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This is a brisk child-centred mystery in which Benjie’s enthusiasm for spying and Pete’s protective actions help uncover burglaries. Suspense comes from the family’s vulnerability and Benjie’s capture, while humour and animal loyalty soften the danger.

This is an imaginative animal quest centred on a missing mapmaker, an unlikely travelling group and encounters beyond home. It offers adventure alongside ideas about kindness, cooperation, friendship and following one’s own heart.

This is a gentle woodland story about preparing for a storm, helping neighbours and recovering after Badger’s home is damaged. Detailed illustrations and a hopeful rebuilding sequence support shared reading and discussion.

This is a wartime story about a child trying to understand occupation, separation and moral choice. Its strongest thread is Marit’s changing view of courage, loyalty and compassion amid danger.

Expect a supernatural mystery with spring-break travel, stranded characters, unexplained cattle deaths, a stalking predator and an increasing body count. The story also follows Maggie’s psychic abilities and her attempts to understand what is happening.

This is a warm, socially grounded adventure about two girls whose friendship grows after an initially hostile meeting. A herd of cows, family difficulties and community problems combine humour, feeling and an unexpectedly hopeful direction.

A gentle Chilean folktale about finding companionship, caring for someone who is not yours to keep, and living through separation. Its sea imagery and illustrations may invite close, unhurried attention.

This is an encouraging, action-focused introduction to caring for oneself, other people and the planet. Its strongest offering is turning large global aims into small, concrete things children can try, discuss or make together.

A seasonal vehicle adventure built around helping: Little Red and Katie repair trucks while autumn leaves fall and preparations continue for a harvest festival. The repeated pattern and colourful vehicles give the story a predictable, participatory shape.

This is a refugee journey told through Sami’s changing circumstances: a familiar life in Damascus gives way to displacement, danger and attempts to rebuild in England. Family bonds, guilt, anxiety, kindness and discrimination shape the experience.

This is a child-centred book about the hidden work of young carers, their fears and hopes, and the kindness that may surround them. It foregrounds empathy, family, friendship and community rather than providing a full plot outline.

This is an encouraging story about approaching nursery with confidence. Family affection, a welcoming teacher, friendly classmates and chances to be kind make the first day feel manageable, celebratory and full of possibility.

This is a thoughtful survival adventure in which Roz learns by watching, earns trust through helpfulness and cares for an orphaned gosling. Its accessible episodic structure supports shared reading, while the island’s dangers and losses may prompt pauses.

This is a magical rescue adventure featuring talking beavers, a threatening witch, most of the island’s inhabitants imprisoned, spell books and secret passages. It offers imaginative peril alongside friendship, kindness and bravery.

A magical friendship story follows Lewis after he discovers an angel on the roof. The angel’s presence appears to alter relationships around him, while Lewis is drawn towards seeing difference and other people differently.