February 2025’s set of recommendations for book clubs features laugh-out-loud picture book fun, mysterious historical marvels, strange schools, creepy graveyards, fantasy magic, environmental activism, family adventure, and twisty teen relationships. February 2025’s picks include titles by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie, Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard, Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison, Gary Panton, Robin Greenfield and Antonia Banyard, Jenny Pearson, Erica Gomez, Gabriel Dylan, Sophie Jo, and Ravena Guron.
February 2025 book club recommendations
I Really Really Love My Noisy Bum by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie
Bush Baby is on a mission to track down the source of strange sounds in the jungle – but every suspect turns out to be a red herring! The fourth book in Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie’s Bush Baby Adventure series, this lively rhyming tale is packed with humour, bold illustrations, and a surprise ending. Perfect for little ones who love interactive stories, bum jokes and a bit of mystery, it’s a fun, noisy adventure that keeps young readers guessing.
3-6 year-olds | Author’s website
Let’s Play Rugby by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard
Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard bring rugby to life in this interactive picture book, with vibrant illustrations by Ashwin Chacko. Instead of just reading, kids jump into the action—passing, scrummaging, and scoring as they follow the story. It’s a fun way to pick up the basics of the game while staying active. Released alongside the Six Nations Championship, this book is perfect for little rugby fans (and their energetic families) keen to get stuck in!
4+ year-olds | Author’s website
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison
When chaos erupts during the Bleat Mondrian exhibit, retired Detective Stanley is dragged back into action. Nothing’s stolen, but something doesn’t add up, and Stanley soon finds himself in deeper trouble than expected. This quirky graphic novel follows the dogged sleuth through a mystery packed with humour, art references, and a touch of chaos. With nods to Piet Mondrian, it’s a clever, fun introduction to art and an imaginative start to a series for 5+ year-olds.
5+ year-olds | Author’s website
The Notwitches by Gary Panton, illustrated by Dotty Sutton
Melanda Notwitch has had enough of her awful aunts. When she meets Mitch, a young witch with a plan, they set off on a quest for a rare spell ingredient – one that just might turn her luck around. But, of course, nothing’s ever that simple. With villains, surprises, and an almost-talking cat in the mix, adventure and chaos is guaranteed. Gary Panton’s fiction debut, brought to life with Dotty Sutton’s illustrations, kicks off a magically funny new series for readers aged 7–11.
7+ year-olds | Author’s website
Be the Change by Robin Greenfield and Antonia Banyard
Be the Change inspires kids to live more sustainably, with practical tips on waste, food systems, and water conservation. Written by activist Robin Greenfield, it mixes personal stories with examples of extreme actions he’s taken, encouraging young readers to make meaningful changes in their lives. With vibrant visuals and motivating steps, the book helps kids see how small actions can lead to a greener world. It’s all about empowering the next generation to be eco-conscious change-makers.
8-12 year-olds | Author’s website
Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Katie Kear and Nick East
Evie Clutterbuck sneaks into her dad’s car to join the wildest race across Europe. But chaos erupts when they’re accused of swiping £4 million in gold! From hair-raising cliffside moments to cracking a daring heist, Evie and her dad face non-stop challenges while rediscovering their bond. With illustrations by Katie Kear and Nick East, this hilarious and heartfelt adventure is packed with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs. It’s perfect for readers in Years 4-6.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
School for Fireflies by Erica Gomez
Best friends Siddy and Zadie are starting their first year at a school for magic – exciting enough on its own! But when they stumble upon a decades-old mystery and a missing diary, their curiosity gets the better of them. As they dig deeper, they realise the clues might lead to the truth about Siddy’s father’s disappearance. Erica Gomez’s debut blends magic, mystery, and friendship into a spellbinding adventure, perfect for young detectives with a knack for uncovering secrets.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
Shiver Point: Beneath the Ghostly Graves by Gabriel Dylan
Mo’s life in Shiver Point is never boring, especially with creepy legends like Blue Bessie, the ghost of Shadow Hill Cemetery, hanging around. In a bid to prove himself, Mo accidentally wakes Bessie, and she promptly kidnaps his brother. Now, Mo and his friends have to play her dangerous game to save him. The fourth book in the Shiver Point series, this spooky tale will thrill fans of Goosebumps and Dread Wood, perfect for readers aged 9–12.
