The best recent fiction for children
A magical trio of books, including a Hogwarts for baddies, and a ‘frenemy’ tale of a schoolgirl swimmer
Picture books for children reviews – lessons in kindness
A gentle introduction to the refugee crisis – plus tales of big hair and a baby bandit
Book clinic: what titles might help children deal with grief?
The Bookseller’s children’s and YA previews editor selects three titles offering a variety of perspectives on bereavement
The quest for bike-friendly children’s books in a world where cars rule
From cute cars to smiley emergency vehicles, kids’ culture is awash with rosy images of driving, so a new Mr Men book about cycling is a welcome read. What are your favourite cycling-friendly children’s books?
Tracy Beaker, please never grow up
Jacqueline Wilson’s bolshie girl is now a single mum on a council estate. Raymond Briggs’s wordless Snowman is becoming a book for ‘a new and older audience’. Why can’t we leave kids’ books for kids?
The Singing Mermaid review – Julia Donaldson’s fishy caper makes a splash
Bad puns, circus tricks and goggle-eyed jellyfish abound in a smart adaptation of the popular picture book
Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading by Lucy Mangan review – nostalgic magic
This celebration of children’s literature excels in capturing the sense of wonder we find in our earliest books
The many tongues of Lost in Books, the only bookstore in Fairfield
Most of Fairfield, in Sydney’s west, speaks a language other than English – and now it has a bookstore to match
Jill Barklem obituary
Creator of the Brambly Hedge children’s books
Pat Hutchins obituary
Illustrator and children’s author best known for Rosie’s Walk
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
The story that helps children speak out about abuse
Book and animation aim to help children identify the difference between good and troublesome secrets
Dogging and side-boobs – are children’s books really bulging with filth?
The authors of Biff, Chip and Kipper are accused of slipping something rude in. Pugwash and Pooh have withstood similar blows. Let’s get to the bottom of this, writes Observer columnist Stephanie Merritt
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
Claire Zorn’s grief-and-surfing story wins children’s book of the year award
One Would Think the Deep triumphs in category for older readers, with Go Home, Cheeky Animals! winning early childhood prize in CBCA prizes