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 March: 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:
Nosy Crow’s series of board books featuring Ludo the cat is great for toddlers who love to turn flaps, and any little animal enthusiasts. A deceptively simple book that has interest and detail.
A cute and thoughtfully produced book that is non-gender specific and will make the potty an approachable concept for even the most sensitive child. There are also interactive buttons!
Tales from Acorn Wood: Opposites
Donaldson and Scheffler are already household names for those with young children, and now even the very newest members of the family can enjoy their work in this lovely board book about opposites, full of traditional illustration.
Atinuke’s text is a series of simple ‘B is for…’ phrases, that take us on a journey through the African landscape. A clever and unusual book, with beautiful illustrations and a fun story that little children will delight in following.
Circle, Square and Triangle are friends and each has a distinctive personality. Beautifully designed, funny and a little bit spooky, this is a wonderful book to share with young children, particularly those with a spirit of adventure.
One Sunday afternoon, Daisy decides that she and Bear should go to the cinema. A funny book with a retro feel, full of silly expressions, happy chaos and a gentle reminder about cinema etiquette.
Little People, Big Dreams: Muhammad Ali
Learn about African-American boxer Muhammad Ali in this accessible picture book biography for young children. This title builds on the inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series, which has expanded to include books about extraordinary men.
Mira wishes she had straight, smooth hair, just like Mama’s shiny elegant locks, but instead, she has an abundance of unruly curls. She tries everything she can think of to straighten them... A delightful tale that celebrates diversity and self-acceptance.
A true tale of a young girl in Iran, who idolises and follows her grandmother everything, this is a beautiful ode to family and lifelong memories, illustrated with wondrous and intricate detail.
A tale of Rosie and her best friend, who spend every day together and go on lots of adventures – with a twist at the end to delight young readers. A heartwarming, joyful and fun tale of friendship.
Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin’s On The Origin of Species is one of science’s most important texts. Sabina Radeva, a natural biologist, illustrator and designer, has now retold the book in an accessible picture book form for children – and it’s brilliant.
This cautionary tale about the dangers of oversharing on social media is hilarious and timely, and it should be installed in every classroom in every junior and secondary school.
Ellie gets magically swapped into the body of her pet cat, Jolly. In order to become human again, Ellie must complete a special task before sunset the next day. A magical and gently comic tale of friendship and thinking of others.
Anna is determined to bring back grandeur to Hotel Flamingo, so it can once again be full of sunshine and life. Hotel Flamingo is a sweet story of working together, being optimistic and knowing anything is possible.
Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties
Humza Khan is an 11-year-old who devotes most of his energy into trying to be a cool rapper, AKA Little Badman. A perfect read for Tom Gates fans: prepare for big belly laughs and great advice on how to be yourself.
Read more about Little Badman and the Invasion of the Killer Aunties
Sam Wu is Not Afraid of the Dark
The quest continues for Sam Wu to prove that he is not afraid of anything. This time he is out to prove that he is not by any means afraid of the dark... This series is going from strength to strength and is a great accessible read.
The Bluest of Blues: Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs
Fiona Robinson’s beautifully blue book about the life of 19th-century born Anna Atkins is an inspiring testament to a father’s commitment to his daughter’s education, and to her passion for the natural world. Young nature lovers will be inspired by Anna’s story.
Read more about The Bluest of Blues: Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs
On a recent expedition to the Amazon, outdoor enthusiast Teddy Keen stumbled across a sealed metal container. Inside the box were sketchbooks and notebooks by an unknown adventurer. They have now been restored and pieced together in this treasure of a book.
A haunting and immersive story of hope in the darkest of places, this picture book tells younger readers about a child's life in a refugee camp.
A funny, inventive story set in the year 2099, where skycars, cyber pets and flying sweets are the norm but the complexities of friendship and playground politics are just the same as now.
Inspired by the tragic true story of the youngest American ever to be executed, this ambitious novel weaves together family drama with an unflinching look at racism and prejudice in 1940s South Carolina.
Lightning Mary tells the true story of Mary Anning, a Victorian fossil expert, whose discoveries of the ichthyosaur contributed to changes in scientific thinking about the history of the earth. A brilliant read.
Mossbelly MacFearsome and the Dwarves of Doom
Formidable dwarf warrior, Mossbelly MacFearsome, is on a quest to save humankind from obliteration. This hilarious fantasy adventure will delight and entertain young readers from start to finish.
Read more about Mossbelly MacFearsome and the Dwarves of Doom
Narrated by Private Fazal Khan, a young Muslim soldier in Company 32 of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps, this is a moving and insightful account of a key event in the Second World War. Fifteen-year-old Fazal runs away from his family in northern India and lies about his age to join up and serve the British Empire, just as his grandfather did during World…
When Athan Wilde’s mentor, Mr Chen, is brutally murdered, he rescues secret plans that should enable him to complete the old man’s spectacular flying machine. But Athan needs help and he’s not sure who to trust. A tense and imaginative historical thriller.
Will and Awa are caught up in a dangerous adventure across the Mediterranean and beyond, during the Turkish "golden age" in the late 1500s. Older children and teens who love Assassin's Creed will enjoy the setting, mission and swaggering sense of adventure.
A strange turn of events transports Maxwell to a world where nobody, not even his parents or sister, recognise him. The Day I Was Erased captures the vibrancy and buzz of school life and will ultimately leave readers with a warm glow and lots of hope.
After a car accident and her parents' divorce, Grace spends the holidays at Flambards, a quiet countryside arts centre. It’s a summer that will slowly change Grace’s feelings about her past, her future and her very place in the world. Readable and engaging.
A device called the star-spinner takes Tess on an adventure through multiple worlds in search of her lost family. Well-written and entertaining, this book convincingly weaves together strands of history and alternative history.
Laura Wood brings us a contemporary book for fierce pre-teens who want to make the world a better place. Effie's aims to make her new school a more inclusive space will encourage everyone to fulfil their potential.
Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars - The Collected Edition
This collection of Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars, issues 1-3, is a fascinating graphic novel, melding a dystopian Mars society with the popular American sport of women’s Roller Derby.
Read more about Trish Trash: Rollergirl of Mars - The Collected Edition
Twins Kaine and Roxy are both talented sportspeople but the harder they work, the further apart they seem to grow. A highly charged story of complex family relationships, misplaced loyalty and overcoming devastating disappointment.
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