If I could only choose one thing to do to enrich learning, it would be finding time to read brilliant books together. Solo reading and audiobooks are brilliant in their own right, but nothing quite compares to sitting together, connecting over a shared world. I talk more about it here. For now, I'll introduce you to 4 of our absolute favourite book series to read as a family.

They're all aimed at a reading age of around 8 and above but for reading together it's usually fine to try a little younger. I’ve read all of them with my 6- and 9-year- old, but I’ve been a bit more cautious with age recommendations here - I slightly regretted reading one or two to my 6-year-old because of some of the darker themes!

The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith

(The Green Ember, Ember Falls, Ember Rising, Ember's End - plus spin off books. They can be expensive so it's worth looking for 2nd hand copies.

Recommended for 8+ (possibly younger if they're not too sensitive).

Beautifully written and illustrated, we were absolutely hooked on this gripping 4 book fantasy series of good vs evil. It follows two awesome rabbit characters, Heather and Picket, who along with their fellow rabbits, fight against the dark forces of wolves and hawks to restore their peaceful kingdom.

Full of adventure, it took us through every emotion, contained some pretty harrowing moments ( I did skip over a few sections that felt too much for my 6- year-old), and included plenty of twists and turns. I sobbed my way through the final chapters (much to my kids' annoyance) and it opened up so many amazing conversations about betrayal, loyalty, strength, courage, friendship, love and hope.

(Books 2-4 are quite expensive so it's worth looking on 2nd hand sites)

The Mennyms Series by Sylvia Waugh (5 books)

The Mennyms, Mennyms In the Wilderness, Mennyms Under Siege , Mennyms Alone, Mennyms Alive

Recommended for 6 or 7+. It contains themes of death and can be quite sad at times so it might be too much for a particularly sensitive child.

I loved this series as a child but wasn't sure how my kids would find it as it's quite unusual but I needn't have worried, they loved it. The Mennyms are a compelling family of live rag dolls trying to live an ordinary, simple life as humans. It's slow-paced but it draws you in. It was easy to become attached to each character, each with their own distinct personality and way of contributing to the family. Since it's 5 books long, we got to know the characters well and often talked about them. My son pointed out that the quietest character was his favourite because the others actually listened when he spoke and realised his ideas were often the best - it got us talking about valuing different perspectives and the power of quiet. We felt genuinely sad when we reached the end of this series.

The books explore themes of belonging, death, secrecy, vulnerability and embracing change and are a surprisingly impactful read. It's one that lingers long after it's ended.

The Wild Robot Series by Peter Brown

The Wild Robot, The Wild Robot Escapes, The Wild Robot Protects

Recommended for 6+ (it gets tense at the end of book 1, my 6-year-old was upset until she discovered there's a 2nd book!)

This series is a classic in the making. Most people might have seen the film but if you haven't read the books then absolutely give them a go.  Roz, the robot, is such a unique and endearing character — her quiet resilience and growing understanding of the natural world is genuinely moving.

My kids were captivated by the mix of adventure, survival and gentle emotional depth. The story explores big themes like identity, belonging, empathy and what it means to be "alive," all in a really accessible way. It’s thought-provoking without being heavy, and beautifully written without being too complex for younger readers.

This is one of those series that just feels good - simple, engaging and with characters who grow on you. 

Where The Mountain Meets the Moon Trilogy by Grace Lin

If buying new, the box set is cheapest but you can also pick 2nd hand options up at a much lower cost.

Recommended for 6+ (a 4- or 5-year-old could probably enjoy this too)

The Where the Mountain Meets the Moon series is absolutely magical! It's a beautiful mix of Chinese folklore, adventure, mystery and really lovely storytelling and illustrations. One of those reads that just feels thoughtfully crafted from start to finish. My kids were completely captivated by the little stories within the main story, the gorgeous colour illustrations and the brave, likeable characters like Minli. The books link together in clever but subtle ways, and seemingly minor details become important clues as the books progress. This is a series we've read several times and always spot something new.

📚 I'm always on the lookout for great reads and will add more to the site in time. Check out this post for 5 great books for ages 6+.