5–7

Ellora McGee has finally settled into her new school, yet the true excitement is only just beginning. In the series’ second instalment, Ellora and her friends embark on a new adventure and must learn to work together to overcome the challenges they face.

This picturebook is based on the true story of the amazing Lilian Bland, the first woman to design, build and even fly her own airplane in 1910. Lilian’s story is one of bravery, tenacity, and the absolute refusal to give up on herself, even when everyone else had. Her indomitable spirit yearned to be as free as the birds in the sky, and her intelligence and drive made it possible for her to fly along with them.

This is a fun and exciting story that celebrates family in all its forms, as well as the superhero potential in both children and adults. On Oakley’s birthday, his mums are away battling a super slime monster, leaving him and his Nana Anna to prepare for the party. When the slime from their suits begins to spread through the house, Oakley and little sister Lyla find themselves in the middle of a series of wildly imaginative events.

Are you a reader who loves Vikings and pizza? Then this is the book for you as Gunnar the Viking sets out on his most greatest challenge yet, to make the perfect pizza!

This is a useful and highly empathetic non-fiction picturebook about death. Framed by instructions on how to use the book when grieving, it becomes a practical resource for children going through bereavement and carers guiding them through it.

When a new boy joins Pearl’s class in school at first she is surprised to learn that he has two mums. In a refreshingly childlike way, she accepts this fact and goes on to learn more about her new friend and their shared love of art, humour and chocolate cake. This is a simple story with a simple message at its core and will be enjoyed by young artists in particular. The children are relatable and sweet, and the classroom context is one that many will feel familiar with.

This book is an explosion of colour and positivity and contains a strong message for its young readers about both freedom and acceptance. There is no conventional storyline within the book, rather the text addresses children directly, emphasising the importance of just being themselves, while allowing others the freedom to do the same. The text rhymes, and features some lovely, lyrical verse, which makes it perfect for reading aloud.

School sports day is approaching, and Luna is apprehensive: she doesn’t think she is good at sport. As Luna and her friend Abiola try out lots of different sports, they discover that it is not all about being the best, that just participating can be lots of fun. This story shows there can also be a magic to sport, for instance when a lesson in a pool turns into swimming with dolphins and diving for treasure.

The latest title in the beloved Woodland Explorers Club series, Trix’s Tree House blends a cosy woodland adventure with practical, nature-inspired learning that will be a perfect addition to a Forest School curriculum.