CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Beauty’s ugly side, a fairy world and awesome comics

Enter a dark, dystopian world where youth and beauty have become a dangerous obsession, step into a thrilling world of glittering courts and dazzling trickery, discover what it was like to be a Norman invader of England, and learn how to make your own amazing comics in an exciting collection of October children’s books

Young Adult
Little Mice
Tara Crowe

A THRILLING dystopian novel from exciting debut author Tara Crowe is guaranteed to set young imaginations on fire with its pertinent and powerful questions about contemporary society, and a world that has become obsessed with youth and beauty. With a searching exploration of what happens when youth itself becomes a commodity, Little Mice is a dark and compelling page-turner and the first book of what promises to be a daring and dazzling trilogy. In the Canopy Complex, no one grows old. Age is for the little mice, the donors far below who bleed so the privileged can thrive. Seventeen-year-old Astra Fairwood has never questioned the system. Why would she? As the daughter of the Chief Enforcer, her future is secure… a life of parties and privilege. But then everything is taken from her. Cast out of the Canopy and condemned to the Donor Zone, Astra is forced into the very world she was raised to fear. There she meets a girl who challenges everything she thought she wanted and soon learns the Canopy taught her to fear the wrong thing. The real threat was never the Zone… With tensions rising and the people she loves most in danger, Astra must choose between the life she was promised and the truth she can no longer ignore. Does a world built on the blood of others deserve to survive?

London-based Crowe was inspired to write Little Mice after working at a collagen supplement company, and when she heard a segment on the radio about blood plasma experiments on mice, the concept of blood plasma being taken from the young and being used to rejuvenate the old lingered and morphed into a compelling topic for her debut novel. The result is an unputdownable reading feast of big ideas, gripping intrigue, heart-stopping menace and full-on action adventures. Don’t miss it!
(Leapfrog Press, paperback, £10.99)

Age 12 plus
Rowan
Bex Hogan

IF folklore, fantasy and dreamy adventures full of danger and trickery tickle your reading taste buds then dine out on Rowan, third book of Bex Hogan’s gorgeously romantic Faery Realms series which has included Nettle and Owl King but can also be read as a stunning standalone. Step into the Faery Realms, a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery. Many years ago, Rowan’s ancestor followed a white hare and disappeared without trace. Since then, her descendants have warned the women of the family against the magic of the cunning, shape-shifting hare, known often to be witches in disguise. Centuries later, Rowan, heartbroken and yearning to escape, ignores the warnings and follows the hare to a new world. She finds herself in the mysterious yet beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient rivalry between witch and faery lord, and entwined in the fickle nature of the fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all her skills to survive. Dark, atmospheric and utterly bewitching, this new danger-fuelled fantasy is another magical read from an author with magic in her soul.
(Zephyr, hardback, £16.99)

Age 9 plus
Queen’s Witch
Skye McKenna and Tomislav Tomić

IF you’re looking for an adventure with a truly magical atmosphere, step into the wonderful world of Hedgewitch and enjoy the final book set in Faerie, the dazzling land which lies just beyond our own! Queen’s Witch is the fantastic finale of the enchanting Hedgewitch series, the debut creation of Skye McKenna who grew up surrounded by red dust in a mining town in the Australian outback but then travelled to England and fell in love with the British countryside. Illustrated by Tomislav Tomić, the series has been hailed as a modern classic. Now living in Scotland, McKenna was inspired by her love of magic and adventure to write these captivating novels which star a family of witches who protect Britain from the denizens of Faerie, creatures who are all too real and far more frightening than the story books suggest. Cassie Morgan is approaching the final stage of her witch’s training. If she passes her next test, she will finally get her Witch’s Licence and be able to travel to Faerie to search for her missing parents. But with the wicked Erl King hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike and declare war on witchkind and the people of Britain, it’s unclear what the future holds for Cassie, her coven and the newly crowned young Queen Matilda. It will take all of Cassie’s skills, help from friends near and far, and her courage to face the Erl King. Can she save both Britain and Faerie and reunite her long-lost family? McKenna is a born storyteller, building an enchanting, magical world that is as alluring as it is viscerally and thrillingly real… a place where the characters spring to glorious life, where the natural world takes centre stage, and where readers are guaranteed to return to time and time again even as the series ends!
(Welbeck Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99, published on October 22)

Age 9 plus
What it was like to be a Norman
David Long and Stefano Tambellini

THE Normans who invaded England in 1066 were descendants of fierce Viking warriors… so what was it really like to live in England after their famous invasion? Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with Blue Peter Award-winning author David Long as he expertly unearths the captivating history, culture and legacy of the Norman era in the in the seventh book of his enthralling What It Was Like to Be... series. An expert in distilling complex stories from the past into an informative and entertaining format for young readers, Long skilfully explains how William the Conqueror led a formidable army across the English Channel, changing the course of British history. The Normans became ruthless rulers who built monumental castles, established a new social order and merged their customs with those of the English people. From the grandeur of their fortresses to the harsh realities faced by the common people, discover the intricate tapestry of life during the Norman era. Through vivid storytelling and Stefano Tambellini’s captivating illustrations, Long invites young readers to explore the triumphs and trials of the Normans and understand their lasting impact on our world today. Published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this is a top class series from a dynamic writing and illustration duo.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The Frozen King: A Greenwild Adventure
Pari Thomson and Elisa Paganelli

WHO can forget author Pari Thomson and illustrator Elisa Paganelli’s award-winning, bestselling Greenwild series, featuring a dazzling secret world where the wilderness is alive and the magic is real? It’s a place of wonder that has enchanted thousands of readers across the globe and now there’s the chance to experience those thrills again as we embark on a perilous voyage to the ends of the earth in The Frozen King, a new and epic standalone adventure set ten years after our earlier protagonist Daisy’s story ended. The old stories speak of magic that showers down from the Northern Lights… Eleven-year-old Annika may be heir to the ocean-ruled kingdom of Iffenwild, but she would much rather be sailing with her travelling theatre troupe than learning how to be queen. When her beloved uncle Max – the king – returns gravely injured from a secret mission to the Utter North, her world shifts in an instant. Determined to find a long-lost cure, Annika journeys into the frozen North… a land of towering ice cliffs, frozen seas and powerful ice magic. However, the deeper she ventures, the clearer it becomes that something far darker is stirring. If Annika fails, it won’t just be her uncle’s life at stake… it will be the fate of the entire magical world.

