Award-winning Children’s Books

This is a hilarious graphic novel about a girl who falls down a hole into the underworld and has to battle the ruler, while navigating terrifying challenges such as the “bog of intense emotions”.

A funny, weird, mysterious and absurd page-turner!

This is a fun school adventure which will appeal to fans of Pamela Butchart and Serena Patel. The story centres around Mina and her friends and their fears as they hear rumours of a spooky phantom that’s said to haunt the venue for their school camping trip.

The text is large, with wide-spaced lines and generous illustrations and some playful typesetting for emphasis, which all help with appealing to those children put off by extensive blocks of dense text. The authentic portrayal of Mina’s Bangladeshi family adds a layer of interest to the story.

This will be particularly popular with lower KS2 in a school library and will also be enjoyed by some of the older children looking for a lighter, entertaining read.

A choose-your-own-adventure style story with important, contemporary themes.

Fred is due to start secondary school, and his parents have a controlling nature that doesn’t allow him to be himself – he is often incapable of making even small decisions about his life. They all visit two prospective secondary schools. On his first day, two different school buses pull up to the stop. This becomes the first point at which the reader influences the story as Fred asks which bus he should catch; the two decisions lead to different pages in the story.

Depending on the choices made, there are alternative routes through the book, and various characters are introduced at the two locations. There are eight possible endings, and the length of the whole story depends on the decisions made. It is perfect for year 6 and transitions in general. It emphasises the importance of making good choices and taking responsibility for your actions.

Fish are fishy! Have you ever noticed? This phenomenally tongue-in-cheek picture book starts deadpan and dull, explaining that a mammal is a mammal, a bird a bird – predictable features and characteristics, with staid illustrations. But when it comes to fish, the reader is warned that fish are different. Fish are not to be trusted. And things turn wild.

Sharpson’s deadpan tone makes for a fantastically funny book, allowing the reader to read between the lines. The book lends itself brilliantly to discussions about bias and evaluating what we read by considering the reliability of the source and context, perfect for the modern world in which even young children are confronted with fake news and online prejudice.

Dan Santat complements Sharpson’s text with clever wacky illustrations, from the tube that leads from a domestic fish tank to the sea, to the page that will make younger children think twice before sitting on the toilet, to the nightmarish vision of robot fish towards the end. This is a book that will challenge, while poking enormous fun at the whole endeavour.

A picture book that does not condescend to its audience nor preach any kind of sensible message – other than, obviously, don’t trust fish! Brilliantly funny. To be read again and again.

A really well-presented, beautifully thought-out book. The layout makes it easy to dip in and out of and is very visually appealing to a reader. The author’s introduction is heart-warming and inspirational, with clear messages that ‘disabled is not a bad word.’ Though the title might lead you to believe that the main audience is the disabled population, it is also a great read for non-disabled readers to understand the best ways to support their disabled peers and loved ones, and to understand that we all must advocate for a more accessible, accepting world.

This is best for Key Stage 2 pupils and is definitely a book which should become a classroom staple read to pupils as an enjoyable text and not simply popped in the library to hit a diversity quota.

It’s bin day. The bin lorry collects all the rubbish from the street . . . but what happens to it next? This book answers that question in a colourful, accessible, easy-to-read format.

It covers the non-recyclable rubbish that we put into our bins to be collected kerbside and its trip to either landfill or the furnace. It also shows the varied journeys of all the different types of recycling we create, from glass to paper and metal and shows the sometimes surprising transformations that happen along the journey.

As well as being a book a lot of children will read for pleasure, this is a fantastic resource for any class studying recycling or for any child who’s ever wondered what happens to the things we throw away.

This book will open up a world of amusement and learning. It’s clever, it’s funny and it’s confidence-building  For what artist-in-training doesn’t have to look – really look – at their subject? And looking, they will wonder. And wondering, they may care all the more for the natural world.

