Books: children & YA

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.

Alex Bell and her daughter, Pippa, review the first in Lou Kuenzler's Princess DisGrace series – First Term at Tall Towers.

Published by The Bodley Head, Matt Haig's powerful YA novel set in the future, Echo Boy, should be on everyone's "to be read list" writes Anne Coates.

Black & White Publishing have published the first two books: Jack Shian and the King's Chalice and Jack Shian and the Mapa Mundi in Andrew Symon's The Shian Quest Trilogy which should appeal to YA and independent readers who love a good magical adventure, writes Anne Coates.

From Puffin Books, Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Sébastien Braun is a joy to read, as Anne and Harriet Coates discovered.

Silent Saturday by Helen Grant is a gripping novel for teenagers but also a great read for adults as Anne Coates discovered.

Goodnight Pirate by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by Nick East is another great children's book from the Puffin Books stable. Harriet was delighted to have a comapnion to Goodnight Digger, as Anne Coates discovered.

Sally Magnusson has written two children's books: Horace and the Haggis Hunter and Horace and the Ghost Dog, both beautifully illustrated by Norman Stone.

The Booktrust Best Book Awards with Amazon Kindle today revealed its shortlist – winners will be announced during Chilrden;s Book Week 30 June to 4 July, 2014.

With words by Justine Smith and illustrated by the captivating style of Angie Stevens, My Mummy Says is a charming board book that will enchant small children and emphasises the special relationship between mother and child, writes Anne Coates.

Every year on World Book Day, designated by Unesco as a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and reading, each child in a in full-time education will be given a £1 book token. These can be exchanged for one of ten books or as part payment for other books.

To celebrate World Book Day Eggnogg are offering a free book to download: Under The Weather Wendy: A colour-in Picture Book.

If you enjoyed the film, you'll love the book. Alex Bell and her son, Toby, review THE LEGO MOVIE: The Essential Guide from DK.