CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Skeleton staff, an epic voyage and a summer school

Meet a scatty skeleton tasked with guarding the gates of the Underworld, set sail on an epic voyage alongside the Greek king Odysseus, head off to the wilds of Scotland for an unforgettable summer holiday, and enjoy having your spine well and truly chilled by a tale of two pals with a deadly mystery to solve in a sizzling selection of June children’s books

Age 9 plus
Bone Head: Guardian of the Underworld
Jamie Gregory

HOW do you fancy a duel with a molten-goo-belching blogg… or how about dog-sitting Hades’ ferocious three-headed hellhound Cerberus? If laughing like hell tickles your funny bone, descend into the Underworld inhabited by Bone Head, star of a laugh-out-loud, high energy, fully illustrated debut from author and illustrator Jamie Gregory. Billed as delivering the chaos and anarchy of Bunny vs Monkey meets the diary format of Loki and the sparring character dynamics of Blackadder, this two-colour trip to the gates of hell is guaranteed to keep reluctant readers on side.

The Underworld is a dangerous place. It’s fiercely fiery and there are marauding dragons and all sorts of other critters you wouldn’t want to run into. Demise, aka Bone Head, isn’t bothered about any of this. Why? Because he’s a skeleton guardian of the underworld… and not just any guardian. He thinks he’s the BEST and is determined to prove it... with catastrophic results. Demise just wants to impress his Big Boss, Hades, god of the underworld. Problem is, Hades barely knows he exists. After an attempt to get attention backfires horribly, causing the gates of Hades’ castle to disintegrate, Demise and his supervisor, Mort, are demoted to dog-sitting duty. And the dog in question? Cerberus, the famously ferocious three-headed dog of the underworld. What could possibly go wrong with two creatures made out of bones trying to keep a massive mythological dog under control? With laughs guaranteed on every page, this devilishly funny romp is a MUST for reluctant readers who like their stories to come with a healthy dose of chaos, lots of illustrations, and an anti-hero they can quickly learn to love! Wickedly unmissable…
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling
Liv Albert and Hazim Asif

WELCOME to the complex, sometimes confusing, but utterly electrifying world of Homer’s Odyssey, a tale of Greek mythology that encapsulates everything from danger and heroics to witches, gods, man-eating giants, ghosts and bloodthirsty drama! This magnificent, all-action retelling of the epic voyage of the Greek king Odysseus by self-proclaimed Greek myth nerd and host of the Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast, Liv Albert, springs to stunning life through the rich and atmospheric colour illustrations of Hazim Asif and is guaranteed to spark the imaginations of young adventure-lovers. Set sail across the sea and follow the courageous, catastrophic, and sometimes downright gruesome tales of Odysseus as he travels home after the Trojan War. It’s a story of trickery, lies and perseverance as Odysseus is tested to the limits by the Cyclops, sirens, and lots of meddling, angry gods. And along the way, discover Odysseus, the complex hero, as this fresh perspective reveals a man who did many great things but just as many bad, and was famous throughout Ancient Greece for being clever, creative… and the most talented liar of all time. Littered with historical facts, maps, and character profiles, Albert brings all of her knowledge to this ultimate adventure of survival, families and deception, creating a definitive version of The Odyssey and making the Greek myths accessible and fun for young readers. A fabulous gift book to love and treasure.
(DK Children, hardback, £18.99)

Age 9 plus
The Children of Wolf Rock
Natasha Farrant

STPRMY Loch Academy is a very special place and it’s about to change the lives of three children forever… head off to the wilds of Scotland for an unforgettable summer holiday that will cast its spell over you from first page to last! Costa-winning author, queen of outdoor adventures and master storyteller Natasha Farrant brings youngsters a gloriously immersive and exciting story that doesn’t just capture the imagination but makes its way straight to your heart. High in the mountains of western Scotland, there is a loch, and on its shores there is a castle, and in that castle there is a school… Stormy Loch Academy is like no other teaching establishment. For one, its headmaster, Major Fortescue, believes in sharing the beauty of the world with his students, so that they will have the courage to fight for it. For Minna, Kass and Tom it proves to be the safe haven from their chaotic home lives, giving them all a chance to breathe freely, and to roam the valleys and lakes on their doorstep. But then they come across Addie, an older ex-student, hiding out in the wild, with only her guitar and her dog for company. At first they believe her stories, but when she goes missing, the lies she has told start to emerge. With Addie at risk, Minna, Kass and Tom must travel to London to uncover her past. The journey is dangerous, especially for those so young. But these are the children of Stormy Loch, and bravery and adventure runs through their bones…

Farrant excels at scene setting and the alluring academy is the perfect atmospheric backdrop for this thrilling adventure which explores the sheer power and beauty of nature, the hidden courage that we all possess, and the rewards of unexpected friendships.  Both enthralling and life-affirming, The Children of Wolf Rock is destined to be this summer’s hottest read!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Soul Feeder
Jennifer Killick and Marina Vidal

