Sally Morris reviews
By SALLY MORRIS
Published: 17:20 BST, 10 September 2026 | Updated: 17:20 BST, 10 September 2026
It’s been 20 years since the last Gruffalo book, so can this perfectly paired author and illustrator recreate the magic? A resounding yes!
Here, Gruffalo warns his daughter that greedy Granny is coming to stay so they hunt the woods for tasty ingredients: a fox, an owl, a snake – but each creature sneakily suggests someone different until they catch Mouse, boasting of how he once tricked them.
Crafty Mouse delays his fate by telling them a story every night but refusing to finish it until the next day . . .
Featuring characters from Donaldson’s previous books and a wonderful twist, this beautiful addition to the series is simply superb.
Age 3+THE NEVERLAND THIEVES by Katie and Kevin Tsang (S&S £14.99, 320pp)Fly second star to the right and straight on ’til morning to be thrilled by this fantasy adventure set in Peter Pan’s Neverland. Tom is seriously ill in Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), visited only by his best friend Felix and Daisy, the lonely daughter of his doctor.
But when gold dust appears and carved figures come alive, the children are transported to the legendary island to help discover who’s stealing precious items from pirates (led by Lydia, Captain Hook’s granddaughter), mermaids and the Lost Boys and Girls.
Underpinned by the original story, this is a rip-roaring battle of wit and wonder with tremendous heart as Tom rediscovers his bravery and the power of friendship.
Royalties will help support GOSH Charity.
8+AND THEN WE SCREAMED by Holly Bourne (Usborne £9.99, 416pp)This disturbing novel examines trauma and sexual secrets in Maple Lakes, an apparently perfect small town in rural America.
Using a documentary film crew as a narrative device, it asks why, during exam season, the school’s golden-girl cheerleader suddenly screams until she collapses. Soon other girls do the same.
Clover and aspiring student journalist Brody investigate for the school newspaper but are censored – until things get worse.
Is it attention-seeking, mass hysteria or something much darker?
Blending psychological research on psychogenic illness with a mystery format, this asks difficult questions about power, feminism, abuse and social media.
14+