Children’s and teen books for every day of the year

Books for every day of the year for children and teens

Books for every day of the year give children and teenagers something new to read, discover, make or think about each day. This selection includes 365 bedtime stories, daily poems, science experiments, puzzles, nature activities, creative challenges and journals. Some books follow the calendar, while others offer activities and reflections to enjoy throughout the year. There are choices for shared reading, independent discovery, classroom routines and personal interests, from early childhood through to sixth form. This list features books by Allie Esiri, R. J. Palacio, Leigh Bardugo, Mike Barfield, Fiona Watt, Gaby Morgan, Lorna Scobie, Ryan Holiday, Ben Crystal, and Andy Beer.

Books for every day of the year – our recommendations

Every day of the year books for 3-7 year olds

Disney: 365 Stories by Walt Disney

A collection of Disney stories arranged to provide a different reading experience for every day of the year. Familiar characters and illustrated adventures give families a way to establish a regular storytime routine. Children can return to the Disney characters and films they know, encountering stories in a format designed for short, shared reading sessions. The daily structure also lends itself to choosing a story at breakfast, bedtime or another regular moment.

365 Bedtime Stories and Rhymes, edited by Cottage Door Press and Parragon Books

This illustrated bedtime collection brings together 365 short stories and rhymes, giving families a different piece to share every day. Traditional nursery rhymes sit alongside fairy tales and other short readings in a padded hardback treasury. The collection includes familiar material that children can revisit, along with opportunities to discover new stories. Its shorter pieces make it possible to choose one reading or enjoy several together. A year-long collection for 3-7 year olds, particularly suited to shared reading and introducing children to traditional storytelling.

A Drawing a Day by Sam Smith, illustrated by Michael Hill

What shall we draw today? Sam Smith’s activity book supplies 365 drawing ideas, one for every day of the year. Children can try drawing an astronaut, an octopus, a fairy-tale castle or a monkey in the jungle, following illustrated instructions and helpful suggestions. The pages provide space for children to make their own drawings, creating a record of their developing interests and ideas. Ideal for 6+ year olds, this engaging book encourages regular drawing through manageable activities that can become part of a daily creative routine.

A Puzzle a Day by Phillip Clarke, illustrated by Michael Hill

A whole year’s supply of puzzles fills this illustrated activity book. Each daily challenge introduces a different theme, with mazes, crosswords, word searches, picture puzzles, number hunts, riddles and brain teasers to solve. Subjects range from knights and castles to space travel, farms and the seaside, giving children a variety of problems to investigate. Answers appear at the back for checking completed activities. For 6+ year olds who enjoy working things out, the book makes a short puzzle an activity to look forward to each day.

365 Science Activities by Minna Lacey, Lisa Jane Gillespie and Lucy Beckett-Bowman, illustrated by Alex Walker, Giulia Olivares and Francesca Carabelli

Science becomes a year-long activity in this spiral-bound collection of experiments and investigations. Children can discover how rainbows form, investigate what DNA looks like and explore why bread contains holes. Other activities involve light, plants and observing everyday materials. Illustrated instructions explain what to do, with experiments offering practical opportunities to ask questions and investigate scientific ideas. The book also includes Usborne Quicklinks to related online information and activities. It is a hands-on introduction to scientific discovery for children who enjoy learning through making, observing and experimenting.

365 Things to Make and Do by Fiona Watt

Fiona Watt brings together a year’s worth of creative activities in this Usborne making and doing book. Children can dip into the illustrated projects, choose an activity and spend time making something of their own. The daily activity format makes the collection useful for regular creative sessions at home or in school, with plenty of opportunities to practise handling materials and following instructions. It also encourages children to try different approaches to art and craft over time.

365 Bedtime Stories by Sophie Giles

A story, poem or rhyme for every day of the year fills this illustrated bedtime collection. Sophie Giles brings together short readings that families can share as part of a regular storytime routine. Calendar illustrations identify the date of each reading, inviting children to find the story for their birthday or discover what awaits on a particular day. The hardback treasury includes illustrations throughout, alongside a variety of traditional storytelling forms.

