Spring 2025 new children’s books – here’s our selection of top new titles coming out during spring term 2025 and available to buy or pre-order in January, February and March 2025. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; poetry, young adult novels and non-fiction for children aged 3-16+. The titles below are books that (at the time of writing) are now due to be released during this Spring term in UK schools and in time to pre-order for the new school year. These books have been chosen with classroom teaching, school libraries, home learning, reading for pleasure and reading for wisdom in mind.
Spring 2025 new children’s books – our recommendations
New picture books for Spring 2025
100 Goats for Granny by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Hinds. 
Will This Home Do? by Sophie Gilmore. 
Paloma Flies Away by Maria J. Guarda. 
Can I Sleep Here Baby Monkey by Ella Bailey. 
Mrs Owl’s Forest School: The Wet Welly Day by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Seb Braun. 
The Boldest White by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly. Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennett
Dear Black Boy by NFL star Martellus Bennett is a heartfelt letter of encouragement, reminding young Black boys they are more than just athletes. With a focus on leadership, mental strength, and passion, Bennett encourages them to excel in all areas of life, not just sports. The vibrant illustrations and powerful message of resilience and potential will inspire readers to believe in themselves.
Boobies by Nancy Vo. 
Our Love by Fatima Ordinola. 
I Love You More Than a Baboon’s Bum by Candy Bee, illustrated by Ben Whitehouse. 
No One Is Home by Mikolaj Pa, illustrated by Gosia Herba. 
Love Grows Here by Amy Adele. 
Hattie Peck by Emma Levey. 
My Path by Jana Curll. 
The Space Between by Clare Helen Welsh and Fiona Lumbers. 
Wiggling Words by Kate Rolfe. 
The Full Stop That Got Away by Laura Baker and Nathan Reed. 
Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak. 
When Fish Finger Froze by Michelle Robinson and Tom Knight. 
The Bed Book by Sylvia Plath and Cindy Wume. 
Monsters Love Hugs by Lara Bryan, illustrated by Alys Patterson. 
Gozzle by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie. 
The Really Beautiful Thing by Frances Tosdevin and Ali Pye. 
Pencil by Hye-Eun Kim. 
Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili. 
The Found Things by Petr Horacek. 
Wrong Time Rooster by Michael Parkin. 
Two Families to Call My Own by Phil Earle, illustrated by Jess Rose. New fiction 5-7 for Spring 2025
Destiny Ink: Birthday Secret by Adeola Sokunbi. 
Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb by Nicky Smith-Dale, illustrated by Sarah Horne. 
Marv and the Alien Invasion by Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles. Blue, Barry & Pancakes by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson
Blue, Barry & Pancakes by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson follows three quirky best friends—a bookish worm, a frog inventor, and a sporty rabbit—on a madcap mission to recover a lost beach ball. When it’s swallowed by a whale, their plan goes hilariously awry, with aliens, volcanoes, and flying pigs causing chaos along the way. This lively graphic novel, with its colourful illustrations and minimal text, is ideal for less confident readers aged 5-7.
Meet the Mubbles by Liz Pichon
Meet the Mubbles is a fun-filled graphic novel set on the whimsical Isle of Smile, home to quirky characters like the Wibbles and singing Earworms. The adventure begins when the Clouds of Joy create a wonky rainbow, announcing the arrival of a visitor. Packed with humour and imagination, this lively story invites readers into a vibrant world of fun. Plus, a QR code unlocks extra content, making the book an interactive treat for fans.
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison
When chaos erupts during the Bleat Mondrian exhibit, retired Detective Stanley is dragged back into action. Nothing’s stolen, but something doesn’t add up, and Stanley soon finds himself in deeper trouble than expected. This quirky graphic novel follows the dogged sleuth through a mystery packed with humour, art references, and a touch of chaos. With nods to Piet Mondrian, it’s a clever, fun introduction to art and an imaginative start to a series for 5+ year olds.
Bad Panda: For Sale by Swapna Haddow. 
Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love by Joseph Coelho and Friends. 
