Summer holidays can be a challenge for parents seeking to entertain children, but new book releases offer a variety of options for different age groups. Sally Morris reviews three recently published children's books that cater to a range of interests and reading levels.

For Younger Children (Ages 3+)

"Leaving the House" by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon, is the first in a new series featuring the O’Hare bunny family. The book humorously depicts the chaos of trying to leave home with young children. The story follows siblings Jackson and Harley, who get easily distracted by superhero games and bombard their parents with questions, while their parents resort to shouting, bribing, and cajoling. Snowdon's illustrations are described as frenetic, capturing the familiar disarray for parents. The book concludes with a twist that emphasizes imperfection. It is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Oliver Jeffers' "A Day Off School," illustrated by Kevin Waldron, is aimed at children aged 4 and above. The story follows Herbie, who is initially delighted to miss school due to feeling unwell. He enjoys playing with his cat but soon becomes bored and imagines the exciting activities happening at school, such as pirate invasions or alien landings. The narrative takes a witty turn when Herbie realizes that reality differs from his fantasies. Jeffers contributes his imaginative style, complemented by Waldron's illustrations that utilize a mix of bright colors and muted tones.

For Older Readers (Ages 9+)

"How to Steal the Future" by Christopher Edge is a sci-fi drama designed for children who enjoy fast-paced plots. The book centers on twelve-year-old Drew, who enters a guarded maze to find his missing sister, Evie. Evie was attempting to reach a secret device called the Avenir, which is said to hold the power to unlock the future. Drew has a limited time of 67 minutes to find her, assisted by companions Meg and Jonas, whose trustworthiness is uncertain. The maze is filled with challenges like laser trip wires and moving walls. The story, which draws inspiration from the Minotaur myth, culminates in an unexpected and emotional decision for Drew. This book is recommended for readers aged 9 and up.

These books are available for purchase, with "How to Steal the Future" noted as being available from the Mail Bookshop.