The best children’s books out this month: Letters to a monster by Patricia Forde, The
LETTERS TO A MONSTER by Patricia Forde, illustrated by Sarah Warburton (Bloomsbury £12.99, 32pp)
Many children imagine a monster hiding under their beds, so this funny, reassuring and wittily illustrated picture book is the perfect night-time read.
Sophie writes to the monster she can hear breathing beneath her, demanding that it leaves or she’ll call the Monster Police.
It writes back, explaining that it has left – because of the gorilla hiding there – and it has, in fact, been having adventures elsewhere. A sweet correspondence develops until they become friends and Sophie realises she would feel better with him back home after all. The words and pictures exude warmth and
wisdom. This will become a nightly favourite.
Age 3+
The Appletree Animal Agency by Katya Balen is available now from the Mail Bookshop
THE APPLETREE ANIMAL AGENCY by Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith (Walker £6.99, 128pp)
Balen has a wonderful gift for blending humour and emotion and this heart-warming animal adventure overflows with both.
Dog-mad Mattie lives with her busy Dad who won’t let her have a puppy because she’s too scatty and irresponsible. So, when she rescues an injured stray terrier, she knows it will be rehomed elsewhere, but is able to see it when she befriends a new boy whose mother is a vet and runs a pet shelter.
With her best friends, they set up the Animal Agency to help pair abandoned ferrets, goats, kittens and cats with willing owners and, in doing so, learn a lesson that brings a rich reward. The first in a winning series.
Age 7+
Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton is available now from the Mail Bookshop
HIDDEN TREASURE by Jessie Burton (Bloomsbury £14.99, 320pp)
Bo Delafort, 12, is a mudlark who finds a bejewelled treasure on the shore of the Thames during the First World War. At the same time, she meets Billy – who works at Muncaster Hall – with whom she experiences an immediate spiritual connection.
But then she’s threatened by Lord Muncaster who demands she give him the stones – sparking a thrilling mystery of treachery and deceit, underpinned by a mystical force pulling Bo towards the river.
Gradually, and sensitively, the extraordinary power of grief driving the narrative is revealed as each character attempts to use the jewels to bargain with life and death. Terrific and very moving.
Age 9+