Age 9 plus
Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source
Tamsin Mori
‘Magic is neither good, nor bad – it simply multiplies the
dreams you feed it. Be careful what you wish for...’
GET ready to make your own magic with a boy called Callen and a feisty gargoyle named Zariel as Tamsin Mori – who won the hearts of readers with her mesmerising Weather Weaver debut series – returns with another heart-stopping adventure. Guardians of the Source is the first of a simply magical new series which blends realism with fun, fantasy, chills and thrills, and comes from the talented Mori whose writing is inspired by fabulous myths and legends of her mother’s native Shetland Islands. At the centre of this brilliantly entertaining and original story is eleven-year-old Callen whose Dad has always been secretive about his past. Even so, when the family have to move into Gargoyle’s Rest, his father’s mysterious childhood home, the last thing Callen expects is a boarded-up mansion covered in gargoyles.
Dad says all the house needs is ‘a bit of energy’ to bring
it back to life but it’s enormous, the doors are nailed shut and the gardens
are overgrown. What’s more, this crumbling mansion isn’t what it first appears
to be and soon its long-forgotten magic starts returning. And when a
disgruntled gargoyle wakes up in front of him, Callen must befriend Zariel and
earn her trust before it’s too late because a dark threat is growing in the
shadows and only a Gargoyle Guardian can stop it. Packed with magical realism, danger and fast-paced action,
the first of these wild and wonderfully imagined Gargoyles stories delivers
excitement and adventure all the way, but Mori also gently explores universal
themes like protecting the planet, and the importance of family, friendship, remaining
true to yourself. Beautifully written, and wrapped up in the magic of our
precious natural world, this is an unmissable new series.
(UCLan Publishing, paperback, £8.99)
Moving Up
Christian Foley
MOVING up from primary to secondary school can be a daunting
experience for many kids. The transition from being the bosses of the benches
to the youngest in a massive playground can be a tough rite of passage. Add on
the fact that classrooms are bigger and older students look like adults, the
piles of homework, stressful exams and complicated friendships, and there could
be some misgivings ahead. But whether you’re heading to secondary school later
this year, or you've already started and are still adjusting, Moving Up –
written by Christian Foley, educator, poet-in-residence, musician and all-round
creative – is here to help you on your journey. From choosing your new school
and facing your first day, right through to your final exams and your leaving
party or prom, this handy guide book will be the perfect companion for
transitioning to secondary, and help to make you feel confident, build strong
friendships, achieve great things and generally be the greatest that you can
be. Topics covered include leaving primary school, going to big school, getting
lost, homework, exams, new challenges, older kids, friendships, relationships, bullying
and social media. The perfect guide to a new world of learning.
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)
Nature’s Fascinating Friendships
Mike Hills and Kerry Hyndman
THERE'S teamwork at every turn in this doubly delightful
visual and verbal exploration of how animals, plants and microscopic organisms
develop fascinating friendships to survive and thrive in the natural world. Nature’s Fascinating Friendships is the stunning creation of
writer and journalist Mike Hills and his map-maker and illustrator partner
Kerry Hyndman who live on the west coast of Scotland with their daughter, and
together enjoy exploring islands, lochs and mountains, and discovering fairy
bridges and waterfalls. Full of fascinating facts and extraordinary artwork, the
book takes readers on a colourful and informative journey to show the natural
world in all its glory and demonstrate how plants and animals work together. Did you know pom pom crabs wear sea anemones as boxing
gloves to fight off enemies, that greater honeybirds guide humans to hidden
beehives and that bats use pitcher plants as sleeping bags? From ravens and
wolves to trees and fungi, youngsters learn how these unlikely alliances are
formed and find out all the incredible, funny, weird and disgusting reasons why
these partnerships work. Every page and spread is beautifully illustrated by Hyndman,
who says she loves making pictures that spark a sense of wonder in the natural
world, while Hills packs in lots of intriguing and fun facts that are
guaranteed to both surprise and inspire young readers. Nature at its most
magnificent!
(Faber Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Bigg School: Double Drama
Lisa Williamson and Jess Bradley
MOVING from primary to secondary school is a big leap for
youngsters and brings with it many fears and anxieties, and highs and lows.
