The best children's books of 2024, chosen by top authors and illustrators

Published on: 23 December 2024

We asked authors and illustrators including BookTrust's Writer in Residence Patrice Lawrence, Axel Scheffler, Emma Carroll, Nathanael Lessore and Rashmi Sirdeshpande among others the impossible question: 

What is your favourite children's book published in 2024?

King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore

Chosen by MG Leonard
A touching and wonderfully funny book confronting toxic masculinity, friendship and first crushes, that I read with my 11-year-old son and we both thought was BRILLIANT!

Also chosen by Nazima Pathan
It is by turns tender, nail-bitingly tense, and laugh out loud funny. Real life in South London for a boy trying to find his way in life. I absolutely loved it.

Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon

Chosen by Nizrana Farook
The book is as amazing as the continent, and does a wonderful job of distilling the essence of a whole continent into an interesting and relevant read. A very attractive book with gorgeous illustrations.

Also chosen by Serena Patel
This is a brilliantly important book and should be in every school. In a world of misinformation, thi

s is a great introduction to the many countries, cultures, and peoples of Asia. I love that this book exists.

Happy Hills: Attack of the Giant Danger Kittens by Sophy Henn

Chosen by Sue Hendra
I realise I'm not the target audience for this book but I absolutely loved reading it. So funny, engaging and silly that I was gripped all the way to the end. In my opinion Silly should not be underestimated; it's a powerful tool in getting children (and me) reading. Hurray for Silly books! Hurray for Sophy Henn's Happy Hills books!

Keeping Cosy and Snuggling Up: 100 Cosy Things to Spot by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas

Chosen by JP Rose
I got lost in the gorgeous illustrations, and the rhymes and an interactive search were just delicious.

Mr Santa by Jarvis

Chosen by Mike Barfield
I've chosen Mr Santa by my fellow northern-based author and illustrator, Jarvis. A sweet, seasonal story packed with gentle humour and softly-stated illustrations, I strongly suspect some TV executive somewhere is already thinking this might make a beautiful Raymond Briggs-like Christmas animation.

The History of Information by Chris Haughton

Chosen by Patrice Lawrence
I was one of those children who always asked 'why?'! That didn't change when I became an adult. I'm perpetually curious. That's why I really loved Chris Haughton's The History of Information. It covered such a broad subject in so much detail and answered questions that I never knew I had, in an easily accessible way. It's also beautifully designed.

Also chosen by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Chris Haughton created my children's favourite picture book (Oh No, George!) and now he's made one of our all-time favourite factual books too – a masterpiece that was years in the making and it shows. The History of Information is top tier children's non-fiction – stunningly illustrated, vibrant, insightful, and thought-provoking. In this age of disinformation, it's a much-needed book that encourages young minds to deeply examine big issues and think for themselves. A must for every classroom and library."

Flower Block, written by Lanisha Butterfield and illustrated by Hoang Giang

Chosen by Dapo Adeola
This book is an utterly stunning debut picture book about community, love of nature, and the things that bring us together. A timely reminder of the things that are important if ever there was one. Warmly written by debut author Lanisha Butterfield, with gorgeous artwork from the extraordinary talent that is Hoang Giang, these two are a perfectly synced storytelling duo and I look forward to seeing more from them over the years.

Ettie and the Midnight Pool by Julia Green

Chosen by Nicola Davies
A haunting story about identity and independence set amid wild hills and secret lakes. A story that will stay with you for a long time.

Mr Lepron's Mystery Soup by Giovanna Zoboli

Chosen by Elle McNicoll
It's a stunning picture book about a rabbit called Mr Lepron who makes delicious soup for his community, but starts to lose his magic touch when the recipe becomes famous. It's beautifully told and so richly illustrated. I loved it a lot.

A Drop of Golden Sun by Kate Saunders

Chosen by Jeffrey Boakye
I totally fell in love with this book, all about a girl in 1973 who gets cast in a leading role in a huge Hollywood production. I found myself caring about the characters so much, drawn into their relationships and shared experiences. Realistic but magical, full of heart and warmth.

