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 September: 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

  • The Little Red Barn

    Author-illustrator Kim Crumrine 

    2026 1 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Early Learning

    It’s bedtime on the farm and the animals need a place to sleep. Can they all fit into the little red barn? Find out in this fun counting board book for young readers. 

  • First Stories For Baby: Snuggle Up

    Author-illustrator Emma Dodd 

    2026 0 to 2 years 

    • Board books

    This cosy and expertly designed board book includes four short stories about baby animals and their caregivers. A reassuring and engaging introduction to reading for babies.

Best books for ages 3–5 and up

  • The Heart on Your Hand

    by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Åsa Gilland 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    With a heart you’ve never apart. A beautiful book with a gently uplifting and reassuring message that love can reach across time, distance and all sorts of changes. 

  • Isobel Hates Change

    by Marcela Ferreira, illustrated by Mark Chambers 

    2026 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Isobel loves going to school and loves knowing exactly what to expect. But when her school routine is disrupted by a substitute teacher, she struggles to cope with all the changes. A reassuring picture book for young children who find comfort in routine. 

  • Superheroes in the Park

    by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Hayley Wells 

    2026 3 to 5 years 

    • Picture books

    A small child goes to a new park with their two dads. Yet, when they get there, Dad and Daddy are very cautious about them doing anything, until they all enter a world of imaginary play. 

  • A House Made of Books

    by Frankie Gritton 

    2026 4 to 5 years 

    • Picture books

    Simon loves books so much he decides to build a house with them. Yet when people start coming to borrow books, Simon’s house falls down! Fortunately, his friends are there to help to rebuild the house better than ever. 

  • Martha Maps It Out With Family

    by Leigh Hodgkinson 

    2026 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Martha’s mummy is expecting a baby, so Martha decides to map out her family tree, then starts to consider all the other families she is a part of. A beautiful, quirky book about connectedness. 

  • The Sound of a Smile

    by Louise Greig, illustrated by David Litchfield 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A deaf girl takes readers on a journey into her sensory experience as she listens to the secret song of the world in this magical and celebratory picture book.

Best books for ages 5–8 and up

  • Wild About Whales

    by Owen Davey 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    The tenth book in Owen Davey’s fantastic non-fiction series, with beautiful graphic-style artwork as well as accessible information presented in a readable style and font. 

  • When I Was a Wolf

    by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Nikola Aronova 

    2026 7 to 9 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Behavioural/​emotional/​social

    When Mum becomes ill, Jasmine struggles to manage her emotions until an art project to make a magnificent wolf puppet gives her a positive focus. A tender story about anxiety, friendship and creativity. 

  • Class Pets: Snack Attack!

    by Beach 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    The class pets of St Bernard’s Academy are excited to meet a new arrival, until they discover he’s a fearsome snake with an insatiable appetite! Packed full of lively illustrations, this hilarious graphic novel will elicit plenty of laughter, as well as the occasional gasp of horror. 

  • They Sent a Cat to Saturn

    by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    A fantastic collection of over 60 poems from brilliant, prize-winning poet Valerie Bloom. Wonderful to read aloud, or to share with a class, and full of rhythm and rhyme.

  • The Tale that Time Sews

    by Sita Brahmachari, illustrated by Jane Ray 

    2026 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    A young girl discovers how her Nana’s story quilt stitches together family, memory, migration and hope across generations.

  • Indie in Disguise: Stylist-ing and Other Jobs

    by Katie Clapham, illustrated by Emma Farrarons 

    2026 4 to 7 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

    Who will Indie be today? She loves imaginative play. Four charming stories in one volume, with sweet colour illustrations. 

  • Star Breakers: Zeke Zero vs the Galaxy

    by Ed Caruana, illustrated by Chris Hazeldine 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Comic books
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Thriller
    • Crime

    When 13-year-old Zeke Zero steals a map from a cosmic treasure hunter, he embarks on a dangerous race across the galaxy in search of a powerful, ancient relic. This funny, fast-paced graphic novel is a thrilling read, with superb, colourful artwork bursting from every page. 

