‘At first she didn’t like my drawings’: Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson on three decades of collaboration
In a rare joint interview, the creators of The Gruffalo talk about baddies, Brexit – and the bumpy beginning to their partnership
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
Marcus Rashford channels Scooby-Doo, more girls solve mysteries, while two historical young Black Britons join forces in theatreland
I Want My Hat Back: Jon Klassen classic goes from shoebox-sized puppet show to the stage
Two friends delighted half a million kids with a tiny production in a cardboard box. Now they’re sizing up the much-loved bulbous bear for the Little Angel theatre
Picture books for children – reviews
A journey into space and some serious monkey business portray bedtime in a whole new light, while a tiny dot gives a kindly lesson in understanding emotions
David McKee obituary
Creator of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and Mr Benn, who wrote and illustrated children’s classics
Shirley Hughes obituary
Prolific author and illustrator whose affectionate image of childhood has been instantly recognisable for more than 60 years
Jan Pieńkowski obituary
Illustrator and creator of the Meg and Mog children’s books, who also used pop-up and paper cut-outs to thrilling effect
Picture books for children – reviews
A twist on counting, a mysterious glass marble and a subway train journey through Seoul inspire ways of looking at the world
‘Nothing short of revelatory’: the 10 best CBeebies’ Bedtime Stories – ranked
Reese Witherspoon is about to become the latest A-lister to read a kids’ book at bedtime, but she’s got stiff competition. From Tom Hardy to Dolly Parton, here’s who to beat
Australia Christmas gift guide 2021: 160 good gift ideas, including last-minute options
From presents that give back to edible treats, Guardian Australia and a team of guest editors select the best gifts and shopping options to please everyone from kids to chronic grumps this Christmas
Marcus Rashford: ‘My life was far from a fairytale’
The England footballer, author and poverty campaigner on instilling self-belief in pupils at his old school, his favourite titles of 2021, and his hopes for his book club
Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels
Foxes on the run; a feathered detective; the rescue of the Titanic; plus the best new YA novels
‘I feel so lucky’: in conversation with the late, beloved Jill Murphy
During one of her final interviews the author of the Worst Witch and the Large Family talked about her life, illness and true ‘greatest achievement’
Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A zombie thriller, a flooded world, poetry and a very worried pig … plus the best new YA novels
The Smartest Giant in Town review – a very tall tale
Nutty animals and witty puppetry liven up this at times bleak version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book