CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Wartime love, kindred spirits and pirate problems

Meet a teenager mourning the loss of her daring and dashing fighter pilot fiancé in the shadows of war, find friendship, compassion and your kindred spirits as the Sad Ghosts Club reconvenes, join a seasick trainee pirate as he sets sail on a swashbuckling adventure, and share fun with a sneaky squirrel thief who just can’t stop getting caught in a sunshine holiday selection of new children’s books

Age 12 plus
Cut Him Out in Little Stars
Lucy Strange

WHEN the title of a book is plucked from perhaps one of the most soaringly romantic lines in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, then you know you’re on to a winner. And bestselling author Lucy Strange – whose books have included of Sisters of the Lost Marsh, The Ghost of Gosswater and Our Castle by the Sea – doesn’t disappoint with this devastatingly beautiful clean tween romance set against a dazzling seaside backdrop and tingling with the long shadows of wartime and a mysterious murder. Left heartbroken in the early summer of 1940 after the death in France of her daring and dashing fighter pilot fiancé Xander – her Heathcliff, Mr Darcy and Rhett Butler rolled into one – 18-year-old Juliet Bell is sent by her widower father to stay with her artist sister Frances at Samphire House, their late mother’s family home in the coastal fishing village of Fairlight Bay, now littered with wartime warning signs and a barbed wire barricade. Unhappy at leaving home and still grieving for Xander, Juliet’s quiet retreat at Samphire Bay changes when she discovers the body of local girl Minnie Munday washed up on the beach and past mysteries come flooding back. Under the darkening skies of wartime England, Juliet is thrown together with a handsome stranger. Can she find the courage to confront her deepest fears, put right a terrible injustice, and – even as the world burns around her – risk falling in love once more?

Strange is on her finest form in this bewitching, coming-of-age story starring a teenager facing lessons in life, love and loss amidst the dark, menacing days of wartime. With betrayal, heartbreak, new hope, and the thrills and chills of a murder played out alongside the heady summertime vibes of sunrise picnics and starlit assignations, this gloriously and dangerously romantic novel is destined to be every teen’s favourite beach read.  
(Chicken House, paperback, £8.99)

Age 12 plus
The Sad Ghost Club 5:
Find Your Kindred Spirits
Lize Meddings

EVERYBODY has to ask for help sometimes! Welcome back to the Sad Ghost Club... a club for anyone who has ever felt sad or lost. We can all feel anxious and alone sometimes... like you’re almost invisible. But at the Sad Ghost Club, you can find friendship, compassion and your kindred spirits, and know you’re not alone. It’s a club that began when a sad ghost, alone at a crowded party, spied another sad ghost across the room. What happened next changed everything because they left the party and started the Sad Ghost Club… a secret society for the anxious and lonely, a club for people who think they don't belong. And in the final volume of this fully accessible, heart-warming graphic novel series – written by Lize Meddings, creator of the online Sad Ghost Club – we find the club organising a fundraiser. But one of its founding members is suspiciously absent. Can the rest of the team rally together to take on the challenge, and find a way to support their missing member? Beautifully illustrated and filled with empathy and understanding, this is an endearing conclusion to this stunning series. And if you like what you read here, you can join the community of ghosties on Instagram @theofficialsadghostclub.
(Tempest, paperback, 12.99)

Age 11 plus
The Stranger’s Gift
Tanya Landman and Cinthya Álvarez

OLDER children and reluctant teens, who are seriously struggling with their reading, will love getting their hands on four titles in this superb series of quick, gripping and age-appropriate books which fill a crucial gap for EAL (English as an additional language) learners. Particularly suitable for readers aged eleven plus with a reading age of six, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, the stories feature short, sharp plots and accessible language, and are designed to build confidence in independent reading. In The Stranger’s Gift, written by Carnegie Medal winning author Tanya Landman and illustrated by Cinthya Álvarez, one man’s cunning ruse transforms stone into soup. 

Approaching a distant village on market day, a hungry man hopes to find food and a place to rest. But he’s an unwelcome arrival and the villagers refuse to help. Armed with just a single bowl and a stone he found along the road, he must rely on his resourcefulness and quick wit. Will the stranger be able to win the locals over with his cunning plan? Also new in the series is Landman’s refreshing and truly accessible retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic A Christmas Carol. It’s Christmas Eve and everyone is in the holiday spirit… all except miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge who despises the holiday season. But when he’s visited by the ghost of his former business partner, who tells him he’ll soon encounter the three spirits of Christmas – Past, Present and Yet to Come – Scrooge is forced to confront his selfishness and embrace compassion, generosity and the true meaning of Christmas.

