Read the latest book reviews of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books this winter from leading publishers such as Hachette, Prestel, Pushkin Children’s Books, Quarto and QuestFriendz.
Silverbrook: Yumna and the Golden Horse
Written by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, this warm, funny and fizzing fantasy adventure introduces readers to thirteen-year-old Yumna, who lives in a quiet town where magic suddenly begins to stir. As friends and family members discover extraordinary powers, from turning into a golden horse to touching fire unharmed, Yumna remains seemingly ordinary. Yet when her friend Kareem vanishes and a mysterious new family arrives, it is Yumna’s curiosity, courage and leadership that drive the story forward. Perfect for readers aged 9+, the novel explores themes of community, belonging and identity with sensitivity, while delivering a pacy mystery full of wonder and suspense. Abdel-Magied’s accessible voice and imaginative world-building make this a compelling read that celebrates the power of asking questions and standing together. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful exploration of identity and community, and children will relish the magic, friendships and thrilling sense of discovery. £7.99 published by Hodder Children’s Books.
Werelock and Scratch: Mystery Most Puzzling
Written by K.R. Thompson and illustrated by Binny Talib, this fast-paced and highly interactive mystery introduces Werelock Howls, the world’s only werewolf detective, and his sharp-witted raven assistant, Scratch. When the ashes of Gothica City’s vampire mayor are stolen and Werelock’s mother is wrongly accused, the duo embark on a treasure hunt packed with clues, riddles and mind-bending puzzles that the reader must solve along the way. Perfect for young readers aged 7-9, this Scooby Doo meets Hotel Transylvania adventure blends humour, suspense and participation, making it ideal for both reluctant and confident readers. The bold illustrations and playful format keep the story racing along as danger looms and potions threaten to fall into the wrong hands. Parents will enjoy seeing children actively engaged in reading, and children will love cracking the case themselves. £7.99 published by Hodder Children’s Books.
Seeds: Nature’s Intrepid Miracles
Illustrated by Cruschiform, the Parisian creative studio founded by French illustrator and graphic designer Marie-Laure Cruschi, this breathtaking volume is part illustrated herbarium, part popular science, and part art book. Exploring nearly 150 seeds from around the world, it reveals nature’s quiet genius through exquisite, highly detailed illustrations and clear, engaging text. Organised by how seeds travel – by wind, water, animals or humans – each page focuses on a single seed and the ingenious way it is designed to survive, spread and grow. From the jewel-like propellers of the sugar maple to the ocean-crossing coconut and the fearsome, anchoring horns of the water chestnut, every spread invites awe and curiosity. Both informative and deeply beautiful, this book nurtures scientific understanding while fostering a sense of wonder and care for the natural world. Parents will admire its blend of art and science, and children will delight in discovering the hidden brilliance of seeds. £22.50 published by Prestel.
My Sweet Orange Tree
Written by the celebrated Brazilian author José Mauro de Vasconcelos and sensitively translated by Alison Entrekin, this worldwide classic remains as moving today as when it was first published in 1968. Perfect for readers aged 9+, it introduces Zezé, a mischievous yet tender-hearted boy growing up in poverty in Rio de Janeiro, whose vivid imagination and love of pranks mask a deep emotional sensitivity. As Zezé forges an unexpected friendship that changes his life, the novel gently explores hardship, kindness and the bittersweet nature of childhood. Lyrical, humorous and quietly devastating, this is a story that speaks across cultures and generations, often likened to The Little Prince for its emotional impact. Parents will admire its compassion and literary beauty, and children will connect deeply with Zezé’s spirit, resilience and hope. £9.99 published by Pushkin Children’s Books.
The Changeling Child
Written by the imaginative and critically acclaimed H.S. Norup, this compelling middle grade adventure draws readers aged 9–11 into a world where folklore and reality intertwine. When a child vanished from his cradle twelve years earlier, questions were never answered – and Saga is determined to uncover the truth. As she investigates the possibility of a faerie changeling, her best friend Alfred faces his own destiny as a demi fae, tasked with restoring balance between the human world and a vengeful magical realm. Richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant, the story blends environmental themes, mystery and myth with a strong focus on friendship and belonging. Norup’s storytelling is both thrilling and thoughtful, offering moments of tension alongside genuine warmth. Parents will value its layered themes and imaginative scope, and children will be captivated by its magic, peril and heartfelt bond between its young heroes. £8.99 published by Pushkin Children’s Books.
The Flying Classroom
Written by Erich Kästner, winner of the 1960 Hans Christian Andersen Award, and illustrated by Walter Trier, this timeless classic is brought to English-speaking readers in a beautifully judged translation by Anthea Bell. Set in a 1930s boarding school, the story follows Martin and his friends as they navigate snowball fights, daring escapades and the emotional undercurrents of growing up, all while preparing a play about a flying classroom. Beneath the high jinks lies a tender exploration of friendship, courage and vulnerability, as secrets emerge and loyalties are tested. Kästner’s warmth, wit and emotional intelligence shine throughout, making this a story that balances adventure with genuine depth. Perfect for confident readers aged 7+, it offers both excitement and reflection in equal measure. Parents will appreciate its humane wisdom and gentle moral compass, and children will be swept up by its humour, heart and sense of wonder. £9.99 published by Pushkin Children’s Books.
SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic
Written by the imaginative Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by the talented Katarina Gasko, this second SuperQuesters adventure whisks early readers into the vibrant world of Questland with energy, warmth and purpose. When best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea are magically transformed into superhero alter egos to save a sick capybara deep in the rainforest, the story cleverly blends fantasy with accessible science. As they race against time to find rare healing plants before midnight, young readers are guided through riddles, teamwork challenges and real STEM concepts woven seamlessly into the plot. The rainforest setting brims with peril and wonder, while inclusive role models and gentle humour keep the tone upbeat and empowering. Particularly impressive are the embedded facts, puzzles and hands-on experiments that extend the reading experience beyond the page. Parents will value its thoughtful integration of science, problem solving and curiosity, and children will relish the magic, adventure and satisfying sense of being clever heroes. £6.99 published by QuestFriendz.
