Cool Books For Younger Children
Why we love it:
- Teaches important concepts such as counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and engaging way.
- A timeless and nostalgic classic loved by children and parents alike.
A timeless classic that is loved worldwide, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is at the top of our list for younger readers. This picture book with its bright, collage-style illustrations has been enjoyed by generations of children for over 50 years and remains as charming as ever. Little fingers will delight in following the holes left behind by the hungry caterpillar’s journey eating through the pages of the book itself, building up to his metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly! An enduring favourite and must-have for every cool kid.
Why we love it:
- An imaginative and funny story told through clever rhymes.
- A well-loved, modern classic that embraces ingenuity.
Kick back with your kids and get ready for an iconic underdog adventure. Heralded as one of Julia Donaldson’s greatest works, The Gruffalo is an intergenerational treasure and a top pick for bedtime. It follows a clever little mouse who outsmarts all the other big, scary animals in the forest by making up a wild story about the Gruffalo, who turns out to be real! Accompanied by the masterful illustrations of Axel Scheffler, this extraordinary tale told in verse is sure to bring joy to readers of all ages and is as cool as they come.
Check out our post on the best Julia Donaldson books to read!
Why we love it:
- Celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of self-acceptance.
- An enduring classic that is loved across generations.
What’s cooler for kids than a rainbow-coloured elephant? A patchwork of colours sets Elmer the elephant apart from the rest of the herd. Instead of blending in, his colourful appearance often leads to him being laughed at by the other elephants. If only he were like them, maybe the teasing would stop. Or would it? In David McKee's hilarious fable, readers learn the importance of embracing individuality and the joy of diversity. Get ready for a vivid adventure that celebrates the beauty of being yourself!
Why we love it:
- A whimsical tale of unexpected fun and excitement.
- It encourages creativity and a love for imaginative storytelling.
One day, a hungry tiger shows up at Sophie's door and proceeds to have tea with her and her mum, eating everything in sight! Judith Kerr wrote this book for her daughter, and the story appeals to just the sort of playful ideas a child wonders about: Isn't it funny how the tiger ate up all the food, so they head out for dinner instead? And how handy that the tiger drank up all the water, meaning no bath is needed—just a casual stroll to the cafe in your PJs! Cool kids will love having a roaring good time with "The Tiger Who Came to Tea".
Why we love it:
- A delightful and relatable story that perfectly captures the challenges of parenthood and the importance of finding moments of calm amidst the chaos.
- Charming illustrations and characters encourage children to appreciate family life and empathise with Mrs Large's quest for a little peace and quiet.
A long-suffering mother just wants a break from the hullabaloo of family life, but her children can’t quite understand this. They just want to join in on the fun of whatever she is up to! The story is simple and engaging with beautiful illustrations, and will resonate with children and parents alike. Parents can enjoy a chuckle while reading to their little ones and children will think it’s cool that they can relate to the characters. Thanks to the clever writing that appeals to all ages, this book remains a firm family favourite.
Cool Books For Kids Aged 6 - 12
Why we love it:
- Dahl's signature dark humour adds an extra layer of enjoyment for children.
- It entertains, educates, and inspires young readers to embrace their imagination and navigate life with courage and resilience.
A lot of Roald Dahl’s stories are darkly humorous and effortlessly cool. They appeal to kids’ sense of silliness, and The Witches is no different. This isn't your typical fairy tale; it’s about “real” witches! And these witches don't go gallivanting about on broomsticks wearing pointy hats. Oh no, they're far more cunning than that! These horrible creatures disguise themselves as sweet, ordinary ladies and conjure terrifying spells to rid the world of what they detest the most: children! This marvellously twisted tale combines just the right amount of sweet and scary and is sure to delight cool kids everywhere.
Why we love it:
- A laugh-out-loud rollercoaster ride of hilarious hijinks and unexpected twists.
- It teaches children the value of accepting others for who they are despite their differences.
Get ready for another side-splitting and heartwarming adventure from David Walliams. Full of laughs, quirky characters, and outrageous antics, this tale is guaranteed to have even the coolest kids in stitches. Ben is staying at his granny’s house, which he thinks is about as exciting as watching paint dry because all she wants to do is play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. But, Ben's grandma is hiding some big secrets and needs his help to pull off the ultimate heist. As we follow their adventures, we discover that life’s joys are determined by our perspective and are reminded of the importance of appreciating what we have.
Why we love it:
- A vast, detailed world that kids can immerse themselves in.
- Terry Pratchett’s writing is filled with clever wordplay and satire to keep kids entertained.
In the wondrous Discworld, Terry Pratchett mingles magic with mayhem in his hilarious trademark style that will have cool kids laughing at almost every page. A cast of unique characters go on fantastical adventures filled with humour, heart, and plenty of wisdom. From witches and wizards to talking animals and mischievous imps, each story is a thrilling adventure through a land where the impossible becomes possible and the absurd becomes the norm. Pratchett teaches valuable lessons about morality and ethics while offering subtle social commentary, and the expansive world-building will keep kids engaged and encourage their curiosity. The excellent wordplay and satire invites readers of all ages to explore the wild and wonderful Discworld, but it is especially great for cool kids.
Why we love it:
- An unlikely hero that kids can relate to.
- Hilarious reflections from a first-person perspective alongside comic-like cartoons.
Follow the misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates the treacherous waters of middle school. With lots of funny moments and plenty of mischief, readers are invited into Greg's diary. Every entry and doodle reveals hilarious tales of friendship, family, and growing up. From awkward encounters with bullies to comical mishaps in the classroom, Greg's escapades are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. Join Greg on his journey through the ups and downs of adolescence in this delightful series that captures the essence of childhood with wit and charm. Cool kids will love the accompanying cartoons that bring the stories to life.
Check out our post on the definitive order to read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series!
Why we love it:
- It explores Greek mythology and ancient legends in a modern context.
- The fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and thrilling adventures will encourage and challenge young readers.
You can’t get much cooler than being a god. Embark on an extraordinary adventure alongside Percy Jackson, a modern-day teenage demigod with a heart as brave as it is true. We are swept into a world where Greek mythology is in the family, and ancient legends are brought to life. Percy and his friends battle mythical monsters, outwit cunning adversaries, and uncover the secrets of their divine heritage. Filled with heroism and heart, the Percy Jackson series is a spellbinding journey that will enchant readers of all ages with its timeless tales of friendship, courage, and destiny.
Happy Reading!
Developing a passion for reading is one of the most valuable gifts we can give to children. When children find books that capture their interest, reading changes from a task to tick off in their homework list to a joyous adventure. Whether a story resonates with their experiences like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, sparks their curiosity like the Discworld series, or is just a fun and endearing read-along like The Gruffalo, by selecting books that align with children's interests and abilities, we empower them to become lifelong readers and learners. There is nothing cooler than getting lost in your imagination, embarking on a perilous quest, and becoming a hero! We hope this list of children’s books for cool kids will inspire your kids to get lost in their own imaginative adventures.