It’s a topic that award-winning author Lisa Williamson tackles with warmth,
enthusiasm, humour and empathy in the second book of her Bigg School series
which follows a group of children starting life at the Henry Bigg Academy. Life
isn’t easy for Dan Littleton since starting at the academy even though it
appears that nothing much bothers him. He has made friends with a big group of
lads, enjoys playing on his Xbox and likes teasing his desk neighbour Lola. But
at home, his mum is chronically ill, his dad works all the hours he can and his
little twin sisters Nia and Nelly drive him up the wall. Dan is constantly torn
between his school life and being needed at home and worst of all, his mates
are starting to notice. So when he wins the coveted part in the school’s
production of The Wizard of Oz, he is thrilled. Finally, he has found a subject
he really loves and seems to be really good at but it isn't long before his
home and school life clash again and he must make some hard decisions if he’s
to follow his heart. With Jess Bradley’s emotive illustrations expressing the conflicted
inner world and worries of mixed-up Dan, this funny, relatable, tender and
sometimes painfully honest story is a moving reflection of an ordinary youngster
navigating friendships, home life and the ups and downs of growing up.
Entertainment and reassurance in one perfectly created book.
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)
Podkin and the Singing Spear
Kieran Larwood
KINSHIP comes first in the seventh stunning adventure in
master storyteller Kieran Larwood’s The World of Podkin One-Ear, a spectacular
rabbit world fantasy series which has readers longing for each new book as it
appears. And it’s pleasing to report that Podkin and the Singing Spear once
more delivers all those ingredients that children love... adventure, magic,
danger, thrills and friendship. It’s two years since the Battle of Sparrowfast
and Podkin, son of a rabbitkind warrior chieftain, is now Keeper of the Gifts...
a tremendously important job but just a tiny bit boring. It doesn’t help that
there are still three gifts missing and Podkin can’t stop himself from thinking
about that. So when the Godseye Mirror begins to shimmer and shift revealing a
motley crew of travellers is approaching, Podkin sees it as a sign that his
world is about to be upended all over again. And it’s not long before Podkin
and Uki finally meet... united in their hatred for the world of Scramashank,
they have much in common. But what will these young warriors make of each
other, and can they work together to unite the forces of good against terrible
evil? In a restless world still under threat, we encounter the terrifying
Crowskins who have hold of the Singing Spear, find out whether two rival clans
will lay down their differences, and how kinship matters more than ever. Written
with Larwood’s unique storytelling magic, and encompassing a breathtakingly
imagined world full of memorable rabbit characters, this is middle grade
fiction at its very best.
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)
Animal All-Stars
Clare Balding and The Boy Fitz Hammond
ON your marks, get set, go! Join the animal kingdom as some
of their most amazing creatures go head-to-head in an all-stars competition. Children’s
author, TV presenter and commentator Clare Balding teams up with illustrator
The Boy Fitz Hammond to bring youngsters this hilarious guide through some
incredible animal facts and figures. Who would win in a race... the Australian
tiger beetle or the peregrine falcon? Who is the strongest... the extraordinary
ant or the grumpy gorilla? Who has the best superpower... the headless
cockroach or the jet-powered squid? From speed, agility and strength to hidden
skills, such as problem-solving, endurance and super-sensory prowess, witness
these Animal All-Stars compete to become champions in their field. Animal
All-Stars is full of facts, stats and world records, all brought to life by rib-tickling
illustrations and is the perfect gift for sport and animal lovers. So what are
you waiting for... let the Games begin!
(Wren & Rook, paperback, £10.99)
Age 7 plus
Agents of S.U.I.T: From Badger to Worse
John Patrick Green, Christopher Hastings and Pat Lewis
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £8.99)
Make Art with Nature
Pippa Pixley
CALLING all young artists and nature explorers... author and
artist Pippa Pixley wants to put you in the picture! Pixley, whose work is
inspired by nature, works her creative magic on this beautiful, hands-on book
which shows children how to make amazing art with materials found in nature.
Art through nature encourages children to explore outside and find natural
materials to make art. Youngsters learn how to make incredible pieces of art
using rocks, wood, berries, flowers, and leaves in this imaginative nature
craft book. Find out how the earth beneath your feet can be used to make paints
and pastels, and how flowers can be repurposed to create inks. Learn how to
pour paint on to a canvas, how to put pencil to paper and draw, how bits of old
paper can make a beautiful collage, and how different mediums can come together
to create incredible prints through nature. A clear layout is divided into
different art forms including drawing, collaging, painting and printing, so children
can easily find the section they are looking for. Pixley also takes youngsters
into the outdoors and shows them a wide range of artistic techniques from
understanding basic colour theory to creating texture, movement and fluidity in
their own work. Children will love learning how to master different art forms but
also how to make their own art supplies whilst getting outside and exploring
nature. And with easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of tips and techniques
on how to draw, paint, print and collage, this is art with an outdoor flavour!
(DK Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Looshkin: Honk if You See It!
