Recommended Reads for Year 3: New Additions for 2025

This new collection of poems by Michael Rosen is designed to make you ‘laugh, smile and think’.

The book includes a poem on the life of a red blood cell and its journey round your body, a monster who slowly eats the entire alphabet (how do you speak if you’ve run out of letters?) and a day in the life of a cat – sleeping, eating and manipulating your pet human.

All told with Rosen’s usual sense of humour and ear for rhythm, these poems would be great for reading aloud in class as well as being easy enough to be read independently by a child. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by the brilliant Ed Vere, who manages to bring Rosen’s imaginings creatively to life.

Perfect for children (and adults) of any age.

Scarlet is having a tricky time at school, friendship-wise and her younger brother is being annoying. She sees an advert for a ‘defender of the universe’ and, although she’s pretty certain it’s a joke, decides to apply anyway. That’s how she ends up meeting a floating boy called Jasper, going aboard an invisible spaceship and meeting an egg-shaped AI robot called Bot. Scarlet now finds herself jointly in charge of defending the entire universe with Jasper, which involves encountering creatures from other planets and also dolphins wearing suits.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny with silly names, made-up words and bonkers chapter titles. This would make a great read-aloud for Year 3. Children who enjoy funny books and adventures will love reading about Scarlet; the chapters are not too long, and there are illustrations scattered throughout.

The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a wonderful tale of magic, friendship and adventure. The light-hearted nature of this read, along with the interesting and accessible vocabulary used throughout, would make it perfect for any reader beginning their independent reading journey as an introduction to chapter books, as well as for those who enjoy stories about witches and magic.

In this story, there are a variety of witches with differing occupations, including a garden-witch, a smith-witch and post-witch. Laurel herself is a shop-witch, who helps her parents run the magic shop ‘Witch Wares Emporium’ in the village. There are also witches in the story that do not ride the traditional broomstick and instead use other interesting forms of unexpected flying transportation.

Zara Rutherford’s I Flew Around the World is an incredibly inspiring true story, chronicling her astonishing journey as the youngest female pilot to fly solo around the globe. This book is an illustrated account of ambition and determination in a record-breaking aviation achievement. The story is bound to capture the interest of any junior children fascinated by flight, adventure and exploration.

This colour-illustrated information text bubbles with insights into Zara’s meticulous preparations, the various places she touched down and the various experiences she encountered.  It’s a superb resource for KS2, particularly for those keen on non-fiction or seeking a contemporary female role model in STEM, offering a real-life testament to chasing ambitions and flying high!

This exciting and unique book by Bear Grylls is perfect for young explorers and any children who crave adventure. Not only is it packed full of interesting survival tips which you would expect from Bear Grylls, but it also offers the reader the chance to go on their own expedition over and over again, with different adventures and outcomes.

Readers are encouraged to use their brain, adapt and think on the go, choosing their next move on their route to survival! Bear Grylls offers advice on choosing the right survival equipment, assessing the weather and terrain, finding food and shelter and understanding the animals that you might meet along the way.

Whilst we hope our children won’t ever be stranded in the mountains, forest or waters, we know that having read this book they will be well prepared for all eventualities and will have enjoyed every step of their ultimate expedition!

Written by scientist and activist Trang Nguyen, Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is a powerful graphic novel-style book rooted in a real conservationist’s experiences.

The story follows Chang, determined to protect animals, as she trains at a National Park and commits to teaching Sorya, an orphaned sun bear, crucial survival skills for release back into the wild. Chang’s deep companionship with Sorya, who must be released back into the wild, makes for a poignant and fascinating read.

This interesting rainforest story highlights vital conservation work and threats to wildlife. It’s an empowering read for understanding global wildlife protection work, habitats and making a difference. It will appeal highly to wildlife lovers, adventure fans and readers who enjoy the manga style of illustration.

Benji’s Emerald King is a delightful short chapter book that will particularly appeal to children who are interested in nature or enjoy outdoor adventures. This book could also be used a class text or as an independent read for more confident readers.

Readers will be engaged with the tale of friendship and exploration that runs throughout the book, as well as the focus on looking after the local environment. The choice of vocabulary used also makes this story accessible to all and easy to follow. In particular, running alongside the story are extracts from Benji’s nature notebook, which he uses to record his notes, drawings and observations from his time in the woods. These extracts give factual information about many things in the wood, including the different types of trees and animals, which could be used to further consolidate learning in the classroom, as well as being a nice addition that runs alongside the narrative of the story. Littering and the damage this can cause are also referenced in the book.

