Children’s Literature News December 2025
Children’s book news for December 2025: award longlists and winners, a library card proposal, Book Nooks, bookshop plans, an MPs inquiry, and exhibitions in Chelmsford and Bedford.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Adeola Sokunbi is a British author and illustrator based in London, known for her debut children’s book series, Destiny Ink. She holds a degree in Computer Visualisation and Animation from Bournemouth University and works as a Senior Lighting & Compositing Artist at an animation studio.
In June 2024, Sokunbi published Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise, the first book in a four-part series aimed at readers aged 5 and above. The series follows Destiny, a young girl who uses her creativity to navigate childhood challenges. The books are illustrated in a comic-style format, combining text and visuals to engage young readers.
The Destiny Ink series is published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with Storymix, an inclusive children’s fiction studio. The first book was released in June 2024, with subsequent titles scheduled for publication in October 2024, February 2025, and June 2025. The series has been well-received for its relatable storytelling and diverse representation.
In 2025, Sokunbi’s work was recognised with an Inclusive Books for Children (IBC) Award in the Highly Illustrated Children’s Fiction category for Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise. The IBC Awards celebrate outstanding UK-published inclusive children’s books and the talent behind them.
Children’s book news for December 2025: award longlists and winners, a library card proposal, Book Nooks, bookshop plans, an MPs inquiry, and exhibitions in Chelmsford and Bedford.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels, poetry and non-fiction.
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Our latest reading national curriculum year group recommended reading lists:
Picture books for the under 5s | Books for Reception | Books for Year 1 | Books for Year 2 | Books for Year 3 | Books for Year 4 | Books for Year 5 | Books for Year 6 | Books for Year 7 | Books for Year 8 | Books for Year 9 | Books for Year 10 | Books for Year 11