CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Nature’s magic, Celtic folklore and the defeat of evil

Discover the eternal allure of elemental magic in a fantastical tale, lose yourself in a breathtaking adventure full of myth and mystery, meet a wheelchair-bound teenager who learns to just be himself, and test your brain power with a brilliant book full of mind-bending puzzles in a new selection of children’s books

Age 9 plus
The Storm and the Sea Hawk
Kiran Millwood Hargrave

RETURN to a fantastical adventure... one that is built on the foundations of the real world and brims with the kind of alluring, elemental magic that stretches your imagination into its furthest and most fertile regions.  The Storm and the Sea Hawk is the second gripping book of an epic Geomancer trilogy which explores the magic of nature, the lure of power and the strength of love, and comes from the incredible mind of award-winning author Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Hargrave, who is also a poet and playwright, puts heart and soul into these lyrically written and action-packed fantasy adventures which are based on her research into ley lines, earth grids and the planet’s ‘natural patterns and disruptions,’ and create a wild and wonderful landscape which, enticingly, could or could not be authentic.

Unlock a magic that could change the world... or destroy it. Ysolda – an ancient orphan girl who has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen’s tyrannical rule – is on the run. She is with Eira, a princess who is the wolf queen’s daughter, and they are travelling to the wilds of the Drakken Peak on the back of a huge sea wolf. With her faithful sea hawk Nara by her side, Ysolda’s quest to find the fabled and powerful magic of the Geomancer is just beginning... Using locations inspired by the Celtic Rainforests, the Lake District, the Scottish pinewoods and Stroma, an uninhabited island between Orkney and the mainland of Scotland, Hargrave invites readers to celebrate the sheer wonder of ‘the world we live on... a marvel too easily taken for granted.’ But these are also intensely creative stories that celebrate magic and the bonds of friendship and family as we witness Ysolda’s breathtaking bravery, feel the raw power of her emotions, and meet a cast of amazing animal characters. Another dazzling adventure in a supercharged series that is destined to be a modern classic.
(Orion Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Sword of the Sun
Sinéad O’Hart

OLD meets new in a glorious explosion of magic, mystery and myth as master storyteller Sinéad O’Hart draws on Celtic folklore and her own Irish heritage for a breathtaking adventure in a wildly imaginative landscape. Drawing on the rich mythology of Ireland, and sensitively juxtaposing the contemporary challenges of moving house, living in a blended family and settling in a new area, Sword of the Sun is an evocative thrill ride with a cast of unlikely heroes and an atmosphere that keeps readers hooked to the last page. When Ben and his family have to leave Dublin and move into the remote house in County Clare where his mother grew up, he’s not at all optimistic about what lies ahead. For him and his brother Fin, it will mean fitting in to life with his aunts and a cousin he doesn’t even know. What Ben doesn’t expect is that he will be drawn into the mysteries of the wild mystical landscape. But he can sense its power, and he can see a light shining from the mountain on the horizon. Even stranger, crows are gathering, watching him and haunting his dreams. As Ben uncovers the stories of Ireland’s mythical heroes and warriors that obsessed his grandfather right up until he died, Ben begins to wonder if there is more to the tales than pure fantasy. It seems like trouble is stirring... will he have the power to face it? O’Hart has a real gift for character development and conjuring up thrilling fantasy worlds in which youngsters are pitted against powerful forces and must use all their ingenuity, bravery and determination to save both themselves and the places and people they hold dear. Played out against a stunning backdrop that melds real life and teen angst with ancient folklore and fantasy, peppered with humour, and with a sense of impending doom that grips from almost the moment the brothers arrive at their new home, this is an adventure with a big story to tell... and a big, warm Irish heart!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 10 plus
Raz Beri
Matt Stephens

A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND teenager learns that instead of trying to be more like the cool, and sometimes cruel, kids in his class, he can earn more respect by just being himself in an inspirational story from Matt Stephens who lives in Bristol.  Stephens, who writes for adults under the name Ed Trewavas, says his turbulent past has been soothed by yoga, meditation and the realisation that human good outweighs human evil, and this insightful tale certainly packs both a powerful and empowering punch. ‘I could be cool as well. If I could just pluck up the courage to show them...’ Thirteen-year-old Billy Turpin uses a wheelchair because he has cerebral palsy, and he’s had enough of his classmates treating him differently. But then Mia – the cool and gutsy new girl who also uses a wheelchair –arrives and announces a school visit from her uncle Danny Cash who is a famous footballer and captain of the England team no less. Maybe being a star footballer in front of his classmates will help Billy prove to his class that he can be just like them. But when even the famous footballer turns out to be just as bad as the school bullies, Billy begins to realise that perhaps he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone but himself. With themes of football, fitting in and true friendship at centre stage, Raz Beri explores what it means to be ‘different’ in a classroom full of kids and asks readers to explore their own attitude to disability. 
(Firefly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Connections Puzzle Book
Roland Hall

IF you’re a fan of logic puzzles, then dive into this brilliant interactive book which features 500 challenging puzzles to do anywhere and at any time! All you have to do is find the link between four words from a group of sixteen to solve each mind-bending puzzle... but watch out for the red herrings. With its take on popular deduction puzzles for those who love daily online games, Connections Puzzle Book features challenges ranging from easy and medium to hard and extreme. And if you’re finding the going tough, you can turn to the back of the book to discover the link and find the answer. The book is ideal for fans of online games like Wordle, Quordle, Murdle and Connections, and who have found that one challenge a day just isn’t enough to satisfy their puzzle addiction! A gift book for all the family to enjoy... 
(Studio Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Amari and the Despicable Wonders
B.B. Alston

FEEL the magic and get lost in a super-sizzling supernatural world as B.B. Alston returns with the third book in his fantastic Supernatural Investigations trilogy which began with Amari and the Night Brothers. Featuring the feisty, fearless Amari Peters – a heroic black girl with magic at her fingertips – this epic new adventure packs in thrilling action and some wonderful, warm-hearted friendships. War has come to the supernatural world and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge. Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, using her mind control ability to force the Bureau to take up her vicious grudge against magiciankind. Meanwhile, Dylan Van Helsing, the newly crowned leader of the League of Magicians – and Amari’s former partner – is after a destructive new power that would not only ensure the magicians’ victory but also make him invincible. With neither the Bureau nor the League safe for Amari, and her newly returned brother, Quinton, determined to keep her out of the fray, she and her friends decide to find a way to end the war on their own. So when they learn that the only way to stop Dylan is to find powerful magical inventions known as Wonders, they go after them. But wielding these items comes at a terrible cost, and Amari will have to decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice … because the Despicable Wonders will demand everything. These mesmerising, magical and imaginative Amari adventures possess everything young readers love… breathtaking action, surprises at every turn of the page, humour, and a courageous heroine they love to take to their hearts. Great stuff... and there are more to come!!
(Farshore, hardback, £12.99)

Age 8 plus
The Wonder Team and the Rainforest Rescue
Leah Williamson, Jordan Glover and Robin Boyden

