CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Perfectly created gift books for the season of giving

From watching how the Earth shaped our history and marvelling at the wonders of monster hunting to discovering the joys of classic novels, unearthing unordinary ideas and diving into timeless tales of adventure, there is a special book this gifting season that is sure to delight your youngsters

Age 11 plus
The Earth Transformed: Illustrated Edition
Professor Peter Frankopan
and Rômolo D’Hipólito

DISCOVER how natural forces shaped our history and the world as renowned Professor of Global History at Oxford University and multi-award-winning author Peter Frankopan returns with a dazzling illustrated edition of his bestselling book, The Earth Transformed. Featuring bold and captivating artwork from Brazilian-born artist Rômolo D’Hipólito, this spectacular book takes readers on an extraordinary journey. Illuminating how Earth’s changing environment has shaped human history, this accessible retelling captures the impressive scale of Frankopan’s original bestseller. Beginning with the Big Bang and spanning volcanic eruptions, changing glaciers, disease outbreaks and extreme weather, we learn how natural forces helped shape everything from the rise of great empires to the fall of mighty cities, transforming societies, reshaping trade routes and ultimately changing the course of world history. By widening the lens of history beyond people alone to include geology and plate tectonics, crop redistributions, deforestation and much more, Frankopan brings the past vividly to life, showing how humanity has been shaped by nature, and how we have in turn transformed the world around us. A mighty gift book packed full of our world’s mysteries and marvels!
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardback, £20)

Age 14 plus
Pride and Prejudice:
The Illustrated Edition
Jane Austen and Sarah Maxwell-McNichol

‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’ 

THE memorable opening line of Jane Austen’s much-loved classic novel Pride and Prejudice is one of the most famous in English literature and that introduction is just the start of a story of tangled hearts, social games and finding the courage to love without pretence which has resonated down the years and through generations of adoring readers. And in an age which has found so much to love for the likes of TV Regency romance Bridgerton, here is a chance for young readers to indulge in an irresistibly romantic edition, fabulously illustrated by Sarah Maxwell-McNichol to bring the characters, the drama and the action to life. Mrs Bennet is sure that marriage is the only way a woman can advance in society. She is determined to see all five of her daughters in wedded bliss. But matters of matrimony are never so simple. Her eldest daughter Elizabeth has a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit. When she crosses paths with the enigmatic and infuriatingly proud Mr Darcy, a battle of tempers and truths begins. But as masks fall and judgments falter, both must question if it is pride that is holding them back or fear of society’s scrutiny. A timeless tale with a gloriously visual added extra!
(Faber & Faber, hardback, £16.99, published on November 19)

Age 14 plus
The Wycherleys: Fate and Other Charms
Annaliese Avery

THE most dangerous magic is love! Fall head over broomstick in love with the final book of Annaliese Avery’s swoon-worthy, witchy and romantic Wycherleys fantasy trilogy which has captured the hearts of thousands of adoring readers. Set in an alluring other world full of enchantment, magic, danger and a beguiling enemies-to-lovers romance, this is escapism on a grand scale. Aurelia Wycherley may have been tasked with saving magic, but her only goal is to save the witch that she loves. Aurelia’s cursed magic is killing Jules Nightly as the pair of them enter into their apprentice studies with the Coven of Knowing. Aurelia is hoping that the Repository, the vast depository of all magical knowledge, will hold the key to curing her magical tether. There is another option to save Jules… she can break their tether, ending both of their magic but saving his life. However, now that they have formed a coven of thirteen, if Aurelia and Jules break their bond, the rest of the witches in their magical coven will lose their magic, too. Meanwhile, the threat to the wider world of magic is growing at speed. Aurelia’s curse may be the only thing that can save the kingdom and the magic… Expect fun, secrets tumbling out at every turn, and a male lead with more than a touch of the irresistible Mr Darcy, and you have captivating reading for all teenage fantasy fans!
(Simon & Schuster Children's Books, paperback, £9.99, published on November 5)

Age 12 plus
The Unordinary Book of Ideas
Half-Asleep Chris

OPEN the book, pick a page… and make something unordinary! From the busy brain of creator, film-maker, and internet inventor Half-Asleep Chris comes this one-of-a-kind collection of over fifty inventive, playful, and quietly brilliant projects that turn everyday materials into something surprising. Inside, you will design imaginary worlds, build clever contraptions, experiment with time and motion, and explore ideas that are equal parts creative, curious, and unexpected. Set up your own transit system, capture a plant’s life in seconds, grow a mystery seed just to discover what it becomes, animate objects so they move on their own, or make something simply for the joy of destroying it. From pet portraits and marble runs to making newspapers and flag bunting, this decidedly un-normal book is packed full of strange experiments, playful puzzles, curious questions and unexpected ideas just waiting to be explored. Ideal for rainy days, slow afternoons, and moments when inspiration strikes, The Unordinary Book of Ideas invites readers of all ages to build, test, invent, and see the world a little differently… one unordinary idea at a time!
(DK Children’s Books, hardback, £24.99)

Age 12 plus
Disney: Wondrous
Heather Fawcett

THINGS are about to get curiouser and curiouser! Return to Wonderland with this exciting sequel to the Disney classic tale from bestselling author, Heather Fawcett! Timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, this sequel follows teenage Alice on a curious new adventure. Years after her first tumble down the rabbit hole, Alice returns to Wonderland for good. As a young woman with limited options in 19th-century London, only Wonderland can grant her the freedom she craves, like the chance to open a travelling magical tea shop. Alice expects madness from familiar faces like the Mad Hatter, March Hare and the Cheshire Cat, but doesn’t expect to meet another real-world teenager who claims she is the ‘true’ Alice and the first adventurer to explore Wonderland. Soon, the Queen of Hearts’ soldiers capture both girls and take them to the castle where more startling truths come to light. Dozens of other so-called ‘Alices’ have appeared in Wonderland, too. The Queen believes only one Alice is destined to save Wonderland from three ghastly mock dragons who have invaded from another realm. Whoever can stop them will be named ‘The Alice’ while the others will be exiled. Determined to secure Wonderland’s future and her own, Alice sets out on a daring quest and forms a tenuous alliance with a strange boy connected to the fearful jabberwocks. But is Alice truly the real Alice in Wonderland? Disney Wondrous is an enchanting and action-packed adventure as Alice fights to prove she’s not just a footnote in another heroine’s story. Fun and surprises every step of the way!
(Studio Press, paperback, £9.99)

Age 12 plus
Teenager’s Book of Life
Tony Griffin and Cathy Hogan

BEING a teenager in today’s complex world isn’t easy… and for adults, raising and supporting youngsters during these years of change isn’t a walk in the park, either. So gift your teens – and yourself – this invaluable illustrated, bestselling book which is loved by both generations all over the world and is now in its third edition. Written by Irish author and sports teams’ mindset and performance coach Tony Griffin, and illustrated by Cathy Hogan, Teenager’s Book of Life is filled with real stories, honest advice and inspiring wisdom for teenagers and adults. After more than a decade spent listening to the fears, hopes and dreams of thousands of young people, Griffin shares the stories, insights and lessons that they have entrusted to him. From friendship, family and first love to self-esteem, difficult emotions, grief and dreams for the future, the teenage years bring questions and challenges that can be difficult to navigate alone. Full of empathy, compassion, honesty and empowerment for young people, Griffin’s book also has advice and wisdom for parents, caregivers, teachers, mentors and trusted adults who want to better understand and support teenagers. Aided by Hogan’s vibrant illustrations, Teenager’s Book of Life opens up conversations, encourages self-discovery and helps young people build confidence, resilience and self-acceptance. And for adults, it offers an invaluable window into the experiences, emotions and pressures that teenagers face today, and helps them to listen, understand and start conversations that matter. The ideal book to turn to when life feels complicated!
(Little Island Books, paperback, £12.99)

Age 9 plus
The Girl Who Raced the World
Nat Harrison

ROLL up, roll up… and collect your ticket to race around the world with another non-stop, heart-thumping adventure from exciting new storyteller Nat Harrison! Journey into the Jungle is the thrilling sequel to The Girl Who Raced the World, the dazzling, page-turning retelling of Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in Eighty Days which impressed readers and critics alike last year. Packed with high-stakes action, peril, intrigue and a big helping of fun, Harrison’s thriller takes us back to 1873 where we meet Maggie Appleton, the girl who raced around the world in eighty days with Phileas Fogg’s Expedition Team. When a stranger turns up on her doorstep, Maggie – along with fellow explorers Mr Fogg and Passepartout – must embark on a new daring adventure… this time to Brazil. They are on a mission to find famous botanist Amelia West, a friend of her late mother and the one person in the world Maggie is desperate to meet. But they soon discover their search for answers only uncovers more questions in the dangerous rainforests where ruthless treasure hunters are desperate to make their fortune. Why has Amelia disappeared and who else is searching for her? With the help of old and new friends, Maggie is soon on another race across the world, but this time there’s much more at stake than a wager. She must unravel the mystery and find Amelia, before it’s too late. With a cast of larger-than-life characters and heart-thumping action at every step of the way, this timeless tale of travel, adventure and discovery will be a treasured gift for all young thrill-seekers!
(Piccadilly Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 9 plus
Monster Anatomy
Matt Ralphs and Caitlin Turner

IF you hold this book in your hands, you are no ordinary traveller… you’re a monster hunter! Join author Matt Ralphs and illustrator Caitlin Turner as they take readers across ancient forests, deep oceans and treacherous mountain passes to discover those much-feared monstrous creatures of mythology, folklore and fantasy. For ages uncounted, Bai Ze, the wanderer and keeper of beast, has studied the monsters that haunt our myths. He has watched the fiery Boitata coil through burning forests, glimpsed the vast Kraken thrashing beneath stormy seas and traced the roots of creatures long spoken of in whispers. Their bodies tell stories; their bones carry truths and in the pages of this book, there are careful drawings that reveal how each creature is shaped, how it survives and why it lingers in the tales of humankind. Bai Ze’s anatomical findings will show you what lies beneath fang, scale and shadow, capturing the spirit, power and mystery of every beast. But Monster Anatomy is not merely a collection of monsters… it is a field guide for the bold and the curious, a fascinating account of how the legendary monsters live, breathe, hunt and endure. And opening this magnificent, gilt-edged book comes with a caution… read it with wonder because once you know the truth of monsters, you will never see the shadows the same way again!
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £16.99)

