Great Books Guide 2021: 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 2021 (PDF, 5MB).

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.

Mirror Baby Peekaboo

Great Books Guide 2021: 0-3

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any baby or toddler aged 0-3 will love.

I Am Every Good Thing

Great Books Guide 2021: for 4 to 5 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any child aged 4 to 5 will love.

How to Change the World

Great Books Guide 2021: For 6 to 7 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any child aged 6 to 7 years will love.

The front cover of The Dragon Ark

Great Books Guide 2021: For 8-9 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any child aged 8 to 9 will love.

Windrush Child book cover

Great Books Guide 2021: For 10 to 11 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2021), which we think any child aged 10 to 11 years will love.

Talking to Alaska

Great Books Guide 2021: For readers aged 12+

Here's a round-up of new books from the last year (2021), which we think young readers aged 12+ will enjoy.

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Supported by:

If your organisation is interested in supporting the Great Books Guide 2021, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@booktrust.org.uk.

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