Resources
Latest opportunities from our publisher partners for schools and libraries - free virtual author visits, sets of books and POS packs!
If you have a reading group with children or work in a school or library – we have some fantastic opportunities for you! If you would like some display and activity packs then visit our shop. We also have hundreds of fantastic digital packs and resources including booklists on our Chatterbooks resources page. Download the attachment for more information about all of these packs and you will also find out about over 800 books up-for-grabs for reading groups with children and young...
Rabbit and Bear - discussion notes and teaching resources
Rabbit and Bear: A Bad King is a Sad Thing by Julian Gough and Jim Field The next book in the bestselling series for newly independent readers with these laugh-out-loud tales of friendship, adventure and a little bit of poo! Icebear has arrived in Rabbit and Bear’s valley, and he wants to be king. He’s big and scary, and the more kind and understanding the animals are, the meaner he becomes. Rabbit is confused: Bear has always been able to fix their problems in the past – but maybe this time...
Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson and David O'Connell - Digital pack
Half a million pounds, one new grandpa and a priceless adventure! From the bestselling queen of heart and humour, JENNY PEARSON, comes a great big soaring adventure about family and finding happiness. When Frank John Davenport inherits piles of money from a grandma he didn’t know he had, things take an unexpected turn… Because the money comes with STRICT instructions…and a NEW grandpa. Frank quickly compiles a list of all the ways he can spend the money and look after his grumpy grandpa....
Circus Maximus by Annelise Gray digital pack
This digital pack contains assets and suggested copy for promoting the first two books in the Circus Maximus series on social media plus a video of the author introducing book one: Race to the Death and an extensive reading guide.
Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Racism - digital resources
Racism is such a hard topic to talk about, but impossible to ignore. Discover the answers to some difficult questions – and become part of the solution – with Usborne’s brilliant Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Racism. From ‘What does racism feel like?’ and ’Don’t ALL lives matter?’ to ‘How can racism affect families?’ and ‘Can we really make a change?’, this book tackles challenging questions in a direct, accessible and thought-provoking way. Published by Usborne Children’s Books...
The Reading Agency's February Booklist - LGBT+ History Month
Discover The Reading Agency’s February booklist celebrating the voices and stories of the LGBT+ community. There is compelling non-fiction, captivating romance and heart-stopping sci-fi among this selection of classic and brand-new titles. Tell us what you think of the books on this list, or any others you have read, by tagging us on social media: @readingagency
The Reading Agency's February Booklist for Children and Young People - LGBT+ History Month
Discover The Reading Agency’s February booklist for children and young people celebrating the voices and stories of the LGBT+ community. With titles for a broad range of ages focusing on families, romance, grief, identity and self-love, transporting readers from an elite private academy to a post-apocalyptic America, this list has something for everyone to read and enjoy. Tell us what you think of the books on this list, or any others you have read, by tagging us on social media: @readingagency
Beasts of a Little Land Reading Guide
Sweeping through decades of Korean history, Juhea Kim’s debut novel charts the intersecting fates of Jade and JungHo, two characters whose lives are brought together against a background of occupation and war. From the perfumed chambers of Miss Sil- ver’s courtesan school to the frozen forests of Manchuria and the glamorous cafés of a modernizing Seoul, Beasts of a Little Land is a richly historical, romantic story of love and resilience. Dive deeper into the world and themes of the book with...
Cyrano reading group activity guide
Cyrano de Bergerac (Peter Dinklage) is a man ahead of his time, dazzling one and all with ferocious wordplay and brilliant swordplay. Except, that is, in matters of the heart, where his “unique physique” inhibits him. He has yet to declare his feelings to the luminous Roxanne (Haley Bennett), but once she locks eyes with handsome King’s Guard recruit Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), it is love at first sight. Cyrano promises her that he will befriend and protect Christian – and soon learns...
Adult January Booklist: Hope
After an exceptionally challenging two years, The Reading Agency had compiled a booklist for adults centred around the theme of ‘hope’. From manifestos on feminism, the environment and LGBTQ+ rights, to memoirs of overcoming monumental hardships, to bitesize short stories to lift your spirits, this list will invigorate and inspire readers as we enter 2022! Tell us what you think of the books on this list, or any you have read, by tagging us on social media: @readingagency
Children and Young People's January Booklist: Hope
After an exceptionally challenging two years, The Reading Agency had compiled a booklist for children and young people centred around the theme of ‘hope’. From a picture book about the joys of being part of a blended family, to thoughtfully curated poems, to YA stories about the strength found in unlikely friendships, this list will uplift and inspire readers as we enter 2022! Tell us what you think of the books on this list, or any you have read, by tagging us on social media: @readingagency
The Amazing Mr Blunden family activity pack
Inspired by the 1972 motion picture of the same name and adapted from Antonia Barber’s children’s fantasy novel The Ghosts, The Amazing Mr Blunden is a new Sky original made especially for Christmas! The Amazing Mr Blunden will be available on Christmas Eve at 7pm on Sky Max and streaming service NOW. This free activity pack includes a quiz, discussion questions and fun festive activities for families to use while they watch along!
Bruno's Challenge & Other Dordogne Tales digital assets
Digital assets for libraries and other organisations to promote Bruno’s Challenge & Other Dordogne Tales by Martin Walker on social media.
Extract of The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry is one of the novels featured on series 3 of BBC Two’s Between the Covers. Find a reading group guide here. Find out about Between the Covers.
Extract of Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan is one of the novels featured on series 3 of BBC Two’s Between the Covers. Read an exclusive extract of the novel here. Find out about Between the Covers.
