Pyjamarama: fun books to read with children in Key Stage 1

This important non-fiction book explores the concept of racism for a young audience, explaining what it is and why it is always wrong. With colourful pages and engaging illustrations, this picture book carries an essential message that nobody should be disadvantaged because of their race. 

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. 

When Keva’s grandpa is in hospital, she knows that a visit from Atlas, his giant tortoise, will cheer him up. But pets aren’t allowed… A delightful story about kindness – and some unusual pets!

This instalment of the greatly loved Wigglesbottom Primary series sees class 2F puzzling over the great mysteries of their school existence – including the makeup of the school mashed potato and what happens when you eat a fly by accident.

In this lovely collection of short stories, a young Nigerian girl – tired of the nickname ​‘Too Small Tola’- proves that, despite her small stature, she has a mighty personality and a big heart.

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.

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.

Aimed specifically at early readers, this super-fun colourful and accessible story will appeal to young gamers, and any child who enjoys simple yet engaging books.

Cleverly showing the actual size of predators – or their deadly teeth, feet or coils – using vibrant illustrations, this book conveys a lot of information in an appealing, bite-size way.

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.

When Bumble and Snug accidentally give away a valuable diamond, the future of Bugbopolis is at risk – can they work together to solve the problem? A really fun, colourful graphic novel.