CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Space runners, a Bard dream and future fun

Head for the skies with a funny, action-packed space adventure, enjoy Shakespeare’s iconic plays in a new and more accessible format, enter an amazing maze – if you dare – and find out if you can steal the future, and return to a magical kingdom based on real English history with a summertime selection of new books

Age 7 plus
Galaxy Runners: Jello Breaks the Universe
James Lancett

IF you need something delivered in space (with no questions asked!), the Galaxy Runners could be just what you’re looking for. Head for the skies with this funny, action-packed space adventure from illustrator and animator James Lancett who combines a black and white highly illustrated text with eye-catching comic strip panels... perfect for your reluctant readers. Working against greedy Warp Co., twins Kas and Fig run their plucky business with the help of Skipper, their risk-taking artificial assistant, and Mags, their volcanic hired security. They spend their time adventuring across the galaxy, escaping perilous dangers and making a quick space-buck along the way. Then, one day, they agree to transport a mysterious canister across the galaxy and soon discover it contains Jello… an adorable, gooey, shape-shifting alien being with unexpected, life-changing powers. And that means greedy bad guys across the universe are soon trying to get their hands on him! Can the Galaxy Runners escape the clutches of Warp Co.? And where exactly will Jello and his super-poop end up? Lancett certainly knows how to woo young and less confident readers with his accessible short, punchy chapters, comic panels and loads of eye-catching illustration. Packed full of comedy, creative characters and universe-saving action, this is visual storytelling at its best… and most alluring!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 11 plus
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
and Othello
William Shakespeare

‘Are you sure That we are awake? It seems to me That yet we sleep, we dream.’ 

GREAT literature should be available to everyone and that’s a concept that is always close to the heart of dyslexia-friendly publishers Barrington Stoke. And there is no greater literature than the iconic plays of William Shakespeare which makes these complete and unabridged dyslexia-friendly editions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Othello perfectly suited for classroom and exam use. 

Without notes or commentary cluttering the pages, and featuring line spacing that allows for in-text annotations, these beautifully packaged and inclusive books come with super-readable fonts and layouts. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy of love, magic, mischief and mistaken identities – and Othello, the timeless tragedy in which the dark side of ambition unfolds into a tale of manipulation, jealousy and revenge, follow on from the success of Barrington Stoke’s Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Now all readers can access and enjoy the Bard’s most popular plays!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £8.99 each)

Age 10 plus
How to Steal the Future
Christopher Edge and Pete Lloyd

ENTER the maze – if you dare – and find out if you can steal the future! Ingenious puzzle master and bestselling author of Escape Room, Christopher Edge returns to entertain and entrance readers with an action-packed adventure full of mind-blowing twists. Billed as The Traitors meets the Spider-Verse, and illustrated by Pete Lloyd, How to Steal the Future features one boy, one missing sister and one sinister labyrinth. The maze is a dangerous place. The maze is ever-changing. The maze has never been solved. Meet twelve-year-old Drew Blake who faces the ultimate challenge. At the heart of a heavily guarded maze lies a secret – known only as the Avenir – which has the power to unlock the future. An experimental device, the Avenir combines quantum computing with next-level artificial intelligence to calculate the future with 100 per cent accuracy. But the system is unstable and the maze is dangerous with obstacles that can change in a heartbeat. Many have tried to steal the Avenir, but no one has ever succeeded. Drew is the latest to try, just like his sister Evie did before him. But Drew has his own secret… he doesn’t care about the Avenir, he must find his sister. Facing dead ends, traps and double-crosses, Drew realises that the maze holds secrets more dangerous than he ever imagined. Can he find the Avenir and save Evie before it’s too late? His future depends on it… Expect to be gripped from first page to last as Edge’s imagination takes readers ducking and diving through the thrills and chills of mazes, mysteries and dangerous secrets. Don’t miss the ride!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Star Breakers: Zeke Zero Vs The Galaxy
Ed Caruana and Chris Hazeldine

EXPECT calamities on overdrive in the first book of a hilarious new sci-fi graphic novel series from Ed Caruana, the British scriptwriter and narrative consultant for the band Gorillaz, and Chris Hazeldine, an illustrator at The Phoenix Comic. Featuring a crew of treasure-hungry Star Breakers on an accidental quest to save the universe, this is speed-of-lightning storytelling alongside artwork full of colour, comedy and the craziest characters this side of the moon. So meet Zeke Zero who has been living his worst life ever since his dad traded him for a spare battery when he was a baby. But 13-year-old Zeke gets by. Or he did, until he ‘borrowed’ the wrong priceless star map and was forced to join a crackpot crew of Star Breakers… brave (foolish) souls who dare to search dying worlds for (sometimes) incredible treasures. Their first job? Finding an ancient god’s eyeball hidden on a monster-infested planet somewhere in the depths of space. Preferably before the evil, undead Princess Grizelda does, or the galaxy is pretty much doomed. Locked in a race across the galaxy, Zeke and his crewmates, the grouchy Captain Tooms and mysterious Astrid of Elsewhere, will have to work together to dodge the monsters and mayhem, and discover a secret that puts the whole universe at risk. Chances of success? Virtually ZERO... Climb aboard and enjoy the epic and fun-filled ride because this is a series set to visit our galaxy time and time again!
(Puffin, paperback, £10.99)

Age 9 plus
Jed Greenleaf and the Stolen Queen
Kieran Larwood

RETURN to the life of a thrilling superhero and his epic power battles as master storyteller Kieran Larwood brings young readers the second adventure featuring shape-shifter Jed Greenleaf in the magical kingdom of Albion. Larwood, whose imagination is as boundless as the epic worlds he creates, plunges us into a gripping tale full of intriguing references to folklore and based on real English history unearthed from the brief Tudor reign of doomed Lady Jane Grey. Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly controlled by Lord Cromwell, and power-hungry Guilds all compete to rule alongside the queen. Orphan Jed Greenleaf was adopted by the Leaf Guild and found to have the extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered over with bark. And now Jed is looking forward to his second Arthanfest tournament when disaster strikes, throwing the whole kingdom into utter turmoil… the queen is kidnapped, Guy Fawkes is lurking in the shadows, and a dark and powerful new magick is bubbling up in the shadows. The army appears to have been bewitched in some way, and soon a hidden guild emerges from the shadows, putting the very future of Albion under threat. Luckily Jed can harness the power of the forest, with superhuman strength and body armour as tough as bark. But is his strength a match for the threat from Guy Fawkes?

