Nine of the best children’s books for summer 2023

1. One Chance Dance

by Efua Traoré

An exhilarating tale about children working together to help each other on the streets of Lagos. Ages 8-12.

Chicken House, 336pp, £7.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

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2. Anchored

by Debra Tidball and Arielle Li

This comforting picture book about a big ship and a little tugboat focuses on the themes of separation and reunion, and how we carry thoughts of our loved ones with us wherever we go. Ages 0-5.

EK Books, 32pp, £10.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

3. Can You Get Rainbows in Space?

by Dr Sheila Kanani, illustrated by Liz Kay

A stylish book covering a dazzling array of topics from astronomy to zoology, and answering questions such as why some animals glow in the dark. Ages 7-9.

Puffin, 128pp, £14.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

4. The Adventures of Billy Shaman: The Rage of the Sea Witch

by Roland Chambers

The first in the series, this is the story of Billy, who is transported to the frozen north 2,000 years ago. It is narrated by a giant tortoise and has quirky illustrations. Ages 5-8.

Zephyr, 176pp, £7.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

5. The House with a Dragon in It

by Nick Lake, illustrated by Emily Gravett

Foster child Summer is having lunch one day when a sinkhole appears in the sitting room, leading to a host of adventures. This is a magical wish-fulfilment novel with lovely illustrations. Ages 8-12.

Simon & Schuster, 240pp, £12.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

6. Prehistoric Beasts

by Dr Dean Lomax, illustrated by Mike Love

A pop-up book focusing on less-familiar prehistoric creatures. Each double-page spread features a regular animal alongside its ancient ancestor. Ages 3+.

Templar, 16pp, £16.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

7. Stolen History: The Truth About the British Empire and How It Shaped Us

by Sathnam Sanghera, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Filled with references to popular culture, this is an engaging guide to the empire, covering everything from the history of HP Sauce to the source of the word “zombie”. Ages 9+.

Puffin, 208pp, £8.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

8. Stateless

by Elizabeth Wein

This cleverly constructed murder mystery from the author of “Code Name Verity” is narrated by 17-year-old Stella, the only female pilot in an air race in 1937. Ages 12+.

Bloomsbury, 400pp, £8.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk

9. The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder

by Kereen Getten, illustrated by Leah Jacobs-Gordon

The first story in the Di Island Crew Investigates series features a gang of easily distracted child detectives looking into a mysterious shadow on an island off Jamaica. Ages 5-8.

Pushkin, 224pp, £7.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk