Books About Girls’ Football
Following the meteoric rise in popularity of girls’ and women’s football over the past few years, we are delighted to bring you this list of the best books featuring girls’ and women’s football teams. From historical fiction to non-fiction texts written by some of today’s brightest footballing stars, this list has something to offer all […]
You Have the Power: Find Your Strength and Believe You Can
Join Leah Williamson, captain of the England women’s football team, as she shows you that you can be a leader at any age, and that huge things can happen when you believe in yourself!
The Dream Team: Charligh Green vs. The Spotlight
A heart-warming, inclusive and funny new story about three big F’s: friends, following your dreams and football! Hi! I’m Charligh, and one day I’m going to be a big star. I’m full of PIZZAZZ after all, and everyone I’ve ever met tells me I’m unforgettable. In a good way, I think . . . I’ve […]
Girls FC 4: Is An Own Goal Bad?
Join Girls FC as they show the world what it really means to play “like a girl”! “Hi! We’re twins Dylan and Daisy McNeil. We’re meant to write the match-reports for our football team, but we keep getting muddled – our granny says we’re something called ‘dyslexic’…” Daisy and Dylan love playing football, but their […]
Birdsong
The blackbirds’ song uplifts and restores in this captivating novella from one of the most exciting voices in children’s fiction. After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she’s always loved. She exists in a world of angry silence – furious with her mum and furious […]
Bertie and the Alien Chicken
Bertie is NOT looking forward to spending the summer holidays on stinky Long Bottom Farm. But things take an interesting turn when he encounters Nugget, the alien chicken. Nugget’s mission is to find the Earth’s most important resource and transport it back to Nurgle 7, and he needs Bertie’s help. But what could the Earth’s […]
Meg and Merlin: Making Friends
Meg treasures every moment that she gets to spend riding, and she has always longed for a pony of her own. She knows Mum and Dad can’t afford a pony – they can’t even afford her weekly riding lessons any more. But on the morning of her tenth birthday, Meg looks out the window to […]
The Broken Dragon
Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and […]
Bad Nana: That’s Snow Business!
The third book in the wickedly funny series for ages six and up from the creator of Where Bear?, Pass It On and the Pom Pom series, with colour illustrations throughout. Hi! I’m Jeanie – still 7 ¾ years old, and back for another adventure with my BRILLIANT grandma BAD NANA. There’s a local winter […]
Trailblazer: Lily Parr, the Unstoppable Star of Women’s Football
A truly inspiring story. What an incredible talent Lily was! – Steve Wilson, Match of the Day Lily is one of the most talented footballers of her time but, when football is banned for women, she has to battle prejudice to play the sport she loves. Based on the incredible true story behind English football […]
Resist: One Girl’s Fight Back Against the Nazis
As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement. After the murder of her beloved uncle and the […]
Bear and Bird
Bear didn’t really like the painting. I mean, look at it. But he liked Bird a lot, and it would remind him of her… Bear and Bird are best friends! And while they don’t always understand each other, they both agree: all they want is to make the other happy. So, when Bear forgets to […]
Hurly Burly: Macbeth Mayhem
Fair is foul and foul is fair … bestseller Ross Montgomery returns with a laugh-out-loud, perfectly pitched introduction to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Beth has been looking forward to the Prizegiving Assembly all year. She’s won best-behaved pupil two years in a row and is confident that she’ll triumph again for a third time. But as preparations […]
Fortune’s Fools: A Romeo Roller Coaster!
Top school athletes Dom and Blake have been best friends for ever – B and D, D-Dog and B-Unit, the Cool Combo … But with Sports Day approaching, their friendship is suddenly under threat. Mr Fortune, their headmaster, has pitted the school houses against each other by naming them after characters from his favourite Shakespearean […]
Our Beautiful Game
A stand-out novel inspired by the incredible true stories of female football legends like Lily Parr and Alice Woods. They can take our ball, but they can never stop the game. Polly Nabb is no stranger to trouble. When her brother Joe is sent to serve in the trenches, all Polly wants is to kick […]
Key Player
MIA TANG IS PLAYING TO WIN! The Women’s World Cup is coming to California, and everyone has football fever – especially Mia! But when her PE teacher gives her a C, Mia has to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It’s not so easy when… 1. Th two teams are […]
Lionesses: European Champions (Ultimate Football Heroes – The No.1 football series): The Road to Glory
The story of the Lionesses from the No.1 football series – over 1 million copies sold. Celebrating the success of the phenomenal Lionesses, this book follows four key players in their journey from the playground to the pitch, as they prepare for the biggest match of their lives. Learn how star players Lucy Bronze, Ellen […]
ROAR: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Sport You Love
DREAM BIG. PLAY THE GAME YOU LOVE. LET THEM HEAR YOU ROAR. Football hero Beth Mead grew up playing football on the pitches of North Yorkshire. She went on to become a football champion, role model and Golden Boot winner at the 2022 European Championships. She’s here to help you find your sporting passion, work […]
Kicking Off: Dick, Kerr Girls
The remarkable story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies is brought to young readers for the very first time by award winning and CILIP Carnegie nominated Eve Ainsworth. It’s 1917, and Britain is at war. Shy teenager Hettie wants to help the war effort, and signs up to work in the local Dick, Kerr & Co. […]
Finding Her Feet
A shy but talented footballer navigates challenging friendships and anxiety at school in this touching tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth. Lily always feels a little bit left out. Shy and anxious, she finds school really hard, particularly as most of the other girls all seem so confident. Most of the time, Lily wishes that […]
When Poems Fall From the Sky
Nominated for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration. Original, inspiring and intimate, When Poems Fall From the Sky marries science and poetry to create a tender and thoughtful love-letter to Earth promising children a riot of imagination, humour and joy – the perfect book to celebrate National […]
Autism Awareness
Autism Awareness Booklist Browse our booklist of recommended children’s books that foster awareness and understanding of autism. Our selection of books offers a range of perspectives on neurodiversity, exploring different experiences of autism including personal accounts and experiences of supporting family and friends. Books and stories can play an important role in raising awareness and […]
Ted Rules the World
Ted thinks there’s something fishy going on. Ever since his birthday when he got a special loyalty card at the local shop, all his great ideas are being thought of by the new Prime Minister too. Now there’s laws about walking to school and everyone has Mondays off! Could the shop’s market research lady have […]
Princess Sophia Duleep Singh
My Story: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh – the thrilling story of the princess and suffragette. Born in Britain to Indian and Egyptian parents, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a prominent suffragette and campaigned for the women’s right to vote. Explore Sophia’s incredible life with My Story. Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about […]
The Space We’re In
Frank is ten. He likes cottage pie and football and cracking codes. Max is five. He eats only Quavers and some colours are too bright for him and if he has to wear a new T-shirt he melts down down down. Sometimes Frank wishes Mum could still do huge paintings of stars and asteroids like […]
Speak Up!
For fans of Click and Brave, this touching coming-of-age middle grade graphic novel debut follows an autistic girl who finds friendship where she least expects it and learns to express her true self in a world where everyone defines her by her differences. Twelve-year-old Mia is just trying to navigate a world that doesn’t understand […]
Me and My Fear
When a young girl has to travel to a new country and start at a new school, her Fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn’t understand their language? A heart-warming and relevant new tale from the bestselling author and illustrator of The Journey, this […]
Roar Like a Lion
Inspirational, uplifting and an utter delight’ M.G. Leonard, author of Beetle Boy Life can be tricky. You have school, homework, hobbies and friendships to juggle . . . and all the time you’re trying to work out what sort of person you want to be. Do you know who can help you? A lion. A […]
Happy From Head to Toe: A journey through the body to help you find your happy
From bestselling author, broadcaster and founder of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton. Did you know that your belly can bring you joy, and your hands can make you calm? And that’s not all. Your body and mind are connected in so many incredible ways that you might not even realise! From the tips of your toes […]
Night Shift
A UK nomination for IBBY’s List of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 2019 A groundbreaking picture book on depression with stunning illustrations. With stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori examines how depression affects one’s whole outlook upon life, and shows that there can be an […]
The Fantastic Book of Feelings: A Guide to Being Happy, Sad and Everything In-Between!
Get to know all your feelings and how to look after them in this positive and practical guide from beloved author-illustrator Marcia Williams. How do you feel today? Whether you’re happy, sad or anything in-between, this book is the perfect guide to understanding and celebrating all your feelings! In colourful comic-strip stories, explore a whole […]
Sheep School
A thwarted thespian must use his talents to save his flock from a woolly situation in this hilarious gem from bestselling children’s author Ross Montgomery. William the lamb just can’t stand still. His feet are always tapping, ready to dance, and he loves nothing more than bursting into song. But his talents aren’t always appreciated […]
The Princess Rules: The Mammoth Adventure
Princess Florizella may live in a classic fairy-tale world, but she’s no ordinary princess… This third volume in THE PRINCESS RULES series sees the feisty princess take her baby brother and best friend, Bennett, on another round of adventures together. Can they rescue their new-found friend the sea serpent from a travelling circus? And hold […]
Mr Dog And The Kitten Catastrophe
A brand new young fiction series by TV broadcaster and intrepid explorer Ben Fogle, inspired by his real-life animal experiences… Co-written with best-selling children’s author Steve Cole. When Mr Dog meets a reckless young wildcat called Angus in the woods he soon makes an important discovery – a whole group of exotic animals are being […]
Matilda
Roald Dahl’s much-loved Matilda has become a classic children’s story, made popular through film and musical adaptations. Matilda Wormwood’s father thinks she’s a little scab. Matilda’s mother spends all afternoon playing bingo. And Matilda’s headmistress Miss Trunchbull? Well, she’s the worst of all. She is a big bully, who thinks all her pupils are rotten […]
Freddy And The New Kid
Hey! I’m FREDDY. And I’m a super-powered ROBOT! There’s a new kid at school. She’s called AOIFE and she’s SUPER annoying. The worst thing is . . . she thinks HUMANS are better than ROBOTS! There’s only one way to prove her WRONG. A CONTEST! Which I’m definitely going to WIN . . .
Artemis Fowl
Join the world of Artemis Fowl, the number one bestseller by Eoin Colfer. AT JUST TWELVE YEARS OLD, ARTEMIS FOWL IS A CRIMINAL GENIUS. No scheme is too dastardly, no plot too devious. And he’s just discovered that fairies are real. Poor fairies. But these are not the cuddly creatures of bedtime stories. They are […]
A Rabbit Called Clover
The fourteenth in a fantastic series of animal stories for younger readers by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon. Jasmine’s dad is a farmer, and her mum is a vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, […]
Pizazz Vs Everyone
The fifth book in the SUPER (like, actually, with powers and stuff) new series for readers aged 7+ from the amazingly talented illustrator and author Sophy Henn! Brimming with Sophy’s hilarious illustrations, this is the perfect read for fans of Dork Diaries, Tom Gates, Amelia Fang, Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. BEING A SUPERHERO IS […]
Unbelievable Football
Think you know everything about the Three Lions and the Lionesses? Have you heard of . . . *The naughty pitch-invading dog that stole the show at the 1962 World Cup? *The English amateurs who achieved Olympic Gold? *The spy who snuck into training? *The Lost Lionesses who made it big in Mexico? *The infamous […]
The Boss Of Everyone
Imagine if you got to be the boss of EVERYONE—even your dad! That’s just what happens to 10-year-old Joss in this hilarious comedy from bestselling author, comedian and presenter Danny Wallace, with illustrations throughout from Gemma Correll. Ten-year-old Joss’s greatest ambition is to be Class Monitor at school. But she’s about to go one step […]
The Day My Family Disappeared
Home Alone meets Adrian Mole in this hilarious madcap adventure from the bestselling author of I Swapped My Brother on the Internet. Bob Bunyon is fed up. In a family full of artists and performers, he’s the one with no talent, the one bypassed by the creativity gene – and his four siblings just won’t […]
Last One Standing
Videogame-obsessed Flo and her best friend, Max, get more than they bargained for when they find themselves INSIDE their favourite games! Crammed on a plane flying over the dramatic landscape of Last to Leave, Flo and Max get a shock as they are suddenly parachuted out. The game has begun! As they navigate challenging terrain […]
You Can Do It
Never underestimate your actions – even the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. That’s the power of kindness. From Marcus Rashford MBE and Carl Anka, the bestselling authors of You Are a Champion, comes the eagerly-awaited inspiring and positive follow-up, You Can Do It: How to Find Your Voice and Make a Difference. Marcus […]
How To Be A Human
Who said friends have to match to matter? When the Star Boy’s space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school’s boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room’s small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by. The Star Boy […]
My Pet Goldfish
A charming Nature Storybook all about looking after goldfish – inspired by the author’s own pet fish. My Pet Goldfish is a delightful picture book with facts by the Greenaway Medal-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner. The child narrating this story has been given their first ever pet: a tiny fish with shimmering scales and bright beady […]
Smile Out Loud
A new compendium of happy poems to read out loud, from award-winning author Joseph Coelho.
Daisy And The Trouble With London
This laugh-out-loud Daisy adventure for readers of Year 2 and beyond is from bestselling author of the Oi Frog series, Kes Gray. Here comes trouble! Daisy is off to actual, actual London for the day. Nanny and Grampy are taking her to see the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and lots more. The […]
Unipiggle: Unicorn Muddle
Meet the princess who loves breaking the rules and her Royal Unicorn, who happens to be a pig! A madcap new adventure series for 6-8 year olds, perfectly bridging the gap from picture books to chapter books, from award-winning author-illustrator Hannah Shaw, filled with pictures in all the colours of the rainbow and interactive extra […]
Meet The National Animals
Meet the National Animals is a playful and humorous look at the animals all around the world who represent their country. Why do they represent the particular country and what is so special or symbolic about them? Featuring over 35 amazing animals, from the mystical Scottish Unicorn to China’s much-loved Giant Panda and the wonderful, […]
Up Close
Did you know that the world’s biggest tongue belongs to the blue whale? Or that the snub-nosed monkey’s nostrils point upwards, and when it rains it makes them sneeze? From paws to claws, tongues, teeth, tails and more, compare the biggest and the smallest animals (and all the others in between) in this illustrated exploration […]
Courage Out Loud
From the fantastic duo behind Poems Aloud and Smile Out Loud comes another compendium of 25 original confidence-building poems to read out loud which will show children that their voice has FANTASTIC power. From multi-award winning poet and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho comes 25 more brilliant, sparkling and truly original poems for children, specially […]
The Glass Slipper Academy
Jump into a thrilling new series about fairy-tale heroines, ninja moves and epic adventures in this debut book perfect for children aged 5+ CAN THEY SCARE OFF ALL THE BADDIES? Nothing very exciting EVER happens in the town of Hobbleton. Then Red, Snow and Goldie are trained up as fairytale ninjas, and find that anything […]
The Starlight Stables Gang
The first in a fun and heartwarming new adventure series for animal-mad 8-12 year olds. Fans of Clare Balding and Jacqueline Wilson will love this fun and heartwarming new adventure series for animal-mad 8-12 year olds from superstar equestrian influencer Esme Higgs!
Major and Mynah: Operation Raven
When Bo sneaks into Callie’s bag on her school trip to the Tower of London, she and Grace struggle to keep him a secret. But when precious treasure is stolen from the Jewel House, having a Spy in the Sky comes in handy. The second hilarious instalment in the Major and Mynah series.
The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship
The highly-anticipated sequel to The Proudest Blue; a NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER which explores sisterhood, and kindness, from trailblazer and Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad. I want a kind world. A world where kindness passes from one to another. When Faizah’s teacher asks her class to imagine what kind of world they want to live in […]
The Treasure Hunters
A gripping, page-turning mystery adventure from the bestselling author of modern classic The Goldfish Boy When lonely Vincent is forced to go on an outdoor activity weekend with three other kids from his class, he’s counting the seconds until he can escape home. But one of his classmates is hiding a secret: she’s convinced there’s […]
Xanthe & the Ruby Crown
A stunning children’s novel from the Costa Award-winning author of Asha & the Spirit Bird. This story follows archaeology-obsessed Xanthe as she uncovers her family’s secrets. Xanthe loves visiting her gran in her flat with its rooftop garden. But Nani is becoming forgetful – and Xanthe wishes she could help her, if only she knew […]
Shakespeare for Everyone: Discover the history, comedy and tragedy of the world’s greatest playwright
Travel back 400 years to visit rowdy theatres and royal palaces to understand what it was like to live in Shakespeare’s Elizabethan England and the influence it had on his ground-breaking work. This book charts Shakespeare’s phenomenal talent and peeks behind the curtain at his most famous plays, from tragedies such as Romeo and Juliet […]
Human 2.0: A Celebration of Human Bionics
Imagine being able to hear for the first time, or see in full-colour, or take your first steps on Earth. This incredible book celebrates the remarkable achievements made in medical engineering, and offers a glimpse of what the future might hold for humanity. Pioneering technological breakthroughs have truly changed lives. For some people, particularly those […]
The Boy Who Made Monsters
A one-of-a-kind tale of love, loss, laughter and hope, from award-winning author Jenny Pearson. Benji McLaughlin is a visionary. He believes in things other people think are impossible, like that he and his brother Stanley will be happy living with their uncle, and that the Loch Lochy monster is real, and that his parents will […]
Portraits and Poison
The second book in the thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven’s Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton and inspired by real Black British historical figures. The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger has been shortlisted for the Waterstones 2023 Children’s […]
Billy and the Giant Adventure
One pinch of adventure, a dash of friendship, a sprinkle of mystery and a HUGE spoonful of magic . . . Jamie Oliver, bestselling author and internationally renowned chef, delivers the perfect recipe for a page-turning children’s fiction debut! Billy and his friends know that Waterfall Woods is out of bounds; strange things are rumoured […]
The Stories Grandma Forgot (And How I Found Them)
From an award-winning poet comes a gripping mystery. “Grandma Farida has Alzheimer’s – but I’m going to help her remember a huge secret…” Twelve-year-old Nyla’s dad died when she was four, or that’s what she’s been told. So when Grandma Farida insists she saw him in the local supermarket, Nyla wonders if Grandma is simply […]
The Thief of Farrowfell
Welcome to a fantasy world where edible magic is the hottest commodity, traded between those who can pay or – in the case of Jude Ripon, the youngest thief in Farrowfell – those who can steal it! An epic debut series from a FAB Prize winner. Twelve-year-old Jude Ripon has never been taken seriously by […]
Amazing Facts King Charles III
Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with this fascinating book of facts about Charles, his mother Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, his childhood, hobbies, home and his new royal role – perfect for 8+ and fully illustrated throughout! Did you know? Charles is passionate about the environment. He was the first royal to go […]
The Boy Who Would Be King
A beautifully illustrated full-colour tribute to King Charles III, published to mark his coronation – from the bestselling creators of There Once Is a Queen. There once was a boy who was going to be king one day . . . From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our […]
King Charles III: Celebrating His Majesty’s Coronation and Reign
Celebrate Britain’s newest monarch, King Charles III, and uncover his fascinating story in this kids’ biography, from the publisher that brought you Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration. Charles has been heir to the throne since he was three years old, but what do we know about our new king? Come along as we embark […]
A Life Story: King Charles III
King Charles III: environmental activist, monarch and head of the Commonwealth. Read all about the life of King Charles III, from his early days at boarding school and watching his mother become queen to his dedicated work as an environmental activist and becoming king himself, this book will take you on a royal tour through […]
Our King Charles
Did you know the king powers his car with cheese? Or that he was the first royal to have rescue dogs in Buckingham palace? And that he likes to shake hands with trees? Discover everything there is to know about King Charles III in this beautifully illustrated book. Readers will learn about Charles’ childhood as […]
Agents of S.U.I.T.
