A library in every primary: what £10m means | Series 1, Episode 35
Season 1, Episode 35 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for October 2025 and A library in every primary: what £10m means.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Vicky Barker is a British illustrator and author known for her work in children’s non-fiction. She has illustrated a range of educational and activity books, often focusing on science, history, and nature topics for young readers. Barker’s illustrations are recognised for their engaging and accessible style, which supports children’s understanding of complex subjects.
Barker has collaborated with several publishers, including Buster Books, an imprint of Michael O’Mara Books. Her work includes the Absolutely Everything You Need to Know series, as well as titles such as Infographics for Kids: Human Body and Infographics for Kids: Animals. She has also illustrated the STEM Starters for Kids series, which introduces science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts to primary-aged children.
In addition to her illustration work, Barker has written and illustrated activity books designed to encourage creativity and learning. Her books are used in educational settings and at home to support children’s curiosity and engagement with the world around them.
Vicky Barker’s illustrations for Infographics for Kids: Human Body were published by Buster Books in 2017.
Season 1, Episode 35 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for October 2025 and A library in every primary: what £10m means.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, poetry, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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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