
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!
Get ready for school with Roo!
Find fun activities for kids and tips for parents in this downloadable pack.
For older children
Fiction, poetry and non-fiction that explores and reassures on the move up to high school
Brilliant books set in school

Death Before Detention
Alison Weatherby
Buy the book
In Case I Go Missing
R. N. Swann
Buy the book
Stitched Up
Joanne O'Connell
Buy the book
Promise Boys
Nick Brooks
Buy the book
The Beast Beyond the Fence
Marcus Rashford
Alex Falase-Koya
Marta Kissi
Buy the book
A Robot Squashed My Teacher
Pooja Puri
Allen Fatimaharan
Buy the book
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit our parenting hub
Your go-to hub for parenting information across all stages and challenges, with expert advice from our authors.
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.
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?






















