Reflecting Realities Books 2025-2026

This was very much enjoyed by EYFS children for the pictures, the story and as an introduction to Eid.

This is a picture book story with an Eid setting rather than an information book about the festival, and the narrative does introduce traditions such as special clothes and gift giving, making it a good way to start to engage the children with the topic.

This delightful children’s book offers a vibrant and relatable introduction to the celebration of Eid. Young readers are sure to be captivated by the bright, engaging illustrations that bring the story to life. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that focuses on the experiences of children during Eid. The descriptions of fasting traditions create a sense of connection for young readers who may have similar practices in their own cultures or religions.

Descriptions of delectable sweet treats like jaman and jalebi are irresistibly mouthwatering and the story’s playful treasure hunt adds an extra layer of excitement, keeping children hooked and eager to find out what happens next.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to make Eid celebrations feel accessible and fun. A simple pronunciation guide at the back enhances inclusivity for readers unfamiliar with associated terms. This book is a wonderful way to introduce children to the spirit of Eid. Its lively depictions, relatable themes, and enticing food descriptions make it a sweet treat for any time of the year.

A wonderful book explaining the thought and care that goes into choosing a child’s name. In this story a little girl recalls the love that went into her parents giving her a special name. Sitara explains how she feels when people cannot pronounce her name correctly.

I think many of us, including me, can relate to Sitara’s frustrations when people could not pronounce our name or dismiss our feelings. This story suggests ways people can try and get to know someone’s name. The beautiful and colourful illustrations by Asa Gilland elevate this story and will keep the readers captivated. A useful and meaningful addition to any bookshelf or collection.

A beautiful, tenderhearted story about a blended family spending a holiday at the seaside, with feelings about the new family dynamic being expressed through the metaphor of creating sandcastles.

Reading this to a Year 2 girl made evident how captivating the story is: she acted out building a huge sandcastle. She also liked that the boy’s name matched her brother’s and that he and his new stepsister Lula ended up getting along.

For my part, I liked the book’s design (including the indented lettering on the cover & gloss sheen) and I loved the illustrations which really zing: charming domestic scenes, sunlight sparkling on water, and moody coastal atmospheres. We thus observe the ups and downs of Lula and step-brother Theo’s relationship: rocky at times, but showing promise of becoming quite tender. Perhaps this trip to the seaside as a new family, sharing meals and relaxing together, will be more enduring in a way that sandcastles never are.

A real hit to share at home or in school.

Previous Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho returns with his well-loved character Luna. This time, Luna is exploring the magic of gardening.

Luna is impressed by the community allotment when she visits with her family.  Luna takes time to wonder about each seed she encounters – where in the world it came from and what it will turn into. With the help of Grandpa and Nana from Jamaica, Luna realises that every new seed planted will have its own story to tell.

This is a really beautiful picture book celebrating nature, gardens, community, the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of stories. Fiona Lumbers’ artwork is stunning, drawing out the elements that most capture a young child’s imagination with an abundance of colour, while also contrasting the vibrancy of the community garden with the grey, surrounding cityscape.

This wonderful gardening-themed story is an essential story for modern classrooms and home libraries.

This simple story, of a favourite dish first eaten in India and later recreated to perfection by Monica’s father, is as much a delight to the eye as butter chicken is to all those who share it (Cousin Anya, Uncle Jai, Grandma, Jiya and Hadi, and the neighbours too). And it’s not sickly sweet: Anya struggles, as would many, young or old, with the prospect of sharing: she wanted to keep what was so special between her and Papa. But it becomes clear to her and us that “beautiful things do happen when you share food like this.”

Hospitality doesn’t diminish the experience; it enhances it, like spices in a pan. Each guest adds a new flavour to the mix; each has something to bring to the occasion.

A heartwarming and celebratory tale which could well prompt other children to delve into their own family’s culinary and/or cultural history. There could well be some lively discussion around food and family life as a result.

A gripping mystery adventure that young readers love to pick up, with powerful historical insight into nineteenth-century colonialism.

Anushka is the princess of an Indian kingdom. To her anger and frustration, the British East India Company has taken not only her land but also her family’s most precious emerald. Along with her father, Nush travels to Buckingham Palace to visit Queen Victoria. There, Nush employs all of her determination and resourcefulness to reclaim the jewel to where it belongs and bring restoration to her country. At the same time, she finds herself caught up in a royal mystery involving the British royal children and the Queen herself.

Year 7 readers will love this pacey Victorian story that provides plenty to think about as well as a highly likeable feisty female lead.

Tiger Warrior-Fight for the Cursed Unicorn is a short chapter book full of adventure and captivating illustrations. It is book 5 in a series. The plot develops quickly and there are lots of endearing characters – some of these are animals from the Chinese Zodiac such as an ox and dragon, and others inspiring role models of Chinese origin.  The books sensitively touch upon issues such as bullying, friendship, bravery and patience. This courageous story has it all: portals, dragons, a touching relationship between a grandfather and grandson, a villain named the Dragon King, and a unicorn (xiezhi). Plus, a story where a rat becomes the hero is totally rat-ical with me!

There is a really interesting section at the back of the book that explains a little more about the characteristics of each of the Zodiac animals and describes attributes associated with people born in those years. What Zodiac animal are you? If you are a fan of the Beast Quest books, then this series is for you.

It is ideal for Year 2 onwards. This series would be a great addition to any library, school library, home or classroom.

This story is an unusual mix of fantasy and real-life problems which touches on some serious health issues.

Yara’s younger sister, George, has a condition that has kept her in hospital for months, but she doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Yara and her parents have moved into a small flat to be as close as possible to the hospital and Yara is often at home alone due to her parents’ working hours and frequent visits to George. She feels so lonely but rejects contact from her old school friends as she is focused on her sister’s health. In the search of company after school one day, Yara heads across the park to the shopping centre but is intercepted by Tildy – the last dragon on Earth. After a searching appraisal by the dragon, Yara is left an egg, and from then on she is hounded by the menacing Dragon Detection Squad who are desperate to obtain the only dragon egg in existence. Yara is on the point of giving it up when her new friend Bertie informs her of the legendary magical healing power of dragon eggs; it is then a race against time to get it to George in hospital and the Dragon Detection Squad doesn’t give up!

When the last dragon is found dead, the future of the egg becomes even more important, and as its guardian, Yara has to make some difficult choices.

There are themes of friendship, bullying, family bonds and serious illness. The characters are well-developed and Bertie is non-binary (them/they). I really enjoyed the story and the journey for all the characters, although the somewhat unexpected ending did seem a little sudden – the book is relatively short at 193 pages.

Fast-paced, full of action and fun, Paper Dragons takes you on a journey which, while entirely fantasy fiction, delves into Chinese culture, folklore and cuisine.

Filled with adventurous twists and turns, the plot develops breathing flesh into each character seamlessly, so you gain empathy for even the most unlikeable characters and will Zhi Ging on despite all the barriers in her way. The heroine is adopted and remains on the fringe of her community for being “different”, and the reader roots for Zhi Ging to triumph against adversity throughout. The story-telling shines out above all else and the final plot twist has left me eager to read on.

A lovely addition at the end is the Author’s note, explaining some of the “Irish-tinged Cantonese” names used in the book and is indicative of the thought put into every detail of the story.

An incredibly accomplished debut novel – hopefully the first of many to come!