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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
Jill Murphy Why we love this bookJill 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, 
A Bear Called Paddington
Michael Bond Why we love this bookThis 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.
Pongwiffy and the Goblins' Revenge
Kaye Umansky Why we love this bookThe 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.
Clarice Bean, That's Me!
Lauren Child Why we love this bookClarice Bean is an endearing, sassy character that girls will identify with and sibling brothers will also enjoy listening too.
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear
Andy Stanton Why we love this bookMr 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.
Ivan the Terrible
Anne Fine Why we love this bookA 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.
The World According to Humphrey
Betty G. Birney Why we love this bookHumphrey is a classroom pet hampster who has also become quite a star with this gentle series of stories about friendships, mishaps and happy endings.
Ottoline Goes to School
Chris Riddell Why we love this bookA 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'.
The Bad Beginning
Lemony Snicket Why we love this bookThe 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.
The Field Guide
Holly Black Why we love this bookSiblings 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.
Werewolf Versus Dragon
The Beastly Boys Why we love this bookThis 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.
The Girl with the Broken Wing
Heather Dyer Why we love this bookA gentle, imaginative story, ideal for this age range, about twins who find an 'angel' who needs help.
Lost! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog
Jeremy Strong Why we love this bookThe 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.
A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons: Dragon Training and Swordfighting Tips: Bk. 6
Cressida Cowell Why we love this bookWe 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 weekShip's Cat DorisJane Simmons
~ Babies & Toddlers Meet the AuthorHolly WebbHolly Webb's stories about lost cats and homesick puppies have sold in their thousands and helped many young children to become confident readers.
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