Spring Recommended Reads

With the National Year of Reading in full swing, this is truly a time to celebrate a love of reading and find that next page turner. Later this Spring and in the early Summer, there are multiple events happening across the country to celebrate reading in all its forms.  From World Book Night on 23^rd April, Elmer Day on 23^rd May and Share a Story month in May, we can help shine a spotlight on the joy of reading encouraging everyone to find that book they can’t put down. 

Our recommended texts, both new and old, for this term begin with The Lost Robot by Joe Todd-Stanton – a stunning picture book bringing together the message of loving yourself and belonging.  With wonderful illustrations, those fans of Wild Robot and the classic Disney film Wall-E will love this latest release about the tale of a little broken robot alone and in search of memories to discover who they are.

In April there’s a new addition to the brilliant ‘The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill’ series called We’re Going on a Teddy Hunt by Martha Mumford and  Cherie Zamazing. This time, the bunnies of Hoppity Hill must search for their missing teddies before bedtime.  A lovely lift the flap book which has all the heart and warmth of previous books in the series, and a great addition to the bedtime story collection.

The theme of identity and belonging is continued in Eva Eland’s latest book Different.  The story follows the life of Mia who wakes up feeling a little different and while she would like to fit in, nothing seems quite right.  One day someone finally sees her and this creates the turning point in the story as we see Mia on her journey towards self-acceptance and knowing that we are rarely alone.  A wonderful book to open up conversations about difference, empathy and inclusiveness.

For KS1 readers, the fun and whimsical story by Sarah Tagholm & Jane McGuinness, We Are The Wibbly will have children giggling through the story as they learn about the lifecycle of a frog.  For those that enjoyed Oi Frog!, this story captures a similar humour and warmth as we follow the tale of one little tadpole on their reluctant journey to becoming a frog.

For avid bakers and cooks, Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong & Xin Yue will have children captured as we follow a little girl’s expedition to buy ingredients for her mother’s wonton soup.  What begins as one girl’s mission to recreate the soup, it soon unites the whole neighbourhood in this gentle story of cooking and sharing. With great repetition throughout it is a lovely book to read aloud.  

With World Book Night coming up, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2026, Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is an apt read for KS1 readers.  Using wonderful rhymes and illustrations that set a warmth throughout the book, this story follows Disgusting Blob at bedtime as he tries to settle down at bedtime, though he’s not the only one who needs settling.  The demons, dragons, Cyclops and cyborgs all need help too!  A book that has charmed all those from the opening lines. 

For KS2 readers, Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra by Nikita Gill and Chaaya Prabhat are the perfect short stories for introducing readers to fables from other countries.  In these tales, we meet elephants and courageous mice, cunning crocodiles and clever monkeys, talkative tortoises and little lapwing birds all through vibrant illustrations all underpinned with strong morals at the end of every story.

We love to see a twist on the classic fairy tales and Rumaysa by Radiya Hafiza does this brilliantly through her empowering mash up of three classic fairy tales that shows that anyone can be a hero if they take charge of the story. The author’s use of rich storytelling language combined with her twist on the classics creates a fresh and modern fairy tale.

For UKS2 readers, Wildlands by Brogen Murphy follows 13 year old Astrid and his little sister Indie as they come to an unexpected stop in the Wildlands – a place no humans are allowed in.  Set in the future, this is a tale about survival against the odds.  A story that has gripped many, the sequel will be released in the Autumn so now is the perfect time to catch up on the first instalment.

After the success of The Final Year, Matt Goodfellow and illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton are back with their new book Six Weeks.  After the death of his mum, Alfie’s world has unravelled and with the summer holidays looming, there’s only one thing he wants to do – get out on his bike and ride.  From start to finish, this is a story full of the complexity of emotions from grief and loss to love and hope. 

For KS3 readers and fans of the hit show Gladiators, Strong Girls: be powerful, be positive, be a team player is the second book by Jodie Ounsley (Fury).  A book of empowerment and a guide for how to find your strength and celebrate it, this book inspires readers to embrace their individuality, overcome self-doubt and recognise the power they already hold within. Following the spirit of This Girl Can, this book can ignite that same sense of possibility – encouraging readers not just to take part, but to own their strength, challenge expectations, and celebrate what their bodies and minds can do.

Bletchley Park has been the setting for many a story and that’s no different for the latest book by S. F. Williamson, For A Language of Dragons.  However, this time the story takes place in an alternative Bletchley Park in 1923 as civil war threatens the peace between the humans and dragons.  As Vivien Featherswallow is forcibly taken to Bletchley Park, she joins a group of misfits working as codebreakers, tasked with deciphering the secret language of the rebel dragons. A gripping Young Adult Fantasy, this will taken readers on a perilous code breaking mission.

Solo by Grainne O’Brien is a novel in verse about teenage love and friendships, lost and found.  A story rooted in the experiences and complexities of friendships, Solo follows the life of Daisy as she encounters difficulties with relationships, her music and family illnesses.  This is a perfect coming-of-age story for young adults.

For KS4 readers, Til Death by Busayo Matuluko is a fast paced thriller with suspenseful storytelling as it follows the nuances and drams of Nigerian family and culture.  As Lara Oyinlola travels to Lagos for her cousin’s wedding, all isn’t quite what it seems as anonymous threats tell her family to cancel the wedding or face dire consequences.  Lara seizes the opportunity to investigate however she isn’t prepared for the level of secrets, crime and near death encounters that are about to come her way.

We love stories which have a close connection and the debut novel by Sufiyaan Salam is exactly that, perfect for Young Adult readers.  Set in Manchester, Wimmy Road Boyz follows the life of three friends as they drive along the Curry Mile aka Wilmslow Road.  Winner of the new writing prize from Stormzy’s publishing imprint, Salam creates a vibrant and highly enjoyable story of one single and unforgettable evening.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and our recommended reads inspire you to read one of these texts in the months ahead. One Education customers can receive 30% off books from our partners Peters. Just visit www.peters.co.uk/oneeducation to find out more and to purchase using our money off code.  

Our specialists can support you to review your existing book stock, ensuring the texts your pupils and students have access to are up to date and truly representative of them and the wider world. For more information about how we can support you and your reading offer, please contact our Literacy Team Leader, Laura Buczko at laura.buczko@oneeducation.co.uk.