Disaster Diaries: the Worst Birthday Ever by Joanna Nadin, illustrated by Rikin Parekh. New fiction 7-9 for Spring 2025
Scarlet: Defender of the Universe by James Davis, illustrated by Dotty Sutton. 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer by Jeff Kinney. 
My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary 2 by Jim Smith. The Island Vet – Devil Bird Island by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich
Tia and Nat’s camping trip to Devil Bird Island takes a wild turn when they rescue a tangled turtle and stumble into a ghostly mystery. Strange noises and eerie sights keep them on edge, but back home, the truth about the island’s secrets comes to light. With Gill Lewis’s heartfelt storytelling and Irina Avgustinovich’s illustrations, this adventure weaves conservation themes into a gripping tale for readers aged 7+. Perfect for kids who love nature and a good scare!
Beast Quest: Dolrus the Spiked Destroyer by Adam Blade. 
The Cheat Book (vol.2) by Ramzee. 
Alan, King of the Universe by Tom McLaughlin. Lucky the Dog and Other Tales from the Farm by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
This collection of three delightful stories celebrates friendship, adventure, and farm life. From Elvis the donkey saving a sea turtle to a city child’s eye-opening time at Wick Court, the tales are all about the special bond between animals and children. With charming illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees, this book offers a heartwarming look at how the countryside can change a child’s life. Perfect for young animal lovers!
The Appletree Animal Agency by Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith
Mattie can’t have a puppy of her own but loves helping out at Dr Polly’s animal rescue. Alongside her friends Zoë and Casper, the vet’s son, Mattie cares for all sorts of animals, from a runaway ferret to a puppy with a hurt paw. As the rescue grows, they face the challenge of finding homes for their furry friends. A heartwarming series full of adventure, perfect for animal lovers.
Barnacle Bay by Jana Curll. 
Solving Crimes Is Not My Superpower by Nathanael Lessore, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh. 
Dungeon Runners: Sky Battles by Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd-Stanton. Grumpfort by Jamie Hammond
Unlikely monster hunter Mo is on a quest to prove himself to the village. But when he stumbles upon Grumpfort, he discovers a secret monster hideaway threatened by the villainous Grumpsnatcher. With monster companions, including a troll and a fire-breathing snotwoggle, Mo decides to save the fortress. This fun-filled adventure combines Hammond’s vibrant illustrations and clever storytelling to offer young readers a tale of courage and friendship. We think Grumpfort will be enormously popular with children in LKS2.
New fiction 9-12 for Spring 2025
Pinch Perkins & Witch Tree by Cathy Fitzgerald, illustrated by Chloe Dominique. 
Inkbound by Philippa Leathley. 
The Boy at the Window by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Rohan Eason. Mission: Manta Ray by Philip Kavvadis, illustrated by Euan Cook
Mission: Manta Ray sees Finn, Milo, and Tasi diving into mysterious deep-sea trouble – literally. Their investigation takes a dangerous turn when a giant submersible, shaped like a manta ray, targets them. Fast-paced and packed with adventure, this second book in Philip Kavvadis’s series mixes ecological themes with heart-pounding action. Euan Cook’s dynamic illustrations bring the drama to life, making it a brilliant pick for young readers who love a fast-paced, environmentally charged story.
Serial Chillers – The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick. 
The Troublemakers by Tamzin Merchant, illustrated by Paola Escobar. 
The Day My School Got Famous by Jen Carney. Diary Of A Future Billionaire by Pamela Butchart
Ten-year-old Max has his sights set on becoming the world’s youngest billionaire – and he’s got a plan. Told through Max’s hilarious diary entries, this fun-filled middle-grade tale follows his wild attempts to make his dream a reality. Written by bestselling author Pamela Butchart, it’s an entertaining mix of humour, positivity, and big dreams, perfect for young readers who love a good laugh, imagination and a dash of ambition. We think Diary Of A Future Billionaire will be hugely popular.
Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread by Penny Boxall. 
The Seaside Sleepover by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Rachael Dean. 
The Detention Detectives: Talent for Trouble by Lis Jardine. 
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence. 
The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Die: A Graphic Memoir by Peter Lantos, illustrated by Victoria Stebleva. 
