New children's books we love

Every month, we review dozens of books for children and teenagers. Here are the ones we like best in July: guaranteed to get your child reading... 

Whether they're a teeny toddler or a very particular teen, this is where you can find your child's next amazing book: just scroll down to find books for a range of ages. 

You can also keep track of the latest titles by looking at our past reading recommendations for:

JulyJuneMay | AprilMarchFebruaryJanuary 

We've sorted our favourite new books into rough age ranges, but this is just a guide and readers might find something they'll love in a different category. 

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For ages 0-3 and up

Old Macdonald Had a Farm

Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Jill Howarth

Young children will love singing along to the familiar nursery rhyme Old Macdonald while learning to count to five in this delightful, interactive board book.  

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Cat Nap

Author: Steve Antony

An adorable little ginger kitten is sleepy – but they need everything to be just right to get to nap time.

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The Bison and the Butterfly

Author: Alice Hemming Illustrator: Nancy Leschnikoff

Bison learns how vital she is to the woodland, and to fellow creatures like Butterfly. Based on a real rewilding project in Kent, this charming picture book is sweet and surprisingly informative. 

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Bear’s Wash Day

Author: Nicola Kent

Can you help Bear do the washing by lifting the flaps and turning the wheels? Lots of interactive fun for babies and toddlers, which will improve their fine motor skills.  

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Babies Laugh at Tickles

Author: Dr Caspar Addyman Illustrator: Ania Simeone

A delightful board book depicting lots of giggling babies. With an irresistible sound button to press.  

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For ages 4-5 and up

Does a Bear Wash Its Hair?

Author: Moira Butterfield Illustrator: Adam Ming

A fact-filled, rhyming picture book about self-care routines. Animals are just like you! 

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Ranger Hamza’s Eco Quest

Author: Ranger Hamza Illustrator: Kate Kronreif

Ranger Hamza takes readers on a wonderful quest to discover a variety of brilliant natural elements, from rainwater to lichen, dead wood, snails, acorns and seaweed. 

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Holey Moley

Author: Bethan Clarke Illustrator: Anders Frang

Moles live in holes, right? This funny book plays with rhyme as Gus the Goat tries to guess where his friend Mavis Mole lives.  

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Aqua Boy

Author: Ken Wilson-Max

Aaron is scared of going under the water. But when he finds an octopus stranded on the beach, he must be brave. A gentle story about facing fears, and about ocean conservation. 

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I Really Really Don’t Like Parties

Author: Angie Morgan Illustrator: Aaron Becker

Dora finds parties loud and overwhelming. But when she meets a similarly quiet child at a birthday, she realises they may not be so bad after all. 

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For ages 6-8 and up

Beti and the Little Round House

Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Emily Hughes

Follow the adventures of Beti and her baby goat Naughty in this beautifully written and illustrated book as they explore the natural world which surrounds her little round house in the Welsh countryside. 

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Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise

Author: Adeola Sokunbi

Destiny feels nervous about going to her first sleepover. When she meets a friendly monster, the two of them conquer their fears together and have loads of fun on the way! 

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Wise Up! Wise Down!

Author: John Agard and JonArno Lawson Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura

This lively collection of poems by two acclaimed poets takes readers on a meandering, thought-provoking and imaginative journey. Humorously illustrated with energetic black-and-white drawings.  

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The Last Zookeeper

Author: Illustrator: Aaron Becker

Awordless picture book featuring a robot protagonist and aflooded landscape. It is a beautifully illustrated modern retelling of the Noah’s ark story. 

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Wild Planet The Inspiring Life and Wisdom of Sir David Attenborough

Author: Hayley Rocco & John Rocco

This wonderful picture book highlights the work of David Attenborough, a national treasure, and carries an important message about rewilding and conservation.  

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Tangled Tales: Movies, Magic, Mayhem!

Author: Jenny Moore Illustrator: Sarah Horne

Two interlinked stories in one – flip the book to read the second one. Will Derek the vampire and Ruby the unusual fairy become film stars? 

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Toby and the Pixies Worst King Ever

Author: James Turner Illustrator: Andreas Schuster

Toby’s quiet life is turned upsidedown when he discovers an enchanted kingdom in his garden and is crowned King of the Pixies. This laugh-out-loud graphic novel is utterly bonkers and hugely entertaining. 

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Wales Book of the Month

And I Hear Dragons

Author: Various Editor: Hanan Issa Illustrator: Eric Heyman

A joyous collection of poems celebrating Welsh identity in its many forms – and the dragons inside us all. 

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Dyslexia Friendly

Reek

Author: Alastair Chisholm Illustrator: George Caltsoudas

Set against the backdrop of a climate catastrophe, this gripping dystopian thriller is oppressively atmospheric as it depicts a reality where if you can’t pay, you can’t breathe. 

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The Day My Dog Got Famous

Author: Jen Carney

Can Ferris train his dog to be an internet sensation in time to save his foster sister’s favourite blanket? A funny, heartfelt story that celebrates family and pets. 

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Poetry Comics

Author: Grant Snider

Beautifully simple poems are paired with comic-book style panel illustrations. Two characters across the course of the year as they express themselves through poetry. 

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100 Things to Know About Sport

Author: Usborne

Delve into the world of sports with this compilation of fascinating facts from around the world. Featuring engaging information, illustrations and infographics, this is a great choice for all sports lovers! 

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For ages 9-11 and up

The Voyage of Sam Singh

Author: Gita Ralleigh

A thrilling historical adventure quest, with elements of magic realism, set in a fictionalised version of colonial India and exploring aspects of imperialism and the exploitation of indigenous peoples. 

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Angel of Grasmere

Author: Tom Palmer

In the midst of war, a mysterious figure is performing acts of kindness in a Lake District village. Can Tarn find out who it is? An excellent addition to fiction about World War II. 

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The Boy to Beat the Gods

Author: Ashley Thorpe

With exciting and imaginative battle scenes, and an energetic narrative, this fun-packed fantasy adventure is inspired by aspects of Caribbean and African culture and spirituality. 

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Bookmark Book of the Month

A History of My Weird

Author: Chloe Heuch

An absorbing story about friendship and acceptance, featuring a neurodivergent protagonist.

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Puppet

Author: David Almond Illustrator: Lizzy Stewart

A puppet comes alive right at the end of his maker’s life and they set about making friends together. 

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Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces

Author: Carlos Sanchez

Chiri and Dai discover a hidden world filled with secrets and magic. After discovering their own hidden powers, the pair team up with a band of unlikely heroes to take on the sinister Shadow King. 

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Flame Chasers

Author: Julie Pike

Julie Pike’s writing conjures a rich, magical world full of ancient secrets and mystery. As with her widely acclaimed debut The Last Spell Breather, she combineswonderfully imaginative storyline with relatable and well-developed characters.

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Irish Book of the Month

The Weather Girls

Author: Sarah Webb

When a German fighter plane crashes nearby, Grace saves the pilot’s life. But she will play an even greater part in World War II than she realises. Sheds light on an unusual part of wartime history. 

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The Double Life of Ted Amos

Author: Simon James Green Illustrator: Jennifer Jamieson

Edward has reinvented himself as Ted at his dad’s new town. Ted is cool and definitely isn’t bullied. But will his lies catch up with him? Hilarious and moving, this is about being who you really are. 

Read more about The Double Life of Ted Amos

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