CHILDREN'S B0OOKS: Otter antics, teen thoughts and a lovable postmouse

Enjoy the riverside adventures of a nervous little otter, laugh and cry with a ‘tween’ girl facing the challenges of growing up, feast on a chaotic cafe’s tasty blend of cakes, coffee and calamity and join a busy postmouse with a very important parcel to deliver in a sparkling springtime selection

Age 7 plus
The Adventures of Portly the Otter: Untold Tales from the Wind in the Willows
M.G. Leonard and Polly Dunbar

PORTLY – a daring young otter known for his often fur-raising riverside adventures – will be no stranger to fans of Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved countryside classic, The Wind in the Willows, first published in 1908. And now the adorable little otter becomes the star of the show in a beautifully produced full-colour gift book from award-winning author M.G. Leonard and internationally renowned illustrator Polly Dunbar. Celebrating the 95th anniversary of E.H. Shepard’s iconic artwork for the original book, these thrilling animal adventures feature all Grahame’s favourite characters, such as Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad, and are told across four seasons in one year. ‘Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING – absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.’ 

There is a time in a young otter’s life when he must be introduced to the river. For Portly, the youngest of Mrs Otter’s pups, today was that day… but when he first sees the river, he is terrified. However, the young otter soon finds his feet among his friends and neighbours on the riverbank. Join Portly as he grows in confidence from his disastrous first swimming lesson, battles a large trout, rescues a human girl, outwits the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood and sleeps in the care of the Pan, the god of nature… a scene familiar to readers of the original book. Full of all the gentle charm, nostalgia, mischief and river-splashing fun that has enchanted readers for over a hundred years, Leonard’s spin-off – brought to life by Dunbar’s exquisite artwork – remains faithful to the original and is guaranteed to capture the hearts of both new readers and existing fans – young and old!
(Farshore, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
The Overthinkers’ Club: Happy List
Nat Luurtsema and Cécile Dormeau

IF your tweeny child has a penchant for LOLs, BFFs, drama and crushes, and LOTS of overthinking, then point them in the direction of this brilliantly relatable new illustrated series starring a twelve-year-old girl who is preparing to take on the emotional challenges that are lying in wait for her! The Overthinkers’ Club: Happy List comes from award-nominated stand-up comedian Nat Luurtsema, who reveals she grew up as ‘a naturally anxious child,’ and French illustrator Cécile Dormeau, famous for exploring themes of self-acceptance and body image. So here is Birdie… an overthinker who has a lot to overthink. Her BFF Chloe wants new friends (BETRAYAL), she will be a teenager in one year (BREATHE), yet owns ZERO bras (surely some mistake?!), and a boy at school maybe has a crush on her (BUT HOW TO BE SURE?!). So Birdie has made a Happy List to tackle all the awkward and emotional challenges of being a tween. THEN she will stop being an anxious ball of stress and be happy! That’s the grand plan anyway... This funny, perfectly pitched story – written in a diary style format and given extra allure by Dormeau’s illustrations – explores all those familiar dramas around family, friendship, school and growing up problems with a light but sensitive touch. Offering her own advice on conquering anxiety through subtle life lessons hidden between the lines, this is an entertaining first outing for what promises to be a tweeny must-read!
(Usborne, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Stonewitch
Skye McKenna and Tomislav Tomić

IF you’re looking for adventures with a truly magical atmosphere, step back into the wonderful world of Hedgewitch, where the land of Faerie lies just beyond our own! Stonewitch is the fourth book in 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 is already being hailed as a modern classic. Now living in Scotland, McKenna was inspired by her love of magic and adventure to write these captivating adventures 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.

