Autumn 2024 new children’s books – here’s our selection of top new titles coming out during Autumn term 2024 and available to buy or preorder in September, October, November and December 2024. 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 autumn 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 and reading for pleasure in mind.
Autumn 2024 new children’s books – our recommendations
New picture books for Autumn 2024
Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books by Barry Timms, illustrated by Laura Borio
When Henry spends a day in a Halloween-themed bookstore, he finds a book that captivates him despite his initial doubts. Suddenly, he’s hooked on books! This charming story celebrates reading, independent bookstores, and the idea that there is a perfect book for everyone, making it ideal for Halloween and reluctant readers. Showing children that there’s a book out there waiting for every child, Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books is perfect for school librarians and autumn term book tastings!
Gigantosaurus – Searching for Spinosaurus by Cyber Group Studios
Rocky, Mazu, Tiny, and Bill try to make friends with a scary new dinosaur. Spinosaurus is in town and he’s bigger and more frightening than Gigantosaurus. Will he be friendly? 5-7-year-olds can find out in this boldly illustrated picture book based on the TV series that deftly works themes of risk and trust into the story.
Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie
Hank, a loud and disruptive goose, struggles with his behaviour and its impact on others in this picture book for children aged 3–6. His disruptive actions—such as interrupting conversations and causing chaos—lead him to realise the value of being considerate. This book addresses themes of friendship and empathy, offering a light-hearted approach to understanding and improving social interactions. It’s perfect for discussing with EYFS children.
Time for Bed, Animals by Ben Lerwill and Maribel Lechuga
Time for Bed, Animals introduces young readers aged 2–6 to the sleep habits of various animals through lyrical non-fiction text and engaging illustrations. Revealing intriguing facts, such as ants napping and giraffes sleeping while standing, this book encourages children to reflect on their own bedtime routines in comparison to those of animals. Highly recommended.
On the Small Hill Where the Girls Take Off Their Shoes by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Linda Wolfsgruber
This picture book for ages 4–9 explores the passage of time through a small hill’s historical significance. The story, beautifully illustrated by Linda Wolfsgruber, depicts a group of girls playing on the hill while revealing its past—from dinosaurs to modern-day events. Addressing themes of history and displacement, it will encourage readers to think about their own community history. The narrative blends past and present with artwork that sensitively depicts the gradual passage of time. Highly recommended for eliciting discussions with classes in KS1 and lower KS2.
One-Button and the Sea by Sara Stanley, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
This picture book tells the story of One-Button and his grandfather, who recount their community’s experience of being uprooted and taking to the sea. Suitable for children aged 4+, it explores themes of migration, resilience, and community, and offers excellent opportunities for discussion. One-Button and the Sea is highly recommended for reading with EYFS and KS1 children, and for discussing to encourage empathy. A beautifully written and illustrated modern fable.
Clang! by Sam Usher
In Clang!, Boy and Grandad embark on an imaginative adventure to find Boy’s lost toy penguin, transforming an old bath into a boat to journey to the South Pole. Aimed at children aged 2-7, Clang! will encourage creativity, imagination, and problem-solving while subtly introducing scientific concepts. With emotive illustrations and carefully considered text, it also positively reinforces the strong, supportive relationship between Boy and his Grandad. Highly recommended.
Follow Your Heart by Emma Dodd
Follow Your Heart by Emma Dodd tells the story of a young dolphin who learns the value of staying true to oneself. Aimed at children aged 0-5, this book encourages EYFS children to value self-belief and trust their instincts. It will help young readers understand the importance of following their heart in life’s decisions, and teachers can use this text to discuss with children how to build self-confidence and develop emotional awareness. Highly recommended.
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green, with illustrations by Francis Martin, retells Little Red Riding Hood through the eyes of Gina, an autistic girl. Gina challenges the traditional narrative by identifying and fixing three mistakes in the story, ultimately saving the wolf. The book uses emoji language to reflect Gina’s unique perspective, making it ideal for promoting discussions on neurodiversity, logical thinking, and the importance of questioning conventional tales. Suitable for children aged 3-6, it will encourage EYFS and KS1 readers to become the heroes of their own stories. Highly recommended.
Clive Penguin by Huw Lewis Jones and Ben Sanders
Clive Penguin by Huw Lewis Jones, illustrated by Ben Sanders, tells the funny and quirky story of a penguin who, tired of the cold, embarks on a journey to find warmth. Suitable for children aged 3-6, the book offers opportunities to discuss the difference between wants and needs, and to explore topics related to polar habitats and animal characteristics. The simple, engaging narrative and bold illustrations make it ideal for early years classrooms.
