British Children's Books About Family

Stick Man

Julia Donaldson

Stick Man

Julia Donaldson · Axel Scheffler

Stick Man is repeatedly mistaken for an ordinary stick and carried farther from his family tree.

Picture Book2008

Mog the Forgetful Cat

Judith Kerr

Mog the Forgetful Cat

Judith Kerr

Mog the Forgetful Cat, a picture book by Judith Kerr, is selected for children aged 3 to 6. Compare it with other books exploring kindness, family and humour.

Picture Book1970

Mog's Christmas

Judith Kerr

Mog's Christmas

Judith Kerr

Choose Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr for children aged 3 to 6. This picture book is shelved with books about family, humour and wonder.

Picture Book1976

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Judith Kerr

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

Judith Kerr

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr is a novel for children aged 10 to 14. A useful choice for reading about courage, family, heritage and resilience.

Novel1971

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Michael Rosen · Helen Oxenbury

A family travels through grass, water, mud, woodland, snow, and a cave in search of a bear.

Picture Book1989

One Snowy Night

Nick Butterworth

One Snowy Night

Nick Butterworth

One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth is a picture book for children aged 3 to 6. A useful choice for reading about kindness, family and nature.

Picture Book1989

Peepo!

Janet Ahlberg

Ages 0–3

Peepo!

Janet Ahlberg · Allan Ahlberg

Choose Peepo! by Janet Ahlberg for babies and toddlers up to 3. It is illustrated by Allan Ahlberg. This picture book is shelved with books about family and wonder.

Picture Book1981

Please Mrs Butler

Allan Ahlberg

Ages 6–10

Please Mrs Butler

Allan Ahlberg

Please Mrs Butler by Allan Ahlberg is a poetry collection for children aged 6 to 10. A useful choice for reading about humour, family and heritage.

Poetry1983

Dogger

Shirley Hughes

Dogger

Shirley Hughes

Dave loses Dogger, the worn toy dog he takes everywhere, and his family search without success.

Picture Book1977

Alfie Gets in First

Shirley Hughes

Ages 3–5

Alfie Gets in First

Shirley Hughes

Alfie Gets in First by Shirley Hughes is a picture book for children aged 3 to 5. A useful choice for reading about family, humour and courage.

Picture Book1981

Gorilla

Anthony Browne

Ages 4–8

Gorilla

Anthony Browne

Gorilla, a picture book by Anthony Browne, is selected for children aged 4 to 8. Compare it with other books exploring family, imagination and wonder.

Picture Book1983

Voices in the Park

Anthony Browne

Ages 5–9

Voices in the Park

Anthony Browne

Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne is a picture book for children aged 5 to 9. A useful choice for reading about family, wonder and justice.

Picture Book1998

Not Now Bernard

David McKee

Not Now Bernard

David McKee

Not Now Bernard, a picture book by David McKee, is selected for children aged 3 to 6. Compare it with other books exploring family and humour.

Picture Book1980

Peace at Last

Jill Murphy

Peace at Last

Jill Murphy

Peace at Last by Jill Murphy is a picture book for children aged 3 to 6. A useful choice for reading about family and humour.

Picture Book1980

Five Minutes' Peace

Jill Murphy

Five Minutes' Peace

Jill Murphy

Five Minutes' Peace, a picture book by Jill Murphy, is selected for children aged 3 to 6. Compare it with other books exploring family and humour.

Picture Book1986

Where's Spot?

Eric Hill

Ages 0–3

Where's Spot?

Eric Hill

First published in 1980, Where's Spot? is a picture book by Eric Hill for babies and toddlers up to 3. Its themes include family and wonder.

Picture Book1980

Owl Babies

Martin Waddell

Ages 2–4

Owl Babies

Martin Waddell · Patrick Benson

Three young owls wake to find that their mother has left the nest.

Picture Book1992

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

Martin Waddell

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?

