Review updated in 2025 to include new additions to the series

Cat’s Cookbook is the newest book from the Acorn Wood series by Julia Donaldson, illustrations by Axel Scheffler, the duo behind the hugely successful book The Gruffalo.  This series is much loved in the Appleseed household.

This particular book in the series features a visit to the library at the heart of the story, which was a nice addition.

The Acorn Wood books are a series of lift -the-flap books, perfect for inquisitive toddlers and children up to age 5+ featuring animals who are friends and who live in a cosy wood. The illustrations are adorable. In each book, each character has a starring role and, as she progressed through the series, Incy loved seeing the now familiar characters pop up again as a background or supporting character.

Incy has also enjoyed the other books in the series:

  1. Fox’s Socks (2000)
    Help Fox find his missing socks – the first book and Incy’s favourite
  2. Hide-and-Seek Pig (2000)
    Join Pig and Hen in a game of hide-and-seek.
  3. Postman Bear (2000)
    who has something lovely planned but he must invite everyone to it first!
  4. Rabbit’s Nap (2000)
    poor Rabbit is so tired, Incy worries will she ever get to nap?
  5. Cat’s Cookbook (2021)
    Join Cat in search of a recipe book in Acorn Library.
  6. Squirrel’s Snowman (2021)
    Help Squirrel and friends build a snowman in wintery Acorn Wood.
  7. Mole’s Spectacles (2022)
    Assist Mole in finding his missing spectacles.
  8. Badger’s Band (2022)
    Join Badger and friends for some musical fun.
  9. Dormouse Has a Cold (2023)
    Comfort Dormouse as she recovers from a cold with help from her friends.
  10. Frog’s Day Out (2024)
    Enjoy a day at the seaside with Frog and his friends.
  11. Hare’s New Dress (2025)
    Join Hare as she prepares for a dance in Acorn Wood.
  12. Who’s in Acorn Wood? (2025)
    A rhyming search-and-find story created for World Book Day 2025.
  13. Tales from Acorn Wood: A First Sticker Book (2025)
    Packed with over 250 stickers and fun activities for pre-schoolers.

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Format: Hardback

Page length: 

Published date: 2000- 2025

Publisher: Macmillon Children’s Books

Reading age: 18 months – 5 years

Try these lovely books with your littles and leave us a comment with your favourite 🙂

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