Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

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Age Group: KS1

Picturebook

A breathtaking picture book about incredible animal migrations, illustrated by the winner of the 2019 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Jenny Lovlie.

Over the cold, mirrored waters of the Arctic, a tiny tern sets off on the world’s longest animal migration. On her way, she passes humpback whales, caribou, Canada geese, leatherback turtles and monarch butterflies, each on their own incredible journey south for winter. When the Arctic tern finally arrives, she must find a new home on the Antarctic shore . . . until it’s time to return to the northern skies once again.

A beautiful, lyrical and reassuring bedtime story, perfect for young animal lovers, with a map and double-page spread of non-fiction facts at the end.

Picturebook

Shama and Bahama Llama can’t wait for winter – skating, snowballs, hot chocolate . . . and best of all, the Winter Woolly Party!

But when The Big Freeze suddenly arrives they discover that their jumpers are in a sorry state! Cue a major panic as everyone sets out on a wild race to Granny Brock’s Jumper Shop to nab the perfect woolly jumpers.

Will they make it to the top of the queue before she sells out? Or will they learn that sometimes the only way to get what you want is to work together?

The perfect winter warmer, with a gentle message about working together and a light environmental touch.

Picturebook

Discover birds who survive winter against all odds in this poetic, gorgeously illustrated picture book.

Snowflakes whirling, snow-flocks swirling, streaks of white twirl through the night…

You’ve heard of birds who migrate to warmer climates in the wintertime-but what about those who persevere through snowy weather and freezing temperatures? With elegant verse and striking illustrations, Snow Birds salutes the brave and resourceful birds who adapt to survive the coldest months.

Picturebook

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.

New York Public Library’s #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time”

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.

Picturebook

It was almost winter and Bear was getting sleepy. But first, Bear had a story to tell . . . And so Bear sets out to tell his friends, but with winter fast approaching they are all far too busy to listen. By the time Bear is through helping his friends get ready for winter, will anyone still be awake to hear his story?

Non-fiction

Young children can explore and discuss the season of winter with this beautiful non-fiction picture book. Very simple text, high frequency and decodeable words and strong art-to-text matching make this a perfect book for early readers. It also features questions to encourage readers to relate the information to their own experiences.

It is part of the series ‘I Love the Seasons’ which helps young children aged 4+ to discover the seasons. The books are great for seasonable topics and projects in the early years.

Best Books for Each Year Primary Group

NEWLY updated – April 2024!

Each of our Year Group Recommended Reads lists contains 50 books specially picked out for reading for pleasure in each primary year group, from Preschool to Year 6. The lists are designed to provide recommendations of age-appropriate and accessible books across a range of genres and styles.

When we put together each list, we look for a balance across different genres and styles. Some children naturally navigate towards non-fiction, while others find graphic novels or poetry the most enjoyable forms to pick up and read. Each list contains a balance of age-appropriate fiction, picturebooks, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels, with a handful of novelty or tactile books added in too. We’ve also aimed to collate lists that cater for different reading styles, interest levels, publication dates (you’ll find some true golden oldies as well as brand new titles on each list) and also books that contain a diversity of characters and settings. This way, schools using our lists can offer children access to a wealth of quality reading choices to enjoy.

Each Year Group Booklist comes with a printable poster and checklist and is also available to purchase as a full book pack from Peters.

 

Non-fiction

A comprehensive exploration of football, covering players, teams, stadiums and competitions through a mix of illustrations, photographs, maps and diagrams. Follow the story of how football began, learn about World Cup winners, meet some of the top players and discover amazing facts and figures in this action-packed atlas.

Picturebook

Jackson lives and breathes football – he knows all the players, the fixtures, the scores. Then, one grey stormy day, Jackson kicks his ball, and it goes up … and up … and UP! All the way to the moon! Overnight, Jackson becomes an international footballing sensation, and before you know it, he’s kicked ALL of the Earth’s footballs into space. The moon-folk – the aliens! – don’t know the rules of the game, but they become football mad all the same. It’s up to Jackson to bring football home…

Non-fiction

Filled with quizzes, stats and little-known facts, plus illustrated and told with all the fun of a Tom Gates novel, the Football Superstars series is perfect for young readers five and up.

Is Lucy Bronze your ultimate football heroine? The current England lionesses vice-captain is a three-time Women’s Champions League champion with superclub Lyon. She is a two-time French League winner and also earned third place for England at the Women’s World Cup in 2015.

Playing in her best position as a roving right-back, Bronze loves to get forward on the pitch and has scored some sensational volleys in huge matches for club and country! Her story is one of defying the odds: she overcame career-threatening knee injuries and was told she would never again play for England to become one of the finest and most-decorated English players in women’s football. An inspiration to young girls and boys alike.

The Football Superstars series is aimed at building a love of reading from a young age, with fun cartoons, inspirational stories, a simple narrative style and a cast of characters chipping in with quotes, jokes and comments.

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