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Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Books help improve the development of your children's brains: from speech and language to memory PAPER CHASE From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Read More on Fabulous Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. Most read in Fabulous 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features Published: Invalid Date, THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? 11 (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. 11 (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… 11 (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reading aloud is losing its magic—but it's not too late to bring it back
New research by HarperCollins UK and Farshore reveals a worrying trend—and an opportunity for change. Reading bedtime stories was one of the most cherished parts of our childhood for many of us. It was the sound of a parent's voice, the comfort of cuddling up close, the magic of getting lost in a world far beyond our own. But for many children today, that moment of magic is quietly fading. In a new study released by HarperCollins UK and Farshore in December 2024, fewer than half of parents with children aged 0–13 say reading aloud is 'fun for me.' And when it comes to the youngest readers, just 41% of 0–4-year-olds are read to frequently, down sharply from 64% in 2012. The research, part of the 2024 Understanding the Children's Book Consumer survey conducted with NielsenIQ BookData, reveals that our cultural relationship with reading is shifting. Gen Z parents—those who grew up with screens—are more likely than previous generations to see reading as 'more a subject to learn' rather than a joyful activity. Their kids are absorbing that same message: almost one in three children aged 5–13 now see reading as something to study, not something to love. Even more troubling? This perception is growing. In 2012, only 25% of children felt this way. In 2024, it's 29%—and among 11–13-year-olds, it jumps to 35%. Related: Eye-opening viral video shows difference between effective and ineffective ways to handle bedtime Perhaps most heartbreaking is how early the disparity sets in. Among toddlers aged 0–2, just 29% of boys are read to daily, compared to 44% of girls. More than 1 in 5 boys are rarely or never read to at all. And by age 13, only 12% of boys read for fun every day. Alison David, Consumer Insight Director at Farshore and HarperCollins Children's Books, says, 'Being read to makes reading fun for children. So, it's very concerning that many children are growing up without a happy reading culture at home…Children who are read to daily are almost three times as likely to choose to read independently compared to children who are only read to weekly at home. It's never too late to start, or resume, reading with children.' Related: The scientific benefits of dads reading bedtime stories But there's also hope—real, inspiring hope. In a powerful pilot study called 'Social Reading Spaces,' HarperCollins UK partnered with the School Library Association to reimagine how we help reluctant adolescent readers reconnect with books. Over 10 weeks, 17 school libraries across the UK created pressure-free book clubs that emphasized connection, conversation, and community over reading assignments. The results were nothing short of transformational. More than 400 students aged 12–13 took part. Afterward, 60% said they were more interested in reading, and 84% said it was a worthwhile experience. In one school, boys who joined the club saw their reading ages grow by an average of 1 year and 3 months—compared to just 5 months in their wider year group. 'You can—like—express your emotions and your feelings here,' one boy said. Another shared, 'It's just a fun way of communicating and getting to read more books and become friends at the same time.' Yes, life is busier than ever. Yes, the pressures of modern parenting are real. But this research offers a gentle but urgent reminder: our kids need stories—not just for literacy, but for joy, connection, and emotional growth. Even five minutes a day can change the story of a child's life. Let's bring back the magic of reading aloud. Let's make story time a space of comfort and laughter, and imagination. And let's do it not out of guilt, but out of love. Because the truth is: we don't have to be perfect parents. But we can be the ones who say, 'Let's read together.' Sources: HarperCollins UK & Farshore (2024). New research reveals that parents are losing the love of reading aloud. 'PDF via HarperCollins Press Release'
