Children today are experiencing a golden era of literature.The world of books has expanded remarkably, addressing essential topics like inclusivity, climate change and consent, while also offering light-hearted reads that guarantee endless chuckles. From stunning picture books for toddlers as young as two to engaging novels for 8–12-year-olds to enjoy independently — these book recommendations offer something for every young reader.
The year 2024 is shaping up to be particularly exciting for chapter books tailored to emerging readers. Finding enjoyable and accessible reads for 5–8-year-olds can often be a challenge, but this year already has a fantastic selection of entertaining and easy reads.
Can I Sit in the Middle?
By Susanne Strasser and translated by Melody Shaw
Book cover of 'Can I Sit in the Middle?'
An adorable read-along picture book about love and friendship that builds nicely. Children will see themselves in the story’s young protagonist, eagerly settling in to read on the sofa. The illustrations — with their clean lines and vibrant colours — bring expression and humour to the delightful chaos that follows when animal friends join in.
Age: 2 onwards
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Miss Leaparda
By Natalia Shaloshvili and translated by Lena Trear
Book cover of 'Miss Leaparda'
This picture book is full of personality, combining deadpan humour with expressive acrylic and crayon illustrations. Natalia highlights the importance of the natural world through the plight of Miss Leaporda, a bus driver caught in chaotic traffic jams.
Age: 3 onwards
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No. 5 Bubblegum Street
By Mikolaj Pa and Gosia Herba
Book cover of 'No 5 Bubblegum Street'
In this lively book by Gosia Herba, each animal living in No5 bubblegum street , has their own quirky needs and preferences. Mouse is a famous rapper (and rather loud), Panther is a plant collector, and Bat is a rather boisterous dancer. A bustling building means everyone has to see past their differences and celebrate each other’s strengths to get on with their busy lives. Interesting, right?
Age: 4 onwards
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The Monster at the Window
By Meghaa Gupta and illustrations by Soumya Menon
Book cover of 'The Monster at the Window'
An endearing story of how art helps a young boy, Montu, deal with his emotions. Perfect for new readers and read-alongs, this book ticks all the right boxes. Montu sees a BIG monster that appears whenever he’s angry or sad, making him feel even worse. One day, after hurting his leg and being stuck at home, Montu starts drawing. He sketches the window, the tree outside and eventually... the monster! As he keeps drawing, the monster becomes smaller and smaller.
Age: 5 onwards
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Miss Cat : The Case of the Curious Canary
By Jean Luc- Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet
Book cover of 'Miss Cat : The Case of the Curious Canary'
This is the first volume in a quirky and stylish new graphic novel series. Miss Cat acts like a noir detective, and there is a little bit of menace in the story. Parents reading for children will enjoy various references, but most of all this is an excellent book for kids, who have recently learnt to read by themselves.
Age: 6 onwards
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The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist
By Anders Sparring, illustrator Per Gustavsson and translated by Julia Marshall
Book cover of 'The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist'
A fun book filled with lots of silly humour and vibrant illustrations. The Pinchers are a crime family with a son who dreams of becoming a policeman when he grows up! This book serves as an excellent springboard for discussions with kids about lying, stealing, and family loyalty. Mostly, though, it’s pure entertainment for newly confident readers. The first in a series to look forward to.
Age: 7 onwards
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The City Beyond the Stars
By Zohra Nabi
Book cover of 'The City Beyond the Stars'
From the author of The Kingdom Over the Sea, Waterstones' Children's Book of the Month, comes a gorgeous and lyrical adventure about family and finding where you truly belong. Set in a lavish world of sorceresses, alchemists, jinn, and flying carpets — this spine-tingling middle-grade book is perfect for fans of fantasy fiction.
Age: 8 onwards
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Bring Back Kay-Kay
By Dev Kothari
Book cover of 'Bring Back Kay-Kay'
Set in modern-day India, Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari is an adventure-packed middle-grade novel that explores themes of sibling bonds and self-worth. The author poignantly highlights the burdens often borne by children in middle-class Indian families. Lena has always lived in the shadow of her elder brother, Karthik (Kay-Kay), a brilliant all-rounder at his school. But when he goes away to a two-week camp, Lena finally enjoys her parents' undivided attention. However, when Kay-Kay fails to return on the train he was supposed to arrive on, Lena’s world turns upside-down. The writing is simple yet vividly descriptive, making it an engaging read.
Age: 9 onwards
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The Millicent Quibb School Of Etiquette For Young Ladies Of Mad Science
By Kate McKinnon and Alfredo Cáceres as illustrator
Book cover of 'The Millicent Quibb School Of Etiquette For Young Ladies Of Mad Science'
This one is for all Roald Dahl fans! I enjoyed this one a tad bit too much. The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is an unbelievably hilarious, madcap adventure debut from comedic superstar Kate McKinnon. It’s an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud funny story and a warm-hearted celebration of individuality, imagination, and eccentricity.
Age: 10 onwards
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Ajay and the Treasure of Thar
By Varsha Shah and Sónia Albert as the illustrator
Book cover of 'Ajay and the Treasure of Thar'
Ajay and his friends are back in the third novel of the energetic newspaper-publishing Mumbai railway kids series. In this volume, the children embark on a quest with a legendary map of the desert outside Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Illustrated with a large font, this is an excellent series to thrill confident readers and serves as a great entryway to keep young readers intrigued.
Age: 10 onwards
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There have been many great books for teenagers released this year, including Seven Days by Rebeka Shaid, The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha, and more. As a child, I looked forward to story time all day, and for good reason. With a simple flick of the hand to lift the cover of a book, a magical portal would open before me — I wish the same for all children. These books will help your kids dive into imaginary worlds — and perhaps, you too!
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
