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Books (155)
with children’s storybook Ranjit's Rainbow Tigers by Tracy Kewley
with illustrations by Jessica Knight
The topic of Traders opens up an exotic world, rich in stories, ideas and exploration and our story Ranjit’s Rainbow Tigers, leads the way.
Children categories
11 best books (77)
We invited a panel of teachers, literacy and reading experts, book reviewers and editors – see right – to choose their top 11 best books for under 11s. From picture books to older fiction, together they make an exciting and varied list of recommended reads for children from three to 11.
Pants (and More Pants)
by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (David Fickling)
This was one of the first books we bought for Charlotte, and we couldn’t resist More Pants either. Brilliant rhyming sing-along read-aloud fun with more than a bit of cheek! We love it!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by CS Lewis (HarperCollins)
Charlotte is currently reading through C.S Lewis’ entire Chronicles of Narnia but The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is still her favourite. She loves Lucy and Lucy is the brave mighty girl star of this one, long before mighty girl books were even dreamed of.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling (Bloomsbury)
For me, the pinnacle of the Harry Potter series. A beautifully crafted plot that convinced me of JK Rowling’s pure genius.
Matilda
by Roald Dahl (Puffin)
If I had to choose my favourite children’s book character, I’d pick Matilda without a moment’s hesitation. A book I’ll never tire of reading and the one children’s book I’d take to a desert island.
Charlotte’s Web
by EB White (Puffin)
A classic tale of love, loyalty and friendship.
The Day the Crayons Quit
by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
One of those books that stopped me in my tracks because it was so wonderfully different and original. The Day the Crayons Quit is hilarious and charming – don’t miss it!
Clarice Bean, that’s me
by Lauren Child (Orchard)
Lauren Child has that rare skill of being able to create something brilliant out of the banal. Featuring characters familiar to most families, the Beans are The Royle Family of children’s books.
Dogger
by Shirley Hughes (Red Fox)
The most charming, heart-warming story ever written for children? For me, it has to be Dogger.
Mrs Armitage on Wheels
by Quentin Blake (Red Fox)
As a big Quentin Blake fan, one of his books had to feature in my list. Mrs Armitage is great fun – quirky, creative and unconventional but a great role model for children. (Lots of ‘joining in’ lines in this story too.)
Pippi Longstocking
by Astrid Lindgren (OUP)
One of my favourite books as a child, given a new lease of life in the new edition by Lauren Child’s illustrations, which capture this larger-than-life character perfectly.
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Olivia
by Ian Falconer (Simon and Schuster)
Fabulous, characterful illustrations bring this cheeky and mischievous little pig to life. Olivia is adorable!
The Snail and the Whale
by Julia Donaldson (Macmillan)
A rhyming classic by one of the most successful partnerships in children’s literature. A reminder that you don’t have to be big to make a big impact, with a clear environmental message.
Peace at Last
by Jill Murphy (Macmillan)
My favourite book to read aloud to young children, with lots of sound effects, repeating lines and opportunities for little ones to join in.
Make your own vocabulary cards with these words from Ferdinand Forest and the pirate pickle.
Our creative topics and their springboard stories...
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