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PICTURE BOOKS
The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann, illustrated by Padmacandra £12.99 Scallywag
A beautiful story about a magical voyage through our oceans on a friendly humpback whale. The strong eco message about the 'plastic soup sea' becomes a positive message to the change the planet.
Meet the Oceans by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Bethen Woolvin £6.99 Bloomsbury
A journey round the oceans and seas of the world from the duo behind Meet the Planets. An amazing amount of information, both geographical and ecological, is packed into the fun rhymes.
When We Went Wild by Isabella Tree, illustrated by Allira Tee Ivy Books £6.99
The author's re-wilding journey at her estate at Knepp has been an international bestseller. Here, she skilfully weaves the story into a picture book about nature taking the lead.
Gaspard's Foxtrot by Zeb Soanes, illustrated by James Mayhew £12.99 Graffeg
A charming trot across London on the Number 38 bus for Gaspard the Fox, taking in some well-known landmarks and ending up on stage at the Proms in Hyde Park. Third in this lovely series.
OLDER CHILDREN
Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Anna Hoglund £7.99 Gecko Press
OK, this isn't a new book and this edition actually came out in February, but if you don't know it, please give it a whirl. First published nearly 30 years ago by one of Sweden's leading poets, it is story about a boy who doesn't have a grandfather and 'adopts' one in the retirement home. It is quirky, funny, sad and utterly magical.
The Storm Keeper’s Battle by Catherine Doyle Bloomsbury £6.99
The finale of a truly brilliant trilogy. Irish folklore, magic and very funny. Sorcerers, myths and legends and lots of adventure. Ages 8–12.
The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori £7.99 UCLan
We loved this book. Set on a remote Scottish island, Stella is left with her grandfather for the holidays and everything that she ever thought of as normal changes. She can control the weather and needs to harness all her powers to save not only her grandfather but the place she loves more than anything. Pacy and beautifully written. A delight. Ages 8–12.
The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby £6.99 Puffin
Debut from parenting blogger. Perfect for girls at top of primary or about to start secondary. Think Adrian Mole for a new generation. Hilarious and full of heart. Ages 9–12.
The Runaway Girls by Jacqueline Wilson £12.99 Doubleday
Kitty Fisher and Lucy Locket, and the streets of Victorian London, come brilliantly to life in the hands of a master. Final book in the Wilson/Sharrat collab. Ages 9–12
NON FICTION
Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks by Alex Morss and Sean Taylor £12.99 Welbeck
From the Fitzroy river turtle who can breathe with its bum, to the blue ignuana with a third eye in the top of its head, find out the weird and wonderful secrets of some extraordinary animals.
Emily Turner, 20 March 2021