Dragon Riders of Roar by Jenny McLachlan. After by Pádraig Kenny
After takes readers to a post-apocalyptic world where a catastrophic event called The Flood has wiped out much of civilisation. Jen and her father, an AI with human-like qualities, journey across the desolate landscape, keeping their secret while searching for a way to survive. As they meet others along the way, Jen grapples with trust and what it means to be human. A dystopian adventure that delves into technology’s impact, this thought-provoking dystopia is perfect for readers in UKS2 and LKS3. Highly recommended.
Hunt for the Golden Scarab by M.G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Sumberac. 
Ice Apprentices by Jacob North. 
Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. 
The Forbidden Atlas by Sam Sedgman. 
The Nightmares of Finnegan Quick by Larry Hayes. 
Loki: A Bored God’s Guide to Wasting Time by Louie Stowell. Puloma and the Bear by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Skylar White
When Puloma runs away from her cruel aunt and joins a circus, the young girl discovers Nyla, a dancing sloth bear, is being mistreated. Fearing police intervention, the circus tries to cover it up, but Puloma is determined to help Nyla escape. A gripping adventure full of bravery, kindness, and the fight against cruelty, this dyslexia friendly story is perfect for readers aged 9+.
Spy Ski School the Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs. 
Away by Megan E. Freeman. 
Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas. 
Beastlands: Legend of the Crystal Caves by Jess French. 
Wink, Murder by Rhian Tracey. 
The Cursed Tomb by Iszi Lawrence. Murder for Two (A Tariq Twins Mystery) by Niyla Farook
Twins Ani and Riri reunite after years apart to solve a murder. When their father is accused of a café owner’s death, the siblings – one an aspiring detective, the other reserved and bookish – must overcome their differences to clear his name. This debut mystery blends family dynamics and crime-solving through an engaging narrative and a distinctive voice. It’s ideal for more advanced KS2 readers and KS3 mystery fans.
Bigg School: Scaredy Cat by Lisa Williamson, illustrated by Jess Bradley. 
Wrong Tracks by Susan Brownrigg, illustrated by Jenny Czerwonka. 
Bigfoot and the Wild Boys by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff. The Deadly Fates by Dhonielle Clayton
In The Deadly Fates, the third book in the Marvellers and Conjurors series, Ella, Brigit, and Jason return to the Arcanum Training Institute for their third year. As a dark plot begins to unfold, they uncover secrets about the school’s founders and a mysterious Conjure architect. Their investigation takes them to the Underworld and the dangerous Cards of Deadly Fate, where they must face old enemies and uncover perilous truths to save their world. A thrilling continuation of magic, mystery, and rivalry.
New 12-16 young adult novels for Spring 2025
The Legendary Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud. 
Til Death by Busayo Matuluko. 
The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold. The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall
The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall flips the zombie story on its head, weaving in an environmental twist. In a world where death flies and zombies help sustain agriculture, fear and misunderstanding put everything at risk. Merian must rally her community to accept this creepy but crucial solution. Packed with ecological themes and a dash of horror, this inventive middle-grade debut is a fresh spin on the genre. It’s no wonder Alice Nuttall scooped the MSLexia Children’s and YA 2023 award. Highly recommended for KS3.
Ride North by Maria de Jong
Ride North follows twelve-year-old Folly as she grapples with the loss of her mother and her father’s decision to start anew in Auckland. Seeking refuge, she runs away with her pony, Tooth, embarking on a journey to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point. Along the way, they face both thrilling adventures and tough challenges, relying on their strong bond to survive. A heartfelt tale of love, loss, and hope, this debut novel by Maria de Jong is a beautiful, lyrical journey, perfect for horse lovers.
The Deadsoul Project by Dan Smith, illustrated by Luke Brookes. 
Children of the Night by M. A. Bennett. 
This Feast of a Life by Cynthia So. The Beck by Anthony McGowan
Kyle teams up with his quirky grandad to save a local stream, or “beck,” from being destroyed by a new development. With the beck brimming with wildlife, Kyle faces bullies, security guards, and personal challenges to save his favourite place after his grandad falls ill. This adventure, aimed at less confident secondary school aged readers, combines environmental themes with McGowan’s signature humour and heart. Highly recommended.
