Children's book of the week
Children's book of the week is a series of reviews of the best picture books, novels and YA books. It runs in the Observer newspaper on Sundays and online every Tuesday.
Children’s and teens roundup: the best new picture books and novels
Wandering wolves, wild grannies and an angel on Paradise Street, a tribute to the titans of black history and more
Children’s and teens roundup: the best new picture books and novels
Inspirational life stories, from a pioneering balloonist to Greta Thunberg; plus Greek gods, a fox’s loss and more
Children’s and teens roundup: the best new picture books and novels
A boy who turns into a pigeon, love in a lighthouse and the pain that inspired Mary Shelley
Children’s and teens roundup: the best new picture books and novels
A return to the jungle, kidnaps in Paris, and a biscuit-loving flying pony
The Light Jar review – bleak but thoughtful page-turner
Lisa Thompson brings bags of empathy to a deftly plotted tale about an 11-year-old left to fend for himself
Star in the Jar review – magical story of loss and sibling love
Sam Hay’s warm-hearted tale explores the wonders of the night sky
I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan review – uplifting and empowering
This debut novel about a coming-of-age British Muslim teenager is fresh and funny, while also tackling serious issues
Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers review – a heartfelt hug of a story
Jeffers’s first nonfiction book is a witty, tender introduction to the world for his newborn son
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend review – a magical debut
This enchanting adventure of a ‘strange little girl with black eyes’ more than holds its own against a certain H Potter. Roll on the franchise
Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin review – moving story of a child migrant
The team behind the graphic novel versions of Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series change direction with this very real and affecting tale
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell review – action-packed fantasy fun
Worlds collide when a young wizard meets a warrior princess in this action-packed adventure
On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna review – alive to the power of nature
A ramble in the woods proves transformative in this award-winning celebratory tale
A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge review – spooky English civil war mystery
A girl is possessed by the spirit of a bear in Hardinge’s hypnotic follow-up to her Costa prize-winning The Lie Tree
This Zoo Is Not for You by Ross Collins review – an irresistible pleasure
This beautifully illustrated tale of a put-upon platypus is given extra bite by the author’s mischievous sense of humour
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell review – wildly exciting adventure
The gripping tale of four youngsters plunged into the Amazon forest will delight with its warmth and wisdom
Indigo Donut by Patrice Lawrence review – gripping urban teen fiction
The award-winning author gets to the raw heart of her diverse characters in this winning sixth form tale of romance and identity
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson review – thrills and spills for girls
The fearsome, feminine world of roller derby is brought to life in this perceptive coming-of-teens graphic novel
Tiny Dinosaurs by Joel Stewart review – a lovely romp for boys and girls
Little Daisy is enchanted when she finds a band of little dinosaurs in her back garden – but her beloved sausage dog is less keen
Release by Patrick Ness review – gay teen love in small-town America
An unhappy 17-year-old takes strength from the spirit of a murdered girl in this passionate and disturbing novel for young adults
Tilly and the Time Machine by Adrian Edmondson review – journey of discovery
The actor’s tale about a seven-year-old chasing her dad through history is engaging and insightful
About 32 results for Children's book of the week 
