recommended book l ist for primary schools
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Recommended Book List for Primary Schools
December 2019
Fiction Books
Charlie Turns Into a T-Rex
Author: Sam Copeland
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8+
ISBN: 978-0241346228
Pages: 320
Review
Charlie is back, and still trying his best to avoid changing into animals. Even though his brother
SmoothMove is now better, Charlie has something else to worry about: will his family have to sell
their house and move in with Aunt Brenda to save money? And will Charlie have to move schools?
His friends make it their mission to try and stop Charlie having to move away and with
encouragement, Charlie even manages to work out how he can turn into animals on demand -
although these animals aren't always the most practical animals to be changing into! There's always
the worry that Charlie might forget who he is and be stuck as that animal forever. But in their efforts
to do the best thing for Charlie, his friends end up causing far more chaos than intended. Luckily for
Charlie, everything turns out all right in the end.
Claire: Justice Ninja
Author: Joe Brady, illustrated by Kate Ashwin
Publisher: The Phoenix
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 7-12
ISBN: 978-1788451000
Pages: 64
Review
Claire: Justice Ninja intends to right the world of wrongs. Fed up with people spitting their gum out
on the street? The corrupt politician paving over the playground? Your mum eating all the pepperoni
off the top of the pizza? Not to worry: Claire is on the case.
This fun graphic novel has 12 short stories for young readers to enjoy, featuring a young hero who
doesn’t take no – or injustice – for an answer. Her superpowers are tenacity, determination and a
belief in equality, and no crime is too big or too small for a Justice Ninja like Claire and her trusty
apprentice Nigel. The community setting is highly relatable, and many of the injustices are just the
sort of thing readers may encounter themselves, such as littering or defacement of property. Claire
likes to think outside the box, too: her plans don’t always work out the way she intends and her
version of justice is sometimes skewed a little more towards "a taste of their own medicine" than you
might see in a court of law. However, most importantly, she believes wholeheartedly in righting
wrongs and making the world a little more even for everybody.
2
Fergal in a Fix
Author: Robert Starling
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-1783448487
Pages: 32
Review
Fergal is off to Dragon Camp and he’s feeling a bit worried. He’ll be meeting lots of new dragons
and trying lots of new things. All he wants is to be the best at everything (even if it means cheating)
and for everyone to like him (because he's the best), but things don't quite go according to plan. Oh
dear, Fergal, what a fix!
Following the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Fergal is Fuming, this is Rob Starling's second book
featuring a well-meaning dragon whose actions often miss the mark.
The Girl and the Dinosaur
Author: Hollie Hughes, illustrated by Sarah Massini
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-1408880524
Pages: 32
Review
In a town by the seaside, Marianne is often seen foraging on the beach. But she isn't playing with
children her own age. Instead Marianne is alone, and digging for dinosaur bones to build a special
sort of companion. Then, one night, she goes to sleep wishing with all her heart that her dinosaur
might come to life . . .
A very rare and special book where the words and pictures take you on a magical journey far beyond
the page.
3
Guardians of Magic (The Cloud Horse
Chronicles)
Author: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 8-12
ISBN: 978-1447277972
Pages: 320
Review
In Guardians of Magic the award-winning, 2015-2017 UK Children's Laureate Chris Riddell weaves
together a stunningly illustrated magical quest in which three ordinary children, with extraordinary
gifts, come together to defeat the enemies who threaten the mysterious cloud horses. This is the first
title in The Cloud Horse Chronicles series.
The Kingdom of Thrynne is a place where fairy tales don't behave, and magic can be found in
unexpected places. But magic brings danger to Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheba, because it is forbidden.
Now, the future of magic itself is under threat from powerful enemies: those who fear it and, worse,
those who want to use it for their own ends. What can three ordinary children do to protect it?
Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic
Author: Harriet Muncaster
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 5-8
ISBN: 978-0192772572
Pages: 128
Review
Isadora Moon is special because she's different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and she's
a bit of both. Isadora loves playing in the snow, especially when her creations come to life! But snow
magic can't last forever. Will she be able to save her new friends before they melt away?
