Best Books This Month – May 2026

Brian Moses, a prolific and much-loved children’s poet, ventures into new territory with I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend, his first verse novel.

From the outset, the gentle cover, light humour, and engaging narrative voice quickly draw readers in. The story is told from the perspective of Jacob, an imaginary friend created by Ray, whose warm and witty narration establishes an immediate emotional connection.

Ray’s life in his village is turned upside down when he overhears his parents discussing a potential move. Distressed and unsettled, he invents Jacob as a source of comfort. Through their conversations, Jacob helps Ray build resilience and confidence, guiding him through feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The story sensitively explores themes of change, empathy and emotional growth, presenting them in a way that is both accessible and reassuring for young readers from 6 years upwards. It also covers the topic of a Ukrainian refugee mother and child coming to live in Ray’s new family home.

The book’s verse format enhances its accessibility.  While it is a relatively quick read, the structure encourages moments of reflection. I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend is a comforting and thoughtful story about coping with change. Its uplifting conclusion leaves room for the return of Jacob, offering a reassuring sense of continuity and hope.

The first in a new magical and mystical series by the incredibly talented Laura Ellen Anderson, who not only is the author but the illustrator too.

In the darkest of night at the end of the day, the stars will always light your way. Tabitha finds a key to her garden shed which takes her to the land of Star Kitties.

She has been very much enjoying her weekly visits there and now it’s her birthday and she has arrived in Whiskery Paw expecting celebrations galore however there is a cat-astrophe: her Royal Pawness is missing and the cats are in chaos!

This illustrate early chapter book series tells the story of a secret world of kitty cats which as a cat-lover was purrrfect (once I was introduced to Reading Kitty, I felt like I’d met my soulmate!). The striking two-colour illustrations make the book very appealing and ideal for children in Year 2 upwards (age 6+). There is also a map at the start for children to follow the characters on their detective mission. It is a great book to use as a stepping tool from KS1 to KS2: it has short chapters and could help children progress from phonics and onto comprehension led reading in small groups or as a whole class setting.

Bound to be a hit with fans of Isadora Moon, Pia’s Pet Club or Izzy the Inventor.

This is the first book in a super-fun and positive new series aimed at younger readers who are not yet ready for Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks or Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

It follows the life of Riley Wright, a girl starting in Year 4 at a school where her Dad is going to be the new Headteacher! Riley is often embarrassed by her father and hopes to blend into her new environment, so she is horrified when he announces that she is his daughter on the first day. Despite this, she manages to make a best friend (Emmie) that morning and is shown her secret library in a long-forgotten cupboard, which becomes the girls’ refuge during the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, Riley’s Dad shatters the relative peace by announcing a talent show where all pupils showcase a skill, firstly to their class, and then to the whole school. Riley doesn’t believe that she has any talents at all and worries every day about what she could do, although it turns out that she is brilliant at helping Emmie with her own act.

There are positive messages about things usually turning out better than you expect, not becoming worked up about difficulties with one tricky person, and learning from our mistakes. The story gives a great insight into friendships at school and will give plenty of laughs about family and growing up. I think it is perfectly pitched for the middle of primary upwards and would be popular with those who have enjoyed Jen Carney’s stories.

The Panda-Badger introduces readers to Pablo, who lives in a seemingly fixed world badgers look like badgers and pandas look like pandas, and everyone knows where they belong. But Pablo is neither one nor the other! He is a unique mix of both. In a society that sees the world in binaries, Pablo’s very existence challenges the boundaries of belonging.

This story sensitively explores the idea that strengths and weaknesses are sometimes a matter of perspective. The badgers thrive in water, while the pandas avoid it. Pablo is in between. Where does someone belong when they do not neatly fit the categories that others rely on? How can Pablo stay true to himself when he feels pulled in opposing directions?

The book provides a platform for discussion about identity, diversity and empathy. This would be great to use a discussion starter for why someone might feel as though they don’t fit in and what others (friends, classmates, communities etc) can do to support those who are questioning the value of their identity.

Over the course of the story, Pablo begins to grow in confidence, discovering that his uniqueness is not a burden but a gift. Ben Cajee is known from CBBC and his writing is empathetic and thoughtful. .

Cath Howe has delivered another compelling book that will strongly resonate with pupils who have siblings and close family relationships. The story thoughtfully weaves together the themes of family dynamics, friendship and jealousy, offering a sensitive exploration of the ‘green-eyed monster’. The engaging narrative style draws readers in effortlessly, making this a highly immersive and difficult-to-put-down read. It is likely to connect with any child who has experienced feelings of jealousy or self-doubt, making it a valuable addition to classroom and library collections.

Hattie is ready for a summer of fun, including a trip to France with her family and the anticipation of starting secondary school with her bestie. Then Seren arrives! It ought to be everything she’s ever wanted, yet it feels entirely the opposite. Why is she so hard to talk to and be around? Everyone else seems to love her, so what is Hattie missing? Then school starts and Seren has to join too and everything falls apart.

This is a narrative that uses emotive language to allow the reader to fully empathise and understand the characters: ‘I was a patch of wintry snow in a sunny field.’ Hattie is a character many readers will recognise from their own school experiences. This is perfect for ages 8 through to pre-teens. Cath Howe is superb at writing about such prevalent topics within current school and home settings, understanding what children feel and go through as they navigate childhood, their families, friends and school. Utterly wonderful!