Young reader: enjoy reading it with your family and friends, and then enjoy using it as an inspiration for your own attempts. And remember the Alex Latimer’s advice: you may not call such attempts ‘art’, they may seem like failures to be scrapped rather than framed, but this could be just the beginning of your journey.

Teachers: if you read it aloud in class, you are guaranteed gasps and laughter. Or you might choose to use it as a resource for Art lessons. But do read the concluding note, about the author’s own creative journey, and be sure to get his other titles for the school library.

This is a great book for sharing, in a group, as a class, or just among friends. In this case, it genuinely can be described as inspired and inspiring, and is a real pleasure to read.

If you are looking for sci-fi, dystopia or gripping thrillers for Year 6, Alastair Chisholm is a superb author to discover.

Reek tells of an environmental disaster which has polluted the skies, turning clean air into a manufactured luxury that some can afford – and some cannot. Sparrow survives on the edge, taking on dangerous delivery jobs until she is handed a mystery package that plunges her into a race against the system.

Driven by a smart female protagonist who relies on sharp wits and survival skills, this powerful story delivers superb pacing and non-stop thrilling twists. Published by Barrington Stoke, the accessible, dyslexia-friendly format ensures this gripping dystopian thriller can be enjoyed by a wider range of readers. Highly recommended!

Once I Was a Tree uses fabulous illustrations and just the right amount of toilet-humour to explain the life of this book, once a tree and formerly a seed that came out of a squirrel’s bottom!

There are references to seed dispersal, plant life-cycles and deforestation that will help readers consider aspects of how humans utilise natural resources and how they can be respectful of the world around them.

If you enjoy funny picture books that explain how things work, you will enjoy this picturebook.

Wild Magic is a high-energy modern adventure series. Twins Misha and Ziggy head to Ethiopia with their wildlife presenter father, but the siblings have secret powers – she can talk to animals and he can shapeshift into them.

When a legendary lion goes missing, the twins use their powers to track it down. Abiola Bello’s story is a brilliant armchair travel experience, whisking readers through the Mercato Market and the Simien Mountains. The Ethiopian setting is a breath of fresh air and Emma McCann’s lively illustrations keep the pace moving.

The story showcases a great mix of family, conservation and just enough peril to keep readers hooked without becoming scary. With accessible spacing and punchy vocabulary, it’s a win for Year 2 and 3.

Shrapnel Boys is a gripping story about the lives of a group of young boys living in London during the Second World War.

Ronnie is naively excited by the prospect of war, fighter planes and everything else that he associates with war, and he can’t wait for the action to start. When the war finally comes to London, although the reality is scarier than they thought, Ronnie and his friends are excited to race each other to collect the best bits of shrapnel each morning after a night of bombing.

But, the war also brings an unwelcome visitor into Ronnie’s life – straight away, Ronnie can tell that Johnny is up to no good and when Ronnie’s brother starts to get caught up in whatever it is that Johnny is up to, Ronnie decides to take matters into his own hands to protect his brother.

This is a truly outstanding book which manages to weave so many themes into its pages. It deals with issues around family, friendship, bravery and loss, coupled with providing insight and historical facts about an important time in British history.

I Dare You by Tamsin Winter is a fast-paced and relatable story that will appeal to teen readers, particularly those navigating friendships and social pressures. The novel follows a group of friends caught up in a series of dares that quickly spiral out of control.

I found the storyline engaging and highly relevant, with strong themes around peer pressure, loyalty and making responsible choices. The characters feel authentic, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences.

For teachers, this book offers excellent opportunities for PSHE and online safety discussions, especially around friendships, boundaries, and the consequences of actions. The accessible language and contemporary setting make it suitable for a whole class read or group discussion.

I Dare You is an engaging and thought-provoking read that would resonate with many pupils and make a valuable addition to a secondary school library.

There is having a bad day, and then there is Finn’s life. Starting ‘big school’ can be a whole challenge in itself, but Finn seems to be inundated with problems. Embarrassment after embarrassment, failure after failure and mishap after mishap! Finn’s siblings (as well as his divorced parents) are not too far away from the root of all his problems.

