Books we love in April 2023

The Nose, Toes and Tummy Book

Author: Sally Nicholls Illustrator: Gosia Herba
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 0-1

This is your nose. BEEP! What a noisy nose! A delightful, interactive book for babies.

The Digits: Number Jumble!

Author: Tony Bradman Illustrator: SR. Sanchez
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 2-3

An accessible and fun book which will help little ones recognise numbers and start to think about their order in a scale.

Wild Family

Author: Ben Lerwill Illustrator: Harriet Hobday
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

A fascinating examination of animal families, and how many species are all interlinked. Gorgeous illustrations and enough facts to keep a variety of ages engaged.

Gold Medal Mysteries: Thief on the Track

Author: Ellie Robinson Illustrator: James Lancett
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Hannah and her new friends find the missing gold medals at the Olympic Games? A satisfying mystery, celebrating sport and friendship across the borders. 

1,2,3, Do the Robot

Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 4-5

Layla loves inventing new things in her bedroom science lab. One night, she decides to make a robot, and then she makes another. Together the three of them groove and do the robot dance but when a robot friend needs help, do they have the right moves to fix him?

Mae'n amser gwely, ond dydy Layla y dyfeisiwr ddim yn gysglyd o gwbl. Felly yn hytrach na chysgu…

I Am Oliver the Otter

Author: Pam Ayres Illustrator: Nicola O’Byrne
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

This heartfelt picture book is an ode to all things otter, written by nationally renowned poet and wildlife advocate, Pam Ayres.

Boy Underground

Author: Isabelle Marinov
Publisher: Sweet Cherry Publishing
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Hugo explores the tunnels and catacombs under Paris, discovering robbers, monsters and even just how brave he can be. Funny and warm, this is full of humanity.

Songs of the Birds

Author: Isabel Otter Illustrator: Clover Robin
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 8+

This enchanting, nonfiction sound book introduces beautiful birdsongs from different habitats from around Europe.

The Versatile Reptile

Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Abbie Cameron
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Reptiles are amazing! Find out more in this simple nature picture book with a rhyming refrain.

I Say Oh, You Say No

Author: John Kane
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Become the star of the book and  dive into every hilarious page of this interactive picture book.

Mae Bear yn wahanol i unrhyw arth arall welwch chi fyth. Mae'n arth â PHEN ÔL NOETH! Ac mae eirth â phenolau noeth yn hoffi dawnsio...

Colour Gallery

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

Join Gigi the giraffe and her students as they explore a gallery, learning about colour and art.

The King’s Runaway Crown

Author: Rosalind Spark Illustrator: Ian Smith
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5

Colin the dog has run off with the King’s crown on the day of the coronation! Can anyone catch Colin? A fun picture book to share, with the message that everyone is nervous sometimes.

Honey’s Hive

Author: Mo O’Hara Illustrator: Aya Kakeda
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6-8

This is the first book in a new series from Mo O’Hara, the author of many hilarious picture books such as My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and the early reader Agent Moose series. It’s a lovely book for younger readers who still want something illustrated, with plenty of fun and bee facts along the way. 

Mae Honey y wenynen yn breuddwydio am gael swydd gyffr…

Babies Laugh at Peekaboo

Author: Dr Caspar Addyman Illustrator: Ania Simeone
Publisher: Campbell Books

Play baby’s favourite game of peekaboo with this adorable grab-and-pull board book.

A Little Dose of Nature

Author: Dr. Alison Greenwood
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

This book is both calming and fun, suggesting over 25 activities to do while enjoying being outside. Brilliant for young children and families. 

Captain Looroll

Author: Matt Carr
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 4-5

Captain Looroll is ready for adventure but she doesn’t get many opportunities in the toilet under the stairs. In fact, Ray the Spray and Barbara Bogbrush are equally bored.