Every day of the year books for children aged 7-12

A Year in the Forest: 365 nature facts and activities to inspire you all year round by Christine Modafferi, illustrated by Magdalena Konečná

A different forest discovery awaits on every day of the year, mixing nature facts and short stories with hands-on activities, poems, drawing ideas and journalling prompts. KS2 children can explore woodland creatures and birdlife, mark dates such as Earth Day and World Wildlife Day, and consider practical approaches to sustainability and conservation. This outstanding and beautifully realised treasury for 8+ year olds suits independent browsing, shared reading or primary school libraries, with Magdalena Konečná’s illustrations making each entry super-inviting and easy to dip into. Highly recommended.

A Poem for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri, illustrated by Papio Press

Allie Esiri’s poetry anthology gives children and families a poem to read throughout the year, with 366 poems to cover leap years. The selections bring together writing from different periods and poets, arranged around the changing months and seasons. Poems can be read independently, shared aloud or used as the starting point for conversation about language, feelings and experiences. This collection for 9-11 year olds encourages children to encounter poetry regularly and gradually build a personal collection of poems they remember and return to.

Every Day Amazing by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Marianna Madriz

A new discovery awaits on every day of the calendar in this illustrated collection of remarkable facts and events. Mike Barfield introduces children to people, inventions, natural phenomena and unusual happenings through short daily entries. Marianna Madriz’s illustrations add character and humour to the information, encouraging children to spend time with each page. The calendar arrangement makes it possible to connect a daily reading with the date, while also inviting children to browse topics that catch their interest. It’s a lively way to add a little nonfiction to everyday reading.

National Geographic Kids – A Fact for Every Day of the Year: 365 facts to make you say WOW! by National Geographic Kids

This illustrated collection introduces 365 facts covering animals, science, space, nature, history and the wider world. Some entries relate to notable dates, while others reveal surprising details about familiar and unfamiliar subjects. Children can discover, for example, unusual features of animals and the stories behind everyday inventions. Colour photographs accompany the text, making each daily fact an opportunity to look closely as well as read. The short entries work particularly well as discussion starters, daily classroom facts or a way to introduce a new topic for independent investigation.

365 Things to Do with LEGO® Bricks by DK

There are 365 building ideas, activities and challenges in this LEGO® book, ranging from quick games to more involved projects. Children can create LEGO pets, make a stop-motion film, try magic tricks, organise a treasure hunt or challenge someone to build a tall tower. The illustrated activities encourage different ways of using familiar bricks, inviting children to experiment, invent and play. Projects can be tackled individually or with friends and family. For children who enjoy construction, this book supplies a fresh building challenge to try throughout the year.

Read Me: A Poem for Every Day of the Year by Gaby Morgan

Gaby Morgan’s poetry collection gives children a poem for each day of the year. Its calendar structure offers a regular opportunity to discover different voices, subjects and forms of verse. Some poems invite laughter, others reflection, and individual pieces can become the starting point for reading aloud, discussion or creative writing. For 9-11 year olds, the book makes it easy to introduce a short poetry reading into a classroom routine or a few minutes of reading at home.

365 Days of Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Inspired by the world of Wonder, this companion book brings together a year’s worth of precepts, quotations and thoughts to consider. Mr Browne’s collection of sayings encourages reflection on kindness, friendship, character and the choices people make. Some entries offer a sentence to remember, while others invite readers to think about an idea and discuss what it means. The daily format makes the collection useful for assemblies, tutor time, family conversations or a personal reading routine.

Every day of the year books for teens

Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year by Allie Esiri

Allie Esiri brings Shakespeare’s writing into a daily reading format through a collection of 366 extracts. The selections draw on plays and poetry, accompanied by introductions that give context to the words and their place in Shakespeare’s work. A short passage can lead to a discussion of language, characters, relationships or the ideas behind a speech. This collection for 12+ year olds is particularly relevant to teenagers interested in literature and drama. Reading a little each day offers opportunities to become familiar with Shakespeare’s range of voices and subjects.

Q&A a Day for Me: A 3-Year Journal for Teens by Betsy Franco

A daily question begins a writing habit in this three-year journal designed specifically for teenagers. Betsy Franco’s prompts encourage young people to record opinions, experiences and changing perspectives, leaving space to return to the same questions in subsequent years. The format creates a personal record of how ideas and interests develop over time. Entries can be completed in a few minutes, making the journal manageable alongside school and other commitments. It is particularly useful for teenagers who enjoy reflective writing and want to capture moments from everyday life.

