Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

The Amazing Mrs Pepperpot

Short story collection

These classic stories from Norwegian children’s author Alf Prøysen follow the adventures of Mrs Pepperpot, who magically shrinks to the size of a pepper pot at the most inconvenient times. Everyday tasks become big adventures and children love the funny escapades and Mrs Pepperpot’s no-nonsense approach to solving problems.

This illustrated version of a true children’s classic is brilliant for Reception-aged children.

Dogger

Shirley Hughes

Picturebook

A nostalgia-filled tale that adults love just as much as children, making it an all round winner for read-aloud story times in the Early Years. This classic reading book by beloved children’s author-illustrator Shirley Hughes was voted the public’s favourite CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner.

We are very fond of this lost-and-found story, in which Dave accidentally loses his favourite stuffed toy, Dogger. Shortly afterwards, Dogger turns up on a stall at the school fete, but there are a few bumps along the way before the pair are happily reunited.

This is a sincere toy-themed story about a very familiar scenario. Many children (and parents) will know the heartbreak of losing a favourite toy, and hopefully some will also relate to the joy of being reunited! Beautiful written and illustrated, this tender children’s picturebook is a must-read for young children.

Daisy Eat Your Peas

Kes Gray & Nick Sharratt

Picturebook

We love the Daisy books by bestselling children’s author Kes Gray! Eat Your Peas is one of the earlier picture books featuring the much-loved character Daisy, who now also stars in her own series of illustrated chapter books too.

This story introduces younger children to the popular character and many readers will relate to the scenario Daisy faces when she finds herself with a plate of peas in front of her at dinnertime. The story features a repeated refrain of “I Don’t Like Peas” – which children love to join in with – and readers will adore the escalating promises Mum makes to try to tempt Daisy to eat her veg.

The close-up illustrations of facial expressions help preschool children to interpret and understand character emotions, and the additional pea-themed details to spot throughout the pages are so much fun too (look out for Mum’s necklace and earrings!).

The Magic Crayon

Ali Pye & Amy Sparkes

Picturebook

Jack was seven and Chloe was six. Jack liked his sister, but loved to play tricks . . .

So begins this rollicking, rhyming tale that celebrates the power of imagination – with a difference! When Chloe’s silvery crayon develops magical powers, it sparks a thrilling chase through a fairytale world – an unbelievable adventure where her drawings spring to life!

Can Chloe use all her creativity and inventiveness to rescue her brother and save the day?

An adventure from the author of Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo , brought to life by the bestselling illustrator behind The Littlest Bandit and Girls Can Do Anything.

Pumpkin Soup

Helen Cooper

Picturebook

We can’t get enough of Pumpkin Soup and it is a real story time favourite for Reception and KS1 children.

Cat, Duck and Squirrel are friends who live in an old white cabin, making pumpkin soup together every day. One day, the strength of their relationship is put to the test when duck decides to switch roles and what follows is a compassionate adventure about friendship and belonging.

We adore the warm, vibrant colours of the illustrations, the rich language and captivating storytelling in this autumn-time classic.

My Mum

Anthony Browne

Picturebook

This is a classic Mother’s Day choice from award-winning Anthony Browne, illustrated in his trademark style of wit and detail. The book is an ode to mums everywhere, exploring how mums can be super-strong, talented and clever and can be anything from film stars or astronauts or business bosses, but the most important thing is that mums are really nice and make you feel loved – because they are your mum.

Egg Drop

Mini Grey

Picturebook

Here at Booksfortopics we are big fans of Mini Grey (author of Traction Man and Toys in Space). This egg-cellent picture book does not fail to impress us either, recounting the tale of an egg that is desperate to learn to fly without having to wait to hatch first. Behind the quirky story, which can be accessed on numerous levels by children of different ages, sit important themes of dreaming big, having hope and the frustration of having to wait for something important to happen.

Traction Man Is Here

Mini Grey

Picturebook

This is a high quality text full of detailed comic-style illustrations.

It follows the adventures of an Action-Man style hero with an outfit for every occasion. His daily superhero challenges include rescuing lost toys, diving in the sieve-wreck and saving distressed damsels.

Highly recommended for KS1 and filled with humorous details to pore over, this is a winner of a book.

Super Daisy

Kes Gray & Nick Sharratt

Picturebook

This is a fun story about Super Daisy’s mission to save Planet Earth, which is on a collision course with Planet Pea. This book is full of bold illustrations, flaps and pull-tabs.

Cartoon Kid

Jeremy Strong

Chapter book

This is a chapter book aimed at the 7-9 age range, written in Jeremy Strong’s trademark style of laugh-out-loud humour. When new teacher Mr Butternut tells the class that they are all superheroes, Casper and his friends choose their superhero names and use their new-found confidence to solve problems big and small.