Martin Waddell · Barbara Firth

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?, a picture book by Martin Waddell, is selected for children aged 2 to 5. It is illustrated by Barbara Firth. Compare it with other books exploring family, kindness and courage.

Picture Book1988

Fantastic Mr Fox

Roald Dahl

Fantastic Mr Fox

Roald Dahl · Quentin Blake

First published in 1970, Fantastic Mr Fox is a chapter book by Roald Dahl for children aged 6 to 9. It is illustrated by Quentin Blake. Its themes include courage, humour, perseverance and family.

Chapter Book1970

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl

Ages 6–10

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl · Quentin Blake

Charlie Bucket finds one of five golden tickets and enters Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory.

Chapter Book1964

Danny the Champion of the World

Roald Dahl

Danny the Champion of the World

Roald Dahl · Quentin Blake

For readers interested in family, courage, loyalty and humour, compare Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. It is illustrated by Quentin Blake. It is a chapter book for children aged 8 to 12.

Chapter Book1975

Private Peaceful

Michael Morpurgo

Ages 12–16

Private Peaceful

Michael Morpurgo

First published in 2003, Private Peaceful is a novel by Michael Morpurgo for readers aged 12+. Its themes include courage, loyalty, family and heritage.

Novel2003

A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness

Ages 12–16

A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness · Jim Kay

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a novel for readers aged 12+. It is illustrated by Jim Kay. A useful choice for reading about courage, family, perseverance and honesty.

Novel2011

Skellig

David Almond

Ages 10–13

Skellig

David Almond

On the shelf for children aged 10 to 13: Skellig, a novel by David Almond. It connects with wonder, courage, family and imagination.

Novel1998

Gangsta Granny

David Walliams

Gangsta Granny

David Walliams · Tony Ross

Ben expects another dull Friday with his cabbage-loving grandmother until he learns that she claims to be an international jewel thief.

Chapter Book2011

When We Were Very Young

A. A. Milne

Ages 3–8

When We Were Very Young

A. A. Milne · E. H. Shepard

When We Were Very Young, a poetry collection by A. A. Milne, is selected for children aged 3 to 8. It is illustrated by E. H. Shepard. Compare it with other books exploring humour, imagination, wonder and family.

Poetry1924

Now We Are Six

A. A. Milne

Ages 3–8

Now We Are Six

A. A. Milne · E. H. Shepard

Choose Now We Are Six by A. A. Milne for children aged 3 to 8. It is illustrated by E. H. Shepard. This poetry collection is shelved with books about humour, imagination, wonder and family.

Poetry1927

The Borrowers

Mary Norton

The Borrowers

Mary Norton

The Borrowers by Mary Norton is a classic for children aged 8 to 11. A useful choice for reading about adventure, courage, family and wonder.

Classic1952

The Railway Children

E. Nesbit

The Railway Children

E. Nesbit

For readers interested in family, courage, kindness and heritage, compare The Railway Children by E. Nesbit. It is a classic for children aged 8 to 12.

Classic1906

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter

Ages 2–6

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter

Peter ignores his mother’s warning and enters Mr McGregor’s garden to eat vegetables.

Picture Book1902

The Family from One End Street

Eve Garnett

Ages 7–11

The Family from One End Street

Eve Garnett

First published in 1937, The Family from One End Street is a classic by Eve Garnett for children aged 7 to 11. Its themes include family, humour and heritage.

Classic1937

Carrie's War

Nina Bawden

Carrie's War

Nina Bawden

For readers interested in courage, family and heritage, compare Carrie's War by Nina Bawden. It is a novel for children aged 9 to 13.

Novel1973

The Hodgeheg

Dick King-Smith

The Hodgeheg

Dick King-Smith

The Hodgeheg, a chapter book by Dick King-Smith, is selected for children aged 5 to 8. Compare it with other books exploring courage, family and perseverance.

Chapter Book1987

Letters from the Lighthouse

Emma Carroll

Letters from the Lighthouse

Emma Carroll

For readers interested in courage, family, perseverance and heritage, compare Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll. It is a novel for children aged 9 to 12.