From John Patrick Green, the creator of the side-splitting InvestiGators series, comes Agents of S.U.I.T. – the first in a full colour, laugh-out-loud graphic novel series perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey! Meet Cilantro the Chameleon! Newly appointed Agent of S.U.I.T!* Cilantro finally has a chance to prove herself . . . but her […]
Celebrations Around the World: The Fabulous Celebrations you Won’t Want to Miss
Embark on an exciting journey through the most interesting and important festivals, celebrations, and holidays enjoyed by people around the world. Stunning original illustrations and fascinating facts will inspire and inform children about cultures and religions from a huge range of countries. Witness a camel marathon in a celebration of the Sahara Desert, munch on […]
Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali
The perfect picture book to introduce children aged 6+ to Rama and Sita and the story of Diwali, with text by award-winning author Malachy Doyle and stunning, colourful illustrations from Christopher Corr. Rama and Sita live happily in the forest – until Sita is kidnapped by the demon king, Ravana. Can Rama and the monkey […]
The Miracle of Hanukkah
The Miracle of Hanukkah is the perfect picture book to introduce children to the story and traditions of Hanukkah, with text by award-winning author Malachy Doyle and stunning, colourful illustrations from Christopher Corr, the talented team behind Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali. King Antiochus has destroyed the temple and city because the Jews […]
Hanukkah
It’s time to celebrate Hanukkah! Light the menorah. Sing songs and eat tasty treats. During Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, Jews remember a war they won. This allowed them to freely practise their beliefs.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan is an Islamic holy month. During this holiday, many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, read from the Quran and pray. Others help the poor, hang lanterns and make crafts and decorations. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.
Diwali
Diwali is about celebrating! It honours the Hindu story of Rama and Sita. To celebrate this Festival of Lights, people light lamps, watch fireworks and dance. Others might exchange cards and presents. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.
Celebrate With Me!: Recipes, Crafts and Holiday Fun from around the World
This joy-filled collection of recipes, crafts, stories and games celebrates festivals and holidays all around the world. Celebrations happen in many different ways. Have you ever decorated a tree at solstice, cooked dumplings for Mother’s Day or made a paper dragons for Lunar New Year? A book to help us learn about other cultures, connect […]
Mog’s Birthday
Share in fifty years of a really remarkable cat… A special birthday story to celebrate fifty years of MOG, everyone’s favourite family cat! It’s Mog’s Birthday and everyone is excited to celebrate! Everyone except Mog. Mog doesn’t like birthdays or parties, and she especially doesn’t like them both together. But will she change her mind […]
To Carnival!: A Celebration in St Lucia
The sights, sounds and tastes of vibrant Saint Lucia come to life in this cumulative #OwnVoices tale of a girl’s journey to Carnival. When a series of unexpected delays disrupts her journey to the big parade, Melba must adjust both her expectations and her route to the festivities. Who will she meet and what will […]
Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest
Princess Minna loves to sort out mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom! In this full-colour, illustrated chapter book, join her on a funny, exciting adventure to wake a sleeping prince and much more – all in time for tea. Princess Minna lives in Castle Tall-Towers with the King and Queen, Raymond the Wizard and her […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Murder Most Unladylike
If you like Murder Most Unladylike, try these… The Murder Most Unladylike books form a series of children’s murder mystery novels written by Robin Stevens. Popular with children aged 9-12, the stories follow the adventures of two schoolgirls who set up their own detective agency. Fans of the Murder Most Unladylike series enjoy the stories’ […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Dog Man
If you like Dog Man, try these… The Dog Man books form a wildly popular children’s book series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey. The series features a half-dog, half-human police officer who fights crime and saves the day in the city. Written in a graphic novel format with comic-style illustrations and speech bubbles, these […]
Operation Banana
Susan is worried about her mum. She’s struggling with long hours at her job in the factory and it’s a long time since they’ve heard from Susan’s dad, who’s on the front line in North Africa. Everything is in short supply in London, but Susan decides she’s going to cheer her mum up by getting […]
Budgie
A lost little budgie brings together a young neighbour and his seemingly grumpy older neighbour in this touching Little Gem from award-winner and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. Mr Buxton is always having a go at Miles and his friends for climbing the trees outside their tower block. Miles thinks he’s just a grumpy old man […]
What It Was Like to be a Viking
The Vikings were a terrifying force that changed history across the globe – from Canada all the way to Iraq. But they were merchants as well as marauders, explorers as well as adventurers. The greatest seafarers and shipbuilders of their age, they were also skilled metalworkers and artists, farmers and fishermen, healers and herders. They […]
Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer
Kofi had an idea….one big lightning bolt of an idea that hit him like electricity. And all it needed was Kelvin’s incredible memory for words. Kofi is used to stuff going wrong, he’s usually in detention or about to be. But when he finds out his best friend Kelvin has a photographic memory, he comes […]
The Boy Who Saved a Bear
A boy and a bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives! From the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant comes another brilliant escapade. The fourth thrilling adventure set in a fictional Sri Lanka is jam-packed with peril, thieves and a terrifying bear! Nuwan works at the library, delivering books. […]
My Life on Fire
A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania, by the bestselling author of Ella on the Outside. Ren’s family lose their home in a fire. They’re living with her grandmother now and things are a bit tense. Ren lost her collection of things, her clothes; her brother lost his […]
The Time Machine Next Door: Scientists and Stripy Socks
A page-turning, laugh-out-loud historical adventure by comedian and podcaster Iszi Lawrence, perfect for fans of Horrible Histories. Time flies when you’re having fun. But what does it do when you’re not? Sunil and his extraordinary Auntie Alex are back for another hilarious adventure as they whizz through time. But Auntie Alex’s time machine has started […]
Quiet Storm
No matter how quiet it is, you’ve got a voice, Storm. You should use it to speak up for yourself. Storm has never liked to stand out from the crowd, but ever since she started Year 7, her life has been full of people telling her she needs to speak up, make friends and be […]
How Many Mice Make An Elephant? And Other Big Questions about Size and Distance
How Many Mice Make an Elephant? And Other Big Questions about Size and Distance introduces children to this tricky maths concept in a fun, relatable way. Fantastically written by Tracey Turner, questions such as ‘How many high jumps to the moon?’ and ‘How many ice cubes make an iceberg?’ get children to think about just […]
The Great Barrier Reef
A captivating illustrated introduction to The Great Barrier Reef, written by renowned Oceanographer and author, Helen Scales. Illustrated by up and comer Lisk Feng, this is perfect for intrepid young snorkelers or children curious about the world under the sea. With nearly 400,000 square kilometres of dazzling colour, intricate ecosystems and unique creatures large and […]
When I’m Gone: A Picture Book About Grief
When someone you love has died there will be sad days and angry days but also happy days and fun days. Nobody lives forever … and some wish they could have stayed for longer … This sensitively-written and deeply-moving picture book will help children grieve, celebrate and learn how to live and love life when […]
Can You Get Rainbows in Space?
A colourful compendium of space and science. Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? Why is the world ‘going green’? Is the sky really blue? And what is ultraviolet light? You’ll discover the answers to these questions – and many more – in this incredible collection of scientific facts about […]
How To Be More Hedgehog
Lily has a stammer. The signal between her brain and her mouth is all messed up – and it’s getting worse. When a video of her practicing her class presentation is uploaded onto YouTube – head thrust forward, eyelids fluttering, lips stretched wide – Lily’s nightmare begins. Cyberbullying, kids at school whispering, even best friend […]
The Sour Grape
The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Lottie Brooks
If you like Lottie Brooks, try these… The Lottie Brooks books by Katie Kirby are hugely popular with preteen readers. This hilarious illustrated series explores the daily ups and downs of growing up, including facing puberty, navigating friendships, dealing with first crushes and all of the embarrassing moments that come with handling school and family […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Bunny vs Monkey
If you’re looking for books like Bunny vs Monkey, try these… The Bunny Vs Monkey series by Jamie Smart has become a popular favourite with children. The stories started as part of the Phoenix Comic and have now been made into a book series of their own. Teachers in the BooksForTopics community have told us what […]
It Starts with a Bee: Watch a tiny bee bring the world to bloom
With lyrical text and enchanting illustrations, It Starts with a Bee takes you on a journey through the seasons as you follow a busy bee pollinate a wild garden. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, the bee tends to the flowers and plants. As the seasons change and the garden blooms into a wildlife wonderland, the […]
All Four Quarters of the Moon
Everything so far, if Peijing had to sum it up, was a string of small awkward experiences that she hoped would end soon. The night of the Mid-Autumn festival, making mooncakes with Ah-Ma, was the last time Peijing remembers her life being the same. Now facing a new home, a new school and a new […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Isadora Moon
If you like Isadora Moon, try these… The Isadora Moon books by Harriet Muncaster are widely popular with young readers just taking the leap into independent chapter books. With easy-to-read text and stylish two-tone illustrations, this short, illustrated series hits the sweet spot as a first chapter book collection for many children in the 5-8 […]
Yellowstone
Encompassing more than 2 million acres of protected land, Yellowstone is home to a rich variety of wildlife including species like the grizzly bear, wolf, bison and wolverine. Readers will discover the rainbow waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the tallest geyser in the world and discover how life in the park survives in the […]
Floodland
A gripping, prizewinning novel about a girl surviving in a devastated world. Imagine that a few years from now England is covered by water, and Norwich is an island. Zoe, left behind in the confusion when her parents escaped, survives there as best she can. Alone and desperate among marauding gangs, she manages to dig […]
The Story of Climate Change
The Story of Climate Change introduces one of the most important issues facing our world today, and tells you what you can do to help make a change! Combining history with science, this book charts the changes in our Earth’s climate, from the beginnings of the planet and its atmosphere, to the Industrial revolution and […]
A Climate in Chaos
You’ve probably heard about climate change. At least I hope you have – because it’s REALLY IMPORTANT. It affects all of us living on Planet Earth right now, and everyone and everything that will live on our planet in the future. Our world is warming up, and it’s a big problem. Award-winning author-illustrator Neal Layton […]
The Adventure Club: Polar Bear Patrol
Do you like exploring, animals and adventure? Then join The Adventure Club! A new illustrated series for younger readers about animals and adventure from much-loved author Jess Butterworth – writer of classic adventure stories in vibrantly described settings. It’s time for the third Adventure Club trip, and this time Tilly and the Adventure Club are […]
The Lights that Dance in the Night
In this wonderfully festive picture book, Yuval Zommer imagines the Northern Lights’ fleeting journey from space to Earth and how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below.
Song of the River
Times are tough for Cari and her mum. A violent storm has flooded the valley where they live, destroying their home and café business. Things seem bleak – but hope appears in the form of a plan to reintroduce beavers into the area, as the changes that these amazing animals make to the waterways might […]
Rainforest Warrior
A fascinating tale of one of the first well-known environmental activists, Chico Mendes, who fought tirelessly to save the Amazon rainforest as well as fighting for people’s rights. This is the story of Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper and environmentalist. He fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest, and advocated for the human rights of […]
The Where on Earth Book of Rainforests
Go on a journey through the world’s rainforests, from the Amazon rainforest to Costa Rica, answering questions such as why on Earth does it rain so much? Where are there forests in the clouds? And how can a tree cure disease? Along with many others. It looks at medicines, monkeys, poisonous snakes, venomous spiders, stinky […]
Let’s Save the Amazon
Discover why we must protect the Amazon from climate change. Bursting with all kinds of life, the Amazon is one of the most incredible places on Earth. This richly illustrated picture book brings to life this extraordinary region for young children, exploring its tropical rainforest and scenic landscapes. It showcases the lush wildlife, diverse communities […]
Good Dog Lion
A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Timo and his mother do not have much money – in fact, they have almost none. But that does not matter too much, because Timo has his mother and she […]
The Lion Roars
Jimi dreams of playing in the all-white kit of the Lions of Senegal but he can’t see how his dream will ever come true. Even though he is the best footballer in the region, the bigger boys never let him play with them. But can he change their minds? With huge support from his family, […]
Too Small Tola
Three delightful stories about Too Small Tola, a young girl who, though small, is very determined. Tola lives in a flat in Lagos with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmummy, who is very bossy. Tola proves to be stronger than she seems when she goes […]
The No. 1 Car Spotter
Oluwalase Babatunde Benson is No. 1. He’s the No. 1 car spotter in his village. The No. 1 car spotter in the world! The start of an exciting new series about the irresistible No. 1, whose hobby is car spotting but who is good at solving all sorts of problems for his village. When the […]
The Mountain Rescue Dog
A young girl heals from grief and loss in the snowy Highlands of Scotland, with the help of her loyal, trusting rescue dog. Clova’s life changes forever when her mother, who was a search and rescue volunteer, dies tragically in an avalanche. Her grieving father withdraws and life at home feels lonely, until the day […]
Majestic Mountains: Discover Earth’s Mighty Peaks
Which animal lives on top of the Everest? Where can you spot the majestic condor? How does the ibex climb up rocks? Mountains are home to 25% of terrestrial biodiversity and a multitude of fragile ecosystems. What if you could fly and discover those places and the incredible wild animals hidden at high altitude? This […]
Courage In a Poem
This is a book of poetry for everyone. Inside is a treasure trove of writing celebrating courage and empowerment. Read the poems aloud or curl up with them in a quiet corner. Begin your journey into a lifelong love of poetry. Inspire young minds with this beautiful poetry anthology that encourages children to take joy […]
The Boy Who Lied
Ed Clayton is a liar. It started when his dad went to prison and now he can’t seem to stop. When his younger brother, Sam, goes missing one day, nobody believes Ed when he says he can’t remember what happened. He’s used to going without, but living without his brother is impossible. With the police […]
Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy
A thrilling and empowering WWII adventure about the French resistance and their British allies, with a determined, Muslim heroine. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll, and those looking for diverse historical fiction. July, 1941. Rosina Raja is half-Indian and half-English. She has always lived in India, so when her mother passes away […]
The Tide Singer
In the wake of a tempest hitting her town, Morwenna is left to take care of a stranger washed ashore. The storm is just another of many that have plagued the town for years – people blame the tide singers, legendary sea people who are said to charm storms with their singing. Morwenna has never […]
The Awakening Storm (City of Dragons 1)
Grace and her friends must protect a newly hatched dragon from mysterious evildoers. When Grace moves to Hong Kong with her mum and new stepdad, her biggest concern is making friends at her fancy new boarding school. But when a mysterious old woman gifts her a dragon egg during a field trip, Grace discovers that […]
Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear
Written by scientist and environmental activist Trang Nguyen, Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is an inspirational graphic-novel adventure, based on a true story about a young conservationist who overcomes the odds to save a sun bear. When Chang discovers a bear farm near her home in Vietnam, she decides to do everything she […]
The Boy Who Grew a Tree
Nature-loving Timi is unsettled by the arrival of a new sibling and turns to tending a tree growing in his local library. But there is something magical about the tree and it is growing FAST… and the library is going to close. Can Timi save the library and his tree, and maybe bring his community […]
All to Play For
Lewis loves football more than anything else in the world, so he’s thrilled when his talent is spotted by a local coach. But there are some big obstacles in his way. His mum doesn’t want him to have anything to do with the game because of what happened to his dad on the pitch. And […]
Max and the Midknights
Join Max’s quest to become a knight in this laugh-out-loud New York Times bestselling adventure! Max wants to be a knight – too bad that dream is about as likely as finding a friendly dragon. But when Max’s uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Gastley, Max has to act . . . and […]
There’s a Beast in the Basement!
