Death on Ice

R.O. Thorp

WELCOME aboard the Dauphin, a state-of-the-art ship on its way to the Arctic with a passenger list that includes scientists on a marine research voyage... and a mixed bunch of wealthy passengers looking for a sea adventure with a difference.

What no one had counted on was a murder on the ice, miles from anywhere and in the middle of a freezing wilderness. And with almost everyone on board under suspicion, it’s going to be a very ‘cold case’ for the only two people with a (literally) watertight alibi.

Batten down the hatches and set sail with an irresistibly compelling cosy crime caper from R.O. Thorp (pictured below), an Australian currently living in Cork in Ireland who was a Clarendon Scholar at Oxford, won the London Short Story Award in 2011, and is also a lyricist and librettist with works commissioned by the Arts Council, the Wellcome Trust and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Death on Ice is her first foray into murder mysteries and this killer cruise to the frozen north is pure escapism packed full of chills, thrills, shocks and sharks, and a coruscating cast that includes twin brother and sister scientists, the craziest passenger list this side of the Arctic Circle, and a tight-knit crew harbouring their own dark secrets. Add on a thread of gay romance, a two-person ocean submersible, and you have a murderously fun romp set against a breathtaking (in every sense) backdrop.

Meet the Blanchard twins, both marine biologists... Rose is practical, sharp, protective of her less worldly brother, and her speciality is manta rays, while Finn – whose speciality is sharks – is too sweet and kind for his own good.

They are both aboard the Dauphin on a research mission, with two laboratories at their disposal and the use of a small two-man submersible to travel down to the sea bed and lay camera-traps in the hope of viewing the habitats of the Greenland shark, one of the longest-lived animals in the natural world. At the helm of the Dauphin is Captain Anders Johannsson, a man of many parts who is secretly unsettled about this voyage because of ‘a floating feeling out-of-kilter strangeness’ that hit him as he left port in England. Also on board is an eclectic bunch of very rich passengers whose exceedingly expensive fares are helping to pay for the expedition but who are chiefly there to eat foie gras, dabble on ice floes, and witness the glories of the deep, champagne in hand.

But when Rose and Finn make a submersible dive to the sea bed, they return to the Dauphin and make a terrible discovery... one of their scientist colleagues – albeit a man nobody likes – has been murdered on the ice with a harpoon that should never have been there.

Everyone else on the luxury cruise ship – the passengers, the other scientists, the crew and the strangely calm captain – were all aboard at the time so they are all under suspicion. Rose and Finn were the only two at sea and they are miles from anywhere, so it’s up to them to investigate. On scientific problems, they are a brilliant team, but can the twins solve a murder? Fortunately, they are helped by the airborne arrival of Tom Heissman and Titus Williams, two police detectives whose investigation into a smuggling ring has taken them to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Together with Rose and Finn, can they find the killer?

Death on Ice – the first of a dazzling Blanchard Twins Mystery series – is organised mayhem from start to finish as Thorp lets loose her imagination and her writing skills on a gloriously wacky murder escapade with the charm of the Golden Age and the scientific sophistication of the 21^st century.

Scientists Rose and Finn – two very different peas from the same pod – prove to be a delightfully eccentric detective duo, and when they team up with likeable police officers Tom and Titus, the story (and the voyage) takes a turn into even more dramatic waters. With a twisting plot which quickly runs into deep trouble, some entertaining personality clashes, and lots of dark secrets popping up through the frigid air, Death on Ice is overflowing with cool, contemporary vibes, and yet retains the seductive timelessness of the murder mystery genre. Don’t miss the boat!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £9.99)

Our Sweet Violet

Rosie Goodwin

AS the nation waits for our long-awaited spring to blossom, Rosie Goodwin, one of Britain’s favourite saga queens, conjures up her warm and wonderful storytelling magic for the third and final book in her much-loved Flower Girls series.

A former social worker and foster mother, four-million-copy bestselling author Goodwin (pictured below) has penned over forty dazzling historical romances, 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 fate and fortunes change almost overnight when her father dies and secrets from the past turn her life upside down.

In Hull in1905, Violet Stroud has had a comfortable, happy childhood as the much doted-on daughter of William Stroud, the local doctor... and that’s despite a distinct lack of love from her cold-hearted mother Anna.

But when her father unexpectedly dies, Violet’s life changes in an instant and when secrets about the family come to light, Violet finds herself homeless and with no one to turn to apart from Edie Thompson, the family's gentle, loving and long-serving housekeeper. 

Violet and Edie set out on their own to run a café by the docks and life, while humble, starts to settle down. Perhaps, Violet may find happiness again... and even love? But when Violet’s brother, Oliver, comes back on the scene, chaos follows at every turn and while walking home alone one night, something unthinkable happens. With her contented existence and her chance at true love under threat, Violet must summon all the strength she has to put her life back together. Will she ever find the peace that she so desperately desires?

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.