Larwood – author of the hugely popular The World of Podkin One-Ear rabbit world series – works his magic again on this spectacular blend of fantasy and realism as we follow Jed’s new and breathtaking adventure, filled with magical oak forests and dastardly villains, and starring a hero who – against all odds – finds the courage and determination to right wrongs, fight evil, and win battles. A fabulous feast of fantasy!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary:
The Phantom Pooper
Jim Smith

BRACE yourselves for the latest trip round the U-bend with the Poopies, aka best friends Pedro, Olga and Ozzy... their initials just happen to spell the word POO and they are the stars of a smelly (but hilariously funny!) graphic novel series from the master of mischief himself, Jim Smith. Creator of the bestselling Barry Loser books, Smith has his finger firmly on the pulse of what makes kids (and grown-ups!) laugh… and the pages of his books buzz with energy, madcap antics, and a joyful sense of managed mayhem that is as addictive as it is entertaining. And he is on top form in this crazy, laugh-out-loud series which is packed full of friendship, fun and more toilet jokes than you can shake a plunger at... all expertly delivered in witty bite-sized stories brought to life by Smith’s vibrant artwork. So hold your noses, tag along with our terrible threesome, and enjoy three new and outrageously gross adventures. When school shuts down, Pedro sets up a Dog Poo Business in the park. Next, the Poopies enter an epic farting competition powered by suspicious bubble tea. And finally, when Pedro catches a bad case of Talky-hand-itis, he faces his biggest challenge yet... how will he wipe his bum? Positively fizzing with Smith’s wild and wonderful wit, and perfectly pitched toilet jokes, My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary: The Phantom Pooper is organised chaos for your own fun-lovers and mischief-makers!
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)

Age 6 plus
Beacons of Light
Gemma Koomen

DISCOVER the history, engineering and extraordinary human stories behind the world’s lighthouses – those steadfast guardian of the sea – in this captivating and lavishly illustrated book from Northumberland-based author and artist Gemma Koomen. From the fire-lit towers of ancient Greece to storm-swept cliffs in northern Europe, misty coastal cities in Japan and rugged North American shores where lighthouse beams still sweep the sea, Beacons of Light takes young readers on a captivating adventure, exploring the history and wonder of these majestic beacons. Long ago, under starlit skies, sailors drifted through wild waves and darkness, searching for a way home. Then, far off in the distance, a flicker, a flame, a lighthouse, a beacon of hope pierced the darkness and guided them to safety. Koomen’s informative text and colourful illustrations explore the fascinating stories behind lighthouses, the variety of their locations, from places of worship to bustling cities and remote islands, their enduring lights, and the ingenious ways humans have tamed the sea and brought light to the darkness. From the first flickering fires to the powerful lamps of today, this is a captivating adventure for readers young and old.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 5 plus
Pyramid Boy
Satoshi Kitamura

HAVE you ever wondered what life was like in Ancient Egypt? Travel back in time and discover a fascinating day-in-the-life adventure with award-winning illustrator Satoshi Kitamura. Using watercolour scenes of everyday life in ancient Egypt, and lots of intriguing facts which support the Key Stage 2 history curriculum, Kitamura brings the past to glorious life in this brilliant picture book. When a boy gets lost exploring a museum, he finds himself falling through time and landing in ancient Egypt! Join him as he discovers how to decode hieroglyphs, meets a pharaoh, sees a mummy being made, and witnesses how the pyramids were built. Packed with intricate artwork and captivating facts, this is the ideal introduction to the wonders of Ancient Egypt!
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Big Tiger
Marta Altés

YOU'RE never too big for a hug! Smiles (and hugs!) guaranteed when little ones get their hands on this joyful picture book about gaining independence and growing up from award-winning author and illustrator Marta Altés, whose prodigious storytelling and illustration talents have made her a worldwide favourite. Meet a tiger who used to be small… but not any more! This tiger is now the oldest, which means this tiger is BIG. But the jungle is even BIGGER and full of big creatures. It’s a scary place for a tiger alone but don’t worry tiger, Mum is never far behind! You might be too big for kisses and too big for tears, but no matter how big you get, you are NEVER too big for a hug. Altés’ joyful jungle adventure perfectly captures a child’s first steps towards independence… and delivers reassuring messages about the unbreakable bond between parents and children. Packed with bold, colourful and heartwarming illustrations, this is the perfect story for older siblings who feel grown up but are still quite little themselves!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Duck Delivers… Cake!
Tom Tinn-Disbury

DELIVERY Duck finds himself all at sea in the second book of author and illustrator Tom Tinn-Disbury’s quacking good picture book series for little ones who love being on the ‘go’! Duck loves his life scooting around as a Delivery Duck for Feather Force. Even though he may get into a few flaps here and there, his deliveries are somehow always on time. But when he’s tasked by Ostrich Bosstrich with delivering a very tall, very large and very special cake to a party all the way across town, Duck realises he will need to trade in his scooter for something with a bit more power to get there by sunset. Can this plucky Duck make it in time? Or will chaos be the only thing Duck delivers today? What should have been a piece-of-cake delivery turns into a shipload of trouble for our feathered friend who once more rises higher than he’d thought possible in this vibrantly illustrated, fun-filled and laugh-out-loud story about perseverance, delivery chaos and… a giant cake! A transport of delight…
(‎Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Ready for School!
Sophie Aggett and Jannie Ho

SPEND an exciting day at school with some friendly forest classmates as they learn their numbers, eat their lunch and take part in show-and-tell! Ready for School – with a sweet and funny rhyming text by Sophie Aggett, Jannie Ho’s adorable illustrations, and reusable stickers in a fold-out school bag – is the perfect read for little ones preparing to start school or nursery. Children will love finding the right sticker to help the animals complete each of the familiar school tasks, as well as discovering the reward stickers to share. For little ones who might be anxious about starting school and adapting to new routines, this board book will help to settle their nerves as they interact with characters enjoying a typical school day and locate the correct stickers. Ideal to read and share with children again and again… simply rinse the stickers to refresh their stickiness!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Pincho: Nothing IS Possible
Ben Sanders

