โ† The Children's Library  /  Creativity

British Children's Books About Creativity

A personal project โ€” every book hand-picked by a London dad ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Stories that celebrate creativity โ€” hand-picked from Britain's rich tradition of children's literature.

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7 hand-picked books

How to use this shelf

Use this shelf when you want stories where creativity is part of the emotional centre, not just a label. The books span ages 2 to 14, so younger children can meet the theme through picture books while older readers can explore it through longer stories.

My Name is Mina book cover
My Name is Mina
David Almond
Ages 9โ€“12
My Name is Mina
David Almond
For readers interested in imagination, creativity, wonder and self-reliance, compare My Name is Mina by David Almond. It is a novel for children aged 9 to 12.
Novel2010
Talking Turkeys book cover
Talking Turkeys
Benjamin Zephaniah
Ages 8โ€“14
Talking Turkeys
Benjamin Zephaniah
Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah is a poetry collection for children aged 8 to 14. A useful choice for reading about humour, justice and creativity.
Poetry1994
You Choose book cover
You Choose
Pippa Goodhart
Ages 2โ€“6
You Choose
Pippa Goodhart ยท Nick Sharratt
On the shelf for children aged 2 to 6: You Choose, a picture book by Pippa Goodhart. It is illustrated by Nick Sharratt. It connects with imagination and creativity.
Picture Book2003
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates book cover
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Liz Pichon
Ages 8โ€“11
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Liz Pichon
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon is a chapter book for children aged 8 to 11. A useful choice for reading about humour, family and creativity.
Chapter Book2011
Ballet Shoes book cover
Ballet Shoes
Noel Streatfeild
Ages 8โ€“12
Ballet Shoes
Noel Streatfeild
Choose Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild for children aged 8 to 12. This classic is shelved with books about family, perseverance and creativity.
Classic1936
Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World
Konnie Huq
Ages 8โ€“11
Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World
Konnie Huq
On the shelf for children aged 8 to 11: Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World, a chapter book by Konnie Huq. It connects with humour, creativity and friendship.
Chapter Book2019
Saffy's Angel book cover
Saffy's Angel
Hilary McKay
Ages 9โ€“12
Saffy's Angel
Hilary McKay
First published in 2002, Saffy's Angel is a novel by Hilary McKay for children aged 9 to 12. Its themes include family, kindness and creativity.
Novel2002