‘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

Marcus Rashford: ‘My life was far from a fairytale’

The England footballer, author and poverty campaigner on instilling self-belief in pupils at his old school, his favourite titles of 2021, and his hopes for his book club

Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels

Foxes on the run; a feathered detective; the rescue of the Titanic; plus the best new YA novels

Fiction and nonfiction for older children – reviews

The latest instalment of a dystopian saga thrills and Stormzy’s #Merky imprint champions national and unsung stars

Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels

A zombie thriller, a flooded world, poetry and a very worried pig … plus the best new YA novels

Fiction for older children – reviews

Supernatural forces that enchant a Nigerian village, a life-saving boy called Lonny and a self-help title from Marcus Rashford that hits the spot

My kids won’t even pick up a book – and it is definitely all my fault

Reading has brought me endless joy, but I have accidentally crushed my children’s enthusiasm. It is a terrible indictment

Beverly Cleary obituary

Children’s writer who drew on her experience of growing up in Portland, Oregon, for her Ramona books

Bravery, hope and escape: the best books to cheer up kids in lockdown

From polar bears to murder mysteries, Katherine Rundell’s picks will make long days feel shorter and a small world seem larger

Victor Ambrus obituary

Prolific illustrator of archaeological scenes for Time Team on Channel 4 and of books, particularly for children

Fiction for older children – reviews

Fearless girls ride to the rescue of mothers, brothers and polar bears in this month’s inspiring adventures

Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels

Secrets in the second world war, great female scientists, a wonder dog, a slug in love and more

From Grug to The Fire Wombat: six books to help kids deal with bushfire anxiety

Since last summer’s horrific fires, Australian authors have stepped up with picture books to help manage children’s fears and answer their questions

Need help this Christmas? Six children’s authors kids will love

Amanda Craig shares some great children’s authors whose humour and sense of adventure will keep kids reading