Finn’s Fails include losing his swimming trunks in a school swimming lesson, his brother pinning him to the floor and all whilst filming, country dancing in PE and his dad’s daily cycling outfits! Luckily for Finn, he has some knights in shining armour in the form of his best mates. There is also a surprise to enter his life, and it was exactly what he needed in so many ways – with some wins for Finns finally starting to appear.

Through Finn’s first-hand account, the author captures the vulnerability and anxieties of secondary transition (where everything, from the uncomfortable uniform to whether or not to play up for a supply teacher, can feel mortifying one way or another…) with a huge dose of humour and heart.

What another superb book from Phil Earle. A light-hearted and hilarious book that would gain the attention of children in upper KS2 and lower KS3, with a particular appeal to boys, reluctant readers or lovers of funny, diary-style stories.

This split narrative story – dividing time between Samim’s current situation in foster care awaiting his asylum decision, and his narrated past of how he came to Britain from Afghanistan – is both moving and pacey, standing out as a powerful refugee story.

Pathos is built through Samim’s narrative of his horrific journey and those he lost along the way, but also through the present tense story in which he is bullied at school, and the guilt he feels that he has let down and lost his best friend, Zayn. Throughout the present tense narrative, Zayn appears to him as a ghost, giving witty insights into his situation at school and his endeavours in chess club.

When Samim narrates his journey to his caseworker, Zayn is both alive and a lively character – Samim’s best friend and the closest thing he has to family. Both boys are superbly rendered, their personalities clear and engaging, which invokes empathy and understanding.

This book deals with many topical issues, not just refugees, but also the importance of cultural heritage, hobbies, friendships and an understanding of identity and rights.

This is not just an ‘issue’ book, but an engaging read. The story contains references to medication, fighting, and gender identity, and also portrays death and a graphic journey across water. Most suitable for the very oldest in primary or KS3, and is compelling and powerful, sitting alongside Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird or Boy Everywhere by AM Dassu.

This split narrative story – dividing time between Samim’s current situation in foster care awaiting his asylum decision, and his narrated past of how he came to Britain from Afghanistan – is both moving and pacey, standing out as a powerful refugee story.

Pathos is built through Samim’s narrative of his horrific journey and those he lost along the way, but also through the present tense story in which he is bullied at school, and the guilt he feels that he has let down and lost his best friend, Zayn. Throughout the present tense narrative, Zayn appears to him as a ghost, giving witty insights into his situation at school and his endeavours in chess club.

When Samim narrates his journey to his caseworker, Zayn is both alive and a lively character – Samim’s best friend and the closest thing he has to family. Both boys are superbly rendered, their personalities clear and engaging, which invokes empathy and understanding.

This book deals with many topical issues, not just refugees, but also the importance of cultural heritage, hobbies, friendships and an understanding of identity and rights.

This is not just an ‘issue’ book, but an engaging read. The story contains references to medication, fighting, and gender identity, and also portrays death and a graphic journey across water. Most suitable for the very oldest in primary or KS3, and is compelling and powerful, sitting alongside Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird or Boy Everywhere by AM Dassu.

This book is a humorous mix between short comic strip stories and instructions for introductory physics experiments which could be completed at home. The innovation of the book is in the framing of the experiments as a way to think about solutions to the sometimes outlandish problem scenarios set out in the comic strip stories.

There are accompanying discussions which enable the book to work both for children new to experimental science and those with a deeper special interest. The book would particularly suit fans who like the balance of humour and information in Mike Barfield and Jess Bradley’s Day in the Life books.

My Soul, a Shining Tree is a short, powerful novel that looks at war through the eyes of different characters. By showing multiple perspectives, it helps readers understand the different ‘sides’ of the conflict and the very real impact on people’s lives. I also really enjoyed how the different perspectives interacted with each other. I found Ernst’s story, in particular, incredibly moving: his experiences really brought the experiences of young people who went into battle to the forefront. Because the book is short, teachers could easily use extracts from the different perspectives as writing prompts or as a stimulus to support lessons about World War I.

