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
Anita Mangan is a British illustrator and designer known for her work on a range of children’s and adult books. She has illustrated and designed covers and interiors for numerous titles, collaborating with various authors and publishers. Mangan is the illustrator of the Beaver Towers series by Nigel Hinton, and has also worked on books such as Be More Vegan by Niki Webster and Be More Cat by Alison Davies. Her illustrations are recognised for their vibrant, engaging style and have appeared in both fiction and non-fiction titles.
In addition to her work in publishing, Mangan has contributed illustrations and designs for magazines, advertising campaigns, and branding projects. She has worked with publishers including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins. Mangan’s portfolio includes collaborations with authors such as Sarah Ford and Niki Webster, and her illustrations have featured in books aimed at both children and adults.
Her design work extends to cookbooks, lifestyle guides, and humour titles. Notable projects include Be More Sloth by Alison Davies and Be More Unicorn by Alison Davies. Mangan’s illustrations are characterised by bold colours and playful imagery, contributing to the distinctive visual identity of the books she works on.
In 2018, Anita Mangan illustrated Bingo: The World’s Greatest Dog by Paul Mangan, published by Penguin Random House.
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.
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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