Our 6 picks for the best gift books for pupils
Books are a brilliant gift to children - especially for those who may never have owned their own book before. Whether it's for an end-of-year celebration, or a class Christmas gift, giving your pupils a book can be a magical moment.
If you're looking for inspiration, we've picked 6 of the best gift books for students in primary school. Expect gorgeous illustrations and gripping adventures!
The Secret of Black Rock, Joe Todd-Stanton
This dream-like, award-winning picture book follows adventurous Erin and the dark, spiky mass which is rumoured to destroy any boats that come near it. Is it really a rock at all? And can Erin help protect it?
With its well-realised and beautifully illustrated seaside setting, this dreamy folk tale will transport young readers into its surreal adventure. The conservation message could lead to discussions outside of class as well as spark your pupils' imagination about the landscapes around them.
The Secret of Black Rock is appropriate for a wide age range, too, so is a great pick for children to share with their siblings or at home.
A Child of Books, Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Delve into the wonderful world of books with this homage to the imagination!
A little girl sails across a sea of words to the door of a lonely boy, and invites him on an adventure. Typographical illustrations and lyrical writing lead their way into the realm of stories.
If you're looking for a gift which celebrates reading for pleasure, A Child of Books is a simple but inspiring tale about the importance of books.
The Last Bear, Hannah Gold
Rally young readers to believe they are not too young to make a difference with Hannah Gold's powerful debut.
Despite her father's insistence that there are no polar bears left on Bear Island, eleven-year-old April meets one - starving, lonely, and a long way from home. Determined to save him, April and Bear set out on a journey of courage, friendship, and environmental activism.
A popular whole class read, this could be a great pick to read together and then take home as a lovely reminder of the memories shared as a class. And if your pupils love The Last Bear, there is also a sequel, Finding Bear, that they can pick up and read independently (as well as a potential film in the future!).
Tyger, S F Said
This is a beautiful and memorable gift book for Year 6 pupils transitioning into Year 7.
In a London where the British Empire still exists and foreigners are segregated, a young boy called Adam encounters a mysterious, mythical creature - and it is in danger. Can Adam and his friend Zadie help the Tyger bring about social change before it's too late?
Striking illustrations from Dave McKean accompany S F Said's alternative history. Teeming with rich language, engrossing mythology, and compelling action, Tyger is perfectly pitched for the crossover from junior fiction into teen reads.
Impossible Creatures, Katherine Rundell
Sweeping awards last year, this absorbing fantasy will captivate your pupils from the start!
Whilst visiting Scotland, Christopher learns his reclusive grandfather is, in fact, a guardian of the way between their non-magical world and the Archipelago. This cluster of magical isles is where mythical creatures live and thrive amongst humans. But the protection is wearing thin, and creatures are breaking through. Joined by a baby Griffin and Mal, a girl from the Archipelago, Christopher must venture into this wild world and discover the truth, with dire consequences for both worlds.
Impossible Creatures is sure to become a children's fantasy classic that your pupils will not want to put down. Gift them the joy of returning to the world of the Archipelago again and again!
The Fossil Hunter, Kate Winter
If some of your pupils are avid fans information books, then this wonderfully atmospheric biography is a perfect pick to sate their curious minds.
Delving into the life and work of palaeontologist Mary Anning, readers will unearth her determination to scour the cliffs and seashore of Lyme Regis. Her discoveries would go onto piece together the prehistoric puzzle of the monstrous marine reptiles and dinosaurs which once roamed the Earth. Her influence on how we understand our world is still felt two hundred years later.
The Fossil Hunter also includes panoramic fold out pages, adding visual and tactile delight to your pupil's reading experience. It's a great read for children to explore at leisure - or absorb in one sitting!
