From uplifting picture books to absorbing nonfiction, comic adventures to colourful fables, 2024 has produced a wealth of wonderful writing for children. Twenty years after Oliver Jeffers’s picture-book debut, How to Catch a Star, he has produced a playful, touching sequel, Where to Hide a Star (HarperCollins), in which the small protagonist voyages to the North Pole in search of his stellar pal and makes an unexpected new friend along the way. Featuring crowd-pleasing appearances by several beloved characters, it’s a delightful reminder of the author-illustrator’s unique talents.
Also from HarperCollins, by the bestselling Rob Biddulph, comes the entrancingly wintry I Follow the Fox. When a child drops his beloved Little Fox in the park, he’s desperate to find his toy; then, following a real fox into the snowy night, he helps her perform a thrilling rescue before the dawn reunites him with his lost friend. Soft, hypnotic rhymes and a tingling sense of after-hours exploration infuse this story with seasonal wonder.
Another joyful picture book to share, The World to Come by Robert Macfarlane, Johnny Flynn and Emily Sutton (Magic Cat), is a transporting, evocative collaboration that takes the listener on a lyrical journey filled with golden light, the intricate beauty of woodland and riverbank, and hope for the natural world’s future.
For slightly older picture-book lovers, We, the Curious Ones by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Hari and Deepti (Walker), is a story of the stories humanity tells itself – about the Earth, the universe, and our place in it. Soaring poetry pairs perfectly with luminous cut-paper illustrations in a superb philosophical exploration that reframes the nothingness of space as “mystery. Fascinating mystery”.
By contrast, When the Stammer Came to Stay by Maggie O’Farrell (Walker) is a warmly domestic 5+ story, following chatty, messy Min as she finds her free-flowing words suddenly frozen in her mouth. Only Bea, her neat, sensible sister, can help Min discover not a cure, but an acceptance of the change. Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini’s superlative illustrations combine watercolour delicacy with saturated colour, evoking the richness of a safe, loving home.
Magic-lovers of 6 or 7+ will delight in Pernickety Boo (HarperCollins) by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Chris Mould. When an ordinary umbrella is bought by a sorcerer, given the power to talk and time-travel, and eventually acquired by a little girl called Sylvie Moonshine, enchanted hijinks are bound to ensue – especially when bad lad Billy Turpin keeps trying to steal Pernickety, who can’t resist eating gloves … This captivating series of adventures is ideal for those who love whimsical humour.
There’s more magic in The Snowman Code (HarperCollins), Simon Stephenson’s debut for 7+ readers. Hiding from bullies, 10-year-old Blessing hasn’t been to school in months. Worse still, her mum is suffering from SAD – and winter just won’t end. When Blessing meets Albert Framlington, a 600-year-old snowman who is bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need, together they must find Albert’s long-lost love Clementine and bring the unnatural winter to a close. Sparklingly humorous and poignant, it’s a perfect seasonal story.
Kids with an interest in cookery, meanwhile, will relish A World of Flavour by Gabrielle Langholtz, illustrated by Tania García Jimenez (Phaidon), a lavish compendium stuffed with global foods from focaccia to ful medames, pad thai to patatas bravas. Including overviews of how eggs, corn and other staples are cooked worldwide, child-friendly recipes and mouthwatering full-colour illustrations, it’ll fascinate foodies of all ages from 8+.
For fantasy fans of 8+, there’s Joseph Coelho’s Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter, illustrated by Hyun Song We (Walker). Twelve-year-old Relic lives quietly with his grandad over their Soho antiques shop until he finds a set of brass lamps in the cellar, and releases a sinister genie that feeds on hope. When Relic is recruited to a secret society of Genie Hunters, his life will never be the same again in this witty, fast-paced adventure from the children’s laureate.
There’s more realistic, nature-filled adventure in Katya Balen’s Ghostlines (Bloomsbury), illustrated by Jill Calder. Tilda adores her wild home on the island of Ayrie – so when newcomer Albie arrives, Tilda can’t wait to show him all Ayrie’s charms. Finding him resistant, she’s determined to win him over – even if that means visiting a forbidden ghost island. Atmospheric, funny and understatedly moving, this 9+ story of new friends and adapting to change is another standout from the Carnegie-winning Balen.
And 9+ readers with a nonfictional interest in navigation should dive into Boats: Steamers, Icebreakers, and Ghost Ships by Jan van der Veken (Prestel), a layered, beautifully illustrated guide to ships of all kinds, with intriguing contextual information about “cursed” bodies of water, “streets” at sea, and the inner workings of lighthouses. (Astroheads, meanwhile, should check out van der Veken’s other gorgeous recent title, Space.)
• To browse all children’s and young adult books included in the Guardian and Observer’s best books of 2024 visit guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
