CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Dragon riding, a ghost town and a land of magic

Find yourself a dragon and join in the fun of a treasure-hunting mission, tag along with family’s trip of a lifetime as it takes a terrifying turn, visit a land of magic and wonder for a thrilling, high-stakes adventure, and meet a spotty schoolboy who discovers he’s actually a mythological monster in a super new selection

Age 8 plus
Dragonflar
Jamie Hammond

TEAM UP with a dragon and find the hidden treasure! Add fire to your youngsters’ spring reading with Dragonflare, a brilliantly conceived adventure story that blends thrills, teamwork, lots of laughs and, best of all, the fun of interactive dragon-riding. Readers will love solving the puzzles to find the gold in this epic standalone book from Jamie Hammond, the bestselling author and illustrator of Grumpfort… an exciting reading quest which comes packed with Hammond’s richly detailed black and white illustrations. So join the excitement and accept an invitation to compete in the Wingrider Trials on Dragonflare Island! Do you have what it takes to become a dragon rider, solve the puzzles and find the treasure? Flynn, known as a bad boy, believes he definitely doesn’t so when a dragon kidnaps him to be her partner in the trials, things get complicated. Now they’re stuck in a labyrinth full of hungry monsters, impossible obstacle courses, and backstabbing competitors. To win, they will need brains, bravery and – worst of all – teamwork. But the trials are hiding a deadly secret, and if Flynn and his dragon don’t win, the whole island could be doomed... Set in the same world as the Grumpfort books, and with the added challenge of treasure-hunting twist at its big, kind, beating heart, Dragonflare brings us a host of lovable characters, an irresistible charm, and themes of friendship, determination and bravery. What more could young readers ask for?
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £8.99)

Age 11 plus
The Night House Files: The House of Horrors
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 third book of his super-charged, supernatural Night House Files series which has included The Deadsoul Project and The Wintermoor Lights, and is full of thrills, chills and some seriously scary science. At the heart of this gripping and gruesome tale is a secret organisation called The Night House which exposes some horrifying ‘truths’ and this time the focus is on the bloodcurdling mystery of what lurks inside Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors. Deep in the Texan desert, the Slade family’s trip of a lifetime takes a terrifying turn when their car crashes on the highway. Stranded and alone, they’re picked up by passing trucker Sam who leads them to a long-abandoned ghost town, Coyote Creek. There the family are forced to enter Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors, a nightmarish maze filled with sinister, all-too lifelike waxworks and bone-chilling secrets. Will they find a way to escape or will they become the latest victims of the horrors that await? Packed with multi-visual elements like diary entries, interview transcripts and newspaper clippings, and Brookes’ wonderfully graphic and atmospheric black and white illustrations, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this fast-paced, bone-chilling adventure will hook in readers from the first page… and is best read in daylight hours!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Legacy: The Shadow Rises
Tom Fickling, Will Fickling
and Zak Simmonds-Hurn

IMAGINE an all-powerful empire, a land of magic and wonder, and a dark god that hungers for its destruction! Legacy: The Shadow Rises is the first thrilling book in an epic three-part graphic novel fantasy series published by David Fickling in partnership with comic powerhouse The Phoenix. Featuring all the characters from The Phoenix comic strip that readers know and love, written by brothers Tom and Will Fickling, and fabulously illustrated by Zak Simmonds-Hurn, this all-action, high-stakes adventure stars the incredible Scarlett Thawn, heir to the great city of Hightown, who learns that her family has been attacked. Forced to give up her dreams of becoming a mage, Scarlett returns home but the battle to prove her legacy will be far from simple as sinister forces have taken hold of the city. Can Scarlett, with the help of mysterious new arrival Rex, defeat these evil powers and claim what is rightfully hers? With stunning and vibrant artwork bringing Scarlett’s perilous world to life, and a story tingling with daring and danger, this is a series destined have fans of thrills and chills longing for more!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 8 plus
Minotaur Boy
Shane Hegarty and Ruby Fresson

