The Hidden Girl

Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker

FAMILY secrets from the past explode into a nightmare of forbidden love, thwarted desire, revenge and murder in a sweeping and deliciously dark saga from superstar storyteller Lucinda Riley whose untimely death in 2021 has – thankfully for her many global fans – not ended the joy of discovering her dazzling array of novels.

Long before the Me Too movement sparked the conviction and jailing of high-profile sex offenders like American film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2022, Riley (pictured below) was hatching a story about the menacing side of fame, toxic masculinity, and the ability of ruthless, powerful men to destroy the lives of vulnerable women.

The Hidden Girl – originally published as Hidden Beauty in 1993 under the name Lucinda Edmonds – was Riley’s second novel and written at the age of twenty-six, many years before she became the acclaimed author of her groundbreaking eight-book Seven Sisters series which gripped readers across the world.

It had always been her intention to reintroduce Hidden Beauty to the world but she never had the opportunity so her (heroic!) son Harry Whittaker (pictured below) – co-author of the last Seven Sisters book, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt – has once more stepped into the breach and reworked this heartbreaking and hard-hitting lost treasure which transports us from the wilds of Yorkshire’s Bronte country in the 1970s and the glamorous catwalks of Milan to the horrors of the Treblinka extermination camp in wartime Poland.

And what a fine job he has made of it, ensuring that readers can enjoy and admire his mother’s story of stunning prescience and disturbing truths... a breathtaking, time-weaving standalone tale which is based on Riley’s own early life experiences as an actress and model, and shines a light on the dangerously controlling and sexually abusive behaviour of men in positions of immense power or wealth.

Born and raised in a small village on the Yorkshire moors, Leah Thompson looks more beautiful with each passing day. Her mother Doreen is housekeeper to 46-year-old Rose Delancey, a famous artist from a troubled family, now living far from the spotlight and keeping her past securely locked away. Leah has grown up alongside Rose’s darkly mysterious and unsettling older son Miles, and her prematurely worldly and wayward adopted daughter Miranda, and by the time she is sixteen, Leah’s ethereal beauty has caught the attention of Rose’s long-lost nephew Brett Cooper, and friends from London’s high-profile modelling agencies.

Whisked off to the big city, where she finds comfort in new-found friendships and being able to send money home to her parents , Leah is soon taking the 1980s modelling world by storm, travelling from Milan to London and New York, and living life in the lap of luxury.

But Leah can’t escape the past which follows her like a dark shadow, a past that is mysteriously intertwined with the tragic tale of two young siblings in Poland caught up in the Holocaust during the Second World War.

As two generations of secrets threaten to erupt, Leah is also haunted by a fatal, forgotten prophecy... one that she had hoped would die away but which she must now fight if she is to challenge the destiny that was mapped out for her in the stars.

The Hidden Girl is an exciting posthumous gift from a writer who never ceases to amaze her readers as she once more transports us from the pedestrian realities of everyday life into a two-generational epic where good battles evil, friendships are formed, love awakens, and festering secrets have deadly consequences.

At its heart is Yorkshire lass Leah Thompson, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary beauty who discovers that her fateful association with the Delancey family might be the catalyst for her fame and fortune, but that it comes with a heavy personal price. Leah’s rise from humble beginnings in rural Yorkshire to modelling super stardom and life in New York’s Fifth Avenue and other exclusive foreign enclaves is overshadowed by tragedy, thwarted love affairs, the deadly fall-out from vaulting ambition, and a fatal, forgotten prophecy that refuses to be banished.

Juxtaposed with Leah’s trials and tribulations in the vibrant post-war age are the privations and perils of staying alive in the ghettoes of wartime Warsaw and surviving the daily terrors of the notorious Treblinka camp where death was only ever a heartbeat away. Brimming from start to finish with emotional intensity, and fizzing with menace and intrigue, The Hidden Girl explores the eternal themes of love, loss and redemption in a journey that is littered with twists and turns and revelations, and springs a wickedly unexpected sting in its tail.

And in her trademark style, Riley seamlessly weaves together the two timelines, investing readers’ interest in both past and present, delivering a plot of incredible intricacy and imagination, and thrilling us with a cast of unforgettable characters on a spectrum from the terrifyingly evil to the exquisitely vulnerable. A treat for Lucinda’s army of fans... and a reminder of her exceptional talent.
(Macmillan, hardback, £22)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Toothsome tales, fight for glory and an information highway

Explore some of the most marvellous mouths of the animal kingdom, head off to Ancient Rome for the final showdown of a thrilling charioteering epic, enjoy a fascinating illustrated journey through the evolution of information, and discover danger and excitement in the latest adventure in a spectacular rabbit world fantasy series in a sparkling selection of September children’s books

Age 7 plus
Open Wide! Jaw-dropping Mouths of the Animal World

Letizia Diamante and Ed J.Brown

CRUNCH! Snap! Slurp! Explore the most marvellous mouths of the animal kingdom, from the awesome jaws of the great white shark to the tiny teeth of the garden snail, and gobble up a feast of fascinating facts. Open Wide! – written by scientist and author Letizia Diamante and fabulously illustrated by Ed J.Brown – is a tasty treat for all those children who can’t get enough of sharks, big cats and other toothy predators. From the most astonishing mouths and sharpest teeth to the stretchiest cheeks and the stickiest tongues in the animal kingdom, youngsters will love chomping through the pages as they learn about animal mouths, teeth, beaks, tongues and lips, the important animal body parts that are often overlooked, even though they are right under our noses! Some animals sport tongues that are longer than their bodies, others have super-sticky spit that can speedily snare an insect snack. And animals use their mouths for lots of things other than just eating... to carry their food or their babies, to build their homes or even to climb waterfalls! Children are especially aware of their own mouths as they lose their milk teeth and watch adult teeth grow in their place, and Open Wide! compares their teeth to those of their favourite animals (and some super weird ones, too!). Diamante’s knack for sharing cutting-edge information in a playful, awe-inspiring way is guaranteed to engage budding young scientists, and with Brown’s stylish illustrations on every page, photographic zoom-ins to bring the stories and facts to life, and a sneaky lesson in diversity, this is the perfect way to get down and deep into the animal world!
(What on Earth Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion
Annelise Gray

