Books of the Year 2024: Children’s & YA
Blog · Posted November 20, 2024
What we think is the best selection of books for young bookworms in 2024.
We love our children’s department in the bookshop and being able recommend great reads to young bookworms is one of the great joys of bookselling. Our Books of the Year always include a children’s selection that will suit the tiniest of readers to the almost adults.
It is worth noting that, even as adults, we wholeheartedly loved these books and we would always encourage older readers to give these titles a go too!
PICTURE BOOKS
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers & Sam Winston
Hardback | £14.99 | Chosen by Jen
“A jolly romp from Alligator to Zebra via the reason the universe exists (Marmalade!). A terrific journey for reader and listener both.”
Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett
Hardback | £12.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“Simply gorgeous. This charming story delivers an essential message with all the warmth and wit unique to Emily Gravett.”
Nursery Rhymes by Robert Lacey & Ben Coppin
Hardback | £20 | Chosen by Jen
“Strong, nostalgic illustrations with a modern twist enhance this compendium of nursery rhymes. Some familiar, some less so. A delight.”
King Winter’s Birthday by Jonathan Freedland & Emily Sutton
Hardback | £12.99 | Chosen by Rosamund
“King Winter longs for his perfect birthday party with family all around. A beautiful fairytale with a gentle message about the season.”
The Gruffalo: Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House Edition by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Hardback (approx. 12cm x 10cm) | £12.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“A pretty, pocket-sized classic that is a perfect little treat for all ages.”
Colin’s Castle by Holly Swain
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“Oh Colin. A hilarious battle of wills plays out through whimsical illustrations as the veggie vampire makes his castle a duck-free zone.”
Holey Moley by Bethan Clark & Anders Frang
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Rosamund
“Patient Mavis Mole meets anarchic rhyme-mad Gus Goat. With hints of Dr Seuss, this is glorious read aloud fun. “
The Duck Never Blinks by Alex Latimer
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“Can you make the duck blink? Bold illustrations and a witty tale that will provide entertainment for both children and adults alike.”
Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Jen
“The unlikely trick of pulling a bear out of a hat creates a quirky, magical picture book.”
CHILDREN’S 5-7
One Wise Sheep by Ulrich Hub
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“An overdue addition to the Nativity story, told from the perspective of those poor sheep left behind by the shepherds! Ridiculously brilliant. “
Miss Cat: The Gnome’s Adventure by Jean-Luc Fromental & Joelle Jolivet
Paperback | £9.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“A sleuthing comic that is bit bonkers and nothing but fun! Superbly eccentric yet elegant and reminiscent of the beloved Pink Panther cartoon.”
Astrid and the Space Cadets: Attack of the Snailiens by Alex T. Smith
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“An incredibly fun midnight adventure with a team of intergalactic helpers! Alex T. Smith hits the mark again with this total delight of a story.”
Watts & Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure by Meg McLaren
Paperback | £6.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“While solving the carefully plotted and utterly charming four-pronged mystery, Watts and Whiskerton prove themselves to be the purr-fect addition to your library. “
CHILDREN’S 8-12
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“A highly original and breathtaking book about memory, loss and love. This one’s special – you won’t have read anything like it.”
Chronicles of Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“How can something so bonkers also be wise and profound? This laugh-out-loud story celebrates friendship and embraces difference. “
Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons by Abi Elphinstone
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“A plucky heroine, a reluctant friendship, wild dragons and a baddie trying to snatch magic create a story that will make you read past your bedtime. “
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin
Paperback | £7.99 | Chosen by Rosamund
“Riddles, spies, and a missing mother. Treat yourself to a thrilling adventure written by two of the best.”
The Chronicles of Whetherwhy: Age of Enchantment by Anna James
Hardback | £14.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“Take a break from reality and enter the welcoming and wondrous world of Whetherwhy! Full of magic and mystery you will be enchanted to the very last page..”
The Colour of Revenge by Cornelia Funke
Hardback | £14.99 | Chosen by Jen
“The wait is over! A fast moving story that re-opens the world of Inkheart for a lucky new generation of readers.”
YOUNG ADULT
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
Paperback | £8.99 | Chosen by Vicky
“Heartbreaking and hugely uplifting, this perfectly crafted novel explores vulnerability and acceptance. A raw and powerful rarity of a book.”
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds
Paperback | £8.99 | Chosen by Jen
“Tender and honest, funny and real – Neon’s relationship with Aria, told in reverse, will touch your heart and leave you glowing.”
The Twelve by Liz Hyder
Hardback | £14.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“An ancient power is unleashed upon our world in this atmospheric, introspective and magical novel. Marvellously spooky yet heart-warming.”
CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION
Cloudspotting for Beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney & William Grill
Hardback | £20 | Chosen by Vicky
“For the cloud-curious of any age, this beautiful, illustrated guide is just divine. Makes you look up and admire the art in every sky.”
There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question by Mike Rampton & Guilherme Karsten
Hardback | £18.99 | Chosen by Jen
“Encourages curiosity about the world we live in and emphasises the importance of not holding back when it comes to speaking up.”
Wilding: The Illustrated Edition by Isabella Tree & Angela Harding
Hardback | £20 | Chosen by Rosamund
“Isabella Tree’s bestselling story of the Knepp Estate, brought to life by Angela Harding’s excquiste art.”
What a Wonderful Word by Nicola Edwards & Luis Uribe
Paperback | £9.99 | Chosen by Sarah
“A fascinating dive into words from across the globe that reminds us just how beautiful and fun language can be. “
We hope that our Books of the Year help you solve some of your Christmas gifting dilemmas. However, if you’re still in need of some help do contact us and we will be happy to help.