Minibeast books for children
Children’s books about minibeasts, including titles by Britta Teckentrup, David McKee, Sharon King-Chai, Eric Carle, Libby Walden, Steve Jenkins, Giles Andreae, M.G. Leonard, Lynne Reid Banks and Isabel Thomas.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Britta Teckentrup, an acclaimed illustrator, author, and fine artist, was born in Hamburg and spent her formative years in Wuppertal. In 1988, she embarked on a journey to London, where she pursued studies in illustration and fine art at St Martin’s College and the Royal College of Art.
Teckentrup’s illustrious career is adorned with accolades, including a nomination for the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis and two Special Mention awards at the Bologna Ragazzi Award for ‘Alle Wetter’ and ‘The Egg.’ Her Dutch picture book, ‘Don’t Wake Up Tiger,’ secured the coveted title of Dutch picture book of the year in 2018, while ‘Under the Same Sky’ earned a spot on the shortlist for the Kate Greenaway Award.
Teckentrup’s influence extends beyond her creations, as she has shared her expertise through workshops at prestigious events like The Edinburgh Book Festival, Hay Festival, Bath Festival, and Ilustratour. Her fine art pieces have graced galleries in London and international art fairs.
Since 1993, Britta has authored and illustrated over 120 picture books, transcending linguistic barriers with translations into more than 30 languages. Notable works include ‘Von Raben und Krähen,’ ‘The House by the Lake,’ and ‘Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright.’
Britta Teckentrup’s global impact is evident through her recognition in diverse exhibitions and events. Her works have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Ilustradays Exhibition in Athens, and the ESPAI CULTURISTA SENDAK – Ilustrarium in Barcelona.
Britta has actively engaged with her audience through interviews and events. Notable appearances include the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards Ceremony, Feria del Libro in Madrid, and workshops at the Hay Festival.
Teckentrup’s artwork has been featured in various exhibitions worldwide, including “Beauty and the World” at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and the Ilustrarte 2018 Exhibition in Portugal.
Her collaborations with publishing houses like Orchard Books, Nosy Crow, and Jacoby&Stuart have amplified her impact globally, with co-editions reaching audiences in different languages and cultures.
After 17 years in the UK, Britta Teckentrup now resides and works in Berlin with her Scottish husband and their son Vincent.
Children’s books about minibeasts, including titles by Britta Teckentrup, David McKee, Sharon King-Chai, Eric Carle, Libby Walden, Steve Jenkins, Giles Andreae, M.G. Leonard, Lynne Reid Banks and Isabel Thomas.
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.
Kindness, empathy and love children’s books for students aged 3-12+ including titles by Laura Dockrill, Malcolm Duffy, Dan Smith, Alice Oseman, Jess McGeachin, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rayner, Satoshi Kitamura, Suma Subramaniam, Benjamin Dean, R J Palacio & more.
Grief and loss themed books for children and teens with titles by Britta Teckentrup, Samuel Langley-Swain, Judith Kerr, Harry Woodgate, Laura Dockrill, Oliver Jeffers, Kereen Getten, Michael Rosen and Joseph Coelho.
Ocean and sea life books for children with titles by Alex Bell, Lauren James, Jess McGeachin, Nicola Davies, Michael Morpurgo, Yuval Zommer, Britta Teckentrup and Ken Wilson-Max.
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.
Season 1, Episode 25 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for November 2024 and What Are We Reading For? – A spectrum of reading cultures in schools.
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 Summer 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels 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
Season 1, Episode 14 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for September 2023 and how to organise quiet reading time.
September 2023’s set of book club recommendations features magic, adventure and fun from Britta Teckentrup, Wilbur Smith, Paige Braddock, Edouard Manceau, Alison D. Stegert, Seb Braun, and Anna Brooke.
Season 1, Episode 13 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for August 2023 and the DfE’s reading framework updates.
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.
August 2023’s set of book club recommendations features adventure, mystery and fun from Britta Teckentrup, Andy Jones, N.S. Blackman, Janelle McCurdy, Judith Eagle, Jo Simmons, Kieran Larwood and Sophie McKenzie.
January 2023’s set of book club recommendations features a selection of vibrant and creative titles by Britta Teckentrup, Joy Cowley, Stephanie Blake, i-SPY, Julie Vosburgh Agnone and Kerry Hyndman, Jonathan Meres, Ed J Brown & Maureen Johnson.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2022. 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