Young Adult
Little Mice
Tara Crowe
A THRILLING dystopian novel from exciting debut author Tara Crowe is guaranteed to set young imaginations on fire with its pertinent and powerful questions about contemporary society, and a world that has become obsessed with youth and beauty. With a searching exploration of what happens when youth itself becomes a commodity, Little Mice is a dark and compelling page-turner and the first book of what promises to be a daring and dazzling trilogy. In the Canopy Complex, no one grows old. Age is for the little mice, the donors far below who bleed so the privileged can thrive. Seventeen-year-old Astra Fairwood has never questioned the system. Why would she? As the daughter of the Chief Enforcer, her future is secure… a life of parties and privilege. But then everything is taken from her. Cast out of the Canopy and condemned to the Donor Zone, Astra is forced into the very world she was raised to fear. There she meets a girl who challenges everything she thought she wanted and soon learns the Canopy taught her to fear the wrong thing. The real threat was never the Zone… With tensions rising and the people she loves most in danger, Astra must choose between the life she was promised and the truth she can no longer ignore. Does a world built on the blood of others deserve to survive?
London-based Crowe was inspired to write Little Mice after working
at a collagen supplement company, and when she heard a segment on the radio
about blood plasma experiments on mice, the concept of blood plasma being taken
from the young and being used to rejuvenate the old lingered and morphed into a
compelling topic for her debut novel. The result is an unputdownable reading
feast of big ideas, gripping intrigue, heart-stopping menace and full-on action
adventures. Don’t miss it!
(Leapfrog Press, paperback, £10.99)
Rowan
Bex Hogan
IF folklore, fantasy and dreamy adventures full of danger
and trickery tickle your reading taste buds then dine out on Rowan, third book
of Bex Hogan’s gorgeously romantic Faery Realms series which has included
Nettle and Owl King but can also be read as a stunning standalone. Step into the Faery Realms, a world of glittering courts,
dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery. Many years ago, Rowan’s ancestor
followed a white hare and disappeared without trace. Since then, her
descendants have warned the women of the family against the magic of the
cunning, shape-shifting hare, known often to be witches in disguise. Centuries
later, Rowan, heartbroken and yearning to escape, ignores the warnings and
follows the hare to a new world. She finds herself in the mysterious yet
beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single
bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of
the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of
happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient
rivalry between witch and faery lord, and entwined in the fickle nature of the
fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all
her skills to survive. Dark, atmospheric and utterly bewitching, this new
danger-fuelled fantasy is another magical read from an author with magic in her
soul.
(Zephyr, hardback, £16.99)
Queen’s Witch
Skye McKenna and Tomislav Tomić
IF you’re looking for an adventure with a truly magical
atmosphere, step into the wonderful world of Hedgewitch and enjoy the final
book set in Faerie, the dazzling land which lies just beyond our own! Queen’s
Witch is the fantastic finale of the enchanting Hedgewitch series, the debut
creation of Skye McKenna who grew up surrounded by red dust in a mining town in
the Australian outback but then travelled to England and fell in love with the
British countryside. Illustrated by Tomislav Tomić, the series has been hailed
as a modern classic. Now living in Scotland, McKenna was inspired by her love of
magic and adventure to write these captivating novels which star a family of
witches who protect Britain from the denizens of Faerie, creatures who are all
too real and far more frightening than the story books suggest. Cassie Morgan
is approaching the final stage of her witch’s training. If she passes her next
test, she will finally get her Witch’s Licence and be able to travel to Faerie
to search for her missing parents. But with the wicked Erl King hiding in the
shadows, waiting to strike and declare war on witchkind and the people of
Britain, it’s unclear what the future holds for Cassie, her coven and the newly
crowned young Queen Matilda. It will take all of Cassie’s skills, help from
friends near and far, and her courage to face the Erl King. Can she save both
Britain and Faerie and reunite her long-lost family? McKenna is a born
storyteller, building an enchanting, magical world that is as alluring as it is
viscerally and thrillingly real… a place where the characters spring to
glorious life, where the natural world takes centre stage, and where readers are
guaranteed to return to time and time again even as the series ends!
