Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Matt Oldfield Books

The Football GOAT: Kane v. Bellingham

Non-fiction

The superstar series full of facts, stats and stories so you can choose which football legend is the Greatest Of All Time! In this epic clash, HARRY KANE and JUDE BELLINGHAM go head-to-head…

Written by Matt Oldfield, the bestselling author of ULTIMATE FOOTBALL HEROES and UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL, and Seth Burkett, EX PROFESSIONAL PLAYER.

– Read about how Kane scored in his debut England match
– How Bellingham became Birmingham City’s youngest ever senior player
– That Kane is Tottenham Hotspur and England’s record scorer
– But Bellingham has won more team trophies, including a treble in a single season . . .

It’s a tough competition – are you ready to VOTE FOR THE GOAT?

The perfect gift for football fans, and there’s a whole set to collect!

OUT NOW!
Messi v. Ronaldo
Mbappé v. Haaland
Pelé v. Maradona
Saka v. Yamal
AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER!
2026 World Cup Special: England v. The World

Football Spy: Red Card

Matt Oldfield

Chapter book

Ethan Fox is living a double life. He isn’t just a talented academy player – he’s also a spy! A thrilling adventure set in the world of elite football by the multimillion bestseller and author of 2026 World Book Day title Unbelievable Football.

When Ethan Fox gets scouted by an elite football academy, it’s his last hope to make it as a pro. But all is not what it seems.

Recruited by the mysterious Department Eleven, he’s drawn deeper into the deadly world of spying – uncovering a scandal that could rock the sport he loves.

And the truth might cost Ethan more than just his football career. This game is life or death.

Includes illustrations such as game tactics, spy gadgets and big moments on the pitch!

Ultimate Cricket Superstars

Alessandro Valdrighi & Matt Oldfield & Tanya Aldred

Non-fiction

Discover the incredible true stories of 50 game-changing cricket superstars.
From Matt Oldfield, the author of Ultimate Football Heroes, and sports journalist, Tanya Aldred, comes an exciting new book for young cricket stars in the making. In this incredible collection of true stories, discover the secrets of 50 cricket superstars, from sporting legends to modern heroes. Uncover the most exciting and inspiring accounts of success, failure, injury and bravery. Learn the ins and outs of the game, with fascinating facts, player profiles and top tips to improve your own performance. An ideal book for any young sports fan who enjoys reading about their favourite heroes, such as “Freddie” Flintoff, Ellyse Perry, Don Bradman, Stafanie Taylor, Virat Kohli and Harmanpreet Kaur.

Ultimate Football Heroes: Road to the Euros

Matt Oldfield & Tom Oldfield

Non-fiction

Epic limited edition Ultimate Football Heroes Book with bonus activities!

In this epic special edition book, live the journeys of six ultimate football heroes as they begin their journey to European Championships glory. Discover how superstar players stepped up for their national sides and helped secure qualification for their national teams to the 2024 tournament. They’re all set for one more surge towards the ultimate footballing prize!

This Road to the Euros book will ALSO feature a load of UEFA European Championships related fun facts, quizzes and activities to help you catch that Euro 2024 fever!

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.

Unbelievable Football

Matt Oldfield

Non-fiction

Think you know everything about the Three Lions and the Lionesses?

Have you heard of . . .
*The naughty pitch-invading dog that stole the show at the 1962 World Cup?
*The English amateurs who achieved Olympic Gold?
*The spy who snuck into training?
*The Lost Lionesses who made it big in Mexico?
*The infamous World Cup handball that sealed England’s fate?

The beautiful game has always reigned supreme in England. These incredible and sometimes ridiculous stories may give you some idea of why. From penalty pain to unbelievable comebacks, discover some of the best true tales of our beloved national teams.

Compiled by bestselling author Matt Oldfield, this is the third book in the award-winning Unbelievable Football series and the perfect gift for young football fans everywhere.

Now includes the story of when the Lionesses came roaring back at Euro 2022.