Beautiful children's books for all ages

For ages 12+.

Emily Gravett's luscious blue ink illustrations perfectly conjure Frances Hardinge's thrilling tale of ghosts and magic. On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead. Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?

For ages 3 –5.

Kate Rolfe's authentic and sensitively illustrated picture book gently introduces young children to a topic which can often be difficult to discuss. Wolf and Bear always play together, whether it’s paddling in the stream, skidding in the snow, or tumbling in the falling leaves. But sometimes Bear feels sad and wants to be alone. This is a beautiful tale of kindness and hope, exploring the topic of depression.

For ages 9 – 12.

Elisa Paganelli's stunning illustrations radiate magic throughout this extraordinary fantasy book. Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and is trying to find her missing mother. Her search takes her across London and through a hidden doorway into a world bursting with plants and magic: the Greenwild. But it soon becomes clear that all is not well. Can Daisy revive the Greenwild, save our world, and solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance? A botanical genius, a boy who can talk to animals and cat with an attitude are on-hand to help. 

For ages 9 – 12.

Katie Hickey's evocative cover and chapter openers capture the lush beauty of the rainforest and its animal inhabitants in this spectacular book inspired by Eva Ibbotson's bestselling classic Journey to the River Sea. The story follows the generation that came after Ibbotson's Maia Fielding: Rosa Sweetman, a young Kindertransport girl, is the only child left at the rambling country estate where she took refuge in 1939, and is longing to go home. But the arrival of family friend Yara Fielding starts an adventure that takes her even further away – into the Amazon, and a danger greater than she could ever have imagined.

For ages 6 – 8.

Which book to choose from illustrator, political cartoonist and former UK Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell? We've gone for the sumptuous new illustrated edition of beloved classic The Little Prince. After crash-landing in the Sahara Desert, a lonely pilot encounters a little prince who is visiting Earth from his own planet. Their strange and moving meeting illuminates many of life's universal truths, as he comes to learn what it means to be human from a child who is not. Rediscover characters such as the Coquettish Rose and the Knowledgeable Fox as depicted by a true master of his art.

For ages 6 – 8.

This full-colour hardback with red foil detailing, gold corgi endpapers and hand-painted illustrations by Emily Sutton truly is fit for a king. Animal lovers will adore this engaging history of royal animals in Britain from 1066 to the present day, resplendent with giraffes, elephants, spaniels, parrots, ravens and pelicans, and the answers to questions such as: why do the three lions on the British crest look so much like leopards? When did the first elephant set foot on British soil? And was there really a polar bear who fished in the river Thames? 

For ages 6 – 8.

Inspirational young nature writer Dara McNulty's call to share in the joy of the natural world is made even more irresistible by Barry Falls' gorgeous illustrations. The book takes the reader on a nature walk that encourages exploration at every stage: looking out of the window, venturing out into the garden, walking in the woods, investigating heathland and wandering on the river bank. It's full of facts, advice and activities for the aspiring naturalist, with images that really do justice to the wonder of our environment. 

For ages 6 – 8.

Sir Michael Morpurgo's love of trees beams off the page in this collection of stories and poems, and is more than matched by Yuval Zommer's beautiful, detailed illustrations. With stories from an ancient olive remembering Odysseus and Penelope, and a eucalyptus that gave shelter to a koala; from a piece of driftwood that was made into a chair, and from a tiny sapling carried by a refugee as a reminder of home, this compelling combination and words and images will amuse, move and energise families and readers of all ages to appreciate the beauty and wonder of trees.

For ages 3 – 5.

This book about friendship and acceptance is an exquisite visual treat. We first meet Bear, who's walking along minding his own business when he meets the Other Bear, who seems a bit different to him. And then they meet another different bear, and then another, and then another, this time stuck in a tree. The Bears realise that perhaps they aren't that different after all and that, actually, they could be friends.