Chaos and mayhem reign as Izzy and her friends take on another hilarious (mis)adventure. There’s no such thing as an ordinary day at school when they’re around… Izzy and her friends overhear their head teacher talking about “missing treasure” and “running out of time”. They know this means there’s TREASURE buried in the school somewhere […]
Agatha Oddly: The Secret Key
Meet thirteen-year-old Agatha Oddly – a bold, determined heroine, and the star of a stylish new detective series. Agatha Oddlow has been a detective for as long as she can remember – she’s just been waiting for her first big case. And nothing gets bigger than saving the City of London from some strange goings-on. […]
A Girl Called Justice: Book 1
Missing maids, suspicious teachers and a snow storm to die for… For a fearless girl called Justice Jones, super-smart super-sleuth, it’s just the start of a spine-tingling first term at Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. For fans of Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine and Enid Blyton. When Justice’s mother dies, her father […]
Emily Lime – Librarian Detective: The Book Case
EMILY LIME is the one and only Librarian Detective! As Assistant Librarian (and a pupil!) at St Rita’s School, she’s got the sharpest mind going. And she’s going to need it! There’s been a bank robbery in town, a break-in at the school and a dastardly villain is on the loose. With the help of […]
Lori and Max
Lori wants to be a detective, but so far the most exciting mystery she has solved is the disappearance of her nan’s specs down the side of the sofa. Max is the new girl at school and Lori is asked to look after her. Max is odd. She doesn’t fit in – but then, Lori […]
Murder At Twilight
When Viv has a fight with Noah, she doesn’t think it’ll be the last time she sees him. But when she gets back from school, he’s nowhere to be found and there are police cars everywhere, lights flashing and sirens blaring. Viv is sure Noah’s run away to get attention. But it’s really cold, and […]
The Amazing Edie Eckhart: Book 1
Hello! My name is Edie Eckhart and I’m eleven years old. I’m a little bit different. I have a disability called cerebral palsy, so I talk slowly and fall over a lot. It’s never really bothered me because I’ve never known anything else. Edie Eckhart is Excited with a capital E to start secondary school […]
Invisible Emmie
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer L. Holm, Invisible Emmie is a humorous and surprising debut graphic novel by Terri Libenson, creator of the internationally syndicated, Reuben Award-winning comic strip The Pajama Diaries. This is the story of two totally different girls— quiet, shy, artistic Emmie popular, outgoing, athletic Katie —and how their […]
Best Friends
Gemma and Alice were born on the same day and have been devoted best friends ever since. Despite Gemma’s larger-than-life personality and Alice’s quieter, calmer character, the two are inseparable – until Alice has to move house, all the way to Scotland. Gemma is utterly distraught, particularly at the thought that Alice might find a […]
Oliver and the Seawigs
A lively, gorgeously illustrated story from Dynamic Duo, Reeve and McIntyre! Along with his new friends, a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid, and a friendly island called Cliff, Oliver goes off in search of his missing parents. But before he can put his rescue plan into action there’s the evil Stacey de Lacey and […]
Midnight Magic
Black cats born at midnight Are different indeed A mischievous, odd And peculiar breed In the middle of winter, three kittens are born in a barn. Two are ordinary, but the third, jet black and born on the stroke of midnight, is brimming with magic from whiskers to tail – even sparking life into a […]
Magical Kingdom of Birds: The Sleepy Hummingbirds
To the Keeper of this Book – it’s time for you to visit the magical Kingdom waiting within. Believe in yourself – that will give you wings to fly! When Maya receives a special colouring book – The Magical Kingdom of Birds – she is transported to a beautiful realm filled with magnificent birds and […]
Ballet Bunnies: The New Class
Learning to ballet dance is harder than Millie expected. The other dancers in the class aren’t very nice to her either. But just when she’s thinking that maybe ballet isn’t for her after all, Millie meets the ballet bunnies! They live hidden in the ballet school, using what they find to make their home-ballet shoes […]
Greenwild
The thrilling first book in the most extraordinary new fantasy series of 2023. Open the door to a spellbinding world where the wilderness is alive and a deep magic rises from the earth itself . . . Daisy Thistledown has recently escaped from boarding school and has a mystery to solve. Her search for her […]
The Time Tider
Mara and her dad have lived in their van for as long as she can remember. Whatever her father does to scrape a living has kept them constantly moving and Mara has never questioned it. That is until she uncovers a collection of notes addressed to ‘the Tider’, an individual responsible for harvesting lost time […]
Agent Moose 3: Operation Owl
Agent Moose and Owlfred are back and better than ever! Strange flash floods are making waves all over the Big Forest! When Madame HQ is nabbed right out of a very wet Woodland HQ, Agent Moose and Owlfred must wade through clues to get her back and stop the mystery criminal making a big splash […]
Vita & the Gladiator
A rip-roaring Roman mystery from Historical Association Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick. Vita longs to write the plays that she steals off to watch – but as the daughter of a high-born Roman, her only future is marriage. When her father is murdered, everything changes. She escapes with her life – only to end […]
The Swifts
A hilarious new mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket. On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas. So what […]
City of Stolen Magic
A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent. India, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out. More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea – to England […]
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
From the superstar author of The Hate U Give comes a thrilling fantasy for readers aged 9+. It’s not easy being Remarkable in a world where standing out is dangerous… Nic Blake is a Manifestor. All she wants is to learn the Gift, so she can be as powerful as her dad … until she […]
My Name is Sunshine Simpson
Meet Sunshine Simpson – a brand-new best friend for 9+ readers! Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. Sunshine Simpson’s larger-than-life Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures, but unfortunately BAD LUCK has a habit of coming her way. Her new friend Evie is fast becoming a FRENEMY, her home […]
The Nowhere Thief
A mind-bending multiverse adventure about theft, family, and finding your home. Twelve-year-old Elsbeth has an extraordinary power: she can travel to parallel worlds and bring objects back with her. But as freak weather events become more frequent and a strange boy, Idris, starts to turn up everywhere she travels, she has to ask herself: does […]
Adventuremice: Otter Chaos
Meet Pedro. He’s tiny, but while looking for a BIG adventure he is rescued by the ADVENTUREMICE – a brave, determined team who keep all the Mouse Islands safe from harm. Pedro’s dream is to show he’s heroic enough to join their ranks. And he soon gets the chance to prove himself, when a big […]
The Stickleback Catchers
Mimi adores her wild, fun, full-of-life gran. Then Gran starts forgetting things. Suddenly there are cracks appearing all around their home – and a mysterious black crow – both of which only Mimi seems able to see. Mimi is determined to solve the mystery. Luckily she has new friends to help: Titch and Nusrat. Together, […]
Royal Animals
A beautifully illustrated history of royal animals in Britain from 1066 to the present day, with a foreword by Sir Michael Morpurgo. Why do the three lions on the British crest look so much like leopards? When did the first elephant set foot on British soil? Was there really a polar bear who fished in […]
The Emerald Forest
One day Orangutan heard a faint noise. Hardly a noise at all – just a distant droning. Then there was a crash! Smoke seeped through the canopy… Orangutan and her family live in a vast emerald forest, bursting with life. She teaches her babies what food to eat, how to swing through trees, how to […]
My Heart is a Poem
This is a book of poetry for everyone. This beautiful collection of poetry celebrates the brilliant thing that is feelings. It explores all the different emotions we experience and how different situations bring these emotions to the surface. From feelings of uncontainable excitement and inexplicable sadness to the electricity which surges from anger and pride, […]
Call Me Lion
Ten-year-old Leo dreams of performing in the West End. His love of dancing is getting him through the Luton heatwave, but his selective mutism is putting his spot in the end-of-summer dance show on the line. When chatty Richa moves in next door, Leo finds it easy to bond with her. She talks enough for […]
Sparks!
Sparks is a hero and man’s best friend, but nobody suspects he’s two cats! This Super Dog is the Cat’s Meow! August is a brilliant inventor who is afraid of the outside. Charlie is a crack pilot who isn’t afraid of anything. Together these pals save lives every day. They also happen to be cats […]
Comic Classics: Great Expectations
OLD books get NEW doodles – it’s the classics as you’ve never seen them before! A hilarious new series that brings the classics to life with illustrations by Jack Noel. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates, Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey. And Charles Dickens. WHAT THE DICKENS? Ten-year-old Pip gets the fright of his life […]
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth
First in a brilliant series perfect for fans of laugh-out-loud adventures like Dog Man, Bunny vs Monkey and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. D.J. and his friend Gina are totally normal kids. Until a mysterious boy comes crashing down from the sky and nearly blows up their club house! Hilo doesn’t know where he came […]
Flember: The Power of the Wildening
Dev and Boja embark on a thrilling journey towards home, through the chilling Wildening forests of magical Flember Island. To protect himself and his lovable, larger-than-life robot bear, Dev’s only hope is to truly grasp the extraordinary power of Flember. Because a scary creature’s on their trail, their new friends are counting on them, and […]
The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
Not only is she about to start high school without any friends or glamorous swooshy hair, she’s just discovered she’s too flat-chested to wear a bra. She might as well give up now and go into hibernation with her hamsters Sir Barnaby Squeakington and Fuzzball the Third. Lottie navigates the perils of growing up in […]
Freddy vs School
Meet Freddy – the most super-amazing superhero robot EVER. His unbelievably Amazing Robotic Abilities are mind-blowingly cool. But it turns out that teachers get really angry when you use your rocket boosters in class. Which is rather a problem for Freddy… Adored comics creator Neill Cameron has written and illustrated a hilarious, heartfelt novel, with […]
Villains Academy
Being BAD has never felt so GOOD! The first in a villainously funny, highly illustrated young middle-grade series from author-illustrator Ryan Hammond. For fans of Amelia Fang, Dog Man and Grimwood. Welcome to Villains Academy – the most prestigious villain school in the ENTIRE land. You will either leave here as a fully-formed villain . […]
Suzie and the Moon Bugs
Save the universe in the awesome and hilarious space-themed adventure series from bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang! Suzie Wen can’t believe her luck – she’s the newest crew member of the Spaceblasters! She gets to explore the galaxy on a spaceship and meet lots of aliens. But when Suzie and her friends crash land […]
Saving Neverland
Number 14 Darlington Road, looks like a perfectly ordinary townhouse – at first glance, anyway, but magic is good at hiding . . . when it’s waiting for the right person to discover it . . . Martha Pennydrop is ten, and desperate to grow up. But growing up is a tricky business. It means […]
A Million Dots
Double the numbers to go from 1 to 1,000,000 in 40 pages. A stunning visualization of numbers big and small. We start with a single tree; 1. As we turn the page, we are presented with a sum doubling the number on the page before it: 1+1 = 2; 2+2 = 4; 4+4 = 8. […]
The History of the Computer
Explore the fascinating history of the computer, and the people who made them, in this beautifully illustrated guide for children by bestselling author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky. Computers make our lives easier in so many ways – they help us do our work, get directions, check the weather, exercise, shop and understand what’s happening around […]
Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon
A long time ago a mouse learned to fly… and crossed the Atlantic. But what happened next? Torben Kuhlmann’s stunning new book transports readers to the moon and beyond! On the heels of Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse comes Armstrong: A Mouse on the Moon where dreams are determined only by the size […]
24 Hours in Space
Join an astronaut for a day as she goes on her first ever spacewalk, and new crew members arrive. Find out how she trained for her mission and what it’s like living and working in space. How do you eat and drink at zero gravity? How do space toilets work? What are space suits designed […]
Phoenix
Lucky thinks he’s an ordinary Human boy. But one night, he dreams that the stars are singing to him, and wakes to find an uncontrollable power rising inside him. Now he’s on the run, racing through space, searching for answers. In a galaxy at war, where Humans and Aliens are deadly enemies, the only people […]
The Kid Who Came From Space
A small village in the wilds of Northumberland is rocked by the disappearance of twelve-year-old Tammy. Only her twin brother, Ethan, knows she is safe – and the extraordinary truth of where she is. It is a secret he must keep, or risk never seeing her again. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to give […]
Planetarium (Junior Edition)
Welcome to Planetarium. This museum is open all hours. It will take you on an incredible journey through the Solar System and beyond, towards the most distant objects in space. So how big is the Universe? How did it start and when will it end? What exactly is a black hole? And are we really […]
The Book of Bok: One Moon Rock’s Journey Through Time and Space
First man on the Moon Neil Armstrong reveals the adventure of the first Moon landing, and how the Earth and the Moon came to be, in this unique non-fiction picture book. A young boy sits up in bed and gazes at the distant Moon through his window. He wonders if, one day, a human will […]
Space Explorers: 25 extraordinary stories of space exploration and adventure
A collection of amazing real-life stories about space exploration and adventure. Do you know the true story of … *The first astronauts to land on the moon and were nearly stranded there for ever, if it hadn’t been for a felt tip pen that saved them? *The ‘human computers’ that launched NASA’s first rockets into […]
Animalium
Welcome to the museum! There are more than 160 animal specimens to be discovered in Animalium, the first in a series of virtual museums. Wander the galleries – open 365 days a year – and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features a different branch of […]
Wilderness: Earth’s Amazing Habitats
This captivating book brings the natural world into sharp focus. Beautifully colored and intricately detailed illustrations depict places as exotic and wide-ranging as Senegal’s Niokolo- Koba National Park, Russia’s Sikhote-Alin mountain range, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka, Daintree National Park in Australia, the Mexican desert, and China’s bamboo forests. The animals that live […]
The Big Picture: Living Habitats
This series of stunning illustrated texts demonstrates the stories behind some of nature’s greatest phenomena. In ‘Habitats’, find out about the most extreme ecosystems from around the world, and the weird and wonderful things that exist within them. With contents covering diverse environments and their inhabitants, from the gargantuan trees of the temperate rainforests to […]
Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth
Winner of the Margaret Mallett Picture Book Award, as part of the English 4-11 Picture Book Awards. There are living things everywhere: the more we look, the more we find. There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and […]
Inside Animals
Did you know that a frog can stop its heart from beating? Or that an elephant’s tooth is heavier than a brick? Or that the brain of an ostrich is smaller than its eyeball? In this book, there are 21 cross-sections that show how skeletons, organs, nerves and muscles fit together inside creatures from across […]
Pax
The moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox and their epic journey to be reunited. Beautifully illustrated by multi-award winner, Jon Klassen. Now available in Paperback! Pax was only a kit when his family was killed and he was rescued by ‘his boy’, Peter. Now the country is at war […]
The Battle of Bubble and Squeak
Sid, Peggy and Amy adore the two gerbils, Bubble and Squeak, but their mother detests them. A major family battle results, and it’s clear life is never going to be quite the same again. But after a near fatal encounter between Bubble and Ginger the cat, Mrs Sparrow begins to see that life with a […]
Find Out About… Animal Homes
A colourful and gentle introduction to the concept of animal babies for young children. Lots of animals have homes, but not all homes are the same! An orangutan builds a new nest every day, a prairie dog lives in its burrow for years – and a reindeer is always on the move! From the award-winning […]
One Day on Our Blue Planet… In the Outback
If you love cute baby animals, come spend the day in the Australian outback with this adorable and bouncy kangaroo joey. From Ella Bailey’s acclaimed series of beautiful and educational picture books comes another tale of how one young animal friend spends his day. He’s only a little kangaroo, but that doesn’t stop him being […]
The Invisible Dog
A little girl who desperately wants a dog introduces an imaginary Great Dane called Henry into her home. Her wish comes true when she is allowed a real Henry. Was neighbour Mrs Garrow, with her cackling laugh and black cat, responsible for her wish coming true? From the number one author for animal magic comes […]
Find Out About… Animal Babies
A colourful and gentle introduction to the concept of animal babies for young children. All animals have babies, but not all babies are the same! From big babies to little babies, babies that look like their parents to ones that don’t, this beautiful picture book is a perfect introduction to different kinds of animal babies, […]
Anatomicum Junior
Welcome to Anatomicum. This museum is open all hours. It will take you on an incredible journey right around the human body, from the intricate workings of the brain to the tiny muscles used to show emotion. Have you ever wondered how each life starts with just one cell, or how many blood cells there […]
The Marvellous Adventure of Being Human: Your Amazing Body and How to Live in it
Join Doctor Max Pemberton as he takes you on a marvellous adventure around the human body! Shrink yourself down as small as you can go. No – much smaller than that! You’ll need to be small enough to crawl up nostrils, peer inside eyeballs and float through the bloodstream, because we’re about to embark on […]
The Bright and Bold Human Body: The Digestive System
Use eye-grabbing diagrams to help you to discover the human body in glorious technicolour! With eye-grabbing diagrams and amazing facts, The Digestive System takes a vibrant look at journey of food through our bodies. This colourful and fact-packed series provides an accessible look at the human body through bright and bold graphics.
Your Brilliant Body: Your Growling Guts and Dynamic Digestive System
Packed with amazing facts and eye-grabbing images, Your Growling Guts and Dynamic Digestive System takes a different approach to teaching the reader about the digestive system. Every spread opens with an amazing science fact about the human body – for example – Your tongue print is just as unique as your fingerprint! – then goes […]
Human Body, Animal Bodies: Muscles and Movement
A visually playful body and animal book! Learn all about animal and human movements and muscles, the similarities and differences. From muscles, bones and exoskeletons to running, jumping swimming and flying, explore how humans and animals move and use their muscles. The Human Body, Animal Bodies series looks at the features and function of the […]
Grow: Secrets of Our DNA
From the award-winning team behind Tiny and Lots comes a new book exploring another fascinating area of biology: growth. A beautifully illustrated introduction to the concept of DNA for younger readers. All living things grow – every plant and every animal, including human beings. Some things grow fast and others grow slowly; some things grow […]
The Bright and Bold Human Body: The Skeleton and Muscles
An adult has 206 bones and more than 650 muscles in their body, and each one has an important role to play. This book explores how the skeleton and muscles have multiple jobs within our body, from protection and structure to movement and blood production. Mind-boggling facts (for instance, you will grow around seven skeletons […]
The Bright and Bold Human Body: The Heart, Lungs, and Blood
There are trillions of cells in our bodies, each one needing oxygen to survive. This book explores how the heart, lungs and blood work together to supply oxygen to the rest of the body. Mind-boggling facts (for instance, your blood vessels are long enough to stretch around the world two and half times!), and clear […]
The Bright and Bold Human Body: The Reproductive System
The Reproductive System takes a vibrant look at where we all come from. With spread-filling diagrams, a colour-blocking approach, and simple text and captions, The Bright and Bold Human Body presents the incredible scale and complexity of the human body in small, digestible chunks. As well as this, surprising statistics and close-up photos allow children age […]
Care for Your Teeth
Say cheese! Good dental hygiene is an important way to stay healthy. With engaging text and colorful photos, readers learn good habits for heathy teeth. Care for Your Teeth includes a glossary, read more section, kid-friendly internet sites, and an index.
Look Inside: What Happens When You Eat
From the very first bite, your food goes on an incredible journey inside you. Lift the flaps to find out what happens when you eat fat, sugar, carbohydrates and protein, and what vitamins and minerals do for you. With over 80 flaps to lift, advice on healthy eating and links to websites for more information.
