Books: children & YA

With illustrations by Lauren Merrick, this lovely picture book: I Don't Like Cheese by Hannah Chandler has become one of Harriet's favourites, writes Anne Coates.

From Thames & Hudson another great children's book: Stripe Island by Tupera Tupera a Japanese creative team. Anne Coates reviews.

Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry is a pertinent reminder to us all about the contributions the Anzacs (Australian and New New Zealand Army Corps) made during both World Wars. A story book to remind children not to judge anyone or anything by their appearance. Anne Coates reviews.

Urban Legends is book three in Helen Grant's Forbidden Spaces Trilogy and is even more dramatic and terrifying, as Anne Coates discovered.

20 Note Cards to Annoy Your Friends (or make them smile) and 30 Ways to Annoy Your Friends by Mail created by Ana Benaroya are designed for girls aged 11 to 14 and make a perfect presents, writes Anne Coates.

To celebrate World Book Day children in the UK and Ireland will be given a £1 (€1.50 in Ireland) book token in their nurseries and schools which they can use to claim their World Book Day title in bookshops across the country. Alternatively they can use the voucher against the full cost of another book – perhaps from the 50 books to read before you are 16 list from Sainsbury's.

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.