Age 9 plus
Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon
Agnes Monod-Gayraud and Elin Manon

GET ready to have your world turned upside down when you open the pages of Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon, a fabulous flip-over book that explore the stories, science and mythology behind the Sun and the Moon!  Written by London-based author Agnes Monod-Gayraud and atmospherically illustrated by Welsh artist Elin Manon, this fascinating book is a stunning introduction to our cosmic companions. What makes a solar eclipse happen, why does the Moon seem to change shape, and how does the Sun keep our planet alive? For thousands of years, people, from the Ancient Egyptians to the Greeks, have looked up with the same questions. Their stories, observations and growing scientific knowledge have helped us understand how the Sun and Moon influence life on Earth today. Blending ancient myths with facts, diagrams and modern discoveries, Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon works in two parts… one side is dark, but flip it over and the other is bright, meeting in the middle in a stunning eclipse. An ideal gift for readers eager to learn about our nearest cosmic neighbours!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 8 plus
Constellations: Stories in the Stars
Anne Jankéliowitch and Sarah Andreacchio

THE Sun is down and the stars are out. Grab your binoculars and head outside because it’s time to go stargazing! Explore the shining stars in the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky with this child-friendly guidebook for budding stargazers. Learn how to find fifteen constellations while also reading about the fascinating Greek myths behind their names with environmental engineer and children's author Anne Jankéliowitch as our stargazing guide. From Ursa Major to Cassiopeia, there are so many stories to discover in the sky! Brought to life by Sarah Andreacchio’s dazzlingly vibrant illustrations, this beautiful, informative gift book includes a folded poster with pinholes featuring all the constellations in the book. Simply shine a light through the poster to bring the night sky indoors!
(Barefoot Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
The Wonder of Nature:
Discovering the Science Behind its Beauty
Natalia Harańczyk

SEE the world in a whole new light in this stunningly illustrate book from Natalia Harańczyk, a Polish graphic designer, illustrator and expert microbiologist. With her exquisite artwork and fascinating insights, Harańczyk reveals the breathtaking artistry behind nature’s beauty. From dazzling colours to mind-blowing patterns, incredible shapes and perfect symmetry, The Wonder of Nature reveals the science behind the intricate marvels of the natural world. Readers will love exploring the microscopic wonders of plants, animals and fungi through the vivid and richly detailed illustrations which burst with colour and life. A book to cherish for readers young and old.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 7 plus
The World of Bunny vs Monkey
Jamie Smart

STRAP yourselves in for more wild wacky adventures as comics genius Jamie Smart gifts youngsters the ultimate guide the chaotic, woodland world of his daffy duo… an essential companion book packed full of comic-strip fun, stats, facts, games and quizzes. So if you’ve ever wondered what bothers Bunny the most, why Monkey throws underpants at aliens, or where to find the Mysterious Realm of the Frogs, you’re in luck because the answers lie within the pages of the super, fabulous, sensational and wonderful The World of Bunny vs Monkey! It’s a normal day in The Woods… Monkey is flying a giant goose, Action Beaver is setting something on fire, and Bunny is trying to get some peace. UNTIL… the gang discover the Park Ranger has a secret file about each of them! Find out what the files reveal plus what our woodland friends would REALLY like you to know... Published by David Fickling Books in partnership with The Phoenix comic – and featuring some entertaining draw-it-yourse lf activities at the back of the book – this fantastic feast of fast and furry-ous exuberant fun is a tasty dish for your mischievous Bunny vs Monkey fans!
(David Fickling Books, hardback, £16.99, published on November 5)

Age 7 plus
Paper World: Trees
Catherine Saunders and Gail Armstrong

TAKE a closer look at trees with this one-of-a-kind paper-cut book which lets readers see the forest come to life! Written by Catherine Saunders and illustrated by Gail Armstrong, this stunning book uses flaps and ingenious paper-cut artwork to reveal the wonders of Earth’s largest living plants, from the amazing variety of life they support to what goes on beneath the soil. With a text which has been fact-checked by experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, youngsters follow the trees, peek behind pages and wander through woodlands where they discover leafy landscapes, incredible tree adaptations and the inner workings of a tree. A unique novelty book with appeal for all the family, Paper World: Trees provides a root and branch wealth of information about types of forest, the mycorrhizal network and lots more. Get ready to unearth the facts!
(Templar Books, hardback, £16.99, published on November 5)

Age 7 plus
The Sky We Share – Star Stories From Around the World
Laura Knowles and Mariana Ruiz Johnson

