Books we love in July 2020

Let's Go, Fire Truck!

Author: Fhiona Galloway
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 0-2

Firefighter Bear's fire truck zooms down the street; the truck goes nee-naw, nee-naw! and its lights flash - there's a busy day ahead! Toddlers just learning about trucks and cars and the ever- popular emergency services will adore this bright book which is perfect for repeated reading.

Peek-Through Jobs We Do

Author: Jonny Marx Illustrator: Zoe Waring
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 2-3

Roxy the rat shows us around her neighbourhood to find out what jobs different animals do - from Dasher the dog detective to Michelle the monkey mechanic. This board book with 8 peek-through flaps is a lovely introduction to different jobs, aimed at slightly older toddlers.

I Can Catch A Monster

Author: Bethan Woollvin
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 4+

Bo is an adventurous, strong and smart girl, yet when her rather horrid brothers Ivar and Erik go monster hunting, they won’t let her come with them. So, Bo decides to go monster hunting on her own, but soon finds that the monsters she comes across – a Griffin and the Kraken – are actually quite friendly...

Mabel and the Mountain

Author: Kim Hillyard
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 4-5

Mabel might be small (in fact, she’s a fly), but she has some big plans, one of which is to climb a mountain. Her friends tell her that it's impossible, but Mabel is determined and sets off immediately. A lovely book about the power of believing in yourself, expressed simply and with impact.

Mini Monsters: Can I Play?

Author: Caryl Hart and Tony Neal
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 2-5

Sparkle and Arthur have decided to put on a magic show. How exciting! Yet when their friend Scout asks if they can join in, Sparkle says no. A bright and colourful story about being a good friend (and saying sorry), perfectly pitched for older toddlers and pre-schoolers.

My Nana's Garden

Author: Dawn Casey Illustrator: Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Publisher: Templar Books
Interest age: 4-8

A stunning book about nature, the seasons and the cycle of life and death, My Nana’s Garden is a beautiful picture book and a perfect choice to use to talk to children about bereavement and the loss of a grandparent in particular.

I'm Sticking With You

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Steve Small
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 4-5

Bear and Squirrel are best friends - but Squirrel feels like she needs a bit of space of her own. This adorable rhyming book about the ups and downs of friendship is pitched perfectly for 3-5 year olds who may be negotiating new friendships.

Ultimate Earth: Oceans and Seas

Author: Miranda Baker Illustrator: Gareth Lucas
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+

Full of stunning high-colour illustrations and thrilling facts, this is an excellent introduction to the oceans and the life they contain for young readers.

Little Turtle and the Sea

Author: Becky Davies Illustrator: Jennie Poh
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 4-5

A beautiful picture book following the life of Little Turtle, as she watches her beloved ocean become home to more and more plastic waste. There's also lots of helpful information on conservation and how we can help save marine wildlife.

Ceri and Deri: Young Whippersnapper

Author: Max Low
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 4-5

This entertaining tale in a vibrant series of picture books for young readers features best friends Ceri the cat and Deri the dog. While out for a stroll with their pal Dai the duck, they meet elderly Davey Dog, who is laden down with heavy shopping bags. The three friends offer to help Davey carry his bags home and Ceri comes up with the clever idea of whee…

The Moon Keeper

Author: Zosienka
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 4-5

This lyrical picture book introduces children to the concept the lunar cycle through the eyes of Emile the polar bear, helping them to understand the different phases of the moon. Stunning illustrations create a meditative atmosphere, making this magical tale of kindness, hope and faith ideal for bedtime reading.

The Stars Just Up the Street

Author: Sue Soltis Illustrator: Christine Davenier
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-8

A beautiful bedtime book about a little girl and her grandfather, who both love the stars, and a lovely theme around the importance of memory - which in turn gently introduces a message about urban light pollution.

Albert Talbot, Master of Disguise

Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Aurélie Guillerey
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Albert doesn't want to get out of bed today - and maybe if he pretends to be somebody else, he won't have to! An original and hilarious book about imagination and adventure with some truly outlandish made-up names to enjoy.

Amazing Islands: 100+ Places That Will Boggle Your Mind

Author: Sabrina Weiss and Kerry Hyndman
Publisher: What On Earth Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Spanning prison islands, river islands, barrier islands, mystery islands, island cultures and many, many other fascinating topics, Weiss and Hyndman’s colourful, stylish book is full to the brim with fascinating facts.

Ancient Games: A History of Sports and Gaming

Author: Iris Volant Illustrator: Avalon Nuovo
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+

A stunning book exploring the history of sport across the world, from the sword fighter the Lady of Yue to boat-jousting on the Nile in Ancient Egypt. As ever with Flying Eye titles, the illustration and lovely book production means that this is a special treasure of a book that kids will adore.

Invisible Nature: A Secret World Beyond Our Senses

Author: Catherine Barr Illustrator: Anne Wilson
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

This fascinating non-fiction picture book about the invisible wonders of our world is engaging, informative and attractively presented. An accessible, educational and fun picture book for junior readers.