Mae Captain Looroll, sef rholyn toiled sydd wedi dod yn fyw, yn barod am antur. Yn anffodus, dydy hi ddim yn cael llawer o gyfleoedd yn y toiled dan y staer. Mae Ray the Spray a Barbara …

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie

Author: Yvonne Banham
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Delores Mackenzie has always seen spirits but now they are trying to kill her.

Courage Out Loud

Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
Publisher: Quarto (Wide Eyed Editions)
Interest age: 6-12
Reading age: 6+

This inspiring and dynamic poetry collection from Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho is about courage in lots of different forms. Not only are there poems about courage – from facing a fear or setting a boundary to trying something new – it also guides children on how to be brave through poetry, whether that’s through performing a poem aloud or having a go at…

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy

Author: Angie Thomas
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 9+

Can Nic and her friends find the mysterious Msaidizi in time to save her dad? A cracking action-packed magical adventure – highly recommended.

Meet the Weather

Author: Caryl Hart Illustrator: Bethan Woollvin
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 4-5

An energetic, fun introduction to different types of weather, using rhyme and vibrant, bright illustrations.

Mae merch fach a'i chi yn hedfan trwy'r awyr mewn balŵn aer poeth hudol, gan ddysgu am dywydd ein planed: cymylau, gwynt, corwyntoedd, mellt a tharanau, niwl ac eira, heulwen a glaw, ac – yn olaf – enfys hyfryd.

Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels

Author: Tọlá Okogwu
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Can Onyeka and her new superhero allies, the Rebels, stop Dr Dòyìnbó from taking over the country? Full of superhero moves and gadgets, this is an thrilling adventure for fans of the Black Panther franchise.

My Life on Fire

Author: Cath Howe
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Since her house burned down, Ren has nothing. Surely everyone else deserves to lose stuff too? Friendship and ‘doing the right thing’ are the focus of this excellent novel.

Young, Gifted and Black, Too

Author: Jamia Wilson Illustrator: Andrea Pippins
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

This richly-illustrated collection of inspiring true stories is a celebration of Black history from the 16th century to the present day, showcasing the achievements of more than 50 remarkable icons from across the globe.

Who Ate All the Bugs? The TRUE and GORY story of the food chain!

Author: Matty Long
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 6-8

This delightful and very funny cartoon-style guide to food chains is a brilliant introduction to the concept, and gives young readers/listeners some simple facts about a range of animals and their eating habits, and the natural cycle of life. 

Mae Snail a Worm allan am dro un diwrnod braf pan mae trychineb yn digwydd: mae rhywun neu rywbeth yn bwyta'r …

The Stickleback Catchers

Author: Lisette Auton Illustrator: Valentina Toro
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Mimi save her gran from losing her memories? An inclusive, searingly emotional story with magic realism elements.

The Spectaculars

Author: Jodie Garnish Illustrator: Nathan Collins
Publisher: Usborne Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Harper is delighted to be offered an apprenticeship at the Grand Wondria Music Hall and Theatre to study the dramatic and magical arts. When she is accused of bringing bad luck to the theatre, she is determined to clear her name, despite the dangers. This epic tale of magic, intrigue and treachery is an enthralling read.

Wider than the Sea

Author: Serena Molloy Illustrator: George Ermos
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Ró finds reading hard because the words jump around. She can’t tell anyone because her parents are unhappy and she doesn’t want to make it worse. A heart-felt, accessible book for all kinds of readers.  

Where the River Takes Us

Author: Lesley Parr
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Jason and his friends find the big cat roaming the Valleys and win the reward for a photo of it? A fantastic story of friendship, adventure and sibling bonds, in 1974 Wales.

Name Your Numbers

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Edward Underwood
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-3
Reading age: 4+

A brilliantly colourful rhyming board book which introduces first numbers through eleven different animals and includes a surprising (snappy) pop-up!

The Hot Cross Bunny

Author: Carys Bexington Illustrator: Mark Chambers
Publisher: Happy Yak
Interest age: 2-5

Steve the bunny is cross. He's failed to grow any chocolate eggs. Will his new recipe do the trick? An eggs-cellent adventure!

