The best children's books for autumn/winter 2020

Board and picture books

Today I'm Strong by Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey

Hands up if your child has ever felt panicky about going to school, or begged to stay home with you for the day? The message in this picture book from Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey really resonates.

Whose Bones? An Animal Guessing Game by Gabrielle Balkan and Sam Brewster

An animal book for little ones that examines animals from the inside out, this fun look at skeletons has facts and foldouts (and is just the right way to get them into the Halloween spirit).

Dog Gone by Rob Biddulph

Rob Biddulph's online drawing classes were undoubtedly a lockdown highlight. Now that the kids have mastered Gregosaurus and sausage dogs, here's Teddy the pug. Unfortunately, Teddy's lost his human...

In the Half Room by Carson Ellis

Caldecott Honor winner Carson Ellis - whose delightful Home is a must for any collection, if you don't already have it - is back with In the Half Room, which reimagines halves and wholes for little ones in this creative, imaginative book with rhyming text. Look out for the half cat.

Our World by Sue Lowell Gallion and Lisk Feng

This stunning geography primer turns into a fold-out, stand-up globe for kids to display and enjoy for years to come.

Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love

The infectious energy and free-spiritedness of Julian is a Mermaid has made it an instant classic, and its sequel, Julian at the Wedding, has been described as "every bit as joyful and inclusive as its predecessor." It's a celebration of love, in the most gorgeous way. Also, Julian's wedding ensemble is exactly what we plan to wear to our next wedding (assuming we'll be attending one ever again).

Ella Has a Plan by Davina Hamilton and Elena Reinoso

From the duo behind the popular Riley Can Be Anything, Davina Hamilton and Elena Reinoso's latest is a "bridging" picture book, designed for kids 6 and up, who still enjoy picture books and being read to. It's a rhyming story centred around bustling family life, with two squabbling cousins that Ella decides to help. It will make you yearn for large family gatherings in the home...

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sánchez

This stunning picture book from Newberry Medalist Meg Medina and illustrator Sonia Sánchez is a tale of friendship in the city - and the heartbreak when one friend moves away. We love how it features a variety of Spanish words for bilingual families, or those just hoping for a bit of literary immersion in another culture.

Claris, The Chicest Mouse in Paris: Holiday Heist, Megan Hess

Uber-talented fashion illustrator Megan Hess has created a delightful world of globe-trotting animals in her Claris the mouse series - there's a charming cat, a Givenchy-clad French bulldog, a couple of glamorous birds and even a piggy. There's also the Brat, who looks adorable in Chanel - even while stomping her feet. The latest Claris adventure will be a gem this Christmas season - we can't wait.

Middle grade books

Break the Mould by Sinéad Burke and Natalie Byrne

Activist and Vogue contributor Sinéad Burke has released her debut book for kids 9 and up (illustrated by Natalie Byrne), which encourages children to embrace their differences and who they are. Burke also opens up about her own experiences with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

We're completely obsessed by The Questioneers - Iggy Pecky, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Sofia Valdez are such inspiring and fun characters - and this latest release is perfectly timed to coincide with the US election. A perfect opportunity to teach the kids about democracy in action (let's hope).

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf

Onjali Q. Raúf - the best-selling author of every child in Year 6-7's favourite book ever, The Boy at the Back of the Class - explores issues of bullying and homelessness in her latest middle-grade release.

Zombierella by Joseph Coelho and Freya Hartas

Take the award-winning poetic talents of Joseph Coelho, Freya Hartas' appealing spooky illustrations and a gruesome twist on Cinderella and you have a book that even reluctant readers will enjoy. This is the first in a three-part series.

Is There Anybody Out There? by Dara Ó Briain

The Irish comedian's latest kids' book combines fact and fiction, touching on a range of space-themed topics from how Earth was created to the existence of other life forms on different planets. Kids will also enjoy reading about the out-of-this-world adventures of Clara and her cat, Sputnik. A must for mini star-gazers.

The Book of Hopes, compiled by Katherine Rundell

Featuring a range of short stories and illustrations from the country's most beloved names in children's literature, including Michael Morpugo, Onjali Q. Raúf and Axel Scheffler, this compendium of stories on the theme of hope is just the uplifting literature the kids need right now. A donation from each book goes to NHS Charities Together.

The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle

A Christmas Carol, reimagined, as we meet George, whose father has stopped believing in the power of Christmas since his wife died three years earlier. A snow globe in Marley's Curiosity Shop takes father and son on a magical adventure through festive past, present and future.

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Mayeri

The story of a refugee named Khosrou - though everyone calls him Daniel - weaves across time and place, from Iran to Italy to modern-day Oklahoma. While his current classmates don't believe or understand him, his powerful story is a testament to the human ability to persevere and be resilient.

YA

Serpentine by Philip Pullman and Tom Duxbury

This standalone novella from Philip Pullman sees Lyra and Pan heading north to find an old friend, and takes place after the events in His Dark Materials. Our 10-year-old is just beginning to discover the magic of Pullman, so this is one on our personal list.

Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson (and Nick Sharratt)

Jacqueline Wilson's latest includes the author's first queer protagonist in this coming-of-age love story of a girl about falling in love for the first time, and dealing with family stress (Frankie's mum has MS). A must for all of those obsessed with Jacqueline Wilson - and those who haven't yet discovered her prose.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This YA mystery is billed as a "Cinderella story with thrilling twists" and already has legions of fans who are hooked on the story of Avery Grambs, who's inherited a billionaire's fortune. The only catch? There's a high-stakes treasure hunt with puzzles, mini mysteries and death around every corner. One to try if they like Knives Out and One Of Us is Lying.

Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson

Award-winning author Renée Watson is back with this YA love story, about Nala Robertson, who falls for activist Tye Brown, and discovers how to love herself in the process.

London's best children's bookshops

London has an amazing selection of independent bookshops in every corner of the city, from Brixton's inclusive Round Table Books to Pickled Pepper in Crouch End. We've rounded up our faves...