With World Book Day on the 4th March, here are the top children's reads from the last year.
One Hundred Steps: The Story of Captain Sir Tom Moore by Captain Tom Moore and Adam Larkum
3-7 years
A book about adventure, about family, about never giving up, and about what we can achieve when we work together. This is an inspirational picture book, published in support of the creation of the Captain Tom Foundation, which tells the incredible story of the man who walked 100 laps of his garden and captured the heart of a nation
Code Name Bananas by David Walliams
8-12 years
Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots – and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day…
The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson
2-6 years
Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the creators of The Gruffalo and Stick Man. The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove.
The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling
7-11 years
The Ickabog is coming… A mythical monster, a kingdom in peril, an adventure that will test two children’s bravery to the limit. Discover a brilliantly original fairy tale about the power of hope and friendship to triumph against all odds, from one of the world’s best storytellers.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
1-4 years
Number One bestseller Giraffes Can't Dance from author Giles Andreae has been delighting children for over 15 years. Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can't dance . . . or can they?
The Invisible by Tom Percival
3 years and up
A moving, powerful story that shines a light on those that feel invisible in our world - and shows us that we ALL belong. The Invisible is the story of a young girl called Isabel and her family. They don't have much, but they have what they need to get by. Until one day, there isn't enough money to pay their rent and bills and they have to leave their home full of happy memories and move to the other side of the city.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney
8-12 years
Big changes are in store for Greg Heffley and his family. They are making home improvements. But with unwelcome critters, toxic mould and the walls coming down, soon Greg discovers renovations aren't all they are cracked up to be.
While We Can't Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar
2-6 years
The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.
Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet by Kate Pankhurst
5-7 years
From bestselling author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, comes another 'smart, informative, inclusive and accessible' book about trail-blazing women. This time, it's women who have been making decisions that have helped protect our natural world from way before it was on a political agenda.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh By Helen Rutter
8-12 years
A laugh-out-loud, against-all-odds triumph of a story: the funniest debut of 2021. Billy Plimpton is an eleven-year-old boy with a big dream. He wants to be a stand-up comedian when he grows up: delivering pinpoint punch-lines and having audiences hang on his every hilarious word.