Books: children & YA

A YA story of family life and coming to terms with loss and grief, Minty by Christina Banach is an engaging read for adults too, as Anne Coates discovered.

The lack of diversity and inclusion in children’s literature is an on-going issue. Tola Okogwu writes about her inspiration for Daddy Do My Hair? Beth's Twists her first children's picture book that explores the relationship between her husband and daughter.

This Book Thinks You’re a Scientist: Imagine, Experiment, and Create by the Science Museum, illustrated by Harriet Russell, published by Thames & Hudson. Reviewed by Arden Murphy-Viner, age eight.

The Cat and the King is by one of the country's favourite illustrators and author of picture books Nick Sharratt. Anne Coates reviews his first novel.

Using what looks like a device to  encourage young enquiring minds is another inspired idea from DK Books. Anne Coates takes a look at How Super Cool Stuff Works. 

Award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph has produced another fabulous book, this time expliaing how it feels to be different. Anne Coates reviews Odd Dog Out.

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.