Summer 2024 new children’s books – here’s our selection of top new titles coming out during the Summer term 2024 and available to buy or preorder in April, May, June and July 2024. These reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction for children aged 3-17+. The titles below are books that (at the time of writing) are now due to be released during this summer 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.
Summer 2024 new children’s books – our recommendations
New picture books for summer 2024
Up High by Matt Hunt. 
Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max. 
The Cat at Night by Dahlov Ipcar. A Midsummer Night’s Drama: A book at bedtime for little bards! by Louie Stowell and Isobel Lundie
When Bill the Bear and his woodland friends pull off a triumphal dramatic performance at the Glade, he gets so excited he can’t sleep! But Sir Bun Bun comes up with a cunning plan to help him drift off. With atmospheric and imaginative illustrations and theatrical references throughout, It’s the perfect fun bedtime story to introduce 3-6-year-old budding bards to Shakespeare.
Shakespeare
The Hoys by Kes Gray, illustrated by Mark Chambers. 
Bekah and the Moon by Tolá Okogwu and Abeeha Tariq. 
The Library Mouse by Frances Tosdevin and Sophia O’Connor. Old Oak and the Wild Flowers by Elena Mannion and Erin Brown
When the hot summer changes the landscape, Old Oak and Mr Shield worry for the future. Deep down in Old Oak’s trunk, the insects have an important decision to make. Will the Barley Field return to normal by next summer? This enchanting and lyrical hardback story shows 5-11 year olds how important nature and wildlife are to the countryside ecosystem. A work of art, Old Oak and the Wild Flowers is a beautiful and memorable picture book to inspire conservation and discussion about protecting rural England.
Conservation
Aqua Boy by Ken Wilson-Max. 
Somewhere for Little Bear by Britta Teckentrup. 
Good Night, Good Beach by Joy Cowley and Hilary Jean Tapper. Champ by Payam Ebrahimi and Reza Dalvand
Born into a family of athletic champions, Abtin doesn’t feel as though he fits in with the other members of his family. He doesn’t want to train to become a sporting hero and instead, he wants to be artistic. Determined to find his way, he thinks he has a solution, a solution which is revealed in a clever and thought-provoking illustrative twist. Themes of individuality, self-acceptance and resilience are explored in this large format book which is ideal for reading with children aged 5-8 and discussing with KS2 classes in PSHE. Our picture book of the month for April 2024.
Resilience
Big Gorilla: A Book of Opposites by Anthony Browne. 
A Better Best Friend by Olivier Tallec. 
Goodnight Sun by Eoin McLaughlin and Morag Hood. 
The Dog and the Sailor by Pete Jordi Wood. 
To the End of the World, Far, Far Away by Ronda Armitage and Victoria Turnbull. 
The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk by Anne Booth and David Litchfield. 
Our Story Starts in Africa by Patrice Lawrence and Jeanetta Gonzales. 
The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker. 
This Table by Alex Killian and Brooke Smart. 
Little Lion Girl by Olivia Hope and Fiona Woodcock. 
Waiting for the Stars by Jonny Lambert. 
Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi. 
The Night Whale by Bryher Mackenzie and Gillian Eilidh O’Mara. 
Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang. 
The Boy and the Octopus by Caryl Lewis and Carmen Saldaña. 
My Brother Is a Tiger by Joaquín Camp. 
In Time by Marina Ruiz. 
Invisible Dogs by Ruby Wright. 
I Am Wriggly by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling. 
The Magic Callaloo by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Sophie Bass. 
Is it a Seed? by Emily Davison and Adriena Fong. 
Let’s Go by Julie Flett. 
No. 5 Bubblegum Street by Mikołaj Pa, illustrated by Gosia Herba. 
The Big Day by Rachel Plummer and Forrest Burdett. New fiction 5-7 for Summer 2024
How to be a Genius Kid by Waldo Pancake aka Jim Smith. 
It Wasn’t Me! by Marta Altés. 
Wigglesbottom Primary: The Pirate Cat by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Becka Moor. 
