A Lively Midwinter Murder

Katy Watson

IT was supposed to be a spectacular high society Christmas wedding at an ancient castle which stands proudly on a stretch of land between loch and sea in a remote corner of the wild and wonderful west coast of Scotland.

But trouble is brewing, snow is falling thick and fast, and dark secrets and family feuds fester beneath the surface of the celebrations. And when one of the guests is found dead in the snow outside the castle’s family chapel, it will need three amateur sleuths to track down the murderer.   

If you’re looking for that perfect wintertime read, pour yourself a glass of mulled wine and cuddle up with this delightful contemporary murder mystery which dishes up the vibes of the Christmas season and the va-va-voom of the much-loved Golden Age of crime writing. A Lively Midwinter Murder is the fourth wickedly clever book in Katy Watson’s (pictured below) entertaining Three Dahlias debut series which delivers vintage-style mysteries, and stars three rival actresses who have all played fictional 1930s detective Dahlia Lively on screen and are now making a name for themselves as the Three Dahlias and solving real-life murders.

So meet national treasure Rosalind King from the original movies, Caro Hooper, the TV Dahlia for thirteen seasons, and ex-child star Posy Starling who came fresh out of the fame wilderness and took on the Dahlia mantle for a brand new movie.

The three women and their partners have travelled north for what they hoped would be an exciting winter getaway at Dunwick Castle in the the Scottish Highlands where their friend, Libby McKinley, is to marry the new laird, Duncan Alexander, in a special service on Christmas Eve afternoon.

But all is not well at the castle... an unidentified body has washed up on a nearby beach and bride-to-be Libby is nervous after receiving an anonymous warning telling her to leave. And then there’s the long-standing feud between the Alexanders and the Blackwells, and the ‘invisible but inviolable’ line that is drawn between the neighbouring families. When a fierce snowstorm cuts off the castle from the mainland and tensions reach breaking point, the dead body of one of the guests is found in the snow outside the family chapel... a body wearing a wedding dress and a stolen diamond necklace.

The Dahlias had hoped for roaring fires and romance this Christmas but now they are on the trail of a murderer... and if their suspicions are correct, it looks like the wedding may be off. Can the three sleuths save the day, and ensure their friends get a happy ever after?

Watson, who spent her teenage holidays reading paperback Agatha Christies, always dreamt of writing her own crime novel and these delightful Three Dahlias tales – with their addictive mix of satirical humour, devilishly clever plotting and superbly drawn characters – are a dazzling celebration of the Golden Age crime she loved so dearly.

Add on the alluring and atmospheric backdrop of wintertime at a snowed-in castle – a formidable fortress perched uncertainly ‘between earth and water’ – and you have an exquisitely Christmassy setting for this festive feast of vintage-style mystery and murder with a delicious modern twist! Cosy crime with a glitzy, glamorous, seasonal glow!
(Constable, hardback, £16.99)

A Backstage Betrayal

Michael Ball

THERE'S no business like showbusiness especially when it comes to life in the theatre... but when there are dark secrets lurking behind the curtains, the drama isn’t always just on stage.

Take your seats, dim the lights and enjoy the show as singer, actor, presenter, and now author, Michael Ball (pictured below) brings his thirty years of musical theatre wit and wisdom to the second ‘act’ of an exhilarating series played out against the fascinating back and front stage life of a Yorkshire theatre in the Twenties.

Packed with insider knowledge, a dazzling cast of diverse characters, and a plot that would be worthy of any stage performance, The Empire series is turning out to be a theatrical treat that has won a multitude of hearts and plenty of reading encores. Top of the bill are 46-year-old Lady Lillian Lassiter, widowed co-owner of the Empire, her son Jack Treadwell, the manager and erstwhile proprietor, and his playwright wife Grace, and the year is 1926 when times are hard at the theatre in the Yorkshire town of Highbridge.

The post-war period has brought with it a lot of turbulence and Jack, Lillian, and Grace know they need to get things back on track. So what could be better than the annual pantomime and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.

But could Lillian’s new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov of Marakovia, be bringing disaster in his wake, will the Empire get caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star Stella Stanmore, and what are their enemies in Highbridge planning? While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a high-ranking British royal visitor raises the stakes, and a young widow called Sally Blow dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break. But as the contest draws closer, tragedy strikes... it seems that amid the sequins and sparkle there are strange goings-on, and a plot is afoot. Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down, and could this be curtains for the Empire?

The inner workings of the magical world of theatre spring to glorious life in this glitzy, glamorous but also gritty and down-to-earth tour of the majestic Empire and the many and varied people who work to keep the stage lights burning and the show alive and kicking. Ball certainly knows his stuff and it shines through in this mesmerising and authentic portrayal of theatre life as we peer into the backstage ups and downs, tread the boards with the actors, witness the cut-throat nature of theatre management, and follow the staff and players’ personal and professional dramas and dilemmas.

Stars of the show are undoubtedly Jack – whose blood fizzes and thrums to the beat of the theatre –and his feisty wife Grace, the Empire’s young stalwarts whose exuberance and addictive enthusiasm add extra zest to the performance and bring a welcome light to some of the darker corners of the story.

