Uncertainty is a fact of life and we need to teach children to how navigate that which they cannot control. Children will look to adults for support and guidance but we as adults cannot always provide the answers. In times of ever-shifting sands, we turn once more to books for - if not answers - at least comfort, humour and the chance to feel ‘seen’ through realities being reflected. In this month’s bumper curation, we’ve characters going by the same name; books that we’ve attended launches for and thought-provoking stories, wild comics and poems.

Picture book for children in Early Years and KS1

We Can Be Mermaids by Lanisha Butterfield, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
(Hodder Children's Books, 26 March 2026)

Oh goodness: this is utterly beautiful. Five year old Silver’s dream is to be a mermaid and her wonderful dad calls her his ‘mer-mazing girl’. They do almost everything together and especially enjoy baking and sharing stories. But there’s one thing - above all others - that Silver would love to do and that is to swim with her dad. She usually swims with Nanny while Dad is at work but as it’s family day at the local pool, Silver, her grandmother and her dad are off to spend some time in the water… except dad is behaving very strangely: he’s clutching onto the railings and has become rather quiet… a beautiful story that explores that moment in a child’s life when they realise their parent or caregiver is not invincible. And in this, Butterfields’ second picture book, there is acceptance of sorts and then a dream finally realised. Raissa Figueroa’s illustrations perfectly capture the moments of joy, the playfulness, the confusion and the uncertainty. And ‘sparkly lilac’ being Silver’s favourite colour runs through the pages in iridescent swirls of mermaid-esque delight. Joyous! A perfect addition to reception and key stage 1 classes.

Comic book for children in KS2

Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins! by Jamie Smart
(DFB Phoenix, 26th March 2026)

The invasion begins - as the title suggests - in this brand-new, comic-book series from acclaimed comic-book artist and author, Jamie Smart. Smart - creator of the hugely popular Bunny vs Monkey series as well as Book Trust pick, Looshkin - weaves an intricate plot with humorous drawings and even more humorous text! There’s a handy prologue chapter which sets the scene nicely and welcomes the reader into this new comic dimension. Then there’s an introductory guide to Bobbletown, in which the story takes place. Each ‘megalomaniac’ is introduced in turn, and each bringing their own back stories/or talents and powers. Some residents of Bobbletown are enjoying the newness and excitement of things being a little different but for others, the threat is a real and present danger! Perfect for children in years 4-6.

Illustrated series for children in UKS2

Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea! by Emma Swan, illustrated by Katie Saunders
(Usborne, 12th March 2026)

We fell upon - and subsequently devoured - this second instalment of Emma Swan’s fabulous series, inspired by her own childhood. What’s more, we were lucky enough to receive not only an advance copy of the book but also an invitation to the book’s launch! 

In ‘Kidnap at Sea’, we reunite with Silver and The Gang and change is afoot: they are on a brand-new ship following Silver’s mum’s promotion to Cruise Director. Her first task on the liner’s maiden voyage is to host Kindness Kay - a social media influencer. Silver - as ever - spots an opportunity: if she proves how capable she can be at using a phone creatively, then maybe her mum will finally allow her to have her own, much coveted mobile phone. And whose phone does she plot to use for this? Kindness Kay’s! Positioning herself as a budding content creator, Silver persuades Kay to allow her to assist. Except, maybe (Silver realises), being an influencer is not all it’s cracked up to be… especially if it puts you at risk of being kidnapped!

The Gang - a gaggle of septuagenarians, all young at heart and all friends of Silver - form a secret society with the aim of finding the kidnapped Kay. But who has a motive? And just where is Kay being held?

Author Emma talks of writing herself into Silver and it was a delight to hear her thoughtful speech of thanks along with the book’s editor. The launch was a glittering affair with a sea-side themed dress-code and an underwater-themed cake made by Emma’s mum: the crew-member who afforded her daughter the opportunity to grow up on board cruise ships. 

With brilliant representation of inter-generational friendship; alternative childhoods and disability positivity, this is the perfect read for children in Key Stage 2 and we can’t wait for the third instalment, which is written and soon to be under the editing process!

