Best Books This Month – August 2026

This is a stunning story for horse lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike – perfect for 9-12 year olds. Merryn lives what should be a charmed life in a cosy cottage near the woods and a secret beach all her own – but the loss of her dad in an accident at sea hangs over her heart and her family and sadness seems inescapable….until, that is, an unexpected encounter with an enchanted horse breaks through her loneliness and makes joy possible again.

This is a story that explores the highs and the lows of life, the power of imagination and the treasure to be found in friendships that are true. Holly Surplice writes in a style that feels effortless and beautiful, with a gentleness and lightness of touch. Despite the heaviness of grief and depression hanging over Merryn’s small family, it still feels like it would be suitable to put this book in the hands of a nine year old.

Holly Surplice is also an outstanding artist, and her work illustrating her story brings it to life in a magical way, making it an easier read for more reluctant readers. I loved the writing, I adored the illustrations, I loved the characters, I loved the hope Merryn finds at the end of the story. It’s just a beautiful book!

The Beautiful Layers of Me is a heartwarming story about a young girl embracing her cultural identity. The story centres around a family wedding and Ameena, who is excited to wear her new salwar kameez. She loves wearing it until another child comments that she wants ‘pyjamas’ like Ameena’s. This leaves her feeling self-conscious and worried about fitting in.

Her anxiety about wearing her traditional dress causes her to accidentally make a hole in it, so she changes into a dress. However, she soon regrets her decision when she arrives at the wedding and sees her cousin asking for help with her dupatta because she wants to look as beautiful as her mammy. Thankfully, her Babu is skilled at sewing and repairs her salwar kameez which makes her very happy. The other child, who simply didn’t realise what the outfit was, apologises and tells Ameena how much she loves its pretty layers.The message of the story is clear throughout: accepting who you are, celebrating your heritage and being proud of your identity are all important and beautiful.

The front cover has a lovely textured finish and features Ameena wearing her salwar kameez. Before the story begins, the British-Guyanese author introduces several words that may be unfamiliar to readers, including gyal, nikah and salwar kameez, helping children understand and appreciate the language used throughout the book.

A wonderful addition to any early years or primary classroom reading corner.

‘Worm’s Big Dig’ tells the story of what seems like just another ordinary day in the life of a worm, but with plenty of humour and a few unexpected moments of peril along the way!

I never thought I’d read a book and come away with such admiration for worms, but what’s not to like? The story is narrated by an onlooker who chats with Worm about his day and warns him of the dangers he faces, including digging spades disturbing his underground home. As Worm tries to escape, he tunnels deeper and deeper beneath the ground, discovering all sorts of fascinating (and sometimes slightly scary) things along the way.

The book concludes with some wonderful facts about worms that make this little hero even more endearing. With its engaging story, charming illustrations and gentle educational elements, Worm’s Big Dig is a lovely, fun and fast-paced read that KS1 children are sure to enjoy.

Into Thin Air is a thought-provoking mystery novel that follows the disappearance of Luna and Jade’s dad one Wednesday night. Luna saw him leave, Mum says he’s visiting Nan but suspicions are raised when Nan’s nursing home call and it becomes clear that Dad is not there. Next, the family are struggling to pay for food, Dad’s boss and other frightening people start to call at the house to ask for him and Mum says the girls must not answer the door.

Although they are sisters, Luna and Jade could not be more different but along with their friend, Casey, they search for clues and hypothesize about what has led to Dad’s disappearance.

Underlying themes of friendship, kindness, diverse characters, celebration of differences, environmental awareness and the challenges and joy of family life underpin this exciting story that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Told in the narrative style of a story through lively prose and atmospheric illustrations, this book perfectly captures the fascination and romance of lighthouses as it traces their historical development.

The text emphasises the power and danger of natural forces and invites us to marvel and the bravery and ingenuity of lighthouse builders across the centuries. Lighthouses become an example of technological continuity and innovation over centuries which even now are still evolving: some lighthouses have been repurposed as centres for environmental monitoring. The author is careful also to explain their important position in the process of globalisation and to remind the reader that seafaring and the expansion of shipping routes has always brought winners and losers.

At times, the illustrations complement the storytelling – the staircase swirling ‘up and up like a seashell’, for example, is accompanied by a gorgeous picture. At other times they take it over. In the cross section of a lighthouse, we are treated to a visual explanation of how such tall thin buildings can be made into a cosy and practical spaces.

There’s a good balance of the general, the specific and less well-known facts. Apparently, some lighthouses are built with secret rooms while others have been incorporated into churches and mosques. A thoroughly entertaining and wholly satisfying read for KS2.