55+ Best Children’s Books From the 80s and 90s

As a long time picture book fan, I must admit that many of my all-time favourites even today were published in the 1980s-1990s! Which inspired me to put together this fabulous list of over fifty of the Best Children’s Books from the 80s and 90s.

Who can even believe that some of these classic picture books are forty years old! The list includes many award winning titles, beloved and respected authors and books that have been read over and over again by subsequent generations of children from the same family – I loved sharing many of these with my own children.

Want to go further back? For books published prior to the 1980s, check out our list of 50 Classic Picture Books and 20 Classic Chapter Books to Read Aloud With 5-8 Year Olds.

Best Childrens Books from the 80s and 90s

55+ Best Children’s Books From the 80s and 90s

As with all of the lists in our Best Books for Kids collection, each title in this list links to an Amazon and/or Book Depository page (these are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you) where you can find more information and reviews for titles you might not be personally familiar with.

Mrs Honey’s Hat by Pam Adams Mrs Honeys Hat
Why is everyone staring at Mrs Honey’s marvellous hat? First published in 1980.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Funnybones by Janet & Allan Ahlberg Funnybones
This frightfully funny Halloween classic tells the story of three skeletons – a big skeleton, a little skeleton and a dog skeleton – who venture out one night to find someone to scare, only to discover that everyone is in bed! Whatever will they do now? First published in 1980.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill Where's Spot
A fabulous lift-the-flap adventure for toddlers, Spot the Dog has long been a much loved classic. First published in 1980.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy Peace at Last
With a snoring Mrs Bear, an excitable Baby Bear and a house full of tapping and dripping and ticking, peace is hard to come by – will Mr Bear ever get a decent night’s sleep? First published in 1980.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake Mister Magnolia
A witty, rhyming picture book about Mr Magnolia who has a full and happy life except for one serious omission – a boot! How on earth can Mr Magnolia splash in the puddles with everyone else? First published in 1980.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch The Paper Bag Princess
This bestselling classic features a brave princess who rescues a very snooty and rather ungrateful prince! First published in 1981.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell Dear Zoo
Can the zoo help one find the perfect pet? It’s certainly not a monkey, a lion, or even an elephant! A wonderful lift-the-flap book for toddlers and preschoolers. First published in 1982.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton The Going to Bed Book
This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub in the tub, brush and brush their teeth, and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep. First published in 1982.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
But Not the Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton But Not the Hippopotamus
A sweet, short rhyming tale of a shy hippoptamus who looks on as the animals play and is delighted when they welcome him into their fun. First published in 1982.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd Hairy Maclary from Donaldsons Dairy
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (in fact, the entire Hairy Maclary series) was loved by both my kids when they were preschool/kindergarten age. The cumulative rhyming prose is perfect for inviting pre-readers to join in and who wouldn’t love such a fabulous bunch of puppies! First published in 1983.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood The Little Mouse
This fun story shares the antics of little mouse who will do anything to save his red, ripe strawberry from the big, hungry bear. It brings a smile to the face of every preschooler I’ve ever read it to. First published in 1984.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle The Very Busy SPider
Early one morning a little spider begins to spin her web on a fence post in this fabulous sensory treat from the beloved Eric Carle. First published in 1984.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Koala Lou by Mem Fox Koala Lou
A young koala competes for her mother’s heart when a new sibling is on the way–only to discover that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no second place when it comes to love.. First published in 1984.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks by Joanna Cole The Magic School Bus
Ms. Frizzle and her students follow the trail of water, from its sky-high source to the school bathroom sink on a rather wet and wild fieldtrip.The classic title that started the award-winning series! First published in 1985.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he’ll ask for a glass of milk….but beware as this is not all he may ask for! First published in 1985.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz How Much is a Million
Ever wonder just what a million of something means? How about a billion? Or a trillion? A fun and funny way to help children understand complex numbers. First published in 1985.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg The Polar Express
A young boy is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. One for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas. First published in 1985.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois Franklin in the Dark
Franklin is afraid of the dark…including that within his own shell!! Bravely he sets out to seek help in this first book of the hugely popular series. First published in 1986.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Jolly Postman by Janet & Allen Ahlberg The Jolly Postman
