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Unlock more of what you love with the National Year of Reading

Unlock more of what you love with the National Year of Reading

Go all in on that new term feeling

Whether you're looking for something to help reassure a four-year-old starting school or an eleven-year-old moving up, advice on caring for children of school age, or some main character energy for older children and teens, books are a great way to get ready for, and get enthusiastic about, the new term.

We recommend: I Am Ready for School! by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Kate Hindley

Get your little one ready for Reception with this fun, read-aloud picture book! From morning drop-off to home-time, join Roo and the class through the day as they eat, play and learn, and master the school routine. If you’re looking for a fun and gentle walkthrough of the school day to excite and reassure your preschooler so they can start school with confidence, this is the book for you – and it has top tips for grown-ups too! 

Find out more about the book

Get ready for school with Roo!

Find fun activities for kids and tips for parents in this downloadable pack.


Download the pack here

For older children

Fiction, poetry and non-fiction that explores and reassures on the move up to high school


Even if your child isn't starting school this September, this is a great time to get the reading bug 

Go all in on shared joy and wonder for babies and toddlers with our book picks

The experience of cuddling up with a loving grown-up, hearing their voice and sharing a story makes children feel wonderfully safe, relaxed and loved, says author Camilla Reid.

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We recommend: Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Lift the flaps and share the joy with your toddler as you discover which animal the zoo has sent you as a pet. There's a mysterious parcel to open on every page and a host of favourite animals to discover. Thick card pages, a chunky cased cover and sturdy flaps make this children's classic perfect for small hands.

Great for those who love: Animals, gentle humour, interactive books and toys, catchy repetition, bright, bold artwork, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Where's Spot? by Eric Hill.

Find out more about the book

Make your own lion mask and more with these Dear Zoo-themed activities

Follow the trail, join the dots and draw some fish to join the jumpy frog in the pond.

Download the activity pack here

For parents

Want advice on it? Read into it. Here are our picks of some of the best books on parenting.

Worried about weaning or too much screen time? We survey the best parenting books to help you out, whatever the issue.

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Visit our parenting hub

Your go-to hub for parenting information across all stages and challenges, with expert advice from our authors.

Take me there


For teachers

Teaching resources and discussion notes

Designed to support classroom and library exploration of a selection of our books, these packs provide a range of engaging, cross-curricular activities linked to key themes, settings and ideas in the texts.

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We believe that whatever your passion, reading is the engine that takes you further

A Single Page

In a world that rarely stops for a breath, it’s easy to overlook the impact of a few simple lines. But for those who live and breathe stories, a single page is often where the magic begins.

We joined up with the social enterprise agency Pictures for the People to explore a simple question:

What can a single page do for you?


Whatever you're into, discover more of what you love with these reading inspiration guides

For children

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Book recommendations for your kids, from other kids

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Seven children's books adults will love as much as their kids do.

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