Novel2017

Millions

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Millions

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Millions, a novel by Frank Cottrell Boyce, is selected for children aged 10 to 14. Compare it with other books exploring kindness, wonder, family and imagination.

Novel2004

Cosmic

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Cosmic

Frank Cottrell Boyce

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce is a novel for children aged 9 to 13. A useful choice for reading about family, humour, adventure and wonder.

Novel2008

Pig Heart Boy

Malorie Blackman

Pig Heart Boy

Malorie Blackman

On the shelf for children aged 10 to 14: Pig Heart Boy, a novel by Malorie Blackman. It connects with courage, family, justice and perseverance.

Novel1997

Goodnight Mister Tom

Michelle Magorian

Goodnight Mister Tom

Michelle Magorian

On the shelf for children aged 10 to 14: Goodnight Mister Tom, a novel by Michelle Magorian. It connects with kindness, courage, family and resilience.

Novel1981

The London Eye Mystery

Siobhan Dowd

The London Eye Mystery

Siobhan Dowd

Choose The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd for children aged 9 to 13. This novel is shelved with books about family, perseverance and justice.

Novel2007

The Diary of a Killer Cat

The Diary of a Killer Cat

Anne Fine

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine is a chapter book for children aged 6 to 9. A useful choice for reading about humour and family.

Chapter Book1994

Clarice Bean, That's Me

Lauren Child

Clarice Bean, That's Me

Lauren Child

For readers interested in family, humour and imagination, compare Clarice Bean, That's Me by Lauren Child. It is a picture book for children aged 5 to 8.

Picture Book1999

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato

Lauren Child

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato

Lauren Child

First published in 2000, I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato is a picture book by Lauren Child for children aged 3 to 6. Its themes include humour, family and imagination.

Picture Book2000

The Story of Tracy Beaker

The Story of Tracy Beaker

Jacqueline Wilson · Nick Sharratt

For readers interested in resilience, family and imagination, compare The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson. It is illustrated by Nick Sharratt. It is a novel for children aged 8 to 12.

Novel1991

Double Act

Double Act

Jacqueline Wilson · Nick Sharratt

Double Act, a novel by Jacqueline Wilson, is selected for children aged 8 to 12. It is illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Compare it with other books exploring family, self-reliance and humour.

Novel1995

The Suitcase Kid

The Suitcase Kid

Jacqueline Wilson · Nick Sharratt

Choose The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson for children aged 8 to 12. It is illustrated by Nick Sharratt. This novel is shelved with books about family, resilience and kindness.

Novel1992

Hetty Feather

Hetty Feather

Jacqueline Wilson · Nick Sharratt

Hetty Feather, a novel by Jacqueline Wilson, is selected for children aged 9 to 12. It is illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Compare it with other books exploring courage, family, heritage and resilience.

Novel2009

A Bear Called Paddington

Michael Bond

A Bear Called Paddington

Michael Bond · Peggy Fortnum

The Brown family meet a polite bear from Peru at Paddington Station and invite him into their home.

Chapter Book1958

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark

Jill Tomlinson

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark

Jill Tomlinson

For readers interested in courage and family, compare The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson. It is a chapter book for children aged 5 to 8.

Chapter Book1968

Avocado Baby

John Burningham

Avocado Baby

John Burningham

Choose Avocado Baby by John Burningham for children aged 2 to 5. This picture book is shelved with books about humour and family.

Picture Book1982

Granpa

John Burningham

Granpa

John Burningham

Granpa by John Burningham is a picture book for children aged 3 to 6. A useful choice for reading about family and wonder.

Picture Book1984

The Storm Whale

Benji Davies

The Storm Whale

Benji Davies

The Storm Whale by Benji Davies is a picture book for children aged 3 to 6. A useful choice for reading about kindness, family and nature.

