The best books for kids, recommended by experts and authors to help you find the right book for your children. These are books that will encourage your kids to be happy and curious, as well as helping them become avid readers.
We have reading lists to get your children into things (eg. music, nature or economics) or great fiction to read recommended by some of the most well-known children's authors writing today (Cressida Cowell, Philip Reeve, Michael Morpurgo). In terms of popular genres, we offer you historical fiction, science fiction, audiobooks and humour among others. We also have some reading lists for dealing with difficult issues, like the refugee crisis or teenage mental health.
For the latest books we have selected the best kids' books of 2022.
Books by Ages:
-
1
Library Lion
Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes (illustrator) -
2
Write to Me
Cynthia Grady, Amiko Hirao (illustrator) -
3
Tomás and the Library Lady
by Pat Mora & Raul Colón (illustrator) -
4
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
William Joyce, Joe Bluhm (illustrator) -
5
The Lonely Book
Kate Bernheimer, Chris Sheban (illustrator)
The Best Books about Libraries for 4-8 Year Olds, recommended by Bahram Rahman
The Best Books about Libraries for 4-8 Year Olds, recommended by Bahram Rahman
Libraries provide a space for children to read for pleasure and discover the transformative power of books. Children’s author Bahram Rahman shares his favourite picture books about libraries for children age 4-8, and explains why book-recommending algorithms cannot replace librarians.
The Best Ocean Novels for 10-14 Year Olds, recommended by Helen Scales
Marine biologist Helen Scales reflects on the power of stories to bring all kinds of readers into the ocean realm. She recommends books for children and young adults, and explains why her selection focuses on novels for readers age 10-14.
Best Verse Novels for 8-12 Year Olds, recommended by Alison King
Verse fiction gets to the heart of a story without much text, the immediacy of the characters and the storyline making it instantly appealing to readers, including reluctant ones. Here, school librarian Alison King explains why everyone should read verse novels, and recommends her top picks for 8-12 year olds.
The Best Baby Books, recommended by Barbara Band
Barbara Band, librarian and former President of the UK’s Library and Information Association, explains why reading aloud for babies is not only a great bonding experience but also an important part of early childhood development. She shares some tips on reading with babies and introduces her top baby book recommendations.
The best books on Fashion for Kids, recommended by Eunice Olumide
Model, actress, presenter and author Eunice Olumide shares her pick of the best books for children about fashion and the values that underpin her career in the fashion industry.
-
1
Battle Angel Alita
by Yukito Kishiro -
2
The Promised Neverland
Kaiu Shirai, Posuka Demizu (illustrator) -
3
The Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas, adapted by Crystal S. Chan, illustrated by Nokman Poon -
4
Pokémon Adventures (Red and Blue)
Hidenori Kusaka, Mato (illustrator) -
5
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
by Koyoharu Gotouge
Best Manga for Children and Teens, recommended by Oscar
Best Manga for Children and Teens, recommended by Oscar
Long associated with Japanese popular culture, manga are now found in translation across the world. In North America, this dynamic form of visual narration is overtaking comics and graphic novels in popularity. Oscar, age 13, recommends his favourite manga for children and teenagers.
-
1
Who's Hiding in the Jungle?
by Katharine McEwen -
2
Wild Lives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History
by Ben Lerwill & Sarah Walsh (illustrator) -
3
Look and Say What You See at the Seaside
by Sebastien Braun -
4
South African Animals
Lindiwe Mabuza, Alan Baker (illustrator) -
5
The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts!
by Ginjer Clarke
The best books on Wild Animals for Kids, recommended by Margaret Darawanda
The best books on Wild Animals for Kids, recommended by Margaret Darawanda
Children tend to be fascinated with animals, and wild animals particularly capture the imagination. Margaret Darawanda, an Akashinga ranger in the Lower Zambezi Valley, talks us through her pick of books for kids about animals in the wild.
