Little Tiger New Children's Book Titles January 2026 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Guardians of the New Moon: The Year of the Tiger
By Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang
ISBN: 9781788957571 / PB / £6.99

The Heavenly Palace is in uproar! Biao the tiger has gone missing and there's no Year of the Tiger without her. Ming and Miaow are sent to find her - but bringing her back might just be their most difficult mission. Focused and stubborn, Biao hasn't got time for silly things like the lunar new year. The forest she calls home is dying and she's determined to save it. But she can't do it alone and her hot temper keeps getting in the way of finding friends. With time running out, can the Guardians help Biao save her home - and the Year of the Tiger - before it's too late?

Exciting, funny and jam-packed with action, GUARDIANS OF THE NEW MOON is perfect for fans of YOMI AND THE FURY OF NINKI NANKA, TIGER WARRIOR, Laura Ellen Anderson and SPELLCASTERS.

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
By Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
ISBN: 9781788957625 / PB / £7.99

London, Summer 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, and her best friend Gilbert are going to see their favourite musical double act, the Wade Sisters, perform at the London Palladium! But then one half of the duo - Betty Wade - disappears.

Her sister Judy hires Clem and Gilbert to find Betty. The pair are soon pulled into the dark side of the theatre scene, and into the orbit of a notorious criminal mastermind.

lifetime?

A rollicking middle grade series full of madcap escapades, fast-talking dames and unlikely heroes, perfect for fans of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE, ENOLA HOLMES, ADVENTURES ON TRAINS and Katherine Woodfine.

Star Friends: Charm Breaker
By Linda Chapman, illustrated by Kim Barnes
ISBN: 9781788957670 / PB / £6.99

Do you believe in magic?
Maddie and her friends do! And when they meet the Star Animals, a whole world of adventure unfolds.
After a village charity run, many of the adults in Westcombe (including most of the Star Friends' parents) start to become very energetic and throw caution to the wind when it comes to their responsibilities.

Maddie's mum seems unaffected, but the other Star Friends' parents are suddenly making random online purchases and arranging spontaneous trips out. Maddie is a little jealous at first, but as the adults become more reckless, she realises that dark magic is at work - where is it coming from?

Rowan Foxwood - Magpie Girl - Book Review - Usborne Children’s Books 2026

Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood is an enchanting foray into the world of myth and adventure—a story woven with the threads of phoenix legends and the folklore of Baba Yaga. Published on 1st January 2026 by Usborne in paperback.Which is pitched for readers aged 9 and above. Book cover illustration by Crystal Kung and internal illustrations by Tim Banks. 

From the very first glance, the book cover captivates with its striking visuals. The bold title “MAGPIE GIRL” stands proudly, paired with a beautifully illustrated portrait of Lavender Wild—a young girl seemingly caught between the constraints of her tiny village and a world bursting with magic and mystery. The artwork, accented by a red, phoenix-like creature and a hint of a magical bird in flight, perfectly mirrors the novel's exploration of transformation, freedom, and the bittersweet cost of wishes.

Rowan Foxwood, a lecturer of creative writing with a passion for myths and legends, draws on her own experiences as a globe-trotter to craft a narrative that is both richly imaginative and deeply rooted in universal themes. In Magpie Girl, readers are treated to an inventive and poetic reimagining of ancient myths. The narrative unfolds as Lavender, who possesses the rare qualities of growing feathers and communicating with birds, embarks on a flight of fancy—seeking liberation from her daily confines and stepping into a world brimming with wonders, dangers, and the ever-compelling call of adventure.

The book offers more than just a fantastical tale; it delves into themes of belonging and wanderlust, exploring what it means to trust in the transformative power of friendship. When Lavender seizes an opportunity to rescue a friend in peril, the story blossoms into an epic rescue mission fraught with trials—earthquakes, daemons, and witches abound, testing the boundaries of courage and resilience. Amidst these trials, the relationship between Lavender and her steadfast companion Kit deepens, reminding us that sometimes our most profound journeys are those taken together.

