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Summer picks

August 22nd 2018

Our team of librarians have shared their summer must-read children’s books. How many of these titles are on your summer reading list?

Picture books

You’re called what? by Kes Gray and illustrated by Nikki Dyson Our librarian's review – “This hilarious book has a laugh out loud moment on almost every page! With illustrations that add appeal. Includes true fascinating facts about all of the animals that appear in the story. Brilliant!”   We wear pants by Katie Abey Our librarian's review – “Vibrant, light-hearted illustrations with plenty to spot and discuss on each page. Great to browse or share and would be helpful for early years too.”   Picking Pickle by Polly Faber and illustrated by Clara Vulliamy Our librarian's review – “I want a dog now! Utterly adorable illustrations of doggies that are so expressive and full of life they practically leap off the page. Sweet story too.”   Baby’s first bank heist by Jim Whalley and illustrated by Stephen Collins Our librarian's review – “Hilarious illustrations with so much going on in the background. Great for sharing.”   Tropical Terry by Jarvis Our librarian's review – “Enjoyable, humorous little story with really lovely illustrations and a good message. A must for all picture book collections.”  

Younger junior fiction

Junkyard Jack and the horse that talked by Adrian Edmondson and illustrated by Danny Noble Our librarian's review – “A really lovely story with engaging illustrations and a good mix of poignant and humorous moments.”   The accidental president by Tom McLaughlin Our librarian's review – “Ajay is off to US so the adventures in this book only get bigger, more ridiculous and are really funny. Great for fans of the series, but easily read as a standalone.”  

Upper junior fiction

The boy at the back of the class by Onjali Q Rauf and illustrated by Pippa Curnick Our librarian's review – “Story is very well told and cleverly combines humour with some serious, poignant messages. A really lovely, eye-opening read.”   The polka dot shop by Laurel Remington Our librarian's review – “A sweet story of friendship, love and determination that handles many issues sensitively and contains some beautiful poignant moments. A really lovely read.”  

Younger teenage fiction

Boy meets hamster by Birdie Milano Our librarian's review – “Sweet, funny and tender tale of first love, with great characterisation and comedic set-pieces. Wide appeal and innocent enough to sit in any library.”   Who killed Christopher Goodman? by Allan Wolf Our librarian's review – “A well-crafted and thought-provoking examination of a murder and its impact. The multiple narratives work well and add to the very real sense of time and place while the whole is suffused with sadness.”   Lisette’s Paris notebook by Catherine Bateson Our librarian's review – “A good natured & safe serving of escapism that is remarkably angst-free. An ideal holiday read where Paris is as much a character as the protagonists.”  

Older teenage fiction

Open road summer by Emery Lord Our librarian's review – “A nice, easy-going romance with a warm and happy ending. Perfect teen summer escapism and absolutely fine for adding to teen collections.”   A sky painted gold by Laura Wood Our librarian's review – “A gloriously atmospheric & memorable coming of age story - the late 1920's setting is so well drawn & the banter between the two leads crackles with sexual tension. Just wonderful.”   The Island by M.A. Bennett Our librarian's review – “A disparate group stranded on a desert island: sure, it's a familiar scenario but who cares when it's this entertaining?! Thoroughly enjoyable with some moral questions to ponder too. It's the perfect beach read.”   The hate u give by Angie Thomas Our librarian's review – “Exciting debut cleverly weaves diverse plot strands to create a tough, uncompromising, yet thought-provoking, portrayal of friendship/family loyalty against a background of community tension.”  

Non fiction

The incredible fold-out book of animals Our librarian's review – “Stunning photos only slightly let down by the cartoonish illustrations. Good level of dip-into snippets of information, and the fold-out pages work well. Lovely.”   If sharks disappeared by Lily Williams Our librarian's review – “A powerful conservation message, enhanced by some lovely artwork. Would benefit from adult input as some complex language at times. Really makes you think.”   Happy Poems chosen by Roger McGough Our librarian's review – “A lovely collection of poems that could be used to support the curriculum or for leisure purposes.”   How to solve the Rubik’s cube Our librarian's review – “Well illustrated & clearly explained, this is an ideal guide for fans of the enduringly popular puzzle. Should issue well.”   Peters are delighted to be offering 30% off these fantastic titles. Click here to take advantage of this offer. If you use Junior Librarian or Eclipse, please visit the bookshop on your library management system to take advantage of this offer.