Natterjack Toad Can’t Believe It! by Sean Taylor
Ages 3-7
All Natterjack Toad wants to do is tuck into his packet of chocolate chunk crunchy-munch cookies. But when he gets himself lovely and comfortable, ready to devour them, something terrible happens: every time he reaches into the packet to enjoy a delicious bite, something gets in the way. Where it’s a vole, a weasel, or a heron, there is always another creature trying to get the snacks for themselves. With brilliantly bright illustrations from Kathryn Durst, this is a funny and surprisingly relatable story about not being able to find a moment’s peace.
(Walker Books, £7.99, out now)
Dungeon Runners Level 1: Hero Trial by Kieran Larwood
Ages 5-9
Kit has always dreamed of being a Dungeon Runner. But his chances in the kingdom’s celebrated race, in which participants run through the dungeons picking up treasures and defeating enemies, have always seemed slim. He is, after all, a gnorf – part dwarf, part gnome – so his size might work against him. Still, rallying the support of two of his friends, he decides this may be his year. Featuring Joe Todd-Stanton’s terrific, Manga-like illustrations, this book is great fun – but also comes with a meaningful message about courage, friendship, and what really matters in life.
(Nosy Crow, £7.99, out now)
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar
Ages 12-16
In this irresistible enemies-to-lovers story, Tiwa and Said must put aside their differences when their local Islamic centre burns down and the community needs their help to rebuild it. But why exactly the former friends fell out in the first place is a whole other mystery. With a wonderful cast of characters, Four Eids and a Funeral is the result of two major YA talents coming together to write a book – so it’s no surprise it’s smart and swoon-worthy in equal measure.
(Usborne, £8.99, out now)
Kyan Green Battles the Multiverse by Colm Field
Ages 5-9
In the second book of a series already making waves, Kyan Green is finally getting the hang of racing through space and time. Then Spider Ace, an enigmatic Infinity Racer, challenges Kyan and his friends to a mission which means it is not just one world he needs to save, but multiple. Brought to life with David Wilkerson’s illustrations, Kyan Green Battles the Multiverse sees the gang hurtling from one universe to the next – and is as gripping as it is exciting.
(Bloomsbury, £7.99, out now)
Race to Imagination Island by Mel Taylor Bessent
Ages 9-12
Imagination Island is the magical place coveted among children for its powers to bring anything they imagine to life. So when an opportunity for four kids to be named the new Protectors of Imagination Island, hundreds from all over the world jump at the chance to compete in the series of challenges to prove they have what it takes. When 10-year-old Luca accidentally finds himself taking part – despite the fact the Island is exactly what he’s terrified of – he hatches a plan to come last, and get sent home as quickly as possible. With out-of-this-world illustrations from Alessandro D’Urso, this book is being billed as Mario Kart meets The 13 Storey Treehouse.
(Farshore, £7.99, out now)
Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher
Ages 9-12
In the shadow of Vesuvius, Delta, a young wolfblood (half dog, half wolf) leads a happy life. Her home is with Lucius, a former Roman general, who is planning to leave the property to his daughter Hermania. But no sooner has he told his evil son-in-law Marcus of his plans than Lucius has died in mysterious circumstances – and a reign of terror has been unleashed on the household. Can Delta outsmart Marcus, and bring happiness back? Perhaps so, but the year is 79 AD, and Pompeii is beginning to tremble… This adventure, illustrated by David Dean, ought to be the children’s hit of the summer.
(Macmillan, £7.99, out now)
The End Crowns All by Bea Fitzgerald
Ages 12-16
A YA Greek retelling that gives the adult genre a run for its money, The End Crowns All sees Cassandra given the gift of prophecy from Apollo while Helen deals with the trials, tribulations and backstabbing of the Trojan court. With two brilliantly fierce heroines centre stage, and replete with the dazzling themes of love and war, the second book from the author of the megahit Girl, Goddess, Queen does not disappoint.
(Penguin,£14.99, out now)
Officially Losing It by Rebecca Anderson
Ages 16+
Rose is ready to lose her virginity to Joel, her kind, handsome boyfriend. But when they get to it, nothing seems to go right – and her “epic sex fail” has left her mortified. Particularly because, surely, everyone else is having smooth, painless experiences – and then there’s the small issue that she had already told her friends she had done it. In Officially Losing It, first relationships and changing bodies are explored in a way that is candid, relatable and reassuring. Fans of Holly Bourne – and Netflix’s Sex Education – will adore it.
(Scholastic, £8.99)
Colin’s Castle by Holly Swain
Ages 3-7
Colin is a vegetarian vampire (yes, they very much do exist) who has moved into a new castle. His new home is practically perfect. If only it weren’t for the fact that there was an unwanted house guest – in the shape of a very pesky duck. Everywhere Colin goes, so does the duck: in the bath, on the toilet, watching telly – the duck is there too. Holly Swain has been one of the go-to illustrators in children’s publishing for two decades, most recently for Tom Moorehouse’s The New Adventures of Mr Toad series. This, her first solo project, is pitched at fans of Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back.
(Farshore, £7.99, out 29 August)
The Beanstalk Murder by P G Bell
Ages 9-12
In the latest fairytale retelling, a trend that seems to be taking children’s literature by storm, trainee meadow witch Anwen is the first to realise that the giant who has fallen from the sky has been murdered. Thus begins this brilliant whodunnit, in which Anwen is whisked up into the giant’s land in order to investigate the crime. The Beanstalk Murder is a funny, ingenious story that is packed full of unexpected twists and turns.
(Usborne, £7.99, out 1 August)
Almost Nothing Happened by Meg Rosoff
Ages 12-16
On the hottest weekend in French history, Callum is about to board the Eurostar home from Paris, sad that his summer there has been nothing but disappointing. But when he misses the train, 48 further hours in the city will change everything. It starts when Callum seeks out his estranged cousin Harrison, a musician, in search of somewhere to stay – and turns into an adventure when Harrison’s prized oboe is stolen after a concert. The latest coming-of-age story from the bestselling, award-winning author will be devoured by teens everywhere.
(Bloomsbury, £12.99, out 15 August)
Songlight by Moira Buffini
Ages 12-16
When a TV show is in development before the book is even released, you pay attention: here is a major new story to get thoroughly lost in. At its heart is Elsa, who has a secret power, or “songlight”, which allows her to communicate telepathically. Concealing this, as well as her romance with her brother’s friend Rye, when she is meant to be preparing for marriage, takes her to a world of danger. Described as The Handmaid’s Tale for teenagers, Songlight is a thrilling, feminist examination of a world where men fear the powers of women.
(Faber & Faber, £8.99, out 29 August)
