london’s calling: 9 picture books introducing little readers to the big city

Last Updated on May 22, 2019

For a short while in my twenties, I lived in an apartment slap bang in central London. It wasn’t particularly grand; to reach the front door you had to climb an unreasonable number of steps, there was a perverse lack of heating and the bath was lime green. The tiny kitchen also had a distinctly 1980s feel, all pine cupboards and lino flooring. But – out of its little porthole window – you could catch a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament while washing up. Which was thrilling. For at least three weeks.

And then, of course, I stopped noticing. In the same way I stopped noticing that my daily walk to work took me past the Downing Street, the Churchill War Rooms and Buckingham Palace. Instead, I was thinking about how all the meandering tourists were going to make me late. And did any of those little wooden cupboards contain anything which – when hastily mixed together – could confidently be called a meal? And that, I suppose, is the danger of adult life.

Which is why coming back to London with my children always feels like a treat. Albeit an exhausting one. But crowded tube journeys and too-tired-to-walk tantrums aside, there is something joyful and infectious about the excitement with which young eyes greet the English capital’s icons.  And before you know it, you too are pointing at double-decker buses, red telephone boxes and lion statues. A little bit giddy with what a fascinating, beautiful old city it really is.

Before our most recent trip, I decided to collect some books to get us in the mood. And I’m very glad that I did. Not only did it help my toddler girl feel prepared and enthusiastic about her first London visit (after all is there anything more thrilling than following in the footsteps of some favourite characters?), but it also taught my 6-year-old son a fair few facts about our nation’s capital. And me too. Which, of course, I pretended I knew all along. Here are our favourites.

By the way, this post includes affiliate links. If you choose to use these, you support the running of my blog (thank you!) at no extra cost to yourself. My reviews are, as ever, an honest representation of my thoughts. 

Picture Books

Maisy Goes to London by Lucy Cousins

If I could choose to explore London with anyone, it might well be Maisy. Not only could I marvel at her whiskers all day, but she is always such bright and happy company. In this colourful adventure, she and her friends ride on tubes, buses and boats. The gang also visit parks, galleries and some of London’s most famous buildings. A fun and reassuring read for any toddler or preschooler about to embark on a city exploration of their own.

Best for: 1 – 4-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

Mr Men in London by Adam Hargreaves

This is another cheerful picture book showing familiar characters undertaking a trip to the capital. Although, this time, there is a little more mischief to be had. What with Mr Tickle using his extraordinarily long arms to tickle the passengers on a double-decker bus. And Mr Mischief changing the time of Big Ben. What a cheeky lot!

This book is published in association with Transport for London. So, as you might imagine, there is lots of emphasis on the friends travelling around the major sights on public transport. All except Mr Uppity – who gets his comeuppance for insisting on taking his posh car. An entertaining little read perfectly sized for slipping in your bag.

Best for: 2.5 – 6-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

No, Nancy, No! by Alice Tait

Talking about getting into mischievous scrapes – this beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap book follows the hi-jinx of Nancy and her faithful dog Roger as they chase across town on a mission to return a teddy bear to its rightful owners. Luckily for them, it turns out that the bear belongs to two young children with a rather grand address. Cue an invitation to Buckingham Palace and the chance to take a much-needed nap in the Queen’s bed!

Packed full of humorous detail and London landmarks, both my children love this engaging story. My toddler, of course, adores peeking behind all the flaps. Whereas my 6-year-old finds Nancy’s lack of decorum hilarious. And we all love spotting the royal children, and some other reoccurring characters, on each page.  A wonderful blend of sweet and funny, containing lots of surprises.

Best for: 2.5 – 6-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

A Walk in London by Salvatore Rubbino

This is narrated by a little girl who is embarking on her very first London exploration with her mum. Brimming with interesting facts, this is a book that captures a real sense of child-like wonder. The illustrations are a particular joy – with the naive, sketch-like paintings portraying the colour and atmosphere of London’s bustling streets. The tour takes in all the major sights, includes a map of the route, and has a charming fold-out panorama of the Thames. And, of course, there is a little London rain.

Best for: 5 – 8-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

Pop-Up London by Jennie Maizels

Pop-up landscapes, flaps to lift and tabs to pull make this a wonderful, interactive London tour. Alongside all the hands-on novelty though, there are plenty of interesting facts and juicy stories. Like the tale of Westminster Abbey’s friendly ghost and Britain’s most haunted bed. We particularly love that you can peep inside many of the famous buildings and get a taste of life inside. This truly is a book with lots of dimensions.

Best for: 5 – 11-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

This is London by M Sasek

This charming book, originally published in 1959, at once portrays the timeless beauty of London’s main attractions, as well as capturing the buzz and optimism of the post-war era. This was one of the first children’s city guides written by Miroslav Sasek. The Czech artist, who was exiled from his native country, travelled the world depicting many of its cities with the keen eye of an inquisitive visitor. The bright, witty illustrations are full of small details which give a real sense of life in the capital.

Although the period details will no doubt be fascinating for parents, it is a fun read for children too. My son adores looking through all the lively pages and chatting to me about what has remained the same and what has changed.

Best for: 4 – 8-year-olds (although parents will love it too)

Buy at The Book Depository

Activity Books

Peppa’s London Day Out Sticker Activity Book

If you have a little one who is a Peppa fan – this is a sure-fire winner. Although my 2-year-old was a little young for some of the activities – namely the maze, the board game and the dot-to-dot – that didn’t bother her one jot. Instead, she delighted in following Peppa and her playgroup pals on their London adventure – as they are driven around by a rather reckless Queen! The stickers are pretty easy to peel and there are lots of landmarks woven into the journey – cumulating in some puddle jumping in Trafalgar Square. Toddler heaven.

Best for: 2 – 5-year-olds (Recommended for over 3s by the publisher due to the possible choking hazard of the stickers. Obviously best used with parent supervision with younger toddlers.)

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

Usborne First Sticker Book – London

Boasting over 250 stickers, this colourful book is a great one to have in your bag for journeys and restaurants. The book allows you to create scenes set on the tube, the Thames and at London Zoo. You can also try to position some London landmarks on the final map. The stickers depict ethnically diverse characters and contain some funny details. As you would expect from Usborne, the stickers are good quality and are fairly easy to peel.

Best for: 2 – 4-year-olds (Recommended for over 3s by the publisher due to the possible choking hazard of the stickers. Obviously best used with parent supervision with younger toddlers.)

Buy at Amazon.co.uk

Usborne Fold Out and Colour London

This detailed London panorama will be a hit with primary-aged children who like to colour. Not only can they use their pencils to bring the landscape to life – bit by bit – but there are also some very cute transfers to use. Another good little book to fill the journey to and from the capital.

Best for: 6 – 11-year-olds

Buy at Book Depository / Amazon.co.uk

So, of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list – with London understandably providing inspiration for many a writer and illustrator. Before our next trip, I’m keen to read Katie in London and The Queen’s Hat with my two. And, having just read Diary of a Londoness’ excellent post about children’s books set in London – which includes some longer chapter books – I have a few more to add to my list.

Please do leave me a comment if you have a London book that you love too.

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