The illustrations used in the book are engaging and fun. They support the reader to navigate the text well, breaking it up into readable chunks. This is a great first book for the start of the Woodland Explorers Club series.

Ava is struggling with the fact her parents have left her with her Auntie Kitty, Uncle John and cousin Tom. She understands the work they do is important and she couldn’t go with them but she is apprehensive about spending the time on a farm. Ava is used to living in a town and doesn’t know anything about farming. Ava decides to try her best and help out as much as possible while she is there. As she is starting to learn about farm life she finds a lamb that she is worried about. She decides to take it to the farmhouse to keep us safe. Ava names the lamb ‘Hope’. She spends the rest of her time at the farm doing everything she can to help home, complete chores and get to know her cousin Tom. Tom doesn’t know Ava and gives her a hard time about her lack of knowledge when it comes to farming. Ava feels all alone and that Hope is her only friend. The story ends with Ava having noticed some strange things are happening on the farm. She tries to tell Tom but he doesn’t believe her and it ends with Ava stopping a serious crime but losing Hope in the process.

This animal book gives a real insight into farming life and what life would be like on a farm for children. It goes through the highs and the lows of caring for animals in detail. The illustrations in this book help to bring everything to life. A brilliant read.

Fran Scott, a science presenter known from Lego Masters and Absolute Genius, delivers a superb STEM book in How to Build a Racing Car. This information and instructional book not only explores the intricate science behind Formula 1 vehicles but also doubles as a practical, step-by-step guide for constructing your very own air-powered model car.

Children with an interest in transport or engineering will be quick to select this book from the shelf. The book’s clear explanations and supporting illustrations expertly detail the forces involved and the engineering challenges faced by F1 designers.

This colourful guide is a fantastic reading choice for racing enthusiasts or aspiring engineers, blending theoretical knowledge with exciting hands-on application.

This book is an entertaining early chapter book about a group of action-seeking rabbits who guard London and live in a burrow underneath Buckingham Palace.

Part of a series but also good as a standalone, this story plunges readers into the thrilling world of Shylo Tawny-Tail, the once-shy country rabbit now a proud member of the Royal Rabbits of London. This new adventure sees the Ratzis, a formidable gang of hundreds of large, smelly rats led by the mysterious Papa Ratzi, aiming for global chaos involving the royal family.

Delivering a fast-paced, engaging plot, this fun and accessible book is packed with suspense, humour and daring escapades as Shylo and the Royal Rabbits of London race against time to save the day. This is a fun and exciting series that will keep young readers hooked.

In this episode of graphic novel series Pablo and Splash, the characters plan a holiday, yet are unable to find Professor O’Brain to help them into his time machine. Bustling with jokes and plays on word, this is a joyous, easy read, which will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. Will Artificial Technology really be able to outsmart this famous duo? Or will they successfully muddle their way through the Ice Age to rescue the Professor?

This comic-style book muddles through many mishaps, meets very questionable cave men and even comes face to face with the world’s cutest sabre-toothed tiger (hang on… aren’t they extinct?).

Both children and adults will love reading to find out whether Pablo and Splash will make it out alive, or be DOOMED in the Ice Age forever.

This is a book to read for pleasure from talented author-illustrator Chris Riddell!

Packed with humour and tongue-in-cheek plays on words, A Mermaid’s Diary will have children and adults laughing out loud. The mermaid, Atalanta Scrimshaw, is a breath of fresh air. Her world is exciting with its friendly creatures, and her best friend, Creech, is brilliantly entertaining! I loved Creech’s explanations of the human world! When faced with the destruction of their favourite beaches, the friends must work together to save their world.

The book is written to mimic a young girl’s thoughts in her diary. The illustrations are in Chris Riddell‘s signature style. A great read that is engaging, entertaining and very enjoyable.

Fun, sweet, and innocent, this new series by celebrated author Katya Balen is sure to be a hit with emerging independent readers.

This first book introduces us to Mattie and her friends, as well as the likeable inhabitants of Mossdale, the rural village she calls home. Mattie wants nothing more than a dog of her own, but her dad says she’s too young. When she happens upon a stray who is the pup she’s always dreamed of, before long, she and her friends are doing everything they can to keep it from getting out of control!

