12 Best Children’s Books Releases This Week: August 5 – 11, 2024

Welcome to our roundup of the 12 best children’s book releases for the week of August 5 – 11, 2024! This week’s selection promises to enchant young readers with a diverse range of stories, from magical adventures and heartfelt fables to humorous escapades and inspiring tales of courage. Whether you’re looking for a captivating picture book for a bedtime read or a compelling story to spark a child’s imagination, this week’s new releases have something special for every young book lover.

Among the highlights, you’ll find the latest from beloved authors like Hilary McKay and Ross Collins, each bringing their unique flair to fresh and engaging narratives. From peacock antics and fairy misadventures to tales of friendship and personal growth, these books are set to become instant favourites. Dive into our list to discover which titles you’ll want to add to your bookshelf this week!

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Top 12 Book Releases: August 5 – 11, 2024

Discover this week’s most anticipated children’s book releases, featuring a delightful array of new stories and adventures perfect for young readers. From magical journeys to heartfelt tales, our top picks for August 5 – 11, 2024, are sure to captivate and inspire.

1. The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Oliver Jeffers’ latest release, The Dictionary Story, hitting shelves on 6th August 2024, is a delightful new picture book from the acclaimed creators behind A Child of Books. In this charming tale, Dictionary yearns to weave a narrative like other books and, in her quest, brings her words to life. The excitement of this newfound adventure soon turns chaotic as characters clash, leading to a tumultuous tantrum on her pages. Fortunately, Alphabet steps in with a soothing song, restoring calm and order. This enchanting story beautifully blends whimsy with a gentle lesson on finding harmony amidst chaos, making it a must-read for young audiences.

2. Cat on the Run in Cucumber Madness! by Aaron Blabey

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Aaron Blabey’s latest release, Cat on the Run in Cucumber Madness!, is set to captivate young readers on 6th August 2024. From the celebrated author of The Bad Guys series, this new illustrated adventure follows the world’s top cat video star, Princess Beautiful, who has mysteriously vanished. Or has she? Thrust into a world where internet fame holds no value and peril is omnipresent, Princess Beautiful faces an array of challenges, including the menacing cucumbers. Blabey’s signature humour and engaging illustrations shine in this second instalment of the Cat on the Run series, promising a delightful and thrilling read for children.

3. Leonard Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Released on 8th August 2024, Leonard Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara offers a captivating glimpse into the life of the renowned singer-songwriter known for his soulful ballads and poetic lyrics. Growing up in Montréal, young Leonard found beauty in the world around him and was deeply moved by the songs and stories at his local synagogue. Following his father’s death when he was nine, Leonard turned to poetry to express his grief, a passion that later led him to the vibrant music scenes of London, Greece, and New York City. It was in New York that he penned his most iconic song, “Hallelujah,” cementing his place as a musical legend. Part of the acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this beautifully illustrated book includes a biographical timeline and fascinating facts about Cohen’s life, making it an inspiring read for children. Through simple sentences for young listeners and expanded stories for early readers, this series celebrates the incredible achievements of dreamers who started as children with big dreams.

4. Hey Duggee: The Cake Badge Board book by Hey Duggee

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Releasing on 8th August 2024, Hey Duggee: The Cake Badge Board Book promises a delightful adventure for young readers. When Happy, one of Duggee’s Squirrels, succumbs to temptation and takes a bite of a delicious-looking cake, he soon realises it belongs to the rabbits. With a problem to solve, Duggee steps in to guide the Squirrels in baking a new cake to make amends and earn their Cake Badges. Filled with charming illustrations and the playful antics that fans of Hey Duggee adore, this board book offers an engaging and fun-filled story perfect for little ones.

5. Autumn Feast: Nature’s Harvest by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Releasing on 8th August 2024, Autumn Feast: Nature’s Harvest by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss is a heartwarming non-fiction picture book that beautifully captures the essence of autumn. As the wind blows and golden leaves fall, animals busily gather food in preparation for the colder months. This enchanting tale follows two young children and their mothers on an autumnal adventure through their local park, where they discover the vibrant colours and sounds of fall. Amidst the crunchy leaves and a feast of nuts, berries, and fruit, the children explore various wildlife habitats, noticing seeds blowing in the wind, mushrooms on the ground, and empty shells. Co-authors Sean Taylor, a best-selling picture book author, and Alex Morss, an ecologist and educator, provide a gentle introduction to the autumn harvest and animal behaviours, complemented by annotated illustrations. As the fourth and final book in a popular series that includes Winter Sleep, Busy Spring, and Wild Summer, Autumn Feast encourages children to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature and the changing seasons.

6. Rosa By Starlight by Hilary McKay

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Releasing on 8th August 2024, Rosa By Starlight by Hilary McKay is a captivating tale of courage, belonging, and the enchanting magic of feline companions. This beautifully illustrated hardback, with artwork by Keith Robinson, tells the story of Rosa, a young girl who discovers magic in her world with the arrival of Balthazar, a large black cat, just when she needs it most. Amidst the challenges posed by her dreadful aunt and uncle, Rosa musters the courage to remain hopeful and adventurous. When she finds herself abandoned in the ancient city of Venice, she learns that magic, along with the watchful stars and the myriad of cats in Venice, might be the key to her survival. Praised by A.F. Steadman and Sophie Anderson for its charm and captivating narrative, this book is a treasure for young readers, blending a Ghibli-esque charm with a magical storyline.