The shifting narratives also help children think about how perspective can shape a story, while encouraging discussion about courage, loss, and resilience. I also really liked the inclusion of Khudadad, an Indian gunner, highlighting the important role soldiers from across the Commonwealth played in supporting the war. My Soul, a Shining Tree is perfect for helping young readers connect with history and develop empathy.

The Beautiful Layers of Me is a heartwarming story about a young girl embracing her cultural identity. The story centres around a family wedding and Ameena, who is excited to wear her new salwar kameez. She loves wearing it until another child comments that she wants ‘pyjamas’ like Ameena’s. This leaves her feeling self-conscious and worried about fitting in.

Her anxiety about wearing her traditional dress causes her to accidentally make a hole in it, so she changes into a dress. However, she soon regrets her decision when she arrives at the wedding and sees her cousin asking for help with her dupatta because she wants to look as beautiful as her mammy. Thankfully, her Babu is skilled at sewing and repairs her salwar kameez which makes her very happy. The other child, who simply didn’t realise what the outfit was, apologises and tells Ameena how much she loves its pretty layers.The message of the story is clear throughout: accepting who you are, celebrating your heritage and being proud of your identity are all important and beautiful.

The front cover has a lovely textured finish and features Ameena wearing her salwar kameez. Before the story begins, the British-Guyanese author introduces several words that may be unfamiliar to readers, including gyal, nikah and salwar kameez, helping children understand and appreciate the language used throughout the book.

A wonderful addition to any early years or primary classroom reading corner.

This ‘out of this world’ graphic novel has lots to like and is a strong first offering from a brand new series of young graphic novels.

The story follows Nova, who is from a family of scientists and creative geniuses. Influenced by an environmental problem she sees on the news, Nova rushes to her secret lab to try to find a solution. After a few attempts, she succeeds, and all seems well until things get out of control and she is in a race against time to stop Chomp on his path of destruction. Nova soon realises that she cannot do this on her own and needs to enlist the help of her sister Cassi.

This short and easy-to-read graphic novel is fast-paced, fun and the perfect read for budding inventors or scientists. With bright colours, energetic characters and important themes like plastic pollution, girls in STEM and environmental problem-solving, this is pitched for 7-9 year olds and will surely appeal across primary schools.

Huw Aaron’s book is a brilliantly offbeat addition to the bedtime genre, and an award-winning one at that.

The story follows a sleepy blob being tucked into bed in a normal suburban house, while its parent reflects on all the other monsters who are doing exactly the same routine.

The humour is spot on and captures the familiar back-and-forth of bedtime routines and parents trying to get a child to settle. The illustrations highlight the side-by-side nature of the weird and wonderful fantasy elements (monsters, brains-in-jars and slimy lairs) and the familiar, quotidian routines that will be recognisable to many readers. Beneath the slime and the fun, it’s a lovely, quirky way to show that no matter how different we look or feel, we share similarities.

This is a must-have for the classroom and a perfectly fun twist on the traditional bedtime story.

This wonderful illustrated story by Martin Impey details the moving story of one family living in London during World War Two.

The story is told from the perspective of the two children in the family and explains what life was like before the war and then what happens once the war starts. There are specific details included in the book, for example, the exact time the war was announced, what rationing was and what happened during an air raid.

The atmospheric watercolour illustrations complement the story superbly, and put visual storytelling at the centre of the reading experience. The wartime mood set by the nostalgic colour palette combined with the snippets of archived material like letters and broadcasts begin to bring alive a historian’s sense of recreating details of the war from an ageing generation’s living memory and recorded material – an important aspect of historical understanding to grasp for today’s younger readers who are more familiar with the ease of video footage and livestream accounts of news events.

This beautiful and moving book is well researched and rich with detail, making it an excellent addition to any classroom.

A moving and heartfelt story about the relationship between an orphan and a pit pony in 1950s Yorkshire.