Violet’s journey from the comfort of a happy home with her loving father through unexpected change, misery and hardship 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 Sweet Violet is a sweeping and romantic page-turner and the perfect ending to a sweet and heady series... and for those already eager for another Rosie Goodwin special, she has a sparkling new series planned for later this year!
(Zaffre, hardback, £14.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Iconic queens, monster hunting and epic adventures

Discover the real lives of Henry VIII’s six wives in a lavish new illustrated guide, step into a magical school where monsters are more than just fairy tales, set sail on a jaw-dropping adventure with a famous German explorer, and find out how a kid ended up being the boss of the Underworld in a dazzling selection of new books

Age 7 plus
Six Queens:
An illustrated guide to the iconic queens of Henry VIII
Lydia Monks

THE notorious life, times and big names of the Tudor dynasty have always been a firm favourite in classrooms... none more so than the stories of Henry VIII and his six wives. But despite the fact that these six women changed the course of history, surprisingly little personal detail about their lives has been recorded for the history books. In a special tribute to these unforgettable queens, bestselling picture book artist Lydia Monks brings young readers this spectacular, fully-illustrated account of the lives of the six queens... without King Henry hogging the limelight! Everyone knows the rhyme ‘divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.’ But how much do we know about the women behind it? From loyal and devout Katherine of Aragon to the elegant Anne Boleyn, through the young and capricious Catherine Howard to the scholar and survivor Catherine Parr, youngsters learn all about six fascinating women who had one thing in common... a difficult husband. With a foreword from Tudor historian, author and broadcaster Suzannah Lipscomb, fascinating snippets of history, and gorgeous illustrations which bring the queens and their world to colourful life, Monks adds her own passionate interest in Henry’s wives to this revealing exploration. With immersive storytelling, imaginative artwork, and the women themselves firmly at centre stage, this is their stories as they would want them to be told.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99, published on March 6)

Age 11 plus
Robin Hood: Fury, Fire & Frost
Robert Muchamore

HE might be a modern-day Robin Hood… but he’s still out to catch the villains who are cheating the poor and vulnerable! Welcome back to international bestselling author Robert Muchamore’s contemporary take on the old legend of Sherwood Forest in the ninth book of an enthralling series that delivers the same spectacular and sure-fire formula of fun, action, terrific twists and thrills galore. Here we find teen rebel and social-media star Robin Hood continuing his epic struggle against a new threat to the rebellion. Robin’s father may now be Sheriff of Nottingham and working hard to root out police corruption and the remains of Guy Gisborne’s criminal empire, but the Sherwood rebel's problems are far from over. Former sheriff Marjorie Kovacevic has been elected national president, promising to round up illegal refugees and migrants and use the army to wipe out the rebels and bandits who control Sherwood Forest. But she needs to pass a new law before she can send in the troops to recapture Robin’s home, Sherwood Castle. Meanwhile Robin’s half-brother John is living the high life in the presidential palace with his mother and becoming increasingly worried about the ruthless tactics she is employing to destroy the rebels. With tensions rising, war seems inevitable. Brimming with guts, gusto, gags and gripping adventures, this is Robin Hood and his merry men as you’ve never before seen them… enjoy!
(Hot Key Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Vanya and the Wild Hunt
Sangu Mandanna and Kristina Kister

WELCOME to the magical school of Auramere where monsters are more than just fairy tales! Youngsters will be monstrously excited to get their hands on the first of a thrilling new fantasy series inspired by Indian mythology and British folklore. Written by Sangu Mandanna – who was born in India and also writes romantic fantasy for adults – and beautifully illustrated by German artist Kristina Kister, these inclusive adventures are set in a world of talking books, runes and spells, and star an inspirational neurodivergent British-Indian girl. Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen can talk to books. But more importantly, the books talk back. When her family is attacked by a monster she believed only existed in legends, Vanya discovers that her parents have been keeping secrets, and that monsters do exist. Soon, she is whisked off to the enchanted school of Auramere, where she joins the ranks of archwitches and archivists. Auramere is full of magic... and monsters. And the Wild Hunt is on the prowl. It’s up to Vanya to unmask its leader and stop them from destroying the only place she has ever truly belonged. Mandanna creates a brilliantly immersive and richly detailed magical world of monsters and ancient secrets where a brave and determined girl with ADHD faces a high-stakes peril. And what a captivating adventure it is, packed with fantastical, fast-paced action and plot twists, and with some heartfelt, reassuring messages about family and friendship, and accepting who you are no matter what others might think. Expect flying stags, spectral wolves, talking books and mythical swans, and then begin the countdown to Vanya’s next spellbinding adventure!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99, published on March 6)

Age 9 plus
Beastlands: Legend of the Crystal Caves
Jess French

LET your imagination run wild because the Beastlands are back! A magical world in which the winds of prophecy are whispering awaits young adventurers as zoologist, vet, author and BBC Children’s TV presenter Jess French returns with the second instalment of her epic fantasy trilogy featuring weird and wonderful creatures inspired by her experiences with animals. Tingling with magic, danger and mystery, and with a timely environmental twist, Beastlands is both a thrilling journey into a forbidding other-world and a celebration of conservationism and the idea that adventure and exploration together provide a form of subtle education. Before there were people, there were beasts... The island of Ramoa was once luscious and populated with mighty beasts. Now it is home to barren cities where nature is locked out and the realms have never been more divided. Alethea, Kayla and Rustus are the only ones standing in the way of the evil Professor Penn who is raising an army of beasts. Desperate to protect their home, they split up to find a way to defeat the professor. Kayla tries to uncover Penn’s plans in the ruthless Southlands as Rustus hunts for prophecies within the hidden Crystal Caves. Meanwhile, Alethea must journey to a new realm to unite the people against the danger ahead. But the island is changing... plants and beasts are dying, volcanoes are erupting and waterways are drying up. Could it all be linked? The intrepid young trio will have to trust the people and beasts they meet to help them on their way. And listen to the whispers on the wind that warn of an ancient legend ready to rise... Alethea, Rustus and Kayla are the perfect young heroes for a fantastical stage set that cannot help but remind readers of our threatened planet. Their courage and their heart-poundings adventures amongst the most amazing creatures display the depth and vision of French’s knowledge and imagination. With lots of twists and turns along the way, this is a truly magical storytelling journey and one that will have youngsters counting down to the final, fantastic Beastlands adventure!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99, published on March 13)

