Today is the start of National Smile Month, so this week’s Friday Library Recommendations all feature books to make you smile!

My first choice this week is the The Smile by Marie Voigt, a beautifully gentle picture book that reminds us how even the smallest acts can have the biggest impact. This lyrical story begins with something wonderfully simple – a baby’s smile. That fleeting moment of joy sets off a chain reaction of kindness, passing from one person to another and travelling across countries, cultures and communities.

As each good deed is paid forward, readers are invited to see how kindness can take many different forms: a helpful gesture, a caring word, a thoughtful action. The story quietly celebrates the connections that link us all, showing children that we don’t have to be loud or extraordinary to make a difference – we simply have to be kind.

The warm, golden illustrations are full of light and tenderness, perfectly matching the message at the heart of the book. They help children notice details, emotions and the shared humanity between families and strangers around the world.

This is a thoughtful and uplifting read, ideal for sharing at home or in the classroom. It opens up lovely conversations about empathy, community and how our actions affect others. A reassuring reminder that kindness really can change the world – one small moment at a time.

Next, I have chosen The Happy Tank by John Magee , a wonderfully practical and uplifting book that supports children in understanding what happiness is, why it matters and how they can look after their own mental wellbeing. Warm, friendly and easy to follow, this book is designed to help children fill up their happy tank with habits that can last a lifetime.

Drawing on positive psychology, John Magee gently explains why happiness is so important, particularly as children grow, face challenges and learn to cope with change. The ideas are presented in a reassuring way that never feels overwhelming, making them accessible for both children and adults. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to calming and confidence-boosting techniques such as breathing, reflection, kindness, affirmations and gratitude, all woven together with humour and warmth.

What makes The Happy Tank especially powerful is how practical it is. Strategies are easy to try, whether at home or in school, and naturally encourage children to pause, reflect and be kinder to themselves and others. This is an ideal book for supporting emotional resilience, building self-belief and opening up conversations about wellbeing.

And finally, for our older readers, I’ve picked Letters From The Upside by Katya Balen, a tender, hopeful story about anger, kindness and the quiet ways trust can change a child’s life. This is a book that speaks honestly about big feelings while offering a gentle sense of hope.

Con is struggling. Since his dad left, his anger feels impossible to control and it’s pushing away the people he cares about most – even his best friend. School feels like one place he keeps getting things wrong, and Con is beginning to believe that being good is something meant for other people, not for him.

Then he meets his neighbour, Mr Williams, and discovers a secret rooftop filled with homing pigeons. Soft-feathered, beautiful and trusted to fly far and always return home, the birds offer Con something he hasn’t felt in a long time: belief. As he learns to care for the pigeons, Con slowly starts to care for himself too.

This is a thoughtful, emotionally rich book that explores forgiveness, responsibility and second chances with sensitivity and warmth. Perfect for upper Key Stage 2 readers, it’s a powerful reminder that hope can be found in unexpected places – and that every child deserves the chance to spread their wings.

Happy reading!

Today is David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. His voice is synonymous with everything to do with our natural world, and so all of my Friday Library Recommendations celebrate him and the amazing life that fillls our planet.

My first choice is Little People, BIG DREAMS: David Attenborough. This beautifully told biography introduces children to one of the most recognisable voices on our planet. Part of the much‑loved Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this book traces David’s journey from a curious child collecting fossils and specimens to a world‑famous broadcaster and passionate protector of the natural world.

Young readers will love discovering how David spent his childhood surrounded by books, animals and ideas, creating his own miniature museum and dreaming of life close to nature. The story gently shows how his curiosity led him to study science and zoology, before finding the perfect way to share his love of animals through television. Along the way, children learn that caring deeply about the world around us can truly make a difference.

The stylish, quirky illustrations are full of warmth and personality, making this an engaging read for both independent readers and shared storytime. Extra facts at the back, including a timeline and real photographs, add depth and encourage further discussion.

This inspiring non‑fiction picture book is ideal for nurturing curiosity, environmental awareness and big dreaming. A thoughtful and uplifting read for children who love animals, nature, and asking questions about the world they live in.

My next choice is Dear Earth by Isabel Otter, a glorious celebration of the power of imagination, and the wonders of our planet while skillfully highlighting it’s fragility.

