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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!

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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.