A little girl desperate for a pet of her own, an unlikely trio of heroes fighting pirates in an imaginary world, a worried boy trying to save both an old tree and his parents’ marriage and a boy in hospital writing to a dog for help, all feature in new illustrated books for children published this month. Although different in content and style all of them would be valuable additions to bookshelves in schools, libraries and homes.

Pia’s Pet Club: Puppy Problem by Serena Patel illustrated by Emma McCann

Following the success of her Anisha Accidental Detective series Serena Patel has now switched from young would-be super sleuths to would-be pet owners in her brand new series for Usborne. Puppy Problem is the first story and introduces eight year old Pia who is desperate to have a pet of her own despite both her parents reluctance. Full of humour and friendship this entertaining book will have young readers looking forward to the next adventure featuring Pia and her friends and, of course, lots of pets.

Pia is constantly asking her parents for a pet and they constantly say no. But Pia doesn’t give up easily so she decides to help her new friend Hari train his naughty puppy, Luna. If she is successful Pia hopes that this will persuade her parents to allow her a pet of her own. However Luna is reluctant to be trained and instead causes chaos which has repercussions for Pia who is now going to have to work even harder to persuade her parents that she can be a responsible pet owner.

There is much to praise in this charming story. Pia is an entertaining and likeable narrator quickly drawing the reader in to the narrative. With a light touch Serena Patel highlights a variety of issues including divorce, sibling squabbles, making new friends, learning to forgive others and how to take responsibility for one’s actions. However it is the plot centring on Pia and her thoughtful new friend, Hari which will entertain young readers. The growing bond between the two is lovely as is Pia’s determined attitude when things become tricky. It is thoughtful to create a story such as this one centred on a block of flats and the ensuing difficulties this presents for Pia’s hopes. However puppy training in the communal gardens offers possibilities for both looking after pets and making new friends.

The jolly illustrations by Emma McCann convey Pia’s adventures with humour and add to the appeal of this charming story. The facial expressions convey so well the range of emotions experienced by the characters, and the pets! A really lovely package for young readers of about 7+ and a great start to a series that will have wide appeal. Published on 8th May.

The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow by Luke Marchant illustrated by Rory Walker

The likeable trio of the Narzat, the Looky Lizard and the Chatty Chirper return in this jolly adventure set back in the Jumble Jungle Wood. This time they are up against a wicked pirate crew led by Captain Carver assisted by the aptly named Gloom Badger and if that wasn’t enough for our intrepid heroes to deal with there is also the fearsome two headed snake, the Gorgonconda, to battle with and the Deep Dark Depths to navigate. Will friendship and kindness conquer all? Of course it will!

Teacher Luke Marchant knows his audience and this sequel to The Narzat contains all the elements that made the first story work so well. There are villains to defeat but also to laugh at, scary moments and cliff hanger chapter endings, supporting characters with fabulous names and personalities and, importantly, bags of humour. My favourite character is The Chatty Chirper who talks relentlessly but is also remarkably upbeat whatever may befall him. I am sure young readers will find all three appealing and be willing them on against the plotting pirates. The publishers are pitching this book at readers of about 6+ however at just under 300 pages it would require a certain amount of reading stamina. It would work superbly read aloud and the wordplay and vocabulary are just enough to challenge but not overwhelm a newly confident reader. The wonderful illustrations by Rory Walker are just right for the story capturing and conveying both the chaos and the terrific characters. The three main characters share a bond that threads kindness through the topsy turvy land of Jumble Jungle Wood and the importance of friendship, loyalty and helping each other is key to the plot.

The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow would appeal to children who enjoy adventure, imaginary worlds and funny books and maybe fans of Dahl’s stories too. There is a helpful prologue introducing the characters and providing a little of the back story so this would probably work as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book if you have not already done so as that too is great fun. Published on 15th May by Everything With Words.

The Boy in the Tree by Lisa Thompson illustrated by Katie Kear

Lisa Thompson’s ability to both capture and carefully convey children’s emotions is displayed in this thoughtful story about adjusting to changing family circumstances. The Boy in The Tree also explores themes of eco-activism in a manner that young readers will understand and appreciate. A kind story told with understanding and an appreciation of children’s emotions.

Since Noah moved up to Year 7 he has been in trouble at school on account of his poor behaviour and his former best friend from primary school has distanced himself and formed new friendship groups. At home his parents are arguing and Noah really wants them to stop and for things to return to how they once were. Then, local events alter people’s perceptions of Noah, ‘the trouble maker’. Prompted by the actions of a girl at school Noah gets involved in a campaign to save a local oak tree from being felled. The situation escalates and Noah finds himself on TV and his parents become involved. He desperately hopes that this will bring them together again.

The peaceful cover illustration by Katie Kear is seemingly at odds with the opening pages however as the story progresses the complexity of the situation and of Noah’s behaviour becomes apparent. Lisa Thompson writes with understanding and it is wise of her not to provide a ‘fairy tale ending’ but a positive and hopeful one. The relationships depicted, both between Noah and his school mate Grace, and that of his parents have an authentic feel and there will be children who can see themselves in this story. Carefully edited to be accessible to those with a reading age of 8 this will appeal to readers of about 9 and over who enjoy stories featuring real life issues and situations. Published on 8th May.

Letters to a Dog by Piers Torday illustrated by Alice McKinley

Award wining author Piers Torday’s first novella for Barrington Stoke is a shining example of a short story with a big impact. Letters to a Dog is a tender story highlighting the heart breaking effect of loss but also the healing power of love in aiding recovery.

Jamie is in hospital waiting for a major operation on his heart. This would be difficult for any child but for Jamie this has been made even harder due to having fallen out with his Dad who is struggling to cope with the death of Jamie’s Mum and is refusing to talk about the situation. The kind nurse suggests that it may help Jamie to write a letter to the appealing little dog he wants to adopt from the local dogs’ home. Then something completely unexpected happens; he receives a reply.

Sometimes it can be difficult to express our feelings out loud and in this kind story we see how putting emotions down on paper can be cathartic. Despite feeling a little embarrassed by what he is doing Jamie finds it beneficial to describe his situation and his inner turmoil in writing. He is able to articulate everything he would like to say to his father and the replies he receives mirror his feelings in a surprising way. There are moments of humour in this lovely story but it is the resolving of the family situation in an unexpected manner that is the truly uplifting aspect.

Alice McKinley alters her style throughout so that the pictures incorporated in to Jamie’s letters have a childlike simplicity with charts, labelled cartoons and so on in contrast to the illustrations which help to convey the main narrative. The lovely cover will be difficult for dog lovers to resist!

Letters to a Dog is also published on 8th May for readers of 9+ with a suggested reading age of 8. I do hope that we will see more books by Piers Torday published by Barrington Stoke in the future.

I should like to thank the publishers, Usborne Books, Everything With Words and Barrington Stoke for providing my review copies.