40 more of the best new children's books in 2026

A Day Off School written by Oliver Jeffers and illustrated by Kevin Waldron (3+)

When Henry has the sniffles, he has to take the day off school. But Henry doesn't mind – he is excited about all the things he can do at home, building a fort, playing Space Craft, and racing his cars! But by lunchtime, Henry starts to wonder what he might be happening at school… Is he missing out on all the action?

A hilarious story full of action and adventure from two award-winning picture-book creators.

Duck Delivers... Cake! by Tom Tinn-Disbury (3+)

When Duck is tasked with delivering a very tall, very large, and very special cake to a party all the way across town, Duck realises he'll need to trade his scooter in for something with a bit more power to get there by sunset. Can this plucky Duck make it in time? Or will chaos be the only thing Duck delivers today?

A laugh-out-loud story about perseverance, delivery chaos and... cake!

Finn's Epic Fails: Downhill from Here by Phil Earle and illustrated by Al Murphy (7+)

Gran is treating the family to a summer vacation in Tenerife – what could possibly go wrong?

Finn N. O. Hope, ultimate fail-magnet, is back in this hilarious sequel. Finn's Epic Fails, the first book, won the Children's Fiction category in the 2026 Indie Book Awards, the only awards curated exclusively by independent bookshops.

The Wild Ones by Steve Cole (7+)

Scamp the terrier must discover his own wildness if he's to lead his friends to the one thing they so desperately need – a new home.

An action-packed, moving animal story of bravery and friendship.

We gave 100 young readers the chance to get an early copy earlier this year – you can still read the first chapter.

Greek Goddess Diaries: And Other Stories from the Ancient Sisterhood by Honor Cargill-Martin and illustrated by Camelia Pham (7+)

Welcome to the Greek Goddess Diaries – where ancient myths get a modern, sassy twist. Meet Pandora, Medusa, Circe and more as they spill their secrets, confess their crushes and get the chance to tell their own story.

We're giving you the chance to win a signed copy and a beautiful lockable diary!

And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold (9+)

Jelly is NOT looking forward to her first school trip at her new school, whereas Lincoln can't wait. But what neither of them expected was for the extreme weather to cause the reservoirs to burst, and for the area to be flooded. Or to be left behind when the rest of their group is evacuated...

A gripping and thought-provoking new book from the author of Where the World Turns Wild.

Python: The New Recruit by S.J. Wills (11+)

Son of a notorious crime boss, 15-year-old Zac Thorne broke the sacred rule: never snitch. Now his family wants him dead. That's until Python, a top-secret government agency, gives him a way out.

An action-packed spy adventure, for fans of Alex Rider and Young Bond.

Heartstopper Volume 6 by Alice Oseman (12+)

Everyone in school knows Nick and Charlie. Everyone knows they're going to be together forever. But Charlie's busy with his bid to become head boy. And while Nick is preparing to leave for uni, he's starting to wonder who he'll be... without Charlie.

We're looking forward to the final book in the bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel series, published just ahead of Heartstopper Forever on Netflix.

Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, underage drinking, and sexual references.

Pick up our Heartstopper gift card in bookshops for fans of all ages!

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (14+)

Everyone has heard of the Button heirs: the five genius children of infamous billionaire Leontes Button. Adopted and trained under the "Button Method", they've had no choice but to be brilliant. But brilliance comes at a deadly price. Because at their father's tenth annual Prodigy Ball, Leontes Button is murdered.

The utterly addictive new murder mystery thriller from the author of Ace of Spades and Where Sleeping Girls Lie.

August

Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent by Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie (9+)

There's nothing special about Jamaal Target. He's your average twelve-year-old boy who lives with his foster mum and likes to game with his best friend Myla. Until one day, everything changes...

Alex Rider meets Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse in this fast-paced, action-packed series about a 'normal' boy who discovers he has superpowers and is destined to join an elite yet secret organisation.

The Detention Diaries: Worse than Jail written by Sam Copeland and illustrated by Dominic Trevett (9+)

Arthur Guppy is in detention. The school axolotls have been kidnapped and Arthur is the prime suspect. But how did Arthur's best friend, Carlos Chickens, and an unusual assortment of their classmates end up in there with him?

Jam-packed with hysterics-inducing black and white illustrations, The Detention Diaries is the ultimate boy-friendly read!

This book was also chosen as one of this month's Discover First titles, which means young readers can get their hands on one of 100 early copies before it hits bookshops!

Into Thin Air by S. E. Durrant (9+)

Luna's dad left in the middle of the night but nobody else seems worried. As the days go by, Luna tries to make sense of her dad's behaviour in the weeks before he left and, together with her sister Jade, starts looking for clues.

