Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
This roundup highlights new books for children and teenagers across picture books, graphic novels, fiction, myths and educational non-fiction. It celebrates stories exploring family change, friendship, imagination, history, folklore, racism and horror, with recommendations generally aimed at readers aged four to early teens.
– *Once Upon a Tiger*: a tender picture-book fable about a tiger befriending three fearless children.
– *Mama’s Wedding*: a nuanced story about blended families and a child’s mixed emotions.
– *I Am a Squirrel*: a humorous tale of sibling rivalry and imaginative play.
– *The Mole Construction Company*: an engaging vehicle-themed read-aloud for younger children.
– *Three Brides for the Devil*: an illustrated, subversive retelling of *Bluebeard*.
– *Ghost and Toast*: a surreal graphic novel featuring a ghost and a sentient slice of toast.
– *Henry Tudor: The Incredible Diaries of Me!*: a comic historical diary about the young Henry VIII.
– *How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail*: a richly illustrated collection of West African and Caribbean myths.
– *The Haunting of Old Splinter*: a creepy children’s adaptation of *The Monkey’s Paw*.
– *Tackling Racism Together*: an accessible introduction to racism, inequality and challenging prejudice.
– *Impossible Creatures: The Neverfear*: a myth-inspired fantasy adventure involving a kidnapping and dangerous tasks.
- A varied selection of imaginative new children’s books.
- Themes include family, folklore, friendship, history and social justice.
- Recommendations span picture books to middle-grade fantasy and horror.