Books: children & YA

Through the Forest by Steffie Brocoli and Catherine Bidet – a thoughtful yet creative introduction to the fascinating world of nature, writes Laura Chambers.

This summer Puffin adds 20 new titles to its A Puffin Book Collection bringing timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation to discover. 

Mesmeris the first book in a trilogy by K E Coles makes compelling reading as Anne Coates discovered.

Grids: A Drawing Books for Squares by Jacke Bahbout is reviewed by Arden Viner (aged eight) with a little help from her father, Phil.

Paint by Sticker™ is a wonderful reinvention of the old painting by numbers many of us remember. Paint by Sticker™ from Workman is perfect for small hands as Harriet demonstrated for Anne Coates.

Author Jack Croxall reviews Sharon Sant's latest YA novel: Storm Child.

Hours of fun ahead with LEGO Nexo Knights, Ultimate Sticker Book, published by DK, writes Daniel Manning.

Illustrated by Jess Racklyeft, Smile Cry written by Tania McCartney and published by EK Books introduces cyoung children to feelings, reviewed by Laura Chambers.

The first in a trilogy by M.G. Leonard and published by Chicken House, Beetle Boy will enthral young readers and adults alike, writes Anne Coates.

Fiction reflecting the concerns and issues of modern day children and teenagers is highlighted in the shortlists for the Waterstones Children’s Prize 2016, announced today, Thursday 11 February. While popular trends in children’s fiction such as fantasy, humour and adventure are all present and correct, it is notable how many authors are turning to reality “in all its shades of light and dark” for their inspiration.

Jack Croxall, himself a writer of YA fiction, reviews White Lies by Zoë Markham.

The 2015 Costa Children's Book Award Winner, Frances Hardinge, is the author of The Lie Tree published by Macmillan Children's Books. 

Lots of children will have had dolls for Christmas and may be thinking of new outfits for them. Here Jon Bell reviews two books to guide young designers: I can Make: Dolls' Clothes and Fashion Rebel Outfit Maker both published by Thames & Hudson.

Illustrated by James Willliamson, Carolyn Sloan's Welcome to the Symphony A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven's Symphony No 5 introduces children from four to eight years old to the world of classical music. Anne Coates got five and a half-year-old Harriet's reactions.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is one of the most famous Christmas stories. Here one of the most popular children's illustrators brings the story to life – a perfect partnership for Anne Coates who reviews Quentin Blake's A Christmas Carol.

A new gift edition of Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has been published by Scholastic to coincide with the animated film to be shown on BBC One Christmas 2015.

Dan and Mo Hanning were really impressed with Thames & Hudson publication – Dinosaurs: My Beastly Activity Book by Victor Escandell as you will see from their review.

Barefoot Books' Oxford Studio is closing in December and as a thank you for the support they have received during the past five years are offering books at a 30 to 50 per cent and more if you shop online. Plus there's ten per cent extra discount for our readers.