Books We Love in June 2024

Transcendent

Author: Patrick Gallagher
Publisher: Orion/Hachette
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Genius twins Kira and Jacob must pass a series of trials to join a top-secret organisation known as Transcendent. If chosen, they will be sent to outer space on a mission to save the world. 

I Am Wolf

Author: Alastair Chisholm
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A pacy dystopian page-turner.

Nora and the Map of Mayhem

Author: Joseph Elliott Illustrator: Nici Gregory
Publisher: Piccadilly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Nora and her great grandchildren find the treasure before her dastardly foe? A hoot of an adventure starring an energetic old lady, a determined toddler and a wonky goose. Great fun. 

Rewild the World at Bedtime

Author: Emily Hawkins Illustrator: Ella Beech
Publisher: Wide Eyed
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

The positive stories of real-world rewilding projects in this lavishly illustrated giftbook show how, with a little help from the right people, the natural world can be encouraged to flourish as it used to. 

Flower Block

Author: Lanisha Butterfield Illustrator: Hoang Giang
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 4-5

Theo’s sunflower has grown right through the tower block! A delightful celebration of nature and community.  

Finding Home

Author: Mike Unwin Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

With a double-page spread devoted to each of 20 animals, readers of all ages will be fascinated by the strange and wonderful places animals call home. A glorious book with stunning illustrations. 

Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial

Author: Kieran Larwood Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Presented in large, clear font and with black and white illustrations throughout, this funny, exciting, imaginative adventure story is a great introduction to fantasy fiction for newly independent readers. 

The Nine Night Mystery

Author: Sharna Jackson
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Can Wesley and his friends find out why his neighbour died – in nine nights? A mystery full of twists and turns, with cracking dialogue. 

Billy: The Powerful Life of Billy Boston

Author: Jessica Dunrod Illustrator: Selom Sunu
Publisher: Llyfrau Broga Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

The inspiring life of Welsh rugby legend Billy Boston.  

Nina Peanut is Amazing

Author: Sarah Bowie
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Nina Peanut is a hilarious, aspiring content creator. When one of her videos goes viral, she must learn how to cope with the challenges of fame, friendship and self-confidence.  

Bird Boy

Author: Catherine Bruton
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 10+

Recently orphaned Will is sent to stay with an uncle he doesn’t know in a remote, mountainous valley. By caring for an injured osprey, he slowly comes to terms with his grief and learns to trust again. 

Wilding

Author: Isabella Tree Illustrator: Angela Harding
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 11+

A beautifully illustrated non-fiction book which tells the important story of the rewilding of the Knepp Estate 

Saturday is Pancake Day

Author: Bernadette Green Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
Publisher: Scribble
Interest age: 4-5

This charming picture book works both on the level of a fun book about crazy food combinations but also as a gentle tale with a positive mental health theme.

Dino Dad

Author: Andy Day Illustrator: Steven Lenton
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 6-8

Ruby and her dad can change into dinosaurs! But can they find her little sister on the island of Dinotropolis? A sweet, yet madcap adventure full of brilliant illustrations. 

The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

Author: Nadine Aisha Jassat Illustrator: Sandhya Prabhat
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Estie feels her truth is unheard when she is expelled from school and sent to Scotland for the summer. When she discovers a secret story from the past, she gains the confidence to find her own lost voice. 

Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder

Author: Bali Rai Illustrator: Daniel Duncan
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Bobby wants his nana-ji and Trevor to be friends because they both love football. A heart-warming story of community and kindness – and football! Dyslexia friendly, and appealing to all readers. 

Mayowa and the Sea of Words

Author: Chibundu Onuzo
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 9+

When Mayowa learns how to channel the emotions stored in books, she must decide how to use her power in a difficult political situation concerning refugees. 

Lenny in the Garden

Author: Ken Wilson-Max
Publisher: Alanna Max
Interest age: 2-3

Lenny, Mummy and Wilbur the dog are in the garden. Lenny explores while Mummy gardens, finding a variety of exciting discoveries.

Number Garden

Author: Isabel Otter Illustrator: Sophie Ledesma
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 4-5

Nature and numeracy are seamlessly combined in this fun, colourful and informative board book for young readers. Guided by Marigold the tortoise, young children will visit a variety of gardens and practise counting up to ten. 

Terrible Horses

Author: Raymond Antrobus Illustrator: Ken Wilson Max
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-5
Reading age: 6+

A young boy looks up to his older sister but feels lonely when they argue. He shares his feelings through pictures, and they grow closer. 

Skylar and the K-Pop Headteacher

Author: Luan Goldie
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

This funny, engaging, body-swap adventure explores fandom, friendship and empathy via an unmissable dance competition, viral videos and throwing away the school rule book. 

Smart Senses: Seeing Big Seeing Small

Author: Flo Fielding Illustrator: Jayri Gomez
Publisher: DK
Interest age: 4-5

This early science board book about sight is part of the Smart Senses series and features vibrant illustrations, rhyming text and culturally diverse characters. 

Bang: The Wild Wonders of Earth’s Phenomena

Author: Jennifer N. R. Smith
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Interest age: 9-11

The focus of this large hardback book is remarkable natural phenomena such as rainbows, volcanoes, earthquakes, caves and crystals, hot springs and geysers: the truly amazing things that happen on earth.

The Cheat Book

Author: Ramzee
Publisher: Hodder Children’s
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Will the Cheat Book really teach Kamal how to be cool? A funny, highly illustrated story about a boy facing many typical school issues.  

The World’s First Rollercoaster and Other Amazing Inventions

Author: Mike Barfield Illustrator: Franziska Höllbacher
Publisher: Templar Books
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+

Find out the stories behind some of the world’s most important inventions in this funny, comic style, illustrated non-fiction book. 

Can You Choo Choo Like a Train?

Author: Illustrator: Cocoretto
Publisher: Child’s Play
Interest age: 2-3

Queens of the Jungle

Author: Dr Carly Anne York Illustrator: Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong
Publisher: Neon Squid
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 6-8

A fantastic book detailing female animals across the spectrum of mammals, insects and sea creatures, and dispelling the myth of male superiority in nature.

We Are Family

Author: Oliver Sykes Illustrator: Ian Morris
Publisher: Otter-Barry
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 7+

A narrative set of poems which convey the highs and lows of the authors real experience growing up in a large family raised by a single father.  

The Last Dragon

Author: Polly Ho-Yen Illustrator: Charis Loke
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

An encounter with a real-life dragon in Milton Keynes helps 12-year-old Yara learn who she is.