A lovely book that explores childhood worries and how to overcome them. It is not until a visit to his grandma's that he learns how to combat his fears with the aid of his imagination – and some tiny worry dolls. This was selected as many children will be able to empathise with Billy and may find strategies to support them in their daily struggles.

Lions aren't allowed at school, but Iris's lion doesn't want to be left behind. He even stows away on the school trip to the museum, causing much madness and mayhem as he hides among the exhibits. This is a warm and funny book, with exquisite illustrations that will delight children across our Trust.

Join Maya and all her friends as they get together at the dojo for their Saturday karate class! Chosen as it is a gorgeous book that celebrates working together with determination to succeed.

Based in our beautiful Northumberland, children will love hearing about the rural adventures of Floss in this stunning picture book. The border collie, having lived as a pup in the city, moves to a Northumberland farm and must learn how to round up the sheep.

Rabbit is your typical rabbit who loves doing normal rabbity things! However, he also loves doing other things as well! When Rabbit disappears, his friends don’t know where he has gone and are left feeling lost and upset! Luckily, there is hope, as Rabbit leaves very special gifts for them to help them discover their own talents! Not only is Rabbityness a beautiful picture book that celebrates individuality but it also introduces children to dealing with loss in a positive way.

This is a lovely story about eight different families, who are all very different. As the story unfolds, we celebrate these differences whilst at the same time the reader arrives at an understanding that they are similar in lots of ways too. A beautiful rhyming text to promote diversity.

This fabulous story is about a boy called Ravi. One day, he unleashes the tiger within! He quickly learns how to understand his feelings and deal with his emotions, giving him the tools necessary to make amends.

A sweet story about a little girl and her family who deal with the challenges of having a family member incarcerated. Chosen to help children reflect on consequences and forgiveness. This book would link well to work in PSHE, RE and topics that explore right and wrong.

This striking picture book will inspire our children to look after and protect the world around us. This heart warming story shows how even the smallest person can make a difference! Mr Hoot lives in a tree outside Ben’s house. When the tree faces being cut down, a young hero fights tirelessly to save the home of the beautiful owl!

This funny story follows squirrel on a mission to find the leaf thief! He wakes one day to find that the leaves on the trees are missing. On his journey to discover the truth, he makes many new friends! This is a great book to help our children learn about how the world around them changes throughout the year!

This beautifully illustrated book shares the perspective of a young boy who would run the country very differently to the adults! It is perfect for inspiring and encouraging aspirations amongst our young children!

This stunning picture book is ideal for introducing children to the carbon cycle.
Our children will love joining Wilson on his journey from the ocean to the sky! The story is perfect for encouraging our young children to look after our planet!

Martha is a little girl who loves to draw maps of her thoughts and dreams! She dreams BIG, of a future where anything is possible! Children will love the detailed pictures, the non-fiction labels and the facts that they discover on each page. The beautiful book celebrates our world and is full of optimism for the future.

This amusing story is about a little girl called Lucy, who goes dress shopping with her Aunt. All she wants is a dress with pockets, somewhere to put her precious objects - for fossils and flints and butterscotch mints! Will Lucy be able to find the ideal dress to embrace her inquisitive nature and marvellous sense of adventure?

This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for introducing our children to the story of H20. The poetry informs and teaches our children, while the stunning pictures engage and capture their attention. A fantastic book of discovery and wonder.

One of the most beautiful picture books around; this book shows how a group of insects deal with an unexpected arrival. Selected because of the stunning illustrations and a way to explore the unknown. This book would link to work in Science but is worth a deep read all on its own just for its sheer surreal beauty.

This charming story, with its gorgeous illustrations, is about a little boy who is the custodian of the night. It is a great story for reassuring those children who are afraid of the dark, as it shows them the night through a different lens.

This enchanting story is about a little boy called Theodore, who loves to make new discoveries whilst out on his little boat. When he discovers a mermaid, he is quickly reminded of the importance of looking after the world in which he livea, as well as the people and creatures in it.

This beautiful tale of friendship helps our children to appreciate and celebrate being different. Maud hides in her cave as she is afraid of flying, but makes a gorgeous new friend in Mouse. This book will immerse your children, with its stunning pictures and captivating story of courage.

A modern classic that spans the world and prioritises kindness. There are lots of lovely details to explore in the illustrations and children will definitely benefit from reading it more than once. Selected to encourage thinking about the wider context of the world, this book links to Geography, PSHE, Art, Science - pretty much everything.

This funny story is about a little boy called Albert who is desperate for a pet. This delightful story celebrates finding companionship in the most unlikely of places. Children will find hilarity in Albert’s commitment to his new pet!

This book is glorious; an absolute delight from start to finish. Nibbles the naughty book monster is eating his way through fairy tales that don’t belong to him. Chosen because we simply couldn’t put it down - the illustrations and layout make it a joy to read. It would link well to work on fairy tales and PSHE but I can promise every child will enjoy it for the main character.

This brilliant, funny picture book is about Barbara. She becomes overwhelmed with emotions, resulting in the Wobbler making its appearance. This heart warming book follows Barbara as she learns how to deal with such big feelings! It is perfect for helping our children understand how to address their own big feelings too.

A beautifully illustrated picture book which divides the world into three sections: big, small and in-between. Chosen to provoke high quality talk about the everyday and faraway world around us. This book makes links to mathematics, science and will be particularly enjoyed by children developing their curiosity about the wider world.

This enchanting story with its stunning illustrations, is about Square. He inadvertently discovers that he is an artist when he makes sculptures out of his blocks. In this clever, funny book, children will be given the courage to follow their own ideas around and express themselves in the medium of art.

This entertaining book is designed to be a little bit funny and a little bit spooky! It tells the story of three friends who play hide and seek. One enters forbidden territory and it is Circle’s job to rescue him. This book is perfect to celebrate those with a sense of adventure!

This quirky picture book is about a bear who sets out in search of his missing hat.
On his quest to find it, he asks many animals if they have seen his hat. One of them is not truthful with him! The beautiful and stylish illustrations, with their muted colours, will delight and fascinate our children.

Adults and children alike will enjoy poring over the gorgeous illustrations in this fabulous book by Jon Klassen. They will delight in the story of the little fish who steals a hat from a much bigger fish! Young readers will find humour when the confident little fish finally gets his comeuppance at the end of the story!

A truly beautiful, gentle book that looks at the impact of industrial employment on family generations. The story is spare but perfectly formed; the illustrations really add to the depth of the tale. A great book to read alongside work on family and human geography.

Polonius, the pit pony, escapes from the coal mine and joins a family of Travellers. He loves his new family and the lifestyle that they offer him. As the story evolves, Polonius really wants to show how much he appreciates his new family! This gorgeous story is perfect for exploring the values of independence, courage and hard work.

In a world which has been drained of its colour, it is us to a team of dedicated children to rebuild a better future that is filled with hope. This stunning picture book is ideal for teaching children about the importance of a thriving community.

This beautiful picture book, written and illustrated by a local author, follows the adventures of Bob, everyone's favourite man on the moon! He knows everything that we need to know about the moon and space, but he is left confused when he discovers a new tree! Children will love following Bob on his crazy adventures.

With its stunning illustrations, this lyrical picture book is perfect for teaching and celebrating diversity. It tells the story of a young Asian girl who notices that her eyes look different from those of her peers'. This exquisite picture book is empowering as it teaches the reader about self love, while drawing upon the strength of powerful women.

This beautiful picture book follows two sisters, Faizah, on her first day of school, and Asiya, her older sister, who wears her blue hijab for the first time. This powerful story celebrates the bonds of family, whilst at the same time is ideal for teaching our children about resilience and being proud of who you are.

The Forgettery is a poignant story that tells the story of Amelia and her grandmother, who has dementia. This heart-warming and beautifully crafted story celebrates the importance of making memories, while at the same time opening up discussions around this sensitive, yet very relevant topic.

A charming picture book that captures a gentle pace of life and examines the importance that every person plays in a community. It looks at the relationship between a father and son as they observe the roles of the people around them. This book would work well with geography, history and PSHE topics but it’s worth a read for the delicious recipe!

This endearing story is about the life of a mighty oak tree that lives at the centre of the community. Sadly, the old tree gets chopped down, but there is hope …. a little girl plants one of her acorns in the community garden. A lovely story to promote caring for the world in which we live.

This is a very poignant story about a hardworking mother and her daughter, who are forced to visit the local food bank. Although the mother is ashamed about visiting the food bank, the little girl is still filled with hope for the future. This very relevant story is essential for developing empathy and understanding amongst our children, for those who are vulnerable in our community.

This exquisite picture book is about a polar bear who finds himself away from home, stranded in the woods. The other animals are initially frightened of him and think him to be odd. One day, he crafts wings out of the leaves that he has been collecting and attempts to fly back home using them. A heart-warming story about helping outsiders, while also highlighting the plight of polar bears in today's changing climate.

This beautiful anthology contains a powerful collection of poems about nature. Dreaming forests, bouquets of buried stars, the brushed lava fur of a mountain gorilla … these are but a few of the stunning images that the poetry conjures. This exquisite book will inspire our children about our wonderful word of nature, while also promoting a lifelong love of poetry.

This is an empowering story that introduces our children to the world of engineering. Zara travels around the city with her gran and learns about some of the brilliant engineers in her world. This inspires her to make her own incredible inventions. This book is perfect for complementing STEM and celebrating great women in this field.

This lyrical book takes children on a fascinating prehistoric adventure. It contains an excellent collection of poetry, information and vibrant illustrations about dinosaurs and palaeontology. This book is perfect for inspiring our students to discover our prehistoric past through a new lens.

A perfect compliment to work on the world around us, this book encourages the reader to slow down and observe the wonder in the world around us. Taking different elements of the natural world as its focus, each element is explored in glorious detail. The illustrations grab the reader’s attention but the vocabulary rich text is the real star.

Children will enjoy this beautiful picture book as they embark on an epic adventure in a submarine to visit the oceans. This book introduces children to different bodies of water and the creatures and plants that inhabit them. The colourful illustrations will captivate our readers and highlight the importance of looking after our beautiful oceans.

Kitty’s mum is a superhero. Kitty is desperate to be like her mum, but she is afraid to go out at night alone. This gorgeous story follows Kitty as she overcomes her fears, making friends along the way. This story is perfect for inspiring friendship and bravery amongst our children in a world unbeknown to us!

In the midst of winter, the animals are suffering - they are cold and hungry, The Crow bravely sets off on a perilous journey to find the Sun, and beg for warmth. This beautiful picture book shows how courage and kindness are what really matter in our world.

This stunning book is about a little girl called Nyla, who leaves her home in the country to live in a big city. Nyla desperately misses what she has left behind, until a comet makes its entrance!

This delightful story is about a sea-born creature, who never quite belongs. As the book unfolds, she discovers who she really is and finds her true home. This book is perfect for celebrating differences amongst our children.

This uplifting, rhyming story is set in a fairytale world. Its main character, Wolf loves to read. He soon realises that in most of the stories he reads, the heroes are handsome, tough and strong. When a giant invades his library, Wolf, the unlikely hero saves the day. This book is ideal for challenging stereotypes and inspiring courage!

Beast Feast is a delightfully funny book! It is about a Beast who catches a tasty dinner - a child! As the story unfolds, Beast’s friends write him letters instructing him how to cook dinner. The children will love opening the hilarious letters and watching an unlikely friendship unfold as the child suggests different meals for him to try!

This excellent anthology of poems is designed to be read aloud. There are a range of poems to perform, with tongue twisters that the children will find funny. This book is perfect for inspiring our young poets, with its contemporary illustrations and its humorous content. A must read for KS1.

In this clever and fascinating book, Joseph Coelho presents us with some fantastic tales using just ten words. Each story is furnished with a stylish illustration that will unlock the imaginations of our young readers. This book is perfect for inspiring creativity in future writers.

In this surreal tale of cooperation, a mouse is swallowed by a wolf. When inside the wolf's tummy, he meets Duck who has made a home for himself inside the wolf’s belly. He quickly learns that life is not so bad until the hunter arrives and threatens to hurt Wolf. The children will not only find this stunning picture book hilarious, but they will also learn about the value of working together.

This funny story is about two boys who are searching for something exciting but they keep missing! This tale is perfect for teaching our children about resilience and working together. They will also enjoy poring over the stunning illustrations, with the illustrators beautiful attention to detail.

This visually stunning picture book is a story of Turtle and Armadillo. Turtle loves standing in a particular spot and invites his friend to stand in the same spot too. This funny story, along with its well crafted illustrations, will engage both teachers and students alike.

Our children will love this version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, with its beautiful pictures and hilarious content! Barnett and Klassen superbly write a fantastic twist to this traditional tale that will engage and intrigue our KS1 children. This is a perfect picture book for inspiring our children to be creative in a fun way!

George, a nine year old boy, works in a local mine. Not long after he starts work, a terrible storm leads to flooding in the mine. He is left trapped in the dark! George spots a shadowy figure that seems to be telling George to follow him. The big question is, ‘Should he?’ This intriguing story was chosen due to the setting being similar to our own local heritage!

Alfie is 1000 years old and has lived through history but after losing his mum, all he wants is to be like any other child and grow old. We chose this book to celebrate the work of a brilliant local author as the children also stumble upon place names they may recognise from the north east.

This story, written by a great local author, is about Oskari, a 13 year old who is sent into the wilderness on an ancient test of manhood. Armed with just a bow and arrow, he must survive. However, his test takes a turn, when he finds an escape pod from a burning airliner: Air Force One. Terrorists have shot down the President of the United States. Children will be gripped by the tale of Oskari and the President as they are hunted by a deadly enemy.

This charming story is about Nanty Solo - she can turn children into birds. The children very much want to fly - they are free to soar, hope, and explore. Soon the terrified parents see their lives through a different lens, and soon reach the realisation that they want to say yes to life too. This heartwarming tale is perfect for encouraging our children to find joy in what they do and take chances.

Sade has been escaping into an imaginary world ever since her mum sadly passed away. She ventures into a magical world, filled with beauty and adventure. However, her normal world is falling apart - her relationship with her dad is hard, and children at school are cruel and unkind. This beautiful story tackles big feelings, showing our children that it is better to share our feelings and emotions.

An inspirational poetry anthology that encourages children to take joy in their identities.Ranging from body image to heritage to individuality; these beautiful poems will delight and provoke deep thinking. Featuring work from Jason Reynolds, Jay Hulme, Nikita Gill and many others. A powerful read for when time is short and you want to leave the children with something to ponder.

Written as a collaboration between the author Rebecca Westcott with the diary entries of 11 year old Libby Scott; this book focuses on the life of Tally and how she experiences the world as an autistic person. Encouraging empathy and understanding that will appeal to all children.

The tales behind some of our favourite foods; the book is a fully illustrated exploration of the myths and folklore that inspired Chinese food. Separated into course like a Chinese menu, these stories will delight and surprise all readers. An unforgettable book that will draw the children in and provoke a deeper interest in the food we eat and the diversity of cultures all around us.

An absolute classic; based on a true story. In 1941, an angry boy called Joseph is sent to live in a run down zoo with a woman who does not like children. As the bombs fall, Joseph builds a bond with Adonis, the Silverback Gorilla who lives in the zoo. A wonderful story about the power of kindness; be prepared to think about this one for a long time after you have finished reading it with your class. A great book if you are studying World War II but it will resonate with all children’s innate sense of justice.

A beautiful and very clever picture book about evolution and the impact of human intervention. A lyrical model of Darwin’s theory of natural selection; this book repays being read more than once - each time a new detail, a new understanding is revealed. Accessible to all but with ambitious vocabulary and deep scientific understanding behind the poetry of the language. A really great book to deepen scientific enquiry and encourage curiosity.

A moving picture book that offers understanding rather than a solution. It follows a boy with a stammer who has had a difficult day with his speech and the emotional impact on him. Through the loving and positive relationship with his father he comes to have a different perspective on his speech. Just beautiful; a really caring, beautiful book which promotes empathy and acceptance.

An absolute page turner: adventure, mystery,loyalty, betrayal, hilarious narrator - this book has it all. Told from the perspective of Maggie, the forgotten middle child, living within a protected enclosure whilst a war rages outside. Her world changes forever when she meets an outsider in need of help. A great story to get children to think about how they become who they want to be.

Take your class on a tour of the world from your classroom. Travelling through deserts, mountains, polar wildernesses and the blue ocean, you will discover the infinite variety of life that class it home. Interspersed with the stories of children and adults who have taken action to protect the planet we call home. A great book to dip in and out of.

An illustrated guide to the process and people involved in making a book; from the acquisition, to artwork, to printing and publicity. A book to inspire curiosity about the number of people and processes involved in making an everyday object. Great to use alongside a book making project, careers work and exploring the world around us.

An enthralling tale of dark magic, myth and adventure. Isabella and the Isle of Joya will stay with you long after you have finished the last page. The world built by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is so rich and full; the characters nuanced and fascinating yet it is the fast-paced action that really keeps you reading. For lovers of mystery, exploration and bravery.

Part poem, part sketchbook, part story; this is a warm-hearted book from established author Michael Morpurgo. It follows Pippa through a day, as she stays in the country with her Aunty Peggy. We encounter wildlife, people and places; all complimented by poems from a selection of authors. A really, rich reading experience to share with a class community.

A beautifully illustrated mythological non-fiction book that explores and explains the world and behaviour of dragons. This book reveals everything you need to know about observing and communicating with dragons. The illustrations are detailed and engaging but the text is the real star of the show. Everyone will enjoy this book.

Set in a world of magic, dragons and spells our story starts with a boy in disgrace. Patch Brightwater has been thrown in jail for casting a forbidden spell but he realises a greater danger is about to befall them all. With the help of his friends, both human and otherwise, he sets out to prevent disaster. A classic fantasy adventure story.

A groundbreaking illustrated encyclopaedia of Greek mythology that brings an ancient subject to life. A selection of Olympians, gods, goddesses, heroes, mortals and monsters. Each double page spread vividly lays out a detailed exploration of each subject. A book to read over a few sittings and enjoy over multiple reading sessions.

Travelling back to the time of the Vikings, we follow Arthur as he finds the courage to defend his village and defeat the mighty beast Fenrir. Part picture book, part comic book with perfect illustrations by Joe Todd Stanton. A great way to enrich Viking work or to revisit a favourite subject. A quicker read for when time is short but it will quickly become an often requested book.

A twisted version of the classic fairy tale by children’s laureate Joseph Coehlo. Beginning with the death of Cinderella, she is granted three nights by the Shadow of Death to seek revenge on her cruel sisters. A haunting and humorous tale, that is just dark enough. An enjoyable way to freshen up a familiar story for older children.

A hilarious, laugh out loud story about a biscuit factory that might be a portal to another dimension. Haddie is on a mission to prove that the local factory is a super secret science lab and the cause of the arrival of orange monsters about to send the world kablooey! Great fun; a story that will have a class desperate to hear more.

The first of a series that features Lin, the cutest Panda in the world. She is so adorable that she is shipped to the nearest zoo, leaving her brother behind, to be ogled at by the public. She decides to become the worst panda ever in an effort to change her destiny. Everyone will love Bad Panda and will be following her every step of the day.

An absolutely glorious story about a boy who starts to count and simply can’t stop. Brandon often shows off and he is challenged to count to ten million; from there all kinds of surprising things start to happen. An interesting idea that is a great, enjoyable read.

A treat for fans of folklore and the beautiful illustration of Jon Klassen. Based on a Tyrolean folk tale but adapted for a modern audience. A brave girl named Ottila has escaped from terrible danger and after finding herself lost in the cold, dark forest she reaches a house inhabited by a talking skull. The tale is dark and spare but also charming and surprising. A great read for a dark afternoon.

A moving story of the love and connection between a boy and his pet. When Peter has to move to his grandfather’s house due to the war he has to leave Pax behind but after one night he sneaks out: determined to find his beloved friend. A profound story in the line of Charlotte’s Web and Watership Down. an emotional read that will really provoke an emotional response in the reader.

The glorious combination of Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen creates a picture book of emotional depth and humour. Lazlo is afraid of the dark but it usually stays in the basement; until one night it visits him in his room. A satisfying ending to a story with sparse poetic language and almost film like illustrations. It should become a firm favourite.

This picture book tells the story of Annabelle who discovers a box of yarn on a grey, dull day. She first knits herself a jumper but finds a multitude of uses for the ‘leftover’ yarn. An allegory for the never ending nature of love and giving and the way it can change a culture and a community. A thought-provoking story with beautiful illustrations and a warm-hearted centre.

This fun and colourful picture book will make learning French exciting for the youngest children. Monsieur Roscoe is planning a birthday party for Fry the goldfish, but she's disappeared! Help Monsieur Roscoe and his friends search the city for Fry, learning lots of new French words along the way.

This amusing picture book is ideal for budding rock music lovers. Children will love the laugh-out-loud chaos that Badger causes on his quest for a musical home. It is perfect for teaching our young readers how it is important to celebrate identity and self-expression.

‘Meet the Planets’ is a giggly and exciting way to introduce space to young students! The stunning, brightly coloured illustrations take you on a whizzing journey through our solar system and the lyrical rhymes make for a super fun class read-along!

This beautiful book inspires children to think about what they might like to say "thank you" to, too! In this happy and hopeful picture book, we see the world through a child’s eyes. He thanks all of the things that give him joy – the sun, his bicycle, the jelly in his bowl, and so much more. It is ideal for teaching our children about showing gratitude and appreciation for the things we enjoy.

This exquisite story teaches our children that people are nature. From the water we drink to the trees we climb, we are connected to the natural world in big and surprising ways. With simple, poetic text, and exquisite artwork, this stunning book introduces our children to these connections - ideal for sparking their imaginations and starting conversations.

This lighthearted fairytale is a funny story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden. This heartwarming tale about animals and adventure, teaches our children about kindness, while celebrating the natural world.

This is a beautiful picture book about finding - and holding on to - friendship. It is the perfect story for teaching our children that true friends always find their way back to one another, and there are no truer friends than Pip and Egg.

This stunning picture book celebrates the awesome power of nature, while gently introducing young children to the concept of life and death. It is about a young child and their dog who spend a year watching Kingfishers with their Grandpa. As the seasons progress, his grandchild learns about nature and the circle of life.

This is a wild and wondrous story is perfect for teaching our children about true bravery and discovering friendship in the most unexpected of places, perfect for adventurers and the more timid alike.

This wonderful story is great for teaching our children about perseverance and problem solving. Izzy and Fixer are back for more machine mayhem . . . While their fellow contestants at the Invention Convention are intent on making shiny new things using old power, can Izzy and Fixer build a recycling machine fuelled by nature... AND win the coveted Genius Guild badge along the way?

The river twisted and turned through the forest. Alex and Jo saw lots of extraordinary birds, but none were the Rainbow Bird. A vivid and beautiful story that is a gentle nudge to wildlife conservation. Alex and Jo set out on a spectacular riverboat journey to help find the elusive Rainbow Bird, along the way they discover extraordinary and magical birds that award winning author and illustrator Nora brings to life in a wonderland-esque style. A celebration of hope and the protection of wildlife, The Rainbow Bird story comes from Norway-born Nora’s fascination of birds, dreams of flying and being taught about animals by her biology-professor father.

‘Somebody woke Wilson’ follows poor Wilson on his not so fun journey through our modern world. An exciting, colourful introduction to the science behind our climate, cars and even cows? Young readers will love trying to spot Wilson the carbon atom on every page too!

Growing up in Scotland as a young girl, Evelyn was surrounded by music and her talent and passion flourished. But one day, her ears began to hurt. Evelyn was told that she would never be able to play music and that she would need hearing aids for the rest of her life. Despite the odds that were facing her, Evelyn, determined and resolute, decided to create her own story. She knew that sound and touch weren’t that different, she just needed to find a new way to listen… With stunning illustrations by Devon Holzwarth, capturing the emotive and visceral impact of the world that surrounds Evelyn. The book beautifully finishes with a personal note from Evelyn herself.

A heart warming story about a boy who just wants to fit in, Lucas has perfect grades and attends a perfect school but home life isn't so perfect. Join Lucas on a journey of discovery, because what's so good about being perfect anyway? Beautifully illustrated, this book celebrates the mistakes and the hustle and bustle of life!

This stunning picture book is about brother-sister dynamics. They misunderstand each other, struggle to communicate, and they fight. Afterwards, there’s a lot of hurt, heavy feelings and loneliness. In order to escape their constant rowing and clear his head, the boy often retreats to his bedroom where he writes his stories. Terrible Horses is a beautiful and powerful story about managing anger and learning to see someone else's perspective.

A beautiful and brightly illustrated story that discovers the importance and love of being outside. Outside is a place that nobody thinks much about… Inside is much more important. Until suddenly, no one is allowed to go outside and everything changes… With a reflective nod back to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, this picture book unites us back to a time when many of us rekindled our appreciation for being outside. Bee Chuck’s illustrations capture the world of the story in a delicate and emotive way, with popping colour and vibrancy.

This picture book is an uplifting celebration of love in all its forms and is perfect for any child who has a special grown-up in their life. Chloe loves her uncle, but he is going to be getting married to his boyfriend. She is not at all pleased as she worries that he will no longer have time to play with her anymore. After spending a fun-filled day with Bobby and Jamie, she soon realises she's not losing an uncle, but gaining a whole new one! This book is perfect for celebrating diversity and new beginnings.

This book provides a truly fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of children from around the world and is a wonderful way to foster respect for those different cultures. The inclusion of photos of the actual families at the end is such a thoughtful touch also!

This beautifully illustrated story is about friendship, where a bird-loving boy meets a bird-loving girl. He loved to listen to birdsong, as did she - sometimes the best song is the sound of a new friend. This heart warming book is ideal for teaching our children about welcoming new friends.

Setsuko is a little girl who loves the sea, but she worries that her friends have chosen to abandon her way of life. Then she meets a whale who also fears he is the last of his kind. In return for giving him hope, he gifts her a song which she uses to remind people of the beauty of the ocean. An inspiring story about friendship and stewardship.

A wonderful traditional tale that showcases a under represented community. When a travelling family have a run of bad luck they look to Yokki who shows them that believing in magic and each other can change everything. Beautifully illustrated this story shows how creativity and a sprinkle of magic can truly lift you up and give you hope.

’The Tree Keepers’ is a beautifully illustrated picture book that follows Sylvia as she befriends a baby starling called Scruff. Sylvia would rather play her favourite games by herself but soon finds that sometimes opening yourself up to new people can open up a world of adventure and friendship.

This is a gorgeous feel-good story about a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams. It is a beautifully illustrated story about a dog who thinks he is a ballerina! A great picture book for encouraging our youngest of children to be aspirational.

Our spotlight poet tells the story of Luna and her love of dancing. When Luna dances, she feels like the world’s volume turns up, like all colours brighten, like sunlight sparkles behind every cloud. But when she takes her dance exam she ducks, dives, spins and... falls. Luna thinks she can't be a real dancer now. Can Luna's family convince her otherwise? This is an inspiring story to celebrate every culture and every style of dance, featuring a glorious fold out carnival page.

This beautifully illustrated book is an amusing story about a little girl who makes an unlikely new friend when her parents are too busy to listen. The pancake eating purple rhino will win the hearts of young readers, showing them the importance of love and friendship.

This is an empowering picture book that challenges gender stereotypes. It is a story about a feisty princess who escapes the clutches of her controlling prince. Forget about pretty dresses, fairytale weddings and grand balls, Princess Sue is all about adventure, mischief and making unusual friends.

This is a heartwarming picture book that children will find hilarious, whilst at the same time, contains pertinent lessons about kindness. Duck finds that someone is living inside a Teapot and relies on friends to discover the truth about the new lodger!

This hilarious picture book is ideal for anyone who laughs out loud at the word POO! This very funny book will easily captivate the attention of our youngest readers!

This delightfully funny rhyming book will delight our children in EYFS. Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals - and now a whole zoo has moved next door! She spends a large part of the story shooing them away. However, when the bothersome animals are gone, she does not feel quite as expected.

This wonderfully witty counting book will amuse and captivate our young readers! Ten very unfortunate teachers have missed the last bus home and foolishly decide to take a shortcut through the forest, unaware that in the woods a hungry horde of mischievous and hilariously goofy monsters are waiting!

This is a warm and playful story that is perfect for inspiring little stargazers. It is about a little girl called Luna, who loves the sky and finding out about all the wonders she can see above her. The local villagers can't stop worrying about the mythical Sky Dragon who is said to dwell in the sky. Can Luna share her love of the stars and convince them that there is nothing to be afraid of?

An empowering story following Frankie and her family getting ready for a party. The beautifully bright illustrations in ‘The Spectacular Suit’ are brilliantly eye-catching for young readers! As the day of the party gets closer, Frankie’s excitement turns to nerves as she realises she doesn’t feel comfortable in any of her clothes, but her Mum, Big brother and Big Sister are there to make sure Frankie has a day that is just as spectacular as she is!

‘Write your story. Hold your pen. No ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’, just ‘what?’ and ‘when?’ Scale that cliff and climb that hill, Believe you can…..and then you will!’ Gail the snail shows us that we can do anything that we put our minds to! A wonderful tale all about hard work, self belief and dreaming big!

This story allows our youngest readers to reach for the stars and learn all about space. It mixes STEM topics with a gorgeous story of figuring out your place in the world. A perfect introduction to space for the next generation of space travellers, whoever they may be!

This story is a reminder that we can make anything ‘extraordinary’ from picking daisies, to playing out with our friends or picking up a book. This beautifully illustrated story shows us that there is beauty and comfort in the day to day.

Our youngest children will delight as they embark on a journey into space aboard rockets, space capsules, satellites, rovers and more. The simple rhyming text and engaging illustrations is perfect for introducing children to the spacecrafts and missions that have changed the way we understand our universe.

This colourful book is about a brave little mini beast. It is a beautiful story about a tiny tadpole who is growing up, branching out, and taking a leap into life. A must have read!

This beautifully illustrated picture book is about an endearing monster called Morris. It is a story about friendship and support through challenging times. The white monster made of mist helps a young girl settle into her new home by enjoying many happy adventures together. A perfect story to teach our youngest children about healthy relationships.

This is an inspiring story about hope and the power of creative expression. After a cold, dark winter, a young girl brought some chalk outside. On every inch of the concrete, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens - a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete. This is a charming story about finding optimism after a dark spell, and the nurturing power of community friendships in an urban setting.

As the sun begins to set over the garden, the tomatoes are tucked in, the cucumbers are calm, and the beetroots are simply beat. But what’s got them all so exhausted? Celebrate the turning of day to night in this perfect bedtime ritual for plants - and humans - everywhere!

An inspiring look at how we are all connected and how our choices matter. Stunningly illustrated and poetically written, Love, The Earth gently approaches the environmental challenges that we face while showing us the beauty of the world around us.

This story is about a polar bear who finds himself lost in a big concrete city. A little girl takes the homesick bear and cares for him. This is beautiful story that teaches us about the power friendship has to help you feel found, and even to transport you home.

This is wonderful picture book to help children learn how to be a stewart of the earth. It is a perfect book to teach our youngest children about ecology and biodiversity and how through rewilding we can bring nature back to our gardens.

A beautiful book that shows there are many different kinds of families, and no matter what your family looks like you are loved. A wonderful book about adoption with a positive and loving message of acceptance throughout, with illustrations showing a world of difference while showing the positive impact of adoption.

In this amusing story, a little girl’s love of dim sum spills over into her dreams, taking her on a fantastical food filled-adventure. There are dumplings, baos, buns and more tasty treats than one girl can possibly eat. But before Liddy can take a bite, she slips and falls into a bowl of dumpling filling. The chefs are so busy making dim sum, they don't notice they've prepared a most unusual dish for the Empress ‒ a Liddy dumpling!

‘Lubna and Pebble’ is a heartwarming story of friendship, family and hope. Lubna loves Pebble so much and when a new boy joins the ‘World of Tents’ she knows that a smile from Pebble might be just what he needs. The gorgeous illustrations in this picture book show how powerful friendship can be, especially when you’re afraid.

This gorgeous book depicts child-friendly yoga poses and breathing techniques, designed to help children control their emotions.

This beautiful picture book shows how smallest people make the biggest difference. Mr Hoot, a magnificent owl lives in the tree outside Ben’s house. When grown-ups want to chop down Mr Hoot’s tree, Ben has to act fast to save him. This inspiring story shows how we can all protect the wildlife that lives all around us.

This beautifully illustrated book can be used to teach children about new beginnings, friendship and finding ways to cope with fear.

This enchanting and heart-warming story is about a father and son who want to reach for the stars. Together, the pair builds a ladder, tower, jump on pogo sticks, to find a way to make their dreams come true. This will warm your hearts whilst teaching resilience and problem solving.

Tongue twisters, red robots and a slime takeover! This fabulous ‘Poems Aloud’ book is a joy to share as it explores just how amazing and accessible poetry can be! Joseph is a master at introducing the everyday and making it fun through a rhyme or a one word poem.

With joyous illustrations, marvellous creations and silly characters, this book introduces numerous new styles of poetry and encourages experimentation to allow creative ideas to run wild. Children can have a go at performing in front of an audience, perform in front of your mirror alone, or perhaps even put pen to paper and try out a new poetry form discovered in this book.

The War Next Door takes on the perspective of a street bully, Masher. unchallenged and territorial. Until one day Jemima's family roll into the street. Jemima is unflinching and soon there is reason for the parents to be at war, which causes shenanigans up and down Storey Street. Can the children work through their differences and can Masher change for the better, this is a fun and thoughtful story to encourage change and understanding that people are usually more than one thing.

An engaging and familiar setting for children to learn about fact-checking and doing their research if something funny seems to be going on! Great for curious minds and those more inclined to enjoy non-fiction as it brings the two together, and flips the script on the infamous baddy ‘Wolf’. It can be applied to introduce an area of science as it dives into materials and methods and children will feel motivated to get to the bottom of things and clear Wolf's name.

When a chocolate cake goes missing, nine-year-old Maggie McKay gets the blame. But when entire vegetable plots are devoured overnight and even her friend Fred's grandad's disgusting courgettes are gobbled up,Maggie decides an investigation must be launched! A chapter book with hilarious illustrations, a fun read for your class!

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a rabbit and a bear and how friends can go on an adventure to find the perfect world, which might be one made of chocolate, only to find that the world that they already live in is perfect…almost. This lovely story is brilliant for LKS2!

In book two of this very funny series our heroes are off to the Egyptian Underworld. Vesper and Aster have to rescue the Sun God and if they don’t save him in time, they become mummies! This story would be great for classes who love history and hilarity!

This funny crime series is about a well-behaved child who doesn’t fit into his family of criminals - featuring a prison break, a diamond heist and a lie that saves the day. The Pincher family love to steal things. It’s what they are born for! When his parents leave to visit the diamond exhibition, Theo's heart sinks. After breaking Grandma out of prison, Theo sees no alternative but to stop his parents stealing the diamond. His shout of “Stop! Police!” brings them only delight - Theo's lie has shown he is a true Pincher. This story is the perfect mix of adventure, silliness and everyday family life.

‘The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions: Real Life Adventures in Curiosity’ By Isabel Thomas Illustrated by Aaron Cushley Isabel Thomas’s fantastically funny and informative answers are matched with bold, inviting illustrations by Aaron Cushley to create a glorious compendium of weird and wonderful facts that you will want to read again and again. A fun and informative book, fascinating for children and parents alike, Isabel Thomas comes to the bedtime question rescue! Answering many tricky queries. The book features a handy contents page, navigating you to each colourful page with fabulous illustration and quirky detail. Linking readers to science and encouraging impossible, serious and silly questions.

We thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced and exciting adventure! We loved the nods to the North East (including Alan Shearer the hamster!) and the hilarious storyline. A great story to share or read independently, even without prior knowledge of the previous book, Time travelling with a Hamster.

A thought provoking, often nail biting adventure full of mystery, warmth, heart and a strong sense of conscience. Set within Peru, Daykin takes the reader on an adventure following Scottish girl Maya and a young Peruvian native boy Raul. When Raya’s fathers logging company becomes responsible for the destruction of Raul’s village, Maya and Raul must learn to trust each other to stop the corruption from creeping onwards. With vivid descriptions of the jungle humidity, sights, smells and textures this book is a great read with strong messages about our environment.

You will have heard of Thor, Medusa and Hercules. But what about the myths of the British landscape? From the origins of England, Scotland and Wales to Merlin, Arthur and even the Humber and how Grimsby got its name. And of course, the myths surrounding the stonehenge this book tells us all about the heroes and monsters on our doorstep. A book with a fantasy element, when giants lived and mythical creatures roamed.

Based on the daring 1910 Manchester-London air race, this wacky story follows twins Kitty and Harris who discover a dragon's egg, which could be the solution to Kitty's dreams of being an aeronaut and Harris' wish to see a dragon. When they enter the first ever air race, Kitty's longing to fly comes true and they are one step closer to winning the big prize money but will their dad stop them from competing in this daring feat? A thrilling blend of historical and fantasy fiction, this imaginative story is sure to thrill all readers with its dragon's sized twists and turns, adventure and loveable character. This book has been designed to be dyslexic friendly with an engaging layout and beautiful illustrations throughout that will empower readers to join the adventure and aim for the sky.

This wonderful story is set in a fantastical Egypt full of flying carpets and mythical creatures! At home in Cairo, an unexpected gift arrives for Aliya, promising to grant her greatest wish – to know more about her lost parents. To her surprise, she’s whisked off by flying carpet to a parallel Egypt, where she’s enrolled at an academy for . . . time-travellers! But while she’s there, an enemy is watching – a master of forbidden magic!

The Street Beneath My Feet invites us all to think about the earth that we walk upon. This incredible book’s pages fold out to illustrate the ‘Street Beneath My Feet.’ This narrative non-fiction book begins in the city on one side and the countryside on the other. Taking the reader all through the earth and out the other side.

Entertaining and educational this book vividly brings to life the story of our bodies, covering topics such as muscles, senses and the beginning of life. With beautiful and informative illustrations, accessible explanations in fun poems and a summary page of each chapter this book brings engaging storytelling to science. The characterisation of parts of the body and day to day examples of how our bodies carry us through play, eating and exploring our senses will empower children to engage with the scientific wonders of our bodies.

The Crown is a message to the world from our future selves. A beautiful but challenging book on how we look after the world around us and what we are passing on to future generations. Wonderful illustrations and handy tips on how we can all be part of the change.

A truly inspiring book by Rebecca Hui (Forbes 30 Under 30, Cartier Women’s Initiative Laureate and Echoing Green Fellow). Join 12 young social entrepreneurs and learn about the work that they do for people and the planet, with interesting facts and beautiful illustrations on each page. This book will empower young readers to help build a more sustainable world. A foreword by incredible young entrepreneur Jonah Larson, sets the tone of this inspiring book.

Purely striking pictures narrate the journey we follow of a girl’s exploration through her garden one hot summer's day. Our story unfolds with a marching trail of ants who find their way from a discarded apple core to a curious girl and her teddy who are lying in the grass. This discovery unfolds into a series of events involving garden creatures, actions and consequences, ending with the girl’s intrigue as she captures a majestic grasshopper. Tension surpasses interest as the girl comes to understand that wild creatures need to be free from human intervention. Moscow born Tatiana combines her storytelling prowess with her bright and bold illustration in this spectacular book.

A magically illustrated story that takes you on an adventure into a world where science and nature collide. A beautiful book choice for those unsure how to engage with traditional nonfiction books. This story opens the door to adventure, teamwork and never giving up.

A story about think-fast/trust-fast Zelie, their potential for magic and desperate search for their Father, and the larger looming truth about why they were sent far away from home. This is a fast-paced mystery set in the streets (and underground) of 19th-century Paris. Zelie and Jules set about discovering secret societies, breaking codes, and following instincts. There is messaging around trust and when to give it to people, friendships, and holding onto hope.

This hilarious story follows Yusuf, as he attempts to be the ultimate uncle to his sister's new baby, and he has a foolproof plan! With the help of his friends, the school chameleon Chompy, and even his nemesis Bashir the Basher, he knows nothing at all can go wrong... right?

Set in the heart of Swansea, Wales, lives Audrey - a little girl with some big secrets to keep. Secrets that make her one of the best actresses on the planet… Audrey is the sole carer for her increasingly sick mum and her two younger siblings. With the arrival of a mysterious neighbour, behind whose closed curtains and shut front door may lie a spy, Audrey must take matters into her own hands to save her family. Inspired by her beloved collection of stamps, her friendly neighbourhood postman, and her two best friends, Audrey goes on an adventure that will lead her to places she never knew existed. The Letter with the Golden Stamp delves into the fears and hopes of Young Carers everywhere, and the invisible sources of kindness knocking on all our doors.

Travel the world on a plate! This book explores the mouthwatering stories behind some of the world’s favourite foods. This book tells us why there is a pineapple house in Scotland and why tomatoes used to be scary. A look at history in a unique way through the thing that connects us all, food!

David Almond is a local author, whose writing usually focuses on or hints at grief and change through the eyes of a child. Paper Boat, Paper Bird explores what being in a new place and the feeling of a new start can feel like. Mina and her Mum are exploring Japan after losing Mina’s Dad. Miyako is living a parallel life in that he too has lost his mother. This may be a good book for children who feel isolated by their grief. The story also touches on the traditional art of origami, communicating through language barriers, non-verbal communication and connection through places and objects. It's a very relaxing read with beautiful imagery and cultural context. This could be read in one sitting.

BERLIN 1961. Anja and Monika live opposite each other. They play together every day, with Otto the cat. One night they wake up to bangs and shouts. Soldiers are building a huge, barbed wire fence between them. A terrible forever wall that gets longer and higher until it divides the whole city… An atmospheric and emotional story from the author of Nisha’s War, My Friend the Enemy and She Wolf, Dan Smith. This adventure of high stakes is set during the Cold War and follows cousins Anja and Monika as they become parted when the Berlin Wall is built.

A thought provoking, often nail biting adventure full of mystery, warmth, heart and a strong sense of conscience. Set within Peru, Daykin takes the reader on an adventure following Scottish girl Maya and a young Peruvian native boy Raul. When Raya’s fathers logging company becomes responsible for the destruction of Raul’s village, Maya and Raul must learn to trust each other to stop the corruption from creeping onwards. With vivid descriptions of the jungle humidity, sights, smells and textures this book is a great read with strong messages about our environment.

‘Silvester held the puppet up before him. It was as tall as a young child. He held the puppet’s arms out wide. “I wonder,” he said, “what strange kind of story you might be in…” From acclaimed local author David Almond, Puppet is a wonder-filled story of creation. When puppet master Silvester decides to make one more puppet, this one is quite extraordinary… When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. We follow Silvester and Puppet as they explore the town and wonders of the world. Puppet, in turn, also teaches his creator a few lessons too. Illustrated beautifully by award-winning artist Lizzy Stewart, this really feels like a modern-day classic.

This book is an ode to love between best friends and story-fy’s the nature of an argument into a creature, helping children to recognise problems and learn how to overcome them. Sending a beautiful message about friendship, how arguments can effect others and how One Little Word can solve the problem… because friendship and forgiveness always beats “the argument.” A modern fable.

This is an inspiring book that promotes a love of reading. Every week Luna looks forward to one special day: the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves; the day she gets to spend with her dad. Exploring the books, Luna and her dad find magic, mystery and even start to mend their own history.

"With its vivid pictures and zany characters, be prepared to be 'best-befriended' with Dave the lonely monster. Banished from his glory days of causing chaos in the town, Dave turns to knitting, music and his new friendship with the cheeky young knight Percy to fill his days in his retirement cave. Together they restore fun and adventure to the quiet town who realise they have missed Dave's trademark naughtiness. A lively story that celebrates the importance of friendship, embracing your skills and proves that you should never retire from being silly!"

This enchanting book has all the charm and beloved characters from traditional fairytales that children are sure to recognise but they will be excited by their unexpected behaviour. With a brave princess, a friendly dragon and a tiny, slimy hero Sir Lilypad the frog offers a wonderfully modern fairytale from the creators of 'The Worst Princess' that is sure to delight all readers. The story offers an empowering message of self belief and confidence through friendship as well as beautiful illustrations and fantastically funny rhymes, which bring these fantastic characters to life.

A fun and fast paced picture book full of alliteration and silly animals. Everyone knows there’s nothing cuter than a puppy… or is there? This book explores lots of fun examples and suggestions of animals that could be cuter than a puppy from ballerina bears to stripy snails! It’s full of fun and laughs for Key Stage 1 students.

‘Now here’s another story for you, full of such fun and exciting stuff, you will surely love it.’ ‘One morning Banjo was helping his dad to wash the car. Little Elsie came running up. “There’s an egg in my egg cup!” she yelled. “And a great big grey thing… UNDER THE TABLE!” Set in the same world as their celebrated classics, The Pencil and The Runaway Dinner, Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman are back! Under the Table brings plenty of surprise and delight. Ahlberg’s witty charm and magical characters set a playful feel when paired with Bruce Ingman’s bold and bright illustrations. A great story to read aloud, stir up surprise and anticipation as you join little Elsie Cannon and her under the table discoveries!