To complete the next step in her training in the practical skills of witchcraft, Cassie Morgan must invent a brand-new spell. However, she is struggling for inspiration… so she jumps at the chance to attend the Covenmoot. Every five years, covens from all over Britain and Ireland meet to take part in a series of challenging games in the hopes of winning the Covenmoot Cauldron. Cassie and her friends travel to Glen Carlin, a remote valley in the Scottish Highlands, to take part. But menacing forces haunt the moors and rumours of the ancient Stonewitch swirl through the camp. Cassie and her coven must work together to prove themselves in the Covenmoot, while long-hidden secrets come to light and the wicked Erl King’s power grows. Witches aren’t born, they’re made... 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 long to return to time and time again!
(Welbeck Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
Café Chaos: The Way the Cookie Crumbles
Catherine Wilkins and Katie Abey

THERE are few things in life more important than family so join a hilarious girl called Hope Crumble and enjoy the second giant serving of cakes, coffee and calamity! Hope and her lovable (but infuriating!) family take starring roles in this delightful series written by much-loved author Catherine Wilkins and highly illustrated by the brilliant Katie Abey. Welcome to Café Chaos where running a bustling café is Hope’s family's dream… but not necessarily Hope’s! Here we find that mum has mistakenly over-ordered the beans and they only have two months to get through them all! Several hilarious family meetings take place to discuss ideas… Aunt Rita comes over all ‘flavours of Mexico’ while Hope’s cousin Connor wants a bean-eating competition to catch the post-gym crowd. Hope is trying to distance herself from it all in a bid to have ‘time to be a child’ and let her family sort out their own crises. But she can’t deprive her family of her problem-solving abilities for long. Rescue comes in the unlikely form of Skyla – Hope’s arch enemy and school bully – who needs a place to hold her charity fashion show. Friendship, family, pulling together, and being uniquely yourself, all come under Wilkins’ watchful eye in a series that touches the hearts of every youngster who has ever cringed at their family’s goings-on... but loved them all the same!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The Whisperwicks: The Vanished Key
Jordan Lees and Vivienne To

IF springtime is reigniting your spirit of adventure, return to the labyrinthine streets of Wreathenwold and enjoy the final, mind-blowing magical mission in the epic Whisperwicks series from Jordan Lees, one of the most exciting new voices in children’s fiction. The Vanished Key sees more spectacular world-building and storytelling from a writer whose imagination would seem to have no bounds as we meet up again with eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek whose belief in science, logic and reason was shattered by his discovery of an impossible world. Packed with the glorious illustrations of New Zealand-based artist Vivienne To, this last outing for Benjamiah delivers the same seductive blend of heartfelt friendships and fantastical otherworldly adventures.

The magus Manfred Tarr is on the hunt for a key… a key that has been lost for centuries and which has the power to unleash a terrible darkness on the world. To save Wreathenwold from a dreadful fate and armed only with his magic, his courage and his best friends Elizabella, Mea and Silas, Benjamiah must set out on another impossible quest to find the Three Sisters. This dangerous journey will take them deep into the heart of the Weird Wood – home to ragwitches, root folk and half bears – and into a fierce battle with far-reaching consequences. Can Benjamiah conquer the darkness and save Wreathenwold one final time? With its wholly original premise, a cast of dazzling characters, spectacular storytelling and Lees’ rich and breathtakingly detailed world-building which takes us deep into the wonders and workings of magical Wreathenwold, this standout series has conjured up fantasy with a spectacular style that has dazzled readers both young and old!
(Puffin, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Dungeon Runners: Fang Attack
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 fourth Dungeon Runners adventure, part of a fully illustrated and action-packed fantasy quest series which is perfect for newly independent readers. On your marks, get set, bite! Kit and his trusty team-mates, Sandy and Thorn, are heading to a land of the vampires for their most fearsome test yet. In a dungeon that is deadlier than anything they have faced before, they will take on monsters, hunt for treasure and crack codes. But can they make it to the finish, or will this be game over? Action fans, and both newly confident and seasoned readers, are loving the world of the Dungeon Runners, a magical land of heroes where bullies and baddies are challenged by an unlikely but plucky trio of friends who are willing to enter tough competitions and fight their way to the top. With its uplifting tales of underdogs winning through, this super series is ideal inspiration for children finding their feet in the big, wide world. So what are you waiting for... there’s always space for a new team of heroes at the Dungeon!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6
Marty Moose: The Great Stamp-ede
Claire Powell