BREATHTAKING horses, pulsating action, deadly danger, simmering, shimmering mysteries… and the corrupting power of revenge! If you hanker after truly extraordinary adventures – classics in more ways than one – then head off to Rome and share more thrills and spills of the ancient sport of charioteering alongside a courageous girl who dares to take on the best and win. In the fourth and final book of her heart-pounding debut series, classics scholar and Latin teacher Annelise Gray once again brings the Roman world to life with a vibrancy and breathtaking authenticity that cannot fail to capture hearts and minds. A magical blend of real history and dazzling fiction transports us back to the trials and terrors of the first century AD whilst delivering a terrific, inspirational adventure starring Dido, the only girl charioteer ever to have chalked up a victory at the majestic but brutal Circus Maximus. It was a win that cost her dear because the evil Emperor Caligula was intent on wreaking revenge, but Caligula is dead and when her beloved horse Porcellus sires a new foal, Dido hopes he will be the missing piece in her quest to train the greatest team ever seen at the Circus Maximus. But grief and her own desire for revenge are clouding her judgment. Then her old friend and one-time charioteer Parmenion asks her to shelter the runaway son of her bitterest rival and help him fulfil his dream of becoming a charioteer. Can Dido and the boy, Damon, help each other find a way out of darkness? And who will claim the right to be known as the sport’s ultimate champion in one last battle for racing glory? Expect fury and rivalry as the intelligent, loyal and passionate Dido must once more summon up the blood to fight personal and sporting battles in a world dominated by men. With an exciting cast of human and horse characters, Gray’s last gripping adventure gallops along as fast as the prize stallions of the Circus Maximus whilst delivering intriguing snippets of real history and steeping readers in the sights and sounds of the Roman Empire.  So saddle up, take the reins and enjoy one final extraordinary and exhilarating ride!
(Zephyr, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
The History of Information
Chris Haughton

TAKE an illustrated journey through the evolution of knowledge, communication and information with best-selling author and designer Chris Haughton. A graphic handbook of information – the biggest influence on human history – this chunky book offers a unique exploration of the ways humans share and store information, and how this has changed and shaped the world. Illustrated in Haughton’s signature style, The History of Information travels through time and dives deep into the story of information, from the first languages and cave paintings through to how we communicate and record information today. History, as it is often taught, presents the what and when, but it rarely asks why. Why did the world’s religions rise around the same time and why is society dominated by men? The answers all come down to the same thing... information. The striving to share information, and – at the same time – the striving to undermine it, explains so much of today’s world and connects so many seemingly unconnected things like the rise of religions, states, science, democracy, the West, militarism, racism, fascism, consumerism, big tech, polarisation, and AI. This history of information is closely connected to the history of visual communication – and as these two are largely the same – it makes sense to tell this story visually... a history of graphics told through graphics. Through a mix of timelines, graphics, and illustrations, The History of Information, clearly breaks down and explains each concept for children and adults alike. Divided into ten beautifully designed chapters that are cleverly illustrated in a way to make complex subjects accessible, and exploring everything we know and how we know it, this is a dazzling one-of-a-kind book that would sit comfortably on bookshelves at home, school, and in libraries.
(DK Children, hardback, £20)

Age 9 plus
Podkin and the Tentacled Terror
Kieran Larwood and David Wyatt

THE race is on to find a magical anvil in the penultimate book of 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 Tentacled Terror once more delivers all those ingredients that children love... adventure, magic, danger, thrills and friendship. After claiming the Singing Spear, Podkin, son of a rabbit warrior chieftain, heads to the sea to search out the last Gift of all – the anvil of Magmarok – a gift which will help save rabbitkind and which is hidden inside a mysterious labyrinth. He must brave the ancient sea monster Krakos and fearsome pirates with no scruples to arrive at the city that houses the anvil before Scramashank and his Gorm. But what will it take to defeat the labyrinth and win the anvil, and what will happen when the Gifts finally gather in one place? In a restless world under threat, Podkin will discover the importance of kinship, friends in funny places and a strength he never knew he had! Written with Larwood’s unique storytelling magic, exquisitely illustrated with full page artwork by leading fantasy illustrator David Wyatt, and encompassing a breathtakingly imagined world full of memorable rabbit characters, this is middle grade fiction at its very best.
(Faber Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Meesh the Bad Demon:
The Secret of the Fang
Michelle Lam

DARING adventures aren’t just for those who think they’re super-brave! In the second book of her magical and inspirational Meesh the Bad Demon full-colour graphic novel series, Los Angeles-based story artist Michelle Lam once again draws on her Chinese American childhood experiences to bring youngsters stories brimming with fantasy and fun. The star of this epic series is a reluctant twelve-year-old bad demon called Meesh who became leader of a band of outcasts tasked with saving the underworld. And after accomplishing this amazing feat once, she never thought she’d have to do it twice! Meesh has banded together with Fairy Princess Nouna to save their world from the darkness and as she grows into her newly discovered destiny as the Guardian of the world, Meesh knows there will be a few minor rescues, and maybe even some crime-fighting here or there. But before long, her new friend Chai’s family is forced out of their home by an evil force who threatens to destroy all of wolf-kind if they dare stay. Meesh suspects the same masked villain she faced before is behind all of this, but will she be able to stop them before it's too late? Youngsters will love being reunited with Meesh in her marvellously magical world and following her exciting adventures as she faces up to another epic battle to defeat the darkness once and for all. With an eclectic cast of demons, werewolves, fairy princesses and unicorns to enjoy, Lam’s gallery of adorable characters and fantastical illustrations bringing the story to devilish life, Meesh and her gang are undoubtedly everyone’s favourite good-bad guys!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 9 plus
Knutz and Boltz and the Sorcerer of Science
Tim Collins and Louise Forshaw

JOIN a thrilling quest to track down the fiendish Dr Chaos and test out your own science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to help save a kidnapped sorcerer! Written by Tim Collins, illustrated by Louise Forshaw, and developed with a specialist STEAM consultant, this first wickedly clever comic-style book in an exciting new puzzle adventure series takes readers on an all-action adventure in the company of Knutz, a STEAM whizz-kid, and canine super-inventor Boltz. Knutz and Boltz are waiting for a live stream of their favourite vlogger, the Sorcerer of Science, who performs experiments for her legions of fans. But today a strange figure has taken over her feed. He introduces himself as Dr Chaos and says he’s taken the Sorcerer prisoner... Knutz and Boltz will have to use all their STEAM-skills to tackle the fiendish challenges in the Mansion of Mayhem in order to save the Sorcerer and defeat Dr Chaos! Featuring an innovative mix of graphic-novel pages, zany prose and integrated puzzles, this fast-paced adventure steeps youngsters in STEAM subjects whilst delivering fun and entertainment on every page. Across six chapters, readers develop key science, technology, engineering, art and maths skills as they help Knutz and Boltz work their way through the challenges. All STEAMed up and ready for action!
(Buster Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Light Thieves
and the Terrifying Dawn
Helena Duggan