Magpie Girl is more than just a children's fantasy adventure—it is an invitation to step into a world where the extraordinary is painted in strokes of magic, where the quest for freedom intertwines with the bonds of friendship, and where every page beckons the reader to dream bigger. Whether you are a fan of myth-laced adventures or simply in search of a narrative that inspires and delights, this book promises to leave an indelible mark on your imagination. Enjoy the journey, and let your inner wanderer take flight!

Piu DasGupta - The Golden Monkey Mystery - Book Review - Nosy Crow Books 2026

Are you ready for an exotic jungle adventure? Well, it's time to inhale this riveting adventure that promises to captivate readers from the very first page. With exquisitely woven narrative threads and a vivid setting, this book takes us on a journey through the enchanting jungles of India, perfectly blending themes of bravery, discovery, and the fight against adversity.

In this imaginative tale, we meet the indomitable Roma Moreau, who aspires to break barriers and become the first woman to study at the Bengal Medical College. Her unwavering determination leads her to uncover the elusive golden monkey, a creature shrouded in mystery and myth. The stakes rise as Roma embarks on a dangerous quest to return the monkey to its home in the majestic Himalayas, armed only with a mysterious map and her fierce courage.

The characters are richly developed, with Roma’s journey reflecting not only her personal ambition but also the broader struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The supporting characters add depth and dimension to the story, including bandits, a talking cat, and mystical elements that transform them into a shimmering golden quest that you will absolutely love.  

The author’s descriptive prose invites readers to visualise every scene: from the lush greenery of the forest to the suspenseful moments that keep readers on the edge of their monkey pants. The interplay of reality and magical realism in the narrative invites young readers to dream, ponder, and engage with the world around them.

Beyond entertainment, the book also imparts valuable lessons about female history, conservation, resilience, and the importance of following one’s dreams, making it not just a story but an educational tool for young minds.  

In this outstanding second book, Piu Dasgupta skillfully crafts a personal tale that resonates with readers of all ages. *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is not just a book; it is an invitation to explore, learn, and believe in the magic of adventure. Mark your calendars—this literary treasure is one you won’t want to miss!

**BOOK Release:** Coming January 15, 2026, *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is highly anticipated and certain to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this journey.

For more information and to preorder, visit [Nosy Crow]

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - APRIL 2025 UK

 

Soman Chainani (Author), Joel Gennari (Illustrator) - Coven - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (10 April 2025) -ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008734749 - Paperback - Age: 9+ (Graphic Novel)

Need your magical crime solved?

Call the Witch Coven.

Hester, Anadil, and Dot are legendary across the Endless Woods as vigilante detectives and protectors of the peace. The famed trio are not only talented witches, but also ride-or-die friends who’ve never left a case unsolved.

That is, until the Coven answers a call for help from a mysterious new world―Red Isle, where the Light and Dark Lands are on the brink of all-out war, each blaming the other for a grim spree of deaths. Now the Coven must work together and unmask the killer before Red Isle tears itself apart. Little do they know: the real enemy might be hiding in plain sight …

Anna Kemp (Author), David Wyatt (Illustrator) - The Howling Mountain (A Goblyn Wood Adventure Vol3) - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (24 April 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1398503960 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Looming ahead of them, black against the darkening sky, was the rocky bulk of a mountain . . . brave the perilous heights and fulfill the prophecy. Will you climb the Howling Mountain?

Hazel and Portunia have discovered that the plan to steal magic, involving an alliance between the Fae and the humans, is bigger than they could have ever imagined - and every day more and more children are disappearing.

To save Goblyn Wood, Hazel must climb to the Howling Mountain and retrieve the fabled Fairy Axe. She will be tested again and again on her journey. Can she fulfill the prophecy of the slipskin before the magic of Goblyn Wood is gone forever?

The spectacular conclusion to this imaginative fantasy world by Waterstones prize-shortlisted author Anna Kemp perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Podkin One-Ear!

Georgia Channon - The Curse of the Silvan Oaks - Published by Pushkin Children's Books (10 April 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1782695011 - Paperback - Age: 6+

May the moon light your way...

All is not well in the kingdom of Silvanland. The ancient feud between Queen Titania and King Oberon has turned into a merciless war, and a deadly curse festers in the sacred woods.

