Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 picture books of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, CDs & DVDs of 2017 here.)

Triangle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

Triangle sets off through a landscape of shapes to play a sneaky trick on Square. Has Square planned a sneaky trick too? A mischievous and visually striking book about a couple of pranksters, by two favourite picture-book creators. Triangle is so funny and Klassen’s bold illustrations are iconic. Hilarious for kids of all ages.

─ Kim Gruschow

Mopoke by Philip Bunting

I wish I still had a young person at home to read this with! Mopoke, the nickname for the Southern Boobook owl, is the star of this book. The minimalist but fun nature of the pictures and rhyming words gives parents a launchpad to create their own family reading memories – its very pithiness invites the use of funny voices and expressive inflection.

─ Janine Larson

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

This delightful ugly duckling tale is about an unusual unicorn born in the ocean,who believes himself a narwhal. When he is swept onto land and discovers other unicorns, he finally realises the truth. The luminous illustrations beautifully combine a story of gentle humour with a message of respecting difference. Perfect for 3- to 5-year-olds.

─ Angela Crocombe

Raymond by Yann and Gwendal LeBec

Raymond is an ordinary dog who obeys a sudden desire to sit at the dinner table like his human family. This simple action results in Raymond becoming Dogue magazine’s best reporter and the overworked host of Dog News. Raymond is perplexed and stressed-out, until one day he spots a ball… An irreverent picture book with fantastically retro illustrations.

─ Leanne Hall

Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell & Allison Colpoys

Under the Love Umbrella explains that no matter what scary, worrying or bad things rain down on you, you are always safe and dry under an invisible umbrella of love. With bright fluorescent illustrations highlighting the wonderful text, this book is as beautiful as its message.

─ Dani Solomon

I Just Ate My Friend by Heidi McKinnon

What a conundrum, to bemoan the loss of one’s friend because you ate them. But worst of all, what if you ate the only friend you’ll ever have? If only there had been some impulse control. Alas, a new friend may be a possibility. But do they eat their friends too? So wrong, yet delightfully funny!

─ Natalie Platten

Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli & Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Professional Crocodile is a debonair fellow who sets off for work one chilly morning and navigates a busy Italian peak hour. Nothing too surprising there, but as you follow the story you become aware of the absence of words … and then there’s the charming denouement; oh you surprising crocodile! Absolutely superb art for child and adult, from ages 3+.

─ Alexa Dretzke

Florette by Anna Walker

Beautifully illustrated and sparingly told, Florette poignantly honours a child’s adaptability in the face of change. Moving to a new house and losing her garden, little Mae learns to let go of the old to embrace the new in this exquisite celebration of creativity and the power of nature. A treat for ages 3+.

─ Athina Clarke

Slow Down, World by Tai Snaith

Tai Snaith’s book about taking our time and noticing the beauty around us is made slowly, too, with clay and collage, and hidden snails to find if you sit down and look closely. This is a good introduction to mindfulness for young children,and a lovely reminder about the things that matter most, great for shared story time for kids aged 2+.

─ George Delaney

Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak & Julian Frost

I host Story Time every Thursday at Readings Malvern and this book never fails to captivate my audience. Told in a simple, engaging, and interactive way, it explains the world of microbes, where they live, how they get transferred, and why you shouldn’t lick this book (or any other, for that matter). Perfect for 3─5 year olds.

─ Gabrielle Williams