26 Children's Books to Read in 2026
13th January 2026
There were SO many great children’s books in 2025 that it felt as if 2026 would struggle to follow it but the New Year has really risen to the challenge and there are some seriously brilliant books to look forward to. Whether it’s Teen & YA reads, books suitable for Primary-aged children , Non-Fiction or Picture Books, 2026 has something that everyone will love and it’s been a real challenge to just choose 26 to focus on.
Secondary
2026 is an absolutely phenomenal year for Teen & YA readers. We don’t know how we will wait patiently for Heartstopper 6 (due in the summer); the final instalment of Alice Osman’s wonderful LGBTQ+ graphic novel series will see Nick ready to head off to Uni, will his relationship with Charlie survive? Also published in the summer (really, how will we wait that long?!) is the new book from Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé The Heirs; we LOVED Ace of Spades and Where Sleeping Girls Lie and this new book, which has been compared to The Inheritance Games (another favourite) and Knives Out, sounds utterly brilliant. Romantasy books continue to be wildly popular and with a new book from Cassandra Clare (The Last King of Faerie) due in the autumn and A War of Wyverns, a follow up to 2025’s popular debut A Language of Dragons, already available, fans of this genre have plenty to delight them. We are also looking forward to the futuristic enemies-to-lovers debut from Camille Chong – Love, Gods and Sinners and Gone For Good, a verse novel thriller from the awesome Sarah Crossan.
Primary
Equally, Primary-aged readers also have lots to look forward to in 2026; starting with Finn’s Epic Fails, the beginning of a hilarious new series from the wonderful Phil Earle which is available at the end of January. One of our most favourite books of the last few years has been Matt Goodfellow’s wonderful verse novel The Final Year so the new book from him and illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton, Six Weeks, is high on our list of must-reads in 2026. In 2018 Sophie Anderson burst onto the scene with the emotional and magical The House with the Chicken Legs and now, in April we’re in for a treat and we can run with Marinka and the house again in The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away. Fans of fantasy series have lots to get excited about with a new instalment of Amari and the Night Brothers – Amari and the Metalwork Menace- and the continuation of Katherine Rundell’s stellar Impossible Creatures series continuing with The Neverfear. We always enjoy a good giggle or bout of hysterical laughter so we are very much looking forward to the beginning of a new series Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar as well as the new Lottie Brooks, which was 2025’s most-talked-about-in-the-playgrounds series, The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks. With a new Sharna Jackson mystery, set at the Notting Hill Carnival and titled The Street Art Mystery to look forward to as well, 2026 really does have something for every taste.
Graphic Novels
The huge surge in popularity of Graphic Novels over recent years is something we are very happy about. Graphic Novels are increasingly being recognised as a way to focus on important topics and to invite discussion too – and we’re eagerly awaiting the follow up to Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin’s powerful Illegal and Global in August - War. One of our favourite new discoveries in 2025 was Neill Cameron’s hilarious and delicious Donut Squad and the second book, Donut Squad: Make a Mess has been delighting us (and making us feel hungry!) since it was released on New Year’s Day. 2026 also sees the start of a new series from the seriously brilliant Jamie Smart (Bunny vs Monkey creator) – Megalomaniacs looks to be as funny, crazy and fantastic as Jamie’s other creations and a real treat for fans new and old. With plenty of other new graphic novels to look forward to (including one called Snot Jelly Island!) 2026 is shaping up to be a great year.
Non-Fiction
The current changes and challenges of the world are one of the many topics that are looked at in 2026. The Amazing Generation is a book that encourages children to step away from screens and think about the effect phones can have on young people; written by the author of the bestselling The Anxious Generation this will be a great one to open up conversations with young people. The focus on Fake News and how to spot and respond to it is also an important skill and Fake News and How To Spot It looks like an illuminating read. We are also really looking forward to The Story of Art Without Men, an adaptation for young people of the bestseller by Katy Hessel.
