Kids books for 6 to 8 year olds. Expert recommended children’s books for ages 6 to 8 years old. This is a great age to get children reading and loving books. We have a wide range of books so you are bound to find many books your children will love.
We have books about pets, elves, grandparent, black icons, Dads, Christmas books, playful books, funny books and graphic books.
Many 6 year olds and 7 year olds will be learning to read but it’s still important to keep reading aloud to them, as this will help them gain vocabulary and experience books above their reading level.
Many research studies have shown that reading for pleasure is important for children’s academic success, mental health and even later economic success. Another recent study has shown reading aloud to a child along with play can help a child regulate and manage emotions and help with social-emotional development. This is the ideal time in a child life to foster a love of reading: find your child’s next great book in our list, then curl up on a sofa and read it together.
Our book recommendations are all made by experts, who explain their choices in an interview. You can browse our database either by book or by interview:
” I love the simplicity of the illustrations, combined with the simplicity of the words—and yet this book also has a really profound effect on you. It reminds you that it’s okay to feel sad and that if you actually take the time to sit with your feelings, then you have the time to release them and set them free.” Read more...
The Paper Bag Princess
by Michael Martchenko (illustrator) & Robert Munsch
***Our bestselling children’s book of 2019 (ages 3-6) so far***
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
Alex Frith (illustrated by Federico Mariani and Parko Polo)
“Computers are such a big part of our life and understanding a little bit about them is of benefit to everyone. But it can be quite a dry subject, ‘numbers, computing and coding’: even the title doesn’t sound very promising. But the book itself presents some fascinating facts. They’re quite mind-boggling, some of them. It’s amazing to look at.” Read more...
The Best Science Books for Kids: 2019 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize
Wherever My Wellies take Me
by Clare Morpurgo
A charming book that follows Pippa into the countryside as her day unfolds, she encounters people and animals on the way. Pippa’s travels are complemented by poems from some of our greatest authors, personally chosen by Clare and Michael Morpurgo. Part poetry anthology, part child’s scrapbook,
Ocean
by Emmanuelle Grundmann & Hélène Druvert
A fact-filled journey through the oceans with clever paper engineering and beautiful illustrations.
The Train to Impossible Places
PG Bell (author) and Flavia Sorrentino (illustrator)
“There is just a whiff, just the merest whiff, of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy in this book. And that is never a bad thing in a book. It’s a wild, funny and impossible adventure – just the sort of crazy ride that is perfect to sink into.” Read more...
Editors’ Picks: The Best Children’s Fiction of 2018
Zoe Greaves, Children's Author
“A classic that would be a treat for any child to read.” Read more...
The best books on Pets For Young Kids
Catherine Rayner, Children's Author
“Hairy Maclary, a scruffy little dog, trots about town. On the way he gathers up lots of dog friends. It’s a rhyming text with repetition that builds.” Read more...
The best books on Pets For Young Kids
Catherine Rayner, Children's Author
“This book gently steers the reader to the fact that handicapped children can do things that able-bodied children would do.” Read more...
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
Klaus Flugge, Entrepreneurs & Business People
“This book is especially good since it plays on the myths surrounding these ‘vicious’ barbarians, while exposing readers to the complex and fascinating world of travel, trade and tradition that underline these misconceptions.” Read more...
The Best Viking History Books for Kids
Janina Ramirez, Children's Author
“Myths were made up a really long time ago. Like the lady with the snakes on her head – it’s probably not real but it happened so long ago maybe it was true?” Read more...
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds
Helen, Children
Julian Is A Mermaid
by Jessica Love
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Then his imagination takes over. A thoroughly charming story
“A book inspired by true accounts of the experience of refugee children.” Read more...
The best books on Courage and Kindness for Kids
Beverley Naidoo, Children's Author
The Journey
by Francesca Sanna
A tale of two girls and their mother that have to leave everything behind and travel on a long journey to somewhere unfamiliar. A refugee story full of fear and hope in the turmoil of war.
“It is an African Cinderella with John Steptoe’s illustrations adding classical beauty.” Read more...
The best books on Courage and Kindness for Kids
Beverley Naidoo, Children's Author
“The thing about the British Empire is that it was so big so lots of things happened and boy did a lot of things happen.” Read more...
The Best History Books (for 8-10 year olds)
Alex, Children
“Not just child’s book. It’s wordless and wonderful, full of playful drawings and inked ideas.” Read more...
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Jon Burgerman, Cartoonist/Illustrator
Calculus by and for Young People
by Donald Cohen
Calculus by and for young People is a wonderful, very short book by a man called Don Cohen. It get children (from the age of 7) interested in exploring the ideas of infinity and gives them confidence to follow through on those ideas even though these idea are said to be incredibly complex and can’t be done until you’re 16.
