This summer we’re feeling inspired! Join us, and get out and read wherever you can – on a bus, in the park or at the beach – just grab a book and go!
Try to squeeze in time to read, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day – and don’t forget about our handy Progress with Oxford activity books for when you’re on the go and in need of some fun learning activities! #OnTheGoWithPWO
If you’re looking to update your bookshelf this summer, we’ve also put together a great list of book suggestions below.
Please note that all links to books will connect you to Amazon.co.uk.
Some of our suggestions are also part of The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2023.
Looking for more book recommendations? Take a look at our free eBook library for more holiday reading inspiration!
The Selfish Crab
Anya Glazer
Claude is a selfish crab and he refuses to give up his beautiful shell. Little does he know that his actions will affect all the hermit crabs on the beach – especially little Alphonso, whose new shell is far too big. Can Claude change his ways before he puts his friends in danger?
Turbo Bunnies
Matty Long
THE SKILL! THE SPEED! THE DRAMA!
Nothing can beat the thrill of Whizz Kart Racing-and Team Turbo is the best team around! But when their drivers, the Turbo Bunnies, become rivals, things quickly spin out of control. CRASH!
Have the wheels come off Team Turbo forever? Or can they get back on track?
A hilarious story about teamwork and friendship, from prize-winning author and illustrator Matty Long.
The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge book, 2023
Into the Wild
Thomas Doherty
Joe loves Wild things, but can’t find any in the city he lives in. When the Wild invites him to explore the night-time city, he is going to learn that nature can be found just about everywhere.
Thunderboots
Naomi Jones/ Rebecca Ashdown
Trixie’s nickname is THUNDERBOOTS because she dances wherever she goes. But one day she comes home from school and is very quiet. Dad knows that something is wrong and Trixie explains that she is struggling with her letters. Maybe what she needs is a superpowered plan…
Wanna See a Penguin?
Simon Philip / Ian Smith
Join two friends on a wild penguin chase around the city. Our self-described penguin ‘expert’ finds black-and-white animals at every turn. But are any of them really penguins – and can you spot the penguin hiding on every page?
I’m the Digger Driver
Oxford Children’s Books
Today you’re the digger driver! Your job is to help your team to build a house. Let’s go!
Enter a world of imaginative play with this fun and immersive insight into construction vehicles. Children will love using their imagination to take the driver’s seat and pretend to use the digger’s controls to dig, move, and scoop!
This book puts the reader in charge, to build self-confidence and encourage following instructions, problem solving, and teamwork.
Rudy and the Wolf Cub
Paul Westmoreland, illustrated by George Ermos
When Rudy finds a lost wolf cub at the skatepark, he knows he has to help him. Rudy tries everything he can think of to find the cub’s pack, but they’re nowhere to be seen, or smelled, and time is running out. Can a howl in the night change the fate of the little cub? How-how-harrooooow!
The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge book, 2023
Marv and the Killer Plants
Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles
Supervillain Violet Vine takes over the school garden with an army of kid-eating Venus fly-traps!
Armed with his super-suit and robot sidekick, Pixel, Marvin leaps into action to become the invincible, unstoppable superhero, MARV!
Mirabelle wants to Win
Harriet Muncaster
A big football star is coming to Mirabelle’s school to watch them play, and with a little bit of help from some magic Mirabelle is determined to show her that she’s the best. Can Mirabelle learn that there’s more than one way to feel like a winner?
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Emerald and the Sea Sprites
Harriet Muncaster
When Emerald and her stepsister, Delphina, sneak out of the palace in search of sea sprites they know it isn’t strictly ‘perfect mermaid princess’ behaviour. But they’re about to learn that being a mermaid princess is about more than just following the rules – it’s also about following your heart.
The Children of Noisy Village
Astrid Lindgren / Mini Grey
Lisa lives in a tiny place called Noisy Village with all her friends and with so many children living there, its’ a very noisy place indeed! Join the children on their adventures as they explore the great outdoors and get up to plenty of mischief.
These classic beloved stories are written by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by CILIP Kate Greenaway medal-winning Mini Grey.
Kitty and the Runnaway Train
Paula Harrison, illustrated by Jenny Lovelie
All aboard for the latest Kitty adventure! Join the superhero as she races after the runaway Red Rocket steam train.