Through her letter to Earth, Tessa takes us on a journey through some of the wide and varied habitats that cover our planet, meeting a menagerie of creatures, large and small along the way.

The mix of beautifully simple, and mesmerising, intricately detailed illustrations by Clara Anganuzzi carry you along with Tessa’s excitement for the amazing places her imagination takes her, recalling the stories her Grandad has told her of his adventures.

The ending is a gentle call to spread the word about saving the planet we call home. With information on the damage we are doing, and what we can do to help our planet, this is a wonderful book that deserves a place in every school. It’s versatility for classroom use, beyond the joy of sharing, is huge.

And finally, I’ve picked Nature Is The Answer: A Toolkit for Eco-Positivity by Chris Packham. This thoughtful and empowering book by Chris Packham speaks directly to children who feel worried about the future of our planet, and gently reminds them that they are not alone. Many young people experience eco‑anxiety, and this book does a wonderful job of naming those feelings, validating them, and turning concern into calm, purposeful action.

Chris draws on his own experiences as a naturalist to show that while climate change can feel overwhelming, nature itself can be a source of comfort, hope and strength. Throughout the book, complex ideas are explained clearly and sensitively, helping children understand what is happening in the world without feeling frightened or helpless.

Children are offered simple, science‑backed ways to manage anxious thoughts, alongside advice on activism, navigating social media, and spotting misinformation. Each chapter also includes engaging nature‑based activities, mindfulness exercises and creative tasks, encouraging children to reconnect with the natural world in joyful, hands‑on ways.

Perfect for our older readers, this book is an uplifting guide for children who care deeply about the planet and want to make a positive difference. A reassuring, inspiring read for both children and families.

Happy reading!

​May is National Share A Story Month, so this week, all of my Friday Library Recommendations are book that contain stories within the story.

My first choice for our youngest readers is There Is No Dragon In This Story by Lou Carter, illustrated by Deborah Allwright, a laugh‑out‑loud picture book that is a joyful twist on classic fairy tales and will delight children and grown‑ups alike.

Poor Dragon just wants to belong, but wherever he turns, he is politely (and sometimes not so politely) sent away. Goldilocks isn’t interested. Hansel and Gretel say no thank you. No one seems to want a dragon in their story at all.

Undeterred, Dragon presses on, fuelled by boundless optimism and a wonderfully earnest belief that someone must need him. Children will adore his persistence and enthusiasm, especially as it becomes increasingly clear that his good intentions may lead to unexpected consequences. And then there’s the sneeze – a gloriously inevitable moment that will have young listeners giggling and gasping in equal measure.

This is a beautifully paced read‑aloud, with expressive illustrations that reward careful looking and repeated readings. Familiar fairy‑tale characters pop up throughout, encouraging children to make connections and predictions as the story unfolds.

Beneath the comedy lies a reassuring message about belonging, resilience and finding your place. A joyful, feel‑good story that works perfectly for Key Stage 1 and is sure to become a firm favourite on the bookshelf.

My next pick is the hilarious The Far-Out Five: Snot Jelly Island by Olaf Falafel. This wildly imaginative adventure is a brilliant burst of fun that will instantly hook young readers.

When a funfair blows into town, everything is turned upside down for Stewart, Sophie, Zainab and Jeffrey – especially when they cross paths with the grumpy (and not entirely successful) magician, the Great Waldini. One magical mishap later, the children find themselves transformed into the unforgettable Far‑Out Five, whisked far from home with the one thing that could fix everything frustratingly lost.

The cast of characters is gloriously absurd and guaranteed to raise smiles: from Spewnicorn, a punk unicorn with a rainbow‑filled problem, to Tubbs, a surprisingly seaworthy bathtub. Each character has a distinct personality, making this a joy to read aloud and a great springboard for discussion and creative writing.

The story races along at pace, packed with bizarre locations, strange creatures and ridiculous challenges – including the memorably named Snot Jelly Island. Underneath the silliness, there’s a strong sense of teamwork, resilience and friendship as the group work together to find Wally’s missing wand and make it home.

A fantastic choice for confident Key Stage 2 readers, this is a laugh‑out‑loud adventure that children will be desperate to keep reading.