Thomson’s aim for her debut Greenwild series was always to write ‘a love letter to the beauty of the natural world’ and this thrilling new eco-adventure with its sugar-dusted taste of winter, danger and wildness  – brought to life by Paganelli’s stunning illustrations – is breathtaking in the sheer power of its world-building, characterisation and imaginative storytelling. Written in Thomson’s elegant, descriptive prose, and with an addictive sense of adventure, fantasy and fun, The Frozen King is another unforgettable story which can be enjoyed and treasured by readers of any age!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
Felix and the Future Agency: Sky Riders
Rachel Morrisroe and Paddy Donnelly

THE world is in danger and the future is calling! Join a boy gifted with foresight in the second book of an explosive adventure series from Rachel Morrisroe, a children’s author who has turned her talents to exciting middle grade fiction. Partly inspired by some of the real history around the Aberfan disaster in Wales in 1966 and brought to life by Paddy Donnelly’s atmospheric illustrations, the Felix and the Future Agency series stars delightful hero Felix Green whose magical gifts are vital to save a world in danger. Now he’s back for a second year at the future agency and has just passed his initiation test to become a sky rider. It’s not a moment too soon, as agents have been going missing and the Future Agency is at risk once more from the school of night. It seems as though a double agent could be working inside the organisation and Felix still hasn’t found his missing friend, Luke. As Felix begins to receive premonitions of himself with his old adversary, Christopher Marlowe, he starts to worry that he, too, could find himself recruited to the dark side. Packed with mystery, secrets, astrology, exhilarating sky rides and spine-tingling danger, Felix and the Future Agency delivers not just a breathtaking edge-of-the-seat adventure but also an exploration of life change, coping with big emotions, and all those other growing-up  experiences. The Future calls…
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
How to Make Awesome Comics
Neill Cameron

DO you like comics… would you like to make your own? Well here’s your chance as genius comics creator Neill Cameron brings youngsters the ULTIMATE guide to making their own super-awesome comics. This interactive and fun masterclass provides invaluable help on thinking up ideas, creating characters and learning how to draw pretty much everything from speech bubbles and sound effects to the vital keys to drawing cartoon faces and emotions. With lots of inspirational tips and tricks for comics-obsessed kids, colourful diagrams and clear instructions, this spectacular updated version of a perennial favourite is full of inspirational tips and tricks for budding comic makers. And if you need even more comic-creating advice, head over to The Phoenix comic website where you can find draw-along videos, free printable material and top tips from tons of creators. So what's better than reading comics? Drawing your own, of course!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
Game of Pets: The Boy
Who Knew Too Much
Aaron Blabey

FORGET Game of Thrones and dive into Game of Pets, a hilarious new high-stakes adventure series from Aaron Blabey, creator of The Bad Guys and a brilliant author and illustrator who can boast having around sixty million books in print. This new and insanely anarchic romp – which promises to blow your mind, and leave your cats and dogs under heavy suspicion – is the perfect package for your reluctant readers. Who doesn’t love a good game, but what if life on Earth was an intergalactic game show, and our pets were the evil animal overlords? Well, the game show is live… and your cat is definitely in on it. Meet Griff, an eleven-year-old kid with innumerable allergies who has just been told he’s the only one who can save the world. The trouble is, this prophecy comes with a warning: ‘Watch your back, man… your PETS are not what they seem…’ Young mischief-lovers will need to buckle themselves in for this highly illustrated, laugh-until-your-belly hurts adventure which features a talking axolotl, a diabolical game show, lots of plot twists and that famous trademark Blabey humour which bubbles behind every page of the story. And one thing’s for sure… Game of Pets will have you looking at your pets very differently!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
Ultimate Football Heroes 2027
Matt & Tom Oldfield, Emily Stead,
Seth Burkett and John Murray

LOOK back at a stunning year of football action with Ultimate Football Heroes 2027, a bumper special edition of the ever-popular Ultimate Football Heroes series. This brilliant year book features biographies and life stories of the biggest and best footballers from across the world and their incredible journeys to stardom, as well as lots of fascinating football facts, stats and quizzes to test your knowledge. Discover all the highlights of the 2025-26 season, featuring intense Premier League face-offs, the thrilling moments of the Women’s Champions League, plus all the action and incredible highlights from the USA-Mexico-Canada 2026 FIFA World Cup! Peek inside for the fierce competition in the Premier League, all the excitement across the European leagues, and the incredible performances from the top players of the latest season, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Alessia Russo, Lamine Yamal, Désiré Doué and Mohamed Salah. With its sparkling, silver-foiled cover, this is the ultimate year book for fans of the beautiful game, bang on goal for all aspiring young players and the perfect gift for your reluctant readers!
(Dino Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 7 plus
Dawn Horse
Grahame Baker-Smith

STUNNING artwork and the emotive tale of a curious young horse on a journey through time to meet his prehistoric ancestors blend beautifully together in an extraordinary picture book from award-winning self-taught author and illustrator Grahame Baker-Smith. Enriched by the guidance of researcher and Indigenous advocate Dr Yvette Running Horse Collin and her deep cultural insight, Dawn Horse honours both scientific discovery and Indigenous knowledge by depicting the horse’s story not only as one of evolution and survival, but also as one of profound connection. In a race through time, readers discover that there are countless chapters in the Book of Equus, a tale deep and ancient, as they join Palomino on his epic journey, meeting ancestors that include the tiny Eohippu, the swift Merychippus and the wild Equus ferus. And as he witnesses millions of years of evolution, Palomino also discovers the powerful bond between horses and humans, a relationship that has shaped civilisations and endured both beauty and hardship. Baker-Smith’s exquisite artwork brings to life a powerful story about the life of one horse and how the whole species came to exist, moving seamlessly between the personal and the epic, and reminding readers that these amazing creatures have shaped landscapes, cultures and human history for millennia. A beautiful and resonant celebration of resilience, partnership, and the enduring spirit of the horse.
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Bunny vs Monkey: Day of the Heroes!
Jamie Smart

HOLD on to your hats for more wild wacky adventures as Bunny and Monkey return in their exhilarating remastered series which delivers all the comedy and chaos of the daffy duo’s helter-skelter world! This outrageously funny new adventure in the super-popular series features 233 pages of fast and furry-ous exuberant fun… plus some entertaining draw-it-yourself activities. Bunny and Monkey are part of the Phoenix Presents series, published by David Fickling Books in partnership with The Phoenix comic, which goes from strength to strength, and much of that success is due to the genius of the extraordinarily talented illustrator Jamie Smart whose comic-strip Bunny vs Monkey books cause giant waves of laughter. So welcome back to the Woods where not all heroes wear capes… some have fur, some have sticky fingers, and some even have EXPLODING UNDERPANTS! What could possibly go wrong? The Woods need a hero. There’s a greased pig in a pickle, everyone is stuck in jelly and there’s a zombie invasion happening! Only Bunny and friends can save the day… as long as they don’t get in each other’s way! Laugh-out-loud comical and ingeniously addictive, these manic, high-energy stories were just made for fidgety readers who like their books to come with plenty of comic-strip pictures and loads of heroic hijinks and harebrained havoc. Madcap antics for a new generation of action kids!
(David Fickling Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 5 plus
Me and My Feelings:
A First Look at Emotions
Dr Punam Krishan
and Veronika Chaves Morales

JOURNEY from the smile on your face to the butterflies in your tummy and uncover the topsy-turvy world of emotions with a fun and fact-filled lift-the-flap book from Dr Punam Krishan and illustrator and Veronika Chaves Morales. Grown-ups know that feelings come in all shapes and sizes… big ones, small ones, happy ones, sad ones. But it can be hard for youngsters to understand why sometimes you’re bursting with laughter and at other times, you feel like a fire is building up inside you. But every emotion you have is important and normal! With the help of Dr Punam, an NHS GP and television doctor, children can explore and comprehend the full range of their emotions, from happiness and surprise to worry and anger. Me and My Feelings contains over 90 flaps to lift as each page of the book reveals exciting discoveries about their feelings, from the science behind them to how they can recognise and manage them. Packed with Morales’ appealing and accessible illustrations, this bright and colourful book is an empowering first look at the big feelings little people have… and ideal for use in schools, nurseries and at home.
(DK Children, board book, £14.99)

