Age 11 plus
The Earth Transformed: Illustrated Edition
Professor Peter Frankopan
and Rômolo D’Hipólito
DISCOVER how natural forces shaped our history and the world
as renowned Professor of Global History at Oxford University and
multi-award-winning author Peter Frankopan returns with a dazzling illustrated
edition of his bestselling book, The Earth Transformed. Featuring bold and
captivating artwork from Brazilian-born artist Rômolo D’Hipólito, this
spectacular book takes readers on an extraordinary journey. Illuminating how
Earth’s changing environment has shaped human history, this accessible
retelling captures the impressive scale of Frankopan’s original bestseller. Beginning with the Big Bang and spanning volcanic eruptions,
changing glaciers, disease outbreaks and extreme weather, we learn how natural
forces helped shape everything from the rise of great empires to the fall of
mighty cities, transforming societies, reshaping trade routes and ultimately
changing the course of world history. By widening the lens of history beyond
people alone to include geology and plate tectonics, crop redistributions,
deforestation and much more, Frankopan brings the past vividly to life, showing
how humanity has been shaped by nature, and how we have in turn transformed the
world around us. A mighty gift book packed full of our world’s mysteries and
marvels!
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardback, £20)
Pride and Prejudice:
The Illustrated Edition
Jane Austen and Sarah Maxwell-McNichol
‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.’
THE memorable
opening line of Jane Austen’s much-loved classic novel Pride and Prejudice is
one of the most famous in English literature and that introduction is just the
start of a story of tangled hearts, social games and finding the courage to
love without pretence which has resonated down the years and through
generations of adoring readers. And in an age which has found so much to love
for the likes of TV Regency romance Bridgerton, here is a chance for young
readers to indulge in an irresistibly romantic edition, fabulously illustrated
by Sarah Maxwell-McNichol to bring the characters, the drama and the action to
life. Mrs Bennet is sure that marriage is the only way a woman can advance in
society. She is determined to see all five of her daughters in wedded bliss.
But matters of matrimony are never so simple. Her eldest daughter Elizabeth has
a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit. When she crosses paths with the
enigmatic and infuriatingly proud Mr Darcy, a battle of tempers and truths begins.
But as masks fall and judgments falter, both must question if it is pride that
is holding them back or fear of society’s scrutiny. A timeless tale with a
gloriously visual added extra!
(Faber & Faber, hardback, £16.99, published on November 19)
The Wycherleys: Fate and Other Charms
Annaliese Avery
THE most dangerous magic is love! Fall head over broomstick
in love with the final book of Annaliese Avery’s swoon-worthy, witchy and romantic
Wycherleys fantasy trilogy which has captured the hearts of thousands of
adoring readers. Set in an alluring other world full of enchantment, magic,
danger and a beguiling enemies-to-lovers romance, this is escapism on a grand
scale. Aurelia Wycherley may have been tasked with saving magic, but her only
goal is to save the witch that she loves. Aurelia’s cursed magic is killing
Jules Nightly as the pair of them enter into their apprentice studies with the
Coven of Knowing. Aurelia is hoping that the Repository, the vast depository of
all magical knowledge, will hold the key to curing her magical tether. There is
another option to save Jules… she can break their tether, ending both of their
magic but saving his life. However, now that they have formed a coven of
thirteen, if Aurelia and Jules break their bond, the rest of the witches in
their magical coven will lose their magic, too. Meanwhile, the threat to the
wider world of magic is growing at speed. Aurelia’s curse may be the only thing
that can save the kingdom and the magic… Expect fun, secrets tumbling out at
every turn, and a male lead with more than a touch of the irresistible Mr
Darcy, and you have captivating reading for all teenage fantasy fans!
(Simon & Schuster Children's Books, paperback, £9.99, published on November 5)
The Unordinary Book of Ideas
Half-Asleep Chris
OPEN the book, pick a page… and make something unordinary!
