Best Books for Kids
recommended by librarians, teachers, authors and kids
Last updated: May 26, 2025
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1
All Bodies Are Wonderful
by Beth Cox & Samantha Meredith (illustrator) -
2
The Expanding World of Data
Tom Jackson, Ekaterina Gorelova & Ana Seixas (illustrators) -
3
Can You Get Rainbows in Space?
Dr Sheila Kanani, Liz Kay (illustrator) -
4
Where Are You Really From?
Adam Rutherford, Adam Ming (illustrator) -
5
Engineers Making a Difference
Dr Shini Somara, Adam Allsuch Boardman & Manuel Šumberac (illustrators) -
6
Mission: Arctic — A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole
Katharina Weiss-Tuider, Christian Schneider (illustrator), translated by Shelley Tanaka
Top Science Books for Children: Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2024, recommended by Dorothy Bishop
Top Science Books for Children: Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2024, recommended by Dorothy Bishop
The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize recognises the best science books for under 14s. Professor Dorothy Bishop, psychologist and chair of the 2024 judging panel, introduces the wonderful titles on this year’s shortlist and explains why she thinks they will inspire children to become scientists.
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.
The Best Science Fiction Books for 8-12 Year Olds, recommended by Dan Smith
There needs to be a lot more sci-fi for kids, especially if it’s got a good dose of horror, argues Dan Smith, author of the sci-fi mystery series Crooked Oak. He recommends five works of science fiction for 8 to 12 year olds, from books written more than half a century ago to more recent jewels.
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1
Persepolis
by Marjane Satrapi -
2
The Legend of Sally Jones
Jakob Wegelius, translated by Peter Graves -
3
Mysteries of the Quantum Universe
Thibault Damour, Mathieu Burniat, translated by Sarah-Louise Raillard -
4
Kariba
by Daniel Clarke, Daniel Snaddon & James Clarke -
5
Northern Lights - The Graphic Novel: Volume One
Philip Pullman, adapted by Stéphane Melchior, illustrated by Clément Oubrerie, translated by Annie Eaton
The Best Graphic Novels for 10-12 Year Olds, recommended by Harald
The Best Graphic Novels for 10-12 Year Olds, recommended by Harald
Even as kids become old enough to read books without pictures, reading a graphic novel is a great way to relax or get a grasp of a complex subject (like quantum physics). 11 year old Harald, an avid reader, recommends some of the best ones he’s read that other kids his age might also enjoy.
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2024, recommended by AudioFile Editors
With so many good audiobooks to choose from, it’s helpful to have a team dedicated to picking out the best ones. In the final instalment of our series of best audiobooks of 2024, we present the best ones for kids, as chosen by the editors of AudioFile magazine.
Harry Potter Books in Order
We’ve listed all the Harry Potter books in the order they were written below, from the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone (aka The Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States), which appeared in 1997, to the final book in the series, The Deathly Hallows, a decade later, in 2007.
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1
The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum
Lisa Yee, Dan Santat (illustrator), narrated by Cindy Kay -
2
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Kwame Mbalia, narrated by Amir Abdullah -
3
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe
Carlos Hernandez, narrated by Anthony Rey Perez -
4
Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods
by Catherynne M Valente & narrated by Heath Miller -
5
Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds
by Annabelle Sami, Daniela Sosa (illustrator) & narrated by Zenia Starr
The Best Audiobooks for a Family Road Trip, recommended by Emily Connelly
The Best Audiobooks for a Family Road Trip, recommended by Emily Connelly
A long road trip is the perfect opportunity for children and adults to listen to a good story together. Children’s audiobook expert Emily Connelly, Associate Editor at AudioFile magazine, brings you her selection of the best audiobooks for a family road trip. See also: Road Trip Novels
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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.
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1
Winning Chess Strategy (for Kids)
Jeff Coakley, Antoine Duff (illustrator) -
2
Steps Method chess workbooks
by Rob Brunia and Cor van Wijgerden -
3
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Bobby Fischer, Stuart Margulies, Donn Mosenfelder -
4
Chess for Tigers
Simon Webb, Edward McLachlan (illustrator) -
5
The Chess Player's Bible
James Eade, Al Lawrence, Carol & John Woodcock (illustrators)
Best Chess Books for Beginners, recommended by Andrew Green
Best Chess Books for Beginners, recommended by Andrew Green
Chess is one of the most enduringly popular games in the world. It transcends language barriers and offers players a hobby for life. Chess teacher and master Andrew Green recommends chess books for beginners of all ages to learn the game.
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.