Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books this winter from Macmillan Children’s Books. As one of the UK’s leading children’s publishers, Macmillan has been creating captivating stories for over 150 years. Macmillan Children’s Books have delighted generations of young readers with timeless classics like The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland to modern bestsellers by renowned authors and illustrators such as Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Rod Campbell, Chris Riddell, Emily Gravett, and Jill Murphy. With a commitment to storytelling excellence, Macmillan Children’s Books continues to publish imaginative, beautifully crafted books that inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase
Written by John Patrick Green with Christopher Hastings and Pat Lewis, this third graphic novel in the InvestiGators spin-off series is gloriously absurd. New recruit Zeb the sheep must solve the greatest mystery of all to help a lingering ghost finally move on. Packed with visual jokes, slapstick humour and playful wordplay, the story never takes itself seriously while remaining tightly plotted. Familiar characters return, making it rewarding for fans. Parents will enjoy the clever layers beneath the silliness, and children will devour the comic chaos and laugh-out-loud moments. £9.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Mysteries of the Human Body
Written by Dr Azmain Chowdhury and illustrated by Daniel Nelson, this engaging science book answers the questions children are desperate to ask but rarely dare. From sneezing in sunlight to midnight wees and mysterious appendixes, the book explores the weird and wonderful workings of the human body with humour and authority. Chowdhury’s clear explanations demystify biology without dumbing it down, while Nelson’s illustrations add comic energy. Ideal for readers aged 8+, it blends gross facts with serious science. Parents will appreciate the credibility and educational value, and children will be thrilled by the surprising answers and unforgettable trivia. £10.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Party
Written by bestselling author Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Mark Burgess in the style of E.H. Shepard, this authorised sequel is a gentle delight for readers aged 3–7. When Rabbit throws a birthday party, name badges cause merry confusion thanks to tricky spelling and lovable misunderstandings. Willis’s rhythmic, playful verse pays affectionate homage to A.A. Milne, while Burgess’s illustrations capture the warmth and charm of the Hundred Acre Wood. The story celebrates friendship, inclusivity and the joy of being together. Parents will cherish the nostalgic familiarity and lyrical writing, and children will giggle at the name-based antics and cosy woodland world. £8.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
You and Me and the Peanut-Butter Beast
Written by the phenomenally successful Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Bill Hope, this second You and Me adventure invites readers directly into the chaos. Using the clever device of “You” and “Me” as characters, Griffiths creates an interactive, fast-paced story packed with absurdity, surprises and comic-book energy. The Peanut-Butter Beast is only the beginning of a wildly imaginative journey fuelled by visual gags and anarchic humour. Ideal for readers aged 7+, this book rewards curiosity and playful thinking while remaining gloriously readable. Parents will appreciate the way it draws children actively into storytelling, and children will be utterly hooked by the silliness, speed and sense that anything could happen next. £12.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
What is a Moomin? An Illustrated Guide in 100 Objects
Written by Amanda Li and illustrated with original artwork by Tove Jansson, this beautiful compendium introduces Moominvalley through 100 iconic objects. From Snufkin’s knapsack to Moominpappa’s fountain pen, each item opens a door into character, story and philosophy. Rich with archive material, quotes and comic strips, the book balances nostalgia with discovery, making it perfect for new readers and devoted fans alike. Structured, visual and endlessly browsable, it rewards curiosity and reflection. Parents will admire its design and cultural depth, and children will delight in uncovering the world of the Moomins piece by piece. £30 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
You’re Never Too Much
Curated by Charlie Castelletti, this striking poetry anthology offers a thoughtful, emotionally intelligent collection for readers aged 14+. Drawing together classic poets, contemporary voices and emerging talent, the book validates the full spectrum of human feeling – from joy and love to anxiety, anger and hope. Each poem is carefully chosen to resonate, offering reassurance that intensity of emotion is something to honour rather than suppress. Beautifully presented and deeply inclusive, it works as both a personal companion and a gift. Parents will value its emotional literacy and gentle wisdom, and young readers will find comfort, recognition and empowerment within its pages. £14.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
Time Keys: The Legend of Viking Thunder
Written by the bestselling M.G. Leonard and illustrated by the cinematic Manuel Šumberac, this second Time Keys adventure hurtles readers into Viking Norway with pace and confidence. When Sim Lockier’s uncle vanishes, Sim and his cousin Jeopardy are drawn through a hidden door into the past, racing to stop the legendary Gjallerhorn from triggering Ragnarök. Leonard’s trademark plotting blends music, mythology, history and danger into an irresistible adventure that works both as a standalone and as part of the wider series. Šumberac’s illustrations heighten the drama and sense of place. Parents will appreciate the intelligent weaving of history and creativity, and children will relish the high-stakes quest, vivid setting and thrilling time-travel twists. £7.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
InvestiGators: Case Files
Written by John Patrick Green with Chris Fenoglio and Steve Behling, this interactive addition to the InvestiGators universe invites readers to become detectives. Featuring six solve-along cases, children gather clues, spot suspects and make deductions using the new G.R.I.D. tool. The humour remains front and centre, but the interactive format encourages logical thinking and close reading. Bright, energetic artwork keeps the pace brisk. Parents will value the problem-solving focus, and children will love being active participants in Mango and Brash’s investigations. £12.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
The Mubbles: When Berry Meet Terry
Written and illustrated by the much-loved Liz Pichon, this second full-colour graphic novel in The Mubbles series delivers exuberant humour and immersive world-building. Berry longs for a friend to play with, until the Uncertain Curtain delivers Terry the dog – chaotic, untrained and utterly irresistible. As havoc unfolds on the Isle of Smile, Berry’s plan to disguise Terry as a Wibble leads to escalating silliness and warmth. Packed with expressive illustrations, visual jokes and gentle emotional insight, the story celebrates friendship, loyalty and problem-solving. With added digital extras via QR code, this is more than a book – it is a playful creative universe. Parents will enjoy the positive messages and inventive format, and children will laugh their way through every colourful page. £9.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
A Poem For Every Winter Day
Chosen by Allie Esiri, this seasonal poetry anthology offers a daily companion for the winter months. Featuring poets from Robert Burns to Benjamin Zephaniah, each poem is carefully matched to a specific date, encouraging mindful reading and reflection. Perfect for readers aged 9+ and for family sharing, the collection balances familiarity with discovery, celebration with quiet contemplation. Esiri’s introductions gently guide readers into each poem’s mood and meaning. Parents will enjoy the ritual and literary range, and children will find comfort and inspiration in returning to poetry throughout the season. £8.99 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
The Wonder of Life on Earth
Written by Royal Society Science Book Prize winner Henry Gee and illustrated by the acclaimed Raxenne Maniquiz, this spectacular large-format nonfiction book condenses 4.6 billion years of evolution into a richly accessible visual narrative. Across 30 bite-sized chapters, Gee charts life’s improbable journey from primordial oceans to adaptable primates, explaining complex concepts such as natural selection, fossilisation and the carbon cycle with clarity and warmth. Maniquiz’s astonishing artwork brings strange and marvellous organisms vividly to life, encouraging slow, curious reading. Perfect for readers aged 10+ and inquisitive adults alike, the book balances scientific authority with wonder and storytelling flair. Parents will admire the intellectual ambition and visual sophistication, and children will be captivated by the sheer scale, colour and strangeness of life on Earth. £20 published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