And Shelter, by another award-winning author, Steve Cole, delivers a poignant quick-read for struggling teens, expertly capturing resilience and hope amidst the devastating impact of war.  Danylo watches fearfully as war edges ever closer to his peaceful life on a Ukrainian farm. To prepare for the worst, he and his mother build a shelter for protection. But when the missiles eventually drop, they’re unprepared for the devastating impact and must cling to all they have left in order to survive. Beautifully and carefully created, Cole’s heartfelt tale is brought to life by Leo Trinidad’s illustrations which break up the text and help story comprehension. 

And in Stay Too Long, also written by Cole, and illustrated by Berat Pekmezci, an ominous presence lurks in the shadows awaiting visitors who linger too long in a creepy old house. Everyone knows the abandoned house at the edge of the woods is haunted but one reckless boy steps inside for a dare. Creeping through the dust-covered rooms, he finds a strange message scrawled on the wall… Stay Too Long. Next, he finds letters scattered on the floor written by previous visitors. Still lingering there, he begins to feel the chill of a strange presence in the gloom… is it too late to run? Chills and thrills at every turn of the page! Whether it’s mystery, chills and thrills, or a brilliant Victorian classic, entertainment is guaranteed for readers of all abilities!(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £6.99 each)

Age 8 plus
How Not To Be a Pirate
Jenny Pearson and Paula Bowles

MEET Wilbur… he’s training to be a pirate! Could it get more exciting than that? The truth is that hoisting the anchor and setting sail on a swashbuckling adventure is not much fun when you hate heights, get seasick and are too scared to fire a cannon! Award-winning author Jenny Pearson brings her trademark warmth, wit and wisdom to the first book of a hilarious new sea-soaked, fun-filled adventure series brought to life by the fabulous two-tone illustrations of Paula Bowles. Wilbur doesn’t believe he is destined to be a great pirate but, together with his more daring shipmates Ellie and Gilbert, he’s taking Level One Pirate Grading. They are in a race to find the greatest treasure of one of the legendary Jewels of the Sea. How is he ever going to win? With cursed treasure, rival crews, cannon-blasting battles and booby-trapped islands, danger is never far away. Can Wilbur survive the storm and become the pirate he is meant to be? Wilbur and his pals are riding high on the waves of this salt-flavoured feast of pirate antics as the gang of three navigate familiar childhood challenges like friendship, self-belief and the many different ways in which you can nail your colours to the mast. Don’t miss the boat… and head for the crow’s nest to spy the second sailing from this talented duo!
(Usborne, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
Wilomina: The Land of Dreams and Nightmares
John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs

DO you dare to tumble into an unknown land where dreams and nightmares come from? For those brave enough to turn the pages of this all-action, fantastical, full-colour graphic novel, what awaits is an unforgettable world full of wild imagination, enchanting characters and hair-raising adventure. Wilomina is the magical creation of John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs, an award-winning graphic novel duo based in Scotland, and dishes up a fabulous feast of words and pictures guaranteed to tickle the taste buds of all young readers. On their way to visit Mum in hospital, Wilomina, her father and baby brother Kes get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Desperate, Wilomina leaps aboard a mysterious train… and away from the world she knows. On board, she meets Mephisto, a talking cat, and this is only the beginning of an absurd adventure. Soon, Wilomina is separated from her family, tumbling into Nocturna, a parallel land where dreams and nightmares come from. But something eerie is happening… the nightmares are taking over. With Mephisto’s help, Wilomina must find her family and seek the gate that will lead them home. On their journey, they meet spectres, dragons and spider-witches, crossing monster-infested waters and facing impossible puzzles at the maze-like Premonition Library. But worst of all: Nocturna is slowly transforming Wilomina into a ferocious 'werepire'. Can she fight the monster within... and find the way home? With its spooky, gothic slant, a brave heroine, an appealing thread of real pathos, and pages packed with vibrant, dynamic artwork, Wilomina has an irresistible classic feel and is perfect for youngsters ready to start exploring the thrilling world of magical fantasy.
(Scholastic, paperback, £9.99)

