J | BookTrust

J is for Jamaica

Author: Benjamin Zephaniah & Prodeepta Das
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+

Welcome to this whistle-stop tour of Jamaica - from A for Ackee to Z for Zinc.

Jack and Nancy

Author: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+

Jack and Nancy long to have an adventure - and then one day a strong wind and an umbrella make their wish come true.

Jack and the Baked Beanstalk

Author: Colin Stimpson
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+

Stimpson sets his version of Jack and the Beanstalk in 1950s America, with skyscrapers surrounding the flyover under which Jack and his mother run a café

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Richard Walker Illustrator: Niamh Sharkey
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Interest age: 2-6
Reading age: 6+

When hard times come to Jack and his mother, she decides to sell their cow, Daisy. But at the market Jack exchanges Daisy for a handful of 'magic beans' instead of money...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Barbara Vagnozzi
Publisher: Child's Play
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+

The classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk is retold in this colourful lift-the-flap book.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Tony Ross
Publisher: Anderson Press
Interest age: 0-3

This abridged version of the well-known fairy tale is beautifully illustrated by Tony Ross. The sturdy board format makes this a lovely, baby-friendly retelling of a classic.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Author: Stephen Tucker Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 3-5

Fee, Fi, Fo, Fun: children are in for a treat with another lift-the-flap fairy tale from the Stephen Tucker/Nick Sharratt duo, which is full of vivid illustration, funny rhyming text and brilliant pop-out surprises.

Jack and the FlumFlum Tree

Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+

When Jack’s granny falls ill with the moozles, the doctor tells him that the only thing that will cure her is the fruit of the mysterious flumflum tree.

Jack and the Geniuses: At the Bottom of the World

Author: Bill Nye and Gregory Mone Illustrator: Nick Iluzada
Publisher: Amulet
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9-12

A book of full of science and facts, seamlessly woven into an entertaining and fast-paced story. You'll be learning loads without even realising it. It's the perfect blend of mystery, science and memorable characters.

Jack and the Giant Tantrum

Author: Louis Growell and Chris Jevons
Publisher: Ladybird Books
Interest age: 2-3

Jack and the Giant Tantrum is a helpful take on tantrums, with guidance at the back of the book for parents of kids that may be experiencing their first ones: a gentle and relatable read for little ones who will no doubt be able to see themselves in Jack.

Jack Dash and the Great Custard Cake-Off

Author: Sophie Plowden Illustrator: Judy Brown
Publisher: Catnip
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

This crazy, carefree story has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and some wild, imagination-stretching storylines, such as a peahen falling in love with a penguin, and a cake so hard from overbaking it causes a castle to crumble.

Jack Dash and the Magic Feather

Author: Sophie Plowden Illustrator: Judy Brown
Publisher: Catnip Publishing
Interest age: 6-7
Reading age: 6-7

On the day that Jack’s family moves to a new house, he finds a magic feather in the attic that makes whatever he draws real. Surreal humour and a page-turning plot will keep boys and girls hooked.

Jackdaw Summer

Author: David Almond
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 8+

Fate leads Liam to find an abandoned baby and as a result his life becomes entwined with that of Oliver, an African boy seeking asylum and Crystal, an emotionally damaged girl.

Jack's Fantastic Voyage

Author: Michael Foreman Illustrator: Michael Foreman
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 8+

Jack spends his summers with his grandfather, a former sea captain, who tells exotic tales of adventure and exploration.

Jacky Daydream

Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 8+

Wilson's intimate, conversational style combined with a selection of childhood photographs and Nick Sharratt's familiar illustrations, makes this a delightfully satisfying read.

Jade

Author: Millie Murray
Publisher: Livewire Books
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+

Jade's mum was forced to give up a promising career as a model when she became pregnant and ended up a teen mum, married too young, and soon became a single parent. She might be fiercely over-protective, but Jade adores her and understands why she is the way she is; against the odds, Jade's mum has become a successful businesswoman and simply wants to save J…

Jango

Author: William Nicholson
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 10+

Seeker, Morning Star and the Wildman are learning the secrets of the Nomana: how to harness and use the power of the Noble Warriors.

