Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Egypt

Graphic novel

Ever wanted to know ‘What a humble dung bug has to do with the rising sun’, ‘Why the pyramids were built’ or ‘What was the role of the baboon police’? Then look no further! Told in a comic book style, ‘Pets Tell Tales – Ancient Egypt’ is an engaging and hilarious way for young readers to learn about the history of Ancient Egypt.

The book begins with an introduction from Manny (an Egyptian bird similar to Bennu), explaining where the reader can find Egypt on a Map. Throughout the chapters, Manny adds his hilarious commentary, engaging the reader with witty remarks and asides.

Among the comic strips, the book interweaves timelines, graphs, images, dates and key facts to aid learning on this period of history. These work as tools to clarify the story and embed learning. I would recommend this book to history lovers, graphic novel fans, reluctant readers and any primary school child who has an interest in Ancient Egypt.

Back On Track

Chris Madden & Matthew Burton

Non-fiction

Back on track is a no-nonsense guide to when things aren’t going to plan in secondary school. This guide is divided into 8 short chapters covering topics such as The Meh Monster and Fitting back in.

It’s easy to read with lots of funny bits along the way. As an adult and a parent, a lot of the messages resonated with me, especially “Find your normal in a world that’s not at all normal”. There are lots of tips and comforting words for when things aren’t going so well.

This book is targeted at secondary school pupils and could be a useful tool for those transitioning between key stages.

Sports Superstars: Kohli Rules

Dan Green & Simon Mugford

Non-fiction

Is Virat Kohli your ultimate cricketing hero? From when he was a small boy, Virat Kohli’s special talent for cricket has wowed everyone around him. His dedication to his training and teammates, smart tactics and his incredible ability with the bat have placed him firmly among the ranks of the best cricketers of all time. Read the amazing story of how Virat honed his skills as a boy to become a living legend following in the footsteps of the great Sachin Tendulkar. Filled with lots of facts and stats, the inspiring narrative features fun cartoons, a simple narrative style and a cast of characters chipping in with quotes, jokes and comments.

Sports Academy: Cricket

Chris Oxlade

Non-fiction

Build your sports skills with the Sports Academy series.

Looking to take up a new sport? Or just thinking about ways to keep fit and healthy? This book is a great introduction to all the important cricket skills you’ll need. Full of skills tips and illustrations showing key techniques, you’ll discover everything – from batting to bowling and fielding.

The series Sports Academy covers rules, equipment and major competitions through specially commissioned, step-by-step illustrations that clearly shows skills and techniques needed for a sport.

How to Design the World’s Best Bike: In 10 Simple Steps

Paul Mason

Non-fiction

Imagine someone gave you a sackful of money and told you to build a bike. You’d definitely want it to be the best bike in the world. But how do you go about designing THAT? Armed with your own imagination and some smart research, find out how you can transform a fantasy design into an actual dream product. You’ll apply real-world design considerations to your ideas, refining your design to make it workable and achievable as it takes shape.

Dream to Win: Bradley Wiggins

Chris King & Roy Apps

Non-fiction

Bradley Wiggins is a national hero – the first British person to win the Tour de France – EVER. Read his story from his childhood years right up to when he crossed the finish line at the London 2012 Olympics.

It takes blood, sweat and tears to get to the top of any sport, and these short, inspirational biographies show just how tough it can be. Focusing on top athletes and sport personalities, each dramatic story brings to life the skill, determination and luck needed to break through into top level competition.

This title is published by Franklin Watts EDGE, which produces a range of books
to get children reading with confidence. EDGE – for books children can’t put down.

The Wobblysaurus

Chris Chatterton & Rachel Bright

Picturebook

A funny and reassuring tale about perseverance and resilience, by Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton, creators of The Worrysaurus.

When Wobblysaurus gets her very first bicycle, she can’t wait to go and ride with all her friends. But every time Wobblysaurus sets off her new wheels, she wibbles… wobbles… and falls!

This little dinosaur is just about ready to give up, but then a word from a wise Grannysaurus reminds her that when you really want something, it’s always worth trying again.

An empowering story with a reassuring reminder that everyone starts off wobbly when trying something new. From the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.

Sports Academy: Swimming

Paul Mason

Non-fiction

Build your swimming skills with the Sports Academy series.

Looking to take up a new sport? Or just thinking about ways to keep fit and healthy? This book is a great introduction to all the important swimming skills you’ll need. Full of skills tips and illustrations showing key techniques, you’ll discover everything you need to be a successful swimmer.

The series Sports Academy covers rules, equipment and major competitions through specially commissioned, step-by-step illustrations that clearly shows skills and techniques needed for a sporting children aged 9+.

Sports Academy: Tennis

Clive Gifford

Non-fiction

Build your tennis skills with Sports Academy: Tennis

Looking to take up a new sport? Or just thinking about ways to keep fit and healthy? This book is a great introduction to all the important tennis skills you’ll need. Full of skills tips and illustrations showing key techniques, you’ll discover everything – from serving to scoring.

The Falling Boy

David Almond

Chapter book

Nothing is the same for Joff this summer. His dad is sick, his mum is working, there’s a new kid in town. The days are long and hot, and change is in the air.

With his dog, Jet, Joff explores. The Chapel of Doom is always there, ancient and crumbling, with its warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy.

But Joff isn’t going to go past those signs … is he?

Intense and compelling, this is a brilliant new story from the award-winning author of the bestselling Skellig.