When young Prince Cory is kidnapped by Oberon's ruthless soldiers, the Silvan forces think all hope is lost. But fate has other plans. In the mortal world, hidden away in an old oak tree, there lies a portal. And through this portal a girl called Oli will soon fall. Her arrival in the magical land will change everything...

S.A Reyhani - A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents - Published by Rock the Boat (3 April 2025) -ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0861548774 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

A National Book Tokens 'best new children's books of 2025' pick

 The universe makes no mistakes…

Twelve-year-old Arian never wanted a foster sister, much less the weird and annoying one who has joined his family. From her outlandish outfits and bizarre behaviour to her claim that the random stick she carries is a magical weapon, Madlock is creeping Arian out. There’s just one thing the pair can agree on: that she’s from another planet. Of course, Arian never meant literally…

When Madlock summons a portal to another world, Arian is launched into an adventure of intergalactic proportions. For an ancient enemy is stirring in the shadows, and the universe has a bigger plan for them than the pair could ever have imagined.

Abi Elphinstone - Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix (Book Two) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix," Abi Elphinstone captivates readers once again with a spellbinding adventure-packed tale that takes us deep into a fantastical world brimming with danger. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic Circle, this second book in the magical series is a testament to Elphinstone’s ability to weave intricate plots with rich, vibrant, and imaginative characters.

Ember Spark’s journey as an apprentice to see Rusty Fizzbang, the vet for magical creatures, is a thrilling ride from the very first page. Guided by a baby frost phoenix, Ember's quest to save the migrating neverwhales evolves into a gripping race against time. As she navigates the icy landscapes and faces the evil Jasper Hornswoggle (such a great name!) readers find themselves on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions. The author's storytelling prowess really shines balancing high-stakes action with beautiful moments of warmth and camaraderie.

Brilliantly illustrated by Kristina Kister, the book comes alive with its stunning cover and illustrations that complement the enchanting narrative. Each illustration serves as a portal into Elphinstone's world as they invite readers to immerse themselves fully in the magic and wonder of Ember's journey. 

What makes "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix" truly remarkable is its underlying themes of bravery, compassion, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves. Ember is a relatable heroine whose determination and kindness will inspire readers of all ages to embrace their own adventures and confront challenges head-on.

This book is not just a story, it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure and the bonds we forge in the face of adversity. Elphinstone has crafted a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming, ensuring that it will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. 

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (24 Oct. 2024).

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐**

**Links:**

- [Simon & Schuster Children's UK](https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk)

- [Abi Elphinstone's Official Website](https://www.abielphinstone.com)

- [Kristina Kister's Portfolio](https://www.kristinakister.com)

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. 

The Best Children's/Kids Book Picks JULY 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Emma Carroll - The Houdini Inheritance - Published by Faber & Faber  (4 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571341412 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Magic shows and mysteries abound in this showstopping new standalone from a bestselling author who has sold close to a million copies of these middle-grade adventures! 

The English seaside, 1920s

A world-famous escape artist . . .
A suitcase full of secrets . . .
And a death-defying stunt . . .

When Harry Houdini comes to visit the seaside town of Sidford-on-Sea, Glory and her friend Dennis are first in-line to see him. He is there to perform a daring trick: he will jump off the town pier in chains, pitching himself into the water below. But when Glory outsmarts the infamous Houdini, she is suddenly sucked into his world, and finds herself tasked with looking after his precious trunk - the one that contains all his secrets. 

With Houdini in danger, Glory and Dennis are thrown deep into an adventure that takes them all the way to Coney Island in America, and the dark underbelly of its amusement parks . . .

Alastair Chisholm (Author), George Caltsoudas (Illustrator) - Reek - Published by Barrington Stoke (18 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800902589 - Paperback - Age: 8

Climate catastrophe leaves the people of Earth fighting for oxygen in this gripping dystopian thriller from bestselling sci-fi author Alastair Chisholm.