NOTHING IS possible… if you think that doesn’t make sense, turn the pages of Ben Sanders’ delightful picture book and take a lesson in the simple joys of being yourself! Pincho is a capybara who never hurries and never worries. He is calm and content. A giant snake could wrap right round Pincho and he wouldn’t bat an eyelid. This guy is definitely chill. But today is a new opportunity just waiting to be seized, and one little yellow bird is determined that Pincho will seize it. There will be a to-do list, endless activities, and even a breathtaking escape from the jaws of danger! Pincho is about to teach the bird, and us all, the value of rest and relaxation. Nothing is possible. Yes, you read that right the first time. Nothing IS possible! Awash in Sanders’ gloriously multi-coloured artwork, and featuring his perfectly understated text, laidback Pincho’s messages about staying calm, being yourself, and accepting that sometimes the best thing to do can be nothing will win the hearts of readers young and old!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
10-Minute Amazing Activities
Selina Wood and Rosalind Maroney

YOUNGSTERS will love getting creative with this boredom-busting activity book, packed full of fun puzzles, colouring scenes and crafts. Written by Selina Wood and illustrated by Rosalind Maroney, 10-Minute Amazing Activities features a wide range of favourite topics, including animals, space, vehicles, ocean, dinosaurs, magical creatures, food and music. With things to make yourself, including a press-out lion mask, a personalised monkey door hanger and a ‘Bee happy!’ greetings card, stencils and over 100 incredible stickers, this hands-on fun and imaginative activity book will keep children entertained for hours!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
A is for Apple Sticker Activity Book
Hettie Cox and Summer Macon

HELP your child learn the alphabet with this interactive sticker activity book which comes with over 150 high-quality stickers! Written by Hettie Cox and illustrated by Summer Macon, the A is for Apple Sticker Activity Book contains 60 exciting activities to complete, including colouring, tracing, drawing, dot-to-dot, mazes, puzzles and more. Clear guides on letter formation combined with Macon’s beautifully engaging artwork cannot fail to capture little ones’ imaginations and inspire hours of early learning entertainment. With such an abundance of adorable stickers to use, learning the alphabet is as easy as ABC!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Poo in the Zoo
Steve Smallman and Ada Grey

BOTTOMS up as Steve Smallman and Ada Grey, the king and queen of splat, patter and plop, return with a brilliant hold-your-nose board book edition of their much-loved Poo in the Zoo classic! Few children can resist sharing the fun of a poopy kind of adventure, and author Smallman and illustrator Grey’s gloriously funny story, featuring everyone’s favourite little zookeeper Bob McGrew and his inventor friend Hector Gloop, has it – literally – in bucketfuls. ‘There was tiger poo, lion poo, prickly porcupine poo, Plummeting giraffe poop that landed with a splat. Dollops of gnu poo, bouncy kangaroo poo, A trail of drippy droppings from a fat wombat!’ Zoo Keeper Bob is exhausted. There’s too much poo in the zoo – and he’s the one who has to scoop it up. Then one day, a mysterious glowing poo appears! Could it be alien poop from outer space? And what on EARTH will Bob do with it? With Smallman’s romping rhyme and deliciously cheeky wordplay, and Grey’s rib-tickling, action-packed illustrations, this methane-fuelled adventure is definitely not to be sniffed at… and is a joy to read aloud. Laughter guaranteed from first poo to last!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
The Teacup
Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

AUTHOR and illustrator Chris Naylor-Ballesteros touches our hearts again with The Teacup, a beautiful companion to The Suitcase, his powerful picture book about empathy and kindness to strangers which was shortlisted for the 2020 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. This new, gentle and thoughtful story reflects on themes of understanding and compassion for strangers and outsiders. Long ago, the animals befriended a strange-looking creature who arrived from nowhere with a suitcase containing a teacup and a photograph of home. The stranger soon found sanctuary and calm. Now, there is a new mysterious stranger who they are sure is nothing but a… thief! It’s only when everything goes wrong that they realise that things may not be as simple as they think. With its warm heart and messages of tolerance and trust, brought to vibrant life by Naylor-Ballesteros’ evocative illustrations and their eye-catching use of colour and expression, The Teacup reminds readers that everyone has a story to tell, wherever they come from. And don’t forget the free Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® audiobook! Simply scan the code and hear the story.
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age from birth
You're My Little Cuddle Bug
Nicola Edwards and Natalie Marshall

MAKE bath time splash time alongside the adorable Cuddle Bug, star of the bestselling You're My Little… series, with this adorable bath book which produces colour-changing effects when it’s dipped in water! This cute, illustrated bath book, made from polyurethane foam, will keep little ones engaged and curious as they join Cuddle Bug for a day full of adventures. Enjoy little faces lighting up as they watch a sun, rainbow, and even Mama Bug appear on the pages. Full of Natalie Marshall’s brightly coloured illustrations, a sweet cast of characters, and Nicola Edwards’ rhyming text, this bath book stimulates babies’ senses and adds extra fun to bathtime!
(Little Tiger Press, bath book, £9.99)

A Fatal Legacy

Charlotte Vassell

WHEN Digby Coombe-Watson – the reluctant owner of his odious Victorian ancestor’s crumbling museum of purloined colonial ‘horrors’ – is found murdered, Met Detective Inspector Caius Beauchamp is soon on duty and unravelling a case that has ties uncomfortably close to home.

If you like your crime mysteries to have all the complex detective work and exquisitely drawn characters of Agatha Christie but with an original and insightful voice, an acidly satirical edge, and a decidedly 21^st century vibe, then treat yourself to the fourth book of Charlotte Vassell’s fun, quirky and entertaining whodunit series.

After the runaway success of The Other Half, The In Crowd and A Deadly Inheritance, award-winning Vassell (below) delivers another gripping, high-energy police procedural set within the upper echelons of London’s rich and powerful milieu, and exploring contemporary issues like fame, celebrity, online dating and the deadly dangers of obsession. It’s a tale with disparate plot threads which draw almost magically together and unfold against an intriguing murder case littered with wickedly incisive social commentary, plenty of twists and turns, and a cast of captivating characters who could only have been conjured up by a writer who also trained to tread the boards.

After discovering that his late grandfather, the Jamaican son of a second son, had inherited a baronetcy, and coming to terms with his family’s consequent change in fortune, the last thing Irish-Jamaican Caius Beauchamp needs is the embarrassment of a bust-up at the Chelsea Flower Show.

