Suggested reading for years 3 & 4: Autumn term

In this collection of traditional rhymes from across the world, Michael Rosen reminds us of the rather silly things that we might learn in the playground or from our parents, as well as including some of his own poems and that of other authors.

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. 

When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the fair, he is amazed that Fly, his sheep-dog, welcomes him as one of her own pups.

Dog Man, created by Captain Underpants’ Dav Pilkey, is a comic masterclass, perfect for the surreal sense of humour of the average six- to nine-year-old.

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

A beautifully illustrated poem that celebrates the importance of trees, from much-loved poet Benjamin Zephaniah. 

Stanley the Detective dog is brought out of retirement for one last intriguing case in this highly illustrated and hilarious mystery story. 

Buzz the dog is part sausage, part wolf, and 100% adorable! Follow his hilarious adventures as he gets to know his new family in this cosy and accessible chapter book.

In the wintery Himalayas, Anya and Mahi are swept away by the goddess Ganga on a journey to reconnect with their spirit animals and to spread a song of natural healing across the world. 

This fictional account of a Stone-Age family enables young readers to imagine what life may have been like for a child of their age. The comic strip illustrations are colourful, humorous and informative.

The story of a boy finding a vintage camera washed up on a beach unspools like a silent film in this mind-expanding wordless picture book.

The ruler of heaven challenges every animal to a great race, with the fastest 12 immortalised in the Chinese zodiac. Join Ming the fox and Miaow the cat as they fight to win the race!

Roald Dahl’s wicked sense of humour is perfectly in evidence in this marvellously imaginative classic story, which has been loved by generations of children. 

Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

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.

This engaging, illustrated non-fiction book explores ancient Roman life through a series of 20 objects, from a wooden nit comb to exquisite jewellery.

Whether you’re already a fan of this classic children’s story or a new reader, this wonderful version is a real treat. Chris Mould’s mechanical Iron Man has a great deal of personality and this luxury hardback would be a delight to share at home or at school.

Young scientist Nova invents a plastic-eating organism named Chomp to solve the problem of plastic waste – but Chomp soon causes chaos. This lively science-fiction graphic novel is full of humour and bursting with vibrant, glossy artwork.