I know I’m not the only parent at the moment juggling work with childcare and trying to keep everyone sane at home.

It’s a strange time… but I still have some brilliant books to recommend this month for children of all ages, perfect for when you need a way to entertain your kids, or if they’re old enough to read, for them to entertain themselves! Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured.

Picture Books

Where’s Baby Chick by Ingela P Arrhenius (Nosy Crow)

With felt flaps on every page and bright artwork this super tactile book is perfect for young readers this Spring.

Meet The Planets by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Beth Woolvin (Bloomsbury)

Both my boys, (aged three and five), love this book. It takes readers on a trip around our solar system to meet all of the planets. With rhyming text, and colourful illustrations, it’s a really fun read.

Incredible You by Rhys Brisenden and Nathan Reed (Tate Publishing)

Ever wondered what it would be like to be someone else for a day? This rhyming book celebrates the power of imagination and all the wonderful things that make you, you.

5-8 years

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton (Walker Books)

This is a fantastic introduction for small children about DNA, genes and how we grow. My five year old found it both accessible and fascinating.

Pokemon: Catch, Hatch and Evolve Sticker Book (Hachette Children’s Books)

Perfect for Pokemon fans, this book has stickers and activities to keep children busy!

Clever Cakes by Michael Rosen, illustrations by Ashley King (Barrington Stoke)

With full colour illustrations throughout, this book contains two funny stories by former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen. Published by Barrington Stoke who specialise in books for struggling or reluctant readers.

8-12 years

Lost by Ele Fountain (Pushkin Children’s)

Lola is looking after her little brother Amit when their father visits a factory out of town. But when their Dad doesn’t come back, they gradually lose their belongings, their home and each other. This is a powerful story about hope, friendship and inner strength by the award winning author of Boy 87.

Sequin and Stitch by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Barrington Stoke)

Sequin loves living in a flat which overflows with beautiful fabrics with her little brother and her mum, a talented seamstress. Sequin wishes her mum would get the recognition she deserves but when disaster strikes it forces her to face the truth and realise what really matters. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for slow and reluctant readers.

Orion Lost by Alastair Chishom (Nosy Crow)

Transport ship Orion is only a few months out from earth when disaster strikes, stranding everyone in deep space. Suddenly it’s up to thirteen-year-old Beth and a few friends to navigate through uncharted territory with a damaged ship, space pirates, a mysterious alien lifeform and AI she doesn’t know she can trust. A gripping adventure perfect for sci fi fans.

Young Adult

On Midnight Beach by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber & Faber)

Emer avoided Dog Cullen until the summer they turned seventeen, the summer the dolphin came to Ross bay, the summer everything changed. This is a beautifully written, poignant coming of age story set in Ireland in 1976.

The Loop by Ben Oliver (Chicken House)

Seventeen-year-old Luka Kane knows he will die in the Loop, a prison under the control of artificial intelligence. But when the unthinkable happens, and civil unrest spreads, breaking out of prison might be the only option to save not just himself, but humanity.

Anna K by Jenny Lee (Penguin)

Rich, popular Anna is the perfect daughter, girlfriend and student. Until a chance encounter with playboy Alexi ‘Count’ Vronski sets in motion events which will change not just their lives, but that of their friends and family. Set in the Upper East Side of New York, this modern retelling of Anna Karenina is perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians.

These books have been gifted by the Publishers but all views are my own.

A mum of two, Naomi Jones spent eight years working for Children’s Publishers in London and now works as a freelance writer, editor and children’s publishing professional.