22 more children's books to look out for in 2022: July to December

 

At National Book Tokens, we're passionate about reading for pleasure, which is why we're proud to sponsor World Book Day and support charities Read for Good and Book Aid International to bring the joy of reading to children everywhere.

We're back to share 22 fantastic new children's and teen books that will be arriving in bookshops this year, from poetry to read together to laugh-out-loud fiction. Discover your local bookshop using our handy tool.

Have we left out your most anticipated book for younger readers? Tell us in the comments at the bottom of the page.

22 children's books to look out for in 2022: January to June

 

The Asparagus Bunch by Jessica Scott-Whyte

July
The Asparagus Bunch by Jessica Scott-Whyte (10+)

We gave 100 young booklovers the chance to get an early copy of Jessica Scott-Whyte's fresh comedy starring neurodiverse characters back in April – you can still read the first three chapters!

The Day No One Woke Up written by Polly Ho-Yen and illustrated by George Ermos

The Day No One Woke Up written by Polly Ho-Yen and illustrated by George Ermos (9+)

Something strange is happening in Ana's city... she's the only one awake. Confused and curious, Ana sets off to explore, bumping into the one other person who's been able to rouse themselves – her ex-best friend, Tio.

My Mom is a Spy written by Andy McNab & Jess French and illustrated by Nathan Reed

My Mum is a Spy written by Andy McNab & Jess French and illustrated by Nathan Reed (7+)

When Lucia and her dad come to stay, Idris can't believe his bad luck. Lucia LOVES spying and – worst of all – she is convinced that Idris' mum is a spy. But even Idris has to admit there is something a bit unusual about their family trip to the zoo. Maybe it's time for some spying, after all...

Never Forget You by Jamila Gavin

Never Forget You by Jamila Gavin (10+)

It's 1937. Gwen, Noor, Dodo and Vera are four very different teenage girls, with something in common. Their parents are all abroad, leaving them in their English boarding school, where they soon form an intense friendship. Then the war comes.

Bunny and Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger by Jamie Smart

Bunny and Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger by Jamie Smart (7+)

The next amazing book in the bestselling Bunny vs Monkey series! The Maniacal Badger has arrived, and he's determined to take over the Woods. We're giving you the chance to win the entire series in our complete the comic strip competition.

Cuts Both Way by Candice Brathwaite

August
Cuts Both Way
by Candice Brathwaite (12+)

This was another brilliant Caboodle Firsts title in June. At her new school, Cynthia finds herself caught between two brothers. When it turns out the brothers have been keeping secrets from her, she realises that not everything is as it seems.

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief by David Owen (9+)

For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has been trying to kill him. So he's not too happy when an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoey, legend-lover Anil, a sharp-shooting octopus, four acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out. And suddenly discovers the power of the ocean at his fingertips...!

Paper Boat, Paper Bird written by David Almond and illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

Paper Boat, Paper Bird written by David Almond and illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman (7+)

A new story from the bestselling David Almond, unfolding the magic of the everyday. Mina, from the unforgettable Skellig and My Name is Mina, journeys to Japan and discovers the wonders of the world around her.

Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy by Sufiya Ahmed

Rosie Raja: Churchill's Spy by Sufiya Ahmed (9+)

July, 1941. Rosina Raja is half-Indian and half-English. Life changes dramatically for Rosie when she discovers that her army captain father is actually a spy for the British government. She can't bear to be left behind so she stows away in his plane. Finding herself in occupied France, Rosie is soon drawn into the struggle against the Nazis.

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Taking the Blame by Louie Stowell

Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Taking the Blame by Louie Stowell (7+)

The sequel to the brilliant Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good. Odin has given Loki another chance to prove himself worthy of Asgard. But earning everyone's trust is tricky, and when Thor's hammer goes missing, everyone blames Loki! Outrageous!