The Seal on the Beach by Mara Bergman and Brita Granström. 
Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan. 
Adnan by Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton, illustrated by Diala Brisly. 
Grey by Laura Dockrill and Lauren Child. 
Simone by Viet Thanh Nguyen and Minnie Phan. 
Every Wrinkle Has a Story by David Grossman and Ninamasina. New fiction 7-9 for Summer 2024
Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman. 
The Narzat by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker. 
The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival. Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial by Kieran Larwood, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
Intrepid 7+-year-olds will relish this exhilarating journey into the world of Dungeon Runners with Kit, a determined part gnome, part dwarf – ‘gnorf’ with big dreams and a big heart. With his friends Sandy and Thorn, Kit navigates mazes, puzzles, and monsters in the compelling Dungeon Running League. Larwood’s fun-filled storytelling, paired with Todd-Stanton’s vibrant illustrations, brings this action-packed friendship-themed adventure to life. It’s an irresistible read for children in KS2. Highly recommended.
Adventure
Puppet by David Almond, illustrated by Lizzy Stewart. 
Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow, illustrated by Karl J. Mountford. 
A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner. 
Einstein the Penguin: The Case of the Polar Poachers by Iona Rangeley, illustrated by David Tazzyman. 
Warriors: The Prophecies Begin by Erin Hunter, illustrated by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter. 
Peanut Jones and the End of the Rainbow by Rob Biddulph. 
Monkey King by Wu Cheng’En. 
Which Way Round the Galaxy by Cressida Cowell. 
The Voyage by Stéphane Servant and Audrey Spiry. Agent Harrier: This Book Will Self-Destruct by Ben Sanders
Super cool canine spy Agent Harrier is on a mission to defuse a bomb in this fast-paced and funny graphic novel Packed with playful puns and eye-catching stylish illustrations, it’s ideal for early readers who want to move beyond picture books but aren’t ready yet for chapter books. This quirky twist on the classic spy adventure is highly recommended for lower KS2. Free activity pack.
Graphic novel
New fiction 9-12 for Summer 2024
The River Spirit by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Júlia Moscardó. 
When Saturday Comes by Tony Bradman, illustrated by Tania Rex. 
The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani. Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond
Follow twelve-year-old Peregrine on a thrilling adventure as she discovers her godfather’s immortal tales are true. When portals between realms close, Daedalus disappears, prompting Peregrine and her new ally Rowan to search mystical places for him. The fast-paced middle-grade novel features relatable characters and offers valuable lessons on honesty and secrecy, making it useful for PSHE discussions. The book will appeal to 9 to 14-year-olds who enjoy fantasy, mystery and adventure. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Fantasy adventure
How to Be Free by Daisy May Johnson. 
Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer. 
Tom Gates: Book of Everything by Liz Pichon. The Island At The Edge Of Night by Lucy Strange
Abandoned in a remote boarding school on a desolate Scottish island, Faye unravels secrets among a small group of students who have all been labelled wicked. Lucy Strange’s Gothic narrative, blending mystery and magical elements, will captivate 9+ year-old readers who enjoy being immersed in dark and twisty storylines. Exploring themes of overcoming fears, the power of friendship and the healing power of nature, this sparklingly atmospheric novel is an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for whole class reading in KS2.
Mystery
Juniper Mae: Secrets of the Guardian Knights by Sarah Soh and Tim Fraser. 
The Lighthouse at the World’s End by Amy Sparkes. 
The Others by Sarah Merrett. Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari
Set in contemporary India, this middle-grade mystery adventure follows Lena’s quest to find her missing brother, Kay-Kay. Lena knows her brother isn’t a runaway, but the police remain unconvinced. She determines to find him and unravels secrets in a richly realised Indian landscape. Sibling bonds, family dynamics, self-worth and the importance of expression through art are all useful points to discuss with classes or book groups. Upper primary readers who enjoy engrossing suspenseful narratives with relatable characters will love this.
Mystery adventure
Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher. 
Three Cheers for the River School by Sabine Adeyinka. 
The Double Life Of Ted Amos by Simon James Green, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson. 
Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo. 
Cosima Unfortunate Foils a Fraud by Laura Noakes, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino. 
The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen, illustrated by Charis Loke. The Grimmelings by Rachael King
12-year-old Ella’s innocent wish and curse unleash a vengeful kelpie. With her family embroiled in danger and disappearance, Ella must confront ancient folklore to save her loved ones. Vivid storytelling merges Scottish and Māori mythology in this captivating middle-grade fantasy. Read our full review.
Fantasty
Knowing the Score by Ros Roberts. 
The Beast of Farrowfell by Ravena Guron, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio. 
Starminster by Megan Hopkins. 
Skandar and the Chaos Trials by A. F. Steadman. 
Oh Mummy Mia! by Maz Evans. 
North and the Only One by Vashti Hardy. When the Wild Calls by Nicola Penfold
Juniper and her brother Bear navigate a world where ‘the Wild’ introduces them to wonders, but dangers lurk in a city ravaged by disease. Juniper’s determination to rescue loved ones, combined with Etienne’s quest for freedom, creates a compelling ecological adventure that’s perfect for fans of dystopian tales such as The Last Wild. Penfold’s skilful storytelling offers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative with themes of courage and resilience that will resonate with 9-12-year-olds.
Eco adventure
Ferris by Kate DiCamillo. 
The Nine Night Mystery by Sharna Jackson. 
The Tallman by Mary Cathleen May. 
Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons by Abi Elphinstone, illustrated by Kristina Kister. 
Nush and the Stolen Emerald by Jasbinder Bilan. 
Transcendent by Patrick Gallagher. 
The Letter with the Golden Stamp by Onjali Q. Raúf. 
The City Beyond the Stars by Zohra Nabi. 
Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg. Alyssa and the Spell Garden by Alexandra Sheppard
11-year-old Alyssa discovers her latent magical powers, but the community she lives in is suspicious. Exploring themes of family, identity, and community resilience against gentrification, this enchanting fantasy novel offers a blend of magic and real-world challenges, making it a uniquely compelling read for 9-12-year-olds. Read our full review.
Fantasy
Girl on the Fly by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl. 
The Doll Twin by Janine Beacham. 
Twice Upon a Time by Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Natalie Smillie. 
I Am Wolf by Alastair Chisholm. 
A Ship in the Dark by Yarrow Townsend. 
Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese. New 12-16 young adult novels for Summer 2024
If My Words Had Wings by Danielle Jawando. 
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald. 
Looking for Lucie by Amanda Addison. King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore
Anton is the self-proclaimed ruler leader of Year 9 and with his friends, rules the school. But he faces a dilemma when he strikes up an unlikely friendship after a life-changing event. Will he remain loyal to his new friend or his previous reputation? Suitable for teen readers, this compelling contemporary comedy explores themes of friendship and identity and offers relatable insights into peer pressure and personal growth. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4.
Comedy | Diverse
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The Map That Led To You by Ella McLeod. 
Louder Than Hunger by John Schu. The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver
In this gripping dystopian thriller, young criminals compete in a deadly reality TV show for a chance at freedom. Ben Oliver crafts a suspenseful narrative that delves into the dark truths of the criminal justice system, offering readers a thrilling ride filled with high stakes and unexpected twists. As contestants navigate treacherous challenges, the story raises thought-provoking questions about society, fame, and the concepts of consequences and justice. We think The Kill Factor will be a huge hit with students in KS4.
Thriller
Homebody by Theo Parish. 
Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton. 
Sister Spirit by Efua Traoré. 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.
Romantasy
These Stolen Lives by Sharada Keats. 
Fallout by Lesley Parr. 
Dead Happy by Josh Silver. Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar
Former friends Tiwa and Said reunite to save their Islamic Centre from demolition and face personal challenges along the way. Tiwa appreciates the centre’s importance to the community, but Said has a secret reason. Their story, rich with cultural depth and family conflict, will appeal to 12+ year-olds. Highlighting themes of friendship, identity, and community resilience with a deftly light touch, this refreshingly original romance is bound to be a popular summer term read for KS3 and KS4 students. Highly recommended.
