AGE GROUP: Up to 3 years

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

WITH beautiful illustrations by Anita Jeram and a clear, heartwarming message, this is the perfect bedtime story for little ones, or a gift to new parents. It follows a young hare and his father comparing how much they love each other with sweet, repetitive imagery that’s both easy to follow and creates a loving message for even very young children to understand. It’s something that I’m always ready to recommend and share as I still have wonderful memories of it being read to me that have stuck with me all these years.

AGE GROUP: 4 to 6 years

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

THIS has always been a favourite of mine, partly due to its whimsical and fun nature that makes it easy to read with children and also because of its vibrant colours and art style. As made clear in the title, it features a very hungry caterpillar that eats all different kinds of foods on the way to becoming a butterfly. I read it as a child but this book has been bringing joy to children and creating its image as a classic since June 1969, winning awards and hearts all the way.

AGE GROUP: 7 to 12 years

Wonder by RJ Palacio

I REMEMBERED reading this one in school and simply had to include it because of the huge impact it had on me. Wonder is the story of a boy named August Pullman who up until the beginning of the book had been homeschooled. He has troubles at a new school because of a medical condition which affect the appearance of his face. It takes in the perspectives of family and friends and makes themes of bullying and friendship easy to understand at a time in childhood when all of that feels complex, as if like not fitting in is the end of the world. It meant a lot to me to read and I still think of it often.

AGE GROUP: 12 to 14 years

Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling

WHEN referencing books for young people I always come back to this series, simply because of the way it shaped my interest in both reading and writing and introduced me to a whole world that will have a place in my heart for for life. With magic, well-written and realistic relationships and captivating plot, Harry Potter is always there for a new generation to find and adore. This book and the rest of the series are timeless, life altering adventures that are impossible to let go of and I’ll always find a way to recommend them.

AGE GROUP:15 to 18 years

The Binding by Bridget Collins

FOR the age range I find myself most often reviewing books for, I simply had to go back to my favourite book of the last decade, and most certainly of 2019. It’s a story that brings fresh enchantment into the world of book binding, invoking painful memories of heart-breaking romance and filling you with a sense of nostalgia that makes you feel you’ve been reading it for years. It’s in every way a book that demands to be re-read over and over, especially if, like me you finish it in less than two days.