WHEN it comes to saving the world, it’s only kids you can trust! Welcome back to third and final action-packed eco-techno-adventure in The Light Thieves series from Irish author Helena Duggan, creator of the much-loved and bestselling A Place Called Perfect series. Brimming with action, mystery, and timely warnings about the dangers of placing too much reliance on technology, The Light Thieves stars a group of plucky young friends, Grian, Jeffrey and Shelli, whose mission is to stop the theft of invaluable sunlight. People know that the sun is being stolen by tech-billionaire Howard Hansom who has been spinning everyone a massive lie. The only person who can stop him from plunging the world into darkness is the mysterious White Rose but she must keep her identity a secret, so she has been sending out coded letters hoping good people will find them and work out what’s going on. Grian, Shelli and Jeffrey have been deciphering her letters and are close to solving all the puzzles... but they need one more set of clues to help them in their quest. Can they find the White Rose before it’s too late? Set against a superbly imagined dystopian world, and full of Duggan’s now trademark humour, intrigue, quirkiness and thrilling adventures, this is the last fantastic chapter of a thought-provoking and excitingly imaginative series, full of challenging ideas, fantasy and gripping twists and turns, and a timely reminder of the real-life fragility of our planet.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic
Carrie Sellon and Sarah Horne

BRACE yourself for more laughs, tasty pizzas and words of wisdom as author Carrie Sellon and illustrator Sarah Horne return with the second laugh-out-loud adventure of a trilogy starring the irrepressible Pizza Pete! We first met Pete last year in Sellon’s acclaimed debut Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions, a book currently listed for The Week Junior Book Awards. After finding a mysterious briefcase full of magic potions under the floorboards in the attic, Pete and his dad experimented with them to create some crazy, crowd-pleasing pizza toppings to help save the family business. Now Pete is back but he’s worried about seeing his friends – Anna, Archie and Useless the dog – and starting a new school term after a long summer holiday selling pizzas from his van with Dad. He’s also in great danger. Someone wants the magical potions and will stop at nothing to get them. When they go missing, Pete has to summon all his courage to save the day... and make use of some magic! Pete is a true hero for young readers, a boy who is helping the battle to save his family’s pizza business whilst struggling with his own anxiety issues. And it’s the author’s distinctive brand of laugh-out-loud, slapstick humour – perfectly complemented by Horne’s extravagant, fun-filled illustrations – which provide the ideal wrapping for a story that gently, and sensitively, tackles serious issues around mental health and anxiety. Don’t miss a slice of the pizza action fun!
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Bigg School: Secret Crush
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 third book of her Bigg School series which follows a group of children starting life at the Henry Bigg Academy. Astrid likes being different – she doesn't care that some of her classmates think she's a bit odd. She’s happy being exactly who she is, she’s got amazing friends and is the Scribble Society’s star writer. When new boy Teddy joins the school, Astrid is super excited to discover they have loads in common.  Soon she realises that she has a secret crush on Teddy, but on Valentine’s Day Astrid’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that Teddy likes someone more than her. Suddenly being different doesn't feel so great after all. Maybe it’s time for Astrid to start to try fitting in... but things don’t quite go as Astrid planned. With Jess Bradley’s emotive illustrations expressing the conflicted inner world and worries of emotionally mixed-up Astrid, this funny, relatable, tender and sometimes painfully honest story is a moving reflection of an ordinary youngster navigating friendships, first love and the ups and downs of growing up and secondary school. Entertainment and reassurance in one perfectly created book.
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Jack-Jack: How to Train Your Human
Ben Garrod and Charli Vince

ENJOY a dog’s eye view of his amazing world in the second book of delightfully cute and funny fiction series written by Ben Garrod, Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at the University of East Anglia. Garrod was inspired to pen The Adventures of a Dog Called Jack-Jack books after filming the hit BBC2 series, Baby Chimp Rescue in Africa, falling in love with Jack, and bringing him back to the UK where the two are now inseparable. So meet Jack-Jack who is not just any old dog... he’s the world’s coolest dog and used to look after orphaned chimpanzees in Africa until his owner Ben flew him thousands of miles away to live in the ‘Yookay.’ And after (sort-of) acclimatising to his strange new life, he is ready to shares his secrets of how to train his human. Humans may think they train dogs, but Jack-Jack says it’s actually the dogs that are training the humans, especially when gravy bone treats are involved. And his human has a lot to learn. Why does he put a rope on Jack-Jack and then go in the opposite direction of where he wants to go? Why does his human call his name when he’s in the middle of something important like sniffing another dog? And if he really does want that stick, why does he insist on throwing it away every time he returns it to him when they’re having walkies? Weird behaviour! So much so that Jack-Jack won’t be playing Fetch again! With the richly detailed and fun-filled black and white illustrations of Charli Vince on every page, Jack-Jack’s adventures as a snack-loving, exercise-shy hound like no other cannot help but win the hearts of all young (and old!) animal lovers!
(Zephyr, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
The Shop-Witch’s Quest
Aisha Bushby and Patri de Pedro

AWARD-WINNING children’s author Aisha Bushby casts a spell over young readers with an enchanting new adventure starring a shop-witch and a hero who must work together to fulfil an important quest. In a magical world where heroes go on exciting quests while witches keep everything running behind the scenes, Laurel works in her parents’ shop, supplying everything from enchanted yarn to magical carpets and bright idea lamps. But the shop is struggling after the opening of a big shopping centre nearby, so when a hero waltzes in with a long list of expensive items, Laurel sees an opportunity to help save the shop. However, there’s one item on the list that isn’t in stock, and it’s going to be very tricky to find! Join Laurel and her wise cat familiar as they take the reluctant hero on a quest to rescue her parents’ shop in this super-fun fantasy adventure full of magical exploits and hilarious mishaps, all brought to life by the charming artwork of Patri de Pedro and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format. Truly spellbinding!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Dave Pigeon (Zombies!)
Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey

YOUNGSTERS (and their grown-ups!) will be all of a-flutter when author Swapna Haddow and illustrator Sheena Dempsey’s sixth Dave Pigeon comedy adventure wings its way into their eager hands. With a laugh guaranteed on every page, this much-loved, award-winning chapter book series shows off the outstanding queens of comedy at their very best and has received rave reviews since first publishing in 2016. In their spooktastic new Halloween-flavoured adventure, we find Dave Pigeon and his trusty sidekick, Skipper, in the garden shed, discussing the possibility that there are zombie animals in the garden! They think this is the work of some dreaded green cookies. (Eat them at your peril.) But a cookie's a cookie, and Dave can't resist taking a peck. Now Skipper is in quite the flap! Is Dave about to turn into a zombie... or are those animals actually just in fancy dress? Packed with Haddow’s warmth, sense of fun and wicked, laugh-out-loud wit, and Dempsey’s irresistibly hilarious black and white illustrations, this funny, energetic and addictive series from one of the most inspired partnerships in children’s comedy fiction is simply irresistible!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Busy Little Fingers: Music
Eva Wong Nava and Eleonora Marton

CAN you make a noise like a trumpet, and do you know how to sing the blues?  This bright and busy book – bursting with fun, facts and bold illustrations – is perfect for a first, entertaining  look at music, and is jam-packed with things for busy little fingers to try. Written by Eva Wong Nava, an award-winning children’s author, and colourfully illustrated by Italian-born artist Eleonora Marton, Busy Little Fingers has a delightful vibrancy and energy and is ideal as an interactive introduction to music for younger children. Featuring ten need-to-know movements from Jazz and Folk to Hip Hop and Soul, children learn all about each genre and its defining characteristics before trying their hand at creating their own funky beats. A hands-on music lesson!
(Big Picture Press, paperback, £9.99)

Age 5 plus
Adventuremice: The Ghostly Galleon
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

YOUNGSTERS love these meeces to pieces! The dream team of author Philip Reeve and illustrator Sarah McIntyre pool their talents for the new book in a simply delightful early reader series which has all the fun of TV hit Paw Patrol, and the charm and whimsy of classics like The Wind in the Willows. With its focus on fun, friendship and kindness, Adventuremice features Pedro, a timid little mouse who has proved himself to be brave enough to join the heroic team who protect the Mouse Islands from danger. And here we find him getting ready for the annual Autumn Festival at the spookiest time of the year, and wondering if the ghost stories about the legendary Captain Cheesebeard and his ancient treasure hoard aren’t just tales? Pedro will have to summon the bravery needed to discover the secrets of the spooky galleon and the other ghostly goings-on at sea, and get to the bottom of the mystery! Reeve’s lively, heartwarming and fun-filled storytelling delivers all those ingredients that children love – immersive adventures, lovable heroes, reassuring friendships, exciting action and plenty of smiles – and all brought to vibrant, colourful life by McIntyre’s exquisitely characterful illustrations. A warm and whiskery favourite with mouse lovers of every age!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 2 plus
Winnie and Wilbur: Winnie’s Witchy Bedtime
Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul

THE adventures of Winnie the Witch and her black cat have provided spellbinding, bite-size stories for 36 years and the two madcap stars take centre stage in this super gift edition picture book. Written by the ever-inventive Valerie Thomas and brilliantly illustrated in Korky Paul’s distinctive and charismatic style, Winnie and Wilbur’s escapades are always mad, bad and dangerously hilarious, and in their latest colourful adventure there are laughs galore and a wide-awake adventure that – funnily enough! – is perfect for bedtime reading. It’s midnight and bedtime for witches. Wilbur is soon snoring but Winnie just can’t get to sleep! She decides to try some sleepy spells to help her nod off and soon there are frogs leaping around her bedroom and a rather pongy potion brewing. Nothing seems to work... until Winnie remembers her Big Book of Spells. Can she find the right spell before Wilbur wakes up for breakfast? Thomas’ joyful, exuberant and warm-hearted story reminds youngsters about the importance of bedtime routines and sleep while Paul’s richly detailed and playful artwork is full of fun, mischief, magic and mishaps. A cracking chaotic caper that’s guaranteed to cast a spell!
(Oxford University Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
Sleep Stories:
Little Panda & Little Elephant
Sarah Cordingley and Kamala Nair

JOIN a little panda as she follows a mysterious rumbling sound in the forest – and a little elephant searching for his lost rubber duck – in two new titles in an enchanting bedtime series from Oxford University Press. Drawing on their vast experience of children’s books for all ages, the book boffins have created these perfect calming reads to prepare little ones (and their carers!) for a good night’s sleep. In Little Panda, readers travel through the forest with the little creature as the sun sets behind the Snowy Mountains to find out just who is making the mysterious noise? 

And in Little Elephant, we find the baby animal having a bedtime bath in the Moonbeam Pool when his rubber duck is swept away down a stream. Can his friends from the savannah help him get it back? These enchanting, reassuring and soothing sleepy stories – beautifully written by Sarah Cordingley in consultation with a qualified mindfulness teacher, and gorgeously illustrated by Kamala Nair – transport youngsters to atmospheric, dream-like, twilight worlds where they follow the bedtime journeys of adorable animal characters. And as an added bonus, scan the QR code inside the book to access more mindfulness exercises, an audio version of the story, an atmospheric soundscape for reading the book aloud, and a gentle lullaby. The ideal wind-down after a busy day!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99 each)

Age from birth
Barefoot Baby-Proof Books

HERE'S something for every mum to chew over... chomp-proof, rip-proof, waterproof and bendable books just made for babies to get their teeth into! For over 30 years, Barefoot Books – a women-founded, independent publisher which started as a small home-based business in England in 1992 – have been creating visually captivating books which aim to celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children’s imaginations. And one of their big success stories has been the Barefoot Baby-Proof Books range which was designed to meet early developmental needs, and is ideal for babies and toddlers who love to explore using ALL their senses. These delightful ‘chew-proof’ books are made from durable, non-toxic materials, fully washable, dishwasher-safe and are perfect for bath-time. Each title is bursting with new concepts and skills and includes a QR code to audio and video animation to bring the story to life.

Adored by children for 25 years is the Bear series – written by Stella Blackstone and Illustrated by Debbie Harter – which features gorgeous artwork to inspire interactive early learning and is suitable for babies from birth onwards. So meet the lovable Bear in Bear in a Square which introduces little ones to lots of different shapes... triangles on the waves, diamonds on the crown and stars in the sky. Rhyme, repetition and counting, and a two-page spread to recap the shapes and colours, reinforces the educational building blocks. And in Bear About Town, tiny tots walk down to town with Bear and discover all the different businesses and settings. The rhyming text teaches days of the week, and is complemented by a two-page map of the town at the end.

