New books we love this month
Every month, we review dozens of children's books. Here are the ones we liked best of all in August.
Whether they're a teeny toddler or a particular teen, this is where you can find your child's next amazing read: just scroll down to find books for a range of ages.
You can also take a look at our past book recommendations for:
Eye-grabbing design gives this house-shaped board book some irresistible shelf appeal and it’d make an impressive gift (if a little challenging to wrap!) for the same reasons. The book folds out to make a street of shops or a bustling park scene.
This beautiful story tells the love that one little girl has for her ageing grandad. One day he isn’t there anymore, but the little girl finds evidence of their happy times together. A touching, sensitive text that doesn’t dwell on the sadness and could bring real comfort.
This board book will delight babies who love to look at pictures of other babies. Each page asks ‘Who?’ and then answers with a different member of a family.
Dipsy the dinosaur is so excited when she passes her interview to become a firefighter. Another delightful romp from Sarah McIntyre sees the loveable Dipsy fulfil her potential in a story about finding what makes you, you.
Leonard is a gentle lion: just because you’re a lion doesn’t mean that you have to roar. A book about ignoring the aggressive voices in our society and lending an ear to our quieter thoughts, this is a warm and reassuring story.
Chloe REALLY wants the Mellow Yellow unicorn in the toyshop window, and she's determined to win it! This story about competitive kids is full of expressive detail, fabulous cakes and towering castles – tons of fun and a great message for little ones.
Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry – and it won't stop growing. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again? A very beautiful, sensitive look at anxiety and how a problem shared is a problem halved.
When it’s time for the Crocodile’s annual visit to the dentist, which of them is more afraid? Witty, colourful and delightful.
Maud the multi-coloured dragon isn’t like the other night dragons, but that's perfectly all right. The artwork is the star of the show in this gorgeous picture book, especially the dragons, and its story of self-belief is an important one.
A celebration of girl power and horsepower as a Princess tries to overtake her fairy tale rivals on the final lap of a grand prix. With full-colour graphics, it’s the pictures that do much of the storytelling.
Ade’s Amazing Adventures: Battle of the Cyborg Cat
This first book by Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan offers a fascinating picture of his childhood. With a light touch and plenty of wit, he recalls the influences and events that helped to shape his life and career. Entertaining, accessible and inspiring.
Read more about Ade’s Amazing Adventures: Battle of the Cyborg Cat
Bad Nana is quite unlike Jeanie’s other two grandmas. So when Jeanie and her class go on a school trip, it’s no surprise that Bad Nana manages to make it a lot more interesting than anyone expected. A riot of bright colour and laugh-out-loud moments.
This insightful and uplifting picture book recounts the life of Nelson Mandela through the eyes of his great-grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene, as they ask their grandmother (Mandela’s daughter) a series of questions about him.
This amazing and deeply inspiring story of a largely unknown scientist – and pioneer of the care of Komodo dragons – is a fascinating read, beautifully illustrated.
Jack has moved around so much since his parents split up that he knows exactly how to fit in. But will he be able to stick to his very strict rules when he meets his exuberant classmate Tyler? A joyful read about the importance of being true to yourself.
Mrs Primm doesn’t like mess and expects her son Pinchton to wear his smart blazer to evening meals. Luckily, new neighbours bring adventure into 10-year old Pinchton’s life. A chapter book with great morals, lovable role models and loads of laughs.
A funny first "chapters" book with lively illustrations, in which a budding young scientist tries to find a way to slow down time so she doesn’t have to go to bed...
My First Book of Quantum Physics
This is an absolutely fascinating, head-scratching look at quantum physics for older children, which may have parents secretly consulting their dummies' guide in case of further questions.
Izzy and Asha need somewhere to practice their skateboarding skills, so they sneak into derelict gasworks, where they discover an injured wolf who is at threat from developers. A poignant tale of friendship, freedom and the value of connecting with nature.
This wonderful book about the magic of clouds is full of surprising and original poems, perfect for upper key stage two children either at school or at home.
The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was a Mermaid
Stella sets out to discover if her mother really was a mermaid. A beautifully written story with some tense, nailbiting moments and giddy splashes of magical realism.
Read more about The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was a Mermaid
Four friends find a tree that becomes their Secret Meeting Place. As they grow into four very different young women, their friendship stays as strong as the tree. This touching picture book perfectly encapsulates the value and joy of female friendship.
Unicorn Academy: Isabel and Cloud
Magic, sparkle and unicorns are sprinkled throughout this book, but it’s essentially about what many primary school children struggle with: jealousy, bullying and friendships. A bite-sized chapter book that's ideal for a quick read.
Athena: The Story of a Goddess
The story of Athena may be lesser known than some other Greek myths, but hers is one of wisdom, war and courage. A brilliant and stylish book that offers an empowering experience for those unfamiliar with these commanding goddesses and heroines.
Lou’s life is not going to plan, but maybe she can rescue the situation with a little help from her performance club and a second-best friend who is into stuffed stoats. A great choice for anyone looking for light reading that will make them laugh out loud.
Natboff: One Million Years of Stupidity
The story of the inhabitants of the village of Lamonic Bibber, a place Mr Gum (also by Andy Stanton) fans are already very familiar with, from 20,000 years ago until 1 million years in the future. Probably the most ridiculous and funny book you will ever read.
Molly is passionate about swimming but is having to deal with a domineering friend and a difficult home life. A sensitive novel that touches on several issues that may concern pre-adolescents, from anxieties about secondary school to pressures around body image.
A magical murder mystery tale set in a crumbling hotel at the heart of a remote and sinister forest. A fabulous cast of weird and wonderful characters and a plot that reveals its secrets very gradually will draw readers in and keep them hooked.
When their mother gets left behind at a train station, the Santander siblings decide to take part in the Great Race to create a new route for a railway without her. A timeless, thrilling adventure full of derring-do and heart.
Samkad is a boy from a remote Filipino "headhunter" tribe called Bontok in the highlands of the Philippines, back in around 1899 – on the brink of invasion by American invaders. A brilliant, exciting and fascinating adventure story.
Elektra James is back in the third installment of the Waiting for Callback series for more romance, school issues and insights from the acting world. This fun and funny series will give a bit of light relief to younger teens.
A mountain goat, a girl called Kid and a boy who speaks in spoonerisms are the main characters in this quirky novel about love, fears and friendship. Surprising, tender and engaging.
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