Summer themed books for children
Summer themed books for children with books by Sam McBratney, Sam Usher, Julia Donaldson, Gabby Dawnay, Jeffrey Boakye and Yuval Zommer and more.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Julia Donaldson, born on September 16, 1948, is a renowned British author, playwright, and performer. She grew up in Hampstead, London, and attended Newnham College, Cambridge, where she studied Drama and French. During her time at university, Donaldson was actively involved in theatre productions and developed a passion for storytelling.
After completing her studies, Donaldson worked as a teacher and songwriter. In the early 1990s, she began writing children’s books, which eventually became her main focus. Her breakthrough came in 1999 with the publication of “The Gruffalo,” a captivating tale of a clever mouse outwitting various predators in the forest. This book quickly gained popularity and has since become a beloved classic, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Since “The Gruffalo,” Donaldson has written numerous other successful children’s books, each with its own unique charm and memorable characters. Some of her notable works include “Room on the Broom,” “Stick Man,” “The Snail and the Whale,” and “Zog.” Her stories often incorporate rhymes and repetition, making them engaging and enjoyable for young readers.
Julia Donaldson’s contributions to children’s literature have been widely recognized and celebrated. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Children’s Laureate title in 2011. This honour is bestowed upon an exceptional children’s author or illustrator in the United Kingdom, highlighting their significant impact on young readers.
Donaldson’s books have also been adapted into successful stage plays, television series, and even an animated film. These adaptations have further solidified her status as a beloved and influential figure in children’s literature.
Julia Donaldson’s books have had a profound impact on children’s literacy and imagination. Her stories not only entertain but also encourage a love for reading and storytelling. The accessibility and relatability of her characters have made her books accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities.
Furthermore, Donaldson’s use of rhyme and repetition in her writing has been praised for its educational value. These linguistic devices help children develop phonological awareness and improve their reading skills. Many educators and parents have incorporated her books into their teaching and bedtime routines, recognizing their educational and entertainment value.
Julia Donaldson Collection
The Gruffalo
Room on the Broom
The Gruffalo’s Child
The Snail and the Whale
Stick Man
A Squash and a Squeeze
Where’s My Mom?
The Smartest Giant in Town
Zog
Julia Donaldson x10 Ziplock Pack 2015
Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book
What the Ladybug Heard
Superworm
Tiddler: The Story-Telling Fish
The Highway Rat
Tabby McTat
Tyrannosaurus Drip
The Paper Dolls
The Giant Jumparee
Summer themed books for children with books by Sam McBratney, Sam Usher, Julia Donaldson, Gabby Dawnay, Jeffrey Boakye and Yuval Zommer and more.
Books for Year 1 – here’s our selection 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.
Storybooks online – here’s our curated collection of video online stories read by authors including Cressida Cowell, Aisha Bushby, Alex Wheatle, Catherine Bruton, David Walliams, Malorie Blackman, Michael Rosen and more.
Art topic books for 4-16-year-olds – our recommendations. This list includes how to art guides and real-life stories about children and adults inspired by art. Writers include Julia Donaldson, Allan Ahlberg, Andrea Beaty, Kari Herbert, David Hockney, Akwaeke Emezi and Tracy Chevalier.
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 School Reading List compiles this list of recommended books monthly. This children’s and YA books of the month list highlights new releases and editions of fiction and non-fiction books suitable for children and young adults aged 2-16.
Dinosaurs topic books for EYFS, KS1 & KS2. With books by authors including Dean Lomax, Susan Hayes, Chae Strathie, Hollie Hughes, Sophy Henn, Julia Donaldson, Matthew Reinhart and Deiter Braun.
Children’s and teen books about World War 2 with fiction, nonfiction, true stories, picture books, graphic novels, poetry and diaries, with titles by Michael Rosen, Bali Rai, Tom Palmer, Sufiya Ahmed, Michael Morpurgo, Ruta Sepetys and Anne Frank.
Our World Book Day costume recommendations and suggestions for cracking book character outfits for your child. We’ve picked out fancy dress kits based on book characters by authors including Roald Dahl, Beatix Potter, J.K. Rowling, J.M. Barrie and Lewis Carroll.
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 for 5-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Giles Andreae, Chris Haughton, Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, Nick Sharratt, Michael Bond, Lynley Dodd, Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet & Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola.
Books for 6-year-olds – favourites chosen by children including titles by Dav Pilkey, Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, Daisy Meadows, Lauren Child, Jeanne Willis, Nick Sharratt, Roald Dahl, Pamela Butchart, Alex T Smith, Julia Donaldson & Lucy Brandt.
Playscripts for children including titles by Julia Donaldson, Roald Dahl, Louie Stowell, Alan Ayckbourn, Sarah Walden, Ted Hughes, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, David Grant, Malorie Blackman, Zizou Corder, Piers Torday and Evan Placey.
Ocean and sea life books for children with titles by Alex Bell, Lauren James, Jess McGeachin, Nicola Davies, Michael Morpurgo, Yuval Zommer, Britta Teckentrup and Ken Wilson-Max.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Looking for a travel destination to engage your children? How about a location from a favourite children’s book, or an actual landmark or building which inspired a magical or legendary setting from a story? Here’s a list of top holiday spots with literary themes.
Activity books for children – this list of books to keep children and teens aged 3-13 occupied includes titles by Fiona Watt, Dawn Isaac, Julia Donaldson, Thomas Pavitte and Miro Tartan.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels, poetry and non-fiction.
Shortlists for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024 and Kate Greenaway award 2024 – recommended for children and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Season 1, Episode 13 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for August 2023 and the DfE’s reading framework updates.
Season 1, Episode 11 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for June 2023, adventure book picks and transitioning from picture books to short chapter books.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2023. 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 autumn 2020. These children’s 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 Spring 2020. 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 Spring 2019. These reading recommendations include picture books, 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