Age 5 plus
Adventuremice: Mini Mice Mayhem
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

YOUNGSTERS love these meeces to pieces! The dream team of author Philip Reeve and illustrator Sarah McIntyre pool their talents for the new book in a simply brilliant early reader series which has all the fun of TV hit Paw Patrol, and the charm and whimsy of classics like The Wind in the Willows. With its focus on fun, friendship and kindness, Adventuremice features Pedro, a timid little mouse who has proved himself to be brave enough to join the heroic team protecting the Mouse Islands from danger.  In this new outing, mini mice have descended on the Adventuremice’s mousebase and Pedro and his friends will need all their wits about them! The class of cute but naughty mouselets are causing total chaos as they splatter yummy cake mixture everywhere they’re not supposed to. But when someone even naughtier turns up at the Mousebase, could the messy mouselets help the Adventuremice save the day? Reeve’s lively, heartwarming and fun-filled storytelling delivers all those ingredients that children love – immersive adventures, lovable heroes, reassuring friendships, exciting action and plenty of smiles – and all brought to vibrant, colourful life by McIntyre’s exquisitely characterful illustrations. A warm and whiskery favourite with mouse lovers of every age!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Fairytale Fiasco: Sleeping Beauty
Myles McLeod and Evgenia Golubeva

MEET Cleo! She has a special power and with the help of her friend, Book Mark, she can launch herself into any fairy tale each bedtime and try to fix all the things that go wrong. The problem is that it tends to turn into a fiasco and she has to use her courage and quick wit to save the day! This clever, colourful and enchanting comic-form series is the creation of husband and wife team, author Myles McLeod and illustrator Evgenia Golubeva, and with contemporary, fresh retellings of familiar favourites, each with a brilliant twist, the books dish up everything to entice and entertain newly independent readers.  In Fairytale Fiasco: Sleeping Beauty, we learn that Princess Briar-Rose and everyone in her castle have been asleep for one hundred years. Luckily Cleo is here with her noisy alarm clock to save the day! ZIP and BOOM and FLASH and KAZAM! Can Cleo and Briar-Rose persuade the grouchy thirteenth fairy to break the sleep spell? And will Cleo get home in time for her bedtime story? Packed full of McLeod’s empathetic storytelling and Golubeva’s endearing and inclusive colour illustrations, and published in a small size book that is tailor-made for little hands, early reading has become a whole lot of fun!
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99, published on October 29)

Age 3 plus
The Most Magnificent Moose
Rachel Bright and Jim Field

A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY moose’s joyous view of the world is tested to the extreme in a simply delightful story from author Rachel Bright and illustrator Jim Field, the globally bestselling partnership which has now created ten stunning picture books. Bright’s gentle and lyrical rhyming text is teamed perfectly with Field’s stunning illustrations, making their adventures a delight to read again and again. And after big hit books like The Lion Inside and The Turtle Who Turned the Tide, we now meet Morris, the moose who thinks the world is AMAZING until he overhears a conversation between two busy beavers and starts to think thoughts he’s never had before. Are some moose born better than others? Is he... enough? Soon, all the other moose begin to argue about who is the best. Can Morris help his friends realise that there is magnificence inside us all? Brought to life by Field’s adorably characterful illustrations, packed full of fun and feelings, and with empowering messages about the pitfalls of comparing ourselves to others, this is the most magnificent read-aloud book and guaranteed to be a favourite with both adults and children!
(Orchard Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Our World: Germany
Andrea Tripke and Andrea Liebe

GUTEN Morgen! Let’s spend a day in Germany, eat crusty Brötchen, traditional German bread rolls, for breakfast, cycle to town, shop at the market, bake a delicious plum cake called Pflaumenkuchen, and pick apples with Oma and Opa, German for grandma and grandad. Even learn words in German with pronunciation guides throughout the story. Author Andrea Tripke and Andrea Liebe draw on their personal experiences of growing up in Germany to create this charming board book which features educational endnotes and a pronunciation guide, and is part of Barefoot Books’ Our World series for young readers. 

Also in the series is Our World: Wales written by author Heather Davies and illustrator Nia Havilliard in which readers spend a day in Wales, counting the daffodils with Nain, exploring a castle, and singing with Mam’s choir. These Our World books avoid stereotypes and concentrate on daily life rather than landmarks. Bold artwork and an engaging text make global learning accessible to young children while back-of the-book notes offer simple explanations of the objects and actions found in the book. A whole world of knowledge!
(Barefoot Books, board books, £7.99 each)

Death on the Royal Yacht

S.J. Bennett

A HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED winter-time tour of the Caribbean aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia – currently anchored amidst the lush beauty and glittering sunshine of Grenada’s stunning St George’s Harbour – looks set to be a pleasurable affair for 39-year-old Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip.

With a tight schedule ahead, hopes are high that nothing will go wrong… until it does. The Queen’s young diary secretary, Pamela Sinclair, only in office for a few months, has been found dead in her cabin and it’s looking like someone on board could be a murderer.

In a delightful series that has caught the imagination – and won the hearts – of an army of readers, Yorkshire-born author S.J. Bennett sweeps us away to the glamour of life on Britannia and into another right royal mystery involving a baffling death and a list of possible suspects which includes hundreds of crew members. The aim of this cosy, quirky The Queen Investigates series was to celebrate our late monarch’s lifetime of dedication to public service, her role in all our lives, and her impact on the world at large, and her death in 2022 has added an extra layer of poignancy to the much-loved cosy crime series.

In this charming sixth book, Bennett (pictured left) winds back the clock to the Sixties and the earlier days of Queen Elizabeth’s long reign for an outing deep inside the fascinating workings of the royal yacht as we meet up again with the unexpected super-sleuthing superstar sovereign who has begun a royal lifetime of solving murder mysteries in between her more regular and recognised duties.

It’s February of 1966 and the Queen is touring the Caribbean on a schedule which is measured in ten-minute increments for the entire five weeks, a fact that keeps her staff – including her dependable Assistant Private Secretary and long-standing confidante Joan McGraw – on their toes. But Prince Philip has noticed that the trusty Joan, an ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, has looked increasingly uncomfortable recently and was ‘positively grumpy’ on the previous day’s visit to Tobago’s breathtaking palm-fringed beaches, hummingbirds and hibiscus. He reckons Joan’s nose has been ‘put out of joint’ by ‘sparky’ diary secretary Pamela who has turned out to be sharper than she looks.

And when Pamela is found mysteriously dead in her barricaded cabin the next morning, rumours quickly abound about her cause of death, although the truth is that nobody really knows. However, it doesn’t take long for suspicion to fall on Joan, who was the first to discover Pamela’s body and is uncharacteristically cagey about the order of events.

For the senior police officers on board who must now investigate, including the Queen’s chief personal protection officer, Chief Inspector Peter ‘Pots’ Chambers, the royal yacht is a busy, working ship, from the admiral at the bridge to the chefs in the galleys and the engineers attending to the turbines. It houses a crew of hundreds. Is one of them a murderer? And behind the scenes, the Queen and Joan must use every skill and trick to solve the mystery, while seeming to glide, unflustered, from one high-profile engagement to the next, as the multi-island visit unfolds with the whole world watching...

