Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Jack Noel is a British author and illustrator known for his work in children’s literature. He studied illustration at university and has worked as a book designer. Noel is the creator of the Doodle Adventures series, which includes titles such as My Headteacher is a Vampire Rat and Doodle Your Own Adventure: The Great Escape. He is also the author and illustrator of Frankenstiltskin, a humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale, published by Farshore in 2021. In addition to his own series, Noel has illustrated books for other authors, including the Comic Classics series, which adapts classic novels into illustrated formats for younger readers. His work is characterised by a combination of text and cartoon-style drawings, aimed at engaging children with reading through humour and interactive elements. In 2021, Frankenstiltskin was published by Farshore.
Our recommended graphic novels for children aged 7-11 to appeal to reluctant and able readers alike. This list includes works by Ben Clanton, Gary Northfield, Shannon Watters, Deborah Ellis, Jeanne DuPrau and Alastair Humphreys.
Children’s book news for April 2026: Michael Rosen wins the Hans Christian Andersen Award, CLiPPA and UKLA shortlists arrive, and Puffin launches its new picture book list, Puffin Studio.
Book series for children and teens to encourage reading for pleasure, including titles by Dominic Sandbrook, Liz Pichon, Harriet Muncaster, Kevin & Katie Tsang, Marie Lu Robert Muchamore and Jason Reynolds.
Dadbot is a quick read, with lots happening in each chapter. The main protagonists – who appear to be bears and possibly twins, although neither is explicitly stated – are instantly relatable.
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