New children's books for December 2023
by Sophie Green
Looking for new books for your little ones? Take a look at our brand new children's fiction and non-fiction books for December 2023.
Find more recommendations for children.
Snail, by Minu Kim and Mattho Mandersloot
A boy goes on a bike ride with his big brother and his friends, but he can't keep up! The bigger boys speed off and leave him all alone. The little brother feels miserable, until he meets an unexpected friend, and discovers that maybe going at your own pace isn't so bad after all.
The Feelings Doctor and the Emotions Toolkit, by Anna Llenas
One day, Nuna was in a situation where she didn't know how to say no and it left her feeling strange and confused. So she went to see Colour Monster who is now a doctor and can help to heal emotions, especially those that are big and difficult to understand. To begin with, Nuna cannot find the right words. But with the help of Colour Monster and his emotions toolkit, Nuna learns how to use tools and techniques that will make her feel better. Together they try things like deep breathing, arts and crafts, blowing bubbles and dancing until she starts to feel calmer. Now will Nuna be able to talk about what's bothering her?
This story addresses complex themes around consent, saying no and mental wellbeing in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. Through Anna's experience as an art therapist, she has interwoven techniques that can make these conversations easier.
Borrow The Feelings Doctor and the Emotions Toolkit →
Donut Feed the Squirrels, by Mika Song
Two squirrel best friends meet their match: a donut food truck! This Eisner-nominated hilarious young graphic novel is perfect for fans of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea and anyone who would do ANYTHING for a donut. Norma and Belly would really really really really really like a donut.
With a burned breakfast and a cranky donut seller at the local food truck, they may be stuck with only nuts to eat... unless they can steal the biggest, most delicious donut of their tiny lives!
Borrow Donut Feed the Squirrels →
Karen's Roller Skates, by Katy Farina and Braden Lamb
It's going to be a great weekend! Karen has new roller skates and is a very good skater. She's looking forward to trying some new tricks. But, oh no! Karen falls down and has to go to the hospital. Her wrist is broken! Karen is determined to get everyone she knows - plus someone famous - to sign her cast. It isn't going to be easy, but she won't give up until the job is done.
Borrow Karen's Roller Skates →
Wonka, by Sibéal Pounder
This is the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker becomes the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Based on the major motion picture - an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humour - 'Wonka' introduces readers to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time - proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you're lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Everybody, by Elise Gravel
Everybody is unique and different. But we are all more similar than we think. Just like you: Everybody has fears. Everybody has moments of joy - and moments of sadness. Everybody makes mistakes - and can fix them. And, just like you, everybody needs to feel safe and valued.
Big Questions About the Universe, by Alice James and Alex Frith
The questions in this book were curated by the staff at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, in London, to address all the most common - and a few uncommon - things that children want to know about the universe and about outer space. It covers a mixture of basic questions about planets, moons, human exploration and the origins of the universe, as well as tackling really BIG questions such as 'How do black holes work?', 'Is it worth going to space?' and 'What's going to happen at the end of time?'
Join two curious children and a robot programmed with all the answers as they guide readers through some of the most mind-boggling facts, and a refreshingly honest take on what things we simply don't know, and how to approach questions that don't have simple, straight answers.
Borrow Big Questions About the Universe →
You Are an Artist, by Aurélia Durand
Aurélia Durand has been published in The New Yorker, worked with massive brands, and illustrated the #1 New York Times Bestseller 'This Book Is Anti-Racist', so she knows a thing or two about honing her craft, challenging herself, and making dreams come true. Inspired by questions she is regularly asked, she shares how she did it, the lessons she and her artist friends have learned along the way, and how you can do it too. Each chapter explores a different area of creativity and brand building, from developing your creative vision and creating a portfolio of work to using social media to your advantage and how to build a sustainable business.
If you've ever wanted to know how to find your style and build your brand but didn't know who to ask, Aurélia's got you covered.