THE pioneering Dick, Kerr Ladies football team from Preston, which found fame over one hundred years ago, were the inspiration for this exciting time-twisting adventure series from captain of the Euros-winning women’s England team, Leah Williamson. The Wonder Team and the Rainforest Rescue is the third book in this super action series which has been written in tandem with debut author Jordan Glover, who is Williamson’s cousin, and includes illustrations by Robin Boyden. These fun football adventures star schoolgirl Leah who, along with her friends, have been magically transported to the rainforests of Tanzania is this new daring mission! Back in time and far away from home, the Wonder Team have to use all their skills to uncover the mysteries of the forest and find a way back to the present. But there’s danger lurking in the rainforest. A gang of poachers are after the local chimpanzee tribe and it’s up to Leah, Mimi, George and their new friend Bupe to find a way to save the animals from capture, before it’s too late. These fast-paced, fun-filled stories are written straight from Williamson’s heart, and explore themes of teamwork, friendship, resilience, leadership and problem-solving, and aim to introduce young readers to inspiring and fascinating women from history. Don’t miss kick-off!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary
Jim Smith

MEET best friends Pedro, Olga and Ozzy... their initials spell the word POO and they are the stars of the first book of a smelly (but hilariously funny!) new graphic novel series from the master of mischief himself, Jim Smith. Smith – creator of the bestselling Barry Loser books – has his finger firmly on the pulse of what makes kids (and grown-ups!) laugh… and the pages of his books positively 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 adventure packed full of friendship, fun and toilet jokes galore, and expertly delivered in fun and witty bite-sized stories brought to life by Smith’s vibrant artwork. So join our terrible threesome, Pedro, Olga and Ozzy – otherwise known as the Poopies – on a series of fun adventure stories, and help them solve mysteries of the most unexpected kind… such as the case of the unflushed poos. Positively buzzing with Smith’s wild and wonderful wit, perfectly pitched toilet jokes and some free drawing tips for budding artists, My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary is organised chaos for your fun-lovers and mischief-makers!
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Where’s Groot? & Where’s Stitch? 
Marvel Entertainment International Ltd

DON'T miss out on all the fun packed inside this simply marvellous Marvel and Disney search-and-find activity books series which is brought to life by stunning, full-colour original illustrations! And if super-heroes are top of your favourites list, then you need to get your hands on the all-action Where’s Groot? Marvel book in which Baby Groot, the cutest Guardian of the Galaxy,  goes missing and readers must search for him across the universe, from strange alien worlds to their own back yard. 

With dozens of familiar heroes and villains to spot and gloriously detailed artwork, this is an out-of-this world interactive adventure! And in the Where’s Stitch?, a Lilo & Stitch Disney search-and-find activity book, youngsters must search for Lilo’s alien pet Stitch – thought to be the most popular Disney character for Gen Zs – and his friends across busy, colourful scenes packed with detail. Perfect for Marvel and Disney fans young and old, these beautifully created search-and-find books guarantee hours of entertainment! Where’s Stitch? is published on September 12.
(Studio Press, paperback, £7.99 each)

Age 3 plus
Colin’s Castle
Holly Swain

WHEN Colin, the vegetarian vampire, buys a castle, it comes with a duck... a duck that won’t move out! You’d be quackers to miss this brilliantly quirky story from Holly Swain, a seasoned illustrator bringing us her first picture book as both author and illustrator. With an early Halloween vibe but a sense of fun that will create a wave of giggles at any time of the year, Colin’s Castle certainly sets the feathers flying! Vampire Colin can’t wait to move into his dream castle but he soon discovers he has an unwanted house guest... a DUCK. The duck pops up when Colin’s in the bath, when he’s watching telly, and even when he’s on the loo! Quack! But where there’s a will, there’s a way and Colin has a PLAN. Will Colin succeed in banishing Duck from his castle and leading the bird-free life that he dreams of... and will you be joining #TeamColin or #TeamDuck?! With a fiendishly funny adventure to enjoy, two unlikely adversaries, and a whole castle full of laughs, you won’t want to duck out of this rollicking romp!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Running with Wings
Sam Squiers and Lara Porter

‘With their wings they can run, With their wings they can soar, It’s not about the race, But so much more.’ 

AS the countdown begins to the start of the Paralympics, meet two little girls who love to race! Running with Wings – a moving picture book about winning, losing and simply being the best you can be – comes from the creative pairing of award-winning Australian sports journalist, presenter and author Sam Squiers, and South African-born illustrator Lara Porter. Mimmi loves running... as does Frankie who has prosthetic legs. They both dream of one day running in the biggest, most impressive, spectacular race there is...The Big One. But first of all, there’s the sprint in the school carnival and while Mimmi gets nervous and distracted, Frankie has her own challenges to overcome. But what happens when Frankie offers Mimmi some important advice about imagining she has wings on her heels? Squiers, who has earned a reputation as a powerful advocate and voice for women in sport, works her special magic on this inspirational tale of friendship, travelling together, and overcoming challenges... whether you are disabled or able-bodied. Add on Porter’s delightful illustrations, which keep the story flying high, and you have the perfect picture book for young sport fans.
(New Frontier Publishing, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
Try
Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield,
Emma Adams and Ben Whitehouse

‘True friends are always there,
even when times are tough.’

THE words of Rob Burrow – a former professional rugby league footballer who played for Leeds Rhinos in the Super League before retiring in 2017 – ring out loud and clear in this big-hearted picture book celebrating the remarkable friendship between two rugby legends. Two years after he retired from Rugby League, it was publicly revealed that Burrow had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and, by his side until Rob died in June this year, was his best friend and fellow rugby player Kevin Sinfield. They first met playing rugby as young boys and shared a special bond that grew over the decades. Through good times and bad, their friendship remained a constant both on and off the rugby field, and together they campaigned to raise money for and awareness of motor neurone disease. Try, a story about a friendship between two young boys, was written with Emma Adams and illustrated by Ben Whitehouse. So meet Rob and Kev, they play games together, laugh together and go to school together. They have lots of other friends but Rob always has Kev, and Kev always has Rob. When their teacher, Ms Phelps, asks the class to think of their hero, Kev knows exactly who to pick... the fast, brave and strong captain of the Roaring Bears rugby team! Rob, however, feels unsure. Do heroes really have to be big and strong? Before long, Rob and Kev start to realise that perhaps being a hero isn’t all about strength and muscles... it’s much, much more than that.

