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Books we love


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.



Dear Hound

Dear Hound

Jill Murphy
Puffin Books
ISBN: 0141383984

Why we love this book

Jill Murphy, author and illustrator of the Worst Witch series, has created a wonderful new character called Alfie in a heartwarming story that was inspired by a real life event when she lost her dog. Alfie is a strong character with plenty of appeal for all children, but especially children who like animals as the story is told through Alfie's perspective,


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A Bear Called Paddington

A Bear Called Paddington

Michael Bond
HarperCollins Children's Books
ISBN: 0007317360

Why we love this book

This small bear from Darkest Peru has joined the ranks of Pooh Bear as a modern classic and to cement his reputation, the original story of Paddington's arrival in Britain (at Paddington Station) has been republished as a First Modern Classic. Many parents will remember Paddington's adventures from their own childhoods and these gently old fashioned stories are still ideal for bedtime reading.


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Pongwiffy and the Goblins' Revenge

Pongwiffy and the Goblins' Revenge

Kaye Umansky
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 074759693X

Why we love this book

The ebullient and much-loved character Pongwiffy the witch has been brought back to life by Bloomsbury nearly 20 years after the first title was published. The humour and anarchy of the books will appeal to Horrid Henry and Roald Dahl fans as well as encouraging more reluctant readers to pick up the next book in the series.


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Clarice Bean, That's Me!

Clarice Bean, That's Me!

Lauren Child
Orchard Books
ISBN: 184121583X

Why we love this book

Clarice Bean is an endearing, sassy character that girls will identify with and sibling brothers will also enjoy listening too.


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Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear

Andy Stanton
Egmont Books Ltd
ISBN: 1405241799

Why we love this book

Mr Gum, who we first met in 'You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum', is lazy, rude and hates dogs. Thankfully the books about him are funny, anarchic and wacky enough to appeal to a wide audience, boys and girls. This is the fifth in the series but each book can be read on its own.


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Ivan the Terrible

Ivan the Terrible

Anne Fine
Egmont Books Ltd
ISBN: 1405233257

Why we love this book

A lively, fun story from Anne Fine that plays on the clash of cultures and languages that ensues when a young Russian boy, Ivan, joins his new classmates.


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The World According to Humphrey

The World According to Humphrey

Betty G. Birney
Faber and Faber
ISBN: 0571226833

Why we love this book

Humphrey is a classroom pet hampster who has also become quite a star with this gentle series of stories about friendships, mishaps and happy endings.


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Ottoline Goes to School

Ottoline Goes to School

Chris Riddell
Macmillan Children's Books
ISBN: 1405050586

Why we love this book

A nicely illustrated, compact book. Ottoline is sent to boarding school where she and her very hairy friend Mr Munroe takes on the role of detectives to expose the school 'ghost'. See also 'Ottoline and the Yellow Cat'.


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The Bad Beginning

The Bad Beginning

Lemony Snicket
Egmont Books Ltd
ISBN: 1405208678

Why we love this book

The first in a series about the very unlucky Baudelaire siblings. The author warns the reader that it is a sad story, and so it is, but the unusual approach along with the authorial presence makes the books appealing to a wide audience, both boys and girls.


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The Field Guide

The Field Guide

Holly Black
Simon & Schuster Children's
ISBN: 0689837380

Why we love this book

Siblings discover a book that enables them to see 'faery folk' - and they are not as nice as fairy stories would have us believe. This nicely-produced series has attracted a loyal following of young readers and the first book has been made into a film.


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Werewolf Versus Dragon

Werewolf Versus Dragon

The Beastly Boys
Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
ISBN: 184738286X

Why we love this book

This is a new series targeting boy readers with stories based around the 'RSPCB' - 'Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Beasts'. The stories are engaging and adventurous with lots of details about beasts' habits and habitats.


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The Girl with the Broken Wing

The Girl with the Broken Wing

Heather Dyer
Chicken House Ltd
ISBN: 1904442900

Why we love this book

A gentle, imaginative story, ideal for this age range, about twins who find an 'angel' who needs help.


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Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog

Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog

Jeremy Strong
Puffin Books
ISBN: 0141323256

Why we love this book

The latest story about the 100-mile-an-hour dog provides the same mix of mayhem and humour but this time is told by the dog herself.


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A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons: Dragon Training and Swordfighting Tips: Bk. 6

A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons: Dragon Training and Swordfighting Tips: Bk. 6

Cressida Cowell
Hodder Children's Books
ISBN: 0340950374

Why we love this book

We have had great reviews about this series from children who have read and loved the Hiccup the Viking books. You might want to start with the first title, 'How to Train Your Dragon'.


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Book of the week

Monster Mountains

Marcus Sedgwick

Monster Mountains

~ Babies & Toddlers
~ Pre School
~ Early Readers
~ Confident Readers
~ Young Adult

Meet the Author

Jez Alborough


Jez Alborough

Author and illustrator Jez Alborough (Duck in the Truck, Six Little Chicks) talks about his new picture book, Nat the Cat, which was inspired by the smile of a stranger some 20 years ago!

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