New Picture Books and Novels to Delight Children and Teens
A trio of canine companions in "The Good Deed Dogs" by Emma Chichester Clark brings laughter and lesson as their good intentions go hilariously awry. This delightful picture book follows the attempts of three dogs - a gentle giant, an anxious rescue dog, and an energetic puppy - to help others but end up causing chaos instead.
For older readers, "Auntie's Bangles" by Dean Atta and Alea Marley is a poignant exploration of loss, joy, and remembrance. After her passing, Auntie leaves behind a treasure trove of jewellery that serves as a symbol of their love and connection. The story follows Theo and Rama as they come to terms with their grief and find ways to celebrate Auntie's life.
In "Grandad's World" by Michael Foreman, Jack learns about the importance of protecting the environment when he and his grandad visit the woods and village pond. But when rubbish starts to pollute the water, it's up to them to put things right in this engaging picture book that will delight children aged 5+.
The adventures continue in "Jake in the Middle" by Michael Catchpool, a 5+ chapter book that follows Jake as he navigates the ups and downs of family life with his bossy older sister and mischievous baby brother. This gentle story is perfect for newly independent readers who will enjoy Jake's silly escapades.
In "Postman Planet" by Ben Davis, we meet Postman Planet, a young postman with a part-robot dog assistant who must deliver an urgent helium shipment to the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns. With laugh-out-loud humor and stunning illustrations, this graphic novel is perfect for 6+ readers.
The Donut Squad's adventures continue in "Donut Squad 2: Make a Mess!" by Neill Cameron, a rip-roaring graphic novel sequel that follows Anxiety Donut and Dadnut as they try to outdo the savoury Bagel Battalion. This funny and addictive story is suitable for 7+ readers.
For fans of mystery and adventure, "The Golden Monkey Mystery" by Piu DasGupta is a thrilling tale about Roma, an aspiring doctor who discovers a golden monkey near her boarding school in India. With bandits on her tail and the curse of the Snakestone looming large, Roma must return the monkey to its rightful home in this full-tilt historical adventure suitable for 8+ readers.
"Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel" by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful retelling of Jerome's story, which was first published as a novel. This haunting graphic novel follows Jerome's ghost as he meets the spirit of Emmett Till and explores themes of racism, police brutality, and social justice for 12+ readers.
In "Beth Is Dead", Katie Bernet reimagines Little Women with a modern twist, telling the story of what would have happened if one of the March sisters had been murdered. This compulsive thriller is told from all four sisters' perspectives and will appeal to YA readers aged 14+.
Last but not least, "Arcana: The Lost Heirs" by Sam Prentice-Jones brings a magical world to life with this whimsical graphic novel about witches, the Arcana, and the secrets of the past. Suitable for 14+ readers who love fantasy and adventure, this debut YA graphic novel is inspired by the tarot deck.
Finally, "Queen of Faces" by Petra Lord is an ambitious fantasy debut that explores a world where the rich can pay to change their bodies. Ana, a young assassin, must navigate treacherous alliances and loyalties in this hugely riveting tale suitable for 14+ readers who love fantasy and adventure.
A trio of canine companions in "The Good Deed Dogs" by Emma Chichester Clark brings laughter and lesson as their good intentions go hilariously awry. This delightful picture book follows the attempts of three dogs - a gentle giant, an anxious rescue dog, and an energetic puppy - to help others but end up causing chaos instead.
For older readers, "Auntie's Bangles" by Dean Atta and Alea Marley is a poignant exploration of loss, joy, and remembrance. After her passing, Auntie leaves behind a treasure trove of jewellery that serves as a symbol of their love and connection. The story follows Theo and Rama as they come to terms with their grief and find ways to celebrate Auntie's life.
In "Grandad's World" by Michael Foreman, Jack learns about the importance of protecting the environment when he and his grandad visit the woods and village pond. But when rubbish starts to pollute the water, it's up to them to put things right in this engaging picture book that will delight children aged 5+.
