Eight new children's books to read in 2021

A Tangle of Spells

Author: Michelle Harrison.
Age: Eight plus.
Realses date: February 4.
It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins. Finally free from the misty gloom of Crowstone and beginning a new life. But all is not as it seems in their postcard-pretty village. Their neighbours are acting strangely, and why do they flinch at the mere mention of magic? The Widdershins sisters have their own secret: a set of enchanted nesting dolls with the power to render their user invisible. The sisters must use their wits – and their magic – if they’re to break the dark hold over the village, and save one of their own . . . but have they met their match this time?

Kat Wolfe on Thin Ice

Author: Lauren St John.
Age: Nine-11.
Realses date: January 7.
When Kat discovers that an argument she witnessed in New York City holds the key to a major crime, she’s certain that it’s only a matter of time until the culprits come looking for her. With a snow storm moving in and no way out, all that stands between the girls and disaster are a team of eight huskies and one impossible raccoon.

My Weird School Graphic Novel: Mr Corbett is in Orbit!
Author: Dan Gutman.
Illustrator: Jim Paillot.
Age: Six-ten.
Realses date: January 5
A.J. and his friends are going on a field trip to NASA headquarters. But their tour guide, Mr. Corbett, is a total space cadet! What happens when A.J. accidentally launches the whole class into outer space?! This is going to be one of the weirdest graphic novels in the history of the world!

The Last Bear
Author: Hannah Gold.
Age: Eight-12.
Realses date: January 6.
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home. Fusing environmental awareness with a touching story of kindness, The Last Bear will include full-page black-and-white illustrations as well as a note from the author with facts about

the real Bear Island and the plight of the

polar bears.

Amari and the Night Brothers.
Author: B.B. Alston.
Age: Eight-12.
Realses date: January 19.
Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good. So when she discovers a ticking briefcase in his closet containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton—if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real. Now she must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari can’t seem to escape their intense scrutiny and doubt—especially once her supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed “illegal.” With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she’s an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.

Living the Confidence Code
Authors: Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, Jillellyn Riley.
Age: Eight-12.
Realses date: February 23.
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman want to continue inspiring girls to become their most confident selves with Living the Confidence Code, a middle grade biography collection starring today’s brightest, most determined girls around the world, who have used their confidence to successfully make their dreams come true. Written in Katty and Claire’s relatable, accessible style, this paper-over-board book will include profiles of 25–30 girls, along with in-depth interviews and graphic novel panels. Below is a list of the current confirmed participants for the book. The authors are aiming to include two-thirds girls who have achieved spectacular things on a large scale or in the public eye and one-third girls who have overcome personal obstacles or made a difference in a more relatable, everyday way.

In My Mosque
Author: M.O.Yuksel.
Illustrator: Hatem Aly.
Age: Four-eight.
Realses date: March 23.
Perfect for Ramadan promotions, IN MY MOSQUE is a lyrical picture book by debut author M.O. Yuksel that celebrates the joys and traditions found in mosques around the world with artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly and

extensive backmatter.

No matter who you are or where you’re from, step in and discover all the rituals and wonders of the mosque—everyone is welcome here. From grandmothers reading lines of the Qur’an and the imam telling stories of living as one, to meeting new friends and learning to help others, mosques are centers for friendship, community, and love.

The Nice Dream Truck.
Author: Beth Ferry.
Illustrator: Brigette Barrager.
Age: Four-eight.
Realses date: March 23.
When bedtime is near, you might be in luck. You might get a visit from the Nice Dream Truck!

Get ready to sample your choice of sweet dreams served by a truck that flies on moon beams. You may choose to swim; you may want to fly, there’s an endless assortment of flavors to try!

New York Times bestselling creators Beth Ferry and Brigette Barrager serve up a delightful twist on the lyrical bedtime romp, reminding us that there are as many ways to dream as ice cream flavors to taste.