Spies and a wartime mystery, a storytelling mouse, nature activities and fun for every season and perfect picture books for encouraging creative play and overcoming shyness are among the children’s books I have read this month. I hope there is something here that is suitable for the young readers in your life.

The award winning Murder Most Unladylike series has been a huge hit with many children in recent years captivating would be super sleuths. In Robins Stevens’ follow up series we follow Hazel’s younger sister May who, along with her friends Nuala and Eric, is being trained as a spy by a secret agency called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity. The second book, The Body in the Blitz, (Puffin) set in 1941 sees the intrepid trio staying on a quiet street close to the Ministry, home to an unlikely collection of people thrown together by the war. In the basement of the bombed-out house at the end of that street that they discover something unexpected and mysterious; a body. Can the three friends identify this mystery person, solve a murder and pursue their work as spies?

This fabulous whodunnit is guaranteed to keep children riveted to the cleverly plotted story for its 400 plus pages. There is tension, twists and red herrings aplenty confirming Robin Stevens’ reputation as ‘Agatha Christie for children’. The three main protagonists are very different in personality but loyal to each other and dedicated to solving the case. The historical detail adds extra depth and the everyday life of people in London during World War 2 is incorporated into the plot creating a believable backdrop. The author is keen to make her books as inclusive as possible and adults may find the author’s note interesting. Children will simply be happy to find characters with whom they can identify. I grew rather fond of the sensible Eric and hope he develops further as the series continues. Published 12th October for readers of 9 or 10 and above.

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper, which coincidentally celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a book I and many others have enjoyed reading with young children at this time of year. The Taming of the Cat (Faber Books) Helen Cooper’s new book published this month shares that magical quality of gorgeous illustrations and a classic storytelling feel.

This enchanting story within a story tells the tale of a fearsome cat named Gorgonzola and a clever little mouse named Brie. When caught in Gorgonzola’s lethal paws Brie summons up his storytelling skills, rather in the manner of Scheherazade, to amuse and distract the cat and save himself from being eaten. Featuring a brave princess, an enchanted world and a dragon his stories have a fairytale quality and this book would be a delight to share aloud. As Brie tells his tales each night leaving his expectant listener with a cliff hanger his own situation and his place in the community of mice becomes clearer to him too. He learns a salutary lesson about friendship and loyalty as his relationship with Gorgonzola subtly alters.

The black and white illustrations throughout the book are beautiful and detailed, some are full page and others are vignettes or chapter headings but all convey elements of the story and add greatly to the reader’s enjoyment. This hardback book would make a really lovely present. Suitable for readers of about 8 upwards and published on 5th October.

I’m already earmarking books for my one year old grandson to enjoy when he’s a little older and one published this month is high on my list. My Nature Trail by Rachel and Paul Lawston (Pikku Publishing) is an excellent way of introducing young children to nature. It combines information and activity suggestions for each season and incorporates pages where children can write down notes on what they have seen and done. The range of activities includes signs to look out for in each season, things to do like plant bulbs in the autumn or make a bird feeder in the winter. Some will require adult help or supervision and others children will be able to do themselves such as catching falling leaves or cloud spotting. The book is wonderful for encouraging children to get outside and experience nature be that in the local park, the beach, or their back garden. Perfect for schools but equally valuable for families this is an attractively produced and extremely appealing book for children aged 7+ and their families. I love this one!

Alanna Max publish excellent picture books for pre-schoolers and Catch! written by Trish Cooke and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max is a perfect example of their work. In this delightful story we follow Kiona on a sunny afternoon as she embarks on an adventure with her mum to catch various objects. From a ball that’s too big to a tiny berry she can’t see, Kiona’s quest seems to have no joy. But her loving mother knows the perfect thing that Kiona can catch – a kiss! Trish Cooke’s text is super to read aloud being full of repetition and rich in its use of sounds and sensations for children to identify and enjoy and the bold illustrations by Ken Wilson-Max are eye-catching and full of life. This enjoyable story is also a way to gently encourage young children to think about relative sizes of objects and to become involved in play and outdoor activities. Inclusive, fun and thoughtful this is a lovely picture book for both Early Years settings and families and is suitable for little ones aged about 3 upwards. Out now.

Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming when you are in a position where you have to say hello to people you don’t already know. The little girl in I’m Feeling a Little Bit Shy by Anna Milbourne illustrated by Asa Gilland (Usborne) is faced with situations with which many children will identify, going to a party, starting a new school or walking into a busy room. In each case she learns how to deal with her shyness through support and understanding. There is a charming, positive feel to this book and shy youngsters in a wide age range will find this reassuring and encouraging.

The little girl discovers that many people feel shy but learn to cope with and overcome it to enable them to make friends and enjoy new activities. She learns that it is a natural feeling that will pass and it helps to watch and listen before she joins in with others. Clinical psychologist Dr. Angharad Rudkin offered her expert advice to the creators of this book and the strategies offered within the story are helpful and practical. The jolly, busy illustrations and the inviting cut-out peep throughs add to the appeal of this valuable book. This would be a useful addition to primary school library and classroom shelves and is suitable for children aged 3+.