New children's books we love
Every month, we review dozens of books for children and teenagers. Here are the ones we liked 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 in:
A Book About Marley Bear at the Farm
Marley Bear is having a day out at the farm. There’s plenty to spot, from a wheelbarrow to a hen, and even Marley’s friend, Gus the Lion. There are plenty of good, sturdy flaps and the book is tough enough to withstand enthusiastic chewing, too.
Magic Manners, a large blue elephant with a superhero costume and cape, is here to remind us that kindness rules! This bright, cheery, rhyming board book is great for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to share and treat others with gentleness.
In a bright meadow full of fruit and flowers, a boy plays a flute that sounds full of magic. This poetic book is the second in a series of books for babies and toddlers about musical instruments from around the world and how they make us feel and move.
Julian isn’t a very sociable mouse... until he finds an unexpected friend in a fox. Joe Todd-Stanton’s book is full of his usual stylish illustration and the book is a lovely reminder to children that it’s OK to be yourself and have the friendships that suit you.
Doodle Cat has a cape (a tea towel), which gives him some pretty cool superpowers:he can fire furballs at high speed, become invisible and grow 300 times his own size (kind of). An exuberant, zany book that is also a warm-hearted story about friendship.
This marvellous non-fiction book, aimed at soon-to-be siblings, charts the month-by-month development of an unborn baby in the womb. Warm, cheerful illustrations depict different genders, ethnicities and family set-ups, giving it broad appeal.
A delicious book by Alison Green with illustrations and a foreword by Axel Scheffler, plus pictures by 38 international illustrators, to celebrate kindness and humankind. A profound book that is quite simply a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty.
Princess Arabella is a Big Sister
This charming new tale in the Princess Arabella series, featuring BAME characters, is full of gentle humour about the ups and downs of sibling relationships. A fun book to share with young children, particularly those who are anticipating a new family arrival.
Stefano the Squid: Hero of the Deep
Stefano the common squid feels dull and ordinary compared to the other amazing sea creatures. But when a diver is in trouble, Stefano faces his fears and races to the rescue. A charming underwater adventure about courage and self-belief.
This feline twist of the classic tale The Piped Piper is a sweet and playful story. A great book to share with little readers that will strike a chord with anyone who has ever yearned for a cuddly cute pet.
The fifth in Owen Davey’s wonderful non-fiction series about animals adds frogs to the ranks of clear, fascinating reads, accompanied by truly amazing graphic illustration and just the right level of information to inspire all primary school kids.
Laura Norder: Sheriff of Butts Canyon
This easy-to-read story is full of brilliant cowboy slogans and Wild West atmosphere, but at heart it’s really a story about what happens when we impose too many rules on others, denying them the freedom to make decisions – and mistakes – for themselves.
Little Frida: A Story of Frida Kahlo
The masterstroke of this dreamy picture book by the former Children's Laureate is to focus on Frida Kahlo's childhood and see the little girl behind the icon. In turn, many children will relate to its themes of bullying and belonging, imagination and hope.
Introducing a charming little rabbit character, this is an ideal story to bridge the gap between picture books and independent reading, with glossy pages and full-colour illustrations on every page.
Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey
Following Oprah from her beginnings as the first black news anchor in Nashville to her first break on TV, this amazing illustrated biography gives us the life of a formidable and deeply inspiring woman.
The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth
This huge world we live in, with its infinitely varied regions, countries and communities, is – so we learn in Rachel Ignotofsky’s amazing new book – actually an interconnected series ecosystems, working together to make the best of our planet’s limited resources.
This fully illustrated book features more than 100 machines and things that go. It's perfect for children who like to ask "why?" or have a fascination with how things work and slot together. It's also great for young ones who just love to watch trucks or trains!
When teacher Hugo is murdered on the council estate block, sisters Nik and Norva are determined to solve the case. This mystery is fast-paced, hilarious and exciting, and Nik and Norva are totally lovable detectives to root for. A great new middle grade series.
It’s no surprise that this book won the Oldenburger Prize for Children’s Books. Reindhart has created an irresistible world of surrealism. The quirky details, alluring mystery and wonderful characterisation are what make this a must-read.
Why did the mermonkey give Violet a book about the local legend of the monster Malamander? Who is the Boathook man? Does Sebastian Eels know more than he lets on? A gripping seaside adventure, full of weird twists and turns and a classic feel.
Mo and Lottie are a mismatched pair, but they must join forces to beat the murderous Junkers and find out the truth about Mo’s missing father. A great book for readers who are looking for their next laugh-out-loud fantasy.
Mutant Zombies Cursed my School Trip!
Children will laugh their heads off at this zombie adventure. Full of gooey fun, the story is a rollercoaster ride with monsters, close calls and a sweet friendship, too.
Aya is a Syrian asylum seeker, looking after her mother and baby brother in the cold, unfamiliar city of Manchester – but she is also a talented ballet dancer. Children who love stories of performance and friendship will enjoy this book.
A baleen whale's unique 55-hertz frequency means he cannot communicate with other whales, and 12-year-old Iris is determined to help him. A pacy story told with a tender touch, which also offers examples of common frustrations experienced by deaf children.
Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day
Willow's witch family have always looked down on her mundane magical speciality of finding lost things. But last Tuesday is now missing: can she help locate the missing day? Starfell is a fun adventure, with themes of friendship, family and being different.
Funny and fast-paced, this entertaining story is bursting with mystery, sweets and ancient magic. The enthralling plot, wacky characters and larger-than-life villains are brought to life by witty black-and-white illustrations.
After Australia is decimated by a killer fungus which wipes out the grass - and the food supplies - Ella and her brother Emery must travel across a treacherous landscape with their dogs in an attempt to find safety. A tense, thrilling adventure with a lot of heart.
With an intriguing plot, shadowy characters and a collection of marvellously exotic animals, this exciting Victorian escapade – set in a zoo – is a compelling read.
Veronica Twitch the Fabulous Witch: in Double-Bubble Girl-Band Trouble!
A light-hearted adventure for newly independent and middle grade readers, packed with spells, magical gadgetry and witch-related witticisms.
Read more about Veronica Twitch the Fabulous Witch: in Double-Bubble Girl-Band Trouble!
In a world where the spirits of dead people can be harnessed and given new life in mechanical animals, Prue takes on her late brother's apprenticeship in an effort to bring him back. A riotously enjoyable tale mixing fantasy, school stories, science fiction and big questions about life and death.
December needs her wings so she can fly away and be with her real mum but in the meantime she must keep her true nature a secret. A stunning, painfully poignant story about foster care, family and friendship that is, in the end, uplifting and hopeful.
You might also like...
Themed booklists
Looking for a great book on a theme? Our booklists cover a large range of subjects, from everyday issues to genre, disability, diversity, sporty books, funny books and more.
Great Books Guide
Looking for new books to get kids hooked? The Great Books Guide gives you the lowdown on the ONE HUNDRED best children's books published in 2018.
100 best books over 100 years
This is our list of the 100 best books for children from the last 100 years. It is the ultimate booklist to read before you're 14, with books for children across a wide range of ages.