His milliner girlfriend Callie’s ex-boyfriend turned up drunk as she was filming and started a fight with handsome hunk Caius, all of which had since gone viral on social media and was causing ‘a collective swoon.’ Fortunately for Caius, his chirpy fellow officers, DS Matt Cheung and DC Amy Noakes, are distracted from their teasing by reports of a murder at the Horatio Combe Institute in Camden.

Owner and curator Digby Coombe-Watson has been found poisoned by hemlock on the floor of the institute that houses his 19^th century adventurer great-grandfather’s motley collection of, among other grisly displays, dead animals and shrunken human heads garnered from gallivanting all over the empire.

The unsuspecting Digby’s demise began when he fixed up an online candlelit dinner date for two with a mysterious woman called Isolde at the institute despite those important rules about first dates… don’t talk about your ex, ask lots of questions, and always meet in a public place.

Digby, who regarded himself as ‘an intellectual who only cares about the pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of history,’ didn’t think the rules applied to him. And he had other worries, chiefly how to get rid of his great-grandfather’s dilapidated emporium, and whether his family would let him. So he ignored the rules, and invited someone in. Now he has been murdered…

Armed only with a PO Box address for the visitor calling herself Isolde, and a case that involves false identities, costumes, and catfishing, Caius and his team have a sinister murder to solve… and Digby’s death won't be the last.

Vassell’s addictive murder mystery plunges readers into both the moneyed world of the present and into some unexpected corners of medieval history whilst fearlessly puncturing the pretensions, entitlement and conceit of the British class system, and exquisitely nailing the faux manners and mores of the rich and famous. And what a clever, complex story it is as Caius pursues an elusive killer and Callie’s work sees her tangled up in some ghostly goings-on, all brought seamlessly to life by the sharpest writing and an entertaining blend of descriptive language, lively dialogue and an irresistible brand of sardonic humour.

As Caius and Callie’s romance moves into new territory, Vassell’s refreshingly different series continues to serve up familiar tropes like red herrings, intriguing suspects and page-turning plotting with wit, style and moments of high drama. Add on Caius’s team of charismatic detectives, a fine line in banter, and a tantalising twist in the tail, and you have a clever concoction of crime fiction with a delicious side serving of satire!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £9.99)

Circle of Days

Ken Follett

FOR almost 5,000 years Stonehenge has passed through different building stages, stood proudly through all weathers, and observed the slings and arrows of British history from its perch on the grassy slopes of Salisbury Plain.

Mystery still surrounds this magnificent edifice, its provenance unknown except that it was built to align with the sun’s rays. But why was it placed exactly there, who constructed it in the form we now see... and how did Bronze Age communities move and handle those giant stones?

It's an ages-old puzzle which master storyteller and bestselling author of the celebrated The Pillars of the Earth series, Ken Follett (pictured below), tackles with his legendary panache, energy, research and a huge helping of imagination. Circle of Days is expansive world-building on a breathtaking scale as this inventive writer brings not only his version of the past to vivid life but treats us to a story which delights with its earthy evocation of a virtually unknown-to-us Neolithic society and dares to envision how that famous stone circle might have been built.

With a laser focus on a small community – bearing names like Scagga, Cog, Wun, Keff and Olf which Follett must have found fun to invent – readers are plunged into the very basic existence of people who live, love, work the land and utilise the natural resources of this area of Salisbury Plain. The result is an entertaining and richly detailed portrait of men and women forever striving for civilisation’s progress but falling prey to the strife, jealousies and hostilities that are the very essence of being human.

In the year 2000 BC, Seft, his father and two older brothers dig pits and mine for flint, the hardest of all stones which, with its sharp cutting edge, is used for everything from axes to arrowheads to knives, and can be traded for essentials like food, clothing and livestock.

But of all his family, Seft is the only one with an exceptional talent working and using flint… his father and brothers are violent, vulgar brutes who hate him and he dreams of leaving them behind and meeting up again with Neen, the kind girl he met and fell in love with at the Spring Rite, one of the festivals held to celebrate the seasons at an ancient wood-based Monument where the Sun Goddess works her magic.

Neen’s family lives in prosperity within the herder community and, as Seft sets out to walk the Great Plain in the high summer heat to trade his stone at the Midsummer Rite and witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year, he hopes an alliance with the girl who left him a parting kiss will offer the escape he so desperately needs.

Meanwhile, Joia, Neen’s younger sister, is a born priestess with a vision and an unmatched ability to lead. As a child, she watches the Midsummer ceremony, enthralled, and dreams of a miraculous new Monument built from the biggest stones to be found in their world. And Joia is already starting to envisage the great stone circle as a grand monument that will last forever and define a civilisation, bringing together the divided tribes of the Plain. It’s a dream that will inspire Seft and become their life’s work.

But trouble is brewing among the hills and woodlands of the Great Plain and when deadly drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders until an act of savage violence leads to open warfare between the different communities. With survival now the driving force, will peace and the building of a new stone Monument become just an impossible dream?

Epic is surely the word that best describes this literally monumental tale which runs to 592 pages and colourfully explores how Neolithic society might have functioned… from herders who guard their animals, farmers who work the fertile soil to grow crops, and skilled cleverhands who create and craft, to foraging woodlanders, leather tanners, miners who dig out and fashion flint into tools, and the powerful priestesses who use the sun to mark out the days and seasons, and perform ceremonial rites.

In his trademark attention to detail, Follett also treats readers to imaginative descriptions of the minutae of Bronze Age life as we discover how hide shoes are fashioned, how a rudimentary rope is made to wrap around the giant stones, and how those early craftsmen might have employed their carpentry and stonework skills.

But this is also a living, breathing, and powerfully human story of family, relationships, passion, hatred and intense partisanship as the loyalties of different sections of the community are put to the test and the building of the ancient stone circle, which we now gaze upon with wonder, forms the beating heart of the all the action, drama, heartache, sabotage and natural disasters.

With the sizzling sexual encounters and rituals of a free love society in which marriage is still many centuries away, a unique take on Stonehenge viewed through the eyes of the people who built it, Follett’s gift for making his fiction seem tantalisingly authentic, and a plot that takes in murders, a famine, tribal warfare, and a drought, the distant past has never felt so viscerally alive.
(Quercus, paperback, £10.99)

The Haunting of a Brontë

Amelia Blackwell

WHAT would happen if Georgiana, younger sister of Pride and Prejudice’s swoonworthy hero Fitzwilliam Darcy, met Branwell, the troubled only brother of the famous Brontë sisters, shining stars of the 19th century literary firmament?