SECONDS out… round two for Marty Moose, everyone’s favourite postmouse! Author and illustrator Claire Powell returns with her mischievous, laugh-out-loud and utterly charming series which puts comic capers, illustrious illustration and alluring alliteration at the top of a first class list of entertainment. Star of the show is the lovable postie Marty and here we find him out and about on the day of the annual Fastest Feathers race in Little Ditch. But Marty can’t stop to join in the fun because he’s got a very important parcel to deliver. It contains the prize, a beautiful shining golden egg, and it’s got to reach the finish line before the contestants do! But that’s not the only twist in the tail… Marty and his good friend Nibbles Frizzby, a doolally rabbit, have to contend with ferret bandits who want the prize for themselves… and a pair of cheating ducks in a terrible case of fowl play. Packed with funny, full throttle illustrations, an adventure with resonant themes of bravery, self-confidence and friendship, and a narrative voice that guarantees giggles, these are perfectly pitched stories for newly confident readers.
(Walker Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
The New Adventures of Disney Zootropolis 2

JOIN two unlikely partners as they learn how to work together on another adventure to save the day… and their city. Part of a new series of official Disney graphic novels featuring popular Disney characters, The New Adventures of Disney Zootropolis 2 journeys beyond the movies as the charming cast of Zootropolis 2 take on new adventures. Join ZPD officers Hopps and Wilde as they team up on their mission to make the world a better place. Whatever they are dealing with, Judy and Nick realise that not every case is the biggest, but they are all important. This bold and colourful adventure book is ideal for early readers as youngsters are invited to embrace the joy of reading in a graphic novel format. Beautiful illustrations and an engaging story make this early foray into reading both accessible and fun.
(DK Children, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Luna Grace: Girl from Outer Space: Sea Safari
Julie Sykes and Emily Jones

ARRIVING from Starbright, a colourful planet in outer space, was a BIG step for a girl called Luna Grace and she’s having to have to take small steps to find her feet – and understand her emotions – on planet Earth. Luna Grace: Girl from Outer Space: Sea Safari  is the second book of a delightful series for young readers from Julie Sykes, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children, and Cardiff-based illustrator Emily Jones. Luna Grace and her family are settling into life on Earth after arriving from Starbright to study the wonderful wildlife. Today Luna, her family and her mischievous moon cat, Twizzle, are heading off to Puffin Island! Mum and Dad are studying the wildlife, from playful dolphins to wily herring gulls, colourful wildflowers and – of course – puffins. But Luna has her sights set on something much rarer… a mermaid! Will she succeed in finding her prize, or will this slippery discovery evade her? This astronomical and warm-hearted series explores dealing with very human and down-to-earth emotions, and learning to be yourself and celebrate your differences. Filled with Jones’ colourful and characterful illustrations, this is ideal early reading for fun-loving youngsters!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Read All About It!

Benjamin Hall and Martina Motzo
INSPIRED by a toy hedgehog given to him by his daughters when he was reporting from war zones around the world, Fox News senior correspondent and bestselling author Benjamin Hall brings youngsters a heartwarming picture book about a hedgehog who must warn the forest about a hungry bear on the prowl. Full of drama, determination and bravery, and brought to life by Italian children’s book illustrator Martina Motzo’s colourful and characterful artwork, Read All About It! reminds readers that we all have the power to make a difference. Hedgehog can’t wait to be big enough to report the news like his dad does. So when he notices that a baby owl has fallen out of a tree and is in serious trouble, Hedgehog doesn’t hesitate to spring into action! But can a little hedgehog like him save the day and warn the other forest creatures in time? The rewards that come from speaking up and daring to make a difference, and the special bond between a parent and child, are explored in a story packed with action, fun and a comical twist in the tail!
(HarperCollins Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 4 plus
Whirby
Molly Harris and Jacob Souva

RECHARGING your batteries is important for all the family… but sometimes little ones need a gentle lesson in the value of powering down. So here’s a full throttle picture book about an over-active little robot who learns the hard way that going without rest and a recharge can have disappointing results. Written by US debut children’s books author Molly Harris, and brilliantly illustrated by fellow American Jacob Souva, Whirby will have youngsters whirling to the bedroom for a good night’s sleep! Whirby the robot is all systems go for his favourite school activity… bot battles! All that clinking, clanging, beeping, and banging makes Whirby so excited that he forgets to recharge at night. He stays up practising his best moves and building the coolest contraptions before the big battle. But when it’s finally his turn to compete…BWOMP! BZZZ! ZZT! With his battery on 0%, will Whirby find a way to still be the bot battle champion? Perfect for robot fans… and reluctant sleepers!
(Harper360, hardback, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
I am Dandy the Dormouse
Pam Ayres and Nicola O'Byrne

MEET an endangered little creature with an extraordinary talent… he’s brilliant at climbing trees! I am Dandy the Dormouse is the heartwarming and inspirational fourth picture book in the enchanting Animal Stories nature series from much-loved poet Pam Ayres. Written in Ayres’ moving rhyme and gloriously illustrated by award-winning artist Nicola O’Byrne, youngsters join a Hazel Dormouse, one of Britain’s rarest mammals, on his adventures high up in the trees. ‘Hello. I am a dormouse, and Dandy is my name. I’m a different kind of mouse, we are not all the same.’ Did you know that dormice are born grey and get their beautiful golden-brown fur as they get older? Or that they can climb trees like acrobats because of their thumb-like sticky feet, and hibernate from October to April? I Am Dandy the Dormouse is a light-hearted look at the life of this tiny tree-dweller. Written with the help and advice of The Woodland Trust, and bursting with natural facts like how dormice leave a unique, neat mark on every hazelnut they eat, this fascinating and entertaining picture book includes an extra information spread at the end. Ideal for curious young nature-lovers!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
The Magic Feather
Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner

TAKE flight on a magical new adventure full of the wonders of nature from the superstar team of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration winner Catherine Rayner. The Magic Feather – a rhyming fairy tale about the magic of nature and caring for our environment – is packed full of warm, wise and wonderful words, and stunning illustrations that will steal every reader’s heart. Imagine if you could speak to birds… that’s just what happens to a young girl when she is given a magic feather that transforms their trills and twitters into words… and she discovers that they need her help because there are plans to chop down all the forest trees! Join her as she embarks on an amazing journey across the sea to save their nests from the queen’s woodcutters. With Rayner’s exquisite artwork and a story that holds important messages about the natural world, The Magic Feather is a book to share and cherish.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Winnie the Pooh: Five Little Bees
Georgina Kyriacou and Sian Bowman

CELEBRATE 100 years of Winnie the Pooh and Friends with Disney's fun and colourful Easter lift-the-flap picture book. Five little bees went out to play, searching for Easter eggs today. Pooh said, ‘Wait for me at the honey tree.’ Now how many bees can you see? Little ones will love joining Winnie and his friends as they explore the Hundred-Acre Wood in a hide-and-seek Easter egg hunt. There’s so much to see and do, with trees to climb and eggs to find, as well as familiar faces dressed up as bees. But wait… the bees are disappearing one by one and Pooh can’t find them. Lift the flaps to help Pooh find the bees and discover a delicious surprise at the end. Based on the nursery rhyme Five Little Ducks, this enchanting lift-the-flap book is perfect for sharing with Winnie’s youngest fans.
(Studio Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Disney Easter Colouring Book

COLOUR your way through spring and help your favourite Disney characters celebrate the fun of Easter! Youngsters will enjoy getting creative as they colour in this cute collection of springtime illustrations featuring favourite Disney friends like Disney Princesses, Lilo and Stitch, Bambi, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland , Moana, Winnie the Pooh and many more big names! With intricate patterns, characters hunting for Easter eggs and floral scenes, this charming colouring book, with over 80 springtime images to colour, will entertain children for hours.
(Studio Books, paperback, £10.99)

