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Recommended Books

The books we recommend here as "good reads" are just a few of the ones that staff at Bags of Books have tried and tested and feel happy to offer to our customers. Our recommendations are regularly updated for new titles arriving. Prices given are paperback where available, the second price quoted being the hardback. (Look at our useful booklists for further recommendations)

Any of these titles can be ordered using "contact us" email. For secure online purchase please use our "book search" tab.

For the Very Young

Maisy Makes Gingerbread by Lucy Cousins	£2.50 / £6.99
Maisy is a much loved character who first appeared in many wonderful pop-up books. She can now be found on Television too. This little story book is a great favourite.

Everyone Hide from Wibbly Pig by Mick Inkpen	£6.99
Wibbly Pig is an irrestistible character who appears in many board books. Here is a stout lift the flap book that little ones will love.

Touch & Feel 1 2 3 - board book published by Dorling Kindersley
£4.99

Different textures can be felt on each double page spread with colourful photo illustrations - even 10 sticky cherries!

Alfie's Alphabet board book by Shirley Hughes
£3.99

Lots of Shirley's wonderful illustrations to talk about on every page.

For Toddlers to Share

My Dad by Anthony Browne
£9.99 (hardback)

Anthony Browne is now something of a picture book legend, creating as he does such brilliant books full of insight into the children's world. Here is a warm, witty and personal tribute to Dads everywhere that every small child will want to share with theirs.

Need a Trim, Jim by Kaye Umansky ill. by Margaret Chamberlain
£4.99 / £9.99

This is a wonderfully funny book about having your hair cut. Vivid and amusing illustrations and the rhyming text make great reading too and could be good for encouraging beginners.

Chicken Licken by Michael Foreman
£4.99

Michael Foreman's sparkling watercolours add wonderful zest to this delightful retelling of a traditional tale.

Faster, Faster Little Red Train by Benedict Blathwayt
£4.99

When the train breaks down will the passengers get to the fair in time? Little Red Train comes to the rescue. Lots of detail in the drawings will give toddlers hours of browsing. Great for all train fans.

Picture Books for Young Storylovers

Oliver's Milkshake by Vivian French ill. by Alison Bartlett
£4.99 / £9.99

This third story about Oliver will delight youngsters and parents alike. This time Oliver says "I don't like milk", that is, until he visits the farm , sees the cows, and buys the fruit to make a milkshake! Great Fun.

Cultivated Wolf by Pascal Biet
£8.99 (hardback)

Here at Bags of Books this is one of our favourites, promoting as it does books and reading! The hungry wolf finds that the animals he wants to eat are all well educated and snobbish and send him away. He decides that he will have to learn to read too.

Borka by John Burningham
£4.99

Borka is a goose with no feathers who needs a woolly jumper to keep her warm. This totally satisfying tale has just been reissued to the delight of all the fans of 25 years ago.

Lighthouse Keeper's Breakfast by Ronda & David Armitage
£9.99 (hardback)

The latest story about the Grinlings has all the charm of the earlier ones. A party is planned to celebrate the 200 year birthday of the lighthouse. When the Grinlings go dressed as pirates they get a surprise.

Percy's Bumpy Ride by Nick Butterworth	£5.99
The latest story about Percy the Park Keeper sees Percy making a very strange vehicle - a flying mower! Great fun to read.

Starting to Read

Not Here by Brian Wildsmith
£1.99

"Where can I build a nest" says the bird. A very simple read with Brian's beautiful illustrations. A new title in the "Cat on the Mat" series from Oxford.

I Wish I were a Dog by Lydia Monks
£4.99

This delightful tale of the cat who wants to be a dog is just right for early readers with plenty of picture clues, rhymes and onle a few words per page. Winner of the Smarties award bronze medal.

Mrs Pirate by Nick Sharratt
£2.99

This is just one of a 6 book series of lively rhyming picture books. Nick Sharratt's simple, clear but fun illustrations are just perfect for these books.