From the busy brain of creator, film-maker, and internet inventor Half-Asleep
Chris comes this one-of-a-kind collection of over fifty inventive, playful, and
quietly brilliant projects that turn everyday materials into something
surprising. Inside, you will design imaginary worlds, build clever contraptions,
experiment with time and motion, and explore ideas that are equal parts
creative, curious, and unexpected. Set up your own transit system, capture a
plant’s life in seconds, grow a mystery seed just to discover what it becomes, animate
objects so they move on their own, or make something simply for the joy of
destroying it. From pet portraits and marble runs to making newspapers and flag
bunting, this decidedly un-normal book is packed full of strange experiments,
playful puzzles, curious questions and unexpected ideas just waiting to be
explored. Ideal for rainy days, slow afternoons, and moments when inspiration
strikes, The Unordinary Book of Ideas invites readers of all ages to build,
test, invent, and see the world a little differently… one unordinary idea at a
time!
(DK Children’s Books, hardback, £24.99)
Disney: Wondrous
Heather Fawcett
THINGS are about to get curiouser and curiouser! Return to
Wonderland with this exciting sequel to the Disney classic tale from
bestselling author, Heather Fawcett! Timed to coincide with the 75th
anniversary of Disney’s Alice In Wonderland, this sequel follows teenage Alice
on a curious new adventure. Years after her first tumble down the rabbit hole,
Alice returns to Wonderland for good. As a young woman with limited options in
19th-century London, only Wonderland can grant her the freedom she craves, like
the chance to open a travelling magical tea shop. Alice expects madness from familiar
faces like the Mad Hatter, March Hare and the Cheshire Cat, but doesn’t expect
to meet another real-world teenager who claims she is the ‘true’ Alice and the
first adventurer to explore Wonderland. Soon, the Queen of Hearts’ soldiers
capture both girls and take them to the castle where more startling truths come
to light. Dozens of other so-called ‘Alices’ have appeared in Wonderland, too. The
Queen believes only one Alice is destined to save Wonderland from three ghastly
mock dragons who have invaded from another realm. Whoever can stop them will be
named ‘The Alice’ while the others will be exiled. Determined to secure
Wonderland’s future and her own, Alice sets out on a daring quest and forms a
tenuous alliance with a strange boy connected to the fearful jabberwocks. But
is Alice truly the real Alice in Wonderland? Disney Wondrous is an enchanting and
action-packed adventure as Alice fights to prove she’s not just a footnote in
another heroine’s story. Fun and surprises every step of the way!
(Studio Press, paperback, £9.99)
Teenager’s Book of Life
Tony Griffin and Cathy Hogan
BEING a teenager in today’s complex world isn’t easy… and
for adults, raising and supporting youngsters during these years of change
isn’t a walk in the park, either. So gift your teens – and yourself – this
invaluable illustrated, bestselling book which is loved by both generations all
over the world and is now in its third edition. Written by Irish author and
sports teams’ mindset and performance coach Tony Griffin, and illustrated by
Cathy Hogan, Teenager’s Book of Life is filled with real stories, honest advice
and inspiring wisdom for teenagers and adults. After more than a decade spent
listening to the fears, hopes and dreams of thousands of young people, Griffin
shares the stories, insights and lessons that they have entrusted to him. From
friendship, family and first love to self-esteem, difficult emotions, grief and
dreams for the future, the teenage years bring questions and challenges that
can be difficult to navigate alone. Full of empathy, compassion, honesty and
empowerment for young people, Griffin’s book also has advice and wisdom for
parents, caregivers, teachers, mentors and trusted adults who want to better
understand and support teenagers. Aided by Hogan’s vibrant illustrations, Teenager’s
Book of Life opens up conversations, encourages self-discovery and helps young
people build confidence, resilience and self-acceptance. And for adults, it
offers an invaluable window into the experiences, emotions and pressures that teenagers
face today, and helps them to listen, understand and start conversations that
matter. The ideal book to turn to when life feels complicated!