Sparrow lives in the world after the Reek. The atmosphere is toxically polluted, and Axel Brodie, the tech billionaire behind Zephyr Industries, is cashing in as the only supplier of clean air. Sparrow is struggling to help her family survive until her brilliant inventor friend, Miriam Fenn, comes up with a new form of technology that could break Zephyr’s stranglehold on the air supply. But men like Brodie are hard to defeat, and he will do everything in his power to stop Miriam and Sparrow. Who will triumph in this battle to breathe?

Eve Wersocki Morris - Forest of Forbidden Magic - Published by Hodder Children's Books (4 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444973686 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Dare to stray off the path into a spooky supernatural adventure of dark twists and creepy turns? The magic of Grimmhart Forest awaits...

Never go into the forest at night 
Only trust a map written by your own hand
And, above all, do not show the trees your fear . . . 

A mysterious letter containing ominous hints and strange silver charms of a howling wolf and a malevolent fairy leads Tig and Elsa deep into Grimmhart Forest, a dark enchanted world of sinister secrets and creatures unknown. A place where the magical powers of ancient animals are unleashed. The place into which their grandfather has vanished...

Tig and Elsa must stray far from the forest path if they are to outwit those who wish them harm. But trouble lurks in the shadows and danger does not always come from outside. Can Tig resist the lure of his Ice Wolf charm or will his newfound courage spell out his destruction?

Jennifer Killick - Dread Detention (Creatures & Teachers) - Published by Yearling Books (30 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593652282 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The Breakfast Club meets Stranger Things in this middle-grade horror novel for fans of Goosebumps! Detention turns even scarier when a group of classmates discover dangers lurking in their school.

When classmates Hallie, Angelo, Gustav and Naira are forced to come to school on a Saturday, they think things can't get much worse. But they're wrong. Things are about to get seriously scary. 

What has dragged their teacher underground? Why do the creepy caretakers keep humming the tune to Itsy Bitsy Spider? And what horrors lurk in the shadows, getting stronger and meaner every minute . . .? Cut off from help and in danger each time they touch the ground, the gang's only hope is to work together. But it's no coincidence that they're all there on detention. Someone has been watching and plotting and is out for revenge . . .

The Witch in the Woods: Volume 1 (Grimmworld) by MichaelBrent Collings - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Children's Book Picks March 2024 US

The Witch in the Woods: Volume 1 (Grimmworld) by MichaelBrent Collings - Published by Shadow Mountain (March 5, 2024) - Hardback - Age: 10+ - READ SAMPLE

 Strange and terrifying things are suddenly happening in a mysterious town where people are disappearing and changing into characters from the Grimm fairy tales. 

Twins Willow and Jake Grimm are not prepared for the bizarre gadgets and scary changes in their new home of New Marburg, the location of the top-secret Think Tank where their parents now have jobs as scientists. In this town, people jetpack to work, robots direct traffic, and senior citizens duel with laser swords. 

Yet nothing compares to what happens the day after lightning strikes the twins’ house. Their school building transforms around them, becoming a medieval castle—complete with moat, drawbridge, and a dangerous giant who looks strangely like the school’s overly aggressive hall monitor. 

Barely managing to escape before a massive beanstalk lifts the castle above the clouds, Willow and Jake learn that their ancestors, the original Brothers Grimm, were more than storytellers. They were Grimmwalkers, able to travel from our universe to Grimmworld: the universe where all fairy tales are born. 

Somehow, Willow and Jake have been transported to Grimmworld as well. But before the twins can figure out how to get back to their own universe, they discover that their best friends, Hank and Pearl, have morphed into the fairy tale characters Hansel and Gretel and been captured by a candy-obsessed witch deep in the Cursed Forest. 

Now, aided by a mysterious wizard with shimmering golden eyes and a befuddled, talking naked mole-rat named Chet, the twins must trust in each other, believe in themselves, and find the courage to face their darkest fears in order to save their friends, return to their family, and maybe—just maybe—save the world. 

About the author: 

More than just a guy with a weird first name, Michaelbrent Collings is an international bestseller and multiple Bram Stoker Award and Dragon Award finalist. Best known as a master of thrills and chills, he has written bestsellers in science fiction, fantasy, mystery, YA, middle grade, suspense, humor, urban fantasy, and even Western romance. He also makes pretty good chocolate chip waffles.

