In a delightful showcase of children's literature, three new releases offer engaging stories for young readers, ranging from interactive picture books to thrilling adventures and dystopian drama. Each title brings unique creativity and imagination to the shelves, promising to captivate audiences across different age groups.
Is This a Plum? A Playful Picture Book
Award-winning animator Dan Ojari has collaborated with his eight-year-old son Finn to create the witty and interactive picture book Is This a Plum? published by Puffin at £8.99 for 40 pages. This winning combination results in a deceptively simple yet cleverly designed book that encourages exploration and curiosity.
The opening page poses a question through a cut-out window: is the pinky-purple shape a plum? The humorous reveal shows it to be a hippo's bum, setting the tone for a series of playful misdirections. Subsequent pages use cut-out shapes to transform a spider into a tiger, a house into a mouse, and a goose into a moose, culminating in a surprise twist at the end.
Beyond its entertainment value, the book teaches young readers that things are not always what they seem, fostering critical thinking and sensory engagement. With beautiful illustrations, it is a treasure for children aged 2 and up, perfect for little fingers to explore and enjoy.
Alex Abbott Is (Un)dead: A Vampire Debut
Louise Austin makes her debut with Alex Abbott Is (Un)dead, illustrated by Katie Kear and published by Macmillan at £7.99 for 288 pages. This blood-curdlingly funny novel targets readers aged 8 and up, launching a series full of energy and fangtastic characters.
The story follows 11-year-old Alex, who dies in an accident only to be turned into a vampire by his ghostly neighbour and returned home. While his parents are aware of his secret, Alex must hide his new identity from friends and is determined to find a 'cure' to become human again. However, his actions inadvertently destroy an ancient pact between spirits, releasing dark powers.
To make amends and reverse the curse, Alex embarks on an odyssey to Sicily, where he battles Vulcan, a fire demon. This adventurous tale blends humour with supernatural elements, promising plenty more excitement in future installments of the series.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk: A Dystopian Return
Patrick Ness returns to his acclaimed Chaos Walking universe with Piper at the Gates of Dusk, published by Walker Books at £16.99 for 352 pages. This powerful start to a new series revisits the dystopian world 20 years after the events of the award-winning trilogy.
Todd and Viola now have sons, Max and Ben, who cannot speak after being cured of the Noise—the male-only affliction that allowed thoughts to be heard. As fiery figures emerge from the forest and children suffer from nightmares, fear spreads that New World is under attack. The narrative alternates between the two boys, delving into themes of prejudice, colonisation, gender identity, and abuse of power.
Readers will be kept guessing until the last cliff-hanger page, making it a gripping read for ages 12 and up. While it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, fans of Chaos Walking will be thrilled by this dark and dramatic return to a beloved universe.