With secrets and scandals, intrigue, glamour and romance, and all the excitement and vibrancy of a theatre with its heroes and villains, there is never a dull moment from curtain rise to the final, action-packed showdown. Indeed, you might say that the Empire has everything a top-notch production requires… the next act can’t come a moment too soon!
(Zaffre, hardback, £20) 

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A feast of fantasy, dazzling sci-fi and the gift of love

Enjoy a master storyteller’s unforgettable adventure set in an epic world of fantasy and realism, inspire the imaginations of young sci-fi fans with a dazzling anthology of retold classic science fiction stories, enjoy an adorable novelty picture book just made for your loved ones, and take flight with a swallow who goes against the flock with a sparkling new selection 

Age 9 plus
Jed Greenleaf
Kieran Larwood and David Wyatt

A BATTLE for power in a magical kingdom becomes an unforgettable adventure in a thrilling standalone novel from master storyteller Kieran Larwood whose imagination is as boundless as the epic worlds he creates. With intriguing references to folklore, and real English history unearthed from the brief Tudor reign of doomed Lady Jane Grey, Larwood’s love affair with nature shines through every dark and delightful corner of this atmospheric story which is filled with fantastical characters and brought to life by the richly detailed illustrations of David Wyatt.

Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly controlled by Lord Cromwell, and strange magic is afoot as six power-hungry Guilds all compete to rule alongside the queen. But hidden plots and secret schemes make the contest unfair and the strongest guilds are about to wipe out the weakest. Although the Leaf Guild is the weakest of them all, no one has reckoned with young orphan Jed Greenleaf who has been adopted by the guild and found to have the extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered over with bark. He just needs to learn how to harness that power before he is thrown into battle for his guild’s survival. Could he be the hero that the Leaf Guild needs to win at the Punchbowl tournament? It just might be that this year Jed can turn over a new leaf in the history books, and bring glory to the decaying guild and peace to Albion.

The top team of Larwood and Wyatt – creators of the hugely popular The World of Podkin One-Ear rabbit world series – work their magic again on this spectacular blend of fantasy and realism as we follow Jed’s blossoming from bullied worrier to fearless warrior. It’s a truly breathtaking adventure, filled with magical oak forests, dastardly villains and sparkling dryads, and starring a hero who – against all odds – finds the courage and determination to right wrongs, fight evil, and win battles. A fabulous feast of fantasy!
(Faber Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Tales from Beyond the Stars: A Collection of Classic Science Fiction Stories
Adam Roberts and Evangeline Gallagher

INSPIRE the imaginations of young sci-fi fans with this dazzling anthology of classic science fiction stories, cleverly retold to make them accessible to children, and brought to life by rich and colourful artwork. Long before humans ventured into outer space, writers spun stories of what might lie in the unknown worlds beyond our planet and speculated about the future. Journey into the mysteries of the universe with striking retellings of seven classic science fiction stories and marvel at the boundless imagination of classic sci-fi writers like H.G. Wells and Mary Shelley. From tales of space exploration to time travellers and alien invaders, this striking anthology – written by award-winning British novelist Adam Roberts and spectacularly illustrated by Baltimore artist Evangeline Gallagher, is the perfect introduction to the world of science fiction. Tales from Beyond the Stars includes The Star by H.G. Wells, Micromegas by Voltaire, The Last Man by Mary Shelley, From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne, Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells and Buck Rogers: Armageddon 2419 AD by Philip Francis Nowlan.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £20)

Age 8 plus
Disney Modern Classics: Lilo & Stitch
Sally Morgan

RELIVE the magic of the Academy Award-nominated Lilo & Stitch with this beautiful hardback gift book featuring an eye-catching foiled cover and a captivating retelling of the animated film. A family favourite, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is one of the best-loved films of contemporary times and now you can discover the paintings, sketches and concept art from the original Walt Disney Animation Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by Fox F. Carney, Manager, Research at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and when readers turn to the back of the book, they can learn more about the artists who worked on this iconic animated film. Disney’s forty-second animated feature film, Lilo & Stitch was released in 2002 and has gone on to become a huge commercial success. A dazzling deluxe gift book that will be treasured by Lilo & Stitch fans of all ages.
(Studio Press, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Disney Dreamlight Valley
The Official Guide
Stephanie Milton

GET creative with this colourful and invaluable official companion to the bestselling Disney Dreamlight Valley game which is a hybrid between a life-sim and an adventure game. It follows players as they decide to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and return to their old rural home, falling asleep in their old backyard play area and entering a dream world as their memories of childhood return. The game is rich with quests, exploration and engaging activities featuring Disney and Pixar friends, both old and new, and this guide is packed with information and tips to help players progress and make the most of their Valley. Learn how to gather resources, earn Star Coins and Dreamlight, work on your friendships, complete mysterious quests and get creative to build a magical Valley for everyone to enjoy. Section One explains everything you need to know about the Valley, its inhabitants, its resources and its secrets, and will show you where to look for rare resources, how to make meals, which gifts will earn you the most friendship points, tried and tested methods for befriending critters and the best ways to earn Star Coins. Section Two is where the fun really begins... it’s full of inspiration to help players landscape, design and decorate their Valley, as well as interior design ideas for the home, and instructions on how to use the Touch of Magic creative tool for clothing and furniture customisation. Including behind-the-scenes details from the game developers, and information about the paid expansion, A Rift In Time, this is the must-have guide for Dreamlight Valley fans.
(Studio Press, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
Disney Stitch: ´Ohana Means
Family: Musings on Everyday Life
Denise Shimabukuro

FIND comfort and calm on a journey of discovery with this beautiful book written by author Denise Shimabukuro who was inspired by cherished memories of a childhood spent in Hawai´i. With themes of friendship, family and togetherness, and with Disney film characters Stitch, Lilo and Nani at the centre of these musings on everyday life, the book celebrates being wrapped by the Aloha Spirit that unites all those living in the islands as one ´ohana. Sharp and sweet as only life can be, Lilo and Stitch’s messages hit hearts with the plainest of truths... let the simple things that really matter be the bond that unites us all. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations of Stitch, Lilo, Nani and their extended, one-of-a-kind ´Ohana, the book journey invites readers to find hope, calm and reassurance within each page. And it’s through the characters’ various attitudes and feelings that readers learn to rediscover the little things in life, the true relationships, the caring for others and the moments you can treasure and remember forever. The perfect gift for your loved ones.
(Studio Press, hardback, £9.99)

Age 6 plus
From The Heart
Samantha Sweeney and Ella Bailey

‘This book is jam-packed full of love – a treasure for us two. It shows how much you mean to me... a gift from me to you!’ 

