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Children's reading lists

17 of the best LGBTQIA+ books for kids

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16 laugh-out-loud funny books for 9-12-year-olds

A photo to a young girl writing in her green diary on a pink background

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How to start a diary

The Day My Dog Got Famous

"Funny, heartwarming and full of characters who become our friends – don’t miss!" LoveReading4Kids 
 
A few things you should know about Ferris Foster: 
 
1. He’s the cartooning genius behind ASTOUNDOG (star of The Hoot, available exclusively in his school playground) 
2. His best friend is his actual dog, Aldo who is anything but astounding 
3. He’s had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and now he’s about to meet his new foster sister, Tia, for the first time 
4. His NEMESIS is his totally annoying neighbour Destiny Dean! 
 
When Destiny boasts about videos of her dog, Princess Foo-Foo, going viral, Ferris foolishly claims that Aldo can easily become a BIGGER internet star. 
 
There's just one problem: Aldo has about as much talent as a teaspoon. 
 
Then Ferris and Tia accidentally film Aldo doing what looks like an amazing trick . . . will Aldo finally live up to the name of his comic book alter-ego and wow the world with his skills or is this about to be the biggest EPIC FAIL ever? 
 
Perfect for fans of Danny Wallace, Liz Pichon and Katie Kirby - buckle up, you’re in for a dog-tastic adventure, packed with comic strips and cartoons! 
 
What people are saying about THE DAY MY DOG GOT FAMOUS: 
 
'Funny, heartfelt and inclusive - a brilliant read!' Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths 
 
'A really fun story with funny illustrations - your kid’s gonna love it!' Lauren Layfield, TV presenter and author of Indi Raye is Totally Faking It 
 
'Warm-hearted, accessible and laugh-out-loud funny. It shows that family is bigger than biology - it's about who you love and who you look out for - and there's room for everyone!' Sarah Hagger-Holt, author of Proud of Me 
 
"Engaging with fab illustrations. Me and my daughter love Jen's books!" Helen Rutter, author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh

Funny, heartfelt and inclusive - a brilliant read!

Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths 

As the owner of a very average dog myself (she won’t do ‘roll over’ no matter how much I try to teach her!) - I obviously loved Aldo and his rivalry with Princess Foo Foo! A really fun story with Jen’s signature funny illustrations - your kid’s gonna love it!

Lauren Layfield, TV presenter and author of Indi Raye is Totally Faking It

Ferris's family are fantastic! I loved his average but adorable dog, his mums (their make-do-and-mend attitude reminded me of me and my partner!), his wise grandpa and many foster-siblings, who remain part of the family even once they have left the family home. All the characters are real and recognisable and a joy to spend time with. 
 
This book is warm-hearted, accessible and laugh-out-loud funny. It shows that family is bigger than biology - it's about who you love and who you look out for - and there's room for everyone!

Sarah Hagger-Holt, author of Proud of Me 

Funny and engaging with fab illustrations. Me and my daughter love Jen's books!

Helen Rutter, author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh

Everything about this book is a joy...Funny, heartwarming and full of characters who become our friends – don’t miss!

Jen Carney is an author-illustrator who lives in Lancashire with her wife and three children. She writes contemporary laugh-out-loud middle-grade fiction that celebrates diversity and modern families.

A few things you should know about Ferris Foster: 
 
1. He’s the cartooning genius behind ASTOUNDOG (star of The Hoot, available exclusively in his school playground) 
2. His best friend is his actual dog, Aldo who is anything but astounding 
3. He’s had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and now he’s about to meet his new foster sister, Tia, for the first time 
4. His NEMESIS is his totally annoying neighbour Destiny Dean! 
 
When Destiny boasts about videos of her dog, Princess Foo-Foo, going viral, Ferris foolishly claims that Aldo can easily become a BIGGER internet star. 
 
There's just one problem: Aldo has about as much talent as a teaspoon. 
 
Then Ferris and Tia accidentally film Aldo doing what looks like an amazing trick . . . will Aldo finally live up to the name of his comic book alter-ego and wow the world with his skills or is this about to be the biggest EPIC FAIL ever? 
 
Perfect for fans of Danny Wallace, Liz Pichon and Katie Kirby - buckle up, you’re in for a dog-tastic adventure, packed with comic strips and cartoons!

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.: Sister Act

The third hilarious accidental diary from Billie Upton Green (don't call her BUG!) 
 
"Ideal for fans of Tom Gates, or Pamela Butchart's books . . . a wonderful new series" - The Week Junior 
 
"Fun, funny, inclusive and warm-hearted, these books are pure, cheery joy" - Sophie Anderson 
 
There's an exciting addition to the Upton Green family (and it's not whatever Mr Paws has left on the living room carpet...). 
 