Cock-a-doodle Farmyard Hullabaloo by Giles Andreae ill. by David Wojtowycz
£4.99 / £10.99

This is the third book of funny poems to follow "Rumble in the Jungle" & "Commotion in the Ocean" which have already been very popular. Here the farm animals all have a poem about them. Great for early learning or for just enjoying aloud.

Happy Sad by Pippa Goodhart
£3.99

This title is in the "Blue Bananas" series of easy readers. Toby lives by the sea and is alone a lot. He makes friends with a mermaid, but this friendship makes him both happy and sad. A good insight into friendship.

Youngsters Reading Alone

The Blobheads - Invasion of the Blobs by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
£2.99

Billy Barnes finds 3 aliens in the toilet who are on an important mission from planet Blob. They are looking for the Most High Emperor of the Universe whose nose oozes green stuff. Who can it be? This is the first title in a series (now 7 available) that is proving to be very popular with youngsters, who return for the next one to read.

Astrid, the au pair from Outer Space by Emily Smith
£3.50

Harry does not expect the kind of au pair that arrives at his house with a suitcase that can move on its own. Astrid comes from another planet and finds earth hard to understand. This is an hilarious story about family life with a difference.

Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quickly by Francesca Simon
£3.50

The latest Horrid Henry title will be very popular with all his fans. In this one there are 3 other stories besides the title. Children will enjoy Henry's exploits with Tony Ross's illustrations to enliven the text throughout.

Hairy Toes & Scary Bones by Rose Impey
£3.99

This title is part of the "Twice Upon a Time" series of rewritten traditional tales. Here are 2 "Jump" tales, designed to make you "jump" or scare you. Easy to read text will make these great for beginners who are looking for something scary.

8 - 11 years

I'm Telling You They're Aliens by Jeremy Strong
£3.99

Rob worries about everything and believes his new neighbours have come to take over the earth. Schoolmate Marsha offers to help and a new friendship develops despite the trouble they get themselves into. A hilarious new story from a winner of the Children's Book Award.

Toad Rage by Morris Gleitzman
£3.99

Limpy is a Cane Toad who wants to prevent his family ending up as place-mats. The story of his quest to find safety and a way to make people stop hating Canes Toads is exciting and very funny.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
£4.99

This book has recently won the Children's Book Award. The greatest accolade as it is chosen entirely by children's votes from all over the UK. This is a story about a boy who is stranded on a desert island and how he comes to meet the only other human inhabitant. It is a fascinating read that anyone from 6 - 60 would enjoy.

Charmed Life - The Worlds of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones	£4.99
Magic is as common as mathematics and twice as troublesome in the wrong hands. Gwendolyn Chant & her brother go to live with the great enchanter to learn how to tame their magic talents but they don't find life as they expected. It is good to see this series back in print. Excellent reading for lovers of the wizardry of Harry Potter.

10 - 14 years

The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo
£4.99

Twelve year old Sade and younger brother Femi have to escape from their home country of Nigeria when their liberal outspoken father is in danger. They are plummeted from the horror of their mother's death into the centre of London and a fight against deportation when they did not know whom to trust. This is a gripping read with lots of background about the controversies surrounding refugees and immigrants to the UK.

Mister Spaceman by Lesley Howarth
£3.99

Thomas Moon is obsessed by space and plans to be an astronaut. Mysterious emails imply that his dreams of taking off into space are about to come true. Practising at weightlessness in the local hotel lift and other training escapades cause him to be considered something of a freak, not to mention the friction at home!

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
£3.99

Joey & his little sister visit Grandma for a week every year . To begin with they think it will be a dull occasion but they find they have a lot to learn from her. She chases a gang of rowdy bullyboys out of town, catches the sheriff in his underwear and finds time for a little poaching. She proves to be a formidable old lady who has plenty to offer the children. The stories are both amusing and poignant. Winner of the Newbery Medal in the USA last year.