Songs For Ghosts by Clara Kumagai
In Songs For Ghosts, Adam, a Japanese-American teen, stumbles upon a diary that links him to a young woman from Japan’s past. As he reads about her life, struggles, and ghostly encounters, Adam starts seeing the same spirits. His journey takes him to Nagasaki, where he searches for answers about the diary and his own identity. A haunting mix of love, loss, and cultural heritage, this novel carries echoes of Madame Butterfly.
Cloud Nine by Sue H. Cunningham. 
The Vulpine by Polly Crosby. 
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin
When Rhi starts over in Happy Valley she stumbles upon a group of wild, untamed girls claiming to be princesses from another world. As Rhi helps them adjust to society, secrets about their pasts – and potential magic – begin to surface. Blending mystery with themes of identity and resilience, this debut weaves a compelling tale for readers who love stories that blur the line between reality and imagination.
While We’re Young by K. L. Walther
In While We’re Young, Grace, Isa, and Everett ditch school for a senior skip day in Philadelphia, hoping to repair their strained friendships. Grace secretly has feelings for Everett, who used to date Isa, while Isa’s been seeing Grace’s brother, James. Amid wedding crashes and cheesesteak taste tests, their emotions and secrets spill out. A YA romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, it’s a fun and heartfelt dive into love, grief, and self-discovery.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. 
The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor. 
Black Star by Kwame Alexander. Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon
River Langston-Lee’s life unravels after walking out of his exams, losing his girlfriend and quitting his job, leading him to work at the struggling Bingsu for Two Korean café. There, he meets Sarang Cho, a goth co-worker with a no-nonsense attitude. When their viral antics spark a fake romance to save the café, River is thrown into a whirlwind of fame, family drama, and tough decisions about love and self-identity. With humour, heart, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, this book offers a delightful, chaotic journey. Highly recommended.
Island of Influencers by Monique Turner. 
The Restaurant at the Edge of the World by Oliver Gerlach and Kelsi Jo Silver. 
A Fix of Light by Kel Menton. Loverboy by Ben Tomlinson
In Loverboy, Alfie tackles the messy world of teenage romance. When his crush, Maya, starts dating someone else, Alfie turns to her quiet best friend, Gwen, but soon finds himself falling for her too. As his feelings get all tangled up, he makes a big mistake. This funny and relatable teen romance captures the chaos of love, friendship, and figuring out who’s right for you, all with plenty of heart and humour.
Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster. 
The End of the Story by Melissa De La Cruz. 
After Life by Gayle Forman. Red Flags by Sophie Jo
Poppy and Cam are two teens who aren’t exactly sold on commitment. They reluctantly agree to a dating challenge: Poppy won’t obsess over flaws, while Cam promises to stick with his next relationship (no “ick” allowed). As they navigate dating, they try to figure out what’s a real red flag and what’s just a minor annoyance. A funny, sharp YA read, Red Flags is perfect for fans of Holly Bourne and Jenny Han. We think it will be a big hit with 12+ year-old readers.
Don’t Let The Forest In by C. G. Drews. 
The Boy I Love by William Hussey. 
Carving Shadows Into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer. Mondays are Murder by Ravena Guron
When 17-year-old Kay returns to her hometown after her friend’s death, she discovers a letter foretelling violent events leading to her own murder on Monday. Faced with escalating threats, Kay must uncover the sender’s identity before time runs out. Combining suspense, mystery, and epic twists, this riveting page-turner explores themes of danger and trust. It’s bound to be a hit with 13+ year-olds.
Buzz Club by Xena Knox. 
The Party by Natasha Preston. 
The Foundation by Melinda Salisbury. The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears
This gripping dark fantasy is inspired by a Malian fairy tale. Amie, a disinherited servant in the court of Timbuktu, is thrust into Princess Mariama’s brutal trials for suitors. As Amie navigates courtly dangers, she faces a life-altering choice: escape with her love or help the princess end the trials. Magic, romance, and betrayal collide in this high-stakes tale about fate, survival, and the price of loyalty.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith. 