Age 3 plus
Five Little Chicks
Camilla Reid and Jill Howarth

ENJOY watching little ones get hands-on with a fun-filled Easter board book in a gorgeous interactive counting series based on favourite nursery rhymes. Written by Camilla Reid – a writer and deviser of award-winning books for early years children including the much-loved Pip and Posy stories – this delightful Slide and Count board book series features buttons which slide along special tracks. And there’s lots of fun and smiles to be had here as youngsters slide the buttons to make Mama Hen’s little chicks leave the farm and go on adventures! Sing or read along with the rhyme as you count the chicks, with village and woodland scenes that are packed full of Easter details to spot and brought to life by the striking and super-colourful artwork of Jill Howarth. With a romping, read-aloud text which is ideal for sharing, easy-to-move buttons to slide, and an adorable cast of characters, these joyful pre-school books are a joy to read and share, and the perfect way to introduce early-years children to the concept of counting!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
How Things Grow (Circle of Life)
Harriet Evans and Benjamin Flouw

SPIN the wheel, lift the flaps and discover the wonder of nature’s diversity and ingenuity in this beautiful, immersive introduction to animal and plant life cycles. With an engaging wheel mechanism and flaps throughout, How Things Grow reveals the circle of life and is an interactive treat that encourages reader to get hands-on while learning. With beautifully detailed illustrations by the talented Benjamin Flouw and Harriet Evans’ clear, comprehensive text, full of helpful hints about how to spot and protect wildlife, the book offers an exciting exploration of a core scientific concept. Perfect for young wildlife lovers, curious kids, little scientists and anyone who enjoys the fun of a lift-the-flap book!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Hank Meets Frank
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie

IF you fell in love with an obnoxious goose called Hank – the one with a bad habit of honking – in talented author Maudie Powell-Tuck and bestselling illustrator and author Duncan Beedie’s hilarious picture book Hank Goes Honk, then prepare for more zany antics in their brilliant Hank Meets Frank… new title in a growing series of hilarious picture and board books. Hank’s adoring fans know that he can be a little pesky, a little pecky and a teensy bit objectionable. But not today! Not when his little cousin Frank is here to visit. You see, Frank is sweet as a daisy and cute as a button. Butter wouldn’t melt. So, Hank is going to be on his very best behaviour. In fact, they’re both going to be little angels. Isn't that right, Hank? Frank? Guys?! How great it is to see that Hank is still ruffling feathers as Powell-Tuck and Beedie work their magic on another comedy-filled story in which everyone’s favourite goose gets a cautionary lesson about the perils of one-upmanship. With an adorable anti-hero, a tale told with deadpan humour, and the brilliant illustrations of super-talented Beedie, this new adventure will have all the family honking with laughter!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The Best Dog Ever
Smriti Halls and Chris Jevons

LITTLE dog lovers will be lapping up the fun and frolics when they get their paws on this adorable picture book that is packed full of super-cute canines and acts as a gentle introduction to ideas of self-confidence and embracing our differences. Lovingly written by bestselling author Smriti Halls and brought to life by the cheeky and charming illustrations of Harrogate-based Chris Jevons, readers young and old will fall in love with shaggy dog star Max who wishes he was a different dog. ‘I wish I were a different dog, the quick and clever sort. Perhaps a spotty, dotty dog with hair all trim and short.’ Max reckons his fur isn't fluffy enough to win Best In Show, his bark isn’t loud enough to scare away danger, and he doesn’t sit, heel, fetch… or come back when you call. But Max’s owner thinks he’s perfect! Can Max learn that he’s perfect, too? Hall’s trademark bouncing rhyming story about a perfectly imperfect pooch is fun to read aloud and share, and ideally paired with Jevons’ bright and comical illustrations featuring Max and all his furry friends. Dogs just wanna have fun!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Monkeypig
Huw Aaron

