Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Dick King Smith Books

The Sheep-pig

Chapter book

The Sheep-Pig is an animal classic by Dick King-Smith, also known through the film version ‘Babe’. The story is about a piglet who is determined to prove his worth on the farm by showing he can herd sheep just as well as any sheepdog. Under the wing of Fly the seasoned sheepdog, Babe develops his own unique style, choosing respect and manners over forceful snapping to get the sheep to comply. Readers can’t help but root for Babe.

It’s a farming story, so readers should be aware that the text uses the traditional term for a female dog and some discussion of the correct context for the use of this word might be helpful. It’s a much loved story that shows how persistence can help you reach a seemingly impossible goal and leading doesn’t always have to be aggressive.

The Hodgeheg

Dick King Smith

Chapter book

The 35th anniversary of The Hodgeheg – a timeless classic tale for young children from the master of animal stories, Dick King-Smith. Includes an author profile and interview, and fun facts.

Max is a hedgehog who lives with his family in a nice little home, but it’s on the wrong side of the road from the Park where there’s a beautiful lily pond and plenty of juicy slugs, worms and snails!
The busy road is dangerous but Max is determined to make his way across. If humans can do it, why can’t hedgehogs? His first attempt ends in a nasty bump on the head and, when Max tries to speak, he realises his words are all mixed up. He is no longer a hedgehog but a hodgeheg!

Still determined to fulfil his mission, Max discovers the best way to cross the road – with the help of the lollipop lady and some careful detective work . . .

The Invisible Dog

Dick King Smith

Chapter book

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 a wonderful new edition of this much loved classic.

The Queen’s Nose

Dick King Smith

Chapter book

A classic children’s book from beloved author Dick King Smith.

There’s something magical and original about this story, in which a girl called Harmony comes to own a magical 50-pence piece that will grant seven wishes. An exciting adventure ensues, with highs and lows that will make the reader feel truly invested in the story, as Harmony has to make choices about what to spend her wishes on, and some of them have unforeseen consequences that make the phrase ‘Be careful what you wish for’ ring true.

Readers root for Harmony, who is likeable and relatable, as she deals with the frustrations of family life and learns to stand on her own two feet in facing the aftermath of her independent choices. Harmony’s magic coin helps her to think about appreciating the things that are dear to her and slowing down to consider the consequences of her decisions – both good lessons to learn as children grow up.

We love this charming animal story, which explores themes of family and responsibility with a sprinkling of thrilling magic realism.

Sophie’s Adventures

Dick King Smith & Hannah Shaw

Chapter book

Small but very determined, Sophie is everyone’s favourite farmer-to-be! A bind-up of three classic stories for young readers by the beloved author of Babe.

The inimitable Sophie is Dick King-Smith’s most adored (human!) character, beautifully re-imagined twenty years later by the witty, perceptive paintbrush of the award-winning Hannah Shaw. Sophie loves animals of all kinds, but how will she grow up to be a farmer if she is not allowed any of her own? She goes looking for creatures to keep in her menagerie, but all she seems to find is trouble – yikes! And there is one pest she certainly doesn’t want around: her prissy new neighbour, Dawn…

Martin’s Mice

Dick King Smith

Chapter book

This animal story is a great choice for a story time chapter book for Key Stage 1.

Martin isn’t like the other cats on the farm. Teased by his family for being different, Martin is gentle and caring and does not want to catch and eat mice. When he does catch one, he decides to keep it in an old bathtub as a pet. Martin is determined to care for his captured new friend, named Druscilla, and is surprised to learn of the arrival of a new set of baby mice! When his mice escape, Martin learns a new lesson about freedom, safety, and being true to oneself in the face of opposition.

Readers love rooting for Martin, and Dick King Smith pens the story with just the right ratio of peril, tender moments and funny elements to make this a tale that readers will feel invested in.