Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Eagle of the Ninth

Chapter book

The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of northern Britain – and they were never seen again.

Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It’s a mystery that’s never been solved, until now.

Marcus has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.

The Eagle of the Ninth is heralded as one of the most outstanding children’s books of the twentieth century and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Rosemary Sutcliff writes with such passion and attention to detail that Roman Britain is instantly brought to life and stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned.

The Hug Button

Naomi Jones & Rebecca Ashdown

Picturebook

The Hug Button is a heartwarming tale about Matilda, who is very nervous and anxious about her first day of school. When saying goodbye becomes too hard, Mum draws a hug button on both of their wrists, so that they can feel connected, even when apart.

The story maps the different feelings that Matilda goes through during her first days at school until the end of the story, where she is able to help another child. The text is accompanied by beautiful illustrations that capture how the characters are feeling that are colourful and attractive to readers.

This book would be perfect to share with parents before their child starts school or to help alleviate any anxiety and fears that may occur in the first few days of starting Nursery or Reception. It offers young readers and their parents a simple strategy for coping with separation.

The Expanding World of Data

Tom Jackson

Non-fiction

Data is an integral part of our lives. It helps us to unlock hidden mysteries and even predict the future. The Expanding World of Data uncovers the world of data in a way that is accessible, engaging and thought-provoking, using colourful artwork, illustrations, comic strips, ‘Speak like a Scientist’ and data hero sections. This book is the perfect resource for those curious minds who want to know more about data, what it is and what it does. Data can even help us to make the planet a better place.

This title is one of an exciting series from Oxford, giving accessible introductions to the ideas, facts, and vocabulary behind an absorbing range of subjects. Meticulously researched and written by experts in their fields, curious young readers will quickly get to grips with the basic principles and terminology of each subject.

Author Tom Jackson has been a writer for 25 years, written about 200 books and specializes in science and technology. Consultant Dr Bran Knowles is a Senior Lecturer in the Data Science Institute at Lancaster University where she leads the Data and Society theme.

The Expanding World of Data is part of a wider collectible set. If you love this title, why not collect them all?

Super-Readable Rollercoaster: Phoenix Brothers

Sita Brahmachari

Chapter book

This thought-provoking narrative tells the story of ‘Phoenix Brothers’ Amir and Mo, who have recently arrived in England after a perilous journey fleeing from their home country, Iraq.

Amir has lost his home, his family and now his voice; Mo is alone in the world and has experienced unspeakable horrors on his journey. As they rise from the ashes and build a new life in the UK, they discover their talents and find friends who will stand with them even when others stand in their way.

Told through the eyes of Amir, the book subtly and sensitively explores themes of displacement, prejudice, language barriers and the impact of trauma. Amir’s recollections as he prepares for the George Orwell speech competition reveal the challenges and horrors faced by many vulnerable refugee children in their quest for safety and liberty.

Weather Tots: Sunny Starts School

Caroline Crowe & Nia Gould

Picturebook

Sunny is a positive, literal ‘ray of sunshine’. On her first day at school, she is determined to shine and to be the best that she can be. Her enthusiasm and excitement lead to some accidental errors, which cause Sunny to feel downhearted and despondent. There is much to be learned from this bright and engaging picture book. Children will love the characters; they are colourful and uncomplicated in their design with names that reflect their weather-related functions and personalities.

Changing states and the needs of plants are interesting science concepts that are covered as an integral, but fun, part of the story. As sunny embarks on her school journey, she learns that working together is more effective than trying to outshine everyone else. She discovers that everyone is unique and everyone is special in their own, individual way. This is a beautiful book to look at and is the perfect length for bedtime reading.

Cat and Dumpling: Home Sweet Home

Nicola Kent

Chapter book

This is the first instalment of a charming new series by author Nicola Kent. Cat and Dumpling are best friends, but they’re very different. Cat is a dreamer who loves to knit, and Dumpling is a cautious planner who loves gardening. So when they are looking for their first home, it turns out it is in the SAME flat.

This is a perfect introduction to a short chapter book for early readers. The story tells of pranks and schemes that provide fun and laughter. Alongside beautiful full colour illustrations depicting best friends, Cat and Dumpling are loveable and charming from the outset. Will these opposites put their differences aside?

A gorgeous read-aloud classroom story or a short chapter book to stretch a newly independent reader. Keep a lookout for the next book in the series: Cat and Dumpling: The Talent Show.

Who Ate All the Bugs?

Matty Long

Picturebook

Snail is on a mission. Bugs are being eaten all around her and she’s determined to hunt down the culprit. But is it a lost cause? After all, as Glowworm explains, ‘You can’t fight the food chain’.

Acclaimed picture book creator, Matty Long, brings his hallmark talents of deadpan comedy, witty commentary, and hilarious illustrations to elucidate the real life realities of invertebrate existence! In this fascinating and slightly disgusting series, readers can feast on a diet of facts about the animals, plants and ecosystems found in the natural world.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Oxford)

Arthur Conan Doyle

Chapter book

Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles is a well-loved Sherlock Holmes mystery that delivers a blend of detective work and chilling Gothic suspense. Readers are thrown into a mystery surrounding Sir Charles Baskerville’s death and the terrifying legend of a spectral hound haunting the moors. This classic offers students an ideal introduction to the conventions of the mystery genre and key Gothic themes like suspense and the supernatural, meaning that it remains an engaging and popular choice of an older text.

First published in 1902, this is a story for adults that is often also read in secondary schools, providing an introduction to classic literature. The language offers a challenge to stretch stronger readers in KS3 while the narrative remains accessible enough for enjoyable comprehension and the chilling tropes of mysteries, curses and hauntings offer as much stimulation to the modern teen audience as they did to the original readership.

Following the inimitable Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr Watson as they unravel the secrets behind the Baskerville curse, young readers will enjoy trying to stay one step ahead of Sherlock- and whether they solve the case or not, they will finish with a significant and iconic literary work under their reading belt.

Rat

Patrice Lawrence

Chapter book

Al lives in a council flat with his Mum until she is sent back to prison. Al’s Dad is absent, so his gran enlists the help of his half sister Plum to prevent him from returning into care. Al wants to get his revenge on the neighbour whom he believes sent her there. The only friends he feels he can rely on are Venom and Vulture, his pet rats, but with their help, he thinks he has the perfect plan…

Award winning author, Patrice Lawrence, has once again woven a story that brilliantly brings together characters, that each pull at your heart, while artfully introducing threads to the plot that further enrich those deep complex relationships and mean you can’t put the book down as you will Al to find happiness of his own.

This is a story that feels full of pain and loss, but equally full of love, joy, hope and understanding sometimes from the most unlikely of sources. Space is given in the book for young readers to further independently explore the book with guided questions and additional information about some of the topics and words used.

Cloud Boy by Greg Stobbs

Picturebook

Bobby tries really hard to concentrate like his friends, but whenever he is distracted by the sights, sounds and smells around him, he floats away into the clouds. He tries to find a solution by tying himself to the ground, but this means his thoughts and dreams escape and he feels empty inside.

Cloud Boy is a colourful exploration of a common challenge faced by neurodivergent children, and how a little understanding and seeing how others perceive the world around them can make a hugely positive difference. The story references sensory stimulation and distractions, the worry and shame often felt by pupils who find concentration challenging, the limits and restrictions that society can place on individuals and how this can result in overwhelm, which can take a long time to recover from. It finishes by celebrating the wonderful creativity that can be borne from a mind that thinks outside the box.

A great ‘I see me’ read for any pupils who see the world differently, and their peers and family who support them through the trickier times.

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Publisher: Oxford University Press

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