Brilliant kids books coming in 2026
The Night I Borrowed Time by Iqbal Hussain (ages 9+) - Out now!
Zubair’s six older brothers are driving him up the wall and his parents' marriage is growing increasingly strained. So when he discovers that as a seventh son he has the power to time travel, with an unusual amulet his gran gifts him, he is determined to go back in time to try and fix things. But time travel is far from straightforward and soon Zubair ends up paying a terrible price for his meddling. I loved the rules and the consequences of Zubair’s time travel. He discovers it causes more problems than he could have imagined. As he risks losing elements from his life he realises how much they mean to him. This is big-hearted and funny. It's about large messy families, friendships and it also delves into the very real history of partition.
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The Golden Monkey Mystery by Piu DasGupta (ages 9+)
When Roma stumbles on a rare golden monkey she is determined to return it to its home in the Himalayas. But a mysterious gem, two pampered children and roaming bandits all threaten to unravel her plans. I loved returning to the world of the Snakestone but with a different heroine and a new setting. Roma is a wonderfully determined and knowledgeable protagonist, she wants to become a doctor and frequently trying her knowledge out on the reluctant 'Feringhee' children she is saddled with on her mission. There are bandits, a mysterious robber girl in a hidden cave, a talking cat and the ominous rumours around the Snakestone gem hanging over them.
AD|PR GIFTED - published January 15th 2026
The Dad Trap by Ian Eagleton (ages 9+)
William and Florence become instant enemies on Florence’s first day at school. When their dads decide to rekindle their schooldays romance they are forced to team up to keep them apart. William is a great central character, he’s passionate and funny, but also anxious, neurodiverse and doesn’t like change. In contrast Florence is abrupt and tries to keep everyone at a distance. This is full of warmth and humour (and some truly eye-rolling puns) as the two kids desperately try to sabotage their dads’ relationship. This is also interspersed with the story of William’s adoption, and the relationship between him and his dad reduced me to tears at the end. This is about blended families, queer families, adoption, friendships, acceptance and forgiveness. It’s a gorgeous book.
AD|PR GIFTED - published January 15th 2026
Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Illustrated by Mamta Singh (ages 8+)
Hari Kumar is determined to be a superstar. He just needs his big break. So when his school annoucnes a new film competition he sees his chance. But a new kid in his class looks to be teaming up with his nemesis, and his plans for the film keep going wrong. Hari is chaotic, often gets things wrong and makes things worse, but he’s also very funny and ambitious. He’s upfront and matter-of-fact about his autism and ADHD, how it impacts him, and what support he needs. He has wonderful characters in his family from his Bollywood obsessed Nani to his cartwheeling little sister. This is full of fun and friendship and I’m excited for more of Hari’s adventures.
AD|PR GIFTED - published in Feb 2026