(Little Island Books, paperback, £12.99)
The Girl Who Raced the World
Nat Harrison
ROLL up, roll up… and collect your ticket to race around the
world with another non-stop, heart-thumping adventure from exciting new
storyteller Nat Harrison! Journey into the Jungle is the thrilling sequel to The
Girl Who Raced the World, the dazzling, page-turning retelling of Jules Verne’s
classic Around the World in Eighty Days which impressed readers and critics
alike last year. Packed with high-stakes action, peril, intrigue and a big
helping of fun, Harrison’s thriller takes us back to 1873 where we meet Maggie
Appleton, the girl who raced around the world in eighty days with Phileas
Fogg’s Expedition Team. When a stranger turns up on her doorstep, Maggie –
along with fellow explorers Mr Fogg and Passepartout – must embark on a new
daring adventure… this time to Brazil. They are on a mission to find famous
botanist Amelia West, a friend of her late mother and the one person in the
world Maggie is desperate to meet. But they soon discover their search for
answers only uncovers more questions in the dangerous rainforests where
ruthless treasure hunters are desperate to make their fortune. Why has Amelia
disappeared and who else is searching for her? With the help of old and new
friends, Maggie is soon on another race across the world, but this time there’s
much more at stake than a wager. She must unravel the mystery and find Amelia,
before it’s too late. With a cast of larger-than-life characters and heart-thumping
action at every step of the way, this timeless tale of travel, adventure and
discovery will be a treasured gift for all young thrill-seekers!
(Piccadilly Press, hardback, £12.99)
Monster Anatomy
Matt Ralphs and Caitlin Turner
IF you hold this book in your hands, you are no ordinary
traveller… you’re a monster hunter! Join author Matt Ralphs and illustrator
Caitlin Turner as they take readers across ancient forests, deep oceans and
treacherous mountain passes to discover those much-feared monstrous creatures
of mythology, folklore and fantasy. For ages uncounted, Bai Ze, the wanderer
and keeper of beast, has studied the monsters that haunt our myths. He has watched
the fiery Boitata coil through burning forests, glimpsed the vast Kraken
thrashing beneath stormy seas and traced the roots of creatures long spoken of
in whispers. Their bodies tell stories; their bones carry truths and in the
pages of this book, there are careful drawings that reveal how each creature is
shaped, how it survives and why it lingers in the tales of humankind. Bai Ze’s anatomical
findings will show you what lies beneath fang, scale and shadow, capturing the
spirit, power and mystery of every beast. But Monster Anatomy is not merely a
collection of monsters… it is a field guide for the bold and the curious, a
fascinating account of how the legendary monsters live, breathe, hunt and
endure. And opening this magnificent, gilt-edged book comes with a caution…
read it with wonder because once you know the truth of monsters, you will never
see the shadows the same way again!
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £16.99)
Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon
Agnes Monod-Gayraud and Elin Manon
GET ready to have your world turned upside down when you
open the pages of Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon, a fabulous flip-over book that
explore the stories, science and mythology behind the Sun and the Moon! Written by London-based author Agnes
Monod-Gayraud and atmospherically illustrated by Welsh artist Elin Manon, this fascinating
book is a stunning introduction to our cosmic companions. What makes a solar
eclipse happen, why does the Moon seem to change shape, and how does the Sun
keep our planet alive? For thousands of years, people, from the Ancient
Egyptians to the Greeks, have looked up with the same questions. Their stories,
observations and growing scientific knowledge have helped us understand how the
Sun and Moon influence life on Earth today. Blending ancient myths with facts,
diagrams and modern discoveries, Brilliant Sun, Luminous Moon works in two
parts… one side is dark, but flip it over and the other is bright, meeting in
the middle in a stunning eclipse. An ideal gift for readers eager to learn
about our nearest cosmic neighbours!
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99)
Constellations: Stories in the Stars
Anne Jankéliowitch and Sarah Andreacchio
THE Sun is down and the stars are out. Grab your binoculars
and head outside because it’s time to go stargazing! Explore the shining stars
in the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky with this child-friendly guidebook for
budding stargazers. Learn how to find fifteen constellations while also reading
about the fascinating Greek myths behind their names with environmental
engineer and children's author Anne Jankéliowitch as our stargazing guide. From
Ursa Major to Cassiopeia, there are so many stories to discover in the sky! Brought
to life by Sarah Andreacchio’s dazzlingly vibrant illustrations, this
beautiful, informative gift book includes a folded poster with pinholes
featuring all the constellations in the book. Simply shine a light through the
poster to bring the night sky indoors!
