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. chose this because it grounds children in a sense of shared humanity. At a time when they’re starting to see themselves in the wider world, this book reminds them that kindness begins with understanding just how connected we all are.

This choice helps children step into the shoes of someone who 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. 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.

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.

Core Book: The Midnight Library (Young Readers Adaptation) by Matt Haig

We chose this because it asks young readers to imagine infinite possibilities — different lives, different choices, and different paths. It’s a powerful, creative thought-experiment that encourages reflection on agency, imagination and the shape a life can take.

Stretch Book: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Young Readers Edition) by Neil Gaiman

A lyrical, magical, reality-bending narrative that invites readers to imagine worlds both strange and familiar. Gaiman’s storytelling encourages flexible thinking and a deep appreciation for myth, metaphor and memory.

Dyslexia-Friendly: Day of the Whale by Rachel Delahaye (Barrington Stoke)

Fast-paced, atmospheric and imaginative, this novella blends environmental themes with magical realism, encouraging readers to think creatively about solutions and perspectives.

Non-Fiction: The Creativity Project edited by Colby Sharp

A brilliant collection of creative prompts by celebrated authors and illustrators. It helps students see themselves as creators, not just consumers. Perfect for igniting imagination in practical, joyful ways.

Core Book: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

A magical-realism masterpiece that stretches the imagination while exploring identity, love and myth. We chose it for its poetic storytelling and inventive world-building.

Stretch Book: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

A demanding but richly imaginative novel woven from creativity itself, illusion, invention, storytelling, and artistry. A perfect stretch text for teens ready to immerse themselves in a world built entirely from imagination. 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 theatrical, magical adventure about performance, creativity and the courage to step into your own story. Accessible, inclusive and uplifting.

Non-Fiction: Steal Like an Artist (Young Readers Edition) by Austin Kleon

A practical and inspiring guide to creativity, showing teens how ideas grow, evolve and connect. Encourages experimentation, originality and playful innovation.

We chose this for February because it offers a grounded, inspiring invitation to live creatively in everyday problem-solving, parenting and self-expression. It complements our school’s belief that creativity is a mindset, not a subject.