Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd

Worm’s Big Dig

Picturebook

‘Worm’s Big Dig’ tells the story of what seems like just another ordinary day in the life of a worm, but with plenty of humour and a few unexpected moments of peril along the way!

I never thought I’d read a book and come away with such admiration for worms, but what’s not to like? The story is narrated by an onlooker who chats with Worm about his day and warns him of the dangers he faces, including digging spades disturbing his underground home. As Worm tries to escape, he tunnels deeper and deeper beneath the ground, discovering all sorts of fascinating (and sometimes slightly scary) things along the way.

The book concludes with some wonderful facts about worms that make this little hero even more endearing. With its engaging story, charming illustrations and gentle educational elements, Worm’s Big Dig is a lovely, fun and fast-paced read that KS1 children are sure to enjoy.

When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel

Fred Fordham & Phil Earle

Graphic novel

A stunning graphic-novel edition of the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla during the Second World War, inspired by a true story. From the bestselling author of Finn’s Epic Fails.

1941. War is raging. And Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, Joseph and Adonis become friends, but what will happen when the bombers set him rampaging free?

Winner of the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year.

The Dawn of Adonis

Phil Earle

Chapter book

From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls and Finn’s Epic Fails comes the heart-wrenching story of a baby gorilla, Adonis, born into captivity, and the twelve-year-old girl who risks everything to rescue him.

In 1911, before the start of World War One, London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal – a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way. But then one night a twelve-year-old girl is unwittingly drawn into his criminal underworld. Can she find a way to escape and rescue the baby gorilla?

The hotly anticipated follow-up to the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true story: When the Sky Falls.

‘This richly atmospheric adventure . . . confirms Earle as a master of his craft’ Daily Mail
‘Nobody writes striking, heartfelt adventure like Phil Earle. I loved it!’ Ross Montgomery
‘It’s a tremendous nail-biting read, tender and terrifying in equal measure’ Jacqueline Wilson

Praise for When the Sky Falls:
‘A magnificent story’ Philip Pullman
‘Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo

Perfect for fans of War Horse, I Am Rebel and The Last Bear

Henry the ARTistic Dog

Justin Worsley

Picturebook

Henry doesn’t think anyone appreciates his unusual art, but one night everything changes…

Henry is an artist, a master sculptor and… a dog. Unfortunately, his self-made pieces, in all their sculptural forms, are often tossed in the bin without even being noticed! But Henry never gives up on his art until, one day, an unexpected somebody finally falls in love with his work and at last Henry has his moment to shine.

Press Start to Play

Sam Gayton

Poetry

Designed to look a bit like a video game controller (which way up would you hold it?!), Press Start to Play is a poetry collection that offers a way to capture children’s interest in gaming. The book itself is there to be played with, with its fun interactive flick-book feature.

This playful collection gamifies poetry by hooking young players with zappy rhymes, puzzling riddles and gaming-themed wordplay that will appeal to fans of everything from video games like Minecraft to boardgames like Monopoly and outdoor games like playground football matches.

It’s not all high-energy though. Sam Gayton weaves in quieter, reflective verses that add depth. Complete with prompts to get children writing their own verses, this is a fantastic and high-interest choice for Key Stage 2.

Black Star

Kwame Alexander

Poetry, Verse novel

Kwame Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle, determination and the unflappable faith of an American family.

Twelve-year-old Charley is set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional baseball, even if that’s a lofty dream for a Black girl in the American South in the 1920s. Even so, her grandfather Kofi’s thrilling stories about courageous ancestors and epic journeys make it impossible not to dream big. She knows he has so much more to tell, but according to her parents, she isn’t old enough to know about certain things, like what happened to Booker Preston that one night in Great Bridge, and why she can never play on the brand-new baseball field on the other side of town.

When Charley challenges a neighbourhood bully to a game at the church picnic, she knows she can win, even with her ragtag team. Then a dispute on the field leads to Charley making a fateful decision, one that will bring consequences she never could have imagined.

Don’t Think of Tigers

Alex Latimer

Picturebook

The narrator of this book will draw anything you want, but he can’t draw tigers! Except trying to draw them might be the only way to get better.
This book is magical. Whatever you think of, the narrator will draw it on the next page. There’s just one problem: they’re really bad at drawing tigers. Hilariously bad. So please, don’t think of tigers! But of course, soon all you’ll be able to think of is tigers, so the narrator will draw them, more and more ridiculous as they go: a tiger in a mermaid outfit, one carrying a coffee and a briefcase, some just plain awful. But with practice, will they get better?
A fun book to read together, perfect for children who love to draw – and for those who don’t (but might soon!).

Goldilocks (A Hashtag Cautionary Tale)

Jeanne Willis & Tony Ross

Picturebook

Everyone loves Goldilocks’ hilarious online videos, but in her quest to get more likes, more laughs and more hits, she tries something a little more daring: stealing porridge #pipinghot, breaking chairs #fun, and using someone else’s bed #sleep. What will Daddy Bear do when he sees that online?

A hilarious cautionary tale for a new generation of internet-users from the prize-winning partnership of Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross, the third of its kind following Chicken Clicking and Troll Stinks.

Mismatched

Anne Camlin & Isadora Zeferino

Graphic novel

Evan Horowitz has it all: beauty, brains, and a not-so-secret flair for matchmaking! An Insta influencer with a talent for makeup and a taste for romance, he’s no stranger to playing Cupid for the clueless. So when shy new student Natalia shuffles into school, Evan recognises a Project with a capital P! With so many matches to choose from, it’s not long before he sets a plan in motion, much against the better judgement of his level-headed best friend, Davi. When he takes things too far, a web of drama spirals out of his control. Can Evan learn to put his friends before his misguided ambition? Or will he lose them and his own chance at romance, too?

The Boy I Love

William Hussey

Chapter book

Lyrical, tender, and incredibly moving. William Hussey masterfully balances brutal realism with pockets of sincere hope and joy – Becky Albertalli

It’s a tale from the past, with a message for today. A stunningly poignant, devastating, and ultimately beautiful tour-de-force – Simon James Green

At just nineteen, Stephen has already survived a year at the front. Now he is returning to the trenches to lead a platoon, despite his wounds. Broken-hearted from the loss of his first love, Stephen wonders what he’s fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented young recruit. From their first meeting, there’s something undeniable between them – something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the prejudices and ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire.
As the summer of 1916 ticks down to one big push on the Somme, can Stephen and Danny stay together – and will their love save them – or condemn them?

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Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd

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