CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Dragon dangers, wartime struggles and a pet’s tale

Share adventures with a girl who was born to be a dragon, discover if three sisters can survive two bomb blasts and a life-changing war, meet the animals who witnessed life in Ancient Rome, and take a poetic tour through the streets of New York in a magnificent selection of March books

Age 9 plus
Dragonborn
Struan Murray

SOMETIMES children are born to be dragons… and sometimes an epic fantasy series is born to set imaginations on fire! Scottish author Struan Murray – whose debut novel, Orphans of the Tide, won the prestigious Branford Boase Award – plays his best card yet with the first electrifying adventure in a series that takes world-building to dizzy new heights. Life is no fun for Alex Evans. Ever since her dad’s death, her overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. When the frustration inside Alex finally gets too big to bear, it rushes to the surface. And flames spill from her mouth. Because Alex is a dragon… one of the many who live among us, unless something awakens their true nature. Led by the mighty Oliphos to the legendary island of Skralla, Alex must now train alongside fierce, frightening dragon children if she is to unlock the power of her birthright. But other dragons are rising, too. Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, seeks to free himself from the curse that has trapped him for three thousand years… the curse that has kept the world safe. Now he is preparing a war against the human world, and Alex has to be strong enough for this fight, or all of us will be caught in the flames…

Murray has given us a true, inspirational hero… a thrilling young girl on a journey of self-discovery who is ready to sideline her fears and emotions and take on dragon skulls, ferocious battles and a fiery, fearsome enemy in order to save the world. Littered with fire-breathing danger, an endless layer of mind-blowing secrets, and an emotional intensity that will burn its way into young hearts, Dragonborn is simply unputdownable.
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
The Blitz Sisters
Judith Eagle

THREE sisters, two devastating bomb blasts, one life-changing war… they can survive anything if they have each other. Billed as Little Women for younger readers, and set during World War Two and beyond, this heartwarming, poignant and page-turning tale from critically acclaimed author Judith Eagle brings real history to life with dazzling mastery and authenticity. Focusing on the fears, friendships and fortunes of one London family, Eagle thrusts readers into the lives of three sisters, Lydia, Peggy and Teddy Linden, just after war is declared and at the point where their world is about to be turned upside down. In 1939, the girls have been evacuated to the countryside and Lydia, the oldest and always the sensible sister, is finding a way to make everyone feel safe… with her cooking! But the weight of responsibility begins to feel unbearably heavy and Lydia decides to take drastic, dangerous action. In 1943, we find the girls back in London and crammed into a house in Peckham Rye with numerous friends and relatives. Peggy, the arty one, is at school and hating it. Inspired by her new friend Arno, a refugee from Germany, Peggy is determined to go to art school, whatever the cost. By 1946, the girls are living through the war’s aftermath. Teddy, the clever one, is excelling at school. So when a school trip to Paris is on the cards, the family are keen to find the money for Teddy to go. Little do they know that, instead of learning French, Teddy plans to try to find one of the family’s very dearest lost loved ones…

A new generation of children will marvel at the danger and disruption that many youngsters faced during the long war years including bombs raining down on cities like London, and losing their homes, their things, their loved ones. But Eagle also reminds us that there were always comforting bright spots like finding you have the strength and love to carry on, enjoying a greater sense of family, and discovering the essence of who you truly are.
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Rome
Rik Worth and Jordan Collver

IF you thought Ancient Rome was all about the colosseum, gladiators and toga-wearers, this laugh-out-loud graphic novel guide from northern writer Rik Worth and Canadian illustrator Jordan Collver is guaranteed to come up with more than a few surprises! So what REALLY happened in Ancient Rome? Meet the animals of this long-ago civilisation as they prepare to spring to life and give readers the REAL history of the world they inhabited. They’re going to talk about the really good stuff and introduce you to the coolest Romans, including elephant soldiers, lion gladiators, celebrity horses and even superstitious chickens. Did you know that you could also find bears and tigers in the ancient city of Rome or that at the height of the Roman Empire, their power (and pets) spread from Scotland all the way through Europe, to North Africa and the Middle East? Prepare to giggle and gape as Worth – who is fascinated with why people believe in unusual things and the odder side of history – has fun digging out some of Ancient Rome’s most bizarre secrets. Brilliantly illustrated by Collver, the Pets Tell Tales guides are the perfect teaching tool to inspire reluctant readers!
(Wren & Rook, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
On The Streets of New York
Sarah Kay and Ryan Johnson

TAKE a poetic tour through New York, ‘the city that never sleeps,’ and discover some of its hidden corners as well as its major landmarks. On The Streets of New York is filled with the verse of Sarah Kay, a writer, performer and educator from New York City, and the artwork of Brooklyn-based illustrator Ryan Johnson, and is part of the On the Streets series from Big Picture Press. Through vibrant illustrated poetry – written by a poet from the city – readers can enjoy an armchair stroll through busy city streets and visit some of its familiar and not-so-familiar sights. Whether you are gazing up at the shimmering skyscrapers, walking through sprawling Central Park, grabbing a slice of pizza, visiting a bagel stand, or being overawed by the Statue of Liberty, every block of New York has a story to tell and each landmark holds special memories. Blending Kay’s lyrical text with non-fiction and Johnson’s beautifully detailed illustrations, this bold and bright book captures the heart and soul of the Big Apple.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £14.99)

