First chapter books
First chapter books for children aged 5-8 with titles by Michael Rosen, Ross Montgomery, Alex Milway, Katie Jennings, Phil Earle, Francesca Simon, Cornelia Funke, Julie Sykes, Alex T. Smith, and Harriet Muncaster.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Alex T. Smith is a British author and illustrator known for his work in children’s literature. He studied at Coventry University, where he graduated with a degree in illustration. Smith’s career in children’s books began with his debut picture book, Egg, published in 2007.
He is best known for the Claude series, which follows the adventures of a small, plucky dog named Claude and his sidekick, Sir Bobblysock. The first book in the series, Claude in the City, was published in 2011. The series has been adapted into a television show, which aired on Disney Junior in 2018.
Smith has also illustrated books for other authors, including the Mr. Penguin series by Alex T. Smith himself, which began with Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure in 2017. His distinctive illustration style is characterized by its humour and charm, appealing to both children and adults.
Throughout his career, Smith has received several accolades. He was the official World Book Day illustrator in 2014. His work has been shortlisted for numerous awards, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
In addition to his series work, Smith has published standalone picture books, such as Ella and Home. His books have been translated into multiple languages, reaching a global audience.
First chapter books for children aged 5-8 with titles by Michael Rosen, Ross Montgomery, Alex Milway, Katie Jennings, Phil Earle, Francesca Simon, Cornelia Funke, Julie Sykes, Alex T. Smith, and Harriet Muncaster.
A festive online advent calendar of classic and modern children’s Christmas picture books. Including cracking yuletide tales by Michael Morpurgo, Judith Kerr, Delia Huddy, Raymond Briggs, David McKee, Rod Campbell, Kes Gray, and Janet & Allan Ahlberg.
A 100 question quiz with a festive Christmas round for children aged 7-11 in KS2. Genres include fantasy, historical, mystery, adventure and picture books. This literacy quiz is ideal for end of term school activities, family fun in the holiday, or something for your children to do at your local library.
Books for 6-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Dav Pilkey, Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, Daisy Meadows, Lauren Child, Jeanne Willis, Nick Sharratt, Roald Dahl, Pamela Butchart, Alex T Smith, Julia Donaldson & Lucy Brandt.
Architecture, buildings and home books for children with titles by Charlotte Guillain, Britta Teckentrup, Moira Butterfield, Roman Belyaev, Andrea Beaty, Mick Manning, Brita Granström, Jenny Jacoby, Paul Farrell and more.
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.
Season 1, Episode 15 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for October 2023 and how to use Lego to encourage reading skills
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2023. 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 2020. These children’s reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels 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