Little Gems Series

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(376 reviews)

The Little Gems series from publisher Barrington Stoke is the perfect collection of first chapter books to grow children from ages 5 to 8 into readers!

Written and illustrated by some of the best talent in the UK, the Little Gems books are short chapter books specifically designed to not overwhelm beginner readers and to help them build vocabulary, reading speed and stamina to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. 

The books are illustrated in full colour for more vivid and engaging reading, carefully spaced for readers who might struggle with words on the page and are a small size to fit in little hands and to take everywhere. And... surprise! Each inside cover has an ACTIVITY to play!

Stories by Malorie Blackman, Julia Donaldson, Nick Sharrat and so many more much-loved authors will spark the joy we all know of reading books, moving children away from decoding phonics and up to enjoying longer texts independently. 

If you're interested in helping a young reader make their next step from picture books, you might also want to read our blog article From Picture Books to Chapter Books.

Love this series? Check out our list of the Best Adventure Book Series for 5 and 6 year olds

All the Little Gem books in order:

Book 1: Mr Birdnest and the House Next Door (‘2012)
Book 2: The Snake Who Came to Stay (2012)
Book 3: Cheesemares (2013)
Book 4: Go! Go! Chicoco! (2013)
Book 5: Stars of Mine (2013)
Book 6: Snug (2013)
Book 7: My Friend’s a Gris-Kwok (2013)
Book 8: The First Third Wish (2013)
Book 9: The Castle in the Field (2013)
Book 10: The Moonshine Dragon (2014)
Book 11: Minikid (2014)
Book 12: Blamehounds (2014)
Book 13: Sea Urchins and Sand Pigs (2014)
Book 14: Good Dog Lion (2014)
Book 15: Skulduggery (2014)
Book 16: The Bad Trousers (2014)
Book 17: The Fish in the Bathtub (2014)
Book 18: The Big Fib (2015)
Book 19: The Rats of Meadowsweet Farm (2015)
Book 20: The Monster from the Blue Planet (2015)
Book 21: Monster Busters (2015)
Book 22: Joe and the Dragonsaurus (2015)
Book 23: Mary’s Hair (2015)
Book 24: The Smile (2015)
Book 25: Ted Rules the World (2015)
Book 26: The Gingerbread Star (2015)
Book 27: Grey Island Red Boat (2016)
Book 28: Out for the Count (2016)
Book 29: Anna Liza and the Happy Practice (2018)
Book 30: Billy Button,Telegram Boy (2016)
Book 31: Grandpa Was an Astronaut (2016)
Book 32: A Twist of Tales (2016)
Book 33: The Story of the Dancing Frog (2017)
Book 34: Blue John (2017)
Book 35: Henry Pond the Poet (2017)
Book 36: All About Ella (2017)
Book 37: Superdad’s Day Off (2017)
Book 38: Norman the Norman from Normandy (2017)
Book 39: Dread Cat (2017)
Book 40: The Ghost in Annie’s Room (2017)
Book 41: Mint Choc Chip at the Market Cafe (2017)
Book 42: I Killed Father Christmas (2017)
Book 43 We Are Not Frogs! (2018)
Book 44: Prambusters! (2018)
Book 45: The Great Telephone Mix-Up (Buster2018)
Book 46: Rose’s Dress of Dreams (2018)
Book 47: Mariella, Queen of the Skies (2018)
Book 48: Norman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess (2018)
Book 49: Grandpa Bet and the Ghost Snatchers (2018)
Book 50: Splash Day! (2018)
Book 51: The Unlucky Eleven (2019)
Book 52: Special Delivery (2019)
Book 53: Molly Rogers to the Rescue (2019)
Book 54: The Bakery of Happiness (2019)
Book 55: Sophie Takes to the Sky (2019)
Book 56: Clever Cakes (2020)
Book 57: Captain Whiskers (2020)
Book 58: Albert Johnson and the Buns of Steel (2021)
Book 59: Nappy the Pirate Baby (2021)
Book 60: Madam Squeaker (2021)
Book 61: The Beach Puppy (2021)
Book 62: Tea Party Parade (2021)
Book 63: Elizabeth and the Box of Colours (2022)
Book 64: Supernan’s Day Out (2022)
Book 65: Dimple and the Boo (2022)
Book 66: Sidney Makes a Wish (2022)
Book 67: Carnival of the Clocks (2022)
Book 68: The Little Lost Kitten (2023)
Book 69: Sheep School (2023)
Book 70: Budgie (2023)
Book 71: Superdad and Supernan to the Rescue (2023)
Book 72: Peggy Little-Legs (2023)
Book 73: The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life (2023)
Book 74: Carrie and the Roller Boots (2023)
Book 75: Sidney and Carrie have a Party (2024)
Book 76: The Missing Bunny (2024)
Book 77: Lottie the Little Wonder (2024)
Book 78: Porkie Pies (2024)
Book 79: Gruff Justice (2025)
Book 80: The Guinea-Pig Party (2025)

