The Best Children's Book Picks OCTOBER 2024 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome to Mr. Ripley’s Enchanted Books, where we believe that every child deserves a great story! As we dive into October 2024, we’ve curated a delightful selection of children’s book picks that cater to every taste and age group. Join us as we explore these enchanting reads that are sure to captivate young and old hearts and minds!

Garth Nix - We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord - Published by Hot Key Books (15 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1471417351 - Paperback - Age: 9+

From master storyteller Garth Nix, the chilling story of a strange object that falls into the wrong hands and has the potential to destroy the world. Perfect for fans of STRANGER THINGS and Neil Gaiman.

It's not fair. Kim's always lived in the shadow of his younger sister, Eila - which is not how it's supposed to be. Eila is a prodigy, and everyone talks about how smart she is but, in Kim's eyes, she has no common sense.

One day Kim and Eila are walking in the woods, and Eila finds an enigmatic, otherworldly object. Kim thinks it's bad news . . . but Eila begins to commune with it. Kim has every reason to be worried, because soon Eila is able to control the minds of everyone around her - in ways she says is the best for everyone.

Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin - The Bletchley Riddle - Published by Rock the Boat (10 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0861549023 - Paperback - Age: 8+

A thrilling middle-grade historical adventure from bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act... 

It is the summer of 1940. The world is at war. These days, you don’t know who you can trust or who might be a secret spy…

Maths whizz Jakob Novis has been recruited to the secret codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. As Jakob works to crack the Nazi’s Enigma cipher, his younger sister Lizzie is busy on an undercover mission of her own: to find their mother.

Filled with codes to decipher and mysteries to unravel, this is the unputdownable historical adventure that will have you on the edge of your seats.

Guy Bass (Author), Alessia Trunfio (Illustrator)  - SCRAP: The Good, the Bad and the Rusty - Published by Little Tiger (3 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788956932 - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

I’m not going to pretend life had been easy up until then. But when we got to the Elsewhere? That was somewhere else. It was in the Elsewhere that things got weird… 

After surviving a brutal attack by Mayor Highshine, Scrap, Paige and Gnat head into the wild Elsewhere in search of the Pink-Footed Goose, the rocket ship they hope can get them off-world. The place is fraught with danger, but they discover Mooch, a nomadic wandering town inhabited by robots who have rejected Highshine’s views. 

Welcomed aboard Mooch by the Marshall Wired Bill, Gnat and Scrap instantly feel at home. However, Paige is haunted by visions of ghostly humans, including her mother, whom she’s convinced is guiding them to the landing site of the Pink-Footed Goose. But nothing in the Elsewhere is quite as it seems, and as the trio pushes on with their mission, they make a discovery that will rock them to the core… 

Susan Cahill - The World between the Rain - Published by  Everything with Words (24 Oct. 2024) ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1911427315 - Paperback - Age: 9 

It's the week before Halloween and Marina is about to turn thirteen. Her father died a year ago. Her mother has strangely fallen asleep and no one can wake her. She is sent to live with her mysterious grandmother who tells her that you can enter a strange world between the ever-falling rain in the west of Ireland. Marina enters a haunting watery world full of strange creatures, demons, gods and dreammakers. Meanwhile, in our world, a strange sleeping sickness has taken over. Will Marina be back in time? Can she survive?

Hilary McKay (Author), Keith Robinson (Illustrator) - Rosa by Starlight - Book Review - Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books

In "Rosa by Starlight," Hilary McKay weaves a captivating tale that is at once whimsical and poignant, inviting readers into a world where magic exists just beneath the surface of everyday life. This enchanting story follows Rosa, a young girl whose search for wonder leads her to an unexpected friendship with Balthazar, a large black cat who embodies the spirit of adventure and companionship. 

Rosa's journey begins against the backdrop of a dreary existence with her dreadful aunt and uncle, who threaten to dull her vibrant spirit. Yet, with Balthazar by her side, she is reminded that magic can be found in the most unexpected places, even when life feels particularly heavy.

Moving further forward the plot is set against the breathtaking canvas of Venice, McKay’s storytelling shines and shimmers as she captures the city’s enchanting beauty and rich history. The ancient canals and vibrant streets become a character in their own right, providing a stunning backdrop for Rosa’s adventures. As she navigates the complexities of her new environment, the presence of magic becomes palpable, intertwining with the themes of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. You also discover this feeling with the beautiful black-and-white illustrations from Keith Robinson. 

While the story is undeniably whimsical, it does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of Rosa's life. Feelings of abandonment and loneliness are juxtaposed with moments of joy and discovery, creating a rich emotional tapestry that resonates deeply with readers of all ages. McKay's ability to balance light and shadow is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

As Rosa confronts her fears in the face of adversity, readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys. The message that magic can be found even in the most difficult times is both uplifting and empowering. The bond between Rosa and Balthazar serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and the unexpected ways in which support can manifest.

"Rosa by Starlight" is not just a tale of adventure; it is a celebration of imagination and the indomitable spirit of a young girl who refuses to let her circumstances define her. Hilary McKay has crafted a story that sparkles with wonder while also gently addressing the complexities of life.  It is a book that will leave readers with a full rainbow of emotions, encouraging them to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the magic that surrounds us all. Published by Macmillan Children's Books.