Suggested reading for Reception & Year 1: Summer Term

Almost Anything

Author: Sophy Henn
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Interest age: 2-5

Sophy Henn has the perfect touch when it comes to tapping into childhood emotions and readers both young and old will relate to George’s wobbly feelings about trying new things. A brilliant book for sharing, and for giving little ones a little extra self-belief.

Nimesh the Adventurer

Author: Ranjit Singh Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
Publisher: Lantana Publishing
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

This captivating picture book will delight young children, encouraging them to invent their own imaginative adventures. The striking collage illustrations contain vibrancy and depth, drawing the reader into Nimesh’s exciting fantasy world.

Spyder

Author: Matt Carr
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

Spyder is a spunky secret agent who lives in Tom’s loft. The pace of this story is kept fast and exciting, and there are plenty of puns to keep families chuckling away.

The Story of Tantrum O'Furrily

Author: Cressida Cowell Illustrator: Mark Nicholas
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

Set on a wild and windy night, a stray cat called Tantrum O'Furrily is out and about with her three hungry kittens. Soon, they discover the power of stories and the courage they can give you. Cressida Cowell's story reads like a heartwarming fairy tale.

Teacup House: Meet the Twitches

Author: Hayley Scott Illustrator: Pippa Curnick
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 7+

Delightful illustrations, bursting with colour, bring this gentle adventure to life. This is the first title in what promises to be an enchanting series of chapter books for newly confident readers.

Read The Book, Lemmings!

Author: Ame Dyckman Illustrator: Zachariah OHora
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+

Welcome aboard the S S Cliff with first mate Foxy, Captain Polar Bear and three little lemmings. According to Foxy’s book, lemmings don’t actually jump off cliffs. There’s just one problem: the lemmings haven’t read it. An absolute joy to read.

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.

They Say Blue

Author: Jillian Tamaki
Publisher: Abrams
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

In They Say Blue, we follow a young girl as she explores the colours in the world. A beautiful, poetic picture book that will inspire conversations with your child about what they can see around them, and the free association ideas and memories this prompts.

Cycle City

Author: Alison Farrell
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Interest age: 3-5

This colourful, absorbing hardback is full of tiny but witty intimate scenes of the animal residents of Cycle City. It's also a seek-and-find tour of this town, where everyone is on wheels: pigs, elephants, snails and polar bears!

The Coral Kingdom

Author: Laura Knowles and Jennie Webber
Publisher: Words & Pictures Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

The great beauty and diversity of the coral reef is explored in this stunningly beautiful picture book, which is a true work of art. The rhyming non-fiction text scans well and the information about coral reef conservation is pitched at the right level.

Ten Fat Sausages

Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Tor Freeman
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

Everything in this sausagey counting book works perfectly: from the big, bold illustration to the satisfying rhyme that works well for preschoolers. It will also entertain adults and older children, who will really get the silly humour.

Dave Pigeon (Racer!)

Author: Swapna Haddow Illustrator: Sheena Dempsey
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7+

The third book in the brilliantly funny Dave Pigeon series continues its light-hearted focus on friendship and the trials and tribulations younger children can face. In this instalment, Dave and Skipper have to face a too-cool-for-school gang of other animals.

All The Year Round

Author: John Yeoman Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

With Quentin Blake's instantly recognisable illustrations, this picture book contains 12 funny poems by John Yeoman: one for each month of the year, with suggested activities. A lovely, funny book that captures the fizz and farce of close family life.

Raymond

Author: Yann and Gwendal Le Bec
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-6
Reading age: 5+

Colourful, clever and witty, Raymond offers something to readers of all ages. While essentially a story about a dog having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, adults and older readers will pick up a meaningful message about the work/life balance.

Yoga Babies

Author: Fearne Cotton Illustrator: Sheena Dempsey
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+

For those that are new to yoga, TV celebrity Fearne Cotton’s charming picture book about the benefits of easy stretching for little ones might be just the inspiration needed for the start of a new family yoga practice, or just a cute story about everyday life.

Suggested reading for Reception and Year 1: Summer Term