Year 2 Archives < Page 2 of 5

Classic Children’s Books

Poetry

List of Classic Children’s Books

Packed with delightful books that have more than stood the test of time, this hand-picked collection of classic tales welcomes readers into whimsical worlds filled with humour and adventure, imagination and intrigue.

Our youngest readers will love joining the intrepid explorers in We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, and laugh out loud at the timeless humour of Funnybones. Readers in Key Stage 1 will delight at the story of Dave and his favourite toy Dogger, and take comfort from the tale of The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark.

Those entering Key Stage 2 can soar through the sky on Mildred’s broomstick in The Worst Witch, or step into the magical land of Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Thrilling and enchanting in equal measure, Tom’s Midnight Garden and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase are among our picks for those at the upper end of primary school.

These classics, with their familiar characters and timeless themes, will build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

Reflecting Realities Books 2023-2024

Reflecting Realities Booklist

In November 2023, the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) released the 6th annual Reflecting Realities Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature. The findings show that 30% of children’s books published in 2022 feature a racially minoritised character, which marks a significant increase from the 4% first reported in 2017. The published report can be viewed here or you can read a summary of the Reflecting Realities 2023 Report on our blog.

This year’s report pays particular attention to the range and breadth of genres that have seen minoritised characters become a meaningful part of the literary mainstream. From Fantasy and Historical to Comedy, the report highlights and celebrates stories that include racially minoritised characters in multi-dimensional and nuanced ways. The report names quite a number of texts that exemplify the “quality of presence they hope to encounter in all representative books.”

Titles highlighted in this year’s report include a number that the BooksForTopics community will recognise from our Diverse Children’s Book Lists, as well as our Year Group Recommended Reads and Curriculum Booklists, such as The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger, India Incredible India, Serena Patel’s Picture Perfect, Planet Omar and Joseph Coelho’s Our Tower.

This booklist features many of the highlighted books included in this year’s Reflecting Realities report.

Graphic Novels for KS1

Poetry

Best Graphic Novels for KS1 (Ages 5-7)

Graphic novels are longer stories written and illustrated in a comic style, combining a sequence of engaging visual elements that drive the plot, coupled with short pockets of text in the form of captions and dialogue. The format has seen a burst in popularity in recent years, and these books are seeing an increasing demand in primary schools.

Up until recently, most of the graphic novels available have been aimed at older children, but a newer demand for graphic novels suitable for younger readers in KS1 is now emerging. Whether you are looking for simple adventures like Max and Chaffy or comic tales of animal friends like Peanut Butter and Crackers, we’ve compiled a short list of the best graphic novels where the story content, length and text level are suited to children aged 5-7 in Years 1 and 2.

This list is aimed at readers in KS1. If you are looking for recommendations for graphic novels for older children, be sure to check out our Graphic Novels for Lower KS2 and Graphic Novels for Upper KS2.

Light and Sound Topic (KS2)

Recommended children’s books about light and sound

Explore the world of light and sound with this exciting collection of children’s titles which explore how we see and hear the world around us.

Our booklist is designed to help children in KS2 learn about the Science topics of light and sound, and features books packed with colour like Can You Get Rainbows in Space? alongside titles that explore hearing loss, like Can You Feel the Noise and Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion. Investigating light and sound from many perspectives, this booklist will bring the KS2 Light and Sound topic vibrantly to life!

NB: This booklist is aimed at children in Key Stage 2. For books for younger children, try our Light and Dark KS1/EYFS Booklist.

Light and Dark Topic

Recommended children’s books about light and dark

Explore the world of light and dark with this exciting collection of children’s titles about the people and creatures who wake up when you go to sleep.

Our booklist is designed to help children in KS1 and EYFS learn about the Science topics of light and dark, from recommended books that provide insights into the world of nocturnal animals like Owl Babies or The Bat Book, to stories about the getting to grips with the dark like The King Who Banned the Dark or The Rabbit, The Dark and the Biscuit Tin (look out for the fold-out page with guaranteed wow-factor!).With rich illustrations, fascinating facts and thrilling adventures, this booklist will help children to look at the world differently – but they may need a torch!

NB: This booklist is aimed at children aged 4-7. For books for older children, try our Light and Sound KS2 Booklist.

Food Glorious Food Topic (KS1/EYFS)

Recommended children’s books about food

Immerse yourself in the delicious topic of Food Glorious Food!

This collection of books about food combines rich illustrations and fascinating facts with an array of world cuisine to bring the EYFS Food Glorious Food topic to life. From a curry-loving penguin to a giant jam sandwich, this list of children’s books about food features farm-to-fork fact books alongside a love letter to chocolate cake. So what are you waiting for? Dig in!

This topic booklist is aimed at children aged 3-7. For books about food and digestion for older children, try our Food & Digestion Topic (KS2) booklist.

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 children’s 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 football-mad readers. So why not kick off your reading with these inspiring books about girls’ football?

Life Cycles Topic

Best children’s books about life cycles

Hatching, growing, changing… this list brings you the best children’s books about life cycles. Featuring butterflies, seeds, eggs and more, this collection covers the life cycles of a huge range of creatures and plants. From favourite stories to fascinating non-fiction texts with vibrant illustrations, children in the Early Years and KS1 will love exploring the science of how all sorts of organisms change and grow with our list of recommended children’s books about the topic of life cycles.

Books about Colours

Recommended children’s books about colours

Lose yourself in the glorious world of colours. This collection of books about colours mixes vibrant illustrations, heartwarming stories and fascinating science to offer a range of perspectives on the EYFS colours topic. Rainbows and crayons feature alongside favourite characters to bring the colours topic to life. Brighten up your classroom with this list of the best children’s books for learning about colours.

Festivals and Celebrations Topic

Best children’s books about festivals and celebrations

Let’s celebrate! Featuring fun picturebooks and fascinating non-fiction texts, this collection of the best children’s books about festivals and celebrations offers a colourful and insightful global journey. Learn about festivals from a range of cultures and traditions and extend your children’s understanding of important religious celebrations with this list of books for Early Years and Key Stage One classrooms, designed to bring the topic of festivals and celebrations to life.

Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

History

Geography

Science, Maths & Computing

Literacy & Reading

PSHE & Emotional Literacy

Diversity & Inclusion

Seasonal & Events

Booklists by Childs Age

Age Group: Year 2

Classic Children’s Books