Children's Book Roundup: The Best New Picture Books and Novels
This month's selection of new children's and young adult literature offers a rich tapestry of stories, from exuberant picture books to gripping young adult debuts. The collection spans themes of family, adventure, empathy, and imagination, providing something for every young reader.
Picture Books for Younger Readers
The Good Deed Dogs by Emma Chichester Clark presents three enthusiastic canines whose attempts at helping others consistently lead to chaotic mishaps. Their persistence finally pays off with a successful kitten rescue mission in this charmingly illustrated tale from Walker Books.
Auntie's Bangles by Dean Atta and Alea Marley offers a gentle exploration of grief and remembrance. Theo and Rama gradually find comfort in wearing their auntie's jewellery and dancing to celebrate her memory, creating a poignant yet uplifting story about processing loss.
Grandad's World by Michael Foreman follows Jack and his grandfather as they observe wildlife around their village pond. When pollution threatens their natural haven, the pair take action to restore the environment in this beautifully illustrated book that celebrates intergenerational bonds and ecological awareness.
Chapter Books for Developing Readers
Jake in the Middle by Michael Catchpool introduces readers to Jake, who navigates life between his bossy older sister and mischievous younger brother. His gentle adventures, including visits to a city farm and creating a school museum, make this an ideal chapter book for newly independent readers aged five and above.
Postman Planet by Ben Davis delivers interstellar comedy as a nine-year-old postman and his part-robot dog attempt to deliver helium to the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns while evading Space Vikings. This highly illustrated caper combines humour with imaginative space adventure.
Donut Squad 2: Make a Mess! by Neill Cameron continues the hilarious graphic novel series where Anxiety Donut seeks mindfulness while the Bagel Battalion plots against the pastry protagonists. This sequel maintains the original's clever humour and addictive storytelling for readers aged seven and above.
Middle Grade Adventures
The Golden Monkey Mystery by Piu DasGupta transports readers to India where aspiring doctor Roma discovers a golden monkey far from its natural habitat. Despite bandits, cursed jewels, and unexpected companions, Roma's determination drives this thrilling historical adventure for readers aged eight and above.
The Experiment by Rebecca Stead presents eleven-year-old Nathan, who has always believed he's part of an extraterrestrial experiment on Earth. As his peers disappear and his family prepares to return to their Mothership, Nathan begins questioning everything in this imaginative coming-of-age science fiction story.
The Monsters at the End of the World by Rebecca Orwin challenges assumptions in a post-apocalyptic setting where Sunny discovers that the feared sea monsters might not be what they seem. This debut novel emphasises empathy and curiosity as essential qualities even in difficult circumstances.
The Night I Borrowed Time by Iqbal Hussain follows seventh son Zubair, who discovers time-travel abilities through a mysterious amulet from his grandmother. His attempt to fix his parents' marriage reveals the complexities of altering the past in this richly imagined, thought-provoking story.
Young Adult Fiction
Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey, adapts the powerful story of twelve-year-old Jerome, shot while playing with a toy gun. His ghost's encounter with Emmett Till's spirit creates a moving, enraging narrative about racial injustice, now in haunting graphic novel form.
Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet reimagines Little Women as a modern young adult thriller where one March sister is murdered. Told from all four sisters' perspectives, this compulsive, sometimes gory reinterpretation brings dark twists to the classic story.
Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones introduces Eli to a hidden society of witches called the Arcana. This inclusive, queer debut graphic novel, inspired by tarot symbolism, follows Eli's journey as he confronts historical curses threatening his newfound magical family.
Queen of Faces by Petra Lord presents a dystopian fantasy where seventeen-year-old Ana must trade her dying male body to survive. Her recruitment into an elite magical assassination school coincides with a growing rebellion, forcing Ana to question everything in this ambitious, riveting debut novel for readers aged fourteen and above.
