Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books this winter from Bloomsbury Education.
Terrible True Tales: Victorians
Written by the inimitable Terry Deary, whose books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide, this Victorian instalment offers four gripping true stories packed with humour and heart. Ideal for readers aged 7+, it spans daring airship flights, steamship races, railway disasters and life in London’s sewers, all seen through the eyes of children. Helen Flook’s illustrations complement Deary’s storytelling with warmth and clarity, while notes for readers help extend historical understanding. The balance between entertainment and education is expertly judged, making complex social history accessible and memorable. Parents will value the rich contextual learning and children will be swept along by the drama, danger and darkly comic twists of Victorian life. £8.99 published by Bloomsbury Education.
Terrible True Tales: Saxons
Written by the legendary Terry Deary, creator of the phenomenally successful Horrible Histories series, this collection delivers four richly entertaining stories rooted in real Saxon history. Perfect for readers aged 7+, the tales blend humour, drama and historical detail, from accusations of witchcraft to cunning village schemes and ill-fated kings. Each story centres children who could have lived at the time, making the period feel immediate and human. Tambe’s illustrations add visual energy and accessibility, particularly for reluctant readers. Impeccably researched yet never heavy-handed, the book slips learning seamlessly into laughter. Parents will admire the depth of historical insight and narrative craft, and children will relish the mischief, danger and surprising truths of Saxon life. £8.99 published by Bloomsbury Education
I Tell Myself I’m Awesome
Written by the award-winning poet Joshua Seigal and illustrated by the brilliantly bold Chris Piascik, this uplifting poetry collection is a joyful celebration of self-belief, silliness and emotional honesty. Perfect for readers aged 7+, the poems range from laugh-out-loud absurd to gently reflective, tackling mental health and everyday worries with warmth and wit. Seigal’s trademark humour invites even poetry-shy children in, while the playful imagery and surprising ideas keep pages turning. Piascik’s illustrations add colour and confidence, amplifying the book’s positive message. Parents will appreciate its sensitive encouragement of resilience and self-esteem, and children will feel seen, cheered and empowered by poems that insist being yourself is more than enough. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury Education
Down to Earth: The Story of Gravity
Written by Jacqui Bailey and illustrated by Matthew Lilly, this revised Science Works title makes an abstract scientific concept feel wonderfully tangible. Perfect for readers aged 6+, the story follows an astronaut on his first journey into space, discovering first-hand what happens when gravity disappears. Through lively narration, speech bubbles and cartoon-style illustrations, children learn why things fall, why we stay grounded and how gravity quietly shapes everyday life. The inclusion of an experiment, fact boxes, useful websites and an index makes this as practical as it is playful, while expert input from astronomer Carole Stott adds reassuring depth. Parents will appreciate the curriculum-friendly clarity and children will delight in the humour, visuals and sense of discovery. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury Education.
Sun Up, Sun Down: The Story of Day and Night
Written by Jacqui Bailey and illustrated by Matthew Lilly, this revised Science Works title explores the rhythms of day and night with warmth and clarity. Ideal for readers aged 6+, it traces the journey of the sun from dawn to dusk, explaining how light travels, how shadows form, why the moon appears to glow and how the Earth orbits the sun. The cartoon-style illustrations, speech bubbles and accessible narrative make complex ideas feel intuitive, while fact boxes, an experiment, websites and an index extend learning beyond the page. Created with guidance from astronomer Carole Stott, it balances scientific accuracy with genuine charm. Parents will value its clear links to primary science learning and children will enjoy the bright visuals and satisfying answers to big everyday questions. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury Education.
Cracking Up: The Story of Erosion
Written by Jacqui Bailey and illustrated by Matthew Lilly, this revised Science Works book turns geology into a gripping story. Ideal for readers aged 6+, it personifies a cliff enduring centuries of wind, rain, ice and pounding waves, gradually revealing how solid rock becomes soft sand. The humour-rich narrative and cartoon illustrations make erosion easy to grasp, while expert input from geologist Dr Ted Nield ensures scientific rigour. Fact boxes, an experiment, useful websites and an index support further exploration and classroom learning. The pacing is engaging without oversimplifying, making it particularly effective for curious young minds. Parents will appreciate how confidently it supports primary science topics and children will love watching rocks quite literally crack up under nature’s pressure. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury Education.
Staying Alive: The Story of a Food Chain
Written by Jacqui Bailey and illustrated by Matthew Lilly, this revised Science Works title brings the food chain vividly to life. Perfect for readers aged 6+, it follows a simple but powerful narrative set on the African grasslands, showing how plants use sunlight to make food and how energy moves from insects to birds, zebras to lions. Clear explanations, speech bubbles and cartoon illustrations ensure accessibility, while expert input from zoologist Dr Caroline Harcourt underpins the science. With fact boxes, an experiment, websites and an index, the book encourages deeper investigation. Parents will welcome its strong alignment with primary science learning and children will enjoy seeing how every creature has a role in staying alive. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury Education.