Picture Books
We adore Picture Books! Finding an exciting Illustrator or revisiting a favourite character is a great feeling and it’s always lots of fun looking at the gorgeous new picture books that are coming up. We have no doubt that the biggest Picture Book of 2026 will be the new Gruffalo book from powerhouse author and illustrator team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; we can’t wait to find out what is in store next for the mouse, the Gruffalo and the other creatures of the Deep Dark Wood! We are also looking forward to Different from Eva Eland (the creator of the wonderful When Sadness Comes to Call), a book which celebrates how special being different can be.
With so many Children’s Highlights to look forward to, 2026 looks to be a great year and we hope you discover a new favourite book, author, illustrator or genre this year.
Kate, Content Selection Team
Secondary
Heartstopper Volume 6
Oseman, Alice
Paperback / softback
*NEW YORK TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR**FASTEST EVER SELLING GRAPHIC NOVEL**Read it before you see it: Heartstopper Forever movie coming soon from Netflix*Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The final installment in the bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel series about life, love, and everything that happens in between. Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be together forever. But Charlie's busy with his bid to become head boy. And while Nick is preparing to leave for uni, he's starting to wonder who he'll be . . . without Charlie. Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, underage drinking, and sexual references. 'The queer graphic novel we wished we had at high school.' Gay Times
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Love, Gods and Sinners
Chong, Camille
Hardback
If you've ever wished for the vibes of K-Pop Demon Hunters but queer, and a little spicy - get ready for Camille Chong's New Adult debut Love Gods and Sinners!'Messy queers flirt and fight across the city in this fast-paced urban fantasy. Filled with back stabbing, elicit longing and the epitome of the phrase "love hurts". What more could you ask for?' - Eliza Chan, Sunday Times Bestselling author of Fathomfolk Rule No. 1 of Not Dating Your Enemy: Rules are made to be broken. Rule No. 2 of Not Dating Your Enemy: Keep your lives separate (don't live or work together). Rule No. 3 of Not Dating Your Enemy: If you can’t imagine life without them, you’re already screwed. Harper and Tia are roommates, and interns at the same tech company. They clash, they fight, they flirt. And, under cover of night, the two of them adopt secret identities and head out on missions across the city for their respective magical clans. Tia is the beautiful descendant of the Moon Goddess, and Harper is secretly Raven, the leader-in-waiting of the feared and villainous Foxes. When each is tasked by their clan to kill the other, a deceitful game of cat-and-mouse begins. And Harper and Tia will start to understand that the concepts of right and wrong can be just as complicated – and dangerous – as falling in love.
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The Heirs
Abike-Iyimide, Faridah
Paperback / softback
The utterly addictive new YA murder mystery thriller from Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the instant New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of ACE OF SPADES and WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE. MEET THE HEIRSOctavius the Maestro. Fola the Brain. Bilal the Olympian. Perdita the Artist. Romeo the Failure. FIVE PRODIGIESEveryone has heard of the Button heirs: the five genius children of infamous billionaire Leontes Button. Adopted and trained under the "Button Method", they've had no choice but to be brilliant. ONE DEAD FATHERBut brilliance comes at a deadly price. Because at their father's tenth annual Prodigy Ball, Leontes Button is murdered. A MANSION FULL OF SUSPECTSAs long-buried secrets come to light, one thing is clear: everyone at the ball had reason to want him dead. After all, their father was especially good at making enemies... A rollercoaster of twists and turns with secrets, lies, murder and money, The Heirs is The Inheritance Games meets Knives Out.
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A WAR OF WYVERNS
Williamson, S. F.
