8–10

Our story opens with friends Krish, Pete, and Nancy attempting to focus on a biology lesson when an unusual incident disrupts their class and sets off a chain of events that catapult our protagonists to the epicentre of a gripping adventure. Hopping onto their bikes, and speeding through the sleepy village of Crooked Oak, our three heroes are about to become embroiled in a mystery worthy of their favourite website, the Mystery Shed, a source for strange and unexplained events. Faced with a daunting task of utmost importance, the young detectives must get to work!

Bess has left the city of London for the workhouse following the death of her mother. Orphaned and alone, Bess is forced to leave all she knows behind for a life as an indentured worker with other children in a cotton mill. Her life at the workhouse is cruel and demanding with very little joy, the hours and work are physically demanding, and the adults in charge are awful. Rumors start to spread about a vicious creature that lurks in the millpond. Bess is sure it is all tall tales, until she sees a strange silhouette in the water.

There Are Birds Everywhere is a delightfully colourful book that delves into the story of birds past and present. Full of wonderfully vibrant, eye-catching, interesting and intricately detailed and accurate drawings, the birds are illuminated with fascinating yet easily understandable scientific facts.

The title, The Magic of Seasons, really says it all! With its clearly written text and appealing illustrations, Vicky Woodgate's book is a cornucopia of facts around its theme, from the scientific, through climate change to history, geography and myth, all presided over by Mimi, the author's inscrutable black and white cat. Quite hard to classify, as it covers so many different aspects of its subject, but a treasure to dip in and out of; equally fun and informative for parents too.

There are no shortage of books detailing the harrowing events of WWII, but their importance and relevance for each new generation of readers – especially much younger readers – cannot be overstated. Told mostly through a series of letters between Solly and his Polish cousin Bernie, Please Write Soon is a simple but touching story of resilience, friendship and childhood innocence during wartime.

Author Sam Sedgman dedicates Epic Adventures to his parents, who taught him ‘to travel.’ This is an apt dedication because Sedgman's love for travel and adventure permeates this beautifully illustrated, informative book.

The book invites its reader to take epic train journeys across six continents and thirty-four countries, stopping off at several cities along the way. Sam Brewster's detailed illustrations set alongside plenty of interesting facts will leave readers of all ages pouring over the pages. This is a book that readers are likely to want to return to repeatedly.

If you enjoyed the Blue Peter Award shortlisted Invented by Animals you will love its sequel about the animals who inspire our homes and cities. This time author Christiane Dorion has teamed up with illustrator Yeji Yun to produce a colourful, witty and fact-filled book that informs and entertains. It teaches in a gentle way and makes the information easy to absorb.

Rosa lives with her grandmother, Nan, on Big Sky Mountain, a wild and magical place where animals can talk and where everybody, be they animal or human, is made to feel welcome. When a big storm sends a lost wolf cub to their door, Rosa and her grandmother find themselves on a mission to find the cub’s family. Things are made more complicated by the fact that Stick, the little cub, is very clearly a wolf, and everybody is very, very frightened of wolves. If Stick is to find a safe home, Rosa and her animal friends must face up to their fears.

A joyful romp through the complexities of socioeconomic class in colourful 1990s Nigeria, Jummy at the River School follows Jummy as she wins and accepts a place at a prestigious boarding school. She is thrilled to explore this new world of friendly faces, midnight feasts, and fierce athletic competitions, but it is a struggle leaving her best friend behind to work with her family.