Great Books Guide 2020: 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 2020 (PDF, 6.0MB).

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.

Tim Hopgood's ABC book cover

Great Books Guide 2020: For children aged 0-3

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2020), which we think any baby or toddler aged 0-3 will love.

Book cover of Would You Like a Banana

Great Books Guide 2020: For 4 to 5 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2020), which we think any child aged 4 to 5 will love.

Claire: Justice Ninja

Great Books Guide: For 6 to 7 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2020), which we think any child aged 6 to 7 years will love.

Book cover of Gut Garden: A Journey into the Wonderful World of your Microbiome

Great Books Guide: For 8 to 9 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2020), which we think any child aged 8 to 9 will love.

The front cover of The Fowl Twins

Great Books Guide: For 10 to 11 year olds

Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year (2020), which we think any child aged 10 to 11 years will love.

Invisible in a Bright Light

Great Books Guide 2020: For readers aged 12+

Here's a round-up of new books from the last year (2020), which we think young readers aged 12+ will enjoy.

Illustration by Ashling Lindsay of a little girl holding a book for Christmas

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

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Search past Guides

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If your organisation is interested in supporting the Great Books Guide 2020, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@booktrust.org.uk.