Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Eva Ibbotson Books

One Dog and His Boy

Chapter book

All Hal had ever wanted was a dog. But a dog would damage the carpets in Hal’s house, and so his parents refused to let him have one.

Then they discover Easy Pets, a convenient dog-rental agency.

Terrier Fleck arrives on Hal’s birthday, but when he discovers that his dog must be returned, he runs away.

An irresistible adventure from a truly great and much-loved children’s author that every dog-loving child will adore.

Perfect for fans of 101 DALMATIANS.

With lovely line drawings on each chapter head

The Secret of Platform 13

Eva Ibbotson

Chapter book

Under Platform 13 at King’s Cross Station there is a secret door that leads to a magical island . . .

It appears only once every nine years. And when it opens, four mysterious figures step into the streets of London. A wizard, an ogre, a fey and a young hag have come to find the prince of their kingdom, stolen as a baby nine years before.

But the prince has become a horrible rich boy called Raymond Trottle, who doesn’t understand magic and is determined not to be rescued.

The Secret of Platform 13 is an exciting magical adventure from Eva Ibbotson, the award-winning author of Journey to the River Sea, in a special edition illustrated by Beatriz Castro. Discover more of the magical world with Sibeal Pounder’s exciting adventure sequel, Beyond Platform 13, based on characters from Eva’s original.

Magic Flutes

Eva Ibbotson

Chapter book

One of my favourite books by my favourite writer. Magic Flutes is about an Austrian Princess who has run off to become a wardrobe assistant for the International Opera Company. It’s a dreamy, romantic indulgence of a book that takes tremendous pleasure in the world of art and music, and I love it. (Ages 12+)

Journey to the River Sea

Eva Ibbotson

Chapter book

Winner of the Smarties Book Prize Gold Award, this is a very popular choice for KS2. It tells the story of a small girl called Maia, who journeys down the Amazon River with her strict governess, making friends and enemies along the way. It is rich in descriptive language in both its depiction of the Brazilian jungle and in its descriptions of complex and cruel characters that will stay with you long after you close the book.

This is a wonderful yarn, featuring not just one but two high-spirited female role models. Maia, a determined heroine, overcomes numerous challenges and a questionable step-family, whilst her governess, Miss Minton uses hidden talents and inventiveness to outwit incompetent villains and defy stuffy conventions. Both characters challenge small-minded colonial-types and lazy stereotyping as they embrace the adventures offered in this new extraordinary world.

The plot rattles along at a good pace and paints brilliant scenes of life along the Amazon. Maia’s true friends are unconventional and engaging, contrasting well with the nastiness of the Carter family. Ibbotson’s humour and storytelling skill ensure that the book never preaches but encourages us to travel with ‘courage and an open mind’. Much needed advice for young readers today!

The Abominables

Eva Ibbotson & Jamie Littler

Chapter book

Another novel on the theme of mountains, but this one is a more light-hearted choice, popular with lower KS2. Full of humour and imagination, this laugh-out-loud book tells the story of a young woman who is kidnapped by the Yetis of the Himalayan Mountains and given the tasks of bringing up their unruly children. Although this book is very funny, it also carries a strong message about caring for our planet.