The Duck Never Blinks by Alex Latimer

Chosen by Chloe Savage
It is witty and original, with beautifully designed layouts. It is genius in its subtlety.

Betty Steady and the Toad Witch by Nicky Smith Dale, illustrated by Sarah Horne

Chosen by RAMZEE
This book was a real blast of daft chaotic LOLZ, absurdist wit, and so much heart. Betty Steady is the messy-haired, big-biceped protector of Wobbly Rock who, unbeknownst to her, is on a journey of self-discovery as her braggadocious ego comes a cropper against the dastardly Toad Witch and Betty has to learn that no gallant hero is an island – all narrated by the hilariously gabby Salvador Catflap. Sarah Horne's delightfully barmy illustrations match the freak of this bonkers rollicking story so well.

Ava and the Acorn by Lucy Fraser and Paddy Donnelly

Chosen by Serena Patel
It is just the most gorgeous and magical of picture books. Full of heart and emotion; visually and lyrically stunning. It is a very special book.

Wherever You Go My Love Will Follow by Birgitta Sif

Chosen by JP Rose
It's a beautifully illustrated love letter to life with joyous, poignant messages.

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

Chosen by Lui Sit
I love this book because the voice of the main character Rebel (a dog) won me over in the first paragraph and I felt compelled to read on and find out more about him and his life.

Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard

Chosen by Lanisha Butterfield
This spellbinding middle-grade novel deftly addresses important real-life issues of gentrification, family separation and questions of identity in young people, against a backdrop of magic and community. I am passionate about celebrating social housing communities through story and think that Alexandra does it in the most heartening, beautiful way. Alyssa and the Spell Garden is simply delicious food for the mind, and for the soul.

Around the World with Friends by Philip Waechter

Chosen by Axel Scheffler
A wonderful, gentle, heartwarming story about an adventurous day for Fox, Badger, Bear and Crow. A great celebration of friendship – more important than ever!

The Twelve by Liz Hyder

Chosen by Nicola Davies
Total page turner. I ate this up the same way I ate Alan Garner books when I was 10. Time-shifting creepiness in a Welsh village.

Birdie by JP Rose

Chosen by Emma Carroll
The brilliant Birdie tells the story of a lonely young girl who befriends an abandoned pit pony. The bond between the two is so exquisitely done: I'm still thinking about it months after reading the book.

Also chosen by Nathanael Lessore
Every page in this book was more sensational than the last. I've never been so driven by raw emotion to finish a book before.

Wild Song by Candy Gourlay

Chosen by Eva Wong Nava
A gut-wrenching coming-of-age story weaving facts and fiction by a masterful storyteller. Everyone who is interested in world history should read this book!

Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star by Rowan Foxwood

Chosen by Siobhan McDermott
An absolute gem of a story! Magic shimmers up from every page in this rich fantasy world readers will love to explore.

Little Lion Girl written by Olivia Hope, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock

Chosen by Nathanael Lessore
I loved Little Lion Girl. I just thought it was a beautiful story, and a character I related to quite deeply. I was moved by the celebration of imagination, and the freedom that comes with that. The illustrations captured Leonie's playfulness, and the endless beauty of the huge world we live in.

A Riddle for a King by Mark Forsyth, illustrated by Matthew Land

Chosen by Piers Torday
No book has charmed or amused me more this year than A Riddle for a King by Mark Forsyth, a brilliantly inventive and clever twist on Alice in Wonderland meets The Phantom Tollbooth; it's perfect for any young reader who loves puzzles, word games and puns as well as asking all the big questions... all winningly illustrated by Matthew Land.

Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu Dasgupta

Chosen by Eva Wong Nava
This is a transporting story that took me from Calcutta, India, to the sewers of Paris, France. There is just the right amount of magic, mystery and adventure that kept me turning the pages to a satisfactory ending.