But getting a new little sister isn't nearly as straightforward as Billie expects. Why are there so many rules? It's been weeks and weeks, and she still hasn't been able to hold the baby up at Show &amp; Tell. 
 
Luckily, the school musical is in full swing, giving Billie the perfect distraction. She just needs to watch out for Painy Janey, who has her eyes on the main part and doesn't care what gets in her way...

This cheery, highly illustrated diary story, more rooted in contemporary reality than Liz Pichon's Tom Gates books, is the first in a series that's sure to find devoted fans.

A sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid.

Ideal for fans of Tom Gates, or Pamela Butchart's books . . . a wonderful new series.

I really enjoyed reading the adventures of Billie Upton Green (not Bug!!)! Billie is a delightful and relatable character, and her escapades are both funny and heart-warming. I particularly enjoyed the inclusivity in the text, and it's a real joy to see such positive LGBTQ+ representation in children's books. Jen has written a real treat for younger readers, and the artwork is fabulous, too!

L. D. Lapinski, The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Readers will love Billie's adventures, and her funny, doodle-filled way of sharing them, as much as they love the Dork Diaries or Wimpy Kid stories, and it's great too to see such a warm celebration of diverse family life.

There's an exciting addition to the Upton Green family (and it's not whatever Mr Paws has left on the living room carpet...). 
 
But getting a new little sister isn't nearly as straightforward as Billie expects. Why are there so many rules? It's been weeks and weeks, and she still hasn't been able to hold the baby up at Show &amp; Tell. 
 
Luckily, the school musical is in full swing, giving Billie the perfect distraction. She just needs to watch out for Painy Janey, who has her eyes on the main part and doesn't care what gets in her way...

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.: Basically Famous

Get ready for the second hilarious diary of unforgettable Billie Upton Green! 
 
OK, things just got INTERESTING. 
 
Not only is Billie's class learning how to P.E.E. in the classroom (seriously - don't ask), they now have some very important contacts in the TV world. Plus Billie's mums are keeping a HUGE secret and Billie is determined to figure it out! 
 
But, Billie isn't going to be distracted, it's time for B.U.G. to make it BIG! 
 
Praise for B.U.G 
 
A sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid - Daily Mail 
 
Jen Carney knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house - Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the Dearmad

Jen Carney is literally a comic genius! As an adopted person myself, it was so wonderful to see an adoptee having fun, living her best life (with biscuits) and being basically awesome! I highly recommend this riotous read . . . My kids and I can't wait for more books from the talent and wonder that is Jen Carney!

Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

Fun, funny, inclusive and warm-hearted, these books are pure, cheery joy

Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs

School just got INTERESTING. Not only is Billie's class learning how to P.E.E. in the classroom (don't ask), they now have some very important contacts in the TV world. 
 
So as long as Janey McVey doesn't keep doing the splits for attention, and Billie's mums don't keep distracting her with a huge secret thing they seem to be planning... well watch out, because it's time for B.U.G. to make it BIG!

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.

Meet Billie Upton Green and her VERY accidental diary - and don't you DARE call her B.U.G! 
 
Billie has taken the new girl at school under her wing. She'll teach her the important stuff - Biscuit Laws, Mrs Patterson and of course where to sneakily eat a Jaffa Cake. She might even get invited to the EVENT OF THE YEAR (Billie's mums' are getting married). 
 
But then suspicion sets in. The new girl seems VERY close to Billie's best friend Layla. 
 
And she knows a LOT about the big school heist - the theft of Mrs Robinson's purse. But, Billie is on to her. Well, as long as Patrick doesn't catch her eating biscuits first. 
 
Join Billie in this laugh-out-loud adventure! 
 
A sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid - Daily Mail 
 
Jen Carney knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house - Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the Dearmad

For readers of seven-plus, Jen Carney's The Accidental Diary of BUG (Puffin) introduces sparky eponymous heroine Billie Upton Green . . . This cheery, highly illustrated diary story, more rooted in contemporary reality than Liz Pichon's Tom Gates books, is the first in a series that's sure to find devoted fans.

Fun, funny, inclusive and warm-hearted, these books are pure, cheery joy

Jen Carney writes family life with warmth, nuance and a phenomenal eye for detail. Plus, she knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house.

Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the Dearmad

Carney's lively, upbeat Billie is a welcome inclusive addition to the world of illustrated diaries. Her two mums feel like people I know, her weariness at explaining their existence just as familiar - and Billie herself is a treat, from her passion for biscuits to her determined pursuit of the school thief. Fun, funny, and deceptively clever.