And finally, for our oldest readers, I’ve chosen The Tale Of Truthwater Lake by Emma Carroll, a thought‑provoking adventure combining mystery, emotion and real‑world relevance in a story that stays with you long after the final page.

Set in a near‑future Britain gripped by relentless heatwaves, the story follows Polly as she navigates a summer that feels both stifling and unsettlingly familiar. With curfews in place and daily life disrupted by extreme weather, the setting quietly reflects growing concerns about climate change without overwhelming young readers.

Sent to stay with her aunt by drying Truthwater Lake, Polly is pushed to face her fear of deep water. As the lake slowly recedes, it reveals the ghostly remains of a long‑lost village – an eerie, atmospheric discovery that instantly draws the reader in. When Polly dives beneath the surface and uncovers a gateway to the past, the story takes on an exciting time‑travel twist, blending suspense with historical curiosity.

Beautifully paced and richly descriptive, this is an immersive read that encourages reflection as much as excitement. Alongside the adventure, the book gently explores responsibility, courage and the impact our choices have on the world around us.

Ideal for upper Key Stage 2, this is a powerful, engaging story that sparks discussion while delivering an unforgettable reading experience.

Happy reading!

Yesterday was Shakespeare Day, so this week’s books all celebrate The Bard, with brilliant reimaginings of his works and inspirations.

For our youngest readers, I have chosen A Midsummer Night’s Drama by Louis Stowell, illustrated by Isobel Lundie, a warm, witty picture book that will strike a chord with children and parents alike.

Bill the Bear is a playwright with big ideas and an even bigger imagination. Living happily with his friends in the woods, Bill’s latest play is a roaring success at The Glade Theatre – but once bedtime arrives, all that excitement refuses to fade. What follows is a gently comic look at the whirlwind of thoughts, worries and ideas that can make settling down to sleep such a challenge.

This story is perfectly pitched for young children, with playful language, expressive illustrations and a reassuring bedtime arc. Parents will instantly recognise the familiar drama of trying to coax an over‑stimulated child into dreamland, while children will delight in Bill’s theatrical world.

A lovely choice for bedtime sharing, this is a comforting, funny read for little storytellers and budding bards.

Next, for Year 3 and 4 readers, I’ve picked Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Stinky Stolen Toenails by Kaz Penney, illustrated by Sammy Elgie, a brilliantly funny reimagining of the Bard’s childhood that is absolutely fizzing with mischief and sharp wit.

We meet a young Will Shakespeare long before he was a literary icon; here, he’s just a lad in a turnip-load of trouble trying to avoid his chores and navigate the muddy, stinky streets of Tudor England.

The story is incredibly clever in how it introduces people who may have inspired some of the world’s most famous stage characters. Seeing Ronaldo and Judy through the eyes of a frustrated young Will is a total joy, and the mystery of Henry VIII’s stolen toenail clippings provides exactly the kind of gross-out humour that middle-grade readers find irresistible.

The illustrations by debut talent Sammy Elgie are scattered throughout and really bring Will’s chaotic world to life. It’s fast-paced, irreverent, and manages to make history feel wonderfully accessible and ridiculous. A fantastic addition to any classroom bookshelf!

And finally for Year 5 & 6, I’ve chosen The Last Bard by Maz Evans, a thoughtful, funny and ultimately hopeful children’s novel that blends real emotion with a touch of literary magic.

Will Davenant’s life has been shaped more by sadness than joy, so inheriting his grandfather’s battered copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare is the last thing he expects to change anything. But this is no ordinary book. When Will discovers his extraordinary family connection to William Shakespeare himself, he unlocks the ability to summon some of the Bard’s most famous characters straight from the page – and suddenly, he’s not facing life alone.

Maz Evans brings her trademark humour and warmth to this standalone story, while also handling themes of grief, identity and belonging with real sensitivity. The Shakespearean characters are introduced in an accessible, amusing way that never feels intimidating, making this a brilliant bridge into classic literature for younger readers.

Balanced with laughter, heart and moments of poignancy, The Last Bard is a reassuring read that shows how stories can help us make sense of the world. A fantastic choice for confident readers in upper Key Stage 2 and a real treat for adults sharing alongside.

Happy reading!