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 April: 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:
March | February | January | December | November | October | September
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.
Fancy writing a book review yourself? Read our handy guide and have a go!
A delightful and interactive rhyming book for little ones which uses the Ten Little Ducklings rhyme, but invents a variety of exciting adventures for the ducklings instead, asking readers to play hide and seek with the adorable little ducks.
Happy as a Lamb: Choose Your Mood, Express Your Feelings
Happy as a Lamb is a really clever and well-thought-out board book, but it’s really more of a tool for enabling communication about feelings with children which feels fun and has a toy-esque quality that children will love. Highly recommended.
Read more about Happy as a Lamb: Choose Your Mood, Express Your Feelings
Hana can't find the family's Eid presents! She looks everywhere – will she find them in time for Eid? A fun search-and-find story.
Two children are out and about in a city, looking for llamas. One of the children issupposedly a llama expert, but will the children find one? Funny and interactive.
Sam the farm dog tries to settle the animals down at bedtime, but they are full of energy and in no mood for sleeping. An entertaining picture book which will help young readers develop their counting skills.
Little One is finally big enough to go on a day out with her friends - and she's determined to be grown up and look after herself, even when things start going terribly wrong! But whether you're chased by a sausage-hungry dog or encounter some intergalactic friends, it's always ok to ask for help - no matter how big you are.
Irish Book of the Month
Paddy Donnelly’s lovely book – inspired by a unusual type of hare found on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland – is a must for young nature lovers, or for anyone looking for a sweet, calming read with some lovely nature facts woven in.
Luna is off to the community garden with her dad. There, she learns how to grow plants and discovers each one has its own story to share.
How can Princess Amma stop wetting the bed? A gorgeous and practical book that is both reassuring and gently funny.
Big Bad Wolf Investigates: Fairy Tales
Could the Big Bad Wolf really blow down a straw house? A funny look at familiar fairy tales through the lens of STEM.
Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends
Shy Bea meets four cute miniature dogs! Can she protect their garden and keep them secret? A delightful young chapter book for newly confident readers, with gorgeous colour illustrations.
Arun hates tests, so when his teacher sets a timed maths test, he does everything he can to get out of it. This light-hearted chapter book explores the importance of resilience and is ideal for reluctant readers.
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist
The Pinchers are a family of thieves who are very excited to visit a local diamond exhibition. This hilarious crime caper is full of eccentric characters and accompanied by colourful, quirky illustrations.
Find Peace in a Poem: Poetry About Mindfulness
Poetry holds a kind of quiet magic, as the introduction to this lovely illustrated poetry anthology reminds the reader. Reading a poem can provide a moment of peace and focus for the reader, and help us to see the world in a new way. In this way, reading a poem can be seen as an act of mindfulness.
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The Book of Blast Off! 15 Real-life Space Missions
Discover the details of 15 real-life missions into space – all told in accessible rhyme, and with vibrant illustrations. Not just for space enthusiasts!
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Cactus Kid: The Battle for Star Rock Mountain
Cactus Kid is determined to become the world's most powerful wizard, so he journeys to Star Rock Mountain in search of a special ingredient for his potion. This madcap graphic novel is teeming with vibrant comic-strip illustrations, offbeat humour and quirky characters.
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Green: The Story of Plant Life on Our Planet
A beautifully illustrated book explaining how plants evolved and how they work now.
Read more about Green: The Story of Plant Life on Our Planet
Spin! 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry
An anthology of poems for reading aloud and sharing with children that will make them feel seen, included and represented.
Taking Shelter (A Hugh Dunnit Mystery)
Hugh is determined to clear his dog's name when she's accused of eating his homework. This hilarious chapter book is full of witty one-liners, daft puns and dynamic black-and-white illustrations.
A nerve-jangling, but very funny, thriller with exceptionally nasty baddies and interesting moral and ethical dilemmas. Will have wide appeal, especially to fans of Alex Rider who like a few jokes with their jeopardy – and an added tiny dinosaur.
Set in Philadelphia, USA, in 1992, this coming-of-age story is packed with cultural and musical references from the era and explores themes of family, resilience and the evolving nature of friendships.
Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm
With nail-biting action on the streets of Oxford, the riverways of London and in the depths of the Under-Underground, otherworldly creatures shoot laser blasters and ancient gods lurk around every corner.
Touching on social anxiety and divorce as well as featuring a non-binary child and characters of many ethnicities, this is a truly inclusive tale of magic, community and healing.
When Lena’s older brother goes missing, she knows she must find him. But what secrets will she uncover? A gripping mystery set in contemporary India, with themes of family expectations and the importance of the arts.
Universal Guide to the Night Sky
A delightful, clear and informative book about stars, the moon, satellites, the sun, the planets and constellations, with lots of fascinating detail other things we can find in space, such as dark nebulae, asteroids and meteor showers. Practical, fun and accessible.
When Cate visits Mrs Kano's cinema, she is transported into a world beyond her wildest dreams. This wonderfully imaginative time-travel adventure beautifully explores the nature of grief, guilt and loneliness.
Astrid discovers she’s a Librae – one day she’ll be able to fly! But there’s something strange about her newfound winged community. Can she and her new friends right some wrongs? A pacey magical adventure.
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