Books by Anna McQuinn

Anna McQuinn is a celebrated children's author whose warm, inclusive stories have delighted families and educators alike. Best known for her Lola and Leo series, she captures everyday experiences with empathy and gentle humour, introducing young readers to the joy of books, friendship, and discovery. Her writing is notable for its clear, engaging language and its focus on diverse characters and relatable themes.

Drawing on years of experience as a librarian and early learning specialist, McQuinn crafts picture books that encourage curiosity and confidence in early readers. Each title is thoughtfully designed to support language development and foster a lifelong love of reading, making her work a trusted choice for parents, teachers, and libraries across the UK and beyond.

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72 products


  • Lulu's First Day

    Alanna Max Lulu's First Day

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisEveryone's favourite reading role model is back! Book-loving Lulu is excited to start pre-school. It will be like storytime at the library, but she will stay by herself. Everyone gets up super early to make sure they are ready. There's so much to do at pre-school: Lulu makes a new friend, reads, plays dresses up and builds and sings. In no time at all, Mummy is back to collect her. Lulu's First Day is the perfect picture book to prepare the little ones for the pre-school experience.Trade ReviewBooks For Topics Lulu is going to pre-school for the first time. She has visited school before with Mummy, but this time she will go on her own. She's excited, but a bit nervous. She gets dressed, packs her bag and makes sure she has her cat Dinah with her. When Lulu gets to school, she quickly settles and makes a friend with Mummy watching close by. When Mummy leaves, Lulu is nervous. Will she find the courage to head off to play again? And how will she feel when Mummy returns to pick her up? This simple story tells of a little girl's first day at pre-school. It tells of the preparation, the activities the pre-school session includes and the end of the day. With colourful pictures with scenes and activities that many children will recognise from their own nursery settings I am sure that young children will empathise with Lulu on her first day. The language used is accessible to young children as a group story read by an adult, with some words that will challenge and expand their vocabulary, such as 'huge' and 'exhausting', offering opportunities to talk about the meaning of new words. As a teaching text, I would use this story at the start of the year as part of a 'Welcome to Nursery' unit, as children could be given opportunities to talk about any toy they use to comfort themselves (just like Dinah in the story), the things they like to do at school and how they feel about being in school without their parents. It could also be used when a new child starts in a setting to encourage other children to think about how they might feel coming in for the first time. ;Jill Bennet Lulu is starting pre-school and she’s already been well prepared. There have been lots of story time sessions at the library, a visit to the school, and special gifts from Nana and Tayo that she’ll use regularly for school.She’s even chosen her clothes for the next day and packed extras in her new bag – just in case.The big day dawns, everybody is up early and with a pause for a quick photo, off she goes with her mum. There’s a warm welcome from her teacher and Lulu is soon enjoying all that nursery has to offer.Almost before you can say, ‘circle time’, there she is on the carpet with all her friends and the grown-ups are waiting outside eager to hear of those new experiences. Yes, its’ been a tiring day, but Lulu can’t wait for tomorrow …With all the reassurance that little ones need, Anna McQuinn and Ros. Beardshaw present the pitch perfect book for those who, like Lulu, are about to take those next steps into pre-school.; Read it Daddy Our favourite booky girl is back, and it seems like only yesterday Lulu was getting ready to head to Nursery.But now, like a lot of children (and in particular one of C's cousins) she's ready for big school. In "Lulu's First Day" by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw, Lulu is wondering what school will be like. Will it be lots of play and lots of booky fun like Nursery? Will she make new friends? Lulu is excited but a tiny bit nervous as well, but luckily her family are on hand to reassure her - and everyone gets up super-early to make sure Lulu's first day is a special one. For many kids, it's quite an anxious time moving from Nursery to Pre-School then eventually to school proper, and this book beautifully captures those moments with a huge huge dose of feelgood reassurance. School is going to be so much fun for our booky little girl! Sum this book up in a sentence: A perfect introduction to school life for kids who love reading about plucky booky girls, and Lulu is definitely one of our favourite characters in early years books.