HEARTS will be melting at this season of giving with an adorable novelty picture book just made for your loved ones from the top team of author Samantha Sweeney and illustrator Ella Bailey. With flaps to write under and pockets to store precious memories, photos and keepsakes, From The Heart can be personalised to create a unique keepsake for special family members or friends. Every page contains interactive elements such as decorative flaps, photo frames and envelopes where you can express your love to make a unique and treasured gift. Bailey’s cute, eye-catching illustrations blend perfectly with Sweeney’s lyrical, rhyming text to convey universal themes of love, friendship and shared memories all within one utterly heartwarming book.  The heartfelt gift of love!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £14.99)

Age 5 plus
Above and Below: Dusk till Dawn
Harriet Evans and Nic Jones

DISCOVER the wonders of nature at night in a spectacular lift-the-flap book full of colour, learning and fun. Young imaginations will be filled with enchantment and curiosity as they travel through the pages of this innovative and entertaining book from inventive publisher Little Tiger Press. Above and Below: Dusk till Dawn offers a stimulating approach to presenting facts and with colourful illustration full of split-page flaps to lift and amazing facts to discover. Journey from the woods at dusk to the lofty Himalayan Mountains and the sweltering deserts, and learn all about the natural world which thrives after the sun goes down. With its gently informative format, the book is full of fascinating facts about the animals and plants which exist in all kinds of climates and habitats, while the split pages allow readers to explore each landscape in a uniquely immersive way. See which night-time wildlife can be found in the open and which stay hidden within their shadowy habitats. Full of Harriet Evans’ bite-sized facts and all brought to vivid life by the enchanting, muted tones of Nic Jones’ beautiful illustrations, this is an exciting and child-friendly way to let youngsters see the world of wildlife at night, and the perfect book for bedtime reading.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
I’ll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile
Kathryn Cristaldi and Kristyna Litten

‘I will love you till forever and forever and more, till my love shakes the jungle with a lion-size ROAR, as night blankets the forest near a soothing waterfall and the chimpanzees sleep in trees, two hundred feet tall….’ 

LOVE shines out from every page of this lyrical and lovely picture book from the creative pairing of author Kathryn Cristaldi and illustrator Kristyna Litten who brought young readers I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home. With its tender tone, gentle humour and bold and colourful illustrations, this story of unconditional love is the perfect cosy and comforting bedtime read... and destined to become a favourite with both adults and children.
(HarperCollins360, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
The Swallow Who Stayed
Philip Giordano and Arielle Aaronson

TAKE flight with a swallow who goes against the flock with this beautiful and emotive picture book which celebrates friendship through the four season and is the work of Tokyo-based illustrator and animator Philip Giordano. Translated by Arielle Aaronson, The Swallow Who Stayed stars a swallow called Iris who decides to chart her own path and makes friends along the way. Iris, a curious swallow, asked the other birds: ‘What happens to the forest when we leave?’ But nobody knows the answer because no swallow had ever stayed long enough to see. And when it’s time for the swallows to fly South for the winter, Iris, who has always wondered what the winter is like, decides to stay. One by one, the leaves fall from the trees and the cold begins to settle. Soon an icy wind blows and big snowflakes tumble from the sky. Maybe staying for the winter was a mistake… until everything changes when Iris stumbles into the home of a squirrel. Giordano’s colourful, geometric artwork perfectly captures the changing seasons and the different skyscapes of morning and at night throughout the year in this heartfelt story which explores the unexpected surprises that can happen when we dare to do something different, and celebrates a friendship that lasts from winter to spring.
(Greystone Kids, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Fifi & Friends: The Super Car Race
Tamara Ecclestone Rutland and Amy Zhing

AN exciting new series celebrating girls and motorsports in a Formula 1 inspired debut picture book series by TV personality and mother-of-two Tamara Ecclestone Rutland, daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group. While everyone loves the idea of a race, Tamara is passionate about teaching the younger generation how everyone should be treated with love and respect no matter their background, ability, gender or hobby. Fifi is a little girl who LOVES nothing more than tinkering about in her go-kart, whether it's fitting a new engine, inflating the tyres or painting it a shiny new pink. With a Super Car Race in the afternoon, Fifi's knowledge is soon put to the test! Can she help her friends before it's too late? Join Fifi & Friends as they whizz around the track and discover what friendship is all about. An action and fun-packed picture book that stars a cast of relatable children, with typically different likes and dislikes, and champions curiosity and determination.
(New Frontier Publishing, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
The Duck Who Came for Dinner
Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dredemy

YOUNGSTERS will love getting their teeth into the fifth tasty picture book in Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy’s heartwarming and hilarious The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series. The Duck Who Came for Dinner sizzles with Smallman’s wit and warmth and French illustrator Dreidemy’s striking and characterful artwork as we meet up again with Wolf, Hotpot the lamb and their pet crocodile Omelette one windy day when a little duck blows into Wolf’s backyard. Wolf and Hotpot call her Apple, and together they nurse her wonky wing back to health. But though she may be small, Apple is one plucky duck and it’s not long before she is flying to their rescue when Hotpot’s kite-flying adventure turns sky high. Smallman’s clever, comical and cautionary tale encourages young readers to challenge stereotypes and expectation and look beyond the surface. The perfect book to share with your own special family and friends!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Always and Only You

Fiona Lucas

GETTING married was supposed to be day one of Erin’s perfect life with long-time love Simon... so why is the wrong bridegroom waiting for her at the end of the church aisle?