The Severed Moon: A Year-Long Journal of Magic by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo’s illustrated writing journal draws on the atmosphere and imagination of her Grishaverse novels. Across 365 days, readers encounter introspective questions and quotations that offer starting points for personal writing. The prompts invite reflection on memories, thoughts, experiences and the possibilities of storytelling. A ribbon bookmark and decorative details give the hardback the feel of a personal keepsake. Teenagers familiar with Bardugo’s fantasy writing can use the journal to develop their own responses, while those interested in creative reflection can approach it as a daily writing project.

365 Writing Prompts For Teens: Quick, Fun, and Easy Prompts to Spark Ideas and Build Writing Confidence in Minutes by Dr. Fanatomy

A year of short writing activities encourages teenagers to practise putting their ideas into words. The prompts range across fantasy, romance, friendship, poetry and personal reflection, with brief challenges that can fit into a few minutes of daily writing. There are also activities designed to spark storytelling ideas and encourage different ways of approaching a blank page. Teenagers can use the book privately, as a source of inspiration for longer pieces or as part of a writing group.

Your Journal Companion: 365 Writing Prompts to Heighten Awareness of Self and Others by Plynn Gutman

Plynn Gutman’s writing companion contains 365 prompts designed to encourage regular personal reflection. Drawing on her experience of journalling and teaching, she introduces techniques for exploring thoughts, relationships, creativity and everyday experiences through writing. The activities provide opportunities to develop self-awareness and discover different ways of expressing ideas. Intended for teenagers through to adults, the book can be used privately or as a source of activities for writing groups. Its daily format encourages a sustained writing habit, with each prompt providing a new starting point for thought and personal expression.

Every day of the year books for sixth formers

365 Days of Art in Nature: Find Inspiration Every Day in the Natural World by Lorna Scobie

Lorna Scobie’s creative journal combines 365 art prompts with observing and recording the natural world. Daily activities encourage drawing, experimenting with colour and noticing the shapes and textures of plants, trees and landscapes. Seasonal subjects provide starting points for artwork, whether the reader is outdoors or working from observations made near home. Quotes and creative suggestions appear alongside the activities. This adult crossover book offers sixth-form students an opportunity to establish a regular sketchbook practice and connect art, reflection and observation through short, manageable exercises.

Every Day Nature: A daily guide to the nature around you by Andy Beer

Andy Beer invites readers to notice something in the natural world every day of the year. Organised by month, the book introduces 365 things to look for, from fungi and mosses to moths and astronomical sights. Its observations are rooted in the wildlife and natural phenomena that can be discovered close to home, including in urban surroundings. Illustrations accompany the writing, making the book a seasonal companion for walks and independent observation.

Jane Austen for Every Day of the Year by Tara Richardson

A year of Jane Austen’s writing unfolds through 366 quotations and short passages chosen from her novels and letters. Readers encounter familiar scenes and remarks from Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility, alongside selections from other works. The entries reveal Austen’s observations about relationships, society and human behaviour, providing material to consider in a few minutes each day. This illustrated anthology can accompany A-level literature study or independent reading, introducing a regular encounter with Austen’s language and her distinctive approach to character and conversation.

Everyday Shakespeare: Lines for Life by Ben Crystal and David Crystal

Ben Crystal and David Crystal draw on Shakespeare’s plays and poetry to present words and ideas for everyday reflection. The collection connects passages from Shakespeare with different experiences, moods and moments in life, providing context for their meaning and use. It invites readers to discover how language written centuries ago continues to express recognisable human situations. For students studying Shakespeare, the short entries provide opportunities to become familiar with quotations and their dramatic settings. The book also works as an independent reading companion for anyone interested in language and literature.

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

A daily introduction to Stoic philosophy through 366 passages and reflections on ideas drawn from thinkers including Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman connect ancient philosophical writing with questions about judgement, habits, resilience and the decisions people make. The dated entries allow readers to consider one idea at a time and gradually become familiar with central Stoic concepts. For older students interested in philosophy, ethics or personal development, the collection offers an approachable routine for considering how ideas from classical thinkers relate to modern experiences.