(Welbeck Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99, published on October 22)
What it was like to be a Norman
David Long and Stefano Tambellini
THE Normans who invaded England in 1066 were descendants of
fierce Viking warriors… so what was it really like to live in England after
their famous invasion? Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror with Blue
Peter Award-winning author David Long as he expertly unearths the captivating
history, culture and legacy of the Norman era in the in the seventh book of his
enthralling What It Was Like to Be... series. An expert in distilling complex stories
from the past into an informative and entertaining format for young readers,
Long skilfully explains how William the Conqueror led a formidable army across
the English Channel, changing the course of British history. The Normans became
ruthless rulers who built monumental castles, established a new social order
and merged their customs with those of the English people. From the grandeur of
their fortresses to the harsh realities faced by the common people, discover
the intricate tapestry of life during the Norman era. Through vivid
storytelling and Stefano Tambellini’s captivating illustrations, Long invites
young readers to explore the triumphs and trials of the Normans and understand
their lasting impact on our world today. Published in Barrington Stoke’s
trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this is a top class series from a dynamic
writing and illustration duo.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)
The Frozen King: A Greenwild Adventure
Pari Thomson and Elisa Paganelli
WHO can forget author Pari Thomson and illustrator Elisa Paganelli’s award-winning, bestselling Greenwild series, featuring a dazzling secret world where the wilderness is alive and the magic is real? It’s a place of wonder that has enchanted thousands of readers across the globe and now there’s the chance to experience those thrills again as we embark on a perilous voyage to the ends of the earth in The Frozen King, a new and epic standalone adventure set ten years after our earlier protagonist Daisy’s story ended. The old stories speak of magic that showers down from the Northern Lights… Eleven-year-old Annika may be heir to the ocean-ruled kingdom of Iffenwild, but she would much rather be sailing with her travelling theatre troupe than learning how to be queen. When her beloved uncle Max – the king – returns gravely injured from a secret mission to the Utter North, her world shifts in an instant. Determined to find a long-lost cure, Annika journeys into the frozen North… a land of towering ice cliffs, frozen seas and powerful ice magic. However, the deeper she ventures, the clearer it becomes that something far darker is stirring. If Annika fails, it won’t just be her uncle’s life at stake… it will be the fate of the entire magical world.
Thomson’s aim for her debut Greenwild series was always to
write ‘a love letter to the beauty of the natural world’ and this thrilling new
eco-adventure with its sugar-dusted taste of winter, danger and wildness – brought to life by Paganelli’s stunning
illustrations – is breathtaking in the sheer power of its world-building,
characterisation and imaginative storytelling. Written in Thomson’s elegant,
descriptive prose, and with an addictive sense of adventure, fantasy and fun, The
Frozen King is another unforgettable story which can be enjoyed and
treasured by readers of any age!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Age 8 plus
Felix and the Future Agency: Sky Riders
Rachel Morrisroe and Paddy Donnelly
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)
How to Make Awesome Comics
Neill Cameron
DO you like comics… would you like to make your own? Well
here’s your chance as genius comics creator Neill Cameron brings youngsters the
ULTIMATE guide to making their own super-awesome comics. This interactive and
fun masterclass provides invaluable help on thinking up ideas, creating
characters and learning how to draw pretty much everything from speech bubbles
and sound effects to the vital keys to drawing cartoon faces and emotions. With
lots of inspirational tips and tricks for comics-obsessed kids, colourful diagrams
and clear instructions, this spectacular updated version of a perennial
favourite is full of inspirational tips and tricks for budding comic makers.
And if you need even more comic-creating advice, head over to The Phoenix comic
website where you can find draw-along videos, free printable material and top
tips from tons of creators. So what's better than reading comics? Drawing your
own, of course!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £10.99)
Game of Pets: The Boy
Who Knew Too Much
Aaron Blabey
FORGET Game of Thrones and dive into Game of Pets, a
hilarious new high-stakes adventure series from Aaron Blabey, creator of The
Bad Guys and a brilliant author and illustrator who can boast having around
sixty million books in print. This new and insanely anarchic romp – which
promises to blow your mind, and leave your cats and dogs under heavy suspicion
– is the perfect package for your reluctant readers. Who doesn’t love a good
game, but what if life on Earth was an intergalactic game show, and our pets
were the evil animal overlords? Well, the game show is live… and your cat is
definitely in on it. Meet Griff, an eleven-year-old kid with innumerable
allergies who has just been told he’s the only one who can save the world. The
trouble is, this prophecy comes with a warning: ‘Watch your back, man… your PETS
are not what they seem…’ Young mischief-lovers will need to buckle themselves
in for this highly illustrated, laugh-until-your-belly hurts adventure which
features a talking axolotl, a diabolical game show, lots of plot twists and
that famous trademark Blabey humour which bubbles behind every page of the
story. And one thing’s for sure… Game of Pets will have you looking at your
pets very differently!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £10.99)
Ultimate Football Heroes 2027
Matt & Tom Oldfield, Emily Stead,
Seth Burkett and John Murray
LOOK back at a stunning year of football action with Ultimate
Football Heroes 2027, a bumper special edition of the ever-popular Ultimate
Football Heroes series. This brilliant year book features biographies and life
stories of the biggest and best footballers from across the world and their
incredible journeys to stardom, as well as lots of fascinating football facts,
stats and quizzes to test your knowledge. Discover all the highlights of the
2025-26 season, featuring intense Premier League face-offs, the thrilling
moments of the Women’s Champions League, plus all the action and incredible highlights
from the USA-Mexico-Canada 2026 FIFA World Cup! Peek inside for the fierce
competition in the Premier League, all the excitement across the European
leagues, and the incredible performances from the top players of the latest
season, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Alessia Russo, Lamine Yamal,
Désiré Doué and Mohamed Salah. With its
sparkling, silver-foiled cover, this is the ultimate year book for fans of the
beautiful game, bang on goal for all aspiring young players and the perfect
gift for your reluctant readers!