LOOK up to the night sky… what do you see? Created in collaboration with Royal Observatory Greenwich, the historic home for British astronomy, this fascinating book brings together scientific insight and ancient wisdom to uncover the universal language of the cosmos and the timeless star stories that connect us all. Written by Laura Knowles, author of the award-winning It Starts With a Seed, the book retells star stories from across the world while Brazilian artist Mariana Ruiz Johnson provides a cornucopia of vibrant, bold and graphic illustrations which make each page a visual celebration of cultural heritage. For thousands of years, civilisations have turned to the stars for guidance. From the Polynesians who voyaged across open oceans using only the stars to light their way, to ancient farmers who timed their harvests by celestial rhythms, and storytellers who filled the heavens with legends, The Sky We Share explores incredible stories from each corner of the world. Featuring myths and folklore passed down through generations, alongside modern scientific insight and tips for budding stargazers, this is the perfect gift for curious children and anyone who has ever looked to the night sky in search of imagination and wonder.
(Templar Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 4 plus
The Song of the Sun
Olivia Hope and Huýnh Kim Liên

TREAT your little ones to this sumptuous, high-flying picture book tale of bravery and self-esteem told through the lens of the annual migration of swallows. Written by Irish author Olivia Hope, and stunningly illustrated by Vietnamese artist Huýnh Kim Liên, The Song of the Sun is a soaringly special contemporary fable brought to life by lyrical storytelling and richly detailed and colourful artwork. ‘How will I find my way?’ whispered Flick the trembling hatchling. ‘Head up, wings wide and own the sky,’ wise, old Greytail replied. ‘Then listen…’ ‘Listen for what?’ Flick said. ‘Why the song of the sun, of course!’ Flick is setting off on her first migration, a journey of thousands of miles. She is filled with worry and it’s only with the help of Greytail that Flick is able to take the leap into the great unknown. At first, Flick can only concentrate on flapping her wings but the further they fly, she slowly starts to zip and zoom, sing and soar. When Greytail cannot fly on, Flick’s fear sweeps through her again. Without Greytail by her side, Flick battles on until… she bursts out into the sunlight! And that’s when she hears it for the first time. Others, just like her, singing her song… the song of the sun! With a dazzling foiled and cloth-textured cover, this heartfelt, empowering story is set to be a flyaway family favourite.
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 4 plus
The Moon Shines Bright in the Sky at Night
Emma Carlisle

COSY up at bedtime with this beautifully illustrated story filled with comfort, calm and the magic of night time. Exquisitely created by Emma Carlisle, an award-winning artist based in Plymouth, this gentle, lyrical story invites young readers to step into the magic of the night and discover how the world awakens whilst we sleep. Marvel how the woodland is alive with hidden life… from the flicker of a fox’s tail to the silent sweep of a barn owl’s wings beneath a sky glowing with the Moon and stars. Highlighting the comfort and wonder that can be found in the dark, the book offers a soothing and accessible introduction to night time, especially for children who may be afraid of the dark. Through themes of mindfulness, it gently addresses the fear of the unknown and the future, showing how each night brings new life and wonder. An ideal read for young nature lovers and a comforting tool for young children navigating the mysteries of darkness.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 4 plus
Mia’s Cheetah
Amelia Bothe

BUCKLE up for a wild ride! Imaginations are most certainly in overdrive in Mia’s Cheetah, American author and illustrator Amelia Bothe’s outstandingly illustrated picture book story about a young girl discovering magical adventures. Mia is not excited about the long, boring drive to Nana’s house… too many miles, too much waiting, too little fun. But then her dad lets her in on a secret game and everything changes. Now, the trip that started out so dull suddenly feels much too short! And when they finally get to Nana’s house, Mia discovers this special tradition runs deeper than she could ever have guessed. Packed with bold, playful, not-to-be-missed artwork and a story with a tender intergenerational family twist, Mia’s Cheetah celebrates the power of imagination that is waiting to be discovered just outside our windows. A wonderfully created story guaranteed to banish boredom… and screens!
(Clarion Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
Old Bear Five-Minute Adventure Stories
Jane Hissey

CELEBRATE 40 years of much-loved author and illustrator Jane Hissey’s heart-melting and timeless tales of Old Bear and Friends with this beautifully refreshed and foiled edition that is set to become a favourite read for a new generation of little ones. With a foreword by award-winning Hissey herself, and a piece of new artwork featuring the entire cast of Old Bear’s friends, this stunningly created and very special compendium includes five well-loved tales introducing new friends and celebrating the magic of working together and having fun. In Splash, Ruff and Hoot, meet new additions to the group that slot in seamlessly and quickly become best friends. Discover what working together can achieve in The All-Together Painting! and celebrate Old Bear's birthday with gifts and a surprise party among those he loves most in the classic Happy Birthday, Old Bear. Old Bear was given to Hissey by her grandmother when she was born and he has travelled the world with her, visiting schools, libraries and literary events, becoming increasingly worn and threadbare but still recognisable to millions of adoring readers. And with stories full of nostalgia, the warmth of true friendship and the joys of childhood blended exquisitely with dazzling, vintage-style photo-realistic artwork, these loved and treasured five-minute teddy bear tales are the perfect cuddle-up bedtime read.
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
The Wonderful Pocket Family
Kazuko Matt

