CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Farming fun, a graphic warning and school spies

Get down on the farm with talking animals, watch the climate crisis spring to vivid life, join a boy and his special fox for a magical adventure and help a school group track down a shadowy spy in a collection of springtime children’s books

Age 6
Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Big Farm Rescue
JB Gill and Becka Moor

If an adventure that crosses Dr Dolittle with Dick King-Smith sounds like reading heaven to you, get down on the farm with a plucky young boy who never looks back after making the move from the city to the countryside. Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Big Farm Rescue is the first book in a sparkling new animal adventure series from pop star, presenter and farmer JB Gill who rose to fame as a member of JLS, one of the UK’s biggest boybands, but ten years ago set up a farm in the Kent countryside with his wife and children, and produces award-winning turkeys and free-range Tamworth pork. So meet Ace! When Ace inherits a farm from a long-lost relative, it’s time to move from the big city along with his amazing grandparents and start a new life on a run-down farm. And there’s an even bigger surprise in store for Ace when he tries on some magical new wellies and realises he can talk to animals! And he’s going to have to master this new skill to take on the evil Councillor Crabbington who is determined to shut down the farm. With a little help from Ginger the Pig who rules the roost at First Fruits Farm, some squawkative hens and his new best friend Bear who is never without her dungarees and wellies, Ace must find a way to save the farm before Councillor Crabbington gets his hands on it! With the hilarious illustrations of Becka Moor adding extra fun to life on the farm, Ace and his animal pals look set to talk their way into every animal lover’s heart!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Global
Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin
and Giovanni Rigano

WATCH the climate crisis – and its devastating effects – spring to graphic life in a powerful and cautionary story from the team behind the award-winning book Illegal. Global is itself a graphic novel and has been written by Eoin Colfer and fellow author Andrew Donkin, and gloriously illustrated by Giovanni Rigano who has won many awards for his artwork and is a regular at comic festivals across Europe. The story depicts a fragile world and an epic fight for survival, and is a hopeful and timely story about the real effects of climate change. The action centres on two young people on different continents whose lives are catastrophically changed by global warming. Yuki lives in an increasingly deserted Inuit township in Nova Scotia. One day she sets out into the wilderness of the Arctic tundra planning to photograph a rare grolar bear (a terrifying grizzly-polar crossbreed created by climate change). If she can prove it’s a grolar, she can protect it from being shot. With only her faithful dog for company and adrift on a fragment of melting glacier, she finds herself being stalked across the changing wilderness by a starving grolar bear, with only her wits and her harpoon to keep her alive. Sami, meanwhile, lives in a fishing village on the Bay of Bengal. But because of the ever-rising ocean level, his home was swept away in a cyclone some years earlier. Now he and his grandpa struggle to catch anything on their fishing trips and each day is a struggle to survive. One night, Sami sets out alone to return to his old, submerged family home. He takes a deep breath and dives beneath the moonlit waters, hoping to discover his past. And if he can find his mother’s lucky knife submerged in the treacherous ocean, perhaps he can change their fate... Moving, thrilling, action-packed and thought-provoking, this is adventure in the true sense of the word... but with an important message imprinted within its heart.
(Hodder Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
The First Shadow Dragon
Lee Newbery and Laura Catalán

THE magical adventure series that sets young readers on fire is burning brightly again in the capable hands of Welsh author Lee Newbery and illustrator Laura Catalán. The Last Firefox was one of the most exciting children’s debuts of 2022 and now Charlie Challinor and Cadno, his firefox from another world, return for a fantastical sequel full of family love, friendship and learning how to be brave. After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie's family is once again swept up into adventure. Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land… and uncover the lost secret that links Draig’s history to Charlie’s own. Newbury’s inclusive, heartwarming stories, starring a boy finding his feet within his family of two dads and in the wider world outside, are the perfect inspiration for children eager to discover their own inner fire. Full of humour, heart, excitement, Catalán’s beautifully emotive illustrations and a plot that delivers adventure at every turn, The First Shadow Dragon is a delight from start to finish.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Euro Spies
Lindsay Littleson

COULD you be a Euro spy and help to track down a missing MI6 agent? Youngsters will love solving the cryptic clues as they race against the clock in a thrilling new novel of danger and espionage from Lindsay Littleson, an ex-primary school teacher who is now the award-winning author of bestselling books like The Rewilders.  Samia, Ava and Frankie are all prize-winners and are thrilled to win a whirlwind sightseeing trip of European capital cities. But when the Euro Metro rumbles through the night to their first destination and shots are fired, it becomes crystal clear that this is no ordinary school trip. Their enigmatic chaperone, Miss Watson, is forced to admit that the children are being used as cover for a spying mission. Her colleague in M16 has vanished – presumed dead – and has left behind a trail of cryptic clues leading to vital information. On their arrival in Paris, Samia, Ava and Frankie are catapulted into a world of art, espionage and terrible danger. Can the children solve the fiendish clues hidden on famous European landmarks and avoid the scary strangers who are stalking their every move as they help Miss Watson? Young readers will love climbing aboard with the school friends as they travel headlong into this thrill-a-minute adventure full of friendship, heart-stopping peril... and enthralling conundrums!
(Pokey Hat, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
How to Grow a Dragon
Rachel Morrisroe and Steven Lenton

A LITTLE girl with a talent for magical growing has her hands full of fiery trouble when some mysterious seeds grow into a bunch of out-of-control dragons! How to Grow a Dragon is the follow-up to How to Grow a Unicorn and the second fun and fantastical story ion a series which mixes magic and gardening to create a truly unique take on some of the best-loved mythical creatures. The series is the work of talented new picture book author Rachel Morrisroe and bestselling illustrator Steven Lenton who unleash their imaginations on stories featuring a little girl called Sarah and Mr Pottifer, and their magical plant shop, where fantastical creatures grow from trees. In the new adventure, an unexpected delivery of dragodil seeds provides the perfect chance for Sarah and Mr Pottifer to grow helpful dragon pets for their customers... or does it? It turns out that these fiery dragons are not very well-behaved at all... and everything soon spirals into smoke-filled dragon chaos! Can Sarah's quick thinking and green fingers save the day? Both heart-warming and hilarious, Morrisroe’s rollicking, rhyming, read-aloud story – brought to life by Lenton’s glorious gallery of magical mayhem illustrations – celebrates problem-solving, kindness and resourcefulness, and is guaranteed to capture the hearts of readers. Poetry in motion!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 months plus
Roarr!
Sam Taplin and Ailie Busby

