Children's Books of the Year 2023 | Kids Books Curator

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Discover the Children's Books of the Year 2023
Personally Recommended to YOU by TKBC!

Picture Books For Ages 3+
Chapter Books For Ages 5-8
Chapter Books For Ages 8-11
Poetry
Graphic Novels
Non-Fiction
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

PICTURE BOOKS OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 3+
Personally Recommended By TKBC

Black Gold
Laura Obuobi (Author) London Ladd (Illustrator). "Obuobi pens an origin story that’s at once earthly and impressively cosmic, an ethereal children’s debut that centers a Black child’s beginnings." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Lyrical, empowering, and inspiring. An affirmation of the miracle each individual is.” —Yamile Saied Méndez, author of Where Are You From? and What Will You Be?
This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe’s unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!
When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth—rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.
Laura Obuobi’s empowering, whimsical text and London Ladd’s lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.
A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s Best Children’s Books of the Year (2023)
A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 5-9 in Family/School/Community Fiction and noted for outstanding merit (2023)

Breathtaking and heartwarming

The Last Stardog
E.K. Mosley (Author). Stardog is the last of her kind, shining bright in the night sky. Until, heavy with loneliness, she falls down to Earth where the unknown grows all around. With her star magic lost, she sets out on a journey to restore it and to find other stardogs like her. Her quest will be no easy feat, but, along the way, she will find strength and joy in the most unlikely of friendships . . .

The Last Stardog

A magical journey

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish
Chloe Savage (Author). A moving tale of grit, endurance and self-belief to inspire young explorers and dreamers from a stunningly talented debut.

Dr Morley is about to embark on a quest to the northernmost tip of the world, to discover a creature that everyone talks about but nobody has ever seen: The Giant Arctic Jellyfish. After years of research and hard graft, she gathers together a highly trained crew and a boat full of specialist equipment, and sets sail for the vast icy scapes of the Arctic. Will she find what she is searching for? Or will it find her?

From debut author-illustrator Chloe Savage comes a beautifully detailed adventure into the unknown, sure to captivate the imagination of young explorers.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish

Stunning and clever

Lost
Mariajo Ilustrajo (Author and Illustrator). Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration 2023

A new book from award-winning illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo, Lost is the story of a polar bear who finds himself lost, in a big concrete city.

He politely asks the city folk for help but everyone is much too busy and impatient to help the newcomer. He finds himself travelling on the subway only to be noticed, finally by a little girl.

The girl takes the homesick bear by the paw and under her innocent wing. Under the nose of her seemingly unaware mum, she feeds him dinner, gives him a bath and they read stories together.

When the polar bear wistfully looks at a poster of the North Pole on her bedroom wall, the little girl realises that her friend needs help to get home.

This is a story about the power friendship has to help you feel found, and even to transport you home.

The power of kindness

The Wild
Yuval Zommer (Author). Once upon a time, somewhere not far away, was the Wild. The Wild was huge and giving, and everything from insects, to birds, to humans made their home in it. At first, people lived lightly and took what they needed, but when they started to take more, the Wild suffered. For the Wild to be healthy, someone must be brave enough to raise their voice . . .
Yuval Zommer's lyrical modern fable has a hopeful and powerful message about how our environment needs us just as much as we need it.

Love for our planet

A Lost Kite
Tasy Young (Author). In this magnificently illustrated wordless picture book, a boy sees a lost kite and goes on a fantastical journey to find it, meeting a cast of curious and quirky characters on the way. This beautiful textless journey will allow readers to use their imagination to decipher and explore the story.

Pictures without words

Lily, the Pond Mermaid
Lucy Fleming (Author). From the creator of Ella’s Night Lights comes a new tiny heroine – Lily, the pond mermaid, in a story about friendship, community and dealing with childhood worries and anxieties.

Ponds are lush green places, full of busy life. And some ponds, if you look hard enough, even have a secret: pond mermaids. Just like Lily. In her beloved pond home, is her whole world – all her dragonfly, damselfly, butterfly, snail, frog and fish friends. But ponds are vulnerable places and Lily worries about keeping everyone safe … and her worry grows and grows. When a storm hits the pond and everything becomes covered in a tangle of storm debris, Lily becomes overwhelmed. But then she finds, bubbling up inside, a little flicker of courage to reach out, talk about her worries and ... ask for help.

Lily, the Pond Mermaid

Caring for our wildlife

The Bowerbird
Julia Donaldson (Author) Catherine Rayner (Illustrator). he Bowerbird is the irresistible tale of Bert – a small bird with a very big heart, from Number One bestselling Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration.

Bert the bowerbird has made the most perfect bower nest, complete with a pretty purple flower, and is hoping it will help him to meet the bird of his dreams. But will all his efforts to create a beautiful display be enough to win over Nanette?

A stunningly illustrated book with a wonderful rhyming tale for little ones, from the creators of The Go-Away Bird.

True love conquers all (eventually)

Oh, Olive!
Lian Cho (Author and Illustrator). "Irrepressible. Joyful. Vibrant and full of oomph!" —Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer
Debut author-illustrator Lian Cho delivers a hilariously cheeky picture book that celebrates the creativity of a young girl who breaks from the rigid traditions of her famous artist parents to make a colorful splash in her own unique style.
Presenting Olive Chen!
The most magnificent and brilliant artist in the whole wide world!
Her parents are also artists—serious artists—who paint prim, proper, perfect shapes. They know Olive has the talent to follow in their footsteps.
But Olive likes to smear, splatter, splash, and even lick.
With a brush in each hand, Olive cascades through town with her friends in tow, painting what she wants to, what she feels—until she reaches her parents’ pristine art museum. . .