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers marks the 20th anniversary of his beloved Boy series, reuniting familiar characters while introducing a new one. Aimed at children aged 3+, this absorbing picture book follows the Boy’s quest to find his missing star. Parents and EYFS teachers will appreciate themes of friendship, the sense of freedom and adventure, and the use of vivid imagination. Highly recommended.
New fiction 5-7 for Autumn 2024
New fiction 7-9 for Autumn 2024
The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson
The Snowman Code tells the story of a friendship between 10-year-old Blessing and Albert Framlington, a 600-year-old snowman. Set in a perpetually wintry London, they tackle bullies, recover Albert’s lost love, and confront the endless winter. Aimed at 7+ year olds, this heartwarming festive tale addresses themes of anti-bullying, mental health, climate change, and the power of friendship. It’s perfect for family reading during frosty nights and for reading to KS2 classes as the afternoons darken in the run-up to Christmas. A potential classic in the making, The Snowman Code is highly recommended. Read our full review.
New fiction 9-12 for Autumn 2024
Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic by Carrie Sellon
Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic, the sequel to Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions, follows Pete after a summer selling pizzas with his dad. Now in danger from someone seeking magical potions, Pete must find the courage to save the day. This funny, fast-paced adventure, ideal for fans of Sam Copeland, Roald Dahl, and pizza, features themes of friendship and bravery. An ideal series for less confident readers in UKS2.
The Colour of Revenge by Cornelia Funke
Revisiting the Inkheart world, Meggie, Mo, and Dustfinger face new threats from Orpheus, who is using enchanted portraits to seek dark revenge. Dustfinger, his stepson Jehan, and a young witch, Lila, must unite to save their friends. This superb standalone novel continues the much-loved Inkheart series with new challenges and alliances. Hotly anticipated, The Colour of Revenge is highly recommended for UKS2 and LKS3.
Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion by Annelise Gray
Set in Ancient Rome, Return of the Champion concludes the exhilarating Circus Maximus series with Dido and Damon striving for racing glory. Dido hopes her horse’s foal will complete her team, while Damon, a rival’s runaway son, dreams of being a charioteer. Ideal for ages 10-14, this book offers historical insight and themes of perseverance and teamwork. It’s perfect for children who love historical adventures. Read our full review.
The Great Phoenix of London by Lindsay Galvin
The Great Phoenix of London is a breathtaking historical adventure set in 1666 London. When eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family during the Great Fire, he discovers that a mysterious stone is, in fact, an unhatched phoenix. Along with his friend Jennet, he must navigate the burning city while protecting the mythical bird. This captivating middle-grade novel blends history, mythology, and science and will appeal to inquisitive 9-12 year olds. For teachers, the Great Fire of London is sure to bring KS2 topic work to life. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Shadow Creatures by Chris Vick
Inspired by Chris Vick’s family recollections, Shadow Creatures recounts the experiences of Tove and Liva, young sisters during the German WW2 occupation of Norway. Secrets, suspicion, and mistrust abound as an idyllic childhood setting is transformed into a dark prisoner-of-war camp. The lucid narrative explores themes of bravery, family dynamics, and war’s impact on childhood. 9+ year olds will become immersed in the historical context and the main characters’ unrelenting resilience. An ideal class reader for UKS2.
The Boy in the Suit by James Fox
The Boy in the Suit follows ten-year-old Solo as he navigates poverty, his mother’s mental health, and social stigma. A touching middle-grade novel, it addresses empathy, kindness, and community support. Solo’s journey, from funeral crashes to a heart-wrenching search for his mother, culminates in a hopeful new beginning with his father. This poignant and convincing story of resilience and love is perfect for 9-11-year-olds in UKS2. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Heart-Seer by Rowan Foxwood
This captivating fantasy adventure follows Anise Star, a Heartseer with a unique ability to see deities and daemons. Accompanied by loyal daemon-dog Wolf, Anise embarks on a mythical quest set in a convincing world realised through immersive storytelling. With themes of conservation and protecting nature, this debut will offer 9-12-year-olds a thought-provoking escape into a world where imagination and belief intertwine.
Sword of the Sun by Sinead O’Hart
Ben’s move from Dublin to his mother’s remote childhood home leads him into a world of Irish mythology and mystery. As he explores local legends and encounters strange occurrences, he begins to uncover the truth behind ancient tales. Aimed at children aged 9–13, this engrossing and atmospheric adventure will appeal to KS2 and KS3 readers who enjoy being whisked away into their imaginations. Highly recommended.
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
In Popcorn, Rob Harrell presents a poignant story about Andrew, who grapples with anxiety exacerbated by various mishaps, including a school bully and an exploding science experiment. The situation worsens when he learns that his grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s, is missing. Illustrated with black-and-white doodles and panels, the book offers insights into anxiety and OCD while providing practical coping strategies. Aimed at readers aged 9+, it blends humour with meaningful themes, making it a useful text for discussing mental health and support systems with UKS2 and KS3 readers. Highly recommended.
