Sci-fi and fantasy

In a word, Here to Slay is vibrant. This story is beautifully inspired by Indian mythology, as well as holding space for important conversations about representation, racism and colourism.

Calling space fans of all ages, there’s a new space hero on the block and you are going to LOVE going on an amazing adventures with him – and his cat! Callum and Oscar revel in the simplicity of a cardboard box spaceship which is amped to the max in preparation for a journey of friendship, imagination and an incredible number of space facts.

There’s nothing drib drab about this book. Containing all sorts of unlikely creatures and concepts – the Uncertain Curtain, the Slug of Knowledge, the Laughing Leaves, Mubbles, Wibbles, and, yes, Drib Drabs – it is set on the Isle of Smile and unfolds in brightly coloured comic book form.

A well-paced, and engaging paranormal YA which draws on folklore, The Binding Spell explores a family moving to the country sometime after losing their mother. Their father’s grief has led to the parentification of Morgan, the protagonist, who has a deep sense of duty to her family, and in particular her two youngest siblings, Callie and Wulf. Her rebellious brother Johnny, however, has reacted differently, rejecting the responsibility and engaging in risky behaviour.

This funny and engaging book, the first in a new young graphic novel series, takes readers on three humour-filled, surreal adventures with the quirky and charming Floofs. What are the Floofs? Not a rabbit, rat or mouse, but something all of their own. An introductory section lays out a colourful map of their world, before introducing the Floofs, telling us a little about each of them. This draws readers straight in and also shows us how groups of friends can be filled with a whole mix of different characters.

In an isolated land with a hidden history, a crocodile goddess swirls through the spirit world, gifting everyone a magic skill in teenagerhood. From super speed to teleportation to invisibility; everyone has been gifted a power, except Somadina and her twin brother Jayaike that is. When their powers finally arrive they embody a terrifying pair of forces that leads to Jayaike’s disappearance and Somadina bringing together an unexpected group of people to save him.

Hidden Worlds: Magic Under the Bed was written with children in hospital in mind, and it would work well for a busy mind in a place where there is a lot of staying still. Based around fantastical worlds populated by under-the-bed things such as fluffballs and socks, this is an engaging and beautifully illustrated activity book, with an excellent balance of story and puzzle activities.

This fun, engaging picturebook is the fifth in the Pick a Story series where the reader is in control of the plot. Big brother Bo chooses the perfect stick for his little sister Kai when hers snaps. However, it suddenly disappears, and the reader has to help Bo track it down before Kai gets upset. But who is the culprit – a wizard, an astronaut or a pharaoh? The reader gets to choose who they will pursue first!

Pandora is a clever young detective who needs the reader’s help to solve clues, crack codes, and catch crafty villains in an exciting, action packed adventure.

Thirteen-year-old Effra is a Larker – a person with gills. Larkers are outcasts who live on houseboats along the river and sell treasures they find in the mudbanks. To protect themselves they must conceal their gills from landlubbers, the people who live on the land. This is a middle-grade adventure set in an underwater world of mythical creatures, dangerous villains and impossible quests.