9 of the best new children’s books of 2024

There’s something special about reading and falling in love with a new children’s book. Whether it’s the captivating illustrations, a relatable character or a breath-taking story, the very best children’s books stay with us for a long, long time.

Children’s books are more than just stories—they play a key role in helping kids explore emotions, learn valuable lessons and build their love for reading. But don’t get us wrong, children’s books aren’t just for children – they can be brilliant reads for adults too!

When it comes to choosing the books for our subscription boxes and bookshop we’re always in awe of the diversity, creativity and sheer volume of new children’s books being published in the UK. Narrowing the selection is always tricky and it was no different when it came to writing this post. 2024 has been a bumper year and it was excruciatingly tricky top pick just 9 books to share with you here. But we persevered and are pleased to share our list with you now.

Whether you're a parent, relative, teacher or children’s book enthusiast we think you’ll find plenty to love in this list. We’ve chosen books that not only entertain but also inspire curiosity, foster empathy and encourage creativity. Each one brings its own charm and would make a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf.

 

The best new illustrated chapter books for 5 to 8-year-olds

 

 

Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise by Adeola Sokunbi

We chose this lovely illustrated story for our Parakeet subscribers in August. It's charming, creative, witty and packed with empathy. Destiny can't wait to go for her first ever sleepover at her best friend's house. But she also can't help feeling a little worried. When she finds a monster under her bed who's also scared of sleepovers Destiny discovers that by helping him she can help herself too!

Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illustrated by Alan O'Rourke

This funny, accessible and inclusive story about a boy with ADHD features short chapters and lovely black and white illustrations throughout. Rory's mum gave him dinosaur pie for dinner but he woke up the next morning a dinosaur. The shop that sold the pie can't help, nor can the doctor, what are they going to do to turn Rory back into a boy?

Unicorn Boy by Dave Roman

We love graphic novels and this colourful riot featuring a singing unicorn has had us laughing since March! One day Brian finds a lump on his head which eventually grows into a sparkly, singing unicorn horn. Brian's not too sure how to feel but when shadowy creatures from another realm kidnap his best friend Avery he must accept his fate as a hero and go on a perilous journey to try and save the day!

 

The best new middle grade chapter books for 8 to 12-year-olds

Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

This swashbucking fantasy adventure packed with drama and magic, has been thrilling our bookshop customers since its release in March. Deep in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, where the full moon rests on the horizon, lies a secret kingdom called Darksea. Ruled by the Pirate King, Captain O'Malley, Darksea's tranquil waters have, of late, been haunted by an invisible and deadly monster - a monster that is eating the once-beautiful islands in gigantic bites...

 

The Boy Who Cried Ghost by Ian Eagleton

This is a heartwarming and relatable ghost story with a twist from one of our favourite new chapter book authors. There's a ghost in Richard's wardrobe.
Every day he carries out a series of rituals that he believes will keep the ghost trapped inside. He tries to tell his friends and family, but they dismiss his worries and concerns as being part of his OCD. But then one day, the wardrobe door is opened...

I am Wolf by Alastair Chisholm

We sent Alastair's first sci-fi adventure - Orion Lost - to our subscribers back in 2020 and have been die-hard fans ever since. I am Wolf is a bold, gripping and thought-provoking read for children aged 8 and up. 

Coll is Wolf. He lives with his clan on a Construct, a huge technological "creature" driven by the clan's combined willpower. Together they roam their world, fighting other clans and absorbing them into their own. But when a new and dangerous Construct attacks them, Coll is thrown clear from Wolf and left behind. The world he knows is shattered and he must work out what to do next...

 

The best new novels for early teens and tweens

Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence

We chose this stunning, lyrical novel in verse for our Macaw subscribers in September and it was an easy choice for this list. In a new city, as a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider and struggles to balance keeping his head down with his ambition of becoming a rapper. But when a local poet comes into class, Ronny discovers a world he’s never considered before. Rap is like spoken word, bars equal poetry – and maybe the combination of both could be the key to achieving his dreams?

Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler

This stunning historical drama stars a pair of brave and inspiring female lead characters - sisters who find themselves swept up in an extraordinary wartime adventure. Weaving together a contemporary and historical story, this is a gripping and powerful novel about bravery and family for readers aged 10 and up. 

 

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari

Another of our Macaw box choices this debut novel from Dev Kothari is the story of one girl's epic journey across India to find her missing brother. As Lena journeys across India to retrace Kay-Kay's last known steps, she embarks on a parallel journey of discovery. Because it seems there is a side to Kay-Kay she has never known. The more she learns about her brother in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, the more determined Lena is to find him – and to finally be the sister he has so clearly needed. But will she be too late…?