Children's Book Picks

If you’re looking for ideas for Christmas presents, what better gift to give than a book? Books have the power to shape young minds, foster imagination, and instill a lifelong love of reading. We’ve selected a range of classic picture books, novels and non-fiction books to choose from.

1. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak

A timeless classic that explores the wild imagination of a young boy named Max. This beautifully illustrated book encourages children to embrace their creativity and the power of their dreams.

Why not use this book to inspire your class to write their own stories with this unit of teaching for Y1/2.

2. "Until I Met Dudley: How Everyday Things Really Work" by Roger McGough

This book is a must for every budding scientist! Dudley, a curious character, unlocks the secrets behind everyday objects. McGough's whimsical verses unravel scientific mysteries, delightfully explaining the workings of common things, fostering curiosity, and making complex concepts accessible to young readers in an entertaining way.

This book makes a fantastic text for work on writing explanations. See our Y3/4 block for full plans and resources.

3. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" by J.K. Rowling

The start of the beloved Harry Potter series introduces readers to a magical world filled with wizards, spells, and fantastic creatures. This book not only captivates with its enchanting narrative but also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

Inspire your Y6 class with the wonderful world of Harry Potter AND revise for SATs with our complete spring term revision block.

4. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

An engaging and colourful tale that follows the journey of a voracious caterpillar as it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This book not only introduces counting and days of the week but also teaches the importance of patience and transformation.

Try our English Reception block based on this wonderful story.

5. "The Night Gardener” by The Fan Brothers

This is a wonderful picture book about William, a boy who discovers a mysterious gardener transforming trees into whimsical shapes, bringing joy to a colourless town. Inspired, William and the community continue the gardener's legacy, celebrating art's transformative power, kindness, and the beauty of shared creativity.

Check out our Y2/3 English plan using this book as inspiration for descriptive writing.

6. “Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear” by Trang Nguyen

Trang Nguyen’s gorgeous picture book tells the story of Chang and her determination to become a conservationist from a young age. When Chang achieves her dream she is tasked with rewilding Sorya, a sun bear. When poachers threaten Sorya, Chang embarks on a perilous journey to protect her friend, facing challenges and showcasing courage and compassion in a tale promoting wildlife conservation and friendship.

Explore this incredible text in our Y4/5 Recounts block.

7. "When Stars are Scattered" by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

This graphic novel follows Omar's true story as a Somali refugee in a Kenyan camp, caring for his brother, Hassan. Their struggles, resilience, and dreams for a better life showcase the harsh reality and hope within refugee experiences, emphasizing courage and family bonds.

Why not use this book in the classroom using our Y5/6 plan?

8. "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson:

Join the clever mouse in this delightful story as it outsmarts various forest creatures, including the imaginary Gruffalo. This book not only entertains with its witty rhymes but also teaches valuable lessons about quick thinking and resourcefulness.

Enjoy this classic story with your Reception class with our dedicated plan.

9. “No.1 Car Spotter” by Atinuke

Enjoy the adventures of Oluwalase Babatunde Benson, the "No. 1" in spotting cars in his Nigerian village. Through his humorous and resourceful escapades, he solves community problems, shows his resilience, and celebrates the spirit of friendship, family, and ingenuity in a vibrant African setting.

Try out our block for Y3/4 on Atinuke’s fantastic stories .

10. “Fourteen Wolves” by Catherine Barr

This beautifully illustrated book follows the story of the return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Exploring wolf behaviour and the importance of their place in the ecosystem, this non-fiction narrative details the pack's survival, highlighting the delicate balance between nature and civilization while advocating for conservation and coexistence with wildlife.

Why not learn more about re-wilding with our Y5/6 English block.

These fantastic children's books will foster a love for literature and help to shape the way children perceive the world. Whether through magical adventures, lessons of friendship, or tales of self-discovery, these books will inspire and entertain, making them timeless treasures that will be cherished for generations to come. Happy reading!