THE search to find an imposter in a troop of monkeys backfires spectacularly in a fun-filled picture book from Welsh cartoonist, author and illustrator Huw Aaron who is shortlisted for Illustrator of the Year in this year’s British Book Awards. Kids will be squealing with delight when they meet the adorable Molly who lives in the jungle with all the other monkeys, dancing and playing and being silly among the treetops. But Molly has a secret… Molly is actually a pig. And when head-monkey Norman becomes suspicious that an imposter has infiltrated the monkeys, he sets them all some monkey tests, including eating bananas and picking nits. Will Molly be discovered or will she use her cunning to convince the monkeys she really is one of them? Aaron’s off-the-wall humour is at its best as the very porcine Molly proves that pigs can fly when it comes to swinging in the treetops! Add on a gallery of outrageous illustrations and a hilarious twist in the curly tail, and young readers will be laughing like pigs in muck!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Where Is Bear?
Fátima Ordinola

BEAR is playing hide and seek… can you find him? Search for Bear and learn new words while exploring familiar spots around the house in this gorgeous lift-the-flap book, full of the adorable artwork of its creator, Fátima Ordinola, a Peruvian graphic designer and illustrator. Lovable Bear likes to play hide-and-seek… so where is he? Is he behind the kitchen door, inside the fridge, is he hiding under the sofa, or is he in the bathtub? And what other animals will you meet along the way? Little ones will love setting off on a playful journey through the colourful pages (with a clever cat who knows Bear’s secret!) to find him. Lift each flap to discover where Bear is hiding around the house and learn new words while you are exploring. Ideal for encouraging early learning of prepositions and first words, and sparking babies’ curiosity and joy, Where is Bear? launches a new pre-school range exploring first concepts.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)

The Riviera Secret

Sarah Steele

THE lives of two troubled women from different timelines converge in an unforgettable tale of lost love and tragic secrets set against the stunning light and coastal beauty of the French Riviera.

From the glitz and glamour of the Cap d’Antibes in the wild days of the Twenties Jazz Age to the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, one breathtaking cliff top mansion takes centre stage in a sunshine and drama-filled mystery that delights and dazzles from start to finish.

Written by bestselling author Sarah Steele (pictured below), who trained as a classical pianist and violinist, The Riviera Secret brings to breathtaking life the intrigue and excesses of the aristocracy and celebrities who flocked to the Côte d’Azur and partied their way through the inter-war years. Thrust into this glittering and garish world are British diplomat Lord Sinclair Castlemere, his young half-Jewish wife Daisy and their four-year-old son Milo who move into the spectacular white Château Violette – nestled into the pine-dusted, rocky coastline of the Cap d’Antibes – in the summer of 1938.

Sinclair, who is twenty years older than his wife and has been appointed as government envoy to Paris, believes the move to the Riviera will be beneficial for Daisy who suffered a devastating nervous breakdown after the stillbirth of their baby daughter and remains in fragile health.

But despite their magnificent home quickly becoming a beacon for the wild and wealthy expat set, the very intimate and deeply romantic touches inside Château Violette make Daisy feel like she is ‘living someone else’s life’ and she is haunted by a figure she constantly sees ‘in the shadows.’

The summertime gossip, meanwhile, centres mainly on their royal neighbours, the exiled Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis Simpson, and everyone parties on, in denial about the grumblings across the border in Italy and refusing to acknowledge the menace of Hitler’s increasing expansionism.

But as Germany tightens its grip on Europe, Daisy digs into the history of Château Violette and discovers that the house holds a dark and unsettling past that could threaten her own future. And while she unravels the tragic secrets of the woman who commissioned the building of the chateau, war begins to rage across the continent, and soon, no one is safe… least of all Daisy with her Jewish heritage.

Rooted firmly in authentic history, and set against a stellar array of real-life big names like Winston and Clemmie Churchill, the exiled Windsors, composer Ivor Stravinsky and avant garde artist and film director Jean Cocteau, The Riviera Secret explores the human tribulations and tragedies that can tear lives apart, however happy and carefree they might appear to be.

