Children's Books

Books offer children a wide range of jewels in many forms, ranging from entertainment and inspiration to useful information, and can act as a means to helping them make sense of their own and others' experiences.

Top Books

This section of the site makes recommendations for some of the cream of the great riches we are fortunate to have in terms of children's books, with a series of pages variously focusing on picture books for the young; fiction for kids at various stages in their development; audio books and inspiring non fiction titles. These pages provide a profile of each book recommended and a link to where you can get it from if you like the sound of it.

Additionally, in the Adults Bye-Way section following the featured items below, we point you in the direction of some titles you yourself might find useful or enjoyable.

Featured Books For & About Children

The Book Thief

Written and illustrated by Mick Inkpen, creator of the legendary Kipper books and author of dozens of other titles, the beguiling Penguin Small has been reissued in 2007. While there are no penguins at the North Pole there used to be. This is the story of the last one to leave as he searches for a new home.Check out this and other great kids' books at Waterstones

This volume contains three of Jeff Brown's books in one paperback which features the adventures of Stanley Lambchop, a boy who has a habit of becoming flat - just half an inch thick! These are gentle, simple and funny stories and young readers who enjoy them have a range of other titles featuring Stanley to enjoy. This and other Stanley adventures are available from Waterstones

With well crafted writing Markus Zusak employs an unusual narrator in the shape of the Angel of Death, who finds time amidst an increasingly busy schedule, to tell the extraordinary story of Liesel, a child being fostered in Germany during the Nazi era, and the Jewish boxer hidden in her basement. A masterpiece for older children and young adults. Available from Pickabook

Adults' Bye-Way

Dads, grandads and other adults looking for a wide ranging source of ideas for constructive things to do with the curious and lively lads in their lives will find The Dangerous Book For Boys a goldmine of inspiration and a fascinating read in itself. Author Conn Iggulton has collaborated with his bother Hal to pack hundreds of pages with a huge spectrum of ideas for activities and associated quirky information, which ranges from coin tricks and juggling to making crystals and winning at conkers. Beautifully designed and illustrated, it would also make a lovely present for 8 - 12 year olds. Available from Countrybookshop

Miriam Stoppard's Grandparents' Book gives practical and reassuring advice on how to go about building and maintaining a close relationship with grandchildren. Additionally, this excellent volume provides ideas for days out, holidays and activities to share and enjoy together. Available from Amazon