(Barefoot Books, hardback, £14.99)
The Wonder of Nature:
Discovering the Science Behind its Beauty
Natalia Harańczyk
SEE the world in a whole new light in this stunningly
illustrate book from Natalia Harańczyk, a Polish graphic designer, illustrator
and expert microbiologist. With her exquisite artwork and fascinating insights,
Harańczyk reveals the breathtaking artistry behind nature’s beauty. From
dazzling colours to mind-blowing patterns, incredible shapes and perfect
symmetry, The Wonder of Nature reveals the science behind the intricate marvels
of the natural world. Readers will love exploring the microscopic wonders of
plants, animals and fungi through the vivid and richly detailed illustrations which
burst with colour and life. A book to cherish for readers young and old.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99)
The World of Bunny vs Monkey
Jamie Smart
STRAP yourselves in for more wild wacky adventures as comics
genius Jamie Smart gifts youngsters the ultimate guide the chaotic, woodland
world of his daffy duo… an essential companion book packed full of comic-strip
fun, stats, facts, games and quizzes. So if you’ve ever wondered what bothers
Bunny the most, why Monkey throws underpants at aliens, or where to find the
Mysterious Realm of the Frogs, you’re in luck because the answers lie within
the pages of the super, fabulous, sensational and wonderful The World of Bunny
vs Monkey! It’s a normal day in The Woods… Monkey is flying a giant goose,
Action Beaver is setting something on fire, and Bunny is trying to get some
peace. UNTIL… the gang discover the Park Ranger has a secret file about each of
them! Find out what the files reveal plus what our woodland friends would REALLY
like you to know... Published by David Fickling Books in partnership with The
Phoenix comic – and featuring some entertaining draw-it-yourse lf activities at
the back of the book – this fantastic feast of fast and furry-ous exuberant fun
is a tasty dish for your mischievous Bunny vs Monkey fans!
(David Fickling Books, hardback, £16.99, published on November 5)
Paper World: Trees
Catherine Saunders and Gail Armstrong
TAKE a closer look at trees with this one-of-a-kind paper-cut
book which lets readers see the forest come to life! Written by Catherine
Saunders and illustrated by Gail Armstrong, this stunning book uses flaps and ingenious
paper-cut artwork to reveal the wonders of Earth’s largest living plants, from
the amazing variety of life they support to what goes on beneath the soil. With
a text which has been fact-checked by experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens at
Kew, youngsters follow the trees, peek behind pages and wander through
woodlands where they discover leafy landscapes, incredible tree adaptations and
the inner workings of a tree. A unique novelty book with appeal for all the
family, Paper World: Trees provides a root and branch wealth of information
about types of forest, the mycorrhizal network and lots more. Get ready to
unearth the facts!
(Templar Books, hardback, £16.99, published on November 5)
The Sky We Share – Star Stories From Around the World
Laura Knowles and Mariana Ruiz Johnson
LOOK up to the night sky… what do you see? Created in
collaboration with Royal Observatory Greenwich, the historic home for British
astronomy, this fascinating book brings together scientific insight and ancient
wisdom to uncover the universal language of the cosmos and the timeless star
stories that connect us all. Written by Laura Knowles, author of the
award-winning It Starts With a Seed, the book retells star stories from across
the world while Brazilian artist Mariana Ruiz Johnson provides a cornucopia of vibrant,
bold and graphic illustrations which make each page a visual celebration of
cultural heritage. For thousands of years, civilisations have turned to the
stars for guidance. From the Polynesians who voyaged across open oceans using
only the stars to light their way, to ancient farmers who timed their harvests
by celestial rhythms, and storytellers who filled the heavens with legends, The
Sky We Share explores incredible stories from each corner of the world.
Featuring myths and folklore passed down through generations, alongside modern
scientific insight and tips for budding stargazers, this is the perfect gift
for curious children and anyone who has ever looked to the night sky in search
of imagination and wonder.
