Welcome to this week’s round up of all things in Children’s literature. It’s a busy edition, so dive right in!
It’s Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year’s theme is ‘This is My Place’, a reminder for schools to create environments where pupils feel they truly belong.
One of the reasons we developed Pageticker was the powerful link between reading engagement and children’s mental health. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows children who are most engaged with reading are three times more likely to report higher levels of mental wellbeing.
Reading can be preventative, but books can also be a source of comfort and healing too - something known as bibliotherapy. While it’s a recognised therapeutic approach, it’s such a lovely word that it feels right to use it more broadly.
This week, as schools focus on belonging and wellbeing, let’s hope that for many pupils that special place is the library — quietly absorbed in a book, enjoying a moment of bibliotherapy of their own.
Just an FYI, we're taking a break next week for half term, but the round-up will be back on the 27th February! Don't forget to enter the giveaway in the meantime.
In the News/Useful Links
Julia Donaldson reveals and title for her third Gruffalo book
£5bn council SEND debts paid off by government
Lit in Colour's 5 Year Progress Report why every student should have the opportunity to study an author of colour
Authors Kate DiCamillo and Kate Young have launched StoryKind, which is a podcast all about stories, creativity and lots more for young listeners.
The Carnegies Longlist has been Announced
Insights From Our Data
Does reading more make children feel more positive? We were curious whether our own data might offer a clue. We analysed a sample of 250 children who had written at least ten book reviews, comparing the average rating they gave their first recorded book with the rating they gave their tenth. Their average first rating was 4.58 stars; by their tenth review, this had risen slightly to 4.63 stars.
The difference is small - but directionally interesting. While this doesn’t prove that reading causes greater positivity, it does suggest that children who continue to engage with books tend to maintain, or even slightly increase, their enjoyment. At the very least, the data supports what many teachers already see: sustained reading builds confidence, familiarity and pleasure, and those positive associations can grow over time.
Monthly Giveaway
To enter: 1. Like and comment on our giveaway post on Instagram or Facebook. 2. Tag another person in the comments section of the giveaway post. 3. Follow our Instagram or Facebook account. The giveaway closes on 26th February 2026 (12:00 p.m. GMT). One winner (randomly selected) will receive all of the following books: • The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field • Slug in Love by Rachel Bright and Nadia Shireen • Pablo and Splash The Castle Quest by Sheena Dempsey • The Night I Borrowed Time by Iqbal Hussain • Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Shadow Compass by Philippa Leathley • Quill and the Last Generation by C. M. Lewis |
Entrants must be UK-based, over 18, and must still be following @pageticker at the time of the draw.Full T&Cs here. |
Inspiring Initiatives
In the Facebook reading for pleasure group, teachers have been discussing using the Masked Reader for World Book Day, as a way to create engagement and excitement around reading.
One teacher filmed staff reading and wearing masks and then during the week the teachers played a video in their class. They then had an assembly where children could guess the reader.
Another didn’t use masks but instead used an app to mask the faces of the teachers. Some used Chatterpix, some Snapchat filters and others used IMovie and others just scarves.
Handpicked Seasonal Suggestion
As Valentine’s Day is approaching, we thought we’d feature a book this week about love. There are so many lovely books about love but our choice this week is Slug in Love by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen. It’s suitable for younger children in nursery and reception in particular.
Doug is a slug who wants a hug. It’s not easy though as lots of creatures think he is slimy, mucky and yucky, even a snail called Gail. Will Doug get a hug and will he fall in love?
This heartwarming story will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Bestselling Children's Books
Fearless by Lauren Roberts (7,710)
This one comes with a warning! Fearless is the listed children’s bestseller for the last week, but we’d say it verges on the category of young adult rather than children’s!
Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray expected execution, not a proposal. After killing the king, she’s set to marry his son, Kitt—an unexpected union that could unite Ilya and bring peace between Ordinaries and Elites. As queen, Paedyn faces dangerous Trials and a choice between duty and desire, while Kai Azer risks everything for love. Will vows heal the kingdom—or shatter it?
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney (4,585)
Greg Heffley’s summer turns chaotic when his entire extended family crowds into a tiny beach house during a scorching heatwave. As tensions rise, Greg sets out to uncover the secret behind Gramma’s famous meatball recipe—sparking a string of hilarious misadventures. Will he crack the family mystery, or will the holiday end in total disaster?
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney (3,680)
Greg Heffley is set on having an unforgettable birthday—until his family forgets it. To make up for it, his mum throws a big party, and Greg sees a chance to snag a rare trading card. But his scheming soon spirals into chaos and hilarious mishaps. Will his birthday wish come true, or backfire?
4. Detective Dog by Julian Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie (3,
Meet Detective Dog Nell, a clever canine with a nose for mysteries! From missing books to schoolyard secrets, Nell sniffs out every clue. Join her and her friend Peter on a fun-filled adventure packed with rhymes, puzzles, and wagging tails as Nell’s amazing sense of smell leads the way.
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (3,420)
A tiny caterpillar hatches from his egg and embarks on a week-long feast, munching through various foods each day. After indulging in a variety of treats, he forms a cocoon around himself and, after two weeks, emerges as a beautiful, multi-coloured butterfly.
Notable New Release
Our notable release this week is Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Shadow Compass and is the second in the series. It’s suitable for children aged 9 and over.
At the Founders’ Day Parade in the magical city of New London, a headstone bearing Metty’s name appears and lures her into a chilling underground cathedral. There, she discovers the League of Shadows, a secret society offering power and protection even if it means defying Aunt Mag and surviving deadly magical trials.
When an inspector threatens to expose the Jones family’s darkest secret, Metty must join the League before the next full moon or lose everything. With a magic thief and a sarcastic fire demon at her side, she races against time to save the people she loves.
This will go down a treat with any fantasy lovers and will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Upcoming Dates
28 Feb - Deadline to vote for the Peter’s Children’s Book of the Year
5 March - World Book Day
19 March -Decline in Volitional Reading - Free Seminar with the Open University
Take a look at the events for the National Year of Reading
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Pageticker is the UK's top-rated digital reading diary designed to help children develop habits that will fuel their curiosity and learning for life. Find out more.
Happy reading,
The Pageticker Team
