Steer clear of ‘mediocre writing’ by celebrities for Christmas, authors plead
Books by TV personalities and other high-profile figures will top bestseller lists, but critics say professionals lose out
The best children’s books of 2022
From a four-legged celebration of the seasons to a fiery tale of women who turn into dragons, our critics look back over the year and pick their favourite titles for children and young adults
‘I love writing for children’: Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler on their amazing shaggy dog story
The Oscar-winning actor and the Gruffalo illustrator have teamed up to create a tale about a scruffy hound. They discuss corgis, comic books and how their friendship began
Best children’s and YA books of 2022
Journeys through music, history, magic and more, plus the standout books for young adults
The Guardian view on Goodnight Moon: a classic for a reason
Editorial: Margaret Wise Brown made a point of listening to children, and trying to see the world as they saw it. She has been rewarded by decades of loyalty
‘At first she didn’t like my drawings’: Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson on three decades of collaboration
In a rare joint interview, the creators of The Gruffalo talk about baddies, Brexit – and the bumpy beginning to their partnership
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
Marcus Rashford channels Scooby-Doo, more girls solve mysteries, while two historical young Black Britons join forces in theatreland
I Want My Hat Back: Jon Klassen classic goes from shoebox-sized puppet show to the stage
Two friends delighted half a million kids with a tiny production in a cardboard box. Now they’re sizing up the much-loved bulbous bear for the Little Angel theatre
Picture books for children – reviews
A journey into space and some serious monkey business portray bedtime in a whole new light, while a tiny dot gives a kindly lesson in understanding emotions
David McKee obituary
Creator of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and Mr Benn, who wrote and illustrated children’s classics
Shirley Hughes obituary
Prolific author and illustrator whose affectionate image of childhood has been instantly recognisable for more than 60 years
Jan Pieńkowski obituary
Illustrator and creator of the Meg and Mog children’s books, who also used pop-up and paper cut-outs to thrilling effect
Picture books for children – reviews
A twist on counting, a mysterious glass marble and a subway train journey through Seoul inspire ways of looking at the world
‘Nothing short of revelatory’: the 10 best CBeebies’ Bedtime Stories – ranked
Reese Witherspoon is about to become the latest A-lister to read a kids’ book at bedtime, but she’s got stiff competition. From Tom Hardy to Dolly Parton, here’s who to beat
Australia Christmas gift guide 2021: 160 good gift ideas, including last-minute options
From presents that give back to edible treats, Guardian Australia and a team of guest editors select the best gifts and shopping options to please everyone from kids to chronic grumps this Christmas