Books we love in December 2024

Our World: Pakistan

A collection of books we love that are new this month

  • Pet Selector! A Hilarious Guide to all the Usual and Unusual Household Pets

    Author: Russell Kane Illustrator: Erica Salcedo
    Publisher: Words & Pictures Press
    Interest age: 6-8
    Reading age: 9-11

    In this useful and amusing book, comedian Russell Kane gives prospective pet owners the low-down on the many different breeds of cats and dogs as well as reptiles, guinea pigs, hamsters and more.

  • History’s Most Epic Fibs!

    Author: Athena Kugblenu Illustrator: Nicole Miles
    Publisher: Wren & Rook
    Interest age: 9-11

    A useful and fun guide to fake news and incorrect history, keeping the tone light while investigating some serious subjects.

  • Who Ate the Little Bug?

    Author: Hector Dexet
    Publisher: Post Wave Children's Books
    Interest age: 2-3

    Who ate the little bug? The blue fish? The black bird? Learn colours and animals as you turn the pages of this irresistible board book.  

  • Bindi Babes

    Author: Narinder Dhami
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 9-11

    Jazz, Gina and Amber are cool, funny and popular and, because Dad is never around, they can stay up watching inappropriate TV and ordering takeaways. They have everything they could possibly want except the one thing they never speak about: Mum. 

  • Lights Up

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

    A magical story told across three different centuries, aboutfriendship, loss, ghostsand lots of spiders.

  • Jakub’s Otter

    Author: Coral Rumble
    Publisher: Troika
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 9-11

    Jakub usually looks after his mum – and now he’s caring for an injured otter. A gentle, compelling read. 

  • Murder at Wintertide

    Author: Fleur Hitchcock
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    This glorious, gripping whodunnit is as immersive as the deep snow that provides the backdrop to the story and incorporates a realistic portrayal of a blended family. 

  • All Aboard the Bedtime Bus

    Author: Karl Newson Illustrator: Tim Budgen
    Publisher: Little Tiger Press
    Interest age: 2-3

    A cosy bedtime book with a rhyming text, perfect for helping with the bedtime routine.

  • Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

    Author: Barbara Cuoghi Translator: Genni Gunn Illustrator: Elenia Beretta
    Publisher: Greystone Kids
    Interest age: 5-7

    This brilliantly creative book takes the form of letter addressed to the children of the world from Befana, a winter witch from Italian folklore who delivers presents (or coal) to children on the 6th of January.  

  • Jack-Jack: How to Train Your Human

    Author: Ben Garrod Illustrator: Charli Vince
    Publisher: Zephyr
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 7+

    This amusing illustrated chapter book provides a dogs-eye view of the ups and downs of living with humans and confirms that canines are definitely in charge!   

  • Beat This Book

    Author: Howard Calvert Illustrator: Gemma Correll
    Publisher: Happy Yak
    Interest age: 6-8

    Funny and silly, this is a book that will entertain children for a good amount of time. With over 40 ridiculous challenges!  

  • Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos

    Author: Donncha O’Callaghan with Karen Owen Illustrator: Jenny Taylor
    Publisher: Eriu
    Interest age: 6-8
    Reading age: 7+

    Mum goes to America for a week, leaving Dad in charge of Finn, Emma and Carl the dog. What could possibly go wrong? This hilarious, illustrated chapter book is full of mayhem and fun.  

  • Leon: Worst Friends Forever

    Author: Jamar Nicholas and Bonaia Rosado
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    Leon is the school superhero! Or so he thinks. An action-packed graphic novel.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Money

    Author: Emmanuel Asuquo Illustrator: Selom Sunu
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 9-11

    A fabulous introduction to managing money for young people, providing fun and interactive education around finances and investment.

  • Hamza’s Wild World

    Author: Hamza Yassin Illustrator: Louise Forshaw
    Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    An incredibly engaging collection of amazing animal facts, from naturalist and cameraman Hamza Yassin. 

  • Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven

    Author: Dee Benson & David Arlo
    Publisher: Hot Key Books
    Interest age: 11+

    15-year-old Damien is desperate for his Mage powers to emerge– but when he uses a forbidden spell to awaken them, he discovers a host of secrets that threaten his entire world. A thrilling dystopian fantasy.  