Featuring a real royal tour as the backdrop, a supporting cast of real and fictional players, some wonderfully caustic private conversations between the Queen and Prince Philip, and a plot that blends a fascinating exploration of the royals’ public and private lives with an intriguing mystery, this is an exhilarating romp that brings us the Queen and her courtiers as we have never before seen them. But, as always, it is the incomparable Queen Elizabeth who is the shining star of Bennett’s new royal blue mystery which picks up perfectly her nuances and familiar characteristics, and paints a dazzling, humorous and totally convincing portrait of the canny, compassionate and dedicated monarch without losing sight of her dignity and integrity.

Best supporting roles here are undoubtedly the discreet and resourceful, if somewhat off kilter, Joan who is more than able to operate under the radar of the many ranks of men on board, and, of course, the fearlessly outspoken and irreverent Prince Philip, whose throwaway lines prove so often to be the hilarious scene-stealers.

With its richly detailed and authentic portrayal of royal life and diplomacy, a fast-paced plot littered with clues and red herrings, revealing insights into the early years and real-life events of the Queen’s reign, and moments of genuine emotion and pathos, this is a wonderfully entertaining series with a pleasing – and distinctly British – flavour.
(Zaffre, hardback, £16.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Spooks, spills, thrills and lots of chills for Halloween

As the dark shadows of Halloween start to loom large on the horizon, brace yourself for a simply wizard selection of new books which are guaranteed to bewitch all young fans of the season of spooks and spectres

Age 8 plus
The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen
Guy Bass and David Roberts

WHAT'S the worst thing that could happen? Wait… before you decide, award-winning children’s author Guy Bass has a story to tell! Aided and abetted by star illustrator David Roberts, Bass takes youngsters on a thrilling and imaginative trip through the sideways door and lets supernatural secrets come tumbling out in a Halloween host of gloriously chilling terror tales! Meet the nightmare pig and a sinister swine with teeth on her mind, witness the terrifying reality of swapping places with your reflection or visit the ravenous monster in the shed. And, if you dare, come face-to-fear-filled face with Doctor Panic who just happens to have seen far too much of the world behind the sideways door. But be warned… your world may never be the same again! This gloriously dark and original collection from the limitless imaginings of Bass, brought to life by Carnegie-shortlisted Roberts’ inventive and atmospheric colour illustrations, is a wickedly wonderful feast of fears and the perfect gift book to make the season of scares that little bit spookier!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £16.99)

Young Adult
One Last Scare
Bill Wood

WELCOME to the theme park where thrills and terror collide! Bestselling BookTok sensation Bill Wood returns with his next nail-biting thriller starring the unforgettable quartet of characters who stole the show in Birmingham City University graduate Wood’s first two runaway bestsellers Let's Split Up and Be Right Back. When Cam, Jonesy, Amber and Buffy are invited to experience a new theme park called Chillshore, the gang jump at the chance of some down-time together. They can relax on this remote island, check out the rides, no chance of any chilling murders or mystery-solving in sight. Right? Wrong. Death has come to Chillshore, with creepy cabins in the woods, gruesome discoveries lurking beneath frozen water, decades-old secrets cracking open like black ice. None of their fellow guests can be trusted and no one is safe. As the body count rises, can the Sanera Four survive, or will this be their One Last Scare? A delicious dollop of high-octane horrors delivered at top speed makes this new feast of fun, frights and friendship an unmissable Halloween treat!
(Scholastic, paperback, £9.99)

Age 14 plus
Nightcurse
Emma Hinds

HOW do you find meaning in life and how can you hope for love when you’re already dead? Be utterly bewitched this witching season with Manchester-based Emma Hinds’ queer enemies-to-lovers romantasy which has a magical mystery at its beating heart and plays out against a thrilling dark academia setting. Emrys Swift is so dead… 157 years’ worth of dead, to be exact. And eternity feels even longer when you are cursed to be seventeen forever, hidden from the world in a magical library and desperate to remember how you died. But when ancient spellbooks go missing, Emrys must join forces with annoyingly attractive shapeshifter, Aubrey Vale, to solve the mystery. Which would be fine... if they weren’t (im)mortal enemies. As they tangle with ghosts and battle mermaids, can they outrun the secrets of Emrys’ death and Aubrey’s life? And is it possible to fall in love when you’re already dead? Cursed with eternity, haunted by love, Emrys discovers the truth about living forever as Hinds takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the ancient magic, wild landscapes and folklore of Britain whilst exploring the meaning of belonging and the potential for love and life even beyond death. A slow-burn romance threaded through with magic!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £9.99)

Age 9 plus
How To Train Your Zombie
Josh Winning and Dave Smith

IF your must-have list for Halloween stories is monsters, friendship, supernatural chaos and spooky-yet-silly adventures then look no further than author Josh Winning and illustrator Dave Smith’s gleefully zany romp How To Train Your Zombie. Preston and his brothers are in a graveyard making a YouTube video about monsters when they are attacked by a real-life zombie! But it’s not just any zombie… it’s Preston’s best friend Tommy who passed away a few months ago after an unfortunate squash avalanche accident in a supermarket. Thrilled to have his friend back, Preston promises to give Tommy lessons so he can once again fit into everyday life and they can still stay friends. However, Preston’s lessons are repeatedly foiled by his brothers either bossing everybody around or making up stories and pretending not to understand what Tommy is really saying. Meanwhile, monster hunter Vincent Valiant will stop at nothing to put Tommy back in the ground where he belongs. If the brothers can’t find a way to get along, they could end up losing their friend for ever. Winning’s creepily fun story is filled with scares, laughs, Smith’s superb illustrations and moving messages about finding hope after loss. Halloween action with a big helping of heart!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Lockett & Wilde: The Ghosts of the Library
Lucy Strange and Pam Smy

THE restless spirit of a school’s old librarian needs help and there are only two people who can solve the mystery… Lockett and Wilde! Detective duo, schoolgirl Matilda Lockett and her ghostly companion Edgar Wilde, return in the spooky season for the third and final mystery of a fabulous Lemony Snicket-style cosy crime series from bestselling author Lucy Strange and award-winning illustrator Pam Smy. Winter is closing in and during the long, dark London evenings, Matilda and Edgar are puzzling over the wisp who haunts her aunt Signora Valentina’s theatre. By day Matilda attends Euthalia’s, where she enjoys the ghost cat sitting on her knee during lessons, the companionship of her (living) friend Florence and helping in the library. But there’s a spiritual presence among the books with a mystery for the supernatural sleuths to solve. Smy’s brilliantly atmospheric illustrations add the extra spook factor to Strange’s thrill-packed and emotional finale to a superbly imagined series that has included The Ghosts of the Manor and The Ghosts of London.
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom
Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Holly Swain

TURN down the lights and immerse yourself in the ghastly, ghostly tale of a spoiled child, a crumbling manor and a life-changing potion as storytelling magician Jack Meggitt-Phillips conjures up a feast of gothic fun! Blending all those delicious tropes of gothic horror with a whimsical and wonderful twist on the RL Stevenson’s classic Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, this rip-roaring fantasy adventure is packed full of prize-winning Meggitt-Phillips’ imagination and wit. It all started for Henrik Jekyll when he found out about the Hyde Potion… spoiled and young, Henrik has been left his ancestor Dr Jekyll’s house, laboratory, and – most importantly – secret, life-altering Hyde Potion recipe. Henrik’s curiosity soon leads him down a dark path, unleashing a chaotic alter ego named Eddie. With Eddie’s strength and mischief wreaking havoc in the local town, Henrik must confront the consequences of his reckless actions. Can he learn to control his inner Hyde before it’s too late, or will he succumb to the chaos? And what darkness lurks in the foundations of Jekyll Manor itself? With illustrations by Carnegie Medal-nominated Holly Swain adding to the fearsome fun, a super-surfeit of mayhem and menace, potions to ponder, and monsters making unexpected appearances, this thriller with a big heart is a perfect fit for Halloween reading.
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Fright Club: Ready, Set, Ghoul!
Sibéal Pounder and George Ermos