Age 9 plus
Knutz + Boltz and the Cosmic Code
Tim Collins and Louise Forshaw

JOIN a thrilling top-secret mission to stop a huge asteroid hurling through space, and test out your own science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to help save planet Earth! Written by Tim Collins, illustrated by Louise Forshaw, and developed with a specialist STEAM consultant, this is the second wickedly clever comic-style book in an exciting puzzle adventure series which takes readers on all-action adventures in the company of Knutz, a STEAM whizz-kid, and canine super-inventor Boltz. Knutz and Boltz are blasting off to a top-secret space station. A huge asteroid is hurtling towards Earth and the World Space Agency needs four astronauts to embark on an urgent mission to destroy it. With time running out and a rival team of astronauts – a girl and her cat sidekick – sabotaging their every move, Knutz and Boltz will need to use all their STEAM skills to halt the asteroid and save the world. 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, published on March 13)

Age 8 plus
Alexander von Humboldt: Explorer of the Americas and Beyond
Rocío Martínez

SET sail on a voyage of discovery with Alexander von Humboldt (1799 to 1804), the renowned German naturalist, scientist and explorer, on his epic adventure from the Canary Islands to the Amazon rainforest and beyond! Celebrated as a polymath and one of the founders of modern geography, Humboldt is the star of this dynamic, entertaining and illustrated account of his travels to and in the Americas, published by Prestel in an eye-catching long-book format which features 24 pages folding out into six spectacular double-spread maps. Written and superbly illustrated in full colour by Rocío Martínez, this spectacular book is overflowing with fascinating facts and vibrant illustrations and is the perfect fit for young readers interested in nature, geography, history, adventure... and the many ways in which the world is connected. Alexander von Humboldt’s childhood curiosity and love of nature led him to some of history’s most groundbreaking expeditions, scientific theories, and observations about weather, climate, and ecology. Between 1799 and 1804, he travelled extensively in the Americas, exploring and describing them for the first time from a non-Spanish European scientific point of view with accounts of his journey written up and published in several volumes over 21 years. 

Those exciting adventures and highly influential discoveries are documented in this extraordinary book which features an engaging and highly detailed text and maps documenting his expeditions to the Orinoco, the Andes and Peru, Mexico and the USA, the Canary Islands, Italy, and Russia. Readers learn about the Humboldt Current, his observations on volcanoes and mines, his thwarted ascent of Mount Chimborazo, the discovery of the Casiquiare canal, his invention of isotherms, and much more. Each page is a treasure trove of information and a stepping-off point for conversation and further study. And best of all, Humboldt’s life and achievements provide timely inspiration for budding environmentalists and explorers who want to learn about the remarkable interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. Discovery and learning at your fingertips!
(Prestel, hardback, £14.99, published on March 4)

Age 8 plus
The Marvellers: The Deadly Fates
Dhonielle Clayton

DHONIELLE Clayton, an American author whose first love is magic, returns to whisk us away to her specially and lovingly created Marvellerverse, a fantastical world for all youngsters who, like her, have grown up feeling ‘invisible’ but crave magic and adventure. So if mesmerising magic is your first love, too, immerse yourself in the third thrilling and empowering Marvellers adventure. It’s Year Three at the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors – the global magic school in the sky – for Ella, Jason, and Brigit. But not everyone is happy that Ella has returned, and when an illness begins affecting the students’ marvels, she is in the spotlight once more. As tensions between Marvellers and Conjurors reach an all-time high, Ella and her friends are determined to unlock the secrets of the Arcanum Training Institute’s past. Why is the truth about the Conjure architect who founded the institute being kept hidden? To discover what mysteries their school holds and stop a collision between two worlds, they will need to track down the stolen memories. Clayton’s Marvellverse is a wondrous, world-building invention, a place full of exciting characters where secrets abound, all cultural traditions mix together and Ella must work hard if she is to fit in. Enjoy enthralling adventures filled with courage, love, wit and warmth whilst exploring themes of family, prejudice, bullying, acceptance, and learning to take responsibility... and prepare to be swept away!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Boss of the Underworld:
Shirley vs the Green Menace
Tor Freeman

HOW did a kid end up being the boss of the Underworld? It’s a kind of weird story and comes from the eclectic, electric imagination of award-winning author and illustrator Tor Freeman who goes above, beyond and a long way below in the first hilarious book in a fast-paced, funny and accessible new graphic novel series. Discover the fun and laughter for yourself as we join Shirley and her giant cockroach friend, George, on a strange adventure through the Underworld. Will they triumph over scary foes, resist eating delicious things in the forest, navigate the Bog of Intense Emotions, and find their way into the dark sewers to confront the Green Menace? There are many ways into the Underworld... but there’s only one way out! Fizzing with charm, energy and the silliest comedy this side of the Underworld, this is one Boss that youngsters will be happy to obey!
(Hodder Children's Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Bad Panda: For Sale!
Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey

HURRAY! Bad Panda is back for another laugh-yourself-silly adventure. Boo! This is the final instalment of a series that has won everyone’s hearts. Youngsters will be chewing through bamboo leaves to get their hands on the final, fantastic zoo outing for precocious panda Lin who is sick of being labelled cute, and tired of being cuddled and hugged. Guaranteed to make readers of every age giggle and guffaw, this hilarious Bad Panda series has been a winner for outrageous queens of comedy, author Swapna Haddow and her illustrator team-mate Sheena Dempsey.  But now the zoo is going to close and all the animals will be sent back to where they came from! Lin – who has been on an unstoppable mission to change her cute panda image – is happy about the idea of being returned to the panda sanctuary from where she came. She can’t wait to be reunited with her beloved brother, Face-Like-A-Bag-Of-Potatoes. But Lin is definitely NOT happy about being separated from her new-found zoo family. Surely all the animals should be kept together? This is a job for the baddest of pandas. Lin will need rage and bad behaviour. Only then will she be able to keep her zoo family in one place! Packed full of slapstick fun, outrageously bad behaviour and panda pranks, Bad Panda is the perfect go-to comedy for emerging readers. Packed with Haddow’s warmth and wicked, laugh-out-loud wit, and Dempsey’s irresistibly funny black, white and red illustrations, this super series from one of the most inspired partnerships in children’s comedy fiction ends as it began... with tears of laughter!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £7.99, published on March 13)

Age 3 plus
Again! A Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog Adventure
Britta Teckentrup

PRICKLE and tickle your youngsters into a slyly charming story about friends, playing, and doing the same fun thing over and over and over again! Again! is the adorable new Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog adventure from award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup and – with its gentle story about the joy that can be found in repetition and the glories of the natural world, plus a gallery of gloriously atmospheric illustrations covering dawn sunshine to evening dusk – it is guaranteed to tenderly guide your little ones into the land of sleep. It’s finally spring and Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog are ready to explore the world after having slept all winter. Everything looks the same, but also new. Over the course of a lovely day they run into old friends and take part in fun activities – swinging, teasing, jumping around – and each time Little Hedgehog wants to do the same thing again and again until it’s time for home and bed.

The lovable and relatable Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog are just two of German-born Teckentrup’s many marvellous characters who embody human emotions that young readers can recognise and easily understand. In this new adventure, little ones will enjoy the repetition of Little Hedgehog’s plea ‘Again!’ and parents will appreciate the gentle humour and unending patience of Big Hedgehog. Teckentrup’s signature softly coloured artwork beautifully conveys the pleasures of the natural world – trees, flowers, clouds and a moonlit sky – while cleverly depicting a wide variety of animal friends including owls, turtles and ladybirds. Perfect reading for bedtime!
(Prestel, hardback, £11.99, published on March 4)

Age 3 plus
Evie & Dr Dino: Will We
See a Mermaid?
Rosalind Spark and Kate Anfilova

ASKING the right questions can lead to unexpected adventures in the latest book of the fascinating and fun Evie & Dr Dino picture book series from author Rosalind Spark and illustrator Kate Anfilova. So climb aboard a very special Ocean Explorer vessel and discover secrets of the deep with inquisitive Evie and her best friend Dr Dino. Evie asks lots of questions and luckily, Dr Dino is there to answer them all. Evie really, really wants to meet a mermaid so she and Dr Dino set out on an ocean adventure. Along the way they encounter amazing creatures in rock pools, learn curious facts, like what anchovies eat and how dolphins talk to each other, find out about the importance of protecting our oceans, and discover what it really means to be a mermaid. And the voyage doesn’t end there because youngsters will discover a fold-out section at the end, packed with lots more amazing facts about the oceans! And when you surface, make sure to look out for more adventures with Evie and Dr Dino in Can We Go to Space Today? and Can We Meet a Dinosaur?
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99, published on March 6)

Age 3 plus
Little Dino Boo-Boos!
Sophie Aggett and Jannie Ho

A BAND of little dinosaurs aren’t well... can you help them to feel better? Open the pages of author Sophie Aggett and illustrator Jannie Ho’s delightful interactive board book and enjoy a colourful ‘lesson’ in first aid. ‘We love to stomp on rainy days. We're splashing through the trees. We love to play without our coats... until it makes us sneeze.’ The little dinos have tummy aches, sniffly colds and bumps and grazes! They will need some help to find the right remedy to make them feel better. Children will love finding the right remedy sticker for each familiar childhood illness or injury in this dinosaur adventure which comes with reusable stickers and a fold-out first aid kit at the back of the book. With Ho’s adorably cute illustrations full of dino fun and mishaps, and Aggett’s sweet and funny rhyming text, this is the perfect ‘first aid kit’ for budding young medics, or as a fun-filled pick-me-up for little ones who are unwell at home!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99, published on March 6)

Age 3 plus
There’s a Gorilla at the Door!
Clare Helen Welsh and Sam Caldwell

WHAT do you do when a gorilla arrives for your family party? Blended families are now a familiar part of contemporary life but it can be an anxious time of change for young children. So invite them to share the fun of this riotous animal romp, written with love and understanding by Clare Helen Welsh, and brought to life by the talented Sam Caldwell in this enchanting picture book. Daphne’s mum and stepdad, Anthony, are throwing a family party as the little girl had to leave behind her friends when they moved to a new home. But Daphne is convinced it’s going to be boring! It’s only when a gorilla knocks on the door, a rhino rolls in and a kangaroo pops up that Daphne realises that this party is going to get... wild! In Daphne’s big animal family, everyone is different but they all love to dance to the same beat. Children will love the charismatic cast of animal characters as they hop and bop through every page of this colourful, high-energy story which cleverly and joyfully explores and celebrates the sense of belonging and interconnected nature of animal families that we all, as humans, share. Fun to read aloud, and delightful to look at, There’s a Gorilla at the Door! is destined to be a firm family favourite.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The Armadillo Who
Came for Dinner
Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy

YOUNGSTERS will love getting their teeth into the sixth tasty picture book in Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy’s heartwarming and hilarious The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series. The Armadillo Who Came for Dinner positively rolls and bounces with Smallman’s wit and warmth and French illustrator Dreidemy’s striking and characterful artwork as we meet up again with Wolf, Hotpot the lamb and their pet crocodile Omelette one lazy, hazy summer afternoon. There they are, having a picnic as the bees buzz and the birds twitter when what they think is a boulder rolls right through their food and into a tree with a thump. But it’s not a rock, it’s an armadillo called Dizzy and kindly Hotpot asks if he needs a hug. Dizzy is a tough armadillo and he definitely doesn’t need a comforting hug. Yet, when disaster strikes at the Fun Fair, the embrace of a friend could be just what this tough armadillo needs. Smallman’s clever, comical and cautionary tale encourages young readers to challenge stereotypes and expectations and look beyond the surface because someone who looks tough on the outside can sometimes be soft, and more vulnerable, on the inside. The perfect book to share with your own special family and friends!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
There’s a Bear on My Chair
10th Anniversary Edition
Ross Collins

FOR those with memories that stretch back ten years, the witty and wonderful rhyming tale of a bear who famously hogged a mouse’s chair might be recalled with love and laughter. For those who do (and those who don’t!) here is an anniversary edition of Ross Collins’ comic masterpiece picture book, There’s a Bear on My Chair... a special gift book with shimmering blue and gold foil cover. Meet poor Mouse! A bear has settled in his favourite chair and that chair just isn’t big enough for two. Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to shift Bear but nothing works and tired old Mouse eventually gives up. Once Mouse has gone, however, that cheeky Bear just gets up and walks home! How dare he? But what's that? Is that a MOUSE in BEAR’s house?! It’s easy to see why this joyful tale was recently adapted into a play by the Fuel theatre company in a commission by the Southbank Centre in London. A hilarious story of sweet and satisfying comeuppance, brought to life by Collins’ quirky and characterful illustrations, this is the perfect book for sharing at bedtime... or any time you need a cheery pick-me-up!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

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 over 36 years and the two madcap stars take centre stage again in this super new 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’ 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, paperback, £7.99, published on March 6)

15 Short Walks in the Ribble Valley

Mark Sutcliffe

AS spring – and the joys of the great outdoors – start to loom enticingly on the horizon, why not map out some walks in the Ribble Valley, a stunning corner of rural Lancashire that is widely recognised as a genuine walker’s paradise.

With its gentle rolling countryside, wooded river valleys and some more challenging hill walks for those with an appetite for adventure, this unspoiled area has it all. Criss-crossed with footpaths and bridleways, there is a huge selection of circular walks, ranging from riverside rambles and afternoon ambles through scenic villages, to mini-mountains like famous Pendle Hill.

So if fertile pastureland, riverside paths and wooded valleys – home to the likes of kingfishers, dippers, egrets, pied flycatchers, hen harriers and even occasional passing osprey – tugs at your imagination and heartstrings, then look no further for a walking companion than the brilliant new guidebook from Cicerone Press which steers you through fifteen of the best short walks in the Ribble Valley.

Cicerone – an enthusiastic publisher based in Kendal and specialising in outdoor activities guidebooks – has over 400 books for walking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering and cycling, covering the UK, Europe and other regions of the world.

And like the other books in their super pocket-sized guide series, 15 Short Walks in the Ribble Valley contains crystal-clear OS mapping and directions, and has been written by Mark Sutcliffe, (pictured left) an experienced outdoor writer and editor. These hand-picked walks involve no complicated navigation or challenging terrain, come with clear route descriptions, GPX files available for download, lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots, towns and tasty refreshment stops.

Most of the walks in this new guide are circular, under three hours in duration, and from three to six miles in length, and although there may be some climbs, there is no challenging terrain and the guide includes both easy and moderate walks.

Walking routes take in Ribchester, Longridge, Dinckley, Whalley, Pendle, Clitheroe, Waddington and Downham, and can be safely completed all year round, although some are trickier in winter. Along the way, walkers can explore Clitheroe Castle, enjoy a gentle ramble beside the River Ribble, find Roman remains in Ribchester, follow in the footsteps of Hobbits on the Tolkien Trail, hike to the summit of mighty Pendle Hill, and discover welcoming country inns and cosy cafes that are just perfect for a post-walk treat.

No complicated navigation and no specialist gear means walks can be enjoyed by everyone and the guide includes details of public transport, facilities, parking and the highlights to look out for on every route. So whether you’re new to walking, looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family, or eager to pay walking visits to bustling market towns, picturesque villages and some of the best gastropubs in Britain, grab your handy guide and let the adventures begin!
(Cicerone Press, paperback, £9.95)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Women in history, scary science and a speedy sport

Turn back the clock and discover 900 years of women’s history, have your spine well and truly tingled by a terrifying sci-fi thriller, strap yourself in for a ride along Formula 1’s fast lane, and enjoy the final, fantastic chapter of an epic series starring a boy with no memories in a fabulous February selection

Age 12 plus
Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years
Philippa Gregory and Alexis Snell

IF you thought women’s history was all about big dresses and bonnets, crinolines and stagecoaches, then you’ll be having second thoughts with this eye-opening women’s history from award-winning and number one bestselling author Philippa Gregory. Adapted from Gregory’s critically acclaimed and ground-breaking book, Normal Women – which tells the story of England over 900 years but, for the very first time, puts previously ignored and invisible women’s history at its beating heart – this super teen edition sets the record straight for younger readers. Today, when we think of women of the past, we often think of the 1800s and 1900s, a time when women were told they were naturally inferior to men, and must stay at home while men went out to work and have fun.