Be your wonderful self

The Great Grrrrr
Marie-Sabine Roger (Author) Marjolaine Leray (Illustrator) Angus Yuen-Killick (Translator). Meet an impatient monster with serious anger management issues!

The Great Grrrrr works for an express delivery service. A monster on a mission, he must deliver a package to a cottage in the country. But, when the recipient isn't home, he becomes increasingly frustrated and then angry. Just when he has destroyed the cottage out of an explosive bout of rage, the homeowner shows up and everything changes. The Great Grrrrr learns to manage his anger issues and finds patience and perhaps a new perspective on life. This hilariously entertaining book takes frustration and impatience to a ridiculous extreme and finds humor in uncontrolled emotions no toddler will fail to recognize. Expressively illustrated by Marjolaine Leray in sketchy crayon drawings with bright neon second color to accent the visual drama.

The Great Grrrr

Dealing with patience

Big
Vashti Harrison (Author and Illustrator). Once there was a girl with a big laugh and a big heart and very big dreams.
She grew and grew and grew. And it was good... until it wasn't.

When the girl grows big, the world begins to make her feel small. She feels out of place and invisible, and soon she isn't herself at all. But with the girl's size comes huge inner strength - and this helps her look past the hurtful words to see how perfect she really is.

With beautiful illustrations and a gatefold flap, this quietly reassuring story explores the experience of being big in a world that celebrates small, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance in young readers.

BIG is the first picture book to be written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, award-winning creator of the bestselling Little Leaders series.

Self-acceptance

Farah Loves Mangos
Sarthak Sinha (Author). Farah loves mangos! She could eat them all day long and she wouldn't mind living in one either. Every summer when she visits her Grandpa they always pick the ripe fruit from his mango tree. This year, however, the tree is empty! Farah puts her mind to it and decides she will make the tree grow fruit. But perhaps Farah will learn there is more to a mango tree than just the fruit it bears?

Farah Loves Mangos

Quirky and cute

The Tree Next Door
Charlie Moyler (Author) Martin Stanev (Illustrator). A heart-warming tribute to community, nature and intergenerational friendship.
When a little girl moves into her new home, the first thing she notices is the magnificent tree next door.
Helping her neighbour tend to her garden through the seasons, the girl learns what an important place both the tree and her neighbour hold in the hearts of their community.

The Tree Next Door

Community and nature in harmony

Gigantic
Rob Biddulph (Author). A powerful and standout sea-life story featuring one very small and determined blue whale from bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph
Meet Gigantic, the smallest blue whale in the Atlantic. Dwarfed by the other whales, Gigantic keeps to himself, making new friends and perfecting his somersaults and flips in the bay.
But one day when Gigantic’s brother, Titan, gets stuck on the sand, it’s down to Gigantic and his smallest sea creature friends to save the day. Can they show it’s possible to be tiny and tough?
A swimmingly good story about little fins and big hearts from bestselling author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph.

Little fins with BIG hearts

You're So Amazing!
James Catchpole (Author) Lucy Catchpole (Author) Karen George (Illustrator). When people meet Joe, they often treat him as Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. But can't he just be . . . Joe?

One-legged Joe is 'amazing'. He knows this because wherever he goes people always tell him he's amazing. Amazing for sliding down the slide, for kicking a ball . . . even walking to get an ice cream, or even just eating an ice cream. Of course, being Amazing Joe is better than being Poor Joe . . .

A groundbreaking picture book which explores how we respond to disability.

You're SO Amazing!

Disability awareness

A Happy Place
Britta Teckentrup (Illustrator). This beautiful picture book from award-winning author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup takes us on a magical, moonlit adventure following a tiny star and invites us to dance with a whole host of animals. But is it all a dream?
With peep-through pages and cutaways, the lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations will inspire children’s imaginations.
Also available: Kindness Grows, Under the Same Sky, We Are Together.

Calming for bedtimes

The Oak Tree
Julia Donaldson (Author) Victoria Sandøy (Illustrator). Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree! A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass, it grows . . . and GROWS into an enormous oak tree!
As the centuries sweep by, children play games around the tree. Families dance about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk!
The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals, from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles.
After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm - but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again.
The tree's magical life story is brought to life in Julia Donaldson's rich, dramatic rhyme.
Victoria Sandøy's gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the people and wildlife that pass by
Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures, and seeing the games children play around the tree
This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees.
The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them.

1000 years of history

Dexter! The AMAZING School Dog!
Lucy Plunkett (Author) Sian Bowman (Illustrator). Scenarios like the first day of term, outdoor learning, and the school play can affect children in different ways, but Dexter has a way of naturally helping all the diverse children he meets, making them feel calm and happy.
PRAISE
"A warm tale with stunning illustrations. I wish there had been a dog like Dexter at my school. So charming." - Elle McNicoll, multi-award winning author of 'A Kind of Spark'
"A beautiful book that helps discuss neurodiversity - sometimes all we need is a little understanding and a helping paw." - Louise Gooding, author of 'Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity'

Dexter! The AMAZING School Dog!

