First chapter books
First chapter books for children aged 5-8 with titles by Michael Rosen, Ross Montgomery, Alex Milway, Katie Jennings, Phil Earle, Francesca Simon, Cornelia Funke, Julie Sykes, Alex T. Smith, and Harriet Muncaster.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Viviane Schwarz is a children’s author and illustrator known for her interactive picture books. Born in Germany, she studied at Falmouth College of Arts. Schwarz’s work often features playful, inventive formats that encourage reader participation.
Her debut picture book, Timothy and the Strong Pajamas, was published in 2007. She is particularly recognised for her series of cat-themed books, including There Are Cats in This Book (2008), There Are No Cats in This Book (2010), and Is There a Dog in This Book? (2014), all published by Walker Books. These titles are noted for their interactive elements, such as flaps and cut-outs, which invite children to engage directly with the story.
Schwarz has also collaborated with other authors and illustrators. She worked with Alexis Deacon on the graphic novel A Place to Call Home (2011) and with Jim Medway on How to Find Gold (2016). Her illustrations are characterised by expressive characters and a distinctive, lively style.
In addition to her picture books, Schwarz has contributed to comics and graphic novels. She has been shortlisted for several awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal. There Are Cats in This Book was shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2009.
First chapter books for children aged 5-8 with titles by Michael Rosen, Ross Montgomery, Alex Milway, Katie Jennings, Phil Earle, Francesca Simon, Cornelia Funke, Julie Sykes, Alex T. Smith, and Harriet Muncaster.
Books for Year 1 – here’s our selection 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.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Autumn 2023. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in Spring 2020. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.
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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