-
1
We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
Traci Sorell, Frané Lessac (illustrator) -
2
Stuntboy, In the Meantime
Jason Reynolds, Raúl the Third (illustrator), Guy Lockard (narrator) -
3
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood
Kwame Mbalia (editor), Amir Abdullah & Taj Leahy (narrators) -
4
Redemptor
Jordan Ifueko, narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt -
5
Firekeeper's Daughter
Angeline Boulley, narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2021, recommended by Emily Connelly
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2021, recommended by Emily Connelly
Audiobooks are a wonderful way for children and teenagers to access stories, whether by themselves or as a shared listening experience. AudioFile’s Emily Connelly talks us through her selection of five of the best audiobooks for children and teenagers in 2021.
-
1
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling & MinaLima (illustrators) -
2
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling & Levi Pinfold (illustrator) -
3
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
J.K. Rowling & Chris Riddell (illustrator) -
4
Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature
by Natural History Museum -
5
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
by British Library
The Best Illustrated Harry Potter Books, recommended by Our Children's Editor
The Best Illustrated Harry Potter Books, recommended by Our Children's Editor
Entering the magical world of Harry Potter is a wonderful gift for any child, and finding a beautiful edition can be an important part of the journey. Here, our Children’s Editor selects personal favourites among the most beautiful Harry Potter books and recommends the best gift editions.
-
1
Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Everyone
by Lisa Harvey-Smith & Mel Matthews (illustrator) -
2
I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast
by Michael Holland & Philip Giordano (illustrator) -
3
Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes
by Sophie Deen & Anjan Sarkar (illustrator) -
4
Inventors: Incredible Stories of the World's Most Ingenious Inventions
by Robert Winston & Jessamy Hawke (illustrator) -
5
I am a book. I am a portal to the universe.
by Stefanie Posavec & Miriam Quick (illustrator) -
6
100 Things to Know about Saving the Planet
Best Science Books for Children: the 2021 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Katharine Cashman
Best Science Books for Children: the 2021 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Katharine Cashman
In selecting the best science books for children, the judges of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize identify books that are scientifically accurate as well as accessible and engaging. Katharine Cashman, Professor of Volcanology at Bristol University and Chair of this year’s judging panel, talks us through the six wonderful books that made the 2021 shortlist.
The Best Classics Books for Children, recommended by Annelise Gray
Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire continue to fascinate children and provide fertile ground for historical novels that resonate with today’s readers. Author and classicist Annelise Gray talks us through some of her favourite books for children set in the ancient Mediterranean world and Roman Britain.
Best Books for Preschool Kids, recommended by Janice Stewart-Yates
With travel restricted in much of the world due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is more important than ever to open children’s minds through books. Janice Stewart-Yates, a passionate Montessori educator, shares her recommendations for books that bring the world to children. These are some of her favourite picks for preschool classroom story time, as well as for reading with her own daughter.
-
1
Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body
by Adam Kay & Henry Paker (Illustrator) -
2
Look inside Your Body
by Louie Stowell, Kate Leake (Illustrator) -
3
Body
by Stephanie Babin, Ilaria Falorsi (Illustrator) -
4
Pirate Pete's Potty
by Andrea Pinnington & Melanie Williamson (Illustrator) -
5
Anatomy for Babies
by Jonathan Litton & Thomas Elliott (Illustrator)
Best Human Body Books for Kids, recommended by Sonia Joseph
Best Human Body Books for Kids, recommended by Sonia Joseph
An understanding of the human body can help children nurture both physical and mental health, as well as build knowledge and vocabulary about this fascinating topic. Paediatrician Sonia Joseph talks us through her pick of five books about the human body for kids, with something for every age from baby board books to middle grade non-fiction.
The Scariest Books for Kids, recommended by Jack Meggitt-Phillips
Scary children’s books give kids the pleasure of immersing themselves in an exciting page-turner, and are an excellent way to get reluctant readers to read novels. As long as you pay attention to individual children’s sensibilities, it shouldn’t be hard to find books that give them thrills rather than nightmares. Children’s author Jack Meggitt-Phillips talks us through his favourite scary books for kids.
