Our Dear Daisy

Rosie Goodwin

AS the nation winds down for longer, darker nights, Rosie Goodwin, one of Britain’s best-loved saga queens, conjures up her storytelling magic for the second book in her Flower Girls series.

A former social worker and foster mother, four-million-copy bestselling author Goodwin (pictured below) has penned over forty beautiful, heartwarming sagas, exploring life and love in days gone by. She was also awarded the rights to follow three of the late, great Tyneside writer Catherine Cookson’s trilogies with her own sequels.

And now she’s back to win our hearts with another gritty and drama-filled tale which stars a young woman whose life changes more dramatically than she could ever have imagined when her father sets his sights on marrying a local widow. In Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1880, twenty-year-old Daisy Armstrong lives a happy life with her loving blacksmith father, Jed. They have a special bond, particularly after the deaths of her beloved Irish mother Mauve five years ago, and her younger brother Alfie only a short time afterwards.

But when Jed falls in love with local widow, Victoria Peake, both father and daughter’s settled lives take a very different course. With expensive tastes and a lavish lifestyle, moving into Daisy and Jed’s humble forge is not what vain and selfish Victoria or her spoiled son, Gilbert, expected... and they make that very clear.

Worked to the bone trying to look after their busy home, Daisy is exhausted. But the one glimmer of hope is Lewis, Victoria’s elder son, a gentle and hard-working young man. When one fateful day something terrible happens to Daisy, she finds herself sent away from home and the chance of love slips through her fingers.

After unbearable suffering, but finding incredible strength within, Daisy might finally have a chance at the life she wants. But can she ever find her way back to Nuneaton... and to the happiness that she so desperately deserves?

It’s no surprise that Goodwin is one of the most borrowed authors from UK libraries and here she packs in all those human events and emotions – births and deaths, loves and losses, good people and bad people – that have made her novels so beloved by readers over the decades. Daisy’s journey from the familiarity of her father’s village forge through unexpected pain and terrible hardships proves to be a gripping emotional rollercoaster ride with plot twists aplenty and a story full of intrigue and heartache but also friendship, family, resilience and love. 

Full of Goodwin’s wisdom and warmth, Our Dear Daisy is a sweeping and romantic page-turner in a series that is set to bloom again with Our Sweet Violet in February next year.
(Zaffre, hardback, £14.99)

Lancs novelist reveals wartime research

FANS of bestselling Lancashire-based historical novelist Deborah Swift can discover more about the fascinating background to her gripping wartime Secret Agents Series when she gives an author talk at Carnforth Bookshop on Saturday, October 5.

Swift, who lives in Warton, near Carnforth, used to work backstage as a scenographer in many North-West theatres, including Liverpool Playhouse and The Duke’s theatre, Lancaster, and later took an MA in Creative Writing at Lancaster University. She went on to take an MA in Creative Writing at Lancaster University and since then has juggled writing with teaching.

Her current, immensely popular Second World War trilogy has included The Silk Code and The Shadow Network, and now readers can enjoy the last enthralling book in the series, Operation Tulip, which is set in German-occupied northern Holland in the final months of 1944 when the Nazis persecuted the civilians and let thousands die from starvation. ‘Historical fiction was a natural choice for me as a writer because I always enjoyed the research aspect of design – poking about in archives and museums, not to mention the attraction of boned bodices and the excuse to visit old and interesting buildings!’ she says. And it is her imaginative flair, painstaking research, and keen eye for drama and authenticity, that make her novels so viscerally real and exciting. In fact, Swift’s books are often an exploration of ideas she is passionate about.

Her Second World War thrillers, including the three books in her Secret Agents trilogy, feature stories of courage and sacrifice and the torn loyalties that arose during this period of uncertainty and conflict. An earlier series about the lives of the extraordinary women in Pepys’ Diary gave readers an alternative view of life in Restoration London, and an award-winning Italian Renaissance series delved into the life of poisoner Giulia Tofana, all set against the alluring backdrop of Naples, Rome and Venice.