Jamie Smart
YOUNGSTERS will be grinning and guffawing from first page to
last with the wildest, craziest cat ever in the third turbo-charged book in
comic genius Jamie Smart’s laugh-out-loud Looshkin comic-strip adventure
series. Smart, one of the shining stars of a partnership between David Fickling
Books and The Phoenix comic, is the extraordinarily talented illustrator behind
the vibrant comic-strip Bunny vs Monkey books and now loopy Looshkin, the
wonderfully accident-prone cat, is causing a fresh wave of laughter. You may
think that your cat is mad, but it has got nothing on Looshkin! Here we meet up
again with the maddest cat in the world as he defeats vampires with chicken
nuggets, accidentally turns into a duck, becomes a high-flying entrepreneur and
gets caught in a time warp... sometimes all at the same time! The result is an
explosion of pure comic comedy joy. Guaranteed to make readers snort with
laughter and packed with Smart’s ingenious illustrations, these manic,
high-energy stories deliver a cat basket of furry sniggers and are ideal for
fidgety readers who like their books to come with plenty of bold and busy
pictures. Cat-astrophic cat antics at a stroke for your action kids!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)
Ivy Newt and the Swamp Dragons
Derek Keilty and Madga Brol
ENTER the magical world of Miracula... and discover a truly
bewitching adventure! Master storyteller Derek Keilty from Belfast weaves his
world-building wonders in the third all-action adventure of his enchanting Ivy
Newt chapter book series which stars an unstoppable and lovable young witch,
and her shape-shifting familiar, a skinny grey wolf called Tom. Highly
illustrated throughout by Polish-born Madga Brol, this exciting and
entertaining adventure series is perfect for sharing or as a first reading
book. Ivy Newt’s parents are the King and Queen of the Sand Witches and in this
new adventure, Gran’s magic bubble bath accidentally creates pesky Ivy and Tom
lookalikes who are intent on some serious mischief! All too soon, they have
made dangerous doubles of the swamp dragons who launch a fiery attack on
Miracula. Can the real Ivy and Tom stop them before everything goes up in
smoke? Get ready for lots of laughs, pages of fast-paced action, a cast of
superbly imagined characters, and themes of justice, helping each other,
standing up to bullies and environmental awareness. Add on the extra zing and
zest of Brol’s comical illustrations to enhance the atmosphere of wizardry,
peril and fun, and you have the perfect book to launch youngsters into a
lifetime of reading enjoyment.
(Scallywag Press, paperback, £7.99)
Tell Me About: Space
Tell Me About: Planet Earth
Emily Dodd and Chorkung
YOU'RE never too young to start learning about science! Little readers with curious minds will love getting to grips with some big science concepts in these clever and entertaining books from the book boffins at Templar Publishing. So add extra fuel to their knowledge with a fun exploration of space. Did you know that planet Earth spins like a spinning top, or that our Moon isn’t the only moon in the sky?
With bite-sized text, facts to make you say wow, and
easy-to-understand explanations, big science topics are delivered in just the
right size for readers aged four and over in these two fascinating books.
Brilliantly illustrated by Chorkung, the books are ideal for readers who are starting
to discover just how amazing the world is!
(Templar Publishing, hardback, £9.99 each)
Detective CATZ and the Missing Nut
Marjoke Henrichs
CATZ has all the gear he needs to be an ace detective... but
will that be enough to find his friend’s most prized possession? Artist and
theatre designer Marjoke Henrichs, whose sparkling debut picture book, No! Said
Rabbit, was shortlisted for the Booktrust Storytime Prize, is back to steal our
hearts with another beautifully created tale full of youthful joy,
inspirational messages and exquisite illustrations. Catz is determined to prove
himself as a detective and to find his friend Flossy the squirrel’s prize
possession... her biggest and best nut.
But when Catz fails to find it, he also fails to notice all the good he has
done along the way. And luckily our hero does not give up. Cheered on by his
friends, a combination of new evidence and new determination enable him to focus
and finally fulfil his dream! With its confidence-boosting storyline, and
reminders of the rewards of patience and the power of kindness, little ones
learn that being mindful of, and caring for, other people is just as important
as personal success. And in her now trademark style, Henrichs brings humour to
both her words and a gallery of lively, expressive and gorgeously colourful
illustrations, creating an uplifting and exquisitely told story.
(Scallywag Press, hardback, £12.99)
When I Feel Brave
Britta Teckentrup
‘I am scared. I’m feeling numb. I am full of fear. What’s to come?’
AFTER her exploration of anger and rage in enchanting picture book, When
I See Red, prolific children’s books author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup
sets her perfectly honed sights on bravery and its constant companion, fear.