Try captures the importance of friendship between children and teaches them that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is to be kind to others, a theme brought to life beautifully with Whitehouse’s warm and expressive illustrations. With messages celebrating strength through love and friendship rather than being judged on physical merit, this is the ideal story to teach children – and particularly boys – about the many ways you can be strong and what the word hero really means. And for every copy sold, Macmillan Children’s Books will donate 50p to be split equally between the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
The Fairy of Lost Things
Victoria Sandøy

WHEN a fairy is tempted to keep a little girl’s lost bracelet instead of returning it, she soon learns that dishonesty has unwelcome results! Norwegian illustrator Victoria Sandøy – whose gorgeous artwork brought to life celebrated author Julia Donaldson’s much-loved picture books, The Christmas Pine and The Oak Tree – works her own special magic on this cautionary tale. Both written and illustrated by Sandøy, The Fairy of Lost Things brings us a cheeky, feisty little fairy whose antics are guaranteed to capture every reader’s heart. Who’s that flying through the night? It's the Fairy of Lost Things! She finds things children have lost, and then secretly takes them back to their owners. But one night the fairy finds a little bracelet, and it’s so pretty, she doesn't want to give it back. When a thieving magpie pricks her conscience, can she pluck up the courage to admit she’s done something wrong and rectify her mistake? With beautiful, atmospheric illustrations – full of colour and character – and a captivating story exploring important themes of kindness, caring, courage and honesty, everyone will be cheering on the playful fairy as she does the right thing in the end. A guaranteed bedtime favourite!  
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)

Every Smile You Fake

Dorothy Koomson 

WHEN an experienced profiler and psychotherapist finds a baby boy abandoned on the back seat of her car, it opens the door on to a world of online menace that could bring deadly danger to both herself and her family.

But the past is never far away for Kez Lanyon, and with secrets of her own to guard, she might have no way of avoiding an unwelcome revisit to the shadowy corners of her life.

At a time when we are becoming more and more prey to deepfake, online radicalisation, child exploitation and extreme misogyny, the perils posed by the dark web are being exposed on an almost daily basis... and it’s a topic that popular author Dorothy Koomson is not afraid to tackle head on.

Koomson (pictured below), whose wickedly clever novels have earned her the sobriquet Queen of the Big Reveal, works her special magic on this gritty, emotion-packed and heart-stopping psychological thriller which plunges readers into the terrifying dilemmas of a young social media influencer.

‘Please take care of my baby. You’re the only one I can trust with him. Don’t try to find me. You’ll put him in danger.’ 

Despite her years as a professional therapist, Kez Lanyon is shocked when she finds a baby in her car after a book event at a library, and an unsigned note asking her to take care of him.

Kez, who has occasionally helped the police, and worked in prisons and other institutions, has a pretty good idea who the mother is...  20-year-old Brandee, a popular social media star with a troubled background who once lived in Kez’s family house. Brandee recently dropped out of the limelight and if the internet rumours are true, Kez knows that Brandee’s life is in danger. But what she doesn’t know is when Brandee had a baby, who the father is, and where the young woman is now.

Kez is torn. Should she wait and hope that Brandee turns up safe and well, should she simply take care of the baby as she has been asked to do, or should she risk her whole family by returning to her dangerous past where less-than-legal contacts from her previous job could be the only way to help save this woman? Meanwhile, time is running out for Brandee... can Kez find her before it’s too late?

Koomson delivers a multi-layered mind maze of festering secrets, moral dilemmas and simmering tensions as the truth and lies of Brandee’s current life – and Kez’s past life – spill over into shocking revelations, emotion-packed discoveries and a race-against-time mystery. And with a narrative that alternates between Brandee’s many social media posts – which include disturbing events and revealing behind-the-scenes content – and Kez’s desperate battle to track down the missing woman both online and in the real world, the speculation becomes wilder and the possibilities more blood-chilling.

In classic Koomson style, each character – not least the intensely complex Kez – is superbly drawn and the twists and turns keep coming in a plot littered with questions about identity, safety on line, and what the author describes in her ‘bonus content’ at the end of the book as the internet’s deep and seemingly endless ‘rabbit hole’ of terrifying danger. So take a deep breath, prepare for a rollercoaster ride, and you’ll be racing to the end for a final reveal that ensures the Queen of the Big Reveal won’t be losing her crown any time soon!
(Headline Review, paperback, £9.99)

Evacuees and Crabapple Trees

Sheila Newberry

TRAVEL back in time and enjoy fascinating tales of wartime, the eternal bonds of love, and the beautiful English countryside with a much-loved saga author who knew a thing or two about the ups and downs of family life.

Sheila Newberry (pictured below), the Suffolk-born writer who died aged 88 in 2020, was a mother of nine children, with twenty-two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and her passing left a legacy of over twenty enchanting novels which have won the hearts of readers across the decades.

Newberry spent her whole life writing – she wrote her first ‘book’ before she was ten – but it was not until she was in her eighties that she became one of the country’s best-loved saga authors with books such as Bicycles and Blackberries and The Winter Baby garnering thousands of fans. Evacuees and Crabapple Trees is a heartwarming collection of her memoirs, offering an irresistible and nostalgic glimpse into her long and busy life – including photographs of her family – and with a delightful foreword by fellow saga writer Rosie Goodwin.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, seven-year-old Sheila and her family left Surrey to take refuge in Suffolk. For Sheila, country life was strange at first, but roaming the fields and picking wild flowers was what childhood dreams were made of.

When the bombing died down, the family moved back to Surrey, but Sheila had taken rural living to her heart and would later return to the countryside when she, her husband John and their large brood arrived at Crabapple Cottage, their new home in Kent. 

The momentous arrival at their smallholding was a scene described with relish in her memoir and one that Newberry held forever in her memory. ‘One last cough from the overheated engine of the Morris 8 and the bulging doors appeared to burst at the seams, with children tumbling eagerly out and dispersing in all directions – rushing past the shabby old weather boarded cottage into the tangled orchard and, with joyous whoops, discovering the gnarled plum trees groaning under the weight of huge, glistening purple-red Victorias.’

It was to be the first of many adventures over the years as the children – who were always her inspiration – adapted to the seasonal rhythms of country life and Newberry continued to write stories... stories full of rich period detail and the author’s natural empathy and insight which are loved by readers to this day. 

Evacuees and Crabapple Trees is a delightful journey into the past, offering a moving and uplifting snapshot of both times gone by and a remarkable writer’s life, from her years as a young evacuee to falling in love and raising her children. A nostalgic feast for all saga fans!
(Zaffre, paperback, £9.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Big dreams, fighting greed and crazy chemistry

Enjoy the exciting stage-set for a star-studded Victorian pantomime, join a thrilling rescue mission to save the world from a terrible poison, learn how to do epic science experiments at home, and meet a shy schoolboy who finds himself thrust into the limelight in a glittering collection of new books

Age 7 plus
Star of the Show
Jacqueline Wilson
and Rachael Dean

DREAM BIG and the most amazing things can happen to even the smallest of children! Much-loved author and former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson sweeps readers back in time to Victorian London and the exciting world of pantomime in a delightful new adventure full of the worst of times... and the best of times. Starring a little girl who loves to dance, and cannot help but overflow with enthusiasm and determination despite her terrible lot in life, Star of the Show is one of the most uplifting and inspirational children’s novels you will read this year. ‘I’m going to a place called Grand Theatre and I’m going to be a dancer in a pantomime!’ Tess loves to dance, even when her tummy is empty, her boots are pinching and everything seems grim. After mum dies and pa abandons them, Tess and her brothers and sisters are all alone with hardly any food or money. 

