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 December: 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:

DecemberNovemberOctoberSeptemberAugustJulyJune 

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. 

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For ages 0-3 and up

Who Ate the Little Bug?

Author: Hector Dexet

Who ate the little bug? The blue fish? The black bird? Learn colours and animals as you turn the pages of this irresistible board book.  

Read more about Who Ate the Little Bug?

Our World: Pakistan

Author: Rumaisa Bilal Illustrator: Nez Riaz

In this charming board book, a little girl takes the reader through her daily routine at home with her family in Pakistan.

Read more about Our World: Pakistan

Play Pals: To the Rescue

Author: Sam Lloyd

Help the firefighter, paramedic, lifeguard and helicopter pilot in this interactive lift the flap book. This would be perfect for sharing with toddlers. 

Read more about Play Pals: To the Rescue

The Search for Carmella

Author: Chloe Savage

Marine biologist Dr Rose takes a submersible craft down into the deep ocean to search for a legendary beast. Will they find her?

Read more about The Search for Carmella

All Aboard the Bedtime Bus

Author: Karl Newson Illustrator: Tim Budgen

A cosy bedtime book with a rhyming text, perfect for helping with the bedtime routine.

Read more about All Aboard the Bedtime Bus

Tiger, It’s Snowing!

Author: Daishu Ma

Tiger has never seen snow before and is excited to go out and play. But Mei isn’t sure… at first. A funny and charming story about adventure and friendship.

Read more about Tiger, It’s Snowing!

The Muttcracker

Author: Anna Kemp Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie

Will Biff the ballerina dog be the Sugar Plum Fairy – or have to settle for a less starry part? A joyous tale of friendship and positivity. 

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The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

Author: Will Millard Illustrator: Jo Lindley

Elin and her grandad must save a family of beavers after their habitat is filled with plastic and rubbish.A heartwarming story which includes lots of information and an activity inspiration.  

Read more about The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

For ages 4-5 and up

Beat This Book

Author: Howard Calvert Illustrator: Gemma Correll

Funny and silly, this is a book that will entertain children for a good amount of time. With over 40 ridiculous challenges!  

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Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

Author: Barbara Cuoghi Illustrator: Elenia Beretta

This brilliantly creative book takes the form of letter addressed to the children of the world from Befana, a winter witch from Italian folklore who delivers presents (or coal) to children on the 6th of January.  

Read more about Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

A Dragon Called Spark

Author: Lily Murray Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman

Eva has moved house and she doesn’t know anyone. Luckily, she has her own dragon, Spark, who usually cheers her up, but even he feels a bit flat. This year, Hanukkah will be quiet. But Eva’s mum points out that Hanukkah is also the season for miracles, and when they meet the neighbours, Eva and Spark start to make friends with Charlie. Small steps are made,…

Read more about A Dragon Called Spark

The World to Come

Author: Robert Macfarlane & Johnny Flynn Illustrator: Emily Sutton

Based on meditative walks that Johnny Flynn took with his son during lockdown, this lyrical book explores nature and evokes a sense of hope as its characters muse on the promise of a world to come. 

Read more about The World to Come

For ages 6-8 and up

Wales Book of the Month

Why Did My Brain Make Me Say It?

Author: Sarah Ziman

This witty and captivating debut poetry collection showcases the work of an exciting new voice in children’s literature. The beautifullycrafted poems offer insightful observations on everyday life and are sure to resonate with readers young and old.  

Read more about Why Did My Brain Make Me Say It?

Pet Selector! A Hilarious Guide to all the Usual and Unusual Household Pets

Author: Russell Kane Illustrator: Erica Salcedo

In this useful and amusing book, comedian Russell Kane gives prospective pet owners the low-down on the many different breeds of cats and dogs as well as reptiles, guinea pigs, hamsters and more.

Read more about Pet Selector! A Hilarious Guide to all the Usual and Unusual Household Pets

History’s Most Epic Fibs!

Author: Athena Kugblenu Illustrator: Nicole Miles

A useful and fun guide to fake news and incorrect history, keeping the tone light while investigating some serious subjects.