Romance | Comedy
Royal Scandal by Aimée Carter. 
The Big Ask by Simon James Green. 
Too Nice by Sally Nicholls. 
A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee. 
Break to You by Neal Shusterman, Debra Young and Michelle Knowlden. 
Apocalypse Cow by O. R. Sorrel. 
The Mercury In Me by Rachael Fernandes. 
Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron. 
Moonstone by Laura Purcell. Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence
14-year-old Ronny struggles as one of the few Black teens in a nearly all-white Norwich secondary. Facing new challenges after a tragedy prompts a move from East London to East Anglia, Ronny grapples with identity and ambition, finding solace and inspiration in poetry and rap. A highly accessible YA verse novel, it explores themes of city gangs, knife crime, the dangers of drugs, self-expression, and resilience, offering a relatable narrative with contemporary flair. Highly recommended for KS4.
Verse novel
Desi Girl Speaking by A. S. Hussain. 
Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris. 
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson. 
The Virtue Season by L.M. Nathan. 
Your Time Is Up by Sarah Naughton. 
Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. 
Icon and Inferno by Marie Lu. 
It Came from the Trees by Ally Russell. 
Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi. The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
Sonora Reyes explores the complexities of consent and identity in this unputdownable story. Ari, a selectively mute autistic girl, wrestles with her confidence, self-image, and vicious rumours after an encounter with the popular Luis. Deftly tackling pertinent issues of consent, predators, healing, and the value of real friendship, The Luis Ortega Survival Club is an original and valuable contemporary novel for teens to read and discuss. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Contemporary
The Love Dare by Abiola Bello. 
Burning Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. 
All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan. New children’s poetry and drama books for Summer 2024
… And I Hear Dragons by Hanan Issa, illustrated by Eric Heyman. 
Wise Up! Wise Down! Poems by John Agard and JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura. 
On Poetry Street by Brian Moses, illustrated by Mark Elvins. Outside In by Daniel Thompson, illustrated by Julia Murray
7+-year-olds will love to dive into this collection of 50 fresh and inspirational poems that celebrate the seasons, senses, wildlife, weather and nature. With vivid illustrations and thought-provoking ideas, these poems will encourage readers to look outside and explore the joys of spring. ‘Outside In’ is highly recommended for reading aloud, discussing or using as an impetus for creative writing in KS2.
Nature poetry
We Are Family by Oliver Skyes, illustrated by Ian Morris. 
Watch Them Grow! by James Carter and James Munro. 
He, She, They, Us by Charlie Castelletti. 
We Have Everything We Need to Start Again by Koleka Putuma. 
The Collected Poems by Roger McGough. 
National Theatre Connections 2024 – 10 Plays for Young Performers by Abi Zakarian et al. New nonfiction children’s books for Summer 2024
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu. 
Fly by David Lindo and Sara Boccaccini Meadows. 
Lifesize Ocean Animals by Sophy Henn. Tree by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft
Exploring the life of a towering mountain ash, Tree by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft explores the intricate ecosystem of a forest. Teachers and students who enjoyed ‘Iceberg’ will love the way ‘Tree’ interweaves information with rich language and vivid illustrations. The spectacular fold-out pages in this stunning picture book will be hugely engaging for curious 5+ year old readers. Told from the tree’s perspective, young readers will empathise with its role as a provider of shelter for diverse creatures. Tree is highly recommended for primary school libraries. Free teaching resource.
Nature
Secret FACTopia! by Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith. 
Everybody Travels by Kristin Roskifte. 
London: A History by Laura Carlin. Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! by Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker
Explore the prehistoric dinosaur world through 16 accessible double-page spreads with vibrant illustrations and interesting facts. Covering a wide range of topics, this hardback includes a timeline, glossary and fun details about dinosaur diets, babies, fighting, undersea dinosaurs, feathered dinosaurs and fossilization. Aimed at primary-aged children, this book is an ideal addition to school libraries and perfect for reading at home. We loved the slurping Pterodaustro!