With irresistible pink and black artwork throughout by author/illustrator Harriet Muncaster and a
totally unique heroine with an out-of-this-world family, this is a beautiful, charming, and funny series
of first chapter books.
Perfect for fans of Claude, Dixie O'Day, and Squishy McFluff, Isadora Moon is the ideal choice for
readers who want their magic and sparkle with a bit of bite!
4
The Little Island
Author: Smitri Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Robert Starling
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3-9
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-1783449095
Pages: 32
Down on the farm the animals live and work together, but the geese have decided they would be
better off alone. They don’t want the other animals in their way; they remember life as being better
before they came. To the other animals’ disappointment, the geese break down the bridge that
connects the two parts of the farm. But island life turned out to be much harder than the geese
expected, and they soon realise the other animals they complained about had, in fact, been a great
help to them.
When the sly foxes come swimming over there are no animals to protect the geese and they are forced
to cry for help. Luckily, the animals don’t hold grudges and they all work together to restore the
bridges and reunite the two parts of the farm.
This animal fable simplifies some big political ideas, but the story isn’t complicated by heavy
language or complex plots. The geese learn their lesson without too much suffering and the animals
are quick to come to their rescue. There is humour and warmth, and the bright illustrations will really
appeal to even the youngest readers.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Author: Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Alea Marley
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Interest age: 3-7
Reading age: 4+
ISBN: 978-1454931843
Pages: 32
Review
Harpreet Singh adores colour, from pastel shades to vibrant hues. He wears a different colour for
every mood, carefully matching each outfit to his patka, a type of turban often worn by Sikh boys.
Harpreet chooses sunshine yellow to spread cheer and happiness, while celebration pink is perfect for
dancing along to bhangra beats. When he and his family move to the other side of the country for his
mother's job, Harpreet wears red to help him find the courage to say goodbye to his old home.
However, he finds it difficult to settle in the new town and selects his clothes from an increasingly
subdued palette to reflect his feelings: blue for nervousness when starting a new school, grey when
he is feeling sad and white when he feels so shy that he wants to be invisible.
This touching picture book explores common themes of everyday insecurities, such as moving home,
starting a new school and dealing with change, while sensitively demonstrating the importance of
friendship. The attractive illustrations use a range of colours and tones to effectively reflect Harpreet's
emotions and an afterword about Sikhism explains the significance of patkas in his religion.
5
Mark and Shark: Detectiving and Stuff
Author: John Dougherty, illustrated by Katie Abey
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7+
ISBN: 978-0192768988
Pages: 160
Review
Mark and his best friend Shark run a detective agency, although they’ve not yet been offered any
cases to solve. Luckily, they also deal with ‘stuff’, which Shark prefers, as she’s not very good at
detectiving. She often gets the wrong end of the stick and tends to mistake most objects for seals, so
tries to eat them.
When Ursula, a large, aggressive polar bear, bursts into their office to hire them as ice cream sellers,
they cautiously agree. Ursula proves to be a particularly volatile client, especially when she spots
rival ice cream trader, Pilbeam the Penguin, who has muscled in on her patch with his perfect, shiny
ice cream van. Giving the pompous penguin a wide berth, Mark and Shark trawl round the dodgy side
of town in Ursula’s battered old van, attempting to drum up some business. Unfortunately, they are
pursued by a threatening gang of mobsters, led by gangster Jimmy the Fridge (who is actually a
washing machine) and chaos ensues.
Featuring talking desks, menacing toasters and a dashingly dazzling unicorn, this chapter book with
entertaining illustrations is fast-paced, funny and utterly ridiculous. Ideal for independent readers who
enjoy madcap adventures.
Mr Scruff
Author: Simon James
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-1406383850
Pages: 32
Review
Polly belongs to Molly, Eric belongs to Derek, Martha belongs to Arthur – everyone knows that
owners and their dogs belong together in their own unique way. There's a poodle, a sausage dog and
an old English sheep dog, and they are all suspiciously like their owners.