This fun, interactive story includes letters, notes, comics, puzzles and more as the Jolly Postman delivers mail to a series of familiar fairy tale characters. First published in 1986.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Animalia by Graeme Base Animalia
A wonderfully clever adventure through the alphabet. There is so much to see on each page as you look for all the things starting with that letter. First published in 1986.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Hattie and the Fox by Mem Fox Hattie and the Fox
I can see a nose and two eyes in the bushes! cries Hattie. Hattie tries to warn her friends of impending danger but none of them listen. Until it may be too late! First published in 1986.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Wind Blew by Pat Hutchins The Wind Blew
The wind blew, and blew, and blew! It blew so hard, it took everything with it – Mr. White’s umbrella, Priscilla’s balloon, the twins’ scarves, even the wig on the judge’s head. But just when the wind was about to carry everything out to sea, it changes its mind. First published in 1986.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? by Martin Waddell Cant You Sleep Little Bear
Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show a scared and sleepless Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. First published in 1987.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen owl moon
Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer. First published in 1987.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert Growing Vegetable Soup
What would you like to grow today? Is it green beans, or peas? Corn or carrots? A wonderful picture book about growing vegetables. First published in 1987.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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I Went Walking by Sue Williams I Went Walking
A young boy strolls through the countryside seeing a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, in catchy verse. First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh Mouse Paint_ Best Childrens Books from the 80s and 90s
One day three white mice discover three jars of paint – red, blue, and yellow. But what happens when they splash in the colors, mixing the red and blue? Or dance in the blue and yellow? First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
The Big Bad Wolf gives his own version of what really happened when he tangled with the three little pigs…but is it truthful? First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base The Eleventh Hour
As the guests gather for Horace the elephant’s eleventh birthday party, a curious mystery is revealed in the form of a puzzle featuring picture clues and a rhyming text. An awesome picture book for older children. First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jnr Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
This beloved alphabet chant about the letters racing up a coconut tree has been a popular choice for generations of children. First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen Were Going On a Bear Hunt
This classic chant follows a family’s fun romp through long grass, a splishy splashy river and squelchy mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest! First published in 1989.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell Farmer Duck
A hardworking duck lives with a lazy farmer, doing all of the chores while the farmer sleeps. Until the day the other animals of the farm decide to take action with a simple, but heroic, plan. First published in 1991.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman Amazing Grace
When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace is longing to play Peter but her friends say that Peter was a boy, and he wasn’t black. But Grace’s Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it. First published in 1991
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Possum Magic by Mem Fox Possum Magic
Grandma Poss uses her bush magic to make Hush invisible but when Hush wishes to see herself again, the two possums make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more.. First published in 1991.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell Owl Babies
Three baby owls wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. So they sit on a branch and wait. Will their mother return? First published in 1992.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister The Rainbow Fish
The Rainbow Fish, with his shimmering scales, is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. But he is proud and vain and none of the other fish want to be his friend. How can the Rainbow Fish find a friend? First published in 1992
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor wreaks havoc on the class trip to a farm! First published 1992
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Where’s My Teddy? by Jez Alborough Where's My Teddy?
Eddie’s in for the surprise of his life when he discovers that his teddy bear has grown much too big to cuddle… but is this teddy really his???. First published 1992
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Go Away, Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley Go Away Big Green Monster
A wonderful, interactive book for helping children face that all too common childhood fear – monsters! First published 1992
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch Stephanies Ponytail
A lighthearted tale about being yourself, and the dangers of following others instead of having your own mind. First published 1992.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn The Kissing Hand
Chester Raccoon does not want to start school until his mother introduces him to the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love. First published 1993.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Classic-Childrens-Picture-Books-from-the-80s-90s

