Book Reviews
Wondering what to read next?
Here, you’ll find engaging, down-to-earth reviews of books—from magical picture books and page-turning young adult novels to compelling adult fiction and insightful nonfiction. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong reader searching for your next favourite book, our regularly updated reviews are here to inform, inspire, and spark your love of reading.
The Top 5 New Books Recently Published
The National Year of Reading has begun, so it is the perfect time to share the incredible books that are being published. Here is a quick round up of the best new releases.
Week commencing 9th February 2026
Children’s Fiction
A Girl’s Guide to Spying
Holly Webb
Taking us back to a lesser-known part of history, this is based on the true story of the Girl Guides who worked undercover for the MI5 during the First World War. A thrilling adventure for children aged 9+ with twists and turns, mysteries and double agents as sisters and friends take on the dangerous challenge of spying.
Format: Paperback
Published by: One World Publishing
ISBN: 9781836431213
Non-Fiction
Super Nintendo: How One Japanese Company Helped the World Have Fun
Keza MacDonald
A book of joy as we are shown how one company created a community of game lovers across the globe. Readers who have grown up with Nintendo classics will be delighted to find out how their favourites came about, all from the humble beginnings of a playing card company in Kyoto. With everything covered from the various consoles to the Power Glove, to the much-loved games of Zelda and Mario, this is a story of fun and the love of a good game.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Guardian Faber Publishing
ISBN: 9781783353057
Historical Fiction
White River Crossing
Ian McGuire
Based in 1766 and during a perilous expedition to Ox Lake to find gold, a party of prospectors commit a dangerous, violent and callous act which leads to disastrous consequences as they reach their destination. Cast against a bleak cinematic landscape, plans fall apart as arctic winter begins to descend. A collision of worlds at the edge of the British Empire with deadly results and life changing decisions make this a dark historical novel to remember.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398505032
Crime Fiction
Mrs Sidhu’s Just Desserts
Suk Pannu
For Fans of BBC Radio 4’s Mrs Sidhu’s Investigates and those who enjoy a cosy crime mystery. Mrs Sidhu is catering for the most glamorous event of the year, the grand opening of Berkshire’s new art gallery. However, when the star painting is stolen and her favourite waitress is murdered, Mrs Sidhu finds herself investigating the strangest case of her career in attempt to take down a murderous and ruthless art thief.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780008562977
Picture Book
Ribbit Rabbit
Philip Ardagh and Gareth Conway
A fun and warm picture book to celebrate family, whatever it looks like. Bob the frog is different from his family. He is green, eats different food and hops and swims faster than they do, but then again, they are rabbits! But the most important thing of all is that they love him just the same and will always be there for him.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780702329265
Week commencing 2nd February 2026
Nonfiction
The Wonder of Life on Earth
Henry Gee
A wonderful book that shares the story of life on our planet in an accessible way that makes it ideal for any age. Covering everything to feed the curious mind and beautifully illustrated by botanical illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz, this is a perfect book for a gift or to dip in and out of, to discover how life on our planet, the natural disasters and evolutionary oddities, shaped where we are today.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035024247
Graphic Novel
Tiny Hercules
Jon Lock and Nich Angell
He’s strong! He’s the size of a jam jar! He’s Tiny Hercules, the world’s tiniest hero – and he’s winning his way back to Tiny Olympus, one legendary deed at a time! A great little comic book for fans of Dog Man and Phoenix Comics, Tiny Hercules is bold, bright and funny from the start bringing a new viewpoint on Greek Mythology.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035059645
Historical Fiction
The Mourning Necklace
Kate Foster
Set in Edinburgh, 1724, Maggie Dickson was hanged for the murder of her newborn child. Her family mourns the loss while facing the shame. But when Maggie appears at the door bruised, dazed and alive her family have little time for questions. Can she be hanged twice? Based on a true record from history, the story of Maggie explores and exposes the vulnerability, poverty and position she was in as she fights to live. Immersive, gripping and thought provoking, a beautifully written story.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035052073
Young Adult
Control Alter Delete
K L Kettle
An interesting dystopian story for young adults asking the question, what would you choose – a beautiful untrue life, or a broken true one? Bringing together themes from Black Mirror, Hunger Games and Ready Player One, the protagonist, Hal, finds herself living in a perfect World 2.0 with everything she could ever want. But an opportunity to enter a competition exposes the decay just out of sight leaves Hal with a choice to make.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Little Tiger Press Group
ISBN: 9781788951234
Children’s Fiction
The Last Wolf
Rob Biddulph
Jax, Jovi, Esau and Fourth live for full-moon adventures, sneaking out after curfew, dodging the Nighthawks and roaming the empty streets of Moonhaven. But when a rare werewolf attack rocks the town, the friends become prime suspects. With the Nighthawks closing in on anyone who was out after dark, they’re forced to run—setting off a chain of rumours, secrets and betrayals. An edge-of-your-seat illustrated adventure story with short chapters that will help engage reluctant readers, and full of twists and turns. Recommended for ages 9+.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035037315
Week commencing 26th January 2026
Picture Book
Meanwhile Back on Earth
Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is well known for producing quality and thought-provoking stories. His latest publication is no different. This is a brief history of our world and the conflicts that have changed it, told through a story of a father and his two children on an adventure into space.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008556228
Children’s Fiction
Finn’s Epic Fail
Phil Earle
Recommended for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates and the Loki series, this latest book by Phil Earle follows Finn who is tackling life with a younger and an older sibling challenging his home life, while also trying to just get through year 7. With embarrassing, awkward and hilarious moments, Finn is trying to turn his failures into a victory.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 9781398546165
Crime and Mystery Fiction
10 Marchfield Square
Nicola Whyte
There has been a murder in a tiny square in London, and the wife is the prime suspect. However, the neighbours believe there is more to it and between them they might have the skills to solve the case, one being a cleaner and the other a writer. A cosy murder mystery for fans of ‘Only Murders in the Building.’
