Earlier this month, we hosted our online Publisher Roadshow events, showcasing a host of brilliant upcoming titles from a range of publishers. We’ve selected a handful of books that particularly caught our eye from each of the Picture Books, Middle Grade and Young Adult presentations. These are our ones to watch (or read!) in the coming months:
Princes Don't Practise by Kathryn Simmonds and Becky Colvin
Trying new things is hard and it takes time to get things right. Unless of course you’re a Prince. In which case, everyone has to pretend you’ve done a good job, regardless of how much of a mess you’ve made. Everyone except a witch that is. This funny fairytale shows children the importance and value of patience and perseverance when trying new things. Written in verse, it’s perfect to read aloud to a group of children, who will be able to relate to Prince Lupin’s desire to give up anything he’s not good at on the first go.
Jam is for Eating by Jess Mountfield
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing something homemade with people. Benny the Bat is very excited to share his homemade jam with his friends. They’re excited too, but they don’t seem to understand that they’re supposed to eat it! How many uses for jam can your readers think of? Share this book with them and they will be in stitches.
Freedom March by Gillian Rowe and Sophie Bass
This colourful story is a celebration of the right to education, and those who deliver it. Set in Barbados, where Gillian Rowe’s family have been educators for generations, the children embark on a long, long walk to start school, inspired by the promise of the future it offers. This book was written to honour those who worked on plantations. With an informative non-fiction section, this is an empowering tale to inform young learners of the value of the right to education.
Penny & Luck: The Shadows of Rosehall by Claire Karwowski
A marvelous mystery for those building their independent reading skills and inspires them to use STEM skills to save the day! Penny and her cute Corgi Luck have discovered a peculiar portal in their back garden and are pulled into a topsy-turvy world of flying bicycles and giant birds. But there are shadows threatening this unique world, and Penny must use her inventing instincts to try to save it!
Outlaws by E.L Nori
This new release from the acclaimed author of the Fable House series introduces us to a trio of unlikely rebels who find themselves in the same detention. They come to realise that their headteacher is deliberately making life difficult for the kids who already have it hard, and aren’t able to defend themselves. This story of misfits rebelling against a strict authority will tap into young readers sense of injustice and empathy.
Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper by Harry Woodgate
This debut middle grade title from acclaimed author Harry Woodgate is perfect for children with a sweet tooth, and curious minds! Cinnamon Crumb is no baker, which makes her unique in a town of baking superstars. But she is determined, and observant and has some wickedly smart and supportive friends. With their help she finds herself trying to solve a series of mouth-watering mysteries as the Great Cake Carnival approaches.
The Haunting of Old Splinter by Jack Mackay
A truly spine-chilling tale with a classicly spooky setting of a dilapidated mansion. Peter’s stepdad is tasked with renovating the place, and the cracks in the house reflect those of Peter’s own family. The discovery of an ancient Wishing Claw in the walls of the house gives Peter the opportunity to turn things around – but thing saren’t turning out the way he’d expect. This sinister and suspenseful story is perfect for children who beg for something truly scary.
And Then We Screamed by Holly Bourne
A new novel from Holly Bourne is always something to scream about! 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. Holly Bourne excels at taking teenage experiences and turning them into a mirror for society, and this brilliant new novel full of mystery, conspiracy and dark secrets is no exception. Note the content warning.
Kitty and Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams
Elizabeth married Mr Darcy; Jane married Mr Bingley; Lydia married Mr Wickham. But what happened to the forgotten Bennet sisters? Six months after Pride and Prejudice, Mary is stuck at home with her parents. So, when an opportunity arises that will take her to far away India, Mary jumps at the chance for independence and adventure. This compelling Auten re-telling has been brought to life by author Julia Gray and author and children's literature critic, Imogen Russell Williams.
Find out more about all these titles and lots more by watching the recordings of our recent Publisher Roadshows. SLA members can visit the Publisher Roadshow page on our website, where you will also find links to classroom resources and activity sheets. Not a member? Watch the Picture Book, Middle Grade and Young Adult Publisher Roadshows on Youtube.