Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Mozart’s Banana

Chapter book

A charming village story about a little girl, a dare gone wrong and one crazy horse! From bestselling author Gillian Cross. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+

A charming village story about a little girl, a dare gone wrong and one crazy animal! When Alice Brett moves from the city to a little village school, she’s never seen a real live horse before. And famous village resident Mozart’s Banana is not just any old horse – he’s crazy! The children are banned from riding him, but when Sammy Foster dares Alice to get on Mozart’s Banana’s back, she takes it very seriously…just what does she have up her sleeve?

Dreamstalkers: The Night Train

Sarah Driver

Chapter book

The first novel in a spellbinding new fantasy adventure series from the author of The Huntress trilogy. Perfect for readers 8-12 and fans of Philip Pullman, Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell.

Everything changed the day the dreams disappeared… and the nightmares came.

Twelve-year-old Bea lives with her mother Ula and her owl Pip in a cottage on the wild moors. Since the day the dreams disappeared, and an affliction of nightmares began sweeping across the lands, everyone is leaving and their settlement is being abandoned. But when Ula grows sick with the affliction, she won’t leave – and she’s keeping a secret from Bea.

Just as Bea begins to despair, the mysterious Night Train steams across the moors, bringing a stranger who offers her the chance to save her mother. Bea is flung into a faraway adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers, skilled warriors and performers who must go to work each night inside the dreams of the powerful. But the nightmares are following close behind.

It’s time to board the Night Train and dive into an epic, magical adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers. (But beware the nightmares…)

How I Feel: 40 Wellbeing Activities for Kids

Assia Ieradi & Becky Goddard-Hill & Collins Kids

Non-fiction

Help young children to understand and talk about their feelings with this beautifully illustrated book of activities.
Sometimes it can be hard for children to know exactly how they feel. Talking about feelings makes them easier to understand and helps them choose how to react to them.

Written by children’s therapist and emotional wellbeing author, Becky Goddard-Hill, the fun, simple activities are designed to give you and your child the tools to cope with a whole range of different emotions.

Go on a happiness hunt, play animal charades, feed your worry monster and do the cushion walk!

With tips for grown-ups to spark conversations and give advice, it is the perfect book to share with little ones.

How to Build a Home

George Clarke & Robert Sae-Heng

Non-fiction

In the world of children’s non-fiction, it’s a rare delight to stumble upon a book that not only educates but also inspires and entertains. “Little Experts: How to Build a Home,” authored by renowned architect and television presenter George Clarke, with vibrant illustrations by Robert Sae-Heng, is one such gem that promises to engage young minds in the fascinating world of architecture and home construction.

Clarke’s narrative is comprehensive and captivating, from the materials that make up the walls around us to the cutting-edge technology that shapes modern living spaces. This book demystifies designing and building homes through colourful, playful artwork by Robert Sae-Heng, which illustrates concepts in a way that is understandable and appealing to children. The illustrations serve as a visual feast that complements Clarke’s words, making the complex world of architecture accessible to young readers.

This book is an invaluable resource for educators and professionals in children’s education. It offers a unique opportunity to introduce students to STEM concepts through the lens of architecture and home design. The book encourages critical thinking and creativity, urging children to consider not just the how of things but also the why. It’s a springboard for discussions on sustainability, technology, and the environment, increasingly essential topics in today’s educational landscape. For teachers looking to ignite a spark of curiosity and a love for learning, this book is an unmissable addition to their educational toolkit. It stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing that knowledge with the next generation of little experts.

Hamster Heroes

John Bond & Peter Bently

Picturebook

The latest pet-themed picture book from Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winning author Peter Bently and the incredibly talented illustrator John Bond, creators of Dogs in Disguise.

A fun-filled look into the hilarious and heroic world of hamsters, as they battle their greatest enemies, the guinea-pigs!

From the award-winning author and illustrator duo behind Dogs in Disguise and Cats in Chaos, Peter Bently and John Bond now turn their attention to the smallest – but mightiest – of all pets – the hamster! Filled with unexpected animal antics, high-octane drama and endless humour, this overlooked little creature is taking centre stage as never before in the greatest pet showdown yet.