Age 5 plus
The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery
Elissa Elwick

YOUNG imaginations are propelled into overdrive in this fun and interactive graphic novel from Elissa Elwick, an award-winning children’s books illustrator and author who loves helping children to find their voice, get creative, and discover the power of their unique and special imagination. So meet Hope, Bubbles, Sparky and Rainbow, they’re the Gumdrops… guardians of a magical land, full of magical beings! You might meet imaginary friends, your favourite characters from a story, or creations from your dreams. The Gumdrops are always up for a challenge… and when they get a letter from a child in need of an imaginary friend, they have their work cut out. Can YOU help them search for the ingredients to make the perfect companion? But you’ll have to keep an eye out for the mischievous, but adorable, Evilee along the way! Brought to vibrant life by Elwick’s gallery of gorgeous, colourful illustrations, and with an enchanting cast of quirky characters, this is the perfect package for youngsters setting out on the road to independent reading.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Ocean (Sticker by Numbers)
Jonny Marx and Christiane Engel

DIVE into the deep ocean and make your own wild and watery wonders with a fun and fact-filled sticker-by-numbers book which lets little explorers learn as they create. With ten pictures, over 130 stickers and perforated pull-out pages, this sparkling numbers book is the perfect gift for animal lovers and budding explorers. Youngsters will love searching the ocean depths and meeting a whole array of animals along the way, from splashing sea turtles, playful penguins and astonishing orcas to eerie anglerfish and stunning starfish. Vibrant and beautifully detailed artwork from Christiane Engel brings the mysterious underwater world to life, and the fun facts which accompanying the sticker projects encourage an interest in all sorts of sea creatures.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Nature Pop-ups: World of Birds
Patricia Hegarty, Xuan Le
and Yoojin Kim

DISCOVER nature in all its incredible colour, glory and life in a spectacular pop-up book showcasing a menagerie of magnificent birds. World of Birds is the second book of a dazzling pop-up board book series from Little Tiger Press. Feast your eyes on a tiny hovering hummingbird as she noiselessly beats her wings and flits from flower to flower! Each spread in this stunning book is brought to life by a pop-up scene featuring birds ranging from preening peacocks to parakeets, and majestic flamingos to diving ducks. Little ones will love watching birds pop up from the ingeniously engineered pages of this stylish board book. With Xuan Le’s gorgeous illustrations, Patricia Hegarty’s simple rhyming text, lots of fascinating facts, and the jaw-dropping paper engineering of Yoojin Kim, this beautiful book is a perfect introduction to the amazing world of birds and an exciting way for children to watch nature spring to life!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
Pass the Parcel
Carly Gledhill

HANDS up if you’re ready for a first class adventure! Young readers will be raring to join all the fun and frolics as Parcel gears up to travel to somewhere far, far away on a rollicking journey by sea, sky and snail mail. Pass the Parcel – a vibrant picture book bursting with energy, imagination and humour – comes from Manchester-based illustrator Carly Gledhill who channels her love of colour, character design and hand-drawn lettering into everything she creates. So can you guess where Parcel is going and would you like to come along, too? You would? Well, let’s GO! Follow Parcel as he gets passed all around the world, finding joy in the most unexpected places and celebrating all the fun you can have with a cardboard box. Expect delightfully whacky detours as you follow Parcel’s epic journey and discover where he really belongs in a super fold-out reveal that is guaranteed to give everyone a surprise!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Mr Norton’s New Truck
Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert

HOW on earth is Mr Norton going to get to work on time?! Author Huw Lewis Jones – whose own work has led to him voyaging in Antarctica – and Virginia-based illustrator Corey Egbert have fun with the second of their addictive picture book romps which offer a captivating reading experience and are perfect for sharing together… again and again and again! One Monday morning, Horace Norton finds that a bear has been on his bicycle and left both of his wheels rather wonky! How ever will he get to work? On Tuesday the bus is too busy for him to squeeze on to it, on Wednesday he picks up a scooter but it’s too small, and when he tries a pair of roller skates on Thursday it doesn't end at all well. Will Mr Norton find the perfect vehicle and finally get to work on time? With a text that repeats and builds with each new day and a story that ends with a peace offering from his animal friends, this celebration of kindness, brought to life by Egbert’s stylish and timeless illustrations, is set to be another much-loved classic!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Follow the Leader
Harriet Howe and Ariel Landy

TAKE three hot animals and one cool lake… all we need now is someone to lead the way! Author Harriet Howe and illustrator Ariel Landy have fun with a playful, rhyming picture book caper which gently explores concepts of leadership and teamwork. Monkey, Bear and Armadillo are melting in the jungle heat so off they go on a wild journey to the cool, sparkling lake. But wait! How should they get there, who gets to hold the map and who should lead the way? Youngsters will love tagging along with three big personalities on this sun-soaked jungle adventure which is packed with map-reading mishaps, flying fruit and swamp splats! Landy’s gloriously expressive and high-energy illustrations are the perfect match for Howe's anarchic story. A hilarious take on bossiness, bickering and just being silly!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Mo’s Stick
Fiona Lumbers

