Trying to find books that are engaging and the right age range for a child can be tricky, so we've put together some suggestions to help you find the best books for young children.
Return to the Hundred Acre Wood
David Benedictus
Egmont Childrens Books
ISBN: 1405247444
Why we love this book
So what happened to the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood when Christopher Robin left for school? This is the starting point of this beautifully-produced story that revisits the classic Winnie-the-Pooh books by AA Milne. The story follows Christopher Robin’s time with his Forest friends during his first summer holiday back at home after starting school. As you expect, Pooh loses his honey, Eeyore feels left out, Piglet is busy and Tigger growls energetically.
Bob and the Disappearing Moon
Simon Bartram
Templar Publishing
ISBN: 1840117192
Why we love this book
The Disappearing Moon is the first fiction story based on the bestselling picture book, Man on the Moon, which won a Blue Peter Award and which many children will recognise in an instant. This is an entertaining story that young readers will enjoy and the wacky humour of Bob’s early picture book adventures is very much in evidence.
Icky, Sticky Snot and Blood Book
Steve Alton
Random House Children's Books
ISBN: 0370329759
Why we love this book
This is a clever look at the respiratory and circulatory system for young (and older) readers with some interesting details that will have instant child-appeal (such as, what is pus?). The facts are given simply and in bite-sized chunks that make them easily digestible while the pop-ups are useful as well as entertaining. They might also be tempted by the first book in the series, Gooey Chewy Rumble Plop book, created by the same team of authors, which looks at the digestive system.
The Pirates' Treasure
Emily Bearn
Egmont Childrens Books
ISBN: 1405246251
Why we love this book
This is the third adventure about the mice couple Nutmeg and Tumtum, who live in the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage and keep a watchful eye on the two children who live there. This is an exciting adventure story for younger children, told with charm and gentle humour.
Shadow Goblins
David Melling
Hachette Children's Books
ISBN: 0340930519
Why we love this book
The Shadow Goblins is the fourth book in a series about goblins, their habits and habitats, by author David Melling. Goblins have many different habits and personalities but also things in common, including all things gross and laziness. They also have a tendency to end up in trouble....
Creaky Castle: Tom and the Siege
Tony Bradman
Usborne Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 0746081219
Why we love this book
This is part of a series of funny stories based on what life might have been like in a medieval castle. The high jinx and scrapes that the characters get themselves into will be enjoyed by Horrid Henry fans.
That Pesky Rat
Lauren Child
Hachette Children's Books
ISBN: 1841212768
Why we love this book
Lauren Child, best known for her 'Charlie & Lola' stories, has also written a range of picture books that slightly older children will enjoy. The illustrations support the story, helping early readers to grow in confidence.
The Pea and the Princess
Mini Grey
Random House Children's Books
ISBN: 0099432331
Why we love this book
Children continue to love picture books as they learn to read and many begin their first reading steps with books like 'Dear Zoo'. As they develop as readers they can progress onto more sophisticated stories, like this one by Mini Grey.
The Ant and the Grasshopper
Katie Daynes
Usborne Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 0746096534
Why we love this book
Children will be able to progress through Usborne's Reading Programme books as they develop in confidence. This book belongs to First Reading Level 1. Like the others, carefully chosen text is supported with beautiful full-colour illustrations in a small, hardback format. A real treat.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Tanya Landman
Walker Books Ltd
ISBN: 1844281191
Why we love this book
The Flotsam and Jetsam books are very likeable and the stories engaging for confident early readers. Otherwise, do share these quiet but warm stories with children who are still gaining in confidence.
Eye Eye, Captain!
Jane Clarke
A & C Black Publishers Ltd
ISBN: 0713684186
Why we love this book
The Chameleons series (A&C Black) has been designed to help early readers develop in confidence with strong storylines supported by black and white illustrations.
Puddle Goblins
David Melling
Hachette Children's Books
ISBN: 0340930500
Why we love this book
Author and illustrator David Melling has created a series that will appeal to young boys especially. The stories, supported by great illustrations, explore what it really means to be a goblin.
Whizz-bang Winnie
Laura Owen
Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192727524
Why we love this book
Developing readers will enjoy moving from picture books to chapter books with the Winnie books, especially if they are familiar with the Winnie picture books. These are simple stories with black and white illustrations and careful text.
Pirate Patch and the Black Bonnet Attack
Rose Impey
Hachette Children's Books
ISBN: 1843629747
Why we love this book
The Pirate Patch books use large, bold text and illustrations, with text kept to a manageable length, to support and encourage early readers.
Littlenose the Leader: No. 5
John Grant
Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 1847382002
Why we love this book
More confident early readers will enjoy the Littlenose story - Littlenose the Hunter / Hero / Joker etc. Action-filled books with plenty of scrapes for Littlenose to find his way out of.
I am Invited to a Party!
Mo Willems
Walker Books Ltd
ISBN: 1406314692
Why we love this book
This is a new series from Walker Books, from the author of 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus', which brings humour and friendship into everyday events, including going to a party.