Recent Articles in Books: children & YA

Picture Books With Big Ideas
Jul 29, 2024

Two beautifully illustrated picture books exploring big themes for little people reviewed by Anne Coates.

Billie's Buzz by Alison Brown
Jul 4, 2024

Written and illustrated by Alison Brown, Billie's Buzz is a delightful picture book for young children – introducing them to the wonderful world of bees. Reviewed by Anne Coates. 

Adnan The Boy Who Helped His Mummy Remember
Jun 24, 2024

Written by the directors of award-winning short film Adan, Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton and illustrated by the incredible Syrian artist Diala Brisly  this picture book tells the heart-warming story about the power of love, hope and determination.

Wonderground Competition Winners
Jun 15, 2024

Thanks to publishers The Book Guild we had five copies of Wonderground by Harry Miller and illustrated by Stephanie Zhao to be won. Here are our competition winners.

New Picture Books
Jun 3, 2024

Anne Coates reviews two new picture books to inspire young readers: My First Draw with Rob: Unicorns and Frida the Rock-and-Roll Moth plus two new edition of old favourites: How to catch a Star and Cars and Trucks and Things that Go.

Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest
May 31, 2024

Hamza may be best known by grown-ups as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing but in his TV programme for children on BBC CBeebies, he shares his passion for the outdoors, wildlife, the environment and conservation. This passion is continued in Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest, illustrated by Kate Kronrief. It was a hit with Christine Mayle and her young grandson.

You and the Universe by Stephen Hawking with Lucy Hawking
May 7, 2024

With illustrations by Xin Li, You and the Universe by Stephen Hawking with Lucy Hawking is an inspiring book for curious young minds published by Puffin Books and reviewed by Anne Coates.

Uh-oh Niko Bathtime and Uh-oh Niko Bedtime by Chris Chatterton
Apr 16, 2024

Anne Coates reviews two new board books by Chris Chatterton, the bestselling author of the iconic bedtime series, Ten Minutes to Bed. Uh-oh Niko Bathtime and Uh-oh Nico Bedtime are published by Ladybird Books.

QuartoKids' Best Books for Earth Month
Apr 3, 2024

April is Earth Month and QuartoKids recommends these books to explore environmental issues and create consciousness about climate change with your children: My Friend Tree by Dawn Casey & Genevieve Godbout; Always Carry Me With You by Hervé Eparvier and illustrated by Fred Benaglia; The Secret Life of Bugs by Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mine and  Rewild the World at Bedtime by Emily Hawkins & illustrated by Ella Beech. 

Picture Books for Easter Gifts
Mar 21, 2024

Anne Coates recommends some picture books to give for Easter: are you big? by Mo Willems, Sleepy Unicorn by Candy Bee anTom Knight and Maybe Later, Georgie by Luke Scriven.

Look Out! Hungry Animals by Paul Delaney
Feb 7, 2024

HarperCollins Children's Books have just launched the first two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Hungry Snake and Hungry Lion, both hide-and-seek flap books for little ones. Reviewed by Anne Coates.

The Dog Squad: The Race by Clara Vulliamy
Jan 17, 2024

The Dog Squad:The Race written and illustrated by by Clara Vulliamy is a perfect introduction to chapter books for your readers, writes Anne Coates.