SUPER-SPOOKY adventures get an exciting choose-your-character twist in this frighteningly clever series from author Sibéal Pounder and illustrator George Ermos. With friendships, frights, fun to enjoy and puzzles to solve, these intriguing books are guaranteed to thrill as readers choose which club members to follow on the ever-diverging adventures. Mr Phantom’s Fairground has been rolling into Grim forever, but no one knows much about the mysterious Mr Phantom or how he always seems to look the same. So when Fright Club pals Joe Bones, Hal, Rose and Debbie witness a strange ‘accident’ at the fairground, they decide to investigate and find out what’s really going on. From the murky depths of Little Cackle to the heights of the Blood Peaks ski resort, nothing will stop the friends from getting to the truth. Although, Debbie’s in charge this time and they don't know she’s a DEMON! Twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats, and with a deliciously devious cast of characters to explore, and Ermos' fun-filled illustrations, Pounder’s journey into the unknown is a spectacular and immersive romp from start to finish.
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Graveyard Gladiators
David Owen and Shane Houston

GLADIATORS ready… for a fast-paced, high stakes adventure full of madcap mayhem and giggles galore! Author David Owen and illustrator Shane Houston pool their talents on this monstrously funny tale about heroes who must beat impossible odds. Once a year, monsters and the undead rise up from the Underworld and battle each other in the Graveyard Games to win a star prize. Tonight, that prize is... Jude’s dad. But not if Jude can win him back. With the help of new friend and monster-wrestling expert Posie, plus top trainer (and zombie) Mickey, all Jude has to do is… race three monsters in the Gauntlet of Death, beat a beast to the most skulls in Skull Cull, then wrestle the undefeated champion one-on-one in the Graveyard Rumble. All that to become the top Graveyard Gladiator! Easy… right? Packed with Owen’s slapstick humour, some hilarious gross-out moments and Houston’s brilliant visual portrayal of the gruesome characters, there are sure to be creepy cackles all round!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
The Moonlight Dragon
Liz Flanagan

TAKE an adorable blue dragon, a mysterious prophecy and three new friends learning to trust each other and what do you have? The answer is an enchanting standalone fantasy adventure by Carnegie Medal-nominated author Liz Flanagan, a tale full of wild wonders and powerful messages about compassion and caring. On the night of the full moon, Luna goes to the standing stones, hoping this time her mother will be there. Instead, she sees something incredible – a huge blue dragon, flying through the moonlit sky. This dragon is being chased by hunters and Luna is heartbroken to see it fall from the sky. So, when Luna finds the dragon’s nest and rescues Spark, the last young dragon in the world, she must keep him safe and hidden. Teaming up with her new friends, Tobi, the anxious prince, and Elodie, the librarian’s daughter, the children must solve the mystery of why the king is so afraid of the dragons, before it’s too late. With fast-paced action, a story threaded through with courage, trust, high emotions and doing what is right for the greater good, this is a magical, mystical adventure with a dragon-sized beating heart!
(Fox and Ink Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Dead Yard: Deep Trouble
P.J. Killburn and Markia Jenai

SNAKES alive… there’s something seriously spooky going on in the life of budding film-maker Jermaine and it needs to be flushed out! Get ready to have your spine tingled and your laughter buds tickled in the second thrilling Caribbean folklore-inspired adventure series from author P.J. Killburn and illustrator Markia Jenai. Jermaine is determined to put the events of his great-great uncle Carl’s Dead Yard behind him. No more supernatural shenanigans! But that’s easier said than done and soon Jermaine is hearing a voice calling out to him from the water. Then several kids in his class disappear into the Thames and return with zombie-like personalities and, to top it off, there are snakes bursting out of the school sinks. Jermaine and his friends reluctantly admit there must be a new spooky threat in town. Could it be another monster from Caribbean legend, and does Jermaine have what it takes to stop this new nightmare? Ghosts, ghouls and giggles all the way!
(Little Tiger, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Corpse Talk: Dead, Famous & Very Chatty
Adam and Lisa Murphy

THE most spectacular storytellers of all time take starring roles in a new edition of Corpse Talk, husband and wife team Adam and Lisa Murphy’s award-winning series which brings youngsters history straight from the corpse’s mouth! Corpse Talk: Dead, Famous and Very Chatty combines the best of the series in an updated and exciting graphic novel format. This new wonderfully inventive and tongue-in-cheek comic-book take on history, published by David Fickling in partnership with The Phoenix comic, features names you know (and those you should!) interviewed from beyond the grave. Join host Adam Murphy for the chat show that brings the dead famous to life and meet the likes of Greek philosopher Aristotle, French queen Marie Antoinette and Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and discover the incredible stories behind these notorious figures – straight from their own mouths! Clever, comical, informative and brilliantly illustrated, this wonderful series achieves what many youngsters thought almost impossible… it makes learning laugh-out-loud fun!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
Olivia Shivers: Spooky Special
Derek Keilty and Louis Ghibault

GHOSTS, gadgets and good friends! Track down the sly spectres with two pals in this fun and action-packed adventure, first of an exciting new illustrated chapter book series from Belfast author Derek Keilty and Belgian illustrator Louis Ghibault. Olivia can’t wait for today’s school author visit to start because it’s about ghosts. But she’s in for a shock because, it turns out, she is the only one who can detect that the author is a ghost. And that’s just the beginning! Her grandpa turns out to be a secret agent for SCARE… Spook Capture and Rehabilitation Enterprises. And what’s more, Olivia has inherited his Spook Sense. So when Grandpa is kidnapped, Olivia has no choice but to embark on a chilling rescue mission with her best friend Roop. Keilty lets loose his world-building imagination and storytelling skills on this entertaining ghost hunt which features a captivating cast of quirky characters and is illustrated in Ghibault’s richly detailed black and white illustrations. Madcap mayhem for your own mischief-makers!
(Scallywag Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Dungeon Runners: Forest Frenzy
Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd-Stanton

HEROES come in all shapes and sizes... and everyone deserves the chance to prove it! Blue Peter Award-winning author Kieran Larwood and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner Joe Todd-Stanton pool their considerable talents for the fifth Dungeon Runners adventure, part of a fully illustrated and action-packed fantasy quest series which is perfect for newly independent readers.
Kit can’t wait for the next dungeon… especially as he and his team-mates, Sandy and Thorn, have been promoted to a higher league. But with new challenges, bigger monsters and meaner opponents, and with the dungeon being set high up in a forest, Kit will need to keep his wits about him, as well as his balance! Action fans love the world of the Dungeon Runners, a magical land where bullies and baddies are challenged by an unlikely but heroic trio of friends willing to enter tough competitions and fight their way to the top. Join in the fun… but don’t look down!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

The Secret of Abney Hall

Susan Brownrigg

THE eleven-day disappearance of celebrated crime novelist Agatha Christie in December of 1926 has spawned many speculative theories, books and even Hollywood films… but one hundred years later, the true story behind her mysterious vanishing has still never been fully uncovered.