THE power of a child’s imagination is celebrated in simple words and expressive pictures in this exceptionally creative and beautifully illustrated book from Fiona Lumbers. Mo is sad… the little mouse’s favourite stick is gone! It could take Mo up to the stars and across the sea, and no other stick will ever be as good. But was it the stick that was special… or could it have been Mo’s wild and wonderful imagination? Lumbers’ charming and lovable little mouse character captures the determination and creativity of young children through cleverly rendered illustrations, complete with eye-catching collage elements and intriguing die-cut pages. The perfect book to inspire imaginative play!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
My Busy Noisy Farm
Sophie Aggett and Malgorzata Detner

TODAY it's YOU who is the farmer! Get ready for fun as little ones become busy farmers for the day, carrying out the NOISY tasks in the farmyard, with this brilliant pretend and play board book full of bright illustrations and 26 real-life farm sounds. ‘Over fields, turn giant wheels. Press buttons, bright and BIG! Chug-beep-beep and sprinkle! Vroom! There's so much soil to dig.’ From grooming the neighing horses, to driving the chugging tractor, children will love immersing themselves into a busy day at work with the farm sounds, Sophie Aggett’s vibrant rhyming text and Malgorzata Detner’s adorable illustrations. Nurture your child’s imagination with the questions and tasks at the bottom of the page… name your favourite horse, count the number of piglets and scatter seeds into the field. This chunky book is perfect to engage little ones in an interactive play experience, helping to develop their social, emotional, language and thinking skills!
(Little Tiger, board book, £12.99)

Age one plus
Busy Vehicles: Dino Rescue
Danielle McLean and Damien Barlow

MEET the busy rescue dinos and then watch them transform into emergency vehicles! All little fans of ‘things that go’ will be slipping and sliding through the pages of this fun and interactive board book from author Danielle McLean and illustrator Damien Barlow. ‘A dino tumbles from a tree with an almighty CRASH. We need an ambulance right now… to bring help in a flash!’ The dinos are in trouble and need rescue vehicles to zoom along to save them! By pulling the sliding tabs on each page, youngsters can watch the dinosaurs transform into busy vehicles and carry out some ROAR-some rescues. With magic transformations and sliding pictures on every page, fun dino facts, a read-aloud rhyming text and Barlow’s clever, colourful illustrations, this chunky board book has heroes and high-stakes adventures on every page!
(Little Tiger, board book, £7.99)

Some of Us Are Liars

Fiona Cummins

TRAGEDY, betrayal and the simmering menace of long-held resentments are just some of the delicious ingredients that combine to make Essex-based writer Fiona Cummins’ gripping new thriller one of this summer’s best reads.

Some of Us Are Liars is the third book starring Cummins’ brooding, anti-hero detective Saul Anguish, a complex man whose deeply emotional and empathetic skills have won the hearts and minds of readers in his two previous outings, Into the Dark and All Of Us Are Broken.

Set against the backdrop of a terrible tragedy, and the slow unfurling of a family’s hidden history, deceptions and secrets, this tension-packed new case for young Detective Constable Anguish comes with Cummins’ (pictured below) now trademark ‘never saw it coming’ twist which will leave readers gasping for breath.

When Jen Miller entrusts her youngest child – four-year-old Teddy – to the care of her beloved sisters for ‘the party to end all parties’ in celebration of Jen’s recent wedding, their parents’ golden wedding and her youngest sister’s fortieth birthday, she has no idea of the devastating tragedy that is about to unfold.

 

The lavish party is in the hands of Jen’s eldest sister, the renowned beauty and global superstar Winter Kellaway, who is pulling out all the stops at her luxurious beachside estate in Essex after filming a lucrative television series. Winter (real name Deborah) has always been generous to a fault to her two sisters, Jen and youngest sibling Alyssa, telling them, ‘All for one and one for all.’

And so the decorations are flawless, the champagne is on ice and the guests start arriving for what Winter promises will be ‘the greatest weekend of our lives.’ But one misstep will have heartbreaking consequences that will rock this close-knit family to their core. With her life in pieces, how can Jen ever begin to forgive?

Enter Saul, the brilliant but tormented Essex police detective who is called in to investigate and uncovers a long-buried and shocking family secret. As the trail to find the truth takes a dramatic turn, they must now all face the reality that you can never truly leave the past behind…

Cummins, a former journalist and a graduate of the Faber Academy, delivers one of her most intriguing and heart-rending thrillers yet… a deep, dark, devastating and immaculately plotted tale full of powerful emotions, unique and compelling characters, and nail-biting suspense.

With a drip-feed of shocking revelations, a sense of dread that permeates every page, and a mystery that explores some of humanity’s shadowy corners, Some of Us Are Liars is an unforgettable whodunit and destined to be another winner for an exciting author.
(Pan, paperback, £9.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Learning letters, a magical museum and brain training

Enjoy a wildly imaginative and colourful journey through a spectacular alphabet book, visit a magical museum where the exhibits come to life, test your brain cells with a fun and immersive crime-solving adventure, and marvel at a cinematic view of nature’s most impressive spectacles in an awesome selection of new children’s books

Age 5 plus
Beauty of Letters
The Most Awesome, Brilliant, and Comprehensive Alphabet Book
Tom Schamp

LEARNING letters from A to Z has never been as exciting, colourful and wildly imaginative as the journey through this dazzling alphabet book from Brussels-based children’s author and illustrator Tom Schamp. But Beauty of Letters isn’t just an ABC book, it’s a glorious celebration of letters, a comprehensive and exciting treat that explores language, typography and visual storytelling, and is overflowing with clever details, quirky humour, and surprises at every turn. A is for astronaut, alpaca, and atlas… and that’s just the beginning. Youngsters are invited to visit Letterland, a place where every letter leads to a world of playful discovery in which interactive look-and-find adventures are filled with hidden treasures and unexpected delights. 