Jake and Lily

Author: Jerry Spinelli
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 9+

Jake and Lily are twins, with a very special connection - but as they grow up, they begin to grow apart.

Jake Atlas and the Tomb of the Emerald Snake

Author: Rob Lloyd Jones
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Jake Atlas stakes his claim as a young Indiana Jones when we meet our hero in a rather breathtaking situation - as he’s buried alive in a tunnel in the desert. This is rip-roaring action with a high-tech and up-to-the-minute modern take.

Jake in Danger

Author: Annette Butterworth Illustrator: Nick Butterworth
Publisher: Catnip
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+

Jake enjoys playing in the park with the other local dogs, but he is jealous of the attention and respect they give to the newcomer, Boris.

Jake the Good Bad Dog

Author: Annette Butterworth Illustrator: Nick Butterworth
Publisher: Happy Cat Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+

Jake dreams of going to Crufts, the biggest and best dog show in the world, but he thinks he'll never get there. But sometimes a dog's dreams can come true!

Jake's Tower

Author: Elizabeth Laird
Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 10+

Jake lives a dismal life with his mother and Steve, his extremely violent stepfather. His only refuge is his imagination and he dreams of living in a secluded tower on an island.

Jamela's Dress

Author: Niki Daly
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 7+

Jamela wraps herself up with the new material that her mother bought to make herself a dress for a wedding.

James and the Giant Peach

Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+

Through a series of peculiar and magical happenings, James finds himself on an adventure inside a giant peach with a bunch of friendly giant insects for travelling companions.

Jampires

Author: Sarah McIntyre and David O'Connell
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+

Probably (and sadly) the only vampire/jam mash-up in existence, this is a delightful rhyming picture book with cute little jampires that children will adore.

Jane Eyre

Author: Tanya Landman
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 12+

Charlotte Brontë's classic story is given a new lease of life in this smart, loving and accessible retelling for a new generation.

Jane, the Fox & Me

Author: Fanny Britt Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault & Translator: Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+

This thought-provoking graphic novel by Fanny Britt, exquisitely illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, is a real visual delight

Jasmine Skies

Author: Sita Brahmachari
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+

Following from Brahmachari's debut novel, Artichoke Hearts, this a thoughtful, tender and uplifting novel, which continues the story of Mira, now two years older, as she negotiates challenging new experiences, the complexities of family and friendship, and the uncertainty of teenage love.

Jayben and the Golden Torch

Author: Thomas Leeds
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A curious, immersive fantasy with complex world-building, engaging characters and quirky creatures. Ideal for readers who enjoy an exciting adventure with added depth and intensity.

Jaz Santos vs. the World

Author: Priscilla Mante
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 8+

When Jaz's mum leaves home, she knows that she has to be the best at football to get her back. Warm-hearted and funny, this book explores the sexism in society and gives lots of opportunities to learn about real-life women football players.

Jedi Academy

Author: Jeffrey Brown
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

Roan is desperate to become a pilot but instead of attending pilot school he is invited to join the Jedi Academy. A charming story presented in a variety of forms, including comic strip, diary entries and annotated drawings/notes.

Jekyll's Mirror

Author: William Hussey
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 15+
Reading age: 15+

This enthralling tale combines the harsh realities of cyber bullying with dark magic and the occult.

Jellicle Cats

Author: T S Eliot Illustrator: Arthur Robins
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+

The Jellicle Cats dance the night away at a 1920s ball complete with straw boaters, feather boas and banjos. A wonderfully fun picture book, with drawings that fizz with energy and cheery silliness.

Jelly

Author: Jo Cotterill
Publisher: Piccadilly Press
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+

Angelica – Jelly for short – is the ‘Funny One’ at school, known for her clever impressions and comedy sketches. But being funny is a fine line and behind all the humour, Jelly’s hiding anxieties about her weight. If they’re laughing with her, they’re not laughing at her, right? And she has another secret too, a secret hobby: writing poetry.

