The theme of Children’s Book Week 2009 is words and pictures, so to celebrate, we have collected reviews of ten books in which words and pictures work really well together.

This list reflects the fact that books with pictures are not just for the very young; Diary of a Wimpy Kid (one of this year's Booked Up choices) mixes cartoon and text to hilarious effect, while Shaun Tan's sensitive, thought- provoking work will appeal most to teenagers and adults. 

Find out about these books and more below...

  • Box of Tricks

    By Katie Cleminson

    Winner of the 2009 Best Emerging Illustrator at the Booktrust Early Years Awards.
    Box of Tricks review

  • Wolves

    By Emily Gravett

    This picture book from the 2009 Children's Book Week illustrator, is an absolute joy.
    Wolves review

  • Penguin

    By Polly Dunbar

    Ben is given a penguin as a present. However, try as he might he cannot get a reaction from his inscrutable companion.
    Penguin review

  • Handa's Surprise

    By Eileen Browne

    Glorious images of an African village in a story told as much through pictures as through words.
    Handa's Surprise review

  • Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

    By Andy Stanton

    Mr Gum is a very nasty man. He is mean, cruel, smelly and ruthless and has a dastardly plan to make money out of Padlock the bear.
    Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear review

  • The Story of Tracy Beaker

    By Jacqueline Wilson

    Tracy's story is told as a series of diary entries, liberally illustrated with doodles and drawings from the pen of Nick Sharratt.
    The Story of Tracy Beaker review

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid

    By Jeff Kinney

    I am really enjoying this book because of the humor and the funny Illustrations my favourite part is about the smelly cheese and if you touch it you get the cheese touch...
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid review

  • The Graveyard Book

    By Neil Gaiman

    Bod finds himself brought up in a graveyard by ghosts – an array of century-spanning characters who care for him.
    The Graveyard Book review

  • Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

    By Tony Lee

    Robin Hood: a living legend. His real life and true identity may have been shrouded in mystery for over 800 years but the essence of the man has never died.

    Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood review

  • Tales From Outer Suburbia

    By Shaun Tan

    This beautifully illustrated book of short stories, explores the unexpected and fantastical situations that occur behind an average suburban façade.
    Tales from Outer Suburbia review