All events have a mathematical element. Sumpter shows that happiness begins with a simple calculation, and explores how our brains spot patterns. SI Here begins 900 winters”: an epic poetic history, from the age of Cædmon to that of Henry VIII, told via the lives of Barking’s abbesses and nuns. TFS For example, through these activities your child learns new speech sounds and words. Your child also starts to understand how sounds go together to make words and what words mean. This builds your child’s language skills and literacy skills and helps your child go on to read successfully later in childhood.

This brutal reality and the tragic story act as a sharp contrast to the free spirit and strong will of our feisty heroine. Amina finds her talents in storytelling, bringing comfort to herself and those around her in their darkest hours. She is honest and brave but remains believable in her acts of defiance. This study of George Orwell’s first wife, Eileen – whom his books never name – is fresh, original and immersive, thanks to the award-winning author of Stasiland. FW The second volume of Carpenter’s biography paints a vivid portrait of medieval England, outlining crucial events on the country’s march from despotism to democracy. SH A timely, impassioned memoir by an Olympic medallist whose differences in sexual development put her at the centre of athetics’ gender controversies. DR

When you see words printed in bold or large font, point these out and explain how this changes the way we say those words. For example, ‘Look at how big the word BOOHOO is. The baby must be crying very loudly’. Both a hymn to modern Delhi and an exposure of its corruption, Kapoor’s epic novel tells the tale of a criminal dynasty that makes the Corleones look like the ­Larkins. JK The country singer proves incredibly good company in this book of lyrics, offering sharp, humorous and ­philosophical ­observations on his art. NMC When your child sees you reading and writing, you’re creating a home environment that develops literacy skills. Your reading and writing can be as simple as reading magazines or newspapers and writing shopping lists or messages for your partner or children. Types of books to read with preschoolers

The monkeys go wild in a sumptuous hotel, in the latest escapade of this delightful ­collaborative series. EB With amazing resilience, Lewis perseveres until he finds a solution to every problem. He subtly highlights the ignorances around disability he encounters along the way, with a call to arms to help change this, and ultimately provides inspiration to every reader in how to cope with difficulties, whatever those may be. Highly recommended reading for teenagers and adults alike.The author, John Rayne-Davis, who lives at Copmanthorpe, York, converted to Catholicism in 1995. He is a member of St Wilfrid's Church in York, and all his proceeds from the book go to its refurbishment fund. Her bravery at the hearing in the Guildhall, York, is astonishing. The indictment was put to her that she had harboured "Jesuits and priests, enemies of Her Majesty". My name's Kim Brown, and I work for Transport for London, teaching English for dyslexic staff. There's much more to literacy and reading than just reading itself.

books that use humour and have a sense of fun – for example, a character who uses a funny word, or who is silly or even ‘naughty’ A magisterial account of violent unrest from France to Austria-­Hungary in 1848-49, one of the most troubled and pivotal periods in European history. SH Bereavement, volatility, ardour: the many currents of a passionate life flow through this superbly accomplished biography of the painter who gave the world Impressionism. FW

Point out the differences between letters and words and the difference between a lower-case and capital letter. For example, ‘There is a capital M. Can you see how it’s bigger than this lower-case m?’ The American poet’s most mature book yet moves between philosophy, fantasy and his own childhood kidnapping by white supremacists. TFS

A hard-as-nails Scottish family flee the AI apocalypse, in an funny, poignant and often chilling novel that’s told half in verse, half in prose. TFS Welcome both to the Tour de France 100 years ago, and the inside of an obsessive mind today: this book frames a lost sporting world through one man’s love of cycling. DR This in-depth ­investigation into the physical toll suffered by rugby players through head trauma, and its long-term impact, is crucial to the future of the sport. DRBe guided by your child’s interest. There might be days when your child doesn’t want to spend a long time reading, and that’s OK. Ebooks can be handy, especially if you’re travelling or away from home. If your child wants to read ebooks, read them together and choose stories without distracting animations or games. It’s best if ebooks don’t replace paper books. And it’s important to balance screen time and digital technology use with other activities. Book suggestions for preschoolers When one looks at books on arms and armor, the incredible detail and diversity of design in such weaponry is apparent.