When it comes to engaging children, standard textbooks alone are often not enough. Experienced teachers know that adding extra materials makes lessons more personal, lively and fun.
That’s why experts from Grade University have put together a selection of books that help teachers design lessons blending language with play, stories, songs and real-life contexts.
Family and Friends — Oxford University Press, Naomi Simmons, Tamzin Thompson, Jenny Quintana et al.
This course covers all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. With its clear structure and systematic revision, it helps children build a solid foundation. The wealth of games and songs makes it easy to adapt for different groups.
Kid’s Box — Cambridge University Press, Caroline Nixon, Michael Tomlinson
Packed with songs, dialogues and videos, these materials allow children to learn naturally without feeling overloaded. Ideal for both classroom and online lessons, thanks to the wide range of interactive resources.
Super Minds — Cambridge University Press, Herbert Puchta, Günter Gerngross, Peter Lewis-Jones
Beyond language skills, this series develops creativity and teamwork. Project-based tasks prepare children to use English in real communication and learning situations.
Our World — National Geographic Learning, Joan Kang Shin, Jodi Crandall
Lessons are based on real-world themes such as nature, cultures, and history. Children discover that English is not just a school subject, but a tool for exploring the world. Stunning photos and videos encourage deeper engagement.
Cookie and Friends — Oxford University Press, Vanessa Reilly
A perfect choice for preschoolers. Through songs, action games and stories, children begin to understand English even before they can read. It creates a positive first experience with the language.
Fun for Starters, Movers and Flyers — Cambridge University Press, Anne Robinson
This series prepares children for the Cambridge YLE exams through playful tasks. It reduces test anxiety and provides teachers with ready-made activities that build all core skills.
Oxford Read and Imagine — Oxford University Press, Paul Shipton
A graded series of stories where difficulty increases step by step. Children read, draw, answer questions and invent endings. This supports both language skills and creativity.
Ladybird Readers — Ladybird Books
Books designed for independent reading. The levels allow children to choose stories suitable for their stage of learning. Excellent for extra reading or building a small home library.
Grammar Friends — Oxford University Press, E. Coe
With simple explanations and colourful illustrations, grammar becomes clear even to beginners. Can be used as a main resource or for reinforcement.
English for Everyone Junior: Beginner’s Course — DK, Thomas Booth and DK team
Full of pictures, diagrams, and activities. Perfect for visual learners, whether in lessons with a teacher or at home with parents.
These books help transform English lessons into meaningful experiences, focusing not just on rules but on the child’s world: songs, stories, projects and real topics. They remove the fear barrier and create a positive attitude to learning.
Age Guide
| Age | Recommended Books | Practical Benefits |
| 3–5 years | Cookie and Friends (Oxford), English for Everyone Junior (DK) | Build a positive first encounter with English; games and songs create basic understanding. |
| 6–8 years | Family and Friends (Oxford), Kid’s Box (Cambridge), Grammar Friends (Oxford) | Provide structured foundations; develop pair and group work; explain grammar clearly. |
| 9–12 years | Super Minds (Cambridge), Our World (National Geographic), Fun for Starters/Movers/Flyers (Cambridge), Oxford Read and Imagine (Oxford), Ladybird Readers (Ladybird) | Develop critical thinking; prepare for exams; encourage reading and analysis; present English as a tool for discovery. |
Learning is a journey where the teacher guides pupils through challenges and towards success. The most important step is the first one: sparking curiosity and opening the door to new knowledge.
