Booksellers’ Children’s Books of the Year
No, not books selected by the children of Booksellers – we mean OUR Booksellers’ favourite Children’s books of 2014.
Bedtime for Tiny Mouse,
by Chae Strathie and Sebastien Braun
Nicole Salter, Waterstones Dorking
I love telling this story about tiny mouse who can’t sleep as he has fireworks in his feet. The Go to Sleep Little Dreamer lullaby is long enough to sing on your own and my children love this bedtime tale. Really nicely illustrated too.
Once Upon An Alphabet,
by Oliver Jeffers
Darran Stobbart, Waterstones Durham
Oliver Jeffers is my favourite and my bestest Picture Book author of all time EVER. When I found out he was doing a collection of 26 stories about the Alphabet, I knew it was going to be something special. And it totally is – blending his superbly simple, beautifully childlike illustration style with a wicked sense of humour that works for children, and for adults on different levels – This is everything you want from a picture book. Laugh out loud funny, and a gorgeous hardback.
The Sleeper and the Spindle,
by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell
Pete Renton, Waterstones Nottingham
A brilliant take on the traditional fairy tale filled with Gaiman’s dark magic and imagination. The illustrations by Chris Riddell are meticulous and truly awe-inspiring. It’s a clever twist on tropes that every child knows and loves, but takes them to new places. Perfect for both children AND adults.
Everything Leads to You,
by Nina LaCour
Janey Thornton, Waterstones Bristol Galleries
Because there is no-where near enough teen/children’s LGBT fiction around.
On Sudden Hill,
by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies
Richard Smith, Waterstones Perth
A beautiful, joyous and simple story for kids of all ages, illustrated in a brilliant style and evokes the likes of Calvin and Hobbes for a new generation!
Skulduggery Pleasant: The Dying of the Light,
by Derek Landy
Thomas Brailli, Waterstones Reading Oracle
After a couple of offerings that didn’t live up to the high standards of the middle trilogy, the finale paid off. It retains Landy’s trademark mix of humour, magic and destruction, with some avante-garde elements thrown into the mix.
Maps,
by Aleksandra Mizielinska
and Daniel Mizielinski
Ian Meek, Edinburgh West End
Just a beautiful big book and exactly the kind of thing I’d have loved as a kid.
William and the Missing Masterpiece,
by Helen Hancocks
Evan Robbie, Waterstones Edinburgh West End
A beautifully illustrated picture book with a great story. Lots of hidden art jokes and sneaky mice villains make this an adventurous read.
More Than This,
by Patrick Ness
Dave Kedward, Waterstones Taunton
Can I pick a 2014 paperback that was a 2013 hardback? I know it’s cheating, but More Than This is THAT good. A tale brilliantly told with the most interesting and exciting bunch of characters I’ve come across in many years. Hand on heart I haven’t read anything this good since (even The Martian pales).
Lockwood and Co – The Whispering Skull,
by Jonathan Stroud
Emy, Waterstones Bath
Brilliant horror for 9-12s with a well thought out alternative world, fast-paced adventure and shining glimmers of humour. It’s an incredibly enjoyable read.
A Boy Called Hope,
by Lara Williamson
Gem Routledge, Waterstones Birmingham High Street
A beautifully written and heartfelt novel that made me laugh and cry in equal measure. I initially read a proof of this and have been championing it in store ever since it’s publication. It’s perfect for fans of Wonder and even for older readers who like Erin Lange and John Green. I can’t wait to read Lara’s next book.
Cakes In Space,
by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
Christina Le Galloudec, Waterstones Oxford
The daring duo have done it again – this lushly illustrated adventure story is perfect for young readers and parents alike. Both the author and illustrator clearly take such playful joy in what they do, and love to tell a good tale of what one small person can achieve if they put their mind to it.
