Two fantasy novels to try

Beastlands: Legend of the Crystal Caves by Jess French

Piccadilly Press, £7.99

Alethea, Kayla and Rustus are back in the second book of this trilogy, in a race against time to save their island from Professor Penn, who is raising an army of destructive beasts. Volcanoes are erupting, plants dying and our heroes split up in a bid to foil the Professor’s plans, travelling to new realms and meeting fascinating people and beasts along the way. Recommended for ages 9 to 12 years, this pacey, intriguing novel leaves you wanting to read more!

The Vulpine by Polly Crosby

Scholastic, £8.99

Ora has always been fascinated by tales of the mysterious, eerie Vulpine who live underground, emerging at night to snatch imperfect babies and children. Because Ora lives in a place where illness and difference are prohibited; being genetically perfect is key. Revelations about Ora’s own health compel her to seek out the Vulpine, which changes everything. This powerful dystopian fantasy, for ages 13+, is by an author whose own experiences of chronic illness inform Ora’s. 

Seaside tales

Luke and the Lighthouse by Kate Cleaver, illustrated by Jennifer Isaac

Book Printing UK, £7.99

Luke’s father is a lighthouse keeper on the east coast. Life changes instantly for the family when war is declared: the light must be turned off and there is important wartime work to do. Adventures ensue for 11-year-old Luke and his dog, Tuesday, in this action-packed tale of life during the second world war. A keen pharologist, Kate went on a lighthouse road trip whilst ill and off work, and Luke’s story is the result. Local stockists include Paper Moon Books in Burnham Market and Thornham Deli. Ages 6 to 11 years. 

Herbert the Crab: Crab School by Andrew Otterburn and Tim Bennett

Otterburn Publishing, £8.99

It’s the first day of crab school, and Herbert the crab of Blakeney is the teacher, ably assisted by his friends Humphrey and Sammy the seals! It’s all going swimmingly, until things go a bit awry during the ‘crabbing’ lesson. Can Herbert and his friends save the day? This is a charming bedtime story for your little nippers after a day at the seaside. Ages 3 to 6 years.

Two for budding nature lovers

Beneath the Waves by Lauren Fairgrieve and Kate Read

Nosy Crow in partnership with the National Trust, £12.99

Did you know that Atlantic mackerel can swim five-and-a-half metres in one second, or that the Mediterranean parrotfish’s teeth are stronger than gold? This engaging, colourful book, beautifully illustrated by Norfolk’s Kate Read, is packed with fascinating facts about a variety of European fish, their lifecycles, behaviours and habitats – and it comes with models to press out and slot together, too. Signed copies are available at One Fox Shop, Kate’s shop in Aylsham. Ages 5 to 7 years.

Brights Birds and their brilliant brains by Kate Read

TwoHoots/Pan Macmillan, £20

Bright Birds is a dazzling new book by Aylsham-based author and illustrator Kate Read, celebrating the brilliant minds and vibrant lives of our feathered friends. From herons using bread as bait to fairy wrens teaching their chicks secret calls, this richly illustrated read is packed with mind-blowing bird behaviour and facts for the whole family. With a foreword by the BBC’s Megan McCubbin and Kate’s signature collage artwork throughout, it’s a joyful reminder of why birds matter.