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (12+)

In an attempt to prove himself a true brujo and gain his family's acceptance, Yadriel decides to summon his cousin's ghost and help him cross to the afterlife. But things get complicated when he accidentally summons the ghost of his high school's resident bad boy, Julian Diaz – and Julian won't go into death quietly. A LGBTQIA+ ghost story about magic, acceptance and what it means to be your true self.

Let's Chase Stars Together by Matt Goodfellow

September
Let's Chase Stars Together
by Matt Goodfellow (10+)

A standout new collection of contemporary poems from prize-winning poet Matt Goodfellow, author of Bright Bursts of Colour. We're currently giving away 100 copies, plus you can read pages 1-17 now!

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge (12+)

In a world where anyone can create a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them. Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but helps those transformed. But Kellen has also been cursed, and unless he and his companion Nettle can remove his curse, Kellen is in danger of unravelling everything – and everyone – around him...

Project Fairy written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Rachael Dean

Project Fairy written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Rachael Dean (8+)

A magical, captivating story about fairies, families and friendship from the brilliant, award-winning Jacqueline Wilson. When Mab comes into school with a new fairy dress on her birthday, her teacher gives her a book all about Victorian fairies. She's surprised to see the drawings inside are nothing like the sweet fairies she imagined. But the biggest surprise of all is a tiny thing that tumbles out of the pages of the book...

The Story of Greenriver written by Holly Webb and illustrated by Zanna Goldhawk

The Story of Greenriver written by Holly Webb and illustrated by Zanna Goldhawk (8+)

The animals of Greenriver are in danger. Can Sedge and Silken find their way along the river to each other in time to save their home? A gorgeously illustrated adventure story from bestselling author Holly Webb.

The Last Storyteller by Donna Barba Higuera

The Last Storyteller by Donna Barba Higuera (9+)

There lived a girl named Petra Pena, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra's world is ending. Earth will soon be destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet – and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth.

Which Way to Anywhere by Cressida Cowell

Which Way to Anywhere by Cressida Cowell (9+)

A brand new story from the brilliant author of the How to Train Your Dragon? series and former Waterstones Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell. K2 has a secret gift: he draws maps of worlds that are beyond the wildest of imaginations. Worlds with six hundred moons, burning rivers and dark, twisty jungles alive with plants that hunt by the smell of fear. But what K2 doesn't know, is that the maps he draws are real. When his baby sister Annipeck is kidnapped, K2 will have to use his gift to find a crossing point into one of those worlds and embark on a daring rescue mission.

The Lost Girl King by Catherine Doyle

The Lost Girl King by Catherine Doyle (9+)

Whilst staying at Gran's house in the wilds of Connemara, Amy and Liam bell soon discover the entrance to Tir na nOg, the legendary land of eternal youth. But they've been tricked. Almost immediately Liam is captured by a troop of headless horsemen who take him to Tarlock, the ruling sorcerer of Tir na nOg, who is seeking the bones of a human child for a sinister new spell.

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

October
The First to Die at the End
by Adam Silvera (12+)

In this prequel to the bestselling phenomenon They Both Die at the End, two new strangers spend a life-changing day together after Death-Cast make their first fateful calls.

The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman

The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman (12+)

This full-colour Heartstopper Yearbook is packed full of exclusive content from the Heartstopper universe – including never-before-seen illustrations, an exclusive mini-comic, a look back at Alice's Heartstopper artwork over the years, character profiles, trivia, and insights into her creative process – all narrated by a cartoon version of Alice herself.

Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Nicola Killen

Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Nicola Killen (3+)

A beautifully illustrated anthology of forty-four short poems by new Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, designed to be shared together.

Timid by Harry Woodgate

Timid by Harry Woodgate (3+)

Timmy absolutely loves to perform, but only when there isn't an audience! Most of the time, they struggle with their shy inner lion who seems determined to keep them out of the spotlight. This vibrant and uplifting picture book, created by Hidden Books Game illustrator Harry Woodgate, explores how to overcome shyness in a gentle and familiar way.

 

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