THERE'S s a pocketful of joy awaiting young readers in this delightful family-themed and quirky picture book from Japanese illustrator and children’s book author Kazuko Matt. Meet the Pocket family… they all love pockets! Mr Pocket loves eating so his pockets are filled with foodie things, Mrs Pocket has everything she needs for gardening, and fun-loving Little Pocket has lots of things to play with. Grandpa Pocket only has his harmonica, but that’s all he needs to play a tune and get the whole Pocket family tap dancing! With their pockets full of wonderful tools and toys, it’s not long before their performance has the whole town watching. Filled with the author’s warmth, vividly drawn characters and addictive sense of fun, The Wonderful Pocket Family is a colourful and playful reading package, perfect for sharing with young children.
(Do Re Mi, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
Follow Me Moon
Colleen Larmour

HAVE you ever wondered how the Moon always seems to follow you wherever you go? Help little ones to drift off to sleep with this soothing bedtime story about the magical friendship between a child and the Moon from Northern Irish author and illustrator Colleen Larmour. Join the little boy – and the Moon – as they share a magical and imaginative journey through the seasons. From springtime bike rides and paper-boat-sailing in the summer, to autumnal adventures and winter fun in the snow, the Moon follows the child wherever they go… until it’s time to say goodnight. Children will fall in love with Larmour’s striking woodblock-style art and (hopefully!) will be lulled to sleep by the lullaby-like rhyming text. With nostalgic echoes of bedtime classic Goodnight Moon, and a striking jacketed book cover with embossed details, this an extra-special book to share at bedtime or as a thoughtful gift.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £12.99)

The Voices of the Dead

Nicola Upson

AS London suffers some of its worst bombing in the devastating Blitz of 1941, a top secret mission is under way to transport the National Gallery’s precious artwork from its current temporary home at Penrhyn Castle to a new underground sanctuary deep inside a slate mine in North Wales.

In charge of this delicate operation is the recently married Detective Chief Inspector Archie Penrose of Scotland Yard and what he hadn’t expect was to become involved in a 40-year-old murder mystery which will need the help of his good friend and author, Josephine Tey, if he is to solve it.

The Voices of the Dead is the twelfth book in Nicola Upson’s outstandingly intelligent and atmospheric Josephine Tey Mystery series, set principally in England in the 1930s and 1940s, and inspired by the Golden Age of crime writing. For those new to a name which shone brightly in this period, Josephine Tey was a pseudonym used by the enigmatic Elizabeth Mackintosh, a Scottish writer best known for her mystery novels of the 1940s and 50s.

Virtually unknown today, Tey has been given a new lease of life as the lead character in Cambridge graduate Upson’s (pictured left) cleverly plotted novels which see the best-selling author and playwright turn detective to solve cerebral mysteries which often give a voice to the downtrodden silenced by both society and history.

Elegant, sophisticated and beautifully written, these stories blend fact and fiction, contrasting the stark realities of everyday life with the glamorous world of theatre and film during these middle century decades, and exploring hard-hitting issues, many of which are as relevant today as they were back then. And Upson’s army of fans will certainly have stars in their eyes when they join Josephine for this gripping mystery which was inspired by famous English actress Margaret Rutherford and her pivotal role as clairvoyant Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s play Blithe Spirit, famously written in six days during a holiday in wartime Wales.

Only hours after DCI Charle Penrose married his new wife Virginia at the Actors’ Church in London in May of 1941, London suffered one of the German Luftwaffe’s most destructive bombing raids but he is still hoping to have a short honeymoon in the peaceful Welsh retreat of Portmeirion alongside supervising the transfer of the nation’s priceless paintings to their new home in Manod slate mine.

Also holidaying in Portmeirion is his friend Josephine Tey and her partner Marta Fox, who is filming the artworks relocation for the Crown Film Unit, and Noël Coward who is preparing his new play, Blithe Spirit, amid hopes that Margaret Rutherford will play the eccentric medium.

But when a woman’s body is found in the debris of a roof fall in the mine, Archie and Josephine are plunged into a mystery dating back over four decades. The woman had a wooden sign with two carved initials on it close to her remains… and very soon her discovery threatens to tear apart the close-knit Welsh community. As old secrets start to tumble out, it seems no one is immune to the voices of the dead, not even Margaret Rutherford who was preparing to play Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit back in London’s bomb-damaged West End but is now voicing some very personal concerns and doubts over taking on the role…

The unearthing of the long-buried body in the slate mine opens up a can of worms for Archie and Josephine in Upson’s impressive new outing as dark secrets are slowly and shockingly revealed, and the local community closes ranks to try to keep the truth firmly buried underground. Reunited with her beloved partner Marta, whose filming work for the government has brought her to this corner of Wales, and with good friend Archie caught between his work duties and attempts to enjoy at least a brief honeymoon with wife Virginia, Josephine steps in to investigate the unsettling cold case.

Weaving together fascinating real events and people – not least a delightful homage to larger-than-life Margaret Rutherford whose performance as Madame Arcati remains one of the most celebrated in Golden Age film history – Upson brings us a gripping and absorbing case with links to the world of clairvoyance and a shadowy corner of Welsh history.

