Books: children & YA

Illustrated by Dotty Sutton, Scarlet: Defender of the Universe is the exciting, action packed middle grade debut by James Davis. Review by Anne Coates. 

Illustrated by Steve May Sammy and the Stolen Paintings  by Charlie P. Brooks is another warm and super funny family comedy told from the perspective of Sammy the sniffer dog – perfect for younger readers aged seven and up, writes Anne Coates.

Anne Coates recommends three brilliantly funny books for middle grade readers which make great Christmas presents and stocking-fillers or birthday gifts: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, and The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon. All are published in hardback by HarperCollins  Children's Books.

Three fabulous, seasonal books from HarperCollins Children's Books: Paddington's Trick or Treat by Michael Bond, The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please and The Green-fingered Witch  By Helen Docherty reviewed by Anne Coates.

As we move into Halloween time, HarperCollins Children's Books have four fabulous books full of magic and legend: Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enlightenment by Anna James; Fireborn: Starling and the Cavern of Light by Aisling Fowler; Brielle and Bear Once upon a Time by Salomey Doku and Skulduggery Pleasant The Haunted House on Hollow Hill by Derek Landy.

Lonely Planet Kids’ Atlas of Cats, written by Frances Evans and illustrated by Kelsey Heaton, is the purr-fect book for curious kids who want to learn more about one of our most beloved pets. Whether you're a devoted cat enthusiast or simply curious about the world of cats, this book will delight you, writes Anne Coates.

We were delighted to team up with HarperCollins Children's Books to offer our readers a chance to win one of five copies of PernicketyBOO by Sally Gardner and Illustrated by Chris Mould. Here are our lucky competition winners.

COBWEB by Michael Morpurgo, the bestselling author of War Horse and one of the nation's favourite storytellers, is a powerfully moving tale told from the point of view of a small, loyal and loving dog.

We are delighted to team up with HarperCollins Children's Books to offer readers the chance to win on of five copies of Pernickety BOO by Sally Gardner.

With a new collection of "Poems to make you laugh, smile and think", Michael Rosen, former Children's Laureate takes you Out of this World with drawings by Ed Vere. Reviewed by Anne Coates.

Anne Coates reviews Silent Sister, a YA thriller, by Megan Davidhizar published on 15 August by Harper Fire.

Published today, three beautiful new picture books: A Book of People Like Me by Joelle Avelino, How to Grow a Mermaid by Rachel Morrisroe and Steven Lenton, and Countdown to Bedtime Sleepy Dragon by Tom Knight. Anne Coates reviews.

Two beautifully illustrated picture books exploring big themes for little people reviewed by Anne Coates.

Written and illustrated by Alison Brown, Billie's Buzz is a delightful picture book for young children – introducing them to the wonderful world of bees. Reviewed by Anne Coates. 

Written by the directors of award-winning short film Adan, Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton and illustrated by the incredible Syrian artist Diala Brisly  this picture book tells the heart-warming story about the power of love, hope and determination.

Thanks to publishers The Book Guild we had five copies of Wonderground by Harry Miller and illustrated by Stephanie Zhao to be won. Here are our competition winners.

Anne Coates reviews two new picture books to inspire young readers: My First Draw with Rob: Unicorns and Frida the Rock-and-Roll Moth plus two new edition of old favourites: How to catch a Star and Cars and Trucks and Things that Go.

Hamza may be best known by grown-ups as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing but in his TV programme for children on BBC CBeebies, he shares his passion for the outdoors, wildlife, the environment and conservation. This passion is continued in Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, illustrated by Kate Kronrief. It was a hit with Christine Mayle and her young grandson.