Hardback
REBELLION HAPPENS IN THE SHADOWS Vivien Featherswallow has uncovered the secret language of dragons. Now can she use it to end a war? The extraordinary sequel to the instant #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, A Language of Dragons Vivien Featherswallow has translated a secret language of dragons – sparking an all-out civil war, with dragons and humans fighting on both sides, in the process. And after defeating Prime Minister Wyvernmire and escaping Bletchley Park, Vivien has become the reluctant face of the rebellion – and been labelled the most wanted criminal in Britain. But what good is a rebel who must remain in hiding, powerless to help her friends? Unsure of her purpose, and torn with doubt about the life she thought she was meant to lead, Vivien travels to the remote Scottish Isles to find a mysterious, long-forgotten species of dragon – one which might hold the key to ending the war… forever. An epic, sweeping, unputdownable fantasy, A War of Wyverns is the unmissable sequel to the instant #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, A Language of Dragons. S. F. Williamson's book 'A Language of Dragons' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-01-06.
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Gone for Good
Crossan, Sarah
Paperback / softback
Girl in Pieces meets One of Us is Lying, told in Sarah Crossan’s inimitable and award-winning verse. Connie Ryder is taken from her home in the dead of night and sent to Silver Lake Academy – a remote, high-security facility for ‘troubled’ teens. At Silver Lake, the vulnerable and the violent are locked in together under a brutal regime that aims to improve their behaviour. But when Connie learns she’s been given the bed of a missing girl named Belle, she is drawn deep into a chilling web of secrets and lies… A sensational, immersive and hugely propulsive ‘missing girl’ thriller, set against the backdrop of America’s controversial Troubled Teen industry.
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Amari and the Metalwork Menace
Alston, BB
Hardback
The highly anticipated fourth book in the Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for readers aged 8+ and fans of Skandar, Percy Jackson and Nevermoor. The fourth epic adventure for Amari and her friends at the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations. In the wake of the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations’ war with Dylan Van Helsing and the magicians, Amari Peters has stepped back from being a Junior Agent to spend the school year as a normal kid. But now she’s faced with a decision: return to the Bureau and join an elite new agent programme – or retire for good, which would mean safety, but also losing her memories of the supernatural world. Soon she finds that she may not have a choice. A deadly new curse is threatening the supernatural and mortal worlds as people are slowly becoming machines beneath their skin. Hundreds of cases have been cropping up with no cure in sight. And when the curse hits someone close to Amari, it’s up to her to get to the bottom of this deadly mystery – even if it means trusting an old enemy. Readers LOVE Amari! PRAISE FOR AMARI AND THE DESPICABLE WONDERS ?????????? ‘This is an amazing trilogy!' ?????????? 'The Amari series is one of the most popular at the school where I work and this next instalment does not disappoint.' ?????????? 'Amari and the Despicable Wonders is a fantastic book that my daughter absolutely loves! She was hooked from the very first chapter.' ??????????’Granddaughter loved it. Read the entire series' ??????????'Such an amazing world that we've been immersed in for three amazing books. So much love for these characters and the lessons learned on the way. My boys and I have enjoyed this series so very much.' BB Alston's book 'Amari and the Night Brothers' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 23-08-2021
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The Neverfear
Rundell, Katherine
Hardback
Return to a world beyond your wildest imagination in the epic third book of the internationally bestselling Impossible Creatures series
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The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks
Kirby, Katie
Hardback
