Some people are handy with a glue gun, a sewing machine, a pair of scissors, and a large box. Some people relish the annual challenge of the Book Week costume and the opportunity to show off their crafty prowess to an assembly of peers. Some people . . . don't.
If Book Week's snuck up on you again this year, and you're in desperate need of a book to team with the generic costume you found in the shops (no judgement!) here are some of our favourite recommendations!
Construction (and others!) by Brian Lovelock and Sally Sutton
Brian Lovelock and Sally Sutton’s bestselling Construction Crew series includes such instant classics as Construction, Wheels, Roadworks, Tractor, Demolition, and Dig, Dump, Roll. With Lovelock's well-composed illustrations and Sutton's brilliantly simple rhyming text, these terrific books will have any small person shrieking 'Bang! Crash! Thump!' along with the reader.
Crane Guy by Sally Sutton and Sarah Wilkins
Bustling with people, construction machines and vehicles of all kinds, Crane Guy is a terrific eye-spy book that invites readers to look down at a city from the cab of a gigantic crane tower and spot the various things starting with each letter of the alphabet.
Spin to Survive: Pirate Peril by Emily Hawkins
The Spin to Survive series is a choose your own adventure-style series that includes a pop-out 'adventure spinner' that introduces an element of chance to the reading experience. The third book in the series, Pirate Peril takes you centuries into the past and onto the high seas, where you will cross swords with swashbuckling scoundrels and mutinous marauders. Discover tips for surviving at sea, and put the story in context with historical facts and illustrations.
Ten Little Pirates by Mike Brownlow
Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story, Ten Little Pirates is an action-packed adventure whose colourful, humourous illustrations feature objects to spot and count on every page.
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
Inspired by the author’s own little boy, My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity. This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.
The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn by Belinda Murrell
The Daredevil Princess, is brave and bold, clever and curious, daring and very determined. Which is just as well because there is trouble in the Queendom of Blumenfeld. A sneaky thief has been stealing the royal roses. Join Princess Tillie and the sassy unicorn Honey Blossom as they set out to trap the thief and solve the mystery.
The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith
In this magical picture book perfect for all young mermaid lovers, two best friends – one who lives on land, the other in the water – share an exciting adventure on the night of the Mermaid Moon: the one time each year mermaids can leave the sea.
Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Julian sees three fabulously-dressed women on the subway and decides that they’re mermaids. He’s so inspired by this sighting that he creates his own flamboyant costume using things he finds at home, daydreaming about his own mermaid transformation
Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson
In this fabulously original sequel to the best-selling Zog, meet the Flying Doctors: Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and, of course, their trusty ‘air ambulance’, Zog the dragon. They soar over the countryside, tending to sunburnt mermaids, sneezy lions and distressed unicorns. But when the king himself falls ill, can even the Flying Doctors save him?
The Juliet, Nearly a Vet series by Rebecca Johnson
The Juliet, Nearly a Vet series stars a ten year old girl who is in training to be a vet – just like her mum. Full of animal facts and tips for heling to look after pets, this series is wonderful for five-to eight-year-olds wanting to take the next step into chapter books.
Super Sidekicks by Gavin Aung Than
Get ready for superheroes, supervillains and super-hilarious adventures in this brand new series about four young sidekicks who have decided to form their own super team.
Marvel Super Stories by Marvel comics
Marvel Super Stories is the first-ever middle-grade anthology from Marvel Comics, features all of the favorite Marvel super heroes in original six-page stories written and illustrated by some of the biggest names in comics for young readers.