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Lulu Loves Flowers

    Alanna Max Lulu Loves Flowers

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisWhen Lulu reads Mary, Mary Quite Contrary in a book of garden poems, she wants to grow some flowers herself. Being Lulu, she has to do some research first. She gets gardening books, chooses the best flowers to grow, buys seeds and plants them. Then she has to wait...While she is waiting she makes a flower book, collects silver bells, beads and shells to decorate the garden like the rhyme and even makes a 'Mary Mary' doll! When her flowers have grown, she bakes some cupcakes and invites her friends to see it. Whew! Lulu Loves Flowers; encourages indoors and outdoors activity, covers spending time with both parents, promotes love of reading and visiting librariesTrade ReviewThe Guardian - Family Book Reviews Reviewed by Katherine & Magnus (aged 3) Lulu loves Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary and decides to grow her own flowers next to her mummy's vegetables. This lovely story describes how Lulu gets books out from the library to find out more about flowers, plants them and waits for them to grow. It's a great inclusive book that shows children doing the everyday things they find wonder in and young readers can really relate to what's happening. We also loved that Lulu uses her library to find out more about flowers. Highly recommended for all little gardeners! Children's Books Ireland - reviews The Lulu books always contain references to stories, and Lulu Loves Flowers is no exception. Little Lulu, inspired by the nursery rhyme 'Mary, Mary, quite contrary', goes to the library and chooses a book to tell her how to plant and grow flowers. After buying and planting the seeds she busies herself making decorations to add to her garden. The story has a surprise ending with a new story/poem about Mary, Mary. The picture book is beautifully topped and tailed by rhyme. Early Years Educator Magazine This is a lovely story of learning, sharing, enjoying creation friendship and fun. It is a perfect resource to subtly encourage positive messages around cultural diversity too... one of those resources to have within your continuous provision to support children's positive attitudes around difference.

    15 in stock

    £11.39

  • Lulu Loves Flowers

    Alanna Max Lulu Loves Flowers

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisWhen Lulu reads Mary, Mary Quite Contrary in a book of garden poems, she wants to grow some flowers herself. Being Lulu, she has to do some research first. She gets gardening books, chooses the best flowers to grow, buys seeds and plants them. Then she has to wait...While she is waiting she makes a flower book, collects silver bells, beads and shells to decorate the garden like the rhyme and even makes a 'Mary Mary' doll! When her flowers have grown, she bakes some cupcakes and invites her friends to see it. Whew! Lulu Loves Flowers; encourages indoors and outdoors activity, covers spending time with both parents, promotes love of reading and visiting librariesTrade ReviewThe Guardian - Family Book Reviews Reviewed by Katherine & Magnus (aged 3) Lulu loves Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary and decides to grow her own flowers next to her mummy's vegetables. This lovely story describes how Lulu gets books out from the library to find out more about flowers, plants them and waits for them to grow. It's a great inclusive book that shows children doing the everyday things they find wonder in and young readers can really relate to what's happening. We also loved that Lulu uses her library to find out more about flowers. Highly recommended for all little gardeners! Children's Books Ireland - reviews The Lulu books always contain references to stories, and Lulu Loves Flowers is no exception. Little Lulu, inspired by the nursery rhyme 'Mary, Mary, quite contrary', goes to the library and chooses a book to tell her how to plant and grow flowers. After buying and planting the seeds she busies herself making decorations to add to her garden. The story has a surprise ending with a new story/poem about Mary, Mary. The picture book is beautifully topped and tailed by rhyme. Early Years Educator Magazine This is a lovely story of learning, sharing, enjoying creation friendship and fun. It is a perfect resource to subtly encourage positive messages around cultural diversity too... one of those resources to have within your continuous provision to support children's positive attitudes around difference.