Support for neurodivergent children in school

The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi. Ayla and her marine biologist mum live on a beautiful tropical island, surrounded by a coral reef. One morning, Ayla notices that many of the fish have disappeared, and the once vibrant corals have turned pale. Is it too late to save the reef?
This stunningly illustrated picture book captures the beauty and magic of the coral reef, and the important role it plays in the ocean's eco-system. From the impact global warming has on reefs to the amazing things marine biologists are doing to protect it, readers will love learning about this fascinating topic. Clara Anganuzzi's gentle text and breathtaking artwork looks at the complex topic of global warming in an eye-opening but positive way, showing us that we have time to reverse the damage which has been caused.
Also available: Strong, Dear Earth

The Ocean Gardener

Ocean conservation

Adventures with Finn and Skip: Bee
Brendan Kearney (Author and Illustrator). An exciting tale about tackling climate change to help protect the animals.

Grown-ups and children can enjoy this gentle and imaginative story together, all about the environmental concerns facing our wildlife. Follow the tale of Finn and Skip as they head out for a peaceful picnic - when all of a sudden they hear the sound of buzzing bees, fear sets in and chaos ensues! Can a chance encounter with a beekeeper help them learn the truth about these fuzzy little insects?

Introduce 3-5 year-olds to the importance of protecting the environment with this illustrated storybook about climate change and its effects on animals. The ups and downs of this story shows us all the different ways we can help our bees and the environment, through Finn and Skip's adventure.

This heart-warming climate change story...

- Is a positive and hopeful guide that offers children strong practical tips for how they can take care of bees and the planet.
- Is perfect for adults and children to share together, as it prompts a wider conversation about the environment.
- Offers a charming, humorous, and emotionally gripping message, whilst raising awareness of the environmental issues impacting bees.

With its playful, quirky illustrations, Bee will empower young readers with passion and drive. This inspiring and fun story will help children realise that there is hope to protect our valuable wildlife after all.

Finn and Skip adventures

Luna Loves Christmas
Joseph Coelho (Author) Fiona Lumbers (Illustrator). From award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, the fourth book in the Luna Loves... series celebrates separated families at Christmas time, and shows the power of giving to bring people together. Luna loves Christmas. Sometimes at Mum’s, sometimes at Dad’s, she gets two trees, two dinners, two advent calendars to open . . . but this Christmas, Luna’s family are doing something different. They’re volunteering, and Luna can’t wait for them to all be together at the community Christmas dinner!
Other books in the Luna Loves... series: Luna Loves Library Day Luna Loves Art Luna Loves Dance Luna Loves Gardening (coming soon!) Luna Loves Books board book.

Luna Loves Christmas

A story about separated families

The Winter Wish
Helen Mortimer (Author) Rachael Dean (Illustrator). A glorious Christmas story, full of festive sparkle from the illustrator of The Primrose Railway Children.
William lives in Words of Wonder, a perfect bookshop full of stories and delights. He has always lived there with his family, ever since he was a baby, and now he is thirty-seven books tall. But times are hard, and the bookshop is struggling, so William takes it upon himself to create the most beautiful Christmas window to draw people in – with a leaping reindeer, pulling a sleigh full of stories. And then one night, as Christmas draws near, the reindeer comes to life and all William’s wishes for his family and all the shops around come true . . . making a Christmas to remember through the power of words and hope.
A beautiful new picture book, full of the magic of Christmas!

The Winter Wish

A magical bookshop tale

If I had a polar bear
Gabby Dawnay (Author) Alex Barrow (Illustrator). The latest addition to the wildly popular series of bedtime stories imagines what it would be like to have a polar bear for a pet.

What would it be like to have a polar bear as a pet? It might be an unconventional choice, but it would be sure to give the best bear hugs...

Polar bears are cuddly but they're also very strong. As marine mammals, they can swim for days at a time – that's serious perseverance! So if Santa ever needed help delivering his presents, guess who he would call? Join our funny female protagonist as she wonders 'what would life be like... if I had a polar bear?'

If I had a Polar Bear

Seasonal, adorable and fun

Santa's New Reindeer
Caroline Crowe (Author) Jess Pauwels (Illustrator). Santa needs a new reindeer in this third hilarious Christmas must-have picture book, from the duo who brought you Santa's New Beard and Santa's New Sleigh!

One week to go 'till Christmas Day,
The final touches underway,
A ribbon here, a flourish there,
And presents piled up everywhere.

Santa smiled. 'What could go wrong?'
He didn't have to wait too long . . .
Out of the sky a whirling blur,
Of antlers, legs and soft brown fur,

Came crashing through the workshop roof,
And that's how Rudolph sprained his hoof . . .

Oh no! Another Christmas disaster! The sleigh can't fly without Rudolph. Luckily, head engineer Lizzie is on hand to help . . . introducing ROBO-REINDEER! Christmas is saved once more.

