This is still a time for sharing but now you will be sharing the reading with your child. Don't leave behind favourite picture books as children love the familiar, and follow up on writers they've always known. Allan Ahlberg's Happy Families series are very popular because of their humour. It's time for writers such as Roald Dahl, Anne Fine, Dick King-Smith and Jeremy Strong; writers who always tell a good story and touch the emotions as well as making children laugh. They'll adventure with Spud Murphy and Boris the Giant and, as they become independent readers they will know that reading is something they really want to do.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory » Roald Dahl The recent movie has made this book more popular than ever - Charlie seems to speak to all children.

The Diary of a Killer Cat » Anne Fine Life through the eyes of a cat is funnier than you can imagine - this is one of those clever books that makes us all laugh - children and adults alike.

The Worst Witch » Jill Murphy
A school for witches before Harry Potter and Hogwarts were invented. There's never a dull moment during Mildred Hubble's time at Miss Cackle's Academy.

My Dad's Got an Alligator » Jeremy Strong
Nicholas and his family appear in several Jeremy Strong books. In this one Crunchbag the alligator moves in and life is not easy!

Spy Dog
» Andrew Cope GM451 is a Spy Dog, the first of her kind, and this is her first thrilling adventure.

The Sheep-Pig
» Dick King-Smith Children love the Sheep-Pig - especially if they've seen the film Babe. The story is incongruous, warm and funny.

Artemis Fowl » Eoin Colfer
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the cleverest criminal mastermind ever and his adventures with fairies, leprechauns and more are fast and thrilling.

Lion Boy » Zizou Corder Charlie has a special gift: he can speak to and understand cats whether they be wild lions or friendly home cats. His adventures take readers on a fantastic journey; they're dangerous and thrilling.

Time Bomb » Nigel Hinton Four boys are looking forward to the last holiday before going up to secondary school but get into a bit of trouble on the last day of term. A challenging story set just as World War II ends.

The Whispering Road » Livi Michael A great saga set in Victorian times following the journey two children make as they search for their mother - touches all the emotions.