Immerse yourself in a wonderfully offbeat and unforgettably romantic story as Fiona Lucas (pictured below) – the award-winning author of contemporary fiction who also writes as Fiona Harper – steals our hearts and lifts our spirits with this rollercoaster journey through a young couple’s troubled past and present.

With an intriguing plot that skips cleverly between two timelines – five years apart – and two principal narrators, Always and Only You explores time-honoured themes like love, loss, grief and second chances, and speaks loudly of the powerful emotions that form the bedrock of human life.

It’s Erin’s big day... the day she has long dreamed about when she marries Simon, the love of her life. Erin – who worked as a stewardess on motor yachts in the Mediterranean until she got engaged – and Simon have been together for eight years so it feels right that they are finally tying the knot.

But the run-up to the wedding day has been stressful as Erin has had to balance the demands of friends with similar demands from Simon’s large and sprawling family... and that’s without mentioning Simon’s close friend and difficult best man, Gil.

Erin finds Gil moody and rude but Anjali, Erin’s best friend and chief bridesmaid, reckons he’s just ‘brooding’ and ‘the strong and silent type.’ It doesn’t help that Erin recognises that her personal dislike for Gil is based on the fact that he sees the things she hates most about herself, ‘the petty, imperfect things,’ the things that she is desperately trying to erase.

Despite all the frustrations of the pre-wedding build-up, Erin couldn’t be happier... couldn’t be happier, that is, until she walks down the church aisle and finds the wrong man waiting for her. Is the universe playing a cruel trick on her, or could it be that her perfect life isn’t quite what she imagined? And could the wrong man be the right one for Erin after all?

Dark secrets bubble beneath the surface of this gripping and beautifully crafted tale which stars an exquisitely drawn cast of characters – from Erin and her scatterbrained but lovable best friend Anjali to Simon and his glowering long-time pal Gil – and transports us from unimaginable heartbreak to hope and a new chance of happiness.

Written with the insight and tenderness we have come to expect from this perceptive author, and touching on themes of family, friendship and building a new life after trauma, this is a story of love, written with love... and guaranteed to be loved by all true romantics!
(HQ, paperback, £9.99)

The stories behind famous style icons

Discover the fascinating histories behind some of the world’s most famous style brands – Dr. Martens boots, sports brand Nike, and luxury jeweller Bulgari – in three pocket-sized books full of stunning photographs and intriguing facts

Street Style: Dr. Martens
A visual history of the iconic brand
Jian DeLeon

DISCOVER the story of Dr. Martens, from its beginnings in 1901 as a producer of sturdy work boots to its position as a cultural icon synonymous with individuality and self-expression. Written by podcast host and author Jian DeLeon, and packed with photographs and information covering the company’s entire history, the book looks back at the cushioned designs and campaigns that made Dr. Martens the symbolic fashion statement they are today. Learn about Dr. Martens’ origins as a work boot worn by postmen and factory workers and how the iconic boot was picked up by the rebellious ska and punk movement as a symbol of working class pride. Find out how Dr. Martens became the go-to fashion piece for self-expression in the music industry, from 60s ska to 70s glam and goth to 90s grunge and 2000s emo. With an exploration of everything from Second World War German Army Dr. Klaus Maertens’ invention of the air-cushioned sole (created to ease his own foot injury after a skiing accident) to the brand’s 2003 partnerships with high fashion designers, this is the perfect gift for fans of the famous boot.

Street Style: Nike
A visual history of the iconic brand

Gerald Flores

GET in step with the story of Nike, best known for the trademark swoosh adorning the side of their sneakers and clothing, and discover its beginnings in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports to its current position as the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. Packed with photographs and information covering the company’s entire history, the book – written by sneakers culture connoisseur Gerald Flores – explores the ground-breaking designs and campaigns that made Nike such a significant player in the street style and sports industry. Learn about Nike’s Japanese origins and how founder Bill Bowerman created the popular Tiger Cortez shoe in 1967 and how the name Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory, and the iconic logo were born. Find out about the major moments in history that shaped Nike’s journey, including the phenomenal endorsement deal with Michael Jordan which spawned the line of Air Jordan sneakers... perhaps the world’s most well-known shoe! With an exploration of everything from the brand’s endorsements from high-profile athletes such as Serena Williams, Tiger Woods and Cristiano Ronaldo to its innovations in sports-technology, this intriguing book would be an ideal gift for sport and fashion lovers.

Bulgari: The Story Behind the Style
Rachael Taylor

AND eyes will sparkle at this stunning, handbag-sized visual history of Bulgari, one of the world’s most iconic jewellery designers. Packed with photographs and information covering the company’s entire history, the book – written by freelance jewellery journalist Rachael Taylor – explores how the luxury jeweller, best known for its gold products, was founded in Rome by a talented Greek silversmith, how the refurbishment of the flagship store in Rome resulted in a significant turning point for the brand and how it became a magnet for the stars. Marvel at the world-famous diamonds Bulgari has been custodian for, learn about the origins of iconic designs like the Serpenti and Giardinetto ranges, and explore the company's expansion into other lifestyle products like bags, sunglasses, perfumes... and even hotels. A glittering gift for jewellery lovers!
(Studio Press, hardback, £13.99 each)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Silly questions, epic gaming and a grisly murder

Enjoy a coruscating cornucopia of laughter, learning and questions, take a fascinating journey through fifty years of epic role-play game Dungeons & Dragons, prepare to be whisked away to a murderous birthday party, and discover some of our best-loved flowers, trees, animals and birds in an autumn selection of new children’s books

Age 8 plus
There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question:
213 Weird Questions,
Expertly Answered!
Mike Rampton and Guilherme Karsten

OPEN the pages of this coruscating cornucopia of laughter and learning, and discover the answers to some of your silliest but serious questions! In an inspired partnership between publisher Nosy Crow and the University of Cambridge, the book boffins have created a brilliantly simple question-and-answer format and transformed it into something special through the perfect pairing of author Mike Rampton’s witty writing style and Guilherme Karsten’s endearing and entertaining colour illustrations. Fact-checked by world-leading experts from across Cambridge University, the book is not just funny but factually accurate and up-to-date, and covers a range of subjects from science, technology, engineering and mathematics to evolution, zoology and social history.

Did you know that there is no set number of bones in the human body, or that most babies are born with around 300 bones but, by the time they’ve grown up, they usually have between 206 and 213. And have you ever wondered whether dinosaurs sneezed, if spiders ever get caught in their own webs, why there are so many types of dog, what fire is made of, what eyebrows are for, how astronauts go to the toilet, who invented chocolate, what’s the largest number in the world, and how penguins tell each other apart? The answers, and lots of other fascinating facts, are all in this dazzling book which expertly provides answers to 213 of the most unusual, interesting and, yes, silly questions you never thought to ask about the world... which means there’s one for at least every bone in your body! From the wild to the wacky and the downright weird, this wonderful gift book is a magical mix of imagination, entertainment and information, and guaranteed to inspire curious youngsters to ask their own questions... however silly they might seem!
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £18.99)

Age 9 plus
Dungeons & Dragons Museum
Hasbro International Inc.

WELCOME all adventurers! Take a seat and prepare to enjoy a fun and fascinating journey through fifty years of Dungeons & Dragons, the epic fantasy role-playing game that became a success right across the world. Unsurprisingly, D&D is often referred to as the single most influential game of all time and now you can step inside the pages of this new addition to the brilliant Welcome to the Museum series and discover a specially curated collection of rarely seen artwork showcasing the key moments in the game’s long history. During its fifty years of existence, Dungeons & Dragons has impacted everything from the wider gaming industry and its most prevalent streamers to popular TV series like Stranger Things. Illustrated throughout with amazing images, this exciting museum tour captures each stage of the game’s evolution, from its inception in 1974 to the critically acclaimed 2023 movie Honour Among Thieves and the release of Baldur’s Gate III in the same year. Discover how D&D grew out of the wargaming scene in the 1970s and continued to innovate and reincarnate to ensure it remained the definitive tabletop game whilst simultaneously branching out into all other forms of media, from cartoons to books. Readers will love learning about D&D’s evolution over multiple editions and discovering how the game cast a spell over an ever-expanding fan base. Packed with fantastic colour illustrations and intriguing facts, this beautiful gift book is a must-have for gaming fans of every age.
(Studio Press, hardback, £25)

Age 12 plus
The World Between the Rain
Susan Cahill

COPING with loss and grief is hard enough for adults but for young people, it can too often be a time of confusion, bewildering sadness and anger. It is also a topic hard to handle in children’s novels but Susan Cahill, an author who grew up by the sea in West Cork, Ireland, tackles this emotive topic head on in a deeply moving and haunting fantasy thriller about grief and letting go of the demons inside yourself. Marina has vanished to a world of gods and demons just when her family need her most. It’s the week before Halloween and Marina is about to turn thirteen. Her father died a year ago while her mother has strangely fallen asleep and no one can wake her. She is sent to live with her mysterious grandmother, Ursula, who tells her that that you can enter a strange world between the ever falling rain in the west of Ireland. And when she falls between the raindrops, Marina enters Ishka, a haunting watery world full of strange creatures, demons and gods. Meanwhile, in our world, a strange sleeping sickness has taken over. Can Marina escape the World Between the Rain and get back to save her family? With the ethereal illustrations of Holly Ovenden bringing extra pathos and atmosphere to Marina’s magical experiences, Cahill’s unforgettable and heart-rending coming-of-age tale of friendship, survival, courage and a dream-devouring monster unfolds through a miasma of enthralling magic and mystery. Storytelling at its best...
(Everything With Words, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
Portal of Chaos: Adventure Gamebooks
Simon Tudhope and Tom Knight

CHOICES, choices… do you dare to blast off on an epic adventure where your survival depends on the decisions you make? Author Simon Tudhope grew up with the fantasy gamebooks of the 1980s and his memories of the dark, enthralling gameworlds, and the chance to set off on an adventure not knowing what dangers lie ahead, inspired him to write his own… and the result is this brilliantly illustrated gamebook series where YOU are the hero. Portal of Chaos is the new classic ‘choose your own story’ book in the series and is packed with exciting challenges and features choices and decision-making which will delight thrill-seeking youngsters who want to put their own skills and imagination into play. Fabulously illustrated by Tom Knight, these atmospheric and engrossing gamebooks plunge readers into a story with a difference… one where you can learn to master the exciting combat system by rolling a dice and testing your picture puzzle solving skills.