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren / Lauren Child
Pippi lives in Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase full of gold coins.
The grown-ups in her village try to make Pippi behave in ways that they think a little girl should, but Pippi has other ideas.
Pippi thinks nothing of wrestling a circus strongman, dancing a polka with burglars, or tugging a bull’s tail and her wildly unconventional lifestyle is matched by Lauren’s free-spirited illustrations.
Super Happy Magic Forest and the Distant Desert
Matty Long
When Blossom the unicorn accidentally traps Tiddlywink the pixie in an ancient puzzle cube, the heroes of the Super Happy Magic Forest must journey to the Distant Desert to find a way to free him.
Kevin’s Great Escape: A Roly Poly Flying Pony Adventure
Philip Reeve / Sarah McIntyre
Kevin is a roly-poly flying pony. He has everything he needs-a constant supply of biscuits and his best friend, Max. Misty Twiglet is a famous pop star. She has everything she needs except for a perfectly quirky, one-of-a-kind pet. The roly-poly flying pony kind . . .When Kevin is kidnapped, Max and his sister Daisy must come to the rescue!
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Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster
Gill Lewis
When Willow meets the Wild Things she knows her life is never going to be the same again. Strange things happen in The Wilderness. It holds more than you could possibly imagine: secrets, shadows, a witch. Even a monster. Are you brave enough to come? Because the moment you step across the boundary, you’ll be changed forever.
Bee Boy: Clash of the Killer Queens
Tony De Saulles
As a bee, Mel is ready to defend his hive against all enemies taking on killer wasps, terrifying hawkmoths, and battling queen bees.
But as a boy, has he got what it takes to protect his bees (and himself) against the greatest menace of all Nasty Norman Crudwell?
Victoria Stitch: Bad and Glittering
Harriet Muncaster
Twins, Victoria Stitch and Celestine, are denied their royal birth-right. Celestine accepts the decision with good grace, but Victoria Stitch is consumed with her obsession for power.
Victoria Stitch: Free and Famous
Harriet Muncaster
The second book in the series. Victoria Stitch refuses to accept the control that the Wiskling Wood has over her future and escapes to the human world. She was supposed to be a queen, and she will stop at nothing to make it happen.
Emmy Levels Up
Helen Harvey
Online, Emmy is a star gamer with fans who love to watch her videos. At school, Emmy is friendless and bullied. Vanessa, AKA the Queen of Mean, has decided that Emmy is a weirdo with bad handwriting, horrible fashion sense, and no dad. Can Emmy level up, join forces with some new friends, and beat the bullies?
Suitable for age 8–12.
A Double Detectives Medical Mystery: Diagnosis Danger
Roopa Farooki
When a mysterious figure hurts one of their friends and then disappears, Ali and Tulip are straight on the case. Get ready for a fast-talking, quick-thinking, risk-taking, outrageous medical mystery adventure!
What’s that in Dog Years?
Ben Davis
George knows that Gizmo is getting old – after all, he’s been around since before George was born and what’s that in dog years? – so he writes Gizmo a bucket list.
As the pair work their way down the list they have lots of adventures and lots of laughs.
The Maker of Monsters
Lorraine Gregory
Brat has always lived in the isolated castle on the island, unwillingly taking care of the vicious creatures that his master creates.
But then the unthinkable happens. The monsters get out.
Now Brat must overcome his fears, and venture into the world he has hidden from his whole life. For the fate of everyone rests on his shoulders alone. . .
Lighning Strike
Tanya Landman
I was too angry, Mother said. But she was wrong. If you weren’t fuming, you just weren’t paying attention. When every day is a struggle to survive…
When the rich and powerful hold all the cards… Do you accept the way things are? Or do you fight to change them? Eliza is angry. Angry that her family never seems to have enough. Angry that conditions at the factory where she and her sister work are so harsh. Angry that no one seems to care. When Eliza speaks out, her words spark fury among the rest of the workers and the flame of rebellion is lit. But what next? Can one girl really inspire an uprising that will change her world? Written by Carnegie Medal winner Tanya Landman, this story brings to life the match girls’ strike of 1888 and is perfect for less confident readers.
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