-
1
Sleep Tight Very Hungry Caterpillar
by world of Eric Carle -
2
Families, Families, Families!
by Max Lang (illustrator) & Suzanne Lang -
3
How to Be a Lion
by Ed Vere -
4
Look Up!
by Dapo Adeola (illustrator) & Nathan Bryon -
5
You Choose Your Dreams: originally published as Just Imagine
by Nick Sharratt (illustrator) & Pippa Goodhart
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Reading, recommended by Marion Gillooly
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Reading, recommended by Marion Gillooly
Dolly Parton is an iconic singer and songwriter, but many children around the world know her as their librarian. Through the Imagination Library she nurtures a love of books in young children. Marion Gillooly, Executive Director, The Dollywood Foundation UK, talks us through the background of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and highlights five of her favourite books in the catalogue (which she admits was really hard: “all the books are my favourites”).
-
1
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry
by Neil deGrasse Tyson & with Gregory Mone -
2
Cats React to Science Facts
by Izzi Howell -
3
In the Key of Code
by Aimee Lucido -
4
How to Win a Nobel Prize
by Barry Marshall, Bernard Caleo (illustrator) & with Lorna Hendry -
5
Gut Garden: A journey into the wonderful world of your microbiome
by Katie Brosnan -
6
Everyday Journeys Of Ordinary Things
by Libby Deutsch & Valpuri Kerttula (illustrator)
The Best Science Books for Kids: the 2020 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Mike Kendall
The Best Science Books for Kids: the 2020 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Mike Kendall
To find the best science books for kids, the judges of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize look for books that are not only accurate but also entertaining. Mike Kendall, Professor of Geophysics at Oxford University and chair of this year’s judging panel, talks us through the six fabulous books that made the 2020 shortlist (the final winner will be chosen by the real experts: more than 13,000 kids).
-
1
The Murderer's Ape
Jakob Wegelius, translated by Peter Graves -
2
Maresi
Maria Turtschaninoff, translated by Annie Prime -
3
The Cat Who Came in off the Roof
Annie M.G. Schmidt, translated by David Colmer -
4
Reckless: The Petrified Flesh
Cornelia Funke, translated by Oliver Latsch -
5
The Letter for the King
Tonke Dragt, translated by Laura Watkinson -
6
The Beast Player
Nahoko Uehashi, translated by by Cathy Hirano
The Best Kids’ Books in Translation, recommended by Adam Freudenheim
The Best Kids’ Books in Translation, recommended by Adam Freudenheim
There is no shortage of great kids’ books written in English, but reading books in translation can open up whole new worlds and surprising perspectives. Adam Freudenheim, managing director of Pushkin Press, talks us through some of his favourites among the many books he’s published for kids, translated from other languages.
The Best Rick Riordan Books, recommended by Alex (age 13)
This is a big week for Rick Riordan fans as The Tower of Nero, the final book in his Trials of Apollo series, is published. Here, Alex, a 13-year-old boy living in Oxford, explains what Rick Riordan’s books are about, why he finds them so mesmerizing, and which book you might want to start with if you’re interested in reading them.
-
1
¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat
by Raúl the Third, narrated by Gary Tiedemann -
2
Overground Railroad
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome, narrated by Shayna Small and Dion Graham -
3
When Stars Are Scattered
by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson, narrated by Faysal Ahmed (and full cast) -
4
Before the Ever After
by Jacqueline Woodson, narrated by Guy Lockard -
5
King and the Dragonflies
by Kacen Callender, narrated by Ron Butler
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2020, recommended by Emily Connelly
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2020, recommended by Emily Connelly
Whether you’re on a car journey or sitting on the sofa together at home, listening to audiobooks with kids can be an incredible experience. Some will make you laugh, some will make you weep. Many will help us develop empathy for other human beings in the world around us. Here Emily Connelly, Assistant Editor at AudioFile, talks us through the magazine’s choices of the best audiobooks for kids of 2020.