PREPARE to have your spine well and truly chilled as queen of chills-and-thrills Jennifer Killick – author of the spine-chilling Dread Wood and Crater Lake series – harnesses all those super-spooky vibes that kids love... horrors galore, supernatural terror, and two pals with a deadly mystery to solve. Horror stories are what Killick does best and Soul Feeder, featuring two boys trapped and alone in a vast warehouse with a soul-feeding demon, delivers menace, malevolence and mystery in bucketloads. Caiden and his best friend Sam are used to coming across some pretty weird stuff while helping Caiden’s dad in his house-clearing business. But they’ve never seen anything like the grotesque mounted heads of bizarre, other-worldly creatures they find in what was Sasha Kinski’s home. It’s clear that something awful has happened here, and it’s not over yet. Alone at the company warehouse that evening, the boys make the terrifying discovery that they have brought an uninvited evil passenger back with them from Miss Kinski’s house. With their very souls in peril, can Caiden and Sam unravel the mystery in time to save themselves? Published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, and with the atmospheric illustrations of Marina Vidal, Killick pumps up the action and lets loose her vivid imagination on this feast of frights. Best read before dark!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Creepy Araminta
Anne Fine and Emily Jones

A YOUNG girl takes home more than she had bargained for when she visits a charity shop in a super-spooky tale from distinguished author Anne Fine, a twice winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal. With the black-and-white illustrations of Emily Jones adding extra atmosphere and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this is the perfect read for reluctant readers hooked on eerie adventures. Jess is delighted when she visits the local charity shop and finds the perfect picture to cover up a dirty mark on her bedroom wall. The beautiful portrait of a girl with tumbling red hair is exactly the right size to cover the muddy mark, and she doesn’t even have to pay for it because the previous owner brought it back without asking for her money back! But when she hangs the painting in her room, Jess is tormented by disturbing nightmares featuring Araminta from the portrait. Her mum thinks Jess is making it all up, but she’s in for a shock when she experiences the power of the painting for herself… Young readers will relish the sinister undertones in this easy-to-read and wickedly weird story!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The Othernauts
Clare Pollard and Macha Yao

IF you’re looking for a truly epic (and hilarious!) adventure this summer, climb aboard the Argo and join an epic quest for a golden rug (oops, make that a fleece not a rug)! Youngsters will love this voyage with a wacky gang of heroes in Clare Pollard’s laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, complete with a fresh and funny twist, and French-British artist Macha Yao’s lively illustrations. Meet Phoebe… she’s eleven years old and desperate to escape the boring island of Lemnos where she lives. Enter the Argonauts… a crew of so-called heroes on a quest to grab the golden fleece. Before Phoebe can think better of it, she boards the ship and stows away on the Argo. But the Argonauts have their work cut out. From attacking harpies and deadly whirlpools to giant sea monsters and skeleton armies, there is peril at every turn. Fortunately, the Othernauts are on hand… though with Phoebe’s unhelpful prophecies, Perry’s unreliable shape-shifting skills and Cora the siren’s headache-inducing singing, it’s not quite clear exactly how much help these kids will be. Do the Othernauts have what it takes to get the Argo and its motley crew back to safety in one piece? Pollard brings her sense of fun and delightful way with words to this madcap retelling of a favourite, timeless tale which will inspire youngsters to broaden their reading and discover more of the legendary and action-packed adventures of the ancients.
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The Game Changers
Helen Rutter and Jorge De La Paz

HAVE you got what it takes to beat The Game? Test your skills with The Game Changers, a fun and exciting interactive story book from Helen Rutter, an acclaimed author, comedienne and one time jobbing actress in Coronation Street and Holby City. Young readers will love heading off to an exciting summer camp where they will make new friends, build resilience and test their limits! Take your place in a team of five with strangers, no screens and no shortcuts. Everyone starts from scratch and has to make friends and find a way to the finish line together. Tig has been packed off to Game Camp to gain confidence but is immediately wary of the other team members… bossy and ultra-competitive Maya, intense Joni, grumpy screen-addicted Frank and quiet, sporty Jake. They are all so different but they must find a way to work together. Join them as they embark on a series of physical and mental challenges, with Tig (and therefore the reader!) choosing the path. When the team start noticing strange things happening around them in the woods – ghostly noises, wild weather and suspicious-looking Game Camp staff – they uncover a mystery to solve. Will you lead the team to victory, or into chaos? And will they all find out a lot about their true selves during the process? Expect to make choices for the team throughout this story because you are in charge of the Game! With multiple pathways for kids to follow, mysteries to solve and Jorge De La Paz’s lively illustrations, this is fun within a highly engaging format… Sliding Doors for a young audience!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
The Animal Detectives: Solve Nature’s Wildest Mysteries
Moira Butterfield and Merle Goll

DISCOVER the truth behind nature’s most puzzling behaviour in this colourful and comical collection of over 20 detective-themed case files. Written by Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Merle Goll, The Animal Detectives invites readers to step into the shoes of an investigator and join animal detectives Harriet Whiskerton and Vince Van Shell as they explore the natural world and examine its suspicious behaviour! Who or what is keeping everyone awake at night and disturbing the peace? Who is responsible for the burglary at the beach café? And who left a stinky surprise in the park, vandalising the lovely scenery? Each case invites readers to learn amazing facts about animals and their habitats, while uncovering the science behind each crime. From tropical beaches and lush forests to urban streets and even the depths of the ocean, kids can explore a range of animals and their habitats. This engaging educational reference book encourages young readers to think like a detective in order to discover the secrets of the animal kingdom. Included in the investigations are crime-scene photos, suspect line-ups, witness interviews, evidence collections, forensic reports and surveillance footage. There are also Curious Cases which showcase some of the weirdest and most wonderful reports from Harriet and Vince’s incredible crime library. From creatures that are masters of disguise to animals who are champions of thievery, there is plenty to explore making this a fun collection of detective-themed mysteries and perfect for children who love nature and exploration.
(Buster Books, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
InvestiGators: Weather or Not
John Patrick Green

IF corny one-liners, chaos, comedy and calamities are your child’s idea of reading heaven, introduce them to the deliciously daffy detective duo… the InvestiGators!  Written and illustrated by John Patrick Green – whose impressive CV includes work with Disney, Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Scholastic and DC Comics – this full-colour, laugh-out-loud graphic series is ideal for reluctant readers. Brimming over with glorious puns, lashings of toilet humour, and plenty of references to pop culture, Green’s high-energy, snap, crackle and pop stories ensure youngsters will be snorting and sniggering from the first appearance of the alligator investigators right through to their final frenetic flourish.