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn. 
Girl, Ultra-Processed by Amara Sage. A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson
Set in an alternate 1923, A Language of Dragons follows Vivien Featherswallow, a language expert turned codebreaker at Bletchley Park. With her family’s safety at risk, Viv must crack a secret dragon language to survive. A mix of Dark Academia and fantasy, the book weaves themes of class, betrayal, and identity. As Viv uncovers the dragons’ secrets, she faces a choice: where do her true loyalties lie in a world teetering on the edge of civil war?
Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias. 
Let the Light In by Jenny Downham and Louis Hill. 
A Heart Full of Hatred by Derek Landy. New children’s poetry and drama books for Spring 2025
My Mum by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by David Tazzyman. 
Flow, Water, Flow! by Dom Conlon. World of Wild: Off They Go! by James Carter. 
Boing! by James Carter, illustrated by Neal Layton. 
Squeak! Squawk! Roar! by Kate Williams, illustrated by Hannah Asen. 
Stuck! the Story of the La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova. New nonfiction children’s books for Spring 2025
Real-Life Mythical Creatures and Their Stories of Survival by Anita Ganeri and Diego Vaisberg. 
See Inside AI by Alex Frith and Victoria Williams, illustrated by Beatrix Hatcher. 
The Magnificent Book of Endangered Animals by Genevieve Morgan, illustrated by Val Walerczuk. 
The House on the Canal: The Story of the House that Hid Anne Frank by Thomas Harding and Britta Teckentrup. 
Encyclopedia of Birds by Jules Howard, illustrated by Namasri Niumim. 
One Thousand Things by Anna Kovecses. 
Follow That Dinosaur by Georgie Taylor, illustrated by Samantha Meredith. 
Yayoi Kusama by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Ryoko Ichikawa. 
How the Earth Works by Dr Lucia Perez Diaz. 
Stemville: The Fast Lane by Ben Newman. 
How To Be Disabled and Proud by Cathy Reay. 
Bridges by Magda Garguláková and Jakub Bachorík. One Day: A True Story of Courage and Survival in the Holocaust by Michael Rosen and Benjamin Phillips
In One Day, Michael Rosen shares the remarkable true story of Eugène Handschuh and his father, who escaped a Nazi convoy bound for Auschwitz during WWII. After several failed attempts, they find freedom with help from the French Resistance. Illustrated by Benjamin Phillips, this exceptional large format picture book highlights courage, compassion, and resilience. Aimed at upper primary aged children, it offers a sensitive introduction to Holocaust history, with Rosen providing valuable historical context for deeper understanding and discussion. Highly recommended.
Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Stephen Davies and Núria Tamarit. 
Manifest for Kids by Roxie Nafousi. 
Explodapedia: The Brain by Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Mooss Allain. 
Epic Factopia! by Rose Davidson, illustrated by Andy Smith. 
Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years by Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell. 
Surviving Vesuvius by Christopher Harrisson, illustrated by Beth Waters. 
Germs by John Devolle. 
What’s the Actually Factually Difference? by Jane Wilsher, illustrated by Liz Kay. 
The Gnome Book by Loes Riphagen. The Greatest Stuff on Earth: The amazing science of sunlight, smartphones, microphones, mushrooms & everything in between by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by John Devolle
This impressive 128 page hardback is an exciting deep dive into the science of everyday things. From atoms and sunlight to mushrooms and smartphones, this book breaks down complex concepts in a fun, accessible way. With lively illustrations and quirky diagrams, it makes learning feel like an adventure. Perfect for curious minds, Tomecek’s energetic style brings science to life, giving young readers a fresh perspective on the world around them. Highly recommended for KS2 classrooms.
How to Survive on the Moon by Joalda Morancy. 
Earth’s Incredible Places: Sahara by Christina Webb, illustrated by Muti. 
Nature’s Tiny Champions: The Big Book of Little Creatures Doing Mighty Things by Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Nic Jones. This page was first published on December 12th, 2024, and last updated on .
Spring 2025 new titles – bulk orders and class sets
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