Book Club Day UK (11 September 2026) will be a day that celebrates the joy, connection and impact of shared reading, while supporting more people to start or join book clubs in their communities.
For 2026, we are inviting people to be a reading rebel and join a book club, make their book clubs more visible or invite someone new to join their club in September.
We’re also encouraging book clubs to show their books to the world and share what they are reading. But, what makes a great book club read? To spark some ideas, we asked the team at Epic Tales to share their picks for book clubs.
About Epic Tales
Founded by award-winning storytellers, Epic is the UK’s only publisher which trains all its authors to deliver enthralling visits for schools and events. By producing books that hook resistant readers and successfully spark reading habits, Epic became a preferred supplier for the Department for Education, and was a finalist in the Teach Primary Awards 2026.
Epic Tales Book Club Picks
The Bestest Story in the World… Ever! by Chip Colquhoun and Bethany D’Arcy, HIDDEN by Matt Killeen, Amy Scott Robinson and Bethany D’Arcy and All the Better to Read You With: Volume 1 by Chip and Korky Paul et al.
The Bestest Story in the World… Ever!
ISBN: 9781915703484
What better way to celebrate Book Club Day UK than a story about the life-changing power of stories?
Noah’s demand anxiety means he struggles at both school and home, but an inventor competition gives him the chance to prove himself. He really doesn’t need the distraction of the storytelling elf who’s begun appearing in his bedroom each night.
To get rid of the elf, Noah finds himself doing things he’d never believed he could do before. But as the elf keeps returning, Noah discovers that this may be about more than him. It may be about saving the world…
Especially good for reluctant and new readers.
Perfect for discussing…
- the power of stories
- coping with anxiety
- your favourite stories
Visit epictales.co.uk/bestest-story to download a free resource pack created by Teach Primary magazine, including an audio interview with author Chip Colquhoun, book extract, and storytelling and writing activities!
HIDDEN
ISBN (hardback): 9781915703453 | ISBN (ebook): 9781915703477
Book Club Day UK is day for people to come together over stories. HIDDEN is a book born out of people coming together…
In 2025, nine residents from elderly care homes shared their private coming-of-age stories with children from local primary schools. Those children dressed their tales in the language of fiction to create the fairy tales and legends of the future.
The result? Tales of unicorns, UFOs, ghosts, and more – all based on 100% true stories. Prepare for unforgettable fun…
From Costa Award finalist Matt Killeen and Oxford Owl storyteller Amy Scott Robinson.
Perfect for discussing…
- how stories travel
- how you’d like to be remembered
- the gap between fact and fiction
All the Better to Read You With: Volume 1
ISBN (hardback): 9781915703422 | ISBN (ebook): 9781915703446
WARNING: These are not safe, cosy stories…
From a skeleton who’s chased nearly everyone from his village to a clueless boy who risks making you snort-laugh, these are stories with teeth: tricks, danger, and just a tiny bit of chaos.
Carefully chosen for both solo reading and sharing aloud, the stories balance hilarity with deeper themes of courage, cooperation, and cleverness.
Featuring striking illustrations by Korky Paul and friends, this is an ideal introduction to the richness of traditional storytelling.
Especially good for reluctant and new readers.
Perfect for discussing…
- where stories come from
- what makes a story work
- your favourite stories
Also available as an educator edition subtitled Stories & Lessons to Inspire Reading for Pleasure, with a foreword by Prof Teresa Cremin.
Find out more
Visit our page to hear more about Book Club Day UK and how you can get involved.
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