… With text by an award-winning author and intricate images from a one-time Children’s Laureate, this retelling of the Lilliput section of the original novel is accessible for young readers, while maintaining some of Swift’s dark humour. Age 7+

The world is turned on its head in this rhyming picture book for young readers, where polar bears try to fly, hippos play football and meerkats walk on stilts. After enjoying the weird and wonderful animal antics, children are encouraged to imagine their own topsy-turvy day and even write a poem about it. Age 4+

Michael Morpurgo's tale of how a Suffolk Punch helped Grandpa as a lad to progress from Drum Cupboard Monitor to Drum Major is accompanied by factual notes on borstals, Suffolk Punch horses and horses in the army. Age 9+

Hammerhead sharks are afraid of the dark, anglerfish wear lipstick and an octopus’s tentacles get tied up in knots when the ocean world is turned upside down. When young readers have delighted in the quirky pictures and funny rhymes, there are suggestions for creating their own books and facts about some of the sea creatures they have encountered. Age 4+

With basic instructions at the start of the book and a library of stitches at the back, this book enables children to tackle 17 different sewing ideas, ranging from simple Rainbow Bunting to the Clip Clop Pony string-puppet, or the more practical Patchwork Blanket. Patterns are provided to copy, or trace and cut out, and while some projects can be made with a sewing machine, all can be completed by hand. Age 5+

This stylishly illustrated classic was written by Diana Ross, popular children’s author of the 1940s–1960s. Chosen to take part in the Great Exhibition in London, the Little Red Engine sees the city sights and receives some special visitors. Age 4+

Engineers are building a rocket and the Little Red Engine transports workers to the launchpad, but not everyone in Taddlecombe is happy. First published in 1956, this entertaining story touches on gravity, architectural tools, and resistance to new technology. Age 4+

Starting their journey on a farm, two boys – adventurous would-be zoologists – travel the world, looking at wild animals, making informative notes, painting pictures and being very careful. Slightly off-mint. Age 6+

From squid to seals and seabirds, a range of watery creatures are accurately depicted in this activity book, which includes facts, quizzes, puzzles, and colouring activities to complete using the sticker sheets provided. Age 4+

Downstairs, an old lady clomped about with a wooden stick making the dog upstairs bark, which woke the cat, whose meowing woke the baby, who disturbed the birds in the roof. Will it ever be quiet? Age 3+

Unfold this pocket-sized edition of Kipling’s classic story to discover twelve beautifully illustrated pop-up scenes. Short extracts from the book introduce young readers to Mowgli, Baloo and other well-loved characters. Slipcased. Age 5+.

Discover the gruesome armoury of medieval warfare, and learn how foot soldiers laid siege to massive castles. This boxed set includes a 24-page book and 15 model pieces that will allow you to build a working siege catapult and assemble walls, towers and gatehouses to batter into submission. Full instructions and stirring accounts of actual medieval sieges are provided. Age 7+

Jane Rosenberg retells twelve great ballets as fairy tales, through the medium of dance. For the first time, the stories evoke the onstage worlds created in the performance of classics such as Cinderella, Coppélia, Giselle, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Filled with enchantment, these fairy tales are also an introduction to the plot, setting and characters of each ballet. Age 8+

Horus is born high up on the Houses of Parliament, and takes his fledgling flights over London, where peregrines are a protected species – by hunting pigeons, they help humans to control their numbers.

Some claim that listening to classical music as a child can aid brain development and increase attention span. These 32 pieces for orchestra or piano, from Brahms’ Lullaby to Mozart’s 'Toy Symphony', have been specifically chosen to appeal to children.

In this collection of Oscar Wilde’s classic fairy tales for children and adults, The Happy Prince is joined by six more stories, among them The Selfish Giant. They are read by Anton Lesser, with music by Tchaikovsky, Grieg and Corelli. Age 8+

The Brothers Grimm collected over 160 fairy stories; while some are very familiar, this collection introduces stories such as The Pack of Ragamuffins and The Drummer that will be new to many children. There are 14 tales, read here by Laura Paton. Age 6+

Set in the wild West Highlands soon after the Jacobite Risings, this famous adventure follows orphaned David Balfour as he is kidnapped, shipwrecked and on the run from the Redcoats. This abridged version is read by John Sessions. Age 9+

Among the 28 much-loved songs and stories in this collection are The Ugly Duckling and The King’s New Clothes performed by Danny Kaye, Stanley Holloway’s The Lion and Albert and Alan Mills singing I Know an Old Lady. Age 7+

HE Marshall (1867–1941) incorporated folk legends and focused on famous people and dramatic events in her books to give children a lively and engaging introduction to British history. Anna Bentinck and Daniel Philpott read the unabridged third volume, covering the period from James I and Guy Fawkes to Queen Victoria.