Santa's New Reindeer

Hilarious Christmas caper

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

CHAPTER BOOKS OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 5-8
Personally Recommended By TKBC

Isadora Moon and the Frost Festival
Harriet Muncaster (Author and Illustrator). Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique! Isadora is special because she is different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and she's a bit of both. Isadora and her family are visiting the Frost Festival, a huge celebration of the winter fairies! There's ice skating, fairground rides, gingerbread houses and lots of delicious fairy hot chocolate. It's magical! But in the hustle and bustle Isadora gets separated from both her family and Pink Rabbit. Can she find them before the grand fairy lights are switched on?

Isadora Moon at the Frost Festival

The Girl Who Became A Fish
Polly Ho-Yen (Author) Sojung Kim-McCarthy (Illustrator). Ita is afraid of lots of things. She’s afraid of talking to her classmates at her new school. She’s afraid of walking through her new town. But most of all she is afraid of water.
When one day she realises the river in her new town turns her into a fish, she is forced to face up to her fears. In doing so, can she bring her family together again?
With themes of change, and deftly tackling the topic of fear for younger readers, this is another heart-warming and beautifully-written early reader by Polly Ho-Yen, filled with charming artwork by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.

The Girl Who Became a Fish

Call the Puffins: Tiny's Brave Rescue: Book 2
Cath Howe (Author) Ella Okstad (Illustrator). Second in a delightful new series about puffins and teamwork for readers aged 5+.

Welcome back to the island of Egg where a group of young puffins are training to join a search and rescue team.

Tiny is worried about whether he is good enough to join the team, particuarly as he can't always see very well. But luckily Muffin and his other teammates are there to help. Together they can face anything – even a scary wild cat on the beach!

Call the Puffins: Tiny's Brave Rescue

Dave Pigeon (Kittens!)
Swapna Haddow (Author) Sheena Dempsey (Illustrator). Dave and Skipper have a problem: Mean Cat has multiplied! Kittens = more cats = more pigeon problems. But when the kittens are threatened only Dave and Skipper can save the day . . .

DAVE: I can't believe we've written a book with MORE cats than pigeons.
SKIPPER: Technically, there are 6 cats and 7 pigeons.
DAVE: That's 6 cats too many.

Dave Pigeon and his trusty sidekick, Skipper, are minding their own business in the garden shed when they see Mean Cat behaving very strangely . . . And why is she multiplying? The arrival of some very cute kittens is disastrous news! More cats? Ugh. But then the kittens come under threat . . . Are Dave and Skipper coldhearted enough to leave them defenceless? Especially when one looks a teeny, tiny little bit like Dave?

The fifth book in the best selling Dave Pigeon series. A guaranteed laugh on every page! Packed full of funny black and white illustrations, perfect for emerging readers.

'Best book I've read on raising kittens.' Dave's grandma
'I would NOT recommend this book if you plan to raise kittens.' Every cat everywhere
'Oi! This is a BRILLIANT book, you Catbrains.' Dave's grandma, again

Dave Pigeon (Kittens!)

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories
Jarvis (Author and Illustrator). Just you and me and the stars. I’m as happy as can be...

Bear and Bird are best friends! And while they don't always understand each other, they both agree: all they want it to make the other happy. So, when Bear gobbles up the special, surprise cake Bird made for him, Bird laughs and laughs. And when Bird gets completely lost after sitting on a rock with legs, Bear comes to the rescue, on a walking rock of his own...

Full of funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings, as well as genuine warmth and affection, these four stories are the second instalment in an irresistibly charming new chapter book series from award-winning creator Jarvis.

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories

Keisha Jones Takes on the World
Natalie Denny (Author) Chante Timothy (Illustrator). Brimming with ideas and passion, Keisha’s determined to stamp down injustices and stand up for what she believes…

When Grandpa Joe tells Keisha about Great Aunt Bee, who was a lawyer and an activist, Keisha is determined to follow in her footsteps. Forming the Bee Squad, she enlists her friends KD and Paisley to help put an end to inequality. Soon they have their first cause.

Incensed by the fact that her local pet shop is selling male rabbits for more than female ones, Keisha lobbies the manager who explains that he’s overrun with female rabbits. The cheaper price is just a sales incentive. Uh-uh. It’s time to stand up for rabbits’ rights. But mixing up the bunnies has consequences far beyond those Keisha could have imagined!

A funny and timely new series featuring a strong, brave-hearted girl, perfect for fans of DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH…, MIA MAYHEM, YASMIN! and LEONORA BOLT, SECRET INVENTOR.

Keisha Jones Takes on the World

Oscar’s Lion
Adam Baron (Author) Benji Davies (Illustrator). A magical coming-of-age story about a boy spending his first weekend without his parents . . . and the lion who comes to babysit him. Get ready to fall in love with this instant classic.
‘Beautiful, adventurous, powerful’ Phil Earle
Oscar is a little terrified to find that a lion is going to be looking after him for the weekend. But when the lion lets him eat as many biscuits as he wants, and reads him his favourite story ten times, Oscar realises he might be on to something good.
Soon, Oscar discovers that the lion can change into different animals and the pair find themselves having all kinds of adventures! But before the lion has to go, might he have one more amazing transformation up his sleeve?
Oscar’s Lion is an astonishing and deeply personal book from one of our greatest storytellers.

City of Secrets: The Wildsmith #2
Liz Flanagan (Author) Joe Todd-Stanton (Illustrator). Rowan starts to embrace her gifts as a magical wildsmith who heals and speaks to animals. But saving a young pegasus brings difficult decisions. Danger comes closer than ever, threatening her family and even Rowan’s own life. When she is betrayed, which friends can she trust? With her family divided and war still raging, where does Rowan belong now?

