World Book Day falls on 4 March this year so it’s a great opportunity to encourage little ones to pick up a book, whether that’s a great tale of adventure or even just one with fantastic pictures.
We’ve picked out some of our favourite titles, both old and new, which are available at Waterstones and The Works at the Bridges and are sure to keep them gripped from the beginning to the very end.
Pirates vs. Monsters by David Crosby
Sunderland author David Crosby’s debut children’s book and winner of the Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award, is one not to miss! Telling the story of pirates Hector, Sue and George bragging about the ingenious methods they’ve used to get the better of three gruesome monsters, with a little Mackem inspiration!
Price £7.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton
The Famous Five certainly get up to lots of adventures and this first story is no different, with a treasure map, hidden gold and even bad guys to outsmart. There are plenty more where that came from, with more than 20 books in the series for them to enjoy.
Price £4.99 at The Works
www.theworks.co.uk
The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A perfect bedtime book for little readers, which teaches a message about difference and intolerance, when a red Smed and a blue Smoo fall in love, much to their families’ disapproval. All is right in the end, with lyrical rhymes and gorgeous illustrations to accompany it.
Price £5.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
This award-winning children’s book is based in part on the stories the author encountered when working in refugee camps. It’s a story of friendship, hope and kindness, with a good deal of humour thrown in too.
Price £5.99 at The Works
www.theworks.co.uk
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Avid readers will love this story about a fellow bookworm, with Quentin Blake’s iconic illustrations. Despite a rough start in life, Matilda triumphs over bullies and uses her extraordinary powers to help others.
Price £5.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
The Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson
For her school project, Charlie writes a diary as an imagined Victorian maid called Lottie. The events in Lottie’s life largely mirror those happening in Charlie’s as she deals with a strict teacher, new friendships and her mum getting a new boyfriend, while she learns more about herself in the process.
Price £6.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
A dystopian twist on the classic fairytale, set in a world where girls recite the story daily and hope to be picked by a man at the ball. When Sophia’s night goes horribly wrong and she’s forced to flee, she discovers she has the power to remake her life into something different.
Price £6.49 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Loved by children and adults alike, Charlotte’s Web is an excellent choice to read together. Telling the story of a pig set for slaughter who is saved thanks to a cunning plan from a talented spider who lives in his barn, it is a charming tale which has stood the test of time.
Price £4.99 at The Works
www.theworks.co.uk
The Girl and the Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes
Rather than playing with children her own age, Marianne is often seen foraging on the beach digging for dinosaur bones. One night she goes to sleep wishing for a dinosaur companion and a charming story ensues, with beautiful illustrations to match.
Price £5.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr
Set in 1939 against a backdrop of World War I, this captivating debut centres on a lonely evacuee and a spooky discovery in a Welsh village. A perfect choice for fans of adventure, with an intriguing mystery at its heart.
Price £5.99 at Waterstones
www.waterstones.com
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
