The best graphic novels of 2024
Arthurian legend, dark family secrets, monsters, princesses and a Russian detective in this year’s picks
How I brought a Jewish wartime refugee’s lost fairytale back to life
Ulrich Boschwitz, who wrote the recently rediscovered thriller The Passenger, left another gift behind him when his life was tragically cut short. I had the honour of reinterpreting it for today’s children
It’s heartbreaking so few children read for pleasure – and sad to know the reasons why
When people face financial pressure and child poverty is so high, it’s hard to prioritise family reading, says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
‘Relax your rules, let them pick what they want’: 10 page-turners to get kids reading
A report this month revealed fewer children than ever read for pleasure. From spooky tales to choose-your-own-adventure fantasy epics, here are 10 irresistible titles
Novelist Maggie O’Farrell: ‘Children don’t just need butterflies and rainbows’
The Hamnet author talks about bringing her bestselling Shakespeare novel to the screen, working with Paul Mescal, and how her speech disorder inspired her latest children’s book
‘Significant’ drop in racially minoritised characters in children’s books, report says
Share of children’s books featuring characters who fall into this category fell from 30% in 2022 to 17% in 2023, CLPE survey finds
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A sensational sleigh ride; joyous poetry; amazing animals; a sinister seaside town; a deadly forest; a thrilling heist and more
Readers reply: Why are nursery rhymes and fairytales so dark?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
Celebrities need to stop writing children’s books: they’re woefully underqualified
As Jamie Oliver has found out to his cost, write what you know or you could end up with a flop and an international PR disaster, says Arwa Mahdawi
Why are nursery rhymes and fairytales so dark?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
Konnie Huq launches free climate crisis ebook for UK primary schools
Children for Change contains stories, poems, and illustrations from more than 80 collaborators including Jamie Oliver, Mary Portas, David Baddiel and Adam Kay
‘It’s quite galling’: children’s authors frustrated by rise in celebrity-penned titles
Keira Knightley is latest star to publish a children’s book, but some say trend pushes aside genuine writers and makes it harder to find great children’s fiction
‘Could do better’ – Worst Witch author’s school reports just like Mildred’s
The family of the late Jill Murphy share the comments from unimpressed teachers that inspired her classic children’s series
As a middle-aged man, I would’ve saved loads on therapy if I’d read Baby-Sitters Club books as a kid
Boys weren’t exposed to emotionally intelligent characters in the books marketed to us. I won’t let my son be a victim of the same social taboo
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
From young werewolves’ adventures with vampires to hard-up funeral crashers and the late Jeremy Strong’s wonderful final tale