But that is a huge mistake, says Gregory, because there is so much more to women’s history than the manners and mores of more recent centuries. Ordinary English women have been doing extraordinary things FOREVER – it just didn’t make the history books (written by men, of course!). Women have, in fact, been making history for 900 years. Meet farmers, highwaywomen, pirates, ‘female husbands,’ slaves, soldiers, criminals, writers, inventors, rioters and lots more who spent their lives protesting, working, playing, taking risks, getting rich (and getting even!). Some women were outstandingly brilliant and some were outstandingly bad, and now at last we can their stories can be heard... stories of ingenuity, diversity, rebellion, survival, and sisterhood. With illustration throughout by award-winning printmaker Alexis Snell, Normal Women is no ordinary book and is a must-read for women of every age.
(Red Shed, paperback, £14.99)

Age 11 plus
The Night House Files: The Deadsoul Project
Dan Smith and Luke Brookes

GET ready to have your spine well and truly tingled as award-winning author and master of creepy sci-fi, Dan Smith, returns with the first book in a super-charged new Night House Files series full of thrills, chills and some seriously scary science. At the heart of this gripping and gruesome opener is a secret organisation called The Night House which exposes the horrifying ‘truth’ behind the Alpine Heights disaster. The year is 1977 and Alpine Heights is a tower block where Kyle and Lauren Dempsey live with their mum and bullying stepdad Connor. Only a few days ago, they were told that Connor, a soldier, has been killed in action in Northern Ireland. But then he turns up at their flat in Alpine Heights and is terrifyingly changed. Following a secret military experiment, he has been infected with some kind of alien life form which is using him as a host to pass on a mysterious virus seems to be running rampant through the building leaving many residents dead. Fast forward through the decades and nobody has ever discovered what really happened... until now. With a twisting, time-travelling and heart-pounding plot, some blood-curdling alien bodysnatchers, Brookes’ wonderfully graphic and atmospheric black and white illustrations, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this is a brilliantly imaginative adventure which will hook in readers from the first page… and is best read in daylight hours!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
The Falling Boy
David Almond

BE transported into an ethereal world with a young boy coming to terms with a change of school and his father’s battle with cancer in a moving and beautifully written novel from multi-talented master storyteller David Almond, author of the million-copy selling novel Skellig. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting, inspirational and innovative children's authors writing today, Almond was awarded an OBE for services to literature in 2021 and The Falling Boy is another middle grade gem full of warmth, wisdom, and an exquisite blend of real life and fantasy. Nothing is the same for Joff this summer. Next term, he moves up to secondary school, his dad is ill, his mum is working, and there’s a new kid in town. The days are long and hot, and change is in the air. He can’t wait to escape the tensions at home each day and goes off with his dog Jet to explore the countryside. But there’s one place he’s not allowed to explore... the Chapel of Doom. It sits above the town, ancient and crumbling, with its warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy. He's always believed the Falling Boy is just a story, told to make the kids do what they’re told. And when Joff’s adventures take him beyond the boundaries, he discovers something unexpected, something truly magical... Written with intensity, insight and compassion, Falling Boy is another masterpiece from Almond as he brings us an ethereal and yet earthy coming-of-age odyssey about hope, friendship, conquering your fears, and making youthful sense of a mixed up, muddled up world.
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
How To Roller-Skate with One Leg
Ella Dove and Jennifer Jamieson

MAYA Bright might have lost her leg in a road accident a year ago... but she’s determined not to lose her famous sense of humour. Welcome to a funny and uplifting story about friendship and living your best life from journalist and amputee Ella Dove whose life changed forever when a freak accident meant that she had to have her leg amputated. Now an inspirational speaker and novelist, Dove’s delightful debut children’s novel is a thoroughly heartwarming celebration of friendship, family, and overcoming adversity, and will delight young readers with its honesty, playfulness and raw courage.

‘Hi! I'm Maya Bright. Last year was the worst... I lost my leg in a road accident. But I’m still me, and I’m not going to let anything – or anybody – stop me from living my best life!’ 

When Maya finds a list she made before losing her leg, she decides she’s still going to do everything on it... even though her former bestie has ditched her for the cool kids. Before she turns 13, she’s going to... get her ears double-pierced, learn how to roller-skate, stay up all night at a sleepover, go viral, have the best birthday party ever, AND make her ex-best friend Sophie realise what she’s missing! Dove – who is a trustee for the Limbless Association – proved herself to be a master storyteller with her riveting novel for adults, Five Steps to Happy, which was written straight out of the toughest of ordeals, and she brings the same acute observations and insight to this entertaining and enlightening adventure for younger readers.
(Orchard Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Jayben and the Dragon Stone
Thomas Leeds

WELCOME back to Elf World and the final, fantastic chapter of an epic series starring Jayben, a boy with no memories, fast fading powers, and a mammoth task to complete! Brimming with action and a searing insight into a life lived with seizures and memory loss, the Jayben adventures are written by debut author Thomas Leeds who was inspired by his own unique personal experience of memory-loss after an accident when he was nineteen left him with no memories of his childhood and severe epilepsy. Jayben is the Ninth Dreamer and the only one who can defeat Null, the evil villain who has been making everyone in the Elf World forget. But the crystals that give Jayben his power are quickly fading, and he needs to uncover the missing words from the Book of Dreamers to finally free everyone from Null’s curse. When Jayben finds an electrifying blue stone, he quickly learns that it can transport him anywhere in the blink of an eye... but it can be dangerous unless used properly. Hearing of a magical elixir that can restore his crystals to full strength, Jayben sets out on a quest with his friends to find it and the missing words. But Null's ally is racing to get to the elixir first and the words are scattered across the five realms of the Elf World. And it seems as if something – or someone – is preventing Jayben from succeeding. He needs to work out who he can trust, and fast, as he prepares to battle Null in a final showdown. Jayben’s world-saving and inspirational adventures have gripped young readers from start to finish with one boy’s bravery, determination and refusal to give in to his afflictions taking a starring role. Add on an immersive fantasy world full of danger and jeopardy, and you have a modern classic with an unforgettable hero.
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 9 plus
Drive to Victory: Incredible True Stories from the Fastest Sport in the World
Karun Chandhok

