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This is a supernatural camping adventure centred on two siblings confronting a frightening creature. Its strongest offer is atmosphere: mountains, forest, a loch and an ancient cave frame mystery, family interaction and danger.

Expect an urgent survival adventure in which two children must respond to rising danger after extreme weather separates them from their group. Its environmental focus sits alongside friendship, courage and the pressures of fitting in.

A lively read-aloud about a lost dog’s imagined adventures, using rhyme, humour and expressive illustrations to explore survival, landscape, curiosity and the pull of home.

This is a creepy, atmospheric adventure for readers who enjoy forests, folklore, faerie magic and monsters. Its central appeal appears to be suspenseful discovery, with Pippa investigating what is watching from the trees.

This is an atmospheric fantasy quest in a desperate winter-bound world. Quill travels towards danger and discovery, while ancient mythology, supernatural beings and a threatened balance between light and dark shape the adventure.

This is a magical forest adventure centred on Hilda and Twig’s partnership. Its distinctive offer is a more active role for Twig, alongside storm sheltering, mysterious surroundings and a rescue-shaped challenge.

An imaginative, morally charged fantasy centred on Lyra, animal daemons and a rescue mission. Its adventure is accompanied by kidnapping, experimentation, bereavement and graphic violence, while bravery and protecting others are strongly emphasised.

This is a concentrated story of an ageing fisherman’s prolonged struggle at sea. It offers quiet reflection, precise physical detail and a serious meditation on perseverance, pride, loss and what achievement means when results do not last.

A warm, strongly moral story about an orphaned girl, changing homes and the relationships she forms. Its emotional centre is the contrast between Heidi’s mountain life and her unhappiness in Frankfurt.

A richly atmospheric mystery for readers who enjoy eerie settings, puzzles and gradually revealed secrets.

This is a quest fantasy about siblings facing separation, magical danger and inherited family trouble. Its appeal lies in Fairyland, nature-linked magic, riddles, storytelling and a movement from grief and hardship towards courage and hope.

This is a historical family story about rebuilding after hardship. Ellie’s practical courage, connection with nature and willingness to help others sit alongside grief, difficult choices and uncertainty about what people have experienced.

A gentle but serious rural story in which Spider’s connection with animals gives him purpose and belonging. It presents difference, kindness and courage through a character whose strengths are recognised by those who care for him.

Expect a nature-centred adventure in which Nim’s resourcefulness and relationships with animal companions matter.

A quiet, visually led story about children restoring a neglected pond, following the place through changing seasons. Its appeal lies in close observation, shared effort and the gradual transformation of a familiar outdoor space.

This is a suspenseful historical adventure about a boy facing uncertainty about his father, a lighthouse builder and a perilous attempt to protect sailors during a powerful storm. Courage develops through fear and responsibility rather than fearlessness alone.

This is an atmospheric mountain adventure about a child confronting fear while searching for a missing father. Its strongest apparent appeal is the combination of perilous landscapes, family feeling and an unsettling supernatural presence.

This is a peril-focused magical adventure about a young hero developing powers while resisting a dangerous opponent. Its appeal appears to lie in courage, friendship, nature and a contest for survival.

This is a psychologically focused war novel about fear, shame, courage and heroism, rather than simply a sequence of military events. Its opening also shows soldiers responding to rumours, uncertainty and anticipation before combat.