Great teachers in children's books

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

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.

  • 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: 5-12

    A 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.