The Best Children's Book Picks FEB 2024 US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Katherine Marsh - Medusa (The Myth of Monsters, 1) -  ‎Published by Clarion Books (February 20, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063303744 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

From National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh: Percy Jackson meets Wednesday Addams in this fantastical adventure about Ava, who attends a boarding school for the descendants of Greek monsters and uncovers a terrible secret that could change the world forever. One of Kirkus's most anticipated books of 2024!

Ava Baldwin has always tried to keep her anger in check, just like her mom taught her. But when know-it-all classmate Owen King tries to speak over her yet again, Ava explodes . . . and Owen freezes, becoming totally unresponsive.

Although Owen recovers, Ava's parents whisk her off to her mother’s alma mater, the Accademia del Forte, a mysterious international boarding school in Venice. There, Ava and her brother, Jax, discover that the Olympian gods founded the Accademia to teach the descendants of mythological monsters how to control their emotions and their powers and become functioning, well-adjusted members of society.

But not everything at the Accademia is as it seems. After her friend Fia is almost expelled for challenging a teacher, Ava realizes the school is hiding a dangerous secret. To uncover the truth, Ava and her new friends embark on an adventure that could change the way they view history, mythology—and themselves—forever…or end their lives. 

Nedda Lewers - Daughters of the Lamp -  Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (February 20, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593619308 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

Believe in fairy tales.

Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan. Except her dad just whisked her away to her uncle’s wedding in Egypt, upending every single plan she had for the summer.

In Cairo, Sahara’s days are filled with family—and mystery. First, Sahara’s cousins claim the pretentious bride-to-be is actually a witch. Then her late mother’s necklace starts glowing—and disappears.

Sahara’s attempts to recover the necklace lead her to the greatest mystery yet. Deep in an underground chamber lies Ali Baba’s magical treasure. Hidden from a line of sorcerers who threatened to use its powers for evil, the treasure was given to Sahara’s ancestor Morgana for safekeeping and passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Now only Sahara stands in the sorcerers’ way.

Can the girl who’s never believed in magic trust the unknown and claim her legacy as the treasure’s keeper?

Eireann Corrigan - I Will Follow - Published by Scholastic Press (February 6, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1339002880 - Hardback - Age: 12+ 

It's every influencer's biggest nightmare when a follower decides to kidnap her TikTok hero in order to become her BFF and a big star herself. Like Stephen King's Misery... for the TikTok generation.

The first time Nora saw one of Shea's videos on TikTok, something just clicked. You know how you can see someone and know you're supposed to be in each other’s lives? Well, that's how Nora felt. She knows Shea is a big star, with nearly a million followers, and Nora isn't. But, really, all Nora needs is her own viral moment. And who better to help her with that than Shea

If life isn't going to give Nora entry into Shea's world, Nora's going to have to take matters into her own hands.

Meeting Shea.

Kidnapping her.

Holding her hostage until Shea finally understands...

They are meant to be best, best friends.

Soyoung Park (Author), Joungmin Lee Comfort (Translator)- Snowglobe (The Snowglobe Duology) - Published by Delacorte Press (February 27, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593484975 - Hardback - Age: 11+

The gorgeous first edition hardcover of Snowglobe will feature two covers in one (a beautifully illustrated hardcover underneath the stunning jacket) and foil-stamped interior papers at the beginning and end of the book!

In a world of constant winter, only the citizens of the climate-controlled city of Snowglobe can escape the bitter cold—but this perfect society is hiding dark and dangerous secrets within its frozen heart. A groundbreaking Korean novel translated into English for the first time!

Enclosed under a vast dome, Snowglobe is the last place on Earth that’s warm. Outside Snowglobe is a frozen wasteland, and every day, citizens face the icy world to get to their jobs at the power plant, where they produce the energy Snowglobe needs. Their only solace comes in the form of twenty-four-hour television programming streamed directly from the domed city.