Each page teems with whimsical scenes, surprising characters, and layered visual storytelling which turn learning the alphabet into a joyful exploration. Can you spot the animal alphabet, the musician alphabet, and the construction alphabet? As readers follow Otto and the mysterious Letterman on their journey, they will uncover curious objects, secret words, and dozens of clever connections… all woven into a rich tapestry of pattern, colour, humour and imagination. Using his distinctive style and creative flair, Schamp has designed a vibrant and layered visual narrative in which young readers can find something new every time they pick up the book. So whether children are discovering the alphabet for the first time, or simply seeing it in a whole new light, Beauty of Letters is a book to return to time and time again.
(Prestel, hardback, £22.50)

Age 7 plus
Locked in the Museum
Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Acapulco Studio

MORE than100,000 museums are scattered across the world so it seems impossible that you could visit them all… but then again, what if you could? Welcome to the Most Marvellous Museum where, on one special night, it’s rumoured that the globe’s most amazing artefacts can be found all together. And stranger still, it’s said that the museum quite literally comes alive! Step inside a magical adventure, discover some of the world’s oldest, rarest and most fascinating items and find out who from the past you might meet while locked in the unique and exciting museum. Locked in the Museum, written by children’s author Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Warsaw-based designers Acapulco Studio, takes young readers on a journey through a museum that houses everything from the Mary Rose and the Sistine Chapel to robots and modern art installations. Meet ancient Egyptian mummies, avoid a woolly rhinoceros with a Neanderthal, and explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. But please don’t touch the displays because some of them bite! This behind-the-scenes tour opens a portal to the past, unlocks a treasury of knowledge, and whispers the museum’s secrets to those who dare to listen. Uncover the stories behind incredible exhibits from around the world, find out how ancient artefacts are preserved, and learn about the passionate people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring history to life. History made real… don’t miss the ride!
(Templar Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 11 plus
Robin Hood: War & Peas
Robert Muchamore

HE might be a modern-day Robin Hood… but he’s still out to catch the villains who are cheating the poor and vulnerable! Welcome back to international bestselling author Robert Muchamore’s contemporary take on the old legend of Sherwood Forest in the tenth and final explosive chapter of an enthralling series that has delivered a spectacular and sure-fire formula of fun, action, terrific twists, and thrills galore. Here we find teen rebel and social-media star Robin Hood in exile in Holland and limited to public campaigning for the rebel cause. In the meantime, the Sherwood Forest rebels have been waging a long bitter war against President Marjorie Kovacevic’s troops. And hundreds of thousands of civilians, women and children have been locked up in squalid open-air prisons. But if the President wants to remain in power, she must do whatever it takes to completely destroy the rebels in the forest. Robin gets a chance to rejoin the rebels and is smuggled in by a hair-raising sea crossing to team up with his old band once more. His plan to destroy a military weapons factory turns into a plot to foment a popular uprising and stage a massive prison breakout. Soon a last-ditch effort to break the deadlock of never-ending fighting and oppression is gaining momentum like an out-of-control rollercoaster. The stakes could not be higher. What ensues is the mother of all battles that reaches a cataclysmic finale in which the outcome remains on a knife edge until the very last page. Brimming with guts, gusto, gags and gripping adventures, this is Robin Hood and his merry men as you’ve never before seen them… don’t miss this epic last battle!
(Hot Key Books, paperback, £7.99, published on March 12)

Age 9 plus
Detectograms®: The Parrot
Who Knew Too Much
Tim Collins and Steven Wood

CALLING all young super sleuths… test your brain cells with this fun and immersive crime-solving adventure which has forty-six mystery puzzles to crack! The Parrot Who Knew Too Much is the first of a brilliant new series and comes from the inventive mind of Tim Collins, author of the bestselling Sherlock Bones series, and is superbly illustrated throughout by Steven Wood. The thrilling mystery story is told in mini-chapters containing an innovative mix of narrative text and a puzzle called a 'Detectogram®' for readers to solve and keep the mystery unravelling. Police Inspector Cross and her officers have been called out on a mysterious case. They have traced the notorious Dempsey Gang to a warehouse, but they have arrived too late! The gang have raced off into the distance with stolen bars of gold. All they’ve left behind are a few stray scraps of paper and a very noisy parrot who seems to be squawking cryptic clues about where the gang went next. Now it’s up to the reader to crack the case, solving one Detectogram® at a time. Packed with a mix of logic, visual and text-based puzzles, and with clues to unravel, maps to navigate, suspects to examine and codes to crack, there are plenty of fun and perplexing puzzles to be solved in this brain-busting, interactive mystery. Missing all the fun just wouldn’t add up!
(Buster Books, paperback, £9.99, published on March 12)

