Everyone with a child in their life will know that getting kids to read isn’t always easy – especially with phones, games and endless distractions competing for their attention. But the right book can still work magic, and this autumn brings plenty of that.
Whether it’s Katherine Rundell’s eagerly awaited follow-up to Impossible Creatures, or novels about a frostbitten race across the Arctic or a vampire girl gang – not to mention new work from none other than Philip Pullman, a defining voice in children’s literature — this season proves that children’s books are as inventive and irresistible as ever, and can still make reading feel like the most exciting thing a child could be doing…
The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell
Ages 8-12
In this sequel to the award-winning fantasy Impossible Creatures, which is to be adapted by Disney, young Christopher is once again swept up in the world of the archipelago, where dragons are dying. Rich, imaginative and deeply felt storytelling.
Bloomsbury Children’s, £14.99
Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll
Ages 8-12
After two decades of vampire-free society, Mina, Bella and Buffy find themselves guarding a family secret: they are Dracula’s descendants. This feminist adventure is full of Gothic charm.
Faber, £7.99
The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
Ages 8-12
When Fran arrives to stay with her relatives, she is unnerved to discover no one remembers her cousin ever existed. A locked garden powers this gripping mystery.
Nosy Crow, £7.99
My Name is Jodie Jones by Emma Shevah
Young Adult
Jodie loves words but struggles to be heard. As the pressure from her perfectionist mother builds, the cracks begin to show. A raw, moving look at family, identity and emotional survival.
David Fickling, £8.99
Thorn Season by Kiera Azar
Young Adult
Alissa Paine’s dangerous powers make her part of a persecuted group. But she is also the daughter of a high-ranking official. As tensions rise between rival factions, she is put in an increasingly precarious position.
Harper Fire, £16.99
Role Model by Elle McNicoll
Ages 8-12
Aeriel is the autistic daughter of the new prime minister – which means everyone expects her to be a role model. But what if she just wants to be herself? As bold and emotionally intelligent as it is readable.
Knights Of, £7.99
The Cave Downwind of the Café by Mikey Please
Picture Book
In this joyful follow-up to The Café at the Edge of the Woods, which won Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Glumfoot’s secret is revealed: he came to the café to eat someone.
HarperCollins, £14.99
Champions of the Galaxy by Tolá Okogwu
Ages 8-12
Kola might be only 12, but he is already being sent to space to compete in the Terra Trials. And, as the stakes rise in this out-of-this-world adventure, he must decide if the alien Onni are to be trusted.
Simon & Schuster, £7.99
The Rose Field by Philip Pullman
Young Adult
The long-awaited finale to the Book of Dust trilogy – and the epic conclusion to a phenomenon that began 30 years ago with His Dark Materials – brings Lyra’s journeys to an end, with daemons, Dust and destiny in the balance.
Penguin, £25
Roar by Manjeet Mann
Young adult
Teenager Rizu lives a sheltered middle-class life in Delhi – until a kiss with the wrong boy sparks a spiral of cruelty and fear. Accused of being a witch, she flees to join a gang of women who fight back.
Penguin, £9.99
The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold
Ages 8-12
April enters the Polar Race, sledding across the Arctic with a team of dogs. Themes of nature, courage and connection are woven into this thrilling read from the author of the award-winning The Last Bear.
HarperCollins, £14.99
I Love You Just the Same by Keira Knightley
Picture Book
Reeling from the arrival of a baby sister, a young girl dreams her way into a strange world – and must choose between returning to life before or rescuing her sibling. Written and illustrated by the actress.
Gallery Kids, £20
The Night Creatures: Firefly by Robert MacFarlane
Ages 5-9
In the first in a trilogy, a child finds hope in a meadow of glowing fireflies. The Landmarks author’s lyrical verse and nature-driven storytelling make this a quiet, glowing tale.
Magic Cat, £14.99
Michael Rosen’s Totally True (and Totally Silly) Bedtime Stories by Michael Rosen
Ages 5-9
Elephants sway to guitar music. A fish befriends a diver. A giant shark tooth is found. Rosen’s imagination runs wild in these heartwarming oddball bedtime tales.
Wren & Rook, £9.99
