Children's and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
So Devin Wore a Skirt by Shireen Lalji and Lucy Fleming, Frances Lincoln, £7.99Devin has nothing special to wear for his Nanabapa's big birthday until he spots his sister's shimmery blue skirt. At first he hides it under layers of disguise, but when he finally reveals the skirt, it's Nanabapa who takes Devin for a twirl on the dancefloor in this gentle, adorable picture book about acceptance.
Our Pebbles by Jarvis, Walker, £12.99A colourful, almost tangibly joyful picture book about a boy, his grandad and their days on the beach, painting pebbles to mark treasured memories.
Ava Spark: Hello, I'm Here! by Alex Field, illustrated by Joanna Bartel, New Frontier, £8.99Ava uses a communication aid to speak, but her friends understand her brilliantly. When she is asked to look after the new Australian girl at school, it's a big responsibility, but Ava pulls it off with panache in this sweet, inclusive story for 6+.
The Lucky House Detective Agency by Scarlett Li, illustrated by Sian James, Knights Of, £7.99Felix loves solving mysteries with Isaac, his best friend. When Felix's family takeaway business has a run of misfortune, the newly formed Lucky House Detective Agency is determined to figure out why in this gentle, highly illustrated 7+ crime caper.
Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard and Gordy Wright, Nosy Crow, £14.99This original, hugely engaging 7+ take on choose your own adventure books allows the reader to decide their own evolutionary journey, choosing legs, slime or backbones, land or sea, until they either become extinct, like megalodon, or reach the present day as a survivor, like chicken or woodlice. A thrilling blend of story and science.
The Lost Book of Undersea Adventure by Teddy Keen, Frances Lincoln, £14.99The third instalment of the Unseen Adventurer's journals – breathtakingly illustrated journeys into wild nature – features a quest for the Bajau sea nomads, an exploration of some of the world's remotest, richest marine environments, and a dangerous battle with the unscrupulous people who despoil them. Heartbreaking and hopeful, this is a book to get rapturously lost in; a must for wildlife and adventure lovers of 8+.
Nate Yu's Blast from the Past by Maisie Chan, Templar, £7.99Moving to the big city is hard for Nate, especially fitting in at his new school – and his mums want him to embrace his heritage, but Nate can't even speak Chinese. When he comes across a shell casing engraved with a dragon, he summons a ghost who needs Nate's help as much as Nate needs his. A funny, heartfelt 8+ story about figuring out your place in the world.
Riverskin by Mike Edwards, Walker, £7.99Tess lives beneath the River Tees, with her Aunt Peg and her terrifying Unkle Darkwater, but when Aunt Peg's mind begins to slip, Tess must find safety elsewhere, making friends with 'dry-folk' and discovering the truth of her origins as she does so. Written in a rich, sometimes challenging narrative voice, shaped by Teesside dialect and filled with punchy, poetic coinages, this atmospheric 9+ debut brings local legend into the everyday.
Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Penguin, £9.99Born into a famous fire-wielding family, misfit Blaze almost drowned the world with the storm she raised at birth. Now she and her twin Flint must compete in the Choosing Rite, determining the next rulers of the Empire – could the throne, and a royal suitor, fall within Blaze's reach? Satisfying world-building, high-stakes magical trials and slow-burn, twisty romance combine in this addictive YA romantasy.
Augmented by Kenechi Udogu, Faber, £8.99In a climate-changed near-future London, 16-year-olds have their strongest talent artificially augmented, helping to ensure humanity's continued survival. Gifted coder Akaego has recently transferred to a music academy – her voice makes plants grow faster, marking her out as a rare potential Mechsim – but the rebel Freestakers warn her that her powerful ability may be put to deadly use. Udogu's debut is a believable, evocative and compelling teen eco-thriller.
