Reviews
The best children’s books reviewed by our expert panel
If you are left wondering which books to select for your school or classroom, our trusted children’s books reviews will help. Our recommended books are carefully curated by Just Imagine Reviews Editor Jo Bowers, who convenes the review panel. Our panel of teachers, librarians, education consultants and teacher educators read our selections of children’s picture books, fiction, nonfiction and poetry
New children’s books reviews are added to our website every week. with a round-up of the books reviewed in our newsletter; why not sign up to get regular updates?
All children’s books reviewed are available from our bookselling partner Best Books for Schools.
Monthly selections are also posted in Nikki Gamble’s Book Blast, which you can view on The Book Channel.
Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain
A comprehensive, engaging and visually enticing children's information book which offers a strong anti-racist message and makes a compelling argument for seeing South Asian history and culture as an i
The Secret School Invasion
Finn Jones Was Here
Corpse Talk Dead Good Storytellers
Explodapedia: The Cell
An illustrated reference book that details our understanding of the cell as the foundation of all life on earth.
If you Still Recognise Me
Teen summer romance with heart and a serious message about representation
One Little Bug
An enchanting and educational lift-the-flap book designed to captivate young readers and spark their curiosity about the natural world.
Ancient Myths, Legends and Superheroes
This text takes readers on a fascinating exploration of the stories that have shaped humanity's understanding of the world and its origins.
Honest
A candid, refreshing and much-needed guide for teens navigating the complexities of sex, relationships and their changing bodies.
Mike Falls Up
A charming tale of new friendships formed by children from different sides of the world.
All That’s Left in the World
Two boys in a world undone trying to find a way home.
Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure
A brilliant graphic memoir of transitioning.
Am I Made of Stardust?
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock uses her cheerful, accessible style to answers the sorts of questions that children, and many adults, ask about Space.
Supertato presents Jack and the Beanstalk
It’s showtime in the supermarket as the vegetable is transformed into a stage for the production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Skander is a classic hero who children will identify with – he overcomes bullying and sadness to build friendships and fight evil.
The First to Die at the End
Two new strangers spend a life-changing day together after Death-Cast make their first fateful calls.
Einstein the Penguin: the Case of the Polar Poachers
Another mystery for Einstein and friends to solve when penguins start to go missing from the wild.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas
Ladybird and her animal friends foil the robbers who want to steal the children's Christmas presents
Discovery Atlas
A huge and richly illustrated picture-atlas of the diverse and fascinating world of human discovery.
Odwar vs. the Shadow Queen
Finding Bear
Another adventure in the Arctic for April and Bear with higher stakes and a new, and very cute, cast member to care for.
Yapping Away
Light, bright and buzzing with creativity, ranging in theme from grandparents to reading journeys to being angry, there is a poem for every occasion.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Dance! Dance! Dance!
A wonderful book, full of action, playfulness, and colour and one to be shared with the very youngest children.
Amy Gets Eaten
a brilliant explanation of the human digestive system.
The Worst Class in the World
You Think You Know Me
In this debut YA novel, Ayaan Mohamud provokes the reader to consider the power of voice and choice.
Merry Whatmas?
A story that is a delightful way to think about the real meaning of Christmas.
Winnie and Wilbur: The Witches Sports Day
An action-packed story about the importance of enjoying the taking part and teamwork.
The Amazing Edie Eckhart
A heart warming and insightful story exploring the nuances of making new friends.
HappyHead
An unputdownable YA dystopian thriller about teenage mental health.