Publisher: Oxford University Press

Isadora Moon and the Pop Stars

Harriet Muncaster

Chapter book

Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique!

Isadora is special because she is different.

Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and she’s a bit of both.

Isadora is so excited.

She has been invited to go to a pop concert with her friend, Araminta.

She has never seen a band like Glitterbat before.

The music is gothic and vampire-y and ELECTRIC.

She can’t wait to show the dance moves to her friends at school.

But will they understand, or will they think her vampire music is a bit strange?

With irresistible pink and black artwork throughout by author/illustrator Harriet Muncaster and a totally unique heroine with an out-of-this-world family, this is a beautiful, charming and funny series of first chapter books.

Perfect for fans of Claude, Dixie O’Day, and Squishy McFluff, Isadora Moon is the ideal choice for readers who want their magic and sparkle with a bit of bite!

The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School

Harriet Muncaster

Chapter book

The first book in an exciting new series from the creator of Isadora Moon, Harriet Muncaster.

Told in diary format and packed with beautiful full-colour illustrations, this is the enchanting story of Wiska Wildflower and her search for friendship at Inkcap’s Academy.

ONE day until I go to my new school.
Eeeek!
It’s called Inkcap’s Academy and it’s in Twitching.
TWITCHING!
Yes, I now live on the completely opposite side of Wiskling Wood to my old school in Acornia, and more importantly, MY FRIENDS…

Wiska Wildflower is relieved when she makes friends with Cleobelle and Primrose on her first day at Inkcap’s Academy.
They love Wiska’s drawings and ask her to help them design matching outfits for a special fashion show in Spellbrooke City.
But the more Wiska gets to know her new friends, the more she feels she must hide her true self and follow their rules.
Can Wiska find the bravery she needs to get her creative spark back and discover true friendship?

Michael Morpurgo’s Myths & Legends

Michael Morpurgo

Short story collection

Award-winning children’s writer and former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo has collected classic tales of heroism and adventure and put them all in one place. Here! From brave heroes and battling beasts to mighty gods and magic spells, these are timeless tales to treasure forever. Eye-catching colour illustrations bring the magic of these myths and legends to life. There are lots of stories to choose from, including Mulan, Icarus, and Hercules the Hero, plus a retelling of Gawain and the Green Knight written by Sir Michael himself, so whether you’re looking for a quick read or a longer story to lose yourself in, something to read alone or a tale to share, there’s an enchanting story within for everyone to find. A sumptuous gift edition for young readers to treasure, and a perfect companion to Greatest Animal Stories and Greatest Magical Stories.

The Eagle of the Ninth

Rosemary Sutcliff

Chapter book

The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of northern Britain – and they were never seen again.

Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It’s a mystery that’s never been solved, until now.

Marcus has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.

The Eagle of the Ninth is heralded as one of the most outstanding children’s books of the twentieth century and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Rosemary Sutcliff writes with such passion and attention to detail that Roman Britain is instantly brought to life and stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned.

The Hug Button

Naomi Jones & Rebecca Ashdown

Picturebook

It’s Matilda’s first day at The Meadows and she’s very excited. But when Mummy goes to say goodbye, Matilda isn’t happy. She doesn’t want Mummy to go. The next day, Mummy has a helpful suggestion. She draws two hug buttons-one on Matilda’s wrist and one on her own. Then, when Matilda wants a hug, or wants to give one, she can press the hug button and know that Mummy is thinking about her too.

From the award-winning duo, Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown, comes a warm embrace of a book about learning to cope with separation.

The Expanding World of Data

Tom Jackson

Non-fiction

Data is an integral part of our lives. It helps us to unlock hidden mysteries and even predict the future. The Expanding World of Data uncovers the world of data in a way that is accessible, engaging and thought-provoking, using colourful artwork, illustrations, comic strips, ‘Speak like a Scientist’ and data hero sections. This book is the perfect resource for those curious minds who want to know more about data, what it is and what it does. Data can even help us to make the planet a better place.