It’s an intriguing premise which is tackled with relish by Cornwall-based Amelia Blackwell (pictured below) in the second of her time-travelling Miss Darcy Investigates adventures, part of a debut cosy crime series which began with A Crime Through Time and was inspired by last year’s 250th anniversary celebrations of Jane Austen’s birth.

Taking the leading role in these quirky and original mysteries is the delectable Miss Georgiana Darcy, best known to Austen fans as Mr Darcy’s meek and naïve sister but here transformed into a rather cute but canny detective travelling backwards and forwards through time and space from Pemberley in 1799 to solve murders with a literary twist. And after falling for an Irish security guard named Quinn, a man ‘with an exceptionally pleasing countenance,’ on her first time-travel journey to a film set in Devon in 1995 – where she had to reckon with the misunderstandings and mysteries of life and love in the late 20^th century – we find Georgiana back at Pemberley in 1799 and despairing of ever again meeting her new beau Quinn.

The reason is that her trusty Motorola pager – the precious item that Georgiana found by accident but which has proved to be her passport to ‘the magic of time travel’ – is refusing to re-activate. But she still firmly believes that a ‘higher power’ is sending her to the future to solve mysteries and murders, and ‘promote good over evil.’ 

When the Motorola finally buzzes back to life, Georgiana finds herself in 1845, only forty-six years in the future, and at gloomy Thorp Green Hall in Yorkshire. It’s the home of the ageing Reverend Robinson and his decades younger wife… and also the place where Branwell and Anne Brontë are employed as the children’s tutor and governess. Mistaken for the eldest and troublesome daughter Lydia’s ‘special companion,’ Georgiana settles in but anticipates she has been drawn to Thorp Green Hall for a reason… to investigate another murder. However, even before she discovers the cook’s father dead on a chopping block, Georgiana finds herself entangled in a web of passion, deception, and danger centred on the eccentric, haunted Branwell.

It seems Branwell is engaged in a perilous affair with Mrs Robinson and experiencing a series of sinister omens and terrifying encounters. As Georgiana uncovers the secrets of the house, and learns more about the origins of her time-travelling, she must find the killer and save the Brontë siblings from an evil plot… thus preventing, of course, a most terrible loss to future readers everywhere.

Blackwell’s ingenious blend of crime, time travel, all things Austen-esque, and now the Brontë siblings, delivers an atmospheric murder mystery while allowing readers a fresh and fun perspective on much-loved fictional Austen characters, and a glimpse into the real lives of characters like Anne, youngest of the famous sisters, and the tragic Branwell whose turbulent, alcohol-addicted life ended at the early age of 31.

And Thorp Green Hall and its dark secrets proves to be a deliciously brooding backdrop and a wonderful foil for the unsuspecting Georgiana who must negotiate not just another leap in time but also the scandals, volatile emotions, dangers and eccentricities of the hall’s residents while making discoveries about her own ability to move backwards and forwards through time.

Much of the comedy element comes from Georgiana’s 18^th century upper-class sensibilities coming head-to-head with her growing metamorphosis from ingénue to, if not quite woman of the world, a woman who is at least more self-aware and steadily becoming accustomed to the seemingly murderous ways of a future world.

And once again, Blackwell’s depth of research, including digging out some hidden corners and characters from real history, her clever allusions to the works of Austen, the Brontës, D.H.Lawrence and even Charles Webb’s The Graduate, shine through in this book-powered, time-travelling odyssey. A true literary treat!
(Macmillan, hardback, £18.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A wizard’s return, summer loving and saving the world

Enjoy a magical journey into the spellbinding wonders of Merlin’s secret art of wizardology, join a teenage girl as she heads to Venice for a summer of carnivals and romance, meet a boy gifted with foresight in the first of an explosive new adventure series and sign in for giggles at a school for trainee gods in a sparkling summer selection 

Age 9 plus
Wizardology:
20th Anniversary Edition
Dugald Steer

THE nostalgic phenomenon is back! Steep yourself in the fantastical experiences of Merlin’s secret art of wizardology with this stunning 20^th anniversary edition of Dugald Steer’s unforgettable and groundbreaking book which has captured the imagination of millions of children. Packed with fascinating elements like a deck of divination cards, ancient scrolls, gemstones, spell books and potions, magic enthusiasts and curious readers will love poring over every intricate and inventive detail of this magical guide. Youngsters discover that Merlin was bound to a tree by magic and used part of that tree to create a guide for apprentices of the mystical arts seeking to master Wizardology. ‘If you are unshakeable in your desire to master wizardology then, in the absence of a wizard of flesh and blood, this book shall offer you the guidance and encouragement you would receive were I standing before you as your master.’ The words of the legendary wizard Merlin, written in 1577, form the introduction to what is a tactile journey through every aspect of magic and the wonderful world of wizards. Novelty features like magical moving illustrations, a scrap of a fairy flag, a phoenix feather, the deck of cards and the gemstone of a true wizard’s staff all add to the fun of this mesmerising tome packed with the secrets of the mystical arts… and guaranteed to cast a spell over all aspiring young wizards!
(Templar Books, hardback, £25)

Age 12 plus
Evie in Venice
Bruna De Luca

IF your younger teenagers are ready for a little love this summer, then look no further than this sun-drenched, ‘clean tween’ romance set in one of the world’s most beautiful, spectacular and truly romantic cities. Evie in Venice comes from Scottish-Italian author, Bruna De Luca, who draws on her own experiences of growing up as a third culture ‘Scotalian’ kid in the Scottish borders. Aspiring artist Evie is heading to Venice on an art exchange. The catch? Her parents would never let her go… so they think she's on a science trip. And if lying wasn’t hard enough, she has to stay with elitist art student Leonardo. Her escape is online… and a connection with anonymous artist RenaissanceRebel, the only one who truly sees her. Can Evie keep up the masquerade, or will she allow herself to discover the fine art of romance? De Luca, who wowed readers with last year’s romance, Livia in Rome, brings teens a gorgeous modern day romance set against the stunningly beautiful backdrop of Venice. Think scenic gondola rides, colourful carnival parades, fine art museums, and an on-and-offline love triangle… summer romance doesn’t get better than this!
(Chicken House, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
Royal Institute of Magic: The Silver Dwarf
Victor Kloss

