Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Archives: Books

Picturebook

A heartfelt and humorous adventure from the bottom of the sea and beyond, following one fish on an epic journey.
Deep, deep, deep under the sea … lives Blobfish! Blobfish loves telling jokes, although he has no one to share them with, so he sets off on an adventure to find a friend. But sometimes friends turn up in the most unexpected places, even at the bottom of the ocean. This heartfelt and humorous story gently introduces children to themes of friendship, belonging and the issue of plastics in our oceans.

Chapter book

In a daze, I take it all in: the wind, the leaden skies, the churning moody sea.

And, far in the distance, a misty outline.

Skelsay.

Wilderness haven. Building-site. Luxury-retreat-to-be.

And now, home.

When her father’s construction work takes Em’s family to the uninhabited island of Skelsay, she is excited, but also a little uneasy. Soon Em and her friend Zac realise that the setbacks, mishaps and accidents on the island point to something altogether more sinister: the wilderness all around them has declared war.

Danger lurks everywhere. But can Em and Zac persuade the adults to believe it before it’s too late?

Non-fiction

This exquisite book explores one huge tree in the jungle, from roots to canopy… with a huge fold-out surprise at the end.

Offering a perspective rarely seen, Up in the Canopy explores the rainforest layer by layer, as we climb the incredible Kapok tree – a 100-metre tropical tree in the heart of wildest South America – in search of the elusive Harpy eagle which lives almost exclusively at great heights.

With artwork as rich and dense as the rainforest itself, there is much to explore at every level, and readers can scour the forest floor, understory and canopy for the world’s rarest and most beautiful tropical creatures. Finally reaching the top, they are rewarded with the most magical sight…

As told by James Aldred, author of The Man Who Climbed Trees, and published in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Non-fiction

Travel through America’s incredible history and amazing wild places, visiting the National Monuments that celebrate the most iconic and majestic landscapes and locations in the USA.

Packed with maps and fascinating facts about the history, architecture, flora, and fauna in some of the most visited National Monuments in the United States, this gorgeously illustrated book showcases the nation’s most historically important and amazing places.

Marvel at some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty.
Discover lesser-known but just as breathtaking sites such as the Aniakchak volcano caldera. Read about geological wonders like the John Day Fossil Beds. Learn about places of solemn historical significance, such as the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.

Divided into eight chapters covering the breadth of the US, pictographic maps locate each of the monuments explored, while double-page, poster-worthy scenes convey the beauty of the areas featured.

Chapter book

A highly illustrated fiction series about a determined young inventor, from award-winning author Vashti Hardy.

Join Harley, her robot dog Sprocket and best friend Cosmo for problem-solving adventures and mysteries in Inventia, a world where science rules and technology grows in the forest; and where exploding science projects, giant slugs and runaway robots are all part of a normal school day.

The Iron Forest near Harley’s home is unlike any other – plants and trees grow cogs and hinges and other mechanical parts – and all of Inventia depends on it. So when a strange fungus is discovered, there’s a race to find a solution. Without essential parts for inventions, the town is quickly falling apart…

But just who or what is behind the mysterious infestation? Harley decides it’s up to her to save the day – with chaotic results!

Perfect for fans of Amelia Fang and Isadora Moon, this is a rollicking adventure that celebrates STEM learning!

Heavily illustrated with lively, humourous illustrations by George Ermos.

Vashti Hardy is an award-winning author of children’s books. Her novel Wildspark won the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story 2020, and Brightstorm was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize.

Non-fiction

Mount Everest is undoubtedly one of the most famous mountains on Earth. Hundreds of people clamber to its summit every year, following in Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s footsteps… but there is so much more to this mountain than the people who climb it. With sumptuous and stylish illustrations by Lisk Feng, this dynamic book reveals the great mountain’s ancient origins, the flora and fauna that thrive upon its great flanks, and the rich mythology of Sagarmatha, the Goddess of the Sky.

Non-fiction

The Himalayas are probably the most magical place on Earth. About 50 million years ago, a colossal clash between India and Asia resulted in the tallest landform on earth, with 14 peaks reaching over 8,000 meters above sea levels as it journeys through Nepal, India and Tibet.

This book helps you discover the towns that inhabit its rugged lands, its legends and colours in an extraordinary way and features information on the culture and spirituality that lies in this beautiful part of the world.

Chapter book

I’m Rani Ramgoolam – roving reporter. And I think I’ve found the perfect story for the junior journalism competition run by the local paper. An eccentric millionaire has created a treasure hunt with a reward for the first person who figures out the clues.

Luckily, my mischievous Nani is visiting from Mauritius. She’s promised to help me work out what a priceless painting, a minotaur and a glass eye have in common.

“Murder, murder! Call the cops!” Oh, and that’s Cookie, my parrot. I’m not sure he’ll be much use.

But the race is on and I’ll need all the help I can get. Especially when some people are resorting to sneaky tricks to get their hands on the prize…

Chapter book

Time for another Little Badman adventure. This time, Humza, Umer and Wendy must face . . . THE UNDEAD.

Welcome to Big School.

Humza Khan – aka Little Badman, Eggington’s greatest rapper – might have finally met his match.

Evil teacher geniuses and giant killer hamsters (see previous Little Badman adventures for details) are nothing compared to starting a new school.

He’s already been out rap-battled by the school bully, laughed at by his classmates. Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the ancient magical orb causing havoc and very possibly leading to world destruction.

At least Humza has found someone to help with his homework. It’s just a shame this friend isn’t exactly . . . alive.

Picturebook

A powerful and standout sea-life story featuring one very small and determined blue whale from bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph

Meet Gigantic, the smallest blue whale in the Atlantic. Dwarfed by the other whales, Gigantic keeps to himself, making new friends and perfecting his somersaults and flips in the bay.

But one day when Gigantic’s brother, Titan, gets stuck on the sand, it’s down to Gigantic and his smallest sea creature friends to save the day. Can they show it’s possible to be tiny and tough?

A swimmingly good story about little fins and big hearts from bestselling author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph.

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