Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
The healing power of gardens; celebrating an abolitionist; hope in the toughest times; a gladiator romantasy and more
The Children’s Booker prize will tell kids that they matter
As the number of children reading for pleasure hits a record low, the new award highlights its importance for wellbeing, and will give away thousands of books
Shirley Abicair obituary
Australian singer and musician who became a regular on children’s TV programmes in the UK in the 1950s and 60s
New Mr Poirot and Little Miss Marple books to be published
Agatha Christie’s popular detectives feature in new Mr Men and Little Miss stories – Mischief on the Nile and Muddle at the Vicarage
Blue plaque to be unveiled at home of Thomas the Tank Engine creator
Ceremony marks 80 years since release of the Rev W Awdry’s first book and coincides with railway bicentenary
UK libraries urged to remove children’s books with URL hijacked by porn site
Puffin issues alert to schools and local authorities over books in popular Spy Dog series by Andrew Cope
‘Catastrophic decline’ in Black representation in children’s books
A report by charity Inclusive Books for Children found that of the 2,721 books surveyed, only 51 featured a Black main character, down by 21.5% since 2023
Judy Taylor obituary
Doyenne of children’s publishing who promoted Beatrix Potter and nurtured Maurice Sendak’s talent
Brian Patten obituary
One of the Liverpool poets, along with Roger McGough and Adrian Henri, who was a perceptive writer on love
Liverpool poet Brian Patten dies at 79
His poetry often explored love and relationships and he wrote books for children including Gargling With Jelly
Craig Silvey: ‘Boys want to feel as though their experiences and inner world are validated and important’
The acclaimed Jasper Jones author on raising three young daughters, identities forged in country life, and how literature can combat toxic masculinity
Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A bothered bear; a great guide to drawing; a life of Josephine Baker; a role model daughter; a search for words and more
Antony Maitland obituary
Illustrator and writer whose intricate drawings helped shape the look of children’s novels of the 60s and 70s
What speed reading has taught me about taking my time
I wish I could whip through books, but slow reading can be good too. Try reading The Wind in the Willows at a snail’s pace to appreciate its mystery and beauty, writes Adrian Chiles
Solace of the Road review – Siobhan Dowd’s novel is a runaway success on stage
The late author’s tale about a teenager who road-trips around Ireland under a false persona proves a great vehicle for Rebecca Ryan, writes Alfred Hickling