Welcome to our June Book of the Month selections!
This month, we’ve chosen four joyful, imaginative, and heartwarming stories for children from toddlers to tweens. From noisy flaps and gentle farm sounds to a time-travelling mystery under a London garden, these books celebrate adventure, kindness, and curiosity. Whether you’re reading aloud at bedtime or encouraging independent reading, there’s something here to spark every child’s love of stories.
Ages 1-3:
Noisy Farm by Rod Campbell
“Who’s in the stable? Neigh, neigh! Lift the flap to find out…”
Noisy Farm, Rod Campbell
A classic for a reason! Noisy Farm invites toddlers to explore the sights and sounds of the farm with simple text, sturdy flaps, and engaging animal noises. Perfect for curious little hands and early language development. It’s a calm, comforting book – with just enough “moo” and “baa” to delight.
Ages 3-6:
The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
This heartwarming and funny rhyming story follows George the giant, who trades his scruffy clothes for smart new ones – and ends up giving each piece away to help animals in need. A beautiful story about kindness, generosity, and being a hero in your own way.
“My tie is a scarf for a cold giraffe,
My shirt’s on a boat as a sail for a goat…”
The Smartest Giant in Town, Julia Donaldson
Ages 6-8:
Claude in the Country by Alex T. Smith
“Claude wasn’t sure what you were supposed to wear to the countryside, so he put on his wellington boots and a sunhat. And a tie. Just in case.”
– Claude in the Country, Alex T. Smith
Claude is no ordinary dog – he wears a beret and has a nose for adventure. In this hilarious countryside escapade, Claude finds himself helping a farmer, wrangling animals, and somehow getting involved in a scarecrow competition. Packed with silliness and wit, this is a great early chapter book for kids who love laughter and a bit of mischief.
Ages 8–12
The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis
When Stella and her little brother Jack move into a new London home, they’re puzzled by the strange disappearance of their elderly neighbour’s dog. Their search leads them to a hidden tunnel and a time-travelling adventure that whisks them back over 100 years into the past.
Blending mystery, history, and adventure, The Secret Lake is a modern classic in the spirit of Tom’s Midnight Garden. With its suspenseful plot and strong sibling duo, it’s perfect for confident readers aged 8–12 who enjoy time-slip stories and solving puzzles.
“I don’t know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t to step into the past.”
The Secret Lake , Karen Inglis
Which book will spark your child’s imagination this month?
From lift-the-flap fun on the farm to rhyming kindness, countryside capers, and time-travelling mysteries, our June picks offer something for every young reader. Let us know which stories your child loved – or share your own favourites for a future feature.
Happy reading, and see you next month!