Age 9 plus
Locomotion
Alastair Steele and Ryo Takemasa

ALTHOUGH railways are commonplace in many parts of the world – snaking around coastlines, zipping across countryside and transporting people and goods every day – it is strange to think that they have only been around for about two hundred years. In his spectacular exploration of the history of trains, railway historian, author and expert woodworker Alastair Steele celebrates the ingenuity and usability of trains past, present and future. From early steam engines through to the modern high-speed trains of today, Locomotion charts the history of trains throughout the world, and the wonder and escapism they evoke. Brought to life by the beautiful and atmospheric retro-inspired illustrations of award-winning artist Ryo Takemasa, this fascinating pictorial journey takes in famous icons of the railway world, along with some of the more ‘off the beaten track’ railways, such as narrow gauge and industrial lines. Packed full of iconic trains including the famous Flying Scotsman and the grand Orient Express, stopping off at famous stations like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai and the massive Grand Central Terminal in New York, as well as encompassing scenic journeys like the majestic Trans-Siberian railway and the spectacular long-distance California Zephyr service, Locomotion makes a stunning gift or reference book for train lovers of all ages.
(Big Picture Press, paperback, £10.99, published on March 5)

Age 8 plus
Nature’s Dance: The Captivating Choreography of Birds, Fish & Insects
Núria Solsana

DISCOVER the secret choreography of the natural world in this stunningly illustrated exploration of the astonishing ways in which birds, fish and insects travel, communicate, and survive together. With six fold-out pages and fabulous illustrations, Nature’s Dance is an eye-catching, long-format book providing a cinematic look at nature’s most impressive spectacles. Endlessly engaging and informative, the book reveals the hidden rhythms and synchronised patterns of collective movement in the natural world. Celebrated Spanish illustrator Núria Solsana’s vibrant artwork captures geese flying in energy-saving V-formations, starlings shifting shape in mid-air to confuse predators, and sardines swimming in dense, synchronised spirals. Readers learn how bees vibrate and dance to share information, ant colonies join together to build bridges, and penguins form rhythmic chains in their icy environment. Alongside vivid depictions of these instinctive patterns, Nature’s Dance provides fascinating insights into the subtle, interconnected systems that shape animal life. It also acts as a stunning celebration of movement, co-operation, and the profound intelligence of the natural world… a reminder that even the smallest creature plays a part in nature’s grand and intricate choreography. Whether it is used as an educational resource or as a work of art, this is the ideal book for curious observers and budding environmentalists.
(Prestel, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames
Jenny Moore

WHEN a dragon knocks at your door, smelling of mist and smoke, and appearing in a dark glittering rush of ‘something deep and terrible and wonderful’ then you know you’re in for a truly thrilling adventure! Welcome to Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames, first book 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 started with a knock at the door… or the thwump of a dragon’s tail at the entrance to her cave, in  the case of Emba Oak. But then nothing about Emba's story is normal… from the scales on her arms and legs, to the shocking discovery that she hatched out of a dragon’s egg. Even more shocking is the news that an evil sorcerer is after her dragon blood and will do anything to get his hands on it. Can Emba keep herself safe or will her loved ones pay the price? 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 dragon fest with added fire!
(Maverick Arts Publishing, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Death by Chocolate
Anna Brooke and Emily Jones

IF you’re dying for some chocolate this Easter, tuck into this tasty murder mystery which is packed full of fun, laughter, clues… and a liberal coating of chocolate! Written by the multi-talented Anna Brooke, and with illustrations by Emily Jones, Death by Chocolate stars a deliciously offbeat girl called Coco Bean who gets caught up in a cosy and exceedingly chocolatey murder mystery. Coco’s parents have poured everything into a struggling French hotel. But the hotel is haunted by a bitter old ghost, Monsieur Framboise, a chocolatier who met a sticky end. He agrees to share his legendary skills with Coco and her new friend Louis in exchange for their help in uncovering the truth behind his murder. Can Coco and Louis save the family hotel and solve the mystery by Easter? With yummy recipes and lots of sweet treats, this is the perfect accompaniment to feasting on this year’s Easter eggs!
(Chicken House, paperback, £7.99, published on March 12)

Age 8 plus
Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap At Sea!
Emma Swan and Katie Saunders

IF you need a breath of fresh sea air to dispel the winter blues, set sail with the Cruise Ship Kid, the high seas star of a sparkling maritime detective series from debut author, West End actress and award-winning comedian Emma Swan. Harnessing her own childhood experiences aboard P&O cruises, where both her parents worked, Swan uses her insider knowledge of every part of a cruise ship (including out-of-bounds spaces!) to bring youngsters exciting adventures which navigate the trials of growing up, the fine art of making friends, and lessons in how to be a crime-solving superstar. Written in diary form and filled with Katie Saunders’ brilliant doodle-style illustrations, these charming and interactive stories include activities to enjoy along the voyage and lots of space for youngsters to add their own scribbles and doodles.

So jump on board and meet Silver! Hi, I'm Silver (yes, really) and I'm back! Here are four more things you should know about me: 1. I still live on a cruise ship. 2. But two days ago we moved to a brand-new ship! 3. I’m now definitely a detective! 4. And I need your help investigating my second case! Since my last diary, Mum has been promoted and we now live on a cruise ship with a mini-golf course, an ice-cream parlour and a mega slide! And The Gang, my amazing friends who are all over 80, have come along too! I thought my biggest challenge this cruise would be to convince Mum to buy me a phone. But now a super famous influencer has been kidnapped, The Gang unhelpfully keep taking over my investigations, and we still can’t find her. So, do you want to be definitely-a-detective too and help me solve the kidnap at sea? 

