Aimee- 2023 Children’s Most Anticipated
0-4 Years
The Wobblysaurus by Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton (22nd July)
Everyone at Books On The Hill adores the sweet and reassuring The Worrysaurus, so to say we are excited about The Wobblysaurus is a bit of an understatement! When Wobblysaurus gets her first bicycle, it’s not easy to master the skill of cycling. She wobbles and struggles. But, with some reassurance and perseverance, Wobblysaurus discovers that if you really want to do something it is always worth practising and trying trying again and again.
Grandad’s Pride – Harry Woodgate (1st July)
This perfectly illustrated sequel to Grandad’s Camper is set to be a summer sensation. With the vivid and playful illustrations, this book shows how Pride can take place anywhere – no matter who you are, where you are, or how old! This is an uplifting and joyous book, and a must-read this year.
5 – 8 Years
The Other Edie Trimmer by Jacqueline Wilson (16th March)
The latest Jacqueline Wilson novel, perfect for 7+ year olds with a love of history! Edie’s drama club is putting on a production of Charles Dickens’ Oliver, and longs to be cast as the lead. When Edie is given a real Victorian notebook, something strange happens. She finds herself in the real Victorian London. An exciting time-travelling adventure about family and friendship.
The Bad Guys 3 Colour Edition: The Furball Strikes Back by Aaron Blabey (2nd March)
Everyone’s favourite baddies are back! The third edition of the colour ‘The Bad Guys’ series is back in March, and they’re badder than ever. Mr Wolf and his gang have messed with the wrong guinea pig. If they survive, will these bad guys finally become heroes?
9-12 Years
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski (30th March)
When I first read this book, I knew this would be a hit. You can read my blog about this book *here*. This heart-felt, fun, and educational novel about Jamie’s experiences as a gender-neutral person about to go into secondary school is relatable and, for some, may be life changing. I can’t wait for everyone to read this book, as there is something for everyone to learn from this fantastic novel.
Skandar and the Phantom Rider by A.F. Steadman (27th April)
Skandar is back! One of the stand-out novels of last year, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was the perfect fantasy adventure. Return to the epic world of heroes and unicorns, and be the first to discover if Skandar and his sister Kenna can stop The Island from tearing itself apart...
The Monkey Who Fell From The Future by Ross Welford (16th February)
The hilarious new adventure from the author of Time Travelling with a Hamster set in the distant future. Centuries after a catastrophic meteor strike, nature is re-taking the earth. Hundreds of years in the future, Thomas and Kylie find an amazing Time Tablet which they hope will help them communicate with the future – only they end up in the past, with only 24 hours to get home and save the future of human kind.
Like A Curse by Elle McNicoll (2nd February)
The sequel to Like A Charm is finally here! It was impossible not to love the neurodivergent, beret-rocking protagonist Ramya in the first novel by Elle McNicoll, which featured a magical version Edinburgh and the Hidden Folk. This is a world of legends and witchcraft. Ramya must learn the truth of her powers, before it is too late.
Young Adult
Cursed Crowns by Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber (27th April)
Twin Crowns by real-life sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber was one of the stand-out YA fantasies of 2022. This April, the sequel arrives in all it’s fantastical splendour. Twin queens Wren and Rose have claimed their crowns, but secrecy and an ancient curse threaten loyalties and stability in the land. Can the sisters unite and break the curse? Can they save the crown?
These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi (2nd February)
This February, we will see the sequel to the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller This Woven Kingdom. Inspired by Persian mythology, expect even more explosive magic, heart-wrenching romance, and brutal betrayal. This is a rich and vivid fantasy, and the sequel is sure to be another huge hit.
Promise Boys by Nick Brooks (2nd February)
I am beyond excited for this unique, trailblazing mystery. This is the story of three teen boys of colour who investigate their head teacher's murder to clear their own names of the crime. This edge-of-your-seat thriller raises the issue of how systems of power and authority often villainise young Black and Latinx boys before they have even had a chance to succeed.
Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick (2nd February)
New from Marcus Sedgwick, who tragically passed away in November 2022. Ravencave is published by the brilliant Barrington Stoke, meaning this book is accessible for dyslexic and reluctant readers, with a dyslexia friendly font. In the ruins of an old farm in Yorkshire, James hears strange laughter echoing. The ghost of a young girl appears and urges James to follow her. Will James be able to face the terrible truth she uncovers? This is a ghost story, but it is not just about ghosts. This is an atmospheric and poignant story of family, ancestors, loss, and grief.