Dinosaurs
Solstice by Jen Breach. 
Colossal Words for Kids by Colette Hiller, illustrated by Tor Freeman. 
The Little Gardeners Handbook by Michael Holland and Maria Dek. Small Steps, Big Change by Annemarie Cool, illustrated by James Jones
Annemarie Cool’s empowering hardback picture book for 5-8-year-olds offers 14 practical tips inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With colourful iconic characters such as Curiosity Hero, Water Hero, and Sharing Hero, it encourages environmental responsibility through simple actions such as loving the oceans, saving energy, reducing plastic use and being kind. Educational and accessible, it will encourage a sense of responsibility and global citizenship in young readers. Highly recommended for KS1.
Sustainability
The World’s First Rollercoaster by Mike Barfield and Franziska Höllbacher. 
Totally Chaotic History: Ancient Egypt Gets Unruly! by Greg Jenner, Dr Campbell Price and Rikin Parekh. 
The Big Book of UK History by Lisa Williams, illustrated by Harriet Seed. 
The Explorer’s Guide to Going Wild by Preet Chandi. 
Earth’s Incredible Places: Grand Canyon by Susan Lamb and Sean Lewis. 
Flip, Flap, Build: Rockets by Ben Newman. 
History Stinks! Poo Through the Ages by Suzie Edge, illustrated by Luke Newell. 
Chemistry for Beginners by Kristie Pickersgill, Darran Stobbart and Clo’e Floirat. 
Welcome to AI by Matthieu Dugal and Owen Davey. It Takes Guts: How Your Body Turns Food Into Fuel (and Poop) by Dr Jennifer Gardy, illustrated by Belle Wuthrich
Strap in for a top-to-bottom journey through the digestive system from the mouth to the esophagus and stomach and beyond with the multi-award-winning It Takes Guts by Jennifer Gardy. Perfect for readers interested in the human body, science and food, this highly illustrated nonfiction guide blends digestible chunks of science facts with accessible and informative graphics. Nothing is dumbed down, and by combining familiar terms such as ‘barf’ with concise explanations of processes such as ‘retroperistaltic waves’ this book has achieved a winning formula.
Human biology
Up Close and Incredible: Human Body by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Damien Weighill. 
Raising the Roof by Jack Pepper, illustrated by Michele Bruttomesso. 
The Children’s Book of the Future by Lavie Tidhar and Richard Watson, illustrated by Cinthya Alvarez. The Art Book for Children by Ferren Gipson, Amanda Renshaw and Gilda Williams
An updated edition of the iconic art series, The Art Book for Children offers a curated selection of paintings, sculptures and photographs from renowned artists to appeal to 7-12-year-old readers. Each spread marries a key artwork with a series of thought-provoking questions and prompts. It’s perfect to spark discussion about art, creativity, and expression. With vibrant visuals and insightful discussions, The Art Book for Children encourages intellectual curiosity and an appreciation for visual arts. Highly recommended for KS2 and KS3 libraries.
Art
Hike It by Iron Tazz, illustrated by Martin Stanev. 
First Day Fishing by Will Millard, illustrated by Joanna Lisowiec. 
The Teen’s Guide to PDA by Laura Kerbey, illustrated by Eliza Fricker. The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing by Tanya Goodin
Tackling the balance between online and offline life, this guide offers teens practical advice to navigate digital challenges while keeping safe and developing sensible social media habits. With interactive activities, logbook pages, quizzes and step-by-step guides, it will empower secondary-aged students to set realistic goals, manage their screen time, and concentrate on positive relationships, promoting resilience and self-confidence. It’s highly recommended for teenagers who want to reflect on their digital experiences and develop a long-term positive mindset.
PSHE
Make Art Or Die Trying by Stuart Semple. 
Kawaii Doodles by Yuu. 
Sluts by Beth Ashley: The truth about slutshaming and what we can do to fight it by Beth Ashley. (17+) This page was first published on April 12th, 2024, and last updated on .
Summer 2024 new titles – bulk orders and class sets
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