Picture books about food

Liddy is far too excited to sleep, knowing she’s going to the Dim Sum Palace with her family the next day – but when a delicious smell wafts into her room that night, she ends up following it to a real palace, and a food-based adventure ensues! Unique illustrations pay homage to Liddy’s culture in this charming picture book.

Learn how to create the perfect bhorta! First comes the aloo (potato), next go the onions, and don't forget oil and salt! This board book is a perfect illustration of the bond that food can create between parent and child. It'll also have you and your wee one craving delicious bhorta every time you read it.

This clever and sturdy board-book is full of excellent fruit-filled fun. Bananas become slides and watermelon slices turn into umbrellas in this magical fruit world. With pleasing push-and-pull elements, there's lots to keep little toddlers entertained.

One sunny summer's day, Banjo sits down to enjoy his dinner. Only Melvin the sausage has other ideas. As do Peter, Percival and Paul the peas. And the table and chairs! Rather than being eaten like they should be, they all set off on a chase; down the road and through the park, followed by one hungry boy. A joyful classic that will be read over and over. And all completely true!

A gigantic book is just what's needed to tell the story of Sammy's towering sandwich. Gorgeous illustrations, full of things to spot and find, show how a very hungry Sammy's sandwich grows and grows to epic proportions. If you were to make a skyscraper sandwich, which of Sammy's ingredients would be added to yours?

This iconic board book tells the story of a very tiny, very hungry caterpillar that eats and eats until one day, he builds himself a cocoon and transforms overnight into a beautiful butterfly. From apples and strawberries to Swiss cheese and sausages, the caterpillar makes his way through a mouth-watering feast! With imaginative die-cut elements and beautiful collage illustrations, this classic continues to stand the test of time.

This charming and witty picture book tells the story of the lovable penguin Pierre, who stows away in Nabil’s bag on a trip to a French zoo. Pierre is fed up with eating fish and is desperate to try some more of Nabil’s mum’s cooking. It turns out that this penguin much prefers the diverse and rich cooking of South Asia and discovers his new favourite dish: curry!

When an overripe banana gets thrown in the reject bin, he’s not going to let a few bruises stand in his way. He persuades the other fruit to make a daring escape and they run riot round the supermarket. This hilarious story is a brilliant celebration of rebellion and standing up for yourself, and will have little ones in stitches.

All the animals sit down to a delicious meal of macaroni cheese but greedy Goose only wants chocolate mousse! This fantastic read-aloud book is absurd and funny in equal measure and little ones will be hungry for it again and again.

What could be cosier or more comforting than gingerbread men and spiced hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day? Join Zee at her Grandma’s Christmas party, which is full of calypso music, dancing and some yummy smells coming from the kitchen. A beautiful celebration of food and family and the joy that cooking together can bring, with recipes that you and your little one can make together at the end.