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Reading books with your class is rewarding and motivating. But it can also be challenging.

The choice of books is so big, that once we as teachers start looking for a good book to offer our students, we may become overwhelmed. And then we would also like to have some activities to go with the book, wouldn’t we? But what is certainly the most important of all, is that the class is engaged in the story and reading.

We have chosen 20 books that are great for using in class, having divided them into two age groups, and also added some links to the activities*. Hope you will find this list useful.

* All activites are free but some may require registration. These are not affiliate links.
Pre-school and lower primary school books (ages 2 – 6)
Lower primary school books (ages 7 – 10)

Pre-school and lower primary school books
(ages 2 – 6)

1. Pip and Posy series (Nosy Crow)

The best-selling series from award-winning Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, written by Camilla Reid.

Buy https://angloclass.com/pip-and-posy/

Get free class resources here >>>

Pip and Posy are best friends – they love to play, and make things, and have fun. But just occasionally they get cross or sad, and sometimes things go wrong that are beyond their control. And that’s when kindness and understanding – and a cuddle – make everything better.

 

2. PJ Masks series (Hachette Children’s Group)

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Show the children how they can be superheroes with the characters from the hit show PJ Masks!

Buy https://angloclass.com/pj-masks/

Get free class resources here >>>

PJ masks are on their way, into the night to save the day!

 

3. Kind (Scholastic UK)

With gorgeous pictures by a host of top illustrators, KIND is a timely, inspiring picture book about the many ways children can be kind, from sharing their toys and games to helping those from other countries feel welcome.
By  Alison Green, endorsed by the illustrator Axel Scheffler.

Buy https://angloclass.com/kind/

Get free class resources here >>>

Imagine a world where everyone is kind – how can we make that come true?

 

4. The Day the Crayons Came Home (Scholastic UK)

The Day the Crayons Came Home (Scholastic UK) is the hilarious sequel to the prize-winning, international bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit! Hilarious text and joyful illustrations in the form of letters and postcards from the crayons.

By Daywalt Drew

Buy https://angloclass.com/the-crayons/

Get free class resources here >>>

Watch out – the crayons are back and they’re crosser than ever!

 

5. How to Hide a Lion at School (Scholastic UK)

The third warm and funny adventure in the bestselling HOW TO HIDE A LION series is guaranteed to delight children everywhere.

Other titles from How to Hide the Lion series are also available.

By Stephens Helen

Buy https://angloclass.com/how-to-hide-a-lion-at-school/

Get free class resources here >>>

 

6. I Need a Hug (Scholastic UK)

A truly adorable tale from the award-winning creator of Pig the Pug. All the little porcupine wants is a hug. But with such prickly spikes, will she ever get the cuddle she craves?
By Blabey Aaron

Buy here https://angloclass.com/i-need-a-hug/

Get free class resources here here >>>

 

7. Read with Oxford phonics series (Oxford Children’s Books)

Read with Oxford phonics series (Oxford Children’s Books) – each book has four well-loved traditional tales that have been retold in line with phonics learning at school. Read with Oxford Stage 1 collection is ideal for children who are taking their first steps in reading. Read with Oxford Stage 2 collection is ideal for children who are developing early reading skills.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/the-town-mouse/
and here https://angloclass.com/dick-whittington/

Get free class resources  here >>>

 

8. Geronimo, a book and CD edition
(by HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Everyone knows penguins can’t fly… or can they? A book and CD edition read by David Walliams himself.
By David Walliams and Tony Ross

Buy here https://angloclass.com/geronimo/

Get free class resources  here >>>

A delightfully topsy-turvy book with an uplifting message about following your dreams.

 

9. Books by Julia Donaldson (various publishers)

Books by Julia Donaldson are always a good idea for your primary class! We could not even choose just one of them when making this list. So, here they are, the whole collection we have:

Buy books here https://angloclass.com/julia-donaldson/

Get free class resources here:
for titles published by Macmillan >>>
for titles published by Scholastic >>>

10. Paddington Bear (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Paddington Bear (HarperCollins Children’s Books) has been delighting readers for over 60 years. Stories about his earnest good intentions are always a hit.

