Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Author & Illustrators

Tom Fletcher Books

Tom Fletcher, the beloved author known for his captivating children’s books, brings another heartwarming festive adventure with The Christmasaurus and the Night Before Christmas. This picture-book sequel is brimming with holiday magic, making it a fantastic read for both the classroom and the home.

Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows Christmasaurus, a delightful and well-meaning dinosaur, as he tries to help Santa and the elves prepare for the big night. However, things don’t go quite as planned, and Christmasaurus’s attempts often lead to unexpected mishaps. Yet, as the plot unfolds, a special someone shows Christmasaurus that the magic of Christmas isn’t about perfection. Instead, it’s about celebrating our unique sparkles and recognising that everyone has their special talents.

Fletcher’s signature read-aloud rhyming style makes this story perfect for engaging young listeners. It keeps them entranced while delivering an uplifting message about self-acceptance and embracing individual strengths. Shane Devries’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes, bursting with detail and vibrancy. Two spectacular pull-out gatefold spreads add an extra layer of excitement, inviting children to explore the festive world of Christmasaurus. These visual elements will capture pupils’ imaginations and provide a wonderful springboard for discussing the story’s themes.

The Christmasaurus and the Night Before is an excellent addition to any school library or festive reading corner. It can spark conversations about the spirit of Christmas, the value of perseverance, and the beauty of embracing our differences. This story would also inspire art and design activities, writing prompts, or even a class discussion on what makes each of us unique.

This heartwarming and beautifully illustrated book is more than just a Christmas story—it’s a celebration of being uniquely wonderful. A highly recommended festive read that will bring joy and smiles to any classroom or family gathering.

The Christmasaurus is back and ready to soar into a new festive magical adventure!

Have you ever heard of Ebenezer Scrooge? The most miserly, miserable Christmas-hating miser from that very famous old book? The man who is more BAH HUMBUG than HO HO HO?

Well, what if I told you that he was about to step out of HIS story and into this one? And I’m afraid he’s got some grand plans . . . he wants to CANCEL CHRISTMAS!

But don’t panic – William Trundle and his very best friend, the Christmasaurus, are on the case. They’re determined to track down Scrooge and save Christmas from total Scrooge-ification! And they’re not alone; the whole Trundle family, William’s new friends Eddie and Lucy and, of course, Santa himself are here to help!

Can this Christmas crew stop Scrooge before it’s too late and Christmas is BAH HUMBUGGED for good?

The Christmasaurus is the story of William Trundle – a dinosaur enthusiast, and his father – a Christmas enthusiast. When a series of events forces William to grapple with a season of loneliness, he sends a clever letter to Santa, initiating a magical Christmas journey.

Fans of The Creakers will be drawn to this book and will recognise the combination of good-natured humour and a focus on the determination and bravery of child characters who see their adventure though with a strong sense of self.  This book has earned its place as a staple among classroom Christmas tales. Tom Fletcher skillfully captures the magic of Christmas time with all of its hope and surprises, while Shane Devries’s illustrations add depth to the narrative. The overall charm and whimsical nature of the story along with an endearing cast of characters make it a delightful festive read, especially for Lower Ks2.

Franky can’t wait to move to his new town – although he wishes he didn’t have to leave his best friend Dani behind.
But everything changes after the storm, when strange green lightning and powerful thunder crash down on the town. From that night on, the kids who live on Franky’s street start to change. One by one, they become a little odd . A little unusual . A little… magical .

Franky’s always wanted to be part of an amazing gang – just like his hero, super-spy Zack Danger! And soon, he realises that there’s real danger in store for himself and his new friends.

And so the Danger Gang is born…

An adventure story that fans of Roald Dahl will enjoy. The story revolves around the plight of a girl named Lucy, who has been left distraught after her parents suddenly go missing. Lucy soon finds that all of the children on her street seem to be facing the same fate, with their parents disappearing as well. Consequently, the children embark on a rampage, causing havoc in houses and on the street, throwing toilet paper on trees, and creating a mess everywhere.

Lucy is a natural-born leader as well as an instinctive problem solver. Amid the chaos, Lucy takes it upon herself to investigate and locate the missing parents. In her quest for answers, she discovers a mysterious creature called Woleb from the world of Creakers, hidden under her bed. The strange state of the world she discovers leads her to wonder if the Creakers are responsible for the parents’ disappearance.

Lucy teams up with Norman Quirk, a smart and organized boy with multiple scout badges, to formulate a plan to rescue their parents.  Lucy Dungston is a likeable character whose curiosity and determination drive the story forward. Norman Quirk’s sharp wit and intelligence make him an excellent addition to the team. A thrilling adventure follows as the pair try to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings.

Most children have wondered at some time or other if there is another world under their bed, and this story makes a light-hearted fantasy out of a common fear. A brave adventure story coupled with likeable characters and good clean humour makes this a popular choice with Year 3 at storytime.

.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments