Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Neal Layton is a British author and illustrator known for his work in children’s literature. He studied at Newcastle University and went on to complete an MA in Illustration at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Layton has illustrated numerous books for children, collaborating with a range of authors as well as writing and illustrating his own titles.
Among his notable works are the Mammoth Academy series, which he both wrote and illustrated. He is also recognised for illustrating the Emily Brown books, written by Cressida Cowell, including That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown. Layton’s illustrations are characterised by a distinctive, mixed-media style that combines drawing, collage, and digital techniques.
Layton’s books have received recognition in the field of children’s literature. That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown, illustrated by Layton and written by Cressida Cowell, won the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Gold Award in 2006.
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.
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.
Here’s our selection of books for year 1 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.
Environment, climate change and eco topic books for EYFS, KS1, KS2 & KS3 with titles by Emma Shevah, Neal Layton, Jess French, Karen Swann, Piers Torday, Gemma Fowler, Isabel Thomas & Zillah Bethell.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in spring 2026. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Children’s book news for September 2025: Prizes, lists, roles, and dates crowd the calendar, with UKLA longlists, Wainwright and Klaus Flugge results, WBD 2026 titles, new roles, a City Lit exhibition, and a new charity drive.
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 autumn 2019. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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