Also in the Barefoot Baby-Proof Books range is Fast and Slow which is illustrated by Britta Teckentrup and introduces first vocabulary about modes of transport. The appealing, textured illustrations compare slow-moving vehicles like hot-air balloons and bikes with speedy machines like cars and rockets. Youngsters can also find out just how loud a lion is while discovering lots of other African animals in Stella Blackstone and Clare Beaton’s How Loud is a Lion? A simple text with a repeated refrain develops memory skills and builds vocabulary. Deliciously versatile books!
(Barefoot Books, paperback, £5.99 each)

Midnight in Vienna

Jane Thynne

IF your end-of-summer fancy turns to a clever murder mystery – seeped in the febrile atmosphere and dark suspicion of the pre-war months, and delicately laced with a Golden Age flavour – then get your hands on this historical gem from the wonderful Jane Thynne.

An author, journalist and broadcaster, Thynne has also written two acclaimed dystopian novels, Widowland and Queen High, under the pen name of C.J. Carey, but she is perhaps best known for her much-loved Clara Vine wartime espionage thrillers.

And in this new edge-of-the-seat crime adventure, Thynne whisks us away to London and Vienna in 1938 when the world teetered precariously on the precipice of another destructive war, and uncertainty and fear stalked the streets of Britain and Europe. Into the coming conflagration steps an unlikely – and utterly charming – partnership of detectives... one a young woman whose brainpower is, quite typically, seriously underestimated, and the other a former Special Branch man on a risky secret mission.

And what a winning formula it proves to be as Thynne (pictured left) delivers a gritty, suspense-packed story filled with her trademark richly detailed and exciting world-building, intriguing characters (including a cameo appearance by crime novelist Dorothy L. Sayers), and a growing sense of menace.

In September of 1938, war looms large and the whole of Europe seems to be ‘holding its breath in anticipation.’ In Britain, talk of gas masks and blackouts is increasing daily, people are understandably jumpy and anxious, and in London, ‘politics tinged the air like petrol.’

Stella Fry has spent the last five years working in Vienna as tutor for a Jewish family but they have been forced to flee Austria for the safety of New York and on return to London, Stella finds herself with no job and a broken heart.

Eager to work, she answers an advertisement from a famous mystery writer, Hubert Newman, who needs a manuscript typed. She meets the author at the upmarket Athenaeum Club in Pall Mall and takes on the job but is shocked the next day to learn of his sudden, unexplained death. She is even more surprised when, twenty-four hours later, she receives Newman’s manuscript through the post and reads the Dedication: ‘To Stella, spotter of mistakes.’

Meanwhile, Harry Fox, formerly of Special Branch and brilliant at surveillance, has been suspended for some undisclosed misdemeanour. He is currently shadowing suspected Communist sympathisers like George Orwell through the streets of London and has his own reasons for being interested in Hubert Newman. When Harry approaches Stella to share his belief that the writer’s death was no accident, she recalls Newman telling her at their one and only meeting that ‘people need a world where the loose ends are tied up and justice is done.’

And now it seems that since she was the last person to see Newman, Stella could be in danger herself and that by agreeing to help Harry, her life is soon going to be engulfed by events more extraordinary and perilous than she could ever have imagined.

Thynne has a wonderful way of blending fact and fiction into a story that bristles with menace and evokes time and place with both stunning authenticity and memorable vibrancy whilst dishing up a superb murder mystery sprinkled with tantalising clues and elusive red herrings. And leading the charge to solve the case are the likeable dyslexic detective Harry and his ‘partner in crime’ Stella, a strong, determined and brave woman whose hunt for the truth takes her from London to the shadowy corners of pre-war Vienna.

With Thynne’s meticulous research underpinning every inch of the plot, and some devilish twists and turns to enjoy, this is an autumnal treat not to be missed!
(Quercus, hardback, £20)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A book of how, a magical sea odyssey and money matters

Enjoy the ultimate book of answers for kids who need to know HOW, dive into a magical, mysterious sea odyssey set deep beneath the waves, find out how to turn your pocket money into pots of money, and laugh along with a hilarious escapade full of madcap characters and crazy antics in a super September selection

Age 5 plus
First Big Book of How
Sally Symes and Kate Slater

HOW do polar bears keep warm, how do keys open locks, and how do spacesuits work? Curious children present adults with the most surprising (and often testing!) questions about the workings of the world so here’s the ultimate book of answers for kids who need to know HOW! The magnificent First Big Book of How – written by Sally Symes and illustrated by Kate Slater – comes from What on Earth Publishing, a lively children’s publisher which specialises in trustworthy and inspiring non-fiction using warmth, humour, fun, surprise and diverse perspectives to engage and satisfy children’s natural curiosity. And this intriguing, stunningly illustrated and fact-filled book answers over 150 compelling questions on everything from space, Earth, machines and vehicles to buildings, animals, technology and the human body in clear, fun and accessible ways.

Discover how scientists see into space, how jellyfish sting, how black holes form, how we know what the dinosaurs looked like, how chameleons change colour, how insects walk on walls, how bones grow, how keys open locks, how tadpoles turn into frogs, how magnets stick to metal and how pianos make a musical sound. There are answers for inquisitive children on every page, and every page features a lavish blend of specially commissioned illustrations, detailed diagrams showing just how things work, and full colour photography. Each chapter also has two illustrated ‘Search and Find’ spreads in which young readers spot and count the illustrations amid the photography. By encouraging children to question how things are happening in the world around us, First Big Book of How supports curriculum topics and nurtures curious minds, and is the ultimate gift for children who need to know everything – right now!
(What on Earth Books, hardback, £20)