In this new mission, you’re a bounty hunter and NOT a hero because in your line of work, heroes don’t last long. But now you’ve been given a mission you can’t refuse. Make it out alive, and you'll never need to work again. Fail, and, well... you’ll never need to work again. And so, staring up at the stars from the cockpit of your spaceship, you blast off on an epic adventure where every choice is yours, and your survival depends upon the decisions you make. Who to fight? Who to trust? In a book where nothing is as it seems, you find yourself grappling with forces beyond your darkest dreams. And you realise it’s not just your fate hanging in the balance. No, the universe needs a hero... and like it or not, that hero is you! Full of puzzles to solve and choices to make, each one leading to different adventures and endings, Portal of Chaos brings together a thrilling story full of emotion and humour, richly detailed illustrations, ingenious picture puzzles, and a fascinating dice-based combat system with a QR code to an online dice-roller. A full-on adventure full of chases, challenges and choices that is guaranteed to keep youngsters – and particularly reluctant readers – gripped from beginning to end!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Murder! By Narwhal!
Alex T. Smith

FIRST off, here’s a clue to the brilliance of a funny and fantastic new murder mystery series... it’s written and illustrated by none other than the ingenious Alex T. Smith, internationally bestselling creator of Claude and Mr Penguin. Murder! By Narwhal! is the first adventure of Smith’s cosy new Grimacres Whodunnit crime series and marks his impressive arrival into the popular middle-grade market. Brimming with his trademark bold and richly detailed illustrations, this playful, tongue-in-cheek crime caper is guaranteed to steal the hearts of readers young and old. So get ready to be whisked away to the country estate of tyrannical family patriarch Sir Ignatious Gristle who is murdered on his 90th birthday... and 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 eleven-year-old granddaughter, the Honourable Edna Gristle, and her trusted tortoise, Charles Darwin, to determine whodunnit! Can Edna and Charles Darwin discover who killed her horrible grandfather before the killer strikes again? Smith gives youngsters a verbal and visual treat with a fast-paced plot, packed full of weird suspects, head-scratching clues and page-turning twists, and starring the quirkiest cast of characters this side of grisly Grimacres... and all brought to glorious life by his extraordinary illustrations. Murderously exhilarating!
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Feather, Flower, Forest, Fur
Celebrating The Nature That Surrounds Us
Sarah Walden, Caroline Rowlands, Kelsey Collins, Claire LeFevre, Mary Atwood and Claudine Rose

TAKE an unforgettable journey through nature with this sumptuous gift book which features over 120 pages of stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about some of the best-loved flowers, trees, animals and birds of the northern hemisphere. Wander through verdant forests of trees, spot popular feathered friends as they flit from bush to bush, delight in the springtime blossoms of hedgerows and meadows, and catch a glimpse of our favourite native wildlife. Written by Sarah Walden and Caroline Rowlands, and lavishly illustrated by Kelsey Collins, Claire LeFevre, Mary Atwood and Claudine Rose, Feather, Flower, Forest, Fur is part spotter’s guide, part folklore, part recipe book and part literary reference. All the family will enjoy poring over each beautifully created entry – including 23 stunning animals, 51 fabulous birds, 75 fascinating plants and 44 majestic trees – whilst learning about and celebrating the power of nature. The perfect armchair exploration of our wild and wonderful world!
(Noodle Juice, hardback, £18.99)

Age 6 plus
Ballet Besties: Indu’s Time to Shine
Yasmine Naghdi, Chitra Soundar
and Paula Franco

PUT on your dancing shoes and pirouette your way into the Shimmer & Shine dance studio where the ballet besties are ready to put on a show! Indu’s Time to Shine is the second book of a heartwarming and inclusive series from Yasmine Naghdi, a Principal with the Royal Ballet, storyteller and author Chitra Soundar, and Argentinian illustrator Paula Franco. Brimming with rich and authentic detail about the world of ballet, and brought to vibrant life by Franco’s enchanting artwork, this is a super series that puts young ballet fans in a spin. Indu loves learning ballet at Shimmer & Shine, her local community dance school. Unlike her friends, she doesn’t want to be a principal dancer when she grows up and she’s a bit scared of being on stage. But it’s still one of her favourite hobbies... until Miss Diamond announces that this term they will be putting on a performance of Cinderella! Suddenly everyone is talking about what lead role they want and how fun it will be to dance for an audience, leaving Indu feeling nervous and left out. What role will she audition for? Will her friends understand her worries and will she ever be able to conquer her stage fright? By featuring characters of all ages, genders, ethnicities and body size, the exuberant Ballet Besties adventures break down the traditional idea of what a ballet dancer looks like and bring the joy of classical ballet to young readers. Dancing delights for everyone!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
The Woodland Explorers Club: Shyla’s Wood Wide Web
Ewa Jozefkowicz and Gillian Flint  

AS the nation’s woodlands prepare for the changes wrought by the autumn and winter seasons, discover the wonders of nature in the new adventure of an exciting forest school series from Waterstones Prize shortlisted author Ewa Jozefkowicz. Brimming with friendship, adventure and learning through nature, these inspirational stories – with Gillian Flint’s fun illustrations on every page – feature the Woodland Explorers who solve mysteries and protect the animals of Willow Wish Woods. At Forest School, the Woodland Explorers – Benji, Shyla, Ajay, Trix, Fujiko and Eric – are learning about fungi and how it connects trees underground in a huge network known as the Wood Wide Web. When Shyla is given her grandmother’s binoculars for her birthday, she discovers mushrooms growing in a circle, called a pixie ring. Suddenly her eyes are opened to a whole new world... and Willow Wish Woods’ magical woodland creatures show Shyla how to spread the word about protecting the forest. With magic, mystery, forest school fun, a whole natural world to explore, and the added bonus of outdoor activities to try out, youngsters will be pulling on their wellies and heading for the great outdoors!
(Zephyr, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Message in the Mooncake
Sapphire Chow and Xiaojie Liu