Susie Day, author of Max Kowalski Didn't Mean It

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. is immense fun and is the first book I have read in a single sitting in a long time! It's warm, funny and has the best joke involving childbirth that you could put into a children's book!

A brilliant, hilarious and heartwarming book! I'm pretty sure if I'd read this as a child it wouldn't have taken me quite so long to understand and accept my own queer identity. Amazing for normalising same-sex parenting and adoption, completely laugh-out-loud funny and a feast for the eyes with lots of fun and engaging doodles. I loved it!

Abigail Balfe, A Different Sort of Normal

Meet Billie Upton Green and her VERY accidental diary - and don't you DARE call her B.U.G! 
 
Billie has taken the new girl at school under her wing. She'll teach her the important stuff - Biscuit Laws, Mrs Patterson and of course where to sneakily eat a Jaffa Cake. She might even get invited to the EVENT OF THE YEAR (Billie's mums' are getting married). 
 
But then suspicion sets in. The new girl seems VERY close to Billie's best friend Layla. 
 
And she knows a LOT about the big school heist - the theft of Mrs Robinson's purse. But, Billie is on to her. Well, as long as Patrick doesn't catch her eating biscuits first. 
 
Join Billie in this laugh-out-loud adventure! 
 
A sparky, funny new series perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid - Daily Mail 
 
Jen Carney knows how to make kids laugh . . . and I mean totally unreserved roll-on-the-floor belly laugh. Billie Upton Green is a firm favourite in our house - Emma Mylrea, author of Curse of the Dearmad

Jen Carney

A genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour

Another cracker from Jen Carney! Characters to love, cartoons to make you chuckle and plenty of page-turning drama and surprises

Sarah Hagger-Holt, author of The Fights That Make Us

Full of humour, thought-provoking and highly inclusive, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough as one to add to KS2 classroom shelves

Jacqui Sydney, Ex KS2 teacher and children's book blogger

Reading this with my children (8 and 11) was an absolute joy. It made them laugh but it also made them think which is just what we look for in a children's book.

Andreina Cordani, author of Murder at the Christmas Emporium

Uplifting, sensitive & funny...Lots to learn about fostering & makaton...I loved it

Tom Griffiths, head teacher and book blogger

Thoroughly enjoyed...It took me right back to those rare unicorn days where something beyond unexpected happens at school. And what a family too, I love them

Another wonderful gem from Jen Carney who weaves humour and empathy into every page! Foster families can have fun too! A brilliantly observed story about the complexities of children who are fostered.

The Day My School Got Famous is another winner. Genuinely funny and emotional, often at the same time, with a really powerful message about fostering and families. Ideal for Y4

Jon Biddle, school teacher and book blogger

BUCKLE UP, READER! THIS BOOK IS BURSTING WITH COMIC STRIPS AND CARTOONS! 
 
Since Ferris Foster’s dog got famous, life has taken another surprising turn: 
 
1. Ferris’s new foster brother, Nile, has arrived with a BANG, causing mischief wherever he goes! 
 
2. An unexploded Second World War bomb has been discovered under Ferris's school, causing it to CLOSE DOWN! 
 
3. Ferris is still a cartooning genius, but between temporary homeschooling and Nile’s noisy science experiments, it's practically impossible to draw anything! 
 
When the headteacher sets the school a design challenge, Ferris realizes he MUST find a way to work with Nile. But can the boys put their differences aside in order to win the once-in-a-lifetime prize? Or will this partnership have EXPLOSIVE consequences?!

Jen Carney

Praise for The Day My School Got Famous

A genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour

Another cracker from Jen Carney! Characters to love, cartoons to make you chuckle and plenty of page-turning drama and surprises

Full of humour, thought-provoking and highly inclusive, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough as one to add to KS2 classroom shelves

A genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour

Another cracker from Jen Carney! Characters to love, cartoons to make you chuckle and plenty of page-turning drama and surprises

Full of humour, thought-provoking and highly inclusive, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough as one to add to KS2 classroom shelves

A genuinely uplifting, heartfelt, inclusive and moving story, fizzing with mischief and humour

Another cracker from Jen Carney! Characters to love, cartoons to make you chuckle and plenty of page-turning drama and surprises

Full of humour, thought-provoking and highly inclusive, this is a series that I cannot recommend highly enough as one to add to KS2 classroom shelves

Books by Jen Carney

Series by Jen Carney

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.3 Books

The Famous Series2 Books

Articles featuring Jen Carney

17 of the best LGBTQIA+ books for kids

16 laugh-out-loud funny books for 9-12-year-olds

How to start a diary

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