Get Into Science: The Five Senses
This first science book exploring the science behind the five senses provides a great foundation for scientific knowledge. From sight and hearing to touch, smell and taste, the book has clear information, fun illustrations and plenty of interactivity from challenges to think about and activities to try. It also has lots of facts about animal […]
Healthy Me: Exercise and Play
Why do I have to exercise? Why is it fun to play? The answers to these and many other questions about exercise and play can be discovered in this lively and informative series. The topics of fitness and fun are complemented by charming and humorous illustrations. This book is designed for children to begin to […]
Healthy Me: Keeping Clean
Why do I have to wash? What’s wrong with biting my nails? Why can’t I pick my nose? Why can’t I wear the same socks each day? The answers to these and many other questions about hygiene can be discovered in this lively and informative series. The topic of keeping clean is complemented by charming […]
Healthy Me: Resting and Sleeping
How much sleep do I need? What happens when I sleep? Why do I dream? Will screen time affect my sleep? Why should I rest? The answers to these and many other questions about resting and sleeping can be discovered in this lively and informative book. The topics of fitness and fun are complemented by […]
Healthy Me: Eating Well
Why should I eat fruit and vegetables? What’s wrong with chocolate and crisps? What are proteins and carbohydrates? The answers to these and many other questions about healthy eating can be discovered in this lively and informative book, where the topic of healthy eating is complemented by charming and humorous illustrations. This book is designed […]
Books About Music and Musicians
Best Children’s Books About Music From clefs and composers to instruments and improvisations, music is a pastime that many children come to love in their primary years. We’ve put together a list of the best children’s books about music, composers, instruments, singing and performing…
A Remarkable Ear
Everyone’s always telling Will to stop making so much noise. That is, until he meets music teacher Mr Brand. He thinks Will’s not just noisy but that he has a gift and must learn to play the violin. But Will doesn’t feel special . He can never find peace to practice at home and carrying […]
Around the World in 80 Musical Instruments
How on Earth do you play a bass that’s 3.5 metres tall? How can you play a theremin without touching it? Can you turn a cave’s stalactites into an organ? (Spoiler alert: yes, you can!) Including a stunning central gatefold that opens out to reveal the family tree of musical instruments, this book is a […]
How to Build an Orchestra
Find out what makes up an orchestra and learn about its different instruments with this beautifully illustrated book, produced in association with the London Symphony Orchestra. This wonderfully illustrated story follows a conductor who is auditioning each instrument for his orchestra. With accompanying CDs and downloadable music, follow our conductor on his journey and discover […]
Sonam and the Silence
In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Sonam’s world is dark and silent. Then one day, she follows a magical melodious sound to a walled garden, and her world is silent no more. The sound is music, and it lifts her up amongst the stars and takes her deeper than the tree roots in the earth. How can she […]
44 Tiny Secrets
The first book in a heartwarming and timeless new series with a brave and spirited heroine, from the acclaimed duo behind THE BOOKSHOP GIRL . Betsy Bow-Linnet is determined to become a world famous concert pianist like her parents. There’s just one problem: no matter how hard she practises she doesn’t share their musical talents. […]
Ossiri and the Bala Mengro
A Traveller girl creates her own musical instrument from a willow branch and lots of recycled objects. She plays it enthusiastically, but it sounds terrible! Ignoring warnings not to awaken the ogre in the hills, Ossiri goes there to practise playing her instrument. Will she wake the ogre, and will it appreciate her playing? Told […]
Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay
From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash. Ada Rios grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but […]
Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery
Harley is back with another inventive adventure! This term begins with a school trip to the coast, where Harley stumbles upon a mysterious fossil. Could it be that Harley has discovered an entirely new dinosaur species? Meanwhile, eager to best her class nemesis Fenelda in the contest for best invention, Harley dreams big with her […]
That’s Mathematics
That’s Mathematics is a maths book like no other. It’s a vibrant, colourful book for young children showing them that maths is useful, interesting, fun and EVERYWHERE! They use it every day when they count, share, play, do sport, make cakes or move to music. Aimed at children from 5 to 8 years , the […]
Selfies With Komodos
Oh, Komodo, no, Komodo, if what I hear is true, nothing but another Komodo should risk getting close to you! Every day is an adventure in this brilliant, eagerly awaited collection from one of the UK’s best loved poets. Find cats, dogs and dragons, a rock’n’roll iguana and the Rescue Centre for Mythical Beasts. Take […]
Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular
Learn the funny and fascinating story of Charles Darwin and the groundbreaking discoveries his love of the humble worms led to in this hilarious illustrated book. Charles Darwin is widely known for his “Origin of Species” book, yet Darwin had another great love, and that was for worms. Told for the first time for children, […]
Chloe’s Lunar New Year
It’s almost Lunar New Year, and Chloe can’t wait to celebrate! But first, Chloe and her family must prepare for the new year. They buy new shoes, lay out good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorate the red envelope, and make a crispy turnip cake. Everyone comes together to cook a fantastic feast, saving a plate […]
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
Now in paperback, this sweet tale follows Yasmeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American girl, as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan , “The Night of the Moon” ( Chaand Raat ), and Eid . With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a peek into modern Muslim culture-and into the ancient roots of […]
Rivet Boy
Based on real people and events, Rivet Boy blends fact and fiction to tell the story of one boy’s role in the building of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge-Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder-in 1889. When 12-year-old John Nicol gets a job at the Forth Bridge construction site, he knows it’s dangerous. Four boys have already fallen […]
The Midnight Panther
Panther is not like the other cats. Leopard has beautiful spots, Tiger has impressive stripes and Lion has a magnificent mane. Panther is small, shy and dark. One night he decides to go and find out where in the jungle he really belongs. Finally summoning the courage to scale the treetops, he answers the call […]
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity
The start of a thrilling new Second World War mystery series from the number-one-bestselling and multi-award-winning author of Murder Most Unladylike. 1940. Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training spies. Enter May Wong: courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war […]
The Kingdom over the Sea
When Yara’s mother passes away, she leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions. Yara must travel from the home she has always known to a place that is not on any map – Zehaira, a world of sorcerers, alchemists and simmering magic. But Zehaira is not the land it used to be. […]
A Different Kind of Freedom: A Romani Story
A gripping football-filled adventure based in the Romani community of 19th-century Sheffield. This action-packed story is told through the eyes of young Lijah, as he navigates life and discovers football and the legendary Rab Howell. In this heart-stopping adventure, Richard O’Neill shows us an important and intriguing time in Britain that’s sure to fascinate young readers.
The Storm Swimmer
Summer was supposed to be Ginika’s time for fun, friends and fairs. But instead she’s been sent to live at the dead-end seaside boarding house her grandparents run. Even though her parents say it’s just for a little while, she can’t help feeling abandoned and heartbroken to be missing out on everything she loves back […]
Our Tower
This magical story follows three children living in a tower block, as they embark on a fantastical adventure which helps them see their home in a new light. A deeply personal story written by multi-award winning poet and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho , drawn from his own experience growing up in a tower block […]
The Ghost of Gosswater
The Lake District, 1899 The Earl is dead and cruel Cousin Clarence has inherited everything. Twelve-year-old Lady Agatha Asquith is cast out of Gosswater Hall to live in a tiny, tumbledown cottage with a stranger who claims to be her father. Aggie is determined to discover her real identity, but she is not alone on […]
Flock Horror
The brand new must-read middle-grade novel from the author of super-spookyCrater Lake. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L.Stine’s Goosebumps. Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything – including giant mutant spiders or snake-like parasites that burrow into your brain. But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above […]
Tell Me a Dragon
In this enchanting book, Jackie Morris conjures a world where everyone has their own dragon, exploring all their variety through lyrical text and beautifully realised illustrations. This children’s classic is now available in this larger, high-quality production format for full enjoyment of the art work and the wonderful creatures it presents.
Did the kings of Benin keep pet leopards? And other questions about the kingdom of Benin
Discover the weird and wacky history of the kingdom of Benin! Did the kings of Benin really keep pet leopards? Did spirits live in the African rainforest? And did bicycles REALLY destroy the Benin kingdom? A Question of History: The Kingdom of Benin answers all these questions and much more. With an engaging question and […]
The Genius of The Benin Kingdom: Clever Ideas and Inventions from Past Civilisations
Which genius ideas and inventions began in the Benin Kingdom? What did the people of the Benin Kingdom develop that we use to this day? Find out how a collection of separate villages and communities grew into a strong, united kingdom and developed a network of successful trading relationships. Discover the brilliant developments in town […]
Explore!: Benin
Benin was an important kingdom in West Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Find out about Benin’s magnificent capital city, the objects that Benin traded with Europe and their intricate bronze plaques and statues. Read about food and farming, armies and weapons, the life of a craftsman and how to make a leopard statue! […]
Daily Life in Ancient Benin
This book explores what life was really like for everyday people in Ancient Benin. Using primary sources and information from archeological discoveries, it uncovers some fascinating insights and explodes some myths. Supported by timelines, maps and references to important events and people, children will really feel they are on a time-travelling journey when reading this […]
Explore!: Early Islamic Civilisation
Early Islamic civilisation spread across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia in the 7th and 8th centuries CE, forming a massive empire. Find out about the birth of Islam, amazing inventions and trade across the empire. Read about weapons and war, the city of Baghdad, the life of a scribe, science and medicine and […]
1001 Inventions & Awesome Facts About Muslim Civilisation
We often think that people from a thouand years ago were living in the Dark Ages. But from the 7th century onward in Muslim civilisation there were amazing advances and inventions that still influence our everyday lives. People living in the Muslim world saw what the Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Greek and Romans had discovered and […]
The Golden Horsemen of Baghdad
This fast-paced story is set in the Islamic Golden Age when Baghdad was considered the largest and most dazzling city in the world. Perfect for fans of thrilling adventure. Thirteen-year-old Jabir is hoping to save his family from being made homeless by finding work in Baghdad. Famished after his long journey to the city, Jabir […]
Saxon Tales: The Shepherd Who Ate His Sheep
In Saxon Kent the law says thieves should be executed, and soup made from a stolen sheep has been found in the Medway house. Young Edward takes the blame, but does his father know more than he’s letting on? And can he find a way to save his son from hanging? Join master storyteller Terry […]
How to Steal the Mona Lisa
A funny art heist mystery that will steal your heart! The country is gripped with Mona Lisa Fever! The Royal Family has announced a huge reward for the return of a missing version of the Mona Lisa, stolen from their palace over 200 years ago. But in the town of Colpepper, Mia has a different art […]
Books Featuring Family Secrets & Lies
Five Books Featuring Family Secrets & Lies – by Ann-Marie Howell Ann-Marie Howell, author of Mystery Of The Night Watchers, joins us this week to share some books featuring family secrets and lies. Ann-Marie’s book is a gripping new historical adventure set in East Anglia, and the story sees the unearthing of some family secrets dangerous […]
Daisy and the Unknown Warrior
November 1920. The body of an unknown soldier is to be buried at Westminster Abbey. The war has claimed the lives of thousands of men whose bodies will never make it home, and the Unknown Warrior will represent them all. As hundreds of people crowd to Westminster Abbey, Daisy knows she has to make it […]
War Horse (Picture Book Edition)
A richly illustrated gift picture book edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime story War Horse. This powerful book for younger readers tells the enduring story of a friendship between a boy and his horse amid the turmoil of the First World War. For 40 years, War Horse has been helping children understand conflict. As we […]
Another Twist in the Tale
You have heard, no doubt, the tale of Master Oliver Twist – that rags-to-riches boy; the parish orphan who became heir to the Brownlow fortune. But what few know is that was a second Twist – a girl, brought into this world moments ahead of her brother. This is the story of Twill Twist and […]
Victorian Tales: The Twisted Tunnels
In a tunnel under the Thames, an urchin named Jenny and the young Queen Victoria dream of a wonderful new idea – underground trains! Twenty years later, the dream is finally becoming a reality. However, the construction of the Underground is tearing London apart and destroying the home of Jenny and her family. When Jenny […]
A Question of History: Why were Mayan games so deadly? And other questions about the Maya
Take a look at the wackier side of history! Did the Maya really invent hot chocolate? Why did they have pointed heads? And did the Maya civilisation really disappear? With an engaging question and answer format, this series draws young readers into the fascinating, sometimes gruesome, world of famous peoples and civilisations through history. Each […]
Great Civilisations: The Maya
Mayans looks at one of the most fascinating and advanced ancient civilisations. Through structures as imposing as a sacrificial pyramid or objects as beautiful and complex as the Mayan calendar, readers aged 9 and up gain a picture of who was whom in ancient central America and how the civilisation in which they lived really […]
Facts and Artefacts: Mayas and Incas
The Mayas and Incas were skilled builders, artists and inventors, and one of the best ways to discover how they lived is by studying the artefacts they made. Just as ancient objects enable us to step back into the world of the people who made them, the stories people told can reveal what they thought […]
History in Infographics: The Mayans
History in Infographics helps children to visualise facts and statistics using a clever and appealing mix of graphics and numbers. The colourful, high-impact design will appeal to a wide range of children, from visual learners to struggling readers, capturing and then holding their attention. Infographics are a really exciting, different way to learn about core […]
DKfindout! Maya, Incas, and Aztecs
Find out about the incredible ancient civilizations of the Americas, right up until the Spanish conquest. Discover the monumental pyramids and mountain cities of the Maya, Inca, and Aztec people. Explore the sites of Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, and Tenochtitlan, learn the pictures of the Mayan language, unearth the history of chocolate, and find out […]
Daily Life in the Maya Civilization
This book explores what life was really like for everyday people in the Maya Civilization. Using primary sources and information from archeological discoveries, it uncovers some fascinating insights and explodes some myths. Supported by timelines, maps and references to important events and people, children will really feel they are on a time-travelling journey when reading […]
The Ancient Olympic Games
Travel back in time to Ancient Greece to discover the origins of the Olympic Games. Bright, bold and dynamic artwork bring to life the origins of the Olympic Games. Find out about the legend behind the games, the original events and the excitement that filled Olympia during the Olympic Festival. See how the competitors used […]
Myths, Monsters and Mayhem in Ancient Greece
The Greek myths are some of the oldest and most famous stories ever told. This striking comic book collection is the perfect introduction to the world of the gods – containing six tales full of love, loss, greed, envy and bravery. Journey down to the Underworld with Orpheus and join Theseus in his quest to […]
Greek Tales: The Boy Who Cried Horse
From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories… Young Acheron is a liar. Everybody knows it. Troy is under siege and Acheron tells tales of Trojan bravery to entertain Prince Paris and the beautiful Helen at the palace. But when a stranger comes to the city to announce that the Greeks have departed, leaving a special […]
Icarus Was Ridiculous
Izzy LOVES all the stories the Ancient Greeks told! She can’t wait to tell her friends about Icarus, who was a TOTAL NUMPTY, and the Trojan Horse, which ended a war and wasn’t even REAL! So pull up a plinth and enjoy all the DRAMA of the original Greek myths, as told by Pamela Butchart […]
Greek Heroes: Top Ten Myths and Legends!
Discover the magical myths and legendary heroes of Ancient Greece with award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams . Travel back in time with goat-footed Pan to explore the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Meet the mighty gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and some of the worlds best-loved heroes and heroines. In this book you’ll find […]
Cinderella of the Nile
Beautifully retold by the award-winning author Beverley Naidoo, this earliest-known version of Cinderella is brought to life for the modern-day reader. Rhodopis is a Greek girl who is sold into slavery by bandits and taken to Egypt. Along the way she becomes friends with the storyteller Aesop and a host of playful animals. Her master […]
Tutankhamun’s Treasure: Discovering the Secret Tomb of Egypt’s Ancient King
On 4 November 1922, a young Egyptian boy working on Howard Carter’s archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings stumbled across a strange piece of rock. On closer inspection it turned out to be a stone step that would lead Carter to a long-lost tomb – and to treasures beyond his wildest dreams. The […]
The Heart Scarab
Renni and Mahu are brothers, but they are complete opposites. When Mahu hatches a plot to rob the tomb of a long-dead general in the Valley of the Kings, Renni is swept into the crime to help his family. But taking the general’s heart scarab sets a much greater chain of events into motion, which […]
Fantastic Females
Children’s books that celebrate fantastic females We’ve selected a list of recommended books for children that celebrate fantastic females, from favourite fiction books with strong female leads to non-fiction about real-life inspirational heroines. We believe that it is important for children to see diverse representations of strong, powerful, smart, creative and change-making women in children’s […]
The Vikings are Coming!
This book describes how the Vikings invaded and conquered much of Britain, and voyaged far and wide. Viking longships, raids and fighting style are all explored, alongside their beliefs and ways of life, to build up a true picture of these most famous invaders. The book concludes with a look at the Vikings’ legacy in […]
The Secret Viking Adventure
Coffin-stealing. Boat-burning. Telling whopping lies. Carla’s crazy plan includes them all! Carla’s grandpa has died – but he’s left her a letter telling her about his secret dream. Now it’s up to Carla to give him his last dying wish: a Viking funeral. To make it happen she’ll have to break the law, and every […]
The Genius of the Anglo-Saxons
Which innovative ideas and inventions began with the Anglo-Saxons? Find out how the Anglo-Saxons farmed their land, built their houses, and organized their society. Discover how their brilliant developments in defense, law, language, and storytelling still influence the way we live today.