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Book 1
Book 1

Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door

Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in … A de... MoreMr Birdsnest and the House Next Door

(5 reviews) 4 5
Review
Book 2
Book 2

The Snake Who Came To Stay

Comical and charming story by Children's Laureate, Julia  Donaldson. Beautifully packaged and illustrated by the  Hannah... MoreThe Snake Who Came To Stay

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 2
Book 2

The Puzzling Paw Prints (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 2)

Hana and Ace help the animals of Moonlight uncover the identity of a mysterious creature in this exciting M... MoreThe Puzzling Paw Prints (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 2)

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 3
Book 3

Cheesemares

Hal is determined to get to the bottom of his  terrifying cheesemares in this hilarious comedy for younger readers from ... MoreCheesemares

(1 review) 4 1
Review
Book 3
Book 3

The Case of the Race (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 3)

Hana and Ace race to track down Brumble the bear wizard’s missing medals before the contest is won in this ... MoreThe Case of the Race (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 3)

(9 reviews) 5 9
Review
Book 4
Book 4

Go! Go! Chichico!

Without a pair of football boots, how will Chichico’s dreams ever come true? An uplifting sports tale with ... MoreGo! Go! Chichico!

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 5
Book 5

Stars of Mine

A King marries a poor girl after being told she can perform amazing feats with a spinning-wheel. But what will happen to... MoreStars of Mine

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 6
Book 6

Snug

Lisa and her cat Snug are inseparable…until the day Snug disappears. A charming countryside tale from the m... MoreSnug

(6 reviews) 5 6
Review
Book 7
Book 7

My Friend's a Gris-Kwok

Mike had no idea that his best friend Alex was a Gris-Kwok - he can turn into any living creature he chooses. But so can... MoreMy Friend's a Gris-Kwok

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 8
Book 8

The First Third Wish

A whimsical and charming fairytale. Newly-qualified fairy Cobweb is on a mission – she has lost a wish and must get it b... MoreThe First Third Wish

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 9
Book 9

The Castle in the Field

A great countryside tale. Chris, Lisa and Tom love their hide-out – but it has to stay a secret from the farmer who owns... MoreThe Castle in the Field

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 10
Book 10

The Moonshine Dragon

Absolutely delightful Little Gem favourite, now with full-colour illustrations. A perfectly pitched story of moonshine m... MoreThe Moonshine Dragon

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 11
Book 11

Minikid

A beautifully illustrated and delightful countryside story. At school they call him Bullet, but Chris and Lisa call him ... MoreMinikid

(2 reviews) 4 2
Review
Book 12
Book 12

Blamehounds

A hilariously wacky read from author/illustrator Ross Collins. Whenever there's a pong, poo or puddle that can't be expl... MoreBlamehounds

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 13
Book 13

Sea Urchins and Sand Pigs

A delightful story from a top author. With treasure trails, dune pigs and the occasional visiting mermaid, there's never... MoreSea Urchins and Sand Pigs

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 14
Book 14

Good Dog Lion

A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bes... MoreGood Dog Lion

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 15
Book 15

Skulduggery

A swashbuckling adventure from TV star Tony Robinson. Ben arrives at pirate school ready and raring to go – but instead ... MoreSkulduggery

(1 review) 1 1
Review
Book 16
Book 16

The Bad Trousers

A charming birthday story about one boy and his Granny's awful knitting, with artwork by Katie Morag creator Mairi Hedde... MoreThe Bad Trousers

(2 reviews) 4 2
Review
Book 17
Book 17

The Fish in the Bathtub

Heartwarming story set in post-war Poland. Little Lucja's Grandpa Feliks has seen off the German army, and the Communist... MoreThe Fish in the Bathtub

(1 review) 4 1
Review
Book 18
Book 18

The Big Fib

A charming story set on a Scottish island about one boy and a fib that gets out of control...Robbie's been spending lots... MoreThe Big Fib

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 19
Book 19

The Rats of Meadowsweet Farm

Animal Farm meets Shaun the Sheep in this darkly funny story from award-winning Dick King-Smith with full colour artwork... MoreThe Rats of Meadowsweet Farm