THERE'S double the fun in this unique novelty book which lets youngsters see and hear jungle animals come to life! Roarr! – the first in an exciting new Slider Sound series – is the creation of author Sam Taplin and illustrator Ailie Busby, and features a fun text and sliders on each spread.  Each time little hands move one of the sliders, a different image springs into view and makes a fun jungle animal sound. But there’s an added extra! Move the same slider back again, and little ones can see and hear a completely different sound and image. With the engaging narrative, a feast of animal sounds, and Busby’s wonderfully vivid and colourful artwork, expect loads of laughs as your babies and toddlers slide into the first of many encores!
(Usborne Publishing, board book, £12.99)

NEW KING SPECIAL: Enjoy crowning moments of fun for Coronation Day

Help youngsters get into the swing of a right royal occasion with some super books celebrating the coronation of King Charles III

Age 2 plus
Winnie-the-Pooh Meets the King
Jane Riordan and Andrew Grey

IF you’re looking for a royally memorable keepsake of the coronation, turn the pages of this classic illustrated gift book as Winnie-the-Pooh makes a special appearance and charms everyone... including the king! Author Jane Riordan and illustrator Andrew Grey turn on the smiles as they put the nation’s favourite bear at centre stage in this gorgeous picture book which is filled with A.A. Milne’s unique enchantment and classic characters. ‘Kings and crowns and whatnot? It sounds like something out of a dream or a fairy tale,’ said Eeyore. When Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends go on an expedition to a Royal London Park they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a royal adventure. It’s the day of a very special Royal Coronation but when Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet lose Eeyore in the crowd, they come up with a plan to find their friend. And along the way they meet a Very Important Person and learn about the importance of kindness, helping others and new beginnings. Winnie-the-Pooh has always been a very special (albeit funny old) bear, not least of all because his books are filled with wonderful words of wisdom, and an irrepressible sense of youthful fun that never ages or fades. So join Winnie and make your day extra special!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Amazing Facts: King Charles III
Hannah Wilson and Chris Dickason

IMPRESS your pals and flabbergast your family with fascinating facts, amazing history and fun-filled trivia about our new king, the royal family and the very special Coronation Day. Amazing Facts: King Charles III – written by Hannah Wilson and illustrated by Chris Dickason – is the perfect book to help children celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and dig out more about his mother Queen Elizabeth II, his family, his childhood, hobbies, home and his new royal role. Did you know that Charles is passionate about the environment, that there is a tropical tree frog names after Charles, that he was the first royal to go to school, and that his mother was the longest reigning queen of all time? Discover how Charles once played the cello on TV, and find out why he doesn’t need a passport and is the only person in the UK who can drive a car without a licence. There are over 100 extraordinary facts in this brilliant, right royal book so turn the pages and join the party!
(Red Shed, paperback, £4.99)

Age 3 plus
Mr Men Little Miss: The New King
Adam Hargreaves

JOIN the Mr Men and Little Miss as they welcome the arrival of the new king in this charming and funny story from Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves, creator of the phenomenally successful Mr Men series. Adam Hargreaves has had some big boots to fill but the talented author and illustrator has been built his own reputation since his father’s death in 1988, continuing to write and illustrate more books for his father’s Mr Men Little Miss series, including new ones of his own. And in this special, celebratory book, the new king is visiting the Mr Men and Little Miss on his royal tour and everyone is very excited. In Happyland, Mr Happy and Little Miss Sunshine have planted a special flower display while in Loudland, Mr Noisy and his band have been practising day and night! But will everything go to plan... and what will be in store for the new king in Nonsenseland?! Hargreaves delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud story, packed with irresistibly cheeky illustrations in a dazzling, eye-catching palette of colours, perfect for sharing with little ones and the ideal vehicle for talking about the pomp and events of coronation day. Giggles and gasps from start to finish! 
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The King’s Hats
Sheila May Bird and Mark Beech

YOU have to take off your hat to author Sheila May Bird and illustrator Mark Beech as they work their special magic on a gloriously funny picture book celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. ‘The King put on his heavy crown. It felt so hot and tight. His dear Mama had worn it well, On her it looked just right...’ Charles is now King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but he is finding his new crown just a little heavy to manage and he is worried that he might not be as beloved as his dear mama, Queen Elizabeth II. But his good friend Tom the gardener is on hand to show him that kings must wear all sorts of hats and that he must be brave and allow himself to be the king he was born to be. Bird’s jaunty, joyful rhyming text – capturing the chaos and comedy of all the roles the king might have to take on through the hats he will have to wear – is brilliantly brought to life by Beech’s exuberant illustrations which explode across the pages in a rainbow of colours. The crowning glory for young readers!
(Welbeck Flame, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
The King’s Runaway Crown
Rosalind Spark and Ian Smith

A LITTLE girl enjoys a crowning moment of runaway success on a very special royal day in Rosalind Spark and Ian Smith’s madcap coronation caper The King’s Runaway Crown. The day of the new king’s coronation has arrived. It’s a stupendous day, an exciting day, a MOST important day...and everyone, from the King’s butler to the palace guards, is feeling nervous. They’re all getting ready when Colin, the King’s Jack Russell, grabs the crown and runs away. Soon, he is being chased by the butler, the guards... and even the pigeons and the crowd gathered for the event! But it takes little Violet, aged five, to work out what the problem is. Maybe Colin is nervous about his important new job as the King’s dog. Actually, everyone else admits they’re nervous too... especially the King, who has the biggest job of all. Can Violet help get Colin and the crown back to the King in time for the coronation? Spark’s high-energy and laughter-filled adventure is the perfect way to celebrate the coronation with the family’s youngest children. Themes of anxiety, empathy and community are explored with a light touch and a warm heart while Smith’s gorgeous illustrations are packed with comedy and fun details for young readers to spot. Add on a non-fiction page with facts about coronations and their history at the end of the book, and you have the ideal coronation package for home, schools and nurseries.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Deep mysteries, beastly facts and crown duels

Explore the chilling darkness of the ocean’s alien worlds, discover a world full of feathery, scaly, slimy and furry facts, meet a king in need of an heir, find out the secrets of making good friendships, and help the world’s greatest explorers track down a rare leopard with a spring selection of children’s books

Age 7 plus
Extreme Planet: The Deep
Laura Cowan and Qu Lan

ARE you brave enough to delve into the chilling darkness of... the Deep? With no light, no heat and miles of sea above you, it might be the strangest, most extreme and scariest place on Earth! Delve into this fun and fascinating new book in Usborne Publishing’s new Extreme Planet flap book series exploring the hardest-to-reach places on Earth, and prepare to meet strange and unusual creatures, and explore alien worlds which never see the light of day. The mysterious, dark depths of the ocean spring to eerie life in this fascinating book written by Lucy Cowan in consultation with marine biologist Dr Diva Amon of SpeSeas and the National Geographic series Welcome to Earth.

