Attention, picture book readers! Here's a set of books full of heart, adventure, family and love that every toddler should read at some point.
Illustrator Jim Field and author Rachel Bright are a dynamic duo of children's picture books we all have come by in a bookshop or library at some point with our little ones. While these books are part of an overarching animal-themed series, each one looking at a cute animal in the wild overcoming an emotional challenge, they do not have to be read in any particular order and do not overlap with each other. We love the themes of courage, friendship and family, and how the characters learn to navigate big emotions and become empowered to create change in the world.
This is a such a great shout if you don't know what picture books to read your little ones beyond the classics. And they're a great first stepping stone if you're looking after your little reader on their journey From Picture Books to Chapter Books. If you're looking for more funny picture books, we highly recommend our round-up of recommendations on the best Funny Picture Books.
All The World of Rachel Bright & Jim Field in order:
Book 1: The Lion Inside (2016)
Book 2: The Koala Who Could (2016)
Book 3: The Squirrels Who Squabbled (2017)
Book 4: The Way Home for Wolf (2018)
Book 5: The Whale Who Wanted More (2021)
Book 6: The Gecko and the Echo (2023)
Book 7: The Pandas Who Promised (2023)
Book 8: The Camel Who Had The Hump (2024)
Book 9: The Turtles Who Turned The Tide (May 2026)
Book 10: The Most Magnificent Moose (October 2026)
A really powerful message for children (and adults!) about confidence, self belief and courage. We love the main character which is a lion who isn't a...
We are all big fans of Rachael bright books and this is one of our favourites. It’s about two squirrels arguing over the last bit of the season. It fe...
This hilarious book is about Goldy the Gecko who is very loud and obnoxious. One day when he is in a valley he gets a taste of his own medicine. A lov...