Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Orchard Books

The Turtle Who Turned the Tide

Picturebook

This text is another triumph from Rachel Bright and Jim Field, the duo have produced a range of captivating texts that cover a range of topics and The Turtle Who Turned the Tide is no exception.

The heartwarming and beautifully illustrated text weaves a number of topics through the captivating story of Tula and the tough decision she has to make. The story is set on the night of the grand hatching. Tula is set to win the race to the sea, until she notices that her brother Tiny has lost his way. Tula makes the decision to help and faces danger as she rushes to his side.

This book is a perfect tool for discussions about bravery, teamwork, kindness and doing the right thing. It could also be used as a lead in to discussions about environmental awareness and the impact humans can have on natural events.

All in all, a lovely, bright and enjoyable addition to class and home libraries.

How to Catch an Idea

Forest Xiao

Picturebook

Where do ideas come from? Maybe they grow in the ground like a seed. Maybe you bake them like a bun. Perhaps you can catch a shimmering idea from the sea, or pluck a ripe one from the branches of a tree . . .

Follow a little girl as she curiously tries to find the answer to this very big question. A clever and colourful book for younger readers which brings together adventure, a range of contexts and subjects.

As the little girl sets out to catch ‘a super-shiny, sparkling, brand-new’ idea, she asks advice from those she meets along the way. Children are sure to have plenty of their own thoughts about where ideas come from – perhaps they might be inspired to start a notebook like hers, allowing them to draw, note, write and scribble as ideas and thoughts come to them.

The lovely illustrations (drawn as if in a child’s hand) complement the narrative, and the cute squirrel companion added a touch of humour with its antics.

Tiger Warrior: Attack of the Dragon King

Maisie Chan

Chapter book

When Jack’s grandpa gives him a magical jade coin, Jack finds himself caught in an ancient battle between good and evil. For he is the new Tiger Warrior, and it’s up to him to save the world!

Luckily, Jack has the spirits of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac to help him. Tiger can harness the power of fire, Dragon can control water, Horse has lightning speed and the rest, well they’re just happy to be out of the jade coin for a bit! But other ancient spirits want the power of the Chinese Zodiac for themselves…

With a brilliant cast of magical animal zodiac creatures, deadly demons and spine-tingling spirits, this series is for fans of Adam Blade and Percy Jackson.

The Hideysaurus

Chris Chatterton & Rachel Bright

Picturebook

This rhythmic story offers a reassuring take on handling shyness.

When a party becomes too much for Hideysaurus, she hides! There is a gentleness and empathy to the pacing of this tale that feels perfect for preschoolers, providing a comforting choice for any child finding crowds or a new school a bit daunting.

With bright and gentle illustrations and fun characters that capture real emotions, this is a lovely addition to the EYFS book corner that encourages connection and understanding. By focusing on small steps rather than forced bravery, it serves as a warm prompt for chatting about big feelings at a child’s own speed.

A Home for Stone

Corrinne Averiss & Rosalind Beardshaw

Picturebook

When a little boy finds a lonely stone on a quiet beach, he decides to find him the perfect home among other stones just like him. But nowhere feels quite right for little Stone.

And just as the boy is about to give up, he realises that he may have had the perfect home for Stone all along . . .

A touching story about finding friends in unexpected places, from the award-winning creators of My Pet Star.

Nat Fantastic

Giles Andreae & Katharine McEwen

Picturebook

Although he seems like an ordinary boy, with just a single sneeze Nat turns into a superhero. Find out how Nat uses his superpowers to rescue other people and fend off mischevious villains.

Whiffy Wilson: The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go To School

Caryl Hart & Leonie Lord

Picturebook

Whiffy Wilson is sure he doesn’t want to go to school. Worried that he doesn’t belong there because he doesn’t know how to read and write already and that the other children may not like him, Whiffy thinks that school is definitely not for him. But when his friend Dotty gently takes him along, Whiffy realises that at school the children learn through play and that there are lots of new friends just like him. He even gets to play football! It doesn’t take Whiffy long to realise that he loves school after all.

That Pesky Rat

Lauren Child

Picturebook

This is a hilarious picture book from the popular author Lauren Child. It follows the story of a brown rat that lives in the garbage bin but stares through the windows of the houses at night, longing for a real home of his own.