Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoet

When she was young, Malala wished that all girls in her country could go to school like her. When girls were no longer allowed to, she spoke up. And, although people tried to silence her, she continues to help ‘make the world a more peaceful place’.

Strong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor and Michaela Dias-Hayes

Everyone has things that makes them special; Kamara is strong and can run fast. But sometimes being special makes her sad. A boy calls her a show-off; some girls accuse her of always winning. She finds out there are different ways to be strong and that we should all… stay strong!

Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird

The animals at Kit’s house think the new pet is a weirdo. At first, the new pet thinks about ‘ways to make herself more like the others’. She soon realises that being different has its own special joy. Is she a weirdo or is she just… Maud?

Home for Grace by Kathryn White and Rachael Dean

A little girl and her mum befriend a homeless woman called Grace. They share gifts with her; she shares stories with them. Sometimes they eat soup together. Grace tells them how she had to ‘leave her home and cross the sea’. A story to celebrate kindness and connection.

When the Storks Came Home by Isabella Tree and Alexandra Finkeldey

Beanie loves birds. She finds out that storks used to live near her but were hunted to extinction. She and her neighbours hatch a plan to bring them back. Based on a real project, a book to inspire budding environmentalists.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Ada’s head is full of questions; why, what, how and when? ‘How does a nose know there’s something to smell? And does it still stink if there’s no nose to tell?’
This fabulous rhyming story is perfect for Year 1+ to inspire curiosity and perseverance in young, would-be scientists. Follow your passion; and your nose!

The Family Tree by Kate Ferdinand

Amongst magical forest families, live Ash, Willow and their dad. Dad introduces them to a new person. The children like her but also miss their mum. What will bring this blended family together? As they bake, they get to know one another and their home starts to glow with love and magic.

Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith

A boy and his mum share memories of when they lived with dad in a faraway place. Some are very beautiful; lying on a blue blanket in the sun. Some more painful; a scary rainstorm and leaving their home. They begin to make new memories together. Lyrical and stunningly illustrated for Year 1+.

Everything Changes by Clare Helen Walsh and Asa Gillard

Mummy and daddy can’t live together anymore; it’s confusing and worrying. The family build a new life, do different things and talk about what it feels like.
‘Sometimes grown-ups separate, but parents are forever’. What keeps them together even if they are apart? Love.

One Little Word by Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys

Two best friends argue; the argument grows until they feel more like enemies. A rollercoaster of shouting, shoving and tears ensues.
What will it take to heal their friendship? Why, one little word of course. Oh, and a hug.