Mango and Brash are the InvestiGators… sewer-loving agents of S.U.I.T. (Special Undercover Investigation Teams) and the scourge of supervillains everywhere! And the InvestiGators’ latest case is a dairy disaster. The city’s water supply has been replaced with milk and the newest feline agents, the InvestiGatos, don’t seem to be complaining. What’s with the monkey-scientists and why is the rain green?! All will be revealed in this sticky volume of InvestiGators! With sewers as their preferred travel route, expect lots of U-turns and U-bends when these two super-spies fight crime, armed only with groan-worthy puns and gigglesome gags. Simply bursting with youthful energy, crazy comedy, vibrant artwork, breathtaking creativity and with a topical weather theme at its heart, this new InvestiGators adventure is a visual and verbal delight… and guaranteed to please even the most reluctant reader!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 7 plus
Tales of the Cobb Street Commandos
Tony Bradman and Aleksei Bitskoff

MEET the Cobb Street Commandos, a gang of fearless London youngsters who are living through the dangers of wartime but still determined to dive into the thick of the action and help keep the East End safe. Jimmy and his pals are the inspirational stars of a new, action packed adventure series, specially designed for readers learning about the Second World War. Written by award-winning Tony Bradman, best known for his historical fiction, and illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff, these wartime capers are packed with facts and fun, and paint a picture of life in a city under siege. It’s 1941 and the Second World War has transformed London. All the adults are doing important things and playing their part, and Jimmy and his friends want to do their bit. So they form a top-secret group called the Cobb Street Commandos. Houses become hidden headquarters for official CSC meetings. Abandoned warehouses turn into their personal training grounds and they fashion helmets from cardboard and training tools from old scraps of wood. They know how to be creative and are more than ready for battle. The only thing missing is a mission for them… until now, that is. Join Jimmy and his friends in action-packed adventures around the city as they raise money for Spitfire planes, train alongside soldiers and go on daring missions to meet the Prime Minister… Winston Churchill himself! Brought to life by Bitskoff’s striking illustrations, Bradman’s exciting and easy-to-read new series provides action at every turn, plenty of food for thought and will delight children who are curious about life in wartime.
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Tigers Don’t Eat Jelly!
Genvieve Aspinall

JOIN Tiger as she discovers an exciting range of new foods from animal friends in this beautifully imagined and humorous picture book from author and illustrator Genevieve Aspinall who is based in Lancashire and works in gouache and pencil crayon. Meet Tiger… her favourite food is jelly. But tigers don’t eat jelly, you might think! Well, this one does. Excited to discover what else she will love, Tiger sets out to see what other delicious foods are out there… With sushi, noodles and burritos to tuck into, this colourful and creative story is the perfect way to introduce your youngsters to international cuisine. Bon appetit!
(Fox & Ink Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Letters to a Giant
Patricia Forde and Sarah Warburton

THERE will be GIANT waves of laughter when little ones open the pages of this HUGELY enjoyable picture book from the top team of former Irish Children's Laureate Patricia Forde and the IMMENSELY talented illustrator Sarah Warburton. Featuring a hilarious exchange of letters between a girl and a very unusual giant, this brilliantly creative story puts an unlikely friendship at centre stage. Sophie can't wait for her birthday party. But when one of her invitations is accidentally picked up by a giant, she finds herself in a bit of a pickle. What if he turns up and eats all the guests? But Harry the Hairy Giant is determined to come to her party, no matter how many letters Sophie writes to dissuade him. After all, he’s had a glorious purple suit made specially, and he has been practising his dancing! As the letters fly back and forth, Sophie begins to wonder if Harry isn’t as bad as she thought. What if he’s the perfect party guest after all? Letters to a Giant is a joy to read aloud with youngsters and is packed with Warburton’s richly detailed, colourful and characterful illustrations. A picture book partnership to cherish!
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Let’s Play Football!
Gordon D’Arcy, Paul Howard and Ashwin Chacko

LET your little ones help to kick off the 2026 World Cup with this high-energy, all-action picture book from Irish rugby union legend Gordon D'Arcy, bestselling author Paul Howard and award-winning children’s illustrator Ashwin Chacko. Let's Play Football! serves up a heart-pumping, interactive experience that puts young readers in the boots of a footballer competing for the championship cup, while teaching them the basic skills of the game along the way. It’s match day. Are you ready? Swing your legs high in the air! Do some high knees! Then face off against your opponents in the game for the ages. Slide on the floor to tackle, run into the box and weave past defenders to score that all-important goal. This team are good, so it’s going to take everything you have to win the cup… Perfectly on goal for aspiring soccer players!
(Little Island Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 3 plus
Pencil’s Best Story Ever
Carly Gledhill