With empty stomachs and scrambling for pennies, they’ve got to fend for themselves, eating bread and dripping, and taking in washing to earn a few pennies to buy food... and milk for their baby sister Ada. When Tess’s big brother and sister decide go out to look for work, she has to stay in class at the Ragged School and take care of Ada and her little brother Tommy. But Tess is determined that e ven though she is poor, she will still get to go to the ball…or at least to dance in the Cinderella pantomime at the Grand Theatre! Star of the Show – given an extra shine by Rachael Dean’s vibrant illustrations – is full of fascinating characters, rich and authentic historical detail of Victorian life, and explores the pivotal role that young children played in the Victorians’ renowned and spectacular pantomimes. And with themes of strength in hardship, the powerful bonds of family, and never giving up on your dreams, the stage is set for a star-dusted story guaranteed to both entertain and educate!
(Puffin, hardback, £12.99)

Age 9 plus
Ember Shadows and the Secret of the Ocean
Rebecca King and Raquel Ochoa

A RESCUE mission to save the world from a poisonous, spreading greed provides thrills, chills and spills on every page of the last instalment of a series that has captured the imagination of readers both young and old. The creator of these gripping, eco-themed adventures in a magical land is Rebecca King who was born and grew up in England but was inspired to write this three-book Ember Shadows series – gorgeously illustrated by Raquel Ochoa – after visiting Mount Everest in search of her Tibetan heritage. With a cast of quirky characters – including a clock hand called Hans who has come unstuck from his clock, and Florence, a wise and friendly owl who dreams of editing a newspaper – these enchanting and exciting stories have all the magical, and yet gritty, vibes of Alice in Wonderland. For her final mission, we find that ever since Ember Shadows freed her world from the Fate Cards that fixed everyone’s fates, things have been changing... and not always for the better. Now that people are learning about the existence of the magical landscapes, they want to explore them. But the landscapes are delicate, and the desire to access them is causing a terrible reaction... the Emocean is producing far, far too much greed, poisoning the lands. With both the realms and the creatures within them at risk, Ember and her friends have to travel through tunnels and across the world to administer an antidote to the greed. But with more and more people learning about the landscapes, planting an antidote may not work for long... can Ember find a way to protect the landscapes for good? Filled with fun puzzles for the reader to solve alongside Ember, plus Ochoa’s illustrations which bring the magic to life, Ember’s last chapter delivers the same all-action, warm-hearted and eco-conscious adventure that readers have come to love. Magic in the making!
(Orion Children's Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Science is Lit
Big Manny

THE fine art of learning science takes off with a BOOM thanks to TikTok science sensation Big Manny, aka Emanuel Wallace, a 26-year-old science-first content creator and music artist who is making the periodic table and Bunsen burners cool again! With a master’s degree in biomedical science, Big Manny creates age-friendly and class-friendly content that is entertaining, educational, and experimental. He has a combined following of 2.9 million on TikTok and Instagram, has appeared on Blue Peter, and regularly collaborates with BBC Bitesize. Packed with the characterful illustrations of Subi Bosa, an artist based in Cape Town, South Africa, Science is Lit shows youngsters how they can become a real-life scientist and create crazy chemistry  and epic and awesome experiments at home using ordinary ingredients. Using his own special vocabulary (wagwan, ite, likkle and ting!) Big Manny explains some basic (and not-so basic) chemistry concepts, from combustion to chromatography (chroma-what-now?). Along the way, children will meet the amazing elements which each have their own personalities, whether that’s fiery hydrogen or the main man, oxygen. They will also learn about some explosive reactions... from fizzing mixtures to dish soap volcanoes! So start experimenting and find out why science is lit, innit! Perfectly created, written and illustrated to engage children, and with accessible, easy-to-follow experiments to try out at home, this is science on steroids for tomorrow’s professors!
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Worst. Superhero. Ever.
Charlie Higson and Warwick Johnson-Cadwell

STAN is a worrier rather than a warrior so landing the star role as a superhero in a popular TV show isn’t quite what he planned in a year in which his principal aim was simply to save the school library! Welcome back to the world of 12-year-old dreamer Stan who we first met in Worst. Holiday. Ever. and whose antics perfectly capture the voice of a shy boy on the cusp of adolescence. Stan and his hilarious Adrian Mole-style life spring from the fertile imagination of Charlie Higson, the creator and star of the hugely successful TV comedy series The Fast Show. Packed with all the recognisable anxieties that come with the tumultuous teen years, lots of laugh-out-loud (and moving!) moments, and the illustrations of Warwick Johnson-Cadwell, this new, all-action, slapstick adventure draws on Higson’s own experiences of working behind the cameras of a famous TV show.

Stan has found himself a starring role as superhero in a popular TV show but he’s absolutely terrified. After surviving a holiday to Italy without his parents (which included jellyfish and giant watermelons), Stan reckons he deserves a bit of a break... or at a least a break in between trying to act in his school play. But when he’s offered the chance to take a tour around a TV studio, he thinks it can’t do any harm. How wrong he is. Before Stan can say ‘Boy of Steel,’ he’s landed himself a part as a main character in one of the most well-known TV shows there is... as a brainy superhero. Convinced he’s going to embarrass himself in front of millions of people – and worried about leaving his friends to face a school play on their own – can Stan find a way to use his new-found fame for good? Or will he be the Worst. Superhero. Ever? Those who have already met terrified superstar Stan – and readers who are yet to relish his shy shenanigans – are sure to enjoy following him as he worries his way through yet more adventures and misadventures, and learns important lessons about facing your fears. Fun, easy-to-read and perfect for reluctant readers!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Auntie Medusa and Me
Marie Basting and Flavia Sorrentino

ENJOY the ancient world as you’ve never before seen it in the second rip-roaring Roman romp from Manchester-based author Marie Basting who bewitched young readers with her critically acclaimed debut novel Princess BMX. And after turning traditional fairy stories on their head, this imaginative writer heads to the beating heart of Ancient Rome for all-action, laugh-out-loud adventures starring a madcap family thrust back in time. As a schoolgirl called Livi, she just wanted to fit in so being catapulted back to Ancient Rome and finding out her mum is a warrior goddess was not part of the plan. As for the rest of the family... her sister is a cyclops, her uncle is building an army, and her role-play, LARP-obsessed dad is now a lava soldier. So here she is now, Silvia Fortuna Juno De Luca... half-schoolgirl, half-goddess. Yes, an actual Roman demigoddess! And if Silvia thought travelling back in time was quite something, it’s nothing compared to what’s happening now. Medusa the gorgon wants her head back... and she’s chosen Silvia to find it! Filled with humour, fascinating facts on Roman mythology and life in the city that was once the centre of a vast empire, these Roman romps see Basting – who long ago learned that girls can do anything they want – put Fun (with a capital F!) into witty and wonderful adventures. Add on important themes of family, belonging and confidence-building, and the quirky illustrations of Flavia Sorrentino to provide the final, fabulous flourish, and this terrific, time-travelling series is just too good to be missed!
(Chicken House Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Marnie Midnight and the Great Critter Contest
Laura Ellen Anderson

