Children’s Literature News July 2025
Children’s book news for July 2025: winners from Carnegie and UKLA awards, shortlisted titles, summer literacy initiatives, poetry competitions, and reading schemes for schools across the UK.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Tor Freeman is a British author and illustrator known for her work in children’s literature. She studied at Kingston University, where she graduated with a degree in illustration. Freeman has written and illustrated numerous picture books, as well as illustrated works by other authors.
Her own books include the Olga da Polga series, written by Michael Bond, for which she provided illustrations. Freeman is also the creator of the Digby Dog series, which features the character Digby, a helpful dog who solves problems in his community. In addition, she has written and illustrated titles such as Twice Upon a Time and The Toucan Brothers.
Freeman’s illustrations are recognised for their detailed and expressive style, often bringing humour and warmth to the stories. She has collaborated with a range of publishers, including Macmillan Children’s Books and Walker Books.
In 2012, Tor Freeman was awarded the Maurice Sendak Fellowship, a residency programme established by the American illustrator Maurice Sendak.
Children’s book news for July 2025: winners from Carnegie and UKLA awards, shortlisted titles, summer literacy initiatives, poetry competitions, and reading schemes for schools across the UK.
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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