Best books of 2019: Children’s books
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
The Golden Butterfly , by Sharon Gosling, Stripes, RRP£6.99
Gosling’s Victorian-era melodrama, set in the world of stage magicians, pits aspiring conjuror Luciana against the forces of villainy who are seeking the secret of her late grandfather’s greatest illusion. Deceptions abound as our dauntless heroine shows that neither gender nor class should be a barrier to achieving your goals.
A Girl Called Justice , by Elly Griffiths, Quercus, RRP£6.99
Set in the 1930s during a snowy winter term, this girls’ boarding school detective mystery delivers all the spooky chills, narrow scrapes and dormitory chicanery one could want. From an author best known for her adult crime fiction, the novel respectfully doffs its straw boater to its primary influence, Enid Blyton.
Evie And The Animals , by Matt Haig, Canongate, RRP£12.99
Like a young Dr Dolittle, Evie can talk to animals, and she uses this power to investigate the disappearances of various creatures in her hometown. Haig spins an exciting yarn with a message about compassion, the environment, and the need to recognise that everything in the natural world is connected, including humans.
White Fox , by Chen Jiatong, Chicken House, RRP£6.99
In this anthropomorphic adventure tale, orphaned Arctic fox cub Dilah sets out to become a human being. Befriending a weasel and a rabbit, he journeys through a fantastical wintry landscape. Chinese author Jiatong brings a fresh perspective to the classics of western children’s literature he is so clearly influenced by.
The Curse Of The School Rabbit , by Judith Kerr, HarperCollins, RRP£12.99
Kerr’s final book — she died in May — is as witty, elegant and unassuming as any of her works. The responsibility of looking after school rabbit Snowflake proves almost too much for young Tommy. It seems as though his family is jinxed, but ultimately kindness and mutual co-operation save the day.
Books of the Year 2019
FT commentators, critics and guests select the titles of the year that you need to read. Explore the series here.
What are your favourites from this list — and what books have we missed? Tell us in the comments below.
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