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…
The cover of Mammoth Rider by S.J. Poyton
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
A lively poetry collection for primary school-age children, inspired by everyday moments and the natural world, beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell.
A selection of the books we loved in November 2025
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