Key Stage One

Speak Up by Nathan Bryon

Rocket absolutely loves going to the library so you can imagine how horrified she is to discover that it is going to close down! Inspired by the actions of Rosa Parks, she decides to lead a protest against the closure. She gathers friends and family and soon the message reaches far and wide. Can the library be saved?

This is a lovely story about how speaking out and working together can really make a difference.

Seal Surfer by Michael Foreman

A boy and his grandfather are walking along a rocky beach one day and come across a mother seal who has a pup. The story follows the meetings and adventures they have with the seals over the seasons and years.

The story shows how special the relationship between animals and humans can be. This is a book to share and enjoy.

Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

This book has a great sense of adventure about it. It talks of independence, of challenge, of courage and the ups and downs of life that we all face. This is all done with the usual wacky illustrations that we come to expect in the Dr. Seuss books. Ultimately, it is hugely inspiring!

The Gecko and the Echo by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

This beautifully illustrated book is about Goldy the Gecko who is a bit of a show off! He sings and dances and wants everyone to listen to him so that he can make his way all the way to the top. Soon, however, the other creatures become fed up of him and decide to teach him a lesson.

This is a story about learning how to consider the feelings of others and understanding that what you send out comes back to you like an echo.

The Famous Five – Well Done Famous Five by Enid Blyton

This Famous Five colourful read is a short story with colour illustrations making it a perfect

introduction for the younger reader and an exciting way to enjoy classic tales for Blyton

fans. The story follows the original five characters Julian, Dick, George, Anne and Timmy the

dog enjoying a delicious picnic on Kirrin Hill and admiring the beautiful scenery and

peaceful sounds. All was very tranquil until …disaster strikes! There is mayhem on the

other side of the hill involving some of Lord Daniron’s racehorses. Could the Famous Five

come to the rescue? The story includes interesting but simple vocabulary and shorter sentences whilst challenging the younger reader. There are other short stories in the collection and, for the

more able reader, there is action and adventure in the full-length novels.

I like this story because it demonstrates how being brave and working as a team really can

solve some problems. The illustrations are attractive and colourful and would appeal to the

younger reader. The story contains a gripping level of adventure whilst not being too

difficult to follow the story. I also like the fact that the characters are relatable. I would recommend the short story for children to either read independently or to enjoy together with family.

Rosie’s Hat by Julia Donaldson and Anna Currey

In this story, Rosie loses her hat as she goes on a walk with her family. We then watch Rosie

grow up and see her journey through life. Whatever did become of her hat? In a clever twist at the end of the story, we find out.

It’s an inspirational story about the adventures that life can take you on.

Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters go to School by Zanna Davidson

Billy has ended up with five pet monsters who live in his sock drawer. They turn his life upside down. In this particular tale, the monsters want to go to school with Billy. Billy doesn't think it's a good idea but he takes them anyway. Before long, there is chaos!

This book is part of a funny series. The monsters get themselves into lots of amusing situations, including one involving baked beans, that Billy has to sort out!

My Beautiful Voice by Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys

In this story, a girl really struggles to find her voice. She doesn't feel that she can talk in class. However, when her teacher inspires her with poetry, she decides to write her own poem. As her poem develops, she realises that it wants to be heard.

This story is about a child developing confidence and using her voice to express herself. Words have power!

Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds

Amara has an unusual interest for a girl of her age - she loves bats! Her love of these creatures began when a bat became trapped in her attic and had to be rescued. However, it soon becomes clear that the bats in a nearby town are under threat because their habitat is being damaged. Amara wants to do something but isn't sure how to go about it.

This story shows what a difference one person can make and presents an environmental issue in an accessible way. Well worth a read!

Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane

A boy and his grandfather love painting. Everyone in the village loves to come and see their art work. It is a lovely life and the boy hopes he will stay with his grandfather forever. However, it doesn't turn out the way he hoped.

This story is about dealing with grief and realising that those we love will always be with us.

Can I build me another me? by Shinsuke Yoshitake

Kevin is fed up of doing certain things so he comes up with what he thinks is a great idea - he wants to make a robot version of himself. He tries to tell the robot all about himself, his likes and dislikes, but he struggles to describe how others may see him.

This is a lovely story which is essentially about recognising what makes us us. It recognises our individuality and how we can accept that.

The Gifts that Grow by Monika Singh Gangotra

Amrita is helping to grind the garum masala - a special event in her household - when she notices a photograph of her grandmother by a tree that looks exactly like a tree in her own garden. Amrita is astonished to learn that the tree in her garden has been grown from a cutting of her grandmother's tree in India.

This is a beautifully illustrated story about appreciating the generations that have come before us.

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker

Evelyn is a young girl who loses her hearing. At first, she is devastated because she loves to listen to music. However, she soon begins to discover that there is more than one way to hear the music she adores. 

This is a heart-warming story based on the life of Evelyn Glennie. Is shows her courage and resilience to turn a devastating situation into something really special. Totally inspirational!