Age 7 plus
Squirrel Shady: The Golden Acorn
Nick East

FORGET heroes and meet Shady the sneaky squirrel thief… he’s the outlaw with paws, a peanut butter superfan and an aspiring criminal mastermind. He just has one BIG problem… he just can’t stop getting caught! Squirrel Shady is the brilliant new bad guy hero of a full-on-fun illustrated crime caper series from talented York-based author and illustrator Nick East. While normal squirrels are out stashing nuts for winter, Shady loves collecting treasure… the shiny kind, the kind that belongs to someone else! Yes, Shady is a shameless crook, and that’s exactly how he has landed back in Badun Island Prison. There’s only one way out... escape! Unfortunately, tortoise crime boss Naughty Tortie wants Shady for her latest job… stealing the Golden Acorn of Destiny from Big City Bank. And Shady can’t refuse. Reunited with his old partner in crime, Roxy 'the Paws' the raccoon – and a series of criminal critters who may be heroes or rivals – Shady is off on the mega-heist of his career. But will he actually get his paws on the loot? Squirrel supervillain Shady and a hilarious cast of unexpected animal crime lords – including Roxy the Paws, Dandy Pom-Pom and Tina Two-Hoots – are set to steal the show (and the hearts of young readers!) as East releases his creative magic and anarchic energy on this stunningly illustrated animal romp!
(Scholastic, paperback, ££7.99)

Age 7 plus
Supa Nova: Robot Takeover
Chanté Timothy

PUT some colour, fun, dynamism and oh yes, whisper it, a bit of scientific knowledge, into your youngsters’ reading with this graphic novel series from a rising star in children’s books. Chanté Timothy, an illustrator who loves experimenting with movement, vibrant colour, character design and storytelling, brings us Supa Nova, a young Black girl who is bold, got brains, and is soaring high with her fun-filled adventures. Nova is a scientist. Some people say she’s a genius. Some people even call her Supa Nova… get it? Like a supernova. Basically, she’s a huge star and in her second outing, Nova invents a robot and is convinced she will never have to do chores again. She can just do science! But she doesn't expect the robot to become cleverer than her, do all her experiments and takeover her lab! Can Nova find a way to outsmart him? It’s time for a robot takedown! Zinging with colour, fizzing with energy, and full of invention and creativity, the adventures and antics of Super Nova are making an explosive series.
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £8.99)

Age 7 plus
Cabin Head and Tree Head: Feeling Good!
Scott Campbell

HERE'S a heads up for you! If your youngsters are eager to branch out with their reading, introduce them to Cabin Head and Tree Head, the wacky and wonderful double act from the ever-inventive mind of author and illustrator Scott Campbell. Using an original concept, Campbell’s richly detailed and colourful artwork combines with his unique sense of humour to create six stories, all packed full of zany, laugh-out-loud adventures and hilariously endearing characters who readers can’t help but love. So jump back into the head-verse because best friends Cabin Head and Tree Head are ready for their next big adventure, and things are about to get seriously weird! From getting into strong shape (and then immediately breaking everything because they’re TOO strong) to giving out trophies for... everything (including showering and breathing), you never know what’s in store when Cabin Head and Tree Head are around. But you can always count on feeling good! Written in an accessible and easy-to-read graphic novel format, this seriously silly series is an alluring gateway for young readers, and perfect for those who struggle with reading.
(DK flip, flexibound, £12.99)

Age 6 plus
My Book of Jewish Festivals
Hannah Shafiroff

DISCOVER the joy of Jewish festivals and the rich history and traditions of Judaism in this beautiful and colourful book from talented illustrator and California native Hannah Shafiroff who has been raised in the Jewish faith. An illustrated treasury of Jewish celebrations, My Book of Jewish Festivals introduces young readers to the foundation of the faith in an inclusive, informative and accessible format. Celebrate and learn about ten Jewish celebrations – Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bi’Shvat, Purim, Pesach, and Shavuot – with this inviting and warm-hearted treasury. Perfect for reading together, this carefully curated collection explains when, why, how, and what Jewish people celebrate during special festivals throughout the year. With clear descriptions of Jewish history and traditions, easy-to-follow pronunciations of important Hebrew words, and packed with fun facts and vibrant, lively artwork, the book is the ideal showcase for the diversity of modern Judaism. Both appealing and practical, My Book of Jewish Festivals is perfect for children who are beginning to learn about the Jewish faith as well as for teachers, parents and carers looking for a resource to guide children through every meaningful Jewish celebration.
(Bloomsbury Education, paperback, £9.99)

Age 5 plus
The Waking Wood
Alexi Francis

IF you go down to the wood tonight… you’ll see a curious badger cub who is lost and far from his family. Will he ever find his way home again? Journey into The Waking Wood, a beautifully crafted and illustrated modern fable – complete with stunning papercut pages – from debut author and illustrator Alexi Francis who lives in West Sussex and has been involved in wildlife surveys both in the UK and abroad. Here, she brings youngsters an inspiring, lavishly illustrated, peep-through story about family, growth and adventure whilst inspiring a love of nature and outdoor exploration. In the heart of the wood stands an ancient oak, home to a badger family for generations. As night falls, the badgers roam the forest, following paths laid down by those who came before. But when one young badger loses his way in the darkness, how will he find the path back to his home? Featuring intricate papercut pages and stunning pen-and-ink illustrations of woodland creatures, the book invites readers to follow the badger’s journey through the woods, moving from shadow to light as dawn breaks and drawing readers into its immersive world.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
Princes Don’t Practise
Kathryn Simmonds and Becky Colvin

