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Great picture books to perform Great picture books to perform

Julia Donaldson recommends these great picture books for using as the basis for drama performances in and out of the classroom.

  • Handa's Surprise

    Handa's Surprise

    Preschoolers will love following Handa on her journey as her basket of fruit is eaten by a host of cheeky animals

    Read about Handa's Surprise
  • I'm the Best

    I'm the Best

    Dog’s friends become dejected by his boastfulness, before realising that they all have things they do well too.

    Read about I'm the Best
  • Tyrannosaurus Drip

    Tyrannosaurus Drip

    A duckbill dinosaur egg is mistakenly hatched by a fierce, war-loving Tyrannosaurus family.

    Read about Tyrannosaurus Drip
  • One Ted Falls Out of Bed

    One Ted Falls Out of Bed

    This book is brilliant for bedtime.

    Read about One Ted Falls Out of Bed
  • The Magic Paintbrush

    The Magic Paintbrush

    A traditional Chinese tale celebrating creativity, imagination and courage in the face of adversity

    Read about The Magic Paintbrush
  • Mr Wolf's Pancakes

    Mr Wolf's Pancakes

    Mr Wolf wants to make pancakes but is unable to read the recipe book, write the names of the ingredients or count the money to buy them. Will his neighbours help?

    Read about Mr Wolf's Pancakes
  • Dogger

    Dogger

    In this lovable story, Dave's beloved Dogger is lost and found.

    Read about Dogger
  • We're Going on a Bear Hunt

    We're Going on a Bear Hunt

    This is the perfect book to read aloud.

    Read about We're Going on a Bear Hunt
  • I Want to Be

    I Want to Be

    In this entertaining sequel to I Want My Potty, the princess is intent on growing up, but can't decide to do it.

    Read about I Want to Be
  • Timothy and the Strong Pyjamas

    Timothy and the Strong Pyjamas

    Timothy’s bedtime routine involves working hard to grow up strong (press ups, drinking milk, and meditating on lions). But his pyjamas are taking the strain.

    Read about Timothy and the Strong Pyjamas
  • Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    First published in 1963 this classic picture book still holds a fascination for children and adults, evoking the fierce intensity of childhood, conveyed by Sendak's atmospheric illustrations.

    Read about Where the Wild Things Are
  • The Elephant and the Bad Baby

    The Elephant and the Bad Baby

    This irresistible story has a naughty baby hero.

    Read about The Elephant and the Bad Baby
  • Farmer Duck

    Farmer Duck

    There once was a lazy farmer who spent his days in bed eating chocolate while his duck did all the hard work around the farm.

    Read about Farmer Duck