Every month, we review dozens of books for children and teenagers. Here are the ones we like best in October: guaranteed to get your child reading…
The cover of The Weather Shop by Thomas Lee
Whether they’re a teeny toddler or a very particular teen, this is where you can find your child’s next amazing book: just scroll down to find books for a range of ages.
We’ve sorted our favourite new books into rough age ranges, but this is just a guide and readers might find something they’ll love in a different category.
All these books are available to order at Bookshop.org (affiliate link) – or why not borrow them from your local library?
Fancy writing a book review yourself? Read our handy guide and have a go!
Join Peggy and her grandad for a gentle outdoor adventure as they take an autumnal walk together. Perfect for little ones who love exploring the world around them.
Meet adorable nocturnal animals in this gorgeous lift-the-flap board book. Lift the flaps TWO ways! Ideal for developing fine motor skills and for sharing with young children.
by Margaret Bateson-Hill, illustrated by Suhayla Ibrahim
2026 2 to 5 years
Picture books
Poetry and rhyme
There is so much to do at the park! Rain or shine, wind or snow, join everyone playing in the park. A charming picture book with a rhyming text and a diverse, inclusive cast of characters.
In the magical town of Dragon Hill Village, Mole’s Weather Shop sells all manner of weather-based products from rain shower balloons to fog bread and snowman spray.
A delightful, funny story about resilience, trying again – and accepting help and your own limitations – is a real delight. Its zany humour coupled with Jack Viant’s hilarious close-up illustration will have readers giggling, as well as rooting for Frog.
by Sumana Seeboruth, illustrated by Sayani Mukherjee
2026 4 to 7 years
Picture books
Ravi’s big sister Ruhi-di is getting married, and she’s having a mehndi party for her closest family and friends. Unfortunately, Ravi isn’t allowed to come to the party, until he offers to assist Madam Mehndi, the henna artist.
Jai is looking forward to Diwali – a time of celebration. But he notices some sad people around him. How can he bring light to their lives? A heartwarming, gorgeous picture book shows the reader the values of Diwali – community, gratitude and sharing – and celebrates kindness.
Join Fraz, Pleg, Coll, Ern and Gleo, a team of very inquisitive aliens from the planet Proxima as they travel back in time on earth to observe dinosaurs in their natural habitats.
A little boy makes a family tree of all the uncles in his life. When he realises they aren’t actually related to him, Dad explains that they’re “funcles” – fun uncles that are part of the greater community around him.
This lively collection of poems with a distinctively Welsh flavour is an absolute joy to read. The poems range from funny and daft to moving and thought-provoking, and are accompanied by expressive black-and-white line drawings that add extra depth.
McLaughlin and Hunt’s brilliantly anarchic and fun picture book about what would happen without gravity is an original gem which is both genuinely funny and thought-provoking.
Boo is a young ghost who doesn’t like scaring people. When she discovers that she has magical powers, she becomes Witchy Boo, the first ever ghost witch. A sweet, highly illustrated chapter book for fans of Isadora Moon.
Meet Ghost and Toast – one’s dead; one’s bread. They have adventures in a spooky mansion – watch out for the evil croissant! A very silly graphic novel that’s full of energy.
Jess finds the perfect picture for her bedroom in a charity shop – a lovely portrait of a smiling girl called Araminta. However, when she starts to have terrifying nightmares, Jess worries that the painting is haunted. A chilling tale for junior readers, featuring fabulous black-and-white illustrations. Read it if you dare!
Arlo has finally begun to settle into his new life in Cornwall, but everything unravels when he discovers his mum has lied about his dad’s mysterious disappearance. An exciting, thought-provoking story about friendship, trust and local history.
Henry Tudor is 8 and a half, and he’s the best at everything. But when a mysterious stranger challenges him to a series of competitions, things don’t always go Henry’s way. Outrageous! A very funny diary of one self-obsessed future king.
by Catherine Blackledge, illustrated by Kasia Bogdańska
2026 9 to 14 years
Non-fiction
A fascinating celebration of fearless female animals – some of whom you’ve never heard of! Packed with astonishing facts and detailed illustrations, this is ideal for animal lovers.
Two brothers learn that magic has implications when they find a wishing hand that begins to tear their blended family apart. A brilliantly chilling middle grade book.
A deliciously chilling set of interlinked horror stories, illustrated with terrifying detail. Despite the dark sense of humour throughout, these are not for the faint-hearted!
When Grace is burned in an accident at a Halloween party, her life changes in an instant. This moving story thoughtfully explores feelings of anger, anxiety, guilt and resentment, showing how trauma can affect everybody involved and helping young readers to develop empathy.
BookTrust Cymru Book of the Month
Brilliant book by a Welsh creator or adapted into Welsh
Let’s spend a day in Wales! Join the family as they eat traditional food, go to a castle and sing outside the capel. A delightful board book that includes a few numbers and colours in Welsh.
These are the children’s books we reviewed and particularly loved in April 2026.
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