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
Farhana Islam is a British author and educator. She works as a teacher and writes books for children that highlight identity, community and cultural heritage.
Her debut children’s book, The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali, was published in the UK under her editorial work, while her own authored title Not Now, Noor! (2023), illustrated by Nabila Adani, introduces young readers to different styles of hijab through a family story. The book was released by Puffin in the UK and Salaam Reads in the US.
Not Now, Noor! was first published in 2023.
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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in spring 2026. 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 Summer 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, 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