Anything by Martin Waddell, who writes the most poetic prose - Owls Babies was THE bedtime book for months, current favourite is Farmer Duck, and Big Big Sea is also lovely.
The Tilly books by Polly Dunbar, esp Doodle Bites, and Where's Tumpty
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You - very American and a bit corny but lovely retro illustrations and DD (2y9m) is in a dinosaur phase
Almost Invisible - a Charlie and Lola story
Gruffulo's Child favoured over The Gruffulo - other Julia Donaldson books are enjoyed but not demanded.
Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake
Very Hungry Caterpillar
Personally I'm not a big fan of Dr Seuss - some good ones, but a lot of really awkward rhythms and rhymes, and too long (I hate the Grinch), and I LOATHE the Mr Men books, which are HORRIBLE to read out loud, so I leave that to DH who got the series in the first place.
But thanks for reminder about Maurice Sendak - I haven't found the books in Egypt but must pick them up in London when I come.
Can anyone recommend an anthology of traditional fairytales, well-written and with good illustrations? So many of the modern versions have such clunking prose and pictures