This jaunty rhyming text from hugely popular author Peter Bently, with brilliantly witty illustrations from John Bond, creator of the Mini Rabbit books, will have children laughing out loud!

Hello Winter

Jo Lindley

Picturebook

Meet four magical friends who control the seasons in this irresistible new series from author-illustrator Jo Lindley.

Finally it’s Winter turn to share her special season, and she’s SO excited. But her friends don’t like her chilly games. Instead of passing the weather crown to Winter, Autumn gives it to Spring.

As Winter stomps off to play snow games on her own, it isn’t long before her friends start feeling bad. Can they find their way through the ice and snow to tell their friend how much she means to them?

Perfect for little readers learning about empathy and taking turns.

Each title centres on a different seasonal character and gently explores key social and emotional themes, such as anxiety, self-belief and resilience.

Set in an enchanting natural world that readers will love to return to again and again!

With a sparkling foil finish!

Collect the series and discover more magical seasonal adventures:
Hello Spring
Hello Autumn
Hello Summer

Two and a Half Wishes (Fairytale Ninjas, Book 3)

Paula Harrison

Chapter book

If you have children who enjoy a fractured fairy tale, then this fast paced, illustrated chapter book series is one they’ll love. It’s got everything you want in a fairy tale – magical settings, mythical creatures, magic carpets, talking toads and the triumph of good over evil – with three strong female protagonists and some ninja moves mixed in for good measure!

In this third book in the series, the fairies suspect a new villain is on the move when fairies begin to be trapped and have their magic subdued. Goldie Locks and her friends attempt to outwith a very nasty enchantress to outwit, with the help of magic wishes.

Oodles of feel-good fun for the 7-9 age group, this magical series would make a great read aloud alongside a traditional tales topic and gives lots of ideas for creating your own tale with a twist.

The Crayons Love our Planet

Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers

Picturebook

The crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to celebrate our planet!

The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil . . . and more! Even Beige is proud of his contribution: Wheat!

This funny book shows the beauty of our planet – and why it needs our help. Perfect for Earth Day!

Time Travelling with a Tortoise

Ross Welford

Chapter book

I love Ross Welford books and Time Travelling with a Hamster is one of my favourites of his books. With that in mind, I had mixed feelings about a sequel because it felt finished and as a reader you are always worried in case a book you love is somehow spoiled by the sequel. This was in safe hands, however, and I had forgotten what a brilliant plotter Ross Welford is.

At first, this book sets you up to remember what happened in the first book but then it continues with the story in unexpected ways. The concept of time travel is slightly mind-blowing and this story somehow manages to make it accessible to children. Ross Welford leaves a lingering sense of grief and sorrow in his books, even the ones with happy endings. This book is no exception, it tugs at your heartstrings and makes you wonder if you would do the same thing to see someone you loved again.

The story becomes very exciting, you are teased by the events at the start and then they are explained in true time travelling fashion, and boy are they exciting! It is also very witty, a tortoise called Tortellini for example – there will suddenly be a rush on pet tortoises with that name! This is a very clever book and now I’m not at all sorry the sequel was written.

Born to Dance

Jean Ure

Chapter book

Born to Dance, a story by Jean Ure, is part of a series of three books known as the Dance Trilogy. For fans of dance or ballet, this is an ideal book. It also explores themes of friendship and aspirations.

The story is based on the main character, Maddy, and her developing friendship with a new girl at her school – Caitlyn. Maddy is convinced that Caitlyn is a ballet dancer too but Caitlyn denies it. The story then follows Maddy as she discovers Caitlyn is a dancer and how their friendship develops as a result of it.

The characters in the book are relatable and children will enjoy reading this tale and seeing how the friendship between the two characters is formed over a common bond.

Best Books by Age

Popular Children's Authors

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

News: Reflecting Realities Report 2025: Summary of Findings

NEWS: The Children’s Booker Prize is Established

Stories That Make You Feel: Simon Stephenson on The Snowman Code

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review