Early reader books 2024
Monster Max and the Marmalade Ghost by Robin Bennett, illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury
Max is an ordinary boy, except that he can turn into a monster when he burps...
Max and Peregrine are volunteering at an old people’s home, when strange things start to happen: one resident is walking on the ceiling; one is riding their wheelchair through walls; and Reggie says his marmalade is haunted (although no one listens). Can Max and his friends work out what’s happening to protect his family and the local community? Things aren’t looking good - the Marmalade Ghost is turning into a sticky Godzilla, Max falls out with his (joint) best friend, and then, just when it can’t get any worse, someone kidnaps Max’s cat, Frankenstein... Time to ‘Protect and Do Good Stuff!’
Michael the Amazing Mind Reading Sausage Dog by Terrie Chilvers, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Michael's dream is to go from being an unknown pup to a Hollywoof sensation and global su-paw-star. But becoming famous is no walkies in the park... How long will it take Michael's fellow inhabitants of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise his amazing talent? And with the help of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, what can possibly go wrong?
Poetry Prompts by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Georgie Birkett, Amanda Quartey, Grasya Oliyko, Viola Wang
A compendium of poetry prompts from Joseph Coelho (Children's Laureate).
Each fun and engaging prompt for writing a poem helps children discover how to write poems and then read them out loud. This is a book to build confidence and literacy skills through channelling children's imaginations.
This is a book for the whole family to enjoy, bright, cheerful but cool illustrations will appeal to children of all primary ages.
Izzy the Inventor and the Unexpected Unicorn by Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Elissa Elwick
Meet Izzy the Inventor in the first of a laugh-out-loud series that brings together science, magic and a very lovable unicorn. Packed full of illustrations and easy-to-read text, this series is perfect for beginner readers and fans of Isadora Moon and Rainbow Magic.
Izzy the Inventor LOVES science and does NOT believe in magic. That is until the day her Fairy Godmother appears and sends her to Fairytale Land to rescue Prince Charming from the Mountain of Doom, with an enthusiastic unicorn as her guide. To succeed, Izzy must use her science skills to outwit trolls, goblins and a bottomless lake of despair. But her quest will also teach her about the power of friendship and that we all need a little magic in our lives...
Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey
Antarctic penguins Pablo and Splash are polar opposites and besties for life. Pablo is a home-bird and a careful planner. Splash is easily bored and hungry for adventure. Sick to her flippers of the harsh, freezing weather, Splash persuades Pablo to go on a holiday with her. But far from the luxury beach destination that Splash has in mind, the pair end up in a time-travel machine that takes them back to the age of the dinosaurs! Suddenly their icy homeland doesn't seem so dull ...
A fantastically funny, full-colour graphic novel about time-travelling penguins, which young fans of Dog Man or Bumble and Snug will love. This is the first book in a series and further time-travel adventures await for Pablo and Splash.
Recycle and Remake by DK Children's
This gentle, but empowering book is full of creative making activities, information, and ideas that give young eco-warriors (like you!) the know-how to really help the environment.
You will soon be saving trees by making your own seeded recycled paper from junk mail, cleaning up the oceans by turning old carrier bags into kites, friendship bracelets, and colourful weaved baskets, and repurposing a cardboard box into a periscope. You'll also turn an old tshirt into a reusable tote bag so you never need to buy a plastic carrier bag again. You can even grow new plants to clean the air in your own upcycled milk bottle planters and using homemade compost.
Each of the activities directly relates to an environmental hot topic, such as plastic pollution, food waste, or deforestation.
How to Make a Picture Book by Elys Dolan
Ever wanted to make your own picture book? Award-winning author Elys Dolan shows you how - with the help of her very enthusiastic assistant, Bert. From finding a brilliant idea to using colour and space to tell your story, this entertaining guide is packed with activities, tips and jokes. Find inspiration, grab your pens and pencils, and get making!
Bookworms by Nyanda Foday, illustrated by Joelle Avelino
From former Birmingham Young Poet Laureate Nyanda Foday comes this inspirational, poetic introduction to the vital need for every child to see themselves in the books they read.
What does a book mean to those who search for acceptance and understanding? A place to find friends, feel part of a family, or to be your true self. A good book takes you to new worlds, the right one shows you can exist in this one. So for all bookworms – lovers of books – the world is waiting for you.
