Children and Teens Roundup – The Best New Picture Books and Novels
A mouse detective; a fresh take on the Odyssey; a dangerous wish; and the world’s most watched reality TV show
Picture Books
by Stephen Lightbown, illustrated by Claire Sahara Lemp, Quarto, £7.99
Iris’s dad can transform into dinosaurs, unicorns, or anything she imagines – despite some people seeing Dad’s wheelchair and assuming he can’t do anything. This softly smudged, colourful picture book celebrates the playfulness and creativity inherent in parenthood.
by Yuichi Kasano, translated by Cathy Hirano, Gecko, £12.99
When Grandma spreads a futon on the sunny porch to air, it becomes so fluffy that kittycat, Grandma, hen, chicks, and the entire household join together for a nap. This delightful picture book is perfect for bedtime reading.
by Zoey Allen, illustrated by Frenci Sanna, Walker, £7.99
Imaginative Princess Pete, who loves blue wellies, butterfly sandals, getting mucky, and playing salons, doesn’t always feel like a boy or a girl – but their parents accept them just as they are in this inclusive, softly sparkling picture book.
Books for Ages 7 and Up
by Charley Rabbit, Andersen, £9.99
This funny and enticing mix of highly illustrated chapter book and graphic novel follows famous mouse detective Monsieur Mustard as he investigates a string of mysterious animal disappearances. His efforts are often hindered by his flatulent young assistant Mobbsy.
by Roma Agrawal, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng, Laurence King, £14.99
In this absorbing and engaging scientific handbook for ages 7+, structural engineer Roma Agrawal explores the physics of materials through seven hands-on challenges. Instructions for constructing chocolate bridges reinforced with gummy laces and meringue rockets filled with ice cream are interspersed with concise information about pioneering scientists. The bright, welcoming illustrations by Sae-Heng complement the content effectively.
by Liv Albert, illustrated by Hazem Asif, DK, £18.99
Podcaster and "myth nerd" Liv Albert presents a satisfyingly nuanced, rich, and fast-paced retelling of Odysseus’s homecoming. This superb revisiting includes thoughtful historical and geographical context, a tally of the crew members lost to each misfortune, and more. Asif’s lush, dynamic full-colour illustrations invite readers aged 7 or 8 and above to immerse themselves in the story.
by Clare Pollard, illustrated by Macha Yao, Piccadilly, £7.99
When young would-be witch Phoebe stows away with the Argonauts, the voyage leads to fearsome perils: hungry harpies, clashing cliffs, thirsty whirlpools, and skeleton soldiers. Fortunately, Phoebe and her dubious prophecies are there to help, alongside Cora the tone-deaf baby siren and apprentice shapeshifter Perry. This witty, original, and irreverent take on Greek myth will delight readers aged 8 and above, especially fans of Loki.
Books for Ages 9 and Up
by Clemency Brown, Chicken House, £7.99
In the Wishmaker Institute, rebellious Leonie is trained to control her magic. One day she will be Matched with a wealthy child and dedicate her life to making their wishes come true. When she escapes her Matching and flees to our world, Leonie makes a new best friend, Cress. However, as forces from her past pursue her, she must grant Cress a dangerous wish in this enthralling and thought-provoking magical fantasy for ages 9 and up.
by Jennifer Killick, illustrated by Marina Vidal, Barrington Stoke, £7.99
When Caiden and Sam help Caiden’s dad clear a creepy house, they unknowingly bring back a terrifying uninvited guest. This punchy, pared-back horror story is suitable for readers aged 9 and above. It is authored by an award-winning writer and published by a dyslexia-friendly publisher.
Books for Ages 10 and Up
by Amelia Tait, Starboard, £8.99
Lily Tripp is an ordinary 13-year-old with one exception: every New Year’s Day, she wakes up in a new century. She navigates first love, avoids her ever-present nemesis, and copes with life without chicken nuggets. This meticulously researched historical novel combines hilariously relatable misadventure and is a surefire winner for fans of Lottie Brooks aged 10 and above.
Books for Ages 11 and Up
by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, Starboard, £8.99
Since his mother died a year ago, Alfie has not spoken to his stepdad. As the six-week summer holidays begin, Alfie rides his bike, trying to navigate the darkness and chaos of his grief. When a pedal comes off, he must seek help from the person he dislikes most. This heartbreakingly poignant verse novel for readers aged 11 and above delicately traces the slow, non-linear processes of acceptance and healing, enhanced by Todd-Stanton’s shadowy, sweet black-and-white illustrations.
Young Adult Novels
by Nadia Mikail, Guppy, £8.99
In Malaysia, urgent flood warnings bring 18-year-old Leila back to Sarawak, where she must assist her widowed mother in protecting their family home. The house is burdened by memories of her alcoholic father, whose conditioning has shaped her in ways she cannot escape. This deeply affecting YA novel from the winner of the Waterstones children’s book prize interweaves the impacts of the climate crisis with the old scars of familial trauma and the tentative beginnings of new love.
by Sue Divin, First Ink, £9.99
In desperate circumstances, 16-year-old Ezra’s only hope is to cross the Northern Irish border, even if it means leaving his quirky, beloved sister with their foster parents. For Evie, Ezra represents home, and she refuses to be left behind. This powerful and compassionate story for readers aged 14 and above explores two siblings’ search for safety and acceptance.
by Juno Dawson, S&S, £16.99
In Starmaker, the world’s most watched reality TV show, the winner will be wealthy for life, but losing contestants are literally eliminated. Can talented Taryn survive increasingly brutal challenges to dismantle the Starmaker machine from within? This sharply executed dystopian satire for readers aged 14 and above combines elements of Squid Game and The X Factor.