WHEN 12-year-old Alex wakes up with a spot the size of Mars on his forehead, he thinks it’s the worst day of his life. Little does he know that it’s just the beginning! With great power comes great embarrassment in this hilarious, heartwarming twist on Greek mythology from Irish author Shane Hegarty and illustrator Ruby Fresson whose work is inspired by early 20th century comics and Japanese art. Alex is like any other 12-year-old… he’s trying to survive school, navigate awkward body changes, and avoid his parents’ embarrassing talks. But Alex is hiding a secret... he is actually part-minotaur. You read that right – part-boy, part-bull. Instead of just battling with spots the size of Mars (thanks, puberty) and the looming school musical, he also has to worry about horns, hooves, and seriously hairy toes! And Alex soon learns that he isn’t the only monster in town. Every creature of myth has a legendary destiny and Alex is about to find out his… Expect loads of mythological chaos, heroics on an epic scale, heart, humour and a fantastical (but also relatable) twist on the everyday embarrassments of growing up and struggling to fit in, as Hegarty lets his imagination loose on a spectacular world of myth, magic and monsters.
(DK Children, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Star Kitties: Detective Kitty is on the Case!
Laura Ellen Anderson

STEP into a magical new world where stars are grown and forever friends are made in a cute and cuddly new two-colour, highly-illustrated young fiction series from best-selling author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson. Stars of the show are the Star Kitties who live on the secret planet of Whiskery Paw and each has an exciting story to tell. The lovable, magical kitties get up to all sorts of fun adventures and mischief with their best human friend Tabitha Flair. Today it’s Tabitha’s birthday and she can’t wait to spend it with the Star Kitties. But when she gets to Whiskery Paw, Queen Moggaline has gone missing and any plans for a birthday party soon change into a search party. Can Tabitha solve the missing moggy mystery and still have a super special birthday? With each book illustrated in two colours – this first one in eye-catching turquoise and black – the Star Kitties series is just purrfect for cat lovers and readers looking for a first chapter book filled with adventure, friendship and furry fun. Get ready to join in!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
SuperQuesters: Mission: Desert Danger
Paul Ian Cross and Katarina Gasko

DIG in deep for an exciting adventure in a unique interactive story that will need your brainpower to help solve a mystery... and stop a rogue archaeologist’s plan to destroy the desert. SuperQuesters: Mission: Desert Danger is the third magical adventure in the brilliantly brainy SuperQuesters first chapter book series which aims to fire up imaginations and inspire the scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technology experts of the future. Best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea are having an exciting day at the beach. They have everything they need for fun, including their Questland game and their special amulets. During their sandcastle competition, they spot a message in a bottle. It shows strange hieroglyphs and the word Help! At that moment, their amulets glow and, in a flash, they are back in Questland. Transformed into the SuperQuesters – Lillicorn, Leo Zoom and Bea Bumble – they arrive on the banks of a dried-up river in the desert. As they gaze at a towering pyramid, they meet Arid the Sand Sprite, who is very upset. Skitter the scarab beetle tells them that Arid’s brother, Rainveil the River Sprite, has been captured by the sneaky archaeologist Professor Vortec along with his beetle friends. The professor plans to destroy the desert in pursuit of ancient treasure. The SuperQuesters leap into action. Working with Arid and Skitter, they discover the professor intends to steal the cursed treasure using an ancient spell. Can the friends use their STEM skills and courage to crack secret codes, dive for treasure, navigate the dunes and defeat giant mummybots in a race against time to stop the professor?

This exciting new adventure story – written by Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by Katarina Gasko – is embedded with real-life fun facts, puzzles, STEM activities and experiments to try at home or school, with the added bonus of a map and glossary. Expertly designed to support the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 and develop children’s STEM skills in fun and creative new ways, this is the perfect book for youngsters eager to discover their multi-tasking, inner superhero!
(QuestFriendz, paperback, £6.99)

