At Gecko Press we have a fondness for books for six- to nine-year-olds, especially ones that appeal to children with a dry sense of humour.
In the same way that trees suddenly appear grown, we now have a wonderful collection of illustrated junior fiction. Our first published book was a chapter book—Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark, one of the best writers for children of all time. The collection has grown with the now classic series about Detective Gordon, the much-loved My Happy Life series and the bestselling Yours Sincerely, Giraffe. These are books that can be safely put in the hands of any child.
This small grove of short novels is by some of the best writers from all over the world, and they have a lot in common. In a Gecko Press book for this age, we look for drama, humour, human behaviour, character, plot and warmth. The stories are open and inclusive, with a strong child perspective and voice. We like a story that offers a different way of seeing the world.
Most importantly, we choose books that are already favourites of children around the world. We choose them after they have been proven successful with child readers in their own and other languages—making them available for English-speaking readers too.
Enjoy this quick selection below of some of our best-loved chapter books for early readers. You will find more on our website.
Detective Gordon: The First Case by Ulf Nilsson and Gitte Spee, for detective stories set in a friendly forest, where Detective Gordon seeks justice for all and always makes time for delicious cakes.
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist by Anders Sparring and Per Gustavsson, a crime caper about Theo Pincher, a boy who can’t lie born into a family of criminals.
Stories of the Night by Kitty Crowther—a magical pink storybook, in which mama bear tells three goodnight stories and the night guardian finally finds someone to tell her it’s time for bed.
A Bear Named Bjorn by Delphine Perret for readers who enjoy a gentle bushwalk with an observant bear.
My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz and Eva Eriksson, a book about best friends and life in the world of Dani, who has a special ability to be happy and make those around her happy too.
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa and Jun Takabatake, in which pen pals Penguin and Giraffe finally decide to meet in person, because it’s hard to imagine someone you’ve never seen.
When Dad’s Hair Took Off by Jörg Mϋhle, for a madcap adventure on the chase after Dad’s hair, which decides it would like a change from living on Dad’s head and takes off out the window to freedom.
The Runaways by Ulf Stark and Kitty Crowther, in which Gottfried discovers his grandfather doesn’t like being stuck in a hospital bed—so together they break out of hospital for a magnificent trip to the island where Grandpa lived.
Hattie and Olaf by Frida Nilsson, about Hattie, who really wants a horse but instead Dad brings home a very grumpy donkey—now Hattie doesn’t only have horse fever, she suddenly catches lying sickness as well.
The Yark by Bertrand Santini and Laurent Gapaillard, for readers who enjoy fairy tales and aren’t afraid of the crunch of bones in a monster’s teeth…
Free Kid to Good Home by Hiroshi Ito, in which a girl with a potato-faced baby brother tries to find a better family—and ends up happily back home.
The Ape Star by Frida Nilsson, the story of Jonna, adopted from the orphanage by a gorilla who lives in a junkyard—and turns out to be the best kind of mother.
