Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

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Age Group: KS2

Chapter book

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 Father Christmas’s existence, he needs proof. So, on Christmas Eve, he sets up an elaborate booby trap to capture the jolly bearded fella as he comes sliding down the chimney. Kicking off a sequence of hilarious events that makes this Christmas the most bonkers ever!

Non-fictionPicturebook

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 over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

Non-fiction

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 scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

Picturebook

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

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

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

Best Books for Each Year Primary Group

NEWLY updated – April 2024!

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

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

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

 

Non-fiction

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

Non-fiction

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

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

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

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

Non-fiction

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 the footballing world and whether he’ll pip Mbappe to a Ballon d’Or!

Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

Non-fiction

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 a treasure trove for all the family to share.

Non-fiction

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 a glossary and index.

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