SHARE fun and sky-high adventures with an adorable little moth in her magical, miniature world as Laura Ellen Anderson – best-selling creator of the Amelia Fang and colourful Rainbow Grey books – makes a flying return with the second book of her hugely imaginative illustrated fiction series. Written and gorgeously illustrated by Anderson, Marnie Midnight is a book star with big, out-of-this-world dreams. And she is having so much fun at Minibeast Academy, a school for bugs tucked into a giant tree at the bottom of the museum gardens. This term it’s time for something really exciting... the Great Critter Contest! The contest sees minibug students set off to explore the school in teams, searching for clues. The winners get an incredible prize and Marnie and her team – best friends Floyd the bee (who is really an A) and Star the super-strong princess ant – are determined to be first to cross the finish line. But when butterfly Veronica Spottage gets into trouble and needs rescuing, Marnie and her team have to decide whether winning really is the most important thing. Anderson has become the go-to author for her amazing world-building skills and exquisite artwork and this magical mystery series delivers everything young readers love... quirky characters and humour, warmhearted friendships, exciting adventures, and fascinating facts about the natural world. Add on the extra sparkle and shine of the eye-catching blue-sprayed book edges, and it’s fun all the way to the moon and back! This book is published on August 29.
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Action Dude and the Massive Shark
Andy Riley

IF you think Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Die Hard-era Bruce Willis are the coolest action heroes in town… you obviously haven’t met Charlie Munderdrew. Sorry, that should read Action Dude because he’s changed his name! Emmy-winning screenwriter and million-copy-selling author and artist Andy Riley is on his best imaginative form with the third book in a fantastic, laugh-out-loud graphic novel series that is packed full of explosions, friendship and fun… and yet more explosions! Star of this comic caper fest is, of course, the eponymous Action Dude. He lives for danger, he lives for excitement, he also lives with his mum because he’s only nine years old. Action Dude is always jumping out of helicopters, crashing ships, running along the tops of cranes and walking out of buildings just before they explode. So get ready for his new adventure and don’t panic! Action Dude won’t say it because people might get scared... but there’s a huge deadly mutant shark on the loose. Whoops! Luckily Action Dude is on hand to help. Riley – creator of the hilarious King Flashypants series – conjures up a tidal wave of laughter with his rollicking riot of slapstick comedy, anarchic action and crazy characters. Ideal reading for your own all-action mischief-makers!
(Welbeck Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham
Kate Temple and Annabel Wright

CAN you draw without a pencil, and can you paint what music feels like? If that sounds like an impossible skill, discover the amazing talents of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004), a Scottish artist known as ‘Willie’ who also worked in St Ives, and is now recognised as one of Britain’s most significant 20th century artists. Barns-Graham worked across landscape and abstraction in painting, drawing and printmaking and in this colourful art activity book for children – published by the Edinburgh-based trust created to enhance her work and support others to fulfil their artistic potential – her two faithful cats act as guides to her art and story. Artist Annabel Wright’s beautiful illustrations introduce youngsters to Barns-Graham’s amazing long and productive life, alongside a wide-range of fun and engaging art activities exploring particular ideas and themes in her work. Designed by artist, Kate Temple, and featuring high quality reproductions of key artworks, the book aims to encourage children to explore ideas and develop their own creativity through art. Barns-Graham’s life itself was an inspiration. She went against the wishes of her family to achieve her childhood dream to become an artist and became a sublime painter, draughtswoman, printmaker and brilliant colourist. Dividing her time between studios in St Ives and St Andrews she followed a consistent artistic vision throughout her sixty-five-year career. In 2001 she was awarded the CBE for her contribution to the British art world. The Trust is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a range of activities including the launch of this first book for children.
(Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, paperback, £10)

Age 5 plus
The Wild Outside
Rachel Ip and Katie Hickey

‘Explore the nature beyond your doorstep.’

THERE  could be no better introduction to this beautiful, inspirational and uplifting picture book than the welcoming words on the title page. Created by the stunning duo of award-winning author Rachel Ip and illustrator Katie Hickey, The Wild Outside invites youngsters to join a little girl called Tulip on a nature trail and discover the incredible trees, plants and flowers that can be found just outside your front door. Tulip loves being outside. She loves puddles and pine cones, flowers and feathers, and her pockets are full of nature’s treasure but Tulip is desperate to know more about the things she sees and finds on her daily walk. ‘What is this fruit... this plant... this seed?’ ‘What is this tree... this leaf... this reed?’ So when Tulip finds a nature trail drawn in chalk on the street outside her house, she is delighted to discover the names and uses of all her favourite trees, plants, and flowers. Then one day, she comes home to find a carefully wrapped prese  nt waiting on her doorstep... a book of nature from around the world. Every day, Tulip learns more and more about nature... but who is creating the nature trail? With Ip’s addictive sense of adventure, fun and discovery on every page, Hickey’s gloriously colourful and richly detailed illustrations bringing the story to vivid life, and names and facts given for every tree, plant and flower Tulip discovers, this stunning book encourages children to stop, notice, name and celebrate what can be found in the wonderful world of nature that is just waiting to be explored.
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 5 plus
The O.D.D. Squad:
Attack of Aunty Enchanty
Stuart Heritage and Vincent Batignole

DO you want to laugh your pants off? Of course you do, so come on into the world of the O.D.D. Squad... a team of (sort of) heroic and unforgettable animal crime-fighters! Graphic novels are ideal for reluctant readers who like their stories to come with bundles of fun, easy reading, and lots of verbal and visual action, and this brilliant pairing of feature writer, columnist and author Stuart Heritage, and French illustrator and comic artist Vincent Batignole hits the spot perfectly. So welcome back to Justice City and the madcap world of the hilarious O.D.D. Squad! On this visit, they are even more amazing (well, amazingly rubbish) than ever. Quack Attack, Detective Octopus and Invisidog are the most feared crime-fighters ever to roam Justice CIty. They might be a bit of a strange gang, but by heck they get the job done... most of the time, and only so long as the criminals they face are useless. And unfortunately for them, their nemesis in this adventure really ISN'T useless. In fact, she’s kind of an all-powerful sorceress who goes by the name of Aunty Enchanty. And what’s worse than an all-powerful sorceress? How about an all-powerful sorceress determined to wipe Justice City from the face of the Earth, using mega-monsters... one of which looks suspiciously familiar. Can the gang unite to defeat Aunty Enchanty, or is this the end of the road for the O.D.D. Squad? With Heritage’s lively, comedy-soaked story and Batignole’s eye-catching, bold and colourful gallery of pictures, this high-octane graphic series is guaranteed to tickle every young reader’s funny bone! This book is published on August 29.
(Puffin, paperback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
Five Little Trains
Camilla Reid and Jill Howarth

ENJOY watching little ones get hands-on with the new book in a gorgeous interactive counting series based on favourite nursery rhymes. Written by Camilla Reid – a writer and deviser of award-winning books for early years children including the much-loved Pip and Posy stories – this delightful Slide and Count board book series features buttons which slide along special tracks. And there’s lots of fun and smiles to be had here as youngsters slide the buttons along the special track to count the little trains in a fun twist on the popular nursery rhyme, Five Little Ducks. Little children will have huge fun moving the buttons around the page to make Daddy Train’s little trains follow him along the tracks and go off on their adventures. With a romping, read-aloud text which is ideal for sharing, easy-to-move buttons to slide, and an adorable cast of characters, these joyful pre-school books – which include Old MacDonald had a Farm and Five Little Ducks – are brought to enchanting life by the striking and super-colourful illustrations of artist Jill Howarth. With richly detailed scenes that are packed full of details to spot, these beautifully created and innovative board books are the perfect way to introduce early-years children to the concept of counting!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, board book, £7.99)

Close Knit

Jenny Colgan

IT'S a place where wild sea grass waves, the beach is long and white, the rivers run with clear water, and seals ‘pepper’ the coastline... but dreamer Gertie Mooney has her sights set on a life away from the beautiful but remote Scottish island where she grew up.

