Books we love in October 2024

Don’t Think of Tigers

Author: Alex Latimer
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5

The creator of this picture book offers to draw anything the reader wants on the next page… as long as it’s not a tiger. Unfortunately, if you try not to think about tigers, that’s all that pops into your mind. Funny, colourful and interactive, this story highlights the importance of perseverance.  

Papa’s Butter Chicken

Author: Monica Saigal Illustrator: Abeeha Tariq
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 4-5

Monica loves her papa’s butter chicken – and so does everyone else! Will Monica get a special time, just her and her papa? A heartwarming celebration of family and community. 

The Haunting of Fortune Farm

Author: Sophie Kirtley Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Edie is thrust into a world of restless spirits and fearsome Viking warriors in this chilling ghost story that will send shivers down your spine. 

The Boy Who Cried Ghost

Author: Ian Eagleton
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11

This insightful, haunting, coming-of-age story is a celebration of friendship, diversity and inclusion that gives readers a glimpse into the mind of someone living with OCD.  

Starspill

Author: Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When the Wolf swallowed the sun, the world was plunged into darkness. Best friends Zac and Alys embark on a dangerous quest to banish the damp, grey fog which permeates their town of Starspill. A compelling fantasy adventure, set in a magical realm of shadows, fear and mistrust.  

Witchspark

Author: Dominique Valente Illustrator: Eleonora Asparuhhova
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

An enthralling story of two witches learning that magic is within us all.

Politics

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

In this fascinating and visually appealing guide to politics for young readers, Eduard Altarriba takes readers through the potentially confusing world of politics in a step-by-step way, explaining why politics exists and how it operates.

The Shy Book

Author: Howard Pearlstein Illustrator: James Munro
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 7+

This book will hide away from you, but you can help it become more confident by answering its questions and becoming its friend. A really creative and funny book which teaches readers social skills.  

Ava and the Acorn

Author: Lu Fraser Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 7+

Ava and her grandad share happy memories of an old oak tree in this heartfelt exploration of growth, change and loss told through the magic of seasonal changes. A beautiful picture book. 

My Name is a Gift

Author: Zeshan Akhter Illustrator: Åsa Gilland
Publisher: Templar Books
Interest age: 3-6

A little girl explains how she got her name, and how it makes her feel when people get her name wrong.

Trick or Treat?

Author: Catherine Emmett Illustrator: Laura Brenlla
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 4-5

A witch is missing the key ingredient for her Sniff-Out-An-Ogre potion – a little girl – so is delighted when one unexpectedly knocks on her door. Perfect for Halloween, this entertaining picture book contains plenty of humour and a marvellous twist at the end. 

Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park

Author: Helen Peters Illustrator: Isobel Lundie
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Can Dapple the fawn help his mother? Will Olive the otterfindher mother again? Two charming animal stories in one volume, with dyslexia-friendly font and gorgeous, soft illustrations. 

Two People Can

Author: Blessing Musariri Illustrator: Maisie Paradise Shearring
Publisher: Kumusha Books
Interest age: 3-6

Now that Dad is gone, Shingai is really missing him. He acts out for a while until he realises that Mum and he still have each other. A sensitive book about grief.

Tomorrow We Begin

Author: Matt Goodfellow
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11

Matt Goodfellow’s powerful poetry follows a teenager’sjourney as he navigates the emotional highs and lows of secondary school. 

Cobweb

Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

A dog’s-eye view of the world is firmly at the centre of this wonderful, life-affirming tale set in Britain in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.  

My Bright Shining Star

Author: Fatima Whitbread Illustrator: Rhian Wright
Publisher: words & pictures
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 4-5

Fatima and her foster carer Aunty Rae have fun together, singing to the North Star.A heartwarming and moving story that reflects reality for some children. 

Tosh’s Island

Author: Linda Sargent & Joe Brady Illustrator: Leo Marcell
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

When Tosh meets Louis, they bond over their shared imagining of a magical island. A moving graphic novel about friendship, imagination and chronic illness.  

Raz Beri

Author: Matt Stephens
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 12+

A humorous yet hard-hitting book about football, friendship and standing up for what’s right.

The Other Side of the Valley

Author: Ashling Lindsay
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 7+

This simple and moving picture book tells the story of Pip and his fear of the unknown. After pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, he learns that new experiences can be positive. 

The Summer I Saved the Wild

Author: Rachel Faturoti
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

An engaging coming-of-age story, that embraces diversity and individuality, showing what can be achieved with teamwork and determination. 

Journey to Poo-topia (Poo Crew Adventures)

Author: James Turner Illustrator: Steve May
Publisher: Red Shed
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 9+

Follow Professor Poo on a journey through the digestive systemin this hilarious and informative graphic novel.  

Midnight Treasure

Author: Piers Torday Illustrator: Alla Khatkevich
Publisher: Quercus
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A young werewolf who has been adopted by a vampire is chosen to go on a quest for the Midnight Treasure. Scary and funny. 

Birdie

Author: J P Rose
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Hardit Singh Malik: World War One Flying Ace

Author: Bali Rai
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11

The inspiring story of Hardit Sing Malik, a British Indian, who fought for the right to be able to protect Britain in World War One.

Brainy About Bears

Author: Owen Davey
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

This beautifully illustrated, non-fiction picture book is packed full of interesting facts about bears. 

Amazing Asia

Author: Rashmi Sirdeshpande Illustrator: Jason Lyon
Publisher: Wide Eyed
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8-9

This beautifully designed book celebrates the diversity of Asia, with in-depth information about the world’s largest and most populated continent. 

Hero Wanted!

Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Coralie Muce
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

This very silly but utterly irresistible fantasy adventure is packed with implausible characters and unbelievable plot twists but also has a subliminal message about the futility of war and discovering empathy. 

Respect the Insect

Author: Jules Howard Illustrator: Gosia Herba
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 6-8

A wide-ranging guide to all the ways that insects help regulate our environment and the roles they play in the natural world.

Old MacPumpkin Had a Farm

Author: Katrina Charman Illustrator: Georgie Birkett
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 3-6

A cute Halloween version of the Old MacDonald nursery rhyme which is lovely to read or sing aloud with little ones. 

Suki Cat Astronaut

Author: Grace Habib
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 2-3

Help Suki zoom to the moon by pushing and pulling the sliders. Interactive and with charming illustrations, this would be perfect for sharing with toddlers. 

The Colour of Revenge

Author: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Chicken House
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Return to the magical world of Inkheart as Dustfinger and his allies struggle against the nefarious motives of a resurgent Orpheus. A brilliantly written and layered fantasy story for new and old fans alike.