THE most powerful weapon in magic is missing and a boy’s life depends on finding it... Immerse yourself in the fourth adventure of the extraordinarily entertaining Royal Institute of Magic fantasy series from master storyteller Victor Kloss who sadly died in 2016 aged 36 while writing the sixth and final book which was later completed with the help of his wife Tara and brother Darren. Two years after his parents mysteriously vanished without a trace, Ben Greenwood discovered the Royal Institute of Magic and a hidden new world full of mind-blowing magic and fantastical creatures. And so his double life continues at the institute. To most, he’s a talented apprentice and an exceptional spell shooter, but Ben is also a Guardian, responsible for uniting Elizabeth’s Armour, the only artefact powerful enough to overthrow the evil dark elves. With two pieces of the armour secure, finding the third may be Ben’s toughest challenge yet. His only clue is a magical key, a tenuous link to a legend called the Silver Dwarf. With the dark elves slowly conquering the Unseen Kingdoms, Ben races against time to gather the pieces of armour and unite the Guardians entrusted with them. And if that wasn't hard enough, new challenges and old enemies await him at the institute, and his friendship will be tested like never before. Kloss lived in a small town in West Sussex where he built websites by day and by night, wrote stories full of fast-paced action and prodigious imagination for children who love secrets, danger and magic.  So if you still think that magic isn’t real, prepare for the surprise of your life when you embark on another thrill ride into a totally spellbinding world of mystery and unforgettable heroes!
(Vinci Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 9 plus
The Secrets of Wild Hill: A Pony’s Promise
Olivia Tuffin

INSPIRED by her own ponies and their funny antics, farmer’s wife and pony lover Olivia Tuffin brings us the second gripping action adventure in her heartfelt series about a girl, her family and their horses. So saddle up and join horse-mad Lottie as she faces old rivalries, new friends and a fresh start… as well as battling to rebuild her connection with her pony Patch, getting them to the championships and moving one step closer to her dream. Lottie works hard to heal her bond with Patch, desperate to learn how to hear him. But ever since the Rhinefields Show when he galloped off, Patch has been detached and afraid... Meanwhile, Lottie’s friendship with Felix is over and she feels betrayed. But when he texts her out of the blue, she realises how much she has missed him. Could she trust him again, and why does he need her help? As more secrets emerge, Lottie and Felix try to make sense of a photograph he found and the old connection between their two families. With local horse grazing landmark, Wild Hill, up for sale, there’s still so much to overcome. Lottie knows that without Wild Hill, there will be no more time with Patch. And without Patch, there is no dream. With unexpected twists, a story filled with realism and jeopardy, and adorable ponies aplenty, young horse fans will be galloping through the drama and racing to the finishing line!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Horse Dreamer
Holly Surplice

SADDLE up and enjoy a beautiful, illustrated book that’s destined to be a must-have for all young horse fans! This stunning hope-filled meditation on how we deal with the loss of a loved one is the debut middle-grade novel of author and illustrator Holly Surplice who finds inspiration in her life in the wild landscape of the Outer Hebrides. Exploring themes of grief, family and healing in an accessible way for young readers, The Horse Dreamer stars a girl seeking comfort after the death of her father. The horse arrives in a storm when Merryn needs him most. Sorrel is a dreamlike, magical creature, seemingly made from the woods and the sea. Perhaps she wished him into existence and he quickly becomes her friend and confidant. Throughout the summer and autumn, they ride and play but as Christmas approaches, it will require all of Merryn’s new-found strength to help her mum and her sisters heal, too. Surplice’s mesmerising story, which is exquisitely and atmospherically illustrated in black and white throughout, has all the makings of a modern classic, with its moving, heartfelt words and an alluring sense of magical wonder. A story written with love… and bearing messages of hope.
(Chicken House, paperback, £7.99)

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

WHEN you can see the future, only YOU can save the world! Join a boy gifted with foresight in the first of an explosive new adventure series from Rachel Morrisroe, a children’s book author who has turned her talents to exciting middle grade fiction. Partly inspired by some of the real history around the Aberfan disaster in Wales in 1966 and brought to life by Paddy Donnelly’s atmospheric illustrations, Felix and the Future Agency introduces youngsters to delightful new hero Felix Green whose magical gifts are vital to save a world in danger. Felix has a talent – a talent that often gets him labelled as weird, and into A LOT of trouble – he can predict the future. And, it turns out, he’s not the only one! When his latest prediction comes true, he soon finds himself whisked off on a special train to join the government’s secret underground Future Agency. Here he starts to learn the tools to protect the country from the natural disasters set to befall it… summoning animal star constellations down from the sky, dream weaving and speaking to ghosts. When a dark spectre infiltrates the Future Agency, only Felix can unmask the culprit and save the agency from destruction. Packed with mystery, secrets, astrology, exhilarating sky rides and spine-tingling danger, Felix and the Future Agency delivers not just a breathtaking edge-of-the-seat adventure but also an exploration of life change, coping with big emotions, and all those other coming-of-age experiences. The Future is calling…
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
The Wood Where Stories Sing
Andy Shepherd and Ellie Snowdon

CLIMBING trees has always been fun… but have you ever looked at a tree and seen a face staring back? Andy Shepherd – bestselling author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons, a debut series that captured the imaginations of both children and their parents – conjures up more of her storytelling magic with the second book of an enchanting series which puts trees at centre stage. Brimming with unexpected adventures, wonder and wildness, The Wood Where Stories Sing cannot fail to branch out into the heart of every young reader as we meet up again with two brothers who have joined the Treetoppers and discovered the magic that grows all around us, but which we are often too busy and distracted to discover. Iggy and his brother Cal still can't believe that they have the most wonderful adventure playground at the bottom of their garden… Wildtop Wood, a place that’s full of mystery and magic. There are whispering trees who lift them into the highest branches, wooden animals who scamper into their games, and a secret canopy treehouse den just for them! But the wild green magic of Wildtop Wood is under threat. Not everyone loves the wood like they do, and Iggy, Cal and their friend Mae will have to dig deep into their imaginations to find a way to make the wood sing again…

As much a love letter to trees – ‘the green guardians that we walk among’ – as a thrilling eco-themed adventures with trees at its it heart, these woodland adventures are a rallying call to the younger generation to help protect one of the planet’s most important natural ‘gifts.’ With themes of connecting with the wild, the power of the imagination, and the bravery that lies within us all, this classic, timeless series – brought to life by Ellie Snowdon’s illustrations – can only grow and grow.
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Welcome to the School of Gods
Thiago de Moraes

IF your reluctant readers prefer books that come positively loaded with illustrations, then treat them to the first of a hilarious and spectacularly imaginative new series from talented author and illustrator Thiago de Moraes. Packed with hilarious and immersive illustrations, and a delightfully fresh spin on stories of chosen ones, schools and ancient gods, this is dream reading for mischief lovers.‘Dear Morris family, You are delighted to be informed that your child has been accepted for a place at the honourable School of Gods. The new term starts tomorrow. Please confirm your child’s registration at our earliest convenience. (Five minutes from now.) We look forward to seeing Oliver develop into a happy, confident young god, or die horribly in the process…’ Olly Morris, (mostly) normal kid, is living his (mostly) normal life when a Messenger to the Mighty Gods summons him to Gods School, where he is given a grumpy ‘mobile gnome’ named Jeff, told by immensely powerful and scatterbrained teachers that he must pass a life-threatening exam – or else – and plunged into a class of unfriendly godlings. With no powers, no idea why he’s been chosen and a growing sense that nobody actually knows what’s going on, Olly can’t work out if this is the best or worst school in the universe… Prepare to gulp and giggle as fun spills out from every page!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Squid Bits: That’s a Nice Hat!
Jess Bradley

WELCOME to the world of Squid Bits… the perfect reading treat for youngsters who like their silliness to be truly EPIC! And of you also have a penchant for undercover pigeon spies, alarmingly rude pandas and cats obsessed with gravy, well prepare to be overjoyed with this first book in a new full-colour graphic series from award-winning genius comic creator Jess Bradley who promises us that the Squid Bits adventures are VERY silly, VERY random and totally hilarious. Filled with amazing (ridiculous) and heroic (tragic) characters, you will receive style tips in Monster Fashion, get cures for your ailments from Dr Bacon, MD, and have your future revealed in chicken-related horoscopes… among other things! Created by Bradley and Phoenix Comic Books, this hilarious book features all the weird and wonderful Squid Bits characters that readers know and love. And if you love to draw, too, and want to create awesome characters just like the ones in Squid Bits, turn to the back of this book which includes a whole section of how-to-draw tutorials from Bradley PLUS links to The Phoenix comic club website where you can find draw-along videos, free printable material and top tips from tons of creators. A book to read from cover-to-cover, or simply dip in and out of it over and over again!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 6 plus
Robots Stole My Mum!
Alex Kirk and Tim Wesson

MAYBE as he hails from Cleethorpes where, he claims, they have the best chip shops, Alex Kirk launches his debut children’s book with a totally wacky and wildly wonderful adventure powered by… computer chips! As a seasoned screenwriter, actor and comedian, Kirk certainly knows how to make ’em laugh and this evil robots romp is guaranteed to engineer giggles from hordes of fun-loving readers. Given extra life and energy by Tim Wesson’s humor-packed illustrations, Robots Stole My Mum! stars two lovable boys who take on an army of evil robots in a story full of action and page-turning thrills, chills and spills. ‘I was in the corner shop buying a comic. Dad was waiting outside. I’d just given my money to Mr Norman, the shop owner, when it happened. Mr Norman’s head exploded.’ Something VERY WEIRD is going on in Cleeby. All the grown-ups are acting strangely. Sandy and his best friend Arjan have a suspicion. They think the grown-ups have all been replaced by robots and everything points to the evil boss of the local toaster factory where Sandy’s mum just happens to be their computer chips genius! Together with a very friendly cyborg named Colin, Sandy and Arjan must save the day – and Sandy’s mum – and get home in time for tea! Expect a robot whale, jet boots, lasers, and lots of toast, but don’t expect to put the book down until the last page has turned!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Captain Sunshine
Alex Milway

ALL aboard for a fun-filled new animal adventure series from the author, illustrator and screenwriter Alex Milway who returns to the world of his much-loved Hotel Flamingo series which featured a girl who runs a hotel for animals. This flamboyantly fun illustrated series is set on a cruise ship for animals and is packed with the same winning ingredients of adorable characters, action-packed fun and fabulous, two-tone illustrations. It’s Bella’s first day on board as Captain of the Sunshine! She was always destined to follow in the same seafaring footsteps as her Aunt Bertha the walrus, but commanding a legendary cruise ship like the Sunshine is no easy task. Because the Sunshine is no ordinary ship… it’s a ship bursting with animal passengers! From penguins to rhinos, giraffes to parrots, life is never dull on board. Bella has a wonderful crew to assist her… from the weathered sea dog Mr Tatou, to the bossy passenger liaison officer Mrs Purrpot the cat, and Flip and Flap, the young penguin entertainment team. But has she really got what it takes to be Captain Sunshine? Milway goes full steam ahead with this enchanting new animal adventure packed full of friendship, bravery and the power of team work. Don’t miss the boat!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The Tiger Child
Michelle Beech

SOMETIMES bravery is a whisper… not a roar! Little ones will love following a mysterious tiger’s swishing tail in this glorious picture book from Devon author and illustrator Michelle Beech whose close relationship with nature strongly influences her work. In this gentle and intriguing picture book full of inviting peek-through pages, flaps to lift and a very special pop-up surprise, Beech brings us all the magic and beauty of the natural world. When a shy little girl spots a tiger’s tail in the shadows, she decides to follow it into the heart of the jungle. With every step, she grows in confidence, shedding her doubts and discovering her inner adventurer, until she finally comes face to face with the tiger himself... With its tender and mesmerising story promoting courage and self-esteem and an array of beautifully atmospheric, watercolour illustrations, this uplifting picture book is the ideal gift for shy or sensitive children.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
I Am Ready for School!
Camilla Reid and Kate Hindley

