We invited a panel of teachers, literacy and reading experts, book reviewers and editors – see right – to choose their top 11 best books for under 11s. From picture books to older fiction, together they make an exciting and varied list of recommended reads for children from three to 11.
Anne Thompson, school librarian (@Alibrarylady)
The Day the Crayons Quit
by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
A picture book that appeals to all ages, adults and children alike. Great fun.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by CS Lewis (HarperCollins)
The book that made me a reader!
Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf
by Catherine Storr (Puffin)
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
by Kate di Camillio (Walker)
Millions
by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Macmillan)
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket
by John Boyne (Corgi)
The Arrival
by Shaun Tan (Hodder)
Rooftoppers
by Katherine Rundell (Faber & Faber)
Wonder
by R J Palacio (Corgi)
Dogger
by Shirley Hughes (Red Fox)
An old favourite for very good reasons. Winner of the Greenaway of Greenaways.
Claude in the City
by Alex T Smith (Hodder)
The series is fabulous for emerging readers.
11 best books to read before you're 11
Look for resources...