Swift’s talk – which runs from 2pm to 3pm at Carnforth Bookshop in Market Street, Carnforth LA5 9JX – will reveal the work of the women of the wartime Dutch Resistance and the in-depth research she undertook for Operation Tulip. There is free entry and all are welcome to attend.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Ancient magic, gothic fantasy and the perfect novel

Lap up a magical adventure that will fuel your imagination and pull at your heartstrings, hold on tight for a fantasy tale filled with pulsating action, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature, enjoy a retelling of Charles Dickens’ ‘most perfect novel’ Great Expectations, and take a trip to the Moon and beyond in a super selection 

Age 9 plus
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet
Alexander Armstrong
and Tom Roberts

ANCIENT magic, soaraway fantasy, epic adventures and Indiana Jones-style treasure hunting! If that’s a mix that tickles your reading taste buds, then dive into Evenfall: The Golden Linnet and lap up a tale that will fuel your imagination and pull at your heartstrings. As the father of four sons, Alexander Armstrong – a familiar face and voice from television and radio – knows that sharing the joys of reading and stories is an important part of growing up. And after a childhood in the north-east of England, with its mystical history of the ancient North, he has finally created a truly magical series that has lived in his head for many years. Described by one critic as ‘Da Vinci Code for kids,’ this wild and wonderful first adventure in Armstrong’s dazzling debut series has a moving thread of realism at its core and stars a 13-year-old boy who has always believed himself to be ordinary until everything changes in the form of a destiny that is most definitely extraordinary.

Meet 12-year-old (soon to be 13) Sam whose life has been overshadowed by the death of his mother in a car crash when he was five and his father’s resulting depression and mental decline. But strange things happen and Sam’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the heart of a secret society called The Order of the Evening. It’s an organisation that had long protected the world and now a powerful enemy is closing in, destroying all in its path to find the Order’s hidden palace of Bellasis and the source of its powerful magic. Only Sam can stop them... but first he must bring the Order together again. The clock is ticking, dark forces are massing and Sam must undertake perilous journeys, determine friend and foe, and discover his true powers... because holds the future of the world in his hands. With Tom Roberts’ atmospheric and richly detailed black-and-white illustrations setting the scene, a hero that everyone will take to their hearts, and a story brimming with magic, intrigue, danger and glory, this is a stunning opener to what promises to be every childhood fantasy fulfilled!
(Farshore, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett

A YOUNG girl’s fight for survival in a treacherous natural world is the spectacular stage set for a thrilling eco-themed gothic fantasy from the creative pairing of Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, and illustrator extraordinaire  Emily Gravett who has twice won the Kate Greenaway Medal. This is the superstar team that gripped us with the unforgettable Island of Whispers, a deliciously dark fairy tale about mortality, grief, kindness and fate, and once again they combine their talents on a gripping adventure filled with pulsating action, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature. The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest’s tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community’s precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, people whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons. This rich and atmospheric story – lavishly illustrated throughout with Gravett’s two-colour artwork – sweeps readers away on an unforgettable journey to a dystopian world where humans are battling a malign and encroaching natural world that is intent on their destruction. With messages that working together can save both nature and humanity from extinction, and that looking to and accepting new ideas are vital to survival, this is a thoughtful, exciting and resonant world-building adventure that sends out a warning but also offers optimism for the future. A top team on their best form!
(Two Hoots, hardback, £14.99)

Age 13 plus
Great Expectations: A Retelling
Tanya Landman

OFTEN described as Charles Dickens’ ‘most perfect novel,’ Great Expectations is a much-loved masterpiece of English literature and as part of publisher Barrington Stoke’s Classic Retellings series, Carnegie Medal-winning author Tanya Landman brings us this wonderfully accessible and brilliantly realised version. Featuring all those favourite characters – orphan Pip, gentle Joe Gargery, vengeful Miss Havisham and cold-hearted Estella – Landman’s retelling captures all the spirit and atmosphere of the original in a way that is easy to read for youngsters. Orphaned as a baby, Philip Pirrip, known as Pip, is raised by his sister to live the simple life of a blacksmith’s boy. But a chance encounter in a graveyard and a visit to long-ago abandoned bride Miss Havisham’s ruined mansion set him on a different path. And when a secret benefactor pays for him to become a gentleman, Pip’s life takes a greatly unexpected turn... a turn full of dark events that will twist and bend his life beyond recognition. Landman’s retelling is the perfect introduction to Great Expectations... and an inspiration to discover more of master storyteller Dickens’ whole raft of brilliant novels.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 10 plus
Space: From Sputnik to the International Space Station
Jan Van Der Veken

