14 Must Read Children's Books for World Book Day 2023
World Book Day 2023 is finally here. To mark this international celebration of reading, rather than get our team to dress up as our favourite characters, we thought we’d round up some of the best Children’s books to help inspire a life long love of reading.
Whether you’re searching for your 5 year old in reception or your 15 year old sitting GSE’s, keeping reading to discover our 21 must read children’s books ( both old classic and new releases) for World book Day 2023.
Children’s Books for 5-7 Year Olds for World Book Day 2023
Beware the Blue Bagoo!
by Karl Newson
A detective tries to uncover the truth about the infamous 'Blue Bagoo' - a creature so big and scary that it can't possibly be made up, can it?
Our detective addresses us - the reader - on the very first page, and then walks the winding cobbled streets of a Dr Seuss-esque seaside town, taking statements from the residents. The Blue Bagoo proves elusive, but rumours of its 'supposed' qualities have spread throughout the town. However, as the investigation proceeds, there is a critical twist. This is a tale of rumours and fears, that also teaches us a gentle lesson about jumping to conclusions and judging others!
by Eric Fan
It's a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn't mind. She's not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that's right for her. And she finds it in Milo.
Soon, she's taking Milo out on walks with her family, watering Milo right on schedule and seeing Milo grow and grow. But what happens when her pet cloud gets too big for Lizzy to handle?
A charming story about unpredictable journey of growth and loving something enough to set it free.
by Terry Fan (illustrator), Eric Fan (Author)
It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it's an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider's house, so he's convinced it belongs to him.
Spider builds a wonderous display so that insects from far and wide can come to look at the marvel. Spider has their best interests at heart. So what if he has to charge a small fee? So what if the lines are long?
But as Spider raises the prices, insects stop showing up, much to Spider's bemusement. And then, all of a sudden, an unexpected disaster hits and the marvel disappears!
Tonie Box
Character Bundle Set
Is your child not such a keen reader? Research has shown that audio books can be a great first step into the world of reading. The Tonie Box musical storybox that brings kids’ favourite characters to life. Ideal for preschooler and upwards, children simply place the story character (Tonie) of their choice on the Tonie Box and it plays their favourite story. With Tonies ranging from Peppa Pig to Moana, to Diarys of a Wimpy Kid and Roald Dallh classics Matilda and the Witches, it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Children’s Books for 7-11 Year Olds for Work Book Day 2023
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
When her father is required to repair an old lighthouse on a remote island, Julia finds herself on a strange and magical summer holiday. Her mother becomes increasingly determined to find the great Greenland shark – an awesome yet elusive creature that soon fills Julia’s thoughts as well. But when her mother’s determination tips over into obsession, Julia is forced to dive into an adventure with hidden depths and turbulent emotional currents which threatens to submerge them all. A timeless story of family, hope and environmental crisis, that is sure to become a readers classic.
by Marcus Rashford.
When twelve-year-old Marcus kicks his favourite football over the school fence, he knows he's never getting it back. Nothing that goes over that wall ever comes back. But the next morning during Breakfast Club Marcus gets a mysterious note inviting him to join the Breakfast Club Investigators, and he is soon pulled into an exciting adventure with his new mates to solve the mystery and get his football back!
The first fiction book by England International footballer, child food-poverty campaigner and #1 bestselling author Marcus Rashford MBE, has been inspired by Marcus's own experiences growing up.
A.F. Steadman
One for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers.
Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero.
But just as Skandar's dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island's most powerful unicorn - and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever...
by Onjali Q. Rauf
Overall Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019, the Boy at the Back of the Class is a story of friendship, hope and the importance of kindness, is a story full of heart and humour, told from a unique perspective. Featuring illustrations from Pippa Curnick, this is an exceptional book by an emerging voice in children’s writing.
When a new boy joins their class, a group of children try to befriend him. They soon learn that Ahmet is a refugee and has been separated from his family. None of the grown-ups seem to be able to help him, so the friends come up with a daring plan, embarking on an extraordinary adventure.
Children’s Books for 11-13 Year Olds for World Book Day 2023
by Patrick Ness
Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.
An extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and the courage it takes to survive.
Twelve has spoken the Pledge and now she is a Huntling. She has given up her name to train in the art of fighting monsters and keeping the peace, and she won't get to choose a new one until she has earned it.
But when the Lodge's walls are breached for the first time, and a little girl is taken, Twelve is the only one interested in going after a child...
An epic adventure of a page turner, not to be missed.
by Axie Oh
For generations, deadly storms have ravaged Mina's homeland. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curse them with death and despair. To appease him, each year a maiden is thrown into the sea, in the hopes that one day the 'true bride' will be chosen and end the suffering.
Many believe Shim Cheong - Mina's brother's beloved - to be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is sacrificed, Mina's brother follows her, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong's stead.
Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina finds the Sea God, trapped in an enchanted sleep.
Children’s Books for 13-16 Year Olds for World Book Day 2023
by Malorie Blackman
Sephy is a Cross: she lives a life of privilege and power. But she's lonely, and burns with injustice at the world she sees around her.
Callum is a nought: he's considered to be less than nothing - a blanker, there to serve Crosses - but he dreams of a better life.
They've been friends since they were children, and they both know that's as far as it can ever go. Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemies - love is out of the question.
A dystopian Romeo and Juliet about race relations and teenage passions.
by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie is not the biggest geek in high school, but he's by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is attempting to navigate through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music - when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive. Standing on the fringes of life Charlie has a unique perspective of the world around him, but there comes a time to stop being a wallflower and see what it looks like from the dance floor.
This best seller turned major motion picture, is a cult classic that should be on every teen’s read list.
by Alice Oseman
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they've never met ... until one day when they're made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance.
But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised.
Now the basis of a hit Netflix show, Oseman's pioneering queer graphic novel is about life, love, and everything that happens in between.
by Beth Mead
Top scorer and Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Women's Euros, the gifted Beth Mead lifts the lid on the Lionesses' glorious victory as well as telling the story of her own path to the top of the international game.
From being placed in the local boys' team as a child because her mum wanted her to run off her boundless energy, to joining Middlesborough FC's academy and making her professional debut at Sunderland, Beth and women's football have come a long way.
Filled with positive life lessons and an exclusive account of England's Euros campaign, Beth offers readers of all ages the tools to be confident, brave, and resilient.