Clifford the Big Red Dog family activity pack
Clifford the Big Red Dog, based on the much-loved children’s books by Norman Bridwell, will be released in UK cinemas on 10 December 2021. This fun activity pack has lots of ways to learn more about the film and its lovable canine lead, including games, a quiz, a colour-in picture and even a recipe for tasty dog biscuits and top tips for keeping your dog safe in the winter!
Nature's Treasures by Ben Hoare - digital pack (including videos)
Wherever you are in the world there are natural treasures to be found. Our planet is filled with curious objects made by plants, animals and even by the Earth itself. All you need to do is look carefully and you can find treasures in the most unexpected places – even in towns and cities. Ben Hoare is passionate about nature and in Nature’s Treasures he has collected 100 intriguing items and reveals the fascinating stories behind them. Find out how bristly mouths help huge whales capture tiny...
The History of the World in 100 Animals by Simon Barnes Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon - digital and photo poster
In December 2021, Simon & Schuster is publishing this beautifully illustrated children’s book which explores the fascinating relationship between humans and animals: from bees who pollinate our food to chimpanzees who share more than 90% of our DNA. It is perfect for children who are wild about animals! If you would like a free A3 poster of this book please email ChildrensBooks@simonandschuster.co.uk with the subject line A3 poster for 100 Animals, the number of posters you’d like and...
The Reading Agency's Books of the Year! Children & Young People
At The Reading Agency, we have read a lot of brilliant books over the past year; books that have made us laugh, cry and get through those challenging lockdown months. Members of our team have picked the children’s book that stood out to them and shared a few words on why they loved it. We hope you find some inspiration for your next read, or perhaps spot a few titles you have enjoyed yourself! Tell us on social media by tagging @readingagency and using #BooksOfTheYear.
The Reading Agency's Books of the Year! Adult
At The Reading Agency, we have read a lot of brilliant books over the past year; books that have made us laugh, cry and get through those challenging lockdown months. Members of our team have picked the book that stood out to them and shared a few words on why they loved it. We hope you find some inspiration for your next read, or perhaps spot a few titles you have enjoyed yourself! Tell us on social media by tagging @readingagency and using #BooksOfTheYear.
Extract of Still Life by Sarah Winman
Still Life by Sarah Winman is one of the novels featured on series 3 of BBC Two’s Between the Covers. Read an exclusive extract of the novel here. Find out about Between the Covers.
Reading Friends resource pack: The Imperfect Art of Caring
This free resource pack for The Imperfect Art of Caring by Jessica Ryn has been designed for Reading Friends projects. It contains an extract from the book and discussion questions intended to support conversations and reflections on personal experiences and stories. About the book Violet Strong is strong by name but not by nature, or so she thinks. She listens but never talks about herself. She’s friendly but doesn’t have many real friends. She’s become good at keeping people at a distance...
Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart – digital resources and author video
Don’t miss the new in-demand kids series! The first three books in Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey series have sold over 150,000 copies yet so many children are yet to discover him. Heralded as the UK’s Dav Pilkey, Smart’s full colour illustrated series follows the hilarious action-packed antics of Bunny and Monkey. You can download the author videos and digital assets from this Google Drive. Suitable for children aged 5+, the style of Smart’s witty stories will engage any child. Whether you’re...
The Night the Moon Went Missing by Brendan Kearney - digital pack
DK are over the moon that The Night the Moon Went Missing has been selected as the Children’s Indie Book of the Month for November and we want to celebrate this with libraries and schools across the UK. Meet Moon and a little girl, Lucy, in this enchanting picture book that teaches young children about the importance of the Moon. With colourful illustrations by the super-talented Brendan Kearney, The Night the Moon Went Missing will inspire and captivate young readers. Its touching and...
The Night the Moon Went Missing by Brendan Kearney - author video
DK are over the moon that The Night the Moon Went Missing has been selected as the Children’s Indie Book of the Month for November and we want to celebrate this with libraries and schools across the UK. Meet Moon and a little girl, Lucy, in this enchanting picture book that teaches young children about the importance of the Moon. With colourful illustrations by the super-talented Brendan Kearney, The Night the Moon Went Missing will inspire and captivate young readers. Its touching and...
Fireborn by Aisling Fowler - Teaching Resources
Set in the snowy northern forests of an imagined prehistoric world, Fireborn is the middle-grade debut of the decade. At turns exciting, funny and heart wrenchingly sad, it marks the introduction of an unstoppable new voice in children’s storytelling. Twelve has spoken the Pledge and now she is a Huntling. She has given up her name to train in the art of fighting monsters and keeping the peace, and she won’t get to choose a new one until she has earned it. But when the Lodge’s walls are...
Genie and Teeny: Wishful Thinking by Steven Lenton - digital pack
The second in a series of magical adventures from the renowned illustrator, Steven Lenton, winner of Waterstones Picture Book of the Month and the Times Children’s Book of the Week. Grant the Genie is happy living in the real world in a teapot with his best friend, the dog ,Teeny. But keeping a genie a secret on Earth is harder than they’d both thought – especially when Grant wants to go to school with Teeny’s owner, Tilly. Then Grant accidentally gives three wishes to the school’s bully and...
The Prince of the Skies A3 Poster
From the bestselling author of The Librarian of Auschwitz, Antonio Iturbe, comes a captivating historical novel based on a true story – the extraordinary life and mysterious death of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince. Here is a downloadable A3 poster.
The Prince of the Skies Reading Group Questions
From the bestselling author of The Librarian of Auschwitz, Antonio Iturbe, comes a captivating historical novel based on a true story – the extraordinary life and mysterious death of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince. Here are some downloadable questions for reading groups.
Booker Prize 2021 shortlist reading groups
If you’re reading any of the Booker Prize 2021 shortlisted titles, these reading guides will help to spark discussion and get you thinking.
