Ready to dive into a world of imagination? This roundup of new children's and teen books is packed with adventures, mysteries, and heartwarming stories that will captivate young readers. Let's explore some of the best new picture books and novels available now!
The Butterfly House by Harry Woodgate: Imagine the power of a garden to heal and bring a community together. This beautiful picture book explores the heartwarming story of Holly, who helps her reclusive neighbor transform a wilderness into a butterfly haven. It's a touching tale about the healing power of gardens and community, perfect for sparking conversations about kindness and nature.
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith: This picture book uses dynamic paintings and thoughtful text to answer the question, "What does the beginning look like?" Smith tells the shared story of humanity's first ancestors in "the fertile cradle of Africa." It's a powerful way to introduce young readers to the origins of our shared history.
The Ocean at Night by Isabelle Simler: For children aged 5 and up, this stunning nighttime picture book is a visual feast. It's filled with iridescent details, from sharp-beaked gannets to parrotfish in protective mucus spheres. The book offers simple text for new readers alongside more complex information, making it a great choice for various reading levels.
Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell: Best friends Cabin Head and Tree Head love having adventures together. This graphic novel is an entrancingly surreal, child-friendly story for children aged 5 and up. There’s no challenge they can’t weather, even a disastrous haircut!
Harriet Tubman, Force of Nature by Caroline Brewer: This is a soaring verse biography of the heroic abolitionist, complete with superb collaged illustrations. It's ideal for sharing with children aged 7 and up and offers an inspiring look at a pivotal figure in history.
Mystery Gamebooks: Werewolf Wood by Lan Cook: Prepare for a sinister adventure! This interactive gamebook is perfect for children aged 7 and up. As you arrive at Grandma’s house in the woods, a chilling adventure awaits. It's a great way to engage young readers and encourage their problem-solving skills.
Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom by PJ Killburn: This funny-scary adventure is laced with Caribbean folklore and tradition, perfect for readers aged 8 and up. When Jermaine steals a patty at his great-uncle Carl’s Dead Yard remembrance service, he doesn’t realize eating it before midnight will stop his irate relative’s ghost passing on. Can he figure out how to save his friends and set Carl’s spirit free?
Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery: Tick's grandfather taught him everything. Now enemies have invaded, and Tick must get himself and Leaf to safety, surviving hunger, bandits, and a deadly pursuer. This is a thrilling, full-tilt adventure from the author of I Am Rebel.
The Girl Who Raced the World by Nat Harrison: Losing her beloved mother, Maggie is left adrift in London with only a letter addressed to “Passepartout” for guidance. But Passepartout is employed by Mr Phileas Fogg, who has just accepted a wager to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days – and attempting to deliver the letter will precipitate Maggie into an impossible race against time. This warm-hearted, exciting debut revisits Jules Verne’s classic from a delightful new perspective, perfect for readers aged 9 and up.
The Last Bard by Maz Evans: Clearing out his grandfather’s seaside flat isn’t exactly a relaxing holiday for Will Davenant. When he inherits his grandfather’s Complete Works of Shakespeare, however, he finds unexpected help inside – four lively Shakespearean characters, ready to help Will, his mum and his new friends take charge of their own stories. Funny, energetic and moving, this standalone encourages hope and resilience, even in the toughest times, suitable for readers aged 9 and up.
Witchlore by Emma Hinds: Shapeshifter Orlando is shunned at Demdike College of Witchcraft. When charismatic new boy Bastian arrives, offering the dangerous possibility of a resurrection spell, Orlando is all too easy to persuade. But who is Bastian, and what are his hidden intentions? This queer urban YA fantasy will appeal to fans of Holly Black.
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun: Sisters Mirae and Soojin share an ancestral magic: the ability to bring creatures back from the dead. When Mirae is found drowned, Soojin can’t help but break the rules. This unsettling, poetic YA horror is full of fury, grief, love, and hard-won acceptance.
Gladiator, Goddess by Morgan H Owen: Pompeiian Gia dreams of being a fighter, but there’s no such thing as a female gladiator – until Gia catches the eye of Claudia, the emperor’s daughter, and begins winning fights in the arena. As the girls’ feelings intensify, can they survive a conspiracy against the empire – and the destiny the goddesses have in store? A bold, bloody, riotous sapphic romantasy.
Thirst by Darren Simpson: In the prosperous village of Maimsbury, everyone accepts that a farm animal drowned in the river buys a year’s prosperity. Until a Brim Year brings greater riches, and demands a greater sacrifice … This creepy, compelling YA folk horror boasts a transporting sense of ritual and place.
So, which of these books has caught your eye? Are there any particular themes or genres that you find most appealing? Do you think the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in Witchlore and Gladiator, Goddess is a positive step forward in children's and YA literature? Let's discuss in the comments below!"
