Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Jen Campbell is a British author, poet, and bookseller known for her work in children’s literature as well as poetry and non-fiction. She studied English Literature at university and has worked as a bookseller. Campbell is the author of the children’s picture book Franklin’s Flying Bookshop, illustrated by Katie Harnett and published by Thames & Hudson in 2017. This book was followed by two sequels: Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon (2018) and Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales (2019), both also illustrated by Katie Harnett and published by Thames & Hudson.
In addition to her children’s books, Campbell has written poetry collections and non-fiction works, including Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops (2012) and The Bookshop Book (2014), both published by Constable. Her poetry collection The Girl Aquarium was published by Bloodaxe Books in 2019.
Jen Campbell’s picture book Franklin’s Flying Bookshop was published by Thames & Hudson in 2017.
Fairy tales for children and teens with books by books by Hans Christian Andersen, The Brothers Grimm, Isabel Otter, Michael Rosen, Sophie Anderson, Sally Gardner, Konnie Huq, Richard Ayoade, Radiya Hafiza, and Trish Cooke.
Children’s book news for July 2026: Beth O’Brien wins the Carnegie and UKLA awards, Patrice Lawrence becomes Children’s Laureate, John Agard takes a third CLiPPA, and Little Smith launches.
Traditional stories for children with titles by Sophie Anderson, Jon Klassen, Taiye Selasi, Axie Oh, Michael Rosen, Ibi Zoboi, Hafsah Faizal, Chitra Soundar, Kevin Crossley-Holland, Mal Peet, and Isabel Greenberg.
Children’s book news for June 2026: reading enjoyment rises but gaps widen, with IBC book boxes, Bookstart picks, AI findings, awards, festivals and new inclusive school resources.
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.
Children’s book news for February 2026: CLiPPA opens, Carnegies longlists land, BBC screens Lord of the Flies, plus Information Book Award and ALCS Education Writers’ shortlist updates.
Children’s, young adult and teen books about Halloween, trick or treating, ghosts, unexplained events, and dark spooky nights. With books by Oliver Jeffers, Julia Donaldson, Eric Carle, Harriet Muncaster, Roald Dahl, Susan Hill, Neil Gaiman, Rainbow Rowell and more.
The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers by Jen Campbell is a deliciously dark selection of peculiarly modern and relevant traditional tales. This collection will appeal to years children in years five and six who like short stories with danger, excitement and mystery.
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