Format: Paperback
Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing – Ravens Books
ISBN: 9781526673091
Historic Poetry
The Battle of Maldon: Together with the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth
JRR Tolkien
I would not normally include a re-release of a book with a new edition in the top 5 of books published this week, however this historic poem from master storyteller JRR Tolkien deserved a mention because of the local interest. Set in 991 AD when Vikings attacked an Anglosaxon defence-force, resulting in the battle along the banks of the River Blackwater, near Maldon.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008465865
Recipes
The Ramadan Kitchen
Ilhan Mohamed Abdi
A book containing 80 delicious recipes that capture the spirit and flavours of Ramadan. Helping families savour flavourful heritage meals without the stress. Including hearty soups stews and curries, authentic flatbreads, samosas, desserts and traditional sweets. Created by a working mum who brings together these meals in the time constraints of modern lifestyles.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers – Pavilion
ISBN: 9780008743062
Week commencing 19th January 2026
Board Book
The Big Book of Robots
Campbell Books and Yujin Shin
Full of sliders, pop outs and life the flaps, this is a brilliant board book for busy little fingers. It is full of robot characters children will adore, alongside the friendly robot inventors, you can even peek inside a robot’s brain. Colourful, fun, interesting and imaginative, this is perfect for preschoolers.
Format: Interactive Board Book
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035079834
Fantasy
Nine Goblins
T Kingfisher
A funny short story for fantasy lovers, set in the Goblin War where goblins are a little misunderstood – they don’t go around killing people for fun. An evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins behind enemy lines and they must figure out how to keep together and get home in one piece while facing elves, trolls, monsters and human beings.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Titan Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781835416525
Historical Fiction
Mere
Danielle Giles
Set in AD 990, the isolated Order of Holy Sisters are cut off from the outside world by a treacherous marsh known as the Mere. Rumours begins when a young servant boy goes missing, but a vision and a curse is upon the Order and they must face change as the convent faces a fight for its own survival. A Sunday Times Book of the Year 2025, now published in paperback. Recommended for fans of historical novels.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035051243
Arts and Crafts
Sketch
Sam Marshall
Rediscover your inner creative side from your childhood as you are invited to develop sketching techniques and learn from practice. A project guide rather than a ‘how to’ book, full of warm up exercises and challenges as you are taken through working in a variety of media. An inspiring book to help you discover the joy of drawing in a sketchbook for looking, reflecting and relaxing.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 9781789943108
Politics and War
Polar War
Kenneth R Rosen
Very timely in its release, with current politics in the US, this book documents the race to control the top of the world. Tensions build as pipelines are sabotaged and threats are made to seize land, while also facing the continuing challenges of climate change. Providing an insight into the interest the arctic and the political power it wields, Polar War is a fascinating read.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Profile Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781805229124
Week commencing 12th January 2026
Picture Book
The Wonder
Tom Percival
Daniel has a terrible day and is convinced nothing will lift his mood. But everything changes when he hears the sound of sweet, delicate music through the rain.
A beautiful picture book for sharing, about finding moments of joy and wonder when days are at their darkest.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398515116
Children’s Fiction
Skandar and the Spirit War
A F Steadman
The fifth and final book in this fantasy series is coming out in paperback. With secrets revealed, ancient mysteries to uncover and an invasion to prevent, Skandar must form an unlikely new alliance to defeat Rex. Full of magic and danger, this is an epic finale for this bestselling series that is perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398524774
Graphic Novel
Ghost Boys
Jewell Parker Rhodes and Setor Fiadzigbey
I was very excited to see that this powerful book is being turned into a graphic novel, and I am sure that teen readers will find it as thought-provoking and heartbreaking as the original. The story centres around a twelve year old black boy, who has never been in trouble, but is shot by a white police officer when a toy gun is mistaken for a real threat. As a ghost he observes the fall out of his death, while also meeting other ghost boys with a common story, a story about racism in society.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Hachette
ISBN: 9781510113916
Adult Fiction
Beth is Dead
Katie Bernet
We are used to seeing classics being updated, but turning Little Women into a murder mystery is certainly original. After a New Years Eve party, Beth is found dead. A gripping plot follows with twists and turns as the March sisters uncover each other’s motives. Will Beth’s murder bring them closer together, or pull them apart?
Format: Paperback
Published by: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780702343445
Adult Non-fiction
Operation Paperclip: Nazi Scientists in America
Annie Jacobsen
In the chaos following the Second World War, the US government faced a critical decision: what to do with the great scientific minds of the Third Reich. Many were accused of war crimes, some had stood trial at Nuremburg. Nevertheless, the US secretly decided that their knowledge of rocketry and medical advances were vital to the outcome of the Cold War. Drawing on exclusive interviews with dozens of Paperclip family members, colleagues, and interrogators, and dossiers discovered in archives across the world, this book follows more than a dozen German scientists through their postwar lives and into one of the most guarded government secrets of the twentieth century.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Transworld Publishing
ISBN: 9781804998823