A diverse selection of new children’s and young adult literature is now available, appealing to parents seeking engaging reads to keep their children entertained. This season boasts a range of titles from renowned authors, including Julia Donaldson’s much-anticipated return to the world of The Gruffalo, delivering plenty of brilliant reads for children of all ages, reports BritPanorama.
And then we screamed by Holly Bourne
Young adult
When girls across their school break into unexplained and seemingly uncontrollable screaming fits, Clover and Brody investigate for their student newspaper. Bourne has long established herself as an expert in inhalable, feminist-driven reads with an acute eye for teen relationships, and this thriller is no different.
Usborne, £9.99
Dangerous influence by Sally Nicholls
Young adult
Anna and Josie have been the subject of their influencer mother’s social media content ever since they were little. As they grow old enough to understand the attention, Josie is stalked by one of their mother’s followers, leading the sisters to decide that enough is enough. A smart, timely read.
Barrington Stoke, £7.99
Gruffalo granny by Julia Donaldson
Picture book
Is there anything more pleasing to families with young children than a new Julia Donaldson book? Returning to the Gruffalo world for the first time in over 20 years, Granny pays a visit in this heartwarming story, magnificently illustrated as ever by Axel Scheffler.
Macmillan Children’s, £14.99
The haunting of Old Splinter by Jack Mackay
Ages 9-12
Brothers Adrian and Peter live near a ruined mansion known as Old Splinter, rumoured to house magic relics—one of which might just fix their family’s problems. An adventure into its dark heart ensues in this gloriously eerie story.
Oneworld, £8.99
The Neverland thieves by Katie and Kevin Tsang
Ages 9-12
Kicking off a terrific new series set in the world of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, Tom is a patient at Great Ormond Street whose life changes when his best friend Felix visits and mysterious, magical occurrences begin. Before long, they find themselves flown off to Neverland.
Simon & Schuster, £14.99
Flarestorm by Moira Buffini
Young adult
The action intensifies in the final instalment of Buffini’s award-winning Torch Trilogy, described as this generation’s The Hunger Games. As the uprising unfolds, the heroes must confront their ultimate test of survival in this gripping read about love and loyalty.
Faber, £9.99
Goodnight silver by Abi Elphinstone
Ages 9-12
Emmy becomes separated from her parents during a family trip to Mongolia, lost in the mountains amidst a blizzard. She encounters a young boy and a snow leopard cub, embarking on a magical adventure to a secret land.
Simon & Schuster, £8.99
More good bits by Kes Gray
Ages 7-9
Gray’s second story collection, following last year’s Good Bits, is packed with mini page-turners, from a story about an acorn that inadvertently revives a newborn horse prince to a tale of a lost glove that finds its way home. Funny and wonderfully imaginative.
DK, £8.99
Operation doodlebug by Tia Fisher
Ages 9-12
Set in 1944 amidst constant air raids, Croydon schoolboy Stan is determined to uncover the fate of his father, who went missing after joining the fight. As his family evacuates to the countryside, he gathers crucial information from a prisoner of war and embarks on a quest for the truth in this compelling wartime adventure.
Piccadilly Press, £7.99
A little boy and his bear by Jane Riordan
Ages 5-9
This year marks the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh. What better way to celebrate AA Milne’s iconic creation than with this authorised and beautifully illustrated story collection? The tales inside act as a sequel, exploring what the characters did next, and are every bit as warm and moving.
Farshore, £20
Mouse goes to the mountains by Alice Melvin
Picture book
Melvin’s award-winning Mouse series has become beloved in recent years. The latest installment sees our eponymous character leave urban life to explore a distant peak. With beautiful illustrations and subtle messages about nature, this book offers another lovely bedtime read.
Thames and Hudson, £14.99
Magic school for dogs by Pippa Curnick
Ages 5-9
As night falls on Barker Street and humans sleep, pets sneak away to the school of magic. Chip the cocker spaniel is among the students, learning spells that often don’t go according to plan. This marks the first book in a charming new series.
Orchard Books, £10.99
Trust fall by Lynn Painter
Young adult
Painter’s novel Better than the Movies has gained international acclaim and is set to be adapted by Netflix. In her latest work, she presents an opposites-attract story centred on Julia, who lives a quiet, small-town life until her family unexpectedly inherits a fortune, moving her to a prestigious New York private school, where she encounters students like Damion.
Simon & Schuster, £9.99
The bat who didn’t like the dark by Steve Small
Picture book
Unlike most bats, our hero thrives in the dark. However, with the help of an owl, he discovers the magic of the stars. This poignant read addresses fears and personal growth, paralleling the theme found in the author’s previous work, The Duck who Didn’t like Water.
Simon & Schuster, £12.99
