7 awe-inspiring books for your little one to enjoy during the colder months
With the chillier weather here to stay, our little ones are spending less and less time outside in the elements.
Trying to keep them entertained and away from screens all evening long can be a difficult task after a long day. But, one activity we know will keep our children busy is allowing them to explore a new book. We love seeing the imagination spark in their eyes and their reading skills improving when they enjoy a great novel.
If you’re looking for some ideas of what page-turning books your child will enjoy curling up on the couch with, check out our list below. We’ve included a variety of books that were published this year that suit different ages so you’ll be able to keep all of your little ones entertained during these colder months.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan
Published by Puffin Books, Out now
Percy needs three recommendation letters from the gods before his final year in high school comes to an end. And one thing Percy knows, the gods on Mount Olympus don’t do anything for free. To secure his second letter, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover agree to a new quest – pet-sitting for the goddess Hecate while she’s away over Halloween. But when Grover’s curiosity gets the better of him, the trio find themselves with a giant goat, a destroyed house, and Hecate’s pets on the loose in New York City. Now the trio have twenty-four hours to find the pets and restore the mansion to order – or face the full fury of Hecate and her horrifying three-heads.
First Time at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson
Published by O’Brien Press, Out now
It’s a new term at Fernside boarding school, and Robin can’t wait for fun in the dorm, playing games and maybe even winning the coveted Form Shield. But for new girl Linnet, Robin’s younger cousin, there are just too many new faces and strict rules. Luckily, she has Robin for help and her very own hideaway. And when the adorable puppy Rudy disappears, it is Linnet who is determined to find him. Even if it means dragging Robin and all her new friends headfirst into danger. There may be daring rescues, secret missions and adventures galore, but best of all are the true friendships to be made at Fernside.
Flora Stormer and the Golden Lotus by Isabella Harcourt
Published by Hachette Children’s Group, Out now
Flora Stormer sets off to discover a magical flower hidden deep in the rainforest – and ends up finding . . . HERSELF! A brand-new series combining the magic and adventure of Jumanji with a message celebrating difference and self-acceptance. Flora Stormer, a talented young artist with Tourette’s Syndrome, is helping her father prepare for an expedition to search for the legendary golden lotus – a plant with magical healing properties. But when her dad falls ill, Flora bravely sets sail in his place, hoping the mythical plant might save him. Equipped with her paints and a magical map, Flora treks through the rainforest, encountering dangerous animals and poisonous plants along the way. But the greatest threat she faces is from a greedy collector determined to get his hands on the flower first. Can Flora and her new friends stop him from stealing the golden lotus and cursing the rainforest forever?
Sally and the Lost Photograph by Judi Curtin
Published by O’Brien Press, Out now
Irish sisters Sally and Bridget are making their way in the exciting, new world of New York. But life is hard for their friend Betty. She's in trouble with the law and may even lose her home. Bridget is also trying to solve the mystery of an old photograph for Miss Cameron, her wealthy employer. Maybe there's a way Sally and Bridget can help them both…
Over the Red-Brick Chimney by Una Leavy, Illustrated by Shannon Bergin
Published by O’Brien Press, Out now
Little Goose is excited. It’s time to go, before the Big Snow. Winter is coming, and all the geese are flying to their new home in Ireland. But Little Goose gets blown down, down, down by a sudden gust. Can Finn and his mum help her find her way home?
The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Published by Puffin, Out now
Lottie and Daniel are an official couple and everything seems to be going brilliantly (except for Amber being increasingly mean and jealous, but what's new there?). Meanwhile Toby's new year's resolution is to get a dog, and for once Lottie and him see eye to eye. Pot Noodle, the cockapoo, becomes the newest member of the Brooks family. He's VERY cute but also not toilet trained AT ALL. Lottie soon finds having a new boyfriend and a new dog means she has little time for anyone else, leaving her best friends pretty upset. How is Lottie meant to keep everybody happy and stop Pot Noodle from pooing on the carpet?
The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book by Robin Stevens
Published by Puffin Books, Out now
Test your mystery-solving and code-cracking skills, with pages packed full of fiendish puzzles, riveting riddles and much, much more! Featuring beloved detective characters from the Murder Most Unladylike series and the new Ministry of Unladylike Activity adventures.