This year's standout works for children have proven that despite our complex world, stories can still be both joyful and thought-provoking. A new generation of readers is being treated to picture books that not only delight but also tackle difficult themes in an accessible way.
In the world of picture books, Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury team up once again in "Oh Dear, Look What I Got", a humorous tale about a shopping trip gone awry. The rhyming errors and Oxenbury's expressive illustrations will have readers giggling out loud as they join the chaotic characters on their wild adventure.
But for more serious themes, Annie Booker's "The Great Bear" is a poignant story that highlights the importance of protecting our oceans. This beautifully illustrated book combines lyrical prose with stunning images to create a sense of urgency and hope. It's a powerful reminder of the need to care for our planet and its precious wildlife.
In another beautifully illustrated book, Rashmi Sirdeshpande's "This Is Who I Am" is a moving celebration of identity and belonging. With Ruchi Mhasane's vibrant illustrations, this story follows a young girl who is caught between two worlds, but ultimately finds her strength in embracing both cultures.
Poetry also plays a big role in children's literature this year, with Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker's "Firefly" being a standout. The book's stunning images and stuning verse guide the reader on a metaphorical journey through darkness and into light, creating a sense of hope and renewal.
For older readers, non-fiction books like Giselle Clarkson's "Omnibird" offer a fresh perspective on birds and their many wonders. By looking at 18 species in an original and humorous way, Clarkson shows young readers that birds are complex and fascinating creatures that deserve our appreciation.
In the world of comics, Neill Cameron's "Donut Squad: Take Over the World!" is a hilarious tale of sugar-coated chaos, following the adventures of Sprinkles and her team as they try to take over the world. With its anarchic humour and candy-coloured illustrations, this book will be a must-read for fans of comics.
Finally, Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King" returns readers to the magical world of the Archipelago, where Anya joins forces with Christopher to uncover the secrets of a mysterious poison. With its enthralling adventures and elegant prose, this book is sure to delight fans of fantasy.
Other notable mentions include Katya Balen's poignant contemporary story "Letters from the Upside", which follows Con as he discovers the joy of caring for living creatures; Emma Carroll's gothic thrill ride "Dracula & Daughters", which combines historical fiction with feminist fantasy; and Zohra Nabi's tense mystery "Deep Dark: A Cassia Thorne Mystery", which explores the darker side of 19th-century London.
In the world of picture books, Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury team up once again in "Oh Dear, Look What I Got", a humorous tale about a shopping trip gone awry. The rhyming errors and Oxenbury's expressive illustrations will have readers giggling out loud as they join the chaotic characters on their wild adventure.
But for more serious themes, Annie Booker's "The Great Bear" is a poignant story that highlights the importance of protecting our oceans. This beautifully illustrated book combines lyrical prose with stunning images to create a sense of urgency and hope. It's a powerful reminder of the need to care for our planet and its precious wildlife.
In another beautifully illustrated book, Rashmi Sirdeshpande's "This Is Who I Am" is a moving celebration of identity and belonging. With Ruchi Mhasane's vibrant illustrations, this story follows a young girl who is caught between two worlds, but ultimately finds her strength in embracing both cultures.
Poetry also plays a big role in children's literature this year, with Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker's "Firefly" being a standout. The book's stunning images and stuning verse guide the reader on a metaphorical journey through darkness and into light, creating a sense of hope and renewal.
For older readers, non-fiction books like Giselle Clarkson's "Omnibird" offer a fresh perspective on birds and their many wonders. By looking at 18 species in an original and humorous way, Clarkson shows young readers that birds are complex and fascinating creatures that deserve our appreciation.
In the world of comics, Neill Cameron's "Donut Squad: Take Over the World!" is a hilarious tale of sugar-coated chaos, following the adventures of Sprinkles and her team as they try to take over the world. With its anarchic humour and candy-coloured illustrations, this book will be a must-read for fans of comics.
Finally, Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King" returns readers to the magical world of the Archipelago, where Anya joins forces with Christopher to uncover the secrets of a mysterious poison. With its enthralling adventures and elegant prose, this book is sure to delight fans of fantasy.
Other notable mentions include Katya Balen's poignant contemporary story "Letters from the Upside", which follows Con as he discovers the joy of caring for living creatures; Emma Carroll's gothic thrill ride "Dracula & Daughters", which combines historical fiction with feminist fantasy; and Zohra Nabi's tense mystery "Deep Dark: A Cassia Thorne Mystery", which explores the darker side of 19th-century London.
. I mean, have you seen Rashmi Sirdeshpande's illustrations in "This Is Who I Am"? They're literally giving me LIFE 
. And that book is so important for kids to read - it's like, they're growing up in a world where everyone looks different and it's okay 
. 
I mean, I've been trying to reduce my waste at home but reading this book made me realize how much of an impact one small action can have 
.
. Neill Cameron's writing is literally the funniest thing I've read all year 
.
. Like, if we can just teach kids about empathy and kindness through stories, maybe they'll grow up to change the world 
. They're like a breath of fresh air in a world that's all about sugarcoating things for kids. I mean, we need more stories that make us laugh and cry at the same time 
. And it's dope to see authors like Annie Booker and Rashmi Sirdeshpande tackling serious issues like ocean conservation and identity 
right now. But what I love most is seeing more diverse voices and perspectives, from books about identity and belonging to ones that explore history and mystery. It's like the kids' lit scene is having a party 
and everyone's invited! And let's not forget the non-fiction books – who knew birds could be so fascinating? 
. some are actually pretty cool tho, like "Oh Dear, Look What I Got" - who doesn't love a good shopping trip gone wrong? 
! The way authors are tackling tough themes in a fun and accessible way is genius 
. "Oh Dear, Look What I Got" had me LOLing out loud 
. And can we talk about how beautifully illustrated everything is? 
I mean, Rashmi Sirdeshpande's work in "This Is Who I Am" is stunning 
. It's amazing to see kids lit that not only entertains but also educates and inspires 
! What do you guys think - are there any books out this year that really stood out to you?