This year's most outstanding children's books showcase joyous picture books, captivating nonfiction, and stories of courage, companionship, and transformation – a testament to the human need for connection, justice, and freedom.
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury are back with Oh Dear, Look What I Got (Walker), an exuberant tale that explores the chaos of shopping with rhyming errors. Oxenbury's expressive illustrations add to the book's mayhem, making it a perennial read-aloud favourite. In contrast, Annie Booker's The Great Bear (Two Hoots) presents a haunting story about the polar bear spirit protecting oceans and human greed threatening their rich life. This lyrical debut is both urgent and hopeful.
Rashmi Sirdeshpande's This Is Who I Am (Andersen), illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane, is a moving celebration of identity that beautifully balances softness and ferocity. The book tells the story of a child born to immigrant parents, with "a foot in two worlds," who overcomes racist resistance and finds courage through her heritage.
Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker's Firefly (Magic Cat) is a poetic and uplifting illustrated book for 5+. The densely textured images blaze even in black and white, as Macfarlane's stirring verse guides the reader on a metaphorical journey to a dream field illuminated by fireflies.
In nonfiction for 6+, Giselle Clarkson's Omnibird (Gecko) is an entrancing guide that shows young readers 18 species through an original and humorous lens. The book prompts young readers to see birds as complex, funny, and everyday miracles.
Neill Cameron's Donut Squad: Take Over the World! will thrill comics fans with its surreal comedy and deep-fried pastries out for global domination. Join Sprinkles, the brave leader, and his friends in battles against the bellicose Bagels.
In high fantasy, Katherine Rundell's The Poisoned King (Bloomsbury) returns readers to the Archipelago where Anya joins forces with Christopher to find justice and uncover a mysterious poison. Enthralling adventures ensue, while characteristically humorous prose exhorts the reader to defend the frail and precious.
Katya Balen's Letters from the Upside follows Con as he discovers homing pigeons on his neighbour's roof and sends out airborne messages hoping for word of his dad in this poignant story that celebrates caring for living creatures and forging new connections.
Finally, Emma Carroll makes a departure from historical fiction with Dracula & Daughters (Faber), set in a town with a longstanding dread of vampires. The book tells the story of cousins Mina, Buffy, and Bella as they uncover their connection to Dracula and discover an ability that may allow them to heal the undead.
Zohra Nabi's Deep Dark: A Cassia Thorne Mystery is a compelling journey into the shadows of 19th-century London. This tense, evocative mystery combines nuanced characterisation and transporting period detail with a laser focus on social injustice.
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury are back with Oh Dear, Look What I Got (Walker), an exuberant tale that explores the chaos of shopping with rhyming errors. Oxenbury's expressive illustrations add to the book's mayhem, making it a perennial read-aloud favourite. In contrast, Annie Booker's The Great Bear (Two Hoots) presents a haunting story about the polar bear spirit protecting oceans and human greed threatening their rich life. This lyrical debut is both urgent and hopeful.
Rashmi Sirdeshpande's This Is Who I Am (Andersen), illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane, is a moving celebration of identity that beautifully balances softness and ferocity. The book tells the story of a child born to immigrant parents, with "a foot in two worlds," who overcomes racist resistance and finds courage through her heritage.
Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker's Firefly (Magic Cat) is a poetic and uplifting illustrated book for 5+. The densely textured images blaze even in black and white, as Macfarlane's stirring verse guides the reader on a metaphorical journey to a dream field illuminated by fireflies.
In nonfiction for 6+, Giselle Clarkson's Omnibird (Gecko) is an entrancing guide that shows young readers 18 species through an original and humorous lens. The book prompts young readers to see birds as complex, funny, and everyday miracles.
Neill Cameron's Donut Squad: Take Over the World! will thrill comics fans with its surreal comedy and deep-fried pastries out for global domination. Join Sprinkles, the brave leader, and his friends in battles against the bellicose Bagels.
In high fantasy, Katherine Rundell's The Poisoned King (Bloomsbury) returns readers to the Archipelago where Anya joins forces with Christopher to find justice and uncover a mysterious poison. Enthralling adventures ensue, while characteristically humorous prose exhorts the reader to defend the frail and precious.
Katya Balen's Letters from the Upside follows Con as he discovers homing pigeons on his neighbour's roof and sends out airborne messages hoping for word of his dad in this poignant story that celebrates caring for living creatures and forging new connections.
Finally, Emma Carroll makes a departure from historical fiction with Dracula & Daughters (Faber), set in a town with a longstanding dread of vampires. The book tells the story of cousins Mina, Buffy, and Bella as they uncover their connection to Dracula and discover an ability that may allow them to heal the undead.
Zohra Nabi's Deep Dark: A Cassia Thorne Mystery is a compelling journey into the shadows of 19th-century London. This tense, evocative mystery combines nuanced characterisation and transporting period detail with a laser focus on social injustice.
oh man i'm so excited for these new childrens books they really show us that stories about kids facing tough stuff can be both super scary but also totally hopeful and empowering 
like zohra nabi's deep dark is literally my cup of tea atm 
those detectives cassia thorne sounds like a total boss 
They're all so unique and fascinating in their own ways. What I think is really interesting is how they tackle tough topics like racism and social justice, but still manage to be accessible and enjoyable for kids. 
Like Rashmi Sirdeshpande's book about a child born to immigrant parents - it's amazing how the author balances softness and ferocity in a way that feels so authentic and empowering for young readers.
And have you read any of these authors before? I feel like there's something really special about Michael Rosen's rhyming errors - they're just so infectious! 
Do you think this year's lineup is going to make a difference in kids' reading habits? 
I'm OBSESSED with the new children's book releases! Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury's Oh Dear... has me dying over here 
. Rashmi Sirdeshpande's This Is Who I Am is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit in 
. The illustrations are insane! 
! It's great to see books that celebrate identity, courage, and connection - we need more of those stories for kids (and let's be real, us grown-ups too 
I'm loving how diverse the range is - from picture books that tackle chaos & shopping (Oh Dear, Look What I Got) to nonfiction guides that bring birds to life (Omnibird), and even fantasy adventures with a touch of humor (The Poisoned King). It's awesome to see authors exploring complex issues like racism & social injustice in an approachable way (This Is Who I Am & Deep Dark). And let's not forget the thrill rides - Donut Squad: Take Over the World! is literally too funny 
I just read about some amazing kids' books this year and I'm so here for it! 
like that one where its about a polar bear spirit fighting against human greed 
and another one that's all about being proud of who you are 
meanwhile, i'm loving the rhyming errors in Michael Rosen's Oh Dear, Look What I Got 
.
also i think Firefly by Macfarlane is SOOOO poetic & the illustrations r insane 
also why is it that every year there are so many amazing female authors featured alongside some dudes? not that the dudes aren't talented but can't they just step aside for a sec lol