Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite fiction and non-fiction children’s books published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books this season. Bloomsbury Children’s Books inform, educate, entertain and inspire young readers while championing a life-long love of reading and learning and seeking to help build a reading culture with all the benefits which that brings society. Shortlisted for Children’s Publisher of the Year 2018 for both the Independent Publishing Group Award and the British Book Awards, Bloomsbury Children’s Books includes the bestselling authors J.K. Rowling, Michael Rosen and Debi Gliori. From picture books to YA and everything in between, Bloomsbury has the perfect read for any child.
Disaster Diaries: The Worst Holiday Ever
Written by the award-winning Joanna Nadin and illustrated by the brilliantly expressive Rikin Parekh, this laugh-out-loud middle-grade read introduces readers to Daffodil Patterson, a small girl with very big ideas and an uncanny talent for things going spectacularly wrong. Perfect for children aged 7+, the story follows Daff as a supposedly dream holiday to Sandy Palace turns into a soggy, smelly caravan-site catastrophe, complete with dashed expectations and relentless rain. Told with warmth, wit and plenty of visual humour, Daff’s voice is irresistibly authentic, celebrating lists, loyalty and the power of a truly excellent idea – or bobby dazzler – when all else fails. Parekh’s illustrations add pace and personality, making this ideal for newly confident readers and fans of Pamela Butchart. Parents will enjoy the sharp comic timing and emotional intelligence, and children will relish Daff’s chaotic optimism and relatable disasters. £6.99 published by Bloomsbury.
Poo! What? Where?
Written by the hilarious Mike Rampton and illustrated by the brilliantly bold Gareth Conway, this gleefully gross yet genuinely enlightening nonfiction romp proves that poo is far more powerful than it first appears. Perfect for curious readers aged 5+, the book dives headfirst into how poo has shaped technology, art, history and science, from astronaut toilets to dinosaur droppings and even poo-powered homes. Rampton’s irreverent humour keeps things lively while delivering impressively wide-ranging facts, and Conway’s expressive illustrations revel in the comic potential without tipping into pure silliness. The structure invites dipping in and out, making it ideal for reluctant readers as well as budding fact fans. Beneath the toilet humour lies a smart message about curiosity and learning from unexpected places. Parents will enjoy the surprising educational breadth and children will revel in discovering that the world of poo is, quite literally, enGROSSing. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury.
Dead Ends!: Flukes, Flops & Failures That Sparked Medical Marvels
Written by New York Times bestselling author Lindsey Fitzharris and illustrated by the gifted Adrian Teal, this gripping non-fiction title turns medical mishaps into must-read stories. Aimed at middle-grade readers, it journeys through the human body and across centuries of questionable cures, misguided experiments and outright disasters that nevertheless paved the way for modern medicine. Beheadings, bodysnatching and bloodletting are handled with pitch-perfect dark humour, balanced by clear explanations and a reassuring sense of progress. Fitzharris’ expertise as a medical historian shines through, while Teal’s caricature-style illustrations add bite and accessibility. The underlying message – that failure can lead to breakthroughs – feels empowering rather than preachy. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful reframing of mistakes as learning opportunities, and children will be hooked by the grisly details and bold visuals. £12.99 published by Bloomsbury.
Plague-Busters!: Medicine’s Battles with History’s Deadliest Diseases
Written by New York Times bestselling author Lindsey Fitzharris and illustrated by the gifted Adrian Teal, this compelling non-fiction book explores the diseases that have shaped human history. Ideal for middle-grade readers, it tackles infamous illnesses such as the Black Death, smallpox and rabies, unpacking their horrifying symptoms alongside the often even worse attempted cures. Fitzharris’ trademark wit ensures the tone remains engaging rather than alarming, while Teal’s limited palette illustrations in black and blood red give the book a striking visual identity. Each chapter balances storytelling with solid scientific explanation, showing how persistence, ingenuity and courage gradually led to life-saving breakthroughs. The book invites empathy for the past while celebrating medical progress. Parents will value its clear historical context and scientific grounding, and children will be fascinated by the mix of gruesome facts and heroic problem-solving. £9.99 published by Bloomsbury.
Chicken Hill: Attack of the Zombie Cactus
Written by the imaginative Beccy Blake, this full-colour graphic novel launches readers into the wonderfully weird world of Chicken Hill. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey, it follows tech-loving Ferdy, his gloriously awful pug Gripper and the permanently exhausted cat Tink as they tackle three off-the-wall adventures in one volume. From zombie cactus invasions to cloned conspiracy-theorist cats, the humour is fast, visual and delightfully absurd. The talking pets and surreal town rules create a playful sense of anarchy, while the friendship dynamics ground the chaos. The graphic format makes it highly accessible for emerging and reluctant readers, with expressive artwork doing much of the storytelling work. Parents will appreciate the creativity and gentle themes of teamwork and resilience, and children will race through the pages laughing at every new escalation of weirdness. £8.99 published by Bloomsbury.
The Galileo Heist
Written by the talented Sam Sedgman, this third instalment in the Isaac Turner Investigates series blends history, mystery and high-stakes adventure. Set in Italy, the story sees Isaac and his best friend Hattie caught up in a daring heist during a solar eclipse, as they try to clear his grandfather’s name after a dramatic arrest. The plot is tightly paced, with puzzles and moral dilemmas woven seamlessly into the action. Sedgman’s Italian setting is richly evoked, adding atmosphere and cultural texture, while the themes of truth, trust and justice give the story emotional weight. The clever use of science and history enhances the intrigue without slowing momentum. Parents will admire the intelligent plotting and educational touches, and children will be gripped by the suspense and thrill of outsmarting those hiding in the dark. £7.99 published by Bloomsbury.
