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
Nicola Davies is a British zoologist and author, recognised for her extensive contributions to children’s literature that intertwine scientific knowledge with storytelling. Born on 3 May 1958 in Birmingham, England, she pursued zoology at King’s College, University of Cambridge. Her early career included work as a researcher and presenter for the BBC Natural History Unit, notably as one of the original presenters of the children’s wildlife programme The Really Wild Show.
Transitioning from broadcasting to writing, Davies has authored over 90 books for children, encompassing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Her works often explore themes of nature and the environment, aiming to foster a connection between young readers and the natural world. Notable titles include Big Blue Whale, One Tiny Turtle, Just Ducks!, and The Promise, the latter of which received the Green Book Award in 2015. Her book Poo: A Natural History of the Unmentionable was shortlisted for a Blue Peter Book Award in 2006.
In addition to picture books, Davies has written novels for older children and young adults. The Song That Sings Us, published in 2021, is a fantasy adventure set in a world where humans can communicate with animals. This novel reflects her enduring commitment to environmental themes and storytelling.
Davies has also written under the pseudonym Stevie Morgan, producing novels aimed at adult readers. Throughout her career, she has maintained a focus on the relationship between humans and the natural environment, drawing upon her background in zoology and field research.
Currently residing in West Wales, Nicola Davies continues to write and engage with audiences through school visits and literary events, contributing to the promotion of environmental awareness and education among young readers.
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.
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.
Seaside themed stories for EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3 with titles by Michael Rosen, Mairi Hedderwick, Shirley Hughes, Sam Usher, Atinuke, Richard Pickard, Michael Morpurgo, Lauren St John, Liz Kessler and more.
Kindness, empathy and love children’s books for students aged 3-12+ including titles by Laura Dockrill, Malcolm Duffy, Dan Smith, Alice Oseman, Jess McGeachin, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rayner, Satoshi Kitamura, Suma Subramaniam, Benjamin Dean, R J Palacio & more.
Animals nonfiction books for children with wildlife, behaviour, conservation, endangered species, animal diversity and evolution titles by Mike Barfield, Julie Beer, Ed J Brown, Dieter Braun, Susan Martineau, Brooke Barker and Moira Butterfield.
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.
Suggested reading books for Year 3 children, aged 7-8. A diverse and interesting range of exciting titles aimed at children of all abilities in lower KS2 including books by Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, Zanib Mian and Tony Bradman.
Books for Reception – a collection of great picture books for EYFS children aged 4-5 in UK primary schools. Picked by teachers and librarians, this reading list contains stories and poems by Michael Rosen, Steve Weatherill, Jeanne Willis, Oliver Jeffers, Julie Fulton, and more.
A selection of reading books for Year 2 to challenge and interest children aged 6-7 in KS1 classes in UK primary schools. Authors include Eoin Colfer, Clotilde Perrin, Michael Rosen and Enid Blyton.
Refugees and migration books for children and teens, featuring books by Erika Meza, Na’ima B. Robert, Brian Bilston, Eoin Colfer, Onjali Q. Raúf, Sita Brahmachari, Armin Greder, Michael Rosen, Ele Fountain and Malcolm Duffy.
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 15 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for October 2023 and how to use Lego to encourage reading skills
The Star Whale is a delightful poetry collection that will appeal to fans of Michael Morpurgo and budding David Attenboroughs. The collection includes blank verses and strong rhyming patterns, tongue twisters and songs.
Season 1, Episode 14 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for September 2023 and how to organise quiet reading time.
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.
Season 1, Episode 7 of the School Reading List podcast. With new book post, 30 great books for February 2023, a look at our 6th form book list and why we reading records are not a good idea.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2021. 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.
The 2019 shortlist of books for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2019 – recommended for children aged 9-16 and young adults in primary and secondary schools.
Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops, or Waterstones.com, or Blackwells.co.uk.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
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