What better choice for our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for December than the first in this festive series from Mel Taylor-Bessent, 'The Christmas Carrolls'. We've chosen a whole host of winter- and festive-themed favourites this month... Read more
It is equally important that children are exposed to books exploring our shared humanity. Give a child the opportunity to read and talk about books that broaden their understanding of the world and the diverse range of people in it, and you give them the tools to build empathy, tolerance and respect.
Children need a diversity of choice too; the journey to becoming a reader involves exploring their own reading preferences. It's important for children to feel that they have the freedom to choose what to read and that their choices will be respected.
We have handpicked a selection of books we think are brilliant at both helping children fall in love with reading and showcasing a diverse range of characters and situations. Each month we will share our chosen Book of the Month and recommend other equally brilliant titles with a similar theme or style.
This month our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month is a 60 year old classic - 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak. We're exploring how classic books can have appeal across the generations and deepen a child's connection with the story... Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for October is 'Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer' by Jeffrey Boakye. Read about this book and other recommended titles with a diverse range of characters... Read more
With September comes new schools for some children so our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month is all about friendship and making new friends. 'Little Beauty' by Anthony Browne is a beautiful picturebook all about finding a friend. Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for August is 'All are Welcome' by Alexandra Penfold. This book, and the other equally brilliant books you'll find this month, are perfect for introducing children to the idea of starting school. Read more
At a time when many children are preparing to leave primary school, our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month for July is 'Quiet Storm' by Kimberly Whittam - along with our other equally brilliant selection of books, it's the perfect choice for children facing transition to a new and different school. Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month for June is 'Smile Out Loud: 25 happy poems' by Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett. Check it out here, along with more wonderful poetry collections... Read more
What else for our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month for May than this commemorative book in celebration of the Coronation, by our ambassador Michael Morpurgo. Read more about 'The Boy Who Would be King', download an accompanying activity pack and discover a few more of our favourite 'King-related' books here... Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month for April is 'The Ultimate Guide to Growing Dragons' by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sue Ogilvie. Our theme for this month highlights books about dragons! Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for March 2023 is 'Life-Sized Animal Poo' by John Townsend, illustrated by Isabel Lundie. Our theme for the month is factual books which will appeal to children with a sense of humour... particularly toilet-based humour! Read more here... Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for February is 'Our Tower' by Joseph Coelho. A beautifully illustrated and lyrical tale with a deeper meaning about community and nature - and a reminder to all of us to appreciate what's around us. Read more about this, and some other beanstalk brilliant books with a city environment theme here... Read more
Our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for January is a beautiful book by one of our author supporters, Sophy Henn. Read more about 'Super Duper You' and other beanstalk brilliant books which are perfect for supporting children's wellbeing and their feelings about themselves... Read more