Fresh stories to inspire young readers this spring…
This spring, children’s books in the UK are packed with stories kids will really connect with — from wild nature adventures and climate themes to books about feelings, friendship, and growing up. There’s a big focus on fun, highly illustrated reads for reluctant readers, plus easy-to-love fantasy for ages 5–9. Older kids can dive into gripping mysteries and adventures, while big-name authors are helping to make middle-grade reading more exciting than ever for family reading time.
As part of our campaign to support the National Year of Reading 2026, we’re pleased to share our guide to the top picks we’ve discovered this spring, along with a brilliant box set recommendation we were introduced to by an English teacher. It’s already had a fantastic impact on a reluctant reader, even getting one of LittleBird’s teens reading again under torchlight at bedtime — he simply can’t put them down…and that is wonderful.
Enjoy and if you have any to add, please add them in the comments – we’d love to hear any recommendations!
⭐ That’s not my…Princess by Fiona Watt
Meet six friendly princesses in this magical new version of That’s not my… princess. With their bright, bold, eye-catching illustrations and fuzzy, furry, smooth and soft tactile patches on each page, babies and toddlers love the best-selling That’s not my… books.
Published by Usborne, Image Credit: Usborne Books
⭐ Bear Worries by Natalia Shaloshvili
A funny and comforting take on how to cope with constant worrying. With a little help from his friend Duck, Bear finds that even when his biggest worries do come true, it’s not the end of the world. Both entertaining and reassuring, this picture book is the perfect springboard for conversations about anxiety, resilience, and friendship.
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and Image Credit: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books / Quarto.
⭐ Max and the Haircut by Samareh Azadi
A diverse and inclusive picture book exploring an important early years milestone. Max is going for a haircut but it’s all just too much for Max and he shouts, “STOP!” But Wendy has a wonderful idea! This beautiful, sensitively told story is perfect for any child anxious about having their hair cut.
Published by Otter Barry Books, Image Credit Otter Barry Books
⭐ Bear’s Perfect Dance by Rachel Tilda Wolf
With warmth and humour, this delightful picture book explores the importance of connection and friendship. Bear loves to dance, he practises all day long. But one thing bothers Bear – he’s always dancing by himself – and some dances are better with two . . . Will he ever find a perfect dance partner?
Published by Scallywag Press , Image Credit Scallywag Press
⭐ Put your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
Inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae’s award-winning song, this picture book celebrates the power of music to soothe, uplift, and connect us. When Bea visits her great aunt Portia, she discovers a magical attic filled with treasured records, uncovering how music can spark memories and bring generations together.
Published by Fox and Ink Books, Image Credit Fox and Ink Books
⭐ Wands Away by Emma Farrarons
Ramona Spellstar is back for a new term at the Wands Away School and she’s going to be learning spells! First, they need to find their special magic wand, but there’s a new student who seems to be causing a lot of trouble . . . As sparks start to fly and spells cause chaos, will Ramona be able to bring her friends together? A brand new series packed with fun and friendship .
Published by Simon & Schuster, Image Credit Simon & Schuster
⭐ Megalomaniacs: The Invation Begins! by Jamie Smart
From the multi-million-copy bestselling phenomenon, Jamie Smart, comes a brand-new comic book series bursting with monstrous mayhem! There’s three things you need to know about MEGALOMANIACS! They are TERRORS from outer space! There are LOADS of them! They are TINY!
Published by David Fickling Books, Image Credit David Fickling Books
⭐ Ben Nuttall’s Footy Factory by Ben Nuttall
Want to learn new freestyle skills or tricks for your next game? Impress your mates in the playground with your unbelievable tekkers? Or just have a laugh trying a new sport? Join football’s freestyle phenomenon and record-breaking social media superstar BEN NUTTALL for step-by-step guides to skills of all levels, plus jaw-dropping stories of the famous players who have showed them off on match day.
Published by Fox and Ink Books, Image Credit Fox and Ink Books
⭐ The Adventures of Portly the Otter by M.G.Leonard
Follow the thrilling animal adventures of young otter Portly – including all your favourite characters such as Mole, Ratty and Toad, from the countryside classic, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. The perfect Spring gift! Full of all the charm, nostalgia and sounds of splashing in the river that fans of The Wind in the Willows have fallen in love with over the years.
Published by Harper Collins, Image Credit Harper Collins
⭐ Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea by Emma Swan
Jump on board again with Silver, the Cruise Ship Kid, as she solves another crime in the second book in the hilarious and bestselling detective adventure series from author and West-End actress, Emma Swan. Inspired by the author’s childhood growing up on an actual cruise ship!
Published by Usborne, Image Credits Usborne
⭐ Sticker Dolly Dressing K-POP by Lesley Sims
The number 1 bestselling sticker series with characters to dress and colourful scenes to decorate. Follow Yumi, Hana and Gem, aspiring Sticker Dolly K-pop stars, as they record their first single, meet fans at a festival, and shop for outfits for their first live interview. Also starring the legendary Sticker Dolly K-pop boys, Soomin, Kodi and Milo, the book ends with a spectacular joint concert.
Published by Usborne, Image Credits Usborne
⭐ Alex Abbott is Undead by Louise Austin
A fang-tastically funny diary of a reluctant 11½-year-old vampire who accidentally breaks an ancient pact and causes supernatural chaos. Now on a wild quest to fix their mistakes, they must face fire sprites, a powerful Sicilian fire demon, and plenty of trouble along the way. A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure perfect for reluctant readers.
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, Image Credit Macmillan Children’s Books
⭐ The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
A brand-new story in the phenomenal LOTTIE BROOKS series! Pack your bags, and put on your helmets, for Lottie’s latest hilarious diary! She’s off on a ONCE IN A LIFETIME skiing holiday – what could possibly go wrong?!
Publisher Penguin Books, Image Credit Penguin Books
And last but not least, this is a book set we can recommend for reluctant older children and teen readers. Not a new release but very worthy of inclusion!
The CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore is a fast-paced collection of spy thrillers for young teens, following a secret branch of British intelligence that recruits children as undercover agents. These young operatives are trained to blend into everyday life while carrying out dangerous missions that adults would never suspect them of being involved in. The stories centre on James Adams, who is taken from a troubled background and transformed into a highly trained CHERUB agent, as he navigates espionage, loyalty, friendships, and moral dilemmas while on undercover assignments. Blending action, humour, and real-world issues, the series is known for its gripping plots and relatable characters, making it especially popular with reluctant teen readers.
Published by Hodder, Images Credit Hodder
We hope this brings you some inspiration and if you have any new releases, old favourites or recommendations for reluctant readers, we’d love to hear them! Do message below or drop us an email at customerservices@littlebird.co.uk
From the LittleBird team
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