The Questioneers: Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion

Author: Andrea Beaty Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Amulet Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

A thrilling mystery about a group of quirky characters who must solve the mystery of an ancient house before it's too late.

Midge and Mo

Author: Lara Williamson Illustrator: Becky Cameron
Publisher: Stripes (Little Tiger)
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 5+

Midge doesn’t want to go to a new school. He wants things to stay the same. His buddy, Mo, does her best to help him settle in.

Mirabelle Gets Up To Mischief

Author: Harriet Muncaster
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Half-fairy, half-witch Mirabelle Starspell is under strict instructions from her dad to leave her witchy potions at home for the fairy's Midsummer Dance - but surely just one or two little potions can't hurt?

Flyntlock Bones: the Sceptre of the Pharaohs

Author: Derek Keilty Illustrator: Mark Elvins
Publisher: Scallywag Press
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+

Flynn's the cabin boy aboard the Black Hound ship, full of pirates specialising in detective work - but when the ancient sceptre of the pharaohs goes missing from a museum, it's up to Flynn and his friend Red to solve the mystery.

A Super Weird! Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner

Author: Jim Smith
Publisher: Egmont
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Melvin's desperate to befriend Hector, the cool kid at his new school on Donut Island, but finds himself stuck with the two class oddballs. When an eerie smell takes over the town and children start acting weirdly, it's up to Melvin and his friends to solve the mystery...

Wonderscape

Author: Jennifer Bell Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Three friends slip through a time portal and find themselves thrown 400 years into the future, trapped in a complex virtual reality video game world called Wonderscape... but how will they find their way out?

Mr Tiger, Betsy and the Golden Seahorse

Author: Sally Gardner Illustrator: Nick Maland
Publisher: Zephyr
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+

This magical underwater adventure is the third in the Mr Tiger and Betsy series, but can easily be read on its own. Filled with stunning illustrations and printed using the dyslexie font, this romping quest is fun and accessible for children turning to books for a fantastical escape.

Fire Boy

Author: J M Joseph Illustrator: Samuel Perrett
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

A hair-raising and hilarious tale of treachery, circus tricks and some most unusual superpowers.

A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret

Author: Elly Griffiths
Publisher: Quercus
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A gripping tale of midnight feasts and murder set in 1937 as Justice Jones, junior super-sleuth, returns to her boarding school for a new term.

The Invisible Boy

Author: Alyssa Hollingsworth
Publisher: Piccadilly
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+

Superhero-obsessed Nadia dreams of becoming a brilliant reporter like her hero Lois Lane. This summer she needs to uncover a great story for the Junior Journalists competition - so finding a real superhero in her neighbourhood is just ace.

The Time Traveller and the Tiger

Author: Tania Unsworth
Publisher: Zephyr
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Elsie time travels back to India, where only she can stop her grandfather from killing a tiger.

The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates

Author: Jenny Pearson Illustrator: Rob Biddulph
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Do miracles really happen? Freddie Yates isn’t convinced. Until the summer he goes on an unexpected journey with his two best friends.

Orphans of the Tide

Author: Struan Murray Illustrator: Manuel Šumberac
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When a mysterious boy arrives in The City, everyone except Ellie is convinced he's the Vessel - the host for the dreaded Enemy. Will Ellie be able to keep him safe and protect her own secrets? A thrilling, brilliantly realised adventure full of twists and peril.

Milton the Megastar

Author: Emma Read Illustrator: Emma Read and Alex G Griffiths
Publisher: Chicken House
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+

Milton needs a holiday - but his trip to Hawaii isn't as relaxing as he thought it would be, thanks to an unscrupulous billionaire, an endangered spider species, and an active volcano! This lovely sequel to Milton the Mighty is a well-paced and thoughtful story with themes of friendship, understanding, and conservation at its heart.

A Robot Girl Ruined My Sleepover

Author: Rebecca Patterson
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+

A funny and touching sequel to the futuristic A Moon Girl Stole My Friend in which Lyla’s shiny, new cyborg friend Clara 2.2 turns out to be more trouble than she’s worth.

Rick

Author: Alex Gino
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Rick goes along with his friend Jeff's lewd comments about girls in the playground - but the fact is, Rick doesn't really fancy anyone. And he's starting to worry about it. But when he discovers the Rainbow Spectrum club, he discovers that he might not be alone.

Asking for a Friend

Author: Kate Mallinder
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 12+

After convincing their parents that a change of scene will help them to focus on exam revision, teenagers Agnes, Hattie and Jacques embark on a week’s study break together. However, they each have a personal reason for wanting to get away. This touching novel is sensitively written and explores a number of issues, such as loneliness, bullying, illness a…

Yes, No, Maybe So

Author: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+

Jamie and Maya have different religions, but a local election in their home state of Georgia (USA) shows them they have everything in common as they fall in love while fighting for justice.