Starring a cast of characters from all walks of life, each portrayed with exquisite precision, and with constant reminders of the ever-present dangers of wartime, this entertaining new mystery is imbued with all the intrigue and genuine emotion that we have come to expect from this author’s outstanding series. Classy, clever, and superbly researched and plotted, The Voices of the Dead is a reading pleasure from start to finish.
(Faber & Faber, hardback, £16.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Boredom-busting books for half-term and Halloween

When it comes to gruesome giggles, spooky sniggers and creepy cackles, it’s a well-known fact that children can never be too young to get into the ‘spirit’ of Halloween, so here’s a simply bewitching selection of activity and reading books that are guaranteed to fill the half-term boredom gap for your youngest little mischief makers

Age 6 plus
Escape from the
Haunted House
Sam Smith, Claire Thomas and Jared MacPherson

CAN you escape the haunted house? Solve the puzzles to survive… if you dare! Adventure with an alluring Halloween theme takes centre stage in the puzzle-packed pages of this spooky interactive book written by Sam Smith, designed by Claire Thomas and illustrated by Jared MacPherson. Join best friends Alicia and Jay who are trapped inside a haunted house. But don’t forget that you’ll need to keep your wits about you as you creep through shadowy corridors, cobweb-covered bedrooms and mysterious attics! Each room has a puzzle that must be solved before the pals can pass through… help them crack fiendish codes, spot hidden objects, unlock safes and trapdoors, solve riddles, take on tricky memory challenges, and put your skills to the test. To win, you’ll have to outwit ghoulish ghosts and overcome menacing monsters and, to move from one room to the next, you’ll have to solve those puzzles first! With a wide range of word, logic, number and picture puzzles, and with all the answers at the back of the book, this is the perfect mix of story and puzzles. Don’t miss the brain-teasing fun!
(Usborne Publishing, hardback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Pomona: Stories of the Cat Witch
Tor Freeman

HAVE you met Pomona? She’s a cat AND a witch… but she’s also a kind friend. Welcome to acclaimed author and illustrator Tor Freeman’s enchanting forest world of Pomona in a warm-hearted, wise and witty collection of short stories. Our heroine Pomona lives in a little cottage in the forest with her pet caterpillar Baudrillard and not far from her friends Ratso, Prince Frog, Elfis and Grandma Wyona. Pomona works hard to keep her cottage (and friends!) in order although sometimes things happen that are beyond her control. Fortunately, there is always a valuable lesson to be learned. In her new adventures, she works out how to bake a cake with love, sets up a friendship for lonely Baudrillard, discovers empathy, and finds confirmation that there definitely isn’t enough room for anyone else in her hammock! Utterly bewitching…
(Guppy Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 5 plus
Cute Halloween Window Art
Kate Nolan

TURN your windows into a Halloween wonderland with pumpkins, bats, ghosts, cats and other cute-creepy characters with this fun-filled, hands-on craft book from Kate Nolan. Colour the 14 adorably spooky Kawaii-inspired designs, then cut them out and decorate your windows. Special translucent paper lets light shine through your finished artwork, creating colourful Halloween decorations in a spooky stained glass window style. And alongside the window art, children can enjoy fun puzzles and drawing activities on each facing page, making this an all-round creative and rewarding Halloween activity book. Ideal for rainy afternoons and making your windows look spook-tacular!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Sticker Dolly Dressing Halloween
Fiona Watt, Stella Baggott and Non Fig

HALLOWEEN is on the way and it’s time to dress the sticker dolls for their spooky celebrations! 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 in their creative costumes and use the accessories and decorations to complete the magical scenes. Youngsters will love choosing outfits for the dolls from over 200 stickers as they prepare for a party, go trick-or-treating, carve creepy faces into pumpkins and dress as spiders, witches and cats! Children won’t be stuck for something to do with this beautiful, sparkle-covered activity book and with so many stickers to choose from and easy-to-remove perforated sticker pages for decorating each scene, this is a Halloween adventure no fun-loving fashionista will want to miss!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Jolly Monster Town: The Treasure Hunt
Rong Rong

WHO can resist a jolly monster? There’s a whole town packed with monsters waiting to fire up your young readers’ imaginations in the second book of an enchanting, full-colour chapter series from author and illustrator Rong Rong. It’s the start of another busy day in Jolly Monster Town and Ralph the Pufferfish Monster can’t wait to get to the beach and find treasure! But in his rush, he digs up a mole’s house, wakes up a hill monster and disturbs a whole troop of emerald turtles, thinking their shells were jewels! Ralph needs to slow down – or does he? Spot Ralph’s friends Twiggy the Log Monster and Uno the Cyclops Cat, and help find the buried treasure. With delightful details to explore and lots of wacky characters, this joyful book is perfect for reading for pleasure and encouraging imaginative play. Once in Jolly Monster Town, readers will never want to leave!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Halloween: Sticker by Numbers
Beth Hamilton

