From rhyming picture books that become bedtime favourites to stories that draw newly independent readers into fantastical worlds or open their eyes to new ideas, children’s books have an invaluable place in education and can create memories that stay with their readers for years. While there are dozens of classic tales and much-loved characters who’ve lasted the test of time – some of which we’ve featured elsewhere in Footnotes or highlighted on the Teachers’ Picks page of our main website – here we’re taking a closer look at the contemporary children’s books on our bookshelves that stand out from the crowd.
The Cat Wants Custard by P Crumble
With a desperation that is perfectly evoked in Lucinda Gifford’s expressive illustrations, Cat makes one enormous and comical effort after another to show his owner just how much he wants a bowl of custard. Age 3+
Bernard Makes a Splash! by Lisa Stickley
Through humorous illustrations and rhyming text this tale of bravery sees swimming pool manager Bernard, a shy Basset Hound, pluck up the courage to compete in the diving competition. Age 4+
Bear and Bird by Jarvis
These four stories centre on the friendship between its characters, following them through gentle adventures and comical misunderstandings in a collection of warm tales that won Indie Book of the Month on publication. Age 5+
The Missing Bookshop by Katie Clapham
Milly loves visiting her local bookshop and listening to Mrs Minty read. When the shop closes unexpectedly, she is filled with sadness, but also the determination to do whatever she can to find a new owner. Age 6+
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories
With contributions from some of today’s leading children’s authors, including Ingrid Persaud, Kieran Larwood and Lou Kuenzler, these contemporary bedtime stories celebrating diversity, friendship and positivity are enhanced by the colourful illustrations of Sarah McIntyre. Age 7+
The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes
The quirky characters who live in the magical house are delighted when Nine, an orphan and pickpocket from the Nest of a Thousand Treasures, breaks the spell that has kept the building tethered to her world. Together they embark on a series of escapades, bouncing from one mysterious setting to another throughout the four-part series as they cure the house’s hiccups, reunite Spoon with his alchemical partner Dish, and venture to the Isle of Illusion to release the power held in a precious locket. Age 8+
Wolf Road by Alice Roberts
Rich with details gleaned from its author’s career in archaeology and anthropology, Alice Robert’s debut novel brings the paleolithic era to life as it follows a twelve-year-old girl migrating with her family to their Spring Camp. Age 9+
The Week at World’s End by Emma Carroll
Named the ‘Queen of Historical Fiction’ by BookTrust, former English teacher Emma Carroll set this story against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It follows best friends Stevie and Ray as they try to make sense of the threat while helping a runaway. Age 10+
