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.
How to Write a Picture Book Series by Clare Helen Welsh ~ Guest Post for How Messy (Dot and Duck series) Blog Tour, illu. Olivier Tallec
It’s my stop on the blog tour for How Messy! by Clare Helen Welsh and Olivier Tallec and I’m super excited to be sharing a guest post from Clare on how to write a picture book series.
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.
Six Reimagined Fairytale Books for National Tell A Fairy Tale Day 2022 ~ GIVEAWAY!
It’s National Tell A Fairy Tale Day 2022 and I am delighted to be sharing six re-imaged fairy tale books as well as hosting an EPIC giveaway bundle.
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.
One Camel Called Doug by Lu Fraser & Sarah Warburton ~ Author Interview
I am delighted to be sharing an interview with the one-and-only Lu Fraser about her latest picture book, One Camel Called Doug, illustrated by Sarah Warburton. My girls and I have HIGH expectations whenever we read a new book by Lu Fraser. We are huge fans of Gertie from The Littlest Yak, illustrated by Kate Hindley, as well as cupcake-loving Nut from The Viking Who Liked Icing, illustrated by Mark McKinley. But now, we have another favourite picture book character to add to this list: Doug, a camel with one hump who is about to have a whole heap of fun!
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.
The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen ~ #PictureBook #Review ~ @burstofbeaden @WalkerBooksUK
This five-part epic picture book contains Jon Klassen’s iconic illustrations and deadpan humour.
The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John & Pete Oswald ~ #Halloween #PictureBook ~ @IamJoryJohn @peteoswaldart @Harper36
The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by the genius picture book duo Jory John and Pete Oswald. Their wicked sense of humour makes every book a joy, but a Halloween-themed book based on The Bad Seed was too good to miss!
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.
The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin & Sophia O’Connor ~ #BlogTour #IllustratorSketches ~ @FrancesTosdevin @SOCillustration @publishinguclan
This gorgeous rhyming picture book features a book-loving bear who sets off to see the world. I have some of Sophia’s absolutely incredible early sketches to share with you.
The Woolly Bear Caterpillar by Julia Donaldson and Yuval Zommer ~ #PictureBook ~ @yuvalzommer @MacmillanKidsUK
I am excited to be sharing a new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Yuval Zommer that really captivated my daughter’s attention. The Woolly Bear Caterpillar is a cross between The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Ugly Duckling with a fabulous non-fiction bonus!
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!
How to Track a Sabre-Toothed Tiger by Caryl Hart & Ed Eaves ~ #BlogTour #Review ~ @carylhart1 @ed_eaves @simonkids_UK
on the blog tour for How to Track a Sabre-Toothed Tiger by Caryl Hart & Ed Eaves. This is the latest adventure in the unstoppable picture book duo’s Albie series.
Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds ~ #BlogTour #GuestPost ~ @emmaillustrate @SimonKIDS @simonkids_UK
I’m thrilled to be sharing a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds. With the perfect blend of story and facts this unique picture book will inspire you to start your own bat adventure!
Three Little Vikings by Bethan Woollvin ~ #AuthorInterview #BlogTour ~ @bethanwoollvin @TwoHootsBooks
An interview with author-illustrator, Bethan Woollvin, as part of the blog tour for her new picture book, Three Little Vikings.