IMAGINATIONS will be whirring into action when little ones join Pencil for his best story ever in fun-filled story-within-a-story from Carly Gledhill, a children’s book creator and print designer based in Manchester. A winning illustrator in the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition, Gledhill will have all the family giggling as they meet the incorrigible Pencil who can’t wait to share his best story ever with readers. But Pencil’s plans fall by the wayside when his delightful assortment of friends refuse to keep to the story script, resulting in chaos! Can Pencil pull his story back on track so that everyone can play a part and everyone can enjoy it? Beautifully created in a veritable rainbow of colour and rich detail, Gledhill’s heartwarming and inventive picture book celebrates creativity, resilience and the joys of friendship.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
A Holiday for Bear
Duncan Beedie

DO you ever get the feeling that every day is the same? Meet Bear… he knows exactly how that feels so what’s he doing? He’s heading off on HOLIDAY! Duncan Beedie, the creative author and illustrator whose delightful picture book, The Bear who Stared, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, returns to win ours hearts again with that same lovable bear. And in his fourth fun and inspirational adventure, Bears leaves his familiar forest and sets off on holiday on the advice of his wise friend, Frog. But what kind of holiday should it be? A skiing holiday, an adventure holiday? No, no, no! A beach holiday is what he needs. And when Bear arrives, he can’t believe his eyes. It all looks SO different! Before long, he is eating his picnic, playing volleyball and floating in the clear water. But when Bear builds a sand sculpture that takes on a familiar shape, he realises he’s actually getting homesick and misses his friends. Can Bear find a way to get the best of both worlds? Packed with laugh-out-loud escapades, big, bold illustrations, and Beedie’s trademark insight, fun and wit, this warm and colourful adventure perfectly sums up the thrill of going on holiday… but also the comfort of coming home at the end. Ideal for summer reading… and the perfect holiday companion for your pre-schoolers!
(Templar Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
That Bird Can Draw!
Ged Adamson

LIVERPOOL-BORN author and illustrator Ged Adamson lets his imagination take flight in this funny and heartwarming picture book starring a bird called Vera that will have tiny tots discovering their own creative talents! Grandad has a new pet bird and – wow! – Vera can DRAW. His granddaughter loves to draw, too, but her art just can’t compare. Can that talented bird find a way to convince her that we’re all great artists in our own way, and that the most important thing is doing what makes us happy? Children will fall in love with adorable Grandad, his passionate and creative granddaughter and the cute and enigmatic pet bird Vera in this hilarious story. The talented and inventive Adamson puts heart, humour and a love of ALL art into his delightful story about creativity and not comparing yourself to others… and all brought to life by a gallery of gorgeously colourful and fun-filled illustrations. And don’t forget to scan the Stories Aloud QR code on the back cover to read along with the story!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Summer of soccer, awakening magic and terrific tennis

Enjoy learning football tips, tricks and skills as kick-off approaches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, marvel as the animal and human worlds collide in spectacular fashion in the first of a thrilling new fantasy series, explore Wimbledon, the world’s most famous tennis championships, and meet nature’s weirdest, cutest and scariest animal families in a super sunshine selection

Age 10 plus
Marcus Rashford:
World of Football
Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka

WITH the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to kick off across the United States, Canada and Mexico next week, here is the perfect companion book for all young fans of the ‘beautiful’ game! Marcus Rashford: World of Football, written by Rashford with London-born journalist and broadcaster Carl Anka, is a complete guide to the game, from the greatest players to the biggest stadiums and everything in between. Enjoy learning Rashford’s handy footballing tips and tricks to improve your own game, read about tournaments around the world (including the World Cup!), discover the history of the game, meet the GOATs  (the Greatest Of All Time),and find out how YOU too can get into football. World of Football dishes up everything there is to know about football, including top player stats, fun facts about your favourite clubs and the rules of the game. Whether you’re a footballing pro or new to the game, this guide is perfectly on goal for young footie fans!
(Rocket Fox, paperback, £9.99)

Age 10 plus
Strike
Mitch Johnson

CHARTING the highs and lows of football is all part of a boy’s life as he chases his dreams of one day being a professional… but there’s a murky side to the beautiful game and is he brave enough to try to bring change? The 2026 World Cup will soon be prime viewing for football fans but in a story that goes beyond the pitch to explore the hidden human stories away from the limelight, critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning author Mitch Johnson encourages youngsters to stand up for what they believe in. Strike is set ten years after the events in Kick, Johnson’s debut novel which was endorsed by Amnesty International UK for its portrayal of children’s rights. Place the ball. Pick your spot. Three steps back. Breathe. Owen is closer than ever to achieving his dream of becoming a professional footballer. All he has to do is stay focused. No distractions… just football. But when a hidden note tucked inside his new boots reveals a cry for help from the factory workers who made them, Owen discovers the beautiful game might be hiding some ugly secrets. Suddenly, chasing his dream doesn’t feel so important. It’s time to decide which path he really wants to take. Packed with football action and high emotions, and exploring themes of fairness, resilience and social justice, Strike delivers the sporting attractions of soccer without losing sight of the human price of its international success.
(Usborne Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Save Like a Keeper
Ben Lyttleton

SO you think saving goals sounds simple? Definitely not! Step between the goalposts for the second book of this brilliant action-packed football series for kids from Ben Lyttleton, a bestselling author who uses football as an exciting tool for education. And Lyttleton – who is also a penalty coach and football club co-owner – is plum on goal here as he teaches young fans how to dive, block and save like their favourite players… just in time for the 2026 World Cup kick-off! Watch the ball as it flies towards you and stop it from getting over the line then fall to your knees in relief knowing you’ve just saved another epic goal! The truth is that saving goals is not really that easy. So how do your favourite goalkeepers like Alisson, Hampton and Courtois do it? There are LOTS of ways to make a save – whether you’re going to make a fingertip save from a powerful shot or an unbelievable dive to stop a penalty kick – and this accessible book will give you the key skills, techniques, tactics and mindset needed to be a top keeper and improve every aspect of your game. With an easy-to-follow text, lots of diagrams and illustrations, and helpful tips, drills and insider gems to discover, there couldn’t be a more pitch-perfect time to pull on your gloves, adopt the ready position and save some goals!
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
Renegades: The Magic Awakens
Erin Hunter

