Local booksellers share their must-reads for kids with Deana Luchia...
Barnes Bookshop
Barnes Bookshop in Barnes
Captain Sunshine by Alex Milway
A fun new series from the world of Hotel Flamingo, involving an animal-filled cruise ship. Meet Captain Bella and her eccentric crew who try very hard to help her navigate life at sea. A perfect chapter book with some illustrations for developing readers. (5+)
Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange
When a grumpy guest is mysteriously poisoned during a midsummer costume party at Mulberry Hall, three clever kids take on the case to find the culprit. A great child-led caper suitable for reluctant readers. (9+)
The Little Bookshop
The Little Bookshop in Cookham
Now You Know Your ABC by Caspar Salmon and Matt Hunt
If you think that learning the alphabet is as easy as ABC, think again! We love this because it looks like a simple alphabet book but is actually a funny adventure, as you try and escape the wolf who’s disguised as D for Dog! (3+)
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson
Marinka has always lived in a house that races around the world on its giant chicken legs. But one day the house runs away, and Marinka, her friend Benjamin and a jackdaw named Jack set off in pursuit. (9+)
The Kew Bookshop in Kew
The Kew Bookshop in Kew
Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent
Riley has just started at Heverton Juniors and is keen to make new friends – but her embarrassing dad is the new head teacher! Funny, charming and relatable, this is perfect for younger fans of Lottie Brooks. (6+)
Crow: Thief of Magic by Fiona Dixon
Ideal for fans of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures (see left) and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials – with a sprinkle of Oliver Twist. The story follows Crow, a boy who scrapes a living on the streets of Starsgard and works for the leader of the criminal underground. (9+)
The Alligator’s Mouth
The Alligator’s Mouth in Richmond
Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth by Charley Rabbit
Monsieur Mustard is a world-famous mouse detective, but has he finally found a case he can’t solve? Read this fun-filled, fantastically illustrated adventure to find out! (6+)
We Are Dragon by Alastair Chisholm
Explore Rieka’s dangerous world living amongst Constructs – giant mechanical creatures that battle each other for territory. Can she save everything she cares about? This is the epic finale to Chisholm’s fantastic trilogy, following on from I Am Wolf and I Am Raven. (9+)
Lionsheart Bookshop
Lionsheart Bookshop in Woking
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
An exciting, imaginative fantasy filled with magical creatures, danger and friendship. The world-building is vivid and creative, bringing the story to life. Perfect for those who enjoy stories with heart, adventure and a touch of wonder. (9+)
Sabriel by Garth Nix
A dark, gripping fantasy novel with a unique magical world and memorable heroine, Sabriel. Combining adventure, mystery and suspense, it’s perfect for lovers of darker fantasy stories with strong characters and imaginative world-building. (YA)
Regency Bookshop
Regency Bookshop in Surbiton
Is This a Plum? by Dan and Finn Ojari
Bold, stylish art is the first thing you notice in this book by father-and-son duo Dan and Finn Ojari. Children will love the interactive story and rhyming text, while the cut-through holes tease and mislead. A clever picture book to make you chuckle! (0+)
Star Kitties: Detective Kitty is on the Case! by Laura Ellen Anderson
A brand-new series by a gifted author/illustrator. Join Tabitha Flair and the magical Star Kitties in the wonderful World of Whiskery Paw. Just purrfect for new readers looking for a magical first chapter book. (5+)
Cobham Books
Cobham Books in Cobham
Maisie vs The Pyramids by Jack Jackman
Maisie MacLeod and her father George find themselves in peril yet again, this time hunting for a lost tomb in the pyramids of Egypt. Can Maisie save the day using her magical powers and intrepid spirit? (9+)
The Othernauts by Clare Pollard
This highly entertaining retelling of classic Greek myth Jason and the Argonauts will have readers entranced. Ideal summer holiday reading. (7+)
Word On The Street Bookshop
Word On The Street Bookshop in Ashtead
Murder at the Ivy Hotel by Emily Hourican
Two sisters who live in a hotel are drawn into a murder mystery in this charming, classic-feeling cosy-crime children’s debut from bestselling Irish author Emily Hourican. (9+)
A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once by Lucas Maxwell
An emotional gut punch of a novel that explores themes of family, addiction and growing up neurodivergent. Moving and compelling – we couldn’t put it down. (14+)
