February Book Club Picks

This joyful story encourages every child to take the first step in creative expression — however small. It’s a perfect match for our theme, showing that imagination grows from courage, confidence and a single mark on the page.

This book gently encourages children to hold onto their unique perspective, even when the world feels too busy to notice. It’s a perfect reminder that imagination is worth protecting, and creativity begins with wondering “what if?” — a message that resonates powerfully with our belief in nurturing original thinkers.

This joyful, tactile picture book celebrates mistakes as part of the creative process. Innovation comes from curiosity, play, and the confidence to get things wrong. It’s a powerful message for young readers.

This book turns mechanical and scientific ideas into playful, interactive learning. It invites children to look beneath the surface of everyday objects — exactly the kind of curious, imaginative thinking we want to nurture.

Chosen for the way it honours artistic expression, persistence, and the beauty of storytelling in all its forms. This book encourages children to find their creative voice, especially when the words don’t always come easily — a powerful message for all kinds of learners.

This choice opens up rich conversations around imagination, possibility, and what happens when stories collide with the real world. It’s an engaging stretch for readers ready for more complexity, while still celebrating the joyful power of fantasy and invention. choice helps children step into the shoes of someone who sees the world differently. It invites reflection and empathy, but more importantly, it encourages children to think about how we show kindness in real, everyday ways.

This dyslexia-friendly read reinvents traditional tales with clever, unexpected turns—inviting children to think flexibly, question assumptions, and delight in the imaginative reworking of familiar narratives. It’s a playful, accessible way to show that stories can be reinvented—and that creativity starts with asking, “What if…?”

We chose this inspiring biography because Ada Lovelace’s story shows what happens when curiosity, creativity, and bold thinking combine. She imagined a future no one else could see—one in which machines could think and compute—and laid the foundation for modern computing. It's a powerful reminder for our children that imagination isn't just for stories—it can change the world.

Chosen for its powerful blend of mystery and magic - this is a book that fuels children’s belief that imagination can reshape the world.

We picked this for its thoughtful reflection on creativity, memory, and art - ideal for children ready for deeper, more symbolic storytelling.

This fast-paced, highly accessible adventure is perfect for sparking creative thinking - it captures the imagination while supporting reading confidence.

Selected because it shows how nature is a source of brilliant, often surprising ideas -  helping children see creativity beyond the arts, in the sciences too.included this title because it offers both hope and action. It's the kind of book that helps children see kindness as a powerful, everyday tool for making a difference — in their friendships, schools, and beyond

Core Book:The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

We chose this book because it shows that even in the hardest times, friendship,empathy, and kindness can heal what feels impossible and that connection is what helps us move forward.

Stretch Book: Orangeboy by Patrice Lawrence

This is a bold, brilliant choice for more mature readers in this age group. We've included it because it doesn't shy away from complexity. It’s a story of loyalty, consequence, and ultimately, choosing kindness in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. 

Note: Contains references to gang culture, grief and risk-taking behaviour — best suited to upper KS3/early KS4 readers, or with adult guidance where needed. book invites readers to consider the cost of safety and sameness when belonging is stripped of authenticity.

Dyslexia-Friendly:   Birdsong by Katya Balen (Barrington Stoke Edition)

We selected Birdsong because it beautifully captures the quiet power of connection, with nature, with art, and with each other. It’s an emotionally intelligent read, written with sensitivity and care, and its accessible format means more readers can experience its impact. story talks deeply about identity and self-worth, mirroring the emotional arc of so many young people navigating adolescence.

Non-Fiction: You Can Do It by Marcus Rashford

This is the kind of book that models kindness in action. Rashford's story isn’t just about football, it’s about determination, using your platform to help others, and building communities where everyone is supported. 

Core Book: HappyHead by Josh Silver

This book helps older teens explore what it really means to be emotionally well. It encourages questioning surface-level happiness and offers a critical, timely lens on how connection and kindness are far more complex than smiling through discomfort.

Stretch Book: The Crossing by Manjeet Mann

Why we chose it: The Crossing challenges readers to widen their perspective and think deeply about the meaning of kindness in a global context — it’s a powerful exploration of humanity, courage, and connection across divides.

A compact but deeply resonant story of grief, friendship, and unexpected kindness. We’ve chosen this dyslexia-friendly title because it beautifully models how young people can reach out and support one another even in the hardest of times compelling read opens up conversations about online identity, friendship and the difference between connection and belonging. It’s short, sharply relevant and written with inclusivity in mind. 

Non-Fiction: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

We’ve chosen this gentle, powerful memoir because it invites reflection on what really matters, kindness, connection, love, and legacy. It’s a deeply human book that opens up big conversations about life and how we treat others.

This month’s parent book choice is a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with each other and with ourselves. Chosen for its quiet wisdom and steady warmth, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon mirrors the values we hope to nurture in our school community: kindness, presence, and compassion in everyday life.