Top five children's books of 2012

							        Top five children's books of 2012

The children's books category never fails to attract hundreds of commendable
works each year, but some really are worth recommending.

Fictional stories for children are just as important for publishers as the adult
equivalent, as when the kids aren't begging for their friend's choice of story, the
parents are plucking suitable selections off the shelf for them. As always,
it's important to keep everything current and to stay on top with new releases.
So, here's a look back on the notable titles of this year.

'Pirates Next Door'

Penned by Welsh writer Johnny Duddle, this charming picture story about the
life of a pirate family has received praise from all angles of the publishing
community this year. The aptly titled Jolly Rodgers clan moved to the seaside
town of Dull-on-Sea, where they're charged with the responsibility of injecting
life into the local community. Defying the grown-ups and common conception
of old sea dogs, the family waste little time in winning their neighbours over.




Since its March 2012 release, this swashbuckling tale has been long-listed for
the Greenaway Medal and even short-listed for the Best Children's Illustrated
Book at the English Association Book Awards.
'I Need My Monster'

Books with film potential can often be spotted from a mile off, and Amanda
Noll's latest title is no different. 'I Need My Monster' centresaround the curious
nature of young Ethan, who has no fear in regularly checking under the bed for
his very own monster. However, when Ethan's favourite leaves a 'Gone Fishing'
note, it's up to him to find a suitable replacement. The winning combination of
giggles and shivers rings true in this spooky tale, perfect for children aged four
to eight.

Callum strikes a bond with his companion as this tale of friendship, loyalty and
hope progresses. An ideal selection for the suspected deep thinker of the brood.
'One Dog and his Boy'

Privileged child Hal longs for a pet dog, but his parents simply cannot
contemplate the risk of a mongrel tearing through their expensive furniture.
The two parties come to an agreement that the dog be acquired through
EasyPets, a rental company that offers well-trained companions for a specified
time.

Only new arrival Fleck also carries a mischievous side, leaving the parents with
no choice but to return the dog.




Before this can be done, Hal comes to the conclusion that he cannot be without
his new friend and chooses to runaway. Eva Ibbotson's 'One Dog and His
Boy' is very much in the mould of '101 Dalmatians', and the chapters involving
stray pedigree chums could have easily made it into Dodi Smith's iconic
release. A must have for younger readers.
'Brilliant World of Tom Gates'

Another for the older younger reader, Liz Pichon's story follows Tom Gates, a
self-professed master of excuses, expert doodler and comic writer
extraordinaire. Young Tom hasn't much time for parents' evenings, fellow
school pupil and arch-nemesis Marcus Meldrew, along with camping; 'it sucks',
according to Tom. He is however required to attend school every day,
where opportunities for pranks and wind-ups are never far away.




Parents shouldn't be thrown away from pointing their children in the direction
of the rebellious Gates, though, for his creative, genuinely imaginative side and
passion for pursuing his dreams is evident throughout. Besides, this was
enough to get Pichon's title shortlisted for the Red House Children's
Book Awards.
'Sky Hawk'

Another Red House nominee, fans of Michael Morpurgo will have no problem
relating to the themes explored in Gill Lewis' 'Sky Hawk'. Callum and his
friends find bird of prey Fiona on the young boy's farm, where they try and
chase her back to village she belongs. Callum eventually locates a cold yet
stubborn Fiona near the mountain gullies. She refuses to move as she's
guarding a secret hidden in the forest, but what could it be?




Callum strikes a bond with his companion as this tale of friendship, loyalty and
hope progresses. An ideal selection for the suspected deep thinker of the brood.




               Available at Foyles Bookstore