Children’s Books of the Year 2024 Publishers A – J

It’s become a tradition for our first issue of the year to ask editors at the UK’s publishing houses about the new books that they most want us to read. We have another bumper selection for 2024. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Aldana Libros (an imprint of Greystone Kids)

In many countries today, people are penalized for who they are, what they do, or say.  Champ comes from two Iranian creators about a child, born into a family of athletic champions, who is completely unlike the rest of his family. He loves making art, reading, dreaming, and thinking. His family strongly disapproves. When he thinks of a way to make them like and accept him, he fails spectacularly. But we know that he will persist. A beautiful tribute to self-determination from a country with great children’s book creators whose work we rarely see. Patricia Aldana, Publisher

Andersen Press

On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop is a beautifully written book that reimagines the myths of our rivers, seas and lochs. Set within a secretive community of people who can breathe underwater, Kelda is on a race against time and tide to rescue her little sister. Along the way, she must face down a mysterious disaster that threatens the waterways of Britain. It has heart-stopping adventure, intricate worldbuilding, and characters you will truly care for. I loved it from the first, maddeningly intriguing line, and it never lets up from there – it’s a really special fantasy adventure for teens. Chloe Sackur, Andersen Press Commissioning Editor Fiction

Don’t Think of Tigers by Alex Latimer is magic! Imagine a picture in your mind, then be amazed to see it actually appear on the next page. Just don’t – ever – think about tigers! Although that is far easier than it sounds… Alex Latimer ingeniously and hilariously exhorts readers to join in a mind game that takes his artwork down a seemingly irreversible path of absurdity resulting in the loss of control of his images.  And yes, there is a serious point being made, this is Alex’s wonderfully inspiring advice on how to become a good artist – by first being a bad one! Genius. Sue Buswell, Picture Book Editorial Director

Barefoot Books

I am so looking forward to when I’ll See You in Ijebu makes its glorious debut this spring. The book brings young readers along for a journey from bustling city life in Lagos, Nigeria out to the small town of Ijebu with a Catholic girl named Olu as she visits her Muslim extended family for Eid al-Adha. This book features glimpses of daily life in present-day Africa rarely seen in picture books and offers an inspiring vision of people from different faiths celebrating their special days together. With rich, lyrical text and show-stopping illustrations, this picture book is art! Kate DePalma, Senior Editor

Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu is the book I wish I’d had when my children were younger. Through Ayo’s magical journey, young readers experience the joy, strength and resilience that characterise people of the African diaspora. From kente cloth and hip hop to calypso, revolution and soul food, the creativity of the African diaspora has inspired the world. The illustrator Erin Robinson’s rich, dynamic artwork elevates Ain Heath Drew’s fast-moving, playful and educational text. Child-friendly endmatter expands on the connections between African-descended cultures and the specifics introduced in the book. Ayo’s Adventure will inspire readers of all ages! Autumn Allen, Senior Editor

I can’t wait to share Marley’s Pride with the world this spring. Marley is a little nonbinary kid with big anxieties who wants to see their beloved grandparent receive an award at the Pride parade. But how can Marley overcome their fear of crowds and loud noises? This warm hug of a story delivers a beautiful message about finding confidence in community — and all the meanings of the word ‘pride.’ It’s going to be validating and empowering for so many young readers. Lisa Rosinsky, Senior Editor

Big Picture Press

‘I am beyond excited to finally be publishing Faedom this autumn. Faedom will take readers on a magical journey to discover the world of fairies, uncovering their origins and revealing the secrets behind their extraordinary abilities. Filled with stories, songs, poems, facts and folklore, this stunningly illustrated, large format gift book will be sure to captivate readers of all ages.’ Joanna McInerney​​​​, Head of Big Picture Press

Bloomsbury

Publishing in October, the book I’m dying to share with the world is Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. It’s a gripping mystery, full of secrets and plot twists, about the events that unfold when two children find a treasure with the power to bring just one person back from the dead. It’s a masterclass of storytelling from a great writer whose incredible characters and brilliance in capturing moments of history are added to a page-turning plot that any eleven-year-old will devour. It’s my unmissable book of 2024! Ellen Holgate, Associate Publisher

We’re incredibly excited to be publishing The Girl and the Mermaid by Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini in April 2024. A brand-new picture book from the creators of the bestselling The Girl and the Dinosaur, it’s the captivating story of a girl called Alina who goes on an underwater adventure to seek out the precious memories her grandmother has lost. Filled with beauty and heart, it brings to life a vivid world of mermaids and lighthouses, deep magic and great courage. I was swept away by Hollie Hughes’ irresistible, evocative text and Sarah Massini’s stunning, immersive artwork – and I know readers will be too. Pari Thomson, Editorial Director (Picture Books)