It was a classic mystery… an abandoned car, Agatha’s fur coat and driving licence left on the seat, abundant theories of where she might be. Was it an accident, was it suicide, was foul play involved, did her erring husband have something to do with it, or was it all just a publicity stunt for her next book?

What is known is that Agatha was eventually found at the fashionable Swan Hydropathic Hotel in Harrogate where she had booked in under the name of Teresa Neele, which just happened to be the surname of her unfaithful husband Colonel Archie Christie’s mistress.Needless to say, the discovery of the missing writer caused a buzz for onlookers and the press who descended on the hotel like bees to a honey pot but Agatha offered no explanation for her disappearance and instead retreated to Abney Hall, a gothic mansion at Cheadle, near Manchester, home of her sister, Madge, and her wealthy businessman husband, James Watts.

And it was this intriguing northern family link that became the inspiration for The Secret of Abney Hall, Wigan-born novelist and lifelong Agatha Christie fan Susan Brownrigg’s debut murder mystery… an entertaining and gleeful homage to the famous writer’s raft of memorable crime novels, and also to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her death.

Set in the aftermath of Agatha’s sensational real-life disappearance, we join the world's most famous mystery writer with her close family shortly after her discovery in Harrogate and meet our narrator, Jane Goodbetter, the private nurse who has been hired to take care of the renowned writer but has her own secret reasons for keeping her head down.

With the huge press interest and risks of privacy intrusion, Agatha is quickly whisked away to her sister’s sprawling estate at Abney Hall – a place of ‘mullioned windows and gothic grandeur’ – to recover with the help of Madge and her husband, Jim.

Agatha is undoubtedly under mental strain… she is still recovering from her mother’s death a few months earlier, is beset by worries about a current episode of writer’s block, and she is reeling from revelations of infidelity by her dashing but difficult and angry husband Archie, a former First World War pilot. Specialist doctors are to be summoned and there is already speculation that Agatha is suffering from amnesia brought on by stress. But for her nurse Jane – who is living in at Abney Hall and prefers short assignments such as this because she can be ‘almost anonymous’ – there is the constant threat of a probing press uncovering her own well-guarded secrets.

The retreat soon proves to be anything but peaceful for Jane and when a local amateur theatre troupe, run by the larger-than-life and exceedingly outspoken Delia Cherry, arrives to rehearse a macabre new play in Abney Hall’s annexe, the atmosphere quickly becomes menacing. Secrets are leaking to the press, and Jane’s own dark past at a wartime asylum threatens to surface. When a body turns up in the freezing lake and a blizzard traps everyone inside the house, the line between stagecraft and real-life murder blurs. In a house full of actors, doctors, and a cheating husband, Jane must unmask the killer before the final curtain falls, or she will be the next one silenced.

Brownrigg (pictured above) does a brilliant job on this compelling and imaginative locked-room romp which harnesses the familiar tropes of a Christie classic but embellishes the mystery with an unreliable narrator, a cast of colourful characters, playful plot twists, and a compelling list of potential suspects to keep readers on their toes.

Armed with her love and knowledge of Christie’s crime mysteries, and hours of research into the writer’s links to Abney Hall, including Madge’s enthusiastic membership of a Manchester amateur dramatic society, Brownrigg brings to glorious life the rich detail of the world of a country mansion in the 1920s.

And it’s in this house full of secrets that the Queen of Crime herself becomes a target for a hidden killer as the winter snowstorm traps all those inside, suspicion mounts and the jolly Christmas atmosphere turns decidedly sinister. A captivating and thoroughly enjoyable read for all cosy crime and Agatha Christie fans!
(Fox & Ink Books, paperback, £10.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Mending hearts, nature’s wonders and zombie worms

Mend your broken heart with an anthology of wise and comforting words, meet two star-crossed lovers longing to heal the wounds of family feuding, discover the wonder and joy of nature with a gorgeous collection of artwork, and dive into the thrilling world of some of Earth’s most bizarre life forms with an eclectic mix of new children's books

Age 12 plus
You Can Do It With
a Broken Heart
Ana Sampson

HEARTBREAK… it’s the emotion that hits like a freight train and leaves us reeling. And which teen hasn’t been there… marathon-watching The Notebook, blasting Taylor Swift, or desperately hoping for a Mr Darcy-level hand flex to solve all their problems? And when the hot priest in Fleabag says ‘It'll pass,’ most want to believe him even as their hearts remain shattered. So here to console and heal the broken-hearted is You Can Do It With a Broken Heart, a perfectly curated line-up of comforting poems selected by acclaimed anthologist Ana Sampson who has been editing poetry collections since 2009 and whose output includes two volumes by women, She is Fierce and She Will Soar. Featuring a wide range of classic and contemporary voices, her new collection moves thematically through the stages of heartbreak… shock, despair, fury, acceptance, and moving on.   

Whether you’re in the ‘ugly crying on the bathroom floor’ phase or the ‘I’m totally fine, just listening to break-up anthems on repeat’ stage, these poems get it. Their aim is to validate pain, unleash inner angst, and remind the heartbroken that even when it feels like the world is ending, they are not alone. Feel the raw, relatable wisdom of literary legends like Emily Dickinson, Rumi, W.B. Yeats, Dorothy Parker, Wilfred Owen, and Anne Sexton. And for those moments when a modern voice to scream-sing along with might be needed, discover the powerful poetry of Ada Limón, Hera Lindsay Bird, Jackie Kay, and Nikita Gill. You Can Do It With a Broken Heart is for anyone who has loved and lost, and is ready – in the immortal words of Love Actually – to get the bleep kicked out of them by love again. Not just a poetry book but a new best friend!
(First Ink, hardback, £14.99)

Age 13 plus
Cherry Tree Ranch
Meghan DeGuelle

CAN two star-crossed lovers overcome the hostility that has torn apart their families? Immerse yourself in this sweet, coming-of-age cowboy romance full of forbidden love and themes of identity and forgiveness, and set against the backdrop of a small town American ranch. Written by Meghan DeGuelle, Cherry Tree Ranch is a love story with a compelling historical mystery at its heart and stars a girl who inherits a ranch and falls for the rodeo rider she can’t have. When Dahlia solely inherits her beloved grandpa’s ranch, her life turns upside-down. Her decision to stay instead of going to college is easy, but she needs to raise money fast to avoid selling… and all she has to save her heritage are the sour cherries from the orchard and the sweet honey from her bees. Her second problem is local rodeo rider, Cash, who she can’t stop running into. Between their old family enmity and his star-rider girlfriend, Dahlia knows she should keep her distance… so instead focuses on the attentions of her school friend, Wyatt. But when Cash rescues her after a bee sting and comes to work with her in the orchard, the attraction becomes even harder to bear. And along the way, Dahlia discovers letters and diaries in an old barn that reveal a tragic love story from generations before. Among them, a secret is waiting to come to light... could the mysteries of the past be the key to unlocking the ranch’s future and could the love growing between Dahlia and Cash heal the wounds of their families’ history? DeGuelle, who is herself a ranch owner and was born and raised in Colorado, delivers an empowering and swoon-worthy romance full of favourite tropes and guaranteed to be a hit with teen readers. 
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)

