Great Books Guide 2026-27: for 8 to 9-year-olds

Can Postman Planet (secretly a 9‑year-old boy) and Stamp, part-robot part-dog, save the day? Packed with funny action, short chapters and brilliant pictures.

Tiny Hercules has been banished to the human world – can Jeff help him in his epic quest to defeat a lion? Brilliant, action-packed fun with laugh-out-loud moments. 

Every aspect of Ancient Egyptian life is covered in this funny non-fiction comic book. Great fun. 

When Mia discovers that she can change into animal form, she attends Wild Haven boarding school in the enchanted land of Animagia to hone her animagical skills. This exciting, magical adventure centres around kindness, friendship, and animal welfare. 

The clueless but loveable fairy Pip becomes involved in a whirlwind of political intrigue when the fairies’ food stores turn mouldy in this hilariously anarchic full colour graphic novel.

100 funny and thought-provoking questions are explored through playful poetry and characterful illustrations in this superb non-fiction book.

Meet Kid Potato and his pals Chomp and Raven as they plunge headlong into absurd adventures, from befriending an alien to escaping from an out-of-control robotic toilet. Five stories are rolled into this one, hilarious book, which is bursting with boisterous illustrations.

Discover the world’s greenest cities in this inspiring non-fiction book, which is stunningly illustrated.

Superhero koalas, Bob and Archie, put their newly acquired powers to the test when they embark on their first mission: to protect Pawtonia from the evil clutches of supervillain ostrich, Dr Colossus. A wonderfully witty new series of illustrated chapter books for junior readers. 

Ten-year-old Hari Kumar is autistic, has ADHD and dreams of becoming a Bollywood superstar. He’s determined to win the school film competition, even if new boy Cameron keeps stealing all the limelight. Written as a journal and featuring fun, doodle-like drawings, this tale is full of warmth and humour. 

Join Michael ​“The Mic” Rosen and MC Grammar on a ridiculously funny rhyming journey around town in this illustrated poetry book.

Young Will Shakespeare is determined to become the greatest person-who-solves-crimes in the world. When some priceless treasure is stolen, Will and his best friend Tybalt spring into action to catch the thief, in this hilarious, rip-roaring Elizabethan crime caper. 

Welcome to Chicken Hill, where weirdness and mayhem are a part of everyday life. Join Ferdy the inventor and his trusty pets as they investigate strange events in their town in this hilarious graphic novel. 

When Riley Wright joins a new school in Year 4, she is determined to make a best friend and ensure that no one finds out her dad is the new head teacher. Written as a diary, this warm, funny tale is brought to life with dynamic illustrations. 

Alfie and Kat are stranded in Viking times! Can they ever get home? A time-travelling adventure set in a dyslexia-friendly format.

Wanzu and his friends must use the wisdom of nature to save their island home from flooding. An excellent chapter book adventure which champions the power of friendship and the environment.

Korobá and her friends investigate the disappearance of a kolo money box in their fishing village of Makoko in this beautifuly illustrated graphic novel.

Join the animal detectives and solve mysteries from the animal world, such as who stole the sugar from the cafe? An engaging non-fiction fact book with colour illustrations, speech bubbles and cheeky animal ​‘criminals’. 

Sandy and Arjun suspect that grown ups are being replaced by robots. Is Tony Toaster, owner of the local factory, behind this dastardly plan? Join the friends as they navigate lasers, robot whales and a lot of puffin poo to save their town! A very funny, action-packed story. 

A dog’s‑eye view of the world is firmly at the centre of this wonderful, life-affirming tale set in Britain in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.  

When the government legislates to kill domestic cats, it’s time for Pusskin to fulfil his destiny and lead his friends to a place of safety. But the journey is treacherous and the sanctuary they seek may not be as safe as they hoped. 

A collection of 80 John Agard’s poems for younger children taken from eight previous books. 

Any horse-lover will be enthralled by the rollercoaster that is George’s first term at Paddock Grove, an exclusive boarding school for the very best riders. Can she and her scruffy pony, Bear, learn to get along and navigate their intimidating new surroundings?

Join the Diagnosis Detectives on a tour of the human body as they try to find and destroy viruses and bacteria. Brilliantly illustrated and highly informative.

A school talent show, a celebrity guest, a poisoned drama teacher, and a mystery to be unravelled by you the reader. Choose your own path to the truth in this interactive, illustrated mystery book.