  • On the Wall

    Author: Anne Fine
    Publisher: Old Barn Books
    Interest age: 11-13
    Reading age: 10+

    A story about a year 7 class centring on a boy who is always content and calm which totally perplexes his teachers. Full of groundbreaking philosophical ideas.  

  • The Muttcracker

    Author: Anna Kemp Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
    Publisher: Simon & Schuster
    Interest age: 4-5

    Will Biff the ballerina dog be the Sugar Plum Fairy – or have to settle for a less starry part? A joyous tale of friendship and positivity. 

  • The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

    Author: Will Millard Illustrator: Jo Lindley
    Publisher: Hachette
    Interest age: 3-7
    Reading age: 7+

    Elin and her grandad must save a family of beavers after their habitat is filled with plastic and rubbish.A heartwarming story which includes lots of information and an activity inspiration.  

  • Black Gables

    Author: Eibhlís Carcione
    Publisher: Everything with Words Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    This eerie mystery has all the tropes of a classic gothic ghost story with an underlying sense of threat and claustrophobia to make readers uneasy.  

  • Why Did My Brain Make Me Say It?

    Author: Sarah Ziman
    Publisher: Troika
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 7+

    This witty and captivating debut poetry collection showcases the work of an exciting new voice in children’s literature. The beautifullycrafted poems offer insightful observations on everyday life and are sure to resonate with readers young and old.  

  • The Last Boy

    Author: Eve McDonnell
    Publisher: Everything with Words Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    An extraordinary story based on the horror of child exploitation in Victorian times, but crammed with positivity, determination, hope and edge-of-seat drama. Anyone lucky enough to read it will not forget it for a very long time. 

  • Tiger, It’s Snowing!

    Author: Daishu Ma
    Publisher: Post Wave Publishing
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 3-6

    Tiger has never seen snow before and is excited to go out and play. But Mei isn’t sure… at first. A funny and charming story about adventure and friendship.

  • A Dragon Called Spark

    Author: Lily Murray Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
    Interest age: 4-5

    Eva has moved house and she doesn’t know anyone. Luckily, she has her own dragon, Spark, who usually cheers her up, but even he feels a bit flat.

    This year, Hanukkah will be quiet. But Eva’s mum points out that Hanukkah is also the season for miracles, and when they meet the neighbours, Eva and Spark start to make friends with Charlie. Small steps are made…

  • There's No Such Thing as a Silly Question

    Author: Mike Rampton Illustrator: Guilherme Karsten
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 7-11
    Reading age: 7+

    An engaging, illustrated non-fiction book which answers 213 unusual questions about a range of subjects with accessible, humorous and informative explanations. No question is too silly!  

  • Easier Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

    Author: L Frank Baum Illustrator: Archina Laezza
    Publisher: Every Cherry
    Interest age: 7+
    Reading age: 6-8

    During a storm, Dorothy is carried far away to the Land of Oz, where she meets some unusual new friends and seeks the help of a Wizard to guide her home. This simplified retelling of a classic tale is designed to be accessible to people with a range of learning disabilities and difficulties.  

  • Play Pals: To the Rescue

    Author: Sam Lloyd
    Publisher: Ladybird Books
    Interest age: 4-5

    Help the firefighter, paramedic, lifeguard and helicopter pilot in this interactive lift the flap book. This would be perfect for sharing with toddlers. 

  • The Search for Carmella

    Author: Chloe Savage
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 6-8

    Marine biologist Dr Rose takes a submersible craft down into the deep ocean to search for a legendary beast. Will they find her?

  • The World to Come

    Author: Robert Macfarlane & Johnny Flynn Illustrator: Emily Sutton
    Publisher: Magic Cat
    Interest age: 3-8
    Reading age: 7+

    Based on meditative walks that Johnny Flynn took with his son during lockdown, this lyrical book explores nature and evokes a sense of hope as its characters muse on the promise of a world to come. 

  • Our World: Pakistan

    Author: Rumaisa Bilal Illustrator: Nez Riaz
    Publisher: Barefoot Books
    Interest age: 4-5
    Reading age: 2-3

    In this charming board book, a little girl takes the reader through her daily routine at home with her family in Pakistan.

  • Impossible Things

    Author: Dan Schreiber
    Publisher: Wren & Rook
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    Learn about an array of impossible things, from ghosts and aliens to psychic spies and time travel. Attractively designed with hilarious illustrations, this entertaining and informative chapter book will inspire readers to change the way they view the world.