Books for bedtime
Books for bedtime to read to children – a selection of books by Jill Murphy, Allan Ahlberg, Maurice Sendak, Michael Rosen, Martin Waddell, Fiona Watt, Claire Freedman, and more; which are ideal for reading to children at bedtime.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Martin Waddell is a Northern Irish author known for his contributions to children’s literature. He has written numerous picture books and stories for young readers, often exploring themes of family, friendship, and reassurance. Waddell’s writing is characterised by its gentle tone and sensitivity to the emotional lives of children.
Among his most recognised works is Owl Babies, illustrated by Patrick Benson and published by Walker Books. This picture book tells the story of three young owls who await the return of their mother, offering comfort to children experiencing separation anxiety. Another notable title is Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear?, illustrated by Barbara Firth, which addresses childhood fears of the dark and has become a classic bedtime story.
Waddell has collaborated with several illustrators throughout his career, including Helen Oxenbury and Barbara Firth. His books have been published by major children’s publishers such as Walker Books and Candlewick Press. In addition to picture books, he has written stories for older children under the name Catherine Sefton.
Martin Waddell’s work has received recognition within the field of children’s literature. He was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 2004, an international honour given to authors whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature.
Books for bedtime to read to children – a selection of books by Jill Murphy, Allan Ahlberg, Maurice Sendak, Michael Rosen, Martin Waddell, Fiona Watt, Claire Freedman, and more; which are ideal for reading to children at bedtime.
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.
All about me topic books for EYFS including picture books by Mem Fox, The School of Life, Esther Pia Cordova, Lupita Nyong’o, Hervé Tullet, Sophy Henn, David McKee, 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.
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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