2022 seems to have gone by in a flash. As a family we have discovered so many new and wonderful children’s books that have been published this year. From twisted tales to inclusive and empowering reads. It was a tricky decision but here are our ten top picks of 2022!
22 Children’s Christmas Books for 2022
I look forward to my festive post each year, and this time I am sharing 22 Christmas books for 2022. It includes 14 new children’s books out this year and some of our family favourites published in recent years.
Ten Fantastic Children’s Books on Family Life
I am delighted to share a special feature on children’s books on “families”. Every family is unique. The ten illustrated (fiction and non-fiction) books in this post cover: new siblings, adjusting to divorce, family relocation separation anxiety, adoption, different family structures and multi-cultural families.
Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence & Camilla Sucre ~ #Review
I am very excited to be sharing my review for Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence & Camilla Sucre. This stunning picture book is pure gold and one of my top picks for 2022!
The Gifts That Grow by Monika Singh Gangotra & Michaela Dias-Hayes ~ Author Interview
Today I am sharing a Q&A with Monika Singh Gangotra, author of The Gifts That Grow, illustrated by Michaela Dias-Hayes. This is the duos second picture book, and having loved Sunflower Sisters (review here), I couldn’t wait to get the chance to talk to Monika about The Gifts That Grow.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane ~ #BlogTour
It’s my stop on the blog tour for Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane. Full of the colours of India, this gorgeously illustrated picture book is bursting with emotions.
Don’t Ask the Dragon by Lemn Sissay and Greg Stobbs ~ An Interview with Greg
This is one of my most exciting and exclusive posts of the year! I am honoured to be sharing an in-depth interview and behind-the-scene early illustrations by Greg Stobbs, illustrator of the amazing Don't Ask the Dragon, written by Lemn Sissay.
My Top Picks for Mother’s Day 2022!
Mother's Day is a day I cherish every year. I am the very proud mummy of two wonderful girls, and my own mum who passed away some time ago, is my inspiration in life. Spending time with my girls is the best gift in the world, but next on the list is books! So, here are my top picks for Mother’s Day 2022.
Fabulous February Reads
For a short month, February has seen a whole heap of fabulous children’s books published. This month’s roundup includes some of our favourites new illustrated books across fiction and non-fiction.
Joyful January Reads
Children’s publishing has started 2022 with a bang! There have been some incredible books published this year already and my January round-up features some of our favourites, as well as a few books from 2021 that we read over the festive break. It includes my first top pick of 2022!
I am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis and Beatrix Hatcher ~ #PublicationDay #Debut #PictureBook ~ @RachDavisAuthor @BeatrixHatcher @HachetteKids
Debut picture book, I am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis and Beatrix Hatcher is an uplifting twisted fairy tale that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.
Celebrating Difference, Overcoming Adversity and Perseverance ~ #Reviews ~ @TomPercivalsays @KidsBloomsbury @cerrieburnell @QuartoKids @Stricolo @MrSteveAntony @OtterBarryBooks
Three wonderful, illustrated books celebrate difference, overcoming adversity and perseverance.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon ~ #Review ~ @alokvmenon @WorkshopBooks @ashlukadraws
I am a huge fan of Alok. Their podcasts, talks and Instagram are full of joy, inspiration and powerful messages on mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. In Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok gives an honest and heartfelt insight into life as a gender-nonconforming transfeminine person of colour. They eloquently explain what the gender binary is and what it means to be gender fluid.
Little Glow by Katie Sahota & Harry Woodgate ~ #Guest Post ~ @harryewoodgate @KatieKateWrites @OwletPress
In a fascinating illustrator Guest Post, Harry reveals how they created the opening spread. ‘Little Glow’ is a story all about a diverse, multicultural community, and the different festivals of light it celebrates throughout the year. It’s also about the importance of introverts, told through the eyes of a shy candle flame who watches all the celebrations and eventually discovers its own important purpose. It’s very lyrical, very cosy, and I’m very excited to share with you a little bit of the process of how the book came together.
Violet’s Tempest by Ian Eagleton and Clara Anganuzzi ~ #BookTour #PictureBook ~ @MrEagletonIan @CAnganuzzi @lantanapub
When Violet is chosen to play Ariel from The Tempest in the school play, she is overcome with worry. But it isn’t about remembering her words that’s troubling her, it’s having to say them out loud. This beautifully illustrated picture book shines the spotlight on shyness and finding your voice.
Top 10 Books Perfect for School Starters ~ #BackToSchool #FirstDay ~ @MacmillanKidsUK @LittleTigerUK @SweetCherryPub @KidsBloomsbury @BloomsburyEd @LKPChildrens
This September my daughter is starting school. It’s a big step and I’ve been on the hunt for the best books to help prepare her for the transition to school. Here are my top ten fiction and non-fiction books with emotional wellbeing and educational themes that will help children starting school. Plus a bonus bingo game!
Hey You! ~ Mega Author and Illustrator Interview ~ @DapsDraws @PuffinBooks
I am thrilled to be sharing a multi-illustrator interview with the creators of the ground-breaking new picture book, Hey You!, written by the world-class, Dapo Adeola.
Sunflower Sisters by Monika Singh Gangotra & Michaela Dias-Hayes ~ #AuthorInterview ~ @MonSingh @OwletPress
Interview with author of Sunflower Sisters. Thisis a story that follows two best friends, Amrita and Kiki, on their journey through self-love, sisterhood and the power of loving one another.
The Perfect Shelter by Clare Helen Welsh and Åsa Gilland ~ #PictureBook #Review ~ @ClareHelenWelsh @LittleTigerUK
It’s paperback publication day for The Perfect Shelter by Clare Helen Welsh and Åsa Gilland. I heard SO many good things about this book and they were all true! This beautiful book about childhood cancer and the bond between sisters pulls at the heart strings. The story is told in first person through the eyes... Continue Reading →
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate ~ #PictureBook #BlogTour ~ @harryewoodgate @AndersenPress
Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate captures a granddaughter’s visit to see her Grandad, who is mourning the loss of the love of his life, Gramps.