If you loved last year’s dazzling escapist romance, The Summer Skies, which introduced readers to feisty pilot Morag MacIntyre and the stunning island of Carso, then cuddle up for Close Knit, Jenny Colgan’s warm and fun-filled new Highland ‘fling’ which comes threaded through with love and is guaranteed to have you in stitches.

This gorgeous, feel-good rom-com about taking chances, making changes and meeting that special someone is set against the same, alluring island backdrop and zones in on life-enhancing themes like community, healing, and just what you can achieve when you dare to leave your comfort zone.

Shy Gertie Mooney has always had her head in the clouds, wondering what her life might be like if she could only pluck up the courage to leave the windswept Scottish island of Carso where she was born. It’s the only place she knows, and unfortunately, you can’t do anything there without everyone knowing.

The glue that holds together this close-knit community of whitewashed cottages is the Knitting Circle, a group of strong, capable and unashamedly nosy women who work hard, knit and support each other through thick and thin. 

And at the centre of this sisterhood of knitters is Gertie’s mum Jean and her grandmother Elspeth, with the three generations of women living together, surrounded by wool, in one small cottage. But in a place of long dark winters and geographic isolation, the knitting circle is also a precious source of gossip...and Gertie knows only too well that there’s no getting a secret past them.

When the chance comes to enjoy her first taste of real freedom – a new job working with old school friend Morag MacIntyre on the small local airline owned by millionaire playboy Callum Frost, new friends and even a possible new romance – a world of possibilities opens up before Gertie. Is this finally the way to make her dreams come true or will she need to go further afield to find the adventure she craves?

It’s no surprise that Colgan (pictured above), who lives in Scotland, has won various awards for her writing, including the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award, and this gloriously uplifting story – set amidst the unspoilt splendours of the Highlands – has everything that a true romantic could want.  With the promise of love, laughter, drama and breathtaking scenery, an enchanting lead player with hidden talents, and a bunch of charismatic knitters who deliver more than a few ‘purlers,’ this is a delightful return trip to Carso and the perfect yarn spun specially for summer reading!
(Hodder & Stoughton, hardback, £16.99)

Death on the Lusitania

R.L. Graham

THE sinking of the luxury passenger liner, RMS Lusitania, by a German U-boat as it sailed from New York to Liverpool in 1915 led to the loss of 1,200 lives and caused international outrage on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Lusitania – which had been specially built to be easily converted to a warship – was torpedoed and sunk without warning, and its final voyage has become notorious in maritime history... an event harnessed by R.L. Graham, aka a husband-and-wife team of historians and writers, for a thrilling Agatha Christie-inspired First World War murder mystery starring British government mandarin Patrick Gallagher.

This exciting authorial duo are very much drawn to the shadowy world of crime, espionage and political intrigue, and this fast-paced, thrills-and-spills adventure – based loosely on events on board the ship – expertly blends rich historical detail and a locked-room mystery with the very real pathos of Lusitania’s haunting last sailing. In New York in 1915, RMS Lusitania, one of the world’s most luxurious ocean liners, departs for war-torn Europe. Among those on board is Patrick Gallagher, a civil servant in His Majesty’s government who has been tasked with escorting a British diplomat back to England.

When fellow passenger James Dowrich ­– a former Royal Navy officer returning from the States to do his ‘bit’ for the war effort – is believed to have shot himself in his cabin, Gallagher is asked by the captain to investigate the scene. And he soon finds that one crucial detail doesn’t fit... the man’s body was discovered in a locked cabin with the key inside and no gun can be found. Was it really suicide... or murder?

Gallagher believes one of the passengers is a deadly killer, one who could strike again at any moment to protect their true reasons for being on board. And all the while, the ship sails on towards Europe, where deadly enemy submarines patrol dark waters...

Death on the Lusitania is a page-turning Golden Age delight, packed with the atmospherics and clever, complex plotting of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, and delivers all the enticing twists, turns, intriguing suspects and red herrings that make murder mysteries a perennial favourite. Leading the action, and providing the important ‘little grey cells’ investigative skills, is the wily operator Patrick Gallagher, a wise and more than competent civil servant-cum-detective with a military and police service history, and still haunted by a very personal lost love.

Set against the febrile backdrop of the first twelve months of the Great War, and on the eve of Germany’s abandonment of ‘prize rules’ – under which U-boats would surface before attacking merchant ships, allowing passengers and crew to escape – this is a shipboard thriller with a truly chilling undertow. And with the added poignancy of not just the last hours of Lusitania and its passengers, but also the death from cancer of Marilyn Livingstone – one half of R.L. Graham – during the writing of this book, it is heartening to learn that Gallagher is set to return next year in The Spies of Hartlake Hall.
(Pan, paperback, £9.99)

Wartime in the Dales

Diane Allen

WHEN two young girls are evacuated from Liverpool to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in wartime, they soon start hatching plans to escape their rural billets and head back to the families they miss... and the city they love.

The rural beauty and wild charm of the Dales once again form the alluring backdrop to a compelling tale of family bonds, love, hope and resilience from popular storyteller Diane Allen (pictured below) who was born in Leeds but raised at her family’s farm deep in the Yorkshire Dales.

Using the stunning countryside surrounding her home near the historic market town of Settle as her inspiration, Allen’s gritty novels are proof that she has her finger firmly on the pulse of northern saga writing, and the hardy Yorkshire folk who have for centuries made their home amongst the hills and dales.

In Wartime in the Dales, we are swept back to September of 1939 to find the government cranking up the country for another war and plans already being laid for Operation Pied Piper which will see children from large, industrial cities evacuated to the countryside, far away from any potential bombing.

In Liverpool, where the large docks will almost undoubtedly be an enemy target, lifelong friends Maggie Shaunessy and Lizzie Taylor, both aged eleven, are heartbroken to be evacuated from their inner city homes to rural Yorkshire. Lizzie is sent to live with a vicar in the village of Gargrave while home-bird Maggie finds herself delivered by chauffeur to Hawith Hall, the home of Lady and Lord Bradley.

The moorlands and fields of Yorkshire are a whole new world for Maggie and Lizzie, and the hall and the vicarage are very different to the homes they have left behind. Soon both girls are very homesick although, fortunately for Maggie, she finds friendship in the form of Alice, a young servant at the hall who takes Maggie under her wing.

