Best kids' books 2015
The very best children's books of 2015 to teach little ones to love the written word and keep teens reading long after lights out
Books that children's will love: best new kids' books 2015
Though it uses minimal words, this vibrant picture book has a big message. Award-winning illustrator Barroux invites the youngest of readers on a game of hide-and-seek, to find the creatures concealed in the jungle.
But as the dense rainforest starts to disappear, making the hunt easier, the animals' homes are threatened. At once a fun, interactive story experience and a gentle reminder about the effects of deforestation, Where's the Elephant will amuse little ones and maybe even inspire the next generation of eco-warriors.
Perfect for ages 2 - 5
The mighty imagination behind the Artemis Fowl books has joined forces with our favourite illustrator Oliver Jeffers in this drolly eccentric celebration of imaginary friends.
Sweet, simple line drawings accompany a tale about the elusive Fred and his fleeting friendships as belobed companions outgrow him. And, as his army of fans know to expect from Eoin Colfer, there's a devilish twist to the tale. Wordy enough to challenge burgeoning readers, Imaginary Fred is also a lovely choice for reading aloud to smaller children.
Perfect for ages 5 - 9
As sweet as the Petit Fours referenced in the title, this series of short stories chronicling the eccentric adventures of a cat-loving, cake-baking heroine is a great way to enthuse children who groan at the prospect of ploughing through a whole novel. The fun, fizzy adventures will make independent reading less daunting.
Perfect for ages 6 -10
Every winter we're bombarded with tales of Father Christmas and his North Pole adventures, but the runaway hit of 2015 gives traditional festive magic a funny, fresh twist. Inspired by his son's curiosity about Santa's childhood, Matt Haig has penned our new favourite festive story.
Before the trademark beard and belly like a bowl full of jelly, there was a scrawny little boy called Nikolas. Throw in elves, snow, peril and an unwavering belief in magic and you have a modern classic, that will enchant children and win over Scroogey grown ups too.
Perfect for ages 7 - 12
The champion of fun books for kids returns with another frolicking adventure brimming with lively comedy to make reading a treat not a chore. With hoards of literary awards and an army of impassioned preteen fans (and their parents) David Walliams books never fails to amuse and delight.
This latest story, charting an army-pilot-turned-Grandpa's madcap plot to escape the confines of his old people's home, is as warm, witty and genuine as we've come to expect. Culture Whisper's little literary critics, fervent Walliams fans, have already hailed Grandpa's Great Escape his best book yet.
Perfect for ages 7 - 12
Intense, edgy and alight with passion, Fire Colour One is the kind of story that will grip teens and older readers. Guardian Children's Fiction Prize-winning author Jenny Valentine returns with a blazingly fresh and gripping new novel about love, loss and pyromania.
Teenage heroine Iris is stuck with a dysfunctional family that includes a fortune-hungry mum and terminally ill, estranged father. As the narrative flits back and forth in time, flickering with themes of fire, modern art and money, dark secrets are illuminated.
Perfect for ages 12+
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