THE animal and human worlds collide in spectacular fashion in the first book of a thrilling new fantasy series from master storyteller Erin Hunter, author of the blockbuster Warriors series which followed the adventures of clans of wild cats. In this fresh and thrilling new Renegades series, Hunter, who is inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world, focuses on two orphaned cat sisters who discover a secret world of magical creatures… and the humans who are out to control them. Willow and Luna have been on their own since they were kittens. After their mother’s death, they settled into a scrappy life in the heart of the city. But when a mysterious fire rips through their makeshift shelter, they are left searching for a new home. Luna is immediately drawn in by the strange, secretive animals they meet in the park… animals who unlock her ability to perform magic. Willow is less sure about these so-called ‘attuned’ animals and has no interest in joining their world… or their fight against the human witches who seek to ‘bind’ the animals to them. As Luna and Willow come to realise their own unique magic, they find themselves at odds, separated by destiny, with the fate of the whole city in their paws... Set against a richly descriptive and atmospheric urban backdrop, and laced through with myths and magic, this daring, high-stakes story explores themes of freedom, loyalty, belonging, power and sisterhood. Packed full of action, secrets and the feats of two fantastic felines, this is the purrfect new series for cat fans!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Shadow Thieves: Island of Skulls
Peter Burns

IF you’re looking for a truly ‘epic’ read this summer, your journey’s end has to be Island of Skulls, the second brilliant blockbuster novel in the thrilling Shadow Thieves series from Scottish author of ten critically acclaimed non-fiction sports books Peter Burns. These heart-pounding adventures are set in a breathtakingly imagined alternate world and star a young shoe shiner and street thief called Tom Morgan who has been propelled into perilous, all-action adventures far away from the mean streets of London. Thirteen-year-old Tom and his new friends from Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts are taken on a treasure-hunting trip to a private island in the Mediterranean once owned by the great villain himself, the Duke of Nimes. The Duke is said to have hidden a spectacular treasure in the warrens, tunnels and caves that pepper the island… as well as a terrifying weapon. And this is their mission set by the mysterious Corsair… in teams, they must find the treasure. Will Tom’s street-smarts keep him and his friends alive as they chase down the treasure? And who are the deadly double agents that are sabotaging everything? Trust no one… this is not a game. The daring, brave and sometimes reckless Tom Morgan proves to be an alluring hero in this rip-roaring Indiana Jones-style adventure in the heady, mysterious and privileged world of the Shadow League. Themes of class, community and the concept of identity all come under the spotlight as Tom is once more plunged into the dangers of a complex secret society. A must read for young action fans!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Wimbledon: From Tennis Action to Courtside Fashion
Jessica Bumpus

WIMBLEDON, the world’s most famous and popular tennis championship, is celebrated in style in this beautifully created pocket-sized gift book packed full of stunning full-colour photographs and intriguing facts. Written by Jessica Bumpus, a freelance fashion journalist and the former Fashion Features Editor of British Vogue online, this brilliant book explores Wimbledon’s greatest moments, from dramatic sporting action to notable outfit choices both on and off the court. Since its inception in 1887, Wimbledon has become the most prestigious tennis championship in the world. But it’s much more than a sporting spectacle… it’s also one of the most highly anticipated events in the celebrity calendar, providing everyone from royals to Hollywood A-listers with the perfect backdrop to show off their latest sartorial looks. Included is a carefully curated collection of the most notable and dramatic on-court events, as well as memorable celebrity and fashion occasions. Relive the longest match in Wimbledon history, the 2002 Williams vs Williams final and Andy Murray’s momentous win, and scrutinise an array of celebrity outfits, from Zendaya’s striking suits to a roster of outfits worn by the Princess of Wales. Illustrated throughout with photographs, this the perfect ‘love’ match for tennis players and fans of Wimbledon.
(Studio Press, hardback, £13.99)

Age 9 plus
Honey, I Ate the Kids!
Mike Hills and Kerry Hyndman

SOME families are truly wild! Marvel at this colourful collection of nature’s weirdest, cutest and scariest animal families as husband and wife team – writer and journalist Mike Hills and illustrator Kerry Hyndman – take youngsters on a trip across the world. From babysitter giraffes to orphaned chameleons, every animal family is unique. Did you know that komodo dragons eat their babies, that those cute capybaras eat their own poo, that glass frogs use ninja kicks to protect their eggs, and that velvet spiders eat their own mum? If there’s one thing we DO know about the animal kingdom it’s that the families that roar, howl, croak, chirp and squeak come in all different shapes, sizes and colours. Find out how different animals find food, stay safe and even just get a moment of peace and quiet. Whilst some families are loving, there are others whose relationships are most definitely a lot more dangerous! Every page of this beautifully created book is gorgeously illustrated and packed full of facts, quizzes and activities that will surprise, entertain and disgust! Destined to be a (human!) family favourite…
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 8 plus
America's Founding Myths...
And What REALLY Happened
Christy Mihaly and Marta Sevilla