But Liverpool isn’t the only place seeing life transformed because change is coming to the Dales too, leaving the girls harbouring desperate plans to run away... all the way back to Liverpool.

Allen, an observant and insightful writer, brings us a fascinating cast of authentic characters in an enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities and struggles of youngsters whisked far from home and family during the Second World War. Filled with Allen’s warm-hearted compassion and gritty evocation of life in wartime, this poignant tale shines a light on the bonds of true friendship, the comfort gained from shared adversity, and the enduring power of love and family to transform even the darkest of days.
(Pan, paperback, £8.99)

The Armour of Light

Ken Follett

PEACE and bread! It’s 1792 and revolution is in the air... but the threats of disruption lie not just across the sea where the French military commander and revolutionary Napoleon Bonaparte is leading his armies into war across Europe.

In England’s cathedral city of Kingsbridge, workers are uniting and fighting as huge industrial changes sweep across the land, and their epic struggle takes centre stage in the latest chapter of a phenomenal series which has enshrined master storyteller Ken Follett as one of the world’s most popular and talented historical fiction writers.

It’s all part of a jaw-dropping success story that began thirty-four years ago when Follett (pictured below) set aside his thriller writing to lay the foundations of a remarkable historical novel which would become a worldwide phenomenon selling over 27 million copies.  The Pillars of the Earth – a truly magnificent tale about the building of a 12^th century cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge – stunned both readers and critics with its rich period detail, extensive architectural research, and brilliant storytelling, and was turned into a major television series, produced by Ridley Scott.

Avid fans had to wait until 2007 for the sequel, World Without End, another voluminous blockbuster which followed the fortunes of Kingsbridge families in the 14^th century. Ten years later, Follett weighed in again with A Column of Fire, a magnificent Kingsbridge drama set amidst the tumultuous events of the Tudor period and in 2020 he brought us The Evening and the Morning, a gripping, action-packed prequel set in the dark days of the 10^th century.

And now he’s back for a blockbuster ride through a new dawn for Kingsbridge where the Enlightenment has opened eyes, progress clashes with tradition, class struggles disrupt every level of society, the war across the Channel both inspires and terrifies the people of Kingsbridge, and the fight for freedom of speech becomes a cause célèbre.

In England, the government is setting on a course to make the country a mighty commercial empire and in post-revolutionary France, Napoleon begins his ruthless and relentless rise to

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A star-studded odyssey and dogged detectives

Escape to the winding streets of Venice and meet some very special cats, enjoy a feast of summer sun and amazing adventures on a faraway island, join the hunt for a murderer in a glorious giant-sized mystery, and share giggles with two daring animal sleuths with a sparkling collection of new  books

Age 9 plus
Rosa By Starlight
Hilary McKay and Keith Robinson

CAN a family of cats save a young girl still struggling to cope with life eight years after her parents died in an accident? Hilary McKay, the Costa award-winning author of The Skylarks' War, spreads love and stardust over a magical story of adventure, friendship and courage which will break your heart and put it back together again.Brought to glorious life by the emotive illustrations of Keith Robinson, Rosa By Starlight has an unforgettable heroine at its core... a lost soul convinced that somewhere in her bleak world is the magic and hope she craves, and discovering it in the most unexpectedly ‘feline’ place.

After years of being cared for by kind neighbours, eleven-year-old Rosa Mundi has abruptly been left in the care of a mysterious aunt and uncle and when her school closes down suddenly, she is forced to join them on a work trip to Italy. Left to fend for herself at the rundown Hotel Mancini in Venice, Rosa feels completely abandoned and it takes all her courage to stay hopeful and adventurous in the ancient city. Help arrives just when she needs it most in the shape of her neighbour’s large black cat Balthazar. But can the mysterious winding streets of the city, its feline inhabitants and an alignment of stars spark the magic Rosa longs for, and plant seeds of hope for the future?

Cat lovers will be purring with delight as McKay delivers a beautiful, Italian-themed odyssey filled with all the atmospherics you would expect from the serpentine streets of Venice, a large serving of magic and melancholy, and a wistful, waif-like heroine kept safe by a cannily clever cast of felines. An adventure that’s guaranteed to cast a spell!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 9 plus
Shipwrecked
Jenny Pearson and Nick East

SCHOOL trips aren’t always plain sailing as three youngsters discover when they find themselves alone and stranded on a desert island! Shipwrecks, survival and pirates take centre stage in the latest adventure from award-winning author and primary school teacher Jenny Pearson whose much-loved books are based on a wonderful mix of all the children she has ever taught. Packed with Pearson’s trademark humour and heart, plus the brilliant illustrations of Nick East, Shipwrecked is the perfect summer read... a classic castaway tale with a contemporary modern twist which shines a light on resilience, finding the good in a bad situation, and protecting wildlife. Sebastian Sunrise and his two best friends, Lina and Étienne, are in a bit of trouble. They are stranded on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean after a rowing race organised by Sebastian went very, very wrong. The friends have no idea how long they might have to stay on the island so they make a plan. They will try to survive, look after the island’s baby turtles, and have fun...  if they can. But Sebastian’s life has never gone to plan and they quickly face jellyfish stings, burnt bums and an out-of-control goat. And when a boat arrives, bringing pirates who want to hunt the island’s baby turtles, the friends face their greatest danger yet... Shipwrecked – a feast of summer sun, amazing adventures, laugh-out-loud comedy, and East’s captivating artwork – is the sixth unmissable outing with this talented author. So, whatever you do, don’t miss the boat!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Beanstalk Murder
P.G. Bell

YOU'RE never too young to enjoy cosy crime so join master storyteller P.G. Bell – the Welsh author who conjured up the award-winning The Train to Impossible Places series – as he blends fairytale magic with murder mystery in a glorious giant-sized adventure. The Beanstalk Murder is a dazzling standalone tale which stars a wonderfully quirky cast of characters, originally planned for an earlier book but now planted into a makeshift house on the banks of a stream, tucked away in the shade of a mighty oak tree and crammed full of magical paraphernalia. It’s the home of reluctant, trainee meadow witch Anwen and her grandmother witch Eira Sedge who are forced to turn detective when a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys their village. But when she examines the body, she discovers something interesting. This giant was murdered which means a killer is on the loose! Tasked with sending a message to the giant kingdom via beanstalk, Anwen and her nemesis, trainee sorceress Cerys Powell, accidentally find themselves whipped up into the sky and deposited in the giants’ royal palace... where the king is missing. Using their perfect spy-size and witchy skills, the girls must track down his killer. But how can you investigate a murder mystery when you risk being stepped on by your suspects? Bell lets his imagination fly high as he takes us to the top of the beanstalk for a thrilling, atmospheric and world-building adventure in which a murder brings the worlds of humans and giants crashing together. Enjoy lashings of danger, intrigue and fun, twists and turns to keep you guessing, and watch out for some giant pigeons! A truly spellbinding mystery...
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Hero Wanted!
Mark Powers and Coralie Muce

