85 Books to read before you’re 12

Are you a book lover wondering what to stock your child's bookshelf with, or perhaps you'd like to find some inspiration before your next family library trip?

This year, it's Puffin's 85th birthday - and so we've rounded up 85 stories to spark imaginations that we'd recommend to every child to read before they're 12. From beautifully-illustrated bedtime picture books, to side-splittingly funny graphic novels, to the classics we all love, there's something for every age and interest!

Ages 0-4

Look Up! by Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola (2019)

Meet hilarious, science-mad chatterbox, Rocket - she's going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived!

How to be a Lion by Ed Vere (2018)

You don't have to ROAR to be heard...

Meet Leonard - a lion like no other.

Leonard's best friend is Marianne, a duck. But lions chomp ducks, don't they?

What will the pair do when their way of life is threatened?

How to Grow a Unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe & Steven Lenton (2021)

Sarah thinks she's discovered the perfect gift for her garden-loving grandma, but before you can say GARDEN FULL OF UNICORNS, things grow wildly out-of-hand!

Live your own hilarious unicorn fantasy in this rip-roaring, rhyming delight from a terrifically talented new picture book author, with illustrations from the brilliant, bestselling illustrator Steven Lenton - illustrator of Shifty McGifty and The Hundred and One Dalmations picture book.

Weirdo by Zadie Smith, Nick Laird & Magenta Fox (2022)

Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit - and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.

The charming characters of Magenta Fox, whose work is evocative of Raymond Briggs and Janet Ahlberg, perfectly offset Zadie and Nick's warm, wry prose.

Weirdo is an endearing story about the quiet power of being different by two veteran writers, and introduces an exciting debut illustrator. Together they have created a picture book that adults and children alike will treasure.

Dogger by Shirley Hughes (1977)

Everywhere Dave goes, his favourite toy, Dogger, is ALWAYS with him.

So, when Dogger goes missing, Dave is devastated. Luckily, Dogger turns up at the school summer fair, but when he ends up at the toy stall, Dave must find a way to buy his best friend back.

With a heart warming message and delightful illustrations, Dogger has delighted children for generations. This gentle bedtime story is perfect for young readers.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J Novak (2014)

You might think a book with no pictures would be boring and serious.
Except . . . here's how this book works:

Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say BLORK. Or BLUURF.

And even if they have to say things like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and MY HEAD IS MADE OF BLUEBERRY PIZZA!

That's the rule. That's the deal.

Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield & Hoang Giang (2024)

When Jeremiah plants a packet of sunflower seeds, the very last thing he expects is for the vines and leaves to grow overnight and burst through the ceiling of his apartment!

As Jeremiah and his brother chase the magical plant up through the floors of their tower block home, they discover an array of curious neighbours who join in the adventure. But what could be waiting for them at the top of the building? And will Jeremiah find his voice to help the neighbours discover the true magic hidden within these sunflower seeds?

Ages 5-8

The Best Sleepover in the World by Jacqueline Wilson & Rachael Dean (2024)

A long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular book Sleepovers!

Daisy's worst ever enemy Chloe is desperate to win back her friends so she announces she's going to have THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD. There's going to be a swim in a luxury pool, a special makeover for every guest, and a real live meeting with a social media superstar.

All Chloe's old friends are invited, even Daisy's best friend Emily. But Daisy is left out.

Daisy's sister Lily is non-verbal but she's learned Makaton at her new special school. She signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover. Will family and friends somehow make Lily's party THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD?

Ages 9-12

The Danger Gang by Tom Fletcher & Shane Devries (2021)

Franky can't wait to move to his new town - although he wishes he didn't have to leave his best friend Dani behind.
But everything changes after the storm, when strange green lightning and powerful thunder crash down on the town. From that night on, the kids who live on Franky's street start to change. One by one, they become a little odd. A little unusual. A little... magical.

Franky's always wanted to be part of an amazing gang - just like his hero, super-spy Zack Danger! And soon, he realises that there's real danger in store for himself and his new friends.

And so the Danger Gang is born...

To celebrate our 85th birthday, we're giving away a bundle of Puffin books, badges and a gift bag. Just fill out our audience insights survey here before 31st January 2025!