STARTING school proves to be an exhilarating time in this delightfully accessible picture book from Early Years expert Camilla Reid and award-winning illustrator Kate Hindley. Aimed at youngsters preparing to join Reception class, I Am Ready for School! is both informative and engaging, and has been perfectly created to reassure pre-school children in the run-up to their first days of school. Roo and friends are ready for an exciting day at school. Would you like to come with them? From morning drop-off and the first lessons of the day, through lunch, playtime and lots to learn in the afternoon, there is so much going on. Roo and the other children need to find their pegs, go to the loo, decide what to eat, find their way around… and have lots of FUN along the way. This sweet, funny picture book will help children prepare for what to expect. Topics covered in the story include making independent decisions like choosing what to eat for school lunch, developing social skills for playtime and having fun with new friends, getting used to day-to-day routines and encouraging independence, plus a step-by-step recap of key school readiness steps at the end of the book. Brought to life by Hindley’s stunning illustrations, Reid’s clever, read-aloud story is packed with tips for grown-ups, and everything you need to know about easing your child into a new era of learning.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Don’t Ever Tickle a Tiger
Harriet Evans and David Creighton-Pester

THE rules of the jungle are far funnier than you might have expected! Youngsters are going wild for these fantastic pop-up books which bring all their favourite animals to vibrant and colourful life! In this sixth outing with author Harriet Evans and illustrator David Creighton-Pester in the fun-filled Creature Feature Pop-up series, little ones are taken on a romp through the rainforest and a jaunt to the jungle in an adventure that is totally tropical. Meet capybaras and snakes, discover what you ‘tou-can’ and ‘tou-cannot’ do in the rainforest and have a ‘hiss-terical’ time with some other ‘claw-some’ creatures. With spectacular pop-ups to enjoy on every page, Creighton-Pester’s wacky and wonderful illustrations, a colourful cast of creatures that includes a cobra struggling to do his sums, and Evans’ punchy puns and hilarious dad jokes, Don’t Ever Tickle a Tiger could well be the funniest jungle etiquette book ever made!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Are You Looking At Me?
Philip Ardagh and Enrico Lorenzi

LOOK your little ones in the eye and then plunge them into a rollicking, rhyming ride in the company of Philip Ardagh, a prolific and award-winning children’s author who has the happy knack of taking humour to a whole new level. In this fun-filled picture book, packed with Enrico Lorenzi’s bold illustrations, he creates a guaranteed read-aloud winner. Have you ever been stared at by a big brown bear? From a gawping gibbon to a leering lion, a frowning frog to a peering python, the animal kingdom is filled with curious creatures… but the stariest of starers turns out to be something quite unexpected! Overflowing with verbal and visual humour, Lorenzi’s graphic illustrations – given extra punch with his use of fluorescent ink ­– Are You Looking At Me? delivers animal anarchy in a perfect read-aloud harmony!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
The Supersonic Fart!
Helen Rose and Garry Parsons

PREPARE to be blown away by a fart-tastically funny rhyming picture book from debut author Helen Rose who loves creating fun and imaginative stories for younger children. Packed with humour, heart and read-aloud fun, The Supersonic Fart! is given added laughing gas by the brilliantly anarchic artwork of Garry Parsons, bestselling illustrator of The Dinosaur that Pooped series. It’s the birthday party of the year and everyone has arrived for Jake’s big day… Grandma, Grandad and even Jake’s cute puppy, Luna. Mum has made the most marvellous cake and the festivities are in full swing. The candles are lit but then someone does a stinker of a fart, a mighty, whopping supersonic fart, and everything starts to go wrong. Can disaster be averted? With a whiffy whodunit to enjoy, and a hilarious fart chart at the end at the end of the book, this laugh-out-loud romp is destined to be a family favourite!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Ziggy the Caterpillar’s Zigzag Adventure
Beatrice Simpkiss

MEET a wriggly little caterpillar who can’t sit still as she waits to transform into a beautiful butterfly! Beatrice Simpkiss impresses with both her mindful text and stunning artwork in this fun, vibrant and heartwarming picture book about self-discovery which has a charming, neurodiverse character with ADHD-inspired behaviour at its heart. Follow Ziggy as she embarks on a zigzagging adventure… an adventure where she meets new friends and discovers more about herself along the way. From hopping between leaves to zigzagging up branches, Ziggy’s adventure is a whirlwind of excitement… but it’s also a journey of self-discovery. As Ziggy learns to embrace a caterpillar’s unique, wiggly ways, children are introduced to themes of mindfulness, patience and the beauty of being different. Through an array of colourful, dynamic illustrations, and a lovable main character, Simpkiss teaches children to appreciate their individual quirks and understand that everyone has their own unique path to transformation. The ideal book for parents and carers to gently and playful explore with youngsters how some of us move through the world in a way that might seem different… but is also special.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Three Horrid Pigs
Liz Pichon

MEET the sweetest, loveliest wolf ever in star author and illustrator Liz Pichon’s brilliant picture book twist on the familiar Three Little Pigs fairy tale. Pichon, creator of the fun-packed and famous Tom Gates series, sets her imagination loose on this wild and wacky adventure which features a hilarious reverse to the story’s age-old dynamics. Mother Pig has had enough of her three horrid little pigs. So she packs their bags and sends them on their way. The first two little pigs build their houses by stealing straw and pinching twigs. The third little pig is so lazy, he moves into a hen house and calls it a day! These idle, chaotic pigs may think that they are getting away with their terrible behaviour, but everything changes when they meet a big, friendly wolf who might just be the one to teach them some very unexpected lessons! Using her signature wit and vibrant artwork, Pichon transforms a classic into a fresh, mischievous and fun-filled tale that will have kids laughing out loud while learning just how hard it actually is to build your own house!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age from birth
Splish Splash! Ocean
Louise Taillandier and Gareth Lucas

CHILDREN will love pressing the five squishy silicone heads to make funny sounds at the turn of every page in this brilliant rhyming book from author Louise Taillandier and illustrator Gareth Lucas.‘Seahorse and her ocean friends are meeting by the shore. Adventure calls so off they SPLASH, there’s so much to explore.’ There will be a sea of laughter when little ones hear the squishy ocean creatures blub, snap and splash as they swim through the sea, race with turtles, and find treasure. Guaranteed to make waves with children and grown-ups alike!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £12.99)

Age from birth:
My Little Farm: My First Cloth Book
Wendy Kendall

BABIES will love to feel, bite and chew this enchanting and colourful first cloth book which introduces them to life on the farm… spot a tree, a sheep, and even a couple of chicks! Perfect for little hands, and with simple, graphic images, high-contrast colours and crinkle sounds, this beautifully created book will delight tiny hands, ears and eyes, stimulating all of baby’s senses and grabbing their attention! Add on the book’s sturdy teether strap and you have the complete starter package!
(Little Tiger Press, cloth book, £10.99)