Picture Book2013

Grandad's Island

Benji Davies

Ages 4–7

Grandad's Island

Benji Davies

Grandad's Island, a picture book by Benji Davies, is selected for children aged 4 to 7. Compare it with other books exploring family and wonder.

Picture Book2015

Spring Story

Jill Barklem

Ages 3–7

Spring Story

Jill Barklem

For readers interested in family, nature and heritage, compare Spring Story by Jill Barklem. It is a picture book for children aged 3 to 7.

Picture Book1980

The Wombles

Elisabeth Beresford

The Wombles

Elisabeth Beresford

For readers interested in nature, family and humour, compare The Wombles by Elisabeth Beresford. It is a chapter book for children aged 6 to 9.

Chapter Book1968

Horrid Henry

Francesca Simon

Horrid Henry

Francesca Simon · Tony Ross

First published in 1994, Horrid Henry is a chapter book by Francesca Simon for children aged 6 to 9. It is illustrated by Tony Ross. Its themes include humour and family.

Chapter Book1994

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

Liz Pichon

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

Quick, Let's Get Out of Here

Michael Rosen

Ages 6–10

Quick, Let's Get Out of Here

Michael Rosen · Quentin Blake

Quick, Let's Get Out of Here by Michael Rosen is a poetry collection for children aged 6 to 10. It is illustrated by Quentin Blake. A useful choice for reading about humour and family.

Poetry1983

The Star Outside My Window

Onjali Q. Rauf

The Star Outside My Window

Onjali Q. Rauf

On the shelf for children aged 9 to 12: The Star Outside My Window, a novel by Onjali Q. Rauf. It connects with courage, family and resilience.

Novel2019

Time Travelling with a Hamster

Ross Welford

Time Travelling with a Hamster

Ross Welford

First published in 2016, Time Travelling with a Hamster is a novel by Ross Welford for children aged 9 to 12. Its themes include family, adventure and wonder.

Novel2016

Asha and the Spirit Bird

Jasbinder Bilan

Asha and the Spirit Bird

Jasbinder Bilan

Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan is a novel for children aged 9 to 12. A useful choice for reading about courage, family and heritage.

Novel2019

The Children of Green Knowe

Lucy M. Boston

The Children of Green Knowe

Lucy M. Boston

For readers interested in wonder, heritage and family, compare The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston. It is a classic for children aged 8 to 12.

Classic1954

The Snow Spider

Jenny Nimmo

The Snow Spider

Jenny Nimmo

The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo is a novel for children aged 8 to 12. A useful choice for reading about wonder, family and heritage.

Novel1986

Ballet Shoes

Noel Streatfeild

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

Mary Poppins

P. L. Travers

Ages 7–11

Mary Poppins

P. L. Travers

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers is a classic for children aged 7 to 11. A useful choice for reading about wonder, imagination and family.

Classic1934

The Silver Sword

Ian Serraillier

The Silver Sword

Ian Serraillier

Choose The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier for children aged 10 to 14. This novel is shelved with books about courage, family and resilience.

Novel1956

Madame Doubtfire

Madame Doubtfire

Anne Fine

For readers interested in family and humour, compare Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine. It is a novel for children aged 10 to 14.

Novel1987

Goggle-Eyes

Goggle-Eyes

Anne Fine

Goggle-Eyes, a novel by Anne Fine, is selected for children aged 9 to 13. Compare it with other books exploring family and humour.

Novel1989

Flour Babies

Flour Babies

Anne Fine

First published in 1992, Flour Babies is a novel by Anne Fine for children aged 10 to 14. Its themes include family, perseverance and humour.

Novel1992

The Wreck of the Zanzibar

Michael Morpurgo

The Wreck of the Zanzibar

Michael Morpurgo

The Wreck of the Zanzibar, a novel by Michael Morpurgo, is selected for children aged 8 to 12. Compare it with other books exploring courage, family and nature.

Novel1995

My Dad's a Birdman

David Almond

My Dad's a Birdman

David Almond · Polly Dunbar

First published in 2007, My Dad's a Birdman is a chapter book by David Almond for children aged 7 to 10. It is illustrated by Polly Dunbar. Its themes include family, wonder and imagination.