7. Mina the Lightning Dragon by Maddy Mara

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Releasing on 6th August 2024, Mina the Lightning Dragon by Maddy Mara invites young readers on a thrilling adventure in the Magic Forest. In this instalment, Mina, along with her sister Hana and cousin Zora, return as Storm Dragons, ready to embrace their powers and the bond they share. Together, they must restore balance to the forest’s lightning storms by trusting Mina’s instincts and formidable roar. Their mission becomes a race against time as they strive to outsmart the increasingly powerful Chaos Queen. This exciting narrative, filled with teamwork and magical prowess, is sure to captivate children and ignite their imaginations.

8. Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble by Briony May Smith

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Releasing on 6th August 2024, Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble by Briony May Smith is a whimsical tale about a mischievous fairy raised by a family of wrens. Mr. and Mrs. Wren are surprised when one of their eggs hatches into a tiny, wingless fairy, but they lovingly embrace her as their own and name her Tiny Jenny. As she grows, Tiny Jenny’s antics—digging up squirrel nuts and blocking mole hills—cause discontent among the forest creatures. Feeling out of place, she sets out to find her real fairy family, only to discover that they are not as welcoming as she had hoped. This enchanting story explores themes of belonging and family, wrapped in the charming illustrations and heartfelt narrative that young readers will adore.

9. No Climbing by Ross Collins

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Releasing on 8th August 2024, No Climbing by award-winning author-illustrator Ross Collins is an engaging and humorous picture book that will captivate young readers. The story follows a fearless rabbit determined to climb, undeterred by mysteriously disappearing climbing buddies, strange tentacles, or the clearly marked signs of danger. Demonstrating that sometimes perseverance and blissful ignorance can pay off, the narrative unfolds with big, bold illustrations and Collins’ trademark wit. Featuring an ingenious slow reveal and a hilarious final twist, No Climbing is an ideal read-aloud book for children and adults, from the creator of There’s a Bear on My Chair and the illustrator of There’s Nothing Faster than a Cheetah.

10. Catrat’s Birthday Surprise by Pamela Bobowicz

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Releasing on 6th August 2024, Catrat’s Birthday Surprise by Pamela Bobowicz is a delightful storybook based on the popular Netflix show Gabby’s Dollhouse. Join Gabby and her trusty sidekick, Pandy, as they embark on a whimsical adventure within Gabby’s magical dollhouse. Readers will share in Gabby’s excitement as she unboxes a special birthday surprise for CatRat. The story invites children to participate in the fun with the playful chant, “a pinch on the left, pinch, pinch on the right, grab Pandy’s hand and hold on tight!” Filled with the charm and wonder that fans of Gabby’s Dollhouse adore, this paperback storybook promises a magical reading experience with plenty of delightful surprises from the Gabby Cats.

11. Paul the Peacock by Tilly Matthews

Release Date: 8th August 2024

Released on 8th August 2024, Paul the Peacock by Tilly Matthews is a riotous picture book that follows the journey of an exceptionally proud peacock named Paul. Living in the lap of luxury with the grandest nest and the most dazzling feathers, Paul is a paragon of arrogance and rudeness, dismissing the kindness of his loyal friend Norris the Loris and the other forest animals. However, when a massive storm strikes and Paul loses everything, including his prized feathers, he embarks on a comical adventure through the forest to retrieve them. Through his trials, Paul learns a valuable lesson in humility and the true meaning of friendship. With its humorous narrative and vibrant illustrations, this story offers a delightful fable that teaches children about kindness, modesty, and the importance of appreciating those around us.

12. Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field

Release Date: 6th August 2024

Releasing on 6th August 2024, Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon by Robyn Field is a poignant and magical story about twelve-year-old Peony Watercolor, who faces the upheaval of her family potentially losing their cherished Reading House due to financial struggles. Determined to save her home, Peony enters the school talent show with hopes of winning the $1,000 grand prize. However, her plans are complicated by the enigmatic new librarian, Lenora, who gives her a magical book filled with stories, recipes, and poems that seems to understand Peony better than she understands herself. As Peony juggles the pressures of the talent show and her family’s turmoil, she must decipher the book’s secrets to preserve both her home and her friendships. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and enchanting elements, this novel offers a touching exploration of resilience, family, and the power of magic in times of crisis.

For more book releases see the following posts:

• 26 Best Children’s Book Releases in August 2024
• 16 Best Children’s Books Releases: July 29 – August 4, 2024
• 15 Best Children’s Books Releases: July 22-28 2024

Summary

As we wrap up our roundup of the top children’s book releases for the week of August 5 – 11, 2024, we hope you’ve found some exciting new titles to add to your reading list. This week’s selections offer a wonderful mix of adventure, magic, and heartfelt stories that are sure to engage and delight young readers. We’d love to hear which books you’re most excited about or if there are any other new releases you’re looking forward to. Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.