Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Nosy Crow Ltd

Nosy Crow is a multi‑award‑winning, independent children’s publishing company. We make child‑focused, parent‑friendly children’s books, audio and ebooks for ages 0‑12.

Peter Pan (Picturebook)

Caryl Hart & Sarah Warburton

Picturebook

The beloved childhood classic by J.M. Barrie is retold in rhyme in a sumptuous new gift book edition with beautiful new art.

A beautiful picture book retelling for young children in rollicking rhyme by award-winning author, Caryl Hart. With beautiful illustrations by Sarah Warburton this timeless keepsake gift book is a one to treasure and share. With sumptuous details including cloth binding, foil cover, full colour illustrations throughout, textured paper jacket, ribbon marker and head and tail bands.

When Peter Pan flies into the Darlings’ room one dusky evening, he convinces Wendy and her brothers to come with him to the magical world of Neverland, where children never grow old. It’s the beginning of an amazing adventure featuring a cast of classic characters, from the mischievous Lost Boys and jealous fairy Tinker Bell, to the villainous Captain Hook and his pirate band. But will the Darlings choose to stay in Neverland or return to London to grow up like normal children?

Full of magical adventure, this favourite classic is the ultimate bedtime picture book.

Christmas Surprise: A Peanut, Butter & Crackers story

Paige Braddock

Graphic novel

In this fourth hilarious graphic-novel adventure, Peanut, Butter and Crackers are getting excited about Christmas. But then they discover someone living in their Christmas tree!

It’s Peanut’s first Christmas and he’s very excited to open the gifts under the tree. Crackers explains that he must wait until Christmas and the dogs go off for their daily walk. But while Peanut and Crackers are having lots of fun with their friends at the dog park, someone sneaks into their house.

Meanwhile, happy to be left alone at last, laid-back cat Butter is so busy enjoying some peace and relaxation, he doesn’t even notice that he’s not alone. And when the dogs get home, it’s not long before they sniff out the stranger living in their Christmas tree and bark a CODE RED!

Ice Dancer

Alex Cotter

Chapter book

A gripping adventure, with the power of friendship at its heart, Ice Dancer is the thrilling new story from Alex Cotter, author of The House on the Edge, WH Smith Travel Book of the Month

Angry and frustrated at having to stay with her miserable aunt in Sheffield, Dina is determined to pursue her lifelong passion for skating – even if it has to be in secret. But being a stranger in an unfamiliar city, far from the remote countryside of her home, is hard to handle. Shy and lacking in confidence, Dina must overcome her misgivings and find a way to be accepted.

Desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her aunt’s house, and feeling the weight of responsibility for her younger brothers, Dina makes her way to the Ice Arena. There, captivated by the skills of the young skaters she sees, she is filled with the overwhelming desire to compete. But it’s only when all the odds are against her, that she finds the courage to follow her dream.

However, dreams can unravel, and when the family’s past starts to catch up with Dina, a chance encounter at the ice rink sets off a series of events that lead to an unexpected discovery.

Perfect for fans of Emma Caroll and Fleur Hitchcock

Avalanche

Simon Fox

Chapter book

Perfect for fans of Alex Rider and Artemis Fowl, this action-packed thriller stocking filler is ideal for readers too young for Jack Reacher!

Tom thought going to a luxury ski resort was the holiday he and his mum needed. But he didn’t expect kidnappers to take over their chalet – looking for the dangerous technology her boss has created – or for an avalanche to trap them even further.

Can Tom figure a way out, before it’s too late?

Murder at Christmas

Fleur Hitchcock

Chapter book

A thrilling Christmas murder-mystery adventure – the perfect cosy crime read to keep you gripped this festive season!

After another dreary term away at school, Grace is desperate to see her mum and brother again. Excited to spend Christmas with them, she arrives in Bath full of expectation and happiness. But the family’s time together is suddenly interrupted when a shocking murder at their hotel throws everything into chaos. And when Grace’s mum disappears soon afterwards, Grace trusts nobody.

With her mum missing and younger brother Billy in tow, Grace enlists the help of new friends Olive and Doug. Streetwise and clever, they help Grace and Billy come up with a plan to find out why Mum left the hotel and what happened to her.

Full of twists and turns, the mystery takes the four friends on an adventure. And as they start to uncover the truth behind the murder, they wonder if anyone at the hotel is really who they say they are.

A Hedgehog Called Snuffle

Ellie Snowdon & Helen Peters

Chapter book

Jasmine is delighted to be nursing an injured hedgehog back to health until, on the afternoon of Bonfire Night, Snuffle escapes. As darkness falls and everyone prepares their bonfire celebrations, can Jasmine find Snuffle’s hiding place before the first match is lit?

Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation. Perfect for readers aged seven and up.

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Kirsty Applebaum

Chapter book

A hidden garden. An ancient tale. A missing child. This is an addictive mystery with crossing narratives that’s impossible to put down.

Fran doesn’t want to stay with her aunt and uncle and her annoying cousin, Imogen. Imogen is rude and unfriendly and, it turns out, missing… But her parents don’t seem to know who Fran means – don’t be silly, we don’t have a daughter, you know that. So it’s up to Fran, and Imogen’s best friend, Bex, to find out what’s happened to her.

Except Bex doesn’t know who Imogen is either. All Fran knows is that it’s got something to do with the hidden garden at Stillness Hall and the twelve statues that belong there. Could a mysterious old tale, a story of enchantment and death, hold the answers?

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright

Christopher Edge

Chapter book

An extraordinary novel for anyone who’s ever been curious from award-winning author Christopher Edge.

When Albie’s mum dies, it’s natural he should wonder where she’s gone. His parents are both scientists and they usually have all the answers. Dad mutters something about Albie’s mum being alive and with them in a parallel universe.

So Albie finds a box, his mum’s computer and a rotting banana, and sends himself through time and space to find her…

The Goat and the Stoat and the Boat

Em Lynas & Matt Hunt

Picturebook

A raucous, rhyming tale that will have children (and adults) in fits of laughter!

Stoat is playing in his favourite boat when suddenly Goat comes bounding in! Chaos ensues as an angry Stoat tries to chase Goat out of his boat. But before long, Goat and Stoat’s lively antics make the boat wibble and wobble! Uh-oh! Can Stoat float in the water? And will Goat’s colourful coat be ruined?

From the duo behind the bestselling The Cat and the Rat and the Hat comes this hilarious, read-aloud picture book, bursting with comic capers and animal antics.

Features a hilarious, tongue-twister text, slapstick humour, bright neon artwork and colourful characters.

Perfect for fans of Oi Frog!

Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free ‘Stories Aloud’ audio recording – just scan the QR code and listen along!

Teeny Tiny Science: I See a Cloud

Daniela Sosa & Saskia Gwinn

Picturebook

A fun, friendly and lyrical picture book series about cycles and systems for the very young.

I see a cloud, high up in the sky, made of tiny water drops sparkling with dust . . .

From the tiniest raindrop to the deepest ocean, join two children and their dog on a fantastic journey through the water cycle. As they splash in puddles, float on clouds and dive into the sea, young readers will discover how water moves through our world in an incredible, ever-changing cycle.
With a storybook format and stunning illustrations, this book will entertain, inspire and gently educate 3-5-year-olds.

The perfect introduction to the water cycle
Created in consultation with Dr Lucinda Spokes from the University of Cambridge
With beautiful, lyrical text by Saskia Gwinn and breathtaking, collage-style artwork by Daniela Sosa
Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free ‘Stories Aloud’ audio recording – just scan the QR code and listen along!

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Publisher: Nosy Crow Ltd

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