‘It’s the dramatic, astonishing, comic or eye-popping truth that you’ll hear about in Pirates! ’ Roy McMillan traces the history of piracy on the high seas – often more extraordinary than fiction – since antiquity and tells the stories of notorious individuals such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Barbarossa and Mary Read. Read by Jasper Britton.

One of the world’s best-loved children’s books, Heidi (1880) tells the story of a little orphaned girl who goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. An abridged version is read here by Teresa Gallagher. Age 7+

Read by one of Britain’s best-loved actors, these 29 verses include ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ and ‘The Jumblies’, with less well-known rhymes such as ‘The Duck and the Kangaroo’ and ‘The New Vestments’. The sleeve notes offer a fascinating insight into Lear’s life. Age 8+

Small, round and furry with snail-like eyes and bat-like ears, the Psammead was thousands of years old and could make any wish come true. The classic story of the five children who found It is read here, abridged, by Anna Bentinck. Age 8+

As well as the famous tale of Little Kay’s capture by the Snow Queen and Gerda’s heroic journey to save him, Clare Corbett reads four more tales, including The Snowman. Unabridged.

Conductor Marin Alsop narrates the life stories of six composers – Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Shostakovich and Dvo?ák – who left their mark on history. More than 75 excerpts from their works are featured, reflecting their different personalities and the times in which they lived. Naxos Junior Classics series. Age 8+

Night after night, Sheherazade weaves her tales of cunning, adventure and fun. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp and The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor are read by Toby Stephens, with music from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade. Age 9+

When Millie is accosted by a talking cat called Max, who has escaped from a nearby laboratory, her summer holiday suddenly takes an interesting turn. Can Millie help Max rescue his friends who are still imprisoned inside? Age 8+

Russian neighbours ask the tsar to settle an argument over a foal; a Navajo tale explains how the first horse was created and a Persian legend pits a horse against a dragon in these 15 horse-themed folk tales. Age 8 +

Hidden within colourful, double-page paintings of ten different habitats, from mountains to the ocean, are some of the world’s most endangered animals and fishes. Once they are found, you can read about each species in the glossary. Age 4+

Grandma spoils the children with enormous ice creams, she’s always on their side and she can even make them forget they’re ill. What’s more, whatever they need, she’ll find it in her handbag. Age 3+

The children watch in awe as their amazing grandpa rescues a cat, gears up for a ride on his motorbike and invents great games. This charming picture book will delight young readers (and their grandpas). Age 3+

Multi-talented Mum is an artist, a tightrope walker and a gardener; she tells great stories and she throws the most fabulous parties. Here’s a book to make sure all mums get the appreciation they deserve. Age 3+

The wonderful dad in this book can do absolutely anything. He’s musical, he can run, he can bake, he tells jokes that are actually funny, and he’s not even scared of the dark. Age 3+

Charlie wonders whether his dad is a bear. What more proof does he need than a bear hug? The story’s short text and simple illustrations encourage fun interaction between parents and children. Age 1+

In this rhyming story, the more Marvin sneezes, the more Marigold’s house next door rumbles and cracks. Marigold searches out a remedy, but will it cure Marvin and save her house? Age 2+

With playful use of language and evocative illustrations, this picture book tells the story of a game of hide-and-seek between best friends Girl and Dragon. When Girl hides a little too far away, Dragon comes to save her. Age 3+

Jessica starts school wanting to make a big impression – and lots of friends. Each day she brings something special in her box, but her efforts go unrewarded. Then, by accident, she discovers the best thing she has to offer. Age 3+

In this reassuring story, Jim asks about the depth of water in the middle-sized swimming pool and Mum explains it using dinosaur facts. When he has learned about the deepest water of all, Jim finally jumps in. Age 3+

A tired little boy does not want to go to bed, but for how long will his delay tactics work? Young sleepyheads will enjoy the warmth and humour of this appealing story. Age 2+

Edward’s favourite place in the city is at the top of its last remaining tree. Distraught when the tree is chopped down, he has a brilliant idea that sparks a new trend. Age 3+

Inspired by her own memories of the Blitz, Shirley Hughes’s novel is set in Liverpool in the winter of 1940–41. As night-time attacks intensify, best friends Joan and Doreen have to stop their cinema trips. Then they come across an army deserter who thinks Joan can help him. Age 10+

Stockton may be a very clever cat, but when it comes to knitting a scarf for the soirée, he makes nothing but a mess. It’s lucky he has a couple of tiny, clever friends to help out. Age 3+

Sam can’t wait to go outside and play in the rain, but Grandad tells him to wait. When the rain finally stops and they head out to post a letter, there’s an adventure happening right on their doorstep. Age 2+

Wylie’s adventures start with a text message: her best friend Cassie needs help, but finding her isn’t easy as Cassie’s messages become ever more cryptic. Something is dangerously wrong – but for an Outlier who can read minds, there is always danger. Young adult.