-
1
In Your Hands
by Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) & Carole Boston Weatherford -
2
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson & Rafael López (Illustrator) -
3
I Am Enough
by Grace Byers & Keturah Bobo (Illustrator) -
4
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
by John Steptoe -
5
Milo's Museum
by Purple Wong (Illustrator) & Zetta Elliott
The Best Antiracist Books for Kids, recommended by Paula Young Shelton
The Best Antiracist Books for Kids, recommended by Paula Young Shelton
Understanding the African American experience is not just about learning about suffering, it’s also about celebrating a vibrant culture and its roots across the millennia. Paula Young Shelton, author of Child of the Civil Rights Movement, recommends the best antiracist books for kids.
The Best Roald Dahl Books, recommended by Tilly Burn
Roald Dahl was one of the 20th century’s most popular children’s authors. Here, Tilly Burn, Archive and Collections Assistant at the wonderful Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, UK, chooses her top Roald Dahl books and discusses the secrets of his enduring appeal.
The Best Psychology Books for Teens, recommended by Jessica Flitter, Laura Brandt & Nancy Fenton
Three award-winning US high school psychology teachers—authors of the website Books for Psychology Class—share their recommendations of the best psychology books for teenagers, students and their teachers—and reflect on why storytelling is a key aspect of the art of teaching.
The Best Children’s Books: The 2020 Newbery Medal and Honor Winners, recommended by Krishna Grady
After reading hundreds of newly published books and asking children and adults alike for their input, the winners of the 2020 Newbery Medal and Honors have been chosen. Librarian and chair of the selection committee Krishna Grady introduces us to the best new children’s books that will surprise, delight and hold your kid’s attention—including the first graphic novel to ever win the award.
-
1
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
by Philip Hoose -
2
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
by Steve Sheinkin -
3
Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad
by M T Anderson -
4
Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers
by Deborah Heiligman -
5
Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam
by Elizabeth Partridge
The Best Nonfiction Books for Teens, recommended by Marc Favreau
The Best Nonfiction Books for Teens, recommended by Marc Favreau
Whether you want your kids to know more about the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War or the life of Vincent van Gogh or Dmitri Shostakovich, we’re entering a golden era of nonfiction books for teens (also known as ‘Young Adult’ or YA nonfiction). Marc Favreau, author of the brilliant Spies, recommends some of the best.
Editors’ Picks: Children’s Books, recommended by Sophie Roell
Five Books editor Sophie Roell selects the best children’s books of 2019, after intense discussions with her family about which books should make the list.
The Best Books on Gratitude for Kids, recommended by Dana Sheridan
What should you read with your kids on Thanksgiving? Dana Sheridan of Princeton University Library’s Cotsen Children’s Library recommends five children’s books with themes of love, gratitude, belonging and sharing with one another—what the holiday is all about.
-
1
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
Alex Frith (illustrated by Federico Mariani and Parko Polo) -
2
The Bacteria Book: The Big World of Really Tiny Microbes
by Steve Mould -
3
The Element in the Room: Investigating the Atomic Ingredients that Make Up Your Home
Mike Barfield (illustrated by Lauren Humphrey) -
4
Kid Scientists: True Tales of Childhood from Science Superstars
David Stabler (illustrated by Anoosha Syed) -
5
Planetarium: Welcome to the Museum
Raman Prinja (illustrated by Chris Wormell) -
6
Making With States of Matter
by Anna Claybourne
The Best Science Books for Kids: the 2019 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Sheila Rowan
The Best Science Books for Kids: the 2019 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, recommended by Sheila Rowan
If you’re looking for the best books to get kids excited about science, the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize is a great place to start. Physicist and astronomer Sheila Rowan, chair of this year’s judging panel, talks us through the fabulous books that made this year’s shortlist.