The Hockey Sweater
by Roch Carrier
The Hockey Sweater teaches about not only the game but also its place in Canada, particularly in 1930s Quebec
Dinosaur
by David Norman
You have pictures of dinosaur fossils but also artists’ impressions of dinosaurs. It is almost meant to be like a paper version of a museum experience
“Violet invents different airplanes and helicopters, and she is on her way to an air show where she wants to show off her inventions when she notices that there is a boy-scout troop stranded in the river.” Read more...
Yana van der Meulen Rodgers, Economist
“The boy really wants these shoes that everyone else has, but he is very poor. He’s being raised by his grandmother and she knows he needs new boots, he does not need these fancy sneakers. But he wants them so badly!” Read more...
Yana van der Meulen Rodgers, Economist
Father Christmas Goes on Holiday
by Raymond Briggs
No one needs a holiday more than Father Christmas, but where can such a well-known and easily recognized person go? A wonderfully illustrated book that celebrates the magic of Christmas.
“A book that has a unique way of introducing an important subject. I suppose you could call it the art of gentle persuasion, or how you can peacefully convince someone to see things your way.” Read more...
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
Klaus Flugge, Entrepreneurs & Business People
“A fantastic story about the last wolf in Britain, and so well-handled.” Read more...
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
Klaus Flugge, Entrepreneurs & Business People
“I chose Oscar because it is a new way of talking about a subject—in this case behaviour—and that reading it makes children feel better. To make children laugh is important to me. I would say that laughter is my favourite subject. I mean, first to make them enjoy the book—and, ideally, make them laugh at the same time.” Read more...
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
Klaus Flugge, Entrepreneurs & Business People
“A story about death that is fresh and that I call light-hearted but it doesn’t preach too much.” Read more...
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
Klaus Flugge, Entrepreneurs & Business People
“It’s like reading a fairy tale book – but grown-up fairy tales that are actually true. The ladies are all real.” Read more...
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds
Helen, Children
“Asterix (who is a tiny guy with a big moustache) and his friend (who is a big guy) called Obelix are very, very funny.” Read more...
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds
Helen, Children
“There’s a lot of adventure and snow and a cute little dog called Snowy.” Read more...
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds
Helen, Children
“It is a story book but it has tonnes of facts in it – especially about Shakespeare.” Read more...
The Best Graphic Novels for Eight Year Olds
Helen, Children
“This story focuses on the relationship between a little boy and his grandfather and the simple adventures that they share.” Read more...
The best books on Grandparents and Grandchildren
Joseph Coelho, Children's Author
“I think this is the essence of this book is that it’s all about that role of grandparents to kind of be the other parents, to be there in times of need.” Read more...
The best books on Grandparents and Grandchildren
Joseph Coelho, Children's Author
Joy
by Corrinne Averiss and illustrated by Isabelle Follath
Emotional, funny and uplifting, this beautiful picture book has a strong message about empathy and maintaining loving relationships with our grandparents. Guaranteed to bring a bit of joy into every reader’s life, this story is a pure delight.
Children reading this book will understand how the simple act of being with someone, of talking to someone, can have a huge impact.
15 Things Not To Do With A Granny
by Margaret McAllister and illustrated by Holly Stirling
“Presented like a rule book this is a book dedicated to active grannies.” Read more...
The best books on Grandparents and Grandchildren
Joseph Coelho, Children's Author
“There is so much to love about this book. Firstly the dinosaurs being woken up by the heat from humans burning everything and then them tidying up the mess.” Read more...
“This is such an amazing book that is honest about the scale of the issue and that it’s our fault – but presented in a really fun way.” Read more...
“This beautifully illustrated book has a poignant, beautiful and clear message about sustainability in the oceans.” Read more...
“It is a very funny story, written in rhyme, with wonderful, crazy Seuss illustrations – and a big environmental message for young readers.” Read more...
The best books on Trees For Younger Readers
Neal Layton, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“This captures effortlessly for me how we as a society love to put beautiful endangered animals in cages and stare at them – but we don’t spend time talking about what we are doing.” Read more...
“A special edition of the the moving and empowering poem by Maya Angelou with illustrations by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.” Read more...
“The true story of the life of the ballerina Misty Copeland, one of my heroes.” Read more...
“An illustrated book about black history that illuminates black women’s specific role in driving change.” Read more...
“The illustrated story of Josephine Baker, a ground-breaking dancer, singer and comedienne of the 1920’s.” Read more...
“The illustrated story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of civil rights, a woman who overcame prejudice and abuse and yet turned that experience into a message of hope.” Read more...
“This is a bedtime read. It’s really quiet and settling” Read more...
” A cheery book about how as adults we tend to think of the rain as a bit of an inconvenience, whereas for a child it’s really exciting.” Read more...
“A bold picture book, the colour is striking with an unusual palette. Captures little moments that together perfectly describe a snowy day.” Read more...