Wildsmith: City of Secrets

Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster!: The funniest book you'll read this winter!
Nadia Shireen (Author and Illustrator). Venture back to Grimwood in the wildly funny third book in Nadia Shireen's bestselling and brilliantly anarchic illustrated comedy-adventure series.
Perfect for readers age 7+, and fans of Dog Man, Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good, Bunny vs Monkey and anyone who likes to laugh.

A Bigfoot is on the loose! Ted, Nancy, Willow and the rest of the Grimwood gang must embark on their greatest adventure yet to save their home from a nasty, thieving stink monster. Monster hunters are GO!

Fully illustrated throughout and full of heart, laughs and surprises, this is the must-read third title in the bestselling and fantastically funny Grimwood series.

Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster!

Suitcase S(witch)
Aisha Bushby (Author) Coralie Muce (Illustrator). An accidental luggage swap with a witch conjures a series of mishaps for Zahra in this charming magical adventure from acclaimed children's author Aisha Bushby. Dyslexia-friendly format novella.

Suitcase S(witch)

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

CHAPTER BOOKS OF THE YEAR FOR AGES 8-11
Personally Recommended By TKBC

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

POETRY BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Personally Recommended By TKBC

National Trust: 'Tis the Season: A Lift-the-Flap Advent Calendar Full of Christmas Poems by Various,
Richard Jones (Illustrator). A spectacular advent calendar book filled with festive poems, hidden surprises and a magical fold-out frieze!
Count down to Christmas with well-loved poets, including Ogden Nash, Nikki Giovanni, John Agard and Christina Rossetti and joyful artwork from Richard Jones. Peek inside the windows of the house to find a family wrapping presents, take a look behind a holly bush to find a little mouse and see what's happening in the town behind a glittering Christmas tree!
This classic Christmas collection has a flap to lift alongside a special poem for every day of advent and a fold-out concertina displaying a beautiful snowy landscape. With sturdy flaps, sparkling foil and a ribbon tie closure, this beautiful gift book from the National Trust is designed to be shared together as the days get closer to Christmas - filling your family with festive cheer, year after year. Board Book with red ribbon.

'Tis The Season

Cherry Moon: Little Poems Big Ideas Mindful of Nature
Zaro Weil (Author) Junli Song (Illustrator). Winner of the CLPE Award for Children's Poetry 2020.

This dazzling poetry collection bubbles with excitement and creativity, capturing the sheer joy of the natural world. Discover parades of beast-doodles, preposterous penguins, talking blossoms, playful birds, humble fleas and a host of other exotic and everyday creatures who jump off the page and into our hearts.

Thought-provoking, delightfully original and beautifully illustrated, Cherry Moon will encourage children of every age to explore the power, enchantment and wonderfulness of poetry and nature. Now in paperback.

A Whale of a Time: A Funny Poem for Every Day of the Year
Lou Peacock (Author) Matt Hunt (Illustrator). A brilliantly illustrated collection of 366 hilarious poems to keep you laughing all year round!
From rib-ticklingly funny to wryly witty, each poem in this uplifting collection is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and is perfect for reading aloud to share even more side-splitting hilarity with family and friends. Whether it's a poem about socks or spaniels, eggs or elephants, this bright and brilliant collection will bring you cheer and laughter every day.
The spectacular range of poems for children includes work by John Agard, Maya Angelou, Hilaire Belloc, Brian Bilston, Lucille Clifton, Wendy Cope, Roald Dahl, Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, Ogden Nash, Grace Nichols, Jack Prelutsky, Michael Rosen, Christina Rossetti, Benjamin Zephaniah and many more.
A wonderful gift for all ages, this beautifully produced anthology includes luxurious cloth binding and ribbon marker.

A Whale of a Time

A Dinosaur at the Bus Stop: Poems to Have Fun With!
Kate Wakeling (Author) Eilidh Muldoon (Illustrator). Choose your favourite sound, bob like a robin, soak up the stillness of the forest, jump like a startled kangaroo or go to a monster jamboree. But keep an eye out for a dinosaur at the bus stop!
Funny, gentle, thoughtful, magical – this is an outstanding collection for younger readers, from an award-winning poet whose beautifully crafted, musical poetry will be loved by younger children.

A Dinosaur at the Bus Stop

Poetry Prompts: All sorts of ways to start a poem from Joseph Coelho
Poetry Prompts: All sorts of ways to start a poem from Joseph Coelho
Joseph Coelho (Author) Georgie Birkett (Illustrator) Amanda Quartey (Illustrator) Grasya Oliyko (Illustrator) Viola Wang (Illustrator). A compendium of poetry prompts from Joseph Coelho (Children's Laureate 2022-2024).

Each fun and engaging prompt for writing a poem helps children discover how to write poems and then read them out loud. This is a book to build confidence and literacy skills through channeling children's imaginations.

This is a book for the whole family to enjoy, bright, cheerful but cool illustrations will appeal to children of all primary ages.

My Heart is a Poem
Various Authors (Author) Various Illustrators (Illustrator). This is a book of poetry for everyone.

This beautiful collection of poetry celebrates the brilliant thing that is feelings. It explores all the different emotions we experience and how different situations bring these emotions to the surface.