Jelly Boots, Smelly Boots

Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: David Tazzyman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-11
Reading age: 7+

Former Children's Laureate and award-winning author of novels, poetry and picture books, Michael Rosen pens a brilliant collection of poems for children of all ages.

Jellybean Goes to School

Author: Margaret Roc Illustrator: Laura Hughes
Publisher: Tamarind
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 7+

Jellybean finds her first day of school a little scary, but she soon finds it easier when she makes a friend.

Jemima Small Versus the Universe

Author: Tamsin Winter
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+

Jemima Small is brilliant and the ideal candidate to go on her favourite TV quiz show, Brainiacs. But why on earth would anyone want to watch a girl as big as her on TV? A compelling, empowering tale about a big girl, small minds and self-discovery.

Jepp Who Defied the Stars

Author: Katherine Marsh
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 13+

This romantic historical novel is based on the true story of astronomer Tycho Brahe

Jeremiah Jellyfish Flies High!

Author: John Fardell
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+

Set in a futuristic world of exotic settings, monorails and high-rise buildings, you're sure to love exploring these amazing pictures!

Jessame to the Rescue

Author: Julia Jarman Illustrator: Duncan Smith
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+

Jessame’s experiences unite many different cultural traditions, from her own West African and Caribbean background to the multicultural nature of her neighbourhood and friends.

Jessica's Ghost

Author: Andrew Norris
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+

Francis doesn't have many friends. But one day Jessica sits down next to him. Jessica is a ghost, and Francis is the first person who has actually seen her since she died. Neither have anyone else to talk to, so immediately become best friends.

Jet Black Heart

Author: Teresa Flavin
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+

A young girl named Dory is pulled back into the past after finding an old note in a letterbox.

Jet the Rescue Dog

Author: David Long
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

A book of short stories of animals who have gone to war and helped the war effort.

Jigsaw Puzzle

Author: Maria Fernanda Maquieira Translator: from Spanish by Serafina Vick
Publisher: Loqueleo

Jigsaw Puzzle is set in a run-down suburb of Buenos Aires in 1982. Our narrator, Mora, is a 10-year-old orphan who has been raised by her maternal grandmother. A somewhat precocious narrator, Mora humorously describes her daily school life, her close-knit group of friends and the eccentric characters in her neighbourhood. The narrative is also ridden with da…

Jingle Smells

Author: Mark Sperring Illustrator: Sophie Corrigan
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-5

Jingle the skunk wants to see the Christmas lights in town - but when he hears a cry for help from a reindeer on the roof, it's time for this smelly little skunk to become a hero and save Christmas!

Jingle Spells

Author: James Brown
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 4-5

Can Trixie the witch save Christmas? A cracker of a festive book.

Jill and Lion

Author: Lesley Barnes
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+

Jill and Lion is the follow-up tale to the equally stylish and retro-styled Jill and Dragon and is another wonderfully immersive tale of friendship, illustrated in Barnes’ characteristic super-colourful 70s style.

Jim and the Beanstalk

Author: Raymond Briggs
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 4+

This is a fun, engaging re-telling of the original folklore story of Jack and the Beanstalk, which also doubles as a clever sequel - an excellent picture book for early readers.

Jim Reaper: Son of Grim

Author: Rachel Delahaye Illustrator: Jamie Littler
Publisher: Piccadilly
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9

Jim Wimple needs a Bazoom! scooter, and finds a deadly secret on his quest to get one. A hilarious, rollicking thrill-ride, filled with Doctor Who references, jokes and one or two frights, which will have you rooting for Jim.

Jimmy Coates: Killer

Author: Joe Craig
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+

An 11-year-old boy discovers he has strange powers, and a future that holds mystery, adventure - and death! Who are the mysterious men chasing Jimmy across the city? Why are they after him?