With crime-solving and friendship playing equal roles, Cruise Ship Kid is a super, sunshine treat which packs in lots warm-hearted fun whilst exploring the importance of forming intergenerational relationships. Don’t miss the boat!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99, published on March 12)

Age 7 plus
The Mubbles: The Good, the Bad and the Perky
Liz Pichon

BE warned… this book is seriously funny! Put some added colour, fun and sheer unadulterated joy into the last days of winter with The Mubbles: The Good, the Bad and the Perky, the third book in an outrageously entertaining graphic novel series from the multi-talented Liz Pichon, bestselling creator of the global phenomenon Tom Gates books. Youngsters – and their parents – will be laughing all the way on a welcome return trip to the Isle of Smile, a beautiful island that runs on sun, wind and flower power, and is home to the colourful, fun-loving Mubbles… Berry, Dash, Cheery and the gang.

The Mubbles love their island, especially the mysterious Uncertain Curtain which always delivers an unexpected surprise. What will it be today? It’s a karaoke machine… which the Mubbles love for singing their cheerful songs! This makes the Doomongers on the Isle of Gloom grumpy, and desperate to stop the karaoke fun. Will sending the Clouds of Doom, the Whiff of Woe or the Beastly Bugs to the Isle of Smile keep the merry Mubbles quiet once and for all? Packed full of colourful characters, boundless fun and lots of adventures, this is the ideal series for youngsters who like their stories to come with bags of eye-catching artwork. Add on a QR code that takes you to a website packed with extra content, including arts and crafts and many fun songs from The Mubbles world, and the result is a fabulous, all-singing, all-dancing book of laughter. And why not join the ever growing Mubbles community which already has over 150,000 subscribers!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £10.99, published on March 12)

Age 7 plus
Dave Pigeon (Dave vs Dave!)
Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey

YOUNGSTERS (and their grown-ups!) will be all of a-flutter when author Swapna Haddow and illustrator Sheena Dempsey’s return with the grand finale of their high-flying, bestselling Dave Pigeon comedy adventure series. With a laugh guaranteed on every page, this much-loved, award-winning chapter book series has shown the outstanding queens of comedy at their very best and received rave reviews since first publishing ten years ago. In the last adventure, another pigeon turns up looking a bit like Dave! What on Earth? The Human Lady has brought home another injured pigeon… and the imposter looks a little bit like Dave! Can Dave prove himself to be most worthy of the name? When fierce competition erupts between the two birds, it’s up to Skipper to find a way to prove who is more Dave, once and for all. Packed with Haddow’s warmth, sense of fun and wicked, laugh-out-loud wit, and Dempsey’s irresistibly hilarious black and white illustrations, the final flight for this funny, energetic and addictive series from one of the most inspired partnerships in children’s comedy fiction will be winging its way into the hearts of all Dave fans!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99, published on March 12)

Age 5 plus
Adventuremice: Of Mice and Mummies
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 delightful 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 who protect the Mouse Islands from danger. In this new outing, the intrepid Adventuremice make a HUGE discovery! When Meepie the mermouse finds an ancient stones covered in strange pictures, the Adventuremice start another big adventure. The symbol points the way to the tomb of the famous pharaoh, Queen Neferteacake. But a naughty mouse gets his paws on the stone and wants to steal the queen’s treasure. What follows is a race against time to reach a secret island, full of incredible mouse sphinxes, pyramids, palaces… and the tomb of Queen Neferteacake. This might be Little Pedro’s most exciting mission ever! 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 3 plus
Five Minutes’ Peace
Jill Murphy

PARENTS who grew up on the stories of Jill Murphy’s adorable Large Family picture books have a treat in store with this gorgeous 40th anniversary edition of her much-loved classic, Five Minutes’ Peace. Murphy, who sadly died in 2021, began drawing and writing stories at a very early age and made her first book by the time she was only six years old. Her books about the lovable Large family have sold more than ten million copies worldwide and become firm family favourites over the decades. Meet Mrs Large the elephant who just needs five minutes of peace and quiet away from her boisterous children! Taking refuge in the bathroom, she fills herself a hot, foamy bubble bath and takes in a tray of her favourite breakfast and the morning paper. But there’s never a dull moment with the Large family and it soon becomes clear that mum’s quiet time is to be very short-lived! Family life is beautifully observed in this warm, funny and exquisitely illustrated story which is wrapped in love and comes with a shiny gold foil cover making it ideal for Mother’s Day gifting.
(Walker Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Whack a Moley
Bethan Clarke and Anders Frang