Finding My Voice

Author: Aoife Dooley
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When Frankie starts secondary school, she wants to make friends and be cool, but also be herself and not be too different. How can she find her voice?

Moon’s Ramadan

Author: Natasha Khan Kazi
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 4-5

Lyrical and welcoming, this beautiful picture book joins Moon as she peeks at the Ramadan celebrations happening all over the world.

Twenty Questions

Author: Mac Barnett Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-5

Interactive, funny and unique, this bold, colourful picture book sparks conversations and can be different every time you read it together.

Mae'r llyfr yn chwareus ac yn ddwys, gyda gwaith celf llachar sy'n ymddangos yn dwyllodrus o syml, mae hwn yn sicr o fod yn un o glasuron y dyfodol yn yr un cywair â Would You Rather? John Burningham.

Pick a Perfect Egg

Author: Patricia Toht Illustrator: Jarvis
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-5

A charming invitation to decorate real eggs, before joining in with an egg hunt. Inspiring for art lovers, yet accessible for young readers too. Delightful.

Little Life Cycles: Frog

Author: Maggie Li
Publisher: Templar Books
Interest age: 2-3

Follow Frog from egg to tadpole to frog in this tactile introduction to life cycles. With peep-through holes and friendly illustrations, this is perfect for toddlers.

Budgie

Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: David Barrow
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 5+

A lyrical story about Miles, who finds and looks after a lost little budgie. With a dyslexia friendly format and effortlessly inclusive characters.

Mae Miles wrth ei fodd yn dringo coed wrth ei stad, ond mae Mr Buxton ei gymydog wastad yn gweiddi arno i stopio.

Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Magic Puppy

Author: Lola Morayo Illustrator: Cory Reid
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Aziza and her brother Otis visit fairyland, where a mischievous puppy steals the magical hands of the town clock. The siblings must fix the clock before sunset, or time will stand still. An enchanting adventure which features Black main characters.

Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers

Author: Colm Field Illustrator: David Wilkerson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When Kyan plays an old racing-car game which he found in the loft, he is thrust into an exhilarating, multiverse adventure, where the stakes are high and the pace is fast and furious.

My Especially Weird Week with Tess

Author: Anna Woltz Translator: David Colmer
Publisher: Rock the Boat
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

During his week’s holiday, Sam had expected football on the beach but instead finds himself ballroom dancing, holding a funeral for a canary and hatching a plan to help Tess meet her father; a father who doesn’t even know she exists.

Hotel of the Gods: Beware the Hellhound

Author: Tom Easton
Publisher: Orchard
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

When Atlas’s parents get jobs at the Hotel of the Gods, he can’t help noticing that the guests seem to be actual gods; which is great fun until he accidentally releases a terrifying hellhound from the basement.

The Broken Dragon

Author: Karen McCombie Illustrator: Anneli Bray
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Tyra loves her new life with Nan but is anxious about starting a new school in case she doesn’t fit in. A heart-warming tale, designed specifically to appeal to reluctant and dyslexic readers.

A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook

Author: Dr Alex George Illustrator: The Boy Fitz Hammond
Publisher: Wren & Rook
Interest age: 9-11

An upbeat and positive book which feels perfectly pitched at lower secondary school kids and will no doubt be hugely helpful for many.

Can I Come Too?

Author: Owen Davey
Publisher: Rocket Bird Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Teddy is off to catch a fish and little Cub wants to join too – much to Teddy’s annoyance! An endearing picture book that explores sibling dynamics through a fishing adventure.

Migrants

Author: Eduard Altarriba
Publisher: Button Books
Interest age: 9-11

This beautiful and useful picture book is a mine of information on the subject of human migration, which is sadly so topical and which many children will have questions about. Altarriba is very thorough on the subject, making sure that he asks the right questions in the right order as he progresses from explaining how humans have always migrated for various …