IF you fancy a trip to the Moon and beyond, then take your seat, buckle up tight and head for the stars! This beautifully illustrated, entertaining and informative history of space travel is the work of Belgian artist and designer Jan Van Der Veken and is filled with full-page spreads featuring the author’s signature retro-futurist drawings. Ideal for sparking young readers’ curiosity about all things related to space, this information-packed book chronicles human exploits beyond Earth. After introducing readers to the basics of every rocket, regardless of size or purpose, it delves into a wide variety of significant moments and concepts around the history of space exploration. Enjoy stories of Sputnik, the X-15 and the race to space, discover how we measure distance in the universe and what makes up an astronaut’s suit. Learn about the Saturn V launch vehicle, the Apollo 11 Moon landing, space shuttles and international space stations, the exploration of Mars, and the myths and facts about extra-terrestrial life. The ideal book to ignite a lifelong passion for the endless possibilities of the cosmos.

Also by Van Der Veken is Boats: Steamers, Icebreakers, and Ghost Ships which takes youngsters on a delightfully detailed and richly illustrated voyage into the world of ships and shipping, and introduces an oceanic array of naval phenomena. Readers of every age will find something to dive into this wonderfully diverse and in-depth exploration of the maritime world with Van Der Veken taking a kaleidoscopic approach to his subject. Deftly weaving history, science and culture, he looks at a fascinating array of subjects... historic vessels, amazing voyages, extraordinary figures, technical details and cultural phenomena. Vibrantly coloured, retro-futurist illustrations are as beautiful as they are informative as we learn why seas have streets, which bodies of water are considered cursed, how a ship stays afloat, how to use a sextant, and how lighthouses work. Guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment, this is the ideal gift book for sailing enthusiasts of every age.
(Prestel, hardback, £19.99 each)

Age 9 plus
Insectarium
Emily Carter and Dave Goulson 

CREEPY-CRAWL your way into the latest instalment of the brilliant Welcome to the Museum series and explore the fascinating world of insects! Simply step inside the pages of this fact-packed book to enjoy the experience of a museum from the comfort of your own home. This stunning tour showcases an incredible collection of insects of every shape and colour from around the world, enabling readers to wander through curated exhibits on every page, all accompanied by an informative text. In this eye-catching new visit, presented in the form of a large, high-quality book packed with amazing pictures and facts, we discover that insects are essential for life as we know it. There are at least one million species of insects, together making up over 80 per cent of all living species on Earth. Around 10,000 new species of insects are discovered every year. Learn about the secret world thriving right underneath your feet, discover how insects evolved into what they are today, how they work together and how they defend themselves. Explore the rooms of Insectarium and meet the beautiful demoiselle and the gigantic goliath beetle. Learn why these small creatures have such a huge impact on the world around us and why we should be protecting them. Intricately detailed artwork by award-winning British designer Emily Carter combines with an expert text by award-winning author and University of Sussex professor David Goulson. A must-have for all budding entomologists and nature lovers.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £25)

Age 9 plus
Oh What a Knight!
Maz Evans

AFTER the runaway success of her Who Let the Gods Out? books – which took young readers to new heights of all-round entertaining storytelling – Maz Evans is back with the third and final book of her brilliant Gods Squad spin-off series which has included Oh Maya Gods! and Oh Mummy Mia! The stars of these adventures set in Ancient Egypt are Vesper – the football-mad, bossy and a teensy bit grumpy daughter of Elliot Hooper, the original hero of Who Let the Gods Out? – and Constellation Virgo’s son, Aster, who is super-smart, a bit nervous and with a secret all of his own. In their final hilarious adventure, Vesper and Aster need Excalibur to save the day. At the top of Glastonbury Tor, they find an elevator down to the enchanted realm of Camelot where King Arthur has been waiting for this day. The elderly king and his loyal knights snap to attention because at last they have a quest. But Excalibur will only serve its chosen master. What would anyone do with such power? Evans once more lets loose her prodigious imagination as our two heroes tackle a whole host of demonic enemies. Packed full of real mythology from the ancient world, outrageously funny antics, and spine-tingling danger, this is a spectacular final chapter for the team of unforgettable and ungodly adventurers!
(Chicken House, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Detective Society Presents: The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book
Robin Stevens

