Autumn Term 2026 Collection
This video provides an overview of the book choices with reasons for selection, and a peek inside the books. It is ideal for teacher book knowledge, presenting information in bite-sized chunks. You might view it in staff or team meetings when discussing reading for pleasure. The videos can also be viewed on demand by individual teachers
There’s just enough information included to help you to introduce them to your class before adding them to the class or school library.
Autumn recommendations can be purchased at a discounted rate…
A Werewolf Ate My Homework
Author/Illustrator: Emily Snape
Pages: 208 pages with small black and white illustrations on each page
When Asher thinks he sees his future stepbrother’s werewolf reflection in the mirror, he races to tell his mum before they all become a midnight snack. But Mum doesn’t believe Luca is a werewolf, not after all the fibs Asher’s been telling. Together with his banana-loving, werewolf-obsessed frenemy Helga, Asher must collect the evidence he needs to prove he’s right. But it turns out it’s not quite that easy
Madcap chapter fiction with black and white vignette illustrations to support readers who find dense text off-putting. Themes of family and friendship underpin this funny story.
The Trouble With Magic
Author: Amy Wilson
Illustrator: Eric Deschamps
Pages: 228 pages. Some full-page black-and-white illustrations
When Fray’s hidden magic is revealed, he is forced back to Hexton – the magical town from which his family were banished. With no one to trust and nowhere to turn, Fray must face people who see his very name as a curse, others who believe he might be the solution they’ve been searching for, and those desperate to get their hands on his mysterious Croxometer – one of the most powerful magical objects to ever exist. And with the very essence of Hexton in danger, can Fray live up to his magical legacy while also finding the place where he belongs?
Beautifully written and atmospheric. This is a great choice for avid fantasy fans and those who enjoy a longer read,
The Wild One
Author: Steve Cole
Pages: 256 pages
The old familiar world had gone.
‘Out there in the cold and gusting dark, something new and unknown was waiting… ‘Scamp lives at a pet care centre. He has friends, food and a warm bed. But one terrible night – the Night of the Great Growl – his world changes forever.
The people have vanished, and all that’s left outside are the Things: vicious, starving beasts that roam the ruined city. Driven into the wilds – with Chandelier the cat, Punzel the rabbit, Patticake the dachshund, Falstaff the parrot and hamsters Nudge and Wink – Scamp sets off in search of safety. On their epic journey, Scamp must discover his own wildness if he’s to lead the pets to the one thing they so desperately need – a new home.
Strong, thoughtful storytelling with a sense of adventure that will keep readers turning the pages. This will have wide appeal and could well become a class favourite.
False vs facts
Author: Dan Marshall
Pages: 128. Colour illustrations throughout
A myth-busting, fact-filled guide to our world, perfect for curious readers aged 9-12. Get ready for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Can you really see the Great Wall of China from space? Is the five-second rule real? Does drinking milk give you more mucus? Join expert Dan Marshall on a fact-filled journey to separate the truth from the lies, bust some myths and discover once and for all what is false and what is fact!
Fun and informative. Children will enjoy asking these questions to friends and family. A lesson in going beyond the headlines to find the truth but without being preachy. Great fun!
How to Crack a Code
Author: Iona Rangely
Illustrator: David Tazzyman
Pages: 240. Black and white illustrations
Cecily Sawyer is surrounded by spies. They’re everywhere – on the streets, in her home, at her school – and after intercepting a highly suspicious message intended for her parents (also spies), Cecily, along with her highly-intelligent pet mouse, Mrs Maple Syrup, decides to investigate.? And the more that Cecily digs, the further the mystery deepens … forcing her to question who – if anyone – she can really trust.
A super-funny mystery with David Tazzyman’s distinctive illustrations, balanced with full pages of text for readers growing in confidence and stamina.
Legends of Japanese Mythology
Author Thersa Matsuura
Illustrator: Tomii Masako
Pages: 80. Full colour throughout..