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon Stellaluna
An adorable baby fruit bat is adopted by the occupants of a birds nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. First published in 1993.
Available: Amazon
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney Guess How Much I Love You
A beautiful story of the love between a parent and a child. First published in 1994.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann Good Night Gorilla
A mischievous Gorilla isn’t quite ready to go to sleep so he follows the zookeeper on his rounds, letting all of the other animals out of their cages! First published in 1994.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins The Doorbell Rang
Ma has made delicious cookies and their are plenty to share but then the doorbell rings… and rings … and rings! First published in 1995.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Jamberry by Bruce Degan Jamberry
A small boy and a big friendly bear embark on a berry-picking extravaganza, looking for blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. First published in 1995.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen Who Sank the Boat
The delightful story of five animal friends who decide to go for a row on the bay. Do you know who sank the boat? First published in 1996.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae Rumble in the Jungle
A wonderful rhyming safari through the jungle with poems playing homage to each animal. First published in 1996.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes Lillys Purple Plastic Purse
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher. But when she fails to follow Mr Slinger’s rules, Lilly learns an important lesson in making amends.. First published in 1996.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt I Love You Stinky Face: Classic Childrens Books from the 80s and 90s
A reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent for a child whatever the circumstances. First published in 1997.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Edwina The Emu by Sheena Knowles Edwina the Emu
When Edward and Edwina Emu find themselves expecting ten little emus, Edwina tries her feathers at a variety of jobs to support the growing family, from chimney sweep to ballet dancer! First published in 1997.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells Bunny Cakes
It’s Grandma’s birthday and Max wants to make her an icky, worm-infested cake. But Ruby intends to make an angel surprise cake with raspberry-fluff icing. Will they both become bunnies who bake? First published in 1997.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon A Bad Case of Stripes
A wonderful story for older children exploring the theme of worrying less about what others think of you, and staying true to yourself. First published in 1998.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough Duck in the Truck
Duck’s truck is stuck in the muck, but luckily help is at hand in the form of a frog. When Frog and Duck fail to release the truck t sheep comes to help, and then goat. Who will finally sets the truck free?!! First published in 1999.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Maisy’s Bedtime by Lucy Cousins Maisys Bedtime
The simple stories of Maisy are favored classic for toddlers and preschoolers. First published in 1999.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson The Gruffalo
A clever mouse outwit a series of forest animals who rather fancy him for their tea, with the story of a terrible gruffalo! First published in 1999.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae Giraffes Cant Dance
Gerald the giraffe would love to join in the Jungle Dance but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance…or can they? First published in 1999.
Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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50 Childhood Classics: Picture Books from the 80s and 90s

66 Comments

  1. Hello,
    This is incredibly far fetched, but I am not having much luck, I am searching for a children’s picture book. It is a book that means a lot to a friend of mine. I don’t have the title, so it is finding itself incredibly difficult to locate. Do you know of any sites or sources that would be helpful in locating a book where I have some plot history, but no author or title?

    The book is a green hard cover, I think the name of the book is the name of the main character.
    The story is about a boy who is raised by bears, in one scene he is living weights with the bears, I think it takes place in a sort of industrial time. The reading level is probably around 6 or 7?

    Thank you,
    Candice

    1. Sandy Johnson says:

      Abebooks has a book search forum, I have found books through those wonderful people that I have looked for for over 60 years. I have also told them 8 seconds of a movie my son wanted and in short order I knew the name and where to buy it. These people are all over the world and book freaks who are totally brilliant. If it can be found, they will find it for you. Good Luck, Grandmajia

  2. Ha, I remember Koala Lou. The real question is, does anyone remember the Sweet Pickles books? But I think those might’ve been from the late 70s.

    1. Pickle Things by Marc Brown.

  3. i would definitely add stellaluna, pub. i think 1992-3, to this list! loved it as a child.

    1. Michelle Tetreault says:

      Such a good book!

  4. Hi looking for a book called James and I are not friends anymore

    1. Is it “What James Said” by Liz Rosenberg?

    2. “James used to be my friend. But today he is my enemy.” from Janice May Udry’s book, illustrated by Maurice Sendak, “Let’s Be Enemies” Could this be what you are looking for? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHEhfeDDA0g

  5. Julie Smith says:

    Can anyone remember these two books:

    One about kittens that come to life at night that in the day ,I’ve on a pussy willow Tree?

    One about a boy with rabbit (?) called Pacca. He sleeps in the flower bed by the greenhouse when he feels unloved.

    I’ve looked everywhere. Both were published in the 1990’s.

    Thanks.

    Julie

  6. Cherie Smetana says:

    Looking for a toddler book talking about animal tails that I read to my kids. I believe last page says “hey, I don’t have a tail!” Does anyone know the name of this book? It’s not “Tails”

      1. This isnt the book but thank you. I believe the book i’m talking about was a flip book too, dont think it was a Golden Book. Still searching…

  7. Hello there! I’m looking for a children’s book about a dog who, after getting groomed, starts to put on airs. The dog starts to ignore her owner – she won’t sit with him, she won’t play with him. She becomes quite naughty. She then invites all of the neighbourhood dogs to party at her house. There was such a ruckus that the police are called and the pound paddy wagon comes and collects all of the dogs, even “naughty dog”. Eventually her human comes to ‘bail’ her out of the pound. After that she stops taking her human for granted. Sorry for recanting pretty much the entire story! Any ideas?