Jimmy Coates: Target

Author: Joe Craig
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Stand back for this new high-speed adventure, packed with surprises, danger and escape against the odds.

Jinx & O’Hare Funfair Repair

Author: Philip Reeve Illustrator: Sarah McIntyre
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

Emily loves living on Funfair Moon - especially when she gets to help Jinks & O'Hare, the extraordinary repair team. Like Reeve and McIntyre’s previous collaborations, this is a fantastically fun adventure, and will appeal to readers of all ages.

Jinx: the Wizard's Apprentice

Author: Sage Blackwood
Publisher: Quercus Publishing
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

This is an exciting adventure that also references social, ethical, and environmental issues on the way.

Jinxed

Author: Amy McCulloch
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 12-15
Reading age: 10+

An original and gripping sci-fi thriller set in the near future, where technology and Artificial Intelligence are coming perilously close to independent existence.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Author: Patricia Valdez Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+

This amazing and deeply inspiring story of a largely unknown scientist – and pioneer of the care of Komodo dragons – is a fascinating read, beautifully illustrated.

Jodie

Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Keith Robinson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

A ghost story that creeps up on you slowly and says a lot about humanity and kindness. Especially suitable for reluctant readers.

Joe All Alone

Author: Joanna Nadin
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young readers
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10

When Joe’s Mum leaves him alone in Peckham, to fly to Spain with Dean, her latest dodgy boyfriend, 13 year old Joe thinks it will be an adventure.

Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key

Author: Jack Gantos
Publisher: Corgi Children's
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9+

This is a sensitive portrayal of a young ADHD sufferer, but is also a thoroughly entertaining insight into the life of the immensely likeable Joey Pigza, whose escapades are certain to amuse any reader.

Johnny Ball: Undercover Football Genius

Author: Matt Oldfield Illustrator: Tim Wesson
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

A wise, witty and very funny illustrated story of the youngest football coach ever and his race to finish at the top of the league.

Johnny Swanson

Author: Eleanor Updale
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+

Johnny Swanson, bullied at school because of his diminutive size, answers an advertisement offering the 'secret of instant height'.

Jo-Jo the Melon Donkey

Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Helen Stephens
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 6+

Master storyteller Michael Morpurgo brings all of his trademark warmth into this sweet tale of a little donkey who is down in the dumps.

Jolly Foul Play

Author: Robin Stevens
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Detective duo Wells and Wong return for another entertaining mystery at Deepdean School for Girls in the fourth instalment of the 'Murder Most Unladylike' series.

Jolly Olly Octopus

Author: Tony Mitton Illustrator: Guy Parker Rees
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+

A counting book with a difference, this poem-story incorporates rhythm, onomatopoeia, alliteration, repetitive phrases and wonderfully bright, lively and funny illustrations.

Jolly Snowman

Author: Emma Goldhawk Illustrator: Jonathan Lambert
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 5+

This playful interactive book features a lovely snowman puppet.

Jon for Short

Author: Malorie Blackman
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 7+

Jon (or is it Joe?) lies alone and amnesiac in his hospital bed, plagued by a disturbing dream of a torch, a knife, and a murder in the dark.

Jonadab and Rita

Author: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Red Fox
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 7+

Jonadab is an old, neglected donkey made of worn grey velvet. He has one good friend in the shy toy mouse, Rita. Jonadab also has a secret - he can fly.

Jonathan and Martha

Author: Petr Horacek
Publisher: Phaidon
Interest age: 0+
Reading age: 6+

Jonathan and Martha are two lonely worms who meet when a juicy pear falls to the ground.

Jonathan Swift's Gulliver

Author: Martin Jenkins Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

This focused and lively retelling retains all of Gulliver's adventures, remaining true to the spirit of the original but adding a modern-day pacing and clarity.

Jonathan the Magic Pony

Author: Stuart Heritage Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 2-5

Jonathan the pony has been practicing his magic tricks and he's ready to show the world! But things don't quite go to plan, and when he accidentally makes everyone disappear, it's up to Sarah to save the day.