But for poor Mr Scruff, alone in the dogs' home, there is no one – until a very special little boy arrives
looking for a friend...
You can read quite a lot into this heartwarming picture book, which only adds to the joy. The young
boy, Jim, picks a dog who looks nothing like him. He's small, Mr Scruff is big. Their names don't
even rhyme! But they're still the best of friends. There's a gently inclusive message here to look past
your preferences, and outside your bubble, and welcome all kinds of different people in your
life. People come in all shapes and sizes and everyone deserves love and kindness.
6
Small in the City
Author: Sydney Smith
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 5-7
ISBN: 978-1406388404
Pages: 40
Review
It’s difficult being a small child in a big city. It’s noisy: taxis and cars honk their horns. Sirens wail
in every direction. It can make you feel confused and overwhelmed. Fortunately, the streetwise kid
telling Sydney Smith’s atmospheric story has some advice for fellow kids negotiating a city: which
alleys to use as shortcuts, and which to avoid; which trees to hide in and which houses to stand outside
to hear music, be warmed by a hot air vent or even be given free fish.
Sydney Smith won the Kate Greenaway Award in 2018 for his illustration of Town Is By The
Sea. Small in the City is the first book he has written and illustrated, and it’s a masterpiece of thick,
blurry lines and drifting snow, framing a child’s solitary yet celebratory experience of urban life.
Starting without words, the book is reflective rather than particularly narrative; we are taken along
for the ride in a potentially hostile environment that the child nonetheless has found his or her place
in. At the end, he or she reminds us that when we’re tired of exploring, we can always go home. After
all, home is a place of love and warmth, wherever it is.
The Taylor Turbochaser
Author: David Baddiel, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 8+
ISBN: 978-0008365387
Pages: 432
Review
At its heart is the unforgettable Amy Taylor. Amy loves cars, and dreams of being a driver. But there’s
a major catch: her slow old wheelchair with its broken wheel. When Amy finally gets a new electric
one, it’s exciting… at first.
But standard engines only have so much power. And that’s where Rahul comes in – Amy’s best friend
and genius inventor. Soon Rahul turns a wheelchair into… a supercar!
And so the Taylor TurboChaser is born. But when it all goes suddenly wrong Amy is going to have
to hit the road – and drive….
7
White Fox
Author: Chen Jiatong
Publisher: Chicken House
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 8+
ISBN: 978-1912626083
Pages: 240
Review
A young white fox called Dilah returns home to find his mother gravely injured. Before she dies, she
tells him about a treasure with the power to make animals human. The clues to its location are
contained in a moonstone buried beneath their den.
But wicked blue foxes seek the treasure too and Dilah must race to find it first. Along the way, he
meets all sorts of other creatures: a friendly seal, an ancient tortoise and a fierce leopard - but can he
stay one step ahead?
Witch in Winter (Elsie Pickles 4)
Author: Kate Umansky
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 7+
ISBN: 978-1471175626
Pages: 208
Review
Magenta Sharp has vanished from her magical tower in Crookfinger forest and no one knows how to
find her.
But with a mysterious stranger setting his sights on the empty tower and an unexpected snowstorm
causing chaos, Elsie and her friends need to track down Magenta, and fast!
Can Elsie’s new witchy skills help save the day? Or is Magenta gone for good?
A fun and charming series, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang, Isadora Moon and The Worst Witch from
the bestselling author Kaye Umansky.
8
Information Books
The Beginner Art Book for Kids: Learn How
to Draw, Paint, Sculpt, and More!
Authors: Korri & David Freeman
Publisher: Rockridge Press
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+
ISBN: 978-1641524124
Pages: 142
Review
Come along on an artistic adventure with The Beginner Art Book for Kids. This creative compendium
is the latest and greatest in art books for kids, packed full of imaginative art projects and inspiration
for budding artists aged 7 to 10 - -or for anyone who wants to get started making art.
