Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Paddy Donnelly is an Irish author and illustrator known for his work in children’s picture books. He grew up in Ireland and has a background in graphic design and illustration. Donnelly has illustrated and written several picture books, collaborating with various publishers and authors.
Among his works as an author-illustrator is The Vanishing Lake, published by Yeehoo Press in 2021. This book draws inspiration from a real lake in Ireland and has received recognition in the field of children’s literature. Donnelly has also illustrated books for other writers, including Fox & Son Tailers and Dodos Are Not Extinct!
His illustrations are characterised by a blend of digital and traditional techniques, often featuring nature and imaginative storytelling. Donnelly’s books have been published by imprints such as Yeehoo Press and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.
In 2021, The Vanishing Lake was awarded the Gold Medal in the Picture Books, Ages 4-8 category at the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
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.
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 2022. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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