Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Brian Moses Books

I am Ray’s Imaginary Friend

Chapter book

Brian Moses, a prolific and much-loved children’s poet, ventures into new territory with I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend, his first verse novel.

From the outset, the gentle cover, light humour, and engaging narrative voice quickly draw readers in. The story is told from the perspective of Jacob, an imaginary friend created by Ray, whose warm and witty narration establishes an immediate emotional connection.

Ray’s life in his village is turned upside down when he overhears his parents discussing a potential move. Distressed and unsettled, he invents Jacob as a source of comfort. Through their conversations, Jacob helps Ray build resilience and confidence, guiding him through feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The story sensitively explores themes of change, empathy and emotional growth, presenting them in a way that is both accessible and reassuring for young readers from 6 years upwards. It also covers the topic of a Ukrainian refugee mother and child coming to live in Ray’s new family home.

The book’s verse format enhances its accessibility. While it is a relatively quick read, the structure encourages moments of reflection. I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend is a comforting and thoughtful story about coping with change. Its uplifting conclusion leaves room for the return of Jacob, offering a reassuring sense of continuity and hope.

What Are We Fighting For?: Poems About War

Brian Moses & Roger Stevens

Chapter book

What Are We Fighting For? is a poetry collection that explores the concept of war in a brilliantly accessible way for younger readers.

Fascinating and moving in equal measure, there are poems about incredibly brave dogs, cats and pigeons; the Christmas truce of WWI when soldiers played football in No Man’s Land; poems about rationing and what it was like to be an evacuee, poems about modern warfare and the reality of war today; plus lots of amazing true historical facts.

This cross-curricular poetry book is a brilliant way to get young readers thinking about both the historical and philosophical aspects of war.

On Poetry Street

Brian Moses & Mark Elvins

Poetry

On Poetry Street provides 52 poems, one for each week of the year.

The book begins with Brian Moses welcoming readers with a ‘simple test’ for seeing whether they are ‘hooked on words’ and can create poetry for themselves. He then invites readers to ‘walk down poetry street’ with him, introducing them to the spectacular range of poems ahead.

In this collection, the opportunities for writing poetry or engaging children in oracy opportunities are endless. There is so much playfulness and creativity on each page. This collection of poems feels to be written with fun at its centre, while also providing scaffolding for budding poets to write their own. You can see why Brian Moses is one of Britain’s favourite children’s poets. A must for every classroom bookshelf or for a teacher to keep on their desk to read aloud and inject the joy of poetry into the classroom every day.

Selfies With Komodos

Brian Moses & Ed Boxall

Poetry

This is a quirky, fun collection of poems from the brilliant Brian Moses. Covering topics as diverse as the eponymous komodo dragons to earwigs, vampires and librarians, there is a poem here to suit everyone. Some are crying out to be read aloud – such as Bang a Drum- while others, like The Moment, are worth reading quietly and savouring. Some will make you think (Custodian), and others will make you giggle (Labrador). Some rhyme, some don’t. My personal favourites have to be Lost in a Book and Librarians – celebrating the power of stories and the value of having someone to guide you through them. With a poem for every occasion, this book of poems is sure to be a hit in any classroom from Key Stage 1 upwards, whether it is used for reading for pleasure or as a basis for writing poetry.

The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems

Brian Moses

Poetry

The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems is a brilliantly funny anthology of the most giggle-worthy children’s poems from one of the nations most celebrated children’s poets, Brian Moses.

Perfect for gifting and for reading aloud, you’ll be chortling along with Brian as he shows you the funniest poems in the world! Explore chucklesome poems about pets, funny creatures, school, family, fantasy and fairy-tales, dinosaurs and dragons, space, and just plain SILLY poems. With poets such as Brian Bilston, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Pie Corbett and Paul Cookson next to Liz Brownlee, Mike Jubb, James Carter and Rachel Rooney, this is the ultimate hysterical collection of rib-tickling poems guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

Poems About Festivals

Brian Moses & Kristina Swarner & Various Poets

Poetry

Poet Brian Moses selects an appealing variety of poems about different festivals in this illustrated anthology suitable for Key Stage 1. Different styles of poetry capture the spirit of a range of festivals, from Pancake Day and Holi to Eid-ul-Fitr and Chinese New Year.