ENJOY a time-flipping, book-flipping sleuthing test fest in the pages of a brilliant puzzle book from Robin Stevens, creator of the award-winning Murder Most Unladylike detective series, starring Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, and the new Ministry of Unladylike Activity. Could you too be a detective, do you love puzzles and mysteries and do you see patterns where no one else does? The Detective Society Presents: The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book puts your problem-solving to the test as you work alongside characters from Stevens’ bestselling books. From codebreaking with Hazel, to logic and reasoning with Daisy, and problem-solving with Beanie and Kitty, test your sleuthing skills with pages of playful puzzles and riveting riddles... before using what you’ve learned to crack a brand new case! Stevens’ imagination works at full throttle in this ideal gift book which features a fabulous flip-book design and offers over 100 engrossing puzzles. Fiendishly good!
(Puffin, paperback, £9.99)

Age 8 plus
The Beast and the Bethany: The Final Feast
Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Isabelle Follath

IF your fancy is thrilling adventure tales that put guffaws into the gruesome, and magic into the malevolent, then the final, fantastic tale in this superb modern classic series is a must for all fun-loving youngsters. A major film deal has been announced with Warner Brothers and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts producer, David Heyman, for The Beast and the Bethany books which are the work of exciting new writing talent Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Zurich-based illustrator Isabelle Follath. With his sharp eye for macabre humour and storylines brimming with originality and zany action, Meggitt-Phillips brings us hilarious romps starring the 512-year-old Ebenezer Tweezer, a beastly beast with a hunger for children, and a little orphan girl who can (fortunately for us all!) outwit her enemies. In this spectacular last chapter, we are reunited with Ebenezer who spent the best part of 512 years doing whatever he wanted... until he met Bethany, a rude and snotty-nosed prankster. Ebenezer has come to care for this strange, slightly smelly little scowler more than he has cared about anyone or anything before. It’s just as well because Bethany is most definitely in need of a friend. She has just discovered that her parents, Augustus and Gemima, were dreadful criminals before they died in an only slightly more dreadful fire. 

Except... it seems her father did NOT die at all. Augustus returns to Bethany’s life, begging for her help to clear his name and show him how to live a life that is free from crime. As the action barrels towards celebrations for Ebenezer’s 513th birthday, Ebenezer, Miss Muddle and Bethany’s not-boyfriend Geoffrey have to figure out Augustus’s true motives for coming back into Bethany’s life. Can they show Bethany the true meaning of family before it’s too late? Wordsmith Meggitt-Phillips has a ball with this madcap adventure which delivers everything a discerning young reader desires… an extraordinary heroine to shout for, a beast who needs to be less beastly, laugh-out-loud antics, themes of family, and some moments of unexpected tenderness. With terrific twists all the way to the final countdown, and Follath’s brilliant gallery of black and white illustrations which put extra life and energy into the story, this is the perfect ending to a delightful and dazzling series for all the family to enjoy.
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Knight Sir Louis and the Cauldron of Chaos
The Brothers McLeod

IF it’s crazy fun you’re looking for this autumn, mount your steed and join the charge with the fifth book in a hilarious, illustrated series from BAFTA award-winning sibling duo, The Brothers McLeod. The Knight Sir Louis adventures have been dubbed Monty Python and the Holy Grail for middle grade readers… and it’s easy to see why! Brimming with inventive storytelling, laugh-out-loud jokes, choose-your-own adventures, and madcap comic strip illustrations, this is a masterclass in crackpot comedy. Knight Sir Louis is the bravest knight at King Burt the Not Bad’s Castle Sideways. He has defeated evil goblins, horrible wizards, a dastardly damsel, a double-headed dragon and the biggest meanest snowball in the whole wide world (but please nobody mention wasps, Knight Sir Louis is absolutely NOT afraid of them). In this new, rollicking adventure, a powerful magical object has been rediscovered, the Cauldron of Chaos. Unfortunately, a scheming witch called Cilla Da Spell has found the cursed pot and plans to make her fortune with it, even if it means the end of the Kingdom of Squirrel Helm. Who will rescue the land from the witch’s dodgy deals? Knight Sir Louis, of course! Louis rides out on his trusty horse, Clunkalot, along with a new sword called Steve (poor Dave is at the menders). With the help of his friends Catalogue the boar and Pearlin the wizard, the intrepid heroes hope to take back the cauldron... and save the day! The Brothers McLeod (otherwise known as author Myles and illustrator Greg) dish up another raucous romp full of super-silly sword play, bone-crunching action, and hilarious heroes as Louis and his friends are once again called on to perform their heroics. Sublimely funny and seriously entertaining, this is the ideal way to get your youngsters hooked on reading… and medieval mischief!
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver
Sarah Bowie

