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 August: 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:
Llamas may look a little goofy, but in this touch-and-feel book, they are fearless adventurers! This modern, quirky storybook will keep families reading and laughing together with its rhyme, regular beat, fabulous illustrations and outrageous humour.
A lovely addition to any little person’s blossoming bookshelf, this is a great way to learn about our country’s wildlife and the illustrations are a treat for tiny art lovers. Be warned though, you’ll want to collect the entire set from Nosy Crow and the National Trust!
This quirky tale, with distinctive, vibrant illustrations, is delightful. Amusing and uplifting, it explores the joy of friendship and demonstrates that sharing adventures can double the fun.
Brenda might have sharp teeth and big claws, but she's definitely a sheep. Definitely. So why is she working on a mint sauce recipe...? A hilarious picture book with bold illustrations to match.
This warm-hearted picture book about making friends is a perfect read for little ones starting school or nursery who might be a bit nervous, reassuring them that there will be lots of other children who will want to make friends.
From the 'waiting at the store days’ to the ‘going for dessert days’, all the emotions are covered in this sing-song rhyming poem about the ordinary and extraordinary days that are part of growing up.
The Quiet Crocodile Goes to the Beach
Fossil the quiet crocodile loves the beach but doesn't like the idea of going in the water. Lots of little ones aren’t sure about going in to paddle in the sea or swim in a pool, so this is the perfect summery book to soothe their fears.
Taylor creates a magnificent structure from building blocks and is devastated when it is destroyed by a passing flock of birds. Sensitive and insightful, this poignant story provides an ideal starting point for discussion about how it feels when things go wrong.
Matilda is determined to find the treasure on a nearby island - but her Dad is far too disorganised! A lovely picture book about appreciating differences in others and working as a team.
Kya and Martha are like ‘two different colours sitting on a beautiful rainbow’. They are both on the autistic spectrum, but this certainly does not mean that they are the same. A beautiful book, rich in its universal sense of childhood fun and friendship.
This funny, bouncy rhyme is silly and surprising with twists that children really won’t see coming. But there is still enough sparkle and magic to keep little fairy fans happy! A perfect gift for someone who has just lost their first tooth.
A little girl goes to the park with her dad and has a fantastic time. The book has fewer than 60 words yet positively depicts what appears to be a separated or divorced dad visiting his daughter for a play date as a part of everyday life.
Bad Nana: All the Fun of the Fair
The fair has come to town, but when Bad Nana's nemesis Mrs Farquar-Haha rigs the pet competition, who knows what could happen? The second in Sophy Henn's bright and brilliant series about a subversive grandma.
Boy Oh Boy is an entertaining way to meet 30 positive male role models from throughout history. It will inspire all children to use their talents, express their passions and stand up for what they think is right.
This big, beautiful book is full of short, simple poems that are joyous nods to nature in all its awe and wonder. Any poetry or art lover would surely welcome Cherry Moon into their library, and it makes the perfect introduction to creative writing for young readers.
Wilfred the Narwhal and Neville the Walrus are the odd ones out at Miss Blubber's School for Arctic Mammals... but will things change when Betty the Beluga joins the class? A stunning, empowering must-read for all children.
When an exterminator starts spreading false rumours of deadly spiders on the loose, Milton and his arachnid friends fear for their lives. Will they be able to convince the humans they live with that they're perfectly harmless? A warm, funny tale.
The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson
This biography of brilliant mathematician Katherine Johnson charts her life from early childhood to the present day. Beautifully designed, the book also includes a wealth of information about space exploration and aspects of American history.
Wizards from 12 different kingdoms discover that Earth needs their help and send a message to children worldwide in this beautiful picture book with an environmental theme.
Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning read, set in London and Kuwait, that deals with changing friendships, family dynamics and learning how to say goodbye.
Fast Forward: The World's Most Famous Race Tracks and Race Cars
This remarkable, colourful guide to car racing will thrill little petrolheads: expect technical details, history, and fascinating personal interest stories.
Read more about Fast Forward: The World's Most Famous Race Tracks and Race Cars
Cosmo is a dog with a passion for dance. When his family no longer have enough love to stay together, can he save them? This charming story brings together the fun of canine freestyle dance and the heartbreak of divorce into a single, moving story about families.
Lost for Words is a heart-warming book that brings the importance of libraries and families together. It's an exceptional example of children never giving up and letting the adults have their way.
This is the fifth title in an exceptionally funny series about 11-year-old Luke and his chaotic superhero world. Witty, zany and full of references to science fiction classics, this laugh-out-loud page turner will have readers on the edge of their seats.
Peril en Pointe mixes together classic elements of boarding school ups-and-downs, ballet dreams and a super sleuth crime mystery into one page-turning novel, with a plot that will keep readers guessing right to the end.
A high-stakes rugby drama, with memorable characters on and off the pitch, presented in a super-readable collection of three linked stories.
An intense and original coming-of-age adventure/thriller set in the Dark Ages, featuring murder, revenge, wolves, Vikings and Norse myths. Another stunning read from a master storyteller.
In Spylark, Rurlander has created a gripping adventure, with all the right ingredients. Local bullies, sinister villains, high-speed chases, terrorism plans, explosive weaponry, missing evidence and dramatic escapes.
The Bigger Picture: Women Who Changed the Art World
For thousands of years, the work of brilliant female creatives has gone unappreciated, whether they were taking part in weaving, sewing, embroidery or crockery. This fascinating book profiles wonderful women artists from across the world and gives their work the attention it deserves.
Read more about The Bigger Picture: Women Who Changed the Art World
On the Irish island of Arranmore, a dark power is awakening and Fionn Boyle is worried that his powers are lacking. The second book in the Storm Keeper series is a rich, atmospheric and uniquely modern Irish mythology for children: highly recommended.
The Spectacular Revenge of Suzi Sims
This short chapter book, written in diary style, is the ideal companion for children going through tough days at school. Exploring friendship, bullying and the ups and downs of school life, it captures primary school life perfectly.
A dramatic, thoughtful and compelling coming-of-age novel, in which 17-year-old Rose must learn to navigate the unspoken rules of a world increasingly focused on social media.
A lowly, abandoned android thinks he has nothing in common with aristocrats, until he investigates a crime with one. A charming and funny story with a touch of satire and a tinge of steampunk, which can be read as a tale of friendship or a light romance.
The True Colours of Coral Glen
Coral misses her grandmother and feels partly responsible for her death. Will the promise of one last conversation with Gran persuade her to make a pact with the ghostly guardian of her local cemetery? Deeply human, imaginatively supernatural and darkly comic.
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.