
What to read in 2025 – from Piccadilly Press to Zephyr
Piccadilly Press (Bonnier Books UK)
I’m really excited to be publishing debut author Nat Harrison’s Middle Grade novel, The Girl Who Raced the World. It’s a reimagining of Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in Eighty Days that is perfect for today’s young readers – it has all the adventure and intrigue of the original and is told with a warm and wonderfully wise voice. No knowledge of the original is required but adults to whom it is familiar will certainly enjoy sharing this with younger readers, who will love determined young Maggie, Phileas Fogg’s unlikely companion. It’s the ideal read for children who itch for adventure! Ruth Bennett, Editorial Director, Piccadilly Press,
Puffin Books
I can’t wait for Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron to hit the shelves in March this year. Huw Aaron is an incredible Welsh-language author and illustrator making his English language debut with this brilliant picture book. It’s a going-to-bed book with a twist – a rhyming lullaby set in a world peopled by vampires, beasts, yetis and of course Blobs. Huw manages to deftly balance laugh-out-loud humour with heartwarming cosiness, as our Disgusting Blob moves through their bedtime routine with their loving parent. It’s wholly original, brilliantly executed and a read-aloud joy to start from finish. I hope it will be a highlight of bedtime reading for families this year and beyond. Andrea MacDonald, Publisher
The highlight of 2025 for me is undoubtedly Huw Aaron’s Unfairies. Launching in August, it’s the start of an outstanding new graphic novel series, which we’re pitching as Games of Thrones meets The Borrowers! Think mega battles on a miniature scale, with all the anarchic, silly humour of Bunny VS Monkey, but also a depth of storytelling and worldbuilding that kids will love coming back to over and over again to discover new details. It’s one of the funniest and most creative stories I’ve ever worked on, and I can’t wait to unleash it on readers. Naomi Colthurst, Editorial Director
Ragged Bears
I’m highlighting two picture books and a novel. The Old Forest Path (April) has gorgeous illustrations by talented newcomer Kanako Wakabayashi and a lyrical, inspiring text by Jamie Catto; it is a beautiful new fairy tale. Prepare to fall in love with Frank, the star of Petr Horáček’s The Long Walk (September). He’s a garden gnome, who one day takes a bold step into a new life. Of Serpent Skins by J. Zacharias is the conclusion to a thrilling paranormal series, A fascinating tale exploring the emergence of matriarchal power and parallel timelines. Olivia Shirley, Publisher
Rock the Boat
Middle Grade horror is having a moment, but Gloam is the book that has really got under my skin and chilled me to my core. Debut author Jack Mackay is a truly dazzling new voice. In his tale of a babysitter with a monstrous secret, he conjures up the most insidious of villains (think Mary Poppins by way of Cruella de Vil), who charms her way into a crumbling family home ‘at the bleakest edge of the world’. Publishing in August, I see this being a future horror classic, terrifying children for years to come. Katie Jennings, Senior Commissioning Editor
Rocket Bird Books
Amongst a plethora of picture book gems on the Rocket Bird list I’m going to pick Llama Library. As a child I couldn’t believe the power of my library card because with it I could take home any book I wanted. Author Holly Ryan takes this idea to the next level: this is a library not of books, but llamas! Illustrator Ella Bailey perfectly captures the hilarious cast of llamas, who can tell you about anything from Italian cooking to Ancient Greek mythology! I can’t wait for this book to hit the shelves in June. Libby Hamilton, Publisher
Scallywag Press
Selecting just one of the books one nurtures every year is torture. But an author/illustrator debut is a particular joy and one such is Wolf in the City. Taken for granted in a suburban square and pooped on by Pigeon, Wolf stands on her plinth and dreams of finding her true home among the magnificent statues in the city centre. So she boards a bus and heads into town. But, instead of being welcomed and admired, she is rejected by the very statues she thought would be her friends – and finds herself yearning for her old square. She even misses Pigeon . . . It’s a delightful tale of ‘belonging’, accompanied by sublime illustrations.
And a shout-out for another debut – a picture book text so delicious to read aloud that I do so again and again! Taking the Long Way Home by Jake Hope is illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. This is breaking the rules but, hey, I’m a Scallywag. Janice Thomson, Editor
Scholastic
Taking us on a whistlestop tour through 200,000 years of human history from a female perspective, with a captivating approach to factual content along with stunning illustrations, Shevolution by Lou Treleaven and Petra Braun (May) is an essential read for all young people. I can’t wait for the world to discover our Shevolution. Elizabeth Scoggins, Scholastic Non-Fiction
Diary of a Future Billionaire by Pamela Butchart (February) is the start of a hilarious series about a boy called Ben who idolises TV billionaire called the Tank and follows his steps to get rich … with calamitous results. Queen of heart and humour, Pamela has created an instantly beloved cast of characters like best friend Bilal (who really loves pink socks), baby sister Angel (who snores), and new friend April May (who has a lot of strength, girl power style). There is a deeper message here about a family facing the threat of eviction, and the story is inspired by Pamela’s own childhood living in a council estate with all its liveliness and warmth. An utter joy! Polly Lyall Grant, Scholastic Fiction
Scribe
My Language Rights: a child’s right to their language (February) by Judy Thompson is an exciting publication that celebrates the power of language and its role in preserving culture, identity, and heritage. Inspired by PEN International’s Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights, it empowers children to cherish and protect their linguistic roots while promoting multilingualism as a source of connection and enrichment. Through vivid illustrations by Tete Garcia and engaging storytelling by Judy Thompson, this book highlights language as a fundamental human right, making it both timely and essential. It’s a powerful tool for fostering understanding, inclusion, and pride in diverse linguistic traditions. Nicola Garrison, Scribe
Sunbird Books
