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 and secondary aged children in the UK
Ruth Brown is a British author and illustrator known for her contributions to children’s literature. She studied at the Royal College of Art in London, where she developed her skills in illustration. Brown has written and illustrated numerous picture books, many of which are recognised for their detailed artwork and engaging storytelling.
Her books often feature animals and nature, reflecting her interest in the natural world. Among her notable works are A Dark, Dark Tale, Ten Seeds, and Gracie, the Lighthouse Cat. Brown’s illustrations are characterised by their rich textures and atmospheric use of colour, which have become a hallmark of her style.
In addition to her own stories, Ruth Brown has illustrated books for other authors, further establishing her reputation in the field of children’s publishing. Her work has been published by Andersen Press and other major publishers.
Ruth Brown’s picture book A Dark, Dark Tale was first published in 1981 and remains one of her most recognised titles.

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.
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.
Horror for children and teens with titles by Julia Donaldson, Jon Klassen, Oliver Jeffers, Tom Fletcher, Shirley Jackson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, Kalynn Bayron, and Helen Oyeyemi.
Season 1, Episode 40 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for April 2026 and How to spot which books will appeal to 14-16+ year olds.
March 2026’s book club includes titles by Ruth Brown, Julie Sykes, Emily Jones, Claire Powell, Love Ssega, Erika Meza, Jenny Jacoby, Emma Swan, Ramzee, Kimberly Whittam, Robert Muchamore, Billy Ray, and Alexis Henderson.
Spring themed books for children with books by Cicely Mary Barker, Eric Carle, Ruth Brown, Sam Usher, Gabby Dawnay, Moira Butterfield and Daniel Thompson and more.
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.
Ten Little Dogs by Ruth Brown is a perfect book for sitting down with a two- or three-year-old; each stage involves learning numbers and sequence and there’s a solid narrative to follow that encourages plenty of talking.
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