Books for children who love The Snail and The Whale

Read on for our edit of the best books for kids who love The Snail and The Whale.

If you’re looking for books for children who love Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Snail and the Whale, read on for some ideas for what they can read next. With activity books, sticker books and charming picture books with stories of friendship and adventure, you’ll find something for every kind of young reader.

Discover more of Julia Donaldson's books here.

Image: © Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

The Snail and the Whale Sticker Book

Book cover for The Snail and the Whale Sticker Book

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Based on the bestselling story, The Snail and the Whale Sticker Book will make an excellent gift for young fans of the original picture book. With over 400 stickers, plus lots of activities and ideas featuring the tiny snail and the great big whale, this activity book is sure to keep little hands occupied for hours. Find more great sticker and activity books for kids here.

The Snail and the Whale Make and Do Book

by Julia Donaldson

Book cover for The Snail and the Whale Make and Do Book

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

This activity book is packed with craft and activity ideas based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s original story, most of which can be made with items you’ve probably got at home already. Make an erupting tropical volcano, an underwater world or a penguin pencil pot, all inspired by the snail and whale’s journey through the seas. These kids craft ideas are perfect for keeping children of all ages entertained on a rainy day!

What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside

by Julia Donaldson

Book cover for What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside

Illustrated by Lydia Monks

Head to the seaside with another best-loved Julia Donaldson character – a crime-fighting little ladybird! Join a cast of sea creatures, which are beautifully illustrated by Lydia Monks, as the little ladybird works to foil a dastardly plot to steal the magical mermaid’s long, luscious hair. With fun rhymes and sea creatures galore, this picture book will become a firm favourite in any household.

The Snail and the Whale Seaside Nature Trail

Book cover for The Snail and the Whale Seaside Nature Trail

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Pack a picnic and spend a day at the coast with this fun nature activity book inspired by the story of The Snail and the Whale. The book’s nature trail encourages children to learn about the flora and fauna they can find at the seaside, with all of the activities linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the British school curriculum. There are lots of ideas for seaside themed activities that can be done at home too!

The Gruffalo

Book cover for The Gruffalo

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

This modern classic (which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019!) is the tale of an unlikely friendship between a mouse and a monster. If your little one is a fan of The Snail and the Whale, a copy of this special edition of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved rhyming story needs to be on their bookshelf.

The Singing Mermaid

by Julia Donaldson

Book cover for The Singing Mermaid

Illustrated by Lydia Monks

Dive into the deep sea and meet the Singing Mermaid in this illustrated tale by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. With Julia’s trademark rhyming verse, Lydia’s bright, bold illustrations and glitter on every page, this story of a captive mermaid who longs to get back to the freedom of the ocean again will be loved by kids and parents alike.

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

Book cover for Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A celebration of the joy of reading, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is a story about how anyone can find magic within the pages of a book. With Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhyming verse and Axel Scheffler’s illustrations, fans of The Snail and the Whale will love embarking on an adventure with Charlie Cook as he comes across aliens, frogs, monarchs and even Goldilocks!


Find free activity and colouring sheets for young fans of The Snail and The Whale here.