Book recommendations for your kids, from other kids

Blake, aged 11, says: A hilarious artistic classic that deserves to be a feature film.

Isaac, aged 7, says: The InvestiGators is the coolest because they have fun and there are lots of other InvestiGator books to read. When you read it you might learn new words and it would make you feel amazed and happy.

We say: What do you call two awesome alligators who suit up and investigate crimes? InvestiGators! Join Mango and Brash as they uncover clues, solve mysteries and catch supervillains, with their colourful crew of co-agents. Set out in a fun comic book style, this series is full of puns, humour and is seriously captivating for kids who love the twists and turns of solving mysteries and catching the bad-guys, as well as exploring teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills.

Max, aged 10, says: This is a very relatable and funny book, and great if you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I read it so fast! Altogether it's an amazing book and I really liked it. I give it 4.6/5 (and the highest I have ever given a book is 4.9/5 so this is a very good score). 

We say: In this laugh-out-loud, highly illustrated adventure from Brian Gordon, Dante arrives at Purg School determined to reinvent himself and finally become cool. His plan? Make loads of friends, ace every sport, and prove all the haters wrong. The catch? His classmates are literal monsters, myths, and legends, and popularity is a whole new ball game. Packed with wild mishaps, quirky characters, and a big dose of heart, this is the perfect pick for ages 8 - 11. 

Jake, aged 5, says: It is very VERY silly. I like the Slug of Knowledge and when I can read some of the words. I am still only learning to read. I read this with my dad. I would really like to try a star fruit for my breakfast.

We say: Welcome to the Isle of Smile! Meet Bash, Dash, Cheery and the gang as they await the unexpected surprise delivered by the Uncertain Curtain. This time, it's a very odd . . . ball? The Mubbles aren't sure what to do with it – but one thing's for sure, they definitely shouldn't press the button that says 'Don't Touch'! New readers will love this brand new full-colour graphic novel by Liz Pichon, the globally bestselling creator of Tom Gates. 

Isaac, aged 7, says: I would recommend the Breakfast Club Adventures: The Beast Beyond the Fence because he wanted to get his ball back (in the story) and he made new friends, which was cool.

We say: Inspired by his own experiences growing up, this is the first book in Marcus Rashford's Breakfast Club Adventures series for young readers. When twelve-year-old Marcus kicks his favourite football over the school fence, he thinks that's it – nothing ever comes back from there. But then he's invited to join the mysterious Breakfast Club Investigators and is pulled into an exciting expedition to find the missing ball.

Maya, aged 10^3/4, says: The plot was gripping and the illustrations had lots of detail and really captured the story. I'd recommend it to other kids who enjoy adventure and action set in the past.

We say: Indiana Jones meets the time travel of Doctor Who in this brilliant series from the co-creator of Adventures on Trains. One night, Sim discovers why he and his mum never stay in one place for very long: she can open doors in time, and the sinister Council of Keys want to find her. Running for their lives and into a time travelling mission to find a lost tomb with a powerful door to Ancient Egypt, Sim and his friends must solve the mystery of the golden heart scarab before the Council finds them. Will their time run out?

Isaac, aged 7, says: It's cute and the cat wants to get its special powers back!

We say: A brilliant adventure for young animal lovers. Can Puffin Lau and her best friend Lance evade money-hungry scientist Professor Smoult and rescue a mythical wildcat called the kuri? This is a beautifully illustrated book about family, nature and friendship.