Humour, football, history and teen relationships feature in my latest selection of new books for children. Varied subject matter but all of the stories are told with the importance of friendship, teamwork and understanding at their heart.

Grimwood: Party Animals by Nadia Shireen

The latest title in this popular series by award winning book creator, Nadia Shireen, features adventure, fun, anarchic humour and friendship in Grimwood forest. We join the motley crew of creatures as they try to help Sharon the Party Crow get her mojo back. Narrated by Eric Dynamite the woodlouse and with Shireen’s entertaining black and white illustrations throughout this is likely to appeal to fans of the Bunny vs Monkey and Dog Man books.

Three parties in one day have proved too much for Grimwood’s favourite party animal (or bird!) and now it’s up to Ted, Nancy, Willow, and the rest of the gang to help Sharon get her groove back. Teamwork, friendship and, most importantly, dance skills, will all be put to the test as the gang try to get the party started again. The friends lurch from one drama to the next in this madcap adventure and young readers who enjoy “funny books” will lap up the silliness of this but the funny asides and some of the characterisation will appeal to adults reading the book aloud too. Anoushka Wispy, the celebrity pop star and her fanbase called the ‘Wispers‘ tickled this adult reader. However it is not total hilarity and a fall out between two close friends is sensitively resolved adding kindness and understanding to the storyline which does have its tender moments. Great fun for young readers of about 7+ and published by Simon and Schuster on 20th June.

Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder by Bali Rai illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Bobby loves football and often gets into trouble at school for daydreaming about playing matches with his heroes. However his passion for the game eventually helps Bobby to make a positive difference on the life of a lonely old man. Bobbie Bains Plays a Blinder highlights the importance of community and offers an insight into Sikh culture in a positive and enlightening manner. A thoughtful story with a close intergenerational relationship at its heart and poignantly conveying the effect of loneliness.

When Bobby sees an old man watching his football match all on his own and then later on meets him at the food bank that his mum helps to run he decides that he wants to help. At first the elderly man rebuffs Bobby’s attempts but with the help of his own granddad and his football coach Bobby’s invitation to become involved in the football yields success. Friendships are made, past histories and youthful interests are shared and the future looks brighter for someone who had lost hope. There is much to commend this poignant yet optimistic story. Some children will be attracted by the football theme yet will finish the story with a greater understanding of community involvement of all types. Bobby is kind and shows a great understanding and respect for both his own family and religion and for others who may need help too. Empathy Day is celebrated this month and this gentle story would be just right for future empathy collections. Published on 6th June by Barrington Stoke.

The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll

Can it really be over ten years since I reviewed Emma Carroll’s debut novel? Even then it was apparent that Emma has a knack for conveying history in a manner that enthrals and entertains readers young and not so young. Her latest novel is a winning combination of historical events, well known people and imagined exciting adventure told with an eye to current attitudes and awareness. The Houdini Inheritance is packed with thrills, drama, loyal friends and courageous teamwork. And a love of dogs!

Set in 1926 and featuring world famous escape artist Harry Houdini the story centres on dog loving Glory and her best friend Dennis. The two young friends watch the entertainer perform his daring, death defying trick on their local pier and later attend his show where thanks to Glory’s impetuous behaviour they find themselves drawn into his world. A world of mystery, danger, a trunk full of secrets and a bitter battle with Houdini’s rivals. The adventure pitches Glory and Dennis on a cross Atlantic voyage and into a new world, Coney Island in America with its larger than life atmosphere and huge risks to Glory, Dennis and their families. They are determined to protect Houdini’s reputation but as the danger mounts they realise they may have taken on more than they can handle.

The friendship between Glory and Dennis is at the heart of this story and it is their bond and their joint courage that drives the storyline. Like many I have been fascinated by the character of Houdini and Emma Carroll’s research ensures that he comes to life on the page. The skilful blending of historical facts and imagined conversations and events works extremely well and children will be encouraged by the story and the author’s note to find out more about this enigmatic man. The steady build up to the climax of the story with threads brought together and mysteries resolved makes this a satisfying read and the sensitively handled personal stories add deeper meaning to the actions and behaviour of the characters. Emma Carroll imbues her story with an awareness of the importance of tolerance, understanding and empathy towards others. On a lighter note there are some amusing moments for young dog lovers with canine characters having an importance within the action. Emma Carroll justly deserves her ‘Queen of historical fiction’ moniker and this latest book may well be her best yet. This, I expect, will be a huge hit in school classrooms and libraries. Published on 4th July by Faber Books.

The Big Ask by Simon James Green

The publishers Barrington Stoke are responsible for a wide range of books that are created to be accessible to all readers including those with dyslexia or children and teens sometimes described as ‘reluctant readers’. What makes Barrington Stoke so successful in what they do is that they select accomplished authors who create shorter stories that are equally as involving as lengthy novels. Their books are just as likely to appeal to fluent and enthusiastic readers as to their target market. Their latest partnership with award-winning author Simon James Green has produced a joyful, thoughtful YA romance published to coincide with Pride Month. The Big Ask is full of wonderful humour, but also important messages about respect, self-awareness and kindness.

The story centres on likable but awkward gay teen Alfie and the drama that ensues after he summons up the bravery to ask popular and impossibly cool Harvey, recently dumped by his long term girlfriend, to the school prom. Encouraged by his best friend, Jas, Alfie has found himself in a position he never dreamed possible and as the prom date approaches he has to deal with Harvey’s jealous ex, social media gossip and the unpleasant, homophobic attitude of another pupil. There is delightful humour in this and I read The Big Ask in one sitting so involved did I become with the endearing Alfie. When the prom date eventually arrives we have witnessed conversations that convey kindness, understanding and wisdom about life and the questions that may not always have quick and easy answers. Suitable for readers aged 13+ and published on 6th June. I do hope that this is the first of many books from Simon James Green for this publisher.

Thank you to the Simon Schuster, Kirsten Grant, Barrington Stoke, Poppy McLean, Faber Books and Bethany Carter for my review copies.