A compelling and heartwarming story from the author of Little Bits of Sky.

War written by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, and illustrated by Giovanni Rigano (9+)

Set in an unnamed city in an unnamed country, War tells the story of Kat, a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist who finds her life turned upside down when her home city is invaded.

A timely and thoughtful graphic novel about war from Eoin Colfer, previously Irish Children's Laureate, and the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl.

September

Gruffalo Granny written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Sheffler (3+)

Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure features the return of much-loved characters and is destined to become a classic.

Our Gruffalo and Zog gift card design is perfect for young readers, available from bookshops and online.

Once Upon a Tiger by Sarah Massini (3+)

One day, a grumpy tiger wakes to find not one, not two, but three child-cubs upon his back – and try as he might, they will not move. So tiger and children stay together and slowly, gently come to teach one another about bravery, kindness, and belonging.

A beautiful, moving tale about kindness and bravery that has all the hallmarks of a modern classic.

Ghost and Toast by Phil Corbett (7+)

When Ghost arrives at a haunted mansion, what he doesn't expect to find is a talking slice of bread. Introducing... Toast!

A witty and wacky new story, perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Donut Squad, and Pablo & Splash.

Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper by Harry Woodgate (8+)

Meet Cinnamon Crumb. In the town of Marzipan, home to bakers of near-magical talent, Cinnamon burns toast. She's no baker – but she is about to become a baking detective.

An irresistible detective series from Harry Woodgate, one of our fabulous Hidden Books Game illustrators, with lashings of secrets, sabotage, and illustrations on every page!

Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom written by Jack Meggitt-Phillips and illustrated by Holly Swaine (8+)

The only thing you need to know right now is that it all started for Henrik Jekyll when he found out about the Hyde Potion…

A whimsical twist on the classic novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Mari the Unwonderful Witch by Asako Yuzuki and translated by Ecre Karadag (9+)

Mari is an eleven-year-old witch who loves her life. But, if you ask any of the other witches in town, Mari loves her life a little too much. After all, a wonderful witch puts the needs of others, before herself. But Mari doesn't care what other people think of her – and when disaster strikes her town, she'll need to convince the other witches to have the courage to break free, too, and be just as wildly unwonderful as she is.

The first middle grade novel from the author of the award-winning bestseller Butter.

Dangerous Influence by Sally Nicholls (11+ with a reading age of 8)

Ever since she was little, Anna and her sister Josie have been the main feature of her mum's vlogs and social media posts. While Josie seems to enjoy the attention, Anna has always felt uncomfortable with her entire life being laid bare online. When Josie is stalked by one of her mum's followers, both girls decide that enough is enough.

A gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of the complex dynamics of influencer culture.

And Then We Screamed by Holly Bourne (14+)

When cheerleader Abigail starts screaming in the middle of an exam, people laugh. But as more girls start breaking into uncontrollable screaming fits, it's clear something is seriously wrong. The authorities don't have a clue what's happening – so it's up to Clover and Brody to investigate. What they discover is a darkness beneath the perfect veneer of Maple Lakes – and it is spreading fast.

A mind-blowing novel full of mystery, conspiracy, and dark secrets, from the bestselling YA author.

October

Game of Pets: The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Aaron Blabey (7+)

What if life on earth was an intergalactic game show, and our pets were the evil animal overlords?

Featuring a talking axolotl, a diabolical game show, and trademark Blabey humor, Game of Pets is a hilarious illustrated adventure that will have you looking at your pets with heavy suspicion.

The Christmas Book written by Katherine Woodfine and illustrated by Lizzy Stewart (7+)

Tómas takes his hard earned pennies to shop for presents – only to find all the shops empty of stock. This is war time and rationing. There is just one shop still open – a bookshop.

A beautiful story inspired by the Icelandic book-gifting tradition.

The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth (14+)

Beatrice Prior has a plan: she's going to leave Abnegation behind to join Dauntless, even though it means leaving her family behind. But when tragedy strikes at her Choosing Ceremony, everything changes – her world, her plans, even Beatrice herself.

A thrilling new duology set in the world of Divergent.

August

Believe in a world where magic still hides: Over 100 fantastical beasts! written by Catherine Doyle and illustrated by Freya Hartas (6+)

Step inside a book that takes you back to the very beginning; to a natural world where trolls, fairies, and dragons roamed, untouched by humankind. Here, learn the stories of these magical creatures from around the world, from cheeky trolls to shape-shifting fairies, fire-breathing dragons to singing sirens. 

Young readers will discover the origins of magical creatures and mythical beasts in this lavishly illustrated book from bestselling duo Catherine Doyle and Freya Hartas.