HANDS UP if you want another Nina Peanut adventure? Fans of the one and only megastar mystery-solver Nina will be racing to get to grips with her outrageous new antics as Irish writer and illustrator Sarah Bowie makes a welcome return with her fabulous full-colour illustrated series. Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver is the second outing for everyone’s favourite naughty schoolgirl who is now planning to be a creative genius, ghost hunter extraordinaire and top choice for class captain! Guess who is a ghost and is living right here in the school? It's Lady Deborah from Nina’s history lesson, and she is stuck in her own shoe. Brian and Nina are filming their investigations to find out what she's doing there and how they can set her free. Nina is also battling Megan Dunne to become class captain, As she says, ‘Vote for me, because who is more of a ghost expert than I am? Answer: hardly anyone!’ With fun, laughter and mega mishaps all the way, and themes of friendship/frenemies, big dreams, and brilliant pets, there’s never a dull moment when Nina is on the case!
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Badgers Are GO!
Susannah Lloyd and Nici Gregory

SNOUTS UP! It’s time to save the world... Youngsters won’t need any badgering into reading when they turn the pages of this delightfully silly tale about a bunch of batty badgers on a fun-filled secret mission. Written by Susannah Lloyd, Badgers Are GO! is her first chapter book and it’s pleasing to report that there are laughs, giggles and sniggers to enjoy every step of the way with the inimitable and lovable Lulu Whifferton-Rear who just loves to mind her own badgery business. But when she discovers that important humans are actually BOPs (Badger Operated Persons), she is thrust into the world of the Rumpington Academy of Badgering. There, her catastrophic training leads to the most dramatic of first missions... save the world! Full of wit, warmth, mischief and mayhem – and packed full of Nici Gregory’s anarchic illustrations – this perfectly pitched, high-octane adventure, featuring badgers, cheese and tomato sandwiches, is guaranteed to hit the mark with young readers. Add on messages about staying true to yourself and how ‘too much welly’ might just be the perfect amount, and you have the ideal all-round entertainment!  
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park
Helen Peters and Isobel Lundie

THE dangers of city life for wildlife, and what humans can do to help, are explored in a book featuring two urban wildlife stories. Written by animal-maestro Helen Peters, who was brought up on a farm in Sussex, and beautifully illustrated by Isobel Lundie, these enchanting adventures are ideal for new chapter book readers and animal lovers. When wild animals stray into the park and get into difficulties, Hassan and his mum are there to help. Dapple the fawn gets carried away exploring the park near the woods where he lives with his mother, Fern, but when Fern comes to find him, she gets tangled in a wire. Can Dapple find someone to help set her free? Meanwhile, Olive the otter loves playing in the river near her home. But when she disobeys her mother and strays out after a rainstorm, Olive gets washed far downstream and lands on the bank in a city park. How will she ever find her way home? Luckily for Dapple and Olive, Hassan and his mum, a wildlife ranger, live close to the park and can help both little animals back to safety. With lots of fascinating facts about different creatures, their habitat and what they eat, Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park is both entertaining and informative for youngsters.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
History’s Most Epic Fibs!
Athena Kugblenu and Nicole Miles

