18 Children's books worth buying in the Amazon Big Book Sale
There is no better investment than a book that a child will love and cherish forever. And right now, Amazon's Big Book Sale (running until 31 March) offers up to 70% off hundreds of children’s books which means that building a genuinely beautiful home library just became considerably more achievable. We've done the curation so you don't have to: below, twenty titles for readers aged five to ten that we would confidently press into any child's palms. From classic adventures and modern masterpieces to laugh-out-loud favourites and books that will quietly break your heart in the best possible way - this is where we'd start.
Age 5-7
The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
A delightful blend of warmth and whimsy, this is the story of Tomas, who discovers a peculiar fruit tree at the bottom of his grandfather's garden - one that grows dragons. Funny, imaginative and full of heart, it's the kind of book that turns reluctant readers into devoted ones.
2. Isadora Moon Goes to School by Harriet Muncaster
Half vampire, half fairy, and wholly loveable Isadora Moon navigates the ordinary world with extraordinary charm. This beautifully illustrated series is a perennial favourite for early readers, gently exploring themes of belonging and being wonderfully different.
3. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
Mildred Hubble is endearingly hopeless at magic, and children adore her for it. Jill Murphy's classic (a full decade before Hogwarts) remains one of the most charming school stories ever written. Perfect for newly independent readers who want a little magic in their lives.
4. Zog by Julia Donaldson, illus. Axel Scheffler
From the peerless partnership behind The Gruffalo comes this exuberant tale of a young dragon determined to earn his golden star. With Donaldson's irresistible rhymes and Scheffler's gorgeous illustrations, it's a read-aloud treasure every family should own.
5. Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure by Alex T. Smith
Mr Penguin is a self-styled Adventurer (and fish-finger sandwich enthusiast) who finds himself solving a museum mystery. Wry, witty, and illustrated throughout with Smith's singular style, this is the book for children who like their adventure served with a side of gentle absurdity.
Ages 6–8
6. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
When Stanley Lambchop wakes up flattened by his noticeboard, the adventure begins. A beloved classic that has been making children laugh since 1964, Flat Stanley remains irresistibly clever. A story about being different, and discovering that difference can be an extraordinary gift.
7. The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
At the top of the Faraway Tree lives a world of wonder, and Enid Blyton's imagination has never felt fresher. This is the book that ignited a love of reading for generations of children and it will do the same for yours. An absolute staple of any thoughtfully curated bookshelf.
8. The Creakers by Tom Fletcher
Tom Fletcher conjures a gripping mystery rooted in every child's midnight fear - what if the creaks in the house at night meant something? Inventive, funny, and genuinely moving, this is a book that earns its place in both hearts and hands.
Ages 7–9
9. The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton
There is something perennially satisfying about a good mystery solved by children in a shed. The Secret Seven series remains a gateway drug to a lifetime of reading. Straightforward, gripping, and endlessly re-readable. A perfect companion for the Easter holidays ahead.
10. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
One of the most quietly extraordinary children's novels of recent years. Roz, a robot who washes ashore on a wild island, must learn to survive and, unexpectedly, to parent. Beautifully written and deeply moving, this is the book you'll be recommending to every parent you know.
11. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
The original free spirit of children's literature, Pippi lives alone with her horse, her monkey, and an absolute refusal to be told what to do. Translated from the Swedish and still utterly electric, this is a book about joy, independence, and the magic of an untamed imagination.
12. My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
When Nate discovers his brother has been given superpowers (while he was away getting a comic) the injustice is acute. Solomons writes with dazzling wit and a comic timing that keeps pages turning. Brilliant for boys who don't yet think they like books.
13. The Witches by Roald Dahl
Dahl at his most deliciously sinister. The Witches is the story of a boy and his magnificent grandmother facing down a coven of very real, very horrible witches disguised as ordinary women. Quentin Blake's illustrations are perfect. This is storytelling of the highest order.
14. The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson
Plop the barn owl is afraid of the dark, which is something of a problem for a nocturnal creature. With each chapter, a new encounter changes his mind a little. This tender, funny, and quietly wise novel has been a comfort to children (and their parents) for over fifty years.
Ages 8–10
15. Millions by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
When a bag of cash lands at Damian's feet, he's convinced it's a gift from God. His brother Anthony has rather more practical ideas. Winner of the Carnegie Medal and written with extraordinary heart, Millions is both funny and quietly profound - a rare and beautiful thing.
16. Holes by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is sent to a camp for bad boys in the Texas desert, where everyone digs holes. That's all, and yet Sachar weaves an extraordinary tapestry of justice, friendship and fate. A Newbery Medal winner that deserves every accolade it has ever received.
17. Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo's talent for making children care deeply and unexpectedly has never been better deployed than in this story of a boy washed up on a deserted island. Or is it deserted? Quiet, immersive and genuinely affecting. This one stays with you.
18. The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
Farook's debut is an absolute joy; a bold adventure set in ancient Sri Lanka, following a girl who steals a king's jewels to help the poor, then accidentally steals his elephant too. Diverse, exhilarating and brilliantly paced.
The Amazon Big Book Sale runs from 6 to 31 March 2026. Deals rotate throughout the event, so it's worth checking back (particularly for print books) as savings can reach 70%. All titles above are clickable links that will take you directly to the relevant Amazon listing. Happy reading.
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