Age 6 plus
Goal Squad: Win the Cup
Scott Allen and Lidia Fernandez

MEET star football striker Leo who has one big dream… to win trophies! But how will he cope when an ankle injury leaves him sitting on the bench? Sports writer, editor and digital-content specialist Scott Allen kicks off an exciting and relatable new football series, packed with action and drama, just in time for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. So pull on your boots and join eight-year-old Leo who dreams of playing Premier League football. As TIGERS' star striker, he’s got the skills… but not the luck. When their season opener against the EAGLES goes wrong, everything falls apart. A devastating ankle injury sidelines Leo just when his team needs him most. His rival Max steps up as substitute, levelling the score, but leaving TIGERS dangling in the relegation zone. With only three matches left to save their season and a knockout cup within reach, time is running out. Can Leo recover before it’s too late and will TIGERS avoid the drop? And is that a talent scout watching from the stands? Lidia Fernandez adds to the fun with her high octane illustrations, and with important messages about teamwork and ten questions on football knowledge at the end of the book to test young footie brains, this new series is perfectly on goal for early and reluctant readers.
(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
The Little Cook’s Handbook
Lizzie Mabbott and Charlotte Dumortier

THE whole family can get cooking (and eating!) with this vibrant, hands-on cookbook that inspires young children to explore global flavours, learn kitchen skills and share joyful meals. The Little Cook’s Handbook is the work of Lizzie Mabbott, a self-taught cook and award-winning food writer, and Charlotte Dumortier, a Belgium-based artist, and together they celebrate food and explore new and unusual flavours. From global recipes to tips on sourcing fresh ingredients and how different foods can be prepared and enjoyed, this beautifully illustrated cookbook is a visual feast and a delight to the senses. Learn how to make dumplings, apple turnovers, spiced fish fingers and other delicious dishes with a fun and encouraging text from Mabbott and Dumortier’s lively artwork bringing each recipe to life. With handy tips and techniques, easy-to-follow recipes, including some suitable for children as young as two, step-by-step instructions and the engaging text, the book is perfect for little cooks, and will excite and inspire young children to get involved in the whole cooking process and bring their families together at mealtimes. Bon appetit!
(Big Picture Press, paperback, £11.99)

Age 5 plus
Kitty and the Moonflower Mystery
Paula Harrison and Jenny Løvlie

WHEN you’re a girl by day and a cat by night, adventures are never far away! Author Paula Harrison and illustrator Jenny Løvlie work their special magic on this fun-filled first chapter book series which features enchanting adventures with feisty feline star Kitty and her cat crew on daring missions. Beautifully presented and strikingly illustrated in tones of grey and orange on almost every page, superhero Kitty’s magical stories are simply purrfect for cat lovers, young adventurers and all newly confident readers. Fearless Kitty is a superhero-in-training with feline superpowers. She dreams of being just like her superhero mum one day, but she’s still got a lot to learn. In this exciting new adventure, we join Kitty for a series of enchanting adventures by the light of the moon. It’s night-time at the Botanical Gardens. Kitty and her cat crew are there to catch a glimpse of the new rare flowers exhibition. But someone has stolen the prize exhibit… the exotic moonflower, with its beautiful glowing petals that shine like the moon! If it isn’t found soon it might not survive, so Kitty must use her cat-like powers to find the thief and save the moonflower just in the nick of time. Enjoy cheeky cats, night-time naughtiness and giggles galore as the merry band of moggies set out on a daring moonlight mission!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Jolly Monster Town: The Party Pickle
Rong Rong

WHO can resist a jolly monster? There’s a whole town full of jolly monsters waiting to fire up your young readers’ imaginations in the first book of an enchanting new, full-colour chapter series from author and illustrator Rong Rong. It’s the start of another busy day in Jolly Monster Town and Twiggy the Log Monster is so excited about her sleepover party. She wants everything to be perfect. And she definitely doesn’t need anyone else’s help… or does she? After a disastrous snack mishap and a few monster muddles, things start to go wrong and Twiggy worries that her party won’t be perfect after all. Maybe if she lets her friends lend a hand, she will realise that her party can be jolly instead! Children will love spotting Twiggy's friends, Ralph the Pufferfish Monster and Uno the Cyclops Cat, and helping to discover what happened at the turnip farm. With delightful details to explore and lots of wacky characters, this joyful book is perfect for reading for pleasure and encouraging imaginative play. Once in Jolly Monster Town, readers will never want to leave!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Croaky: Danger at Crater Canyon
Matty Long