HAVE you ever wondered if Christopher Columbus REALLY did discover America? Youngsters will enjoy playing a game of fact or fiction with this interactive book which questions all the facts – and some myths! – about the founding of America. Written by award-winning poet and author Christy Mihaly to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and fabulously illustrated in full-colour by Marta Sevilla, this entertaining and educational book empowers young people to ask questions, think critically and check sources.  Many of us have heard about the Boston Tea Party, the first Thanksgiving, and Paul Revere’s ride. But what REALLY happened and where did the commonly told myths about these events come from? This brilliant, interactive fact-or-fiction book allows children to uncover the truth behind well-known stories about the founding of the United States, from the ‘discovery’ of the ‘New World’ to the Constitution. Mihaly’s amusing text and Sevilla’s vibrant artwork combine with infographic design and interactive extras like collages, fold-outs and lift-the-flaps, making learning about American history both fun and engaging for children. The ideal book to tackle the complex history of the founding of the United States… without shying away from some hard truths.
(Barefoot Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
Dragon Girl and the Graveyard of Doom
Jenny Moore

NOTHING about Emba Oak is normal… from the scales on her arms and legs, to the shocking discovery that she hatched out of a dragon’s egg, her old life has gone up in flames! Welcome back to the wild and wonderful world of Dragon Girl in the second book of an action-packed fantasy series from Devon children’s author Jenny Moore. Currently being developed for a TV series, these exciting tales of magic, friendship and dragons explore the importance of loyalty, caring and bravery. It was the thwump of a dragon’s tail at the entrance to her cave that set in motion of a journey of self-discovery for Emba. And after defeating her cruel, dragon-obsessed father, Necromalcolm, Emba is returning to the cave she calls home. But her nights are haunted by strange dreams with beckoning dragons calling her to faraway mountain peaks. With an ever-flowing stream of questions about her nature, her dragon fire and fury, Emba knows she must go. But can she control the growing powers inside her, or will everything fall apart along the way? Moore lets her imagination run wild on this electrifying, and yet adorably whimsical, four-book adventure series. With magical creatures, ancient prophecies, hidden secrets and the author’s stunning world-building, this is a dazzling dragon fest with added firepower!
(Maverick Arts Publishing, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Riley Wright is Always Wrong
Mel Taylor-Bessent and Sr. Sanchez

MEET Riley Wright… she might be a Wright but she always seem to wrong! Mel Taylor-Bessent – author of the much-loved Christmas Carrolls adventures – is on her best storytelling form for the first book of a hilarious new diary series for younger readers. Think Lottie Brooks and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and these super-funny, super-cool ‘junior’ stories are the perfect precursors. Riley Wright is starting at Heverton Junior School with one awkward disadvantage… her MAJORLY embarrassing dad is the new head teacher! So new school, new friends (hopefully!)… Riley just has to work out how to fit in, pin down a talent for the talent show, look out for her unpredictable new BFF Emmie and face down super-mean girl Harper. As someone who gets a lot of stuff wrong, when will Riley finally get something RIGHT? Illustrated by Spanish artist Sr. Sanchez, this fun-filled, diary-format romp is cleverly pitched for younger readers and full of the humour, warmth and high-octane energy that we have come to expect from Taylor-Bessent. If only school could always be this much fun!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
All in the Mind: A guide to your brilliant brain!
Gill Arbuthnott and Lauren Humphrey

DIVE inside your mind and discover just how our amazing brains work! Brains do some incredible things… they control our moves, thoughts, opinions, personalities and make us who we are! And if you want to know how, the answers are in All in the Mind, a brilliantly colourful and educational book from children’s author Gill Arbuthnott and illustrator Lauren Humphrey who is inspired by vibrant cartoons. Shrink down to discover how messages whizz past at synapses, see neurons deliver signals from our head to our toes and back, be amazed at how our brains are wired differently and marvel at how some creatures have no brain at all. Plus, put your brain to the test with some intriguing teasers to show how your brain works (and sometimes doesn’t) in real time! Featuring text in bite-sized chunks from Arbuthnott, who loves mixing scientific fact with anecdotes of people and places, and Humphrey’s bold and playful illustrations, All in the Mind is packed full of mind-bending facts and mind-boggling activities which aim to set young brains on fire!
(Templar Books, paperback, £12.99)

Age 7 plus
How to Train Your Dragon School: Fight of the Flamestrike
Cressida Cowell 

TWENTY-ONE years ago, author, illustrator and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, penned her first How to Train Your Dragon novel and created a magical world that became a global bestselling phenomenon. And now she’s back and delighting her fans – and a new generation of young readers – with this dazzling spin-off series which delivers the same winning ingredients of adventure, heroes and dragons, and stars Hiccup, Toothless, Fishlegs and other favourite characters from the original books. So step into the How to Train Your Dragon School where Viking and Dragon Heroes are made! Join Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third and his dragons, Toothless and Windwalker, for more of their hilarious, hair-raising adventures at the Isle of Berk’s Training School for Vikings and Dragons… where they are BOTTOM in pretty much everything! Disastrous Lesson Number Two: Boarding-An-Enemy-Ship-At-Sea… Hiccup and his fellow Vikings are SUPPOSED to be learning about enemy ships at sea but when they come across a mysterious vessel, with a ripped sail and nobody driving it, Hiccup’s heart sinks. There is something deeply spooky about this ship. They really, really shouldn't get on board  but, like on so many occasions in Hiccup’s life, they are going to do it anyway! Cowell’s gift for mesmerising world-building and her creation of quirky characters you can see and almost hear is central to this fun-filled, action-packed series which comes with a Dragonese dictionary and the author’s trademark wit, humour, and richly detailed imaginative powers. Perfectly created for even the most reluctant of readers!
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco!
Gary Northfield

