Alex T Smith's top 5 books everyone should read before they're 12

Eloise

Written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hillary Knight

Imagine being six and living on the ‘tippy-top floor’ of The Plaza hotel in New York! And having the run of the place! And having a “dog who looks like a cat”! Well, Eloise doesn’t have to imagine any of that. A feisty, eccentric, wild and unapologetic heroine who skitters across the pages in both the glorious words and pictures. Wonderfully bonkers.

Moominland Midwinter

Written and illustrated by Tove Jansson

I love all the Moomin books and each one is masterpiece, but this one has to be my most favourite. Beguiling, mysterious, beautifully illustrated and perfect for reading in bed.

The Jolly Postman

By Janet and Allan Ahlberg

A book designed for nosey people (of which I am one!). A lovely twinning of text and pictures AND you get to snoop on other people’s letters! A fantastically detailed book to be read and enjoyed over and over again.

The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Written by Dodie Smith and illustrated by David Roberts

There’s so much to love about this book! Adorable puppies, thrills and twists, canine camaraderie, cross-country moonlight dashes, a daring rescue plan and, of course, the fabulously vile Cruella de Vil! One of the best baddies in children’s books!

The Murderer’s Ape

Written and illustrated by Jakob Wegelius

A future classic. An exciting, funny, richly told and moving story starring a charismatic, boiler suit-clad gorilla called Sally Jones. Utterly brilliant.

Claude: Best in Show by Alex T Smith (Hodder Children’s Books) is a £1 2019 World Book Day title.

For more details and information visit worldbookday.com