(Dino Books, paperback, £9.99)
Dawn Horse
Grahame Baker-Smith
STUNNING artwork and the emotive tale of a curious young
horse on a journey through time to meet his prehistoric ancestors blend
beautifully together in an extraordinary picture book from award-winning
self-taught author and illustrator Grahame Baker-Smith. Enriched by the
guidance of researcher and Indigenous advocate Dr Yvette Running Horse Collin
and her deep cultural insight, Dawn Horse honours both scientific discovery and
Indigenous knowledge by depicting the horse’s story not only as one of
evolution and survival, but also as one of profound connection. In a race
through time, readers discover that there are countless chapters in the Book of
Equus, a tale deep and ancient, as they join Palomino on his epic journey,
meeting ancestors that include the tiny Eohippu, the swift Merychippus and the wild
Equus ferus. And as he witnesses millions of years of evolution, Palomino also
discovers the powerful bond between horses and humans, a relationship that has
shaped civilisations and endured both beauty and hardship. Baker-Smith’s
exquisite artwork brings to life a powerful story about the life of one horse and
how the whole species came to exist, moving seamlessly between the personal and
the epic, and reminding readers that these amazing creatures have shaped
landscapes, cultures and human history for millennia. A beautiful and resonant celebration
of resilience, partnership, and the enduring spirit of the horse.
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)
Bunny vs Monkey: Day of the Heroes!
Jamie Smart
HOLD on to your hats for more wild wacky adventures as Bunny
and Monkey return in their exhilarating remastered series which delivers all
the comedy and chaos of the daffy duo’s helter-skelter world! This outrageously
funny new adventure in the super-popular series features 233 pages of fast and
furry-ous exuberant fun… plus some entertaining draw-it-yourself activities. Bunny
and Monkey are part of the Phoenix Presents series, published by David Fickling
Books in partnership with The Phoenix comic, which goes from strength to
strength, and much of that success is due to the genius of the extraordinarily
talented illustrator Jamie Smart whose comic-strip Bunny vs Monkey books cause
giant waves of laughter. So welcome back to the Woods where not all heroes wear capes…
some have fur, some have sticky fingers, and some even have EXPLODING
UNDERPANTS! What could possibly go wrong? The Woods need a hero. There’s a
greased pig in a pickle, everyone is stuck in jelly and there’s a zombie
invasion happening! Only Bunny and friends can save the day… as long as they
don’t get in each other’s way! Laugh-out-loud comical and ingeniously
addictive, these manic, high-energy stories were just made for fidgety readers
who like their books to come with plenty of comic-strip pictures and loads of heroic
hijinks and harebrained havoc. Madcap antics for a new generation of action
kids!
(David Fickling Books, hardback, £12.99)
Me and My Feelings:
A First Look at Emotions
Dr Punam Krishan
and Veronika Chaves Morales
JOURNEY from the smile on your face to the butterflies in
your tummy and uncover the topsy-turvy world of emotions with a fun and
fact-filled lift-the-flap book from Dr Punam Krishan and illustrator and
Veronika Chaves Morales. Grown-ups know that feelings come in all shapes and
sizes… big ones, small ones, happy ones, sad ones. But it can be hard for
youngsters to understand why sometimes you’re bursting with laughter and at
other times, you feel like a fire is building up inside you. But every emotion
you have is important and normal! With the help of Dr Punam, an NHS GP and
television doctor, children can explore and comprehend the full range of their
emotions, from happiness and surprise to worry and anger. Me and My Feelings
contains over 90 flaps to lift as each page of the book reveals exciting
discoveries about their feelings, from the science behind them to how they can
recognise and manage them. Packed with Morales’ appealing and accessible
illustrations, this bright and colourful book is an empowering first look at
the big feelings little people have… and ideal for use in schools, nurseries
and at home.