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 20
Book 20

The Monster from the Blue Planet

Hugely fun space adventure from international bestseller Cornelia Funke, with full colour illustrations by award-winning... MoreThe Monster from the Blue Planet

(7 reviews) 5 7
Review
Book 21
Book 21

Monster Busters

A mad-cap, thrilling monster adventure  -  with extra monsters! Fun and quirky tale from Inkheart author Cornelia Funke.... MoreMonster Busters

(4 reviews) 4 4
Review
Book 22
Book 22

Joe and the Dragonosaurus

Charming countryside tale about the bond between children and animals, perfect for younger fans of Michael Morpurgo. Hig... MoreJoe and the Dragonosaurus

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 23
Book 23

Mary's Hair

Horrid Henry meets Mrs Doyle in this riotous comedy from Irish Laureate Eoin Colfer – now with full colour artwork. High... MoreMary's Hair

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 24
Book 24

The Smile

Josh has a problem. There's a new little person in the house, his baby brother Charlie. It's supposed to be a happy thin... MoreThe Smile

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 25
Book 25

Ted Rules the World

Ted thinks there's something fishy going on. Ever since his birthday when he got a special loyalty card at the local sho... MoreTed Rules the World

(4 reviews) 5 4
Review
Book 26
Book 26

The Gingerbread Star

Little Hetty dreams of being a glow-worm instead of a boring old grey worm. She wants a light of her own so she can glow... MoreThe Gingerbread Star

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 27
Book 27

Grey Island, Red Boat

A jewel of a book illustrated throughout in silhouette and colour by award-winning Ian Beck (Tom Trueheart). Pictures an... MoreGrey Island, Red Boat

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 28
Book 28

Out for the Count

A funny and thought-provoking Little Gem from national treasure Anne Fine, with sensitive and charming artwork by up-and... MoreOut for the Count

(2 reviews) 4 2
Review
Book 29
Book 29

Anna Liza and the Happy Practice

Anna Liza likes to help cheer up her mother's psychiatric patients with her 17 top knock-knock jokes and cheerful songs,... MoreAnna Liza and the Happy Practice

(6 reviews) 5 6
Review
Book 30
Book 30

Billy Button, Telegram Boy

When Charlie the telegram boy breaks his leg and can't ride his bicycle, Billy Button sees his chance. He has always wan... MoreBilly Button, Telegram Boy

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 31
Book 31

Grandpa Was an Astronaut

Grandparents take centre stage in this charming tale as a young boy and his grandfather let their imaginations take flig... MoreGrandpa Was an Astronaut

(9 reviews) 5 9
Review
Book 32
Book 32

A Twist of Tales

Children's books superstar Julia Donaldson retells a trio of charming tales from across the world in a stunning full-col... MoreA Twist of Tales

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 33
Book 33

The Story of the Dancing Frog

Wonderful, witty and wise, this classic Quentin Blake tale will warm hearts of the young and old alike in a gorgeous new... MoreThe Story of the Dancing Frog

(7 reviews) 5 7
Review
Book 34
Book 34

Blue John

A spell-binding tale of magic and mysticism for young readers that explores the wonder of nature, from award-winning Ber... MoreBlue John

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 35
Book 35

Henry Pond the Poet

Henry Pond is a toad who is also a poet. His gift is an uncommon one, his poems sweep the prize table at the Eistoadfod ... MoreHenry Pond the Poet

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 36
Book 36

All About Ella

 Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his n... MoreAll About Ella

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 37
Book 37

Superdad's Day Off

A lovely celebration of father–son bonds and the importance of family, wrapped up in a wonderful extraordinary story tha... MoreSuperdad's Day Off

(10 reviews) 5 10
Review
Book 38
Book 38

Norman the Norman from Normandy

 Little Norman the Norman from Normandy loves fighting. All Normans do. When he inherits the broad sword that belonged ... MoreNorman the Norman from Normandy

(3 reviews) 4 3
Review
Book 39
Book 39

Dread Cat

Witty, lively and full of fun, this cat-and-mouse tale from a former Children’s Laureate is sure to delight young reader... MoreDread Cat

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 40
Book 40

The Ghost in Annie's Room

 At Great Aunt Win's house, Emma is happy to sleep in her cousin Annie's old attic bedroom. But when bedtime comes she ... MoreThe Ghost in Annie's Room

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 41
Book 41

Mint Choc Chip at the Market Cafe

A gorgeous new Little Gem from Jonathan Meres (World of Norm), inspired by his father’s 50 years as a market trader, and... MoreMint Choc Chip at the Market Cafe

(2 reviews) 4 2
Review
Book 42
Book 42

I Killed Father Christmas

A delightfully witty and tender-hearted Christmas story like none other, introducing a unique author and illustrator col... MoreI Killed Father Christmas

(4 reviews) 5 4
Review
Book 43
Book 43

We Are Not Frogs!