The Sleepless by Jen Williams, First Ink, £16.99Elver was saved from death by the bite of a god, but now her skin poisons anyone she touches; Artair shares his body with Lucian, a malign spirit who takes control while Artair sleeps. When Artair is sent on a mission that Elver is determined to thwart, the three of them are drawn into a web of deceitful alliances, furious gods and dangerous magic in this compulsively readable and original YA fantasy.
We Are Your Children by David Roberts, Two Hoots, £25Bold, bright and instantly accessible, this illustrated history of LGBTQ+ activism in the US and UK is wide-ranging yet intimate. Detailing key moments, including the Stonewall uprising, the first Pride rally and the passing of Section 28, and sharing the stories of famous figures like Harvey Milk, Marsha P Johnson and Alan Turing alongside those of less well-known activists, it's resplendent, tragic, essential reading for 14+.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BBC branded 'childish' as over half of Gregg Wallace's 'recipes are removed from broadcaster's food website' amid star's MasterChef axe
The BBC have been branded 'childish' by frustrated food lovers after over half of Gregg Wallace 's were reportedly removed from the broadcaster's food website. The disgraced MasterChef host, 60, was recently dismissed from the cooking show after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. And in the wake of his axing, it appears that the BBC have taken further action as a number of his recipes appear to have vanished from BBC Food website, leaving some users angry. The Sun reports that six of 11 dishes by the former greengrocer have disappeared since Gregg was sacked last month. Fallen dishes are said to include a sausage and lentil soup, a raspberry marinated rack of lamb and mince pie ice-cream. One fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the removal, sparking a flurry of comments from other disgruntled people. The disgraced MasterChef host, 60, was recently dismissed from the cooking show after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation They penned: 'BBC Good Food have removed a recipe I liked from their website because it was from Gregg Wallace. Can't we separate the art from the artist.' To which others replied: ' Yeah, it's frustrating when good content disappears over drama... Shame though, recipes shouldn't need a moral background check.' 'Seems childish. I'm never going to stop listening to Michael Jackson - I don't care about his problematic private life.' 'Can't believe they're actually scrubbing recipes over this - feels like such an overreaction. If the market's already spoken on his content, let it be. Kinda reminds me of @EthanTaylorG7's point about letting audiences decide.' The publication reports that other website users fumed: 'another stupid cancellation by the BBC'. 'Whatever you think of the guy, it was hardly his recipes that were the problem.' Daily Mail have contacted the BBC for comment. It comes days after in its latest episode, with viewers declaring: 'Is this for real?' Just a handful of Gregg's recipes remain on the BBC Food website One fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter , to complain about the removal, sparking a flurry of comments from other disgruntled people Gregg and co-host John Torode were sacked after almost 20 years on the show by the BBC last month after an investigation upheld allegations about their poor behaviour. Wallace had 40 complaints upheld, including one where he was accused of wandering around set naked with a sock on his penis. Torode was found to have used a racist term in 2018. Their final series of MasterChef was filmed before they were both fired. The show's bosses have insisted on keeping them in the final edit - but only if they were on screen less and their banter and jokes were cut down to a minimum. Several contestants asked to be edited out themselves to avoid being on screen with them. Daily Mail revealed that viewers have pointed out 'disgraceful' edits in the new series on BBC One and iPlayer, with many cuts appearing awkward and repetitive, including those of Mr Wallace. In one scene shown last week, stills of Gregg pulling the same face three times in around a minute made it to air - with many suggesting that the BBC and production company Banijay used the same footage of the disgraced host repeatedly through the show. Some of his fans have even claimed the edits, where Gregg gives a semi-gurning smile, were deliberately to embarrass him and 'make him look demented'. TikTok user Gingernat Design shared a particularly unusual example, writing: 'Clever editing fromMasterchef TikTok user Gingernat Design shared a particularly unusual example, writing: 'Clever editing from MasterChef. 'Whether this is to do with the allegations or not I don't know, but it's jokes how they just froze Gregg Wallace for an entire conversation.' The now-viral clip sees a contestant discuss her performance with Torode and Wallace. The same shot of Wallace appears to be used three times in succession - and he is seen with a broad grin fixed on his face. The uncanny scene has horrified fans, who rushed to social media to express their disapproval.
