The Boy with Flowers in his Hair is heartwarming and multifaceted. Enjoy it with your kids as a story in its own right, or use it to open up conversations about diversity, mental health and masculinity. A perfect example of an inclusive and empathetic picture book.

A discussion on the value of diverse picture books and the importance for disabled children to see themselves represented, too. Featuring some self-reflection on my work, including Only You Can Be You! plus contributions from fellow creators Julie Flett and James Catchpole.

What Happened to You? features a one-legged, shark-fighting pirate called Joe! A funny and tender story that reflects the reality of being a disabled kid. Perfect for teaching about disability, friendship and developing your child’s empathy.

Beneath its apparent simplicity, the aptly titled Joy is a skilful combination of words and pictures that makes it perfect for younger kids. With an adorable kitten, Joy is a happy and gently reassuring story to affirm your child.

Poles Apart is a great picture book to share with your kids as it’s guaranteed to elicit some giggles! Join an unfortunate family of penguins (the Pilchard-Browns) on their big adventure as they try to find their way home (with a bit of help from Mr White, the polar bear). Silly, lighthearted fun to nurture your child’s curiosity.

How the Sun Got to Coco's House by Bob Graham is a timely reminder that we are all connected. Using the sun as a common thread, Graham takes the reader on a trip around the world as it chases the night away, ending up at Coco's house. A heartwarming story that develops your child's empathy and curiosity. Definitely one for Putin's bedside table.

If you enjoy laughing with your kids, then The Frank Show is for you! A slightly longer read than many picture books, it’s a heartwarming reminder that below even the most curmudgeonly exterior, there’s some real treasure to be found. A celebration of the individual - and a hilarious grandad called Frank.

Find out why picture books that tackle tricky negative emotions – like anger – are a Godsend to families. Introducing Kitten Nora (and reflecting on Wild Things). With a list of recommended titles to share with your defiant child.

The charming and poetic Owl Moon is an excellent example of a picture book that creates a sense of wonder. Writer Jane Yolen describes it as “gently adventurous.” I would add ‘magical’ and ‘inspiring’! Enjoy Owl Moon snuggled with your little one as you wait with bated breath, wondering, Will they spot an owl?

The Night Walk by Marie Dorléans (Floris Books, 2018) captures the quiet mystery of night-time and left me feeling calm and embraced. With stunning art and beautiful prose, it's a superb book for instilling wonder and appreciation – and the perfect antidote for any children who are afraid of the dark.

Nurture curiosity and expand your child’s understanding of the world with I am the Subway – a lyrical story told by the train and its passengers. Translated from Korean in rhythmic and soothing prose, with stunning illustrations. A celebration of subways, Seoul and the uniqueness of the individual.

“For the last six years, I have ended my night reading Moon and Back to my son,” writes customer Jim Foley from Alabama. “Thank you for making every night special.”

Messages like this remind me how precious sharing a quality picture book can be. It signals to your child: You are worth this time because you are loved.

Told without words in comic format, The Snowman was innovative. Described by BookTrust (who honoured Briggs with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017) as ‘extraordinary and atmospheric’, The Snowman is about as magical as they come. Perfect for enabling pre-readers to ‘read’ aloud and become storytellers in their own right.

It’s never too early to talk to children about race. Picture books like I’m Going To Give You a Bear Hug! give you perfect, natural opportunities to do so. Not only will you get some quality cuddle time out of it, but you’ll also be taking steps to raise an anti-racist child. Win-win.

I Talk Like A River is an achingly beautiful and profound picture book. School Library Journal described it as ‘pain, turned into art, and written for young children.’ So is it worth sharing with your kids? You bet! Read on to discover the power of this story for developing empathy and understanding in your child and acceptance of their own unique attributes and abilities.

Described by Publishers Weekly as ’a story that’s wise, funny and easy to take to heart’, The Rabbit Listened is a simple but powerful picture book. Kids will engage with the animated art and relatable scenario. Once drawn in, they’ll discover the superpower we all possess: just listening.

At face value, A Bedtime for Bear (part of the Bear and Mouse series of picture books by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton) is a funny story about two friends. But behind the humour of this comedy duo lurks an often unspoken reality: friendships are complicated. So snuggle up and laugh at the pair’s expense, secure in the knowledge that you are also teaching your kid a valuable life lesson!

In support of World Mental Health Day 2021, today’s recommendation is A Little Bit Worried (A.K.A. Weasel is Worried). It’s a great story about friendship – and a reminder that we’re all different. Dig deeper, though, and you’ll find ‘this gentle story offers the perfect starting point for conversations about worries and fears’ – making it an excellent tool for supporting your kids!

The Day the Crayons Quit is well worth sharing because first and foremost it is funny! We could all do with a good laugh – and sharing a joke with your kids is something special. Dig a little deeper, though, and Crayons raises some thought provoking questions.

The start of the new school year seems an appropriate time to share a favourite bear of mine - the big-hearted Boris in his debut, Boris Starts School, written by Carrie Weston. ‘With gorgeous illustrations that bring the characters to life, this book is perfect for reading out loud.’ [Booktrust] Selected by The Reading Agency for the Summer Reading Challenge 2021.