Best Books for Kids
recommended by librarians, teachers, authors and kids
Last updated: April 01, 2025
Korky Paul on Inspiring Illustrations
Korky Paul, the illustrator of the hugely popular Winnie the Witch series (among others), talks to Five Books about the pictures and books that have most inspired him.
Playful Books for Children, recommended by Jon Burgerman
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.
Funny Books for Kids, recommended by Elys Dolan
Elys Dolan, author of Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory and rising star of the picture book world, on the funniest illustrated books for reading at bedtime—and why children’s characters needn’t always set good moral examples.
Alice Bell recommends her Favourite Science Books for Kids
Children learn in many different ways and the best science books for young people reflect that, says science writer Alice Bell. She recommends some of her favourite science books for kids.
Books for the Reluctant 12-Year-Old Reader, recommended by Robert Muchamore
Robert Muchamore, bestselling kids’ author, names five titles he thinks will appeal to his “core audience”—“boys of a certain age who’ve grown beyond the Harry Potter thing”.
The best books on Outsiders, recommended by Sarah Franklin
Children often feel that, for one reason or another, they don’t quite fit in. Fortunately, there are many books exploring that very theme. Author Sarah Franklin introduces five wonderful books about ‘outsiders.’
The Best Picture Books of 2017, recommended by Zoe Greaves
Looking for a lovely set of books to give to a child who is just learning to read? Five Books children’s editor, Zoe Greaves, picks five of the best published this year.
The Best Tween Books of 2017, recommended by Zoe Greaves
It’s a golden age for books for 8-12 year old children—aka ‘Tweens.’ Our children’s editor, Zoe Greaves, picks some of the year’s best.
The Best Nature Books for Kids, recommended by M G Leonard
Author M G Leonard talks about the importance of getting our children engaged with the natural world. She recommends her favourite nature books for kids.
The Best History Books for 8-10 year olds, recommended by Alex (age 10)
Are you trying to get your son or daughter into reading more history? Here Alex, a 10-year old boy living in Oxfordshire in the UK, shares some of his favourites.