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Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels

The Guardian UK Friday 26 June 2026, 11:00 UTC By Imogen Russell Williams 1 min read
Key Points

A mouse detective; a fresh take on the Odyssey; a dangerous wish; and the world’s most watched reality TV showMy Dad Can by Stephen Lightbown, illustrated by Claire Sahara Lemp, Quarto, £7.99Iris’s dad can turn into dinosaurs, unicorns, anything she imagines – though some people see Dad’s wheelchair and believe he can’t do anything. This soft-smudged, colourful picture book celebrates the playfulness and creativity of parenthood.

A mouse detective; a fresh take on the Odyssey; a dangerous wish; and the world’s most watched reality TV show

My Dad Can by Stephen Lightbown, illustrated by Claire Sahara Lemp, Quarto, £7.99
Iris’s dad can turn into dinosaurs, unicorns, anything she imagines – though some people see Dad’s wheelchair and believe he can’t do anything. This soft-smudged, colourful picture book celebrates the playfulness and creativity of parenthood.

The Fluffy Futon by Yuichi Kasano, translated by Cathy Hirano, Gecko, £12.99
When Grandma spreads a futon on the sunny porch to air, it’s so fluffy that kittycat, Grandma, hen, chicks and the whole household join each other for a nap in this delightful picture book, perfect for enjoying at bedtime.

Continue reading...
Stephen Lightbown (PERSON) Claire Sahara Lemp (PERSON) Quarto (ORG) Dad (PERSON) The Fluffy Futon (ORG) Yuichi Kasano (PERSON) Cathy Hirano (PERSON) Gecko (ORG) Grandma (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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