    15 in stock

    £8.54

  • Zeki Gets A Checkup

    Alanna Max Zeki Gets A Checkup

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisZeki is never daunted by new experiences. Daddy and Mummy prepared him well, so he's excited to show the doctor all the things he can do now he's a big boy: drinking from a cup; standing; clapping; playing; eating and being ever so brave. He well deserves the book and sticker he gets at the end for being such a good boy! In this third title in the Zeki books series, the author brings attention to the importance of preparing little ones for a doctor visit captured by the beautiful and reflective illustrations. She points out a baby's developmental milestones and creates awareness of what needs to be observed. It is a family guide for baby's first doctor visit as well as being entertaining.Trade ReviewBookTrust, This new addition to the inclusive Zeki series mark developmental milestones for toddlers of Zeki's age, such as drinking and eating independently. It is an ideal book to share with little ones of the same age, whether by parents, carers, nurseries or health practitioners.; Books for Keeps - Elizabeth Schlenther A warm and happy picture book that shows us a loving black family experiencing a normal everyday happening in the life of any family with young children. While a paperback, the paper is very strong, and the fact that the corners are rounded will make it difficult for young children to poke themselves or others in the eye. An excellent book for families and for surgery waiting rooms - good for toddler groups as well.; Jill Bennett's Reviews of Children's Books Lulu's little brother is now a playful toddler drinking from his own cup and feeding himself. It's the day he's going for a health check and having helped pack his bag, Daddy and the infant are ready to visit the clinic. Once there they have to wait their turn so Zeki is glad he's got his favourite Mister Seahorse to play with. Zeki is happy to show what he can do; he's weighed and measured, has his eyes, ears and heart checked and is given a jab to help him stay healthy. He leaves with a well-deserved sticker, a new book and a cheery farewell wave from the health practitioner. Full of warmth, reassuring, and as with all the books in this series, inclusive and beautifully portrayed. Definitely one to add to the bookshelves of those with toddlers be that at home or in a nursery setting

    15 in stock

    £6.99

  • Zeki Loves Baby Club

    Alanna Max Zeki Loves Baby Club

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisShare the delight of a day with Zeki and his mummy! From when he wakes up in the morning, Zeki and his mummy fill their days with giggling, building dens, yoga, cycling, snacking, splashy painting and reading. At the end of the day, Mummy's hugs are the comfiest. This sweet companion to Zeki Loves Daddy is a perfect celebration of mother love for every day as well as for special days like Mother's Day.Trade ReviewZoe Toft, This brilliant and empowering book all about one young child's enormously enjoyable visit to a toddler group deserves to be in every preschool child's home. It shows kids of all sorts enjoying stories, songs and being sociable with their carers. It's inclusive and diverse. It's also helpful and constructive (including words for all the rhymes sung and links to videos so you can learn melodies and actions). An authentic, warm and positive reflection of toddler life, let's find ways to get this book into every care setting, library, and health visitor's clinic! EYE Early Years Educator, Absolutely Gorgeous and 'scrumdiddliumptious' in every possible way, from illustrations, simple text and curvy writing to the content, this book is a delight from start to finish. Short, fun and colourful, babies and toddlers will just love singing some of the songs at the back and recognising the familiar experience of going to 'baby club'. There is singing, stretching, clapping, wriggling and 'zooming to the mooning!" Jill Bennett All in all, this charmingly illustrated, sturdy book is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a simple story with the very youngest and to have a wonderful sing-along session too. A great choice to give to new parents.

    15 in stock

    £6.99

  • Zeki Can Swim

    Alanna Max Zeki Can Swim

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisAge range 0 to 3 Swimming lessons are such fun! Zeki and his friends swish and swoosh, splish and sploosh.Zeki, is back in a new adventure at the pool. Zeki and Daddy go to swimming class where they kick, bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee of unforgettable fun and builds a foundation for water safety.Trade ReviewMeryl, EY Consultant, LL reviewer Letterbox Library, Zeki is back...and this time, Dad has taken him to the pool! Swim nappy on, this little fish is all ready for the toddler/parent swim class with its kicking, splashy sing-along and water piggybacks!. "I loved this book! Lovely topic, lovely families, lovely images, just lovely! Rich diversity on every page".; Parents in Touch Daddy is going to take Zeki to his swimming lesson tomorrow, so it's time for a splash around in the bath first. The book describes and illustrates just what little ones can expect to happen in their swimming lesson, so it makes a great introduction before the first lesson, which can be quite scary for a young child. Then it's time to get dressed and have a snack in the cafe as the new friends get together. It's great to see the variety of families depicted, and the sheer exuberant joy which shines through the pictures will make swimming lessons very enticing - as well as being essential to ensure children learn water safety.; Zoe Toft Takes a situation familiar to so many young families - baby swim classes - and makes it into a lovely storybook that little ones will love sharing with their grown-ups. I love the diverse range of families, making this a great read for _everyone_. How great, too, to see that it's Dad who takes baby swimming (and is seen reading to the child, as well as enjoying a well-earned coffee & cake in a cafe after swim group!). Cheerful, colourful illustrations with lots of warmth and smiles perfectly capture happy family and friends time. Delightful!