The Captive Celt
The year is AD 51 and Bran is a slave, a prisoner of Rome, but dreams of one day returning to his homeland, Britannia, to fight against the Romans. When the proud young slave is overheard criticizing Rome, he is thrown into prison and faces execution the next day. Luckily, his cellmate Caratacus is a very […]
The Great Cave
Set 17,300 years ago in Lascaux in France, this is fast-paced Stone Age adventure from the best-selling author of Horrible Histories. Willow isn’t the strongest or fastest in his tribe, he is careful and clever. But that’s not what matters to the other boys. All they care about who is the best hunter, and who can provide […]
Books of the Month – 2018
All our Books of The Months in 2018 Each month our Review Panel highlights recommended new children’s books. Our top five picks each month feature newly published children’s books that we think you’ll love just as much as we do. From picturebooks and poetry to novels and non-fiction, we love shouting from the rooftops about […]
Books of the Month – 2019
All our Books of The Months in 2019 Each month our Review Panel highlights recommended new children’s books. Our top five picks each month feature newly published children’s books that we think you’ll love just as much as we do. From picturebooks and poetry to novels and non-fiction, we love shouting from the rooftops about […]
Books of the Month – 2020
All our Books of The Months in 2020 Each month our Review Panel highlights recommended new children’s books. Our top five picks each month feature newly published children’s books that we think you’ll love just as much as we do. From picturebooks and poetry to novels and non-fiction, we love shouting from the rooftops about […]
Books of the Month – 2021
Recommended New Children’s Books Each month our Review Panel highlights recommended new children’s books. Our top five picks each month feature newly published children’s books that we think you’ll love just as much as we do. From picturebooks and poetry to novels and non-fiction, we love shouting from the rooftops about the best new children’s […]
Bunny vs Monkey: Machine Mayhem
Genius inventor Skunky has just designed a brand-new creation . . . a robot called Metal Eve! She needs to learn everything there is to know about life, so it’s probably not the best idea that she’s surrounded by Bunny, Monkey, Weenie, Pig and the gang. The only thing she’s going to learn from them […]
Kitty Quest: Trial by Tentacle
Dog Man meets the Lord of the Rings in this epic laugh-out-loud graphic novel series about two aspiring monster slayers. In their second adventure, our heroes face a new threat to Meowminster – an army of ferocious sea monsters! This is the perfect new read for fans of Captain Underpants, Dog Man and The Simpsons! The islands of Pawdor are […]
Solve Your Own Mystery: The Time Thief
One puzzling mystery. Several slippery suspects. Endless possibilities! Welcome to Haventry, a town where the ordinary and extraordinary collide! With ghosts, werewolves and zombies living side by side, trouble is always brewing. And when a fiendish crime is committed, YOU are the detective in charge of the case. The Museum of Magical Objects and Precious Stones is […]
Genie and Teeny: The Wishing Well
Meet Grant the genie, and his best friend – the puppy, Teeny… The third in a series of magical adventures from the renowned illustrator, Steven Lenton, winner of Waterstones Picture Book of the Month and the Times Children’s Book of the Week. When Grant starts to miss his old life in Genie World, Teeny has […]
The Secret School Invasion
Hilarious, pitch-perfect stories where everyday school life becomes completely extraordinary! By a brilliant author/illustrator team with laughs on every page! Izzy’s school is being merged with St Bartholomew’s Primary, their greatest rivals! What will happen when the new kids join, in their too-shiny shoes and with their too-loud singing? And what if they’ve got a […]
Einstein the Penguin: The Case of the Fishy Detective
An unforgettable friend returns in this warm and fantastically funny sequel to the bestselling debut Einstein the Penguin. Imogen and Arthur have been missing their friend, the penguin, Einstein, since he went back to Australia. So when an opportunity for him to return arises, they jump at the chance. But then Einstein and his friend […]
Resist
As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement. After the murder of her beloved uncle and the […]
Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup
The first in a new fantasy series for readers aged 8-12, about a girl with fox ears who has never fitted in. With adventure and magic in every teacup, this is perfect for fans of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency and Starfell. Yesterday Crumb is no ordinary girl. She was born with fox ears that have […]
The Arctic Railway Assassin
The bestselling, prize-winning Adventures on Trains series embarks on a thrilling sixth adventure as Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat climb aboard the night train to Narvik, travelling to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights for Christmas. But as their train leaves Stockholm, Hal and Uncle Nat realize they’re being followed by a sinister […]
Running Out of Time
A thrilling, unputdownable debut, with extraordinary twists and incredible action, from an incredible new voice in children’s fiction. When Alex and his father are forced to flee their home to escape a brutal government, they begin a life-threatening journey across Europe. But when they are separated before they can reach Britain, Alex finds himself alone, […]
Slugs Invade the Jam Factory
Join inventor Scooter and his alien sidekick, Fizzbee, on their third adventure! For the first time ever, Scooter has NO ideas. How on earth can they save the jam factory from a slimy slug invasion? Scooter, Fizzbee and Cat have turned McLays jam factory into a tropical jam-making paradise. Delicious! There’s just one problem. SLUGS. […]
The Song Walker
The Song Walker is an extraordinary new story of friendship, discovery and courage from Zillah Bethell, author of The Shark Caller which won the Wales Book of the Year and the Edward Stanford Children’s Travel Book of the Year 2022. When a young girl wakes up in the middle of the desert, she has no […]
The Rescue of Ravenwood
From the Costa Award winning author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk comes an epic adventure with a call to arms: we must fight to save the most treasured things on our planet. On the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, that’s where you’ll find a magical place . . . To Bea and Raffy, […]
Where The River Takes Us
It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less hours for people to work, and less money to get by on. Thirteen-year-old Jason feels the struggle keenly. Ever since his parents died, it’s just been him and his older brother Richie. Richie is doing […]
A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars and the Distant Stars
Take a colourful and comical tour through our galaxy and beyond with this fun new comic collection from Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley. Discover the poisonous clouds of Venus, the rings of Saturn and the raging storm on Jupiter. Venture inside nebulae, black holes, supernovas and far-flung galaxies. Find out about the historic figures who […]
Hair-Raising Human Body Facts
In Hair-raising Human Body Facts, you’ll learn about some of the most incredible things going on inside you right now! Giggle and gasp as you read about and see some truly astonishing (and sometimes silly) parts of the human body, such as your super-cool cornea, which gets its oxygen from the air and has no […]
Live Like a Hunter Gatherer
If you imagined that all Stone Age people lived in caves, were not very clever, not very clean and said “Ugg” a lot, then think again. Marking the start of all human history, the Stone Age lasted around 3.5 million years (the last part of that was only 71 grand parents ago!). Delve into that […]
The Stolen Spear
Wolf struggles to fit into his village. He s not strong like his brother or a natural leader like his father. Every day he just tries to keep his head down. That is until a sacred spear head is stolen. Wolf is cast out, seen as the reason for its disappearance. With no one but […]
Winter of the Wolves
The history and partnership of the Angles and Saxons are explored in this thrilling adventure about the trials and tribulations of their settlement in Britain. Oslaf works hard to prove his worth in the village: he labours on the farm, he trains as a warrior and he is slowly finding his place in the community. […]
We Are the Romans: Meet the People Behind the History
Step back in time to Ancient Rome and meet some of the many people who lived, worked, and played during that time. From a young slave boy to a fierce gladiator, a musician to a wealthy lady, and a mosaic artist to the emperor himself – each one will share with you the story of […]
A Spoonful of Spying (Alice Eclair)
Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire will whisk you away on a fabulous adventure, full of daring action and delicious cakes! Baker by day, spy by night – Alice Eclair leads an exciting double life! Inventors and artists have gathered in Paris for the World Fair. All eyes are on the aeroplane exhibition – these incredible machines will […]
Secret Beast Club: The Unicorns of Silver Street
The first book in a BRILLIANT new series brimming with adventure, friendship and an amazing array of magical creatures! A must-read for fans of Beast Quest , The Boy Who Grew Dragons and The Naughtiest Unicorn – and ideal for children aged 7-9. Aisha and Jayden are definitely not fans of Outside. Aisha would rather be […]
Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star
Exciting, funny, moving – and featuring joyous and authentic disabled representation – Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star is the middle-grade debut of 2023. Cosima Unfortunate has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls – a school where any disabled children, or children deemed different, are sent, whether their families want it or […]
The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair
London, 1880s: High up under the eaves of her father’s townhouse, twelve-year-old Emma Linden lives and never goes out. Her dream is to follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning, the famous fossil hunter. But Emma is kept hidden away from all the world, science and study, the tools that keep her mind well. When […]
The Tale of Truthwater Lake
On one side of the underwater street is the remains of a house… It’s beautiful here, and eerie, a lost kingdom, a ghost village… It’s the near-future and Britain is having yet another heatwave. Of course, the government have put in the normal curfews for this kind of weather, and shops are forced to shut […]
How to Survive Anywhere
From the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the chill of the snowy Arctic, come on an intrepid adventure to the world’s most extreme places, and find out just what it takes to survive there. Discover how to navigate the vast Australian outback, keep yourself alive in a sandstorm in the Arabian desert, avoid a […]
Tyger
‘There are three doors that I may show you. You will find a different kind of power behind each one…’ Adam has found something incredible in a rubbish dump in London. A mysterious, mythical, magical animal. A TYGER. And the tyger is in danger. Adam and his friend Zadie are determined to help, but it […]
Let’s Chase Stars Together
A standout new collection of contemporary poems from prize-winning poet Matt Goodfellow, author of Bright Bursts of Colour . Ideal for children aged 10+ Perfectly reflecting the thoughts, feelings and imaginings of young people, these beautifully crafted poems are poignant, playful, heartfelt and hopeful. From friendship, family and separation to school experiences and fitting in, […]
Always Clementine
A funny, wise and heartwarming story, with a truly one-of-a-kind hero, from the author of the highly-acclaimed I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat.
Egyptian Myths
A beautifully illustrated collection of 20 ancient Egyptian myths retold for children aged 7-9. Delve into a world of monstrous creatures, magical spells, and warring gods in this thrilling compendium of ancient Egyptian myths. With 20 exciting tales alongside fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers interested in one of the […]
It’s the Journey not the Destination
Take time to connect with the world as you embark on 40 slow adventures. Each of these journeys are on foot, bike, boat or train, allowing you to take in the history, absorb the landscape and meet extraordinary people along the way. Whether you roam the ‘Rose City’ of Petra, feel the magic of the […]
Everest
Everest is the world’s highest mountain, towering like an icy giant over the Himalayas. For the millions of people living nearby, it has always been a magical place, known as “Goddess Mother of the World” or the “Peak of Heaven”. To explorers and adventurers, it represents a perilous but thrilling challenge to be conquered. In […]
Best Children’s Books – Library Top-Up Collection
Best new children’s books for your library We love to hear which books are most popular among our community of primary teachers, TAs, librarians, authors and children’s book lovers. Our Review Panel searched for the top children’s books published in the last year. We looked for the best classroom read-alouds, the most popular books with […]
The Perfect Parent Project
All Sam wants is a family of his own, a home instead of a ‘house’ and parents he knows will still be there when he wakes up. Because Sam has been in and out of foster care his whole life and he can’t imagine ever feeling like he truly belongs. Then his best friend Leah […]
Tom’s Midnight Garden
This entrancing and magical story is one of the best-loved classic children’s books and is a top choice for Year 6. When Tom is sent to stay at his aunt and uncle’s house for the summer, he resigns himself to endless weeks of boredom. As he lies awake in his bed he hears the grandfather […]
Everybody Counts: A counting story from 0 to 7.5 billion
This fun book will get you counting from 0 to 7.5 billion, but also to do so much more. Follow the characters’ stories through the book and see how their lives collide with those of others. There are a lot of secrets to be discovered for the sharp-eyed! You’ll see that everyone is different, everyone […]
Home Lab: Exciting Experiments for Budding Scientists
Children getting bored at home? These twenty-five outdoor science projects and experiments will spark kids’ creativity and help them develop science skills through hands-on learning. Projects focus on Earth and the environment, plants and animals, weather, water, and physics, bringing science learning home and into the backyard. Young scientists can build a wormery and learn […]
Your Mood Journal
Meet your moods in the brilliant new activity journal for children, by bestselling author and broadcaster Fearne Cotton. Have you ever felt… Sad… Happy… Angry… Lonely… Worried… Scared… Excited? Or several of these moods all at once? Emotions might seem big and complex – but the more we understand them, the better we can become […]
If…: A Mind-Bending Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers
If the Sun were the size of a grapefruit, Earth would be the size of a grain of salt. Even the largest planet, Jupiter, would be only as big as a large pea.’ Some things are so big or so old that it’s hard to wrap your mind around them. In If, we look at […]
The Element in the Room
Did you know that without the ‘lead’ in your pencil, there would be no life on Earth? Just about everything in the universe is made from only 92 elements – and from aluminium to zinc, many of them are hiding in your very own home! Packed with Lauren Humphrey’s quirky illustrations and written by the […]
Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories
This book tells the stories of girls and boys from around the world and the challenges they have faced and overcome. It features over 29 tales of amazing young girls and boys who have achieved the unimaginable – from surviving a plane crash in the jungle to striking against climate change. There are tales of […]
Maths Puzzles Ages 9-10
Level: KS2 Subject: Maths Children will have hours of fun solving these maths puzzles and brain teasing activities. Written to support the primary curriculum, each puzzle is designed to test their problem-solving skills and logical thinking. This fun and motivating maths puzzles book: Covers key areas of maths that children are required to learn at […]
10 Minutes A Day Problem Solving, Ages 9-11 (Key Stage 2)
Master Key Stage 2 maths problem solving in just 10 minutes a day with the activities in this essential home-study workbook from Carol Vorderman. 10 Minutes a Day Problem Solving (KS2) is a homeschool learning resource for 9-11 year olds that teaches kids problem-solving skills in bite-sized chunks. Children prefer to learn in short bursts, […]
Spelling and Vocabulary practice activities for children ages 9-10 (Year 5)
Spelling and vocabularly play a key part in the primary English curriculum. Our simple workbooks help to break down the skills children need to master to meet their curriculum objectives in a clear and fuss-free way. This workbook supports children in Year 5 (ages 9-10) to develop their spelling skills through fun and engaging activities. […]
Grammar and Punctuation practice activities for children ages 9-10 (Year 5)
Grammar is back on the national curriculum in a big way. Our simple workbooks help to break down the skills children need to master to meet the new objectives in a clear and fuss-free way. This workbook supports children in Year 5 (ages 9-10) to develop their grammar knowledge through fun and engaging activities. Practice […]
Draw With Rob
At home? Wondering what to do? Join thousands of children around the world and #DrawWithRob – staying at home has never been so much fun! Winner of the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards ‘Book of the Year 2020!’ DRAW WITH ROB is now an incredible activity book for every family to share, so join Rob and […]
Out of the Box: 25 Incredible Craft Projects You Can Make From Cardboard
From castles to animal masks, pirate ships and even dinosaurs! You will be amazed how much you can do with a simple cardboard box. A DIY projects book for kids that uses recycling as a way to build creativity, imagination and interactive play for kids aged 7-12. It features clear step-by-step instructions and detailed photographic […]
Explorers: Amazing Tales of the World’s Greatest Adventurers
An adventure book that will surely rival even the most thrilling adventure movies! You’ll meet some of the most famous explorers and adventurers of all time in this exciting non-fiction storybook for children. Great explorers have one thing in common – a desire to leap into the unknown, no matter the dangers it presents. This […]
Maths Ages 7-9
Level: KS2 Subject: Maths An engaging Maths activity book to really help boost your child’s progress at every stage of their learning! Including helpful questions and answers, this Maths book provides reassurance whilst supporting your child’s learning at home. Combining useful Maths practice with engaging, colourful illustrations, this Maths practice book helps to boost your […]
Times Tables Workbook for children Ages 7-9
Will your children be ready for the new national times table check? All children in Year 4 will have to sit an on-screen times tables check; this series will help to prepare children by supporting their learning and understanding of times tables. Each workbook provides practice, problem-solving activities, games and quick-fire quizzes to build fluency […]
Progress with Oxford: Comprehension: Age 7-8
This Progress with Oxford Comprehension Age 7-8 workbook will help your child to progress with essential comprehension skills while having fun. They will develop a deeper understanding of text and become more confident in answering questions about text they have read. Each Progress with Oxford book is focused on the skills your child will need […]
Grammar and Punctuation practice activities for children ages 7-8 (Year 3)
Grammar is back on the national curriculum in a big way. Our simple workbooks help to break down the skills children need to master to meet the new objectives in a clear and fuss-free way. This workbook supports children in Year 3 (ages 7-8) to develop their grammar knowledge through fun and engaging activities. Practice […]
The Best of Pippi Longstocking (3 books in 1)
Pippi Longstocking is one of the most popular children’s characters of all time and is still much loved by millions of children today. This collection of Pippi stories will introduce her adventurous spirit to a whole new generation of readers. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old and lives all by herself with a horse, a […]
The Nine Lives of Furry Purry Beancat: The Pirate Captain’s Cat
A funny and charming NEW young fiction series from Philip Ardagh, bestselling author of The Grunts series and Eddie Dickens adventures, and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, award-winning creator of Draw With Rob ! P uuurfect for fans of Alex T. Smith, Pamela Butchart and Laura James. Meet Furry Purry Beancat – one EXTRAORDINARY cat with […]
Lunar New Year Around the World
Find out all about Lunar New Year and how it is celebrated in different communities across the world! This stunning picture book is the perfect introduction for little ones to Lunar New Year celebrations. The most colourful time of the year is celebrated in communities around the world and you can now discover how it’s […]
Winnie and Wilbur at Chinese New Year
When Winnie and Wilbur decide to celebrate Chinese New Year, the party is going with a swing. Family? Check! Friends? Check! Food? Check! Fun? Check! But just when Winnie waves her wand to make parade costumes for everyone, Wilbur goes missing. Oh no! Will Winnie find him before the first firework lights up the sky? […]
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for new beginnings. Some people clean their homes from top to bottom or share meals with friends. Others pray, light fireworks or give each other gifts. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.
How Everything Works
Discover an all-in-one encyclopedia that takes you on an explanatory tour of the world from your own body to outer space. Have you ever wondered how an email gets to someone on the other side of the world in just a few seconds or why it’s a bad idea to stand under a tree during […]
Timelines of Science
Explore spectacular visual timelines that tell the story of science, from fossils to quantum physics, and discover exactly how science has changed the world – one discovery at a time. Timelines of Science takes you on an astonishing journey through history, showing how dedication, disasters, and eureka moments have brought us antibiotics, electricity, space exploration, […]
Illumibugs
Journey through the undergrowth with your magic three-colour lens and discover over 180 minibeasts from every continent, under the sea and even from prehistoric times. With your lens in hand, discovermini beast habitats, and learn more about the impressive insects and other creepy crawlies that scuttle and wriggle around the world.
Llama on Ice
Sidesplitting middle grade comedy, with serious heart (and one very funny llama). Illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan, the official illustrator for World Book Day 2022. It’s the Christmas holidays and Yasmin is miserable. Her family don’t celebrate Christmas so she doesn’t understand all the hype, plus Ezra has gone to Jamaica for 2 weeks and Levi […]
Little People Big Dreams Treasury
Dive deeper into the world of Little People, BIG DREAMS with this beautifully packaged and highly giftable keepsake treasury featuring 50 dreamers from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy best-selling series. Learn more about each of your favourite dreamers with new in-depth stories, facts and figures in this beautifully-crafted compendium. Each story is rewritten to be appropriate […]
Romans Magnified
Zoom in to discover what life was like for Ancient Romans in this innovative and interactive illustrated title that takes you right into their fascinating world! Learn what life was like for the Romans – from the Senate and the Colosseum to the market, the public baths and beyond! Using the free magnifying glass, seek […]
Happy to Help (Eventually)
The top-of-the-class, extra special 20th book from multi-million copy selling author and illustrator Liz Pichon. A feel-good, laugh-out-loud, packed-with-pictures Tom Gates story! It’s TIDY UP Saturday, but Tom is VERY busy relaxing and not helping out much. Until he spots the art box of his dreams in a shop window and everything changes. He’s suddenly […]
Ronaldo Rules
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 Cristiano Ronaldo your ultimate football hero? He has scored over 700 goals, won the Champions League five times and was the […]
Which Way to Anywhere
From the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizards of Once comes an out-of-this-world new adventure … K2 O’Hero is a seemingly ordinary boy – after all, he and his twin sister Izzabird have been sworn to keep their family’s magical history a secret. Not even their infuriating stepsiblings, Theo and […]
The Snow Bear
As the snow begins to fall just days before Christmas, Grandad helps Sara build an igloo in the garden with a small snow bear to watch over it. And when Sara wakes in the middle of the night, it looks very different outside. She sets out on an enchanted journey through a world of ice, […]
Horrid Henry: 12 Stories of Christmas
Number one for fiendish fun! On the first day of Christmas Horrid Henry gave to me …. 12 festive stories! Count down to Christmas with Horrid Henry and friends in this bumper collection of festive stories! This book contains twelve of Henry’s most mischievous winter tales about swapping Christmas presents, sabotaging school plays, ruining Christmas […]
Secrets of a Christmas Elf
Christmas magic, delivered! The brilliant festive blockbuster from Ben Miller – the perfect stocking-filler for all the family. It’s business as usual in the run up to Christmas at Santa’s Workshop – and toy elves Holly and Tog are busy making gifts for children all around the world. But Father Christmas isn’t feeling well, and […]
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
Meet Billie Upton Green and her VERY accidental diary – and don’t you DARE call her B.U.G! Billie has taken the new girl at school under her wing. She’ll teach her the important stuff – Biscuit Laws, Mrs Patterson and of course where to sneakily eat a Jaffa Cake. She might even get invited to […]
Frida Kahlo
In this international bestseller from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Frida Kahlo, the world-renowned painter. When Frida was a teenager, a terrible road accident changed her life forever. Unable to walk, she began painting from her bed. Her self-portraits, which show her pain and grief, but also her […]
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A captivating picture book retelling by Shakespeare’s Globe for very young readers. William Shakespeare’s comedy about four lovers’ mishaps in an enchanted forest is unforgettably re-imagined by Shakespeare’s Globe as a picture book for very young readers. With exquisite and detailed illustrations from the acclaimed artist Jane Ray, who has been shortlisted for the Kate […]
To Wee or Not to Wee
Hamlet could NEVER make his mind up about ANYTHING. And one time he actually went to school in just his pants and got sent home because he couldn’t decide what to wear. When Izzy (star of The Spy Who Loved School Dinners) is asked to tell her friends some HILARIOUS and SCARY stories she knows […]
Tripwrecked: Tempest Terror
Only a sensible, level head can save the day when disaster strikes on a school trip in this hilariously slapstick introduction to Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Frank and his drama club are off on a dream school trip to perform The Tempest at a festival. But it turns into a nightmare when their ferry is hit […]
Ira Aldridge: The Shakespearean Actor
I Was There… Ira Aldridge tells the exciting story of the African-American actor, Ira Aldridge, who rose to fame on the London stage. Brilliantly imagined, readers aged 7+ will love this first-hand account of a child’s experience of nineteenth-century London and the vibrant life of the theatre. Amazing black-and-white illustrations throughout bring the story to life.
