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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. Shadow Forest
Matt Haig Why we love this bookA classic adventure story that pits two children against trolls, pixies and witches (but not like you've ever imagined them). Pacy and original. 
Oathbreaker
Michelle Paver Why we love this bookThe latest in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, compelling books set in the Stone Age. They follow the fortunes of Torak and his struggle for survival and acceptance in a world that is always lived on the edge.
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Jack Gantos Why we love this bookA funny, touching story about a boy with ADHD who is not always likeable, but always real. Told without sentimentality, this book is loved by adults and children alike.
Mortal Engines
Philip Reeve Why we love this bookThe first in a series about mechanised cities that travel on vast tracks. Intelligent, gripping books that follow the fortunes of two young people, Tom and Hester. Aimed at older, confident readers aged 10+.
Snakehead
Anthony Horowitz Why we love this bookThe most recent Alex Rider story, Snakehead, sees the teenage Alex pitted against the South East Asian Snakehead gangs, and relying on his wits and his gadgets to see him through. Recommended for readers aged 11 years plus.
By Royal Command
Charlie Higson Why we love this bookThe last in the series of five Young Bond titles. The books are fast-paced and well plotted, ideal for Alex Rider fans. They also lead nicely into the grown-up Bond books.
Charlie Bone and the Shadow of Badlock
Jenny Nimmo Why we love this bookChildren who enjoyed Harry Potter (and many who did not) have become firm fans of Charlie Bone and this is the latest title. Charlie has a special ability inherited from a magical ancestor, he can travel into pictures. He attends Bloor's Academy with other talented children.
Jimmy Coates: Survival
Joe Craig Why we love this bookThe Jimmy Coates books - about a boy who is only 50% human and genetically engineered as an assassin - are pacey adventure stories that have kept many keen readers - and reluctant readers - turning the pages after lights-out!
Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox
Eoin Colfer Why we love this bookThe latest Artemis Fowl story sees the young criminal mastermind take on his biggest challenge yet - himself. These books are highly recommended for all ages - funny, clever and engaging.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan Why we love this bookThis is the first in the Percy Jackson series about a boy who is half Greek god, half human. Ideal for any Harry Potter fans and those seeking a great adventure story with pace, humour and panache.
The Inventors
Alexander Gordon Smith Why we love this bookNat and Kate love to invent and win their heart's desire - a place at an inventing school - but discover there are sinister intentions behind the school's existence. A racing adventure story, full of twists and turns, but it is lengthy.
Journey to the River Sea
Eva Ibbotson Why we love this bookThis is one of Eva Ibbotson's best stories, a modern classic, about a young orphaned girl sent to live with distant family in the Amazon, and her discovery of the country, its people and her self.
The Diamond of Drury Lane
Julia Golding Why we love this bookA feisty young heroine trying to find her way in life and an exciting plot make this a favourite with many young readers aged 9/10 plus. It is set in an eighteenth century theatre and subsequent books in the series take Cat to other adventures in other parts of the world.
The Inventors
Alexander Gordon Smith Why we love this bookKate and Nat love to invent and win their heart's desire - a place at an inventing school - but discover there are sinister intentions behind the school's existence. A racing adventure story, full of twists and turns, but it is lengthy.
Saffy's Angel
Hilary McKay Why we love this bookA beautifully-written, understated story, the first in a series, based around a family of siblings and their chaotic household. One of the children, Saffy, discovers she is adopted and begins a search for a stone cherub left to her in her grandfather's will, hoping it will answer some of her questions.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo Why we love this bookA warm-hearted, powerful story about a 10 year old girl who adopts a dog, Winn-Dixie, that is causing chaos in a store. The chaos continues and through this whirlwind of events, Winn-Dixie helps her find new friends and to re-establish a relationship with her father, a pastor. A favourite.
The White Giraffe
Lauren St.John Why we love this bookThis story, about an 11 year old girl sent to live with her grandmother in Africa, is set on a game reserve in Zimbabwe. The author, who grew up in Zimbabwe, breathes life into the landscape and introduces a mythical element through the white giraffe.
The London Eye Mystery
Siobhan Dowd Why we love this bookThis is an exciting mystery story from an award-winning writer about a boy's disappearance from a pod on the London Eye.
Gideon the Cutpurse
Linda Buckley-Archer Why we love this bookA time-travel story for slightly older readers, 10+. Two children find themselves back in time in the eighteenth century and desperately trying to find a way home. Great characterisation and historical detail. See also Tar Man, the follow-up.
Ingo
Helen Dunmore Why we love this bookThis series of four books begins with two children discovering that they are half 'mer' child and belong as much to the ocean as to the air. Set in Cornwall, they are appealing to girls and evocative of this part of the country.
The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson Why we love this bookJacqueline Wilson is compulsive reading for many girls, although a number of her titles are aimed at teen readers so need to be selected with care. This is one of her best books for children aged 10 years plus.
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Book of the weekSir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of Two TreasuresKristina Stephenson
~ Babies & Toddlers Meet the AuthorJez AlboroughAuthor 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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