Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Age Group: EYFS

Non-fictionPicturebook

At the turn of the 20th Century, scientists and explorers were in a race to unlock the secrets of the last great uncharted place on Earth – Antarctica. This is the true story of Tom Crean, the legendary Irish explorer and crewmate of three of the most important and famous expeditions in British history – Discovery, Terra Nova and Endurance. Through his story, we discover the events that took place on these voyages which were often thrilling, inspiring and heart-breaking.

Non-fiction

In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Alexander von Humboldt, the botanist and adventurer.

As a kid, Alexander wasn’t a great student. He had a naturally curious mind, but he saw the world differently to his teachers and fellow pupils, and just couldn’t quite fit in. But when he began collecting plants as an adult, Alexander realised he’d found his passion.

From then on, he become a great explorer, travelling the world to document all kinds of plants and species. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the scientist.

Picturebook

Can one dog help a young princess learn how to become a beloved queen? The true and touching story of Queen Elizabeth II and her first corgi, Susan. As a young girl, Elizabeth’s life changed for ever when her Papa was crowned King George VI and the family moved into Buckingham Palace. But one thing has never changed: she always has her corgis at her side. This is the story of her beloved first corgi, Susan, who accompanied Princess Elizabeth everywhere she went – even secretly riding in her glass carriage on her wedding day to Prince Philip! Susan was there for Elizabeth when her Papa died and she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II, and remained at her side as a faithful companion in her early years as a Queen and later as a mother. This picture book provides a fascinating window into the life of Queen Elizabeth II from princess to beloved Queen, told through her enduring love of corgis.

Non-fiction

Explore the wonders of the past in this stunning collection of over 160 historical artefacts, from Ancient Rome to the dynasties of China. Welcome to the museum.

This rich and informative cabinet of curiosities beautifully displays objects of the ancient past. Wander from room to room to explore the magnificence of what civilisations have left behind over thousands of years of human history.

With text written by expert Jo Nelson and stunning illustrations by Richard Wilkinson, this updated edition also features a foreword by Sir Tony Robinson.

Chapter bookNon-fiction

One windy day, a magazine blew down the road. I reached out and caught it. A pretty picture of a woman was on the front cover of the magazine. She wore a short pink dress that stuck out around her in a circle. She looked very happy.

At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but was soon adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since, and after a spell as a principal dancer in New York, now dances for the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.

Beautifully and gently illustrated by Ella Okstad, Ballerina Dreams is the younger-reader edition of Michaela DePrince’s highly moving memoir, Hope in a Ballet Shoe.

Picturebook

Rose Blanche was the name of a group of young German citizens who, at their peril, protested against the war. Like them, Rose observes all the changes going on around her which others choose to ignore. She watches as the streets of her small German town fill with soldiers. One day she sees a little boy escaping from the back of a truck, only to be captured by the mayor and shoved back into it. Rose follows the truck to a desolate place out of town, where she discovers many other children, staring hungrily from behind an electric barbed wire fence. She starts bringing the children food, instinctively sensing the need for secrecy, even with her mother. Until the tide of the war turns and soldiers in different uniforms stream in from the East, and Rose and the imprisoned children disappear for ever…

Picturebook

Discover the true story about the determined engineer who fixed London’s pollution problem in this funny, accessible nonfiction picture book featuring engaging art from the illustrator of Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine.

It’s the summer of 1858, and London’s River Thames STINKS. What is creating this revolting smell? The answer is gross: the river is full of poop.

But the smell isn’t the worst problem. Every few years, cholera breaks out, and thousands of people die. Could there be a connection between the foul water and the deadly disease?

One engineer dreams of making London a cleaner, healthier place. His name is Joseph Bazalgette. His grand plan to create a new sewer system to clean the river is an engineering marvel. And his sewers will save lives. Nothing stinky about that.

With tips for how to prevent pollution today, this fascinating look at science, history, and what one person can do to create change will impress and astound readers who want to help make their planet a cleaner, happier place to live.

Picturebook

A warm and witty celebration of the lives of amazing Black women.

What will Maya be when she grows up? A rocket scientist like Annie Easley? An Olympic athlete like Alice Coachman? A brain surgeon like Alexa Canady? In this heart-warming and funny story, Maya discovers the achievements of some incredible Black women . . . but it’s a brave Nigerian princess who really captures her imagination!

This uplifting and empowering picture book is the perfect gift for any young reader.

Picturebook

A beautifully illustrated story with a gentle and encouraging message to help children deal with their worries – from the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner.

Victor the wolf has lots of worries. He worries that he isn’t brave enough, that he isn’t big enough and that he isn’t fierce enough. In fact, Victor feels anxious about almost everything. But when Victor shares his concerns with his best friend Pablo, he starts to feel a bit better. And with Pablo’s help, Victor learns even more ways to deal with those pesky worrying thoughts. And as the worries grow smaller, Victor feels a bit bigger, a bit braver, and bit fiercer inside!

Victor, The Wolf With Worries is a comforting and reassuring tale that is especially helpful for little ones who have trouble talking about their feelings.

Picturebook

A moving tale of grit, endurance and self-belief to inspire young explorers and dreamers from a stunningly talented debut.

Dr Morley is about to embark on a quest to the northernmost tip of the world, to discover a creature that everyone talks about but nobody has ever seen: The Giant Arctic Jellyfish. After years of research and hard graft, she gathers together a highly trained crew and a boat full of specialist equipment, and sets sail for the vast icy scapes of the Arctic. Will she find what she is searching for? Or will it find her?

From debut author-illustrator Chloe Savage comes a beautifully detailed adventure into the unknown, sure to captivate the imagination of young explorers.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments