Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Fangs

Chapter book

Poor Fangs, the tarantula, is terribly lonely and bored with her life in the pet-shop. So when Nathan takes her home, she’s more than excited about her new life. But before Nathan can introduce his new pet to his family, he’s going to need her help to convince them that spiders aren’t just creepy and crawly . . . They’re beautiful and brave too!

This funny story from the Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman, is perfect for building confidence in young readers – whether reading aloud or reading alone.

The Christmasaurus

Shane Devries & Tom Fletcher

Chapter book

The Christmasaurus is the story of William Trundle – a dinosaur enthusiast, and his father – a Christmas enthusiast. When a series of events forces William to grapple with a season of loneliness, he sends a clever letter to Santa, initiating a magical Christmas journey.

Fans of The Creakers will be drawn to this book and will recognise the combination of good-natured humour and a focus on the determination and bravery of child characters who see their adventure though with a strong sense of self. This book has earned its place as a staple among classroom Christmas tales. Tom Fletcher skillfully captures the magic of Christmas time with all of its hope and surprises, while Shane Devries’s illustrations add depth to the narrative. The overall charm and whimsical nature of the story along with an endearing cast of characters make it a delightful festive read, especially for Lower Ks2.

Football Academy: Reading the Game

Tom Palmer

Chapter book

Ben is at his happiest playing for United and is getting top marks from the coach. But every day at school is a trial for Ben, as he struggles to hide a huge secret from his teachers and classmates.
Ben’s secret is starting to affect his game – can he swallow his pride and ask for help before he sidelines himself – for good?

Lizzie Zipmouth

Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt

Chapter book

Lizzie refuses to speak. She doesn’t want to talk to Rory or Jake, her new stepbrothers. Or to Sam, their dad. Or even to her mum. She’s completely fed up with having to join a new family, and nothing can convince her to speak to them. Not football, not pizza, not a new bedroom. That is, until she meets Great-Gran – a member of the new family who is even more stubborn than she is…

My Daddies

Gareth Peter & Garry Parsons

Picturebook

A funny, heartfelt picture-book celebrating same-sex parents and shared story time, perfect for introducing children to the different kinds of family in the world today.

Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an adorable family as the stories they read burst into colourful life. Battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cosy bedtime ending.

The bouncy, rhyming, read-aloud text is brought to life by bestselling, award-winning illustrator Garry Parsons, illustrator of The Dinosaur that Pooped series.

Billy and the Beast

Nadia Shireen

Picturebook

From the author of Bumblebear, comes a new heroine for our times. Introducing: Billy!

Whilst on a lovely walk in the woods, Billy and her trusty sidekick Fatcat hear a terrible rumble… a terrible rumble coming from a Terrible Beast …

He’s making a Terrible Soup out of all of Billy and Fatcat’s friends!

Luckily, our brave heroine Billy has a trick or two up her sleeve (or in her hair)…

Join Billy on her mission to defeat the Terrible Beast (and save those adorable little bunny rabbits too).

Pablo and the Noisy Party

Pablo

Picturebook

Pablo thinks differently!

Pablo’s mum takes him to his cousin Lorna’s birthday party, but Pablo gets scared of the noisy party.

Pablo hides in the car, and soon his friends come to join him. Pablo’s friends help him realise that it’s OK if he doesn’t want to go to the party.

This lovely and heartwarming story will help readers understand that not everybody thinks the same way, and that some people feel differently about parties.

All Pablo books are written by writers on the autistic spectrum and are grounded in the real-life experiences of autistic children.

Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery Of The Missing Puppies

Megan Rix & Tim Budgen

Chapter book

Meet Lizzie and Lucky: a sparky young detective and her loyal Dalmatian sidekick!

The first title in a brand new illustrated series from beloved animal author Megan Rix.

Lizzie is desperate for a dog. In order to convince her parents to get one, she has to come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. Lizzie is a master at making lists, so thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy! Especially as she is deaf and could train one to be her hearing dog. But as Lizzie begins compiling her list, she witnesses an adorable puppy being snatched away and put into a van by a mysterious-looking man. Can Lizzie solve the case – and maybe find herself a loyal friend at the same time…?

The Last Firefox

Laura Catalán & Lee Newbery

Chapter book

This is the book equivalent of sitting wrapped in a duvet eating chocolate. It is simply delightful and while being an exciting adventure it also looks at finding your feet and the inner courage you need to get through. Author Lee Newbery wrote this story for his son, so that his son could see himself in a story. Newbery wanted a story where the child is adopted (and has two dads) but without the family set-up being the main focus of the story. His aim has been entirely achieved.

Yes, there is peril, a hideous monster and bullies, but it always feels as if it will work out in the end. All the pieces of an exciting adventure are here; two loyal friends, a sprinkling of magic, a very cute animal, a tense denouement. All of this is wrapped up with wonderful illustrations from Laura Catalan, which bring the story to life, topped off with a beautiful cover.

I can see this book becoming a ‘must read’ for lower Key Stage 2, and I for one would love to read it aloud to a group of children.

Pablo Goes Shopping

Pablo

Picturebook

Pablo and his friends are going to the supermarket, or as they like to call it, the super place!

Tang loves the super place, but Mouse finds it too bright and too noisy .

Pablo and friends find different ways to have a lovely time among all the sights and sounds of the Super Place.

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Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

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