Author Profile
Martin Waddell
21 Books
Martin Waddell is a children's author known for his comforting, warmly humorous picture books. He has written many timeless stories, including the classic bedtime tale Owl Babies and the incredibly popular Little Bear series. His engaging storytelling captures the everyday fears and triumphs of childhood with gentleness and understanding. He frequently partners with exceptional illustrators to bring his memorable animal characters to life. His books continue to delight young readers and provide perfect read-aloud moments for families.
Taking care of little ones is a big responsibility, especially when you have two of your own to manage. While Rosie's mother is busy settling the new baby brother for the night, four-year-old Rosie is hard at work tending to her stuffed teddy and bunny.
You will recognize Rosie's imaginative play as she mimics her mother's actions, ensuring her 'babies' get the exact same care and attention. She proudly explains that her babies love rockets and dinosaurs, even if they refuse to eat their custard. This tender story captures the complex feelings of becoming an older sibling and the comforting reassurance that parents always have enough love to go around.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Finding a special place of your own is exciting, but sometimes being away from home is harder than it seems. Little Bear discovers the perfect cave just his size and decides to spend the whole day playing inside. When evening arrives, he is ready to sleep in his wonderful new spot.
As the moon shines through the trees, the quiet night makes him think about Big Bear alone in their usual cave. You will understand Little Bear's feelings as he balances the fun of independence with the warmth of returning to someone who loves him. This cozy tale explores the thrill of venturing out on your own and the comforting realization that coming home is just as wonderful.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Tossing and turning in the dark can be unsettling, especially when shadows fill the room. Little Bear is trying his best to fall asleep in the Bear Cave, but the darkness all around is keeping him awake.
Big Bear patiently brings bigger and bigger lanterns to chase away the gloom, but even the largest lamp cannot light up the night outside. You will feel the warmth of Big Bear's gentle reassurance as he finds the ultimate way to help his little friend feel safe. By offering the brightest light of all, this soothing story reminds you that the dark is nothing to fear when you are surrounded by care and understanding.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
A rescue mission on a dark, stormy night creates a family memory that will never be forgotten. Charlotte loves hearing her mother retell her favorite true story about the night they drove along the coast and spotted two glowing eyes in the darkness.
Together, they bravely searched the shoreline by the light of the moon and saved a tiny, stranded white kitten. As you read this warm tale, you will feel the excitement of the rescue and the cozy comfort of sharing a story with someone you love. The beautiful nighttime scenes perfectly capture the magic of finding a new pet and the joy of giving a lost animal a safe, loving home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Waiting for someone to finish their work can feel like it takes forever. Little Bear is ready to play, but Big Bear has a long list of chores to complete around the Bear Cave. To speed things up, Little Bear decides to help fetch wood and tidy up.
You will recognize the familiar challenge of being patient when all you want to do is have fun. Even after the work is done, things do not go exactly as planned when Big Bear needs a nap! This sweet story captures the everyday moments of helping out, finding ways to entertain yourself, and the reward of finally sharing a fun game of hide-and-seek together.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Waking up in the middle of the night to find someone missing is a startling experience. Sarah, Percy, and Bill are three baby owls who discover their mother has left their tree hole. As they perch on a branch in the dark woods, the shadows grow long and the night noises seem louder than usual.
You will share their nervous anticipation as they wait and wonder where she went. They try to be brave, but the woods can be a scary place when you are very small. This beautifully drawn story brings comfort and reassurance, showing that even when loved ones have to step away, they will always return to the nest.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A frosty winter evening brings an unexpected gathering inside a warm, quiet stable. Kind Ox is resting in his stall when stray animals begin to arrive seeking shelter from the cold. One by one, from a stray dog to a tired donkey, each guest is welcomed with the gentle promise that there is always room for a little one here.
You will feel the peaceful spirit of the season as these different creatures find harmony together under one roof. The quiet compassion shared among the animals sets the stage for a very special arrival, making this a deeply comforting story about inclusion, kindness, and the true meaning of a holy night.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Getting left behind by accident is a lonely feeling, especially as the sun begins to set. Sammy takes his favorite stuffed bunny, Tom Rabbit, out to the farm's back field to see the real, wild rabbits. But when supper time calls, Sammy accidentally leaves his toy sitting alone on the stone wall.
As the moon rises and the wild animals gather around, you will wonder what they think of this quiet, soft little visitor. The quiet farmyard takes on a different mood at night, bringing a mix of curiosity and worry. This gentle tale beautifully explores the fears of being lost and the absolute relief of being remembered and brought safely home to bed.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Making noise is fun, but making music with friends is even better. Harry the hedgehog builds himself a big drum and starts tapping out a catchy rhythm deep in the heart of Dickon Wood.
The sound is so infectious that it is not long before other hedgehogs join in to form a lively band. As you read, you will want to tap your feet and clap your hands right along with the woodland creatures. Even the animals without instruments find a way to add to the spectacular noise. This highly energetic and joyful story celebrates the simple thrill of creating an exuberant, stomping beat and sharing the fun with everyone around you.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Testing your own limits is an exciting part of growing up, especially with a supportive guide nearby. Little Bear is out exploring the forest and is determined to tackle new challenges all by himself.
From climbing a tall rock to bouncing on a bendy tree branch, he loves hearing Big Bear's encouraging praise for a job well done. You will feel Little Bear's growing confidence as he navigates the woods, as well as the sudden hesitation when he faces a tricky stream. This heartwarming story highlights the joy of independence and the comforting knowledge that a helping hand is always there when a jump turns out to be a little too wide.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Finding a playmate who shares your exact speed can be a frustrating challenge. Harry Tortoise is very, very slow, and all the other animals zip and zoom past him before he can even say hello.
