
What to read in 2025 Gecko Press to Oxford Children’s Books
Gecko Press
Omnibird: The Avian Investigator’s Handbook is a playful new book from Giselle Clarkson of The Observologist, who applies the art of observology to birdlife. Giselle shows how to use Holmesian deduction to investigate birds we see around us every day. What does the shape of a bird’s foot tell us about its eating preferences; what does the texture of a feather show about its wearer’s lifestyle? The book is a wonderful blend of comics, surprising facts and beautifully observed details. The Observologist struck a chord internationally with its wit, intelligence and deep care for nature—Omnibird will do the same, showing us again how to find the extraordinary in the everyday. Rachel Lawson, Publisher
Graffeg
My choice for 2025 would be The Old Watering Can by Louise Royston-Smith. A simple, effective tale in which Granny waters her garden with two watering cans, an old one that leaks and a new one that does what it’s meant to do. But so focussed is the old watering can on its leak that it fails to see the flowers it waters as granny carries it through the garden – flowers that bring joy to many. A story about imperfections and strengths, this is Louise’s first book and the gentle, joyful energy in her illustrations suggest big things to come. Matthew Howard, Publishing Director, Graffeg
Guppy Books
We launch new imprint MINI GUPPY in 2025 – colourful interactive titles helping young readers with the transition from picture to chapter books. Amelia Cheeseheart Investigates (Cat Weldon and Nene Lonergan) tells tall stories of an intrepid mouse detective solving mysteries in a museum – Mummy Mayhem! and Chocolate Cheat! explore the Egyptians and Aztecs. Fairytale Fixers by Myles McLeod and Evgenia Golubeva bring different fairytales to life in a very different way!
Plus watch out for Kenneth Oppel’s new YA novel for June: Best Of All Worlds – a startling speculative dystopia, out of this world in all ways! Bella Pearson, Publisher
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Phenomenally moving and beautifully written, My Dog is the story of an extraordinary friendship between a boy and his dog, and a gorgeous exploration of grief, friendship, hope and love. Black Labrador Worthington is completely irresistible, and I can’t wait for young readers to meet him! Olivia is a remarkable new talent in children’s fiction and paired with the award-winning David Litchfield’s stunning illustrations, My Dog will completely break your heart, before mending it again. Hannah Gold has called it ‘incredibly moving’ and Nizrana Farook ‘a five-star read’. Megan Reid, Senior Commissioning Editor
Hot Key Books (Bonnier Books UK)
Tia Fisher’s stunning verse novel Crossing the Line (winner of the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award 2024) proved beyond doubt that she can deftly spotlight important issues in a way that appeals directly to the teen reader. Not Going to Plan tackles not only sexual assault and the intensely polarising topic of abortion, but also the importance of friendship and family when trying to work out who you really are. Despite the deeply serious nature of the subject, Tia again brings humour and accessibility to her verse narrative in spectacular fashion. I cannot wait to bring this timely novel to readers. Emma Matthewson, Publisher at Hot Key Books
Ladybird Books
I am so excited about Ten Whizzy Racers: Chaos at Crackling Creek, the first title in Ladybird’s brand-new racing-themed countdown picture book series, written by Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Richard Merritt. Little readers can choose their favourite whizzy racer, then follow along as they zoom through Fairytale Forest in pursuit of the glittering Beanstalk Cup. But watch out – the racers will need to dodge angry fairies, scary trolls and one very naughty unicorn. With a bouncy rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this action-packed interactive adventure is perfect for children who love cars and counting. Hitting shelves this March! Frances Elks, Publisher
Little Tiger
Creative kindred spirits Guy Bass and David Roberts have been threatening to collaborate for many years, and in 2025 our collective dreams will be realised with the publication of The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen. Guy’s peculiarly clever collection of interlinking cautionary tales, poems and mini books within a book are complemented by David’s exquisitely disquieting, beautifully rendered illustrations. Guy and David have each been shining stars on our list for a long time, but together they have created something horrifyingly exciting which could only have been achieved through the pooling of their considerable talents. I cannot wait to share this extraordinary feat of genius with readers. Lauren Ace, Editorial Director
We are very excited about the publication of our brand-new novelty book, Glow, in October. Written by Nicola Edwards and featuring gorgeous artwork by one of our favourite illustrators, Sophie Ledesma, this delightful board book tells the story of a little firefly who can’t find his sparkle. His search takes him on a journey across land and sea, meeting new friends along the way, until he finally realises that the shine was in him all along. It’s a gently empowering message, encouraging children to believe in themselves. Sounds and lights on every spread bring this magical tale to life. Patricia Hegarty, Editorial Director
I’m excited to be publishing Darren Chetty’s first picture book, I’m Going to Make a Friend, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat (May). Darren cuts straight to the heart of the myriad of emotions – the vulnerability and courage – that it takes to form a meaningful relationship. While Sandhya Prabhat’s bright, engaging characters bounce off the page with colour, energy and warmth. As a philosopher, Darren approaches the topic from a fresh angle, asking questions that are woven into a story through Sandhya’s fabulous illustrations. It’s a heartwarming, original take on the pursuit of friendship. Stephanie Stansbie, Editorial Director
Nosy Crow
In May, Nosy Crow are immensely proud to publish Kristina Rahim’s debut The Doughnut Club. This delicious coming of age story focuses on donor conceived Quinn – whose mind is blown when her mums reveal she and her brother have sixteen donor siblings. Hugely commercial and filled with heart, The Doughnut Club offers a fresh take on family and what it means to fit in. It is perfect for any reader who needs help being true to themselves. I absolutely fell in love with this book and I’m so excited to share it as widely as possible! Zöe Griffiths, Publishing Director, Fiction
Old Barn Books
In August, Old Barn Books will publish On The Edge, by Nicola Garrard. Set in a coastal town and drawing on her own rural childhood, Garrard’s YA / crossover novel explores how young people’s futures are built – and defended – on shifting and uneven ground, where tides of tourism, gentrification and second-home ownership erode the traditional ways of life and financial stability of locals. Protecting his family, Rhys is drawn to Dodo, a political activist, but his actions spiral out of control, with dire consequences for himself and those he loves. Beautifully drawn characters, lyrical depictions of the beauty of the natural landscape, brotherly love, family loyalty – and surfing. This is going to be a powerful and thought-provoking summer read. Ruth Huddleston, Publisher
Otter-Barry Books
The First Year by Matt Goodfellow and Joe Todd-Stanton is the much-anticipated sequel to The Final Year.
After a challenging final year, life is looking up for Nate. His brother has recovered from a life-threatening heart condition, he’s got the love of his mum, brothers and Auntie San, and he’s off to Secondary School with his two best mates. But while he’s making new friends, avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate’s life threatens to throw him completely off course.
Matt Goodfellow has done it again! Another fantastic story in verse that you won’t be able to put down… Janetta Otter-Barry, Publisher
Oxford Children’s Books
Cloud Boy by Gregg Stobbs is undoubtedly my book of choice for 2025. Not only is it a stunning production in neon ink, but it deeply touched everyone who contributed to the process. It tells the story of Bobby, who struggles to concentrate, drifting up into the clouds, but it also tells Greg’s story, who discovered for the first time through writing this book, that there was a diagnosis that explained why he himself had struggled to concentrate all his life. Cloud Boy is a joyous and sensitively told story about neurodiversity that will not fail to make you smile. Lou John, Head of Children’s Books