William Shakespeare: Scenes from the life of the world’s greatest writer
The life of William Shakespeare is vividly depicted, from his birth in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, childhood and schooldays, through an apprenticeship at his father’s glove-making shop, his marriage to Anne Hathaway, and then the move to London – where Will hones his skills as an actor-playwright for The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. When the newly-built Globe […]
A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories
Step on to a stage full of stories with this beautiful anthology of 12 stories from Shakespeare, rewritten to be accessible to children aged 7+. Including favourites such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Othello, each story is stunningly illustrated by collage artist Alice Lindstrom.
The Brain Book
A fun, fact-packed introduction to the brain and nervous system for young science enthusiasts. The brain – a wrinkly, spongy mass the size of a cauliflower that sits in our heads and controls everything we do! Discover what its made of, how it works and why we even need one in this fun, fact-packed introduction […]
Fantastically Great Women Scientists and Their Stories
Prepare to be inspired with this fantastically great new series for young readers from bestselling author Kate Pankhurst, a descendent of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. In this first book, read the true stories of amazing scientists and discover things that are out of this world! Women have been responsible for many of the world’s most groundbreaking […]
World of Food
What did the ancient Romans snack on? Where does chocolate come from? And how has the humble potato shaped history? There is a whole world of food to discover! Everywhere on our planet where people can be found, there are different foods that we enjoy, and different ways of preparing and eating them, too. From […]
Animal Sidekicks
Heard about the fish that clean shark teeth? Or the frog that lives with a tarantula? Welcome to the weird world of symbiosis – where animals form incredible relationships. Macken Murphy introduces his favourite symbiotic relationships in his first kids’ non-fiction book. Along the way he explains the cool science behind the baffling behaviour of […]
Curious About Crocodiles
Did you know that crocodiles can live to be over 100 years old, and can climb trees to sunbathe? They can even sense the vibrations from a single drop of water falling from the mouth of a drinking wildebeest over twenty metres away. Sink your teeth into this fascinating illustrated guide to the largest reptiles […]
The Most Incredible True Football Stories: The England Edition
Think you know everything about the Three Lions and the Lionesses? Have you heard of . . . *The naughty pitch-invading dog that stole the show at the 1962 World Cup? *The English amateurs who achieved Olympic gold? *The spy who snuck into training? *The incredible comeback of the England women’s team? *The infamous World […]
Ancient World Magnified
Travel through time, grab your magnifying glass and seek out incredible facts about ancient history in this search-and-find adventure, packed with over 200 things to spot! Spanning continents and covering thousands of years , this fun, lively book shows how the people of these vanished civilisations lived and how their societies evolved. Explore the lives […]
Great Britons
Discover the enthralling and diverse stories of 50 brilliant Britons through the ages, from the warrior queen Boudicca of early Britain, who rose in revolt against the Romans, to activist Malala Yousafzai, who fights for every girl’s right to an education today. The gripping tales include key figures from all areas of British life – […]
Operation Nativity
When Oscar and Molly rush outside to investigate a crash in the night, they’re not expecting to find a dazed Angel Gabriel wandering around their grandparents’ back garden. And they’re certainly not expecting to find themselves in a race to save Christmas. But if they don’t track down a missing shepherd, wise man, donkey and […]
A Donkey Called Mistletoe
Jasmine’s dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself… A perfect animal story for younger readers by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful […]
Virtually Christmas
The HILARIOUS new novel and the year’s most perfect festive gift – from million-copy bestselling author David Baddiel. It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone. All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down […]
The Grumpus and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan
Do you know about The Grumpus? And his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan? And about the Awful Thing that happened at the North Pole on Christmas Eve? Perhaps I should tell you about it… This heartwarming story follows the adventures of an unlikely hero as he journeys to the North Pole, unwittingly and somewhat reluctantly making […]
Diary of a Christmas Elf
All Tog wants to do is work in Santa’s workshop and one wonderful day, the letter from Santa arrives: Tog has been selected as an apprentice elf! Making toys is a lot more technical and a lot less fun than Tog had imagined, and even though his new friend Holly tries to help him, he’s […]
Christmas Poems
Christmas Poems is a festive collection of classic and modern poems, carols and songs which celebrates all the best things about Christmas from the Nativity to Father Christmas, including snow, angels, reindeer, Christmas trees and, of course, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Collated by children’s poetry expert Gaby Morgan, Christmas Poems is illustrated by […]
One Christmas Wish
It’s Christmas Eve and Theo – left at home with a babysitter – sees an odd-looking star out of his window and decides to make a wish. He wishes that he had some friends to keep him company. Moments later the Christmas decorations begin to disentangle themselves from the tree behind him, ready to wreak […]
The Accidental Father Christmas
The latest hilarious caper from author Tom McLaughlin. Funny by name. Funny by nature. Ben has one important thing on his Christmas list, and it’s the same thing every year. He wants his dad to be at home for Christmas. But his wish never comes true. And Ben’s starting to get a bit sceptical about […]
Over and Under the Snow
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but […]
Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder
How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a […]
Snow Birds
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, […]
Year Group Recommended Reads
Best Books for Each Year Group *NEWLY UPDATED* 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. […]
Football Atlas: A journey across the world and onto the pitch
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.
Bronze Rules
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 […]
Haaland (Ultimate Football Heroes – The No.1 football series)
Norwegian international Erling Haaland is the rising star of Europe. Having already smashed Messi, Ronaldo and Harry Kane’s record of quickest player to twenty Champions League goals, ‘The Terminator’ is proving to be a ruthless, efficient, goalscoring machine. At such a young age, the world is his playground. Discover how he’s caught the eye of […]
Action Replay: 25 Greatest Moments in Sports
Slam the ball home with Michael Jordan. Scale mountain heights with Marielle Goitschel. Flip through the air with Simone Biles. Take a front-row seat and relive history’s greatest sporting moments as they happened. This richly illustrated book showcases the defining moment of notable athletes from around the world in more than twenty sports, making it […]
Wheelchair Sports at the Paralympics: Paralympic Sports
Find out all about Paralympic wheelchair sports and the people who participate in them in this exciting photo-illustrated book. Events covered include Paralympic basketball, tennis, rugby and fencing, with descriptions of their rules and how they differ from their Olympic counterparts. The accessible text includes a Q&A element, as well as information features such as […]
Katie and the Dinosaurs
Come on a magical dinosaur adventure with Katie in this classic picture book. When Katie visits the Natural History Museum with Grandma, she finds a mysterious door… and steps back in time to the world of the dinosaurs! Katie helps a baby dinosaur find his family, rides on the back of a Brontosaurus, and has […]
Christmas KS2
Best Christmas Books for Children Aged 7-11 Our list of the best children’s books about Christmas features books that celebrate the joy of the festive season, as well as stories about being kind to others, celebrating with loved ones and enjoying the magic of Christmas eve. Get into the festive spirit with our hand-picked recommendations […]
The Case of the Smuggler’s Curse
Lucy, Max, Charlie and Joe aren’t looking for new friends – they have too many of their own problems to worry about. But when the four of them, and Charlie’s faithful dog, Sherlock, spot a phantom figure on Southwold beach one winter’s night, they are thrown together to unravel a mystery that none of them […]
Vampirates
Orphaned twins Connor and Grace Tempest take to the ocean in a desperate attempt to flee from a terrible life on shore. But a vicious storm wrecks their ship and leaves them fighting for their lives. For Connor his only salvation is a pirate ship… but this is no ordinary pirate ship. Desperate to survive […]
4.50 from Paddington
Agatha Christie’s audacious mystery thriller, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers. For an instant the two trains ran together, side by side. In that frozen moment, Elspeth witnessed a murder. Helplessly, she stared out of her carriage window as a man […]
Neverwhere
Neverwhere is the stunningly original first novel from Neil Gaiman, the bestselling and prizewinning author of The Ocean at the End of the Lane and American Gods . Wired called it ‘the sort of book Terry Pratchett might produce if he spent a month locked in a cellar with Frank Kafka’. This is a must-read […]
The Railway Children
When Roberta, Peter and Phyllis’s father is taken away and they move to a tiny cottage in the countryside, the only advantage is the nearby railway. Join them on their adventures as they befriend all those who work with the trains, prevent a railway disaster and try to discover the truth behind their father’s disappearance. […]
The Boy with the Butterfly Mind
Jamie Lee wants to be normal. But his ADHD makes him feel like his brain is full of butterflies. Elin Watts wants to be perfect. If she can be, surely her dad will come home. When Jamie and Elin’s families blend, the polar opposites of chaotic Jamie and ordered Elin collide. As their lives spiral […]
Rainbow Grey
A magical new series from best-selling author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson! Ten-year-old Ray Grey lives in the magical Weatherlands, high in the sky. Ray is surrounded by Weatherlings with astounding weather power at their fingertips . . . but she doesn’t have ANY magic! Then, after a trip to Earth, Ray’s life changes forever. […]
Llama Out Loud
Sidesplitting middle grade comedy, with serious heart (and one very funny llama). Illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan, the official illustrator for World Book Day 2022. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Winner of a Made for Mums Gold Award. Yasmin Shah is a ten-year-old girl who is part of a big, noisy family and doesn’t […]
Children of the Benin Kingdom
A fast-paced adventure, this story brings to life one of Africa’s most fascinating civilizations, the ancient Edo Kingdom of Benin. This is an immersive adventure story and perfect for any child who enjoys being transported to another world. It fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and stories that are inclusive, diverse and […]
Bloom
Sorrel Fallowfield is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules – and there are LOTS. Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them, until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard. Now she’s hearing […]
Lily and the Rockets
It’s 1917. Lily spends her days working in a munitions factory, her nights picking metal out of her hair, and her lunchtimes kicking a ball with her workmates. Together they form a football team, the Rockets, and a league soon follows. But when the war ends, the girls lose both their jobs and their football. […]
Evie’s War
In the seaside town of Whitby, when the United Kingdom is on the cusp of World War One, Evie and her family are touched by tragedy when Evie’s younger brother Alexander dies unexpectedly. As Evie’s mother and father struggle in their own ways to come to terms with their loss, Evie’s older brother David distracts himself with the ever-growing threat of war and Evie and her sister Kitty find ways to keep their […]
World of Football
Discover a world of fascinating facts and stats about the beautiful game! From record-breaking goals to famous football mascots – learn about the funny and extraordinary moments that make football fantastic. This fully illustrated book of trivia takes footie fans on a breathtaking round-the-world tour, visiting every continent to discover incredible football stories, from […]
Little Bird Flies
Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight – to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the […]
Runaway Robot
Runaway Robot is a funny and heartwarming adventure about two best friends helping put themselves back together, from the award-winning Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton. When Alfie goes to Airport Lost Property, he finds more than he bargained for. A lot more. Because there’s a giant robot called Eric hidden away on the shelves. […]
Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure
Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2019 A fast-paced fantasy adventure that will set your imagination soaring! Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm receive word in Lontown that their famous explorer father has died in a failed attempt to reach the southernmost point in the world. Not only that, but he has been accused of […]
The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair
An amazing and captivating, curl-up-on-the-sofa debut about a magical frost fair and the lasting power of friendship. It’s a cold winter during the Great Frost of 1683. Thomasina and Anne are the best of friends, one running her father’s sweet shop and the other the apprentice at the family apothecary – together they sell their […]
Best Books of 2021
We love to hear about which books are popular among our community of primary teachers, TAs, librarians, authors and children’s book lovers. We searched for your top children’s books published in 2021. Browse the SHORTLISTED books in each category below or head to the Books of the Year page to see the category winners. If you are […]
The Moon: Discover the Mysteries of Earth’s Closest Neighbour
This incredible guide to the Moon takes 7 to 9 year olds through its past, present, and future through stunning illustrations, photographs, and fascinating information. The perfect introduction to the Earth’s closest neighbour for young readers, The Book of the Moon covers the entire subject in thrilling detail. It explains the Moon’s geography, its phases, […]
Mummies Unwrapped
Unwrap the mysteries of ancient Egyptian mummies in this fascinating gift book from the British Museum What is a mummy? How exactly were they made? And is there really such a thing as a mummy’s curse? Find out the answers to these questions and many more, in this gruesome guide to the mummification process. Filled […]
India, Incredible India
Journey through India and explore its incredible diversity in this richly illustrated book, with words from a Costa-winning author. Written by award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan with detailed artwork by Nina Chakrabarti, this is a joyful celebration of India and its incredible people, places and wildlife. Watch elephants bathing from a houseboat in Kerala, marvel at […]
Cats React to Science Facts
Share in the wonderment of science with a crew of crazy cats and measure your amazement, awe and disgust alongside their furry feline faces! Like every topic, science becomes more interesting when cats are involved. Cats React to Science Facts is an engaging and fun way to understand the world of science. It’s just purrfect! […]
Wild Animals of the World
Famous German illustrator Dieter Braun offers his readers an accurate representation of animals from all around the world in this gorgeously illustrated volume. Our world is full of wonderful animals. From the brightly coloured mandrills in the rainforests of Africa to the majestic humpback whales in the icy waters of the Antarctic. Through his beautiful […]
She Shoots, She Scores!
With a foreword by England captain Steph Houghton, She Shoots, She Scores!tells the incredible story of the BEST sport in the world, women’s football – from the men who tried to ban it to the superstars of today’s game, including Lucy Bronze, Sam Kerr and Alex Morgan. Young footie fans can find out about . […]
History’s Biggest Show-offs
Some people just can’t resist showing off… and this BIG book introduces readers to some of the biggest braggers and loudest show-offs throughout history. This book takes young readers on a tour of some of history’s greatest show-offs, from wealthy kings and queens who loved to splash the cash to masterful musicians who weren’t shy […]
Around the World in 80 Festivals
When do you eat ‘bread of the dead’, or walk barefoot across red-hot coals? When might you dress up as a demon in a hairy suit and huge horned headdress? What are you celebrating if you climb an 18-metre-high tower made out of buns? Includes a stunning central gatefold that opens out to reveal a […]
A Wild Child’s Book of Birds
Join brilliant young naturalist Dara McAnulty – winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for his book Diary of a Young Naturalist and author of Wild Child! – on a journey through a year in the life of birds. A Wild Child’s Book of Birds is a fantastic nature book, illustrated in full colour by Barry […]
Poetry for Year 5 & Year 6
Best Poetry Books for Upper KS2 (Ages 9-11) Introduce your Year 5 and 6 children to a range of poets with our selection of poetry books for Upper KS2. From classic poems and nature verses to laugh-out-loud rhymes and award-wining collections, we’ve picked out a range of our favourite books that encourage a love of poetry for children aged […]
Summer Reads 2022
Looking for some good children’s books to get stuck into during the summer holidays? We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite new children’s books out this summer, listed by age group. Our summer selection includes stories of adventurous getaways, creatures of the deep, treasure quests, seashore escapades and plenty of exploration of […]
Everything You Know About Minibeasts is Wrong!
Minibeast fans will quickly become minibeast experts with this informative, inventive and entertaining take on an animal book! Do you know all there is to know about minibeasts? Bees die when they sting you, centipedes have 100 legs and cockroaches are indestructible, right? Well, this book is here to show you that you’re WRONG! But […]
Marvellous Body: A Magic Lens Book
In this eye-catching book, readers can explore the hidden inner workings of the human body, look inside different organs and body systems and learn about how to look after their own physical and mental health at the same time. Readers use the see-through magic lens to reveal how our bodies function and the different body […]
Horses (A Day in the Life)
Set over a 24-hour period, meet fighting stallions, cute foals, and nosy donkeys in this kids’ non-fiction book about the coolest wild horses in the world. Race across prairies to follow the lives of horses and ponies as they whinny, neigh, and play their way through their day. Biology professor and horse owner Carly Anne […]
Iceberg
In the final freeze of an Antarctic winter, green tails wave across a star-full sky, as if to farewell endless nights. If this world looks empty, look closer … Penguins trek across the ice to their winter homes. As the temperature warms, birds fly above on their long migrations. And with the advent of summer, […]
Why Do We Wear Clothes?
Do you know why a chef’s hat has 100 pleats? Or how many ways there are to tie a tie? Packed full of whacky facts and stunning clothes from designers and cultures around the world, as well as glorious illustrations featuring objects from the V&A, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever […]
Planet Omar: Ultimate Rocket Blast
Welcome back to Planet Omar! The fifth book in Zanib Mian’s laugh-out-loud series, with amazing cartoon-style illustrations. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Wimpy Kid. Omar and his friends are taking part in a national rocket building competition. With a little help from Omar’s scientist mum and dad and some fart power too, they […]
The Naughtiest Unicorn
Join the naughtiest unicorn for friendship, magic and mayhem in this hilarious series. Mira CAN’T WAIT to start Unicorn School. (Her big sister goes and won’t stop going on about it). But when Mira arrives on her first day all the unicorns are gone … except Dave! Dave isn’t quite the sparkly magical unicorn Mira was […]
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari Peters knows three things. Her big brother Quinton has gone missing. No one will talk about it. His mysterious job holds the secret… So when Amari gets an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain this is her chance to find Quinton. But first she has to get her head around the […]
Newspaper Boy and Origami Girl
When a group of bullies steal a poor newspaper boy’s money, his bag suddenly flies into the air and the newspapers transform into Origami Girl. Joey is whisked away on away on a hair-raising chase with his new superhero friend in order to confront the bullies!