9+ year-olds | Author’s website
Red Flags by Sophie Jo
Poppy and Cam are two teens who aren’t exactly sold on commitment. They reluctantly agree to a dating challenge: Poppy won’t obsess over flaws, while Cam promises to stick with his next relationship (no “ick” allowed). As they navigate dating, they try to figure out what’s a real red flag and what’s just a minor annoyance. A funny and sharp YA read, Red Flags is perfect for fans of Holly Bourne and Jenny Han. We think it will be a big hit with 12+ year-old readers.
12+ year-olds | Author’s website
Mondays are Murder by Ravena Guron
When 17-year-old Kay returns to her hometown after her friend’s death, she discovers a letter foretelling violent events leading to her own murder on Monday. Faced with escalating threats, Kay must uncover the sender’s identity before time runs out. Combining suspense, mystery, and epic twists, this riveting page-turner explores themes of danger and trust. It’s bound to be a hit with 13+ year-olds.
13+ year-olds | Author’s website
Themed day / social media opportunities for February 2025
These hashtag days might provide current and relevant talking points for secondary-aged pupils aged 13+ in KS3, KS4 and KS5, especially when linked to related literature.
- February is LGBT+ History Month. The LGBT+ History Month website offers a range of free resources for schools across the age ranges, and ‘The Classroom’ also includes literacy-based resources.
- February 5th is World Read Aloud Day. Lit World offers a raft of reading-based ideas and resources to help educators celebrate this day.
- February 5th is National Yorkshire Pudding Day. Why not work this important different gravy culinary treat into your curriculum by writing about the experience, reading stories that feature Yorkshire puddings, hot seating characters that eat such delicacies and using this BBC Good Food recipe or Delia Smith’s excellent video guide?
- National Storytelling Week, run by the Society for Storytelling, celebrates oral storytelling. There are more details on the organiser’s website.
- The second week of February is Schools Football Week and also Children’s Mental Health Week. The ESFA features a range of activities and ideas to help schools promote girls’ football.
- The Children’s Mental Health Week website includes lots of free downloadables for schools to create assemblies, PSHE discussions, and fundraising ideas to help promote discussions on better mental health.
- February 6th is Safer Internet Day. On the organisation’s website, there are plenty of free activities for both primary and secondary schools to build up to the week itself, engage children during the week, and ensure long-term positive outcomes.
- February 14th is International Book Giving Day. Why not arrange a second-hand school book sale, classroom book swaps, paired peer reading sessions, cross-school library activities or visit your local children’s bookshop on this day?
- February 15th is World Hippo Day. Celebrate and help protect these amazing creatures from extinction by adopting a rare hippo. Both Marwell Zoo in Hampshire and Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland offer opportunities to adopt a pygmy hippo. Don’t worry, it won’t be delivered to your school. Hopefully…
- February 11-17th is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Including ‘the kindness experience’, ‘becoming a RAKactivist’, ‘taking the workplace challenge’, and ‘kindness in the classroom’. Our favourite acts of kindness at the School Reading List mostly involve cake with succulent blueberries, artisan custards and luxurious golden sprinkles.
Extension activities:
- Have a look at our writing competitions for February 2025.
Other recently released titles to have a look at:
- Our latest February 2025 books of the month.
- Our rundown of the best books released this spring 2025.
- Our February 2025 books of the day on Twitter. These can also be viewed on uk.Bookshop.org.
- Our guide on how to run a school book club covers both primary school book clubs and secondary school book clubs.
Click one of the buttons below to buy all this month’s recommended book club titles, or class sets of any of these books, from Bookshop.org UK or Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
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