Sally Morris has rounded up a selection of this year s best books for children. Among the UK-based literary critic s picks is Medusa, An Odd Dog Christmas and Kay s Marvellous Medicine.
by Steve Small (S&S £12.99, 32 pp)
We’ve all heard the expression ‘takes to it like a duck to water’ but not this Duck, who would far rather snuggle up with a good book in a warm, dry house than get his webbed feet wet.
When a young, lost frog who’d moved in with him returns to his river home, Duck realises that he’s lonely and braves a scary journey to find him again.
A joyful celebration of friendship overcoming your fears.
THE DUCK WHO DIDN’T LIKE WATER by Steve Small, pictured left, and right, THE ROCK FROM THE SKY by Jon Klassen
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka (Bloomsbury)
The Nobel laureate’s first novel in almost 50 years promises “murder, mayhem and no shortage of drama” in contemporary Nigeria.
The Thursday Murder Club 2 by Richard Osman (Viking)
Last year the
Pointless co-host’s cosy crime debut set in a retirement home broke sales records; here comes the sequel.
Waters of Salvation by Richard Coles (W&N)
A new crime series from everyone’s favourite vicar begins as a proposal to refurbish a village church ends in murder; Canon Daniel Clement must investigate.
Oh, William! by Elizabeth Strout (Viking)