Youngsters will love climbing inside a submersible and plunging deep down beneath the surface, through the twilight zone and into the abyss where the sunlight can’t reach and the weight of the water above presses down on the creatures that live there. This is the deepest place in the entire ocean and it’s there that readers will discover disturbing creatures, see what they eat and how they live. From the bobfish to the vampire squid, and the yeti crab to the cookiecutter shark, discover how these weird and wonderful creatures survive in one the most inhospitable places on Earth. Filled with fascinating and meticulously researched facts, intriguing flaps to lift, and brought to vivid life by the stunning illustrations of Qu Lan, this is the perfect book for curious young minds eager to find out more about the amazing world that lies deep in our oceans.
(Usborne, board book, £10.99)

Age 8 plus
Animal FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts
Julie Beer and Andy Smith

ENTER a world full of feathery, scaly, slimy and furry facts! Every incredible animal fact in this magnificent book is connected in wild and hilarious ways. Simply follow a trail that hops from facts about escaping penguins to facts about sleeping meerkats, and from facts about baby snow leopards to facts about zebra stripes, and make a host of fascinating beastly discoveries. Animal FACTopia! – written by animal lover Julie Beer and brought to life by photographs and Andy Smith’s brilliant illustrations – comes from the endlessly inventive boffins at Britannica Books and is the fabulous follow-up to the bestselling books FACTopia!, Return to FACTopia! and Gross FACTopia! And as with the other titles in this dynamic series, Animal FACTopia! is verified by Encyclopaedia Britannica and doesn’t offer just one trail through a multitude of facts. Each of the 400 facts is connected to the next in a fascinating web of information where you will leapfrog from topic to topic in surprising and hilarious ways. Sometimes your path branches and you can slide down a rabbit hole to a totally different, but still connected, part of the book.

Did you know that beavers have orange teeth, that some monkeys floss their teeth using bird feathers, that one species of bird can walk underwater, that alligators stay underwater for longer by swallowing rocks, that sea otters use rocks to crack open prey and that chameleons change the colour of their skin to help them cool down? Discover facts about escaping penguins, farting zebras, leaping dolphins, snorting elephants, dancing bears and more... all linked in the most weird and wonderful ways. So what are you waiting for… follow your curiosity, meet a purrfectly amazing world of animals, and get ready to roar with laughter!
(Britannica Books, hardback, £10.99)

Age 8 plus
The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge
Stephen Mangan and Anita Mangan

HOLD on to your sides and prepare for violent waves of laughter as the sensational sibling team of much-loved actor Stephen Mangan and his talented artist sister Anita roll out their third fun-filled adventure. After the runaway success of joint debut novel, Escape the Rooms, and the hilarious The Fart That Changed the World, the dynamic duo return with an all-action, marvellously manic and laugh-out-loud tale with a message that any child can be a hero. Grumpy old King Chisel has a problem. He needs an heir to his kingdom... fast! So he challenges the best kids from across the country to compete in the Crown Duels, with the ultimate winner becoming king or queen. Step forward champion athlete Gloria Squat-Further, mathematical genius Huxley Beeline, artistic ace Jonny Mould, empathy expert Gossamer Fountain, and ordinary boy Harry Sponge (definitely not to be underestimated!). The ridiculous prime minister, Farting Bernie, is in charge and the contest swiftly descends into chaos. Who will rise to the top and survive wild sabotaging, saggy royal pants, the most disgusting meal ever invented, and a pair of frisky goats? Anita Mangan’s quirky and characterful illustrations are the perfect pairing for her brother’s wild, witty and wonderful story which reminds youngsters that you should never underestimate underdogs, and that you don’t have to be rich, famous – or even royal – to be a winning superhero. Add on a celebration of youthful resilience, ingenuity and heroics, and a brand of humour that will have mischief-makers giggling all the way to the last page, and The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is set to soak up yet more much-deserved acclaim!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 11 plus
Friendship Survival Guide
Caroline Young

FRIENDSHIPS are of vital importance for people of every age... but what is a friend and why do we need them so much? Good friendships go hand-in-hand with good mental health and this invaluable guide explores how we can make friends, how we can keep them, what makes a good friend, and whether we need best friends. Accessible, friendly and perfectly pitched for children in the last year at primary school and first years at secondary school, the insightful Friendship Survival Guide is the work of writer and editor Caroline Young, with expert advice from clinical psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin. Friendships can be tough... and as adults, it’s difficult to watch young people struggle with issues with friends and the impact it can have on them so here are the tools and information to help them navigate friendships. From recognising fake and toxic friendships and coping with bullying and unkindness both on and offline to surviving fall-outs and break-ups, to building resilience while successfully navigating issues around tribes, groups and gangs, the guide comes packed with entertaining illustrations, quizzes, tips on making friends and being a good friend yourself, and links to further advice at Usborne Quicklinks. With friendly advice to guide youngsters through the ups and downs and choppy waters of all kinds of friendships, this Usborne Life Skills book is a must for home and school.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Age 8 plus
Gold Medal Mysteries: Thief on the Track
Ellie Robinson and James Lancett

JOIN three sporting detectives as they race around the world in an all-action new mystery series from Ellie Robinson, a multi gold medal-winning Paralympian swimmer. Robinson, who won gold and bronze medals at Rio in 2016 and a Commonwealth gold in 2018 before competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, partners with illustrator James Lancett for this runaway adventure series which comes packed with fun, drama, intriguing clues and lively illustrations. Hannah, Maria, and Seb are at the World Championships in Tokyo, bonding over their excitement at watching their favourite athletes compete. But Jesse Marks, a star runner on the US relay team, has had his gold medal stolen! The sports park is alive with gossip and as the three new friends begin to investigate, several suspects begin to emerge. With time running out before the final race is run, can the detectives uncover who is out to sabotage the team? The race to solve the case is on in this twisting, turning behind-the-scenes look at the world’s biggest sporting event. With its sporting themes, fascinating backdrop and a cast of charismatic young detectives, these Gold Medal Mysteries are perfect for reluctant readers.
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
The Adventures of Billy Shaman: The Rage of the Sea Witch
Roland Chambers

A SPIRIT fox, a talking tortoise and a shape-shifting grandmother! There is so much to discover – and to love! – in a fascinating and feel-good new series about exploration and discovery through the ages from author and illustrator Roland Chambers. The Rage of the Sea Witch is the first book in the Adventures of Billy Shaman series and introduces us to Billy, a new kind of explorer who uses his magic to visit the past and to return the contents of the Darwin museum to their original home. Featuring pivotal moments of discovery through the ages, Chambers brings the past to life with a generous helping of fantasy and humour, alongside a gallery of delightful, black and white illustrations on every spread. Shaman by name and shaman by nature, Billy just hasn’t found his magic... yet. When his selfish, globetrotting parents (one a famous explorer and the other a scientist) abandon him for yet another summer in the long-gone Charles Darwin’s strange, museum-like house, Billy stumbles across a 200-year-old giant talking tortoise called... Charles Darwin. Named by the famous man himself, Charles D, the tortoise, knows every inch of the house and every artefact and fossil in it, and he’s keen to help Billy realise his powers and set him on the path to adventure. A beautifully carved Inuit ivory necklace is the first object that whisks Billy back in time to the shrieking chaos of an Arctic blizzard to meet its rightful owner, a girl called Ahnah, her shape-shifting grandmother, and the mysterious Greek geographer, explorer and astronomer Pytheas. Chambers’ sparkling new series comes with an addictive playground buzz and offers learning through fun as readers join Billy’s worldwide adventure, make fascinating discoveries about Charles Darwin and become explorers themselves.
(Zephyr, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
The Lost Leopard
Jonny Marx and Xuan Le

MEET Flora and Fauna, the world’s greatest explorers, and help them track down an exceptionally rare and elusive species of wild cat! Youngsters will love making their own exciting discoveries in this intriguing picture book which lets little hands lift flaps and fold-outs as they join an extraordinary adventure across rivers, through dense forests, high up into the mighty mountains of the Himalayas and into the steamy jungle. Children’s book editor and author Jonny Marx, and Vietnamese illustrator Xuan Le, combine their talents to transport readers to lands far away as they follow a family on the hunt for the amazing clouded leopard. Leading the way on this epic odyssey is science boffin and map-reader Flora, inventor and animal tracker Fauna, and their cute baby Bud who likes to laugh (and cry!) a lot. Packed with fascinating facts about nature and wildlife, information on the different types of climate throughout the world, and warnings about the blight of litter, The Lost Leopard is both a captivating adventure and an eye-opening look at the world around us.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Leonora Bolt: Eco Engineer
Lucy Brandt and Gladys Jose

WELCOME back to Crabby Island, home of the amazing secret inventor Leonora Bolt, the girl who makes incredible gadgets from any old junk. If you haven’t already met the resourceful Leonora in this super-sparkling Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor series – written by Lucy Brandt and illustrated by Gladys Jose – then get ready to giggle and gasp at her hilarious adventures alongside a wonderfully wacky cast of characters. In her third laugh-out-loud eco-mission, Leonora faces a new battle with her terrifying Uncle Luther whose evil plans have already included kidnapping her super-scientist parents. And this time, he has hatched another outrageously evil plan to make his fortune. BrightWorld is a brand new amusement park built under a massive snow globe and hidden in the Perilous Desert, a blistering expanse of hot nothingness. The park is an environmental disaster, yet tickets are selling in their millions! What's Uncle Luther’s secret? Together with her friends and pet otter Twitchy Nibbles, secret inventor Leonora must battle sandstorms, navigate the Bizarre Bazaar, save her parents, and shut down Luther... for good. Filled with fun, friendship, fantastic inventions and epic adventures, this clever and creative series provides bags of comedy and entertainment, as well as gentle reminders about the fragility of our planet.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Silver Linings
Fiona Woodcock

OPPOSITES attract, yin and yang, the perfect balance... whichever way you look at author and illustrator Fiona Woodcock’s moving picture book, Silver Linings, it’s a true celebration of harmony, empathy and friendship! Published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, this wise and wonderfully created book is brimming with imagination, emotional intelligence and welcome positivity as neighbours, Pip and Parker, prove that being very different can be the ideal recipe for the closest, strongest friendships. Pip and Parker live next door to each other and are such good friends that sometimes they don’t even need words to communicate. If something goes wrong, Parker (who always looks on the bright side) helps Pip see the silver lining. When the clouds roll in, Pip sees a day spoiled by rain, but Parker sees a chance to play a fun cloud guessing game! When Pip accidently drops her sweet strawberry snack into her lemonade, she’s certain disaster has struck. But Parker finds a reason to celebrate their unexpected pink lemonade! But what will happen when Parker makes a mistake and needs a little encouragement, too? Can Pip cheer him up and show him the silver lining? Woodcock gives her stylish illustrations a palette of soft, pastel shades to reflect the warm and gentle understanding between the two close friends... one who tries always to be positive, and one who can’t help but feel the negatives. Through words and pictures – which deliver a glorious celebration of imagination, mutual support and loyalty – little ones learn that even when their plans go awry, friends can provide the comfort, reassurance and cheerful positivity that they need. Fun to read aloud, Silver Linings is perfect for bedtime, story time, and for use in the classroom.
(Greenwillow Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age one plus
Amy Gets Eaten
Adam Kay and Henry Paker

FORMER doctor Adam Kay – and his partner in slime, aka illustrator Henry Paker – takes youngsters on a pooey, gooey adventure through the human body in their gross (but amazingly anatomically accurate!) new book. Amy Gets Eaten is the first picture book from the winning author/illustrator team which created the bestselling middle-grade non-fiction titles, Kay’s Anatomy and Kay’s Marvellous Medicine, and follows a piece of sweetcorn on a fascinating but squelchy journey through the human digestive system. So meet Amy, the small piece of sweetcorn who is eaten by Noah, a medium-sized boy. Travel with her, and share laughs and yucks, as she zooms down Noah’s throat, arrives in his stomach, takes a twisting, turning ride through the intestines and discovers lots of facts about digestion, including how different foods help us stay fit, strong and well. Kay and award-winning comedian, writer and illustrator Paker are on their best writing and illustrating form in this laughter-filled picture book which blends riotous humour with hard facts, and proves that the functions of the human body can be interesting as well as rather disgusting! Ideal as a teaching tool, and perfect for parents who might learn a little bit too...
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Jungle Hide & Seek
Eric Carle

COME and play in the jungle... and discover some amazing wildlife! Little ones will love joining the Very Hungry Caterpillar in this interactive board book written and illustrated by the remarkable author and illustrator Eric Carle. Carle, who died in 2021 at the age of 91, was the acclaimed American creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children but his best-known work was undoubtedly The Very Hungry Caterpillar which has been translated into 70 languages and sold over 55 million copies. In this beautiful board book – with its gentle, rhyming narrative, die-cut finger trails and details, and a chunky flap on every page – the Very Hungry Caterpillar is playing hide and seek in the jungle. Follow the finger trails and lift the flaps to discover sleeping sloths, swooping parrots, crawling tigers and many more creatures. There is so much for little hands to explore in this fun, first introduction to jungle creatures, their names and their habitats. Following finger trails and lifting flaps encourages babies and toddlers to be curious about the world and the creatures who live in it. Add on lively illustrations in vibrant colours, and you have the perfect early learning package!
(Puffin, board book, £7.99)

The Book-Lovers’ Retreat

Heidi Swain

THREE best friends, a dream cottage in the Lake District and the holiday of a lifetime... what could possibly go wrong?

Pour a glass of your favourite tipple and escape into the warmth and wonder of summer loving with the queen of feelgood Heidi Swain (pictured below) in a gorgeous new standalone novel that asks whether fiction can inspire real life.

Swain, who lives with her family in picturesque south Norfolk, has won thousands of hearts with her enchanting stories set in Wynbridge, the fictional Fenland town where love blossoms whatever the season.

But, in The Book-Lovers’ Retreat, she has chosen an idyllic new hideaway in a stunning location in the heart of the beautiful Lake District to showcase her talent for blending escapist romance, domestic drama and a perfectly imagined cast of characters with real-life challenges in the modern world. Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when the three Hope Falls obsessives get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside, where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.

Spending six weeks away in the Lake District will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career as a data analyst will go... the safe route, or the more risky creative option? Rachel, meanwhile, must decide whether she really wants to move in with her increasingly clingy partner Jeremy.

Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment because her wealthy dad has pulled the plug on her lavish over-spending, and her space is offered to a replacement Hope Falls afficionado, Alex, a self-employed graphic designer from Manchester.

But when Alex turns out not to be the person they expected (Alex being an extremely good-looking man!), the dream holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms, and where their lives will change course forever? If you’re in need of a book hug to escape the worries of the world, look no further than this magical tale of love, friendships, discovering your true self, looking to the future, and daring to tread an uncertain path to new beginnings.

Avid readers and film lovers will love the concept of retracing the steps of characters from a favourite book, and fans of the great outdoors will be bowled over by Swain’s homage to the sights, sounds and sheer majesty of the Lake District. And this beguiling landscape is the perfect backdrop to a delightful celebration of the joys and complexities of relationships as the newly minted friendship group get to know each and love starts to blossom amidst the glittering lakes, the fabulous fells, and a host of wild and wet adventures.

Expect miles of smiles, laughter, and tears, lashings of spilled secrets, and the fun of meeting a charismatic cast of characters, and you have the perfect sunshine sparkler for spring and summer reading.
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £8.99)

The Cornish Hideaway

Jennifer Bibby

SPRING is here so what better way to start recharging your batteries than an early visit to the warm sunshine of a picturesque seaside village nestling in Cornwall?

Debut novelist Jennifer Bibby (pictured below) admits she is happiest by the sea, and loves to travel and enjoys exploring the lives of women as they set out on life-changing adventures, new friendships and of course, the promise of romance.

And when her favourite kind of romantic hero is a typical bad boy turned good (with a dark and hidden backstory just waiting to be dug out!) then you know you’re in for a rollercoaster ride... and on this occasion, through the gorgeous sun, sand and sea of Cornwall.

All artist Freya has ever wanted to do is paint so when she fails her Master’s Degree in Art, on the same day that her boyfriend Matt decides he needs a ‘more serious’ partner, to Freya – now artistically ‘burned out’ – it feels like the end of the world. Luckily, she has a saviour in the shape of best friend Lola who invites her to the sleepy Cornish village of Polcarrow to work in her café. With nothing keeping her in London, Freya jumps at the chance of a summer by the sea.

What Freya needs now is time to focus on herself but then dark and mysterious biker Angelo Borelli blows into town on a stormy afternoon, with his own artistic dreams and a secretive past, and Freya’s plans of a romance-free summer fly straight out of the window.

Readers will adore basking in the warmth and healing power of Bibby’s gorgeous summertime odyssey as friends old and new, and a caring, close-knit community, rally round a young woman who is learning to love again.

Using art as her central motif, Bibby lets her words paint pictures so we can feel the sun on our faces, and hear the sigh of the waves and the calls of the gulls as Freya resets her life and follows her heart to a place to call home that seems a million miles from busy, bustling London. Charming, uplifting, and packed with wonderful characters, this is the perfect story to kick off a summer of loving!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £8.99)

The Boathouse by Stepping Stone Bay

Helen Rolfe

SUN, sea and sand... sit back and relax into a beautifully warm, romantic and soul-soothing tale of family, forgiveness and second chances as feelgood women’s fiction writer Helen Rolfe whisks us away to idyllic Stepping Stone Bay.

Rolfe (pictured below) always writes straight from the heart and her much-loved stories feature idyllic rural locations where problems are real, characters often face challenges, broken people are mended, love and friendship blossom, and endings are always happy.

So soak up the good vibes that weave their way into this journey through childhood memories and painful secrets as we meet a young woman revisiting the gorgeous seaside village of her youth and discovering that sometimes, starting again means taking a step back. As a kid, Nina O’Brien spent all her summers at her grandparents’ cabin by the beach at Stepping Stone Bay. Long, sunny days full of fun and laughter with her best friends, Leo Magowan, the boy from the boatyard next door, his older brother Adrian, and local girl Maeve.

As Nina grew older, her friendship with Leo slowly started to blossom into love but one fateful summer night changed everything and those glorious days came to an abrupt end for them all.

Twelve years later, Nina must return to the bay to renovate the old cabin and pass it on to a new owner. But her plan to get the job done and get out isn’t quite as simple as she thinks because Leo still lives in the cabin next door and not only that, he works at his family’s boathouse right there in the bay.

As they begin to work through their differences and what happened all those years ago, will Nina really be able to walk away from him twice?

Meanwhile, Maeve has finally returned home to face the past. Her eleven-year-old son, Jonah, loves the sea, unlike Maeve who is terrified of it. But she knows she can’t keep Jonah away from the sea or the truth forever because sooner or later her secret will be out.

Rolfe has her own very special brand of kindness, and it’s this sense of warmth and intimacy that makes The Boathouse by Stepping Stone Bay such a sparkling, sun-kissed treat... a reading gift which is guaranteed to lift hearts and make us long for summer. With emotions running high, painful topics tackled with genuine compassion and understanding, plenty of romance to enjoy, and all set in the kind of enchanting seaside village where many of us would love to live, this is a book that might well need to be consumed in just one sitting.
(Orion, paperback, £7.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Making history, exploding facts and a scary bear

Celebrate thirty glorious years of the brilliant Horrible Histories books, enjoy science lessons in an amazing exploding encyclopedia, get ready for thrills, spills and a scary bear in the adventure of a lifetime, immerse yourself in a classic story written sixty years ago, and discover toilet humour on a roll in a hilarious picture book as a super springtime selection of children’s books arrives

Age 7 plus
The Worst in the World
Terry Deary and Martin Brown

WHEN it comes to history (horrible history that is), 2023 is a very special year! You might not believe it but it’s thirty years since the brilliant Horrible Histories books started hitting our shelves and not only changed the way youngsters look at history, but became what has been described as a ‘cultural phenomenon.’ And to celebrate these uniquely funny and irresistibly moreish books – the work of master of making history fun, Terry Deary, and his equally talented cartoonist team-mate Martin Brown – is a brand new book in which Deary awards gold, silver and bronze in truly horrible categories including battles, kings, punishments, sports, foods and more from the Savage Stone Age to the Terrifying Twentieth Century. These foul facts take in the best worst bits of history with this dynamic author and illustrator duo’s trademark wit and sense of fun. Readers can discover what made the cut for the worst job in history (spoiler alert, it involves a king, a toilet in a stool and some bottom wipes), or the worst ever pirate (must be the one who tied his own noose for his neck). Fully illustrated throughout and packed with horrible stories, with all the horribly hilarious bits included with a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, this hilarious new book really does dish up history at its absolute worst. Perfect for fans new and old, and packed with Deary’s priceless wit and Brown’s perfectly pitched illustrations, the past has never been so winningly horrible and so hilariously entertaining!
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Age 12 plus
Explodapedia: The Gene:
What Makes You, You?
Ben Martynoga and Moose Allain

SCIENCE certainly isn’t boring when you take lessons from the fun-filled pages of an amazing exploding encyclopedia! Explodapedia is a unique non-fiction science series from David Fickling Books which delivers everything you need to know... one book at a time. This exciting, innovative approach takes key scientific subjects and presents them in a way that is hugely entertaining and readable, whilst still providing reliable, serious, in-depth information that will help readers gain a true and lasting understanding of crucial topics. Packed with accessible and funny cartoon illustrations, and superb double-page spreads which seamlessly integrate facts and art, these touchstone books are the work of Dr Ben Martynoga, a neuroscientist and science writer, and artist and cartoonist Moose Allain. In Explodapedia: The Gene, this dynamic author and illustrator team bring young readers a definitive guide to what makes you, you! Through engaging words and pictures, the book clearly and accessibly explains the code that all life uses to make more of their species... and how mutations make every single one of us individual and unique! Find out how today’s scientists can ‘edit’ genes... will these breakthroughs harm or help our future?

And Explodapedia: The Cell: The Heart of All Life is the definitive guide to cells. None of the fabulously diverse range of all life on Earth could exist without the astonishing workings of cells. Full of up-to-date science, The Cell confronts the biggest mysteries of the microscopic marvels that sustain the living world. It also asks the question... can cells save our planet next? Don’t miss the fascinating story of life’s building blocks! These richly detailed and thought-provoking books offer an appealing and fully accessible way to learn about fascinating discoveries as well as inspiring young readers to enjoy a lifelong love of science.
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £7.99 each)

Age 9 plus
The Boy Who Saved a Bear
Nizrana Farook

IF your idea of reading fun runs to thrills, spills, a scary bear and the adventure of a lifetime, then you’re in for a fantastic rollercoaster ride to faraway Sri Lanka. Nizrana Farook, who was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but now lives in Hertfordshire, steals our hearts again with another exhilarating and atmospheric odyssey set in the beautiful landscapes of her home country which always find their way into her stories. Farook’s debut novel, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant, was Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month in January 2020 and her second, The Boy Who Met a Whale, was Indie Children’s Book of the Month in January 2021. And now her fourth book, The Boy Who Saved a Bear, illustrated by David Dean, sweeps us back to a fictional and fantastical Sri Lanka for another adventure steeped in rich detail, wonderful storytelling, and jam-packed with peril, thieves and that fearsome wild bear.

Nuwan works at the library, delivering books but one day, he accidentally takes away the very valuable and stolen Key of Nissanka which has been hidden inside one of the books, and in the process foils the plans of some very dangerous thieves. On the run, he hides in a cave, only to discover in the middle of the night that he is sharing it with a big hairy bear! After some terrifying moments, he and the bear, called Karadi, reach an understanding and they travel on together, evading the bad guys and hoping the key will unlock the answers to the mystery so that they can stop running and return home. Prepare to be whisked away to the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka in this captivating and empowering story which delivers lots of fast-paced action, an adventure full of heroes and villains, messages about bravery and resilience, and a flight of imagination all the way to a magical land!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Stig of the Dump: 60th Anniversary Edition
Clive King and Edward Ardizzone

