From revenge-seeking guinea pigs to ancient Greek gods, here’s our roundup of the best kids’ books out in May.

Our Children’s Book of the Month

After his mother dies, Peter finds solace in the form of an orphaned fox cub, Pax. They grow up together, learning to love and trust each other until the day when Peter learns he’s being sent to stay with his grandfather… without Pax. Under direction from his stern father, Peter throws Pax’s favourite toy soldier into the woods and then they drive away, leaving the fox behind. But after one night apart, both boy and fox realise they must reunite, and so begins their journey to find each other again.

This is an incredibly touching read by the author of the Clementine series, and it’s brought to life by Jon Klassen’s glorious illustrations. Pax is perfect for animal lovers aged 10 and up; our reviewer writes that it’s “destined to become a contemporary classic. (Read the full review here.)

New Picture Books for 3+

• What is a Child? by Beatrice Alemagna: What makes a child unique? Is it their hands? Their feet? A lovely read from the author of A Lion in Paris.
  
  
• Harold’s Hungry Eyes by Kevin Waldron: Harold is a food-obsessed little dog who starts to see the world around him a bit differently when hunger overcomes him.
  
  
• There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith: Smith’s amazing illustrations have once again delivered in this tale of exploration and imagination that is guaranteed to enthrall.
  
  
• Gary by Leila Rudge: Gary the pigeon might not be able to fly, but he quickly learns there’s more than one way to have an adventure!

New Junior & Middle Reads for 7+

• The Bad Guys: Episode 3 by Aaron Blabey: The hilarious Bad Guys are back again, and this time they’ve run afoul of a guinea pig who’s out for revenge. 7+
  
  
• Truly Tan: Hoodwinked by Jen Storer: This latest entry in the Truly Tan series has Tan investigating whether or not a new arrival in town is actually a spy. 7+
  
  
• Figgy and the President by Tamsin Janu: The delightful Figgy from Figgy and the World is back, and this time her best friend Nana has decided to become president, which prompts Figgy to think of her own career choices. 8+
  
  
• Mr Lemoncello’s Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein: The hilariously quirky follow-up to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is perfect for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 9+
  
  
• The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan: The bestselling author of the Percy Jackson books has delivered the start to yet another action-packed series, this time about the Greek god Apollo. 10+
  
  
• Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden: Here is an enthralling adventure set in a well-crafted dark fantasy world. 10+

Holly Harper