-
1
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
by Carole Boston Weatherford & Euka Holmes -
2
Josephine: A Dazzling Life
by Christian Robinson & Patricia Hruby Powell -
3
The Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison -
4
Firebird
by Misty Copeland -
5
Life Doesn't Frighten Me
by Jean-Michel Basquiat & Maya Angelou
Books on Black Icons for Children, recommended by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins
Books on Black Icons for Children, recommended by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins
Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins discuss books that that tell the stories of some of the greatest black icons in history – and explain why reading books that celebrate these extraordinary lives can be transformational for all children.
The Best Young Adult Science Fiction Books, recommended by Estelle Francis
Young adult science fiction extends far beyond the typical dystopian novels which immediately come to mind. Estelle Francis, a teenage author who recently published her first book, shares her favourite reads on this topic.
The Best Physics Books for Teenagers, recommended by Kate Lee
What are the best books for getting a teenager into physics? Kate Lee, a physics teacher at St Paul’s Girls School, recommends books about NASA, space travel, and the Big Bang—and puzzles the question of why it is so hard for young women to stay in physics as a profession.
Best Shakespeare Books for Kids, recommended by Natasha
Are you longing to get your children as excited about Shakespeare as you are? There’s a lot of books out there to introduce kids to the Bard. Here, Natasha, a 10-year old living in Oxfordshire, recommends some of her favourite retellings of Shakespeare stories.
-
1
Maria Sibylla Merian: Artist, Scientist, Adventurer
by Jeyaraney Kathirithamby & Sarah B Pomeroy -
2
Young Heroes
by Lula Bridgeport -
3
What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky
by Kelsey Oseid -
4
Ocean
by Emmanuelle Grundmann & Hélène Druvert -
5
A History of Pictures for Children
by David Hockney & Martin Gayford
The Best Children’s Nonfiction of 2018, recommended by Zoe Greaves
The Best Children’s Nonfiction of 2018, recommended by Zoe Greaves
Author and Five Books children’s editor Zoe Greaves selects the best nonfiction books for children published in 2018.
-
1
The Way Past Winter
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave -
2
The Skylarks' War
by Hilary McKay -
3
Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain & Ireland
Kevin Crossley-Holland (Author) and Frances Castle (illustrator) -
4
The Afterwards
AF Harrold (author) and Emily Gravett (illustrator) -
5
The Train to Impossible Places
PG Bell (author) and Flavia Sorrentino (illustrator)
Editors’ Picks: The Best Children’s Fiction of 2018, recommended by Zoe Greaves
Editors’ Picks: The Best Children’s Fiction of 2018, recommended by Zoe Greaves
From World War I to a book with a hint of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Five Books children’s editor Zoe Greaves nominates her favourite children’s fiction of 2018.
The Best Classics Books for Teenagers, recommended by Olly Murphy
Caesar, Cicero, Achilles, Socrates, Plato: millennia later, we still talk about them. Olly Murphy, classics teacher at Wycombe Abbey, one of England’s top girls’ schools, recommends books and explains why classics remains one of the most exciting subjects for teenagers to study.
Books To Help Children Overcome Anxiety, recommended by Chitra Soundar
As young children grow, finding a vocabulary for their worries and anxiety is often difficult. Children’s author Chitra Soundar recommends five books that help children process their emotions and use fiction as a tool for talking about anxiety.
Clare Morpurgo on Penguin Paperbacks
Penguin paperbacks were a publishing revolution: lightweight, affordable editions that brought high-quality fiction and non-fiction to all. Clare Morpurgo, daughter of the Penguin Books founder Allen Lane, discusses the five Penguins that she loved most as a young reader—and why it’s down to her that her father never published The Hobbit.
Books to Make Your Kids Laugh, recommended by Tom McLaughlin
Laughing out loud while reading is such a particular, life-affirming joy—a joy especially suited to young readers. Author and illustrator Tom McLaughlin recommends books that have left him in helpless fits of giggles.
Fairy Tales as Contemporary Fiction for Kids, recommended by Cornelia Funke
If you haven’t read any books by German children’s author Cornelia Funke yet, you have a treat in store. The multi-award winning writer of imaginative fiction talks us through her books and explains why fairy tales continue to fascinate her and her readers.