From feelings of uncontainable excitement and inexplicable sadness to the electricity which surges from anger and pride, the poems in this anthology perfectly put into words all the different things we feel in our hearts.

Vivid and stirring artwork from an array of talented artists brings breathtaking poetry from a range of voices to life.

Featuring powerful poetry from:
Mandy Coe
Laura Mucha
Nikki Grimes
Naomi Shihab Nye
Debjani Chatterjee
Coral Rumble
Kate Wakeling
John Agard
Karl Nova
James Carter
Valerie Bloom
Janet Wong
Joseph Coelho
Ken Nesbitt
Jack Prelutsky
Nikita Gill
Jay Hulme
Rachel Plummer
Ruth Awolola
Elaine Laron

And awe-inspiring artwork from:
Annalise Barber
Mariana Roldan
Masha Manapov
Nabila Adani

Also available: Courage in a Poem

My Heart is a Poem

The Way of Dog
Zana Fraillon (Author). A fiercely original verse novel for middle-grade readers and beyond from Zana Fraillon, the Carnegie Award-shortlisted author of The Bone Sparrow. 'Tender and gritty' THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
'Beautifully written … ambitious and absorbing' BOOKS + PUBLISHING
Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor.
Scruffity is born into a harsh, grey world. What he yearns for most is Family. But no one wants him. Just as his chances of adoption grow thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted as he is.
He learns how to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But then tragedy strikes ...
How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with?
A heartfelt, wondefully written and totally compelling story of love and belonging
Told through the eyes of a young pup, Scruffity, who will tug at your heartstrings
Themes of friendship, loss and hope are woven through a gripping narrative
Stunning illustrations by Sean Buckingham

The Final Year
Matt Goodfellow (Author) Joe Todd-Stanton (Illustrator). See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand
sayin see ya later to his mate?
That’s me:
Nathan Wilder
Nate.

10 years old
and a week away from the end of Year 5.

Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery.
But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate's world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital.
His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?
A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

GRAPHIC NOVELS OF THE YEAR
Personally Recommended By TKBC

Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island!
Jamie Smart (Author). Max has just moved to Animal Island and it's full of new friends: Orlando, Crumbs, Moose, Pedalo and a very special creature called a CHAFFY . . .

Chaffy is lost! So it's down to Max to find where Chaffy belongs . . . and YOU can help!

A heart-warming, interactive adventure story, full of friendship and joy, from bestselling author/illustrator Jamie Smart! Book 1 in a new series. Books 2 and 3 also published this year!

Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island!

A SUPER SCARY NARWHALLOWEEN
Ben Clanton (Author and Illustrator). In the hilarious eighth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series, Narwhal and Jelly celebrate the spookiest time of the year — Halloween — with a super twist!
Dive into three new stories that are sure to fright and delight! Narwhal loves Halloween — it's a great excuse to dress up in a spooky and silly costume, like a ghost, a mermaid, a banana or maybe even Marlow the Mustachioed Moose. It's a skeleTON of fun! Jelly isn't dressing up, though — he's a little scared of this time of year, and would prefer to hunker down in a hidey-hole until Halloween is over. But when a scary sea monster makes an appearance and swallows Narwhal (gulp!), can Jelly, with the help of some super friends, pluck up the courage to save his best bud?

A Super Scary Narwhalloween

Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City
Sarah Soh (Author and Illustrator). Building her own gadgets in her dad's repair shop, Juniper Mae is a certified kid wonder. She builds jet packs, socks that keep your feet warm and dry, floating fish bowls. But a slight malfunction with one of her latest inventions causes her to crash-land in the dangerous forests around her city, and there she discovers a whole world of mystery, ancient knights and even a small green tama-tama friend, Albie. Inspired by the Guardian Knights of old, Juniper Mae steps up to the plate when her city is in danger, and when a catastrophic series of events threaten to destroy her home, it's finally time for Juniper Mae to don her own armour and step into the spotlight.

Juniper Mae: Knight of Tykotech City

The Magic Gems: Lily Halfmoon 1
Xavier Bonet (Author) Marie Trinchant (Translator). 'Witches and Wizards,Sorcerers and Enchanters, by the magic granted to you, you must solemnly promise to keep your powersa secret forever ...'
Lily Halfmoon has just moved to the town of Piedraville. New house, new school and ... new powers?

Surprise - Lily is a witch! She must learn magic, and find her animal guardian and gemstone, while keeping her new identity a secret.

Protecting the people of Piedraville from evil is no easy task. Especially when a dangerous creature is on the loose. Will Lily finally discover her gem's unique power with the help of her new friends, Gigi and Mai, all without attracting attention?

'Adorable and exciting. I loved this from the very first page!'Lian Tanner, award-winning author of The Keepers series,A Clue for Clara and Spellhound

'A gorgeously illustratedstory about the power of friendship and letting your talents shine.' Jason Pamment, bestselling creator of Treasure in the Lake and Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

Lily Halfmoon: The Magic Gems

Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel)
Sharee Miller (Author and Illustrator). New Kid meets The Baby-sitters Club in this graphic novel series opener about the Curlfriends, four inseparable Black girls who show us the meaning of true friendship-and being your true self.

