We’re halfway through the year with even more exciting books to bring you, from a relatable YA novel about a forbidden party gone wrong to a hilarious picture book celebrating the chaos of trying to leave the house with a young family…
The Party
Ben Tomlinson’s second YA novel is a brilliant blend of romance, drama and comedy, all propelled by the desire to fit in but also work out who you are and who you want to be.
Noah has a really tight group of friends, but he’s feeling stuck. Why are he and his mates never invited to parties? Will he ever be able to tell popular Saskia how he feels about her? As Noah’s seventeenth birthday draws closer, he plucks up the courage to speak to Saskia and invites her to his party. Only problem is, he’s not allowed one. But then one weekend, his parents go away…
‘In a time when we are losing teenage readers, it’s even more important we have writers like Ben. He understands, and captures brilliantly, the rollercoaster of being a teenager’ – Phil Earle
The Wild HooBoo
This is a unique cautionary tale with a classic feel that warns against being self-serving and mean, beautifully illustrated and bursting with colour and kindness from award-winning Irish children’s author Barry Falls.
The wild HooBoo sings a magical song – coo, chit churp churee! – that can grant you anything you wish for, if your heart is good and true. But the King’s only desire is selfish and cruel, so when he captures the HooBoo and starts making demands, things don’t quite go as he’d planned…
‘Timely and timeless tale’ – Irish Sunday Independent
My First Elmer Gift
The sixth in the popular My First Elmer shaped board book series makes the perfect gift for any occasion! This chunky board book is an ideal introduction to the world of Elmer for the very youngest readers, with an abridged text of the best-loved tale by the iconic David McKee.
Aunt Zelda has a very special present to give to Elmer from Grandpa Eldo, but she might need a bit of help from Elmer and Rose to remember exactly what – or where – it is. They discover together that love is the greatest gift of all.
Long Live the Games!
Welcome to the Animal Games! This hilarious yet heartfelt celebration of Olympic values is the perfect picture book to read together during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, from award-winning illustrator and author Hervé Le Goff.
Animals from all seven continents have gathered to compete in the sporting events, the fans are cheering and the competition is in total chaos! Skunk is causing a stink in wrestling, Giraffe has some unusual tactics in the high jump, and Mole has accidentally hit the poor judge in the bottom in the archery event… but what unites the competitors are the values of the games: friendship, self-improvement, and respect for all.
The Dinosaur Trap
From talented duo Josh Lacey and Momoko Abe, the creators of The Pet Potato, comes this funny and heartwarming book about morality, empathy and togetherness in a neighbourhood.
Felix has a big dream: he wants to catch a dinosaur! Armed with determination and a bit of creativity, he sets up a trap at the bottom of his garden. But what do dinosaurs eat? Cold sausages? Chocolate cake? Nothing seems to work, but just when Felix is about to give up, his dream comes true. And yet, maybe it wasn’t such a great idea after all?
Balloon’s Big Adventure
Carly Gledhill’s epic picture book adventure follows Balloon on his long journey through the skies, as Mouse chases after him, desperate to get him back!
One windy day at the fair, Mouse and Balloon play together all day long. But – oops! – Mouse lets go, and Balloon embarks on an exciting journey above the fairground, past the big city, over the sea and up, up, up into the clouds. Luckily, two smart birds are following Balloon’s adventure, and have a plan to reunite it with Mouse.
We Are All Made of Molecules
Celebrating 10 years since UK publication, this hysterically funny and uplifting YA novel follows one very mixed-up family, from multi-award-winning author Susin Nielsen.
Meet Stewart. He’s geeky, gifted and sees things a bit differently to most people. His mum has died and he misses her all the more now he and Dad have moved in with Ashley and her mum. Meet Ashley. She’s popular, cool and sees things very differently to her new family. Her dad has come out and moved out – but not far enough. And now she has to live with a freakazoid step-brother. Things are about to get a whole lot more mixed up when these two very different people attract the attention of school hunk Jared…
‘Snappy and witty. A really fine YA novel’ – Telegraph Books
Freedom March
This is an exciting and empowering adventure set against the vibrant landscapes of Barbados, celebrating friendship, resilience and the joy of learning, by the brilliant Gillian Rowe and Sophie Bass.
Dawn is breaking and the village children are up and excited. Today is the first day of school and they have a long, long walk ahead of them. It won’t be easy, but they keep going, because school will give them a future and the promise of freedom, so they march together to realise their dreams.
Leaving the House
In the first in a brand new series, join the loveable O’Hare family as they navigate the hilarious hurdles of leaving the house, celebrating the humour and chaos of family life from Waterstones Prize-winning author Sally Nicholls.
Little bunny brothers Jackson and Harley love to create chaos and fun in the mornings, from superhero playtimes and breakfast mishaps, to wardrobe dilemmas and toothpaste trouble… and not a lot of listening to Mum and Dad. No wonder they are always late to leave the house! Will today be any different?
