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Where to start with Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s books

Where to start with Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s books

by Puffin team

min read

Image: Alicia Fernandes/Penguin

Janet and Allan Ahlberg have written more than 100 books which have been read and loved by children all over the world. Are you curious as to where to start? Here’s our hand-picked selection of classics and faves, that will satisfy new and ongoing readers.

Peepo! (1981)

Peepo! is a classic for babies and toddlers. Open each page and follow a little baby through their day while seeing through their eyes in this ingenious page-turner. A series of peepholes leads readers from page to page and through to the next stage in the day, giving a delightful hint – and peep – of what is to come next.

Each Peach Pear Plum (1978)

'In this book with your little eye, take a look and play 'I spy'.' And so, starts the classic story Each Peach Pear Plum. A poem on each page gives a clue as to what is hiding in the picture opposite, encouraging little ones to interact with the images; follow the fun rhymes together and try and find some of the many well-known nursery characters hidden throughout the book.

Baby on Board (2018)

‘Once, many years ago, there was a baby, in his pram, with his sisters and their sandwiches and lemonade and toys...’ Baby on Board is a lyrical story about a baby and a trio of toys who are swept away on an adventure on the high seas. Set sail with them in this beautiful picture book, with classic illustrations by Emma Chichester-Clark.

Funnybones (1980)

‘This is how the story begins. On a dark dark hill, there was a dark dark town. In the dark dark town, there was a dark dark street…’ The iconic Funnybones tale introduces the frightfully funny skeletons – a big skeleton, a little skeleton and a dog skeleton. Join them on their spooky escapades as they venture out of their cellar one night to find someone to scare, only to discover everyone is tucked up in bed! So they amuse themselves by scaring each other and playing with the skeleton animals that live in the zoo.

Burglar Bill (1977)

Everything in Burglar Bill's life is stolen; from the toast, marmalade and coffee he has for breakfast to the bed he sleeps in. One night, while out burgling, he stumbles across a mysterious box on a doorstep. Naturally, Burglar Bill steals the box, only to get home and discover he has stolen… a baby! This hilarious read is a brilliantly-fun bedtime story with a ‘happily ever after’ that will soothe your own little one into a restful slumber.

The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters (1986)

This iconic tale is a charming, interactive read that tots will just love. Help this very Jolly Postman on his rounds as he delivers cards and letters to fairy-tale characters. With six real letters and cards included to reward readers throughout the book, the Jolly Postman is a sackful of fun that will make reading a fascinating adventure for even the most reluctant of readers.

Woof! (1969)

‘He felt a curious tingling in his hands and feet. He felt his nose becoming cold and wet, his ears becoming flappy. The thought in his mind was: “I'm turning into a dog!”’ Eric is an all-round, ordinary boy. Until the night he unexpectedly turns into a dog, that is! This canine caper is perfect for primary readers. Follow as Eric and his best friend try to sniff out the truth and discover exactly why he’s turned into a four-legged friend.

Alison Hubble (2016)

‘This is the story of Alison Hubble, who went to bed single... And woke up double!’ Alison Hubble is alarmed to wake and discover she has a twin… in bed… next to her! But that’s not all. She keeps multiplying! This tale of mathematical mayhem will excite curious kids with its hilarious storyline and camaraderie. Just how many Alisons will we end up with!?

Please Mrs Butler (1983)

This laugh-out-loud collection of school poems was voted the most important 20th-century children's poetry book in a Books for Keep's poll. Dealing with everyday aspects of school life, from never-ending projects, tests, fights, and excuses, this humorous collection is side-splitting and a fantastic entry point for those new to poetry.

Where to start with Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s books

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The best classic children’s picture books

‘It was a duo that was made in heaven’: Why we love Janet and Allan Ahlberg

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