STRAP yourself in and get ready for an amazing trip to Formula One’s fast lane with real-life racing driver Karun Chandhok... part of a very exclusive club of only two Indian F1 drivers! How fast do Formula 1 cars really go, how do you become a racing driver, what track is the hardest to drive in the world? Discover the most amazing stories and incredible stats and facts about the fastest and most exciting sport on the planet with this informative guide. From trackside to podium, leading Sky Sports Grand Prix commentator and former F1 driver Chandhok showcases the best teams, drivers, tracks, cars, jaw-dropping moments and more. Drive to Victory features the top drivers on the circuit today – Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and George Russell – plus iconic drivers from the past like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. Learn about the trailblazing female drivers Maria Terese de Filippis and Lella Lombardi, and take a look at the great teams and impressive tracks that push drivers to their limit. Young F1 fans can also discover lots of fascinating facts like racing cars go so fast that they are able to drive upside down, an F1 car has around 11,000 parts, and an F1 team was once brought for the huge sum of... £1. Chandhok takes readers behind the scenes and under the bonnet to unearth spectacular stories and stats, and show what it really takes to drive to success in the world of F1.
(Wren & Rook, paperback, £9.99)

Age 8 plus
The Cheat Book (vol.2)
RAMZEE

WARNING, if you’re a grown-up... look away! Prepare for your youngsters to giggle and guffaw when they get their mischievous paws on the second book in the hilarious Cheat Book series from RAMZEE (aka author and illustrator Ramsey Hassan). Star of the show is Kamal and he’s off on another madcap adventure with tips and tricks from his cheat book to guide him along the way. Wish you could hunt down a ferocious beast? Ever wondered what a REAL night sky looks like? Do you want to embrace your wild side? Join Kamal as he attempts to survive the wild! Kamal has promised to track down the infamous Beast of Criggily Wood. He throws himself into the wilderness with nothing but his two best friends, his wits and the mysterious Cheat Book. The Cheat Book promises its reader life hacks for literally any occasion. But can it help Kamal track down the beast lurking in the shadows, dodge all the poison ivy and make it home in one piece? With eye-catching black-and-white illustrations throughout, a hero who would like to be – sorry, IS – the coolest guy in the class, and packed to the brim with fun, friendship, youthful energy and laughter, this hilarious series hits all the right notes for anarchy-loving youngsters.
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)

Age 4 plus
Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit
Molly Golden and Paola Escobar

EVER since it was first published in 1922, Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit – the warm and beguiling tale of a toy rabbit who longs to be real – has been an instant favourite for generations of children. And now – for the first time – this warm and lovingly detailed picture book tells how this beloved character came to be and the true story of its creator. As a young child, Margery Williams lived in London but when the father she adored died, she had to move with her family to far away New York City. Consumed by sadness, Margery found solace visiting the animals in the wild and wonderful Central Park zoo near her new home, and in her toys—toys that became real to her. As an adult, and now author of numerous books for adults and children, she watched her own youngsters use their imaginations to work through difficult times and, inspired by their play, she wrote The Velveteen Rabbit. Beautifully and sensitively written by Molly Golden, and with gorgeous artwork by Colombian graphic designer and illustrator Paola Escobar, the story of Margery’s life celebrates the healing power of the imagination and childhood play, and will resonate with anyone who has ever wished their beloved toys would become real.
(Clarion Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Wiggling Words
Kate Rolfe

STEP inside the creative mind of a neurodivergent reader and discover a wild and wonderful world of words! This inspiring picture book story – which will resonate with those with dyslexia and every child who struggles to read – is the prizewinning creation of dyslexic author and illustrator Kate Rolfe. Wiggling Words is a V&A Award winner as well as the winner of two World Illustration Awards and is the perfect go-to book to encourage problem-solving and build confidence. Everyone loves a story but when the words starts wiggling and jiggling all the way out of the book it takes some clever thinking to discover the animals, build the castle, and sail a boat across the water. Oh, and look out for the crocodile! Verbs, also known as action words, can be pesky things to master and nobody understands the struggle better than this inspiring story about a child lost in a forest of letters. Skip, trip, fumble and fall with them as they discover that even though words can be tricky, they can be fun too! Designed with both simplicity and empathy, and brought to life by Rolfe’s stunning two-tone artwork, Wiggling Words is ideal for children with reading difficulties.
(Two Hoots, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
One Cheeky Octopus
Alastair Chisholm and Alex Willmore

MEET Sylvester... he’s ONE CHEEKY OCTOPUS, and youngsters are going to welcome him with (eight!) open arms! Prize-winning author Alastair Chisholm and illustrator extraordinaire Alex Willmore ‘pool’ their imaginations for this hilarious counting tale filled with underwater friends and one very big TICKLE! Sylvester reckons he’s the cleverest, the sneakiest, the bestest and the beakiest but he’s also bored and when sees his friends having fun, he decides to have some of his own! Using his looong arms, Sylvester GRABS and NABS all the games and toys. Oh no, will this cheeky octopus ever learn to share? Chisholm has laugh-out-loud fun with an ocean of words and numbers while Willmore puts life, mischief and mayhem into a colourful array of sea creatures. ‘Armed’ and ready to capture young imaginations... and teach a few life lessons!
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Bunny’s New Brakes
Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