Reminiscent of classics like Black Beauty and Goodnight Mr Tom, Birdie is both a heart-warming animal story and a powerful exploration of belonging and bravery. A must-read for young readers, teachers and anyone who cherishes stories about finding hope in the face of adversity. Timeless, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting, Birdie is destined to become a classic.

There is a wealth of WW2-inspired fiction for KS2 readers and it was refreshing to have a story that is set in a different country than those often written about – in this case Norway.

I really enjoyed the opening to the story, which sets the scene of young Georgy listening to his Grandmother and Grand-Aunt retelling the story of what happened: this makes the reader feel like they are part of the story, listening to Tove and Liva recall what life was like during that time.

The dual narrative throughout the main story offers a chance for children to gain more insight into the two main characters and their emotions, motives and thoughts. This is also what would potentially make it more challenging for LKS2 or less confident readers.

The story also spans the majority of WW2, allowing children to experience a narrative in which characters grow and change throughout.

This heartfelt picture book tells the story of Aminah’s comfortable life – full of love, joy, family and sunshine – versus a new adventure that is the complete opposite: cold, grey and strange.

Everything is just fine for Aminah until she is told she and her parents are leaving. This is not the adventure she craves, especially as her grandfather is not coming with her. Landing in a cold, dark and grey new place, Aminah longs for everything she has lost, especially her Da. Her warmth and happiness are gone. But despite being scared of new surroundings, Aminah is encouraged to look for the sunshine, because then she will feel her Da in her heart.

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book combines the right sentiment of being brave to give something new a go, whilst holding on to what you’ve lost. Being kind and patient with yourself can be hard, but it is all too often worth it. This book will encourage conversations about coping with change and finding ways to stay connected to our loved ones, no matter the distance. Perfect for any age, I know this will be welcomed into any household, classroom or library to share, discuss and above all cherish.

A moving and heartfelt story about the relationship between an orphan and a pit pony in 1950s Yorkshire.

Reminiscent of classics like Black Beauty and Goodnight Mr Tom, Birdie is both a heart-warming animal story and a powerful exploration of belonging and bravery. A must-read for young readers, teachers and anyone who cherishes stories about finding hope in the face of adversity. Timeless, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting, Birdie is destined to become a classic.

Written in verse. Ronny moves out of London after his friend is attacked, but he struggles to fit into his new town until he discovers spoken word.

Powerful, empathetic, raw, inspiring and creative!

There’s nothing faster than a cheetah… or is there?

The eye-catching cover, with its bright pink background and comical illustrations, creates a real buzz and get the book talk flowing. From start to finish, this book does not disappoint!

Packed with large, bold print, repetitive language and comical illustrations, it hooks younger readers and is a great read-aloud story with lots of giggles guaranteed.

After reading, the children are keen to share their wacky ideas about what might be faster than a cheetah. The speed stats on the inside covers are also a great starting point for further discussions! This is a brilliant book to inspire EYFS children.

Trixie Pickle is an arty ‘sort-of-superhero’ and this is her second adventure (the first being Trixie Pickle, Art Avenger). Trixie and her best friend, Beeks, have a lot going on in their lives. First, there is the latest edition of their comic, Blammo, to work on. Then there are the ‘mean girls’ to avoid or they will cause all sorts of trouble for Trixie and Beeks. There is also a new mystery illness doing the rounds; nicknamed ‘Wormwood fever’, it makes the patient very ill and can be briefly summed up by the words ‘it’s coming out both ends’. Could the mystery illness have anything to do with someone Trixie sees dumping toxic waste in the local reservoir? Who is it and can they be stopped? Trixie has a comic to finish, a mystery to solve and enemies to get revenge on . . . but all in an artistic way of course and with plenty of scope for mishap.

Full of fantastic, detailed fact files of the real artists who inspire Trixie and fully illustrated by the author, it was great to discover some artists I hadn’t been aware of before. This is a fast-paced, funny, fact-filled book which will appeal to art lovers, adventure lovers and humour lovers. It would also lend itself extremely well to a variety of art projects based on the artists featured.