10 fun tales to help children fall in love with books and reading
JB Gill – author, TV presenter, singer and farmer – shares his top tips for some of the most entertaining books to read with children, and spark their love of the written word.
JB Gill rose to fame as a member of one of the UK's biggest boybands: JLS. He's now best known for being an award-winning farmer in the Kent countryside, and a finalist in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. Together with his family, JB presents Channel 5's Milkshake TV series, Cooking with the Gills. He is also the lead presenter on CBeebies BAFTA-nominated television series Down on the Farm and features on Channel 5's On the Farm series.
As one of the stars of this year's Black British Book Festival 2025, JB will be bringing to life the fun of his latest book, Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Wacky Weather Mystery. Here, he shares his recommendations for books that are fun for the whole family to read together, as well as for children to begin discovering by themselves; planting the seeds for a love of books that will grow into a lifetime of reading adventures.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
"Talk about a classic, a lovely story I can never get bored of!"
Toad has always been a silly sort of fellow. But when his latest obsession with motor cars – the faster the better – threatens to lead him to disaster, it is up to Toad's good friends Mole, Ratty and Badger to get him under control. Can they save Toad from prison, and his home Toad Hall from the wicked Weasels and Stoats?
Nelson Mandela: Little People, BIG DREAMS written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Alison Hawkins
"Nelson Mandela is such an iconic individual, and I love the fact that there is a book for our littlest to learn about his influential story."
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president, and his fight for equality.
Lightning Girl by Alesha Dixon
10-year-old Aurora Beam lives at home with her utterly unremarkable family... until the day she sees her little sister being picked on in the playground and suddenly beams of light shoot out of her fingers!
It's time for her parents to drop a life-changing bombshell.
Mum is a secret superhero, fighting crime across the globe while Dad looks after the kids at home. As Aurora's own powers come into play, will she be able to balance her new super skills training with school? And when her mum's evil twin pops up, will Aurora think that being a super VILLAIN might be more fun...?
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
"Another classic, a book so good it was made into a film but the book is SO much better!"
Ebenezer Scrooge was a mean, miserable, bitter old man, until one Christmas Eve changed everything... Guided by three ghosts, Scrooge visits his past, present, and what could be to come should he not learn the true meaning behind Christmas.
Will Scrooge learn to love Christmas and everyone around him?
Matilda written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake
"My whole family LOVE Matilda. It might possibly be my favourite children's book ever."
Matilda is a brilliant child with a magical mind.
Her parents have decided she is a waste of space.
And her headmistress Miss Trunchbull is a terrible bully, who thinks children are rotten and awful and should be locked up.
But it's time for Matilda to find the power to change her story, and show them just how extraordinary children can be...
The Lion Inside written by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Jim Field
"I'm a good friend of Rachel's and she writes the most delightful books. This one is about reminding us that no matter how small we might be, there’s the heart of a lion inside us all."
Fed up of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes... and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion!
We're Going On a Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
"This is one of my favourite stories to read to my children growing up so it has to make the list!"
Why go on a walk, when you can go on a bear hunt?
We're going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. Will you come too?
Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear.
What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!
The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler
"I've always loved books that rhyme and this is definitely a classic you can read to children and then when they're confident reading themselves they can enjoy the magic all on their own!"
Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake... and a hungry Gruffalo!
God Knows All About Me by Claire Page
"No matter who we are or where we come from, God knows all about us! And if you didn't know, this book will definitely let you know!"
With stunning illustrations and gentle, rhyming text, this padded board book is perfect for reading with young children to reinforce their faith, teaching them that God is always present. When they are happy, sad, good or bad, God knows all about them.
The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss
"A very close family friend recommended this to me and it's a great book for pre-teens and teens just discovering their own voice in the big wide world! A must-read!"
Civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high after years of a growing authoritarian regime, and it’s no longer safe for Clem and her half-sister Billie in the city. Clem tells of their treacherous journey to Scotland, by road and then by sea, fleeing with nothing but a notebook filled with stories and memories of home. But is there something Clem's not saying? And how will this journey – and the sisters' story – end? With the start of a new life? Or a mirror held up to the past?
About Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Wacky Weather Mystery by JB Gill, illustrated by Becka Moor
When Ace is wearing his magical yellow wellies, he's able to talk to animals. So when the weather starts acting up, he knows the farm squad aren't happy. There's snow, hail, rain and sun – and that's just in one day! Now Ace and his best friend Bear need to come up with a plan to solve the mystery of the wacky weather. But will they be able to fix it in time for the farm's first festival?
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