Children’s literature legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with illustration star Sam Usher for a rollicking countryside adv... MoreWe Are Not Frogs!

(4 reviews) 5 4
Review
Book 44
Book 44

PramBusters!

A funny and charming Little Gem from national treasure Anne Fine, with beautiful artwork by illustration star Vicki Gaus... MorePramBusters!

(3 reviews) 4 3
Review
Book 45
Book 45

The Great Telephone Mix-Up

When the village wires get crossed after a storm, there's a lot of confusion and plenty of missed connections. Margaret ... MoreThe Great Telephone Mix-Up

(6 reviews) 5 6
Review
Book 46
Book 46

Rose's Dress of Dreams

Inspired by the life of Rose Bertin, Katherine Woodfine’s stunning Little Gem is written with an evocative ... MoreRose's Dress of Dreams

(6 reviews) 5 6
Review
Book 47
Book 47

Mariella, Queen of the Skies

Super-smart inventor Mariella doesn’t have time for sleep in this funny and life-affirming gem from award-winning belove... MoreMariella, Queen of the Skies

(10 reviews) 5 10
Review
Book 48
Book 48

Norman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess

Norman the Norman is at it again! And this time the Duchess of Normandy is determined that her William should have littl... MoreNorman the Norman and the Very Small Duchess

(1 review) 4 1
Review
Book 49
Book 49

Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers

A pleasingly absurd caper where kids outwit crooks, ghost are let out of the bag, and grandparents refuse to behave! Fro... MoreGrandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers

(1 review) 4 1
Review
Book 50
Book 50

Splash Day!

A fun and colourful rhyming tale from one of the UKs most beloved author-illustrators, Nick Sharratt. Splish, ... MoreSplash Day!

(14 reviews) 5 14
Review
Book 51
Book 51

The Unlucky Eleven

A fun football tale for little readers packed with laughs, friendship and a spot of superstition … Ridiculous ... MoreThe Unlucky Eleven

(1 review) 3 1
Review
Book 52
Book 52

Special Delivery

A mix-up with memory leads to an unlikely friendship in this gorgeous Little Gem exploring dementia and the importance o... MoreSpecial Delivery

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 53
Book 53

Molly Rogers to the Rescue

Cornelia Funke and illustrator Kasia Matyjaszek return with another swashbuckling adventure for little readers, bursting... MoreMolly Rogers to the Rescue

(4 reviews) 5 4
Review
Book 54
Book 54

The Bakery of Happiness

Award-winning author–illustrator Ian Beck spreads joy in Paris with this charming tale of love and delicious baked goods... MoreThe Bakery of Happiness

(1 review) 3 1
Review
Book 55
Book 55

Sophie Takes to the Sky

Take flight with a truly inspirational tale of courage and self-belief, inspired by the incredible life of ... MoreSophie Takes to the Sky

(19 reviews) 5 19
Review
Book 56
Book 56

Clever Cakes

Two super-smart kids triumph in these perfectly packaged tales with a twist from multi-award-winning and be... MoreClever Cakes

(6 reviews) 5 6
Review
Book 57
Book 57

Captain Whiskers

Jack's about the get the pet he's always wanted – and many, many more … A furry and funny gem from King of ... MoreCaptain Whiskers

(11 reviews) 5 11
Review
Book 58
Book 58

Albert Johnson and the Buns of Steel

A baking nightmare makes for slapstick comedy gold in this hilarious Little Gem from a bestselling author and illustrato... MoreAlbert Johnson and the Buns of Steel

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 59
Book 59

Nappy the Pirate Baby

A motley crew of pirates take to parenthood in this whimsical Little Gem from Alan MacDonald, author of the bestselling ... MoreNappy the Pirate Baby

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 60
Book 60

Madam Squeaker

A little mouse searches for the courage to save her home and make her squeak heard, in this touching Little Gem from the... MoreMadam Squeaker

(11 reviews) 5 11
Review
Book 61
Book 61

The Beach Puppy

Ruby and her sausage dog puppy Coco can't wait for a family trip to the seaside – but when Coco goes missin... MoreThe Beach Puppy

