The best new children’s book series of 2023

From the comfort of familiar characters to the anticipation of unfolding adventures, there are so many reasons why kids love a book series. 2023 has been a year brim-full with creativity and epic storytelling in the world of children’s literature and we’ve seen the launch of some fantastic new literary adventures that promise to keep giving for years to come. We’ve scoured the bookshelves and were spoilt for choice, but here we’ve selected 10 of our favourite new series of 2023.

From magical lands filled with mythical creatures to heart-warming tales of friendship and self-discovery, these chapter book series have earned their place as must-reads for the next generation of readers. Whether your child is a budding adventurer, a science enthusiast, or a fan of fantastical worlds, our list covers a diverse range of genres and themes. Packed with enchanting narratives, vibrant characters, and rich illustrations, these series really stand out in the ever-expanding landscape of children's literature.

Adventuremice by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

Author and illustrator dream-team Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre have really spoilt us this year with the launch of their brilliant new series of highly illustrated early chapter books for younger readers, Adventuremice. With full colour illustrations, whimsical characters and entertaining storylines, the three books in the series, Otter Chaos, Mermouse Mystery and Mice on the Ice have been flying off our virtual shelves.

Montgomery Bonbon by Alasdair Beckett-King

Detective fiction is always a huge hit with middle grade readers. This fun new murder mystery series is packed with humour and has a classic feel that is perfect for fans of Robin Stevens. The books star Bonnie Montgomery, the world’s best detective - not that anyone (other than Grampa Banks) has heard of her… But they might have heard of the great Montgomery Bonbon, the well-dressed gentleman detective who (apart from the hat and moustache) looks suspiciously like a 10-year-old girl!  Death at the Lighthouse and Murder at the Museum were both released in 2023. A third volume will publish in July 2024.

Villains Academy by Ryan Hammond

Welcome to Villains Academy – the most prestigious villain school in the ENTIRE land. You will either leave here as a fully-formed villain . . . or in tatters! Newly independent readers will love the villainously funny stories and witty illustrations in this exciting new series. Ryan Hammond is a debut author/illustrator and we're excited to see where the series goes next! Fans of Loki, Dogman and Amelia Fang will love these. Villains Academy and Villains Academy: How To Steal a Dragon are out now. Book three will publish in April 2024.

 
Time Travel Twins by Josh Lacey

Discover two sides of history with the Time Travel Twins! We love this series of historical time-travel adventures, packed with fun illustrations by Garry Parsons and perfectly pitched for younger middle grade readers. The books tie in brilliantly with the KS2 curriculum. Twins Scarlett and Thomas travel back to the Viking and Roman periods in the first two volumes and will be taking trip to the Stone Age in the third book which publishes in May 2024.

Fairytale Ninjas by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Monica de Rivas

Nothing very exciting EVER happens in the town of Hobbleton. Then Red, Snow and Goldie are trained up as fairytale ninjas, and find that anything is possible… Fairytale Ninjas is a fun new illustrated series for 5+, perfect for newly independent readers and fans of Isadora Moon. The first two books in the series, The Glass Slipper Academy and The Magic Crown, are both packed with magic, adventure and a cast of inspiring female characters. A third volume, Two and a Half Wishes, will publish in January 2024.

Mysteries at Sea by A.M. Howell

Combining two of our favourite genres, mystery and historical, this brand-new series promises to get our pulses racing! The first book in this fun new series, Peril on the Atlantic, is a twisty and heart-pounding historical mystery set at sea, perfect for readers aged 8+. Set sail for a nautical adventure that is perfect for fans of Emma Carroll, Judith Eagle and the Adventures on Train series. Book two will publish in April 2024.

Izzy the Inventor by Zanna Davidson, illustrated by Elissa Elwick

Newly independent readers will be inspired by this brilliant new STEM-inspired series starring Izzy the Inventor, who LOVES science and does NOT believe in magic! These super accessible early chapter books combine an entertaining story with witty illustrations and actual science experiments that you can do at home - plus a healthy dose of magic and sparkle. The first two volumes, Izzy the Inventor and the Unexpected Unicorn and Izzy the Inventor and the Curse of Doom, are available now. Two more volumes will publish in 2024.

 
Di Island Crew Investigates by Kereen Getten

Another fab new detective series for younger middle grade readers, these gripping mysteries are set on the island of Jamaica and star Fayson, who has always wanted to be a detective and whose dreams seem to come true when her cousins recruit her to their top secret gang. But the Greatest Gang of All Time don’t live up to their name, and keep getting distracted from missions by things like food, falling asleep and a fair bit of squabbling! The first two mysteries, The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder and The Case of the Haunted Wardrobe, have already been huge hits with young readers. A third volume will publish in February 2024.

 
Lenny Lemmon by Ben Davis, illustrated by James Lancett

The first volume in Ben Davis's Lenny Lemmon series, Lenny Lemmon and the Invincible Rat, was a huge hit with our Parakeet subscribers earlier this year and we love the second volume, Lenny Lemmon and the Trail of Crumbs, just as much! The books are packed with slapstick humour, relatable characters and brilliant illustrations. Perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid or Pamela Butchart. A third volume will publish in April 2024.

 
Momo Arashima by Misa Sugiura

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind is a thrilling fantasy adventure for readers aged 8+ and one the books we’ve been most excited about this year. Young readers will be transported by this hugely entertaining and original fantasy, the start of an exciting new series that is packed with action and empathy. We love the Japanese-inspired setting and the epic world-building and can't wait to see where the series goes next. Book two will publish in March 2024.

From our award-winning monthly book subscriptions to chapter books, letterbox gifts, stocking stuffers and ideas for a Christmas Eve box, we’re here to help you give the gift of reading this Christmas. Head to the dedicated Christmas area on our website for everything you need this festive season!