IF you think you know everything about history, then you’ll think again when you discover the truth behind some of the world’s biggest historical whoppers! Join comedian, podcaster and writer on CBBC's Horrible Histories Athena Kugblenu as she debunks history’s most epic fibs, revealing the truth behind famous tales and the facts behind the fake news. History is full of brave knights, fearsome queens, legendary explorers and epic stories passed down through the ages. But how much of these tales from history is true and how much is just an epic fib? From harmless porkies that were just a bit of fun, to untruths with huge consequences, Kugblenu reckons it's time to separate fact from fiction. Whether it’s revealing that Vikings never wore horned helmets or that Egyptian queen Cleopatra wasn’t actually Egyptian, to how much we really know about what people looked like in the past, this book digs deep into history. With Nicole Miles’ dynamic illustrations putting extra energy into the facts and fibs, History's Most Epic Fibs! shows that when it comes to history, things aren't always what they seem!
(Wren & Rook, paperback, £9.99)

Age 5 plus
Gigantosaurus – Searching
for Spinosaurus
Cyber Group Studios

JOIN four little dinos as they as they try to make an unlikely friend... and discover it might be a tall order! There are pages of action-packed fun to enjoy with dinosaur pals Bill, Rocky, Mazu and Tiny in a super new cautionary tale. This heartwarming and roaringly good new adventure comes packed with dinosaur love and is based on the Gigantosaurus TV series which is developed by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios from characters created by Scottish-born author and illustrator Jonny Duddle. When a new, big dino stomps into town, the dinos are determined to make him their new friend. Spinosaurus is the largest, fiercest dinosaur of all... he’s bigger than Giganto and twice as terrifying, but is he just as friendly? As the four dinos learn more about the mysterious new guy, Bill questions just how safe they really are. Should the dinos trust this giant stranger or listen to their friend’s warning and stay away? It’s no surprise that Duddle’s award-winning picture book Gigantosaurus has been a global hit with the TV series launching in America on Disney Junior in 2019 and in the UK in 2020 on Tiny POP. So follow the dinos on this adorable and joyful adventure and watch out for more Gigantosaurus fun!
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Ava and the Acorn
Lu Fraser and Paddy Donnelly

WHERE you think there’s an end, there’s always a beginning... Love, loss and the circle of life come under the watchful eye of gifted writer Lu Fraser in a moving and tender rhyming picture book about ends and new beginnings. Fraser, who has a natural empathy with the fears and foibles of little ones, turns on her storytelling warmth and magic for this tale about a little girl whose grandad uses an old oak tree to explain the natural rhythm of birth, life and death. ‘All the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved – are not gone, When they're held in your heart, a small part still lives on...’ Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share... from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn’s soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad’s health... Brought to life by Irish artist Paddy Donnelly’s colourful, emotive and atmospheric illustrations, there is a reassuring sense of love, growth and warmth on every page of this enchanting picture book as we witness Ava’s special relationship with her grandad and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and nature’s renewal. Ageless, timeless and stunningly beautiful...
(Hodder Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 2 plus
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

JOIN in the adventure of a lifetime and meet an unforgettable hero in a delightful new picture book from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, two of the most famous names in the world of children’s picture books and creators of phenomenal bestsellers like The Gruffalo, Stick Man and The Highway Rat. Star of the show is Jonty Gentoo, a little penguin who embarks on a BIG journey to find his true home at the South Pole. Jonty lives in a pond at the zoo but he longs to slither in the ice and snow with thousands of other penguins around the South Pole. One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (but not before he makes an accidental detour to the North Pole!). Children will cheer on Jonty as he finally finds his way to the South Pole in this captivating story of bravery and friendship. With Donaldson’s heartwarming, inspirational messages about being daring and finding your place in the world, an enchanting story in a rhyme perfectly created for reading aloud, Scheffler’s stunning and richly detailed illustrations providing lots of other creatures to spot on every page, and some fascinating wildlife facts, this is a creative partnership made in children’s reading heaven!
(Alison Green Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
Follow Your Heart
Emma Dodd

‘Though you are young, you are brave and strong.
When you follow your heart, you cannot go wrong.'

