Our picks of the best children’s books coming out in Summer 2021

Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in summer – June, July, and August 2021. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction for children aged 5-12. The titles below are books that (at the time of writing) are now due to be released this summer – in time for the autumn term in UK schools. These books have been chosen with classroom teaching, school libraries, home learning and lockdown reading in mind.

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Summer 2021 new children’s books – our recommendations

New picture books for summer 2021

Lisette's Green Sock by Catharina ValckxLisette’s Green Sock by Catharina Valckx
Grandma's House of Rules by Henry BlackshawGrandma’s House of Rules by Henry Blackshaw
The Secret Lives of Dragons by Professor Zoya Agnis and Alexander UtkinThe Secret Lives of Dragons by Professor Zoya Agnis and Alexander Utkin

Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew

This beautiful reworking of the Little Mermaid tale sees Ernest, a fisherman, saved by Nen, a merman, in this atmospheric and life-affirming story of loneliness, danger, perseverance and love. With beautiful illustrations and evocative language, this is an ideal text to read and discuss with children in years 1-4.

Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew

BIG by Sav AkyuzBIG by Sav Akyuz
Shu Lin's Grandpa by Matt Goodfellow and Yu RongShu Lin’s Grandpa by Matt Goodfellow and Yu Rong
Somewhere by Jeanne Willis and Anastasia SuvorovaSomewhere by Jeanne Willis and Anastasia Suvorova

The Sea by Piret RaudThe Sea by Piret Raud
Mr Tiger by Davide Cali and Miguel TancoMr Tiger by Davide Cali and Miguel Tanco
The Lost Child of Chernobyl by Helen BateThe Lost Child of Chernobyl by Helen Bate


New fiction 5-7 for summer 2021

The Three Happy Lions by Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin

The third in the Lion series of republished classic French children’s picture books sees the two lion parents speculate as to what their new cub might become when he grows up. With beautiful, detailed artwork and a sprinkling of French words, this is a terrifically engaging book to share, discuss and explore with younger children.

The Three Happy Lions by Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin

Tea Party Parade by Nick SharrattTea Party Parade by Nick Sharratt
The Library Book by Gabby Dawnay and Ian MorrisThe Library Book by Gabby Dawnay and Ian Morris
Scribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale by Ged AdamsonScribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale by Ged Adamson


New fiction 7-9 for summer 2021

Let's Tell a Story: Space Adventure by Lily Murray and Grace BoruchLet’s Tell a Story: Space Adventure by Lily Murray and Grace Boruch
A Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth by Chitra Soundar and Uma KrishnaswamyA Sliver of Moon and a Shard of Truth by Chitra Soundar and Uma Krishnaswamy
A Gladiator Stole My Lunchbox by Thiago de MoraesA Gladiator Stole My Lunchbox by Thiago de Moraes

Pizazz vs Perfecto by Sophy HennPizazz vs Perfecto by Sophy Henn
Indigo Wilde and the Creatures at Jellybean Crescent by Pippa CurnickIndigo Wilde and the Creatures at Jellybean Crescent by Pippa Curnick
A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch! by Pamela ButchartA Monster Ate My Packed Lunch! by Pamela Butchart

New fiction 9-12 for summer 2021

When the Sky Falls by Phil EarleWhen the Sky Falls by Phil Earle
The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. RaufThe Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf
Arctic Star by Tom PalmerArctic Star by Tom Palmer

Something I Said by Ben Bailey SmithSomething I Said by Ben Bailey Smith
The Small Things by Lisa ThompsonThe Small Things by Lisa Thompson
Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie ChanDanny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie Chan

The Cartoons that Came to Life by Tom Ellen and Phil Corbett

When Finn’s notebook is destroyed by bullies, he not only loses his drawings and ideas but his confidence to create more. That’s until he wakes up to find his cartoon characters have come to life! However, they quickly cause chaos and Finn has to race against time to return them to their own world. Highly recommended for reluctant readers in KS2.

The Cartoons that Came to Life by Tom Ellen and Phil Corbett

Felix Unlimited by Andrew NorrissFelix Unlimited by Andrew Norriss
The House on the Edge by Alex CotterThe House on the Edge by Alex Cotter
The Royal Rebel: The Life of Suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh by Bali RaiThe Royal Rebel: The Life of Suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh by Bali Rai

New 12-16 young adult novels for summer 2021

Afterlove by Tanya ByrneAfterlove
by Tanya Byrne
Three Bullets by Melvin BurgessThree Bullets by Melvin Burgess
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah PricePride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Our Beautiful Game by Lou Kuenzler

When 12-year-old Polly is expected to stay at home and help with the housework all she wants to do is play football. And with all the older boys and men joining up to fight in WW1, suddenly there’s even more opportunity to play in a real team. Inspired by true stories and the rise of women’s football in the aftermath of WW1, this story with strong females characters is a gripping read for pupils in KS3.

Our Beautiful Game by Lou Kuenzler

TREMENDOUS THINGS by Susin NielsenTREMENDOUS THINGS by Susin Nielsen
Robin Hood 3: Jet Skis, Swamps & Smugglers by Robert MuchamoreRobin Hood 3: Jet Skis, Swamps & Smugglers by Robert Muchamore
The Crossing by Manjeet MannThe Crossing by Manjeet Mann

The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper SanchezThe (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason JuneJay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-IyimideAce of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide

New children’s poetry books for summer 2021

Once Upon a Rhythm: The story of music by James CarterOnce Upon a Rhythm: The story of music by James Carter
Olympic Poems: 100% Unofficial! by Brian Moses and Roger StevensOlympic Poems: 100% Unofficial! by Brian Moses and Roger Stevens
Hey, Girl! Poems by Rachel RooneyHey, Girl! Poems by Rachel Rooney

New nonfiction children’s books for summer 2021

Be Resilient: How to Build a Strong Teenage Mind for Tough Times by Nicola MorganBe Resilient: How to Build a Strong Teenage Mind for Tough Times by Nicola Morgan
I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present by Cerrie BurnellI Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present by Cerrie Burnell
The Looking Book: See the world like an artist - get inspired to create your own art! by Lucia VintiThe Looking Book: See the world like an artist – get inspired to create your own art! by Lucia Vinti

Screen-Free Fun: 80 Alternatives to Screen Time by The School of LifeScreen-Free Fun: 80 Alternatives to Screen Time by The School of Life
Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs by Jeffrey BoakyeMusical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs by Jeffrey Boakye
A Quick History of Money: From Cash Cows to Crypto-Currencies by Clive GiffordA Quick History of Money: From Cash Cows to Crypto-Currencies by Clive Gifford

Curious About Crocodiles by Owen DaveyCurious About Crocodiles
by Owen Davey
My Family & Me: An Inclusive Family Tree Activity Book by Sam HutchinsonMy Family & Me: An Inclusive Family Tree Activity Book by Sam Hutchinson
Feeling Good About Me: Explore Your Emotions, Let Go of Your Worries by Ellen BaileyFeeling Good About Me: Explore Your Emotions, Let Go of Your Worries by Ellen Bailey


This page was first published on May 25 2021 and last updated on May 26, 2021 @ 2:01 pm.

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About Tom Tolkien

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Tom Tolkien is a highly qualified (BA Hons, PGCE, QTS) children's literature expert and teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has led inset courses, developed curriculum materials, spoken at conferences, advised on longlisting for several international children's literature literature awards and written for educational publishers including contributing to a BETT award-nominated app. Social profiles: X | Linkedin