    1. I know this book! It’s Mrs. Murphy’s Dog. I loved it as a kid, too.

  8. Hello,

    I am looking for a book that my mum used to read to me when I was a child, in the 90s. She is desperate to find it!

    The story was about yawning and on almost every page said ‘and he gave out a great big yawn’.

    It made us yawn the whole way through the book until we fell asleep.

    Any help in finding the name/author of this book would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Is it Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley?

    2. After I commented I realized that you said it was from the 90’s…the only book I can find with yawning around that time is Barney Saltzberg’s book from 1985 “The Yawn.” I wish you luck!

  9. Karen Vizzoca says:

    Do you know an adventure series where you have to identify types of trees as part of an overall mission?

  10. Mackenzie says:

    Looking for a book about a cat that I believe is looking for a “better house” and walk around the neighborhood. He passes a house with a bunch of fish and a few other nice homes. Finally he comes to his own house and decides it is best.

  11. Jen Frank says:

    Can anyone help me find a picture book my daughter loved (mid 90s) about a boy who goes to a restaurant with his parents and everyone is a monster / vampire? but he is the only one who can see them. Thanks

  12. Hi there! Looking for an old children’s book about a lady with a blue hat and flowers on it. She went to the market and it also includes a child. Sorry, can’t remember much of it now, besides that.

    1. I think maybe it’s Mrs Honeys hat? That was one of my favourites!

  13. Laura-Jane says:

    Great list!
    I’m hoping someone here might be able to help, I’m trying to remember a book from the late 80s/early 90s which had a teddy and a toy duck (I think) who were in a toy shop and broken, a little girl would come in and not pick them so they went on a mission in the snow to be fixed and then they were adopted?

    1. Misty Dawn says:

      It kind of sounds like a book called Corduroy.

  14. Amy Rodriguez says:

    I’m looking for a book that had many short stories. One that I can kind of remember was about a little girl who went to visit her grandmother. I think the book had a chicken on it. I dont remember really

  15. Searching for a children’s book in the early 80s about a young girl who is tasked by her mother to get a few items, so she decides in order to remember to tie a red string to her finger. I can’t remember the title of this book & I would love to get it for my daughter.

  16. I remember with pleasure these books: The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack, Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel and Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag. Millions of Cats is the oldest American picture book still in print!

  17. Jessie Elliott says:

    Im looking for a book my mom read to me all the time i thought it was called goodnight moon but thats not it. It wad a mom and her daughter and a moon and doing activities before bed i think there were pancakes involved and pigs i could be wrong but the moon was a big part of it. I am dying to find the name, i had the book my original and it seems to be gone. Any answers would be helpful thank you!

  18. I’m looking for the nonfiction children’s science book that came out in the 80’s all I can remember is the cover art….kind of lol. I seem to remember the illustrations looked almost like kid house rock but not quite. Can anybody help me?m

  19. Theresa Ho says:

    We have been trying to find a picture book from his childhood. It’s probably from the 80s and is about a boy who has to remember a shopping list for his grandma but along the way lost of things happen (i.e. a burglary) and he changes the list to remember it wrongly.

  20. Priscilla says:

    I am looking for a picture book with a mauIn character of a young snake that keeps having hissy fits . I read it to my preschool kids between 1996 and 2000

  21. I’m looking for a book, it’s about a little girl hiding from her mom in different areas of the house, and her mom keeps getting more angry with her, she cries at one point, but you never actually see the little girl, she is is just eyes in the book. I think it might be about going to bed.

  22. Hi hope you can help. I’m trying to find a book about two pigs that dress up as a knight and a princess and the knight pig tries to slay a dragon that turns out to be a pile of rubbish and the princess pig saves him? I loved it as a child and would love to read it to my little one.

  23. Molly Tominack says:

    I’m looking for a children’s book about a kitten whose mother has to leave to shopping. The babysitter is a wise older lady cat who keeps him entertained until his mother returns.

  24. Michael B says:

    I’m a kindergarten teacher. Not that this matters in my question but I’m looking for a book that had a Japanese theme, it was a story about a warrior who is sent a quest or something and he encounters elements like fire, ice, water, earth, lighting, sun. Something like this… I don’t remember the the title of the book or the plot for that matter. I could be totally off base but I remember reading this book around 1992-1995 when I was in grade school.