From hilarious MEGA-BESTSELLING author Katie Kirby comes a brand-new story in the phenomenal LOTTIE BROOKS series!Pack your bags, and put on your helmets, for Lottie’s latest hilarious diary! She’s off on a ONCE IN A LIFETIME skiing holiday - what could possibly go wrong?!Amber has seen the light and returned to the QUEENS OF EIGHT GREEN. PHEW! And now she’s invited Lottie on her family skiing holiday – RESULT!One tiny problem . . . Lottie’s never been skiing before and she doesn’t know her piste from her poles! How hard can it be though?Join Lottie as she learns how to ski with old and new friends, tries fondue for the first time and discovers what the banana of destiny has in store for her. Will this be the best holiday ever or is it all downhill from here?Readers LOVE Lottie Brooks:My daughter couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days. Read at breakfast, walking downstairs, tea time, in the bath. My 9-year-old daughter devoured it in two nights, and all I could hear from her was giggling and the occasional "Mum! Listen to this! This is SO me!". My 12 year old reluctant reader took this book, read 100 pages in one night and proclaimed it 'the best book ever'Katie has managed to capture the essence of what this group think and feel in a positive, life-affirming fashion'Have you read all of Lottie's embarrassing diaries?Book 1: The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie BrooksBook 2: The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie BrooksBook 3: The Mega Complicated Crushes of Lottie BrooksBook 4: The Totally Disastrous School Trip of Lottie BrooksBook 5: The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie BrooksBook 6: The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie BrooksBook 8: Lottie Brooks Vs The Ultra Mean GirlsOther books from the world of Lottie Brooks:Book 7: Lottie Brooks's Essential Guide to Life
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Six Weeks
Goodfellow, Matt
Paperback / softback
The hotly anticipated new book from rising star Matt Goodfellow, author of bestselling The Final Year. Meet Alfie Piper, embarking on a summer he'll never forget ... Alfie Piper has six weeks of summer - and nothing left to lose. Since his mum died, Alfie's world has unravelled. The silence between him and his stepdad roars louder than ever. So he does the only thing that makes sense: grabs his bike, and rides. In these long summer days, can Alfie rebuild what was broken?Compulsively readable and relatable, this is a story of grief, and light, and family. From Matt Goodfellow, winner of the CLiPPA Award - with fabulous illustrations from Joe Todd-Stanton.
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Finn's Epic Fails
Earle, Phil
Paperback / softback
A hilarious new series by award-winning author Phil Earle which introduces Finn N. O. Hope and his life of epic failure! Perfect for readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Loki and Tom Gates. ?Finn just wants to survive Year 7, but his life is destined to be a series of epic fails. It's only Tuesday and his scheming, unicorn-obsessed little sister has already stuck a horn to his head (with superglue) and his properly evil older brother has wedgied him 278 times. And don't even ask what happened at swimming, in front of the WHOLE CLASS. At least he has best friends Laszlo (a hopeless romantic) and Google (ask her anything) by his side as he attempts to turn failure into victory in his very own book that is definitely not a diary. ‘A comedy classic and hilarious page-turner from a genuinely brilliant writer.’ Liz Pichon, author of Tom Gates series ‘Pure comedy genius – Finn's Epic Fails will have you howling with laughter and cheering for more! This book belongs on every kid's bookshelf!’ – Jenny Pearson, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates‘Failure has never been this funny. Finn is my new hero!’ – Rob Biddulph, author of Draw With Rob WHAT TO EXPECT:Illustrations by the brilliant and hilarious AL MUPRHYMortifying momentsLaughter guaranteedDisastrous supply teachersA stinky stray dog who may just be the PERFECT best friendPRANKS!Mates who save the dayOFF THE SCALE FAILOMETERS!!!And much more…!When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle won the 2022 British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year, the Books Are My Bag Readers Award and the Times Children's Book of the Year.
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Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar
Sirdeshpande, Rashmi
Paperback / softback
Meet HARI KUMAR, superstar-in-the-making, in this laugh-out-loud doodle-packed diary series for 8+ readers. ‘Hari is my favourite type of character. A warm, witty and cleverly observed story’ Louie Stowell, author of Loki ‘Funny, fresh and relatable – Hari Kumar really is a superstar’ A. F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series Hari Kumar: 10 years old, 75% Indian, 25% French, and 100% going to be a superstar. All Hari needs to make it big is a lucky break – a chance to get his name out there. And when that arrives in the form of a film festival competition at school, it’s Hari’s chance to shine. But life isn’t always like the movies. The new kid Hari thought would be his sidekick turns out to have the makings of a true villain, the crack team he’s assembled have minds of their own, and censorship (in the form of the Deputy Head Teacher) is looming. Can Hari keep things together and pull off an epic comeback, or will his film-making debut be cancelled before it’s even released…? Packed full of friendship, doodles and draaaaama, this series is perfect for fans of TOM GATES and LOKI!