Best books for ages 9–11 and up

  • Cinnamon Crumb Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper

    by Harry Woodgate 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Crime
    • Funny
    • Mystery
    • Neurodiversity

    When two rival bakers suspect one another of sabotage during The Great Cake Carnival, they both surreptitiously recruit Cinnamon Crumb to spy on their opponent. Packed with humour and intrigue, not to mention a profusion of mouthwatering treats, this scrumptious detective story is hugely entertaining. 

  • A Werewolf Ate My Homework

    by Emily Snape 

    2026 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Diaries and journals
    • Fantasy
    • Funny

    Asher is convinced that his soon-to-be stepbrother Luca is a werewolf, so he gathers evidence to prove it. This illustrated chapter book explores complex family dynamics and friendship with warmth, sensitivity, and humour.

  • The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble with Magic

    by Amy Wilson, illustrated by Eric Deschamps 

    9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Coming-of-age
    • Fantasy

    Fray Mantel struggles to clear his family name and master his powers in the magical town of Hexton. A gripping fantasy adventure filled with magic and intrigue. 

  • Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom

    by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, illustrated by Holly Swain 

    2026 7 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Horror

    The horrible, spoiled Henrik Jekyll drinks a potion – and is now even worse! Will the horrendous Hyde version of him win control? A brilliant comic horror. 

  • The Neverland Thieves

    by Kevin Tsang and Katie Tsang 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Fantasy
    • Adventure

    Before they know it, Tom, Felix and Daisy are sprinkled with fairy dust, sucked into a giant trumpet and flung into the sky on their way to Neverland. Because, apparently, Neverland needs them, and they need Neverland. Thrilling adventure.

  • Stableheart: Helping Hero

    by Nicci Johnson 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Diversity and inclusion

    Pres has moved to Birmingham to live with her aunt. Can she and Hero the pony help each other heal from a difficult past? A great read that’s not just for horse lovers. 

  • Revolution!

    by Dr Joan Lennon, illustrated by Teo Georgiev 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    In this brilliant and thought-provoking book, Dr Joan Lennon presents 12 revolutionary movements, events, and technologies that have changed the world. 

  • In Care and Incredible

    by Rosie Canning and Dee Michell, illustrated by Lauren Fernandes 

    2026 7 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction

    A collection of real-life stories about 30 inspiring people from all over the world who spent time as children either in foster care, living with relatives, or who were adopted. 

  • Cleopatra’s Amulet

    by Lindsay Galvin 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Fantasy
    • Historical

    A young princess Cleopatra is thrown into an immersive Ancient Egyptian mystery when her father is kidnapped. A fantastic adventure filled with magic, myth, danger and intrigue.

  • 10 Extraordinary Ideas that Shaped our Universe

    by Dr Sheila Kanani, illustrated by Liz Kay 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    Explore ten huge scientific ideas, from black holes to the Big Bang, in this beautifully illustrated guide to the universe and the people who helped us understand it.

Best books for age 12 and up

  • Outlaws

    by E.L. Norry 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Crime
    • Diversity and inclusion

    When Will, Scarlet and Robyn first meet in detention, they quickly establish that something is very wrong with the way their school is being run. But what can the three of them possibly do about it?

  • Princess (Apparently) 

    by Siren Knight, illustrated by Mimi Moffoe 

    2026 11 to 14 years 

    • Love and romance
    • Coming-of-age

    A joyful, gripping book for young teens about a girl finding her true identity as a Caribbean Princess. 

BookTrust Northern Ireland Book of the Month

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

  • I am NOT a Dog

    by Peter Donnelly 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Funny

    Join one little dog as he discovers what being a dog really means. A funny picture book about the joys of doggie life!

BookTrust Cymru Book of the Month

Brilliant book by a Welsh creator or adapted into Welsh

  • Atlas and Skye

    by Emma Smith-Barton, illustrated by Chita Erayanie 

    2026 9 to 14 years 

    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Coming-of-age

    Atlas and his Mum are moving in with Grandpa because he has become so forgetful. This dual narrative prose/​verse story explores love, loss, family, friendship, memory and learning to cope with an uncertain future.

Explore some of our previous favourites

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