    The book is definitely a picture book the colors used om certain pages were dark and color specific to the elements previously mentioned. I this maybe a long shot but maybe someone out there might have an idea of what I am taking about. I want to say the character was samurai or shogun.

    Any help?

  25. Hello I’m hoping someone can help. I’m looking for a book I used to read to my children in the late 1980s/early 1990s and think it was called ‘Doodletown Zoo’ and featured animals with names like ‘Joe Kangraoodle’. It was a part story, part rhyming and part tongue twister. I have been searching for this book high and low but cannot find anywhere that sells it (wish I hadn’t got rid of the copy we had now). Does anyone know where I can purchase another copy, who published it or the author?
    I am hoping that someone out there knows what book I am referring to or can help me. Many thanks in anticipation.

  26. It’s a long shot but maybe someone will know it here. I used to read this book in the late 80s/maybe early 90s when I was a kid. It was about a little girl who did not want to go to bed, because she felt like she was going to miss something… I’m pretty sure that was a line in the book. Her mom, dad, older brother and sister got to stay up and were downstairs. Then she drifted into dreamland, the illustrations were beautiful, pretty sure it was watercolor. This has been racking my brain for at least a decade trying to remember the title of this book. Now I’m a mother myself and would love to read this book to my son – any help would be appreciated, thank you!

  27. Del Hutton says:

    I am looking for a book from the 80’s maybe from New Zealand. I read this to my girls. From memory it was called Alfie and the Dark. It was about a little boy who talked to the Dark when he went to bed. The dark was a friendy character who also talked teliing the boy about where he went when the light came. i would love to find it again for my grandchildren.

  28. Brenda Persaud says:

    I am looking for a book that I used to read to my children late 80s- 90s. It had a plastic dial on the cover , which I think was blue and it was about pigs. It was possible to use the dial as if you were calling someone- it may have had a ring too. I can’t remember exactly. I would like to buy it for my grandson.

  29. I am looking for a book that when you scrolled it would scroll black and white or color, depending on if you put your fingers from the top, bottom or middle of the outside of the books pages.

  30. Dan Clarke says:

    Hi there,
    I see that a few posts here go unanswered (I known it would hard to address them all) but I will try anyway. One of my hobbies is trying to track down my old classroom books (1980s/1990s – Australia) for my kids. I have managed to find some!
    I remember a short-story picture book which basically revolved around a boy at school. I remember the illustrations being very “new-age” and had what I can only describe as a “graffiti-hip-hop” style of illustration. I can’t remember the plot entirely but it focuses on the boy trying to perform a magic trick where a school tie is cut up and placed in a brown paper-bag and then the tie is meant to be pulled out intact. I think – the boy decides he can’t master the trick and decides to just do an act at the school talent quest where the trick doesn’t work – as a comedy act. But a member of the crowd pushes-in in place of the planned volunteer and expects the trick to work, along with the rest of the audience. Miraculously, the tie comes out of the bag whole! Is it ringing any bells for anyone? Much thanks

  31. Hello everyone
    The book I’m searching for (it’s haunting me really) is from the 70’s-80’s and is about a dragon (remember the dragon as being fierce, black and “chinese” looking with long red tendrils) that wants to eat some humans, but instead they befriend it by making a huge cake..!
    -Does anybody have a clue..?

  32. Juli anne says:

    Hey I’m looking for an old potty training book. Sometime between early 90s and 2000s.

    It had a soft cover with a little girl on it sitting on a toilet. She had black hair bob with bangs. No shirt. The book was small in size. Every page was about why this animal can’t use toilets. Ex: “Elephants cant use the toilet cause they would crush it, Goats can’t use the toilet cause they would eat all the toilet paper, snakes can’t use the toilet cause they would curl up inside of it”. The end of the book is the little girl sitting on the toilet and it reads something like “ toilets are made for little girls like you”.

  33. Casey Best says:

    I am looking for a book that had a bunch of animal songs in it. It had a cassette tape to with all the songs. There was one with an elephant Stomp and the last song and Pages were the owl. Does anyone have any idea what that book would be called or who wrote it?