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The Street Art Mystery
Jackson, Sharna
Paperback / softback
Margot, Wesley and Josephine have got an awesome weekend mapped out for the end of the holidays before they start high school – and they don’t want anything to stand in the way of their BIG plans in London. But when they are staying with Margot's mum and her new boyfriend Teddy in Notting Hill, something happens that they just can't ignore…Join the kids as they follow the case across wild West London, following the trail of a super creative murderer as well as some epic street art. From skate parks, tower blocks and canal towpaths they end up on a float at the colourful Notting Hill carnival - the biggest party of the year! How will they piece together the evidence to solve the mystery at the heart of London's coolest sights?Praise for Sharna Jackson: 'I utterly loved The Good Turn; it's bone-deep brilliant; a joy to the very end. It's so warm and so funny, and so ferociously on the side of justice and of hope. I adored it.' - Katherine Rundell
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The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away
Anderson, Sophie
Paperback / softback
Brimming with fairy-tale magic, friendship and extraordinary adventure, The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is an epic, spellbinding tale set in to the bestselling, award-winning world of The House with Chicken Legs. All Marinka's life, she has lived in her house with chicken legs. Running across the world on magical adventures, Marinka knows how her house is feeling, and it listens to her, too. But something is wrong. And before anyone can stop it, the house has pulled itself apart and run away. With her friend Benjamin and jackdaw Jack, Marinka races after the house to find answers. Travelling across far-distant lands, through new realms and magical places, Marinka must face up to her fears to save her friends. But her house might not want to stop running... Praise for Sophie Anderson"One of my all-time favourite storytellers." Kiran Millwood Hargrave"Captivating and original." Sunday Express"Vividly imagined." The Sunday Times"Sublime storytelling." Hilary McKay"Anderson's talent as a weaver of magic and creator of evocative landscape is growing with every book." The Daily Mail
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War
Colfer, Eoin
Hardback
A timely and thoughtful graphic novel about war, with glorious colour artwork throughout for children of all ages - from Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children's Laureate, and the team behind Illegal, Global, and the bestselling Artemis Fowl graphic novels. WAR is set in an unnamed city in an unnamed country. It tells the story of Kat, a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist who finds her life turned upside down when her home city is invaded. When her father is taken and held without charge by the invading forces, Kat chooses not to flee with her mother and little sister, instead sneaking off to remain in the city and try to rescue her dad. Also featured is Adam, a young conscript who struggles to understand why he is being made to fight. With additional content that puts the main story into a wider context - including illustrated comic-style interviews with refugees.
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Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins! (a Phoenix Comic Book, from the multi-million-selling Jamie Smart, Illustrator of the Year)
Smart, Jamie
Paperback / softback
There are three things you need to know about MEGALOMANIACS! They are TERRORS from outer space!There are LOADS of them!They are TINY!Bobbletown is under attack - from the cutest, silliest and zaniest alien invasion EVER! The super-powered Megalomaniacs have crash-landed, and they're going to do their very best to take over planet Earth! That is, if they don't get in each other's way first . . . Jam-packed with Jamie Smart's unique exuberant humour and artwork, Megalomaniacs is the newest extravaganza in children's comics! You've never read ANYTHING like this before!
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Donut Squad: Make a Mess! (a Phoenix Comic Book): the latest addition to this bestselling series!
Cameron, Neill
Paperback / softback
The bagels are lying low, and now the Donut Squad are enjoying making their own malarkey. They're off camping! And hiding from bears! Anxiety Donut is on an adventure where what happens next is up to YOU! And L'il Timmy learns the Meaning of Life - so you can too! But the bagels can't be held back for long - their plan is about to be unleashed to kick the Donut Squad out of their own book. Will the Donuts be able to stop them?The sweet vs savoury royal rumble is back on - and it's going to get messy! The only thing guaranteed is that it will be gleefully hilarious!