(DK Children, board book, £14.99)
Adventuremice: Mini Mice Mayhem
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
YOUNGSTERS love these meeces to pieces! The dream team of
author Philip Reeve and illustrator Sarah McIntyre pool their talents for the
new book in a simply brilliant early reader series which has all the fun of TV
hit Paw Patrol, and the charm and whimsy of classics like The Wind in the
Willows. With its focus on fun, friendship and kindness, Adventuremice features
Pedro, a timid little mouse who has proved himself to be brave enough to join
the heroic team protecting the Mouse Islands from danger. In this new outing, mini mice have descended
on the Adventuremice’s mousebase and Pedro and his friends will need all their
wits about them! The class of cute but naughty mouselets are causing total
chaos as they splatter yummy cake mixture everywhere they’re not supposed to.
But when someone even naughtier turns up at the Mousebase, could the messy
mouselets help the Adventuremice save the day? Reeve’s lively, heartwarming and
fun-filled storytelling delivers all those ingredients that children love –
immersive adventures, lovable heroes, reassuring friendships, exciting action
and plenty of smiles – and all brought to vibrant, colourful life by McIntyre’s
exquisitely characterful illustrations. A warm and whiskery favourite with
mouse lovers of every age!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £6.99)
Fairytale Fiasco: Sleeping Beauty
Myles McLeod and Evgenia Golubeva
MEET Cleo! She has a special power and with the help of her
friend, Book Mark, she can launch herself into any fairy tale each bedtime and
try to fix all the things that go wrong. The problem is that it tends to turn
into a fiasco and she has to use her courage and quick wit to save the day!
This clever, colourful and enchanting comic-form series is the creation of
husband and wife team, author Myles McLeod and illustrator Evgenia Golubeva,
and with contemporary, fresh retellings of familiar favourites, each with a
brilliant twist, the books dish up everything to entice and entertain newly
independent readers. In Fairytale Fiasco: Sleeping Beauty, we learn that Princess
Briar-Rose and everyone in her castle have been asleep for one hundred years.
Luckily Cleo is here with her noisy alarm clock to save the day! ZIP and BOOM
and FLASH and KAZAM! Can Cleo and Briar-Rose persuade the grouchy thirteenth
fairy to break the sleep spell? And will Cleo get home in time for her bedtime
story? Packed full of McLeod’s empathetic storytelling and Golubeva’s endearing
and inclusive colour illustrations, and published in a small size book that is tailor-made
for little hands, early reading has become a whole lot of fun!
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99, published on October 29)
The Most Magnificent Moose
Rachel Bright and Jim Field
A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY moose’s joyous view of the world is tested
to the extreme in a simply delightful story from author Rachel Bright and illustrator
Jim Field, the globally bestselling partnership which has now created ten
stunning picture books. Bright’s gentle and lyrical rhyming text is teamed
perfectly with Field’s stunning illustrations, making their adventures a
delight to read again and again. And after big hit books like The Lion Inside
and The Turtle Who Turned the Tide, we now meet Morris, the moose who thinks
the world is AMAZING until he overhears a conversation between two busy beavers
and starts to think thoughts he’s never had before. Are some moose born better
than others? Is he... enough? Soon, all the other moose begin to argue about
who is the best. Can Morris help his friends realise that there is magnificence
inside us all? Brought to life by Field’s adorably characterful illustrations,
packed full of fun and feelings, and with empowering messages about the
pitfalls of comparing ourselves to others, this is the most magnificent
read-aloud book and guaranteed to be a favourite with both adults and children!
(Orchard Books, hardback, £12.99)
Our World: Germany
Andrea Tripke and Andrea Liebe
GUTEN Morgen! Let’s spend a day in Germany, eat crusty Brötchen, traditional German bread rolls, for breakfast, cycle to town, shop at the market, bake a delicious plum cake called Pflaumenkuchen, and pick apples with Oma and Opa, German for grandma and grandad. Even learn words in German with pronunciation guides throughout the story. Author Andrea Tripke and Andrea Liebe draw on their personal experiences of growing up in Germany to create this charming board book which features educational endnotes and a pronunciation guide, and is part of Barefoot Books’ Our World series for young readers.
(Barefoot Books, board books, £7.99 each)
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