New children's books we love

Every month, we review dozens of books for children and teenagers. Here are the ones we like best in May: guaranteed to get your child reading…

Whether they’re a teeny toddler or a very particular teen, this is where you can find your child’s next amazing book: just scroll down to find books for a range of ages. 

We’ve sorted our favourite new books into rough age ranges, but this is just a guide and readers might find something they’ll love in a different category. 

All these books are available to order at Bookshop.org (affiliate link) – or why not borrow them from your local library? 

Fancy writing a book review yourself? Read our handy guide and have a go!

Best books for ages 0–2 and up

  • Ready, Steady, Race! Bugs

    by Macmillan Children’s Books, illustrated by Teresa Bellōn 

    2026 1 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    Today is the Big Bug Race, so get ready to race insects across the page by tilting and using sliding tracks in this fun and interactive board book.

  • Baby on Board: Rocket

    by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Sebastien Braun 

    2026 1 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Interactive

    Prepare to blast off for a space adventure with this brilliant board book that features interactive sliders, tabs and wheel mechanisms.

  • The Big Fish

    by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Kate Hindley 

    2026 1 to 5 years 

    • Board books

    Join Nell and Beany on a fishing adventure. Push and pull the sliders to see what they might catch!

  • Daddy is Cleaning

    by Angel Dike, illustrated by Ebony Glenn 

    2026 1 to 5 years 

    • Picture books
    • Diversity and inclusion

    An adorable picture book about everyday life, with Baby creating mess and Daddy having to clean up! With short, simple text and gorgeous illustrations, this would be perfect to share with young toddlers.

Best books for ages 3–5 and up

  • The Panda-Badger

    by Ben Cajee, illustrated by Brie Schmida 

    2026 3 to 5 years 

    • Picture books

    Cajee and Schmida’s lovely picture book about bringing different communities together is a thoughtful and sensitive story that might well appeal to mixed race children in particular or those who inhabit more than one family culture. 

  • New Boots

    by author-illustrator Tim Hopgood 

    2026 3 to 5 years 

    • Board books

    A sweet story about two friends, with themes of emotions and friendship. A chunky board book for little hands.

  • Kid Rex to the Rescue

    by Mayo Agard-Olubo, illustrated by Diane Ewen 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Adventure
    • Picture books

    When all the toys are kidnapped by King Dust Bunny, it’s up to the Kid Rex to save the day. A fun, comic book-style story full of dino-tastic action.

  • We Are Dragons

    by John Condon, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan 

    2026 3 to 5 years 

    • Picture books
    • Fairy tale
    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme
    • Adventure

    A charming picture book with a fun, bouncy rhyme to read out loud, which references a number of well-known fairy tales. 

  • Our World: Nigeria

    by Bunmi Emenanjo, illustrated by Diana Ejaita 

    2026 2 to 5 years 

    • Around the world
    • Board books
    • Non-fiction

    A charming board book about everyday life in Nigeria.

  • Chicken vs Egg

    by Gareth P Jones, illustrated by Craig Shuttlewood 

    2026 3 to 5 years 

    • Picture books
    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A brilliantly funny and fast-moving picture book featuring a lot of fun racing phraseology, Chicken vs Egg introduces little ones to a familiar philosophical question, mashed up with the theme of the tortoise and the hare. There’s a fun unexpected ending here and plenty of jokes along the way. 

Best books for ages 5–8 and up

  • Riley Wright is Always Wrong

    by Mel Taylor-Bessent, illustrated by SR. Sanchez 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny

    When Riley Wright joins a new school in Year 4, she is determined to make a best friend and ensure that no one finds out her dad is the new head teacher. Written as a diary, this warm, funny tale is brought to life with dynamic illustrations. 

  • The Elementals

    by Love Ssega, illustrated by Erika Meza 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books

    Wanzu and his friends must use the wisdom of nature to save their island home from flooding. An excellent chapter book adventure which champions the power of friendship and the environment.

  • Star Kitties: Detective Kitty is on the Case!

    by Author-illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson 

    2026 5 to 9 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Mystery

    When Tabitha steps into the shed at the bottom of her garden, she is transported to the magical planet of Whiskery Paw, home of the Star Kitties. In this first adventure of the series, Tabitha must help the kitties find their missing Queen. 

  • The Future Book

    by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris 

    2026 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Science fiction
    • Early Learning

    A very funny, surreal picture book all about what we can expect from the future.

  • What it was like in… Ancient Benin

    by David Long, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Around the world
    • Chapter books
    • Historical
    • Non-fiction
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyslexia

    This engaging and accessible non-fiction book explores the everyday lives of the Edo people, who lived in the Kingdom of Benin, a small but rich and powerful country in West Africa, between the twelfth and nineteenth centuries. 