    15 in stock

    £6.99

  • Zeki Loves Mummy

    Alanna Max Zeki Loves Mummy

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisShare the delight of a day with Zeki and his mummy! From when he wakes up in the morning, Zeki and his mummy fill their days with giggling, building dens, yoga, cycling, snacking, splashy painting and reading. At the end of the day, Mummy's hugs are the comfiest. This sweet companion to Zeki Loves Daddy is a perfect celebration of mother love for every day - as well as for special days like Mother's Day.

    Out of stock

    £6.99

  • Zeki Loves Daddy

    Alanna Max Zeki Loves Daddy

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisShare the delight of a day with Zeki and his daddy! From when he wakes up in the morning, Zeki and his daddy fill their days with tickles, pancakes, dancing, playing and reading. And when it's time to sleep, Daddy's hugs are the snuggliest. This sweet companion to Zeki Loves Mummy is a perfect celebration of daddy love for every day - as well as for special days like Father's Day.

    15 in stock

    £6.99

  • Alanna Max Lulu's Sleepover

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu is excited about her first sleepover at cousin Hani’s house. She chooses what to bring then off she goes. The day with Hani is packed! They play in the garden and make water pictures. After lunch, (when Lulu tries cucumbers for the first time!) they dress up and watch a movie. When it’s time for bed, Auntie Almaz shares a special story about when she and Lulu’s daddy were little. Sleepovers are an important rite of passage for young children who will be reassured by this gentle story and will love watching the little cousins play together.

    15 in stock

    £11.39

  • Zeki Rise and Shine

    Alanna Max Zeki Rise and Shine

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAfter a big sleep, it's time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he's ready for anything! An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • Zeki Sleep Tight

    Alanna Max Zeki Sleep Tight

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisAfter a busy day, it's time for Zeki to slow down... One by one, his senses get ready to sleep. The room is hushed, the lights low - and after a dozy story, he's already beginning to nod off. A gentle companion to Zeki Rise & Shine, this is a perfect way to end the day.

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Zeki Goes To The Park

    Alanna Max Zeki Goes To The Park

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisZeki and Mummy are off to the park to cool down. They meet up with Zeki's friend Yu and her mummy. Zeki and Yu play, dig in the sandbox, play on the splash pad and have a picnic. A perfect summer celebration, an energetic companion to Zeki Hikes with Daddy.

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Zeki Hikes With Daddy

    Alanna Max Zeki Hikes With Daddy

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisZeki and Daddy are off on a hike! They explore the trail, from tall trees to tiny leaves and everything in between. Zeki gets up close to nature – he finds smooth stones, delicate feathers and slow snails! An exciting day of discoveries and an energetic companion to Zeki Goes to the Park.Trade ReviewWith its simple, descriptive language, rich sensory details and gentle repetition, Zeki Hikes with Daddy is another gorgeous addition to the Alanna Max collection. A perfect little read-aloud with younger children, McQuinn and Hearson display their magically innate touch for capturing those vital early learning, shared experiences. In turn, they celebrate the importance of family closeness, creating moments that will stay with us forever. Mathew Tobin, Senior Lecturer in English and Children’s Literature, Oxford Brookes University.

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Lulu's Nana Visits

    Alanna Max Lulu's Nana Visits

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu loves when her Nana visits and can't wait for all the family fun. The family spends the week shopping for presents for family back in Tanzania, having dance parties, and making special mandazi doughnuts. Nana-Bibi tells Lulu about all the things she used to do with her Nana.

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Lulu Loves Stories

    Alanna Max Lulu Loves Stories

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu loves stories, and the books she reads inspire her to be many things: from a fairy to a farmer, a mummy to a monster, a tiger to a tiny pilot...Trade ReviewThe irrepressible Lulu returns in another book-loving story, superbly illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. There is plenty here - Dad as primary carer and a girl who can switch between fairy and DIY expert effortlessly! LETTERBOX LIBRARY Librarians and teachers are all too aware of the importance of having multicultural faces in books unfortunately, many of these have been somewhat dull. With the wonderful Lulu books, we have characters so exuberantly and joyously portrayed in words and pictures that diversity is not what one first notices. THE READING ZONE The paintings are charming, Lulu is a delight... an audio CD which has an introduction followed by the story being read in English and then in each of 18 other languages. As a family sharing or as a teaching or library activity resource, this is both delicious and full of wonderful possibilities.' SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