An Alien's Guide to Dinosaurs: An Exploration of Dinosaurs That's Out of this World! written by Myles McLeod and illustrated by Lee Cosgrove (7+)

Hop aboard a spaceship and join a ragtag team of aliens as they study the most fascinating planet in the universe: Earth. And what could be even more exciting? Dinosaurs, of course!

With jokes, poetry, and fascinating prehistoric facts courtesy of your alien tour guides, this isn't just another dinosaur encyclopedia – it's an extraterrestrial experience!

Mouse and Bear: Stay Safe Online written by Elaine Connolly and illustrated by John Cei Douglas (7+)

When it comes to being online, Mouse does NOT feel confident at all. Luckily his best friend, Bear, is on hand to help.

Mouse and Bear show readers how to look after devices, identify risks online, deal with cyberbullying, manage screen time, and safely enjoy online gaming.

A heartwarming graphic novel, informed by expert advice.

The Palace of Facts: 400 Astounding Facts Await… written by Kate Olesin and illustrated by Andy Smith (7+)

You are hereby invited to the Palace of Facts, where 400 astonishing facts are on display…

A spectacularly gigantic fact book from the creative team behind the bestselling FACTopia! series.

How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail and Other West African and Caribbean Myths written by Jessica Wilson and illustrated by Sophie Bass (9+)

A stunning anthology that celebrates the storytelling traditions of West Africa and the Caribbean.

Sophie Bass is also the brilliant designer behind our Booklovers gift card, perfect for teens and adults like. 

September

Cosmic Cruise: A Solar System Adventure by Owen Davey (5+)

Ever dreamed of blasting off on a solar system adventure? Cosmic Cruise is your ticket!

This visual guide by Owen Davey takes young readers on an unforgettable voyage through our cosmic neighbourhood.

Sea to Sky: An Introduction to Planet Earth by Pui Lee (7+)

Did you know the deepest part of the ocean is over 11,000 metres below the surface? Or that clouds have their own names, like cumulus and cirrus?

This visually stunning infographic series explores Earth's incredible habitats, starting at the ocean floor and moving up through deserts, forests, mountains, and into the sky.

10 Extraordinary Ideas that Shaped our Universe written by Sheila Kanani and illustrated by Liz Kay (8+)

Dr Sheila Kanani explains ten of the most EXTRAORDINARY ideas in science – and introduce the incredible brains that you never knew were behind them. Each chapter explores one important idea: how it works, why it's important, and the real story of how it was discovered. 

How to Do (Almost) Everything: 100 skills for curious kids written by Becky Baines and illustrated by Laurie Avon (8+)

An encyclopaedia of expertise, showing how to do everything from making paper aeroplanes to solving a riddle.

Lavishly illustrated with step-by-step diagrams, exuberant illustrations, and stunning photography, this book offers the skills every child needs to make the most out of every day.

When the Birds Wake Up written by Jessica Mary Ellis illustrated by Sophie Burrows (9+)

Ten-year-old Pear is struggling to cope: with her grandma's Alzheimer's, with a new school and with cruel classmates' jibes. Enter Piglet – a scruffy rescue dog, who helps Pear rebuild her sense of self.

A powerful verse novel from the winner of David Fickling Books' 2025 Search for a Storyteller competition.

October

Puzzle Slug and the Cosmic Stench of Doom by Candice Whatmore (6+)

Help Puzzle Slug in his quest to save his friends and their beloved planet in this laugh-out-loud puzzle comic book.

How to Make Awesome Comics by Neill Cameron (7+)

Young artists can join comics superstar Neill Cameron, creator of Donut Squad, on an interactive and fun masterclass in coming up with ideas, creating characters, and learning how to draw pretty much EVERYTHING!

The Wonder of Nature: Discovering the Science Behind its Beauty by Natalia Haranczyk (9+)

Explore the microscopic wonders of plants, animals and fungi through vivid, detailed illustrations bursting with colour and life.

From dazzling colours to mind-blowing patterns, incredible shapes and perfect symmetry, The Wonder of Nature reveals the science behind what makes nature so breathtakingly beautiful.

An Illustrated History of Magic by Adam Allsuch Boardman (12+)

An Illustrated History of Magic covers a global look at everything from prehistoric ritual, magicians as entertainment and the occult, through to Wicca and new age, crystals, and mail-order magic tricks.

November & December 

Although new releases slow down as Christmas approaches, the reading certainly doesn't! With thousands of brilliant books waiting to be discovered in local bookshops, a National Book Token lets young readers choose a book that feels just right for them. Because if they're into it, they should read into it.