Kick-start the National Year of Reading with our selection of page-turning new titles publishing this month.
The Experiment
Nathan has always had to keep a very big secret. Although he appears to be a typical boy, he learned at an early age that his family is from another planet. Now, their time on Earth may be coming to an end. Nathan and some others are part of an experiment that suddenly seems to be going wrong.
From the Newbery Medal winner and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize comes a fast-paced coming-of-age novel – with aliens – that asks universal questions about how we figure out who we want to be, and whether it’s ever too late to change.
‘[A] twisty, thoughtful tale [that] touches on themes of estrangement, assimilation, exploitation, and agency’ – Publishers Weekly
The Really Beautiful Thing
Squirrel is prepared to sell everything he has for The Really Beautiful Thing, but at what cost? Squirrel isn’t sure what The Really Beautiful Thing is but all he knows is that he wants it. When he can’t afford the price, he sells everything he owns, but when it turns out to be A Really Useless Thing, will his friends be there to help him pick up the pieces?
This cautionary tale with a heartwarming ending is the perfect story to share with little ones about consumerism, greed and obsession. It teaches us we can’t always have everything we want . . . and that our loved ones will always be there to help us when we lose our way.
‘This captivating tale showcases the magic of valuing what you have and the magic of friendship’ – LoveReading4Kids
Honey’s Hive Bee a Leader
It’s time for Bee Camp! Honey and her friends are taking the little bees camping. Honey teaches the little bees to trust themselves and bee themselves. But when danger strikes, can the bees work together to get safely back to the hive?
An exciting series from New York Times bestseller Mo O’Hara, packed with bee facts and stunning illustrations by Aya Kakeda.
‘Honey’s Hive will certainly get young readers buzzing!’ – Books for Keeps
A Crinkled Screaming Thing
When a crinkled screaming baby is born, everything is new and overwhelming, and they do NOT like it. But Small Big One – a young sibling – knows exactly how to turn tears into laughter, and fear into fun. As the newborn grows, so does their bond with Small Big One. But what will happen when a new crinkled screaming baby arrives?
A heartwarming and humorous tale told from the perspective of a newborn baby, celebrating the unbreakable bond between siblings.
The Space Between
Granny has a secret: big changes aren’t so scary when we take comfort in the time it takes to embrace them. When her granddaughter is missing her old home, Granny teaches her a secret. The flower buds aren’t quite open, but they will be soon: they’re in the space between, and that time is a gift to treasure. Just like the flowers will soon bloom, in time she will feel at home. But Granny’s in the space between too . . . and she might need a little help to come out on the other side.
This touching story from award-winning Clare Helen Welsh shows us how to cope with major turning points in our life, with beautiful illustrations from Fiona Lumbers.
‘A sweet picture book that helps young children work through change’ – Book Riot
A Hugh Dunnit Mystery: Splitting Hairs
Hugh Dunnit is a schoolboy who only takes on the toughest cases. Like the case of the cloned school children. When Hugh notices there’s more than a hair out of place on his school photograph, there’s no time to mull it over, Hugh must cut to the chase and find the culprit. Is Hugh ready for this close shave with danger?
This is a brilliantly funny detective story with comic-book art throughout by Lee Cosgrove.
‘A wonderfully wacky crime caper with vibrant comic book art’ – Waterstones
Escape from the Child Snatchers
1865, India. Humza and his friend Ranjj set off on a daring quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, in London. After a terrifying journey, they are welcomed by a seemingly kind Englishman who leads them to an inn. There, Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter, warns them – they’ve been captured by the notorious child snatcher! Can Humza and Ranj escape his clutches and find Dani to bring him home?
From Sufiya Ahmed, winner of the Best Children’s Crime Novel for Children.
‘Moving, action-packed and unforgettable’ – Hiba Noor Khan
Orbiting Jupiter
This is the heartbreaking story of fourteen-year-old Joseph, narrated by twelve-year-old Jack, whose family is caring for Joseph. Misunderstood, all Joseph wants is to find his baby daughter, Jupiter, whom he has never seen. Jack and his family see something others in town don’t want to. The two boys go on a journey through the bitter Maine winter to help Joseph find his baby – no matter the cost.
Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal from Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor winner.
‘This will stay with you long after you have read the final page’ – The Bookseller, Bookseller’s Choice