The residents of Snowglobe have everything: fame, fortune, and above all, safety from the desolation outside their walls. In exchange, their lives are broadcast to the less fortunate outside, who watch eagerly, hoping for the chance to one day become actors themselves.

Chobahm lives for the time she spends watching the shows produced inside Snowglobe. Her favorite? Goh Around, starring Goh Haeri, Snowglobe’s biggest star—and, it turns out, the key to getting Chobahm her dream life.

Because Haeri is dead, and Chobahm has been chosen to take her place. Only, life inside Snowglobe is nothing like what you see on television. Reality is a lie, and truth seems to be forever out of reach.

Translated for the first time into English from the original Korean, Snowglobe is a groundbreaking exploration of personal identity, and the future of the world as we know it.

The Best Children's Book Picks Feb 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Welcome to our February 2024 roundup of the best children's books! As the world of children's literature continues to flourish, we've carefully picked a selection of captivating and whimsical adventures to heartwarming tales. These books promise to spark imagination and inspire young minds in a world with so much choice. Join us as we delve into this month's top picks, designed to bring joy and wonder to children and adults of all ages. What are you reading this month? 

Siobhan McDermott - Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm - Published by ‎Hodder Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444970142 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An extraordinary destiny unfolds . . .

Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging has always been an outcast. Until she receives an invitation to Hok Woh, an underwater school that offers her the chance to become immortal, and to finally belong. 

There, she battles in hair-raising boat races, meets ageshifting tutors and competes in thrilling trials.

But there are rumours of a growing dark force . . . and students who fail the trials are disappearing. Can Zhi Ging uncover the truth before it's too late?

The first in the unmissable magical fantasy series of 2024, set to take the world by storm. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Dragon Mountain.

Mitch Johnson - Toxic - Published by Orion Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510111929 - Paperback - Age: 9+

Billionaire beauty mogul Anura Hegarty has pledged to acquire as much of the rainforest as possible to preserve it. But when armed guards appear and bring in portable terrariums to capture wildlife, Jessica and her friend Renata realise something much more sinister is going on.

The rainforest holds a frog with a secret to staying young forever, and Jessica and Renata know they must find and save it first! Together with Briony-Rose, the girls journey deeper into the rainforest. 

Danger and betrayal lurk in every corner, and soon they're running for their lives, dodging blow darts and falling into traps. Will the children make it out of the forest alive?

Sarah Driver - Dreamstalkers: The Night Train - Published by Farshore (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008595029 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The first novel in a spellbinding new fantasy adventure series from the author of The Huntress trilogy. Perfect for readers 8-12 and fans of Philip Pullman, Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell.

Everything changed the day the dreams disappeared… and the nightmares came.

Twelve-year-old Bea lives with her mother Ula and her owl Pip in a cottage on the wild moors. Since the day the dreams disappeared, and an affliction of nightmares began sweeping across the lands, everyone is leaving and their settlement is being abandoned. But when Ula grows sick with the affliction, she won’t leave – and she’s keeping a secret from Bea.

Just as Bea begins to despair, the mysterious Night Train steams across the moors, bringing a stranger who offers her the chance to save her mother. Bea is flung into a faraway adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers, skilled warriors and performers who must go to work each night inside the dreams of the powerful. But the nightmares are following close behind.

It’s time to board the Night Train and dive into an epic, magical adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers. (But beware the nightmares…)

L. D. Lapinski (Author) Jo Todd Stanton (Illustrator) - Artezans: The Forgotten Magic (Book1) - Published by ‎Orion Children's Books (29 Feb. 2024) ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510110090 - Paperback - Age:  8+ 

For the last 400 years, magic has been fading...

Edward Crane has always feared he won't have any magic at all. Sure, he's part of a powerful magic Artezan family, but he's adopted. His twin sister, Elodie, isn't so worried, but then everything always seems to work out perfectly for her.

So when Ed discovers he does have an Artezan power after all, he's relieved. And it's more than he ever could have imagined - in fact, it's a dream come true.

But the problem with dreams is that sometimes they twist themselves into nightmares. And with Ed's new abilities growing by the day, there's a chance that this nightmare will become all too real...