Short chapters and quirky illustrations scattered throughout the text, which is written in a larger font, make this a great book for helping readers grow in confidence. The only problem is that it’s going to leave readers everywhere desperate for a super cute dog of their own!

A beautiful football-themed picture book, brimming with the palpable excitement of dreams of football success.

Rooted in the award-winning illustrator’s own passion for the game, this picture book story perfectly captures the universal dream of scoring that winning goal. It follows a young player in a small local team who, like many boys and girls reading the book, secretly dreams of one day scoring the ultimate winner at the World Cup final.

This book is about football, but it’s also about dreams and aspirations – and the freedom children should enjoy to dream big and pursue passions and ambitions. The illustrations capture the thrill of the pitch and bring both the dream and reality of enjoying the game together.

It’s a classic football tale that will resonate with any young baller who’s ever dreamt of scoring the wonder goal.

Much-loved children’s author Helen Peters delivers another beautiful wildlife tale with An Otter Called Pebble, perfect for lower KS2 readers and in particular, animal lovers.

Jasmine and Tom rescue a tiny otter cub, Pebble, from the river. Before the pair know it, they face a race against time to reunite Pebble with her elusive family.

As with Helen Peters’ other animal rescue stories, this book is filled with hope and determination, empowering children to make a difference to the natural world around them. Its short chapters and line illustrations offer an enjoyable adventure alongside fascinating insights into protected wildlife, making it an ideal independent read for Year 3.

Mike Barfield delivers another wide-ranging and well-researched non-fiction book in comic book form.

Like the “Life in the Day of“ series, this book goes beyond the boundaries of National Curriculum topics and is glorious for all curious minds, both young and old. In between the descriptions of sometimes very obscure and improbable jobs, there are mini biographies of key historical figures like Bessie Colman and Lily Parr.

The book can either be read as a whole, or is great for children to browse and read together, sharing the parts that interest them most. Franziska Hollbacher’s artwork is bold and clear and complements the humour of the book well.

A funny, fast-paced graphic novel full of thrills and excitement, which would be perfect for any fan of similar texts such as Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey.

This vibrant story documents the twists and turns of Josh and Daisy, who stumble upon Dadbot—a robot with super-strength at a car boot sale to save themselves from a telling off from a trader. Their summer holidays take a turn for the extraordinary as they activate Dadbot, only to find themselves facing the villainous Doctor Egg, who plans to steal Dadbot for world domination.

This book was snapped up when it was first placed in our school library and was met with lots of rave reviews. The children are looking forward to further updates on DadBot and his adventures!

The story unfolds with plenty of action, puns, and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. This text is perfect for Y3 readers or fans of graphic novels who enjoy humour and adventure.

Sunil’s parents are nervous about leaving him with Alex, their somewhat unconventional neighbour, due to the presence of, the even more eccentric, Mr Shaykes in her front garden. Sunil knows to wait for the bump from next door to herald Alex’s return and can’t wait to return to his babysitter for another adventure. The question isn’t where that adventure will take them, but when…

The text is easy to access while also being witty and charming. Just the right side of ridiculous and peppered with facts – from famous scientists, to earthworms, to James Bond, to the original name for Uranus – who knew?

The larger font size and relatively short story mean that the book will appeal instantly to a younger audience, but in my opinion would brilliantly come into its own for older reluctant readers or children in older years for whom reading can be harder to access due to additional needs. The content and style are really attractive for an older child while remaining accessible for everyone. Sometimes even the most able reader enjoys a story they can read in one sitting. Add into that some glorious illustrations and you are in for a super fun treat for KS2.

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.

A brilliant new series from the very talented Serena Patel. In the first book of this series, we are introduced to eight-year-old Pia, who is crazy about animals and even more so as she isn’t allowed one of her own. She lives with her older-but-annoying sister, Anjali, in two places – one with her mum in a nice little house and the other a flat with her dad.

Pia meets a boy called Hari in the communal garden. He is with his two dogs, an older basset hound called Raja and a boisterous puppy, Luna. Hari is upset because he has to train Luna to behave before his Nani comes to visit, or she will be given away. What ensues is plenty of chaos, giggles and new friendships.

This is a heartwarming read with such lovable, diverse characters. Emma McCann’s illustrations beautifully complement this fun story.

Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt is illustrated throughout in shades of orange and blue, with helpful pages naming and describing the main players in Egyptian mythology and history, and topics such as mummification and hieroglyphics.

The main body of the book is given over to mythical and historical stories told as comic strips, from the creation myth through to Cleopatra (and so many puns).

We like the way the stories have been simplified without losing the sense of other-world mysticism; confident readers from Year 3 upwards would find this a great way of picking up these tales for the first time. Readers familiar with Ancient Egypt will enjoy the humour and there’s a good dash of obscure fact to add to their knowledge.

We love non-fiction books that take readers to faraway places, and this one does the job beautifully, all the while focusing on science and the role of scientists whose job it is to chart different places and habitats.

Young readers are invited to join an international team on a vital mission to Antarctica to survey the unique environment and vast wildlife, from introducing the dedicated team and their specialist equipment to exploring the varied creatures and environmental challenges encountered in this remote region. The clear structure, aided by maps and diagrams, makes even complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

This book is a superb resource for Key Stage 2 and especially for children who love exploration, habitats or frozen worlds. With its bright and appealing illustrations and a hopeful message about the future of Antarctica, it’s a great non-fiction choice for learning about our planet’s wild spaces and the dedicated individuals who explore them.

“As long as people are caring and kind, there is always hope, even when things seem hopeless.” This is the moral conveyed in this stunning picture book about the life of a big tree called Adoette.

This is a great book for school or home by author-illustrator Lydia Monks (best known for her collaborations with Julia Donaldson). Adoette is a tree (French for ‘big tree’) that has presided over the street for 100 years, seeing times change, people change, priorities change. This community-themed book would be great to use across the curriculum and could be used across a whole school.

At its heart, this is a story about how nothing lasts forever, but how you can have a positive impact wherever you are and leave a legacy.

A lively, humorous mystery that hooks children from the first page, The Great Crisp Robbery is a brilliant class read. The story’s playful tone, fast pace, and relatable school setting make it instantly accessible, while the mystery element encourages prediction, inference, and critical thinking.

I love how the book captures the everyday drama of school life – friendships, fairness, and the irresistible temptation of snacks. Children recognise themselves in the characters, and the light‑hearted humour makes it a fun bedtime read.

As a teacher, I appreciate how the text supports key reading skills without feeling heavy-handed. The plot is simple enough for younger readers to follow, yet layered enough to inspire discussion about honesty, consequences and empathy.

Mega is a fascinating information book that allows children (and adults!) to explore the various enormous animals that have roamed our planet, from animals that existed millions of years ago to ones we see alive today.

The book explains how these creatures might have evolved to become so huge and what made some of them extinct. Jules Howard, the author, has selected a range of animals including ‘Mighty Mammals’, ‘Really Big Birds’, ‘Rampaging Reptiles’, ‘Supersize Fish’ and ‘Monstrous Molluscs to write about. Each page includes a range of illustrations that bring the creatures to life. There is a range of fascinating facts that are clearly presented so that the size of each animal can be understood. The book also explores the impact of animal extinctions and ways in which we can help protect our planet and the animals that inhabit it. The glossary and index support quick navigation and deeper understanding of some complex terminology. The book cover also folds out to create a large poster of a range of mammoth animals featured.

A great animal-themed non-fiction book choice for KS2.

“The Shape of Rainbows” is a lively poetry collection by Neal Zetter, written with KS2 readers in mind. The poems range from the playful to the relatable and reflective.

The accessible language makes the poems enjoyable for children to read independently, while many also lend themselves perfectly to classroom use as engaging lesson starters or discussion prompts.

Zetter blends humour with insight, offering laugh-out-loud moments alongside thought-provoking themes. Poems such as “Temper,” “My Many Mes,” and “Two Mums” introduce real-life topics that children can connect with, making this collection both entertaining and meaningful.

John Dougherty’s Zooming the Zoo is a fabulously imaginative poetry collection, spanning from humorous to poignant. The poems capture whimsical and imaginative ideas and distil them into verses that will delight children, keeping to what the poet claims to be the first rule of poetry: have fun.

From the title concept about animals on a Zoom call (“For the sloths all appear to have frozen onscreen / And I think that the swan’s stuck on mute“), to poems about texting haiku on the tube and – our personal favourite – Just Let Me Read.  Relatable themes of animals, technology, teachers, reading and fun with language make this an excellent choice of poetry for children to enjoy for the pure pleasure of it.