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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)
Euronews
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Gruffalo set to return next year with first book in more than 20 years
ADVERTISEMENT He's hairy. He's got sharp teeth. He's been outsmarted by a mouse. He's back. Yes, family favourite Gruffalo is returning to bookshelves next year in a brand new adventure – the monster's first in more than two decades. Publisher Macmillan Children's Books confirmed the news today, promising a fresh tale from British writer Julia Donaldson, following 1999's 'The Gruffalo' and 2004's 'The Gruffalo's Child'. The first two books – among the most popular children's titles in the world – are available in 113 languages and dialects, and have sold a combined 18.2 million copies worldwide. The original Gruffalo book has been adapted into plays and an Academy Award-nominated animated film – which is well worth seeking out. ETA for the new, as-yet-untitled story? September 2026. 'The Gruffalo' and 'The Gruffalo's Child' Axel Scheffler - Macmillan Children's Books Donaldson said she was inspired to write the third Gruffalo story after seeing how the National Literacy Trust (NLT) charity had used the previous tales in their work encouraging young children to read. "I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn't think how to develop it," Donaldson said while announcing the forthcoming book. "It was only when the NLT used the first two books as part of their Early Words Matter programme that I was spurred on to get my idea out of the cupboard and see once and for all if I could turn it into a really satisfying story. To my surprise, I managed to do just that.' 'I was, of course, delighted when Axel came on board, and am even more so now that I've seen the brilliant sketches he's already done for the new book,' added Donaldson. Indeed, German illustrator Axel Scheffler is also back – which is even better news for fans of Gruffalo. Scheffler said: 'Never say never – a lesson learned for me who, whenever asked denied the possibility of another visit to the deep dark wood. Till one day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not!' Macmillan will be partnering with NLT and other charitable organisations across the globe for the publication of the new book, with plans to drive an international children's reading and storytelling campaign. Jonathan Douglas, NLT's chief executive, said: 'Reading and sharing stories is critical for shaping a child's early speech and language development and we can't think of a better way to support families in igniting their children's love of stories and reading than with the magic and influence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's The Gruffalo." ADVERTISEMENT The third Gruffalo book will hit shelves in September 2026.
The Guardian
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on the Gruffalo: a well-timed comeback, wart and all
It is 21 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler published The Gruffalo's Child, the sequel to their bestselling Gruffalo picture book of five years earlier. While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more. It is reportedly thanks to her wish to support the National Literacy Trust that Ms Donaldson decided to bring the Gruffalo back after all. The new book will be published next year, and used in an international campaign to promote children's reading. The depressing findings of a survey released this week, showing a steep decline in the proportion of UK parents who read aloud to their children, make this announcement particularly welcome. Another report, from the National Literacy Trust, found that the proportion of eight- to 18-year-olds who read for pleasure fell last year to a record low of 35%. Ms Donaldson and Mr Scheffler are well placed to make the case for reading aloud. As an author, she was a late bloomer, first published when she was in her 40s. She has spoken of her impatience with books that are too preachy or sentimental, and rejects the idea of 'picture-book medicine' to help children overcome problems. Her stories, by contrast, are designed to give excitement and joy. Plot and humour are key ingredients, along with her signature rhyming style. In an interview, she recalled the favourite stories that kept her own children from going to sleep at night because they were so 'full of mirth'. It is concerning to learn from the survey, which was carried out by HarperCollins and Nielsen, that parents increasingly see reading as a skill – 'more a subject to learn than a fun thing to do'. The fact that this view is more prevalent among younger adults strongly suggests a link with the rise of digital entertainment and ubiquitous screens and games. Education policies focused on literacy are widely regarded as another factor. For years, authors and other champions of children's literature have warned that the instrumental approach to reading that became dominant under the Conservatives has had the unintended consequence of devaluing creativity. Too often, the texts placed before primary-school pupils are chosen not for their imaginative merit but because they belong to a particular learning scheme. The latest findings support this view. Another new report, from the Publishers Association, describes the situation as a crisis. Among other measures, it urges ministers to bolster library provision and put more emphasis on reading for enjoyment in the curriculum. At a summit earlier this year, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the author and Waterstones children's laureate, said that the emotional and educational benefits of being read to, for very young children, mean that access to books is a public health issue. The return of the big bad mouse – wily as he is – and his adversary should not be expected to reverse these trends. But the advocacy of Ms Donaldson, Mr Cottrell-Boyce and others deserves support. The inspiration for the Gruffalo came from a Chinese folk tale. If all goes to plan, his further adventures will be a exuberant reminder of the age-old power of storytelling.
NZ Herald
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
New Gruffalo book by Julia Donaldson to be released more than 20 years after last
The original story is written in rhyming couplets and is accompanied by cartoon-like illustrations by Scheffler. After producing the best-selling original in 1999 and 2004's sequel, The Gruffalo's Child, Scheffler and Donaldson have continued to work in partnership, but this will be the first new release featuring their most successful and beloved character in two decades. Announcing the upcoming release, Donaldson said she was motivated to bring the work to fruition after Britain's National Literacy Trust (NLT) started using her previous two books in a campaign to reverse a decline in children's reading. 'I actually had the basic idea for the story a long time ago, but couldn't think how to develop it,' she said. 'It was only when the NLT, whose work I'm very impressed by, used the first two books as part of their Early Words Matter programme that I was spurred on to get my idea out of the cupboard and see once and for all if I could turn it into a really satisfying story. To my surprise, I managed to do just that!' The original Gruffalo book has sold more than 13.5 million copies and won several prizes for children's literature. Donaldson has said previously the book was inspired by a Chinese folk fable called The Fox that Borrows the Terror of a Tiger about a hungry tiger who tries to catch a fox. An audiobook version of The Gruffalo, read by Imelda Staunton, was released in 2002. On Christmas Day in 2009, the BBC aired an animated adaptation of the story. A stage version of the tale is set to be performed in Auckland and Hastings in July.
