Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
David McKee (2 January 1935 – 6 April 2022) was a British author and illustrator renowned for his contributions to children’s literature and animation. His work is distinguished by its vibrant illustrations and themes promoting inclusivity and individuality.
Born in Tavistock, Devon, McKee studied at Plymouth College of Art. While still a student, he began selling cartoons to national publications, including Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His first book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964.
McKee’s most celebrated creation is Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, first published in 1968 and reissued in 1989 by Andersen Press. The Elmer series, comprising 29 titles, has sold over 10 million copies and been translated into more than 60 languages. The character’s enduring popularity has led to adaptations in stage productions and merchandise.
Another notable work, Not Now, Bernard (1980), addresses themes of parental neglect and has remained continuously in print since its release. McKee also created the Mr Benn series, which was adapted into a BBC television programme in the early 1970s. Additionally, he developed the King Rollo series, both as books and animations.
In 1978, McKee co-founded King Rollo Films, a production company responsible for animating various children’s programmes, including Mr Benn, King Rollo, and adaptations of works by other authors, such as Spot the Dog and Maisy.
Throughout his career, McKee received numerous accolades. He was the UK nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006 and was honoured with the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from Plymouth College of Art.
McKee resided in both London and the south of France with his partner, Bakhta. He passed away on 6 April 2022 at the age of 87. Posthumously, a previously unpublished Elmer story addressing climate change, titled Elmer and the White Bear, was announced for publication, reflecting McKee’s continued commitment to relevant social themes.
h2>David McKee
Elmer
Not Now, Bernard
Elmer and the Rainbow
Elmer and the Lost Teddy
Elmer and Rose
Elmer and Wilbur
Elmer’s Special Day
Elmer in the Snow
Elmer Again
Elmer’s Colors
Elmer and Butterfly
Elmer and the Hippos
Elmer’s Christmas
Tusk Tusk
Elmer’s Friends
Elmer and the Monster
Elmer and Grandpa Eldo
Elmer Takes Off
Elmer and the Whales
Elmer and the Kangaroo
Children’s books to combat hatred including titles by Michael Rosen, Malorie Blackman, Benjamin Zephaniah, Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, David Olusoga, R. J. Palacio, Lois Lowry, Elle McNicoll, and Nicola Davies.
100 picture books for EYFS to read before you are 5 years old. A selection of picture books which are ideal for children who are learning to read in Nursery, Early Years, infants and Pre-Prep schools.
Books to help teach diversity to children in KS1 and KS2 in primary schools – with characters and settings to introduce age-appropriate discussions of the diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, education, disability, identity, nationality, religion, sexuality, neurodiversity, social background, and beliefs.
Weather books for children with titles by David McKee, Debi Gliori, Hannah Pang, Sam Usher, Maggie Li, Grahame Baker-Smith, Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson, James Carter, Tamsin Mori and more.
Here’s our selection of books for year 1 to challenge and interest children aged 5-6 in UK primary schools. Handpicked recommendations from teachers and librarians, with titles by Michael Rosen, Julia Donaldson, Jon Klassen, Judith Kerr, Satoshi Kitamura, and more.
Books for Reception – a collection of great picture books for EYFS children aged 4-5 in UK primary schools. Picked by teachers and librarians, this reading list contains stories and poems by Michael Rosen, Steve Weatherill, Jeanne Willis, Oliver Jeffers, Julie Fulton, and more.
Pop-up and interactive books for children with titles by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Jan Pieńkowski, Robert Sabuda, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, David McKee, Moira Butterfield, Clotilde Perrin, Charlotte Guillain, and Christopher Lloyd.
Politics books for children and teens including titles by Michael Rosen, Alastair Campbell, Kamala Harris, Amanda Li, Tim Marshall, Malala Yousafzai, George Orwell, Axie Oh and many more.
Remembrance and war topic books for children in KS1 and KS2 suitable for literacy, research, and cross-curricular topics. Including titles by Michael Rosen, Lois Lowry, Tom Palmer, Kate Saunders, Martin Impey, Bali Rai, and Judith Loske.
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.
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.
All about me topic books for EYFS including picture books by Mem Fox, The School of Life, Esther Pia Cordova, Lupita Nyong’o, Hervé Tullet, Sophy Henn, David McKee, and more.
Nuclear war and survival books for children and teens with titles by David McKee, Emma Carroll, David Almond, Kerry Drewery, Robert Swindells, Todd Strasser, Judith Loske, Raymond Briggs, Nevil Shute and Annie Jacobsen.
Storybooks online – here’s our curated collection of video online stories read by authors including Cressida Cowell, Aisha Bushby, Alex Wheatle, Catherine Bruton, Sita Brahmachari, Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen and more.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out this Autumn. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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