Rather predictably, the English weather has let us down and the school holidays have been a bit of a damp affair so far. We know how long those 6 weeks can seem when you have little ones to entertain so here’s our August selection of children’s books that will hopefully help.
The Best Sleepover in the World by Jacqueline Wilson
A long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular book Sleepovers!
Daisy’s worst ever enemy Chloe is desperate to win back her friends so she announces she’s going to have THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD. Chloe’s party is going to have a swim in a luxury pool, a special makeover for every guest, and a real live meeting with a social media superstar.
All Chloe’s old friends are invited, even Daisy’s best friend Emily. But Daisy is left out.
Daisy’s sister Lily is non-verbal but she’s learned Makaton at her new special school. She signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover. Will family and friends somehow make Lily’s party THE BEST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLD?
A moving look at friendship, sleepovers and siblings from the much loved, bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.
The Ocean Gardner by Clara Aganuzzi
Ayla and her marine biologist mum live on a beautiful tropical island, surrounded by a coral reef. One morning, Ayla notices that many of the fish have disappeared, and the once vibrant corals have turned pale. Is it too late to save the reef?
This stunningly illustrated picture book captures the beauty and magic of the coral reef, and the important role it plays in the ocean’s eco-system. From the impact global warming has on reefs to the amazing things marine biologists are doing to protect it, readers will love learning about this fascinating topic.
Clara Anganuzzi’s gentle text and breath taking artwork looks at the complex topic of global warming in an eye-opening but positive way, showing us that we have time to reverse the damage which has been caused.
Polly Pecorino by Emma Chichester Clark
An enchanting and divinely illustrated young fiction novel about a kind girl and a lost bear cub, with a classic feel from the much-loved, award-winning author-illustrator.
Are you brave enough to enter the Wild Bear Woods?
Polly Pecorino rescues animals, and she can talk to them too. She spends all of her time caring for those at Happy Days Zoo, where the devious owners, Mr and Mrs Snell, will do anything to make money.
One day they steal a bear cub, certain that he will do wonders for ticket sales, but the ferocious bears living in Wild Bear Woods want their cub back.
Will Polly be brave enough to stand up to the Snells and take Booboo, the bear cub, back where he belongs?
A Boy, His Dog and the Sea by Anthony Browne
A poignant picture book about a boy and his dog finding adventure where they least expect it, from the acclaimed Kate Greenaway Medal-winning author-illustrator and former Children’s Laureate, Anthony Browne.
Danny isn’t expecting much excitement when he takes his dog, Scruff, for a walk on the beach. He would much rather play with his older brother, Mick. Scruff loves the beach, but Danny thinks it’s boring.
Will Danny discover just how extraordinary the beach really is?
From the international phenomenon, Anthony Browne, comes a heartfelt, visually stunning picture book, about the hidden treasures of the seaside and the wonderful relationship between a boy and his dog.
Finn’s Little Fibs by Tom Percival
Finn has always loved going to stay with his grandma . . . until one day, he tells a little fib that gets out of control! A book about telling the truth, from the bestselling author of the Big Bright Feelings series.
Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.
When Finn accidentally breaks his grandma’s precious clock, he tells a teeny tiny little lie – and blames it on his sister instead! Soon, Finn’s little fib is OUT OF CONTROL, and it’s getting in the way of everything! Can he find a way to tell the truth?
This reassuring and humorous book is the perfect springboard for talking to children about the importance of honesty.
The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
No matter how big the show, family, friendship and adventure shine through in The Wonder Brothers by multi-award-winning author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated throughout by Steven Lenton.
‘Maybe you don’t believe me. Maybe you don’t believe in magic. I bet you will by the time you’ve heard what happened to us.’
Cousins Middy and Nathan love magic. The on-stage, cape-swirling, bunny-out-of-a-hat kind.
For Middy, it’s all about patience and practice. She uses magic skills to help her out of tricky situations.
Nathan is a show-off and a total danger magnet, he is drawn to the sensation, spectacle and audience.
So when the famous Blackpool Tower dramatically vanishes the night of the Grand Lights Switch-On, showman Nathan announces live on TV that they will magic it back home.
With a stick of rock, a spangly cape, and a bit of misdirection, they end up lost in Las Vegas, home to the grand master of illusion, Perplexion, ‘Legend of Magic’.
Full of tricks, twists and deceptions, the delightful Nathan and Middy will keep you guessing until the very end.