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Award-winning books for babies and toddlers
A book is a wonderful, lasting gift for a baby. Books help to develop a baby’s sensory perception and language skills. Very young babies enjoy hearing the words read and looking at the bright colours and pictures. Soon they’ll be touching and feeling the textures, turning the pages and even retelling the story themselves. These are all vital pre-reading skills.
If you’re looking to buy a Christmas present for a baby or toddler and don’t know where to start, here are some of our award-winning baby and toddler books – and the reasons why judges rate them so highly. We hope you find something you love!
PROGRESSIVE PRESCHOOL AWARDS 2019
Gold Award – Best Preschool Publishing Range: That’s not my... series
The Usborne That’s not my… series has been enjoyed by babies (and their parents) for 20 years – and it keeps on winning.
See all the That's not my... books >
MADE FOR MUMS AWARDS 2019
Gold Award: Best Baby and Toddler Book: That’s not my llama…
MFM Judge Steffi-Louise commented: “The book is a lovely small size which is great for my kids, especially my 12 month old. The variety of different textures along with the words to describe the textures is fantastic and educational. The book is colourful, fun and a great way to get kids learning. Ideal for someone who just started to touch and be introduced to books.”
Find out more about this book>
MADE FOR MUMS AWARDS 2018
Best Book Series for Children: Little Peep Through Collection
MFM Judge Vinie says: “The set of these books was really colourful and may appeal to a 0-2 year old. Young readers will like the mysteries it brings with each page, which may appeal to their inquisitiveness. The books are made of good, thick quality material and feel sturdy.”
MFM Judge Magda adds: “These books are just adorable! Fabulous illustrations, creative cut outs and a sweet tale to boot.”
See all the Little Peep-Through Books
MADE FOR MUMS AWARDS 2018
Gold Winner – Best Baby and Toddler Book: That’s not my unicorn….
This is the 50th title in the That's not my... series. It’s sparkly and special and remains a firm favourite with babies.
“What makes this one so special is just how shiny it is; inside, the cover, even the page edges – everything about this book screams unicorns and magic!” (Waterstones Reviewer)
MADE FOR MUMS AWARDS 2017
Gold Winner – Best Book for Babies: Baby’s Very First Fingertrail Playbook
Little fingers love to explore the cut-out trails in this colourful play book.
Judges: "A wonderful book that gives lasting enjoyment... An ideal present for a baby and a lovely book to share."
See all the Baby's Very First Play books
SAINSBURY'S CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS 2015
Winner – Baby and Toddler Category: Baby's Very First Slide and See Animals
Author Fiona Watt won the Sainbury's Children's Book Award Baby and Toddler category for a second year running. The awards were held in conjunction with Save the Children’s "Read on. Get On" campaign, which aims to combat inequality by getting all children in the UK reading well by the age of 11.
“This is a beautiful book. Seems really well made with really thick board pages and bright colours. Baby loves the colours and the slider bring loads of smiles!” (Katie G Amazon Reviewer)
See all the Baby's Very First Slide and See Books
PROGRESSIVE PRESCHOOL AWARDS 2013
Winner – Best PreSchool Publishing Range: Baby’s Very First Touchy-Feely Series
Judge: “A vibrant board book... specially designed to be visually stimulating to babies. With bright, eye-catching illustrations plus lots of tactile elements to encourage sensory development.”
As well as the one pictured above, there are many more colourful, touchy-feely books in the award-winning series. Click here to see them all.
MOTHER AND BABY
Best Book for Babies and Toddlers: Noisy Nursery Rhymes
Judge: “A cute little book…. The high-contrast colours and patterns have been designed with tots in mind.”
See all the Baby's Noisy and Musical Books
PRIMA BABY AWARDS 2004, 2006
Best Buy – That’s not my penguin
That's not my penguin... was one of the first That’s not my… books to be published, and still a firm favourite loved by children and parents.
“This range of touchy-feely books have been baby and toddler must-haves for 20 years.” (Book Reviewer in The Sun newspaper)
About the Author
As a child Emma Baxter was an avid reader and loved anything and everything creative - as an adult nothing has changed and she's still unashamedly kidcentric. Following a career in television she now works as Usborne's Global Content Creator - making films and animations, taking photos, writing and feeling delighted to be surrounded by gorgeous books.
