Explore our Minipreneur book reviews of top new children’s books from Chicken House, DK Children, Faber and Farshore. Featuring Aliya and the Shop of Second Chances, Astrophysics for Supervillains, The Shell Keepers, Letters from Wonderland and Dragon Riders of Roar – perfect for curious readers aged 7+.
Aliya and the Shop of Second Chances
Written by the remarkably imaginative Laila Rifaat, Aliya and the Shop of Second Chances is a spellbinding finale to the Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy trilogy that began with Aliya to the Infinite City. Returning to the vibrant, time-bending world of the Infinite City, Aliya is swept into a thrilling mystery when her fellow locksmiths vanish during a high-stakes, time-travelling flying carpet race. With the malevolent Dorian Darke threatening to unravel time itself with his sinister shapeshifting shop, Aliya must dig deep into her past, relying on courage, cleverness and the strength of her friendships to restore balance. Rich in cultural detail, magical intrigue and high-flying action, this dazzling adventure champions bravery, teamwork and resilience. Perfect for fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace, it’s a joyous celebration of imagination and identity. Parents will appreciate its empowering messages, while children aged 9+ will be captivated by the soaring action, fantasy twists and unforgettable heroine. £7.99 (paperback) published by Chicken House.
The Shell Keepers
Written by the incredibly talented Truly Johnston – winner of the Bath Children’s Novel Award 2022 – The Shell Keepers is a heartfelt and magical seaside adventure inspired by the rhythms of nature and the mysteries of the deep. When Corrine discovers a beautiful conch shell on the beach, she’s astonished to find Kauri, a tiny Democonch girl, staring back at her. This tribe of miniature people has long protected the ocean’s wonders – but now, they need Corrine’s help. As the new shell keeper, Corrine is swept into a sun-drenched quest of courage, kinship and environmental guardianship. Johnston’s lyrical storytelling captures the warmth of coastal life and the deep emotions of loss, legacy and belonging. A perfect choice for young readers aged 8+ who love treasure hunts, hidden worlds and stories with heart. Parents will value the gentle lessons in sustainability and empathy, while children will be captivated by the Borrowers-style adventure and the magic of finding tiny secrets in the sand. £7.99 (paperback) published by Chicken House.
Astrophysics For Supervillains
Written by the exceptionally talented Dr Matthew Bothwell and illustrated by the wonderfully inventive Nathan Reed, this riotous romp through the universe is anything but your average science book. Astrophysics for Supervillains turns cosmic curiosity into mischievous mayhem as young readers aged 9-12 years dive into the delightfully dark Supervillain Academy. Bursting with bizarre, real-life astrophysics facts, the book answers outrageous questions like whether the Moon could crash into Earth or how you’d be spaghettified in a black hole. Through imaginative storytelling and energetic illustrations, it explores everything from robot planets to exploding stars – all with a villainous twist that keeps children turning the pages and giggling as they learn. Dr Bothwell brings high-level science to life with a deliciously gory edge, while Reed’s dynamic artwork elevates the chaos with characterful charm. Parents will appreciate how it sparks scientific thinking and a thirst for knowledge, and children will be thrilled by its humour, horror and high-stakes hijinks. £7.99 (paperback) published by DK Children.
Astrophysics For Supervillains: The Great Alien Hunt
Crafted by the phenomenally clever Dr Matthew Bothwell and brought to life by the brilliantly eccentric Nathan Reed, Astrophysics for Supervillains: The Great Alien Hunt is the wildly entertaining sequel to the first Astrophysics for Supervillains book that blends fascinating science with laugh-out-loud storytelling. Set once again at the gloriously ghoulish Supervillain Academy, this instalment tackles the big question “Are we alone in the Universe?” – all while keeping things delightfully daft. From the Fermi paradox to how to travel in style across the galaxy, Dr Bothwell unpacks complex scientific ideas in a way that is easy to grasp, fun to read and sneakily educational. Reed’s zany illustrations perfectly complement the text, making even the most mind-boggling theories feel accessible and engaging. Ideal for inquisitive children aged 9-12 years with a thirst for the extraordinary, this book transforms astrophysics into intergalactic mischief. Parents will value its clever take on science education, while children will relish its cheeky tone, wacky visuals and wickedly fun facts. £7.99 (paperback) published by DK.
Letters from Wonderland
Written by the insightful wellbeing guru Josie George and exquisitely illustrated by the gifted Becky Thorns, Letters from Wonderland is a tender, uplifting collection that invites young readers to find magic in the everyday. With poetic letters that blend gentle storytelling and soulful life lessons, George encourages children to rediscover the hidden beauty in the ordinary – from forgotten corners of a garden to the cracks in a city pavement. More than a book, this is a quiet manifesto for mindfulness, resilience and noticing the small things that make life extraordinary. Part guidebook, part mystery, it champions curiosity, kindness and wonder as tools to navigate a noisy world. Parents will cherish its calm, hopeful wisdom, and children will be enchanted by its promise that adventure lies just beneath the surface. A keepsake to read and reread. £14.99 (hardback) published by Faber.
Dragon Riders of Roar
Written by bestselling author Jenny McLachlan, with epic illustrations by the talented Alla Khatkevich, Dragon Riders of Roar is the thrilling fourth instalment in the magical Land of Roar series. Perfect for young readers aged 8–12, this new adventure sees Rose inventing the Dragonlands – a fierce realm of witches, dragons, and a thrilling Dragon Rider Academy where she is the star pupil. But when their story bursts into reality, Rose and her twin brother Arthur must face the fantasy she has conjured and Arthur will have to survive a term at the very school invented by his sister. Fans of Skandar, Percy Jackson and How to Train Your Dragon will be utterly spellbound by the humour, dragons and daring escapades, while parents will love the themes of teamwork and imagination. £7.99 published by Farshore
