Pick of the Year
Each year children all over the country read and review hundreds of books, and the top 50 of these are our Pick of the Year.
The Top Ten make up the 2012 shortlist but the other 40 books are favourites too and come highly recommended. Whether you’re interested in books for younger children, books for younger readers or books for older readers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our Pick of the Year.
Mad About Minibeasts! by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz
Hachette Childrens Books // ISBN 9781408309469
This brilliantly bouncy beast-filled romp takes readers on a colourful journey through the undergrowth. From slugs and snails to usy bees and beautiful butterflies, the creatures between the covers might be mini but here they are shown to be big stars!
No More Kisses for Bernard by Niki Daly
Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd // ISBN 9781847801050
Here’s a book that will strike a chord with all boys – and girls – who find visits
from affectionate relatives a trial! Bernard loves his aunts, but he hates being
kissed by them. So how can his fond aunties show their affection without
breaking Bernard’s “No more kissing” rule A resolution is found with plenty
of gentle humour.
from affectionate relatives a trial! Bernard loves his aunts, but he hates being
kissed by them. So how can his fond aunties show their affection without
breaking Bernard’s “No more kissing” rule A resolution is found with plenty
of gentle humour.
Superfrog by Michael Foreman
Andersen Press Ltd // ISBN 9781849392099
A new book from the much-loved Michael Foreman is always cause for celebration, and this title introduces a new avourite character – Superfrog!
This little green hero takes on the challenge of ridding the pond of slimy bug-eyed monsters.
This little green hero takes on the challenge of ridding the pond of slimy bug-eyed monsters.
How to Grow a Dinosaur by Caryl Hart
Simon & Schuster Ltd // ISBN 9781847385949
Perfect for parents who want to encourage their children to take an interest in gardening, this book shows what happens when Albie helps his mum plant some seeds. But these are no ordinary seeds and soon Albie has grown a Jurassic jungle, complete with dinosaurs! A very lively tale with bold, colourful pictures.
Wanda and the Alien by Sue Hendra
Transworld // ISBN 9781849410182
From the talented author and illustrator of Barry the Fish with Fingers comes this bright and brilliant picture book. When Wanda the rabbit meets an alien, she’s excited by her new friend – but the other animals are not so sure and would rather hide up a tree than play with him! Luckily Wanda persuades them all to become friends.
Unpoppable by Tim Hopgood
Macmillan Children’s Books // ISBN 9780230748163
This gentle fable has a really classic feel, with illustrations that sparkle with invention. The boy at the centre of the tale is sure his big yellow balloon is
unpoppable, so together they journey beyond the stars. But what comes up must come down – with a big bang! Parents will enjoy using their acting talents as they read this aloud!
unpoppable, so together they journey beyond the stars. But what comes up must come down – with a big bang! Parents will enjoy using their acting talents as they read this aloud!
Lonely Beast by Chris Judge
Andersen Press Ltd. // ISBN 9781849392556
Is it possible to feel sympathy for a black and hairy scary beast In the hands of this talented new picture book author, it certainly is! The Beast in question is so lonely that he decides to go on a daring quest to find a friend. Readers will be with him every step of the way.
The Pink Bicycle by Gillian Lobel and Richard Watson
Tamarind Books // ISBN 9781848530577
Sunita and Blue Rabbit love riding on Sunita’s red bike, but one day she falls off. Dad takes them to the bike shop and buys a lovely new pink bicycle. But how will Sunita ride it without stabilisers This sweet tale dramatises a common childhood experience and will reassure readers who are getting too big for their bike!
The Tickle Ghost by Brett McKee
Andersen Press Ltd // ISBN 9781849392464
Father-and-son duo David and Brett McKee have come up with a cosy story to allay children’s fears of ghosts and things that lurk under the bed. Slowly creeping up the stairs, the Tickle Ghost plans to catch the little boy unawares. But is he real, or is it just Dad and Dylan having a bit of bedtime fun?
Icky Little Duckling by Steve Smallman
Little Tiger Press // ISBN 9781848951327
This story brings a bit of realism to the world of cute animal tales. When Mr Rabbit finds an egg in the woods, he takes it back to his neat and tidy burrow.
But then the egg hatches and out pops an icky, sticky duckling! Mr Rabbit doesn’t want the messy little creature in his burrow, but the duckling is determined to stay. Children who often get in a mess will love reading about a sweet character with the same problem.
But then the egg hatches and out pops an icky, sticky duckling! Mr Rabbit doesn’t want the messy little creature in his burrow, but the duckling is determined to stay. Children who often get in a mess will love reading about a sweet character with the same problem.
It's a Book by Lane Smith
Andersen Press // ISBN 9780230753136
Grown-ups will get a lot out of this timely tale, while young readers should get the message that books are still important in our technology-filled world. As a book-loving ape tries to convey the wonder of the printed word to a donkey who’s more interested in texting and tweeting, little ones will be firmly on the ape’s side!
Art & Max by David Wiesner
Andersen Press // ISBN 9781849392662
This striking book with its unusual illustrations aims to foster a love of art in young readers. Max and Arthur are friends, but while Arthur is an accomplished artist, Max is just a beginner. As Max learns about painting from his friend, the pair take readers on a whirlwind journey through the history of art.
Frank and Teddy Make Friends by Louise Yates
Random House Children's Books // ISBN 9781862308640
The story of Professor Frank Mouse and the teddy he makes in his lab is a modern take on the age-old theme of friendship. Although Frank is clever and inventive, it takes gentle Teddy to teach him that real friendship is all about sharing. A very positive message wrapped up in an entertaining story.