Children’s Literature News August 2025
Children’s book news for August 2025: classroom reading picks, prize winners, nature writing, humour awards, YA headlines, festivals, and policy moves shaping libraries and school resources.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Stephen Hogtun is a British author and illustrator known for his work in children’s picture books. He has a background in fine art and has worked as a painter and illustrator. Hogtun’s debut picture book, Leaves, was published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in 2021. The story explores themes of change and resilience through the journey of a tree and its leaves, and features Hogtun’s distinctive illustrative style, which combines traditional painting techniques with digital methods.
Hogtun’s second picture book, The Humble Bee, was published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in 2023. This book follows the story of a bee and addresses themes of kindness and self-worth. Both of his books have been noted for their gentle storytelling and evocative artwork.
Stephen Hogtun’s work is published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books. His picture book Leaves was published in 2021.
Children’s book news for August 2025: classroom reading picks, prize winners, nature writing, humour awards, YA headlines, festivals, and policy moves shaping libraries and school resources.
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