Salty Dog and Pals: The Storm and Other Stories by Helen Stephens and Katie Chappell (Walker Books)
Perfect for readers age 5+, Salty Dog and Pals is a delightful collection of four seaside adventures. Celebrating friendship, fun and island life, these gorgeous characters will have readers completely enthralled. These short stories are wonderful for beginning readers just branching out from picture books.
Kitty and the Moonflower Mystery by Paula Harrison & illustrated by Jenny Lovlie (Oxford Children’s)
Kitty is back with her 17th (!!!) adventure. In Kitty and the Moonflower Mystery, this favourite superhero visits a rare flowers exhibit at the Botanical Gardens and solves the mystery of a stolen bloom. Aimed at age 5+, this early chapter book series is perfect for building confidence in young readers who are ready for the next level of challenge. The chapters are accessible and engaging with beautiful illustrations to draw children in. The black and orange colour scheme creates memorable images while the sweet faces of the characters ensure they will become much loved friends for many years.
Dory Fantasmagory: Dory Dory Black Sheep by Abby Hanlon (Faber)
Embrace imagination and fun with the hilarious Dory Fantasmagory. An ideal first chapter book for readers age 5+, this book reveals what would happen if a story came to life and a little lamb really followed you to school. This is the third book in a hugely popular US series now making its way to the UK.
Marty Moose: First Class Mischief & The Great Stamp-ede by Claire Powell (Walker Books)
Postmouse Marty Moose is an absolutely brilliant character full of adventure, mishaps and fun! It seems everyone’s getting in the way of him doing his very best in his new job – but one calamity after another doesn’t deter him. Over-the-top situations and exagerated language make these stories completely unputdownable. Readers age 6-8 will be clamouring to read them and share a laugh at poor Marty’s expense. They would make a great read aloud or a delightful surprise tucked into a school book corner.
Croaky: Danger at Crater Canyon by Matty Long (Oxford Children’s)
Croaky: Danger at Crater Canyon is the fifth book in an absolutely brilliant illustrated fiction series for readers age 5+. Vibrant colours, appealing characters and fun adventure combine to create a hugely engaging book. Croaky isn’t like other frogs – he thrives on adventure and what better place to find it but in the Woggle Scouts. In this instalment, they’re off to investigate a UFO. Friendship abounds as they navigate the baking desert, cross rickety rope bridges and try to find the Alien Research Station. Children will be giggling along with Croaky’s mishaps and misadventures causing their curious classmates to want to read it too.
Star Kitties: Detective Kitty is on the Case by Laura Ellen Anderson (Farshore)
Following on from her hugely popular Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey series, Laura Ellen Anderson introduces the charming world of Whiskery Paw where each Star Kitty has their own story to tell. From Reading Kitty to Artist Kitty to Inventor Kitty and more, readers age 5+ are sure to find their favourite.
At the centre of it all is bold and curious Tabitha Flair. After finding a magical key in her garden, Tabitha steps through a sparkling door into Whiskery Paw. Here time stops and she can spend as long as she wants with her new friends. In Detective Kitty is on the Case, Tabitha must help Purrlock Holmes find the missing Queen Moggaline. Adventure and mischief take them all over this wonderfully creative setting. Will Tabitha be able to solve the mystery and still make it back in time for her birthday party?
Delightfully rich in imagination and adorable kitties, Star Kitties is sure to become another incredibly popular series with readers eagerly awaiting each new instalment.
Captain Sunshine by Alex Milway (Piccadilly Press)
Captain Sunshine is the first in a four-book series for readers age 5+ who love exploring the sea. Captain Bella and her animal crew welcome their passengers onboard the Sunshine: penguins to rhinos, giraffes to parrots – this is no ordinary cruise ship! Portraits of the crew, a map of the sea and a diagram of the ship pull readers right into the story with all the information they need to learn about life at sea. Bella has a lot to learn about being a ship’s captain but Mrs Purrpot will make sure everything’s in order. When problem’s arise, the whole crew pulls together to save the day. This is a lovely story about teamwork, trying something new and not being afriad of a challenge. Readers will love the charming characters and gentle story.
Wild Magic: Escape of the Sea Turtles by Abiola Bello & illustrated by Emma McCann (Simon & Schuster)
Wild Magic: Escape of the Sea Turtles is the third book in Abiola Bello’s fascinating wildlife adventure series for readers age 5+. Twins Misha and Ziggy are back with their magical powers that allow them to help animals in unusual ways. This time, they’re joining their wildlife presenter father on a trip to Mexico. They discover sea turtles trapped in plastic and fishing nets. If they aren’t set free, they won’t be able to lay their eggs.
Highly illustrated with accessible spacing , Wild Magic has a grown-up feel for young readers who are ready to move on to chapter books. The success and excitement they’ll find within will keep them coming back for more.
Nora Nightsky: Double the Drama by Rebecca Lewis-Oakes & illustrated by Becka Moor (Scholastic)
Nora Nightsky: Double the Drama is the second book in this magical series for readers age 6+. Nora is a brilliant heroine! Bold and a bit rebellious, she dives straight into life. But she’s not your typical star – she doesn’t want to shine or grant wishes and she has more important things to do than hang around in the sky all night. Instead, Nora comes to Earth to help humans grant their own wishes. Empowering and fun, the Nora Nightsky books pull in facts about astronomy and teach about constellations in a subtle way. These stories will set imaginations alight as readers consider what they would do if they were a star.
Buck & Ears: Pirate Detectives by Jennifer Bell & illustrated by Sarah Horne (Walker)
Yo ho ho! Set sail with pirate Buck and his loyal rabbit, Ears. When their crew mutinies, these two pals are pushed into a new career. The terrifying pirate Bloodfang orders them to find her missing mermaid chef – or she’ll turn them into pirate stew! Sharing clues, riddles, maps and messages in bottles with their readers, Buck and Ears do their best to solve the case. Hilarious illustrations and a fantastic interactive story line will keep readers engaged. Purchase mulitple copies for your classroom and you’ll have children working together to solve the mystery before our lovable pirate detectives manage it.
The Dragon Mountain by Mathieu Pierloot & Francois Maumont (Post Wave)
The Dragon Mountain is a beautifully illustrated story for readers age 7+. The magic of friendship combined with the power of courage are stronger than any challenge. Two little witches, a boy and his pet duck (called Custard) must return a stolen dragon egg to its mother before she destroys everything looking for it. On their quest they face goblins, giant frogs and numerous other obstacles. It’s their friendship, teamwork and determination that see them through. This book is very special and would make a lovely gift.
Books by Kate Heap:
| Primary English In Action by Kate Heap will be published in August 2026. Preorder it now! |
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