Unlike other art books for kids, this collection features a variety of real artistic techniques for you to
try. Follow the step-by-step instructions or use the projects as a jumping-off point for new ideas.
Every artist has the ability to create something special, including a beginner.
Earth Heroes: Twenty Inspiring Stories of People
Saving Our World
Author: Lily Dyu
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+
ISBN: 978-1788008525
Pages: 272
Review
When faced with climate change, the biggest threat that our planet has ever confronted, it's easy to
feel as if nothing you do can really make a difference . . . but this book proves that individual people
can change the world.
With twenty inspirational stories celebrating the pioneering work of a selection of Earth Heroes from
all around the globe, from Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough to Yin Yuzhen and Isatou
Ceesay, each tale is a beacon of hope in the fight for the future of our planet, proving that one person,
no matter how small, can make a difference.
9
Ladybird Tales of Superheroes
Author: Sufiya Ahmed et al
Publisher: Ladybird
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-0241381946
Pages: 96
Review
Superheroes have always been with us, from gods with mighty powers to human heroes who don
disguises to save the day . . .
Join six larger-than-life mythic and legendary heroes from around the world in this colourful,
illustrated collection of Ladybird Tales.
Meet tricksters, fighters, shape-shifters and even people who save the day with just the power of
speech.
Midnight Feasts: Tasty poems chosen by A.F.
Harrold
Author: A.F. Harold, illustrated by Katy Riddell
Publisher: Bloomsbury Education
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9
ISBN: 978-1472944078
Pages: 120
Review
One thing that unites us all - across time, nations and peoples - is food.
From chocolate, rice pudding and sandwiches to breakfast in bed, banana phones and the fruit of a
mythical jelabi tree, A.F. Harrold has brought together a wonderful and diverse collection of poems
on the topic of food. Beautifully illustrated in full colour by rising star Katy Riddell (daughter of
former Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell), this rich and delicious anthology brings together work
from a broad range of poets, including the magically observant William Carlos Williams, award-
winning Joseph Coelho and rising star Sabrina Mahfouz.
Whether you're in the mood for a perfect bowl of yoghurt or a pomegranate omelette, these poems
will satisfy any food craving. The perfect gift for any poetry or food lover!
10
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung
Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
Author: Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 5+
ISBN: 978-1454932208
Pages: 48
Review
This fascinating non-fiction picture book explores the life of an inspirational woman who overcame
race and gender barriers to become an internationally acclaimed scientist. Wu Chien Shiung –
meaning Courageous Hero – was born in China in 1912, at a time when many girls did not attend
school. With the support of her forward-thinking parents, she received an education and eventually
moved to the USA in 1936 to study the physics of atoms.
In addition to highlighting some of Wu Chien Shiung's incredible scientific achievements, the book
also explores aspects of her personal life: the sadness she felt when leaving her family to pursue her
studies; her determination to learn, despite the resistance she encountered; and her willingness to
stand up to injustice, leading student protests against the oppressive Chinese government.
Scientific concepts are explained in a straightforward manner and at the end of the book is a summary
of Chien Shiung’s life, a comprehensive glossary and suggestions for further reading. Written in an
accessible style with distinctive illustrations, it is ideal for use at home or in the classroom to promote
discussions on a range of subjects, including science, biography, race, gender, human rights and
politics.
Ultimate Weatherpedia: The Most Complete
Weather Reference Ever
Author: Stephanie Warren Drimmer
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
ISBN: 978-1426335440
Pages: 272
Review
Did you know that a bolt of lightning can crack through the air at up to 136,000 miles per hour and
reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun? Or that if all the ice in the Antarctic melted, the
oceans would rise by about 220 feet?
Welcome to the amazing world of weather. From how weather happens to the most extreme weather
in the world, it's all covered in this easy-to-use reference featuring all the major types of weather and
what kinds of weather happen in particular places, from the desert to the tropics to the poles. The
main content is highlighted with fun facts, Did You Know? details, and colourful photos and graphics.
Thematic spreads cover topics such as climate change, weather survival stories, animal adaptations
to weather, and much more.
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