  34. Andy smale says:

    I’m trying to track down a book from the late 70s onwards.it was a child’s picture reading book.not a long book.it was basically about a boy who see’s a hand puppet fox in a shop.the boy buys the fox and at nightime under moonlight the fox would come alive and enjoy having legs.i believe it was called Peter and the magic fox but could be wrong.on the front cover were woods.ivy.brick wall.snakes.the fox.the cover also continued on the back as one.

  35. Nancy Puleo says:

    Hello,
    Anyone remember a book about a boy who makes a wish for ice cream and the Machine keeps making it and making it and he can’t make it stop?

  36. Just wondering if anyone knows of a children’s book (or books) of bedtime stories. It’s not 365 Bedtime Stories. I don’t know if it was strictly local in BC, Canada, or if it came from elsewhere. It was maybe between ’88 and 92 that I received them as Christmas gifts.

    The book itself was white on the outside, with a thick dark pink/purple border. The title I believe was in thick black letters.

    One had a story about a toy elephant getting a howdah for the first time. His name was Rajah I believe, and all of the toys came to life at night. They were all excited when Rajah got his howdah. He had to escort a fairy queen/king/princess (one of them) one day because she didn’t have a ride, and he was pleased to be able to do it. She gave him a special jewel or something like it that made him feel special after, and all the other toys wanted to ride too.

    Another story (maybe in this book) was about a monkey named Mitsy/Misty I think, or Mischief. She likes playing tricks on all of the toys. One day they notice all of their valuables going missing, and because she’s a trickster, they blame her for her. (or him, but I think it was a her) She keeps swearing she didn’t take it, but because they know she likes to play tricks, they keep blaming her. She is banished from playing with them, and feels alone. She’s sitting up by the window one day and she looks out and sees a crows nest (or ravens) and sees something shiny, that’s when she realizes that all of their treasures are there.

    Another book was sort of a blue-ish color, the cover was a hardcover, and fairly big. It had a story of the musicians from Bremen at the end of the book. That’s the clearest detail. The cover itself looked almost hand drawn, like pencil crayon scribbles.

    In this book (or one from the same publisher) there was a story of a girl, similar to Cinderella. The faces were almost illustrated like the “Precious memories” children. More bold colors though. She was treated badly by her step-mother and step-sister. One day she was sent out to make bread in an old style outdoor brick oven. She was being punished for something, and the step-mother made her hang the laundry out to dry but it was raining. Because it wouldn’t dry, she was punished again. I don’t remember how, but she was outside and wishing that something nice would fall from the sky instead of rain. Because she was such a good girl all the time, and didn’t complain about how she was treated, it started raining gold coins. The step-sister watched from the side, and went out after the Cinderella girl left, and wished for something nice to fall on her too. Instead of coins, treacle, or chocolate fell on her, and ruined her hair and clothes.

    Possibly from this same book there was a story of a hair dresser who came across three scraggly looking animals. She gave them makeovers. She curled their hair, and I think the bunny was worried that she’d cut his ear, but she calmed him down and promised that she wouldn’t hurt him. They felt so nice after that they felt bad when they were dressed and styled so pretty, but she looked like a mess. So they gave her a makeover, and she ended up going on a date because of them.

    (again, possibly from this book) There was a story of a man who was having a really bad day. He was driving a large keg wagon of some sort when he hit a ditch or something, and the wooden wheel broke, leaving him stranded in the middle of nowhere. He didn’t have a spare to fix it, and wished that he could at least take a drink of the ale/wine, (sounds so inappropriate for a children’s book) or whatever it was he had in his large keg. Cider maybe? A fairy came and fixed his wheel for him, and gave him a really beautiful flower that she turned into a glass. The art for it was beautiful, she had really pretty eyes, and he was in love with her. It was like a fairy glass, or a maiden’s glass, maiden’s tea-cup, I don’t exactly remember the title of the story.

    I know one of these books had sort of an orange sunset cover over the whole book, and the other had a blue-ish cover.

    They came out possibly around the same time as the Rose Petal Place stories. I’d gotten them all for that same Christmas, I was between 6 and 10 at the time, and would really love to have them again, or at least see them for nostalgia’s sake.

    Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

  37. Hello, my sister and I and trying to remember the name of a book we read when we were growing up in the 90’s.Neither of us can remember the name or many details of the book. It was based in Japan and there was a little girl drawing pictures with chalk, something about drawing train tracks…. I know it’s probably a long shot but any help is much appreciated 🙂 Thanks!

