8 Kids’ Books That Knocked Our Socks Off in 2021

We have been blown away by so many awesome kids’ books in 2021! There has really been something for all kids (and parents) to enjoy and get excited about reading. We’ve done you a favour and put together a list of 8 of our favourite books from 2021. And with Christmas around the corner, they’re sure to make great stocking fillers.

Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardians of Lost Letters by Alexandra Page, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee

Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters is the start of a new middle-grade adventure series with bags of charm. Lovable duo Penny and Wishyouwas journey all the way to Buckingham Palace in their quest to save lost letters before Christmas. This is a great historical Christmas-themed book for middle-grade readers.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardians of Lost Letters here.

Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas by Sibéal Pounder

What if somewhere along the way we’ve all got the Santa story a bit wrong…? Tinsel is a brand new Christmas adventure series that retells the story of Christmas with girls at the centre! Blanche Claus and her friend Rinki go on a hilarious sleigh ride in this very sparkly story.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas here.

The Raven Heir by Stephanie Burgis

Triplets Cordelia, Rosalind and Giles have lived safely in the castle in the forest, protected by spells their mother has cast over them. But when their mother is taken prisoner by outside forces, the triplets find themselves fighting to save her and their kingdom. This is a must-read for young fantasy adventure lovers.

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Raven Heir here.

The Lightning Catcher by Clare Weze 

When Alfie and his family move to Folding Ford, he begins to notice that the weather is absolutely bonkers! He’d better investigate. But little does he know, Alfie is about to discover even stranger things, including a small creature that is pulsing with electricity!

Ages 8+

Buy a copy of The Lightning Catcher here.

Something I Said by Ben Bailey Smith

For thirteen-year-old Carmichael Taylor, life is one big joke – in a good way. He just can’t understand why no one else seems to find everything as funny as he does. You’ll laugh at life with this heart-warming, unashamedly honest and hilarious look at family, friendship and what really matters.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of Something I Said here.

The Way to Impossible Island by Sophie Kirtley

From the author of The Wild Way Home comes this brave, life-affirming middle-grade timeslip adventure about finding your family and finding yourself. Dara and Mothgirl – who comes from the Stone Age – are engaging protagonists in this ode to the natural world.

Ages 10+

Buy a copy of The Way to Impossible Island here.

Big Bright Feelings: Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival

Tilda’s world is just as she likes it… until one day, it turns completely UPSIDE DOWN. All of a sudden, everything is topsy-turvy, and nothing feels right. This picture book is a great way to engage little ones in conversations around their feelings and self-image.

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of Big Bright Feelings: Tilda Tries Again here.

There is No Big Bad Wolf in This Story by Lou Carter, illustrated by Deborah Allright

This hilarious and beautifully illustrated book features all your favourite fairytale characters, with a twist! Big Bad Wolfing is harder than it looks… what happens when the Little Pigs realise that they really need a Big Bad Wolf in this story?

Ages 3+

Buy a copy of There is No Big Bad Wolf in This Story here.