Authenticated by Greg’s own experiences of living with ADHD, a neurodivergent condition, a young boy called Bobby goes about his days at home, or at school. As he does, his mum or teachers find it hard to communicate with him, understand him, or sometimes to contain their own frustrations with how to relate to him.

Absolutely one of my favourite books of 2024, ‘The Best You’ is now publishing in paperback. I’m delighted to share this review with you, as this is a book I have repeatedly enjoyed using in school book clubs, including in school library orders, and reading to children in my Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop during weekly storytime sessions. 

‘Just One More Story’ highlights the natural curiosity of young children who are on the cusp of their reading journey; how the influence of being in a proactive and positive reading environment - whether at home, the local library, bookshop, or at nursery - can provide the catalyst for them to want to pick up a book, to want to know what the words say for themselves, to look at the pictures to decipher what is happening. 

eaturing a diverse cast of protagonists including a child with a tracheostomy collar, a child wearing a head scarf, a child who stands with a walker, a glasses wearer, as well as children with no obvious visible disabilities, this is a wonderful introduction to the how amazing our bodies are!

A journey through a fearful moment, that assures a young child that they can find bravery from within just when they really need it. Whether your child or children have a fear of the dark, or separation anxiety, even going to school or nursery, this is a comforting read with a happy, hopeful and positive message (and ending). 

Inspired by a true story of enslaved African women in Colombia braiding maps to freedom, this is a stunning book to behold. As a Black History book, honouring enslaved Africans in the Americas who fought for freedom, this is a story that will give the younger reader an age-appropriate soul-deep awareness of Black liberation during the Transatlantic Slave Trade era (c.1526-1867) as the story is told through the eyes of a young enslaved girl called Nemy.

Lucy and James Catchpole share heartfelt stories that reflect their experiences as disabled parents. In ‘Mama Car’, the child narrator shares family moments, offering insight into life with a wheelchair-bound parent. This sweet story fosters understanding, showing both everyday adventures and the comfort of a loving family.

Onjali Q. Raúf's debut picture book is a heartwarming story about welcoming a new child who has fled her homeland. With Pippa Curnick's stunning illustrations, it beautifully captures the emotions of fear, sadness, and friendship. Perfect for ages 3+, this story encourages empathy and offers tips on making refugee children feel welcome. A must-have for every school and library.

This book deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf, especially in schools. This book is a fantastic resource for parents, carers, and teachers to read with children throughout primary school. It’s a great tool to help teach kids about online behaviour, especially the concept of ‘trolls.’

Matou learns not to judge others by appearances after trying on shoes outside a mosque, especially when her mum has to stay late at work and misses their movie afternoon. A beautifully illustrated tale about empathy and understanding, perfect for sparking classroom discussions.

Book 2 in the lovely ‘My Small World’ series. Vivid and engaging, rhyming underwater adventure story for children to learn about our oceans and think creatively for a crafty project afterwards. Amazing detail in the artwork by Harry Woodgate!!

Both these creators, Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek, have individually become mainstays of the Children’s picture book world, particularly for books which sensitively and masterfully focus on specific themes in a combination: divorce, dementia, or saving the planet. ‘One Day at a Time’ is about siblings, Poppy and Robin, deliriously happy in their family life, who find out their parents are separating and learn how to find a happy new normal.

Bestselling author, Trish Cooke, of ‘So Much’ Children’s picture book fame, has penned a twisted fairy tale based on ‘Rapunzel’ to tell a story very close to her heart. ‘Rapunzel’, whose long hair helped her to escape from her captor in a tower, has always been a favourite of Trish’s, and she uses the Brothers Grimm plot together with her own African ancestry to inspire ‘The Magic Callaloo’.

Maps?? Oh my gosh, YES!! Mind maps?? Even more delicious!! Labelled illustrations everywhere, Martha is back!! Martha is a dream for a very curious mind, a child who loves to pour over a book, or a child who is fascinated by discovering, + linking information together with lots of A-HA! moments. A trip to the beach leads Martha on an AMAZING infographic journey through time!!

Award-winning creator, Eva Eland, is back! This is an absolutely delightful picture book, playful and interactive for a read aloud story. The cat in the story lives with Auntie, and he’s living his best life… that is until Auntie’s little niece Suzy comes round to play! In a funny hide-and-seek caper, who will ultimately outsmart whom?

The creator of the lovely picture book series including her debut, ‘NO! Said Rabbit’ (Scallywag Press, 2022) and the sequel, ’READY! Said Rabbit’ (Scallywag Press, 2022/3), Marjoke Henrichs, is back with a new character, Catz, who has a case to solve for his friend Flossy!

What a gorgeous first time collaboration from two of my favourite Children’s book creators: Tom Percival (Big Bright Feelings series, The Invisible and more) and Richard Jones (Perdu, Little Bear and more). ‘Quiet’ is an intensely beautiful, yet powerful story. A small little bird too afraid to speak her mind sees something truly terrifying one day - a “huge metal monster” tearing up the trees! Can she find her voice to warn the others and take action to save their home?

With numerous board books for babies and toddlers published by Nosy Crow under her belt as a book designer (Pekaboo series, Felt Flaps series, Pip and Posy and more), ‘Storm-Cat’ is the debut picture book from the illustrator of Zadie Smith and Nick Laird's ‘Weirdo’ (Puffin, 2021/2), Magenta Fox. Stormy feelings are nature’s way of letting us know that things aren’t ok. When Arwel misses someone special, he holds in his emotions until they start to affect the weather!

This is a superb fairy tale story for all children to enjoy, reducing the shame and stigma associated with bed wetting, or even little accidents during the day. I hope to see more picture books, and hopefully some poetry from this wonderful Children's creator, Effua Gleed, and her fun and joyful imagination.

Having followed Xin Li for some time on social media, as soon as she started dropping hints of this book, I was hot on the case, and wow, does it take your breath away - it’s absolutely STUNNING! Xin Li cites many influences on her website including: Shaun Tan, Maurice Sendak, Jackie Morris, The Fan Brothers and many more greats… I love this empathy story about Emma, who finds the busy, loud side of kid life hard to cope with.