Through her impressive research and emotional insight,  Steele immerses readers in a tumultuous age which veered from a cruel and destructive war, through the frenetic partying of the Twenties’ ‘beautiful set’, and on to a second, all-consuming conflict which brought fear, menace and danger to people from all walks of life, and in all corners of Europe.

And at a time when the evil of antisemitism is once more rearing its ugly head, the deadly threat posed to all those of Jewish ancestry becomes a visceral thread in the lives of the various inhabitants of the stunningly beautiful, but seemingly cursed, Château Violette.

Steele reminds us in her Author’s Note that the Côte d’Azur, with its sapphire blue sea and nearby snow-capped mountains, ‘holds some kind of magic’ and with its growing sense of unease, unexpected twists and turns, and a simmering, shimmering mystery at its core, this time-travelling trip to the eternally alluring Riviera really is this spring’s most magical read!
(Headline, paperback, £12.99)

The Pledge

Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

AFTER climbing the ‘slippery slope’ of her legal career to a level higher and more dizzying than she ever expected, ambitious barrister Thea Harrington receives a mysterious invitation to join a gathering of the world’s super-rich on a remote paradise island.

But in the space of just four days, Thea will discover ‘what the untouchable are truly capable of, with no one to hold them to account’ and that even murder is not off limits when it comes to power play.

After spending sixteen years as an ecologist, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett (pictured below) has found a new career as author of suspense-filled destination crime mysteries and, always eager to find ways to make big tech companies meet climate change responsibilities, she pens stories with an intriguing ecological twist. And this new escapist page-turner – featuring a spectacular collision of the super-rich, the political elite and the celebrity world – exposes the stratospherically wealthy at their worst, and a plot tingling with suspense and emotional intensity.

Lawyer Thea has just won the biggest case of her professional life, letting the government ‘off its ethical hook,’ but it is controversial and hasn’t gone down well with climate activists who have reacted in ‘a cacophony of fury’ and accused her of a ‘conflict of interest’ as her husband is the Energy Minster.

As a young intern, Thea had always thought she would use her powers for good and that it was possible to ‘steer the juggernaut course of economy on to ethical tracks.’

That evening she receives a mysterious cryptic invitation from the OneT Club. She deciphers the message but can’t believe it's real and yet the next moment she is lured into accepting and finds herself on a jet, being whisked off to the privately owned Caribbean island of St Innocent.

But this is no ordinary holiday. Thea’s fellow guests are some of the world’s richest people… billionaires, tech bros, even royalty, and all in ‘paradise’ to sign a global deal. Their host is a woman called Olga Helgesdotter who is uncomfortably ‘knowing’ and has an untouchable ‘rules-don’t-apply’ level of power. And as the guests arrive, each of them is challenged by Olga to make The Pledge… to give half their fortunes to fight climate change.

So what has Thea sleepwalked into, and why is she there? Too late, she discovers that there is no escape and that underneath the billionaire lifestyle is a game of survival of the fittest. And by the morning, their manipulative and misguided host is dead and so is any hope of getting off the island. Thea must navigate secrets, lies and scandals, and as guests are picked off one by one, suspicions turn on her. She’s not just relying on her courtroom wiles to win a case now… she’s trapped on the island with a killer and fighting for her life. But the murderer isn’t the only threat on the island… and escape means facing her worst fears.

Yarwood-Lovett has fun with this wicked tale of one defiant woman taking on the merciless might and menace of an ill-assorted group of what can only be described as some of the world’s filthy rich billionaires who are asked to hand over a big chunk of their wealth to help save the planet.

