Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

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Topic: Geography

Non-fiction

Where do pebbles come from? How were they made? This book tells the story of a pebble, from its origins in a fiery volcano 480 million years ago to a busy, modern landscape. Readers follow the processes of rock formation and erosion that create new pebbles all over the world.

Non-fiction

From the creators of the award-winning An Egg Is Quiet, A Seed Is Sleepy, A Butterfly Is Patient and A Nest Is Noisy comes this gorgeous and informative introduction to the fascinating world of rocks. From dazzling blue Lapis Lazuli to volcanic Snowflake Obsidian, an incredible variety of rocks are showcased in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces an array of facts, making it equally perfect for classroom sharing and family reading.

Non-fiction

This award-winning, double-sided foldout book takes you on a fascinating journey down through the layers of the Earth, all the way to the planet’s core and out the other side.

*Picked by the Guardian as one of ’15 Modern Classics’ books*

When you’re out walking around, whether on the city streets or a country trail, there’s always so much to see and hear. But do you ever stop and look down? Have you ever wondered what’s going on deep in the ground under your feet?

There are so many amazing sights to see! One side of the foldout shows the ground beneath the city , whilst the reverse side shows the ground beneath the countryside . The underground scenes include tunnels and pipes, creatures’ burrows, layers of rock and the planet’s molten core, each running seamlessly into the next.

Mixing urban and rural settings, covering subjects such as geology , archaeology and natural history , The Street Beneath My Feet offers children the opportunity to explore their world through a detailed learning experience. And its foldout, laperello (or concertina) style, which extends to 2.5 metres in length , is ideal for spreading out on the floor to pore over for hours.

Picturebook

Discover the story of Mary Anning, the world’s best-known fossil hunter.

As a baby, Mary was struck by lightning, then as a little girl she found a fossilised sea monster, the most important prehistoric discovery of its time. This spectacular tale of a little girl who dared to be different and who followed her dreams will inspire young children.

Beautiful illustrations and narrative text help children to learn how Mary discovered new fossils – and how her observations rocked the natural history world. Be inspired by Mary’s work as a woman in the field of science – especially as her achievements weren’t recognised until after her death.

Perfect for kids interested in dinosaurs and rocks, and for parents looking for strong female role models in science.

Non-fiction

Hundreds of fascinating facts are waiting to be unearthed in this latest book from Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski, the creative duo behind the bestselling Maps. Dive below the surface, and find out what happens under the earth and under the water. From early submarines and deep-sea life, to burrowing animals and man-made tunnels – you will never look at the world in the same way again! Gorgeous design and quirky illustrations make this a book to be pored over again and again.

Chapter book

A classic from beloved author Eva Ibbotson – now with a brand-new cover from Jamie Littler. How do you smuggle a family of yetis from Tibet to England?

When Agatha Farlingham is kidnapped by a yeti on a mountain in Tibet, she soon discovers that the hairy monster is clever and noble. His children are in danger from the modern world and he needs her help. She sends them on a top-secret journey to England and the safety of her ancestral home. But first she must teach them some manners. . .

A rollicking adventure from the extraordinary imagination of one of Britain’s most beloved storytellers.

Non-fiction

Packed with facts and tantalising anecdotes from experts and bursting with colour photographs, learn all about volcanoes and earthquakes in this fresh take on the subject that kids with love.

It’s time to learn everything about volcanoes and earthquakes!

Each book in the National Geographic Kids Everything series has more than 100 pictures, an explorer’s corner with from-the-field anecdotes and tips, fun facts throughout, maps and infographics, an illustrated diagram, a photo gallery, cool comparisons, a behind-the-scenes photograph, an interactive glossary, and more.

Non-fiction

Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with this colourful and charming picture book by historian Kate Williams, taking young readers on an amazing journey through Queen Elizabeth II’s seven decades on the throne.

Discover everything there is to know about the life and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II in this beautifully illustrated book. Readers will learn all about Elizabeth II’s youth growing up during WWII, how she came to the throne and what it really means to be the Queen. Along the way, they’ll see her sparkling crown jewels and magnificent palaces. They will meet her beloved corgis, horses and of course, her very famous family. Plus they’ll discover lots of amazing facts – such as why she has two birthdays, always wears bright clothing, and is a world record breaker!

This is a perfect gift for all the family, celebrating the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II – from the Crown to the Corgis.

Graphic Novel

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is the amazing story of a true hero of our times; his famous biography has been specially adapted for children in a beautiful illustrated picture book format. Discover how a little boy whose father called him “troublemaker” grew up to fight apartheid, become South Africa’s first black president and campaign for freedom and justice throughout the world.

Adapted by poet Chris van Wyk and illustrated by South African artist Paddy Bouma, with an introduction from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Long Walk to Freedom introduces children to the life of one of the world’s most beloved leaders.

Chapter book

This is the story of love, commitment and the flowering of the human spirit against the background of South Africa’s apartheid.

Frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to Johannesburg to find their mother, who works there as a maid. Their journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid – the pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.

The opulence of the white “Madam’s” house contrasts starkly with the reality that Naledi and Tiro face – that their baby sister is suffering from starvation, not an incurable disease.

This edition of Beverley Naidoo’s classic story includes a special “Why You’ll Love This Book” introduction by Michael Rosen, former Children’s Laureate.

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