The adventures continue in "Jake in the Middle" by Michael Catchpool, a 5+ chapter book that follows Jake as he navigates the ups and downs of family life with his bossy older sister and mischievous baby brother. This gentle story is perfect for newly independent readers who will enjoy Jake's silly escapades.
In "Postman Planet" by Ben Davis, we meet Postman Planet, a young postman with a part-robot dog assistant who must deliver an urgent helium shipment to the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns. With laugh-out-loud humor and stunning illustrations, this graphic novel is perfect for 6+ readers.
The Donut Squad's adventures continue in "Donut Squad 2: Make a Mess!" by Neill Cameron, a rip-roaring graphic novel sequel that follows Anxiety Donut and Dadnut as they try to outdo the savoury Bagel Battalion. This funny and addictive story is suitable for 7+ readers.
For fans of mystery and adventure, "The Golden Monkey Mystery" by Piu DasGupta is a thrilling tale about Roma, an aspiring doctor who discovers a golden monkey near her boarding school in India. With bandits on her tail and the curse of the Snakestone looming large, Roma must return the monkey to its rightful home in this full-tilt historical adventure suitable for 8+ readers.
"Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel" by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful retelling of Jerome's story, which was first published as a novel. This haunting graphic novel follows Jerome's ghost as he meets the spirit of Emmett Till and explores themes of racism, police brutality, and social justice for 12+ readers.
In "Beth Is Dead", Katie Bernet reimagines Little Women with a modern twist, telling the story of what would have happened if one of the March sisters had been murdered. This compulsive thriller is told from all four sisters' perspectives and will appeal to YA readers aged 14+.
Last but not least, "Arcana: The Lost Heirs" by Sam Prentice-Jones brings a magical world to life with this whimsical graphic novel about witches, the Arcana, and the secrets of the past. Suitable for 14+ readers who love fantasy and adventure, this debut YA graphic novel is inspired by the tarot deck.
Finally, "Queen of Faces" by Petra Lord is an ambitious fantasy debut that explores a world where the rich can pay to change their bodies. Ana, a young assassin, must navigate treacherous alliances and loyalties in this hugely riveting tale suitable for 14+ readers who love fantasy and adventure.
There's something for every age group, from little kids to teens. The stories seem so engaging and fun - like "The Good Deed Dogs" which is just too cute with those three goofy dogs trying to help others in their own silly way 
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I think it's gonna make a big difference for kids who might not see themselves in traditional stories.
And I think its awesome how some of these books are exploring complex issues in a way that's still super fun and engaging for readers. Like with "Postman Planet" - who wouldn't want to read about a postman and his robot dog on a mission to save the day? 
I'm obsessed with these new picture books and novels! "The Good Deed Dogs" has me dying laughing every time I read about those three canine companions trying to do good, but ending up causing chaos instead 
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. And the themes of racism, police brutality, and social justice are so important to explore in a graphic novel.
. Ana's story sounds like an epic adventure and I need to get my hands on this ASAP!
They're all so unique and fun, like "The Good Deed Dogs" which is literally the best thing since sliced bread - who wouldn't want three goofy dogs trying to help others but causing chaos instead? 
It's just too adorable!
"Postman Planet" is literally the coolest thing I've seen all year, who wouldn't want a part-robot dog assistant? 
What's not to love?
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. But I do wish they'd included some more diversity in the books listed 
They all seem to have a positive vibe and deal with real-life issues like loss, grief, and social justice in a way that's relatable to kids and teens. 
It's beautiful! 
What I'm curious about is what kind of reaction we'll get from parents and educators when they see the diversity in this list. Will there be enough options for different learning styles, ages and interests? We'll have to wait and see how these books are received!
. And have you seen "Postman Planet"? It looks like so much fun! 
And "Arcana: The Lost Heirs" is calling my name... who else loves fantasy and adventure? 