Charlie has a foolproof plan for the first day at her new middle school. Even though she's used to starting over as the new kid-thanks to her military family's constant moving-making friends has never been easy for her. But this time, her first impression needs to last, since this is where her family plans to settle for good.

So she's hiding any interests that may seem "babyish," updating her look, and doing her best to leave her shyness behind her...but is erasing the real Charlie the best way to make friends?

When not everything goes exactly to plan-like, AT ALL-Charlie is ready to give up on making new friendships. Then she meets the Curlfriends, a group of Black girls who couldn't be more different from each other, and learns that maybe there is a place for Charlie to be her true self after all.

Sharee Miller's graphic novel debut starts off an exciting contemporary series featuring four Black girls who each have a unique story, and each learn lessons about friendship, family, and being their true selves.

Curlfriends: New in Town

Enlighten Me (A Graphic Novel)
Minh Le (Author) Chan Chau (Illustrator). Award-winning author Minh Lê and New York Times bestselling illustrator Chan Chau team up for a fun and enlightening graphic novel about one kid's journey to finding inner peace and belonging. Perfect for fans of Measuring Up and New Kid.

When Bình fights back against a bully who makes fun of his Vietnamese heritage, he expects to be cheered as the hero. He defeated the bad guy, right?

Instead, it gets him a stern warning from his vice principal and worried parents. Now he's stuck on a family trip to a silent meditation retreat. That means no talking-and no video games!-for a whole weekend. Could things possibly get any worse?

However, when a nun gathers all the kids to tell them the Jataka tales-the stories of the Buddha's many past lives-Bình takes a fantastical dive into his imagination and starts to see himself in these stories. Will he retreat further into himself, or will he emerge from the weekend open to change?

With any luck, these next few days will prove more enlightening than he thought.

Four Eyes
Rex Ogle (Author) and Dave Valeza (illustrator). A humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic memoir about fitting in, facing bullies, and finding the right pair of glasses.
Sixth grade isn't as great as Rex thought it would be. He's the only kid who hasn't had a growth spurt, and the bullies won't let him forget it. His closest friend is unreliable, at best. And there's a cute girl in his class who he can't stop thinking about. With so much going on, everything is a blur –including Rex's vision! So when he discovers that he needs glasses, and his family can only afford the ugliest pair in the store, any hope Rex had of fitting in goes completely out of focus.
In this true coming-of-age story, Rex has his sights set on surviving sixth grade, but now he's got to find a way to do it with glasses, no friends and a family that just doesn't get it!

A beautiful coming-of-age graphic memoir
Includes heartwarming and funny arcs that perfectly portrays the highs and lows of school.

Finding My Voice
Aoife Dooley (Author and Illustrator). A two-colour graphic novel about speaking-up and standing out when you feel different. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier
How do you find your voice when everyone around you is telling you to be quiet?
Frankie is different, and so is her best-friend, Sam. So when they both start secondary school, it's tough. Particularly when there are so many rules to follow, like: No talking in class! Be quiet in the hallways! Silence for assembly!
Frankie doesn't know how she'll manage, because constantly talking is how she copes. So when she gets the chance to compete in a Battle of the Bands contest, Frankie couldn't be more excited. Except, to have a band, you need to have band members. And to have band members, you need to be good at making friends...
Can Frankie learn to find her voice and stand out?
A unique perspective on Autism, told with humour and heart.
Brought to life with glorious colour artwork in a distinctive blue and orange palette.
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

Finding My Voice

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

NON-FICTION OF THE YEAR
Personally Recommended By TKBC

21 Things to Do With a Tree
Jane Wilsher (Author) Martin Stanev (Illustrator). 21 Things to Do With a Tree is a fresh and fun outdoors activity book to learn about and make friends with your very own (chosen) tree! First, select the friendly wooden giant that you want to get to know, then meet and explore it more fully with 21 games and activities, all taking place in the great outdoors!

21 Things to do with a Tree

Who Ate What?: A Historical Guessing Game for Food Lovers
Rachel Levin (Author). ‘An entertaining look at foods of the past.’ – Wall Street Journal
Guess what people ate throughout history in this deliciously informative introduction to culinary history
In this first book of culinary history for children, readers will discover the fascinating dishes eaten by 10 high-interest historical peoples – from prehistoric humans to children of the future. Whether munching on mud-baked hedgehogs like the ancient Egyptians, or nibbling tacos topped with chillis grown in space like the astronauts of today, readers will be immersed in the diverse, tasty, weird, and wonderful food history of the world.
Packed with guess-what challenges, unbelievable facts, and interactive guessing game, 4 real recipes from different eras, and delicious reveals, this fact-filled read-aloud encourages an interest in food (and perhaps a bit of subtle encouragement to taste something new!), and is perfect for history-lovers and food-enthusiasts alike.
Ages 6 - 9

Growing Up: An Inclusive Guide to Puberty and Your Changing Body
Rachel Greener (Author) Clare Owen (Illustrator). A modern and inclusive guide to help every child understand their journey from childhood to being a grown-up.

Growing up is a natural part of life, and every child deserves to understand the different ways their body may change as they grow older. While puberty happens to everyone, every child's journey from childhood to being a grown-up will be as unique as they are!

