Books that encourage reading for pleasure in children & young people | National Centre for Writing

There has never been more choice in children’s literature. However, for many young readers, finding the right book isn’t straightforward, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here are a few favourites, across different age groups, selected by educator and ‘Reading for Pleasure expert’ Jon Biddle. Jon has seen these books resonate deeply with children and positively influence their attitude to reading. They span verse novels, poetry, non-fiction texts, picture books, and graphic novels.

Age 4-5

Going to the Volcano by Andy Stanton and Miguel Ordóñez

An absolutely joyful book to read aloud and perform together. Fun and drama on every page, as everyone jumps on a plane-o to travel to Spain-o to look at the volcano!

When You’re Fast Asleep by Peter Arrhenius

Children love diving into this board book which shows the amazing people who work while the rest of the world sleeps. Flaps to lift and explore on every page.

Lifesize Baby Animals by Sophy Henn

A lovely non-fiction book which shows baby animals, including pandas, monkeys and whales, at their actual size. It has so much to discuss and talk about together.

Nabil Steals a Penguin by Nishani Reed and Junissa Bianda

It’s all very well stealing a penguin from the local zoo, but how do you hide it from your mum when you get it home? It’s even harder when the penguin likes dancing, bouncing on the bed, and making bubbly messes in the bathroom.

Age 6-7

The Bear-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty

An emotional story about how Gerda copes when her best friend, Orla, explains that he is seriously ill. A beautiful way to introduce young readers to loss and the importance of spending time with the people you love.

Everything You Know About Dinosaurs is Wrong by Nick Crumpton

A book that overturns many popular myths about dinosaurs, written in an extremely accessible and engaging style.

My Hair by Hannah Lee and Allen Fatimaharan

A book celebrating different hairstyles, telling the story of a girl who’s determined to go to a birthday party with the best hair ever.

Narwhal and Jelly: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

The perfect introduction to graphic novels for children, exploring the hilarious and heartwarming friendship between two friends with little in common, apart from a love of waffles and parties.

When a child finds the right book, however long it may take, they’re not just reading. They’re stepping into a world that belongs entirely to them.

Jon Biddle

Age 8-9

Supa Nova by Chante Timothy

An action-packed graphic novel about a young girl with a love of science and the determination to make a difference in the world.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Roz, a robot, is stranded on a wild island and must learn how to adapt by becoming part of the animal community. Beautifully written, with a strong environmental message.

Crazy About Cats by Owen Davey

Featuring stunning illustrations and packed with information, this book provides a wonderful opportunity for young readers to explore the lives of the different species of cats.

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

A thrilling jungle adventure which follows Chaya, a fearless, Robin Hood-style character, who steals from the rich to help her community.

Age 10-11

Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher

Set in ancient Ireland, this powerful verse novel tells the story of Fia as she tries to save her village from an eternal winter. It’s beautifully atmospheric and full of rich language.

Everest by Alexandra Stewart and Joe Todd-Stanton

Beautiful illustrations and highly engaging text bring to life the true story of the first two people ever to reach the summit of Everest.

The Curious Case of Karl Nova by Karl Nova

A deeply personal and emotional collection of poetry, based on Karl’s own journey through life. Children relate to Karl because he is also a rapper and songwriter.

The Space We’re In by Katya Balen

One of the most important children’s novels of recent years, exploring the relationship between Frank and his autistic younger brother, Max.

Jon Biddle

Jon Biddle is an experienced primary school teacher and English lead. He spent the first decade of his career in Newham before moving to Norfolk, currently teaching at Moorlands Primary Academy in Belton. Jon is a passionate advocate of Reading for Pleasure, winning the 2018 RfP Experienced Teacher of the Year award and the 2021 RfP School of the Year award. He is an advisor for Empathy Lab and is part of the UKLA national council, and has shared several examples of practice on the Open University RfP site. Jon writes a regular column about Reading for Pleasure for the NEU Educate magazine, where he shares practical ideas that can be introduced into the classroom, and regularly contributes to other publications. He is also part of the editorial team for English 4-11 magazine.

The National Year of Reading

In 2026, schools, workplaces, libraries, cultural organisations, and individuals across the country will celebrate the Year of Reading. While statistics show that fewer of us are reading for pleasure than ever before, reading has never mattered more. It expands minds, builds confidence, and fuels creativity throughout our lives.

Led by the National Literary Trust on behalf of the Department for Education, and supported by more than 60 partners across the UK, the Year of Reading aims to reconnect reading with the things that already inspire us, from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around.

Across our city and wider region of big skies and bold stories, we want everyone to rediscover the joy of reading, in whatever form that takes, and to take pride in our amazing community of creative thinkers, storytellers, booksellers, and publishers.

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