The Love Interest by Helen Comerford is the witty spin on the traditional superhero narrative we need after so many male-dominated movies. When Jenna Ray is rescued by the world’s newest superhero, Blaze, everyone assumes she’ll become his Love Interest. Nothing could be more repellent to Jenna, but her plans to turn down the role are thwarted when she is faced with a proposition: get close to Blaze to learn the superheroes’ plot and find her missing mother. It is impossible not to fall in love with Blaze and Jenna herself, and I defy anyone not to burst out laughing! – Katie Ager, Assistant Editor, Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Bloomsbury Education

The book I’m excited to be publishing in 2024 is The Best Eid Ever, written by Sufiya Ahmed and illustrated by Hazem Asif. The main character, Aisha, is really excited for her favourite festival, Eid-al-Fitr. This year her family have promised her an epic treasure hunt to find her gifts. This is a beautiful own voices story about family and celebration, and touches on many Eid traditions. Publishing in February, in plenty of time Ramadan and Eid, this gorgeous picture book has illustrations which glow from the page and is a must have for every child’s bookshelf. – Hannah Rolls, Editorial Director

Bsmall

At b small, we’ve become specialists in STEM for primary school aged kids over the last few years, so I’m thrilled to be publishing Eurek-HER! – a book that celebrates the discoveries and inventions of diverse women throughout history. And more importantly, includes activities so kids can put what they’re reading into practice! A perfect mix of inspiring and practical. Sam Hutchinson, Publisher

Campbell Books

My top pick for 2024 is Can You Find the Easter Bunny? Not only am I over the moon for Campbell to be publishing a book illustrated by the award-winning Axel Scheffler, it’s also a sumptuous feast for a baby’s eyes and senses. With brightly coloured soft felts flaps to pull down and develop motor skills, eggs galore to spot and the most delightful bunny surprise at the end, I couldn’t think of a better way for babies to celebrate their first Easter with their families! Deborah Kespert, Editorial Director

Chicken House

Of course, I’m gloriously excited about all our books. But debut author, scout leader, green campaigner and survival expert Philip Kavvadias’ Mission Microraptor captures my secret 11-year-old boy heart – and will give a boost to everyone trying to get MG boys to read! Newly hatched dinosaur, thrilling tech and best friends on the run from evil forces begins this series with a bang! Barry Cunningham OBE, Publisher

Child’s Play

Building on the success of Look Touch Learn, Child’s Play continues to publish unique, groundbreaking books for babies based on the latest research into infant neuroscience. Developed with a leading university baby lab, each book in the new Baby See series is designed to promote early brain development through maximal targeted stimulation, using topics such as repetition, optical illusions, odd one out and sequencing. Each book features bold contrasts and a palette of colours optimally suited to infant retinas, and looks completely different to more traditional books for babies. Sue Baker, Editor

David Fickling Books

In June I am thrilled to be publishing Ettie and the Midnight Pool by Julia Green, illustrated by Pam Smy. Everything about this book feels special –the beautiful, dreamlike cover; the haunting, immersive story told in Julia’s deceptively simple, lyrical style; the exquisite illustrations which enhance both the book’s celebration of natural beauty and its undercurrents of darkness. Julia has been instrumental in the careers of so many incredible writers as course leader in the MA in creative writing at Bath Spa University, and I think it is now her own turn to really shine, with this multi-layered, unforgettable book. Liz Cross, Managing and Publishing Director

I want to recommend a book for 2024 to you all that was written for JOY! Because who doesn’t want to finish a book soaring? Girl on the Fly by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl is a total celebration of the everlasting friendship between young girls: the in-jokes, the laughter, the silly misunderstandings and the absolute ease. Alongside all the fun though, the story has a heart-grabbing depth as we follow 12-year-old Kam navigating her half Tanzanian heritage in 90s Philadelphia, her passion for running, her sense of who she is and her first love. So go on, stick on a banging 90s playlist, read Girl on the Fly and bring some joy to 2024! Rosie Fickling, Commissioning Editor

Faber

The most phenomenal acquisition Faber has ever made, Songlight launches the trilogy of the decade! Set in the far future, where the planet as we know it has been ruined by firefuel, some humans have developed telepathy, or ‘songlight’. But in Northaven, those with songlight are hunted, then destroyed. This is where Elsa finds herself coming of age, in grave danger now that her songlight has emerged… An edge-of-your-seat, epic, unmissable saga: it is also beautifully written. I am beyond excited about this one. Moira Buffini is an award-winning screenwriter: her debut novel is about to set the world alight! Alice Swan, Associate Publisher

Farshore

Golly gherkins, the book event of 2024 for me has to be Nicky Smith-Dale’s comedy young fiction debut, Betty Steady and the Toad Witch, illustrated by Sarah Horne. I proper guffawed from the first page, as the indomitable Betty (plus biceps Linda and Gregg) is reduced to the size of a biscuit by the wicked Toad Witch and then has to save the kingdom of Wobbly Rock from doom and destruction. Packed with catchphrases, jokes and LOTS of fighty stuff, it will bewitch readers from 6 to 60+ with its heartfelt message about the importance of friendship. HOT CROSS BUNS! Lucy Courtenay, Senior Commissioning Editor