READERS young and old will fall in love with another beautiful and heartfelt book from award-winning author and illustrator Emma Dodd which celebrates growing up, learning to trust your instincts and believing in yourself. ‘Follow your heart and soon you will see it will always take you where you're meant to be.’ A little dolphin is taught by its parent that however big and wide the world can feel, your heart will show you which path to choose. Dodd spreads a golden glow over a book that works its magic through a stunning foiled cover and pages, an inspirational rhyming story, and a gallery of beautiful, emotive illustrations. Exquisitely created and brimming with love, Follow Your Heart is written with a large helping of warmth and wisdom, and makes the perfect gift for any time of year.
(Templar Publishing, hardback, £7.99)

The Royal Rebel

Elizabeth Chadwick

WHEN you’re the cousin of the king, choosing your own husband would seem to be an impossibility in 14th century England, where royal women are traditionally used as political pawns in strategically important marriage games.

But King Edward III had not reckoned on the sheer bloody-minded tenacity and daring of Joan of Kent, a troublesome teenager who will rise from being the court’s royal rebel to become a woman of formidable influence.

The Royal Rebel – an enthralling and emotion-packed tale of outrageous scandals, dangerous rivalries, undying love and thrilling real history – comes from exciting historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick (pictured below) and is the first of an epic two-book series about the irresistible Joan, one of medieval England’s most audacious and memorable women. Over thirty years ago, Chadwick made waves in the world of historical novels with her dazzling debut, The Wild Hunt, a sweeping tale of warring dynasties, political intrigue and soaring romance set in the wild, windswept Welsh Marches at the turn of the 12th century.  

It was an instant bestseller and the opener for a stellar career that has seen a string of enthralling and award-winning stories mined from England’s rich medieval history… not least novels featuring the life and times of William Marshal, the legendary 12^th century soldier and statesman, and a brilliant trilogy starring Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of England’s most iconic queens.

And now Chadwick has set her sights on Joan (known as Jeanette to her contemporaries), another intriguing woman from history, and her remarkable life story takes us back seven centuries to a land where the king must be obeyed, tensions run high, war is only ever a heartbeat away, and where true love is that rare thing for princesses.

1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, the teenage cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas to Flanders with the royal court for the first time. Having often imagined herself as ‘a caged hawk, eager to fly’ but thwarted by the conventions of her sex and rank, Jeanette dreads being married off to ‘some flabby old baron’ and looks forward to the freedoms of travel. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by the king’s talented and trusted household knight Thomas Holland whose job it is to guard the pregnant Queen Philippa. The girl’s interest in the knight is stoked not just by his raven-haired good looks but also by the common bond of having fathers who were executed after falling foul of those in power. Thomas, in turn, is increasingly drawn to the coquettish and outspoken Jeanette even though he knows that he is potentially ‘playing with fire’ as she is of high status and consequently a dangerous prospect.

But despite both knowing that their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. However, before the two lovers can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war with the king, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced by her ambitious mother into a second marriage to a man she detests and locked away from the world. When Thomas finally returns from battle and discovers that Jeanette is now married to another man, the real fight begins. As hostile family members do everything in their power to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited... however high the price of that may be.

Using real people and events, and her own imagination, Chadwick’s spellbinding adventure is another sizzling and sumptuous journey into a fascinating corner of England’s past. This is an author who blends history and romance with perfect precision, filling the pages with rich period detail, action-packed drama and conflict, the minutae of medieval domestic life, and the lighter, sweeter notes of a heart-soaring passion. Inspired to discover more about the life of Jeanette through her vast and impressive research into the medieval period over many years, Chadwick quickly realised that there were many similarities and connections between the 14^th and 21^st centuries in terms of social changes and leaps in technology.

War, plague, excessive consumption and the overturning of what had seemed like a settled world order were the backdrop to Jeanette’s tumultuous life and the groundbreaking love affair between two young people which saw them determined to hold firm to each other despite all the obstacles thrown in their way. From the savagery of warfare to the intimacy of a castle solar and the dizzy heights of chivalry, the twisting, turning and often perilous world of Jeanette and Thomas springs to vivid life as their secret marriage becomes the catalyst for subterfuge, heartbreak and the threat of fatal repercussions.

Love, loss, hatred, suffering and survival all play their part in this gripping adventure which sees Chadwick at her storytelling best... and will continue in the already much-anticipated second chapter of Jeanette’s tumultuous story.
(Sphere, hardback, £22)

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)