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The Far-Out Five: Snot Jelly Island
Falafel, Olaf
Paperback / softback
'A laugh-out-loud adventure . . . brilliantly bonkers' Liverpool EchoOur world got flipped, turned upside down, when the funfair came to town…One funfair, a group of kids and one grumpy amateur magician... plus one magical mega tornado equals The Far-Out Five!Stewart, Sophie, Zainab and Jeffrey - and the Great Waldini - are magically transformed into strange creatures and whisked far away from home – and the wand that could change them back is LOST!This madcap team of adventurers includes Spewnicorn, a punk unicorn who vomits rainbows; Wally, a pompous and cowardly koala; Tubbs, a walking bathtub; Bloof, a blue-footed booby; and Glossy Jeff, a really chilled-out seal. Sailing across the ocean in Tubbs the bathtub, the Far-Out Five have to face bizarre creatures, weird landscapes and mysterious tasks on their quest as they try to find Wally’s missing wand and get back home. Can they escape the wobbly statues of Snot Jelly Island?
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Tiny Hercules
Lock, Jon
Paperback / softback
Get ready for GIANT laughs with Tiny Hercules! Perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey and Dogman, Tiny Hercules is the hilarious debut full colour children's graphic novel from co-creators Jon Lock and Nich Angell. 'This was a blast! That Tiny Herc packs a powerful, and hysterical, punch' – John Patrick Green, creator of InvestiGatorsHe’s brave! He’s strong! He’s the size of a jam jar! He’s Tiny Hercules, the world’s tiniest hero – and he’s winning his way back to Tiny Olympus, one legendary deed at a time!Tiny Hercules has been banished to Earth as a punishment for ruining Tiny Zeus's bodacious party. To get home he must complete twelve legendary tasks but it isn't going to be easy – even for a demigod. Crash landing in the peaceful town of Chutney-on-Toast, Tiny Hercules soon spots his first task: defeating a lion! (or maybe it's a cat!)All hell breaks loose in this zany comic book adventure!
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The Amazing Generation
Haidt, Jonathan
Paperback / softback
*Inspired by the global bestseller The Anxious Generation!*Packed with facts, stories, and secrets that tech leaders don’t want you to know, this book invites kids to step back from their screens and discover how capable, confident and adventurous they can be in the real world. The Anxious Generation started a world-changing conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people. Now bestselling authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price have teamed up to talk directly to kids, showing them it’s possible to live a fulfilling smartphone-free life. Featuring a practical Tech Rebel Reset strategy, the book will show children how to:Break free from their phonesCreate more freedom in their dayRe-discover the joy of screen-free adventures. It can help them be amazing.
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The Story of Art without Men
Hessel, Katy
Hardback
A beautiful journey through the untold stories of art, adapted from the global sensation The Story of Art Without Men, by expert art historian and bestselling author Katy Hessel. Step into the incredible lives of the women artists who have gone uncelebrated for too long. Journey through history, from the Renaissance to the Second World War, and across the globe, from Cornwall to Manhattan, Nigeria, Japan and more, to discover the stories of women who changed the world with their incredible art. You'll learn about the extraordinary lives of freedom fighters, game changers and adventurers - and be astounded by the art they made, with its striking landscapes, hidden messages and calls for women's rights. Based on the bestselling book The Story of Art Without Men, this version includes breathtaking illustrations and a host of new art and artists to discover.
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Fake News And How To Spot It
Bathie, Holly
Paperback / softback
Learn how to spot scams and misinformation with this fun, comprehensive guide. Packed with entertaining illustrations alongside practical information, Fake News and How to Spot it helps identify many pitfalls of everyday and online life - from scams and advertising tricks, to one-sided information and image manipulation. A must-have tool to help make wise choices and navigate a fast-changing world safely and confidently. - Broad coverage of a range of topical issues, including doctored photos and videos, influencing with statistics, biased news articles and sophisticated scams. - A reassuring book for parents, aimed at empowering young people to evaluate information objectively before they act or share online. - Ideal for adults and young people alike and perfect to share with friends and family.
