Great Books Guide 2019: best new children's books

Here are 100 books from the last year that we think are great – and so will children.

Our priority is to get children excited about books, stories and rhymes because if reading is fun, children will want to do it. That's why we've put together this guide full of books we think are absolutely brilliant, carefully chosen to engage and excite children all the way up to age 11. We believe that the "right" book is always the book a child wants to read – and we hope this guide inspires you to find that book.

Check out the books by age below, or download the full Great Books Guide 2019 (PDF, 7.23MB).

Search great children's books by age

We've grouped together the books by interest age. Click on the list to see the books and read our reviews.

Great Books Guide: for children aged 0-3

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2019), which we think any baby or toddler aged 0-3 will love.

Great Books Guide: for 4 to 5 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2019), which we think any child aged 4 to 5 will love.

Great Books Guide: for 6 to 7 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2019), which we think any child aged 5 to 6 years will love.

Great Books Guide: for 8 to 9 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2019), which we think any child aged 8 to 9 will love.

Great Books Guide: for 10 to 11 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2019), which we think any child aged 10 to 11 years will love.

Trying to find books for children 12+?

Looking for even more books that older siblings or more advanced readers will love? Here are some suggestions!

Rosie Loves Jack

Author: Mel Darbon

Sixteen-year-old Rosie (who has Down’s syndrome) is devastated when circumstances separate her from boyfriend Jack (who has some brain injury-related anger management issues). An absorbing read with a powerful and convincing affection at its centre.

Thank you!

A big thank you to everyone who donated to the BookTrust appeal. With your amazing support, we have sent surprise book gifts to over 12,250 vulnerable children to bring joy and brighten their Christmas.

Help support BookTrust in 2020 and get books to more children

Themed booklists

Children at a primary school enjoying reading Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School

Find a great book for your child

Looking for the best book for a 5-year-old? Trying to find something great to read out loud? We may well have the answer – just see for yourself.

New books we love

Illustration of an older child reading by a tree

Our favourite reads of the month

We review lots of new books every month, and here's where you can find the ones we liked best of all.

Search past Guides

Great Books Guide 2018

Check out our 100 favourite new children's books from the last year (2018), from baby a...
Great Books Guide 2017

Here are 60 books from the last year that we think are great.
Great Books Guide 2016

The Great Books Guide is published each year for Children's Book Week. It contains revi...