Age 12 plus
Eileen Soper: The Wonder of Nature
Joy Baker and Eileen Soper

DISCOVER the wonder and joy of nature with this gorgeous collection of artwork from celebrated 20^th century artist Eileen Soper, who died in 1990 aged 85 and famously illustrated the Enid Blyton books. Originally created to accompany Blyton’s Nature Readers series, these vintage illustrations, plus quotes and facts, perfectly capture the intricate landscapes, flora and fauna of the natural world. Beautifully packaged, the book showcases twenty-two reproductions of the highly collectable ‘Nature Plates’ alongside the story of Soper’s fascinating life, and quotes from her nature writings and diaries. Printed on sturdy, high-quality A4 card, each picture can be pulled out and framed, or the book can be read from start to finish to learn all about Soper’s extraordinary life, her love of nature and her celebrated artistic career as an etcher, modeller, illustrator, painter, writer and naturalist. A must-have for collectors, art lovers and aspiring young artists.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, £20)

Age 8 plus
A Year of Fairy Tales
Sophie Anderson and Elisa Paganelli

TAKE a thrilling journey through the seasons and celebrations of a child’s year in this stunning collection of fairy tales from Sophie Anderson, an award-winning writer whose imaginative powers have made her one of middle-grade readers’ favourite authors. Born in Swansea but now living in the Lake District, Anderson’s trademark is sublime and lyrical storytelling, a gift which allows her to sweep readers away to soaring, evocative landscapes where folklore and realism blend together in memorable, mesmerising adventures. Inspired by Slavic folk tales and the stories of her Prussian grandmother, this exciting writer is bewitching us once again with a year’s worth of magical and extraordinary fairy tale adventures that have been passed down for generations, all illustrated in glorious colour and rich detail by Elisa Paganelli. Some are twists on classics, such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, while others, like The Bear and the Dragon and The Sleeping Forest, are original stories inspired by folklore and reflecting the world as it is today. With a gorgeous foiled cover and ribbon bookmark, A Year of Fairy Tales is a magnificent gift book package which brings Anderson’s astonishing writing to life against the backdrop of Paganelli’s beautifully evocative artwork. A book to read, love and treasure…
(Usborne, hardback, £25)

Age 8 plus
The Swifts: A Garden of Vipers
Beth Lincoln and Claire Powell

GET ready for a large helping of family dramas, flowers and fatalities as author Beth Lincoln makes a welcome comeback with the third book of her rip-roaring gothic mystery series starring the irrepressible Shenanigan Swift. The Swifts series is Lincoln’s gloriously quirky debut and the writer who was raised in a former Victorian railway station in the North of England made her mark from the outset with the first book winning the 2023 Nero Children’s Fiction Award and the Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Award. Meet the Swifts… on the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has always had other ideas. And after catching a killer and solving a century-old art theft, it’s now the depths of winter and Shenanigan Swift and her family are summoned to America, where Daisy’s brother, millionaire floristry heir Dandelion DeMille, is in danger. Racing to the DeMille family home – a 72-storey skyscraper greenhouse in the heart of New York City – Shenanigan is too late to stop a murder. But it’s Dandelion’s Uncle Charlie who has fallen victim to a mystery assassin. As a snowstorm rages outside, Shenanigan, Felicity, Phenomena and Erf must uncover both motive and means. But when twenty-three floors of the DeMilles’ greenhouse are packed with poisonous plants, deadly flora and murderous creatures, how will they ever uncover what really happened in The Greenhouse?

With black and white illustrations throughout by the talented Claire Powell, this follow-up to The Swifts and The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues packs in the same brand of mischievous humour, ingenious plotting and brilliant characterisation that enthralled readers in the first two comic capers. With an intriguing mystery to solve, Shenanigan’s family antics to enjoy, and a thoroughly satisfying denouement, this is pure entertainment from start to finish.
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
The Curator’s Collection: An A to Z of Plants
Katie Scott and Zanna Davidson

STEP into the world of plants with this exquisite pocket-sized Welcome to the Museum gift edition from the Curator’s Collection series. Inspired by the acclaimed Botanicum – a super-sized book of stunning botanical delights and the next best thing to stepping inside a real-life exhibition of plants – An A to Z of Plants has been created in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Packed with beautiful illustrations, this volume offers an alphabetical journey through the diverse and fascinating kingdom of flora with each entry revealing the hidden wonders of plants and flowers. From Aquilegia Canadensis and wild columbine to Zingiber officinale (ginger root) and Cucurbitaceae (autumn pumpkin), the book has been carefully curated with scientific insight and artistic elegance. The perfect gift for nature lovers, design enthusiasts and curious minds alike, An A to Z of Plants is a glorious celebration of the beauty and complexity of the botanical world in a format that is as handy as it is enlightening.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Zombie Worms and Blue Dragons
Ben Garrod and Emily Higgs

GET up close to the strange and thrilling world of some of Earth’s most iconic – and often most bizarre – forms of life. Whether it’s a tasselled wobbegong, a type of carpet shark from Australasia, or an African gaboon viper, one of the most toxic creatures on the planet, this amazing, full-colour gift book celebrates 100 of the largest, smallest, oldest, newest, most venomous, fearsome, intelligent, and strangest forms of life on Earth. With evolutionary biology and science professor Ben Garrod as our guide, Zombie Worms and Blue Dragons delves deep into the wonders of the natural world to uncover some of the wildest facts. Packed with the extraordinarily detailed artwork of graphic designer, illustrator and palaeoartist Emily Higgs, the book explores incredible plants, animals and life forms which many people will never even have heard about. Which poisonous tree can kill you when it rains, how do some snakes shapeshift to fly through forest canopies and why do some parasite fungi turn their victims into real-life zombies? With fascinating, up-to-date facts revealing the secret lives of these species and genus, and every colourful page filled with dazzling animals, plants, fungi and a host of other life forms, this beautiful compendium is ideal for all nature fans.
(Zephyr, hardback, £16.99)

Age 7 plus
K-Pop Witch Academy: A Trainee’s Dream
Fiona Scoble, Seong-Jae Kong and Jenn Aguilera

A PERFECT performance will cast powerful magic… but one misstep could spell disaster! Welcome to the K-Pop Witch Academy: A Trainee’s Dream, first book of a high-octane new illustrated series that is perfectly in step with fun-loving K-Pop fans. Written by Fiona Scoble, with cultural advice from Korean teacher Seong-Jae Kong, the books are illustrated by Jenn Aguilera in the full-colour shojo manga style which originates from Japan and is characterised by a distinctive decorative, character-based and romantic art form. Are the K-Pop Witch Academy trainees up to the challenge? When eleven-year-olds Soo, Ivy, and Min are among the few students invited to join an elite K-pop academy on Ganghwado Island, they think they’re chasing stardom. What they don’t know is that this school doesn’t just make idols… it makes witches. At this secret academy, trainees learn how the perfect blend of vocals, dance, and rap can cast spells powerful enough to change the world. But magic demands harmony… and these three trainees couldn’t be more out of sync. Ivy is buzzing with main character energy, but her confidence as a performer could lead to magical chaos. Soo loves to sing, but can she overcome her shyness and find her voice as a star? Min is born to dance, but she’s so busy keeping the peace that she might never claim the spotlight. Every rehearsal is a musical and magical disaster, but if the girls can find their harmony, they could become a global sensation! Brought to life by over 50 pages of Aguilera’s bewitching illustrations, K-Pop Witch Academy is destined to be a must-read for all young fans of manga, magic and K-pop.
(Do Re Mi, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
The Dragon Mountain
Mathieu Pierloot, François Maumont and Charis Ainslie