Illustrated Series for children in UKS2

The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List by Nat Luurtsema, illustrated by Cécile Dormeau
(Usborne, 12th March 2026)

Birdie overthinks. She really does. Birdie and her bestie - Chloe - decide to create a happy list. But some worries are easier to manage than others and huge change is afoot. Birdie’s mum - a climate activist - and dad have separated. Birdie speaks to her mum, who’s always on the move or campaigning, every week. Meanwhile her dad has found love in Maxie. Each adult two children apiece, the decision is taken to blend the families together. But Birdie worries Maxie’s son and her own brother Finn will be in cahoots with each other, leaving Birdie with her much younger soon to be step-sibling as her only household companion. Then there’s Chloe’s inclusion of ‘make new friends’ on the girls’ happy list AND Pamela Hamela - Birdie’s elderly hamster - won’t be around forever and this is a source of great worry for Birdie too…

The novel is decorated throughout with doodles as if done by the protagonist herself and we loved receiving an advance publisher’s proof copy a few months ago replete with a sticker sheet so we could personalise the cover!

Bafta nominee, screenwriter and author, Nat Luurtsema has created an hilarious yet tender portrayal of what it can be like being a pre-teen. Acutely observed, this series will be perfect for children in Year 6 ahead of starting secondary and in other tweens who have already left primary education.

Picture book for children in KS2

Fairy Tale Town: A Citizen's Guide by Ollly Pike
(Pop'n'Olly, 5th February 2026)

In Fairy Tale Town there are rules based on kindness, equality and respect. Everyone is to have a voice and is welcomed into the community. But it wasn’t always like this… at one point, centaurs had to pay double to swim in the lake and only winged beings could access the cloud library. There’s a teaching/usage note for adults at the beginning, suggesting that they might like to share the guide in stages to allow time for deep discussion of each idea. We then meet Olly and his friend Pop to guide us through how this community operates. There’s a town council, a set of town values and The Fairy Tale Fairness Act, all with the sole purpose of including everyone. Sounds idyllic! Replete with a poem that can be adapted for different contexts and an array of gorgeous illustrations, this is such a lovely and important book to support children with their exploration of fairness and representation. Truly an opportunity for rich discussion that will likely quell uncertainty if our children are helped to advocate for themselves and others. A book that the world needs right now.

Non-fiction for children in KS2

The STEM Encyclopedia of Wildlife Words by Jenny Jacoby, illustrated by Vicky Barker
(b small, 5th March 2026)

There’s often a certain pleasing rhythm to a non-fiction text, including how the content is organised and presented on the page.  This creates a sense not just of belonging but one of familiarity which can only be a good thing when we are dealing with uncertainty. In this  brilliant new book from author:illustrator duo, Jenny Jacoby and Vicky Barker, there’s a pleasing array of terminology; species-specific information and a host of other facts. For example, did you know that the study of reptiles is called ‘Herpetology’? There are other ‘ologies’ included too! A companion text to The Encyclopaedia of STEM words (2022). There are processes, attributes and states… a truly fantastic resource for any key stage 2 classroom.

Poetry for children in KS2

Poetry Pizza by Simon Mole, illustrated by Tom McLaughlin 
(Otter-Barry Books, 5th February 2026)

Poetry Pizza by Simon Mole is an absolute tonic for classrooms because it meets children exactly where they are: curious, chaotic, and trying to make sense of a fast-moving world. These poems fizz with humour, but beneath the playfulness sits something more powerful: a gentle guide to navigating feelings, friendships, and the everyday absurdities of growing up.

Mole’s writing invites children to laugh first, on subjects such as bath time (the genius You Choose) or the predictability and relatability of being asked to go for a wee before a car journey which makes us laugh (with recognition of the mundanity) and this brilliance lowers barriers and builds confidence (especially for those who might feel intimidated by poetry.) Once in, the poems open up space to explore bigger ideas: identity, empathy, resilience, without ever feeling heavy-handed. There’s a refreshing honesty to his voice that children recognise instantly; it doesn’t talk down to them, it walks alongside them.

In a time where children are absorbing so much from the world around them, Poetry Pizza offers a way to process it all with lightness and creativity. It reminds them that words can be playful, that their thoughts matter, and that humour can be a powerful tool for understanding both themselves and others.