WHAT if your pet had superpowers? Get ready to laugh out loud as the master of zany comedy – author and illustrator Gary Northfield – conjures up a magical, turbo-powered feast of pets, superpowers, silliness and lots of action! A Phoenix comic creator, Northfield’s MEGA funny, full-colour new graphic novel will have you looking askance at your own beloved, but seemingly ordinary, pets. A strange magical substance has seeped into a pet food warehouse, and now dogs, cats, bunnies and fish all have freaky superpowers… whether they want them or not! The newly-formed Mighty Mega Pets are determined to get to the bottom of the pet food mystery in order to ... no pressure ... save the world! Action-packed, and with giggles galore on every page, this hilarious romp reminds youngsters about the perils of power, and the importance of teamwork, friendship and standing up to bullies. And with invaluable tips on how to deal with a cranky tortoise, you’d be barking mad to miss all the fun!
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
World of Sport
Lawrence Alexander and Violeta Noy

THE wonderful world of sport awaits you! From football to fencing and even the wacky Dutch sport of fierljeppen (a combination of long jump and pole vault!), explore the most exhilarating sports played throughout history. Written by author and freelance journalist Lawrence Alexander, and gorgeously illustrated by Spanish artist Violeta Noy, this brilliant book is bursting with colour and fascinating facts, and is part of the World of... series which looks at what we have in common, and celebrates our differences. Discover mind-boggling records from around the globe and meet the sport superstars who turned ordinary games into extraordinary triumphs. Find out which sports were played at the very first Olympic Games, what the different colour jerseys mean in the Tour de France, and how to throw a gumboot. Everywhere on our planet where people can be found, there are different sports that we love to play and compete in. Learn about ball sports, gymnastics, athletics, water sports, extreme sports and how each sport came to be, where in the world it originated and, most importantly, how to play. Featuring more than 100 adrenaline-pumping sports from every corner of the globe, this high-energy, inspirational book is guaranteed to make you work up a sweat!
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £9.99)

Age 3 plus
Again! said Rabbit
Marjoke Henrichs

RABBIT is off to the seaside for the day… but what will happen when a big wave knocks him over? Say hello AGAIN to the adorable little rabbit we met in No! said Rabbit and Ready! said Rabbit, the sparkling picture book series from debut artist and theatre designer Marjoke Henrichs which explores the emotions and experiences in a young child’s world. Full of youthful joy and playfulness, and exquisitely illustrated throughout, these relatable adventures are guaranteed to strike a chord with harassed parents everywhere. Rabbit is excited to be going to the seaside with his mum and dad. As usual, he prepares for all the activities he wants to do… building sandcastles, playing football and flying a kite. Rabbit demands to do all these beach activities again and AGAIN! His long-suffering parents take him paddling but he’s surprised by a sudden big wave... plus the sun goes in. Will his day be ruined? Rabbit learns that all days at the seaside have their ups and downs, their highs and lows… a universal experience for both adults and children. Rabbit’s rollercoaster emotions are handled gently by his parents while young readers will love joining in with toddlers’ often repeated and favourite refrain… again! Henrichs brings a winning brand of ironic humour to both her words and a gallery of lively, expressive and gorgeously colourful illustrations, while simple lines and clever gouache washes bring to vivid life this winning tale of fun, drama and parental patience.
 (Scallywag Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Do You See the Tiger?
Philip Ardagh and David Melling

LOOK out, there’s a tiger about! Experience the joy, join in the fun rhyme, and delight your little ones with this glorious celebration of young imaginations from Roald Dahl Funny Prize-winner Philip Ardagh and internationally successful illustrator David Melling. Penny can’t believe what she’s seeing in a packed underground carriage… a tiger’s tail… a tiger’s paw… a really big stripy tiger! When the tiger makes a sudden, marvellous leap across the seats, Penny joins in the action, and forms an unexpected friendship with the tiger as they join forces to return a baby’s lost teddy. Full to the brim with action, Ardagh’s wry, heartwarming humour, Melling’s dazzling array of illustrations, and a rhyme that is just made for reading aloud, this is picture book perfection for all the family to relish!
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Old MacDonald on the Move
Philip Ardagh and Maria Karipidou

AND more fun is guaranteed as Philip Ardagh teams up here with talented Germany-based illustrator Maria Karipidou for a full-on, madcap picture book rendering of the traditional family favourite Old MacDonald nursery rhyme. This action-packed and super-silly twist will have your little ones rolling around in laughter, hollering ‘E-I-E-I-O!’ Old MacDonald’s farm is falling apart! The piggies’ sty is sinking in the mud and it’s raining on the cows. Surely Old MacDonald won’t move the animals to a nearby fancy hotel? The cows would order grass in the restaurant, the pigs would splash in the pool and the sheep would have a pillow-fight. It could all just be... TOO MUCH FUN! Ardagh’s riotous rhyming romp featuring a happy farmyard in total chaos is brought to vibrant life by Karipidou’s bright and punchy artwork. You’d be moo-moo mad to miss it!
(Walker Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Bunnies in a Rocket
Philip Ardagh and Ben Mantle

‘Bunnies in a rocket! Bunnies flying high! Bunnies heading for the Moon, they streak beyond the sky!’

