Children's reading lists

Must-reads of 2019: the best new books for under 5s

In 2019, children can go on a fantastic adventure with Paul McCartney’s Grandude, discover the origin of species in a retelling of Darwin’s greatest work, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Jump to July releases

January book releases and events

My Big Book of Spot by Eric Hill (10th Jan). Little ones will enjoy learning about colours, shapes and numbers with Spot and his friends. This bold and beautiful board book will help build their love of reading.

February book releases and events

On the Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva (7th Feb). Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking piece on evolution has been turned into a picture book for the first time by molecular biologist and illustrator Sabina Radeva. Easy-to-understand and with beautiful drawings, this will make a fabulous addition to mini scientists’ bookshelves.


March book releases and events

Peter Rabbit: A Spring Surprise, Peter Rabbit: I Love You Mummy (7th Mar), Peter Rabbit Hop, Skip, Stick Sticker Activity (21st Mar) & Where is Peter Rabbit? (18th Apr). It’s springtime and the character who will be on our radar is none other than Peter Rabbit! Read along with Peter as he enjoys a picnic with friends and plays a game of hide-and-seek. Or complete some fun puzzles alongside your little reader. And as Mother’s Day will be coming up, Peter has a special book just for mummies. All these books make a wonderful introduction to Beatrix Potter’s beloved character.

April book releases and events

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 50th by Eric Carle (4th Apr). It’s been 50 years since The Very Hungry Caterpillar first popped into the world and began chomping his way through lots of delicious food. We can’t wait to celebrate Eric Carle’s classic picture book with this very special anniversary edition.

Animal Pants by Giles Andreae & Nick Sharratt (18th Apr). Award-winning author Giles Andreae and renowned children’s illustrator Nick Sharratt have teamed up again for a new laugh-out-loud book in the bestselling Pants series. And this time it’s all about animals. We know you’ve been wondering what kind of pants iguanas’ wear…

May book releases and events

Super Duper You by Sophy Henn (2nd May). Everybody is different and extraordinary in their own way. Sophy Henn celebrates differences in this brilliant rhyming picture book that you’ll enjoy reading aloud over and over again.

There’s an Alien in Your Book by Tom Fletcher (16th May). First there was a monster, and then a dragon. Now, it appears an alien has crash landed into your young reader’s book! And it’s up to them to help this stranded creature find their way back up into space.

Events and anniversaries

6th: Very Hungry Caterpillar Day – 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the book

June book releases and events

Who’s Going to Bed? By Abie Longstaff (6th Jun). Abie Longstaff, author of bestselling The Fairytale Hairdresser series, has written this beautifully dreamy bedtime story. A cheeky baby is not ready for bed so causes chaos in fairytale land.

Look Up! by Nathan Bryon (13th Jun). Rocket plans on being the greatest astronaut that ever lived. And when a comet is due to appear in the night sky, she’s determined to ensure everyone, including her older brother Jamal, takes a break from looking down at their phones and looks up to the stars! An inspiring and heart-warming tale everyone will enjoy.

Roald Dahl's ABC & Roald Dahl's Colours (13th Jun). Perfect for little hands, these Roald Dahl board books are a great way to get kids’ learning colours and their ABC.

 

July book releases and events

Watch this space!

August book releases and events

Red Riding Hood by Beatrix Potter (8th Aug). Based on the original tale by Charles Perrault, Beatrix Potter’s retelling of the classic fairytale is deliciously dark and brought to life by Helen Oxenbury’s gorgeous illustrations. 

September book releases and events

Hey Grandude! by Paul McCartney (5th Sep). The highly-anticipated story from Paul McCartney follows super-cool, intrepid-explorer Grandude as he whisks his four grandkids off on spectacualr adventures. From rides on flying fish to running from avalanches, this is a delightful story for winding down little ones at bedtime.

The Ups and Downs of the Castle Mice by Michael Bond (5th Sep). Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington Bear, is back with a second tale about the Perk family. And this time, it seems they will have to work together to outwit a devious plan if they want to keep a hold of their home.

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