Great Books Guide Cymru 2024-25: for 6 to 7-year-olds

Follow the adventures of Beti and her baby goat Naughty in this beautifully written and illustrated book as they explore the natural world which surrounds her little round house in the Welsh countryside. 

Femi’s wind machine for Science Day doesn’t always work. Gran has some useful advice – but what will happen at school when it matters? With techniques to calm anxiety, and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book will stimulate conversations about feelings. 

In a wonderful allegorical story highlighting a crucial part of Black history, superstar children’s author Trish Cooke tells a tale inspired by the real stories of enslaved Africans who made patterns in their cornrowed hair, using them as maps to escape their enslavers.

On her way home from school, Maya announces that she wants to be a princess when she grows up. Mum encourages her to consider other professions, but Maya won’t change her mind. Though maybe it’s not a fairy tale princess she’s thinking about. A witty story about inspirational black women.

A beautifully illustrated book explaining how plants evolved and how they work now.

A sausage dog finds out what they are best at in a fun, life-affirming dog adventure for new readers.

Carrie devises an elaborate roller-skating routine to perform at her school assembly, but she’s never roller-skated before and it’s much trickier than she thought. This delightful, illustrated chapter book about friendship and perseverance is ideal for dyslexic or reluctant readers. 

This interactive non-fiction book uses a seek and find torch and flaps to explore the different animals present in ocean habitats.  

Destiny feels nervous about going to her first sleepover. When she meets a friendly monster, the two of them conquer their fears together and have loads of fun on the way! 

Croaky Hopper is a frog who’s keen for adventure. So he’s thrilled to go on a Woggle Scouts camping trip. But will they find the mysterious Sasquatch? Colourful, funny and full of action. 

A fascinating non-fiction book that details everything on dogs!  

Pablo and Splash are two penguins who’ve accidentally time-travelled to the Cretaceous period! Can they get home to the icy Antarctic before they’re eaten by dinosaurs? A funny colour graphic novel for newly confident readers. 

Explore the different layers of a variety of habitats with this beautiful non-fiction book, featuring interactive layered pages.

Luna and her granny learn how to be astronauts together. Packed with space facts, and brilliantly illustrated, this is inspiring STEM content for any child. 

A stunning collection of poems, beautifully illustrated, that explores and celebrate nature in its various magnificent forms. Perfect for reading aloud, and for curling up with.

Despite being terrified of water, Ita feels strangely drawn to the nearby river and, when she ventures to put her hands beneath the surface, discovers something unexpected and magical that gradually changes how she sees the world. 

Max has just moved to Animal Island where there are lots of new friends – including a chaffy. But Chaffy is lost! Can you help Max find Chaffy? This very young, colourful graphic novel series is brilliantly interactive and full of fun.

Tiny is a miniature girl who lives among the petals of a sunflower. She embarks on a big adventure when she goes in search of friendship. This gentle, inclusive tale explores the effects of bullying and demonstrates the importance of tolerance and kindness.

Meet Huxley the irrepressible koala and Flapjack the cautious penguin. Together, they have lots of adventures, but can they catch a thief? A fun chapter book packed with energy and brilliant colour illustrations.

Ruby and her dad can change into dinosaurs! But can they find her little sister on the island of Dinotropolis? A sweet, yet madcap adventure full of brilliant illustrations. 

Best friends Murray the cat and Bun the rabbit are magically transported back to Viking times, where they become troll hunters. This hilarious comic caper, which is generously illustrated throughout, is the first instalment in an exciting new series for independent young readers.

Dottie the flying dachshund must team up with her new owner Harry to rescue the Superpets from the evil clutches of a sparkly supervillain in this hilarious chapter book. 

Could the Big Bad Wolf really blow down a straw house? A funny look at familiar fairy tales through the lens of STEM.

Two squirrels want donuts for breakfast – how will they get one? A delightful graphic novel with gentle humour for younger readers.

A simple introduction to the way the brain works, with gorgeous bright illustrations. Ideal for young, curious children.  

Read the true story of Welsh rugby player Billy Boston, an influential Welshman who overcome racism to achieve greatness both on the field and off it.

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 Sav and Liam hear a cat meowing in the upstairs flat, they decide it must be a ghost, so go to investigate. An engaging, heart-warming mystery, ideal for reluctant and dyslexic readers. 

A motley crew of underwater creatures combine their powers to save the seabed from troublesome sharks and octupuses in this humorous, illustrated story.