Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Craig Smith is a New Zealand children’s author and musician, born in Clyde, Central Otago, in 1972.
He released his first children’s album, Not Just for Kids, in late 2007. Its opening track, “The Wonky Donkey,” won the APRA New Zealand Children’s Song of the Year in 2008.
In 2009, he adapted “The Wonky Donkey” song into a picture book of the same name, illustrated by Katz Cowley.
Smith has since published a series of related books, including The Grinny Granny Donkey, The Dinky Donkey and Wonky Donkey’s Big Surprise. He also works as an itinerant musician, performing in schools, festivals, markets and venues.
In 2010, The Wonky Donkey won the Children’s Choice Award at the New Zealand Children’s Book Awards.
Books for 4-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Eric Hill, Axel Scheffler, Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg, Kes Grey, Jim Field, Roger Hargreaves, Reverand W Awdry, Mick Inkpen, Craig Smith, Eric Carle & Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.
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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