A POPULAR folktale dating back 800 years to China’s Yuan Dynasty is brought to vivid life in an exciting and colourful picture book retelling by the late Sapphire Chow who grew up in Southeast Asia but emigrated to Canada where she embarked on her author journey. Starring a young girl who plays a part in resisting the Mongolian occupation, Message in the Mooncake is brought to life by the atmospheric artwork of Xiaojie Liu, an award-winning illustrator based in New York. Su-Ling and her family live in a small village where the Mongols have invaded and made life very difficult for them. But the villagers are clever and, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a plan to revolt against the Mongols begins to form with a message tucked into the festival mooncakes... ‘On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, on the day of the full moon, commence attack at midnight.’ The guards will be suspicious of adults so Su-Ling is their only chance. She will have to use her wit and courage to deliver the message inside the mooncakes to her uncle and grandmother... without getting caught by the Mongol guards. Chow’s inspirational story of bravery in adversity is filled with a lyrical beauty and youngsters will be fascinated to learn more about mooncakes, the history of the Mongol invasion, and the original ancient legend in notes at the end of the book. Picture book magic!
(Barefoot Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Body Detective! Decode
Your Sensory Signals
Janet Krauthamer and Christiane Engel

UNDERSTANDING your feelings isn’t easy when you’re a very young child so empower your youngsters with this beautiful, large-format board book which playfully and accessibly explores the human body’s signals. Written by occupational therapist Janet Krauthamer and colourfully illustrated by Christiane Engel, Body Detective! uses revealing pull-tabs, clear explanations, lift-the-flaps and mindful activities to help children to identify and name what they’re feeling. The body and brain send signals back and forth all day and night, and decoding your sensory signals – or interoception – lies at the heart of this interactive book. So be a body detective and learn – through playful riddles and questions – that you’re hungry when your tummy makes funny noises, thirsty when your mouth and throat feel dry and sticky and cold when goosebumps appear on your skin. Pull the tabs and lift the flaps to reveal answers to the playful riddles and find out more information about interoception and feelings at the end of the book. The perfect way to make learning fun!
(Barefoot Books, board book, £10.99)

Age 3 plus
All Aboard the Bedtime Bus
Karl Newson and Tim Budgen

ENGINE on, lights aglow, PJs ready... away we go! Little ones will be fully on board with this gorgeous bedtime picture book that is guaranteed to transport sleepy heads all the way to dreamland. Cleverly created by multi-award-winning children’s book author Karl Newson and freelance illustrator Tim Budgen, All Aboard the Bedtime Bus features an infectious song that mirrors each step in a typical bedtime routine and is ideal for helping tired parents deal with bedtime battles. Roll up, roll up and join the bus driver and all his sleepy passengers as they go on a magical bus journey to bedtime. Travel from stop to stop, brushing your teeth at Snoozyville, reading bedtime stories at Sleepy Town and, finally, snoring along at Slumber Land. It’s a winning combination just perfect for getting your little ones ready for bed, and helping to gently soothe them into the land of nod. Next stop... bedtime!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Don’t Eat Granny
Gillian McClure

‘Red Hoodie is going to visit Granny in her bag.
Red Hoodie has a cake, cookies and candy.’

PUNCTUATION can be confusing for younger children learning grammar... putting your full stops and commas in the wrong place can completely change the meaning of a sentence. So put fun into learning how to use punctuation marks with a delightful picture book from Gillian McClure, an author and illustrator with a Primary Teaching Diploma whose career has spanned four decades. Don’t Eat Granny – a clever and comical twist on the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood – stars the far more cool and contemporary Red Hoodie who is trying to write a story about herself, her granny and a wolf, but some of her punctuation is wrong and consequently her sentences take on a different meaning. Oh dear, her story is getting out of control and it hasn’t ended happily for granny! Who will help her? Four little punctuation characters arrive on the page but soon they are caught up in the action, too! Packed full of punctuation jokes, wordplay and McClure’s entertaining artwork, this is the perfect book for mischievous youngsters who are learning the first four punctuation marks.
(Plaister Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3
Moon Mouse
Corrinne Averiss and Lorna Hill

ENJOY a beautiful tale of tears, laughter and an unexpected friendship with a heartfelt and imaginative picture book from Corrinne Averiss, the multi-award-winning author of My Pet Star, and prize-winning illustrator Lorna Hill. Moon Mouse lives far out in space with only his garden and his ideas for company. Mouse loves his moon home but sometimes, when he spies a birthday party on Earth through his telescope, he finds himself wishing he could join in with the fun. Then one day, a birthday balloon floats away from a birthday boy and up, up, up... all the way to Moon Mouse’s garden! Will Mouse find the courage to leave the comfort and security of his home to discover what it means to make a friend? Hill’s exquisitely emotive and stylish artwork blends sublimely with Averiss’s magical, rhyming adventure as young readers are transported on an epic journey to the moon and back, and discover the joys of friendship, kindness and bravery along the way.
(Orchard Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Our World: Philippines
Zewlan Moor and Happy Garaje

LITTLE ones are transported to faraway countries in two new bright and colourful board books in Barefoot Books’ educational Our World series for very young readers. In Our World: Philippines, youngsters are greeted with the words Magandang umaga! Come along for a day in the Philippines... ride the unicorn jeepney, stop by the sari sari, and cool off with sweet halo halo. 

Filipino author Zewlan Moor and illustrator team Happy Garaje draw on their own lived experiences to create this beautiful, playful story which includes educational endnotes about life in the Philippines. And in Our World: Pakistan, written by Rumaisa Bilal and illustrated by Nez Riaz, the greeting is Subah bakhair! Come along for a day in Pakistan. Choose a salwar kameez, ride the driverless train, and taste sweet and sour falsa. These delightful books offer real insights into the culture of a country and resonate with children all over the world. Bold artwork, a vibrant text and relatable topics make them appealing to the youngest readers as well as introducing basic vocabulary and pronunciation guides.
(Barefoot Books, board books, £7.99 each)

The Good Liars

Anita Frank

IT'S not just the First World War that casts a long shadow over the lives of the Stilwell family at their rundown Tudor home, Darkacre Hall, in 1920… secrets from the past are coming back to haunt them and the consequences will be deadly.

