Minibeast books for children
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.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
M.G. Leonard is a British author known for her children’s books, particularly the Beetle Boy series. Her debut novel, Beetle Boy, was published in 2016 by Chicken House. The book is the first in a trilogy, followed by Beetle Queen in 2017 and Battle of the Beetles in 2018. The series has been translated into multiple languages and has garnered critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and unique subject matter.
Leonard’s work often explores themes of nature and adventure, with a focus on entomology. Her interest in beetles and the natural world is a recurring element in her writing. In addition to the Beetle Boy series, she has co-authored the Adventures on Trains series with Sam Sedgman.
The first book in this series, The Highland Falcon Thief, was published in 2020 and was followed by several sequels, including Kidnap on the California Comet and Murder on the Safari Star.
Leonard’s books have received several accolades. The Highland Falcon Thief won the British Book Awards Children’s Fiction Book of the Year in 2021. Her work is praised for its imaginative plots and engaging characters, appealing to a wide range of young readers.
Before becoming an author, Leonard worked in the music industry and for the National Theatre. She holds a degree in English Literature and an MA in Shakespeare Studies. Her diverse background contributes to her dynamic storytelling style.
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.
This suggested reading list offers lots of books choices for 9 and 10 year olds. From fantasy to animal stories and mysteries to science fiction adventure, there’s something for every upper primary child. These books for Year 5 include titles suitable for inspiring both able and reluctant readers.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Adventure stories for children and teens, including modern and classic titles by Maz Evans, Cressida Cowell, Dom Conlon, Lucy Brandt, Sufiya Ahmed, Varsha Shah, A.F. Steadman, Wilbur Smith, Robert Muchamore, Robert Louis Stevenson and more.
Summer reading challenge – A good reading challenge will not only promote reading and encourage reading for pleasure, but it will encourage a reading culture to spread like a virus throughout your school.
Children’s books to read over the weekend including picture books by Sophy Henn, Josh Lacey, Maz Evans, Ben Miller, Zillah Bethell, Emily Critchley, Eliza Berkowitz, Phil Earle and more.
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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2024. 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 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 Spring 2020. 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