Top 10 children’s books about London

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Published on Sunday, 27 September 2015 11:00

Last Updated on 19 September 2022

Monica Costa

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If you love London half as much as I do, you cannot get enough reading about this great city that keeps us all hooked up. It was about time that we create a comprehensive list of well known children’s books about London. Enjoy!

Here’s London Mums’ favourite children’s books about the British Capital.

Beatrice and the London Bus book series

London based Italian author Francesca Lombardo brings enjoyment, hope, courage, determination and urban culture to young people with her newly released children’s book series – Beatrice and the London Bus. Her stories resemble a modern London take of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with lots of humorous, inspiring and empowering contemporary fairy tale features and a classic feel for children and parents alike.

It all kicks off from Beatrice’s dream of becoming a London bus Driver. In the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland it’s great to see another child heroine taking on a traditionally male task. She shows personality and determination, hence she is setting an example for young girls. The book series also encourages children to develop the fundamental aspects of social responsibility making them familiar with the aspects of being part of an important community, like the one of a big city like London.

The book series has even received an endorsement from the Culture team at the Mayor of London’s office. They said: “We very much enjoyed the Author’s story idea and we really appreciate her enthusiasm and passion for London. We wish the very best of success to this wonderful story.”

The Author is not stopping there and is currently writing BOOK 4 and 5 which will see Beatrice and the London Bus travelling through Paris, Rome, New York, Las Vegas, LA and other countries around the world (China, India). We cannot wait to read those stories!

Francesca is also working in partnership with some London Children Charities for a series of activities related to the books. Beatrice and the London Bus book series is available from Amazon and  www.beatriceandthelondonbus.co.uk

 

Magical Mabel’s Adventures in The Tower of London by Wendy Clark

Created by prolific author, Wendy Clark, ‘Magical Mabel’s Adventure In The Tower Of London’ uses two of the author’s feisty real-life dogs as inspiration for a thrilling new children’s book.

Mabel and Alfie are off to the Tower of London, inviting children along with them to learn about respecting historical places and other people’s property. With a motorbike, “invisibility collar” and a whole host of other zany twists, it’s no wonder Clark’s work is unique within the children’s literature marketplace.

While many children’s authors create books that give their young audience nothing but a quick thrill, Wendy Clark is going above and beyond her calling to fuse engrossing adventures with an abundance of life lessons. Her ‘The Adventures of Mabel’ series has this philosophy at its very core; a bold mandate to inspire children and prepare them to go forth into the world with confidence.

The important moral at the end of the story will encourage children to respect other people’s property and to stay safe.

Although the book is suitable for 5+ children, my 9 year old son Diego absolutely loves this book because it is a story told from the dog’s perspective and hence it’s quite unique.

Magical Mabel’s Adventure In The Tower Of London is available from Amazon.

 

 

Katie in London by James Mayhew

This beautifully illustrated story by James Mayhew follows Katie wherever she goes, and soon wonderful things begin to happen as she and Jack set out on an amazing and magical tour of London with a most unusual guide. The book is suitable for 6+ children and is an ideal introduction if you’re planning a sightseeing trip to London. Katie and her brother Jack think Grandma’s tour sounds a bit dull, but in Trafalgar Square they make a magical friend who takes them from the London Eye, down the river and on to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. There are lots of interesting facts about famous landmarks, too!

 

The Ladybird Book of London by John Berry

First published in 1961, this Ladybird hardback book is packed with information about Britain’s capital. It illustrates the story of London, her sights and history, with twenty-four beautiful full-page pictures. Starting from Trafalgar Square, it takes you through famous streets to see historic buildings.

 

See inside great cities

Lift the flaps to discover famous landmarks and amazing facts about London.

Explore soaring skyscrapers, elegant cathedrals and bustling shopping streets – and discover fascinating facts and details beneath the flaps.

With internet links to websites with virtual tours and panoramas.

An exciting flap book for older children full of detailed city illustrations.

 

Horrible Histories Gruesome Guides – London by Terry Deary

Horrible Histories Gruesome Guide: London takes readers on a gore-tastic tour of the streets of London, exposing all of its most scurrilous secrets. With this book tourists can plot their path to the past – take a trip to the terrifying Tower, dip into the ruthless River Thames (London’s largest toilet!) and peer into creepy St Paul’s Cathedral.

If you want to know all sorts of horrible facts about London such as What caused the Great Stink of 1858? Why the flying dustmen were feared? Who ate a tosher for tea? this is s

This book is ideal for Horrible Histories fans!

 

A Different Kettle of Fish by Autistic Physics Student Michael Barton about a Daytrip to London from Most Unique Perspective

Anybody who has come across autistic people would know how special they are especially in their relationship with the world around. A new book called A Different Kettle of Fish is now shedding some light into the world of a high functioning and highly intelligent young man who documents his daytrip to London from his own unique perspective.

Written from the heart and experience of Michael Barton, A Different Kettle of Fish takes readers on a trip from the author’s familiar university surroundings to the weird and wonderful world of central London. With the author’s rare and fascinating neurological makeup at play, readers are enjoying a first-hand account of life from a radically different perspective.

It is certainly unique and I have never read anything like this before. This book is a good read both for parents and children alike and should be compulsory reading in school, giving you a great insight not just into the life of autistic people but also to make you realise how things can be seen differently by people with disabilities.

It is also a book about London seen through the eyes of a special young man who does not take things for granted. You will experience a London as you have never seen it before!

Barton’s quirky and comic illustrations bring to life the journey from the comfort of his familiar university surroundings into the hectic bustle of central London.   A fun and enlightening read for friends, family, caring professionals and anyone interested in an alternative viewpoint on the world. Sure to strike a chord with other day trippers on the autism spectrum.

To most, Central London is a thick-soup of congestion, tourists and overwhelming options. To Michael Barton, one of 700,000 people in the UK living with autism, a daytrip to the UK’s capital is awash with metaphors, hidden messages and contradictions. In his book, Barton documents this tumultuous day to give readers an opportunity to see London and  life through an autistic person’s eyes using his hallmark wit and wisdom as well as quirky and funny illustrations.

A Different Kettle of Fish: A Day in the Life of a Physics Student with Autism is available from Amazon.

 

Whizzy Wheels: London Bus

Whizzy Wheels: London Bus, illustrated by Marion Billet, is a book on wheels – the perfect souvenir (even if you are a London Mum or London child)!

This book is suitable for children of any age and mums will love it too. My 5 year old son can read it by himself and loves the whizzy wheels. Young children just love things that go, and here is a book they will spend hours pushing along the floor as well as reading! Follow the red bus around the streets of London visiting the sights, with an extra detail to spot on every page.

Then close the book and push it along on its four moving wheels and go on your own journey! The perfect way for young visitors to London to remember their trip. www.panmacmillan.com