5 new books that kids AND parents will love
See some of the best new kids’ books that you’ll enjoy just as much as your little ones do.
There’s nothing like settling down with your little one at the end of a long day.
You’ve made it through the nightly checklist – dinner, bath, teeth brushing – and now it’s time to get your kiddo to bed. You suggest reading a book together, hoping it will lull your child to sleep.
But what do you do when those little hands pass you that book?
We all have that book. . . The book your kid seems to adore just so happens to be the same book that bores you to death. Whether because you have read it a thousand times already or simply don’t care for the paper-thin plotline, reading the same picture books again and again can quickly go from an enjoyable bonding experience to a necessary evil.
But fear not – there’s an easy remedy. The key is stocking up your bookshelf with a few new titles. Importantly, you should stock up on titles that are just as interesting to you, the parent, as they are to your kid.
Thankfully, there are plenty of new children’s books out now that are funny, fun, and altogether entertaining – no matter your age!
We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite recent releases that will take your bedtime reading from dull to delightful. Read on to see our picks; you might find one or two that spark your interest.
5 of the best kids’ books of 2022
Battle Mum by Zoë Foster Blake (ages 0-5)
Whether you know her for her skincare line or fart-inspired children’s books, we promise you’ll be just as delighted by Zoë Foster Blake’s latest project, Battle Mum. In a hilarious role-reversal, this book celebrates children’s love of play fighting – but this time it’s mum who wants to roughhouse. When her kids, tired from school, just want to watch TV, Mum relentless begs them to play with her, if only for five minutes – “pleasepleaseplease”!
Busy Betty by Reese Witherspoon (ages 0-5)
When it comes to reading, we trust Reese. But while she’s widely known for her book club, this is her first foray into children’s books.
Based on her own childhood, this gorgeous picture book follows a curious young girl whose plans are even bigger than her heart. When Betty hugs her dog Frank, she realises it is time to give him a bath. . . but bathing a pup is harder than Betty thought. Will she accomplish her goal before her best friend comes over?
Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper by Mark and Roxanne Hoyle (ages 0-5)
Looking for a Christmas-themed read? Look no further than Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper.
Yes, it’s just as ridiculous as it sounds, but it’s also thoroughly enjoyable. This picture book features amazing illustrations, following one adventurous sausage roll as he goes on a Christmas-Eve adventure. Santa makes a cameo, Greg dons an ugly Christmas sweater, and there’s even a heart-warming romantic arc as this sausage roll reunites with his lover.
Digging Up Dad by Morris Gleitzman (ages 7+)
From award-winning children’s author Morris Gleitzman comes this delightful book of short stories, perfect for a quick read before bed. All focussed on the theme of kids helping adults, it is a great book for kids and parents to read together.
In his usual style, Morris imbues this book with humour and hope – just when we need it most!
Chippy Chasers by Sam Cotton (ages 7+)
Trust us when we say that this book will leave both you and your little one smiling ear-to-ear. Being a graphic novel, it’s a longer book which will require multiple reading sessions, but the payoff is 100% worth it. Chippy Chasers tells the story of three seagull mates who are tired of scabbing for scraps. Inspired to get some hot chippies all to themselves, they plan the ultimate heist, but will they be able to pull it off?
With fun illustrations from TikTok sensation Sam Cotton, this book is fun to look at and even more fun to read.
