Virtual School Library
Free reading and writing activities from your favourite children's authors from the
National Literacy Trust.
About our library
Every week a popular children's author or illustrator will provide you with free books, exclusive videos and their top three recommended reads.
Having access to a school library is really important for children. School libraries nurture a love of reading that can enrich children’s literacy skills, academic achievements and mental wellbeing. Our Virtual School Library will complement existing school libraries and will ensure that children have access to the magical world of stories all year round, whether they are learning at school or at home.
We’ve worked with brilliant publishers and inspiring authors and illustrators to ensure that the books and activities in our Virtual School Library will support children’s wellbeing through reading.
Don't reach rock bottom with Ross Montgomery
Read Rock Bottom by Ross Montgomery, watch a video with the author, discover his favourite children's books and read a Q&A.
More authors:
Meet the Bolds with Julian Clary and David Roberts
Read The Bolds by Julian Clary and illustrated by David Roberts, watch a video on how to draw the characters and discover the author's top recommended reads.
Pick your favourite poem with Kate Wakeling
Author of the week Kate Wakeling shares poetry book, Moon Juice, an exclusive video about writing, her top three children's books and tips about reading,
Discover The Legend of Kevin with Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Watch an exclusive video from Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre and read an exclusive Q&A!
Read about Rashford with Dan Green and Simon Mugford
Read Rashford Rules for free, watch a video with the author Simon Mugford, learn to draw De Bruyne with illustrator Dan Green and discover top children's books.
Be a poet on the football pitch with Kwame Alexander
Read Booked by Kwame Alexander for free, watch a video with the author and find out Kwame's favourite books.
Discover your shiny magical powers with Harry Heape
Read Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest by Harry Heape for free, watch a video with the author and discover his favourite children's books.
Pick a poem with Valerie Bloom
Read Valerie Bloom's Stars with Flaming Tails poetry book for FREE, watch an exclusive video and read a Q&A with the author.
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant with Derek Landy
Listen to the Skulduggery Pleasant audiobook by Derek Landy, watch a video with the author and read a Q&A
Defeat the Evernight with Ross MacKenzie
Read Evernight by Ross MacKenzie for FREE, watch a video with the author to find out about his new book, Feast of the Evernight, find out Ross's favourite books and read a Q&A.
Make the world disappear with Ben Miller
Listen to The Boy Who Made the World Disappear by Ben Miller, watch a video and read a Q&A with Ben Miller and find out his top three children's books
Take a journey of survival with A. M. Dassu
Read Boy Everywhere by A.M. Dassu for FREE, watch a video about how why she wrote the book, discover her favourite books and read a Q&A about reading.
Enter the dragon realm with Katie and Kevin Tsang
Listen to Dragon Legend by Katie and Kevin Tsang, watch a video with the authors and discover their favourite reads!
Fight climate change with Andy Prentice and Eddie Reynolds
Read Climate Crisis for Beginners by Andy Prentice and Eddie Reynolds for free, watch an exclusive video and find our their fave children's books!
Face facts with Freddie Yates and Jenny Pearson
Read The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson for FREE, watch a video with the author, read a Q&A and download fun activities.
Set your imagination soaring with Vashti Hardy
Read Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy for free, watch an exclusive video and find out her fave children's books
Visit Victorian Scotland with Barbara Henderson
Read Punch by Barbara Henderson for FREE, watch a video with the author and discover her favourite children's books and reading tips
We're on the ball with Venessa Taylor
Read Baller Boys by Venessa Taylor for FREE, watch an exclusive video with the author and read a Q&A.
Go back in time with a hamster and Ross Welford
Listen to for Time Travelling with a Hamster for free, watch an exclusive video and discover his fave children's books.
Head on an adventure with Will Mabbitt
Read The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones for FREE, watch an exclusive video with the author, find out his favourite children's books and download activities to colour in or design your own pirate!
Steal a moment with Katherine Rundell
It's the week of World Book Day and our author of the week, Katherine Rundell, is sharing an audiobook of The Good Thieves for you to listen to for FREE!
Step into a magical world with Dominique Valente
Listen to an audiobook of the first in the Starfell series, watch an exclusive video with the author, discover Dominique's favourite children's books and read a Q&A.
Head back to the Roman Age with Jeremy Strong
This week hilarious author, Jeremy Strong, is sharing Romans on the Rampage with you to read for FREE!
Get to know Cookie and Konnie Huq
Listen to Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World by Konnie Huq for free, watch an exclusive video and find out her fave children's books.
Meet Mr Tiger, Betsy and the Blue Moon with Sally Gardner
Read Mr Tiger, Betsy and the Blue Moon completely free, watch an exclusive video with the author Sally Gardner to hear and discover her favourite books!
Steal an elephant with Nizrana Farook
Read or listen to The Girl Who Stole an Elephant completely FREE below, watch an exclusive video about Nizrana's new book, discover her top three children's books and read an interview all about reading.
Spend time with Tracy Beaker and Jacqueline Wilson
Read The Story of Tracy Beaker for free, watch an exclusive video with Jacqueline Wilson and download fun activities.