As summer approaches, children and young adults have a wide array of new books to explore, offering engaging stories and valuable lessons. Recommendations range from interactive picture books for toddlers to complex narratives for teenagers.
For the youngest readers, "Is This a Plum?" by Dan and Finn Ojari features interactive cut-out windows to discover hidden objects, with a surprise twist at the end. "Tiny Tiger Says I Don't Want To!" by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Steve Small, addresses toddler anxieties about social events. "Where Is Pierre?" by Emma Clarke is a rhyming adventure about finding a lost friend, complemented by bold illustrations. "Unexpected Guests" by Mariajo Ilustrajo tells the story of a mouse family encountering humans in their home. "Monkeypig" by Huw Aaron introduces Molly, a pig living among monkeys who must hide her differences.
Young fiction selections include "Bone Head" by Jamie Gregory, a humorous diary-style account of a skeleton guardian. "The Night I Borrowed Time" by Iqbal Hussain follows Zubair, who uses a locket to travel back in time to mend his family. . "The Last Wolf" by Rob Biddulph is the first in a series about twins uncovering secrets about werewolves in their town. "Finn's Epic Fails" by Phil Earle, illustrated by Al Murphy, centers on Finn's journey to self-discovery with the help of a stray dog. . "Crow: Thief of Magic" by Fiona Dixon is a fast-paced fantasy about a thief trained as an apprentice sorcerer. "Six Weeks" by Matt Goodfellow offers a poignant story about grief and healing through a young boy's summer.
Teen and Young Adult (YA) offerings include "Piper at the Gates of Dusk" by Patrick Ness, which continues the saga from his Chaos Walking trilogy, exploring themes of prejudice and identity. "The Summer After the Night Before" by Lisa Williamson delves into complex issues of sexual consent and misunderstanding from multiple perspectives. . "Her Hidden Fire" by Cliodhna O’Sullivan is a fantasy novel involving magic, family, and forbidden love.
Non-fiction titles provide educational opportunities. "This Book Will Make You a Scientist" by Dr. Sheila Kanani, illustrated by Ellen Surrey, explores the work of famous scientists and includes experiments. "Marvolution" by Dr. Claire Asher, illustrated by Fiona Fogg, presents a thought-provoking vision of a future world where animals have evolved. "World of Football" by Marcus Rashford offers insights into the history, rules, and strategies of the game, featuring tips for aspiring players and a discussion on the greatest players of all time.