By Michael Bond , Illustrated by  R.W. Alley

Buy books here https://angloclass.com/paddington-bear/

Get free class resources  here >>>

 

Lower primary school books
(ages 7 – 10)

1. Books by Julia Donaldson (various publishers)

Books by Julia Donaldson are always a good idea for your primary class! We could not even choose just one of them when making this list. So, here they are, the whole collection we have:

Buy books here https://angloclass.com/julia-donaldson/

Get free class resources here:
for titles published by Macmillan >>>
for titles published by Scholastic >>>

2. Kind (Scholastic UK)

With gorgeous pictures by a host of top illustrators, KIND is a timely, inspiring picture book about the many ways children can be kind, from sharing their toys and games to helping those from other countries feel welcome.
By  Alison Green, endorsed by the illustrator Axel Scheffler.

Buy https://angloclass.com/kind/

Get free class resources here >>>

Imagine a world where everyone is kind – how can we make that come true?

 

3. Winnie and Wilbur
(Read with Oxford, Oxford Children’s Books)

Winnie the Witch (Read with Oxford, Oxford Children’s Books) series are perfect for using in class, in the way of picture books as well as graded readers from Read with Oxford series.
By Laura Owen, Valerie Thomas and Illustrator Korky Paul

Buy books here https://angloclass.com/winnie-and-wilbur/

Get free class resources here:
for Winnie and Wilbur picture books >>
for Read with Oxford series >>>

 

4. Percy the Park Keeper
(HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Percy the Park Keeper (HarperCollins Children’s Books) is an award-winning series that has recently celebrated its 30 years. With more than 9 million books sold worldwide, it’s an engaging and funny reading for your primary class.

By Nick Butterworth

Choose the book here https://angloclass.com/percy-the-park-keeper/

Get free class resources here >>>

 

5. Hero Academy series
(Read with Oxford, Oxford Children’s Books)

Hero Academy series (Read with Oxford, Oxford Children’s Books) includes graded readers for staged 5 and 6, intended for children beginning to read independently.

Choose here https://angloclass.com/Hero-Academy/

Get free class resources here >>>

6. Are We There Yet?
(Farshore Books)

The Complete Family Series Collection by Enid Blyton. Enid Blyton is arguably the most famous children’s author of all time, taking her place alongside Roald Dahl, Beatrix Potter, and A. A. Milne as one of Britain’s true heritage children’s authors. The Family Series Collection includes The Saucy Jane Family, The Pole Star Family, The Caravan Family, The Seaside Family, The Buttercup Farm Family and The Queen Elizabeth Family.

By Enid Blyton.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/the-family-series/

Get free resources here >>>

 

7. Children Just Like Me and A School Like Mine (DK)

Children Just Like Me and A School Like Mine (DK) are amazing children’s books exploring schools around the world through the eyes of pupils. A perfect idea for your CLIL class. Learn about the incredible everyday lives of real children from around the world in this book about people and places for kids aged 7 to 9. See school activities, classrooms, and playtime in photographs that will appeal to all children curious to learn about the lives of other schoolchildren on every continent.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/a-school-like-mine/
and https://angloclass.com/children-just-like-me/

Get free class resources here >>>

 

8. Usborne Beginners

Usborne Beginners are a good source for non-fiction reading in English. These are colourful information books for children beginning to read on their own. Vivid, full colour illustrations and photographs on every page, accompanied by short, informative text.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/usborne-beginners/

Get free class resources here >>>

 

9. My Mixed Emotions (DK)

My Mixed Emotions (DK) was created in partnership with children’s mental health charity Place2Be. My Mixed Emotions will guide the children as they travel through the mixed-up world of emotions to discover the wonderful, unique persons that they are. A perfect companion for a CLIL class in English.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/my-mixed-emotions/

Get free class resources here >>>

 

10. Calm (DK)

Calm (DK) – the perfect introduction to mindfulness, this children’s book teaches kids how to be mindful by focusing their thoughts and noticing the world around them using fun activities. Children can choose what they need and select an appropriate activity, be it reflective, one that will improve focus, or a calming exercise. Each page has a different activity and children can work through all of the exercises or select an area they wish to work on. It’s the perfect gentle introduction to getting a child to think mindfully.

Buy here https://angloclass.com/calm-mindfulness-for-kids/

Get free class resources here >>>