365 Ways to Save the Planet by Nergiz De Baere

Environmental questions become the focus of a year-long programme of everyday actions in this illustrated book. Nergiz De Baere introduces 365 ideas connected to living more sustainably and making informed choices about our impact on the planet. The short entries encourage readers to consider practical habits alongside wider environmental concerns. Its daily format gives older teenagers a way to develop their interest in conservation, sustainability and responsible consumption through manageable activities and reflection.

365 Days of Self-Care: A Journal by Jayne Hardy

Jayne Hardy’s guided journal encourages readers to consider their everyday routines, priorities and personal wellbeing. The activities and questions provide a structure for reflecting on self-care, planning ahead and identifying what matters to the individual. It can be started at any point in the year, allowing readers to develop a habit of checking in with themselves regularly. This immersive journal may appeal to more mature sixth-formers interested in personal reflection and developing independent routines. Its written exercises also provide opportunities to practise expressing thoughts and making practical plans.

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Every Day of the Year resources for teachers

• The National Literacy Trust’s teaching and school events calendar provides curriculum-linked literacy resources for significant dates, celebrations and awareness days throughout the academic year. Activities cover reading, writing, speaking and listening for early years, primary and secondary pupils.
• The Historical Association publishes a free calendar of important historical anniversaries, national days and commemorative events. Teachers can download the calendar and explore accompanying articles about using anniversaries to inspire history lessons, classroom discussions and school assemblies.
• Time and Date’s On This Day website explores significant events, discoveries, famous births and deaths for every date of the year. Its searchable historical information provides useful starting points for daily classroom discussions, research projects and short historical investigations.
• The RE:ONLINE festivals calendar allows teachers to explore religious festivals and celebrations by month and religious tradition. Its explanations cover Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist and other traditions, providing useful background material for RE lessons, assemblies and exploring cultural diversity.
• The United Nations calendar of international days and weeks lists officially recognised observances throughout the year. Topics include World Wildlife Day, International Women’s Day, World Oceans Day, International Literacy Day and Human Rights Day, offering opportunities for geography, citizenship, science and PSHE activities.
• The Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar encourages children to observe and record seasonal changes in British wildlife. Teachers can download a wildlife calendar showing when different natural events usually occur, explore records of flowering plants and migrating birds, and contribute observations to scientific research into climate change.
• The Royal Horticultural Society’s monthly gardening activities provide practical ideas for every month of the year. Activities include planting seeds, growing vegetables, harvesting crops, maintaining school gardens and creating seasonal crafts, with opportunities to explore plant life cycles and changing seasons.
• Met Office for Schools offers free curriculum-linked lessons and activities exploring weather, climate and their effects on everyday life. Its resources provide a starting point for recording daily weather conditions, comparing seasonal patterns and investigating the science behind clouds, rainfall and climate change.
• The Royal Observatory Greenwich’s astronomy calendar identifies important astronomical events throughout the year, including meteor showers, eclipses, planetary appearances and full moons. Monthly night sky guides explain what can be observed from the UK and provide engaging material for science lessons and astronomy projects.
• NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day features a different astronomical image every day, accompanied by an explanation written by a professional astronomer. Its extensive archive offers photographs and scientific information about planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae and space exploration, making it useful for daily science starters and visual investigations.
• The University of Cambridge’s NRICH Calendar Calculations activity encourages primary pupils to investigate mathematical patterns using dates and weeks. For older pupils, its Days and Dates investigation explores arithmetic, remainders and predicting future days of the week.
• The British Science Association’s free activity packs contain practical experiments, investigations and challenges suitable for children from early years to lower secondary school. Although produced for British Science Week, the activities can be used throughout the year to inspire scientific enquiry and classroom discoveries.
• The Poetry Foundation’s Poem of the Day features a regularly changing selection of poetry, often connected to historical events, seasons and poets’ anniversaries. Teachers can use the poems as daily reading activities, discussion starters or inspiration for creative writing, with an extensive archive available for further exploration.
• The National Literacy Trust’s Words for Life time capsule activity encourages children to record details of everyday life, including their interests, communities, important events and hopes for the future. The activity can be adapted into a class diary or year-long project documenting changes in pupils’ lives and the world around them.

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