Highly illustrated books for kids aged 8+

 

We’ve spoken many times before about being big fans of graphic novels at Parrot Street HQ. I could talk about this for hours, because graphic novels are a fantastic and very worthy category of literature in their own right.

But that’s not what this edit is about. Today we are celebrating illustrated fiction – that is illustrated chapter books, rather than graphic novels. There are some wonderful books for those transitioning from picture books to chapter books – you’ll find our top picks elsewhere on the blog. But I particularly want to highlight some brilliant illustrated chapter books out there for older readers - and the very talented illustrators who have brought those books alive.

Not only do illustrated books make beautiful gifts, they can also be a great gateway to more challenging content for struggling or reluctant readers. They are inclusive and great for sharing – books for the whole family to enjoy, young and old.

 

7 fantastic, highly illustrated chapter books for 8 to 12-year-olds

The First Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd Stanton

Nate’s eleven and has just finished Primary School. After a challenging final year, life is looking up. His brother has recovered from a life-threatening heart condition, he’s got the love of his mum, brothers and Auntie San, and he’s off to Secondary School with his two best mates.

But while he's making new friends and avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, and struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate's life threatens to throw him completely off course...

The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Trip! written Farhana Islam and illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh

Mina, Reema and Mobeen can’t wait to go on their school trip, an overnight stay at Shiremoor Oaks Adventure Centre . . . until somebody spooks them with stories about Bertie Blackteeth: who haunts the woods, who sharpens her toenails with twigs, who is waiting to skewer her next unfortunate victim all over with cheese-and-onion crisps!

With Bertie Blackteeth lurking and the school bully seeming to have become the teacher’s pet – this trip will test their friendship, courage and love of potato chips to the limit.

Murder! by Narwhal: A Grimacres Whodunnit! written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith

When the tyrannical family patriarch Sir Ignatious Gristle is murdered on his 90th birthday at his country estate, every one of his gathered family members is a suspect. Trapped by a snowstorm with no way to contact the police, it's up to his mettlesome granddaughter, Edna, and her trusted tortoise, Charles Darwin, to determine whodunnit!

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories written by Yaba Badoe, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Set in contemporary Notting Hill, Man-man and his friends are swept up in the exuberant preparations for carnival. But his mother is ill and even as he dances, he calls desperately to the Queen of Revels, as old as time to make her well again.

Swept away with his best friend Kareem and sharp-tongued sister Panama, to a place in between, the Queen of Revels plunges Man-man into Africa's past and reveals his family's heritage. 

We sent this stunning story to our Cockatoo subscribers in June 2025 and have a handful of copies still available, accompanied by our carefully curated activity pack and a bookplate signed by the author. 

Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Hyun Song We

One day, while polishing some mysterious brass lamps in the basement, 12 year old Relic feels spine-chillingly cold. Breathless. Scared. And suddenly, a real, live genie stands before him! But this is no kind, benevolent genie. This genie is evil ... and it feeds on hope.

Relic finds himself catapulted to the centre of a fast-paced underground community of genie hunters, led by the excitable Professor Latimer and the tech-savvy Doctor Raphaela. Together, they travel in their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, secretly chasing rogue genies before they can wreak havoc on the world…

The Eyes and the Impossible written by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris

Johannes is a free dog, a fast dog – such a fast dog! He lives in an urban park by the sea, and every day, he runs through the park, seeing all, missing nothing, and reporting what he sees to the park’s three ancient Bison, the Keepers of the Equilibrium.

But the Equilibrium has been disrupted. Mysterious rectangles are hypnotising Johannes, the humans are erecting a strange new building, and an entirely new kind of animal has arrived in the park. Johannes must run faster, see better, and ultimately do more than run and see – he must liberate those he loves.

Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals, written and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark

Polly Pecorino rescues animals, and she can talk to them too. She spends all of her time caring for those at Happy Days Zoo, where the devious owners, Mr and Mrs Snell, will do anything to make money. One day they steal a bear cub, certain that he will do wonders for ticket sales, but the ferocious bears living in Wild Bear Woods want their cub back. Will Polly be brave enough to stand up to the Snells and take Booboo, the bear cub, back where he belongs?

A stand-out illustrated story for readers aged 12+

Island of Whispers written by Frances Hardinge, illustrated by Emily Gravett

We couldn't resist sneaking this chilling gothic fable onto the list, though it's more suitable for readers aged over 12. 

On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.

Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?

 

Are you keen to supercharge your child’s love of reading but feel like you could be doing more to support them? We know that discovering, purchasing and recommending books that maintain your child’s enthusiasm for reading, helping them to reach their full potential, is time consuming. Why not let us take that off your to-do list? With a Parrot Street Book Club subscription your child receives a carefully chosen new children’s book and accompanying activity pack through the post each month. They receive a stream of varied and exciting books, whilst the book club-style questions and activities are perfect for sharing. Find out more here.