A POMPOUS young prince who believes he can do anything without ever needing to practise gets a much-needed lesson in patience and perseverance in a funny and cautionary rhyming romp from award-winning poet and writer, Kathryn Simmonds, and prize-winning illustrator Becky Colvin. Young Prince Lupin has jousted and feasted and now he’s BORED. But when he decides to spend the afternoon ‘helping’ the gardener and the palace cook, he leaves a trail of chaos and destruction behind him. After an embarrassing musical performance, Prince Lupin flees into the forest where he meets a retired witch with a passion for pottery. With her patience and friendship, Prince Lupin finally learns that practice makes magic… and that it helps to have manners too! Packed with funny – and relatable – messages for little ones who struggle with NOT being instantly perfect (ie nearly ALL children!) this playful picture book comes packed full of adorable artwork, miles of smiles, magic, marvels and mischief!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Poo in the Zoo: Ready Set Poo
Steve Smallman and Ada Grey

BOTTOMS up as Steve Smallman and Ada Grey, the king and queen of splat, patter and plop, return with a shiny new foiled look and toot-tastic addition to their much-loved Poo in the Zoo series! Few children can resist sharing the fun of a poopy kind of adventure, and author Smallman and illustrator Grey’s gloriously funny rhyming picture book, featuring everyone’s favourite little zookeeper Bob McGrew and his inventor friend Hector Gloop, has it – literally – in enginefuls. It's the Super Pooper Road Race, and Bob, Hector, Poo Investigator Arabella Slater and the animals in the zoo are building the perfect poo-powered race cars. It’s going to be a poop-tastic adventure. But, oh no!, who is that making a stink at the starting line? This race course is becoming more doo-doo dangerous by the minute! Who will zoom to victory and who will be number two? Packed to the car roofs with poop, and given extra comedy power by Grey’s rib-tickling, action-packed illustrations, this is hold-your-nose adventure is definitely not to be sniffed at. Laughter guaranteed from first poo to last!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

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

YOUNGSTERS will love getting their teeth into the eighth tasty picture book in Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy’s heartwarming and hilarious The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series. The Sheep 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 summer holiday time afternoon. When a flock of sheep arrive in the woods, they can’t believe Hotpot lives all alone with a wolf. And a crocodile! How can a hungry wolf look after a cute, cuddly lamb? But when Hotpot and the flock of sheep get caught in a dangerous situation, it’s Wolf who comes to the rescue, and the sheep soon learn that true family is about much more than appearances. Smallman’s clever, comical and cautionary tale encourages young readers to challenge stereotypes and expectations, accept that someone who looks tough on the outside can sometimes be soft and vulnerable on the inside, and celebrate the idea that non-traditional families can make the happiest of homes. The perfect book to share with your own special family and friends!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Don’t Do It, Doug
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie

WE all know that little voice in your head… the one that says ‘Do NOT do that thing.’ Doug the hamster knows it but he ignores it… every single time! From shaking fizzy pop (uh-oh) to pressing oh-so-tempting red buttons and pulling forbidden levers, Doug just can’t help himself. Don’t do it, Doug! Will he ever learn to control himself? Little ones will adore sharing lovable Doug’s madcap misfortunes in this brilliantly funny picture from author Maudie Powell-Tuck and illustrator Duncan Beedie, the top creative team behind Hank Goes Honk. With subtle messages about the rewards of friendship and the unfortunate consequences of over-impulsive behaviour, brought to glorious life by Beedie’s vibrantly colourful and playful artwork, Don't Do It, Doug is guaranteed to be a favourite read with both mischievous tots and (only occasionally!) mischievous grown-ups.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £8.99)

Age one plus
Noisy Nursery Rhymes
Lauren Crisp

HERE'S a gorgeous touch-and-feel sound book that lets little ones touch, feel and hear classic nursery rhymes on every page! Enjoy watching little faces light up when they press the sounds button on each page in this interactive, chunky board book, packed with appealing photographs, tactile textures and the tunes of favourite nursery rhymes. Press on a fluffy Incy Wincy Spider, sing along to Wheels On The Bus, enjoy the much-loved Old MacDonald’s Farm, and wind down the day with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Perfectly created to improve hand-eye co-ordination with exploration of each texture, encourage speech, and inspire a love of reading by sharing and enjoying a book with your little one, this is ideal for helping your child to observe and explore the world around them.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £14.99)