Sounds Good! Discover 50 Instruments by Ole and Hans Könnecke
Explore music and instruments with this interactive book. Light-hearted, engaging and with 50 original compositions to listen to - from the kazoo to the bassoon.
What does a double bass or a sitar sound like? What’s the difference between bongos and congas? Which one takes just 30 seconds to learn? What do these instruments really sound like?
This book engagingly presents 50 common and uncommon musical instruments with practical and curious facts that will spark interest in music of all kinds. Each instrument features a piece of music composed by an award-winning musician, accessed via QR code.
With instruments presented outside conventional categories, the book is open to all ways of listening and learning. Aspects of history, music theory and culture are lightly mixed with information about how instruments are made and played.
Patrick’s Polka-Dot Tights by Kristen McCurry, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley
Patrick’s tights are smooth and stretchy, purple and polka-dotty, and absolutely perfect for pretend play. But Patrick’s tights aren’t his at all. They belong to his sister, Penelope, who does NOT deserve them. Author Kristen McCurry proves that a pair of tights and a little imagination can provide endless fun in this charming picture book about a boy’s creativity.
Magic Faces: Heroes of the Pirate Ship by Esi Merleh, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq
Open the magic face paints and adventure awaits . . .
Pirate ship or Robot world. Which one will you choose? In each a race to find the prize, will you win or lose? Austin, Alanna, and sausage dog Ozzy have been transformed into pirates! Their mission is to find a golden treasure chest before their time in this world runs out.
When two very suspicious pirates climb aboard the New Leaf ship and start snooping around, Austin and Alanna know they must help their crewmates . . . can they save the ship and complete their mission on time?
This Book Will Make You an Artist by Ruth Millington, illustrated by Ellen Surrey
Paint a still-life like Vincent Van Gogh! Make a polka-dot pumpkin like Yayoi Kusama! This book will make YOU an artist as you explore 25 different art techniques - from cave painting to contemporary performance - inspired by ground-breaking artists from around the world.
Pick up your pencils, collect your collage materials and find out more about some of world's best-known creatives in this fact-filled book full of step-by-step activities that are easy to try at home. Including information about tools, materials and basic art theory, this imaginative book is jam-packed with ideas for aspiring artists everywhere.
Fantastically Great Women: Artists and their Stories by Kate Pankhurst
In this book Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, tells the fascinating stories of some of history's most talented female artists.
· Express your feelings and find your identity through art with Frida Kahlo
· Run away to the circus and paint with Laura Knight
· Help bring talented artists into the spotlight with Peggy Guggenheim
· Challenge racism by creating powerful art with Faith Ringgold
Including comic strips, family trees, maps and more, Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their Stories is a celebration of just some of the women whose creativity and dreams have made a mark on the world. A fantastic gift for girls and boys alike!
Ballet Bunnies: Trixie is Missing by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Binny Talib
It's the day before the big show, and Millie and her friends, the Ballet Bunnies, have a busy day planned ahead. Between a visit to the Costume Shop, a delightful cup of hot chocolate, and a successful dance rehearsal, everything seems to be going to plan. Until Millie checks her bag and finds that Trixie is missing!
It's time for Millie to retrace her footsteps . . .
A Midsummer Night’s Drama by Louie Stowell, illustrated by Isobel Lundie
Bill the Bear lives with his friends in the woods and writes brilliant plays for The Glade Theatre. His latest play is a huge success, but then the problems start . . .
Parents everywhere will recognise the drama of getting an over-excited little bear off to dreamland. A bedtime book for little bards!
Jacob's Music by Katie Thomas, illustrated by Chiara Carapellese
“Jacob is an ordinary boy who lives in an ordinary house in an ordinary village. Jacob is deaf.”
When Jacob’s teacher announces that there will be an end of term music concert, Jacob’s heart does a flip and a flop. Music is his absolute favourite thing and he knows exactly which instrument he wants to play. The violin. However, everyone else has other ideas. Deaf people can’t play the violin! Or can they?
Elisabeth and the Box of Colours by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
Elisabeth loves to paint, just like her papa. She spends hours making her own pictures of everything she sees - the more colourful, the better! But when she goes away to school, she finds herself in a world of grey: grey buildings, grey uniforms, grey rooms... She misses Papa and all the colours of home! And one winter morning, she gets some terrible news that makes her days darker than ever before. Will Elisabeth be able to find the colour in her life again?