  • Monster Diaries: The Cyclops and the Worst Party Ever

    by Anne Miller, illustrated by Sam Caldwell 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Funny
    • Myths and legends

    Hear the cyclops’ side of the story! A fun, highly illustrated version of a classic Greek epic tale.

  • Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco

    by author-illustrator Gary Northfield 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    A very funny graphic novel about pets with superpowers! 

  • Ridiculous Raps and Rhymes

    by Michael Rosen and MC Grammar, illustrated by Mike Byrne 

    2026 7 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Join Michael The Mic” Rosen and MC Grammar on a ridiculously funny rhyming journey around town in this illustrated poetry book.

Best books for ages 9–11 and up

  • The Ministry of Manners

    by David Solomons 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Dystopia
    • Thriller

    This sinister, chilling snapshot of life under an authoritarian regime is brilliantly constructed and subtly disturbing. 

  • Bím Blake’s Hot Takes

    by Tọlá Okogwu, illustrated by Ariyana Taylor 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny

    A diary-style, very funny book about 11-year-old Bím’s trials and tribulations as she starts secondary school.

  • Nature is the Answer: A Toolkit for Eco-Positivity

    by Chris Packham 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Chapter books

    Combatting a rise in climate anxiety among children and young people, this helpful and reassuring book by much loved conservationist Chris Packham helps children to understand that nature should not just be a source of anxiety, but something to be celebrated. 

  • Birdlands

    by Anthony McGowan 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure

    Three damaged and starving birds set out on foot for a destination they may never reach. A very special book tackling diverse themes: disability, love, hope, determination, survival, friendship and loyalty. 

  • Mammoth Rider

    by S J Poyton 

    2025 9 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Thriller

    Mammoths have been brought back from extinction through cloning technology and have mostly been left alone. But, when a rare white calf is born, it attracts the attention of poachers, leading to an icy adventure as Ash tries to protect the herds. 

  • Strong Girls: Be Powerful, Be Positive, Be a Team Player

    by Jodie Ounsley, written with Becky Grey 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Disability

    Ex-England rugby star and champion of the deaf community Jodie Ounsley (Fury from Gladiators) presents readers with a motivational and inspiring book about developing emotional, mental and physical resilience and strength – and using that strength to help others.

  • The Day My Brother Got Famous

    by Author-illustrator Jen Carney 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny
    • Diversity and inclusion

    Ferris plans to spend half term creating a comic-strip for a competition, but his autistic foster brother Arthur needs his support at Space Camp. This funny and heart-warming tale thoughtfully explores neurodiversity, friendship and ethical dilemmas. 

  • How to Survive an Apocalypse

    by Coby Coonradt and Cameron Hardy, illustrated by Victoria Stebleva 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Dystopia
    • Non-fiction

    Learn everything there is to know about surviving an apocalypse in this brilliantly fun, full-colour non-fiction book.

  • Fake News and How to Spot It

    by Holly Bathie and Alex Frith, illustrated by Laura Wood and Jack Brougham 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Non-fiction

    An upbeat, fun and appealing book which aims to educate readers as to what fake news is and how not to fall for it.

Best books for age 12 and up

  • Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller

    by Amelia Tait 

    2026 11 to 14 years 

    • Diaries and journals
    • Funny
    • Historical
    • Coming-of-age

    Lily Tripp travels back in time every New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, mean girl Georgia also time travels with her – and this time Lily is her servant! Can Lily cope with being bossed around, and – worse – live without chicken nuggets? A funny diary that teens will very much enjoy.

  • Like A Brother

    by Nathanael Lessore 

    2026 11 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny

    Owais is a confident teen with a supportive network around him. When his estranged cousin, Abass, comes to stay for the summer, Owais’s compassion and patience are tested to their limits as he attempts to connect with his angry, vulnerable relative.

BookTrust Northern Ireland Book of the Month

Brilliant book by a creator from NI or the Republic of Ireland

  • It Won’t Be Forever

    by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Vixie’s daddy has to go away for a while, but promises he’ll be back. A reassuring, beautifully illustrated picture book about separation anxiety, and staying connected.

BookTrust Cymru Book of the Month

Brilliant book by a Welsh creator or adapted into Welsh

  • Fresh

    by Rhiannon Oliver, illustrated by Chris Riddell 

    7 to 14 years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    A lively poetry collection for primary school-age children, inspired by everyday moments and the natural world, beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell.

Explore some of our previous favourites

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