THE LIZZIE AND BELLE MYSTERIES: PORTRAITS AND POISON

by J.T. Williams

Illustrated by Simone Douglas FARSHORE, £7.99

The second in a mystery series by J.T. Williams (the first was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize), this period pleaser is set in Georgian London. Williams based the action around two real Londoners of that era – Dido Belle and Ignatius Sancho – and our heroines are united by a love of detective work. This time, the girls set o on the trail of a stolen painting, only to discover a tangled web of conspiracy and corruption spreading out across the streets of the capital.

8+

The Mystery Of The Marshes

by Mark Dawson and Allan Boroughs Illustrated

The third of the 'The After-School Detective Club' books reunites Lucy, Max, Joe, Charlie and Sherlock the dog. Max is horrified when he has to go on a weekend camping trip for his Duke of Wellington award – only made bearable when his pals agree to join him. They make a friend called Byron and camp out in woods near his home. But then Byron disappears, and it's almost as if he's been kidnapped by a UFO. Dawson writes adult thrillers too and this gripping middle-grade read includes classic whodunnit twists.

Call the Pu ns!

by Cath Howe

On the island of Egg, a group of young puffins are in training for a search and rescue team. There's Muffin, following in her father's footsteps and anxious not to let him down. Young Tiny has eyesight problems but is determined not to let that stop him, while Forti seems over-confident but is really just desperate to impress. This opener to a new series for young readers combines an engaging cast with lessons about teamwork, resilience and finding your wings.

The Swing

by Britta Teckentrup PRESTEL, £19.99

Britta Teckentrup's beautiful illustrations and poetic text mark her out as one of the most distinctive voices in children's literature. The Swing tells a story about the passage of time, friendships and memories, using a swing on a hill overlooking the water as its centre. It's a book to read aloud to children and let them return to as they grow – and her richly detailed collage paintings of the swing and the characters who pass by make this a book to treasure.