Books: children & YA

Harriet and Anne Coates review I've an Uncle Ivan by Ben Saunders and published by Thames & Hudson.

Jess the Goth Fairy by Jess Hiles & Jo Allmond and illustrated by Emily Daly explores what it feels like to be different and disabled. Anne Coates reviews.

The winner of the 2014 Costa Children's Book Award is Five Children on the Western Front, written by Kate Saunders and publsihed by Faber and Faber.

Over the year we've reviewed a range of books for children and young adults all of which would make great Christmas presents and stocking fillers. The books listed in this article have all received four or five hearts.

In Hook, Line & Singer, Cerys Matthews presents 125 songs to sing out loud – perfect for family singalongs whatever the occasion.

Emily and Her Pharaoh: The Golden Dragon by Ian Thomas and publsihed by Book Guild is reviewed by ten year-old Toby Bell.

Best selling author Megan Rix's latest book The Hero Pup A best friend for Christmas is a perfect gift for all pet-loving nine year olds and over, writes Alex Bell.

Published by DK in association with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, and with a foreword by Claudia Winkleman, The Really Cool Activity Book is packed with fun facts, stickers and doodles all based on winter – ideal for half-term and the Christmas season, writes Anne Coates.

Anne Coates reviews The Lost Sock by Gillan Johnson and published by Constable.

How do we persuade our "reluctant readers" to read?  Well, let’s start by re-branding them, says author and teacher Kate Hanney.

Alison Green Books has produced another winner from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Young children – and adults – will love the rhyming narrative of The Scarecrows' Wedding, writes Anne Coates.

Two activity books from Ladybird help prepare children for school: Ready for School: A Ladybird Topsy and Tim sticker activity book and Love their Pets!: A Ladybird Topsy and Tim sticker activity book.

As Clare Davidson publishes the third in her YA Hidden series, Shrouded Soul, she poses the question: Is asking for help a weakness?

Demons of Ghent by Helen Grant is the second in a trilogy that began with Silent Saturday. Gripped by the first, Anne Coates was eager to read the second and it exceeded expectations.

As the UK celebrates the first birthday of Prince George, Parenting Without Tears sees a book especially created for him: The Wonderous World of Prince George and if your little prince has this name you could win the book for him.

Project Kid: 100 Ingenious Crafts for Family Fun by Amanda Kingloff taps into the burgeoning kids' craft movement, pitched at parents who want to pass on the spark of creativity and give their children a brilliant set of skills and interests. At the root of it all is the idea of teaching children to entertain themselves with whatever comes to hand; a sure fire recipe for a happy childhood and happy household, writes Alex Bell.

Each year Booktrust celebrates children's books with activities and events taking place all over the UK. Plus Booktrust publsihes their list of the top 100 books divied into four age ranges.

Zoe and Beans Pirate Treasure! by Chloe & Mick Inkpen is the lastest adventure of the charming little girl and her dog companion published by Macmillan Children's Books. Harriet Coates is a fan.