Jonny Jakes Investigates: The Hamburgers of Doom

Author: Malcolm Judge
Publisher: Curious Fox
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9

A paranormal invasion on the popular diary style format for young readers, Jonny Jakes is a pretty cool character.

Journalism

Author: Joe Sacco
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Interest age: 15+
Reading age: 14+

Joe Sacco is one of the most unique graphic novelists of his time. I wonder if he would even be satisfied with the label, graphic novelist. His works encompass so much more. He tells oral histories of our times. He writes journalism.

Journey Back to Freedom: The Olaudah Equiano Story

Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Olaudah is just 11 years old when he is kidnapped from his lovely family in Essaka, Africa in 1745, sold into brutal slavery and renamed Gustavus. This is the story of how he grew up, serving several masters at sea, becoming an experienced sailor and living all over the world including England’s multicultural capital London, where he eventually returned as a…

Journey to the Centre of My Brain

Author: James Carter
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Take a sneak peek into James Carter's weird and wonderful brain in this fun new poetry collection.

Journey to the River Sea

Author: Eva Ibbotson
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+

Orphan Maia is thrilled to learn she is to live with relatives in South America and cannot wait to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Amazon.

Joy

Author: Corrinne Averiss Illustrator: Isabelle Follath
Publisher: Words and Pictures Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

This uplifting tale, which explores the nature of happiness and celebrates the touching relationship between grandparent and child, is an absolute delight.

Joy

Author: Yasmeen Ismail Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 1-3

A joyful kitten chases his favourite toy around the house, and a parent is there to look after him when he takes a tumble downstairs. This warm, fun and funny book captures the ups and downs of happy toddler life in a reassuring way.

Joyful Joyful

Author: Various curated by Dapo Adeola
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 11+

A joyous collection of stories and poems celebrating Black voices, with universal appeal. The perfect gift for any child ready to dive into a variety of voices and situations.

Judy Moody Declares Independence

Author: Megan McDonald Illustrator: Peter H Reynolds
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

After visiting Boston and learning about the American Revolution, Judy Moody decides it’s time for her to declare independence at home

Judy Moody Predicts the Future

Author: Megan McDonald Illustrator: Peter Reynolds
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+

Judy Moody’s adventures revolve around a mood ring she discovers in her seventh bowl of cereal one morning before school

Judy Moody: The Doctor is in

Author: Megan McDonald Illustrator: Peter H Reynolds
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+

Judy Moody decides it’s worth going to school when her class embarks on a science project about the human body. Calling herself 'Doctor' Judy Moody she throws herself into the subject with great enthusiasm and has lots of fun trying out cures and experiments of her own. But when she gets tonsillitis it’s her friends’ turn to help make her b…

Jungle Jive

Author: Tony Mitton Illustrator: David Wojtowycz
Publisher: Alison Green Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+

It's Monkey's birthday and he's organising a party tonight for all the animals in the jungle. Everyone is putting their best clothes on and getting ready to dance

Jungledrop: The Unmapped Chronicles Book Two

Author: Abi Elphinstone
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A riotous and witty fantasy adventure in which miserable, warring twins must find a way to work together if they are to save two worlds from being swallowed up by dark magic.

Julia and the Shark

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave Illustrator: Tom De Freston
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 9-11

Julia and her family are spending the summer at a remote lighthouse - her dad to work, and her mum to study the elusive Greenland shark which lives in the waters nearby. But as the summer reaches its height, her mother's obsession with the shark threatens to engulf them all.

Julian is a Mermaid

Author: Jessica Love
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 6+

When Julian spots three women in lavish mermaid costumes, it fires his imagination and all he can think about is becoming a mermaid himself – with a little help from his nana’s soft furnishings.

Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans

Author: Gary Northfield
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 8

Set in ancient Rome, this is the hilarious tale of Julius, a zebra who is seized from his African watering hole and shipped hundreds of miles away to face the gladiators in combat at the Colosseum.