Age 12 plus
The Seamaiden’s Odyssey
Berlie Doherty and Tamsin Rosewell

DIVE into this magical, mysterious tale and you won’t want to come up for air until the last page has turned! The Seamaiden’s Odyssey is a stunning new fable from twice Carnegie Medal-winning author Berlie Doherty... a truly fantastical tale that draws on the folklore of ocean and landscape to create a magical coming-of-age novella for the modern era. Brought to glorious life by artist, historian and broadcaster Tamsin Rosewell, whose powerful ink and silhouette illustrations brighten the tale with a vibrant but classical language of visual storytelling, this delightful book is a celebration of self-discovery and sisterhood. When a strange and beautiful sea creature is brought into the marine sanctuary where Sasha works, the sea-girl is kept as an exhibit and for scientific research. But Sasha wants to know more about her... are there more of her kind, what sort of community does she come from, and does she have a family? There is a story to be told... in exchange for a promise. It is a story of cruelty and grief, of love and longing and pride... the story of Merryn who makes a traumatic journey from sea to land, and from defiance to finding her true self and the power of sisterhood. Using both her imagination and writing skills, Doherty weaves the traditional into recognisable modern themes while Rosewell draws on the long heritage of silhouette and paper-cut work for her inspiration and adds it to her well-known boldness with colour and structure. A magical and unforgettable sea odyssey framed in a pictorial symphony of blue, gold and green...
(UCLan Publishing, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Pop Corn
Rob Harrell

IT'S going to be an epic day at school for Andrew Yaeger, not least because there’s the school photo to get through. And as it turns out, it’s going to be one of those days when life turns up the heat to boiling point! Rob Harrell, the acclaimed author of Wink, knows a thing or two about anxiety and OCD, having experienced them both in his own childhood, and this poignant, funny and authentic story is written with all the warmth, insight and accessibility that we have come to expect from him. So meet Andrew who is just trying to get through school photo day with one aim... a photo of him which his mum will like. But today of all days, the world seems out to get him. There's a bully to contend with, the science experiment goes wrong, he receives scary news about his grandmother, and then there’s the worry about someone else’s juice snot (don’t ask!). Andrew’s problem is that he struggles with anxiety, and the little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter. Can he make it through the day without popping? Harrell, a syndicated cartoonist, delivers a truly heartfelt and laugh-out-loud-funny story about letting go of control and accepting help, interspersed with his amazing spot art and comic panels which depict the difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD, as well as some real and helpful tips for coping.
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Ultimate Guide to Money
Emmanuel Asuquo and Selom Sunu

WOULDN'T it be cool if you could turn your pocket money into pots of money! Well here’s your chance... expert financial adviser and media personality Emmanuel Asuquo has produced a fun, interactive guide to money management and entrepreneurship which aims to help kids embrace their inner entrepreneur, make the world a better place... and make some extra cash. Did you know you could turn £1 into £1,000,000 and that there’s more than one way to do it? Stocks, shares, taxes, saving, investing, these things all sound confusing (and maybe even a little boring), but understanding more about money can help you to fulfil your financial dreams. That £1 is your chance to grow the money and make yourself a millionaire. Along the way, you will meet people who all have different approaches to money... you’ll meet risk-takers, money-savers, people who are nifty with numbers and business pros. Some of the advice will be good, and some not so good. The Ultimate Guide to Money – illustrated by Selom Sunu – will help you cut through the noise, give you the tools to make decisions that are right for you... and could even make you a millionaire!
(Puffin, paperback, £10.99)

Age 7 plus
Life in the Wild
Lizzie Daly and Chiara Fedele

DESPITE the wizardry of modern technology, there is still a lot we don’t know about what animals get up to in the wild. But sometimes – just sometimes – we get small glimpses into what their lives are really like. So if you want to discover some of those fascinating secrets, join filmmaker, conservationist and biologist Lizzie Daly whose curiosity for the natural world has led her to conduct research and make wildlife films all over the world. In ten real stories, Life in the Wild explores the natural world through the eyes of a scientist and follows in the footprints of polar bears, wolves and jaguars, and crosses the oceans with whales, sharks, and seabirds. In the pages of this stunning book – lavishly illustrated in full colour by Chiara Fedele – readers track the unique and hidden escapades of the animal kingdom and discover what the ten jaw-dropping animal journeys teach us about our world, and the ways in which it is changing. Meet the longest travelled Great White Shark, the oldest living wild bird, and a puma turned long distance swimmer... these eye-opening tales of migration, mystery, and unique behaviours teach children new and exciting information about animal activity and ecology, and give us access to some of the most inhospitable corners of our planet.
(DK Children, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
The Land of Lost Things
Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope

THE sky is definitely the limit in this funny, fabulous and action-packed new illustrated adventure series which puts YOU firmly at the centre of the story! The Land of Lost Things is the first fantastic book in an Adventures Unlimited series from Andy Griffiths, the Australian author behind the multi-million bestselling Treehouse series, and illustrator Bill Hope who lives in the Blue Mountains just outside Sydney. Hey, you... yes, YOU! Remember when we went to the Land of Lost Things to look for my lost lucky rabbit’s foot and then we got lost too? That was one of our most exciting, surprising and knuckle-headed adventures ever. What? You don’t remember? Well, have I got a story for you! It all started like this... Griffiths knows how to turn up the fun factor in this hilarious escapade full of madcap characters and crazy antics, all brought to life by Hope’s gallery of comical illustrations. And one thing’s for sure... young readers will be itching to join in all the fun and excitement as they journey through Adventures Unlimited and arrive in The Land of Lost Things. But be warned... they might never want to be found!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 5 plus
There is a Season
Murphy’s Sketches

PRESTON writer and artist Kerri Cunningham – better known as Instagram personality Murphy’s Sketches with almost half a million followers – celebrates the joys of nature and the seasons in her beautiful children’s poetry collection There is a Season. The mother-of-three, who studied Fine Art at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), lives with her husband and family in a small village near the city and this illustrated anthology – full of colourful sketches, delightful poems and the wonders of the great outdoors – is perfectly pitched for younger readers. Guiding youngsters through each season of the year, the collection travels from April showers in spring to the frosty mornings of winter, and everything we all love in between. Celebrating all that nature has to show us, and the little things that we can enjoy together, the poems encourage children to get outside and look for and talk about signs of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Cunningham loves to spend time outdoors with her family, and this first anthology for children is the perfect invitation to dive into crunchy autumn leaves or wander through a summer meadow... and get lost in the cosy and colourful illustrations that sit alongside each poem. Poetry in motion!
(UCLan Publishing, hardback, £9.99)

Age 5 plus
Ivy Newt and the Vampixies
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 fourth 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, Ivy and Tom embark on a hunt for spell ingredients with Griselda, the Sand Witch, and together they journey to a faraway island volcano. There, they stumble on a sinister plot by the evil Vampixies to suck all the magic out of Miracula forever! Can Ivy and her friends save not only Miracula, but the existence of magic itself? 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, dispute management and saying sorry. Add on the extra zing and zest of Brol’s comical illustrations to enhance those addictive vibes 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)