Enter a captivating world of heroes, spirits, monsters and yokai in Legends of Japanese Mythology. This stunning illustrated anthology takes you on an adventure through time to a world of mystical power, battles, quests and intrigue. Featuring otherworldly artwork from Tomii Masako and enchanting text from the host of the popular podcast Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura, this collection of timeless tales is perfect for all lovers of Japanese mythology and folklore. Inside, you’ll find 50 profiles of legendary people and mystical beings, each accompanied by a stunning portrait, such as Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan and a descendant of the Sun Goddess. Izagani-no-Mikoto and Izanamino-Mikoto, who used their bejewelled spear to create the islands of Japan. Ryujin, who used two jewels to control the ocean. Nopperabo, faceless ghosts who enjoy scaring unsuspecting people. Oni, huge red or blue ogres who dwell in the mountains. Tanuki, the shape-shifting raccoon dogs who play tricks on the locals. Tamamo no Mae, the most powerful and dangerous nine-tailed fox spirit.
Japanese culture is huge with this age group at the moment, no doubt fueled by the growth of Manga in the UK. This nonfiction book will delight fans with the background to their favourite mythological creatures.
Front Foot
Author: Tom Palmer
Illustrator: Robin Boyden
Pages: 80. 16 black and white illustrations
Tom Palmer is well known for his football-related stories; now he turns his attention to cricket.
Navigating life in England, Azeem hopes to share his passion for cricket with his new friends. Azeem’s father dreams of one day seeing his son play cricket on an English pitch in English whites. Getting to grips with his new life in the UK, Azeem can’t understand why the children on his estate would rather kick a ball than bowl one. As he anxiously awaits news from his mum and sister, who are stuck in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Azeem distracts himself with teaching his new friends how to play cricket. He takes a chance by inviting some intimidating older boys at the local park to play with them, and soon enough, a team is formed. But as his worry for his family worsens, will Azeem be able to play on his Front Foot?
This action-packed sports story from Barrington Stoke has a dyslexia friendly format.
Horror in Hazard
Author: Jennifer Killick
Pages: 288
.An ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. A place where nothing is what it seems and where things really DO go bump in the night … Theme parks are ALWAYS fun, right? But this trip to Apocoland – the theme park at the heart of Hazard – is a day out with added danger. Because Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Seline are closing in on the weird goings-on in Hazard, and they’re about to face the powers that run this town.
But first they’ve got to get through the different theme park zones. Each one comes with its own horrors, and the friends must be prepared for anything – and everything! – to happen …
A thrilling new book from the queen of middle-grade horror, Jennifer Killick. Perfectly pitched for the age group with the perfect balance of suspense and shock, lightened with humour.
Wilomina
Author/Illustrator: John Chalmers, Sandar Marrs
Pages: 272, Full colour
On their way to visit Mum in hospital, Wilomina, her father and baby brother Kes get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Desperate, Wilomina leaps aboard a mysterious train – and away from the world she knows. On board, she meets Mephisto, a talking cat – and this is only the beginning of the absurd… Soon, Wilomina is separated from her family, tumbling into Nocturna – a parallel land where dreams and nightmares come from. But something eerie is happening: the nightmares are taking over. With Mephisto’s help, Wilomina must find her family and seek the gate that will lead them home.
A lovely fantasy adventure in a popular graphic novel format, with a crepuscular colour palette that suits the story’s magical element.
Fresh
Author: Rhiannon Oliver
Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Pages: 96. Black and white illustrations throughout
Inspired by everything from cloud-gazing to cat fleas, FRESH is a lively collection of poems for children that explores starting over, nature, expressing your feelings, and kindness. There is plenty of ‘fun stuff ’, but poems also touch on subjects such as shifting friendships, sadness and coping with worry. With gorgeous illustrations from former Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, this is a wonderful and heart-warming first collection.
An excellent debut collection covering a wide range of emotions and relatable topics. In our surveys, children have told us they would like more poetry in their classrooms, so this’s a great addition to the class reading corner.