Books for a 4y old boy - need to be British authors

[Shimbo]

Looking to get some books for a relative who lives in Australia, but not sure what 4y olds enjoy! Thanks

Someone on a similar thread recommended Tim and Ginger books. Not sure if they are by a British author (I think so), but I bought them for a 4 year old and he really enjoyed them.

Anything by Julia Donaldson, all of her books are loved by children in that age group and they are so easy to read.

the Little Red Train series by Benedict Blaythwaite (?sp).
Outstanding illustrations of British scenery, wildlife etc..and about trains too. I think Amazon might have a 'look inside' facility for you to see for yourself. Highly recommended (was reading them to DS2 again this evening and we love them!)

Ah thanks, Julia Donaldson we know and love! Haven't hear of the other books/authors, will look them up

Both mine loved ( still do) all Julia Donaldson books. Particular favorites are: Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo and Stickman.

Also really like the Winnie the Witch series with amazing illustration of Korky Paul but think Valerie Thomas might be Australian....

Other one that was hugely popular was: The mole wo knew it was none of his business ( all about a mole who wakes up with a pooh on his head and wants to find out who done it)

Winnie the Pooh!

Tospy and Tim

Fireman Sam?

The Alfie books by Shirley Hughes. Timeless classics.

Just thinking about which books my DS (also 4) loves...

The Hairy Maclary series

On the Way Home by Jill Murphy

Two Frogs by Chris Wormell

Any of the Whoops-a-daisy-world series by Sam Lloyd

I second the Benedict Blathwayt books - you can look at his illustrations for hours and still spot something new. There's always lots to talk about.

Charlie & Lola

I'd agree with the Alfie books, Benedict Blathwayt (Little Red Train) and Jill Murphy suggestions, but I'd have to point out that they are all available in Australia - the majority of the children's books there are British or American, though there are some very good Australian children's authors too.

Oh, and the Hairy Maclary ones are great, but the author is from New Zealand and they are hugely popular in Australia. And the Little Mole who knew it was none of his business is translated from the German original (and I think I bought my copy in Australia years ago...).

My 4yo son loves several of Oliver Jeffers' books: The Incredible Book-Eating Boy, How to Catch a Star, Lost and Found, The Way Back Home (last 3 published together as Once There Was a Boy).

[According to Wikipedia, Jeffers was born in Oz, now in NYC, but grew up and became famous in N. Ireland.]

NB even if you stick to British authors, the best ones quickly become published internationally. If you're worried about duplicates, check with parents beforehand - it can still be a surprise present for the child!

Nick Butterworth - british writer

he does the lovely "percy the parkkeeeper books"

recently read Albert Le Blanc which was lovely .....

If you google him you will find alot of his books on amazon .....

This is a lovely book for young boys (and girls!):
www.amazon.co.uk/Harrys-Home-Anholt-Family-Favourites/dp/1408302152/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330969616&sr=1-1

It's about a little boy from the city who goes to stay with his grandad in the country. The illustrations are charming and show all the modes of transport he uses to get there. When he arrives he makes lots of comparisons between country and city life and is given a lamb to take care of. When he finally returns, however, he decides home is best.

And here's another one I've just remembered: Little Red Train to the Rescue.

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Little-Red-Train-Rescue/dp/009969221X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330970028&sr=1-1

And how about Quentin Blake? My son loves Angelica Sprocket's Pockets, Mr Magnolia, Patrick, Angelo.

What about Allan Ahlberg - cops and robbers, burglar bill, cosmo the conjuror, mr biff the boxer, he's done some awesome books.
DS is 4 and also really like The Church Mice series but I can't remember who wrote them. and loves the Rita The Rescuer series by Hilda Offen (but she's a family friend so he may be biased!).

Nicholas Allan - Cinderella's Bum, Father Christmas needs a Wee, and The Queen's Knickers (very British ...)

OK, less well-known ones (hopefully)

The Comical Celtic Cat
Katie Morag

Anything by Lucy Gravett.

Colin & the Snoozebox/Colin & the Wrong Shadow

There are Cats in this Book.