John Burningham, Avocado Baby

Red Fox, 9780099200611 | Suggested age range: 3-5

Mr and Mrs Hargreaves want their baby to be big and strong but there is nothing he likes to eat, until they tempt him with a bit of avocado pear. After that, some strange things happen. Still in his babygro and remaining baby size, the Avocado Baby develops the most amazing strength. First he can break out of the straps of his high chair, soon he sees off a burglar, moves the grand piano and throws some bullies into the pond. Now the Hargreaves have a sign saying 'Beware of the Baby' on their gate, but sometimes the baby is just like any other baby - peacefully asleep in his carrycot. An entertaining story about what a baby might get up to.

John Burningham, Mr Gumpy's Outing

Red Fox, 9780099408796 | Suggested age range: 3-5

Everyone wants to join Mr Gumpy on his boat. As he lets each person or animal aboard, Mr Gumpy asks them not to indulge in their usual habits. He asks the children not to squabble, the rabbit not to hop about, the dog not to tease the cat, the pig not to muck about. And so on. But once safely aboard, they all forget their agreement. SPLASH! Soaking but unharmed, all return to a handsome tea. A wonderful story that builds up and has a delightfully predictable and reassuring ending.

John Burningham, The Shopping Basket

Red Fox, 9780099899303 | Suggested age range: 3-5

It sounds harmless enough when Steven's mother asks him to 'pop down to the shops and buy six eggs, five bananas, four apples, three oranges for the baby, two doughnuts and a packet of crisps for your tea. And leave this note at number 25.' But Steven has some very exciting and unexpected adventures on the way. How excitement and danger can lie just below the surface of everything we do is brilliantly explored as Steven carries out his mother's instructions.