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William Shakespeare
Sanchez Vegara, Maria Isabel
Hardback
Learn about the story of William Shakespeare, the incredible playwright and poet who shaped the world of literature. Little William grew up during the Tudor era, a time long before TV or movies. But then, as now, there was storytelling, and William loved to create new stories. After getting married to his wife Anne, William moved to London to seek his fortune. He joined a theatre there and acted on stage alongside writing his own plays. His work is some of the most famous literature of all time, loved and performed across the world to this day. From the romance of Romeo and Juliet and the drama of Macbeth, to the farce of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the comedy of Much Ado About Nothing, his works explore an enormous range of emotion, each with their own lessons about the human experience. As the book follows Shakespeare’s journey, young readers will see how his imagination and curiosity helped him to write incredible tales. They will learn of the challenges he faced in pursuing his dreams, the joy of performing and the excitement of seeing his plays come alive on stage. The story also highlights his creativity in capturing different human emotions, from love and jealousy to humour and magic, showing how he became the storyteller we still celebrate today. A truly timeless, iconic figure, William Shakespeare forever changed language and culture with his incredible gift for literature. This powerful book is complete with captivating illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline and a detailed profile of his life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
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Different
Eland, Eva
Hardback
Celebrate being different, and discover the power of finding someone who feels a little bit different too…One morning, Mia wakes up feeling different. She tries to fit in and be like everyone else, but nothing feels quite right, and no one else seems to have noticed... Mia feels out of place and alone, until one day, someone finally sees her. Someone who feels different too! Together, they discover that being different is exactly the thing that makes them special. From the Klaus Flugge Prize and V&A Illustrations Award-winning author and illustrator Eva Eland, who created When Sadness Comes to Call and Where Happiness Begins.
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Rock and Roll
Thompson, Ruby Amy
Paperback / softback
Rock and Roll are very different. Rock is strong and Roll is soft. Rock hates attention. Roll loves it. But hang on . . . Maybe they have more in common than we think . . . This standout debut from Ruby Amy Thompson introduces two unforgettable characters!With bold visuals, big laughs, and a brilliantly playful layout, this is a story that celebrates connection; Rock and Roll always appear on opposite pages, yet their worlds are cleverly linked through shared experiences. Perfect for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph, or Squirrel and Bird by Laura Baker and Stacey Thomas. This is a joyful picture book packed with read-aloud energy. A brilliant springboard for conversations about first impressions, identity, and all the weird and wonderful things that bring us together - even when we seem worlds apart.
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Gruffalo Granny
Donaldson, Julia
Hardback
The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel SchefflerThe Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, “Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.”Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure features the return of much-loved characters and is destined to become a classic. Get your claws on this brand new Gruffalo story first – pre-order now!Julia Donaldson said “I really hope that children – and adults too – will enjoy the new story, as I know what a wonderful experience shared reading can be. I was delighted when Axel came on board, and am even more so now that I’ve seen the brilliant sketches he’s already done for the new book.”Axel Scheffler said “. . . One day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not! As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, I’m not completely out of practice.”
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Luna Loves Sport
Coelho, Joseph
Hardback
By award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, the sixth book in the Luna Loves... series celebrates the wonderful world of sport. With her lucky trainers, headband, and water bottle, Luna is ready for her school sports day. Luna doesn’t think she’s very good at sports, but she decides to give everything a go. From football and basketball to swimming and hurdles, Luna and her friend Abiola discover that you don’t need to be the best to enjoy trying new sports . . . can they overcome their doubts together, and even have fun along the way?Other books in the Luna Loves... series:Luna Loves Library DayLuna Loves ArtLuna Loves DanceLuna Loves ChristmasLuna Loves GardeningLuna Loves Books board book
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