Age 4
Dr Roopa’s Body Books: The Super Skeleton
Dr Roopa Farooki and Viola Wang

WHAT do humans have in common with fish, snakes and birds? The answer is a skeleton... and skeletons are brilliant in so many different ways! Roopa Farooki, an award-winning doctor and author, returns with her exciting and informative debut picture book series which explores the different parts of the body and how to look after them. And this fascinating book takes a close-up look at the collection of bones which gives our body its shape. Discover what bones are made of, all the different jobs they do, what happens when one of your bones breaks, and how children can keep their bones strong and healthy as they grow. Written in an accessible and lively text for younger readers, Dr Farooki explores the different bones in the body, explaining the different kinds of joints with her trademark enthusiasm and warm sense of humour. She also shares age appropriate, no-nonsense tips on wellbeing such as diet, vitamins and exercise to help build strong bones. Colourfully and imaginatively illustrated by award-winning artist Viola Wang, this series is the ideal introduction to anatomy for use at home and in nurseries and schools. 
(Walker Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
The Tantrum
Louie Stowell and Isobel Lundie

WELCOME to a drama like no other at the Glade... a special woodland theatre where budding bards can hone their skills and discover that all the world’s a stage! The Tantrum is the second picture book in a brilliantly creative Shakesbearean Tales series from the top team of children’s author Louie Stowell and talented illustrator Isobel Lundie. These charming books, based on Shakespeare’s plays, introduce a cast of lovable animal characters and offer an endearing introduction to the world of theatre. So get ready for meltdowns and bawling bards as Bill Bear and his friends stage a new play at The Glade. But it’s not long before things start going wrong and Bill throws a full-blown tantrum which includes shaking fists, cries, howls and the gnashing of (bear) teeth! However can they stage the show now? Parents everywhere will identify with Bill’s friends as they try to calm him down and persuade him that the show must go on in this comical depiction of Bill and his huffy histrionics. Stowell’s comical and clever story encapsulates the ups and downs of dealing with drama of every kind while Lundie’s richly detailed illustrations bring The Glade Theatre and its actors to life. Add on a gentle introduction to the concept of theatre, a story split into three acts with a list of dramatis personae and a location map, plus a page of fun facts about William Shakespeare, his plays, and the Globe Theatre, and this is a production you won’t want to miss!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Nibbles: The Very Hungry Book Monster
Emma Yarlett

HE'S back and he’s chomping his way through other people’s stories! Nibbles, the adorable yellow monster who has stolen hearts both young and old with his munching madness, is on the run again amid a feast of flaps, mishaps and fairy tale fun. Multi-talented author and illustrator Emma Yarlett touches the funny bone of readers aged from nought to ninety as she rolls out her irresistible, bestselling brand of clever, conceptual art and design work, and magical, laughter-packed storytelling with her mischievous little book monster. Nibbles: The Very Hungry Book Monster is the fifth Nibbles adventure and Yarlett delivers the same captivating mix of imaginative storytelling, innovative flaps to lift, and intriguing cut-out holes to peep through as youngsters embark on a journey of fun, mixed-up fairy tales, comedy, and crazy capers. Nibbles the hungry book-eating monster has gone nibbling in the library where there are shelves bulging with books. But despite books at every turn, cheeky Nibbles finds that this book is too slimy, that one is too sweet, and this one too smelly. Will Nibbles ever find a book that’s just right? Perhaps the perfect snack is a little closer to home... From slimy guides for ogres to farmyard fun, children will love peeking through holes and lifting flaps as they follow Nibbles on his search for his next meal. Innovative, cleverly interactive, and brimming with bright, lively illustrations, this is another joyful, exuberant Nibbles adventure full of the fairy tale-crunching antics and munching madness that we have all come to love!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
What Shall We Do, Winnie-the-Pooh?
Jeanne Willis and Mark Burgess

JOIN Winnie-the-Pooh and all your favourite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood in an enchanting new story that celebrates true friendship and having fun. With a gentle rhyming verse by bestselling author Jeanne Willis, and inspired by A.A. Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh Hum ‘What shall we do about poor little Tigger?’ from The House at Pooh Corner, this joyful, heartwarming adventure features the enchanting, full-colour illustrations of Mark Burgess, in the style of the original illustrator E.H. Shepard. What Shall We Do, Winnie-the-Pooh? is the latest in a dazzling series of books by a contemporary pairing which introduces a new generation to the much-loved adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and has been authorised by the Trustees of The Pooh Properties and the Trustees of The Shepard Trust. Featuring some of the best-loved characters from the Hundred Acre Wood, and with all the comforting vibes of Milne’s classic tales, these adventures are written in rhyme and come in beautiful hardback gift editions with a foiled jacket. In this cosy new story, we find Winnie-the-Pooh walking through the Hundred Acre Wood and pondering what to do about each of his friends. Poor, timid Piglet is scared of everything, Tigger is far too bouncy sometimes, and Eeyore is always gloomy. But Pooh soon realises that he loves his friends because of their differences, and that the most important thing is to be yourself! With reassuring, humour-filled adventures to enjoy, and moments that capture the essence of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, this is the perfect introduction to a classic favourite and a brilliant read-aloud story for all the family to enjoy!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Hank Goes Honk
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie

AN obnoxious goose – with a bad habit of honking – gets a lesson in kindness when he finally ruffles too many feathers and runs out of friends! Talented picture book duo author Maudie Powell-Tuck and bestselling illustrator and author Duncan Beedie work their magic on this comedy-filled picture book starring Hank the Goose who has never met a balloon he didn’t pop, or a conversation he didn’t – HONK! – interrupt. Hank even honks in the library and during movies but being like this isn’t always fun – and it’s upsetting everyone else. Maybe it’s time for a change, and time for Hank to learn how to be an im-PECK-able goose! Only it’s not quite as easy as it looks... Prepare to honk with laughter whilst learning important lessons about being mindful, and kind and considerate to others. With Powell-Tuck’s lovable anti-hero, a cautionary tale told with deadpan humour, and the brilliant illustrations of super-talented Beedie, this is guaranteed to be a family favourite!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Don’t Ever Conga with A Cow
Harriet Evans and Michael Slack