In Sally Anne Garland’s new picture book Heave Ho (June), I was thrilled to see her revisit the characters from Stuck Inside. Through her masterful storytelling in Heave Ho, Garland conveys to children that self-regulation is worthwhile. Cub’s emotions are so big, he doesn’t know what to do with them. Then a tree beckons to him at playtime…and his classmates follow. As Cub works out his feelings by swinging on a branch, Garland’s illustrations show the tree transforming into an imaginary boat that takes the crew safely over stormy seas to calmer waters. The metaphor works, and it’s joyful fun! Kathy Broderick, Executive Editor, Sunbird Books (Phoenix International Publications)
Templar Books (Bonnier Books UK)
Out of all the wonderful books we publish at Templar Books, we’re especially excited to be publishing Bessie’s Bees in July 2025. It’s an uplifting, empowering story about starting nursery with a bubbly neurodiverse character at its heart. There is also a clever, visual metaphor that uses bees to give voice to the complex experiences of growing up with ADHD. Bessie and her bees help readers see themselves represented and also understand those around them. The book is brilliantly brought to life by debut, neurodiverse author, George Kirk with approachable, accessible child characters and bright, light-hearted illustrations from Ana Gómez. Amelia Warren, Commissioning Editor, Templar Books
The Emma Press
Do you remember the book you read as a child that showed you writing could be fun, full of jokes and mischief? For me it was Roald Dahl’s Boy, or maybe Hilary McKay’s The Exiles. And now The Emma Press is publishing its first extremely funny children’s book, a collection of short stories called Please Don’t Read The Footnotes Please by Rob Walton, a teacher and poet based in Whitley Bay. The stories bounce between school and home, via talking horses and made-up games, with the author butting in throughout in the footnotes with his helpful(ish) comments. Publishing in March. Emma Dai’an Wright, Founder
Usborne
We are publishing many treasures on our Usborne Fiction list in 2025, but one that I’m hugely excited for is Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea! by Emma Swan. You know you’re in for a treat when an author tells you they grew up on a cruise ship and want to bring that fun-filled setting to life for readers. Plus, with a cosy detective strand, and puzzles and quizzes to test your sleuthing skills and learn more about who you are, Emma brings an originality into the series publishing space. I’m hoping this feel-good, funny series will travel far! Rebecca Hill, Editorial Director
This year, Usborne celebrates 40 years of our beloved preschool series Poppy and Sam. There are always new families to welcome into the world of Apple Tree Farm so we’re re-issuing our iconic Poppy and Sam Complete Book of Farmyard Tales. With 20 stories to enjoy, little ones will love meeting Mrs. Boot the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam, and a host of friendly farm animals. It’s beautifully illustrated with gentle humour by Stephen Cartwright, with the lovable Little Yellow Duck to spot on every page! Jenny Tyler, Publishing Director
Walker Books
I can’t wait for children to get their hands on this beautiful Guess How Much I Love You mirror book, coming in February. Simple but lyrical words were always the trademark of the late and much-missed Sam MᶜBratney; they’re combined here with brand-new exquisite, tender watercolour illustrations by Anita Jeram to make this little book something even more special than it first appears. The mirror at the end is just perfect for small people to enjoy mooning over their lovely selves – a favourite activity for the babies and toddlers of my acquaintance, and perfect publishing in the year we also celebrate 30 years of the first much-loved classic. Get ready for this gorgeous celebration of love and of the natural world! Emily Sharratt, Senior Creative Commissioning Editor, Character
We couldn’t be more excited to be publishing The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours next September, the new book from Chloe Savage, author of The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2024: Best Illustrated Book and shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2024. It is an ambitious, deep-thinking, original and stunningly illustrated picture book that takes young readers up into the farthest reaches of space, filling them with wonder and awe every step of the way. We’re pitching it as … Orbital for children. (With a few aliens thrown in for good measure.) Maria Tunney, Editorial Director, Picture Books
The Walker fiction list is bursting with incredible titles in 2025, but one I’m especially proud to publish is the first in a game-changing, genre-bending YA duology from Caroline O’Donoghue. Skipshock (June) follows 17-year-old Margo as she’s transported to a series of connected worlds where time is the ultimate currency. Guided by Moon, a travelling salesman, Margo becomes entangled in a brewing revolution against an oppressive regime. This visionary sci-fi romance combines time-bending adventure with raw teenage emotions, as Margo must choose between finding her way home or staying in a world where time is precious but love might be worth the cost. Gráinne Clear – Editorial Director, Fiction
Wide Eyed Editions
One of 2025’s shining stars is Small World, written by renowned zoologist Dr Nick Crumpton and beautifully illustrated by Rosie Dore. It’s packed with information about the smallest creatures around, from teeny tiny frogs to the world’s smallest bird to a monkey that would fit in your hand! Each fact-filled chapter ends with an amazing spread featuring life-sized drawings of the animals within, which lets you see just how tiny these creatures are. This fascinating book shows you a different, tangible perspective on wildlife, filled with stunning illustrations that draw you into this miniature world over and over again. Katie Taylor, Commissioning Editor
Zephyr
We’re looking forward to new novels from familiar Zephyr names Annelise Gray The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam, Finbar Hawkins Ghost, Chris Vick Sky Dancers, Bex Hogan Owl King and Clara Kumagai Songs for Ghosts, as well as Az Dassu’s Wild Journey, gorgeously illustrated by Joe Lillington. And we have a treat in store with Becca Roger’s entrancing debut, The Girl with Gills, which has a superb heroine, Effra, and top-notch villains. Below the waves, we’re also publishing Liz Kessler’s favourite mermaid in Valley of the Vikings and Martin Stewart’s new series character, Sandy Fin, in Operation Splash Landing. Fiona Kennedy, Publisher