All he wants is someone who has the time to play a leisurely game or simply turn around slowly with him. You will relate to Harry's search for connection as he patiently hopes to meet someone who appreciates life at a gentle pace. This charming story gently reminds you that everyone has their own unique rhythm, and that the best friendships happen when you finally find someone who matches your stride perfectly.
6-8 Years
60 Pages
A familiar path can seem totally different when strange noises fill the air. Big Bear and Little Bear are enjoying a snowy walk home when sudden, mysterious sounds begin to echo through the trees.
Plods, drips, and plops make the wintery woods feel like a very scary place to a small cub. You will understand Little Bear's creeping fear as his imagination runs wild with unseen creatures. Luckily, Big Bear is right there to offer logical explanations for every sound and a safe piggyback ride for the rest of the journey. This cozy winter tale perfectly balances the spooky thrill of the unknown with the absolute safety of a protector's presence.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Dressing up for an adventure is only the first step of a great journey. Small Bear is feeling lost and lonely, but when he looks down at his sailor suit, he knows exactly what to do. He builds a wooden boat and sets off under the moonlight to sail the sea.
You will feel the dramatic sway of the ocean as the waters grow rough and Small Bear's tiny vessel crashes onto the shore. Shipwrecked and cold, his seafaring dreams quickly turn into a desire for safety. This gripping but gentle tale explores the thrill of a brave expedition and the immense relief of being rescued by a brand new friend.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
When the sun sets and the house goes quiet, the real adventure begins. Three brave toy animals, a monkey, a rag elephant, and a cuddly dog, slip out into the night to visit the local playground.
The swings and slides are familiar, but the deep shadows and scraggly trees make the midnight park feel a little spooky. As you follow their journey, you will experience the thrill of exploring the unknown alongside these loyal friends. They stick together through every scary noise and dark corner, proving that teamwork makes any nighttime journey easier. This gentle story captures the excitement of a daring nighttime quest while providing a comforting end that reminds you there is no place quite like a cozy bed after a long adventure.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A snowy day is the perfect excuse for a clever game of pretend. When Mommy Bear steps outside to find her babies, she is surprised to meet three mysterious 'snow bears' instead. They may be covered in white snow, but they certainly love to slide down hills and throw snowballs just like her own cubs.
You will love being in on the joke as these playful bears keep up their frosty disguise while Mommy Bear happily plays along. This delightful winter story captures the magic of playing in the fresh snow, the fun of a gentle prank, and the warmth of a cozy fire waiting at the end of a chilly day.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Stepping into a brand new environment is both thrilling and a little bit frightening. Tiny Mouse has never left the barn, so he is incredibly excited when his big sister Katy promises to take him to the cornfield.
As they venture out, everything they pass is a towering, mysterious discovery, from an old boot to a giant tractor. You will share Tiny's wonder and sudden nervousness as he encounters strange bugs, birds, and sights he has never seen before. Through Katy's patient guidance, this beautiful story perfectly illustrates the bravery it takes to explore the wide world and the comfort of having an older sibling to show you the way.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A midnight walk can turn an ordinary place into a magical memory. A young girl and her mother step out into the cool night air to visit the shoreline under the glow of a bright moon. They splash their feet in the gentle waves, leave footprints in the wet sand, and gaze at the twinkling lights of a distant town.
You will feel the quiet serenity of the beach as the dark, vast ocean is made safe and inviting by a mother's presence. This poetic and glowing story perfectly captures the peaceful bond between a parent and child, celebrating the simple, unforgettable moments spent exploring the natural world together.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Everyone knows that pigs do not swim, but a scorching summer day can change all the rules. As the sun beats down on Neligan's farm, one very hot pig sits by the water, watching the ducks and geese cool off.
The splashing gets louder and the heat gets stronger until the pig decides she simply cannot take it anymore. You will laugh out loud as she takes a massive dive into the water, shocking the entire farmyard with her spectacular splash. This incredibly funny and energetic story proves that sometimes breaking the rules is the best way to beat the heat, especially when the farmer decides to join in on the fun!
6-8 Years
30 Pages
Hatching into the world all alone is a bewildering way to start life. Little Webster J. Duck cracks out of his shell and immediately sets off on a waddling quest to find his mother.
Along his journey, he encounters a dog that goes bow-wow, a sheep that goes baa-baa, and a cow that goes moo-moo. You will root for this tiny, fuzzy hero as he tries to make sense of all the strange, friendly animals who look and sound nothing like him. This sweet and funny story celebrates the determination of a small duckling and the pure, heartwarming joy of finally being found by the one you love.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
When you are very small, the world seems to be built for people who are impossibly tall. A baby girl lives in a house full of giants: her parents, her older siblings, and her uncle. But as the years pass, she learns to walk, goes to school, and slowly grows taller and taller.
You will journey alongside her as she realizes the giants around her do not seem quite as towering anymore. This beautiful, relatable story traces the gentle passage of time and the universal journey of growing up, showing how every small child eventually steps into the giant shoes of adulthood to start a family of their own.
6-8 Years
6 Pages
By
Martin Waddell
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Pictures by
Helen Oxenbury
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Translated by
Susana Tornero Brugués
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With
Vivian French
Living on a farm is hard work, especially when you are the only one doing it! You will root for Farmer Duck, an incredibly kind and hardworking bird who cooks, cleans, and tends to the fields all by himself. Why? Because the actual farmer is much too lazy to leave his bed, doing nothing but shouting orders all day long. As Farmer Duck grows more exhausted, sleepy, and weepy, his animal friends decide that enough is enough. You will laugh and cheer as the cows, sheep, and hens hatch a brilliant, heroic plan to teach the lazy farmer a lesson he will never forget. This award-winning story is a wonderfully funny tale about teamwork, justice, and standing up for your friends when they need it most.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