New 12-16 young adult novels for Autumn 2024
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
Shade-magic, gangs and dark secrets fuel this thrilling romantasy between rival assassins in the spellbinding kingdom of Fantome. Perfect for 14+ year-old fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, this enemies-to-lovers blockbuster blends vividly described cityscapes with catacombs, delicious revenge and forbidden love. Highly recommended. You might need a shelf of them to satisfy your KS4 readers.
When It’s Your Turn for Midnight by Blessing Musariri
When It’s Your Turn for Midnight follows Chiante, a young girl in Zimbabwe who discovers her father is not who she thought, prompting her to seek refuge with her grandmother. In Mutare, she finds a sisterhood of women who have survived war and trauma, running a successful fashion-upcycling business. Inspired by true stories, this empowering and modern YA novel addresses themes of family, resilience, and intergenerational trauma with sparkling prose and unforgettable characters. Highly recommended.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Battle for Pumpkin King by Walt Disney
This manga miniseries graphic novel explores the origins of Jack Skellington’s rivalry with Oogie Boogie, revealing a past where they were once close friends. Set during the competition to become the new Pumpkin King, this story is filled with thrills, vibrant illustrations, and valuable lessons on friendship and honesty. Perfect for fans of the original film and newcomers alike, this tale is a must-read for 12+ year olds who enjoy a fast-paced mix of gothic charm and light-hearted fun.
The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman
Set sail on a thrilling adventure as Prince Leander navigates the perilous waters of gods and enemies in his quest to save the world. With captivating storytelling and high-stakes tension, this sequel to The Isles of the Gods promises heart-pounding excitement and intricate world-building. It’s an epic tale of magic and sacrifice for fantasy genre fans. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
New children’s poetry and drama books for Autumn 2024
The River’s A Singer by Valerie Bloom
The River’s A Singer is a collection of vibrant poems from the 2022 CLiPPA award-winning poet Valerie Bloom, with intricate pen and ink illustrations by Sophie Bass. We loved ‘If’, ‘The Artist’, and ‘Today I’m Not Going to School’. Suitable for children aged 8-12, this collection is lively, inspiring, and relatable—always accessible. Teachers will appreciate the rhythmic poetry, range of poetic forms, and rich examples of figurative language. It’s ideal for teachers to use in literacy and to inspire creative writing. The Christmas poems will be of particular interest for festive classroom topics. Highly recommended.
Out Of This World by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Ed Vere
Out Of This World is a highly anticipated collection of poems by Michael Rosen, with illustrations by Ed Vere, aimed at children aged 7+. The poems explore themes of imagination and time travel – through history, geography and beyond – making it a useful resource for teachers to use when modelling and discussing imaginative writing in the classroom. Highly recommended.
The Tantrum: A book about meltdowns and bawling bards! by Louie Stowell and Isobel Lundie
This lively and engaging picture book introduces young readers to the world of theatre through the story of Bill Bear, who stages plays in a woodland theatre. When a performance goes awry, Bill’s spectacular tantrum becomes the central drama. Structured like a play, the book will help children aged 3-6 understand big emotions while sparking an interest in theatre and Shakespeare. It’s ideal for reading aloud and discussing with EYFS classes. Highly recommended.
New nonfiction children’s books for Autumn 2024
Open Wide! by Dr Letizia Diamante and Ed J. Brown
Open Wide! by Letizia Diamante explores a diverse collection of animal mouths, from the awesome jaws of great white sharks to surprising garden snail teeth. Children aged 7+ will find it highly engaging, with superb visuals and interesting facts about how animals use their mouths not just for biting food, but for carrying babies, building shelters, climbing, and more. The vivid illustrations and accessible interactive content really bring the biology to life. Highly recommended for children in lower Key Stage 2.
EUREK-HER! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM by Frances Durkin
EUREK-HER! Stories of Inspirational Women in STEM by Frances Durkin showcases 20 stories of women who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and maths. Aimed at children aged 8+, the book spans historical to contemporary figures and includes 12 hands-on STEM activities. It’s an educational resource that combines biography with practical learning, making it ideal for KS2 classroom libraries. Highly recommended.
First Big Book of How by Sally Symes
First Big Book of How by Sally Symes is a comprehensive, illustrated guide for children aged 5+, answering fundamental questions about the world. Covering topics from space to the human body, it supports STEAM learning by encouraging curiosity and exploration. This whopping 256 page hardback is ideal for children who love to think deeply about how the world works, and with detailed illustrations and diagrams throughout, would make a centrepiece KS1 library resource or inspirational gift. Highly recommended.
This page was first published on August 12th, 2024, and last updated on
.Autumn 2024 new titles – bulk orders and class sets
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