Ed Vere Picture Book Collection by Ed Vere 6 Books Collection Set - Ages 3–7 - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Grumpy Frog
How to Be a Lion
Mr Big
Bedtime for Monsters
Banana!
The Getaway

Format: Paperback

Overview:
This six-book Ed Vere collection brings together six of Vere’s most beloved, boldly illustrated picture books in a single, approachable paperback set. Each title combines bright, energetic artwork with warm, accessible storytelling that welcomes early readers and storytime audiences alike. From Grumpy Frog’s gentle misadventure to The Getaway’s cheeky caper, the books share a common thread of kindness, empathy, and courage—delivered with humor that lands with children and adults alike. Vere’s distinctive style—clean lines, punchy color blocks, and expressive characters—invites kids to participate in the narrative, predicting emotions and dialogue as the pages turn. This set is ideal for families building a home library, classroom libraries needing reliable read-aloud options, or gifting young readers with a curated, high-spirited reading journey rooted in social-emotional learning.

What This Collection Covers:
Across six stories, Ed Vere explores friendship, belonging, and the many ways to be brave. Grumpy Frog learns that apologies can mend moments of disappointment; How to Be a Lion celebrates quiet courage and unconventional friendships; Mr Big shows that strength isn’t the only measure of a friend when first impressions mislead; Bedtime for Monsters playfully twists suspense into a tender bedtime moment; Banana! uses the simple “please” as a key to better communication and sharing; The Getaway follows a lovable mischief-maker through a humorous city-chase, underscoring wit, wit and teamwork. The collection emphasizes everyday social skills—sharing, asking nicely, accepting differences, and choosing kindness—delivered in a format that supports beginner readers and developing listeners alike. Readers will find familiar emotional beats, fresh takes, and a cohesive voice that makes this set feel like a charming, interconnected library of moments to discuss and revisit.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Grumpy Frog A small frog who loves green, hops with gusto, and relishes winning—until a wobble in fortune and an encounter with a Pink Rabbit challenge him to reconsider what it means to be content. The story dives into the power of apology, compromise, and friendship, with brisk pacing and bold visuals that invite readers to cheer for growth as Grumpy Frog learns to share the spotlight and say sorry when needed. The humor lands with warmth, and children will relish the twist that reframes a “grumpy” moment as a chance to grow. The artwork amplifies the emotions, making every page turn a little performance piece for emerging readers.

How to Be a Lion Leonard the lion isn’t interested in roaring or bossing others; his best friend is Marianne the duck, which invites questions about who can be a “real” friend. When external pressure and bullies threaten their bond, Leonard and Marianne discover that courage isn’t loudest but kindest—the choice to speak up for what matters and to protect a friend by choosing empathy over fear. This tale blends humor with a tender defense of individuality, teaching children that strength can be gentle and that true friendship thrives on respect and honesty, even in the face of opposition.

Mr Big Mr Big is unapologetically large and mighty, yet his appearance often frightens others and keeps companionship at bay. He longs for acceptance and a circle of friends who appreciate him for who he is inside, not how he looks. The story beautifully flips expectations, revealing a soft-hearted side beneath a formidable exterior. It’s a gentle testament to self-acceptance, showing that kindness, patience, and a big heart can win over even the most wary peers—an encouraging message about looking beyond appearances.

Bedtime for Monsters A monster shuffles closer at bedtime, tummy growling and eyes wide, threatening a scary bedtime chase. Yet Vere delivers a warm pivot: the “snack” isn’t you, but a bedtime kiss and a comforting goodnight. This suspenseful, playful tale uses rhythm and repetition to ease bedtime jitters while celebrating affection, reassurance, and the security of a parent’s or caregiver’s presence—perfect for calming anxieties and ending the day with laughter.

Banana! One small monkey’s desire for a banana triggers a sequence of clever tricks and tricksier emotions, guiding readers through a gentle lesson in manners and respectful bargaining. The monkey discovers that the magic word—please—transforms the conversation, turning frustration into cooperation. Lively illustrations and concise text make this a perfect beginner-reader exploration of social tact, patience, and the joy of sharing, all wrapped in bright, appealing design.

The Getaway The Fingers McGraw, infamous for cheese heists, leads a playful downtown pursuit as Chief Elephant and friends track small clues through a cityscape of bold shapes. The humor is lighthearted and the stakes fun, inviting kids to follow the trail and predict outcomes. The story celebrates wit, timely teamwork, and the idea that clever, kindly choices are the best kind of getaway—one that ends with a satisfying, friendly resolution.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This six-title collection is ideal for parents and caregivers building a home library, teachers stocking a classroom’s picture-book shelf, and gift buyers seeking a cohesive, high-appeal set for emerging readers. Perfect for storytime, bedtime routines, and independent reading practice, the books foster emotional literacy—from recognizing feelings to choosing constructive responses. The shared voice and bold visuals make it easy to introduce discussions about kindness, friendship, and resilience, while giving children a reliable, engaging entry into practical life lessons through fun, memorable characters. It’s a wonderful way to nurture a child’s love of books and conversation at the same time.

Key Benefits:

• Six beloved Ed Vere titles in one affordable Paperback collection
• Bold, expressive illustrations that support early decoding
• Rich social-emotional themes: friendship, empathy, courage
• Ideal for read-aloud sessions and independent reading alike
• Great for storytime, classrooms, and gift-giving occasions
• Supports conversation about feelings, behavior, and positive communication

About the Author:
Ed Vere is an award-winning author and illustrator renowned for his playful, emotionally intelligent picture books. His work blends bold color, crisp line work, and relatable characters to help young readers understand feelings and social dynamics. How to Be a Lion, a staple in many libraries, is among his most celebrated titles, having earned recognition at Oscar’s Book Prize. Vere’s books—loved for warmth, humor, and accessibility—invite children to explore bravery and kindness in everyday moments. This collection showcases his consistent voice and distinctive visual approach across six stories, making it a perfect introduction to his enduring storytelling style.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
A complete Ed Vere reading journey in one hand, this collection delivers a reliable, joyful reading experience that families will return to again and again. Children meet a cast of charming creatures who model thoughtful behavior while engaging in playful adventures. The consistent tone and artwork across all six titles create a cohesive reading experience that supports early literacy, emotional development, and confident discussion about feelings, friendship, and problem-solving. It’s an inviting, durable gateway into Vere’s world of warmth, wit, and wonder.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.