GET ready to have your brain befuddled and your funny bone tickled as exciting debut author Bethan Clarke and rising star illustrator Anders Frang from Denmark combine their creative talents on another outrageously anarchic picture book. Following on from the success of Holey Moley comes this laugh-out-loud sequel which will have young readers giggling and guessing as rhymes and wordplay put the comedy and complexity of language at centre stage. Meet the delightfully mismatched friends Gus the Goat and Mavis Mole. Gus is bursting with energy but Mavis not so much. So when Mavis suggests a calm game of tiddlywinks, Gus has other ideas. Bigger ideas, bolder ideas… whack a moley! If bonkers humour is a prize-winner for young readers, then this wonderfully nonsensical story is topping the shortlist as Clarke blends her rollicking, razor-sharp rhyming skills with the deadpan humour of Frang’s stylish, contemporary illustrations. Perfectly created to inspire a love of language, nonsense and puns, and with a delightful final twist at the end, this is a story to share and enjoy time and time again.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Raindrops
Robin Boyden

COME rain (well, particularly rain!) or shine, Mouse is on a journey to deliver a very special parcel. Prepare for oohs and aahs as author and illustrator Robin Boyden brings little ones a beautiful picture book that will make them fall in love with even the rainiest of days. When a drop of rain turns into a storm, a small mouse on a mission must find courage, ingenuity and resilience to make it home safely and put a smile on someone’s face. But what will happen to the very special parcel he is carrying… and who is it for? Packed with Boyden’s emotive illustrations, plus a unique mouse’s-eye view of the world, and a simple text that lets adults and children explore the story together, this stunning picture book and its heartwarming ending will enchant readers of every age.
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
No More Nappies Sticker Activity Book
Illustrated by Marion Cocklico
and Marie Kyprianou

SAY goodbye to nappies! If you’re on the hunt for some helpful tips on potty training, look no further than this delightful sticker book which is based on the bestselling book, No More Nappies, and is packed with over 300 fun stickers, colouring-in, puzzles and a reward chart to help your little ones on their potty training journey. With simple potty-training tips for learning while you play, the book is an ideal way to introduce potty training to little ones in a fun and relatable way. Featuring Millie and Mo from the bestselling No More Nappies flap-and-slider book, and with bright and bold illustrations by Marion Cocklico and Marie Kyprianou, the book can be used either at home or when you’re on the go.
(Campbell Books, paperback, £6.99, published on March 19)

Age 2 plus
Our World: Spain
Susanna Isern and Teresa Bellón

LITTLE ones are transported to faraway countries in three bright and colourful new board books in Barefoot Books’ educational Our World series for very young readers. In Our World: Spain, youngsters spend a day in Spain, playing veo veo in the park, eating tortilla española for lunch, and taking a siesta under the trees. They can even learn words in Spanish with pronunciation guides throughout the story. Spanish author Susanna Isern and illustrator Teresa Bellon draw on their own lived experiences to create this beautiful, playful story which includes educational endnotes providing more insights into life in Spain.

In Our World: Scotland, written by Ross C. MacKay and illustrated by Hazel Dunn, little ones enjoy eating tattie scones for breakfast, hopping on the train to visit Granny, and counting the highland coos, and learn words in Gaelic and Scots with the help of pronunciation guides. 

And in Our World: Nigeria, written by Bunmi Emenanjo and illustrated by Diana Ejaita, youngsters are transported to Nigeria where they visit the market, greet the teacher in three languages, taste sweet fried plantains and learn words in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. These delightful books offer real insights into the culture of a country and resonate with children all over the world. Bold artwork, a vibrant text and relatable topics make them appealing to the youngest readers as well as introducing basic vocabulary and pronunciation guides.
(Barefoot Books, board books, £7.99 each)

Age one plus
Pasta, Pasta, Pasta!
Sarah Finan

THRER'S only one thing this baby loves to eat… pasta, pasta, pasta! Little ones will love winding their way through twisty spirals, bouncy bows, or long, slurpy strands in the third board book of Post Wave’s Yum, Yum, Yum! pre-school board book series which introduces tots to favourite foods and all the tasty ways they can be eaten. Written and illustrated by award-winning designer and illustrator Sarah Finan, this bright and bold book about the joy of eating pasta has a sweet rhyming text, vibrant artwork and clever peep-through pages. With rounded corners and sturdy pages, the book is ideal for little hands and is a joy to read aloud. A delicious treat that will be relished again and again and again!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)

The Weekend

T.M. Logan

FINDERS keepers says the old adage but what if you found a backpack with £1.6million in used notes stashed inside it… would you do the right thing and hand it in to the police, or give in to temptation and keep it?

One of the most exciting authors writing for the ever-burgeoning crime thriller market, T.M. Logan (pictured below) – whose books have sold more than three million copies in the UK alone – is back with his tenth ingeniously imagined and perfectly executed page-turner, and this one is a mind-blowing thrill ride through moral conundrums, deceit, treachery and murder.

Packed with Logan’s gobsmacking plot twists, and an enthralling what-would-YOU-do premise, The Weekend features six friends – three couples – on their annual New Year weekend away in the Yorkshire Dales facing a decision that is set to change their lives forever. Lifelong middle-aged friends Helen and Jason, Kat and Dev, and Miranda and Christian have rented a converted farmhouse near picturesque Pateley Bridge.

While out on a walk in the rugged countryside on New Year’s Eve, they get caught in a storm and to escape the cold winter downpour and lashing wind, they take shelter in the mouth of an old lead mine. And in a hollow at the back of the cave they find a large backpack stuffed with bank notes wrapped in heat-sealed plastic packages. Telling themselves that it could be evidence of a crime and could help police crack an unsolved case, they agree to take it back to their rental house and hand the money to the police at the first opportunity the following day.

