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.
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.
(Templar books, age 3+, £7.99)
Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron
A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale.
It’s bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . .
(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?
(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.
(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…
(Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)