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Lindy Klim announces shock career move: 'You're about to laugh at my expense!'
Lindy Klim stunned fans on Tuesday night by announcing a shock career move. The 46-year-old model shared a gallery of photos to social media which captured her and her daughter Stella, 19, posing on Channel Ten 's The Amazing Race. The glamorous mother-daughter duo looked incredible in matching beige outfits as they prepared to take on the challenges of the long-running reality TV show, which premieres Monday, September 8. 'What an experience! The Amazing Race is coming! Get ready for a good old laugh and some incredible sights,' Lindy began. 'Brace yourself Australia, you're about to laugh at my expense.' Lindy will be joined by an all-star cast, including British adventurer Ant Middleton, who was the Chief Instructor on Channel Seven 's SAS Australia, who will be competing on the series alongside his brother Dan. Channel Ten has unveiled the entire line-up on social media, consisting of 13 teams and some unexpected A-List faces were revealed. Other new additions include comedian Steph Tisdell and actor siblings Stephen and Bernard Curry. They will be joined by Aussie Olympic gold medallist Bronte Campbell, parkour star Dominic Di Tommaso and podcaster brothers Luke and 'Sassy' Scott O'Halloran. It follows reports the rest of the cast were recently spotted boarding a flight together at Sydney Airport. Among the familiar faces were former AFL player Brendan Fevola and his teenage daughter Leni. In March, Brendan, known for his previous reality TV triumphs, including a victory on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia, announced his temporary departure from his radio show to join the race. Joining them were culinary expert Melissa Leong, former judge on MasterChef Australia and current host of Dessert Masters. Aussie power couple Rob Mills, a seasoned performer from his Australian Idol days, and his The Project star partner Georgie Tunny, were also spotted at the airport. Comedian Ed Kavalee and his fitness guru wife Tiffiny Hall, a former coach on The Biggest Loser Australia, were also seen embarking on the adventure together. New Zealand star Aesha Scott, known for her stints on Below Deck Down Under and I'm A Celebrity, was spotted alongside her partner Scott Dobson, further fuelling speculation about the diverse cast. Even original Big Brother host Gretel Killeen was seen at the airport, as she joins the cast of 13 teams competing to win $100,000 for their chosen charity. It will once again be hosted by Triple M breakfast star Beau Ryan, who took leave earlier in the year to film the show. The Amazing Race Australia 2025 full cast team line-up Comedian Ed Kavalee and his fitness guru wife Tiffiny Hall New Zealand star Aesha Scott and her partner Scott Dobson SAS Australia: Who Dares Wins host Ant Middleton and his brother Dan Olympian Bronte Campbell and her fiancé Benfield Lainchbury Freerunning athlete Dom "Tomato" Di Tommaso and his close friend Marx Marsters Veteran presenter Gretel Killeen and her daughter Epiphany
Sky News
28 minutes ago
- Sky News
BBC and Channel 4 should 'merge' to survive, Sir Phil Redmond says
One of Britain's most legendary TV dramatists, Sir Phil Redmond, is no stranger to tackling difficult issues on screen. Courting controversy famously with his hard-hitting storylines on his children's show Grange Hill for the BBC in 1978, before he switched over to Channel 4 to give it its two most prominent soaps, Brookside (1982) and later Hollyoaks (1995). He's been a pivotal figure at Channel 4 from its inception, widely considered to be a father to the channel. Image: Sir Phil Redmond says the BBC and Channel 4 should team up to survive While he's been responsible for putting some of TV's most impactful storylines to air for them - from the first lesbian kiss, to bodies buried under patios - off-screen nowadays, he's equally radical about what should happen. "Channel 4's job in 1980 was to provide a platform for the voices, ideas, and people that weren't able to break through into television. They did a fantastic job. I was part of that, and now it's done." It's not that he wants to kill off Channel 4 but - as broadcasting bosses gather for Edinburgh's annual TV Festival - he believes they urgently should be talking about mergers. A suggestion which goes down about as well as you might imagine, he says, when he brings it up with those at the top. He laughs: "The people with the brains think it's a good idea, the people who've got the expense accounts think it's horrendous." Image: Some of the original Grange Hill cast collecting a BAFTA special award in 2001. Pic: Shutterstock A 'struggling' BBC trying to 'survive' With charter renewal talks under way to determine the BBC's future funding, Sir Phil says "there's only one question, and that is what's going to happen to the BBC?" "We've got two public sector broadcasters - the BBC and Channel 4 - both owned by the government, by us as the taxpayers, and what they're trying to do now is survive, right? "No bureaucracy ever deconstructs itself… the BBC is struggling… Channel 4 has got about a billion quid coming in a year. If you mix that, all the transmissions, all the back office stuff, all the technical stuff, all that cash… you can keep that kind of coterie of expertise on youth programming and then say 'don't worry about the money, just go out and do what you used to do, upset people!'." Image: Brookside's lesbian kiss between Margaret and Beth (L-R Nicola Stapleton and Anna Friel) was groundbreaking TV. Pic: Shutterstock How feasible would that be? Redmond claims, practically, you could pull it off in a week - "we could do it now, it's very simple, it's all about keyboards and switches". But the screenwriter admits that winning people over mentally to his way of thinking would take a few years of persuading. As for his thoughts on what could replace the BBC licence fee, he says charging people to download BBC apps on their phones seems like an obvious source of income. "There are 25 million licences and roughly 90 million mobile phones. If you put a small levy on each mobile phone, you could reduce the actual cost of the licence fee right down, and then it could just be tagged on to VAT. "Those parts are just moving the tax system around a bit. [then] you wouldn't have to worry about all the criminality and single mothers being thrown in jail, all this kind of nonsense." Image: Original Brookside stars at BAFTA - L:R: Michael Starke, Dean Sullivan, Claire Sweeney and Sue Jenkins. Pic: PA 'Subsidising through streaming is not the answer' Earlier this year, Peter Kosminsky, the director of historical drama Wolf Hall, suggested a levy on UK streaming revenues could fund more high-end British TV on the BBC. Sir Phil describes that as "a sign of desperation". "If you can't actually survive within your own economic basis, you shouldn't be doing it. "I don't think top slicing or subsidising one aspect of the business is the answer, you have to just look at the whole thing as a totality." Image: Mark Rylance (L) and Damian Lewis in Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light. Pic: BBC Since selling his production company, Mersey Television, two decades ago, much of his current work has focused on acting as an ambassador for the culture and creative industries. Although he's taken a step away from television, he admits he's disappointed by how risk-averse programme makers appear to have become. "Dare I say it? There needs to be an intellectual foundation to it all." Image: The Hollyoaks cast in 1995. Pic: Shutterstock TV's 'missing a trick' He believes TV bosses are too scared of being fined by Ofcom, and that's meant soaps are not going as far as they should. "The benefits [system], you know, immigration, all these things are really relevant subjects for drama to bring out all the arguments, the conflicts. "The majority of the people know the benefits system is broken, that it needs to be fixed because they see themselves living on their estate with a 10 or 12-year-old car and then there's someone else down the road who knows how to fill a form in, and he's driving around in a £65k BMW, right? Those debates would be really great to bring out on TV, they're missing a trick." While some of TV's biggest executives are slated to speak at the Edinburgh Television Festival, Redmond is not convinced they will be open to listening. "They will go where the perceived wisdom is as to where the industry is going. The fact that the industry is taking a wrong turn, we really need somebody else to come along and go 'Oi!'" When I ask if that could be him, he laughs. Cue dramatic music and closing credits. As plot twists go, the idea of one of TV's most radical voices making a boardroom comeback to stir the pot, realistic or not, is at the very least food for thought for the industry. Edinburgh TV Festival runs from 19 - 22 August.
