Terrific tales that teach us something new, or are all about fun and finding friends at school…
There Was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe by Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Susan Batori
HB £13.99 published by Sourcebooks
Age Pre-school+
A charmingly original book about our universe and everything in it. Filled with gorgeous images, recognisable rhymes and an enthralling story, it will immerse parents and children alike. The book also includes instructions that reveal secret, invisible text and artwork that reverses the story from nothing to the scientific creation of everything. The perfect first book to teach children about space, spark curious minds, begin captivating conversations and start a fascination with our incredible cosmos.
Show and Tell by Rob Biddulph
HB £12.99 published by Harper Collins Children’s Books
Age 3+
Come and be schooled in magic and wonder in this fun and fantastic picture book from award-winning and bestselling creative star Rob Biddulph. Packed to the brim with warm humour, life lessons and pitch-perfect rhyme, this is a brand-new story to read together, laugh out loud at and enjoy over and over again. A wonderful book that teaches us how bigger isn’t always better, and to never underestimating the power of the ordinary.
My Epic Life Word Book
HB £16.95 published by Mrs Wordsmith
Age 4+
Explore new epic worlds that make vocabulary learning fun in this handbook with 1000 words every child needs to know. Join a cast of fun-loving characters as they guide young readers through everything they need to know to turn home, school and life into a learning adventure. Epic word adventures give children the vocabulary they need to express themselves in every part of life, from emotions to maths, food to philosophy, making a big mucky mess to cleaning up, as well as a whole chapter on the future of technology.
The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo, illustrated by Mike Deas
HB £12.99 published by Tilbury House
Age 5+
A school playground can be a solitary place for a child without playmates. The buddy bench concept is simple – when a child sits on the bench it’s a signal to other children to ask him or her to play. Having seen what being left out is like, a playground of children convince their teacher to let them build a buddy bench, to identify and swoop up the lonely among them. Beautiful illustrations bring the children’s games to life with imaginary planes to fly, dragons to tame, and elephants to ride.
The Truth Pixie Goes to School by Matt Haig
HB £9.99/eBook £7.99/Audio £4.99 published by Canongate
Age 5+
Everyone’s favourite pixie is back in this brand-new adventure and the sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller ‘The Truth Pixie’. Join the Truth Pixie and her human friend Aada as they go to school, face a bully and learn the importance of friendship and being yourself. However, the Truth Pixie’s ability to only say things that are true gets them into all sorts of trouble. An uplifting story about beating back-to-school nerves, helping address any worries children may have about going back to school, starting a new school or fitting in.
Cookie! And the Most Annoying Boy in the World by Konnie Huq
HB/eBook/Audio £10.99, published by Piccadilly Press
Age 8+
The first book in a hilarious new series introducing the world to science-obsessed Cookie Haque, a nine-year-old girl who thinks she’s ready to take on the world. Cookie has never quite felt as if she fits in – a quirky girl with a touch of geek, from a Bangladeshi family – and with an uncanny ability to get herself into almost constant scrapes. With a hilarious cast of characters, from annoying classmates to tedious teachers and of course her amazing friends, the Cookie books will strike a chord for anyone who’s ever been to school.