Seaside books for children
Seaside themed stories for EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3 with titles by Michael Rosen, Mairi Hedderwick, Shirley Hughes, Sam Usher, Atinuke, Richard Pickard, Michael Morpurgo, Lauren St John, Liz Kessler and more.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author known for her children’s books that draw on African culture and storytelling traditions. She began her career as a storyteller, which significantly influences her writing style. Atinuke’s work often features themes of family, community, and cultural heritage.
Her debut book, Anna Hibiscus, was published in 2007 by Walker Books. The series follows the life of a young girl named Anna Hibiscus, who lives in “amazing Africa” with her extended family. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of African life and has been translated into several languages.
Atinuke is also the author of the No. 1 Car Spotter series, which began with the publication of The No. 1 Car Spotter in 2010. This series tells the story of Oluwalase Babatunde Benson, a young boy with a talent for spotting cars, and his adventures in a small African village.
In addition to her series, Atinuke has written several picture books, including B is for Baby, published in 2019, and Baby Goes to Market, published in 2017. These books have been well-received for their vibrant illustrations and engaging narratives.
Atinuke’s work has been recognised with various accolades. Her book Baby Goes to Market was shortlisted for the 2018 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, an award that celebrates distinguished illustration in children’s books.
Seaside themed stories for EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3 with titles by Michael Rosen, Mairi Hedderwick, Shirley Hughes, Sam Usher, Atinuke, Richard Pickard, Michael Morpurgo, Lauren St John, Liz Kessler and more.
The School Reading List compiles this list of recommended books monthly. This children’s and YA books of the month list highlights new releases and editions of fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children and young adults aged 2-16.
A selection of reading books for Year 2 to challenge and interest children aged 6-7 in KS1 classes in UK primary schools. Authors include Eoin Colfer, Clotilde Perrin, Michael Rosen and Enid Blyton.
Africa themed books for children and teens with nonfiction and fiction titles by Wakanyi Hoffman and Onyinye Iwu, Niki Daly, Ken Wilson-Max, Yaba Badoe, Wilbur Smith, Namina Forna, Wole Soyinka and more.
Children’s books of the year 2024 – our team has picked a shortlist of great children’s and teen titles published in the last 12 months, with fiction, non-fiction and picture books for 3-18 years and a diverse range of prose, poetry and graphic novels. Vote now!
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.
British Black history books for children and teens including titles by Floella Benjamin, David Olusoga, Atinuke, Benjamin Zephaniah, Alison Hammond, Jeffrey Boakye, Catherine Johnson, Michaela Morgan, David Lammy and Troy Deeney.
Season 1, Episode 20 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for June 2024 and Drop Everything And Read (DEAR).
Beti and the Little Round House is a lovely book which has the potential to enchant. There are four stories contained in this charming book, one for each season. It’s a book to treasure!
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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