GET stuck into Halloween with this ‘spook-tacular’ Halloween sticker-by-numbers activity book which lets youngsters learn as they create. With ten scenes to complete, over 150 stickers and fun facts on every page, this is the perfect way for children to celebrate and learn about Halloween. Discover the origins of trick-or-treat, learn about superstitions, meet Halloween animals and find out the cultural link to spiders. Match the numbered stickers to the numbers on each picture to make Halloween scenes and as each page is perforated, the scenes can be torn out and displayed or given as gifts. From creepy costumes and pumpkin carving to spooky haunted houses, the book is packed with hands-on entertainment!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Frankenkitty
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Mini Grey

WE'VE all heard of Frankenstein and his monster… but whoever heard of Frankenkitty? Enjoy mischief and mirth rather than monsters and their makers in this delightful picture book twist on Mary Shelley’s classic novel from the top team of Maudie Powell-Tuck and Mini Grey. ‘Here is a tale to chill the blood and thrill the soul – a tale of spooky paws and eerie claws, The tale of Frankenkitty!’ Born from stitches and lightning, Frankenkitty wanders the halls of the darketty dark castle… he might look cute to YOU but everyone trembles at the sight of him. Can he really be such a foul and loathsome creature? And can anyone save him before it’s too late? Packed with deliciously dramatic narration from bestselling and brilliantly creative author Powell-Tuck, and the freakishly fun illustrations of Kate Greenaway Medal‑winner Grey, this spine-tingling tale serves as a mischievous reminder that looks can be very, very misleading. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud twist in the tail and be warned that the lovably weird Frankenkitty could happily haunt your shelves for years to come!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Halloween Journey
Patricia Hegarty and Katya Longhi

‘With a whistle's loud shriek and a clickety-clack, The ghost train clatters along the track. Skeletons rattle their rickety bones, And the air is filled with ghostly moans.’ 

HOP aboard the spooky ghost train with this fantastic, layered pop-up gift book to discover a range of Halloween scenes from haunted houses to pumpkin fields and witches’ shacks. Children will love discovering the spooky skeletons and ghostly ghouls hidden amongst the intricate illustrations. Patricia Hegarty’s atmospheric rhyming text and vibrant illustrations by Italian artist Katya Longhi bring the excitement of Halloween to life. The perfect starter for the Halloween season!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
Who said Boo?
Jeanne Willis and Brian Fitzgerald

A CATCHY rhyme and those much-loved pantomime vibes create the perfect package for Halloween as author Jeanne Willis and illustrator Brian Fitzgerald blend their talents on a fun, read-aloud picture book. ‘In the green, green castle with the green, green door, And green, green carpets on the green, green floor, There lived a little ghost who was never seen, And that is because he was green, green, green!’ A naughty little ghost loves giving his unsuspecting victims a fright with a loud ‘Boo!’… they can’t see him, but the reader can! Each character blames the wrong person, until the clever jester finds an unexpected way to expose the culprit. There will be shouts of ‘he’s behind you’ as little ones enjoy spotting the green ghost hidden on every page… and lap up Fitzgerald’s gloriously green and comical illustrations. A brilliant book destined to be a favourite at any time of the year! 
(Scallywag Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Little First Stickers Creepy Halloween
Kristie Pickersgill and Kirsty Tizzard

FROM bubbling cauldrons to haunted houses, there is so much to fright and delight young Halloween fans in this adorably spooky sticker book. Children will love using over 150 colourful stickers as they go trick-or-treating with little monsters, pick the perfect pumpkin, tiptoe through whispering woods and have a howl at the werewolves’ full-moon party! Meet magnificent monsters, wacky witches and ghosts galore as you add the colourful stickers to the creepy scenes. An ideal screen-free activity book that will encourage creativity, help develop motor skills and independent thinking, and keep little ones entertained for hours. Halloween fun at your fingertips!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £5.99)

Age 3 plus
I Will Haunt This
Viviane Schwarz and Chris Riddell

WHAT does a ghost do when it hasn’t got anything to haunt? Award-winning children’s book illustrator and former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell teams up with acclaimed author and illustrator Viviane Schwarz for this spooky but cosy picture book about friendship, kindness and connection. A little ghost lives in a vase in the attic but when the vase breaks, the ghost goes round the house, looking for a new home… something made with love. But the house is full of tidy and shiny new things instead of old comforting ones. When the girl of the house helps the ghost settle into a dusty teapot hidden on a high shelf and full of warm memories, the ghost can do something for the girl, too… encourage her creativity and confidence. Messages about the warmth and security of home shine out through both the moving and original story and Riddell’s almost ethereal artwork. A book to treasure far beyond the witching season…
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Halloween Snap
Laura Borio and Helena Towell

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 spookily-illustrated 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 Halloweeny illustrations of witches, spiders, bats, cats and other spooky season motifs. 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 Halloween-shaped fun is perfectly created to help youngsters ‘snap’ out of their boredom or to keep them busy on journeys!
(Usborne, card pack, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Midnight Creep
Jemima Shafei-Ongu, Honoka Taki and Karim Nagi