Employing her trademark brand of wisdom, creativity and sensitivity, Teckentrup
looks at what it means to be brave. Filled with evocative collage illustrations
and dynamically positioned type, this new book features a young girl wandering
through a forest and being startled by a bear. At first the bear is terrifying...
it is huge and unknown but, as the girl moves through the forest, she becomes
the bear’s companion and, by the time they reach the end of the forest, she is its
friend. With a beautifully imagined narrative, and a gallery of stunning,
atmospheric illustrations adding extra piquancy and power to the story, this
gorgeous book offers important insights into the nature of fear, helps young
readers understand why things are scary, and cleverly reveals the satisfaction to
be gained from making friends with the very things that make them feel afraid.
Picture book perfection.
(Prestel, hardback, 12.99)
The Library Mouse
Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O'Connor
DREAM team Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O'Connor – whose
wonderfully descriptive and atmospheric The Bear and her Book series won hearts
and minds – return with an adorable new picture book to inspire a new
generation of readers. Star of the show is a little mouse called Quill who is a
dreamer. He longs to write stories and share them with children in his beloved
library but getting his words noticed seems impossible for such a small
creature. Can he and his spider friend, Leggsy, find a way to make his voice
stand out from the crowd... or will Quill’s stories remain forever unheard?
Author Tosdevin’s beautifully emotive and lyrical rhyming story celebrates the
power of words and books, and inspires everyone to write their own special
story in their own words. Add on O’Connor’s gallery of stunning, hand-drawn
illustrations, colourfully painted in loose, tonal brush strokes, and this is a
journey of perfectly written discovery guaranteed to delight all budding young
authors!
(UCLan Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
The Girl and the Mermaid
Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini
MARVEL at the exquisite combination of pictures, words and
imagination in this beautiful picture book from the bestselling creators of The
Girl and the Dinosaur. Author Hollie Hughes and illustrator Sarah Massini work
their special magic on The Girl and the Mermaid, an instant classic featuring
an inspirational underwater adventure and a moving homage to the beauty and
power of memory. Alina and her granny
live in a lighthouse by the sea... a home filled with the warmth of Granny’s
magical stories. But Alina is worried. Granny’s memories and stories are
starting to fade away, and she doesn’t know how to bring them back. Then one
day, Alina meets a mermaid on the rocks near the lighthouse and she’s swept
into a magical deep-sea adventure that will change everything. With Hughes’
rhyming narrative and Massini’s spectacular artwork, this is a gift book for
all the family to enjoy.
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)
A Little World of Ants
Cara Rooney
LITTLE ones will be flipping and flapping with delight when
they turn the pages of this busy and beautiful picture book from prize-winning
debut talent Cara Rooney. An author and illustrator whose work portrays her own
fascination for the natural world and childlike curiosity, Rooney explores the
life of ants in the most colourful, vibrant and hands-on way. So get ready to meet
some adorable ants in this entertaining lift-the-flap adventure which uses
simple language and charming illustrations full of comical detail to tell the
story. Ideal for encouraging exploration and a deeper understanding of these
intriguing insects, A Little World of Ants is full of imaginative storytelling
and pictures, and intriguing flaps, and is sure to be an instant hit with young
children. The ideal gift for any nature-obsessed youngster who loves the amazing
world of minibeasts.
(Two Hoots, hardback, £12.99)
Night Flight
Katie Cottle
LIGHT up your child’s story time with this breathtakingly
beautiful and inspirational picture book which puts the wonderful world of
wildlife at centre stage. Night Flight is the creation of Katie Cottle, a
freelance illustrator and author who enjoys telling stories through drawing and
finds her inspiration in nature. When Ellie moves from her quiet village to a
bustling city, she finds that the many different birds she loves to watch are
missing. She stares out of her window and searches the skies on walks but they
are nowhere to be found. Then one night, she is visited by a giant starling
which asks for her help. The birds are lost because of the shimmering glow from
the city’s bright lights. Can Ellie help the birds find their way home? Using a
palette of exquisite and earthy colours, Cottle reminds us of the harm to
inflicted on birds by light pollution, and encourages youngsters to use their
voice to help and preserve local wildlife. An empowering tale for all young
eco-warriors.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)
Science Words for Little People:
Our Bodies & Coding
Helen Mortimer and Cristina Trapanese
YOU can rely on Oxford University Press to engage and entertain youngsters with brilliant books like this Science Words for Little People series which makes learning both friendly and inspirational. The books aim to build children’s confidence with vocabulary and ideas around various topics, and provide a foundation for learning in a way that feels good. Written by Helen Mortimer and illustrated by Cristina Trapanese, the same winning team that brought us Big Words for Little People, the books are special not just because they focus on science subjects in a child-friendly way, but because the Oxford book boffins pack them with educational goodness that helps children develop and grow. In Our Bodies, little ones will love exploring a day at the swimming pool and learning all about the human body from their head right down to their toes!
(Oxford University Press, hardback, £5.99 each)
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