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism
From ‘What’s wrong with the idea of ‘race’? and ‘Why is life harder for people with darker skin?’ to ‘Don’t ALL lives matter?’ and ‘What’s racism got to do with me?’ this book tackles powerful, pertinent questions in a direct, accessible and thought-provoking way. Discover why racism is everyone’s problem to solve, and how we […]
The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams
A Grand Slam champion An activist An inspiration Serena Williams began playing tennis when she was just a child, and is now an Olympic champion who’s won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else. Throughout her life she’s battled many things, from life-threatening illnesses and sports injuries, to sexism and racism in the tennis […]
The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole
A doctress An activist An inspiration Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war, and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica as the daughter of a doctress […]
Trailblazers: Simone Biles
How did Simone Biles become a superstar athlete and gold medallist? On a daytrip to the local sports centre, Simone discovered her natural talent for gymnastics. She signed up for regular training sessions and was soon performing incredible routines at competitions. Despite a challenging start in life, Simone went on to become one of the […]
It’s Her Story Rosa Parks: A Graphic Novel
A graphic novel for children age 7 to 10. Rosa Parks was the courageous thinker and leader known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Long before the Montgomery Bus Boycott made her famous, she was a social justice activist and organizer. In honor of her work, she received a Congressional Gold Medal and […]
Our Story Starts in Africa
When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn’t feel that she fits in. But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years… a story that Paloma shares in, because her story starts in Africa, […]
Black in Time: The Most Awesome Black Britons from Yesterday to Today
Hiya! Alison Hammond here! I love getting to know all about different people and I’ll tell you a secret . . . sometimes people we don’t know much about are the most interesting of all! Which is really what this book is all about. Let me ask you a question: How many Black people can […]
Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain
Publishing for the 75th anniversary of the Partition of India in August 2022, this book is a unique exploration of the rich and complicated history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain. There are many ways of telling the same story, and how you tell it depends on your point of view. Some stories are so […]
The Boy With Wings
An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero! Wings? Check. A super-cool, super-secret past? Check. An impossible mission to save the world from a fur-ocious enemy? Check. When Tunde sprouts wings and learns he’s all that stands between Earth and total destruction, suddenly school is the least of his problems. Luckily, his rag-tag […]
Maddy Yip’s Guide to Life
A madcap new story from Sue Cheung, winner of the Diverse Book Award, filled with belly-laughs and packed with drawings! Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Sam Wu. Maddy Yip is perfectly happy in life, until she realises that everyone she knows has a talent – except for her! Maddy is determined to change […]
The Amelia Jane Collection
Three classic children’s stories in one bumper book from the world’s best-loved children’s author, Enid Blyton. Rag-doll Amelia Jane is big, bad and the terror of the toy cupboard! The collection includes: Naughty Amelia Jane, Amelia Jane is Naughty Again and Amelia Jane Gets Into Trouble. In these hilarious stories, Amelia Jane has all sorts […]
Toys and Games
Ways into History: Toys and Games looks at toys from the past and today, and explores how these have changed over time. It also studies how toys are made. It includes a timeline of some famous toys made in the 19th and 20th centuries at the back of the book. In the Ways into History […]
Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties
A hilarious and fast-paced adventure from comedian Humza Arshad and screenwriter Henry White, perfect for fans of David Solomons and David Baddiel. Humza Khan considers himself to be the greatest eleven-year-old rapper Eggington has ever known and soon everyone will know his name. The only problem is school has got really weird. All the teachers […]
A Double Detectives Medical Mystery: The Cure for a Crime
Twins Ali and Tulip have grown up with a surgeon mother and so have picked up lots of knowledge of first aid, medicine, and the ways of the hospital-they even know where the secret biscuit drawer in A&E is. When their mother becomes unnaturally sleepy and forgetful, they become suspicious of her new boyfriend. With […]
The Good Turn
A sharp, funny middle grade adventure with themes of real-life activism and how to help others for fans of The Goonies and The London Eye Mystery . Josephine Williams is a future-focused, internet-loving eleven-year-old who is desperate to explore the world beyond her cul-de-sac – and her browser. When she learns about Josephine Holloway – […]
Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu
Twelve-year-old Lizzie Chu lives in Glasgow with her grandad Wai Gong, and he’s been acting a little strange lately. He is becoming forgetful, and spends a lot of time talking to his statue of Guan Yin – the Chinese goddess of compassion, kindness and mercy. Lizzie is worried about Wai Gong, but doesn’t really know […]
The Elemental Detectives
A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventure for fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and Mortal Engines, from bestselling and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs. But humans have been causing chaos for centuries, trampling through the […]
Sindhu and Jeet’s Detective Agency
Sindhu and Jeet are the best detectives in town: they solve all their cases with a dollop of observation, a dash of imagination and a whole load of legwork. And when they travel from India to England for a holiday, the detective work doesn’t stop! This page-turning story is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations by Amberin […]
Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe
Save the universe in the awesome and hilarious new space-themed adventure series from bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang! Suzie Wen LOVES gadgets and inventing things – but her inventions don’t always turn out how she expects . . . And when Suzie invent the Super 3DTV Gizmo she ends up getting transported into her […]
Cookie! (Book 3): Cookie and the Most Mysterious Mystery in the World
In her third adventure, Cookie finds mysteries everywhere – but can she solve them, and save the science show? Hurray, Cookie’s Nani is coming to stay from Bangladesh! But she doesn’t speak English and Cookie is the only one in the family who doesn’t speak Bengali. Luckily, science-mad Cookie realises that her coding lessons at […]
The War of the Worlds
Mysterious explosions on the surface of Mars signal the beginning of an alien invasion. Soon the ruthless creatures are terrorizing Earth with their unstoppable death rays. Can nothing prevent these merciless Martians from taking over the world? H.G. Wells’ classic story of Martian invasion, vividly retold for newly independent readers.
Cakes in Space
Astra’s family are all snoring in their sleeping pods, but Astra is WIDE AWAKE. With her friend, Pilbeam, she goes off exploring and soon finds out the ship is in deep trouble. It’s been knocked off course and invaded by a gang of Poglites, an alien salvage crew searching for spoons. But even the Poglites […]
Life on Earth: Dinosaurs
When did the dinosaurs live? How did they hunt? And why is the T-Rex the scariest dinosaur? Find out the answer to these and many more questions in this fun fact-filled lift the flap book. Discover the secrets of the prehistoric era with 100 questions and answers about dinosaurs and more than 70 lift-flaps to […]
Stomp, Dinosaur, Stomp!
A rhythmic, read-aloud picture book. Perfect for little dinosaur fans! Mighty Tyrannosaurus loved stomp, stomp, stomping. Gigantic legs striding, enormous jaws opening… So stomp, Tyrannosaurus, stomp! Meet a different dinosaur on each page, in this bright, bold picture book. Just right for sharing together. Little ones will love looking at the colourful pictures and joining […]
Prehistoric Actual Size
What is it like to come face-to-face with the ten-foot-tall terror bird? Or stare into the mouth of the largest meat eater ever to walk the earth? Can you imagine a millipede that is more than six feet long, or a dinosaur smaller than a chicken? In this “actual size” look at the prehistoric world, […]
A Maths Journey Through Space
Go on an exciting real-life maths journey to practise the core topics of number, geometry, statistics, ratio & proportion, algebra and measurement. Through data visualisation methods which include colourful diagrams, pictograms, illustrations, photographs and infographics, Go Figure! brings maths into the real world in an innovative, exciting and engaging visual way. It makes even the […]
Dinosaur Bones
With a lively rhyming text and vibrant paper collage illustrations, author-artist Bob Barner shakes the dust off the dinosaur bones found in museums and reminds us that they once belonged to living, breathing creatures. Filled with fun dinosaur facts (a T. Rex skull can weigh up to 750 pounds!) and an informational “Dinometer,” Dinosaur Bones […]
Dinosaur A to Z: An Amazing Alphabetical Dinosaur Parade
This brilliant A-Z parade of the most exciting dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures that ever lived comes complete with a giant poster of dinosaur favourites . Dinosaur A-Z is a dip-into delight for any young dinosaur enthusiast that provides a line-up of the biggest, smallest, baddest, nicest, and scaliest dinosaurs that have been discovered to […]
Dinosaurium
Welcome to the museum that is always open to explore… Step inside the pages of this beautiful book to discover galleries of dinosaurs, expertly curated to bring you the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the comfort of your own home. Dinosaurium features a wide range of dinosaurs from the most-loved Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex […]
Tony T-Rex’s Family Album
Tony T-Rex’s Family Album is a humorous history of dinosaurs as told by Earth’s last surviving dinosaur, Tony. Tony pens a no-holds-barred family history, and the stories that surface reveal the defining characteristics of some of the most memorable creatures from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Tony’s memoir includes tales about his great-great-great-grandpa `Greedy Guts’ […]
Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures
From the team behind the best-selling Atlas of Adventures comes this prehistoric journey of discovery into the world of the dinosaurs. Travel back in time to lock horns with a triceratops , stalk prey with a T. rex , and learn to fly with a baby pteranodon. With hundreds of things to spot and facts […]
Toad Rage
Limpy can’t understand why humans hate all cane toads so much – they even squash them with their cars. He is determined to save his own family from ending up as flat as place mats. He sets off on a ‘mucas-chillingly dangerous and wart-tinglingly daring journey’ and risks everything to make humans see that cane […]
A Journey Through: Space
Take a journey from your doorstep into outer space! Zoom through the Solar System, discovering satellites, comets and asteroids along the way. Explore craters on Mars, moon-hop around Jupiter, and get a close-up view of Saturn’s amazing rings. Just don’t travel too close to the Sun! Packed with lively illustrations to reveal our amazing universe, […]
A Place for Pluto
Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. Poor Pluto! On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn’t fit in anywhere! But when Pluto is […]
Cosmic
It’s one giant leap for all boy-kind in Frank Cottrell Boyce’s out-of-this-world story: Cosmic . Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages: he’s the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force-defying Cosmic rollercoaster – or to be offered the chance […]
Fortunately, the Milk…
From multi-award-winning Neil Gaiman comes a spectacularly silly, mind-bendingly clever, brilliantly bonkers adventure – with lip-smackingly gorgeous illustrations by Chris Riddell. Mum’s away. Dad’s in charge. There’s no milk. So Dad saves the day by going to buy some. Really, that’s all that happens. Very boring. YAAAAAAAAAWN. There are absolutely none of the following inside: […]
Migration
Animals of all shapes and sizes make epic journeys across our planet, through harsh weather, avoiding hungry predators, in their efforts to survive. Travel around the globe with some of the world’s most incredible animals and discover their unique migration stories. Follow the emperor penguin through snow, ice and bitter temperatures; watch as the great […]
George’s Secret Key to the Universe
George’s pet pig breaks through the fence into the garden next door – introducing him to his new neighbours: the scientist, Eric, his daughter, Annie, and a super-intelligent computer called Cosmos. And from that moment George’s life will never be the same again, for Cosmos can open a portal to any point in outer space […]
Giant
It’s hard to measure up in a family with high expectations. But it’s even harder when those people sometimes use you as an arm rest. And call you ‘Peanut’. Anzo is 11 years old and very, very short. Mum, Dad and his two uncles are extremely tall but they’re also high achievers, obsessed with fulfilling […]
A Journey Through the Digestive System
In graphic novel format, follows the adventures of Max Axiom as he explains the science behind the human digestive system.
Life on Earth: Human Body
How many bones do I have in my body? What does my heart do? And why do we breathe? Find out in this fact-filled book, the first in a new non-fiction series for children aged 5+. Each book answers 100 questions in a simple and informative way, and has more than 70 lift-flaps to open.
Body: The Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide Body will help children aged 8+ learn everything they need to know about the human body. Revealing what really goes on beneath your skin, this fully illustrated book is split into key sections, and text is presented as easy-to-read bullet points. Every section includes a transparent acetate sheet feature, which allows you […]
Demon Dentist
The latest jaw-achingly funny, number-one bestselling novel from David Walliams – now out in paperback. Make your appointment if you dare… Darkness had come to the town. Strange things were happening in the dead of night. Children would put a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, but in the morning they would wake […]
A Collection of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories
A beautifully illustrated collection of Rudyard Kipling’s timeless animal tales. How did the rhinoceros get his wrinkly skin? Why won’t cats come when they’re called? How did one curious elephant with a nose for trouble change the lives of all elephants everywhere? These eight well-loved stories give inspired answers to these and other intriguing questions. […]
Life-Sized Animal Tracks
This eye-opening guide features to-scale representations of the prints left by all manner of animal species from across the globe, as well as salient facts about the different creatures. It will help young readers to identify an animal by the tracks it leaves, opening their eyes to the wonders of nature and encouraging them to […]
Mad About Monkeys
Monkeys, monkeys, monkeys! Haven’t you ever wondered about our simian friends and wonder what makes them so special? With over 250 species inhabiting our planet, this book explores the many different types of monkeys from the smallest Pygmy Marmoset to the largest Mandrill, and provides all the facts you wanted to know and more. Discover […]
Wild Animals of the South
Through his beautiful and colourful illustrations, readers will be dazzled by the giraffes and elephants in Africa, koalas and kangaroos in Australia, huge blue whales in the open oceans, and many more!
The Astounding Broccoli Boy
The Astounding Broccoli Boy is the hilarious tale of an unlikely (and very green) hero believing in himself and finding adventure. Rory Rooney likes to be prepared for all eventualities. His favourite book is Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared , and he has memorized every page of it. He could even survive a hippo attack. […]
Your Breathtaking Lungs and Rocking Respiratory System
Packed with amazing facts and eye-grabbing images, Your Breathtaking Lungs and Rocking Respiratory System takes a different approach to teaching the reader about the lungs and how and why we breathe. Every spread opens with an amazing science fact about the human body – for example – An average person breathes around 8,000-9,000 litres of […]
How to Help a Hedgehog and Protect a Polar Bear
Learn how you can save endangered animals and make the world a better place, too! From beetles and butterflies, to puffins and polar bears, animals and habitats all over the world need our protection. In this beautifully illustrated book, children (and adults!) can learn about thirteen different habitats – gardens, hedgerows, heathlands, woodlands, highlands, wetlands, […]
Disappearing Acts: A Search-and-Find Book of Endangered Animals
In this beautiful search-and-find book, readers are invited to find a variety of endangered animals within their habitats. Densely detailed landscapes of a rainforest, coral reef, mountains and skies are harbouring within them numbats, and snow leopards and mountain gorillas. Isabella Bunnell’s glorious watercolours makes the job of scouring the images even more fun. At […]
Science Skills Sorted! Habitats
Habitats are brilliant things to study scientifically. Within habitats, plants humans and other animals have learned to adapt to the variety of biomes on Earth. In Habitats you’ll delve into the science behind these marvels of the natural world by conducting ten investigations or experiments using the ATOM method – Ask, Test, Observe & Measure […]
Animal Architects: Amazing Animals Who Build Their Homes
A fantastic, original exploration of how animals build their homes and the fascinating structures they create. From gladiator frogs to chimpanzees, learn about how animals all over the world build their homes. Each spread contains a beautiful, colourful illustration of each animal and its home, plus a unique fold-out information panel, with stats and a […]
Life of Pi
One boy, one boat, one tiger . . . After the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orang-utan – and a 450-pound Royal […]
The BFG
Human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist.’ On a dark, silvery moonlit night, Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant. Luckily it is the Big Friendly Giant, the BFG, who only eats snozzcumbers and glugs frobscottle. But there are other giants in Giant […]
The Ice Palace
Ivan lives in a land where the winter is dark and fearful. Starjik, King of Winter, steals Ivan’s little brother and Ivan braves the bitter cold to find him.
The Hunting of the Snark
They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; They pursued it with forks and hope; They threatened its life with a railway-share; They charmed it with smiles and soap. Lewis Carroll’s magnificent nonsense poem The Hunting of the Snark features an unlikely cast of characters drawn from the Jabberwocky in Through the Looking […]
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?
Jessica Jenkins is missing . . . Jessica Jenkins has always thought she was a perfectly ordinary girl, until the day that part of her arm vanishes in the middle of a Geography lesson! Her best friend Izzy is determined to help Jessica realise what a great opportunity the power to turn invisible could be, […]
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is one of the greatest fantasy novels of all time. When Colin and Susan are pursued by eerie creatures across Alderley Edge, they are saved by the Wizard. He takes them into the caves of Fundindelve, where he watches over the enchanted sleep of one hundred and forty knights. But the […]
The Dark is Rising
Enter the young adult world of Susan Cooper. Perfect for fans of His Dark Materials . It’s Christmas-time in the Stanton family house: presents, carol singing, good cheer. But for eleven-year-old Will Stanton, something sinister has begun, inching round his subconscious, shouting silent warnings he can’t decipher. Then on Midwinter Day, Will wakes up to […]
The Box of Delights
And now, Master Harker, now that the Wolves are Running, perhaps you could do something to stop their Bite?’ A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his […]
The Chronicles of Narnia
All seven tales in The Chronicles of Narnia are bound together, with full-colour illustrations, in one magnificent hardcover volume with a personal introduction by Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis. Talking beasts, heroic deeds and epic battles between good and evil await you in C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy series, which has been enchanting […]
A Girl Called Owl
A glittering story of frost and friendship, with writing full of magic and heart, A Girl Called Owl is Amy Wilson’s critically-acclaimed debut about family and the beauty of the natural world. It’s bad enough having a mum dippy enough to name you Owl, but when you’ve got a dad you’ve never met, a best […]
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
A beautiful paperback edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, book two in the classic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. This edition is complete with cover and interior art by the original illustrator, Pauline Baynes. Four adventurous siblings-Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie- step through a wardrobe door and into the land […]
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter’s summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors – and then the […]
The House At The Edge of Magic
“Sometimes you are a whisper away from magic without even realizing it.” Nine is an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman’s purse, she knocks on its tiny door and watches it grow into a huge, higgledy-piggeldy house. […]
The Courage of Cat Campbell
Cat Campbell is a late-blooming witch whose magical abilities have yet to be mastered in this charming coming-of-age story set in the world of The Power of Poppy Pendle. Cat Campbell has had magical powers since the day she was born, but she didn’t always know that. Cat’s mother believes magic ruins lives, and even […]
Cowgirl
Growing up on the embattled Mawr Estate in South Wales, all Gemma sees are burglaries, muggings, sadness and boredom. With a dad in prison and a mum who has given up hope, she, like everyone around her, is holding on to memories of the times when happiness wasn’t so hard to find. When her search […]
Pig Heart Boy
Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is a ‘normal’ life – friends, swimming, school, family. But his life is far from normal. Not every thirteen-year-old desperately needs a new heart because theirs doesn’t work properly. Finally, one doctor offers hope. Cameron could – if he and his parents agree – take part in a […]
The Rise of Wolves
Innis Munro is walking home across the bleak wilderness of Nin Island when he hears the chilling howl of a wolf. But there are no wolves on the island – not since they were hunted to extinction, centuries ago. He decides to investigate his island home and accepts an ancient challenge: he who jumps the […]
The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones
When Mabel Jones unknowingly commits ‘The Deed’ she finds herself swiftly bundled into a sack and carried off to the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot ! Crewed by the strangest bunch of pirates you would ever want to meet, and captained by the dreaded Idryss Ebeneezer Split (a wolf with a false leg carved from […]
Milton the Megastar
In this sequel to Milton the Mighty, Milton goes international! Milton’s superstardom is stressing him out: the events, the glamour, the adoring fans! Secretly, Zoe, Audrey and Ralph think he’s turned into… well… a bit of a diva. So when Dad and Greta plan a trip to Hawaii, Zoe knows she has to take her […]
The Mixed-Up Summer of Lily McLean
Lily’s already got plenty going on living with a moody teenage sister, two feral brothers and a messy baby sister. Mum and Gran are stressed to the max, both dads are out of the picture and the cats aren’t exactly pulling their weight. But when she starts getting mixed-up warnings not to go on holiday […]
The Best Medicine
Philip’s mum has breast cancer. Philip wants to be a stand-up comedian like his hero, Harry Hill. Now he has to find the funny side of an unfunny subject, to help his mum – and himself. Philip is twelve years old and life is pretty good. He gets on with his mum and gets by […]
Peter Pan
J. M. Barrie’s classic children’s story is reimagined in this delightful full-color deluxe edition filled with all-new illustrations and ten removable features specially designed by MinaLima, the award-winning design studio behind the graphics for the Harry Potter films. For more than a century, the adventures of Peter Pan-the boy who can fly and never grows […]
The Edge Chronicles: The Last of the Sky Pirates
Rook Barkwater lives in the network of sewer-chambers beneath Undertown, the bustling main city of the Edgeworld. He dreams of becoming a librarian knight – one of those sent out to explore the mysteries of their world. Somewhere out there lie the secrets of the past – including the lost floating city of Sanctaphrax – […]
The Neverending Story
Only the right name gives beings and things their reality. A wrong name makes everything unreal. That’s what lies do. Bastian is nobody’s idea of a hero, least of all his own. Through the pages of an old book he discovers a mysterious magical world – a world of dragons, monsters, witches and giants. A […]
Frankenstein
This timeless gothic novel presents the epic battle between man and monster. In trying to create life, the young student Victor Frankenstein unleashes forces beyond his control, setting into motion a long and tragic chain of events that brings Victor to the very brink of madness. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it […]
Where the World Ends
Winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Every summer Quill and his friends are put ashore on a remote sea stac to hunt birds. But this summer, no one arrives to take them home. Surely nothing but the end of the world can explain why they’ve been abandoned – cold, starving and clinging to life, in […]
Mortal Engines
The first book in the award-winning Mortal Engines quartet. In a dangerous future, huge motorized cities hunt, attack and fight each other for survival. As London pursues a small town, young apprentice Tom is flung out into the wastelands, where a terrifying cyborg begins to hunt him down. Mortal Engines launched Philip Reeve’s brilliantly-imagined creation, […]
The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Go on a galactic adventure with the last human on Earth, his alien best friend, and a depressed android. Introducing younger readers to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , this YA edition of the funny sci-fi classic includes an introduction from Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer. One Thursday lunchtime the Earth gets unexpectedly demolished […]
Mr Gum and the Power Crystals
Shabba me whiskers! It’s a bold new look for Mr Gum, the best-selling cult classic, ready for a new generation of nibbleheads. Can it really be true that there’s an ancient curse on the town of Lamonic Bibber? And you guessed it, that old roo-de-lally Mr Gum and his trusty sidekick Billy William the Third […]
I, Robot
Isaac Asimov’s Robot series – from the iconic collection I, Robot to four classic novels – contains some of the most influential works in the history of science fiction. Establishing and testing the Three Laws of Robotics, they continue to shape the understanding and design of artificial intelligence to this day. What happens when a […]
I Knew You Could Do It!