HAVE you ever met a vegan T. rex? If that sounds extremely unlikely, you need to dive into this romping, stomping adventure from Manchester-based author Mark Powers who admits he has been making up ridiculous stories since primary school. There are giggles galore on every page of this madcap, funny and fast-paced tale, filled with the hilarious illustrations of French concept artist Coralie Muce, and starring twelve-year-old Grace who must venture to the world of Brokenshire (where magic is real, dinosaurs are alive and animals can talk) to lead the fight against the People of the Night and win the Worthy War. Grace is woken in the middle of the night to the sound of an armoured horse in her back garden. The next thing she knows, a dying Grace doppelganger bursts through her bedroom door and insists that she is the fifteenth and final Grace, and it is her destiny to win the Worthy War. Grace’s quest takes her to the county of Brokenshire where she must work with her trusty steed (who has a sharp tongue and a habit of reminding Grace of all the ghastly ends her predecessors have met!) to battle magical creatures and save the world. A vegan T. rex, mind control slugs, a distinguished dodo, bomber geese and the fearsome trigger wolf are just some of the memorable characters Grace meets on her way in this brilliantly imaginative and dazzling adventure which will have youngsters laughing all the way to the twist in the tail!
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
Tangletree Mysteries: Peggy & Stu Play The Wrong Notes
Steve Roberts and Joel Stewart

IF you haven’t already met dynamic detective duo, Peggy and Stu, then you’d be barking mad to miss their anarchic antics in Tangletree Wood! Peggy & Stu Play The Wrong Notes is the second full-colour graphic novel in this fantastic collaboration between that other dynamic duo, Steve Roberts and Joel Stewart, joint creators of TV animations like Abney & Teal and BOT and the Beasties. And after their first book, Peggy & Stu Investigate!, we meet up again with Peggy the dog who has a secret... every day, during her walk in the park, she scampers into Tangletree Wood and becomes a brilliant detective! In fact, no mystery is too tricky to solve for Peggy and her faithful sidekick, Stu the shrew. So join them for two new twisty adventures. In Case 1, Trumpet Trouble, it’s the day of the Tangletree Spring Dance and the town band is desperate to play. But the trumpet-player’s instrument  has developed a life of its own and has run off into the forest! Can Peggy and Stu catch it, discover why it’s moving and save the Spring Dance? In Case 2, Cake Crimes, Tangletree has a visitor... a pop-up bakery with the most delicious cakes... so delicious that the townsfolk can’t stop eating them. And so sweet that they are giving everyone terrible toothache! Can it be a coincidence that a pop-up dentist has opened up as well? Prepare to giggle from start to finish as our fearless sleuths head into the shady corners of Tangletree Woods to get to the bottom of some extraordinary – and hilarious – woodland mysteries.  Packed with exhilarating fun, non-stop action, and a cast of brilliant comedy characters, this is graphic novel entertainment pitched perfectly for young readers.
(Welbeck Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Paper Adventures: A Rip-and-Glue Activity Book
Aya Watanabe

IT'S going to be a ripping summer for art and fun-loving youngsters when they get their hands on the first two books of a brilliantly creative new series from up-and-coming Japanese illustrator Aya Watanabe. This delightful series encourages children to cut, or simply rip, and stick to practise and improve their fine motor control skills and is the work of an artist who loves to explore imaginary worlds and express her inner child through art. In Paper Adventures: A Rip-and-Glue Activity Book, we join two brave explorers as they journey through the jungle, meeting wild animals along the way, before diving to the bottom of the ocean for sunken treasure. But something is very strange... a tiger has lost its stripes, an elephant needs a trunk, and the flowers are missing their petals!

Can you help the explorers fill in the picture and finish their adventure? At the back of the book are thirteen sheets of brightly coloured and patterned paper for little hands to rip and glue to complete the scenes. And in Paper Stories: A Snip-and-Glue Activity Book, youngsters discover a new story on every page. But wait... there’s something missing! The butterflies are searching for a home, the zebra has lost its stripes and where are all the shooting stars? Simply start your story in the jungle then travel from the city to the ocean... all the way back home. Children use the strips of colourful illustrations, cut along the lines, and glue new art to the scene, creating their own illustrated stories. Or if they are feeling brave, they can cut the shapes, not the lines, for practising super scissor skills! The perfect companions for hours of creative fun...
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £7.99 each)

Age 3 plus
One Day at a Time
Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek

WHEN parents of young children separate or divorce, it’s often hard for young children to fully understand the changes in their lives. Taking this emotive theme, award-winning picture book author and author ambassador Rachel Ip and Malaysian-born illustrator Natelle Quek combine their talents and their hearts on a beautifully illustrated story which offers comfort, understanding and reassurance to bewildered youngsters. When Poppy and Robin’s parents separate, everything starts to change around them. They soon have two homes, different routines and big mixed-up feelings. But as family life begins to take new shape, the siblings discover that even the biggest changes in life get easier, and happiness can grow again, if you take it one day at a time. Ip’s gentle, heartfelt story – full of child appeal and the familiar settings of home and garden – is given extra poignancy by Quek’s enchanting artwork. Ideal for home, nurseries and in schools.
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Be Normal!
Ged Adamson

SHARE laughter, larks and life lessons in a funning and moving picture book from Liverpool-born author and illustrator Ged Adamson. Combining a whimsical story with appealing artwork, Adamson lets loose his imagination on a delightful story celebrating friendship, individuality and staying true to yourself. Theo can't wait to get his very own dog. But when Geoff (Geoff Thorndike to be precise!) arrives, Theo is confused... Geoff doesn't play fetch, chase squirrels or do any normal doggy things. He likes painting and making smoothies! When Theo has to introduce Geoff to his friends, he’s SO embarrassed. Why can't Geoff be like other dogs? But maybe, just maybe, Theo will discover that accepting your friends just as they are is much more important than being normal. After all, why be normal... when you can be yourself? Adamson’s quirky adventure reminds young readers that being ‘normal’ is not important but enjoying time with your friends and having fun definitely is! And like all Nosy Crow paperback picture books, Be Normal! comes with a free ‘Stories Aloud’ audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books
Barry Timms and Laura Borio

MANY youngsters would claim that it’s never too early to prepare for the spills and spooks of Halloween so indulge them with a spooktacular adventure that gives a ghostly book shop top billing! Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books has been conjured up by the creative team of award-winning storyteller Barry Timms and rising picture book star Laura Borio. Books are magic! Bookshops are spectacular! Don’t believe us? Join Henry as he helps Griselda Snook on the opening day of her spooky bookshop. From hunting down runaway jack-o’-lanterns to banishing dragons, Henry loves his day spent in Griselda’s bookshop, and he especially likes helping book lovers to find their next read. But can Henry find the perfect book for himself? Timms’ delightful tale of a truly extraordinary bookshop – and its celebration of the sheer magic of books – is brought to life by Borio’s stunningly detailed artwork which features an eye-catching orange fluoro pantone ink on every page. The ideal gift for book (and Halloween) fans!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, ££7.99)