Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Tom Lacey is the author–illustrator of the “High Top” picture-book series for young children, published in the UK by Little Tiger and in North America by Tiger Tales. Public listings describe “Tom Lacey” as a collective pseudonym used by a group of creators.
The first title, High Top: The Sneaker That Just Can’t Stop!, introduces an energetic trainer and cast of anthropomorphised footwear in short, phonically friendly text. The book was issued in hardback by Tiger Tales on 7 February 2023 (ISBN 9781664300163). A second title, High Top: Sole Mates, followed with Tiger Tales on 15 October 2024 (ISBN 9781664300590). Little Tiger lists UK editions of both books.
Retail and library records note the series for early readers, with catalogue subject headings covering friendship, feelings and values. Jacket and catalogue copy also credit Lacey with both text and illustration.
Selected bibliography: High Top: The Sneaker That Just Can’t Stop! (Tiger Tales, 2023; Little Tiger, UK); High Top: Sole Mates (Tiger Tales, 2024; Little Tiger, UK).
Most recent dated milestone: U.S. publication of High Top: Sole Mates, 15 October 2024.
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.
High Top: Sole Mates is a persuasively positive and bright using colourful illustrations. It’s a brilliant model for young children to understand the concept of being considerate of others and most importantly, to spread love.
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.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
© 2026 School Reading List. All Rights Reserved | As an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases | Policies and Terms of Use