This title is one of an exciting series from Oxford, giving accessible introductions to the ideas, facts, and vocabulary behind an absorbing range of subjects. Meticulously researched and written by experts in their fields, curious young readers will quickly get to grips with the basic principles and terminology of each subject.

Author Tom Jackson has been a writer for 25 years, written about 200 books and specializes in science and technology. Consultant Dr Bran Knowles is a Senior Lecturer in the Data Science Institute at Lancaster University where she leads the Data and Society theme.

The Expanding World of Data is part of a wider collectible set. If you love this title, why not collect them all?

Super-Readable Rollercoaster: Phoenix Brothers

Sita Brahmachari

Chapter book

This thought-provoking narrative tells the story of ‘Phoenix Brothers’ Amir and Mo, who have recently arrived in England after a perilous journey fleeing from their home country, Iraq.

Amir has lost his home, his family and now his voice; Mo is alone in the world and has experienced unspeakable horrors on his journey. As they rise from the ashes and build a new life in the UK, they discover their talents and find friends who will stand with them even when others stand in their way.

Told through the eyes of Amir, the book subtly and sensitively explores themes of displacement, prejudice, language barriers and the impact of trauma. Amir’s recollections as he prepares for the George Orwell speech competition reveal the challenges and horrors faced by many vulnerable refugee children in their quest for safety and liberty.

Weather Tots: Sunny Starts School

Caroline Crowe & Nia Gould

Picturebook

Sunny is a positive, literal ‘ray of sunshine’. On her first day at school, she is determined to shine and to be the best that she can be. Her enthusiasm and excitement lead to some accidental errors, which cause Sunny to feel downhearted and despondent. There is much to be learned from this bright and engaging picture book. Children will love the characters; they are colourful and uncomplicated in their design with names that reflect their weather-related functions and personalities.

Changing states and the needs of plants are interesting science concepts that are covered as an integral, but fun, part of the story. As sunny embarks on her school journey, she learns that working together is more effective than trying to outshine everyone else. She discovers that everyone is unique and everyone is special in their own, individual way. This is a beautiful book to look at and is the perfect length for bedtime reading.

Cat and Dumpling: Home Sweet Home

Nicola Kent

Chapter book

The first in a charming new series by author Nicola Kent. Packed with beautiful full colour illustrations and a delightful story about best friends, Cat and Dumpling.

Cat and Dumpling are best friends, but they’re very different. Cat is an impulsive dreamer who loves to knit, and Dumpling is a cautious planner who loves gardening. In these chapter books for early readers, the pair’s far-fetched schemes and conflicting ideas wreak warm-hearted slapstick havoc, but always with a happy ending and a reassertion that despite their differences Cat and Dumpling will always be the very best of friends.

In Home Sweet Home, Cat and Dumpling meet for the very first time. They’re both searching for the perfect home and have very different needs. Eventually they stumble across the perfect place-the only problem is, they both want the same flat! Can the pair survive as flatmates, or will their differences just be too much to overcome?

Look out for the next book in the series: Cat and Dumpling: The Talent Show.

Who Ate All the Bugs?

Matty Long

Picturebook

Snail is on a mission. Bugs are being eaten all around her and she’s determined to hunt down the culprit. But is it a lost cause? After all, as Glowworm explains, ‘You can’t fight the food chain’.

Acclaimed picture book creator, Matty Long, brings his hallmark talents of deadpan comedy, witty commentary, and hilarious illustrations to elucidate the real life realities of invertebrate existence! In this fascinating and slightly disgusting series, readers can feast on a diet of facts about the animals, plants and ecosystems found in the natural world.

Best Books by Age

Popular Children's Authors

Publisher: Oxford University Press

News: Reflecting Realities Report 2025: Summary of Findings

NEWS: The Children’s Booker Prize is Established

Stories That Make You Feel: Simon Stephenson on The Snowman Code

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review