With the latest National Literacy Trust Annual Literacy Survey revealing that more than 77% of 8-11 year olds said they enjoyed reading, Suffolk Libraries’ children’s lead Jo Dixon has picked her top seven recommendations for youngsters to read this summer.

Ipswich Star: Cocoretto Off to the beachCocoretto Off to the beach (Image: Archant)

Cocoretto – Off to the beach (board book for a baby or toddler)

“Our favourite book of the year so far, this chunky board book is perfect for the very young. It’s illustrated with brightly coloured tactile illustrations of the things a toddler would experience on the beach; rubbery shoes, shiny sunglasses, shimmering waves, a sand trail and more.”

Ipswich Star: Jeanne Willis & Paul Stickland Dinosaur Boo! The DeinonychusJeanne Willis & Paul Stickland Dinosaur Boo! The Deinonychus (Image: Archant)

Jeanne Willis and Paul Stickland – Dinosaur Boo! The Deinonychus (board book for a baby or toddler)

“What’s to bet Suffolk has loads of clever toddlers reciting dinosaur names this summer, helped along by Jeanne Willis’s wonderful rhyming text ‘The naughtiest dinosaur anyone knew was the sneaky Deinonychus, Dinosaur Boo.’ And as to their parents, well, there’ll be no stopping them!”

Ipswich Star: Axel Scheffler The New friendAxel Scheffler The New friend (Image: Archant)

Axel Scheffler – The New Friend (picture booked for ages up to five)

“Just perfect for summer, this new Pip and Posy story is set on a bustling beach abuzz with sandcastles, shells, buckets and spades and ice cream. And we’re not going to tell you about the seagull. Or the ice cream.”

Ipswich Star: Ellen Philpott - Going BoatingEllen Philpott - Going Boating (Image: Archant)

Ellen Philpott - Going Boating (beginner book for foundation or key stage 1)

“Peppa Pig is a firm favourite with our customers. This simple summery story about her family outing is great for children who are just starting to read. It is part of the super ‘read it yourself’ series published by Ladybird. We have loads more of this series in our libraries.”

Ipswich Star: Nicola Davies Escape from Silver Street FarmNicola Davies Escape from Silver Street Farm (Image: Archant)

Nicola Davies – Escape from Silver Street Farm (KS1/KS2)

“Just republished for a new generation of young readers, this is the third title in the hilarious Silver Street Farm series. It has short manageable chapters, plenty of illustrations and an action filled plot (the turkeys escape and the sheep go missing), to keep the young reader hooked.”

Ipswich Star: Peter Bunzl - MoonlocketPeter Bunzl - Moonlocket (Image: Archant)

Peter Bunzl - Moonlocket (KS2)

“This gem of a thriller starring two children and a clockwork fox, has an evil sprinkling of villains and a gripping plot. It is the sequel to Cogheart which has been shortlisted for two major awards. It’s a cracker, so don’t miss it.”

Ipswich Star: David Walliams and Tony Ross The Worlds Worst children 2David Walliams and Tony Ross The Worlds Worst children 2 (Image: Archant)

David Walliams and Tony Ross – The World’s Worst Children 2

“‘If you thought you had read about the World’s Worst Children already, you’re in for a rather nasty shock. The beastly boys and gruesome girls in this book are even ruder, even more disgusting and WORSE than you could ever imagine!’ We’ve got children queuing up to read this latest best seller from David Walliams. I hope they’re eating lots of spinach and doing arm strengthening exercises because it weighs a ton. It’s beautiful, but very, very heavy!”

For more children’s book recommendations, visit the Suffolk Libraries website here.