Jumanji

Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+

Judy and Peter are bored and alone - until they discover a mysterious board game, Jumanji, that comes to life as soon as they start to play

Jumblecat

Author: Archie Kimpton Illustrator: Kate Hindley
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+

Jumblecat is rude, odd and hungry - children will delight in this bizarre character. A fun narration and a genuinely original story suggest that Archie Kimpton is one to watch.

Jummy At the River School

Author: Sabine Adeyinka Illustrator: Hanako Clulow
Publisher: Chicken House
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 8+

Jummy is thrilled to get a place at top Nigerian boarding school The River School, but how can she make sure her best friend Caro gets to go there too? An absolutely joyous book that will put a wide smile on my face.

Jump About With Ted

Author: Sophy Henn
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 1-3

Which animal will Ted jump about with today? As ever, Sophy Henn’s illustration is bright, clear and appealing for little ones, and this edition in the Ted board book series is perfect for encouraging lots of movement, animal noises and fun for everyone.

Jump and Shout!

Author: Mike Dumbleton Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Publisher: Catch a Star Books
Interest age: 2-4

Clap, cheer, we’re going out! Walk, run, jump and shout! A group of toddlers and little children go out to play at the park and have a fantastic day. After all that playing it’s no wonder everyone’s sleepy, so it’s time for cuddles and snuggles - and storytime.

Jump!

Author: Tatsuhide Matsuoka
Publisher: Gecko Press
Interest age: 0-3

A frog jumps. Boing! A dog jumps. Boi-oi-oi-oi-oing! All manner of interesting animals jump in this lovely, sturdy board book, from rabbits to dragonflies to snails... oh, hang on. Snails can't jump. Luckily, children can!

Jumpy Jack and Googily

Author: Meg Rosoff Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+

Bright and bold illustrations bring humour and warmth to an unusual tale of friendship

Juniper Jupiter

Author: Lizzy Stewart
Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-6
Reading age: 5+

Juniper Jupiter is a real-life superhero, but something is missing. What is a hero without an amazing sidekick? An utterly witty and earnest story about the quest for friendship and realising special bonds already forged.

Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City

Author: Sarah Soh
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Juniper Mae lives in the ultra-high-tech Tykotech City, spending her days tinkering in her dad's repair shop and dreaming of one day being an inventor at Tykotech Tower... and little does she know, her city is counting on her to save it! This is a fun and engaging graphic novel for younger readers.

Junk

Author: Melvin Burgess
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 14+

Tar loves Gemma, but Gemma doesn't want to be tied down to anyone or anything. Gemma wants to fly - but she can't fly forever...

Just Because

Author: Rebecca Elliott
Publisher: Lion Children's
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+

This uplifting book focuses on a sibling relationship, as a little boy affectionately describes his older sister

Just Breathe, Bear

Author: Christianne Jones Illustrator: Oriol Vidal
Publisher: Curious Fox
Interest age: 2-3

Bear has a lot of feelings and he knows a useful trick to help release them. Simple and effective, this is a charming picture book.

Just Ducks

Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+

Every morning when she wakes up, a little girl hears the ducks quack down on the river that flows through the town.

Just Henry

Author: Michelle Magorian
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+

Film fanatic Henry Dodge lives in post-war Sternsea with his fractured family. His father died a hero, saving a deserter's life.

Just Imagine

Author: Pippa Goodhart Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+

Just imagine if you were so big you could take a bath in a swimming pool...or so small that you could sleep in a matchbox! Imagine being a magical creature or even travelling through time...

Just In Case

Author: Meg Rosoff
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+

This quirky, off-beat novel acutely depicts the feelings of pain and alienation felt by many adolescents

Just Jack

Author: Kate Scott Illustrator: Alex Gunn
Publisher: Piccadilly Press
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+

Jack has moved around so much since his parents split up that he knows exactly how to fit in. But will he be able to stick to his very strict rules when he meets his exuberant classmate Tyler? A joyful read about the importance of being true to yourself.

Books beginning with: J