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.
You can also keep track of the latest titles by looking at our past reading recommendations for:
April | March | February | January | December | November
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.
Fancy writing a book review yourself? Read our handy guide and have a go!
This fun book encourages readers to have fun with words and is packed full of bold and familiar illustrations.
A curious little puffling goes on an adventure across the dramatic landscape of Skellig Michael in Ireland.
Spot’s Slide-and-Seek: Aquarium
The famous Spot the Dog is back and this time him and Dad are off to the aquarium to spot as many sea creatures as they can in this interactive adventure.
Noni the Pony Counts to a Million
This cute counting picture book takes little ones up to a million as Noni the pony and her friends count what they see during a day of fun.
This beautiful book display all the ways we express of love and is accompanied by glorious illustrations.
Nick Sharratt’s Super Silly Museums
Nick Sharratt uses his unique and fun style to show you every kind of museum you could imagine and even leaves space at the end for you to draw your own.
This book follows Gretel, the very last mammoth, as she tackles her anxiety with the help of her friends and learns her place in the world.
Dave the bear is innocently sweeping up when th eyebrows of doom latch onto his face and take control. The eyebrows declare their intension to rule the world and proceed to jump from animal to animal in pursuit of their goal.
Four friends including a ladybird, a bee, a beetle and a dragonfly search for a new home and finally find the perfect place in a little boy's garden.
A first book of positive affirmation designed to boost confidence, enhance self-image and promote resilience and happiness in pre-schoolers.
When all the food goes missing it's up to the Zooperheroes to save the day. A fun, comic book-style story full of action.
We Sang Across the Sea The Empire Windrush and Me
Written by multi award-winning poet Benjamin Zephaniah, this lyrical rhyming poem is told through the real-life experiences of the Trinidadian musician, Mona Baptiste, who boarded The Empire Windrush in the hopes of becoming a singer and making a better life for herself.
Read more about We Sang Across the Sea The Empire Windrush and Me
Pizazz is from a superhero family but doesn't always think her superpower is as cool as her family's. When the evil Copycat makes five clones of her that represent her demons, Pizazz must face her up to her demons with the help of her friends.
The third adventure in this series, this book follows a group of plucky pigeon as find long lost family, help the Child Beast and outwit the evil pinchy pigeon.
Willow Wildthing and the Magic Spell
A gentle adventure story about the nature-loving Willow and her ‘Wild Thing’ friends.
Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives
This clever story within a story teaches important lessons about perspective as well as a variety of literary and drawing techniques.
Joe Todd-Stanton’s new picture book explores how a family can create a home filled with imagination and warmth, even in less than perfect circumstances. It’s a lovely one to read with mid-aged primary school children who might be worried about moving house.
A tale set in a fun fairytale land in which the dragon slayer Mayor isn't necessarily to be trusted and the new Ogress may just save the day.
This important and moving book from an acclaimed author follows pen pals Solly, an English schoolboy, and his Polish cousin Bernie during World War II.
When Khadija flees an unwanted arranged marriage on a hot air balloon, she's soon to discover that the world is full of danger - so what will she fight for? A stunning fantasy novel simmering with tension and excitement.
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G: Sister Act
Billie Upton Green is about to embark on her third accidental diary (which is cunningly disguised as a Spellings jotter so her Mums think she’s studying and not scribbling). And she has life-changing news.
Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup
An enchanting, magical adventure with just a touch of darkness.
How will a sleepy village react when Bea attempts to bring the glitter and rainbows of Pride to their doorstep?
Utterly bonkers and totally brilliant; searingly funny and acutely painful; completely fantastical yet strangely believable; this crazy adventure will make you gasp, smile and maybe even shed a tear or two.
A timely and thrilling adventure about the ways in which global technology giants can manipulate every aspect of our lives - and even reality itself.
Sisters Layah and Izzie aren't best pleased when their mum moves them to a sleepy village without their Dad. But they soon discover that the village has more to offer than they first thought.
Join music and film lover, 15 year old Ellie as she navigates her identity, secrets, love and the perils of growing up.
Rise: Extraordinary Women of Colour who Changed the World
An inspirational book detailing the achievements of 100 women of colour which includes a full page portrait and biography of each amazing woman.
Read more about Rise: Extraordinary Women of Colour who Changed the World
Join us for Pyjamarama fun this May
Want a fun way to get children excited about reading? Join Pyjamarama on Friday 13 May, when children can spend the day in their pyjamas, reading and sharing stories and raising money for BookTrust.
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