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

Reading books to children has lots of amazing benefits, even as they're starting to read themselves. Sharing a story or a fascinating information book is a great way to bond, and it improves their overall wellbeing. But, most importantly, it's fun! We hope you enjoy reading these brilliant books together.

Max & Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island

Author: Jamie Smart
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 5+

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.
Bumble & Snug and the Angry Pirates

Author: Mark Bradley
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

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.
Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest

Author: Kirsty Applebaum Illustrator: Sahar Haghgoo
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 7-8
Reading age: 6-8

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…
Wigglesbottom Primary: the magic hamster

Author: Pamela Butchart Illustrator: Becka Moor
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 6-7
Reading age: 6-7

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.
The Worst Class in the World

Author: Joanna Nadin Illustrator: Rikin Parekh
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+

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.
AdventureMice: Otter Chaos!

Author: Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

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.

Mae Pedro'r llygoden fach wastad wedi breuddwydio am antur fawr, felly gyda chês yn ei law mae'n dechrau ar ei daith ac yn cael ei hun ar y traet…
No Pets Allowed!

Author: Chitra Soundar Illustrator: Fay Austin
Publisher: Bloomsbury Education
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

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!

Mae'r stori annwyl hon yn canolbwyntio ar garedigrwydd a gofalu – ac mae'n cynnwys ffeithiau am grwbanod mawr Asia a malwod tir mawr Affrica! Gyda phenodau byr a lla…
Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy!

Author: Thomas Flintham
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 5+

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.

Mae gan y llyfr penodau hwn ddarluniau blociog lliwgar iawn wedi'u dylunio'n arbennig i edrych fel Minecraft a Lego, fel bo'n apelio'n fawr at y rhai ifanc sy'n chwarae'r gemau hyn. Dyma'r cyntaf…
Who Ate All the Bugs? The TRUE and GORY story of the food chain!

Author: Matty Long
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 6-8

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.

Mae Snail a Worm allan am dro un diwrnod braf pan mae trychineb yn digwydd: mae rhywun neu rywbeth yn bwyta'r …
Too Small Tola

Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Onyinye Iwu
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

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.
Lifesize Deadly Animals

Author: Sophy Henn
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

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.

Mae'r llyfr clyfar hwn yn dangos union faint anifeiliaid marwol – neu eu rhannau allweddol.
My Skin, Your Skin

Author: Laura Henry-Allain MBE Illustrator: Onyinye Iwu
Publisher: Ladybird Books
Interest age: 4-8

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.