HE'S froggy, fearless and ready for adventure! Leap into an alien world full of paranormal fun and frights in the fifth book of a crazily chaotic and action-packed full-colour chapter book series from the talented Super Happy Magic Forest creator Matty Long. Croaky Hopper isn’t like other little frogs. He dreams of hopping across crocodile-infested waters, not sitting on a lilypad in a pond! So when his Aunt Lilly signs him up for the Woggle Scouts, he expects to spend his time crafting and selling cookies. But he soon discovers there’s much more in store at Crater Canyon when Croaky and his friends set off to investigate a UFO in a hot-air balloon. When faced with baking desert heat, hissing snakes, rickety rope bridges, and mysterious UFOs flying about, will they get to the bottom of the mystery… and are there really such things as aliens? Packed with Long’s classic humour, lovable characters and eye-catching illustrations, this high-octane series is ideal for emerging readers and youngsters who like their laughs to come with lots of pictures.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Isadora Moon: At Home with the Moons
Series edited by Hayley Down

GET ready for a houseful of puzzles, colouring, drawing, and stickers with everyone’s half-vampire, half-fairy Isadora Moon! Harriet Muncaster’s enchanting world of Isadora Moon is now an animated television series – as seen on Sky Kids and Now TV – and it springs to vibrant life in this magical story and activity book which is perfect for reading together or for young fans taking their very first steps into independent reading. Explore every nook and cranny of Isadora’s house… from the vampire bat tower to the fairy garden, there's a host of fun activities and stickers to be found. Which will your favourite room be? Celebrating ten years of Isadora’s magical mischief, this new TV Tie-In range brings the stunning artwork, well-loved characters and familiar stories from the TV series straight into children’s hands. 

Also in the TV series tie-in is Isadora Moon: Broken Wand, an exciting picture book retelling of one of Isadora’s on-screen adventures. We find Isadora eager to make a special present for Mum’s birthday. But when she accidentally breaks her fairy wand, turns Dad green, and covers the whole house in daisies, will Isadora be able to put everything right before it’s time to cut the cake and celebrate? Designed especially for young readers, the books build reading confidence and support early vocabulary. Accessible and joyful for emerging readers, the books are ideal for bringing screen-time magic into story time.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99 each)

Age 3 plus
The Ice Cream Crocodile
Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb

MEET a crocodile who refuses to be sidelined in a dazzling new picture book from the award-winning team of rhyme queen author Mariesa Dulak and star illustrator Rebecca Cobb.  The Ice Cream Crocodile is a sparkling blend of word perfect rhyming with outstandingly expressive artwork and delivers a gentle, cautionary tale about prejudice in all its forms. Elvis loves the circus life… the thrills, the skills, the treats, the wide-eyed crowds that cheer out loud, the rows of polished seats. But Sidney, the ringmaster, only lets fluffy and feathery animals perform on stage. Can Elvis the crocodile show his STAR potential? This heartwarming tale of a glorious menagerie of circus creatures is filled with fun, colour, rhyme, oodles of charm, and illustrations with rich, imaginative detail. A visual and verbal treat!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Mission: Bedtime
Tracey Corderoy and Alex Patrick

IT'S bedtime in the bear house, but is Kit sleepy? No she is not… not one tiny bit! Here’s a chaotic caper perfectly created for bedtime reading, and on a secret mission to transport your little ones into the land of nod! Mission: Bedtime, which has a spectacular glow-in-the-dark cover to add an extra sparkle to bedtime, comes from best-selling author Tracey Corderoy and illustrator Alex Patrick who loves creating original characters. It’s bedtime in the bear house and Mum, Dad and Grandpa are all super-sleepy, but little Kit is wide awake! Inspired by Kit’s favourite cartoon, Agent Penguin, Mum, Dad and Grandpa transform into Agent Exhauster, Agent Bubble-Boss, and Agent Gadget. Their objective… get Kit to bed! Will she EVER go to sleep? Action-packed, brimming with humour and Corderoy’s fast paced, fun storytelling, and brought to life by Patrick’s vibrant illustrations full of spy-tastic details and colourful gadgets, Mission: Bedtime is the ideal story to help little ones settle down for sleep after a busy day.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)