I knew you could do it! I knew that you could! Of everyone out there I knew that you would. A celebration of everyday accomplishments as well as life’s milestones, I Knew You Could Do It applauds anyone who has overcome hurdles and challenges, and also cheers them into the future. And for anyone who […]
The Witches
Witches really are a detestable breed. They disguise themselves as lovely ladies, when secretly they want to squish and squelch all the wretched children they despise. Luckily one boy and his grandmother know how to recognize these vile creatures, but can they get rid of them for good?
Double Act
Ruby and Garnet are ten-year-old twins. They’re identical, and they do EVERYTHING together, especially since their mother died three years earlier – but they couldn’t be more different. Bossy, bouncy, funny Ruby loves to take charge, and is desperate to be a famous actress, while quiet, sensitive, academic Garnet loves nothing more than to curl […]
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Crackpot’ is what everybody calls the Pott family. So when they go to buy a new car and come back with a WRECK, nobody is surprised. Except for the Potts themselves. First, the car has a name. And she tells them what it is. Then they find that she can fly . . . and […]
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF. Twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and her grandfather, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured […]
Bear Came Along
From award-winning author Richard T. Morris and bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham comes a cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community. Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn’t know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren’t any fun by yourself, […]
Gangsta Granny
Another hilarious and moving novel from David Walliams, number one bestseller and fastest growing children’s author in the country. A story of prejudice and acceptance, funny lists and silly words, this new book has all the hallmarks of David’s previous bestsellers. Our hero Ben is bored beyond belief after he is made to stay at […]
The Imagination Box
There is a box. Anything you imagine will appear inside. You have one go, one chance to create anything you want. What would you pick?” That’s exactly the question ten-year-old Timothy Hart gets to answer after discovering The Imagination Box. The greatest toy on earth. The top-secret contraption transforms his life but when the box’s […]
Smith
London street urchin Smith is 12 years old, and an experienced pick-pocket. One day on Ludgate Hill, he robbed an old gentleman, and one minute later watched him silently murdered by two men, who chased him for the document he had stolen but could not understand. Smith artfully dodges the two men and winds up […]
Emil and the Detectives
EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES by Erich Kastner has been in print ever since it was first published in 1928. Young Emil is robbed on his first real railway journey of money entrusted to him by his hard-working mother for the relatives he is to stay with in Berlin. A gang of boys about his own […]
A Hundred Million Francs
A bunch of scruffy urchin kids in the backstreets of Paris outwit thieves to uncover the whereabouts of millions of francs stolen from the Paris-Ventimiglia express. Gaby is the leader, but it is super-cool Marion with her collection of stray dogs who is the heart of the gang. It all begins when a local villain […]
From the Mixed up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler
New York City girl Claudia, a mere month shy of being a twelve-year-old, has resolved to run away from home with her younger brother, Jamie. She knows that she could never pull off the classic spur-of-the-moment departure without a destination (inevitably involving having to eat outside with the insects, and cupcakes melting in the sun); […]
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism
From ‘What’s wrong with the idea of ‘race’? and ‘Why is life harder for people with darker skin?’ to ‘Don’t ALL lives matter?’ and ‘What’s racism got to do with me?’ this book tackles powerful, pertinent questions in a direct, accessible and thought-provoking way. Discover why racism is everyone’s problem to solve, and how we […]
Trailblazers: Simone Biles
Be inspired by the lives of trailblazers past and present in this fun and factual biography series! How did Simone Biles become a superstar athlete and gold medallist? On a daytrip to the local sports centre, Simone discovered her natural talent for gymnastics. She signed up for regular training sessions and was soon performing incredible […]
The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams
Serena Williams began playing tennis when she was just a child, and is now an Olympic champion who’s won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else. Throughout her life she’s battled many things, from life-threatening illnesses and sports injuries, to sexism and racism in the tennis world. Now she’s an icon in sport, fashion […]
Black in Time: The Most Awesome Black Britons from Yesterday to Today
How many Black people can you name from our history? Mary Seacole? Ira Aldridge? George Bridgetower? Pablo Fanque? Walter Tull? Have you heard of these people? From sportspeople to scientists, activists to musicians, politicians to writers, we’re going to meet a whole bunch of AWESOME people who have helped shape the world we live in.
The Story of Afro Hair
Explore the incredible history of Afro hair. The Story of Afro Hair celebrates the fashion and styles of Afro hair over the last 5,000 years. From plaits to the Gibson Girl, cornrows to locks, the hi-top fade to funki dreds, The Story of Afro Hair is the ultimate book of Afro hairstories. Kicking off with […]
It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks
A graphic novel for children age 7 to 10. Rosa Parks was the courageous thinker and leader known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Long before the Montgomery Bus Boycott made her famous, she was a social justice activist and organizer. In honor of her work, she received a Congressional Gold Medal and […]
Journey Back to Freedom
From the horrors of the slave trade to a book that changed the world, Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Olaudah Equiano in this gripping true story. Born in what is now Nigeria in 1745, Olaudah Equiano’s peaceful childhood was brought to an abrupt end when he was captured and enslaved aged 11. He […]
The Story of the Windrush
The story before the scandal. A book to celebrate the inspiring legacy of the Windrush pioneers. In June 1948, hundreds of Caribbean men, women and children arrived in London on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. Although there were already Black people living in Britain at the time, this event marks the beginning of modern […]
Queen of Freedom: Defending Jamaica
1720. Blue Mountains, windward Jamaica. In the sweltering heat Captain Shettlewood leads a troop of British soldiers through the thick trees towards the river. They are hunting slaves who have escaped from the brutal plantations. Their mission: to find them, and kill them. But up ahead, hidden among the rocks above the water, a group […]
Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture
A young brick goes on a journey to find her place in the world by visiting ten celebrated brick structures around the globe. Brick’s observations begin at home and then extend globally as she travels to a diverse list of brick structures – Malbork Castle in Poland, Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple in India, Grosvenor Estate apartments in […]
Year 6: 50 Recommended Reads
50 Best Books for Year 6 (Ages 10-11) *NEWLY UPDATED* Welcome to BooksForTopics’ recommended reading list for Year 6. If you’re looking for a list of the best books for children in Year 6, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of experts has selected a list of the 50 best books for children aged 10-11. […]
Year 5: 50 Recommended Reads
Best Books for Year 5 (Ages 9-10) *NEWLY UPDATED* Looking for the best Year 5 recommended reading list? Look no further than BooksForTopics.com. Our primary school reading experts have selected a list of the top 50 recommended books for children aged 9-10. There are so many books to love on this list, but do keep an eye […]
Year 3: 50 Recommended Reads
50 Best Books for Y3 (Ages 7-8) *NEWLY UPDATED* We’ve selected 50 top recommended books for Year 3 (children aged seven and eight). Find the best books to level up your Y3 reading collections with our carefully selected list of storytime chapter books, independent reads, funny stories, picturebooks, poetry collections, graphic novels, non-fiction texts and more. […]
KS2 Booklists (Ages 7-11)
Booklists for Children in Key Stage 2 In educational settings in England and Wales, Key Stage 2 (KS2) usually refers to children in school Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (ages 7-11). Our selection of recommended booklists for children in KS2 covers everything from storytime favourites and top graphic novels to popular curriculum topics like […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of The Famous Five
If you like The Famous Five, try these… The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton has been charming readers for generations and is one of the best selling children’s series of all time. Fans enjoy the stories of unravelling mysteries, innocent adventures and the power of teamwork – not to mention lashings of ginger beer! […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Roald Dahl
If you like Roald Dahl, try these… Roald Dahl’s books have sold over 200 million copies and are well-known favourites in many households and classrooms. From oversized peaches to adventures in chocolate factories, Dahl’s stories are enjoyed for their imaginative plots, humorous commentary and devious villains who get their comeuppance at the hands of clever […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Horrible Histories
If you like Horrible Histories, try these… The Horrible Histories books have seen epic success – with over 60 books, a BAFTA award-winning TV series and several spin-off series to date. The books are well known for highlighting the gruesome side of history and are packed with jokes, comics and gruesome facts. We’ve put together […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Jacqueline Wilson
If you like Jacqueline Wilson, try these… Jacqueline Wilson’s books remain hugely popular with readers who enjoy stories that explore real-life issues and share themes of family, friendship and growing up. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. Readers who enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson’s stories about living in foster care […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Tom Gates
If you like Tom Gates, try these… The Tom Gates books have been phenomenally popular with readers who enjoy laugh-out-loud illustrated stories exploring themes of school, family life and everything zany. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Tom Gates. Readers who want more books like Tom Gates in the notebook-style […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of The Worst Witch
If you like The Worst Witch, try these… The Worst Witch books have captured the imaginations of millions of young readers who enjoy stories about growing up and discovering magic. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of The Worst Witch. Readers who loved Mildred Hubble’s escapades as a trainee witch might […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Horrid Henry
What books are similar to Horrid Henry? The Horrid Henry books have seen incredible popularity among young readers who enjoy laugh-out-loud stories about family life and characters who get themselves into sticky situations. Children who love reading about the escapades of mischievous characters should try The World Class in the World or Dirty Bertie – […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Wimpy Kid
If you like Wimpy Kid books, try these… The Wimpy Kid books are well known for turning reluctant readers into book fans, enjoyed for their easy-to-read style, laugh-out-loud humour and integrated cartoon-style illustrations. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Fans of comic-style […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Beast Quest
If you like Beast Quest, try these… The Beast Quest series has gripped thousands of younger readers who enjoy action, adventure and fantasy. Fearsome battles, fantastical beasts and epic rescue quests all characterise this best-selling children’s series containing over one hundred titles. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of the […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Rainbow Magic
If you like Rainbow Magic, try these… The Rainbow Magic books are a huge hit with many younger readers, often making the ideal first steps into chapter books. Readers enjoy their themes of friendship, problem-solving and – of course – magic. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of the Rainbow […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of David Walliams
If you like David Walliams, try these… David Walliams’ books are hugely popular with young readers and he is known as one of Britain’s best-selling children’s authors. From recounts of criminal grandmas to tales of terrible tooth fairy impersonators, Walliams’ stories have hooked in millions of readers who enjoy memorable characters, an easy-to-read humorous style […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Michael Morpurgo
If you like Michael Morpurgo, try these…. Michael Morpurgo has a loyal fanbase among readers who enjoy his stories of wartime, animals and adventure. With hundreds of books to date, Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning stories have become modern classics in primary school classrooms. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Michael […]
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Harry Potter
If you like Harry Potter, try these… The Harry Potter stories have undeniably charmed millions of readers who enjoy stories sparkling with magic, fantasy and adventure. The award-winning series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has been turned into eight hugely successful Hollywood films. We’ve put together a list of ten similar books for fans of Harry Potter. Fans […]
Storytime Favourites: Year 5 and Year 6 (Ages 9-11)
Best Storytime Chapter Books for Upper KS2 We have selected a list of storytime favourites for Year 5 and Year 6 (ages 9-11), which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud. From the best class readers to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of books that are brilliant for capturing the magic […]
Storytime Favourites: Year 3 and Year 4 (Ages 7-9)
Best Storytime Books for Lower KS2 We have selected a list of storytime favourites for Year 3 and Year 4 (ages 7-9), which includes books that are particularly well suited for being read out loud. From the best class readers to favourite bedtime stories, browse our list of books that are brilliant for capturing the magic storytelling […]
Year 4: 50 Recommended Reads
Best Books for Y4 (Ages 8-9) *NEWLY UPDATED* Looking for book recommendations for Year 4 children? Look no further than BooksForTopics.com. Our website offers a carefully curated list of the top books for 8-9-year-olds, selected by expert primary teachers and librarians. Find the best books to top up your Y4 book collection with our hand-picked list […]
Books With Minority Ethnic Characters
Children’s Books with Minority Ethnic Characters A recent study by CLPE has shown that just 9% of children’s books published last year featured a main character from a minority ethnic background. Although the number is increasing over time, there still exists a major under-representation, considering that 33.9% of children of primary school age in England […]
Diverse & Inclusive Books for Upper KS2
Best Diverse Books for Years 5 and 6 We have selected a list of recommended diverse and inclusive books for children in Year 5 and Year 6 (ages 9-11), which feature characters that are traditionally under-represented in children’s books. This list of the best diverse books for children in Upper Key Stage 2 includes books […]
Diverse & Inclusive Books for Lower KS2
Best Diverse Books for Years 3 and 4 We have selected a list of recommended diverse and inclusive books for children in Year 3 and Year 4 (ages 7-9), which feature characters that are traditionally under-represented in children’s books. This list of the best diverse books for children in Lower Key Stage 2 includes books […]
Books For Readers Who Love Sci-Fi
Tom Huddleston shares his sci-fi recommendations. My futuristic adventure story FloodWorld and its sequel DustRoad are set centuries from today, in a world reeling from the effects of climate change. I’ve always loved sci-fi stories, from intergalactic action to time-travel tales to speculative fiction about humanity’s future. Here are five of my favourites for younger […]
Detective Stories For Children
From murder mysteries to crimes to crack, detective fiction remains a popular genre with children in Key Stage 2. Katherine Woodfine – author of The Taylor & Rose Secret Agents series – shares her recommendations of the best books for children who love detective stories.
Reluctant Readers Lower KS2
Best Books for Reluctant Readers in Years 3 and 4 There’s great joy in finding the right book for the right child, but the journey to getting to that point can sometimes be a tricky one. Some children naturally choose books and find it easy to navigate the world of reading for pleasure for themselves. […]
Reluctant Readers Upper KS2
Best Books for Reluctant Readers in Years 5 and 6 For parents and teachers, there is such an enormous amount of pressure (and often a strong desire) to guide every child successfully through the process of learning to read – while making sure it’s fun, enjoyable and a learning journey that will lead to a […]
Books About India
Joan Haig (author of Tiger Skin Rug) picks out five recommended children’s books featuring India.
Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures
From the team behind the best-selling Atlas of Adventures comes this prehistoric journey of discovery into the world of the dinosaurs. Travel back in time to lock horns with a triceratops , stalk prey with a T. rex , and learn to fly with a baby pteranodon. With hundreds of things to spot and facts […]
The Great Dream Robbery
Radio 1 broadcasters and bestselling authors of KID NORMAL – Greg James and Chris Smith – are back with a mind-bending adventure you won’t want to wake up from . . . Have you ever had a really strange dream? Maya Clayton definitely has. Last night she dreamt that her dad, the brilliant but slightly […]
The Dragon in the Library
WHEN EVIE TALKS TO ANIMALS . . . THEY TALK BACK. Eleven-year-old Evie has a talent: a supertalent. She can HEAR what animals are thinking. She promises to keep it top secret, but then an evil pet-thief strikes. Every animal in town is in danger and only by DARING TO BE HERSELF can Evie save […]
Evie and the Animals
Save the library, save the world! Kit can’t STAND reading. She’d MUCH rather be outside, playing games and getting muddy, than stuck inside with a book. But when she’s dragged along to the library one day by her two best friends, she makes an incredible discovery – and soon it’s up to Kit and her […]
The Clockwork Crow
A magical story of snow and stars by Catherine Fisher. The Clockwork Crow is a mysterious gothic Christmas tale set in a frost-bound Victorian country mansion. When orphaned Seren Rees is given a mysterious package by a strange and frightened man on her way to her new home, she reluctantly takes it with her. But […]
Furthermoor
The real world is a hostile place for twelve-year-old Bren, his schooldays stalked by vicious bully, Shaun, and his family life fractured at home. Ever since his sister Evie died in an accident, Bren’s only safe space is Furthermoor, an imagined world of mechanised trees and clockwork animals, where Evie is still alive. In Furthermoor, […]
When Fishes Flew
This first new novel in two years from the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller is a sweeping story of love and rescue – an unforgettable journey to the Greek island of Ithaca, and back in time to World War Two… Australian-Greek girl Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home in Ithaca, and discovers – through a friendshi