Chapter Book2007

Guess How Much I Love You

Sam McBratney

Guess How Much I Love You

Sam McBratney · Anita Jeram

First published in 1994, Guess How Much I Love You is a picture book by Sam McBratney for children aged 2 to 5. It is illustrated by Anita Jeram. Its themes include family and kindness.

Picture Book1994

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs

Ian Whybrow

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs

Ian Whybrow · Adrian Reynolds

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs, a picture book by Ian Whybrow, is selected for children aged 2 to 5. It is illustrated by Adrian Reynolds. Compare it with other books exploring imagination and family.

Picture Book1999

Hugless Douglas

David Melling

Hugless Douglas

David Melling

On the shelf for children aged 2 to 5: Hugless Douglas, a picture book by David Melling. It connects with kindness and family.

Picture Book2010

The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog

Jeremy Strong

The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog

Jeremy Strong

The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog by Jeremy Strong is a chapter book for children aged 7 to 10. A useful choice for reading about humour and family.

Chapter Book1996

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Zanib Mian

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Zanib Mian

Choose Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian for children aged 7 to 10. This chapter book is shelved with books about humour, family and friendship.

Chapter Book2019

The House with Chicken Legs

Sophie Anderson

The House with Chicken Legs

Sophie Anderson

Choose The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson for children aged 9 to 12. This novel is shelved with books about family, wonder and courage.

Novel2018

October, October

Katya Balen

October, October

Katya Balen

October, October, a novel by Katya Balen, is selected for children aged 9 to 12. Compare it with other books exploring nature, family and resilience.

Novel2020

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

First published in 2019, A Pinch of Magic is a novel by Michelle Harrison for children aged 9 to 12. Its themes include family, adventure and wonder.

Novel2019

Anisha, Accidental Detective

Serena Patel

Anisha, Accidental Detective

Serena Patel

Anisha, Accidental Detective by Serena Patel is a chapter book for children aged 8 to 11. A useful choice for reading about humour, family and friendship.

Chapter Book2020

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Liz Kessler

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Liz Kessler

First published in 2003, The Tail of Emily Windsnap is a novel by Liz Kessler for children aged 8 to 11. Its themes include wonder, family and friendship.

Novel2003

The Exiles

Hilary McKay

The Exiles

Hilary McKay

Choose The Exiles by Hilary McKay for children aged 9 to 12. This novel is shelved with books about family and humour.

Novel1991

Saffy's Angel

Hilary McKay

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

The Skylarks' War

Hilary McKay

The Skylarks' War

Hilary McKay

The Skylarks' War, a novel by Hilary McKay, is selected for children aged 10 to 14. Compare it with other books exploring family, heritage and courage.

Novel2018

Journey to Jo'burg

Beverley Naidoo

Journey to Jo'burg

Beverley Naidoo

For readers interested in courage, family and justice, compare Journey to Jo'burg by Beverley Naidoo. It is a novel for children aged 9 to 13.

Novel1985

Flambards

K. M. Peyton

Ages 11–15

Flambards

K. M. Peyton

Flambards by K. M. Peyton is a novel for children aged 11 to 15. A useful choice for reading about heritage, family and loyalty.

Novel1967

The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Dodie Smith

The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Dodie Smith

First published in 1956, The Hundred and One Dalmatians is a classic by Dodie Smith for children aged 8 to 12. Its themes include adventure, family and loyalty.

Classic1956

Girl, Missing

Sophie McKenzie

Ages 12–16

Girl, Missing

Sophie McKenzie

Girl, Missing, a novel by Sophie McKenzie, is selected for readers aged 12+. Compare it with other books exploring courage, family and perseverance.

Novel2006

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

Annabel Pitcher

Ages 11–15

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, a novel by Annabel Pitcher, is selected for children aged 11 to 15. Compare it with other books exploring family, resilience and honesty.

Novel2011