Anita Frank (pictured below) – who impressed both readers and critics with her stunning, award-winning debut novel, The Lost Ones, and followed up that success story with the piercingly insightful The Return – sweeps us away to a rural enclave in the raw aftermath of wartime, a claustrophobic place where old sins resurface, the scars of battle have not yet healed, and the pain of strife and terrible loss still stalks every dwelling.

Written in Frank’s impeccable, descriptive prose, and tingling with the atmospherics that have become a hallmark of her novels, The Good Liars explores a compelling and complex family whose standing in the local community has suffered from changing times and past events, along with the slings and arrows of wartime, tragedy, grief... and guilt.

In August of 1914, the disappearance of 17-year-old Bobby Higgins is overshadowed by looming war. Six years later, Detective Sergeant Verity arrives at Darkacre Hall armed with new evidence regarding the boy’s case. A witness has suggested that the boy was at Darkacre on the day he disappeared, throwing the spotlight firmly upon the Stilwell family who no longer command the respect they once took for granted.

Even Darkacre’s grandeur has faded and the hall is now a place where the day’s ‘wan light’ fails to penetrate and instead, ‘seems to hover outside the vast windows, uncertain of its welcome.’ It is home to brothers Maurice and Leonard Stilwell, Maurice’s wife Ida, and the debonair Victor Monroe, a ‘house guest’ who has lived at Darkacre since boyhood and still lingers there ‘like a cuckoo in the nest.’ Leonard, who lost three limbs on the Western front, is confined to a wheelchair and has ‘sadness emanating’ from him while his older brother Maurice’s life is blighted by shell-shock and night terrors. Ida, meanwhile, longs for the lost days of privilege and parties and is looking forward to the arrival of Sarah Hove, a much-needed new housekeeper from Brighton.

As Verity digs further into the events of that final halcyon summer six years ago, he uncovers a viper’s nest of secrets that will change the whole aspect of the case. And as he does so, Darkacre Hall becomes an unlikely battlefield... one that not all of its residents will survive.

Frank works her special storytelling magic on this gripping and emotionally charged tale, set in the painful aftermath of war when families were still reeling from not just the loss of loved ones but also caring for those whose injuries are both seen and unseen. At the centre of the story is the pivotal mystery of missing teenager Bobby Higgins, his links to Darkacre Hall, and the hunt for the truth of his disappearance in the dying days of summer in 1914. And riding the storm that rages outdoors, and the seemingly impenetrable tempest of lies that surrounds the dark and brooding Stilwell household, is the doggedly determined detective Verity.

With each unique and fascinating character exquisitely drawn, Frank’s piercing psychological insight guiding us deep into the heart and soul of a damaged and secretive family, several breathtaking twists and turns, and a thrilling thread of supernatural pulsing through the action, The Good Liars sees this gifted author at the top of her game.
(HQ, paperback, £9.99)

Steel Girls in the Blitz

Michelle Rawlins

AS war rages and bombs start to fall on Sheffield in the autumn of 1940, the brave women who are helping to keep the wheels turning at the vital Vickers steelwork factory must rally together in the face of danger, heartbreak and unbearable loss.

Inspired by her research into the real-life stories of the women who worked in the factories that lined the River Don during the Second World War, Michelle Rawlins (pictured below) sweeps us back into the trials, triumphs and tragedies of a group of plucky Vickers friends.

Working relentless and exhaustingly long shifts in windowless factories amidst deafening noise and dangerous conditions was a huge culture shock for many of these women who had walked through factory doors for the first time.

Steel Girls in the Blitz is the fifth book in this much-loved series and once again highlights the hardships, strength and resilience of the Vickers workers as they took on risky jobs like driving cranes or toiling in the red-hot conditions of the foundries, and made sacrifices day in and day out.

And as we meet up again with the now familiar group of crane drivers, we discover that the Luftwaffe’s Blitz is about to reach Sheffield. Despite the obvious perils that surround them, Hattie’s fiancé John has told her to get a marriage licence for their wedding at a local church as he is due weekend leave from his mortar-bomb training at Salisbury Plain.

But another war is brewing for Hattie at home...  a battle between her mother and her dad over his drunken episodes. Vinnie spends every penny that Hattie and her mum earn and Hattie is desperate to help her mother in any way she can. With a sea of domestic woes mounting up, she is going to need the help of her Vickers factory friends.

Meanwhile Betty – always the first to help anyone in need – is overjoyed to learn that her fiancé William will be coming home to complete his training as an RAF pilot but when the bombs start to fall, she fears he may be in greater danger than ever.

And young Patty, who has been forced to grow up by witnessing the atrocities of war, has never been prouder of her sweetheart Archie than in his role as an Air Raid Warden. But having seen the true cost of war, is Archie struggling more than Patty could ever imagine? As the bombs rain down on Sheffield, and with heartbreak on the horizon, can the steel girls find shelter in each other and hold on to the hope that they so desperately need?

Brimming with the emotional intensity and ever-present dangers, fears and uncertainties of wartime, this new chapter for the gutsy Steel Girls in the Blitz delivers all the nostalgia, drama, warmth and sense of family, friendship and community that makes Rawlins’ sagas such a reading delight.

Based on the author’s mantra that ‘it’s always the most ordinary people who have the most extraordinary stories,’ this is an impeccably researched and richly evocative series filled with good old Yorkshire humour, the awe-inspiring courage of the Sheffield factory women, and provides a window on to what it was like to live, love and work through the long, hard years of wartime.
(HQ, paperback, £8.99)