Our favourite books from the best children’s author list
Malorie Blackman – Betsey Biggalow is here
This lively collection of five short stories about the fantastic Betsey Biggalow is perfect for building the confidence of readers.
She’s small and she’s full of great ideas and she’s known for helping those in need, Betsey Biggalow is sure to win the hearts of all children.
Betsey Biggalow is here is one of the 20 books in our Lime Banded Book Collection.
Rod Campbell – Dear Zoo
An engaging story, in a lift-the-flap format that has been a favourite with young children ever since it was first published in 1982.
Each flap reveals a different zoo animal and directs children on their search for the ideal pet. Simple, stylish and easy-to-follow, Dear Zoo will have children reading for pleasure.
Dear Zoo is one of the 20 books in our Blue Banded Book Collection.
Enid Blyton – The Land of Birthdays: A Faraway Tree Adventure
Part of Blyton’s exciting Faraway Tree series which has been entertaining children since 1939, The Land of Birthdays features illustrations from Alex Paterson.
In the story, it’s Beth’s birthday and it’s time for most magical party they’ve ever seen! Silky, Moon-Face, the Saucepan Man, and all their friends gather in the Enchanted Wood to celebrate in style.
The Land of Birthdays: A Faraway Tree Adventure is one of the 25 books in our Brown Banded Book Collection.
Florence Parry Heide – The Day of Ahmed’s Secret
Heide tells the story of Ahmed, a young man who delivers butane gas to the people of Cairo, Egypt. He keeps a special secret to himself all day, working on his donkey cart weaving through crowded streets, he only wishes to reveal the secret to his parents when he finishes his day at work.
The Day of Ahmed’s Secret is one of the 20 books in our Gold Banded Book Collection.
Frank Cottrell Boyce – The Astounding Broccoli Boy
Rory Rooney is only good at one thing; gaining the attention of the school bully. But when he suddenly turns green, he transforms into a superhero! Because of his increased brain power, movement abilities, and general greenness; Rory is captured and put into hospital isolation.
He meets similar green friends, who must break out to fight injustice in the world! It’s a hilarious and engaging book which has action and morals at its core.
The Astounding Broccoli Boy is one of the 20 books in our Dark Red Banded Book Collection.
Dr. Seuss – There’s a Wocket in my Pocket!
Perfect for children finding their reading skills, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket plays with language in the only way Dr. Seuss could.
A delightful book which explores language for all ages, humour, rhyme, and crazy invention are threaded throughout this unsung classic! Reading for pleasure at its finest.
There’s a Wocket in my Pocket is one of the 20 books in our Purple Banded Book Collection.
Jeremy Strong – Romans on the Rampage: Jail Break!
Croakbag the talking raven and Perilus are Strong’s key characters, he uses them effortlessly to explain the mysteries of Roman life to children. In this book, Perilus and his family are in trouble; his dad has been locked up for stealing from the Imperial Mint!
Strong is a master of comedy and pun-filled prose whilst exploring everyday Roman life. The text is added to by Rowan Clifford’s vibrant illustrations and as a result, children won’t be able to put this one down.
Romans on the Rampage: Jail Break! is one of the 20 books in our Dark Blue Banded Book Collection.
Nick Sharratt – My Mum and Dad Make Me Laugh
He loves grey patternless clothes. His mum is crazy about spotty stuff, clothes, wallpaper, and even games like dominoes. Dad is more of a stripe man, suits, ties, and even humbug sweets. No wonder they seem hilarious to their son!
Excellent illustrations accompany this funny and witty book which touches on confidence and expression.
My Mum and Dad Make Me Laugh is one of the 20 books in our Green Banded Book Collection.
Michael Rosen – Don’t Forget Tiggs! & Bilal’s Brilliant Bee
It’s no surprise that we’re giving a double header to Michael Rosen, the much-loved children’s author.
In Don’t Forget Tiggs! Mr. and Mrs. Hurry are always rushing around; this means they sometimes forget to do important things. Tiggs the cat is their saviour though, always reminding them. Who will feed Tiggs though?
In Bilal’s Brilliant Bee, Bilal fears ‘The Test’. He can’t answer anything on it! But then Bumble arrives; he can answer everything in the world. Laugh-out-loud comedy from Rosen, the story grows to Bilal entering a TV quiz show with Bumble, but what if they win?
Don’t Forget Tiggs! & Bilal’s Brilliant Bee are two of the 20 books in our Lime Banded Book Collection.
Cornelia Funke – The Monster from the Blue Planet
Zaleb has been obsessed with the Blue Planet for a long time. The monsters that live there have no fur, two eyes and two arms – odd! She really wants one as a pet but ends up making a new friend instead.
An entertaining story from Funke that will have children flicking the pages without taking a break.
The Monster From The Blue Planet is one of the 20 books in our White Banded Book Collection.
Our website has a number of Banded Reading Packs which are suitable for all age groups.