If you’ve got a little literature lover on your hands, then read up on all of the hottest reads that have just been released for their age group. Here are our top picks.
Happy reading little bookworms.
Best for: kids aged four to five
Book: I Don’t Like Books Never. Ever. The End.
Author: Emma Perry. Illustrator: Sharon Davey.
Overview: Mabel is adamant that she doesn’t like books, but people keep giving them to her! She stacks books to make ladders, piles them up as doorstops, and sledges down the stairs on them – but she won’t read them. Until, one night, the books take her on a magical journey of their own…
Book: A Fox Called Herbert.
Author: Margaret Sturton.
Overview: Herbert’s mother cannot understand why he won’t be a good rabbit, but Herbert doesn’t want to be a rabbit – he wants to be a fox! This lovely picture introduces themes of identity and acceptance to young children through bright, expressive illustrations and visual clues to help children predict what will happen next.
Best for: kids aged six to eight
Book: The Adventures of Harry Stevenson, Guinea Pig Star.
Author: Ali Pye.
Overview: Harry Stevenson, a rather plump ginger guinea pig, is very fond of carrots and dandelions. He’s also very fond of his owner, Billy. Harry’s always sad when Billy has to disappear to the mysterious place called school every day, but this time, Billy is taking Harry to school for show and tell. Yet when it turns out that Fergus has also brought in his pet – a corn snake – the day turns out to have some unexpected results…
This book is beautifully illustrated and contains two stories, perfect for young animal fans that aren’t looking for long reads. In the second story, Billy, Maya and Harry enjoy a fun day at the local swanky hotel until Mr Bevan the hotel manager gets suspicious about all the bite marks in the plants, and Harry foils a robber intent on stealing a very special trophy.
Book: Mickey and the Animal Spies.
Author: Anne Miller. Illustrator: Becka Moor.
Overview: Top codebreaker Mickey joins COBRA – a secret organisation protecting animals, currently investigating a spate of diamond robberies. Is Mickey up to the challenge? Anne Miller’s debut story is full of sparky wit and colourful characters – plus, plenty of puzzles to crack.
Best for: kids aged nine to 11
Book: Sequin and Stitch.
Author: Laura Dockrill. Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie.
Overview: Sequin’s mum has been asked to make the Princess’ wedding dress. It’s top secret, but the princess herself is coming to their flat to try it on – Sequin is so excited. But when a terrible disaster threatens to ruin everything, Sequin realises that the most important thing is the love that stitches her and her mum together.
Book: Eating Chips with Monkey.
Author: Mark Lowery.
Overview: Daniel loves eating fish and chips, but after a shock accident, he retreats from his family. Will a nationwide jaunt to find the best chippie in the country help to bring them back together? A moving exploration of trauma.
Best for: kids aged 12 and above
Book: Love Frankie.
Author: Jacqueline Wilson. Illustrator: Nick Sharratt.
Overview: 14-year-old Frankie is having to grow up quickly to help her mum with her developing MS – and now that one of her bullies is starting to strike up an actual friendship with her, Frankie’s starting to think it might be something a little more. A delicate exploration of becoming a teenager and the difficulties of growing up by the inimitable Jacqueline Wilson.
Book: Alex Rider 13: Nightshade.
Author: Anthony Horowitz.
Overview: Alex Rider thought he’d finally left his spying days behind him; but when a dangerous band of terrorists for hire emerges onto the world stage, he’s dragged into another risky undercover operation. The 13th book in the Alex Rider series, this slick and sophisticated spy drama which will thrill existing fans and convert new ones.
Bookworm at www.eggsnsoldiers.com, www.magrudy.com, www.amazon.ae.
