We teamed up with Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library to create a curated reading list, brimming with delightful tales and fascinating facts for young readers of all ages.
Whether you’re seeking bedtime adventures, stories to spark imagination, or books that satisfy curious minds, we’ve got you covered. From vibrant picture books and captivating junior fiction to enriching non-fiction and thought-provoking teen reads, these selections are perfect for fostering a love of reading in children and teens alike.
Picture books
Don’t Think of Tigers by Alex Latimer
Andersen Press, ISBN 9781839133268
A magical read-aloud, in which the narrator will draw anything you think of…except tigers. But what if all you can think of is tigers?
Dogdunnit by Peter Bently, illustrated by Tor Freeman
Andersen Press, ISBN 9781839131813
Crime is rife everywhere, with all evidence pointing toward canine culprits- and Inspector Keyhole wants them locked up! But Cat Detective, Purrlock Jones, thinks the source is someone else, someone far more cat-shaped.
Once Upon a Storytime by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Natelle Quek
Bloomsbury, ISBN 9781526619747
Nia loves stories about anything and each night, her Mum reads to her in bed – but what if the stories came true? Would her mum be there to help?
Waiting for Froggo by Alice Courtley
Orchard Books, ISBN 9781408364222
Yes, Samuel Beckett will go over the heads of most children but this is a very fun take on what happens when you have to wait for something (anything!)
One Little Word by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
Frances Lincoln, ISBN 9780711279124
A wonderful look at why it’s important to say sorry, as two best friends have a falling out and suddenly, a very big real hairy argument appears between them in the playground.
Junior Fiction
Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery by Lauren Ellen Anderson
HarperCollins, ISBN 9780008591335
If you loved her Amelia Fang series, then you’ll love this new series from Lauren Ellen Anderson, who introduces Marnie, a moth who’s just started at Minibeast Academy.
The House with the Dragon In It by Nick Lake, illustrated by Emily Gravett
Simon & Schuster, ISBN 9781471194870
When a hole appears in the floor of her living room, Summer goes to investigate only to discover something unusual: a Dragon, guarding treasure! A lovely story about realising the importance of what we have around us- with beautiful illustrations to boot.
Foxlight by Katya Balen, illustrated by Barry Falls
Bloomsbury, ISBN 9781526652102
A surreal tale of two sisters who leave their children’s home to venture into the wilderness in search of some answers.
The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner
Scholastic, ISBN 9780702329562
On his first day of school, Stanley wishes he could disappear, but little does he know his wildest dreams are about to come true…! A very fun graphic novel, perfect for reluctant readers.
Narwhal’s Sweet Tooth by Ben Clanton
Farshore, ISBN 9780008714246
This younger graphic novel series (Narwhal and Jelly) always proves popular whenever we have school visits, and the most recent instalment asks the eternal question: what happens if you eat nothing but sugar?
Junior Non-Fiction
The Wonder of Trees by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Lorna Scobie
Hodder, ISBN 9781444978704
An absolutely gorgeous exploration on the diversity of trees around the world, including the humans and animals who rely on them.
Meet the Cats by Kate Peridot, illustrated by Becca Hall
Welbeck Children’s Books, ISBN 9781804535462
Many of us have feline friends at home, but how do they compare to the big cats across the world?
Mini Artists by Josephine Seblon, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng
Hachette, ISBN 9780500660195
One for any very young artists at home, this has 20 art projects inspired by some of history’s most favourite artworks.
Get Your Animals in Order by Micahel Bright, illustrated by Gavin Scott
Wayland, ISBN 9781526322333
A feast for factfinders, this book introduces animal classification and explains just why it’s important to identify beasts and bugs in the world around us.
The Big Book of Useless Knowledge
Neon Squid, ISBN 9781838993634
Who doesn’t love a book guaranteed to give you some of the coolest, weirdest and wackiest facts you could ever need? A great one to dip in and out of, with chapters on nature, the human body, science and more.
Teen/YA
Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
HarperCollins, ISBN 9780008659288
You’ve probably heard of Heartstopper, but did you know creator Alice Oseman also wrote this novella which sits in between the original graphic novels? In it, Nick and Charlie face a challenge as one of them heads off to university.
How to Find a Missing Girl by Victoria Wlosok
Hodder, ISBN 9781510202726
Iris’s older sister disappeared a year ago and now, her ex-girlfriend has vanished too. Her amateur sleuthing backfired before but this time, she has to make it count. A great one for any true crime podcast fans.
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
Simon & Schuster, ISBN 9781398536425
A tik-tok favourite, this book follows Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett, two teens who’ve been neighbours since childhood but do not get on. That is, of course, until Liz needs someone to help her get the attention of her longtime crush…
The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings
Hodder, ISBN 9781444957358
All four volumes of this graphic novel are brilliantly subtle with their look at anxiety and depression, and how it’s important to talk about mental health.
Fangirl: the Manga
Viz Media, ISBN 9781974715879
Rainbow Rowell’s smash YA classic Fangirl now comes in manga form, and expressively visualises Cath and Wren’s story as they grapple with who they are once they get to college.
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