    7 in stock

    £11.69

  • Lulu Loves Stories

    Alanna Max Lulu Loves Stories

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu loves stories, and the books she reads inspire her to be many things: from a fairy to a farmer, a mummy to a monster, a tiger to a tiny pilot...Trade ReviewThe irrepressible Lulu returns in another book-loving story, superbly illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. There is plenty here - Dad as primary carer and a girl who can switch between fairy and DIY expert effortlessly! LETTERBOX LIBRARY The paintings are charming, Lulu is a delight... an audio CD which has an introduction followed by the story being read in English and then in each of 18 other languages. As a family sharing or as a teaching or library activity resource, this is both delicious and full of wonderful possibilities.' SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

    15 in stock

    £8.54

  • Zeki Rise And Shine

    Alanna Max Zeki Rise And Shine

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisAfter a big sleep, it's time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he's ready for anything! An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.Trade ReviewZeki has woken up fresh and bright-eyed, welcoming readers into his home. The familiarity of this adorable read-aloud is sure to get young ones chatting and engaging with these joyful illustrations. A great little book exploring routine and family. Filza, Mama Filz, mamma_filz, Instagram - Lush additions to the Zeki series! Flow along with Zeki's nighttime routine and then watch him burst into the next morning. McQuinn's text is a pleasure to read aloud-phrases pop, snap and surprise. Zeki doesn't dress; he 'shimmies' into his clothes; he doesn't wake up; he 'shakes' awake; his bubble bath is soaking in 'smells of dark forests'; a bedtime book is a 'dozy story'. Hearson's snuggle-soft illustrations journey through the books- the 'lemon-yellow sun' carries through to the bright yellows of Zeki's jelly shoes, his bib, his puppet duck. The animal toys and motifs in Zeki Sleeps Tight reappear in a different form. A smiley snail is first a pull-along toy and then dangles from Zeki's crib mobile. A fluffy sheep flops on the floor and ends up in a special Zeki spoon on the final page. Surely the best book friends to start and end a toddler's day! Fen Coles, Letterbox library. Not For Profit Bookseller, LetterboxLib, Twitter

    15 in stock

    £21.24

  • Lulu Meets the Bees

    Alanna Max Lulu Meets the Bees

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu is really excited! She is off to visit beekeeper Auntie Zora to meet her bees. Lulu wears a special suit to get up close: she sees the queen bee, the workers and even the baby bees. She tastes the honey- it is sweet and sticky, and delicious. It inspires Lulu to do what she can to help the bees.

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Zeki Eats Out

    Alanna Max Zeki Eats Out

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisZeki is going out for lunch with Daddy and Nana G. He has been playing 'restaurant' with his toys, so he knows how to behave. At the restaurant, Zeki sits in a special chair, chooses what to eat and waits very nicely for Bruno to bring the food. And there's mango gelato for dessert - what could be better.

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Lulu Gets a Cat

    Alanna Max Lulu Gets a Cat

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu really wants a cat. But Mummy says pets are a lot of work, so Lulu is eager to find out more... She reads all about cats at the Library. She takes care of her stuffed toys and shows Mummy how responsible she can be. When she finally gets to adopt a little cat of her own, Lulu knows just what to do.

    15 in stock

    £8.54

  • Lulu Gets a Cat

    Alanna Max Lulu Gets a Cat

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisLulu really wants a cat. But Mummy says pets are a lot of work, so Lulu is eager to find out more. She reads all about cats at the Library. She takes care of her stuffed toys and shows Mummy how responsible she can be. When she finally gets to adopt a little cat, Lulu knows just what to do.

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Zeki Goes To The Market

    Alanna Max Zeki Goes To The Market

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisZeki, let's go to the market! The stalls are a feast for thesenses: spices for Zeki to smell, honey buns to taste,belly butter to touch and oodles of noodles to take home.It's a busy and tasty day!

    15 in stock

    £7.59

  • Lulu Moves Home

    Alanna Max Lulu Moves Home

    15 in stock

    15 in stock

    £11.69

  • Barefoot BabyProof If Youre Happy and You Know It

    Barefoot Books Ltd Barefoot BabyProof If Youre Happy and You Know It

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £5.99

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