PARTY along with spiders of all kinds and get inspired to dance in this colourful, creepy-crawly original singalong picture book which celebrates spiders, imagination, and the Arab folk dance, the dabke. Welcome to Midnight Creep, created by Sydney-based author Jemima Shafei-Ongu, who has links to the region’s Dharug Aboriginal people, illustrated by Japanese artist Honoka Taki, and sung by Karim Nagi in an audio singalong video animation accessible via QR code. All the giants are asleep and the lights are out… Everybody give a shout and SCREEEAM! What do spiders do when we’re asleep? What if they gathered beneath the full moon for a celebration, with jumping, dancing and feasting until dawn? But shhhh… be careful not to wake the giants sleeping upstairs! Listen, join in and dance along with the audio singalong, learn about the dabke, a communal folk dance, and discover more information about spiders at the end of the book. The ideal rhythm for Halloween!
(Barefoot Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
My Big Autumn Colouring Book
Kate Nolan

GET cosy and celebrate the changing seasons with BIG Autumn colouring! Colour in happy hedgehogs and scampering squirrels, bright berries and falling leaves in this book of delightful autumn drawings. With over 90 bold, simple outlines to fill in, it will provide hours of entertainment while helping young children develop mark-making, pen-control and colouring skills. Packed with fun and creativity, My Big Autumn Colouring Book is ideal to beat half-term boredom whether that’s at home or on holiday travels!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £4.99) 

Age 2 plus
Five Little Pumpkins
Catherine Veitch and Holly Surplice

‘Five little pumpkins rolled off one night, across the farm, causing quite a fright. Mrs Owl said, “Come back to me!” How many pumpkins can you see?’ 

AUTHOR Catherine Veitch and illustrator Holly Surplice team up for the fourth title in an enchanting and wonderfully colourful lift-the-flaps picture books series based on the nursery rhyme Five Little Ducks. And this time it’s Halloween as we join five adorable pumpkins on a night time adventure around the farm. There’s so much to see as Mrs Owl and the pumpkins roll, bounce and leap out of the pumpkin patch, play peek-a-boo in the horses’ stables and try not to wake the sleeping piggies. Along the way, they meet all kinds of friendly animals of the night. But wait… the pumpkins are disappearing one by one. Whatever are they up to? Lift a host of intriguing flaps to find the pumpkins and discover a fantastic surprise ending. The picture perfect book to celebrate Halloween and all the fun of the autumn season!
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
We’re Going to Pick a Pumpkin
Sarah Reid and Agnes Saccani

WHERE is the perfect pumpkin? Join two little children and their cheeky ghost friend as they search to find the BEST pumpkin ever in a delightfully spooky and fun-filled counting book from author Sarah Reid and illustrator Agnes Saccani. ‘We’re going to pick a pumpkin, and we’ll have a lot of fun! There’s so many to choose from, but I want the BIGGEST one!’ Is the perfect pumpkin in the garden or maybe the haunted house? Even better, could it be filled with tasty treats? Reid’s bouncy rhyming text is packed with Halloween fun while Saccani’s bold and vibrant illustrations feature pumpkins to count on every spread. Children will love exploring different locations in the hunt for the best pumpkin and with a fabulous countdown surprise at the end, this is the perfect bedtime read!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Ghost Goes Boo!
Becky Davies and Mitch Miller

WATCH little faces light up as they get hands on with this bold and colourful sound book from author Becky Davies and illustrator Mitch Miller which features five favourite Halloween characters. Join Ghost on a trick-or-treating adventure and when he disappears, help to find him. Simply press the sounds button on every spread in the interactive, chunky board book and wait for the giggles as they meet the friendly ghost saying ‘boo’, a bat flipping and flapping, a wacky witch cackling, a black cat meowing and a cheeky owl twitting and twooing! Ghost Goes Boo! is the first in a humorous new sound book series for toddlers, with modern art, a lively text and a refrain that children will love.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £9.99)

Age one plus
Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin!
Sarah Finan

THERE'S only one thing this baby loves to eat… pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin! Creamy mash, tasty pies, or fresh from the patch… every kind is delicious. Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Pumpkin! is the fifth book of Post Wave’s Yum, Yum, Yum! pre-school board book series which introduces tots to favourite foods and all the delicious ways they can be eaten. Written and illustrated by award-winning designer and illustrator Sarah Finan, these bright and bold books about the joys of eating nutritional foods feature a sweet rhyming text, vibrant artwork and clever peep-through holes on every page. With rounded corners and sturdy pages, the book is ideal for little hands and is a joy to read aloud. The perfect tasty treat for Halloween!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)

Age 6 months plus
Slide and Peek Witch
Hector Dexet

JOIN a witch who has a few tricks up her sleeve in this delightful slide-and-peek Halloween board book from Paris-based author and illustrator Hector Dexet. What autumn surprise is hiding for the bat tonight? Which animal will discover a cosy new pair of pyjamas? And can you guess what the witch has in store for the animals? This playful and colourful novelty book is packed with autumnal fun and spooky-sweet surprises. With every pull and slide of the tabs, little hands will discover the magical gifts the witch has conjured… but not all is as it seems! A cosy chair transforms into a monster, a jar of cookies wriggles into spiders, and an umbrella flaps into a bat. This enchanting Halloween board book includes big, satisfying sliders and Dexet’s joyful and colourful artwork. Total bewitchment for tiny tots!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)