“An atmospheric and funny book that captures the mood of a summer’s day with the chance to go for a ride on a boat.” Read more...
“A seed is one of the biggest wonders of the natural world, this book shows how a single seed can make it against all the odds.” Read more...
“Maurice Sendak was inspired by the set and costumes he designed for the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Christmas production” Read more...
Harvey Slumphenburger's Christmas Present
by John Burningham
When it comes to delivering the last present in his sack, no journey is too far for Father Christmas! A charming seasonal story from an award-winning artist.
“Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J R R Tolkien’s children. The letters were from Father Christmas.” Read more...
“A lovely pop-up edition of the classic Christmas poem” Read more...
“A beautifully illustrated version of a classic Christmas fairy tale.” Read more...
“This is a book about a father expressing his grief – I don’t think you would have had a story like this 15 years ago.” Read more...
Paul Howard recommends the best Books About Dads
Paul Howard, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“This story depicts a strong and loving relationship between father and son.” Read more...
Paul Howard recommends the best Books About Dads
Paul Howard, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“This is excellent visual storytelling and beautifully shows how having a child is transformative.” Read more...
Paul Howard recommends the best Books About Dads
Paul Howard, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“I love that the dad in this story seems to be the main carer. He takes her to school and he picks her up.” Read more...
Paul Howard recommends the best Books About Dads
Paul Howard, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“It’s really inventive and imaginative – they just use things lying around the house to make up a story.” Read more...
Paul Howard recommends the best Books About Dads
Paul Howard, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Such a unique style, so carefully observed and softly drawn.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Mœbius has such an imagination – lovely line work. He has the same sort of imagination as Philip Pullman–or writers like this. The story telling with the pictures is so compelling.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“The way he drew is quite beautiful. Really fantastic. The lay-out again is wonderful to look at. He has such simple backgrounds and then all this incredible detail.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“I was just blown away by it. The design, the colours. The colours were so vibrant. I hadn’t seen anything like it before.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“It’s pretty scary but what I loved were the drawings, the lay-outs, quite simple line work and flat colour.” Read more...
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“A bright and funny search-and-find book, aided with die-cuts to reveal a few choice items from each spread.” Read more...
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Jon Burgerman, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“The infectious playfulness is spread all over the page and then continues in our head.” Read more...
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Jon Burgerman, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Saturated with the delirious sense of infectious nonsense that is prevalent in all my favourite Dr Seuss books” Read more...
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Jon Burgerman, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Aside from the utterly charming artwork and attention to detail throughout, I love the playfulness with the invented language.” Read more...
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Jon Burgerman, Cartoonist/Illustrator
“Hilarious parody of well-known tales.I find it as funny now as an adult as I did as a child.” Read more...
Elys Dolan, Children's Author
“A fabulous parody of fantasy tropes. A sequel that is better than the original.” Read more...
Elys Dolan, Children's Author
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.
Klaus Flugge on Five of his Favourite Books
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.
The best books on Grandparents and Grandchildren, recommended by Joseph Coelho
Acclaimed poet, Joseph Coelho, recommends five of the best kids’ books that celebrate the magical bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren. Positive intergenerational relationships have very real health benefits for the whole family! So get yourself settled on a comfy chair with a grandchild and take some time to enjoy sharing these delightful stories.
Best Environmental Books for Kids, selected by Georgina Stevens
What are the best books to engage and educate young kids about the environment? Environmentalist and author Georgina Stevens has some ideas. She recommends her favourite environment books for kids, as well as a few websites that will help teach them (and their families) how to make a difference.
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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, selected by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins
Books on Black Icons for Children, selected 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.
Books about the Weather for Kids, recommended by Tim Hopgood
Children have almost universal responses to different kinds of weather: kicking fallen leaves in autumn, splashing in puddles in the rain, catching snowflakes on tongues when it snows. We talk to author and illustrator Tim Hopgood about the weather as an inspiration for children’s books.
The best books on Elves, recommended by Igreth the Elf
Elves are often misunderstood or misrepresented over the Christmas period – Christmas cracker jokes have never been kind to these tiny heroes of the festive season. Here Igreth the Elf, great-great-great-grandson of Ilbereth the Elf, sets the record straight and introduces five children’s books that celebrate the extraordinary contribution these diminutive creatures make to Christmas itself.
Jon Burgerman on the best Playful Books for Children
Whatever your age, play is how we test ideas, define rules and see if they hold. New York-based artist and author Jon Burgerman talks to Five Books about his favourite titles that encourage kids to have fun and be playful, without worry or fear of failure, and simply enjoy the limitless possibilities of imagination.
Best Economics Books for Kids, recommended by Yana van der Meulen Rodgers
Great books can introduce kids to economics at a young age, says Rutgers University economics professor Yana van der Meulen Rodgers. Here she picks some lovely story books for 5-10 year olds and explains the key economic concepts they illustrate.
