What happens when children spend the book budget? | Series 1, Episode 43
Season 1, Episode 43 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for July 2026 and What happens when children spend the book budget?
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Michael Parkin is an illustrator and children’s author whose work combines bold, witty artwork with clear storytelling for young readers. His commissions span editorial and cultural clients, and he has produced illustrations for institutions such as the Science Museum and broadcasters including the BBC.
Parkin’s debut as author-illustrator is the picture book Wrong Time Rooster, published by Flying Eye Books. The story follows Ronnie the rooster, who cannot tell the time, and the farm animals who help him learn – a comic premise delivered with bright, character-led spreads for early years readers.
Publisher listings also credit Parkin with the picture book Biguana.
Wrong Time Rooster is a 32-page hardback from Flying Eye Books – ISBN 9781838742249.

Season 1, Episode 43 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for July 2026 and What happens when children spend the book budget?
June 2026’s book club includes titles by Marjoke Henrichs, Philip Ardagh, Ian Eagleton, Hayley Wells, Mary Hoffman, Ros Asquith, Tony Bradman, Bec Manser, Clare Pollard, Patrick Gallagher, Jamie Gregory, Mitch Johnson & Matt Goodfellow.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Summer 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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.
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