Brilliant books to read to primary school children

A hilarious, zany picture book about a stoat, a boat and a goat (in a colourful coat!) written in clever rhyme and tongue twister text.

This delightful and very funny cartoon-style guide to food chains is a brilliant introduction to the concept, and gives young readers/​listeners some simple facts about a range of animals and their eating habits, and the natural cycle of life. 

This fabulous book for independent junior readers contains two side-splitting stories about the escapades of the colourful characters of Class 4B, dubbed ​‘literally the worst class in the world’ by headteacher Mrs Bottomley-Blunt. 

Fox siblings Ted and Nancy live in the big city but decide to find Grimwood, a faraway forest where they can lie low. Nadia Shireen’s first illustrated middle grade novel is a brilliantly hilarious and heartwarming tale, full of her trademark anarchic humour. 

Hack and Whack are two terrible Viking twins who love stealing, raiding islands, and being generally horrible! Early readers will love this hysterical trio of stories from the creator of Horrid Henry.

When Pedro the mouse meets the Adventuremice, he has a chance to prove his bravery. Can they stop an otter from terrorising the Mouse Islands? A delightful bite-size adventure vibrantly illustrated in full colour.

Bea Black is unenthusiastic about moving to Little Spellshire and is upset when Dad accidentally enrols her at the wrong school. Full of magical mayhem, this funny tale lightheartedly explores moving home, starting a new school and dealing with bullies. 

This illustrated early reader is fast paced with an inspiring Black superhero and plenty of adventure for young readers just making the transition from picture books, or kids that really love books with dynamic illustrations.

From sugar gliders to red-lipped batfish, this collection of strange and unusual animals from around the world is an enjoyable factfile with lovely illustrations and an amusing read thanks to its rogue narrator, who shares jokey facts and silly names for each animal.

With soft yet dramatic illustrations, and a rollicking rhythm and rhyme to the words, this is a delight to read aloud. It would be suitable for pre-schoolers, but also even up to 8 year olds, with lots to discuss and the sound of the words to enjoy. 

When Princess Minna learns that her neighbour, Prince Welling-Tunboot, has fallen under a sleeping spell cast by a bad fairy, she is keen to help. He must be woken before sunset, or he will never wake again. Princess Minna summons her dragon Lorenzo, and flies to the enchanted forest to rescue the prince. But with several distractions along the way, will she arrive in time?

This hilarious, contemporary interpretation of a traditional fairy tale is hugely entertaining. With short chapters and vibrant, full-page illustrations, it is ideal for children who are transitioning from picture books to early readers.

The mysterious disappearance of some diamonds at her cousin’s henna party gives Zaiba the perfect opportunity to prove that she’s just as good a detective as her Aunty Fouzia. An energetic adventure set against the background of a traditional Pakistani pre-wedding ceremony.

If being good gets you sent to a zoo thousands of miles from home, maybe being bad will get you sent back? Anyone who’s ever been cuddled, smooshed or had their hair mussed up one too many times will empathise with Lin, who is tired of being adorable.

After playing one trick too many, Loki, Norse god of mischief, is sent by Odin to live on earth as an 11-year-old boy for one month to mend his ways. Furious that he must suffer indignities such as attending school and doing chores, Loki struggles to be good.

Pedigree cat Varjak Paw lives in a luxurious mansion with his family, but when trouble comes to their door, he’s forced to escape to the streets to enlist the help of a sworn enemy. A modern adventure which considers what it is to be persecuted for coming from a different culture, and, at the same time, find strength in the wisdom passed down from our ancestors.

Could Tilbury Twitch-Whiskers really be the rat hero to return the legendary diamond and break its curse? A thrilling adventure with a classic feel, set in a richly drawn world of rats.

When 11 year old Addie, who is autistic, learns about the 16th century women who were persecuted for witchcraft, she starts to lobby for a local memorial in her small Scottish village. With the help of a new girl at school, she fights valiantly against injustice and oppression.

High-Rise Mystery is the perfect ​‘whodunnit’. As the two girls sift through red herrings and reveal a series of tower block secrets, short snappy sentences and sparkling dialogue will keep readers turning the pages. A mystery as hot as the summer heatwave in which it’s set!

After reluctantly moving to the tiny village of Knobbly Bottom, Maggie is astonished when she encounters a flock of vampire sheep who are determined to take over the world. This hilarious chapter book, with a fast-paced plot and dynamic black-and-white illustrations, is the first in a fabulously funny series that is perfect for junior readers.

Can Nora and her great grandchildren find the treasure before her dastardly foe? A hoot of an adventure starring an energetic old lady, a determined toddler and a wonky goose. Great fun. 

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an incredible sword-fighter, dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking hero who ever lived.