FRIENDSHIP is the greatest magic! Join two little witches as they embark on an action-packed magical adventure in this spellbinding illustrated book from Belgian author Mathieu Pierloot and French illustrator François Maumont. Translated into English by Charis Ainslie and packed with Maumont’s glorious and characterful colour illustrations, this spellbinding book explores friendship and bravery against a backdrop of magic and adventure. When two little witches, Lilith and Medusa, are sent foraging for potion ingredients, they discover a boy called Julius and his pet duck Custard. But inside the boy’s bag is a stolen dragon egg, snatched from a group of hobgoblins! Lilith and Medusa know they need to return the egg to its mother before she destroys everything and everyone looking for it. Setting off on a treacherous journey through a magical forest, across an enchanted, fog-covered lake and on to a mysterious uncharted island, they will encounter goblins, a kidnap, evil creatures and an adorable baby dragon. This exciting adventure is guaranteed to captivate young readers as, surrounded by strange creatures, hidden dangers and strange magic, the witches and Julius discover that courage, kindness and friendship can be more powerful than any spell.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 7 plus
Tomorrow Bright Before Us: An Inspiring Quote for Every Day of the Year
Illustrated by Victoria Ball

‘What are days for? Days are where we live. They come, they wake us, Time and time over. They are to be happy in: Where can we live but days?’ 

THESE wise and wonderful words from English poet and novelist Philip Larkin are just some of many inspirational quotes packed into this dazzling gift book – lavishly illustrated by artist and surface designer Victoria Ball – which has been perfectly created for every day of the year. Readers of every age can discover brilliant words on every subject, from the beloved voices of inspirational writers, thinkers and scientists to leaders, artist and activists. Paired with Ball’s evocative illustrations full of warmth, joy and hope, Tomorrow Bright Before Us is an ideal gift for creative young minds… and a book to cherish and return to time and time again.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £25)

Age 5 plus
The Polar Night Adventure
Cecilia Blomdahl and Suzie Mason

AT the top of the world, far, far to the north lies a frozen island called Svalbard… a place that sparkles with ice and where towering mountains fill the snowy landscape. Discover the magic of Svalbard in this heartwarming illustrated Arctic adventure from bestselling author Cecilia Blomdahl, a writer who moved to the island in 2015 and began sharing her daily life online. Often featuring her dog Grim, a Finnish Lapphund, her tales provide a positive and educational insight into living in an environment where polar bears rule the tundra and winter is spent in complete darkness. Will Grim find his way home? As the last glimmers of light fade from the snow-covered peaks and polar night arrives, Grim finds himself lost in the vast Arctic. On his unexpected journey, he encounters mischievous arctic foxes, reindeer huddled in the snow, and bright-white beluga whales rising from the fjord. But danger lingers too… is that a polar bear in the distance, or just its tracks? Beneath a sky filled with stars and shimmering northern lights, Grim finds the courage to keep moving forward. To make his way home – and back to Cecilia – he must face his fears and follow his heart through the darkness. A timeless tale of powerful nature, bravery, wonder, and resilience, brought to life by the atmospheric illustrations of Suzie Mason, The Polar Night Adventure has the makings of a contemporary classic!
(DK Children, hardback, £14.99)

Age 4 plus
The Green Child
Hollie Hughes and Britta Teckentrup

‘The green child yawns and stretches, and the forest wakens too, Green leaves begin to sprout and grow, and EVERYTHING feels new.’ 

MEET the Green Child, guardian of the seasons and protector of our planet, in a heartfelt and hopeful picture about how small changes can make a big difference to our planet from author Hollie Hughes and award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup. In the deepest, darkest forest where the trees are gnarled and wild, along a winding path we find the Green Child deep asleep. But as winter shifts into spring, the Green Child rouses from slumber and breathes new life into the world. Through ever-brightening days, she ushers in the changing seasons until summer finally arrives. But as the days grow hotter and longer, the forest begins to wither away. The Green Child realises she has a job to do… to send a message to all of mankind… but will anyone listen? Told in Teckentrup’s lyrical rhyme, this timeless modern classic celebrates the cycle of the seasons, sparking curiosity about the natural world in young readers and inspiring a new generation of environmental heroes. Perfect for young eco fans, The Green Child is a gentle reminder to respect nature and live in harmony with our planet.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 4 plus
The Star Tree
Luosha Liu

YOUNG readers will have stars in their eyes when they turn the pages of this enchanting picture book which has been specially created by self-taught children’s book illustrator and author Luosha Liu as a first young comic book. In the heart of the forest, Ellie cherishes the ancient tree. But one night, the tree explodes with starlight, showering the forest in a glittering avalanche! Faced with mountains of stars, Ellie and her animal friends must put their creativity to the test. Can they turn this starry chaos into a dazzling celebration? Beautiful, soft-toned artwork and the appealing comic-style format blend to perfection in this heartwarming tale of friendship, resourcefulness, and the magic that happens when a community shines together.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Don’t Feed the Troll
Emily Gravett

REVEL in the colourful and enchanting delights of a spectacular new picture book from multi-award-winning Emily Gravett whose adorable stories are written and illustrated with artistic genius, true affection, and a freewheeling sense of fun which tumbles out of every page. Her latest inspired creation is Don’t Feed the Troll, a laugh-out-loud, rhyming fairy tale adventure full of her trademark wit, warmth and irreverent humour. Everybody in faraway fairy tale land is getting ready for a very special party. All except one tiny bridge troll who is making his own fun… by being extremely rude! With every insult he hurls and every ego he bruises, the tiny troll gets bigger and bigger. How will Cinderella, Goldilocks, the three little pigs and all the other fairy tale friends defeat this pesky troll? Might being kind instead of rude be the trick that shrinks him back to a more manageable size? Look out for the witch and her cauldron full of apples, the wolf threatening to blow the little pigs’ homes and lots of other fun details as this celebration of kindness finally puts the troll back in his (small!) space. With its sparkly gold foil jacket and happy ending, this is the perfect gift book for bedtime reading.
(Two Hoots, hardback, £14.99)

Age 2 plus
Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night 
Celeste Cortright and Giulia Orecchia

CAN you guess the fantastical creature of the night? See who’s hiding as you turn the pages of this spectacular book and meet everything from vampires to skeletons as you learn about the mythical creatures that creep through the night. This ingenious, interactive board book features mystical riddles about each creature and as readers guess and turn the page, tiered layers cleverly slide to reveal answers! 

Written in rhyming verse by Celeste Cortright and illustrated by Giulia Orecchia, Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night is part of Barefoot Books’ super-inventive Slide-and-See Fantastical Creatures series. It boasts an interactive format which keeps kids engaged while learning and includes fact-packed endnotes about each of the creatures featured in the book. Also in the series is Unicorns and Other Creatures of the Earth which features fantastical, mythical creatures that walk the Earth, including unicorns, leprechauns, wizards, yetis and gnomes. Magical, hands-on journeys into the realms of fantasy!
(Barefoot Books, board books, £14.99 each)