However, in the house that evening and after several drinks, the friends decide to open the packs and count the notes. And when the total comes to a staggering £1.6million, they privately contemplate what a share of £530,000 for each couple would mean… and start to think again about handing it over to the police.

It’s the beginning of a downward spiral of distrust and suspicion, and the friendship dynamics slowly start to fracture because there are toxic secrets festering at the heart of this group. There’s debt, obsession, a career on the brink… the sort of problems that could be solved instantly with an unexpected windfall. It seems the friends don’t know each other as well as thought they did and soon they find themselves sliding headlong into a world of deceit, treachery, betrayal and murder…

There won’t be a moment’s pause for readers as they are pulled into the lives of six authentically ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary situation which not only tests just how well they truly know each other but exposes the unseen fault lines in their relationships, and the covert lies and dark secrets that are undermining their friendships.

But reader beware because this is an author who loves to confound expectations, and as old and new resentments rise to the surface, loyalties that once appeared rock-solid are ditched, and the pressures of dishonesty and subterfuge take their toll, Logan launches into a series of his trademark shocking revelations.

Bristling with tension, powered by the psychological weight of temptation and the eternal sin of avarice, awash in moral dilemmas and dramas, and with a wholly satisfying final act, The Weekend sees a crime-writing conjuror at the very top of his game!
(Zaffre, hardback, £16.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: New dictionaries serve up the last word in learning

🔎Creators of the world’s most trusted dictionaries, Oxford University Press, have been busy updating their children’s dictionaries and thesauruses, and the brand new books – for both early and middle grade readers – will soon be hitting the shelves in a splash of vibrant colours. 

🔎The new editions include the Oxford Children’s Dictionary, the Oxford Children’s Thesaurus, the Oxford First Dictionary and the Oxford First Thesaurus, all perfectly designed and created to give youngsters the vital language tools for expanding and improving their spelling and comprehension.

Age 8 plus
Oxford Children’s Dictionary
Oxford Children’s Thesaurus

YOUNG readers will love the accessibility and style of the new Oxford Children’s Dictionary which contains thousands of words with clear and age-appropriate definitions, child-friendly examples, and full-colour images to help with their homework, and inspire them to use creative and interesting words.

Packed with new and updated words with example sentences, the inventive format helps children understand meaning, spelling and usage in context, and definitions are carefully levelled for young readers, enabling them to look up words independently and accurately. Created using the Oxford Children’s Corpus, a unique database of children’s writing, the dictionary ensures the vocabulary reflects real language used by children and supports modern English learning while alphabet thumb tabs allow quick and easy navigation, helping readers to confidently find the words they need. A robust jacket that can be gently wiped makes the book ideal for lots of handling and there is a helpful support section on spelling, punctuation and grammar, reinforcing key English skills taught at primary level.

And an ideal companion to the dictionary is the new Oxford Children’s Thesaurus which contains thousands of words, creative synonyms and child-friendly examples, improves word choice, and helps children take their writing and speaking skills to the next level. Perfect for home learning, homework support, or independent writing, the thesaurus inspires children to expand their language with thousands of exciting, creative, age-appropriate synonyms and makes it easier for them to understand and use new vocabulary independently.

Photographic images aid comprehension and visual learning and the easy-to-navigate design with alphabet thumb tabs helps children to quickly find the words they need for homework, school projects, or creative writing. There is also a full writing supplement covering fiction, non-fiction, reports and descriptive writing, letting children apply their new vocabulary in real tasks.

Add on Overused Word panels offering smarter, more interesting alternatives to hackneyed words like nice, good, big, and fun, Writing Tips panels to help children experiment with tone, detail and expression, Word Web panels showing related words and ideas to further develop vocabulary breadth and word choices, and your children have the perfect tool to make their writing come alive.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £10.99 each)

Age 5 plus
Oxford First Dictionary
Oxford First Thesaurus

LEARNING to love – and use – a dictionary is all part of growing up and the beautifully produced and illustrated Oxford First Dictionary, compiled by Andrew Delahunty, is the perfect learning tool for use at both home and school. It helps children build strong early language skills by supporting vocabulary development, spelling, grammar (including nouns, verbs and adjectives) and reading comprehension. 

There are age-appropriate definitions and example sentences, pronunciation breakdowns for harder-to-say words, a clear, accessible alphabetical layout, with alphabet thumb tabs down the side of pages for ease of navigation, and full-colour and engaging 3D illustrations throughout. Explore lists of commonly used words, days of the week, seasons, colours and shapes, get help with definitions, and one thing’s for sure… youngsters will never be short of words!

And why not partner the dictionary with the excellent new Oxford First Thesaurus, a vibrant, child-friendly and invaluable thesaurus designed to help children build confident speaking and writing skills. Perfect for use at home or in the classroom, it supports early language development by encouraging children to explore new and adventurous vocabulary in a fun, accessible way. 

Age-appropriate example sentences help children understand synonyms in a real-life context and bright 3D artwork helps bring vocabulary to life and makes learning fun. Easy to navigate, and with a clear alphabetical layout and alphabet thumb tabs, the accessible index helps children to independently find the words they need. Team the First Thesaurus with the First Dictionary and you have complete early-language support. 
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £9.99 each)