Five Quills

Following the success of I Am Nefertiti (shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award), I am delighted to announce the publication of Dance Just Like So!, a new book by the brilliant author/illustrator duo Annemarie Anang and Natelle Quek. This heartwarming and lively story features a boy called Kwesi, his grandmother who is a dancer and their cheerful community of neighbours. Gran will teach Kwesi and the neighbours her trophy-winning dance, the Shooby-Doo Mambo. But Gran hurts her knee before Kwesi can learn all the steps… Annemarie’s rhythmic and melodic voice, and Natelle’s vibrant illustrations are sure to make this book a story time favourite! Daniella Schneider, Publisher

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

We have a hugely exciting programme in 2024, which includes Little People, BIG DREAMS titles that are destined to be bestsellers, beautiful board books that take The Story Orchestra series to a younger audience and stunning picture books. One title I can’t wait to publish is The Not-So-Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens, whose debut picture book, The Grumpy Fairies, was the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Award. Her hilarious new picture book about a young witch that breaks the mould is perfect for Halloween, but it also has strong year-round appeal, delivering the timeless message that kindness trumps wickedness. Peter Marley, Publisher

Gecko Press

Clotilde Perrin’s previous books include the magnificent, multi-layered (literally) Inside the Villains. She has a unique sensibility that draws from deep fairytale forests overlaid with mischief and laughter. In her new book The Remarkables (September) we are introduced to the most incredible children Clotilde has met—so far—and see how each of them is individually extraordinary. Through large, detailed portraits and personality pages, she presents children with superpowers like speed, elasticity, invisibility, sweetness, noise and silence. It’s an inclusive encyclopedia in which we see ourselves and our friends, and find ways to talk about emotion, imagination and difference. Rachel Lawson, Publisher-at-large

Graffeg

Watch them Grow! Is Graffeg’s first collaboration with experienced author and poet James Carter and his first collaboration with illustrator James Munro. It’s also the first in a three-part series which takes in animal growth, diversity and migration, so there are a lot of firsts here! But it’s a book (and series) we’re delighted to publish given the quality of work on display. James’s entertaining verse belies the meticulous research that lies behind and Mr. Munro’s illustrations likewise combine reality with a terrific sense of fun and play. Altogether an exciting start to a fun, educational series of books.’

We’re also delighted that Culhwch and Olwen will be our first published title in the Cadno imprint. The purpose of the imprint is to place Wales at the heart of texts, be that as a geographical location or by virtue of the characters involved. And where better to start than with a classic tale from the Mabinogion, where Wales’ literary heritage combines with the storytelling talents of Catherine Fisher in a modern reworking of a timeless adventure story. Wales at its best in terms of setting, text and author – and new Graffeg imprint Cadno off to a flying start. Look out for plenty more. Matthew Howard, Publishing Director

Greystone Kids

Peter Wohlleben has a knack for connecting with audiences of all ages, but he has a particular soft spot for children. He loves taking young children out into the forest to experience nature with all their senses: vision, touch, hearing, smell, and even taste. When the kids on the school kindergarten field trip start nibbling on spruce tips, the trip leader knows they must be from Peter Wohlleben’s class. Peter wants kids to have fun and immerse themselves in the wonders around them. His new book, Be a Nature Explorer!, helps them do exactly that. Jane Billinghurst, Editor

HarperCollins Children’s Books

It’s not often that a debut picture book comes along and instantly grabs your attention, but as soon as I clapped eyes on Mikey Please’s extraordinary picture book, The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods, I knew that it was something special – and utterly unique. Mikey Please has a very particular and very funny way of rhyming that makes this book a total joy and an absolute riot to read aloud. Children will delight in the revolting-sounding food that the book’s hero, Rene, cooks up for the Ogre. Paired with the extraordinary level of detail in the illustration and brilliantly depicted characters, this outrageously funny picture book really is set to be a highlight of the publishing year.
Alice Blacker, Publishing Director Picture Books,

I am so excited to be publishing Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw: an irresistible YA romantasy filled with wild magic, swoony romance and cutthroat betrayal. This is the first in an epic new trilogy following wrecker Mira as she sets off in search of a family secret buried deep in the ocean. But learning who to trust is not easy, and securing her future will come at a high price. Compass and Blade has won incredible praise from authors including Alexandra Christo, Catherine Doyle and Laura Steven – and will be truly unmissable in 2024. Get ready to be swept away! Megan Reid, Commissioning Editor

Hot Key Books

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black is the unmissable sequel to The Stolen Heir and the latest in the much-loved Folk of the Air series. For me this is compellingly addictive fantasy, with lush yet razor-sharp narrative, alongside drama laced with revenge and romance entwined with treachery. Holly has been named ‘Faerie Queen’ – by Victoria Aveyard no less – for good reason. Fans await each book with anticipation; new readers have such a treat in store! I am envious of readers able to start the series anew…  this is magnificent storytelling and an author writing at their very best. Emma Matthewson, Publisher