Michael Morpurgo on His Novels
Michael Morpurgo takes us on a journey behind the scenes of five of his own books. He talks about his convictions as a writer and how he weaves fiction out of truths—experiences, accidents, history and memories—and why getting lost is often the best way to make a remarkable discovery.
Children’s Picture Books, recommended by Kate Milner
Kate Milner, winner of the prestigious Klaus Flugge Prize, discusses some of the trailblazing illustrators that have inspired her own career. She heralds artists whose imaginative works have given us some of the most exuberant storytelling for children over the last 50 years.
The best books on Trees For Younger Readers, recommended by Neal Layton
Award-winning author and illustrator Neal Layton is passionate about the natural world—especially trees. Among his five recommendations are trees that provide raw materials for building, food and profit; trees that are perfect for climbing; lofty enchanted trees full of adventure; and small yet perfect Christmas trees. Each has a story to tell.
The Best Coming-of-Age Novels About Sisters, recommended by Laura Wood
Coming-of-age stories unfold at the point at which a young person goes out into the world – full of potential and change. Siblings, at this important crossroad, also have to establish themselves outside of their relationship to each other. Author Laura Wood recommends five of her favourite novels that explore the intense, sometimes destructive, relationships that exist between sisters.
The best books on Political Engagement For Teens, recommended by Adrienne Kisner
Are you a teenager who is furious about the way the world seems to be going? Do you feel powerless and overwhelmed? Author Adrienne Kisner recommends five really good books that will inspire and inform teens and young adults, giving them the tools to get involved in activism, to understand politics—and to change the world.
The best books on Pets For Young Kids, recommended by Catherine Rayner
Feathered, scaly or furry, children form powerful and enriching bonds with their pets. If you don’t have room in your house (or lifestyle) for a multitude of birds and beasts—you can always read about them in books! Catherine Rayner, one of the UK’s leading creators of children’s picture books and devoted animal lover, recommends her favourite illustrated picture books celebrating pets.
The Best Viking History Books for Kids, selected by Janina Ramirez
Celebrated Anglo-Saxonist and art historian Janina Ramirez has written her first book for children: a Viking mystery with a fearless young heroine, Alva – both detective and shield-maiden. Here, Dr Ramirez recommends five superb history books to help young readers get an in-depth understanding of this exciting and often misunderstood era.
The Best Historical Fiction for Teens, recommended by KJ Whittaker
Historical novelist K J Whittaker takes us on a time-travelling adventure as she selects five brilliant historical novels for teens.
-
1
From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler
by E L Konigsburg -
2
Harry Potter: the Complete Series
by J.K. Rowling -
3
The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd -
4
The Sinclair Mysteries: A Clockwork Sparrow (Book 1)
by Katherine Woodfine -
5
Lockwood and Co: The Screaming Staircase (Book 1)
by Johnathan Stroud
The best books on Kid Detectives, recommended by Robin Stevens
The best books on Kid Detectives, recommended by Robin Stevens
Do you love to solve a mystery? Do the twists and turns in the plot of a classic whodunit thrill you? Award-winning author Robin Stevens talks us through her favourite kid detectives and the murderously good books from which they come to life.
The Best Fantasy Books for Young Adults, recommended by Zoe
Fantasy novels, with their limitless scope for possibility, appeal to children with vivid imaginations. Here 14-year-old Zoe, who lives in the US and is a big fan of the genre, recommends her current favourites.
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds, selected by Helen
“And what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversation?” Eight-year-old Helen feels the same. Here she tells us why reading graphic novels is fun, relaxing and definitely not for babies – and recommends her current five favourites.
Favourite Kids’ Books, recommended by Klaus Flugge
Since founding Andersen Press in 1976, Klaus Flugge has published some of the most well-known and best-loved names in the world of children’s books– he has launched the careers of some of our best-loved picture book illustrators, from Quentin Blake and Chris Riddell to David McKee, Tony Ross, Michael Foreman and Emma Chichester Clark. Here he expounds on his favourite books and why laughter is his favourite subject.