Calling all bookworms, did you know that on 4th October 2018, a massive 544 brand new children’s books were published? Since then, this day has become known as “Super Thursday”, now a highly important date in the world of publishing.
Fear not, if this date was sadly missed from your diary, we’re bringing you our best long and short stories for kids that were released on Super Thursday – the perfect Christmas present for the little ones.
With so many benefits of regular reading, it’s crucial that as a parent or carer you’re encouraging children to read in order to aid major social and emotional developments.
Let’s take a look at our best children’s reading books to buy, depending on their age range.
Early Years: Books for 3-year-olds and above
The first three we recommend are books for 3-year-olds and above.
They contain lots of colourful imagery and some, sound and light to make them interactive and captivating for youngsters.
They’re also rather simple in their storyline teaching the reader noises in the world around them, nature and the concept of family.
1. Baby Robot: A Beep-buzz, Light-up Story!
This “light and sound” book is a sensory delight, published by DK Children.
Baby Robot is all about the importance of giving yourself a rest after a busy day of whirring, beeping and twinkling.
Woodland Sounds
To give little ones an introduction to the great outdoors, Woodland Sounds from Usborne Children’s Books uses colourful illustrations and realistic sound effects.
3. All of Us
This is the latest offering from the acclaimed designer, author and illustrator, Alice Melvin.
It’s a beautifully simple look at the members of a family, coming together to celebrate a birthday.
Key Stage 1: Books for 5-year-olds and above
The next list of books for 5-year-olds and above.
Each contains a more emotional storyline, tapping into the idea of having best friends, fear, actions to take in times of danger and urgency and more.
These children’s books are great for the development of emotions and teaching children to discipline through showcasing right and wrong social behaviour.
4. Snow in the Garden: A First Book of Christmas
Shirley Hughes is the first of several literary legends to catch our eye, of all the Super Thursday children’s books.
In addition to the previously published Angel Mae and The Snow Lady, this anthology includes poems, crafts, and recipes.
5. Dragon Post
What do you do when you find a dragon under the stairs?
You write to the fire brigade, of course!
This is another interactive book, similar in style to The Jolly Postman.
Emma Yarlett’s new story introduces emotion and heaps of fun.
6. The Antlered Ship
In Dashka Slater‘s tale of seafaring animals, the Fan Brothers’ illustrations are truly breathtaking.
The story is just as touching; a very inquisitive fox searching for adventure and, more importantly, friendship.
7. The King Who Banned the Dark
Some of the children’s books from Super Thursday were bound to respond to the theme of ‘power’.
Hence, Emily Haworth-Booth uses her tale of a nervous young king to get children and adults thinking about responsibility and facing your fears.
What’s the point of the light without the dark?
Key Stage 2: Books for 7-year-olds and above
Our chosen books for 7-year-old and above dive into worlds of science, history and the slightly strange.
From practical and educational books, designed to open a child’s eyes to the astonishing world around us as well as thrilling fictional tales to get their creativity flowing.
8. Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes
The scientific world is not just in laboratories and on space stations; it’s in the here and now and it’s all around you!
That’s the main message of comedian Dara Ó Briain‘s latest non-fiction book, encouraging children to take an interest in the world at their fingertips.
9. Absolutely Everything!
Here’s another non-fiction book for your children to get their teeth into… Christopher Lloyd‘s Absolutely Everything! looks to be a remarkably thorough look at the history of the world, from dinosaurs to the industrial revolution and beyond.
10. My Mum Tracy Beaker
When literary superstar, Jacqueline Wilson, announced she was returning to her most famous heroine, Tracy Beaker there was apprehension mixed in with the excitement.
As expected, My Mum Tracy Beaker made it as one of the biggest titles of all the “Super Thursday” children’s books.
Did you know? Quite unbelievably, it’s been 27 years since Tracy Beaker first entered the spotlight.
11. The Train to Impossible Places: A Cursed Delivery
With mystery, magic and a big dollop of adventure, P.G. Bell’s debut novel is well and truly about to steam ahead.
In this thrilling novel, you can join lead character, Suzy, as she is whisked into a story she never asked to be part of, with a pretty tall order on her hands.
A book to get the heart racing and your child’s love for reading kickstarted.
12. The Clockwork Crow
Courage and family, ice and automatons: it sounds like there’s an intricate mystery ticking away at the heart of The Clockwork Crow.
Following her success as the inaugural Young Person’s Laureate for Wales in 2013, Catherine Fisher promises to grab children’s attention with her latest book.
13. Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain & Ireland
The Between Worlds collection contains retellings of fifty stories to enthral and inspire.
Kevin Crossley-Holland is a celebrated poet and “master storyteller” therefore we’re expecting Between Worlds to become a treasured anthology in many homes and schools.
All Ages: Books for 3 – 12-year-olds
Finally, we decided to include a couple of great books that any child, regardless of age or ability can enjoy.
With excellent graphics and stories that rhyme, we’re sure your child will find great enjoyment from either of these books.
14. My Storee
“Just because you can’t spell doesn’t mean you can’t write!”
Paul Russell‘s picture book is a fun but supportive gift for all children who feel like they have a story to tell but have been discouraged in some way.
Whether you’re dyslexic or not, the message at the heart of My Storee is something to remember.
15. Old Toffer’s Book of Consequential Dogs
To complete our list of Super Thursday children’s books, we’ve chosen a collection of poetry.
Presenting the long-awaited, official “sequel” to T.S. Eliot’s classic anthology, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
Award-winning poet, Christopher Reid, was commissioned to finally bring Eliot’s original idea to life.
So if these poems are anything like their feline counterparts, Consequential Dogs will delight adults and children alike.
Let’s Summarise!
There are plenty of great children’s books that will make excellent Christmas gifts and these are only a handful.
With so many stories published in October, there’ll be something for every child, regardless of age, gender and ability.
So, happy reading!
About the Author
Louise Emms works as content manager at Hand Made Places, a is a division of Broxap Ltd which specialises in manufacturing high-quality playground equipment manufactured from FSC timber.
Our talented designers have developed a vast range of products including play units, climbing frames, trim trails, outdoor classrooms, storytelling equipment and more, all which offer valuable learning opportunities and exceptional play value.
