Our top marks go to these terrific tales for summer…
Look Up! By Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
PB £6.99 published by Puffin
AGE PRE-SCHOOL+
Rocket is a science-mad chatterbox who is going to be the greatestastronaut, star-catcher and space-traveller who has ever lived! But first she needs to convince her big brother Jamal to stop looking at his phone and start LOOKING UP at the stars. This heartwarming picture book will reignite your desire to turn off those screens and switch on to the outside world.
Alfie On Holiday by Shirley Hughes
PB £6.99 published by Penguin Random House Children’s
AGE 4+
Alfie is heading off to the seaside with his grandma and makes a new friendon the beach. Unfortunately, all’s not always fair in love and friendship and Alfie has to discover what a true friend looks like. A timeless summer adventure from national treasure Shirley Hughes.
A Dog’s Tale by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Tony Ross
PB £6.99 published by Scholastic Children’s Books
AGE 5+
Crafted by two book legends, this picture book celebrates life’s BIG moments, be it starting school, giving birth or graduating. When a young puppy needs reassurance, a wise older dog is there to offer canine words of wisdom on lessons for living life to the fullest.
The True Colours of Coral Glen by Juliette Forrest
PB £6.99 published by Scholastic Children’s Books
AGE 7+
From Glasgow-based writer Juliette Forrest comes an astonishingly inventive, spooky and heartfelt tale of a girl on a race against time on a gothic-tinged treasure hunt. A stunning story showing the importance of imagination as a life skill for children.
When We Walked On the Moon by David Long, illustrated by Sam Kalda
HB £12.99 published by Quarto Kids
AGE 7+
Look beyond the facts at incredible, hilarious and terrifying human stories of the Apollo Missions, when incredible intelligence, engineering and bravery allowed humans to stand on the surface of something other thanEarth for the very first time. Published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, this is the perfect title for any child who has ever looked up at the moon and wondered what it might be like to go there.
Benny and Omar by Eoin Colfer, cover illustration by Patricia Poprawa
PB £7.99 published by The O’Brien Press
AGE 10+
Benny Shaw, a young sporting fanatic, is forced to leave his belovedWexford, home of all his heroes, and move with his family to Tunisia! Howwill he survive in a place like this? Then he teams up with Omar, and a madcap friendship between the two boys leads to trouble, crazy escapades, a unique way of communicating, and heart-breaking challenges. Chosen as this year’s winner of the Children’s Books Ireland and The O’Brien Press ‘Design A Cover’ competition.
For The Best Teacher Ever
HB £6.99 published by Summersdale
“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” Anon
From the first day at school, your teacher has always been there for you.This adorable collection of quotations is the perfect gift to let your child’s favourite teacher know just how much you appreciate them.