Key Stage One

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!