(Templar Books, hardback, £16.99)
The Song of the Sun
Olivia Hope and Huýnh Kim Liên
TREAT your little ones to this sumptuous, high-flying
picture book tale of bravery and self-esteem told through the lens of the annual
migration of swallows. Written by Irish author Olivia Hope, and stunningly
illustrated by Vietnamese artist Huýnh Kim Liên, The Song of the Sun is a
soaringly special contemporary fable brought to life by lyrical storytelling
and richly detailed and colourful artwork. ‘How will I find my way?’ whispered
Flick the trembling hatchling. ‘Head up, wings wide and own the sky,’ wise, old
Greytail replied. ‘Then listen…’ ‘Listen for what?’ Flick said. ‘Why the song
of the sun, of course!’ Flick is setting off on her first migration, a journey
of thousands of miles. She is filled with worry and it’s only with the help of
Greytail that Flick is able to take the leap into the great unknown. At first,
Flick can only concentrate on flapping her wings but the further they fly, she
slowly starts to zip and zoom, sing and soar. When Greytail cannot fly on, Flick’s
fear sweeps through her again. Without Greytail by her side, Flick battles on
until… she bursts out into the sunlight! And that’s when she hears it for the
first time. Others, just like her, singing her song… the song of the sun! With
a dazzling foiled and cloth-textured cover, this heartfelt, empowering story is
set to be a flyaway family favourite.
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)
Age 4 plus
The Moon Shines Bright in the Sky at Night
Emma Carlisle
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £12.99)
Mia’s Cheetah
Amelia Bothe
BUCKLE up for a wild ride! Imaginations are most certainly
in overdrive in Mia’s Cheetah, American author and illustrator Amelia Bothe’s outstandingly
illustrated picture book story about a young girl discovering magical
adventures. Mia is not excited about the long, boring drive to Nana’s house… too
many miles, too much waiting, too little fun. But then her dad lets her in on a
secret game and everything changes. Now, the trip that started out so dull
suddenly feels much too short! And when they finally get to Nana’s house, Mia
discovers this special tradition runs deeper than she could ever have guessed.
Packed with bold, playful, not-to-be-missed artwork and a story with a tender intergenerational
family twist, Mia’s Cheetah celebrates the power of imagination that is waiting
to be discovered just outside our windows. A wonderfully created story
guaranteed to banish boredom… and screens!
(Clarion Books, hardback, £14.99)
Age 3 plus
Old Bear Five-Minute Adventure Stories
Jane Hissey
(Templar Books, hardback, £14.99)
The Wonderful Pocket Family
Kazuko Matt
THERE'S s a pocketful of joy awaiting young readers in this
delightful family-themed and quirky picture book from Japanese illustrator and
children’s book author Kazuko Matt. Meet the Pocket family… they all love
pockets! Mr Pocket loves eating so his pockets are filled with foodie things,
Mrs Pocket has everything she needs for gardening, and fun-loving Little Pocket
has lots of things to play with. Grandpa Pocket only has his harmonica, but
that’s all he needs to play a tune and get the whole Pocket family tap dancing!
With their pockets full of wonderful tools and toys, it’s not long before their
performance has the whole town watching. Filled with the author’s warmth,
vividly drawn characters and addictive sense of fun, The Wonderful Pocket
Family is a colourful and playful reading package, perfect for sharing with
young children.
(Do Re Mi, hardback, £12.99)
Follow Me Moon
Colleen Larmour
HAVE you ever wondered how the Moon always seems to follow
you wherever you go? Help little ones to drift off to sleep with this soothing
bedtime story about the magical friendship between a child and the Moon from
Northern Irish author and illustrator Colleen Larmour. Join the little boy –
and the Moon – as they share a magical and imaginative journey through the
seasons. From springtime bike rides and paper-boat-sailing in the summer, to
autumnal adventures and winter fun in the snow, the Moon follows the child
wherever they go… until it’s time to say goodnight. Children will fall in love
with Larmour’s striking woodblock-style art and (hopefully!) will be lulled to
sleep by the lullaby-like rhyming text. With nostalgic echoes of bedtime
classic Goodnight Moon, and a striking jacketed book cover with embossed
details, this an extra-special book to share at bedtime or as a thoughtful
gift.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £12.99)
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