The best children’s and YA books of 2024
From a boy on a snowy midnight adventure to a gothic family caper via a young offender inspired by poetry, our critics pick their favourite titles of the year
The Borrowers review – Arrietty and co’s awfully wordy adventure
With a cumbersome script and no sense of danger or atmosphere, this production loses its way
Well Done, Mummy Penguin review – Antarctic antics warm the heart
This is a sprightly adaptation of Chris Haughton’s popular book, adding circus skills, projections and BSL
Australian Christmas kids’ gift guide 2024: 60 great ideas for babies, toddlers, kids and tweens
Our discerning writers and editors have searched high and low for the best (and budget-conscious) children’s Christmas presents for this holiday season
These picture books make the perfect gifts – for adults (and their inner children)
As grown-ups increasingly embrace the emotional power and visual delights of picture books, here is a list of recommendations to suit every person and occasion
Celebrities need to stop writing children’s books: they’re woefully underqualified
As Jamie Oliver has found out to his cost, write what you know or you could end up with a flop and an international PR disaster, says Arwa Mahdawi
‘Could do better’ – Worst Witch author’s school reports just like Mildred’s
The family of the late Jill Murphy share the comments from unimpressed teachers that inspired her classic children’s series
Picture books for children – reviews
Letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo inspire a delightful biography. Plus, new releases from big-hitters Oliver Jeffers and David Litchfield
Jeremy Strong obituary
Author who won the Children’s Book award in 1997 and whose bestselling series made adults laugh too
Billie Eilish latest star to read CBeebies bedtime story
Oscar-winning singer chooses book by Oliver Jeffers that highlights importance of protecting nature
Picture books for children – reviews
From the tale of a dog taking a much-needed beach break to a fact-filled dive into the monsters of the deep – and an ode to the skies above
Mr Fib and Little Miss Surprise join ranks of the Mr Men and Little Misses
Top-hatted liar and pink-haired character who never knows what the day will bring are added to classic series of children’s books
Rapunzel reimagined: the women retelling fairytales to challenge notions of perfection
And They Lived … Ever After is a south Asian book of reworked European classics written by women with disabilities
Bear Snores On review – characterful creatures learn the importance of home
Fun songs and exciting immersive touches delight children and adults alike in a lively picture book adaptation from actor Cush Jumbo and Katy Sechiari
Picture books for children – reviews
A fantastical celebration of dim sum, Tim Hopgood’s update of a 19th-century poem and a feline sleuth in a hoodie tracks down a missing bird