10 Children’s Books to Spark Young Imaginations These School Holidays and Beyond

This holiday season, Pan Macmillan and BabyYumYum have curated a collection designed to delight little readers. Within it, South African children’s books stand proudly alongside international favourites, offering both familiar voices and new horizons. For the little ones, picture books invite them to marvel at colourful illustrations and playful storytelling, while middle‑grade adventures challenge older readers to stretch their imaginations and discover unforgettable characters.

Whether it’s a tale that sparks wonder, a mystery that keeps pages turning, or a story that inspires courage, these titles promise to keep young readers entertained and inspired throughout the holidays and well into the new year.

Books to Read These Holidays and Beyond

1. Die weerligvoël / The Lightning Bird by Jaco Jacobs

South Africa’s most prolific children’s author, Jaco Jacobs, has created a thrilling fantasy adventure that will captivate middle‑grade readers. The Lightning Bird introduces a unique hero on a high‑stakes mission, weaving mystery and excitement into every chapter. It is the kind of book that keeps children reading long past bedtime, eager to know what happens next. For kids ready to dive into a new world, this novel is a perfect holiday companion.

Follow Jaco Jacobs on Facebook. Read more on The Lightning Bird blog

2. Neo’s Invisible Blanket by Salamina Mosese

Award‑winning author Salamina Mosese brings us a story about bravery and self‑belief. Neo learns to navigate the world with the help of a special blanket given to him by his older sister. Illustrated by Subi Bosa and available in five South African languages, this book is both inspiring and accessible. It reminds children that courage often begins with believing in themselves, and that the tools we carry from loved ones can help us face challenges with confidence.

Follow Salamina Mosese Books on Instagram. Read more on Neo’s Invisible Blanket

3. Dance To Your Own Beat by Refiloe Moahloli

Refiloe Moahloli’s story of Zazi is a celebration of individuality and dreams. Zazi learns to dance to the rhythm of her own heart, supported by those around her. This book encourages children to embrace their passions and trust the journey, even when it feels uncertain. With its availability in multiple South African languages, it reaches a wide audience and offers a message that resonates across cultures: your dreams are worth following, and your voice matters.

Visit Refiloe Moahloli’s website. Read more on Dance To Your Own Beat

ALSO READ: From isiZulu to isiXhosa: 9 Must-Read African Language Books for Kids

4. Investigators: Case Files by John Patrick Green

For children who love humour and puzzles, John Patrick Green’s InvestiGators series is a delight. The Case Files edition invites readers to solve along with the characters, spotting suspects and cracking six new cases. With colourful illustrations and laugh‑out‑loud moments, it is perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey. This book turns reading into an interactive adventure, encouraging kids to think critically while enjoying the fun.

Visit the Investigators website. Read more on Investigators: Case Files

5. You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast by Andy Griffiths

Andy Griffiths, beloved for his Treehouse series, brings another hilarious adventure in the Adventures Unlimited series. Illustrated by Bill Hope, this book is packed with action and humour. The Peanut Butter Beast is a wild ride that keeps children entertained while sparking their imagination. It is ideal for readers who enjoy fast‑paced stories filled with quirky characters and unexpected twists.

Visit Andy Griffiths’ website. Read more on You and Me and The Peanut-Butter Beast

6. Guess How Much I Love You: I See Me!

Sam McBratney’s timeless words and Anita Jeram’s new artwork come together in this special edition featuring Little Nutbrown Hare. With a mirror surprise at the end, this book invites children to see themselves in the story. It is a gentle, loving gift for the holidays that reminds young readers they are cherished. Perfect for bedtime reading, it creates moments of connection between parents and children.

Visit the ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ website. Read more on GHMILY: I See Me!

7. The Gruffalo Pop‑up by Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson’s classic tale of the clever mouse and the hungry Gruffalo is brought to life in a stunning pop‑up edition. The deep, dark wood unfolds in three‑dimensional scenes, making the story even more engaging. This edition is not just a book but an experience, perfect for gifting and sharing. Children will delight in seeing the Gruffalo leap off the page, while parents enjoy revisiting a beloved story in a new format.

Visit The Gruffalo website. Read more on The Gruffalo Pop-up, or watch the Video of the Pop-up.

8. My Busy Books: Bluey (and others)

For toddlers, My Busy Books offer an interactive reading experience. Each set includes figurines and a playmat, allowing children to act out the story or invent their own. The Bluey edition brings familiar characters from the hit TV show into the hands of young readers. These books encourage imaginative play and help toddlers connect reading with storytelling beyond the page. They are a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the joys of books.

Visit the My Busy Books website or the Bluey website

9. Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth

Donna Ashworth’s collection of poems is a treasure for young readers. Words Can Fly offers comfort, inspiration, and magic in verse.

No matter your fear, no matter your worry
Reading this book will calm your hurry
and remind you that magic’s around you right now
settle down, get comfy, I’ll show you how …

This is a book to be revisited, shared, and cherished, offering timeless lessons in language and imagination. It shows that poetry is not distant or difficult but alive and accessible, ready to lift spirits and open hearts.

Visit Donna Ashworth’s website. Read more on Words Can Fly.

ALSO READ: How to instil a love of books in your toddler

10. Unicornia Box Set

For beginning chapter‑book readers who adore unicorns, the Unicornia Box Set is pure enchantment. With four stories set in a land filled with magic, baking competitions, rainbow stages, and glittery celebrations, it is a gift that keeps children engaged. Each book offers a slice of adventure, while the set as a whole creates a world to return to again and again. It is perfect for readers who want to step into a sparkling universe where imagination reigns.

Visit the Unicornia website. Buy the Unicornia set here.

Holiday Reads, Lifelong Lessons

These ten titles from Pan Macmillan are more than holiday entertainment; they are invitations to dream, laugh and grow. Whether a child is solving mysteries, learning to dance to their own rhythm, or discovering the courage within, each book offers something lasting. Reading during the holidays is about planting seeds of imagination that will continue to grow long after school resumes. With stories that range from heartfelt to hilarious, magical to mysterious, this collection of South African children’s books and global favourites ensures that every child can find a book that speaks to them.