Books: children & YA

In a welcome addition to the increasingly popular young adult romantasy market , Kiera Azara strikes just the right balance for younger teenagers in her new series, writes Elaine Hewlett.

An engaging picture book from the award-winning author of Colin's Castle. In this second book, Colin the vegetarian vampire prepares for a visit from his Grandma. What could possibly go wrong? asks Anne Coates.

Two of Anne Coates' recently published favourite books for children are now available in paperback: a book of poems by Michael Rosen and the first in a series by Philippa Leathley.

Fantasy is all the rage at the moment but Anna Fiteni takes a truly unique approach to the genre, rooting her young adult book firmly in Welsh myths and culture. Review by Elaine Hewlett.

Tracy Darnton, the author of these two delightful picture books on new babies and sibling relationships, shares her tips on smoothing the transition when a new baby arrives. 

An exclusive teen party transforms into horror in this fast-paced thriller that takes place over the course of only one night. Suitable for older teenage readers and reviewed by Elaine Hewlett.

The trials and tribulations of pre-teen life and the start of secondary school are the subject of this first volume in a new comedy series. Review by Elaine Hewlett.

What to do when your city is full of out-of-control magic? Send in the cleaners! Elaine Hewlett reviews this delightful tale, perfect for middle grade readers.

Mark Bradley's full-colour graphic novel, the fifth in his Bumble & Snug series was greeted with great enthusiasm by Natasha Da Souza's older daughter.

Teddy Keen, editor and compiler of The Lost Book of Adventure, discovered the works and illustrations of The Unknown Adventurer in a sealed metal container in a remote hut on the banks of Jari River. Review by Christine Mayle. 

This set of 12 mini colouring books from Vibe Better range in subjects varying from food and holidays to aliens and cats in hats – all of them engaging and fun as well as aiding concentration, writes Anne Coates. 

Three great books for older readers – adventure and romance: Alice with a Why by Anna James illustrated by Matthew Land; Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli and Rewind to us by Molly Morris. Perfect summer reading and gifts.

Frontier Publishing introduces, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here! is the first in a brand new young fiction series, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.

Following on from her huge success of her How to Train Your Dragon series, Cressida Colwell is delighting fans with her spin-off: How to Train Your Dragon School as cinema goers get to see the remake of the animated trilogy with a live action film.

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, two engaging picture books: The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Oliver Jeffers and Drew Daywalt and Michael Rosen's Snow White and the Seven Bears, illustrated by David Melling.

Lizzie loved the first two Wow! books we received and was equally delighted with Wow! Look at Me! and Wow! What a Party! illustrated by Alberta Torres and looking at life through a toddler's eyes, writes Anne Coates.

Chronicles of Whetherwhy The Age of Enchantment by Anna James  and The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon published by Harper Collins Children's Books are now available in paperback.