What Are You Looking For?

Choose this for a child drawn to imaginative adventure, airborne fantasy and unusual inventions. The central appeal appears to be entering an extraordinary kingdom rather than following a realistic everyday story.

A vivid fantasy about discovering belonging, forming friendships and investigating a magical mystery. Its imaginative school setting and chapter-ending tension may draw readers onwards, but Harry’s neglect, bereavement and frightening final confrontation give the adventure a darker emotional edge.

A playful fantasy adventure turns ordinary holes into a doorway to familiar story characters. Andrea’s journey combines imaginative problem-solving with a heartfelt wish connected to her mother’s lost smile.

Expect a playful portal fantasy built around dressing-up, friendship and Cinderella imagery, alongside a kidnapping threat. Its central appeal is imaginative adventure; its tension comes from Amber needing to act quickly.

This is a brief, metaphorical story about a sad bird who has stopped flying. A surprising horse offers companionship and a question, while the illustrations and open ending invite readers to imagine what happens next.

A reassuring story about losing a treasured comfort object, nighttime fears and becoming more understanding towards a younger sibling. Bella’s growing bravery is shown through a concrete family problem rather than through a lecture.

A playful, participatory story combines repeated wind sounds, a determined spider and shape recognition. Its strongest offer is shared looking and joining in, rather than a realistic account of how spider webs work.

This offers an imaginative quest built around dreams, magic, wizards and a threatened fantasy land. Miranda’s movement through distinct settings may appeal to readers who enjoy fairy-tale-inspired adventures and determined protagonists.

This is a spooky, funny family adventure centred on a child’s fear of a pirate ghost and an older brother’s teasing. Its appeal lies in the uncertainty between an alarming story and a practical joke.

A family’s fear grows as a huge black dog watches their home. Small Hope faces it, leads it on a chase, and discovers a playful way to bring it inside.

Expect an imaginative factory adventure centred on five children, with comic fantasy, moral contrasts and a strong focus on Charlie’s honesty. The story also includes poverty, rule-breaking and punishments that may prompt differing reactions.

A whimsical, suspenseful fantasy about escaping ordinary life and confronting danger, with a bittersweet focus on childhood and growing up. Its imaginative appeal sits alongside language and attitudes that require historical distance.

Expect a fast-moving fantasy adventure built around a race, inventive magical creatures and a quest to help family. Its emotional centre is a quiet child learning to recognise his own capabilities.

This is a quest fantasy about siblings facing separation, magical danger and inherited family trouble. Its appeal lies in Fairyland, nature-linked magic, riddles, storytelling and a movement from grief and hardship towards courage and hope.

A gentle imaginative search story, pairing a missing teddy button with a moonlit garden, animal encounters and the comfort of putting something right. Its appeal appears to lie in wonder, visual discovery and companionship.

A tense adventure built around a child’s improvised storytelling: Antonio is held by outlaws, then turns their demand for a story into a possible route towards escape.

This is a warm portal-fantasy adventure centred on cousins working together. Expect magical mystery-solving, talking creatures and family revelations, with the story placing courage, love and family bonds at its centre.

This offers an imaginative quest through a richly described fantasy kingdom, combining magical creatures and problem-solving with a clear focus on friendship, courage and perseverance.

This is a compassionate wartime survival story about outsiders creating a fragile family. Its strongest appeal appears to be the contrast between material deprivation and the emotional richness of kindness, imagination and mutual care.