Read more about History’s Most Epic Fibs!

Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos

Author: Donncha O’Callaghan with Karen Owen Illustrator: Jenny Taylor

Mum goes to America for a week, leaving Dad in charge of Finn, Emma and Carl the dog. What could possibly go wrong? This hilarious, illustrated chapter book is full of mayhem and fun.  

Read more about Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos

Jack-Jack: How to Train Your Human

Author: Ben Garrod Illustrator: Charli Vince

This amusing illustrated chapter book provides a dogs-eye view of the ups and downs of living with humans and confirms that canines are definitely in charge!   

Read more about Jack-Jack: How to Train Your Human

Easier Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Author: L Frank Baum

During a storm, Dorothy is carried far away to the Land of Oz, where she meets some unusual new friends and seeks the help of a Wizard to guide her home. This simplified retelling of a classic tale is designed to be accessible to people with a range of learning disabilities and difficulties.  

Read more about Easier Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

There's no Such Thing as a Silly Question

Author: Mike Rampton Illustrator: Guilherme Karsten

An engaging, illustrated non-fiction book which answers 213 unusual questions about a range of subjects with accessible, humorous and informative explanations. No question is too silly!  

Read more about There's no Such Thing as a Silly Question

Hamza’s Wild World

Author: Hamza Yassin Illustrator: Louise Forshaw

An incredibly engaging collection of amazing animal facts, from naturalist and cameraman Hamza Yassin. 

Read more about Hamza’s Wild World

The Ultimate Guide to Money

Author: Emmanuel Asuquo Illustrator: Selom Sunu

A fabulous introduction to managing money for young people, providing fun and interactive education around finances and investment.

Read more about The Ultimate Guide to Money

Jakub’s Otter

Author: Coral Rumble

Jakub usually looks after his mum – and now he’s caring for an injured otter. A gentle, compelling read. 

Read more about Jakub’s Otter

Leon: Worst Friends Forever

Author: Jamar Nicholas and Bonaia Rosado

Leon is the school superhero! Or so he thinks. An action-packed graphic novel.

Read more about Leon: Worst Friends Forever

For ages 9-11 and up

On the Wall

Author: Anne Fine

A story about a year 7 class centring on a boy who is always content and calm which totally perplexes his teachers. Full of groundbreaking philosophical ideas.  

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Murder at Wintertide

Author: Fleur Hitchcock

This glorious, gripping whodunnit is as immersive as the deep snow that provides the backdrop to the story and incorporates a realistic portrayal of a blended family. 

Read more about Murder at Wintertide

Bindi Babes

Author: Narinder Dhami

Narinder Dhami has a light touch which girls in particular will enjoy.

Read more about Bindi Babes

Impossible Things

Author: Dan Schreiber

Learn about an array of impossible things, from ghosts and aliens to psychic spies and time travel. Attractively designed with hilarious illustrations, this entertaining and informative chapter book will inspire readers to change the way they view the world. 

 

Read more about Impossible Things

Black Gables

Author: Eiblis Carcione

This eerie mystery has all the tropes of a classic gothic ghost story with an underlying sense of threat and claustrophobia to make readers uneasy.  

Read more about Black Gables

Irish Book of the Month

The Last Boy

Author: Eve McDonnell

An extraordinary story based on the horror of child exploitation in Victorian times, but crammed with positivity, determination, hope and edge-of-seat drama. Anyone lucky enough to read it will not forget it for a very long time. 

Read more about The Last Boy

Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven

Author: Dee Benson & David Arlo

15-year-old Damien is desperate for his Mage powers to emerge– but when he uses a forbidden spell to awaken them, he discovers a host of secrets that threaten his entire world. A thrilling dystopian fantasy.  

Read more about Damien Ike and the Fallen House of Draven

Bookmark Book of the Month

Lights Up

Author: Lisette Auton Illustrator: Valentina Toro

A magical story told across three different centuries, aboutfriendship, loss, ghostsand lots of spiders.

Read more about Lights Up

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