In this honest, accessible illustrated guide to puberty, young readers can find out exactly what may happen as they grow from being a child to becoming a grown-up. From getting taller and discovering hair growing in new places to developing breasts, experiencing periods or having wet dreams, this book provides the perfect stepping stone for every caregiver to have an open conversation about what it really means for a child to be growing up.

Working closely with a leading national LGBT organisation as well as a biology specialist and an equality, diversity and inclusivity consultant, Growing Up covers everything from biological sex and gender identity to physical changes and emotional development, including sections on friendships and emotional health, creating and respecting boundaries and online safety.

Written in friendly and accessible language that can be shared with a child or read independently, Growing Up also includes a further reading section and glossary to answer more complex questions, as well as signposting where young readers can find help from trusted sources outside of the home or school environment.

Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity
Louise Gooding (Author) Ruth Burrows (Illustrator). An informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent.

Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively 'new' concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help! This inspirational book written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding challenges misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently.

It is common for neurodiverse people and those with neurological differences to feel as though they don't fit in, but their extraordinary differences should be embraced. Wonderfully Wired Brains teaches children aged 7-9 all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.

This informative and educational book for children features:

- Accurate, understandable explanations of diagnoses that impact the brain, including each area of neurodiversity and what it can or does mean for anyone with that particular neurological difference.
- A positive, friendly look at neurodiverse brains that debunks myths and stereotypes.
- Informative, inclusive text is accompanied by colourful, modern illustrations.

The font and colours used have been selected to accommodate a range of neurodiverse readers. Combining neurodiverse experiences with science, history, and brain-bursting facts, Wonderfully Wired Brains has something for everyone!

Whether your child is neurodiverse or not, this book will inspire inquisitive young readers and show them that no two brains function in the same way and that everyone's differences should be celebrated. There really is no other book like it.

Wonderfully Wired Brains

The Book of Mysteries, Magic, and the Unexplained
Tamara Macfarlane (Author) Kristina Kister (Illustrator). A fascinating look into the secrets of the supernatural world for curious children obsessed with magic and mystery.

Featuring bright and bold illustrations, Mysteries, Magic, and the Unexplained traces the story of myth and magic from ancient superstitions to medieval alchemy and divination to the modern-day fascination with UFOs.

This book for children aged 7-9 explores every aspect of magic through the ages and across many cultures. It traces the history of magic ritual from spells and potions to alchemy and divination, as well as investigating other mysteries of the paranormal. While it's a fun read, it takes its subject seriously - taking a historical approach to the supernatural world across all cultures.

The Book of Mysteries, Magic, and the Unexplained

How To Spaghettify Your Dog: and other science secrets of the universe
Hiba Noor Khan (Author) Harry Woodgate (Illustrator). 'A wonderfully illustrated, jam-packed, must-have science book for all aspiring young physicists!' The Royal Institution
'Lively, humorous and stuffed with enticing images and outrageous puns' The Guardian
Have you ever wondered how to slow down time? Or what would happen if you fell into a black hole? Well, wonder no more. This book is bursting with fascinating physics facts that will explain everything you want to know, and more, about the curiosities of our cosmos.
Featuring easy-to-follow experiments, eye-catching illustrations and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book will demystify physics and bring science to life.

How to Spaghettify Your Dog

Lessons From Our Ancestors: Equality, Inclusivity and Sustainability in the Ancient World
Raksha Dave (Author) Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong (Illustrator). Rediscover the Ancient World as you've never seen it before and meet... · The women and children who painted the world's oldest-known cave art · The black pharaohs, forgotten from Ancient Egypt's history · The Indus civilisation who built a sustainable city · The female warriors who led battles in Ancient China · The peaceful Viking traders · The African engineers behind the greatest city in the medieval world
Join archaeologist and broadcaster Raksha Dave on an unforgettable journey back through time as she casts a spotlight on forgotten histories and misrepresented stories. Perfect for readers aged 7+. Told through 50 objects, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on our past to inspire you to build a better future. · Rediscover the past with this book that uncovers forgotten histories and underrepresented stories · Fully illustrated throughout · Includes suggestions for further reading and a glossary at the back of the book · Written by Raksha Dave, one of the UK's top female archaeologists and well known TV broadcaster from Channel 4's Time Team Words of praise for this book: "A healthy corrective to the notion that "History is what White Men did", and worthy of a place on every child's bookshelf" - Sir Tony Robinson "A brilliant way to engage children in their shared history" - Lara Maiklem, author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Mudlarking "Fresh and exciting, this book blows the idea that history is something boring and frusty out the water and will be lapped up by history fan" - The Bookseller

Lessons From Our Ancestors

Over the Rainbow: The Science, Magic and Meaning of Rainbows
Rachael Davis (Author) Wenjia Tang (Illustrator). There's nothing better than a rainbow appearing after a storm, but have you ever wondered why they appear and what makes them so colourful? Rainbows have fascinated us for centuries and there's so much to learn about them. From inspiring different mythology, literature, television and culture to becoming a symbol of hope, acceptance and pride, find out about these natural wonders in this beautifully illustrated and fascinating guide.

Over The Rainbow

Picture Books For Ages 3+, Chapter Books For Ages 5-8, Chapter Books For Ages 8-11,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction!
TKBC Bookshop.org affiliate store: UK shipping only. Gift wrapping service available at this checkout. Last order date before Christmas is 18th December 2023

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