The Best Children's Book Picks JAN 2025 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Penny Boxall - Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread - Published by Puffin (30 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241657447 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Anybody who found themselves in the rigging of the good ship Lotus very early that morning would have seen an unusual sight: a shy, plump girl with a magpie fidgeting on her shoulder, holding in her hand a glinting coin…

We begin in LONDON, 1774.

Twelve-year-old Lettice Breech is excited to visit Europe with her Pa, who is eternally fascinated by ancient objects. Together they’re going to admire breathtaking French art, astounding Roman ruins, and spectacular Greek carvings.

But their plans are dashed when part of a famous statue is exposed as a forgery, and Pa is thrown in gaol for the crime.

Susan Brownrigg (Author), Jenny Czerwonka (Illustrator) - Wrong Tracks - UCLan Publishing (9 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916747340 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?

It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new rail ways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory.

The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.

Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.

Inspired by the Rainhill Trials.

Jo Todd-Stanton - The Comet - Published by Flying Eye Books (2 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838741242 - Paperback - Age: 4+ (Picture Book) 

When Nyla has to leave her home in the countryside to start life again in the city, all she can think about is everything she misses from before. So when a comet comes crashing through the city streets and starts to glow and grow, Nyla can’t resist a chance to head somewhere that feels closer to what she had before … but what starts as an escape could be just the thing to make her finally feel at home. From the award-winning Joe Todd-Stanton, comes an exquisite and heartfelt picture book touching on the bewildering experience of moving house. This beautiful story explores how this can affect a child's sense of belonging, but also how it can open them up to new and wonderful experiences.

Alice Nuttall - The Zombie Project - Published by Chicken House (2 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915947345 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The action-packed and horrorful zombie adventure from debut author Alice Nuttall, with an original environmental twist . . .

In a world without bees, death-flies are needed to grow food. But death-flies need bodies – lots of them. And bodies mean zombies.
Merian understands this, but others are afraid. Can one girl prove that zombies are the future?

• The action-packed debut novel of MSLexia Children’s and YA 2023 winner, Alice Nuttall.
• An original idea that turns the usual zombie story on its head – save the zombies, don’t kill them!
• With environmental themes packaged alongside age-appropriate horror and scares.

Read Extract HERE

M. G. Leonard (Author), Manuel Šumberac (Illustrator) - Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys, 1) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

M.G. Leonard's latest offering, Hunt for the Golden Scarab, is the first book in a new series called Time Keys. The book will be published late January 2025 by Macmillan Children's Books. It has been amazingly illustrated by the super talented artist Manuel Šumberac with black and white illustrations. 

The narrative is a delightful and immersive journey through time that masterfully intertwines music, adventure, and the rich history of Ancient Egypt. As part of her new series, the author invites readers to explore the enchanting idea that music can unlock doors to different epochs, making it a key and the idea for time travel.

At the heart of the story is twelve-year-old Sim Lockier, a relatable and spirited protagonist who, along with his friends, is on a quest to uncover the secrets of Nefertiti’s lost tomb. The excitement builds as he fights against the sinister Council, who wish to control the mystical powers that can open time doors. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the Valley of the Kings, where the ancient past springs to life through well-researched details and magical plot moments. Sir John Soane's connection with the book had me hooked. I would have loved to have seen him feature more but, hopefully, the connection will continue through the rest of the series. 

The author's passion for music and history shines through her writing. Her background in the arts adds depth and authenticity, making the adventures feel both educational and entertaining. The narrative is steeped with a sense of wonder, encouraging readers to appreciate the present while exploring the mysteries of the past.

In Hunt for the Golden Scarab, M.G. Leonard has created a tale that is not just about adventure, but also about friendship, courage, and the power of curiosity. It's a perfect read for young adventurers and history buffs alike, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Time Keys series. Highly entertaining and very much recommended!

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - ROUND FIVE - 2024/25

We welcome YOU once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 15th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (5 OF 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats.

ROUND ONE WINNER: Susan Cahill - The World Between the Rain - Published by Everything with Words (24 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Holly Ovenden. 

ROUND TWO WINNER: Kevin Moran - The Doomsday - Published by O'Brien Press (3 March 2025) - Book Cover Illustration by Tomislav Tikulin - Cover design by Emma Byrne

ROUND THREE WINNER:  Kate Thompson - Yetis Don't Exist! - Published by Templar Publishing (7 Nov. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Loretta Schauer 

ROUND FOUR WINNER: Antonia Maxwell - Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North - Published by Neem Tree Press Limited (4 July 2024) - Book Cover by Jet Purdie 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher/Bar of chocolate/Hardback Book. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X or other socials for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 12th of January 2025 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and please share with the world through X, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

 

BOOK ONE: Judith Eagle - The Great Theatre Rescue - Published by Faber & Faber (13 Feb. 2025) - Book Cover Illustration by Jui Talukder - VOTE HERE 

BOOK TWO: Jasbinder Bilan - Puloma and the Bear - Published by Barrington Stoke (13 Mar. 2025) -  Book Cover Illustrated by Skylar White - VOTE HERE

BOOK THREE: Alexandra Dawe - The Stitchwort Curse - Book Published by - UCLan Publishing (5 Sept. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Olia Muza - VOTE HERE 

BOOK FOUR: Larry Hayes - The Nightmares of Finnegan Quick - Book Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (2 Jan. 2025) - Book Cover Illustrated by Berat Pekmezci - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Victoria Williamson -  Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs - Published by Tiny Tree Books (24 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by James Brown - VOTE HERE

BOOK SIX: Sally Doherty - Toby and the Siege of Sky City - Book Published by Soaring Skies Publishing ( 26 Mar. 2025) Cover Illustration by Sarah Jane Docker - VOTE HERE

Happy Voting!