Best New Picture Books and Novels for Children and Teens: A Roundup

The Moon Seed by Sally Anne Garland, published by Sunbird, priced at £7.99
A sycamore seed taken into space aboard a rocket spots something beautiful. Once planted back on Earth, the growing tree pines for the Moon, waking only at night and yearning to reach it. Eventually, it realizes the dawn reveals the beautiful planet it once viewed from afar. This quietly spectacular picture book reimagines the journey of a seed aboard Apollo 14.

What We Wear When We Take Care by Sarah Finan, published by Walker, priced at £7.99
Lively and energetic, this blue and yellow picture book celebrates safety equipment, from helmets to boots, with zooms, whooshes, honks, and screeches. It’s ideal for reading aloud to toddlers, making safety entertaining.

Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole and Karen George, published by Faber, priced at £7.99
This touching picture book chronicles a child’s fond relationship with her mother’s wheelchair. From adventurous kitchen expeditions to loving consolation during tumbles, the Mama Car provides warmth and support. With a pitch-perfect young narrator and engaging, bright illustrations, this story offers much-needed representation for disabled parents.

The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston, published by Walker, priced at £14.99
When Dictionary decides to tell a story, chaos ensues as a hungry Alligator pursues a Donut through a Ghost and all the way to the Moon. Tornado’s tantrum jumbles her words, and Dictionary needs Alphabet’s song to put them right. This intricate, playful picture-book collaboration is layered with whimsical dictionary definitions, enjoyable for slightly older readers.

Welcome to AI by Matthieu Dugal, illustrated by Owen Davey, published by Wide-Eyed, priced at £14.99
This thought-provoking book for readers aged 7+ explores the history of AI from its Ancient Greek origins to modern times. It delves into automatons, algorithms, avatars, and more, addressing the pressing questions of what might happen next. The multicolored graphic illustrations elegantly complement the fascinating text.

She Speaks: The Women of Greek Myths in Their Own Words by Honor Cargill-Martin, illustrated by Camelia Pham, published by Magic Cat, priced at £16.99
This collection of retellings for readers aged 7+ features the witches, warriors, and anti-heroines of Greek mythology narrating their own stories. Lavishly illustrated, it offers dynamic and engaging perspectives from Pandora to Helen, Medusa to Medea.

The Beanstalk Murder by PG Bell, published by Usborne, priced at £7.99
When a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys the village of Old Stump, young meadow-witch Anwen realizes he’s been murdered. She and her rival, Cerys, are soon whisked up a beanstalk into the Giants’ world. Determined to solve the crime, Anwen finds herself in an intensely readable, Gulliver-flavored fairytale whodunit for readers aged 8+.

The Summer I Saved the Wild by Rachel Faturoti, published by Hodder, priced at £7.99
Conservationist Kamaria has strict, over-protective parents but yearns to explore wild nature. When her rebellious cousin visits for the summer, strange magical creatures seek Kamaria’s help to break free and make a difference. This heartfelt, fantastical eco-quest is ideal for readers aged 8+.

The Secret of Golden Island by Natasha Farrant, published by Faber, priced at £7.99
Jakov worries about his family left behind in his war-torn home, while Skylar is concerned about her recovering grandpa. Both are fascinated by the mysterious Golden Island. When its eccentric owner announces a competition to win it, they face dangerous challenges and unscrupulous rivals. A thrilling summer adventure for readers aged 9+.

A History of My Weird by Chloë Heuch, published by Firefly, priced at £7.99
Mo’s secondary school start is rough, with teachers not meeting her needs and old friends rejecting her. Things improve when she meets gothy Carys, but can their new friendship survive risky exploits like exploring an abandoned Victorian asylum? This comic and poignant story of self-discovery is perfect for readers aged 10+.

Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef, published by Simon & Schuster, priced at £8.99
Fifteen-year-old Marjan grew up on her father’s stories of mythical beasts. After his murder, she discovers his work as a vet wasn’t limited to pets. As she follows in his footsteps, treating magical creatures and solving the mystery of his death, she uncovers a desperate threat to both beasts and humans in this beautifully written fantasy for readers 12+.

Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan, published by Atom, priced at £16.99
In 1517 Florence, teen grifter Rosa Cellini assembles a crew of miscreants, including an inventor, a fighter, a master of disguise, and Michelangelo, to rob the Pope. As the gang confronts their issues and attempts to break the Medici stranglehold on Florence, a riotously readable YA historical fantasy caper unfolds.

The Dark Within Us by Jess Popplewell, published by Chicken House, priced at £8.99
Homeless schoolgirl Jess makes a deal with charismatic demon Luc to win back her soul and save Luc from a grisly fate. Following the demon into hell tests Jess’s courage, but can Luc be trusted? This witty and original YA take on Dante’s Inferno combines a gripping quest with unlikely romance.

Songlight by Moira Buffini, published by Faber, priced at £8.99
In a post-apocalyptic, war-torn future, some people have developed a telepathy known as songlight. Hunted and reviled, they are either mutilated or bound into service as spies. When Lark, a teenager from a fishing village, connects with a girl far away, their bond threatens the ruling order during a crucial war period. The first in a trilogy, this YA dystopia leaves readers eager for the next installment.