Discover the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books from Bonnier Books this season. Bonnier Books is celebrated for publishing stories that spark imagination, nurture empathy and invite children to see the world with fresh curiosity. Through its much-loved imprints Big Picture Press, Piccadilly Press and Templar Books, it offers a rich and varied collection of children’s books spanning visually stunning non-fiction, enchanting picture books and beautifully crafted fiction for older readers. With a thoughtful balance of creativity and substance, Bonnier Books creates stories children return to time and again, giving parents a trusted source of books that both delight and inspire at every stage of the reading journey.
Locked in the Museum
Written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and brought to life by the evocative artwork of Acapulco Studio, this is a captivating celebration of human history and scientific wonder. Perfect for young readers aged 7+, this book provides an exclusive, after-hours pass to the most extraordinary museum imaginable, housing over one hundred rare artefacts under a single roof. From the ancient mysteries of Egyptian mummies and the prehistoric majesty of dinosaurs to the Tudor legacy of the Mary Rose and the splendour of the Sistine Chapel, the book breathes life into the past. The journey encourages historical empathy and scientific inquiry as children encounter Neanderthals and explore robots and modern art installations. This immersive experience is designed to spark a lifelong passion for discovery, presenting museums not merely as buildings but as testaments to our shared heritage. Parents will value the depth of historical context provided, and children will enjoy the thrill of being locked inside such a marvellous, secret-filled world. £16.99 published by Templar Books.
Big Brilliant World
From the creative imagination of Matt Ralphs and illustrated by the award-winning Aysha Tengiz, this vibrant hardback offers a sophisticated first foray into our global landscape. Perfect for young readers aged 5 to 7 years, this book embarks on an enchanting tour of twelve iconic cities, from the historical charm of London to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the artistic soul of Budapest. Each page serves as a gateway to cultural discovery, inviting children to acquire early foreign language skills through essential vocabulary and phrases. Beyond simple linguistics, the book’s incredibly detailed illustrations take you right to the heart of some of the world’s most exciting and magical cities, encouraging an appreciation for new foods and historical landmarks, all rendered in Tengiz’s wonderfully detailed and design-conscious style. This educational odyssey fosters early curiosity and a sense of global citizenship, ensuring that young explorers develop a meaningful connection with the wider world. The playful characters and hidden surprises scattered throughout the busy spreads provide hours of intellectual engagement for the inquisitive child. Parents will appreciate the seamless blend of education and aesthetic appeal, and children will delight in spotting every whimsical detail within these magical cityscapes. £12.99 published by Big Picture Press.
Made for Each Other
Written by Joanna McInerney and illustrated by Georgina Taylor, this beautiful book explores the sophisticated alliances found within the natural world. Perfect for young readers aged 9+, it delves into the complex beauty of symbiotic relationships, where disparate organisms adapt and co-exist for mutual survival. Through Taylor’s stunning and precise illustrations, readers witness the monarch butterfly’s dependence on specific flora and the luminescent partnership between the bobtail squid and its bacterial companions. The prose highlights themes of cooperation, resilience, and the delicate balance of ecosystems, providing a profound lesson in how teamwork underpins the wild. It is a thoughtful examination of nature’s ingenuity, ideal for encouraging environmental stewardship and emotional intelligence through the lens of biological friendship. This title serves as both a scientific resource and a visual masterpiece for the family library. Parents will admire the book’s refined aesthetic and educational rigour, and children will marvel at the unexpected friendships that sustain life on Earth. £10.99 published by Big Picture Press.
Peregrine Quinn and the Battle for Olympus
Written by acclaimed author Ash Bond, whose background in Classics and Creative Writing lends this series a rare intellectual depth, this book marks the triumphant conclusion to an epic fantasy trilogy. Perfect for young readers aged 9+, this book sees the return of the spirited Peregrine Quinn as she is drawn into the heart of a cosmic conflict that threatens the stability of the Realms. Bond masterfully combines Greek mythology with CosTech (contemporary and invented technology), creating a world where gods and monsters roam modern New York and the high-stakes corporate environment of Olympus Inc. As the goddess Hekate gains new powers, Peregrine must navigate a perilous world and face the scrutiny of Hades himself. The story explores themes of identity, courage, and the weight of legacy, anchored by a protagonist whose physicality and wit are truly aspirational. It is a fast-paced, intelligent adventure that rewards those with an interest in classical lore and modern storytelling. Parents will welcome the sophisticated narrative layers, and children will relish the explosive action of this final cosmic battle. £12.99 published by Piccadilly Press.
The World’s Last Mammoth and Other Missing Marvels
From the award-winning author Mike Barfield and the talented illustrator Franziska Höllbacher comes a whimsical yet erudite investigation into history’s most enduring mysteries. Perfect for young readers aged 7+, this book functions as a grand tour of “missing marvels,” ranging from the lost Library of Alexandria and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the enigmatic disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Barfield’s witty and engaging prose balances the melancholy of what is lost with the wonder of what remains, highlighting modern survivors like the Nicobar Pigeon, a relative of the dodo. The book creates a sense of historical continuity and critical thinking, encouraging children to ponder the fate of figures like Cleopatra and Genghis Khan while laughing at Barfield’s signature humour. Höllbacher’s vibrant artwork adds a playful dimension to this treasure trove of bygone buildings and absent animals, making history feel accessible and vital. It is an ideal catalyst for family discussion on preservation and discovery. Parents will treasure the blend of “edutainment” and archival curiosity, and children will giggle at the humorous reimagining of the past. £10.99 published by Templar Books.
The Ministry of Manners
From bestselling storyteller David Solomons, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, comes a provocative and timely middle-grade novel that explores the true cost of social compliance. Perfect for young readers aged 9+, this book introduces a world governed by the Ministry of Manners, where politeness is a legal mandate and dissent is silenced. When the spirited Margot Hawthorne is taken to a Manners Retreat designed to erase her individuality, her brother Alfie joins the Unsilenced to fight back against this oppressive decorum. Solomons expertly adapts the dystopian themes of 1984 for a younger audience, examining what is lost when we prioritise quiet obedience over authentic expression. Illustrated with atmospheric depth by Hazem Asif, the story serves as a powerful primer on democracy, the importance of voice, and the courage required to challenge the status quo. It is an essential read for developing critical thinking and civic awareness within the home. Parents will find the book’s exploration of political agency deeply impressive, and children will champion the siblings’ rebellion against a world of forced smiles. £7.99 published by Piccadilly Press.