THE story of a young boy who falls into a chalk pit and discovers a ragged Stone Age boy called Stig became an instant winner when it was first published sixty years ago. Stig of the Dump – written by Surrey-born Clive King who died in 2018 aged ninety-four and illustrated by award-winning artist Edward Ardizzone – has become a much-loved children’s classic and this gorgeous anniversary edition is set to delight a new generation of readers. Packed with the simple, youthful joys of playing in the great outdoors and having fun away from the grown-ups, this fresh outing for a timeless tale of friendship and adventure has a new introduction by award-winning author Phil Earle. Barney spends a lot of time by himself while he is staying with his grandparents on the chalk Downs of southern England. He often goes wandering off alone and one day, as he is exploring by the edge of an old chalk-pit, it gives way. Finding himself in some sort of cave, Barney is astonished to discover a ‘somebody’ living there... somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes, wearing a rabbit skin, no shoes or socks, and speaking in grunts. Barney names him Stig, and the two quickly become best friends. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig but Barney doesn’t care. He and Stig are far too busy having a brilliant series of unforgettable adventures! The years have not wearied or taken the shine off this warm, affectionate and far-reaching story which is packed with King’s humour, social commentary and wise observations about bravery, acceptance, the power of the imagination and, most importantly, friendship... however unlikely that friendship may be. A true classic!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Magic Keepers: Spirit Surprise
Linda Chapman and Hoang Giang

MAGIC needs protecting... who’s up for the job? Join the Magic Keepers, the charismatic young stars of a spellbinding series from Linda Chapman, author of the much-loved Star Friends books. Packed with the power of magic and friendship, these books – full of Hoang Giang’s vibrant black and white illustrations – deliver excitement and adventure at every turn.  In the second book of the series, we meet up again with Ava who is settling into her new home, Curio House, a creaky Victorian villa inherited by her mum. And it’s there that Ava has discovered a room filled with unusual objects and a box of ‘magic’ crystals which give her and her friends, Sarah and Lily and Ava’s Tibetan terrier, Pepper, real magic powers. When strange things start happening at home and around town, the friends suspect magic must be at play. Despite it being the middle of autumn, Ava’s mum’s hay fever is acting up, plants are growing wildly out of control, and vines have begun to cover houses, entangling people in their path! Can the girls use their new-found knowledge to uncover what is causing nature to run wild before the whole town is taken over? Newly independent readers will love this beautifully created first chapter book with its alluring mix of magic and mystery, and all the fun of shared adventures and friendship.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Budgie
Joseph Coelho and David Barrow

A MISSING budgie inspires an unlikely friendship between a young boy and his elderly neighbour in a heartwarming book from Joseph Coelho, a playwright, poet, award-winning children’s author and the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2022-24. Using a scene from his own childhood – the day he found a grounded budgie on a cold London street as he made his way to school – Coelho brings youngsters a moving tale of intergenerational understanding. Mr Buxton is always having a go at Miles and his friends for climbing the trees outside their tower block. Miles thinks he’s just a grumpy old man but when he finds a lost little budgie, Miles also discovers that he and Mr Buxton have more in common than he could ever have imagined. Illustrated throughout by David Barrow’s beautifully sensitive colour illustrations, Budgie is the latest book in publisher Barrington Stoke’s super-readable Little Gems series which brings together leading authors and illustrators, offers some extra activity fun inside the cover and delivers easy-to-read, first chapter books in a format ideal for little hands. Brimming with imaginative and lyrical writing, and the author’s natural empathy and compassion, Coelho’s charming and resonant story speaks loudly about the healing power of friendship across what can sometimes feel like a generational divide. The perfect package!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Captain Looroll
Matt Carr

TOILET humour is on a roll in this brand new, high-octane picture book series from Matt Carr, creator of several books for children including Spyder, Rhinocorn Rules and Superbat, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2018. Set to wipe the floor with all other superheroes is Captain Looroll whose mission is to save the world, one toilet at a time! Originating from the trunk of the magical everlasting oak tree, Captain Looroll is super strong, endlessly long, and brimming with courage. However, stuck in the deadly dull surroundings of the downstairs toilet, heroic adventures could not be further away. All that changes though when along comes Toilet-troll. There’s a dreadful stink coming from the toilet upstairs. Is it just another Number Two or is it the world’s Number One super-villain? Together with her band of trusty sidekicks, Captain Looroll must use her 3-ply powers to save the world from imminent – and extremely messy – destruction! Epic adventures are always just round the U-bend with this fabulously funny but foul-smelling new series from a master of comedy who is determined to prove that superheroes really come in all shapes and sizes!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The Princess With The Blazing Bottom
Beach

IT'S bottoms up again with a wind-blown fairy tale series that delivers fart-tastic fun and explosive action in rhyming spadefuls! The Princess With The Blazing Bottom – which follows on from the hilarious The Dragon with the Blazing Bottom and The Knight With the Blazing Bottom – is the work of former pizza chef and now children’s author and illustrator Beach whose anarchic comedy is winning the hearts and minds of thousands of young mischief-makers. Once again we meet Sir Wayne and Dragon... and this time they’re out to rescue a princess held captive by a Big Bad Beast. But WHO exactly will save her? Will it be Sir Wayne, who can climb every wall – no moat is too deep, no tower too tall? Or will it be Dragon who’s so muscly and lean – he can fly and fart flames, he’s a fighting machine! If ONLY there was a way to get the best of both... Youngsters will be blown away by this new chapter in the lives of the chaotic Sir Wayne and Dragon which comes with lots of fiery adventures, a gallery of bold and colourful illustrations, and an explosive finale starring a princess who really does trump the rest!
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Rain & Shine: A Flip-Flap Book of Weather
Molly Littleboy and Nia Gould

LITTLE ones will be in a flap when they get their hands on this super fun and informative flip-flap book which lets them watch the weather change at the flip of a page! Little hands will love turning the split pages and young eyes will light up as children transform each scene and journey through the world of weather. Written by Molly Littleboy and gorgeously illustrated by Nia Gould, Rain & Shine explores different weather scenes featuring stunning artwork, accessible information and wildlife to spot on the facing page. With bite-sized facts on sun, rain, snow and storms – plus a section on the seasons – each flip-flap page creates an immersive experience as little ones are introduced to the wonderful world of nature. Simply flip, flap, find and discover! And look out for Bees & Beetles: A Flip-Flap Book of Bugs, the next in this clever and informative series.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £9.99)

Age 3 plus
All Change!
Harriet Evans and Linda Tordoff

UNCOVER the mysteries of the natural world in a super-stylish board book written by Harriet Evans and beautifully illustrated by Linda Tordoff. From rain to rainbow and from waxing to waning, young readers will love looking at all the amazing changes which take place in the natural world. Tactile flaps and Tordoff’s gentle artwork, which presents wildlife in a soothing way, offer a journey of discovery through wildlife’s most miraculous wonders from the life cycle of a frog to the changing of the seasons. With its easy-to-understand yet engaging introduction to the wonderful world of animals, plants and nature, and intriguing flaps on every page to teach little one the amazing processes which take place from the seasons changing to the sun rising and setting, there is so much to enjoy in All Change! The perfect wind-down book for bedtime reading. Also available is A-Z An Alphabet of Animals, and Big and Little: A Book of Animal Opposites.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
The Eyebrows of Doom
Steve Smallman and Miguel Ordóñez

RAISE an eyebrow and get ready to giggle because comic genius Steve Smallman is back with a riotous rhyming romp! The Eyebrows of Doom will have youngsters laughing all the way from first page to last as Smallman has fun with his wizard wordplay and award-winning illustrator Miguel Ordóñez puts a pair of renegade eyebrows at centre stage of his gallery of zany illustrations. ‘In some woods in a cave, a big bear called Dave Was sweeping his floor with a broom, When two clumps of hair leapt into the air and cried ‘We are the Eyebrows of Doom!’ The Eyebrows of Doom are trying to take over the world. Join Dave and his friends as they try to stop them leaping from one unsuspecting animal to the next. And just when it looks as though the eyebrows’ antics have been thwarted… all is not as it seems! Smallman bewitches and bedazzles us once again with his crazy capers and Ordóñez’s fabulous palette of colours bring extra zest and zip to the kind of hilarious, eyebrow-raising adventures that will have little ones begging for more!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Marvellous Margot
Lou Peacock and Ingela P Arrhenius

WHAT could be better than a slice of cake... and a big helping of kindness? Spring into spring with this adorable picture book debut from Stockholm-based Ingela P Arrhenius, the gifted artist behind the best-selling Felt Flaps series. Marvellous Margot, a delightfully simple but resonant tale written by editor and anthologist Lou Peacock, comes packed with empathy, love and Arrhenius’ gorgeous ice-cream coloured pictures. Margot is cheerful, helpful and kind... the very best kind of friend! And today it's a marvellous day in the big city. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and Margot is busy, busy, busy. She has made a delicious cake for her best friend, Oscar. Margot takes her little red wagon and off she goes with the special cake in tow. But by the time she reaches Oscar’s house, after having helped all her friends along the way with a slice of Oscar’s tasty treat, will there be ANY cake left to share? Filled with Arrhenius’ signature richly detailed and bustling city scenes, retro characters, and eye-catching pastel palette, Marvellous Margot is both a thing of beauty and proof that kindness and cake is always the best recipe for friendship!
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
I Heard a Bird
Rob Ramsden

LISTENING to a robin singing sets in motion a young girl’s journey of music, mindfulness and meditation in the fourth and final book of the breathtaking In The Garden series from Scallywag Press. The wonders of the natural world and the joys of growing your own food and plants have taken centre stage in these enchanting picture books from author and illustrator Rob Ramsden who is on a mission to encourage a new generation of green-fingered youngsters. Ramsden’s deceptively simple but appealing stories let young children enjoy and appreciate nature through words and pictures. In I Heard a Bird, a little girl hears a bird which is frightened away by some cats fighting. As she searches for her bird, she encounters many other intriguing animals and insects... woodlice wandering, caterpillars crawling, centipedes strolling and ants patrolling. And then, after sitting down to listen to and enjoy the sounds of nature all around, the girl’s bird suddenly comes back! Full of rhyme, rhythm and the fun of repetition, Ramsden’s charming text is a pleasure to read aloud and helps to convey the magic of nature, the virtues of patience, and the rewards of keeping your senses alert. Add on the minimalist and mesmerising illustrations, and you have the perfect mindful book for home, school and nursery.
(Scallywag Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age one plus
Squishy McFluff’s Camping Adventure!
Pip Jones and Ella Okstad

SQUISHY McFluff the invisible cat takes star billing on a camping trip in the second picture book of Pip Jones and Ella Okstad’s purrfectly created series starring Ava and her invisible cat. These romping, rhyming and highly imaginative stories – filled with Norwegian illustrator Okstad’s quirky, characterful illustrations – are fast, funny and have a special appeal for any child who has their own imaginary friend. Ava is off on her first camping holiday and of course Squishy will come too. But when Ava repacks Dad’s bags with FUN camping accessories like her teddy, she forgets to include... the tent! Luckily Idris and his puppy Farida are staying at the same campsite and they are expert camp builders. But when Idris explains that his puppy is the best and he says he can’t see Squishy, Ava decides to introduce him to a giant invisible... BEAR?! Jones’ impish humour and jaunty rhyme captures the zest of youth, and perfectly reflects those competitive conversations that we all know so well. With a happy ending, and a new friendship gained, this madcap adventure is sure to win hearts and inspire a love of camping holidays!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Miss Dotty’s Potty School
Tracey Corderoy and Ali Pye

SAY goodbye to nappies and learn to love your potty with a delightfully heartwarming and comic new picture book from the top team of award-winning author Tracey Corderoy and illustrator Ali Pye. This fun-filled, comforting and gently informative story celebrates all things toilet training, from the many accidents to the great successes. It’s potty training time... and Miss Dotty is here to show you how! Every day in Miss Dotty’s Potty School is tons of fun, and everyone’s a potty superstar.  With simple steps that toddlers can read along to, and a cast of adorable little animal characters, Miss Dotty’s Potty School celebrates toilet training time and reassures toddlers that it’s okay if accidents happen. Filled with humour, common sense, reassurance and cute illustrations, this entertaining and invaluable potty picture book will help children to feel comfortable and excited about their own toilet training journey. So three cheers for potties... hip, hip hooray!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age one plus
Colour Gallery
Isabel Otter and Sophie Ledesma

JOIN Gigi the giraffe and her students as they explore the colour gallery in this joyful and interactive first art book. From a red hall of mosaics to a cafe full of purple abstract art, this brilliant book introduces little ones to two learning topics... art and colour. Lively illustrations from Sophie Ledesma and an engaging story from Isabel Otter take youngsters on a journey of colours, art and learning. With gatefolds, peek-through holes and shaped pages, Colour Gallery is perfect for little hands as they explore the mesmerising world of art, from sculptures and portraits to landscapes and still life, and have fun spotting the little mouse in every scene. Packed with subtle lessons about the key concept of colours in a fun and original way, and with cute animal characters and interactive text encouraging readers to engage in the gallery tour, the book makes children feel like part of the class. The ideal fun and stimulating first art book to share with your toddlers.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £8.99)