Great teachers in children's books
We believe that teachers do not get the appreciation they so often deserve. That's why we've put together this booklist of our favourite teachers in children's fiction.
From the magical staff of hogwarts to the ultimate eductaor Miss Honey, this list is sure to help kids appreciate their teachers that little bit more.
-
First Term at Malory Towers
Author: Enid Blyton
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+We're rooting for Darrell Rivers as she starts boarding school, and learns to cope with her fiery temper and decide for herself which friends are genuine.
-
Once Upon an Ordinary School Day
Author: Colin McNaughton Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+An ordinary boy goes off to school and everything seems just as ordinary as ever, until a new teacher arrives in class.
-
Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+This modern fairy-tale with a brilliantly inspiring young heroine is one of Roald Dahl's best loved stories.
-
The Graveyard Book
Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+After his family are killed, Bod is brought up in a graveyard by ghosts.
-
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+In this leftfield comic fantasy novel, 12-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that the Greek gods of Olympus are alive and living in modern-day New York.
-
KidGlovz
Author: Julie Hunt and Dale Newman
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+This stunning pencil-drawn graphic novel of talent, music and friendship will readers young and old. You'll be rooting for KidGlovz, the nine-year-old musical prodigy: a poignant story to be remembered for a long time.
-
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Author: J K Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-14
Reading age: 9+After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting new life at the Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.
-
The Worst Witch
Author: Jill Murphy
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+Long before Harry Potter first went to Hogwarts, trainee witch Mildred Hubble embarked on life at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches...
-
It's Snow Day
Author: Richard Curtis Illustrator: Rebecca Cobb
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4-9
Reading age: 7+This must-read winter picture book is crammed with fabulously joyful and expressive illustrations and will be loved by young and old alike.
-
Made By Raffi
Author: Craig Pomranz Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 5+A delightful and gently revolutionary picture book that challenges our absurd notions about what constitutes 'normal' or 'appropriate'.
-
The New Teacher
Author: Dominique Demers Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Alma Books
Interest age: 5-12
Reading age: 5-12A delightful little story that welcomes a fabulously eccentric character in the form of Miss Charlotte. She's a bit Mary Poppins, a bit Nurse Matilda, and a whole lot of fun.
-
Dr Xargle’s Book of Earthlets
Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+Dr Xargle lectures his alien students about 'Earthlets' - strange plump-cheeked beings that are wrapped in sheep's hairdos and like to drink milk through holes in their faces.