(13 reviews) 5 13
Review
Book 62
Book 62

Tea Party Parade

Illustration superstar Nick Sharratt adds another bright and bold early reader to the bestselling Little Gems list. ... MoreTea Party Parade

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 63
Book 63

Elisabeth and the Box of Colours

Painting brings joy in a moment of grief in this moving and ultimately uplifting story inspired by the childhood of Fren... MoreElisabeth and the Box of Colours

(5 reviews) 5 5
Review
Book 64
Book 64

Supernan's Day Out

An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve... MoreSupernan's Day Out

(16 reviews) 5 16
Review
Book 65
Book 65

Dimple and the Boo

Dimple the gnome is upset and he doesn’t know how to talk about it – but then along comes the Boo … A charm... MoreDimple and the Boo

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 66
Book 66

Sidney Makes a Wish

Friendship appears where it’s least expected in this heartwarming Little Gem from bestselling and award-winning author L... MoreSidney Makes a Wish

(10 reviews) 5 10
Review
Book 67
Book 67

Carnival of the Clocks

Superstar illustrator Nick Sharratt takes inspiration from a celebration of the winter solstice in this charming and col... MoreCarnival of the Clocks

(1 review) 5 1
Review
Book 68
Book 68

The Little Lost Kitten

An adorable stray kitten might be just what Lucy and her dad need in this gentle and heartwarming animal story from worl... MoreThe Little Lost Kitten

(15 reviews) 5 15
Review
Book 69
Book 69

Sheep School

A thwarted thespian must use his talents to save his flock from a woolly situation in this hilarious gem from bestsellin... MoreSheep School

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 70
Book 70

Budgie

A missing budgie inspires an unlikely friendship between a young boy and his elderly neighbour in this touc... MoreBudgie

(12 reviews) 5 12
Review
Book 71
Book 71

Superdad and Supernan to the Rescue

Two laugh-out-loud superhero stories by award-winning author Phil Earle, now available in one action-packed bundle. ... MoreSuperdad and Supernan to the Rescue

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 72
Book 72

Peggy Little-Legs

A sausage dog discovers that, despite being small, she has strengths of her very own in this adorable gem from bestselli... MorePeggy Little-Legs

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 73
Book 73

The Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life

Mysterious miaowing from the empty flat upstairs sets Liam and Sav on a quest to find the ghost cat in this charming gem... MoreThe Ghost Cat Who Saved My Life

(1 review) 4 1
Review
Book 74
Book 74

Carrie and the Roller Boots

Sidney and Carrie return in this uplifting Little Gem by award-winning author Lisa Thompson as Carrie embarks on a missi... MoreCarrie and the Roller Boots

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 75
Book 75

Sidney and Carrie Have a Party

Sidney and Carrie’s friendship is being put to the test. Can Lisa Thompson’s uplifting duo learn to comprom... MoreSidney and Carrie Have a Party

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 76
Book 76

The Missing Bunny

Can Annie find her missing bunny before it’s caught by the neighbourhood fox? A gentle and heartwarming ani... MoreThe Missing Bunny

(14 reviews) 5 14
Review
Book 77
Book 77

Lottie the Little Wonder

Victorian tennis star Lottie Dod leads the way to sporting victory in this inspiring Little Gem from bestse... MoreLottie the Little Wonder

(10 reviews) 5 10
Review
Book 78
Book 78

Porky Pies

The pig who cried wolf finally gets his comeuppance in this hilarious gem from bestselling author Ross Mont... MorePorky Pies

(3 reviews) 5 3
Review
Book 79
Book 79

Gruff Justice

Who’s the NAUGHTY NIBBLER? Someone has taken a big bite out of the birthday cake the famer has baked, and he’s... MoreGruff Justice

(0 reviews)
Review
Book 80
Book 80

The Guinea-Pig Party

Katy can’t believe her luck when she finds the perfect pet guinea pig hiding in the lettuce patch, but is e... MoreThe Guinea-Pig Party

(2 reviews) 5 2
Review
Book 81
Book 81

The Birthday Cake Thief (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 1)

Hana joins the Moonlight Mystery Agency to help Spark the bionic unicorn find her missing birthday cake in ... MoreThe Birthday Cake Thief (The Moonlight Mystery Agency 1)

(11 reviews) 5 11
Review
Book 82
Book 82

The Runaway Tortoise

When Albert makes a daring escape, Ava realises that tortoises might not be quite as boring as they seem in... MoreThe Runaway Tortoise

(9 reviews) 5 9
Review
Book 84
(0 reviews)
Review
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