  38. Hi My niece now aged 26 is looking for a childhood book about a little girl who moves house with her family. She put butter on her cats paws to make him stay put. cant remember the name of the book. she thinks it was part of a series

  39. K Saunders says:

    Hi, I’m looking a book from the 80s about a Mum who would like help around the house but her family is too busy… the Dad is watching tv, the son is doing his hair the daughter is making doll clothes, the last time she asks them to help her pick apples from the tree in the garden and they help her make a pie and sit down as a family to eat it. Brightly illustrated can’t remember author or title, Thank you

  40. Vanessa A says:

    I’ve been trying to find a book i loved as a child late 80 early 90s, orange hard back book about a dachshund. I don’t remember anything about this book, just that i checked it out every week.

  41. Jayne Fredrickson says:

    I used to read a picture book to my son in 1980 to 82. I was about a little boy who took one item, maybe a teddy bear to bed. Then it progressed with 2 of something and on up to 10 things and it ended with the child saying and sometimes there isn’t room for me!” I’d love to find it for a gift.

    1. Was it Ten In the Bed by Penny Dale?

  42. Trying to find a children’s book from the 90s. It was about foxes who had a fight with red paint, and I think it may have had something to do with Easter. HELP!

  43. I am searching for a children’s book for ages 2 to 5 or 6. Few words and the book was larger in size. The child in the book was a curly headed child. The mom on one page was getting up from a nap I believe and putting on her sweater. Her hair was red with soft curls. A little messed up! I read it to my son in the early to mid 90’s. Thanks for any help. I believe the book had a light blue background on the cover.

  44. Hello,

    I am trying to find a book I read as a child. It was about a cute spider. From the 70’s or 80’s. I thought I had bought it from one of those book selling weeks. It is not lucas but the spider did have a name and it was a fun story. I remember it only being one of those small books with “hard” cover.

  45. Rose Widegren says:

    I’m trying to remember the name of a children’s book about a little boy worrying that his mom has gone to the basement and there’s a monster down there. She’s really gone to the garden but he finds her glasses and thinks the monster has got her. He challenges the monster with a broom.

  46. Looking for a book about a boy who runs away from home and stops in to visit with the people in his neighborhood who all offer help in one way or another . The example I remember is the butcher gives him a salami to take on his journey. He eventually returns home.
    This book is not new … probably from 90’s or even earlier.

  47. Looking for a book I read to my daughter in the 1990s. It was about a tea party. Various animals gather together for a tea party around a big table. I think there were 13 seats. One by one the animals join the table. The 13th seat is for the reader. I think tiger tiger was one of them. Help it’s driving me crazy I can’t remember anything more. It was a brilliant book and she loved it!

  48. I’m Looking for the Hard Cover Book I read to my Kids in the 80’s but can’t remember the Title. It’s about a little boy who runs away and comes across this run down house, with a picket fence and the Gate wide open. From the Street he can hear music and smell bacon coming from the house. All the lights are on and in the lower window there’s a Jolly, Round Faced Woman with Black wiry hair, wearing an apron and using a Spatula as a microphone singing out loud. She spots the little boy and goes to the door to invite him in, saying, ” Come on in Lovey and asks if he’s hungry” inside there was another child, nothing on, jumping Seaty. and that’s all I got but boy would I love to find this book.

  49. Hi everyone. I’ve been searching for years for a Faerie Tales book I loved as a child. The illustrations were beautiful and it told classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and The Frog Prince. I think Rumpelstiltskin and The Princess and the Pea was in it too. The cover was green with Faerie Tales written in gold (maybe foiled) lettering at the top with a big illustration from one of the stories – the woman has long blondish hair in braids and is standing next to a table with a single candle on it – on the front. I am a child of the 1980s, so I think it was from that time. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

  50. hello! I have been searching for this book for years, I think its from the 70s to early 90s maybe. My grana used to read it to me and my sister when we were small, and it got given away from my papas place. Its got a red cover, the illustrations are black and white. Its about a little girl in a black or polka dot dress I think? her hair is stick like. I think there is more than one book. She hangs clothes on a line outside at one point and does dishes but makes to much suds at another point. I think she has a cat. Its soft cover. I dont remember anything much other than the pictures, it was sort of a scribble like style? I’ve been trying to find it for so long and only recently discovered it was thrown out by accident from storage. Anyone I’ve asked always tell me it sounds familiar but has no idea what its called.

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