The Wind Singer by William Nicholson	£12.99 (harback)
This original fantasy will thrill readers with its fast-moving adventure and biting satire. The first title in "The Wind on Fire" trilogy is by the man who wrote the screenplay for Shadowlands and Gladiators! We are sure to see plenty more from this inventive author.

13+ years

Tightrope by Gillian Cross
£4.99

Ashley liked excitement, particularly the buzz of spray painting on high dangerous walls. She loses control of the situation as something much more sinister takes hold. One false move could mean disaster. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal this is a brilliant story of street-life.

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
£4.99

David Almond won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Award with his first book for children called "Skellig". We believe this one to be even better. A quite strong story about secondary school life in the raw. Kit meets Askew in the wilderness with his wild dog, Jax. Askew runs the game called death, and Kit begins to confront both life and death in the wilderness.

Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers
£10.99

This year's winner of the Carnegie Medal is a very modern novel. Two interwoven stories link Jacob a soldier during the 2^nd World War and 50 years later his grandson visiting Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem. Unsettling experiences occur that make the young Jacob question the kind of life he wants to lead. Brilliant writing and a gripping subject make this a great read.

From e to you by Chris d'Lacey & Linda Newbery

£4.99

These 2 writers have written this book together. It is a story told entirely by email communications between 2 teenagers who have never met but who have similar problems with their lives. The format works surprisingly well to create a very funny but poignant story in which the reader sees the gradual development of the relationship between Annabelle & Guy. The parents who suggested the communication are rather surprised at the way it develops.

Touch & Feel 1 2 3 - board book published by Dorling Kindersley	£4.99
Different textures can be felt on each double page spread with colourful photo illustrations - even 10 sticky cherries!

Alfie's Alphabet board book by Shirley Hughes	£3.99
Lots of Shirley's wonderful illustrations to talk about on every page.

My Dad by Anthony Browne	£9.99 (hardback)
Anthony Browne is now something of a picture book legend, creating as he does such brilliant books full of insight into the children's world. Here is a warm, witty and personal tribute to Dads everywhere that every small child will want to share with theirs.

Need a Trim, Jim by Kaye Umansky ill. by Margaret Chamberlain	£4.99 / £9.99
This is a wonderfully funny book about having your hair cut. Vivid and amusing illustrations and the rhyming text make great reading too and could be good for encouraging beginners.

Chicken Licken by Michael Foreman	£4.99
Michael Foreman's sparkling watercolours add wonderful zest to this delightful retelling of a traditional tale.

Faster, Faster Little Red Train by Benedict Blathwayt	£4.99
When the train breaks down will the passengers get to the fair in time? Little Red Train comes to the rescue. Lots of detail in the drawings will give toddlers hours of browsing. Great for all train fans.

Oliver's Milkshake by Vivian French ill. by Alison Bartlett	£4.99 / £9.99
This third story about Oliver will delight youngsters and parents alike. This time Oliver says "I don't like milk", that is, until he visits the farm , sees the cows, and buys the fruit to make a milkshake! Great Fun.

Cultivated Wolf by Pascal Biet	£8.99 (hardback)
Here at Bags of Books this is one of our favourites, promoting as it does books and reading! The hungry wolf finds that the animals he wants to eat are all well educated and snobbish and send him away. He decides that he will have to learn to read too.

Borka by John Burningham	£4.99
Borka is a goose with no feathers who needs a woolly jumper to keep her warm. This totally satisfying tale has just been reissued to the delight of all the fans of 25 years ago.

Lighthouse Keeper's Breakfast by Ronda & David Armitage	£9.99 (hardback)
The latest story about the Grinlings has all the charm of the earlier ones. A party is planned to celebrate the 200 year birthday of the lighthouse. When the Grinlings go dressed as pirates they get a surprise.

Not Here by Brian Wildsmith	£1.99
"Where can I build a nest" says the bird. A very simple read with Brian's beautiful illustrations. A new title in the "Cat on the Mat" series from Oxford.

