Babette Cole: some favourites
When Babette Cole died at the beginning of 2017, many authors and fans went into mourning - she was a unique and joyful voice in children's books.
Unafraid to tackle big and tricky issues with a light, hilarious touch, Babette was also prolific - creating over 70 books throughout her career. Her fantastically detailed illustrations have been just as big a part of that achievement as her words.
Unfortunately, we don't have space to list all of Babette's books, so below are just a few that we love to bits - whether that's because they broke ground at the time, had something to say, or just made us laugh really, really hard.
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Prince Cinders
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+Prince Cinders leads a hard life, bullied by his three big hairy brothers - that is, until one Saturday night when Cinders' luck changes
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Princess Smartypants
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+Princess Smartypants is rebellious, independent, and very happy being single - but her parents want her to get married and settle down! This hilarious picture book has a subversive protagonist and a strong message about choosing your own destiny.
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Princess Smartypants and the Missing Princes
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 8+A stroppy, independent-minded princess sets out to solve the mysterious disappearance of the prospective husbands of her three best friends.
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Dr Dog
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Random House Children's
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+Cole's funny illustrations demonstrate serious but easy-to-understand facts about personal hygiene, such as washing your hands, wearing a coat and not picking your nose.
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Mummy Laid an Egg!
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+This facts-of-life book has become a classic, despite its controversial subject matter. Cole firmly believed in children's right to knowledge about their own bodies and the accompanying pictures are never vulgar.
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Princess Smartypants Breaks the Rules
Author: Babette Cole
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+As with other books in the Princess Smartypants series, Cole has a lot to say here about gender stereotyping, but the book is more than a conveyor belt for politically correct messaging. The book is beguiling, compelling and droll.
