Reading matters, and books change lives.

2026 is the National Year of Reading, a dedicated campaign aimed at reversing the decline in reading among children of all ages across the UK. Go All In has been announced as the brand identity for the National Year of Reading, kick-started to address the reading for pleasure crisis after research in June highlighted that children's reading for pleasure is at the lowest level since records began. 

LoveReading4Kids and LoveReading4Schools are ready to support this important initiative, guiding book buyers to choose the best titles for their young readers, and continuing our Funding for Schools Scheme which provides books for underfunded school libraries. In this Preview, we’re excited to share what 2026 will bring to the children’s book world, with a curated selection of the most promising debuts, highly anticipated sequels, and standout titles set to be released throughout the National Year of Reading.

Discover new books from LoveReading4Kids favorites such as Michael Rosen, Katherine Rundell, Joseph Coelho, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Rob Biddulph, Julia Donaldson, Phil Earle, Michael Morpurgo and Sufiya Ahmed. Find out if there's a new addition to your children's favourite series and we are also thrilled to introduce a selection of debut authors whose stories could soon become your children’s next big obsession.

Scroll down to explore the full list of our top 2026 picks for the children in your life, featuring a diverse range of titles from both major global publishers and small independent presses.

Coming Soon! The Most Exciting Children's Books of 2026

Get ready for a thrilling line-up of exciting new reads from some of our LoveReading4Kids favourites.

First up is Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar, the hilarious new book from Rashmi Sirdeshpande. Packed with humour, doodles, and told in a lively diary format, it marks the launch of a fun new series with a South Asian neurodivergent superstar centre stage. We’re also delighted to share that Rashmi will be joining LoveReading4Kids as our Guest Editor to give us an insider’s look at the world of Hari Kumar!

Next, David Solomons, author of My Brother Is a Superhero and other comic genius tales, brings us The Ministry of Manners, illustrated by Hazem Asif. This bold new adventure for 9-11-year-olds tackles what’s "lost in keeping quiet and what’s found in fighting back." We can’t wait to dive in!

In February, Fox and Ink (formerly UCLAN Publishing) will release two incredible new titles from LoveReading4Kids favourites: When We Were Divided by Liz Flanagan, a YA historical fiction set during the First English Civil War, and Joanna Nadin with her heartfelt story of hope When the World Ends. 

We are huge fans of Nathanael Lessore, whose books have been key in re-engaging reluctant readers. With one of the goals of the National Year of Reading being to reverse the decline of boys reading, we expect Like a Brother to lead the charge.

Ahead of the 150th anniversary of Anna Sewell's classic Black Beauty, Michael Morpurgo retells the dramatic life story of a horse whose spirit cannot be broken.  A master at telling stories from an animal’s perspective, Morpurgo is the perfect author to revisit this classic.

And what's that we hear....things are stirring in the deep dark wood! Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have a brand new Gruffalo story to share, with a return of much-loved characters and the first new story in over 20 years. Axel Scheffler shared ". . . One day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not! As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, I'm not completely out of practice.".

Meet the New Kids on the Block! Welcoming Exciting Debut Talent to the Children's Book World.

The excitement of a new book is thrilling, but the anticipation of discovering a new favourite author can be just as electrifying.

For readers in the 7+ age range, debut author and cartoonist Neil Coslett is set to bring some serious fun with his Kid Potato series. Packed with humour, silliness, and completely absurd potato adventures, this series is perfect for kids who love the zany worlds of Dav Pilkey and SpongeBob SquarePants. Kid Potato: Welcome to My World launches in February, you only have to wait until June for book number two of your kid's new favourite author. Guaranteed to tempt even the most reluctant reader.

With their debut graphic novel, Oh Brother, cartoonist Georgina Chadderton tells the moving story of her experiences growing up with a young sibling with severe autism. Published worldwide, the UK edition is expected in February, offering a heartwarming story for middle grade readers - especially recommended for families with neurodiversity.

Iqbal Hussain’s debut children's novel, The Night I Borrowed Time, has already garnered glowing reviews, with fellow authors calling it 'Spectacular', 'Will break your heart and make it soar . . . A triumph' and 'A small miracle of a book'. This time-travelling tale is a funny and uplifting story of family, bravery and living in the here and now.

And we’re excited to welcome a new voice to the world of YA fantasy - Caitlin Breeze sets her debut, The Fox Hunt in a college with a distinctly dark edge...

What Happens Next? The Adventures Continue in these Popular Children's Series.

Katherine Rundell returns to the magic of the Archipelago with the third book in her epic and bestselling Impossible Creatures series. While the title remains under wraps, we know this exciting new addition will be published in September 2026 - and we’re already counting down the days!

Beth Lincoln follows the super success of The Swifts mystery series with A Garden of Vipers, the third instalment in this clever, original, and hugely enjoyable series. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good murder mystery.

Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers’ Luna Loves... series continues to charm with its beautifully inclusive stories about different types of families. In Luna Loves Sport, Luna and her friend Abiola discover that you don’t have to be the best to enjoy sport - sometimes, the most fun is in joining in and just having a go.

In a heartwarming sequel to their stunning picture book The Big Dreaming, master storyteller Michael Rosen and award-winning illustrator Daniel Egnéus  bring us The Big Journey, a story of hope, resilience, and an adventure to find a new home.

Fans of The Bigg School series by Lisa Williamson will be thrilled to know that 2026 will bring TWO new books. The sixth book Dare Devil, will be released in March, with the seventh due in September, just in time for a new school year. It’s a brilliant contemporary series for readers aged 9-12 about dramas of life in Year 7.

For YA fantasy fans, the sequel to the epic A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson is coming in early 2026. In A War of Wyverns, Vivien Featherswallow has uncovered the secret language of dragons - now, can she use it to end a war? Find out in this thrilling new adventure.

Is there an addition coming to your kids' favourite series? Or a new book from one of your favourite authors? Scroll down for more brilliant book recommendations coming to a bookshelf near you in 2026.

Add these recommendations to your wish lists or pre-order them now with LoveReading4Kids to ensure you don't miss out. Nearer to publication dates, we will add reviews and add an opening extract to continue to guide you on the very best books for children. Don't forget that by shopping with us, you are able to donate 25% of your spend to a school close to your heart. So what are you waiting for, purchase with purpose today and help create the next generation of readers.

And in the meantime, if you're wanting to get your hands on some brilliant fiction and factual books for Christmas, browse through the Christmas Collections of Brilliant Gift Books and Stocking Fillers.