A Festive Feast of New Children's Literature
The literary world for young readers is bursting with an exciting array of new titles, just in time for the holiday season. From heartwarming picture books exploring community and friendship to gripping young adult novels tackling complex themes, there is something for every age and interest. This carefully curated selection highlights the very best new releases that promise to captivate, educate, and entertain.
Enchanting Picture Books for Younger Readers
For those seeking festive cheer, The Street Where Santa Lives by Harriet Howe and Julia Christians offers a sweet and funny celebration of community. When an old man who looks remarkably like Santa moves onto a busy street, only a little neighbour notices. The story takes a poignant turn when Santa falls ill, forcing the community to rally together. This acutely observed tale from Little Tiger is priced at £12.99.
Fans of classic characters will be delighted by the return of Charlie and Lola in I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas by Lauren Child. Marking twenty-five years since their first appearance, this new picture book from S&S captures Lola's infectious, impatient excitement as she and her big brother prepare for the big day. Meanwhile, The House With the Little Red Door by Grace Easton is a beautiful and touching story about loneliness and friendship. Both Olivia and Mouse are lonely, and when Mouse's oak tree falls, Olivia tries to find him a new home, leading to a heartfelt conclusion.
For children who march to the beat of their own drum, Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn is a playful paean to the unconventional. This scribbly, lively character has always stood out, and the book sensitively explores his feelings of isolation before he discovers a world of other brilliant anomalies. Translated by Helen Mixter, it's published by Greystone Kids for £12.99.
Captivating Stories for Middle Grade Readers
Non-fiction enthusiasts will be drawn to The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old. This lyrical and informative book from Phaidon, illustrated by Valentina Gottardi, investigates the second lives of fallen trees, revealing how they provide shelter and nourishment for creatures from beetles to wolf cubs. Priced at £16.95, it's perfect for budding naturalists.
Harriet Muncaster, author of Isadora Moon, launches a new series with The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School. This full-colour diary adventure follows fairy-like Wisklings as they navigate the tricky waters of new schools and friendship dilemmas. For those who love interconnected stories, Wild Journey by AM Dassu offers stirring, evocative adventures linked by the symbol of starling migrations, all illustrated in striking black and orange.
Action and adventure abound in Time Lions and the Chrono-Loop by Martin Seneviratne and Krystal Sutherland. When twelve-year-old genius twins Pearl and Patrick build a time machine, they attract the attention of TIME and must use their unique skills to fix greater chronological wrongs. Described as part Spy Kids, part Artemis Fowl, this is a fast-paced romp for readers aged 9+. Similarly, Avalanche by Simon Fox is a high-octane thriller ideal for fans of Robert Muchamore, where a boy must stop kidnappers during an avalanche.
For a more mystical journey, Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley is an utterly absorbing fantasy that revisits the Children of Lir myth. Pip discovers a strange book and hears mysterious whispers, leading him to new friends and an ancient curse. In a tender story of grief and healing, The Horse Dreamer by Holly Surplice sees Merryn finding solace and joy in a driftwood horse after the loss of her father.
Compelling Young Adult Novels
The YA sphere offers a diverse mix of romance, thrillers, and powerful contemporary stories. Ask Me Anything by Bethany Rutter is a warm, witty romcom about a university agony aunt who can give perfect relationship advice to everyone but herself, especially when it comes to her crush on the charming editor Felix.
In a powerful and rage-filled verse novel, Costa-winning author Manjeet Mann presents Roar. This story follows Rizu, who is uprooted from her privileged life in Delhi and joins a group of vigilantes in pink saris seeking justice for misogynist violence. Marissa Meyer delivers a sinister and richly romantic Bluebeard retelling in The House Saphir, where a fraudulent witch who can see ghosts gets caught up in a murder investigation. For thriller fans, Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington is a gripping tale of a small town's dark secrets and a flagship beauty industry, perfect for fans of Holly Jackson.
This roundup demonstrates the incredible vitality of children's and young adult publishing, offering stories that will inspire, challenge, and comfort readers throughout the holiday season and beyond.