I Wish I were a Dog by Lydia Monks	£4.99
This delightful tale of the cat who wants to be a dog is just right for early readers with plenty of picture clues, rhymes and onle a few words per page. Winner of the Smarties award bronze medal.

Mrs Pirate by Nick Sharratt	£2.99
This is just one of a 6 book series of lively rhyming picture books. Nick Sharratt's simple, clear but fun illustrations are just perfect for these books.

Cock-a-doodle Farmyard Hullabaloo by Giles Andreae ill. by David Wojtowycz	£4.99 / £10.99
This is the third book of funny poems to follow "Rumble in the Jungle" & "Commotion in the Ocean" which have already been very popular. Here the farm animals all have a poem about them. Great for early learning or for just enjoying aloud.

Happy Sad by Pippa Goodhart	£3.99
This title is in the "Blue Bananas" series of easy readers. Toby lives by the sea and is alone a lot. He makes friends with a mermaid, but this friendship makes him both happy and sad. A good insight into friendship.

The Blobheads - Invasion of the Blobs by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell	£2.99
Billy Barnes finds 3 aliens in the toilet who are on an important mission from planet Blob. They are looking for the Most High Emperor of the Universe whose nose oozes green stuff. Who can it be? This is the first title in a series (now 7 available) that is proving to be very popular with youngsters, who return for the next one to read.

Astrid, the au pair from Outer Space by Emily Smith	£3.50
Harry does not expect the kind of au pair that arrives at his house with a suitcase that can move on its own. Astrid comes from another planet and finds earth hard to understand. This is an hilarious story about family life with a difference.

Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quickly by Francesca Simon	£3.50
The latest Horrid Henry title will be very popular with all his fans. In this one there are 3 other stories besides the title. Children will enjoy Henry's exploits with Tony Ross's illustrations to enliven the text throughout.

Hairy Toes & Scary Bones by Rose Impey	£3.99
This title is part of the "Twice Upon a Time" series of rewritten traditional tales. Here are 2 "Jump" tales, designed to make you "jump" or scare you. Easy to read text will make these great for beginners who are looking for something scary.

I'm Telling You They're Aliens by Jeremy Strong	£3.99
Rob worries about everything and believes his new neighbours have come to take over the earth. Schoolmate Marsha offers to help and a new friendship develops despite the trouble they get themselves into. A hilarious new story from a winner of the Children's Book Award.

Toad Rage by Morris Gleitzman	£3.99
Limpy is a Cane Toad who wants to prevent his family ending up as place-mats. The story of his quest to find safety and a way to make people stop hating Canes Toads is exciting and very funny.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo	£4.99
This book has recently won the Children's Book Award. The greatest accolade as it is chosen entirely by children's votes from all over the UK. This is a story about a boy who is stranded on a desert island and how he comes to meet the only other human inhabitant. It is a fascinating read that anyone from 6 - 60 would enjoy.

Mister Spaceman by Lesley Howarth	£3.99
Thomas Moon is obsessed by space and plans to be an astronaut. Mysterious emails imply that his dreams of taking off into space are about to come true. Practising at weightlessness in the local hotel lift and other training escapades cause him to be considered something of a freak, not to mention the friction at home!

Tightrope by Gillian Cross	£4.99
Ashley liked excitement, particularly the buzz of spray painting on high dangerous walls. She loses control of the situation as something much more sinister takes hold. One false move could mean disaster. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal this is a brilliant story of street-life.

Kit's Wilderness by David Almond	£4.99
David Almond won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Award with his first book for children called "Skellig". We believe this one to be even better. A quite strong story about secondary school life in the raw. Kit meets Askew in the wilderness with his wild dog, Jax. Askew runs the game called death, and Kit begins to confront both life and death in the wilderness.

Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers	£10.99
This year's winner of the Carnegie Medal is a very modern novel. Two interwoven stories link Jacob a soldier during the 2^nd World War and 50 years later his grandson visiting Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem. Unsettling experiences occur that make the young Jacob question the kind of life he wants to lead. Brilliant writing and a gripping subject make this a great read.