IF barmy bunnies are the stars of a super-funny space odyssey then it has to be another outing with Philip Ardagh! Enjoy sky-high giggles and picture book mayhem as Ardagh teams up once more with illustrator Ben Mantle for another Sunny Town Bunnies adventure which this time takes little ones to the Moon and back. Hop, skip, blast off! It’s launch day in Sunny Town, a rocket is about to soar into space, and a team of panda astronauts are ready. But wait, something is happening on the runway. Before anyone can stop them, those cheeky bunnies have sneaked on to the launch pad, scrambled up the rocket ladder and … pressed GO! They’re zooming into space… what could possibly go wrong?! It’s one small step for a human but one giant LEAP for bunnykind in this comic cosmic caper brimming over with wild space bunny fun from the dream team of Ardagh and Mantle. With hilarious details to spot, visual subplots to follow, search-and-find elements, non-stop on-the-move action, and rhyming, read-aloud texts inviting repeated join-in refrains, this is ideal for sharing with littles ones.
(Walker Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Bunnies in a Boat
Philip Ardagh and Ben Mantle

ALSO in the Sunny Town Bunnies series is this joyful, rhyming board book for reading with babies and toddlers. And this time, it’s zip, zoom, whoosh as the bunnies have commandeered a boat! All across Sunny Town beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy. They whoosh past the sail-boats, and zoooom across the sand, then it’s up on to the jetty where the silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti. This sturdy board book has rounded corners for reading (and chewing!) when you’re out and about this summer, and is ideal for lively, wriggly kids who love rhyming books, animals, and all things-that-go!
(Walker Books, board book, £7.99)

The Repentants

Kate Foster

A CHURCH minister’s order that two women, from opposite sides of the tracks, must don sackcloth and publicly repent their sins sparks an unexpected bond between them… and launches a sea voyage which will take them to an inhospitable land in one of the coldest and remotest parts of the world.

Kate Foster, the feminist author whose debut, The Maiden, won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year and was longlisted for the Women’s Prize, returns with The Repentants, her fourth coruscating novel, which retrieves a little-known slice of 18th century Scottish history and reimagines women whose fates were at the mercy of a turbulent age of exploration, exploitation and even banishment.

Foster’s mission is to give a voice to time’s forgotten women and their very real, lived experiences. And in this chilling (on all counts!) tale of betrayal, exile and survival – which moves from the east coast of Scotland to the wild wonders of Iceland – she found her inspiration in a proposal by Scottish merchants to annex Iceland as a remote British penal colony. It was a plan which did not ultimately amount to anything but its existence was the fuel that fired up Foster’s (pictured below) fertile imagination and laid the foundations of this riveting historical novel which transports readers back to the world of 1790 when strict, male-dominated kirk doctrine ruled people’s lives… leaving women fearing the actions of men more than they did the threats of the Devil.

Only two years into what is already a loveless and passionless marriage with Jonny Aitken, ambitious owner of both a coalworks and a lucrative salt business, 21-year-old Florrie knows that in the small settlement of St Monans on the Fife coast you can’t be too careful because ‘walls have ears’ and ‘windows have eyes.’ But enough is enough for Florrie and, putting aside her initial reservations, she is breaking all the rules to enjoy a ‘day of pure bliss’ with a transient Danish fisherman in a local inn. What she didn’t anticipate was to be caught in the act and dragged before St Monans kirk session to be judged and punished.

The minister’s judgment is that Florrie wear sackcloth and be publicly paraded in church as a repentant alongside Eliza Wood, one of her husband’s bonded salt serfs… a beautiful, outspoken young woman whose sin is failing to attend sabbath services, and whose open defiance is not something that Florrie has ever dared to ‘dabble’ with.

Despite their different social status, Florrie and Eliza form a quick and unusual bond over their mutual humiliation. Recognising that Eliza is a woman who can’t be intimidated, Florrie insists that she must come along as her maid when Jonny leaves Scotland for a potentially lucrative salt trade venture in Iceland.

Far from home, isolated and fearful in the freezing temperatures of Reykjavik, the two women grow ever closer and join forces with Hallgerd who, along with her absent brother, owns the biggest homestead in the town, but fears that all she has is under threat from a Danish count who is eager to open up a new Icelandic salt works with the help of Jonny Aitken. And then Jonny reveals his sinister ultimate plan… he will leave Florrie in Iceland, banished for the shame she has cast upon him. Knowing she must escape, Florrie turns to her resourceful friend Eliza for help… only to discover that nothing is quite as it seems.

The Repentants unfolds through the alternating voices of Florrie and Eliza, a powerful and insightful format which provides readers with an emotionally-charged understanding of how the often debasing experiences of two women from very different social classes might not be as far removed from each other as one might initially have suspected.

Foster shows us that despite the yawning societal chasm between what is essentially the master’s wife and the salt serf, both women face the same misogyny, the same daily restrictions, and even the same cruel punishments when they are deemed to have somehow ‘transgressed.’ Employing her trademark elegant prose, which belies the menace and darkness of Florrie and Eliza’s stories, Foster sweeps us into the shadowy corners of 18th century Scotland with its patriarchal privations, humiliations and bullying, and then on to the remote, freezing and unforgiving shores of Iceland where the two women join forces with the hardy Hallgerd… and the fightback begins.

In a world where women had few rights, and were virtually the property of their husbands with little say over their own bodies, it is this trio of indomitable survivors who steal our hearts, refuse to surrender to the bullies, and act as a beacon of hope and strength in an age of intimidation and female repression. Packed with danger and determination, revelations and revenge, suspense and plot twists, The Repentants sees Foster at her masterful storytelling best!
(Mantle, hardback, £18.99)