Books: children & YA

Claudia Minett reviews the last novel written by the late Siobhan Dowd - the extraordinary story of an 18 year-old boy caught up in the chaos and conflict of Ireland in the 1980s.

Award-winning author and illustrator, Anthony Browne hits the perfect note for soon-to-be a brother Toby, writes Alex Bell

Aoife O’Neill reviews  Tabitha Suzuma's gripping thriller for young teens, From Where I Stand

A series of five books designed for four to nine year olds in which Nobby the dog visits Australia, Scotland, Wales, France and Hollywood

Now released with a CD featuring music and sound effects, Eat Your Peas is a great favourite with Alex Bell and son Toby.

Claudia Minett reviews a first novel, The Book Thief, that has won international fame and awards for the author Markus Zusak who lives in Australia.

Sian Minett  was impressed with Joely Carey's Boys & Sex which she reviews with a little help from teenaged daughter, Claudia

Harriet Elliott and three year-old Joseph are tickled pink by More Pants!

Olivia Coates takes a look at The Girls' Book of Glamour billed as a treasure trove of all things glitz, glam and girly!

Aoife O'Neill, one of our teenage reviewers, is gripped by Alan Durant's latest chilling tale, Flesh and Bones.

Julia Bairstow and teenage daughter, Lucy, review Staying Cool which gives advice you young teenagers about social situations, peer pressure and staying safe.

Sue O'Neill and teenage daughter Aoife consider Body Changes, a book designed to offer informed advice on puberty to young teens.

Lucy Bairstow, aged 13, reviews Matt Haig's Shadow Forest, shortlisted for the Nestle Children's Book Award.

The Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Sophie Williams tells of Jesus's birth from ten enchanting and vibrant perspectives.

Margaret Bateson-Hill retells the Christmas story through the eyes of the enchanting Leah, with great illustrations from Karin Littlewood.

John Goodwin adds a twist to the tale of the Christmas story with great illustrations from Richard Johnson.

English Heritage Education launches The Ghastly Book of Stonehenge and our young reviewer Mathilde gives her verdict.