The best in children’s fiction: OWL AND MOON by Kate Rolfe, THE NIGHT I BORROWED TIME by
Owl and Moon is available now
OWL AND MOON by Kate Rolfe (Two Hoots £12.99, 32pp)
Perfect for bedtime reading, this beautifully illustrated story follows a little Owl who thrills with excitement each evening when she dances by the light of the moon.
But as the weeks pass, the moon wanes and the baby bird is scared of the dark without her glowing companion. Is she brave enough to take flight alone? And what will she discover?
In the shadows, fireflies glimmer and bats swoop, and soon Owl finds friendship and comfort to help her survive each lunar cycle.
Reassuring and tender, this should be read each night while looking up at the changing night sky.
Age 3+
The Night I Borrowed Time is available now from the Mail Bookshop
THE NIGHT I BORROWED TIME by Iqbal Hussain (Puffin £8.99, 304pp)
Time-travel fascinates children but, as this clever, warm novel warns, the consequences of tweaking history can be dangerous.
Zubair is a seventh son, with sextuplet older brothers who drive him mad, and his parents’ already shaky marriage is imploding after his father’s car accident leaves him bedridden.
When his grandmother arrives from Pakistan and gives him a special locket, he discovers he can transport himself back in time and perhaps make his parents happy again?
Exploring Partition, arranged marriage and ambitious dreams, this funny, bittersweet story with memorable characters and a realistic family dynamic packs an emotional punch.
8+
THE LAST WOLF by Rob Biddulph (Macmillan £12.99, 272pp)
Twins Jax and Jovi and their friends Esau and Fourth sneak out at full moon, breaking the curfew imposed by the Nighthawks who protect their town from werewolves.
But the twins’ scientist parents have been taken away to conduct research on the Lupine gene (carried by Jax) as reports of eerie night-time howls spread fear.
Then a violent attack happens and the children are suspected. To save themselves, they must discover the horrifying truth about powerful enemies – and put their lives and the futures of their families at risk.
With more than a hundred atmospheric black-and-white illustrations and short, sharp chapters, it is howlingly brilliant – bring on the sequel!
9+