IT'S easy to see why youngsters are going wild for these fantastic pop-up books which bring all their favourite creatures to vibrant and colourful life! In the fourth outing in author Harriet Evans and illustrator Michael Slack’s fun-filled Creature Feature Pop-up series, the cast of quirky creatures living on a madcap farm will keep little ones on their toes! ‘You think you can outsmart them? Well, let’s see how that goes!’ Don’t cause alarm at the farm and you’ll have a hay-larious time in this udder-ly awesome pop-up adventure. Little ones will love turning the pages to reveal comic farm animals who pop up in all sorts of scenarios, from startled roosters and sock-munching goats to DJ pigs and dancing cows. This ingenious book comes packed with clever puns to get all the family giggling. And with spectacular pop-ups to enjoy on every page, Slack’s wacky and wonderful illustrations, and Evans’ witty, wisecracking text, Don't Ever Conga with A Cow is the perfect all-singing, all-dancing book to share with your own precious little pets!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £10.99)

Age 3 plus
Clive Penguin
Huw Lewis Jones and Ben Sanders

YOU have to take your hat off to Huw Lewis Jones and Ben Sanders... they certainly know how to create an adorable penguin! Lewis Jones, a real life polar-exploring adventurer, and award-winning illustrator Sanders combine their talents on this ice-coated and quirky picture book adventure starring a penguin who hates the cold. Surrounded by the same old snow day in, day out, the same old bloomin’ penguins, and always freezing cold, Clive Penguin wishes he was somewhere else. Some days he wishes he was SOMEONE else. But, with an epic discovery just around the corner, the solution might be easier than he thinks... simply find yourself a hat! Youngsters cannot help but fall in love with the hilariously deadpan Clive Penguin as he discovers that getting what you need is sometimes better than getting what you want. With Lewis Jones providing Clive’s unique voice and Sanders delivering a perfectly matched, delightfully offbeat gallery of illustrations with contrasting flashes of orange neon ink, this is the coolest picture book you will read this September!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Let ME Do It!
Simon Philip and Ella Okstad

EVEN toddlers long for independence when they start growing up... but what happens when their desire to do things for themselves becomes just a little too ambitious? Brace yourself for another laughter-filled picture book from Simon Philip, author of the award-winning You Must Bring A Hat, and Norwegian illustrator Ella Okstad as they steal our hearts with the adorable tale of a stubborn but lovable little boy called Teddy who’s fed up with having his nose wiped and his shoelaces tied. What his family haven’t yet cottoned on to is that Teddy is NOT a baby any more... so why won’t they stop fussing over him? One day Teddy decides that enough is enough and takes matters into his own hands and soon he’s brushing his own hair, buttoning his own coat, and even making his own breakfast. As Teddy’s confidence grows, he becomes ever more ambitious. What could possibly go wrong? Enjoy fun all the way with Teddy as his adventures and (inevitable!) misadventures play out in Philip’s uniquely appealing first person picture book voice and amidst the mischief and anarchic comedy of Okstad’s expressive illustrations. With its perfect balance of reassurance and kindness with youthful chaos, Let ME Do It! is certain to strike a chord with both children and adults.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Wrong Hat Rabbit!
Tony Neal

COME rain or shine, it can seem like heavy weather for youngsters learning about meteorological matters... so here’s a book that puts comedy into science concepts! Wrong Hat Rabbit! is another fabulously fun and cunningly clever book from perennially popular author and illustrator Tony Neal. Star of the show is Rabbit who wants to enjoy a day at the park, but the sun, rain and snow make picking the perfect outfit impossible. Follow the animal friends as they find out all about weather, and enjoy plenty of crazy capers along the way. Children will have so much fun laughing long with the animals and exploring Neal’s comical artwork that they won't even realise they are learning, and with fun activities to help youngsters explore more about the weather, and tips for adults on how to get the most out of the book, this is the perfect teaching tool for home, school and nursery. Also available in this brilliant series are Float on Frog!, Get off Bear!, and Too Heavy Elephant!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
How to Bath a Giraffe
Sam Wilde and Sarah Horne

CAN you imagine what a tall order it would be if a giraffe came to stay? Little ones can enjoy lots of giggles, fascinating animal facts, and some jaw-droppingly helpful reminders of the responsibilities of having a pet (and particularly a surprising pet!) in this adorable picture book from author Sam Wilde and illustrator Sarah Horne. How to Bath a Giraffe – third book in their delightful Peculiar Pets series – explores what it might entail to make an extraordinarily tall giraffe feel at home. Pets need to be kept clean, but you might be beaten by a neck if you try giving a giraffe a bath, particularly as its head is as high as a double-decker bus, his legs alone are taller than dad, and giraffes only need 30 minutes sleep at night! The idea of having a pet, and just what is entailed in that, is pushed to hilarious extremes as creative illustrator Horne lets loose her imagination on Wilde’s warm-hearted and fun-filled story. And if meeting a very wild and peculiar pet wasn’t enough, you can learn more fascinating facts about giraffes in a section at the back of the book!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Sweet Dreams
Becky Davies and Hannah Abbo

JOIN Owl as she sweeps through the night sky in a beautiful new bedtime board book featuring unique sensory experiences. The much-loved concept of touch-and-feel meets five very different fabric flaps in a book that has been perfectly created for little hands to explore. As night-time falls, soft clouds float by. Watch Owl soar up into the sky...  Enjoy watching babies and toddlers discover a variety of textures as they peer behind clouds, rough grass, crinkly leaves and bumpy logs in a story designed to stimulate curiosity. With a gentle, rhythmic lullaby by Becky Davies, the glorious illustrations of Hannah Abbo, and a sleepy animal family to uncover under every flap, this is the perfect wind-down end to a baby’s busy day!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)

Age one plus
Night Night, My
Little Cuddle Bug
Nicola Edwards and Natalie Marshall

AND if a snuggle at bedtime always fits the bill, cuddle up close with this sweet and colourful rhyming board book! With chunky pages for small hands and die-cut parent and baby characters, this is the perfect bedtime read and features the much-loved Cuddle Bug from the bestselling You’re My Little... series which celebrates the love between parents and children using creative characters and clever rhymes. The book’s raised pieces are perfect for engaging little hands and here Nicola Edwards’ gentle rhyming text creates a calm, sleepy atmosphere. So join Cuddle Bug as she wishes her friends good night, touch the pages, peek through the holes and enjoy Natalie Marshall’s adorable illustrations. Perfect for story time and to help your own little cuddle bug snuggle down at bedtime!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)