The result is adrenaline-fuelled murder and mayhem as devious Olga’s grand scheme unravels in spectacular style and Thea finds herself facing not just moral dilemmas but questions of loyalty, identity, self-sacrifice and ambition. With plot twists at every juncture, secrets spilling out like bees from a hive, and suspense mounting with every turn of the page, this is a trip to paradise it would be hell to miss!
(Zaffre, paperback, £9.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Celebrate Easter with some exciting Usborne activity books

Easter is almost here and children’s publisher Usborne have put some spring fun, learning and sunshine into a colourful array of new activity books

Age 5 plus
Sticker Dolly Dressing Easter Party
Fiona Watt, Johanna Fürst and Antonia Miller

EASTER is on the way and it’s time to dress the fairies and explore Fairyland as preparations get underway for an exciting party. Hours of hands-on entertainment are guaranteed with the new Sticker Dolly Dressing book, one of Usborne Publishing’s best and most popular series. And this colourful new book is bulging with gorgeous sticker clothes and accessories to dress the dolls and decorate the twelve enchanting scenes as the fairies skip, flutter and fly through the colourful pages. Join the fairies as they deliver invitations to a special party, decorate Easter trees, hide Easter eggs, go on an Easter egg hunt and have lots of magical fun! Use the colourful array of 200 stickers to dress the fairies and decorate the scenes. Children won’t be stuck for something to do with this beautiful activity book and with so many stickers to choose from and easy-to-remove perforated sticker pages for decorating each scene, this is a Fairyland adventure no fun-loving fashionista will want to miss!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Easter Fun (First Activities)
Fiona Watt, Rosie Dickins and Katie Lovell

GET your pre-school children drawing, painting and crafting with this charming Easter activity book which offers hands-on fun as well as some simple picture puzzles. Easter Fun is part of Usborne’s First Activities series which is designed to introduce young children to a variety of creative and engaging activities. Make colourful hanging eggs and have fun colouring them in, and create your own happy Easter hens with cardboard, paper and glue. These books are perfect for younger children who enjoy exploring and learning through play, with each title featuring simple, step-by-step instructions for easy projects using everyday materials, and illustrated with vibrant images to encourage children’s creativity and imagination. A ‘smashing’ way to have fun at Easter!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £4.99)

Age 3 plus
First Sticker Book Easter
Holly Bathie and Abigail Hall

CREATE your own Easter scenes with this super interactive book which lets children use their own imagination to choose where to place the stickers. Children will love using over 150 stickers to decorate eggs and bonnets ready for the Easter parade, and stick on sweet treats and hidden eggs in scenes of celebration. The scenes featuring children enjoying Easter preparations, and the array of colourful stickers encourage creativity and help develop motor skills and independent thinking. Easter fun at your fingertips!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £5.99)

Age 5 plus
Easter Bunnies Magic Painting Book
Kimberley Kinloch and Prue Pittock

WHAT child can resist the enchantment of a magic painting book! All you need is water and the brush provided, and then abracadabra, marvel as the black and white pages turn into a rainbow of vibrant colours. And here’s a magic painting book that is perfect for the Easter holidays as it comes packed with illustrations of a delightful Easter bunny family making, hiding and sharing Easter eggs with lots of animal friends. And with tear-out pages and a waterproof laminated flap to tuck behind your work to stop the water seeping through to the rest of the book, youngsters can be sure of a perfect result every time. Magic at a paintbrush stroke... and ideal for entertainment on-the-go, on road trips, holidays, restaurants or just those endless rainy days.
(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Easter Egg Snap
Abigail Wheatley and Emily Ritson

LITTLE ones will be seeing double when they learn to play the game of Snap or other matching games with this super boxed set of 52 beautifully-illustrated, egg-shaped cards. The ideal way to learn important skills like turn-taking, rules, and winning and losing, and all whilst enjoying the fun of spotting pairs, these robust, easy-to-handle cards are delightfully decorated with brightly coloured patterns and designs to look like an Easter egg. Playing games is a vital part of a child’s early education, helping them to understand concepts such as co-operation with other people, conversation and concentration. An entertaining introduction to matching and card games, this box of Easter-shaped fun is perfectly created to help youngsters ‘snap’ out of their boredom!
(Usborne, card pack, £6.99)

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)