YOU'RE never too young to join in the fun of Eastertime so dish up this delicious concoction of fun, friendship and a fast-moving bunny with a chocolate-flavoured picture book from author Caroline Crowe and illustrator Jess Pauwels. Taking the starring ‘roll’ is Blaze the bunny whose top-speed scooter crash threatens to ruin Easter unless there’s a way to make more chocolate eggs in time? ‘A perfect day, no clouds and sunny, And look here comes a little bunny... Oh dear she’s coming rather fast, She’s heading for the egg display, My brakes won't work, quick out the way!’ Poor Blaze is not like all the other bunnies. Instead of lolloping around peacefully, she likes to travel FAST on her scooter. But disaster strikes when she crashes into the chocolate eggs that the Easter bunnies need for Easter morning! How will Blaze find a fix in time? Perhaps instead of chocolate eggs, she can create a chocolate bunny mould? Crowe’s rhyming romp is a delight to read to little ones and Pauwels adds extra mouthwatering madness with her richly detailed and colourful illustrations. Magical mayhem for readers of every age!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Come What May
Debi Gliori

‘Love stays like the sky, when the clouds move away. Love stays forever, unchanged, come what may.’ 

STEEP yourself in the beautiful words and pictures of award-winning writer and illustrator Debi Gliori’s Come What May, a heartfelt companion book to her much-loved No Matter What, a timelessly reassuring and irresistible story about unconditional love which has been comforting little ones for over 25 years. This new picture book odyssey is a lyrical, moving and humorous story about enduring love and once again features the beloved foxes, Large and Small, as they head out on a picnic in the countryside to wind down after a rather trying afternoon attempting some baking. As their walk takes them across flower-strewn meadows, through cool woods and eventually up on to a gentle hill from which they can see their cosy home below, they reflect on all the moods a single day can hold. And as a squall of rain briefly threatens their picnic, they eventually decide that moods may change like the weather, but their love for each other will always remain constant. Soothing, sensual and uplifting, Gliori’s beautifully told and illustrated story is brimming with worldly wisdom and genuine affection, and is sure to delight readers both young and old.
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age one plus
Long Dog
James Davies

LONG story cut short... you’d be barking mad to miss this laugh-out-loud tale of a boy and his unbreakable friendship with a very loooong dog! Talented illustrator and author James Davies works his animal magic on the unfolding story of a boy called James and his faithful, long-suffering dog. Everybody longs to have a dog of their own… but what if it’s a very long dog? James and Long Dog are inseparable, the best ever friends, and they think being long is awesome, even if nobody else agrees. For James, it means spaghetti hugs and extra-long walks. Luckily, the other pets in the park don’t seem so perfect either... and when they mysteriously go missing, there’s only one dog (one exceedingly long dog!) in the whole world who is long enough to rescue them. With a madcap adventure to enjoy, a surprise fold-out page, and messages about friendship, difference, being yourself (and digging very deep holes!), this doggie delight is guaranteed to capture everyone’s heart!
(Templar Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Mummies Love Hugs
Lara Bryan and Asa Gilland

WITH Mother’s Day on the horizon, celebrate the power of hugs and love with this cosy and colourful interactive board book which puts the spotlight on the special bond between a mother and her child. Mummies LOVE hugs – from big, brave hugs to soft, snuggly one – and young children will delight in turning the inventively shaped pages to bring mummies and their little ones together for a cuddle. With Lara Bryan’s simple rhyming text and the adorable illustrations of Asa Gilland, Mummies Love Hugs offers a gentle exploration of how hugs can help with all kinds of feelings, and make you feel loved. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day... or any time of the year!
(Usborne Publishing, board book, £7.99)

Age from birth
Match the Shape
Ruth Symons and Susie Hammer

HERE'S an inventive board book that teaches more than just first words! Match the Shape – written by Ruth Symons and illustrated in vivid colours by Polish artist Susie Hammer – doubles up as a brilliant shape-sorter in an ingenious design that lets toddlers place three chunky shapes into matching slots. The circle, triangle and rectangle – attached to the book with colourful ribbons – create an engaging shape-sorter game on each colourful page with each slotting into cut-outs with satisfying ease, and each completing a variety of images, from a rocket ship to a colourful butterfly. Matching the shapes aids children in their fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and problem-solving skills, and each spread also introduces popular first words, making this the ideal book to learn from while having fun. Perfectly shaped for readers of the future!
(Templar Books, board book, £7.99)

Age from birth
I’m a Dinosaur & I’m a Car
Ruth Symons and Matthew Scott

ROAR, stomp, beep and toot! Little hands will love exploring these dazzling, dinky shaped board books packed with their favourite dinosaurs and cars. Featuring illustrator Matthew Scott’s bright colours and friendly faces, the adorable toy-like pages of I'm a Dinosaur and I’m a Car are sure to hold the attention of the youngest babies while author Ruth Symons’ simple facts are perfect for toddlers. 

Each uniquely-shaped page reveals a new dinosaur or car, alongside a simple fact and a playful sound to join in with. Get ready to ROAR, STOMP and SCREECH along as they meet dinosaurs big and small, from a stomping T.rex to a soaring Pterodactyl. And BEEP, TOOT and NEE-NAW as they meet cars, trucks, trains, boats, and even a helicopter. Fun and learning at the turn of every sturdy page!
(Templar Books, board books, £6.99 each)