12 children's and young adult books to get you hooked on reading

BarcelonaIt's always a good time to encourage the reading habit. We recommend several titles for all ages and tastes so that your children get hooked on reading. A choice made by Marta Gil, bookseller at El Gat Pelut in Barcelona, ​​​​specialized in children's and young adult literature.

Milo, a curious fish, has to go to the bathroom but doesn't know where. He's probably not the first fish to have this dilemma. With his characteristic humour, JC Bonache presents us with a story that will captivate the little ones, filling them with laughter and curious information about the underwater world. Ideal for children aged 6 and up, this book follows the line of other works by JC Bonache, such as Kat Karateca and the Kata Club, which was so popular with early readers.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Joan Dausà, who has moved us with his songs like I never never, now surprises us with an illustrated album about life, death and the memory of those who are no longer with us. With delicate illustrations by Gisel Fust, this story invites us to reflect on loss, but also on the magical connection we maintain with those we have loved. A book for the whole family, especially for those seeking comfort and hope.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Renowned illustrator Rébecca Dautremer captivates us again with Jacomini, an endearing character full of tenderness. The story is an ode to love and sweetness, a continuation of the delicate style that Dautremer has shown in other works such as The Book of Hours by Jacominus Gainsborough. Ideal for children aged 5 and up, Jacomini It becomes an essential book for those who love illustrations full of details and stories that touch the heart.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

With a fascinating narrative, Lluís Prats gives us the story of three generations of women united by their passion for ballet and the scars of history. Catalina, a 12-year-old girl, discovers the secret past of her grandmother Ekaterina, a former prima ballerina of the St. Petersburg Ballet. Lluís Prats made us fall in love with Hachiko, the dog who was waiting, and in this new work she combines emotion, history and art. For readers aged 12 and up, it is a vibrant portrait of ballet and feminine strength.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Foulsham's Fall (Iremonger Trilogy 2), by Edward Carey (Blackie Books). In this second installment of the Iremonger trilogy, Edward Carey takes us to Foulsham, a rotten town where Clod and Lucy have been transformed into objects by a family curse. Carey, author of Heap House, returns with its unique, gothic style, creating a world full of mysteries, monsters, and a disturbing atmosphere. A read for young readers ages 14 and up, full of surprising twists and emotional depth that explores the power of identity.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

With this new interactive album, Solomon and Marti, creators of Grandma's wonderful and creepy house either A scary dinner, invites us to discover a haunted house full of terrifying secrets. Thanks to the flaps that lift up, you can explore every corner of this house where witches, vampires and mummies live. A fun and mysterious experience for the little ones, from 4 years old, perfect for those looking for something scary with a touch of humor.

Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Jordi Pereyra, known for his informative work in Couch science, presents us Universia, an exploration of the universe that invites you to discover the wonders of space and its mysteries. This book, with clear language and many curiosities, will fascinate both young astronomers and those who are approaching science for the first time. An ideal work to understand how stars, planets and galaxies work, awakening curiosity about the cosmos.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Frances Hardinge takes us to an island full of secrets, where voices from the past seem to come to life. With her captivating style, already seen in other works such as The tree of lies, Hardinge blends fantasy, adventure and mystery to create a suspenseful story. An absorbing read for young people aged 12 and up, exploring themes of courage, identity and the power of memories.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Oriol Canosa and Cristina Bueno bring us a tender story full of everyday magic, ideal for children aged 7 and up. Hugin and Mugin, two crows who have just hatched from their eggs, discover a third "sister" at the foot of the tree where they were born. Believing that she has fallen from the nest, they decide to take care of her as if she were one of the family. With Cristina Bueno's lively illustrations, this first book in a new series by Oriol Canosa is a novel full of humour and wit, set in the forest of Samala, where no one is in a hurry to grow up. Ideal for early readers who want to laugh and have adventures!

Recommended for ages 7 and up.

With a very special recipe that combines clear water, stars, yoga and a lot of love, the endearing protagonist of this story teaches us how to make candies that have magical powers. As we saw in Magical candies, from the same author, these extraordinary candies can help us face our fears with courage. A story full of peace of mind, love and sweetness that will make the whole family smile, ideal for children ages 5 and up.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

William Steig, known for classics such as Shrek!, returns with a charming story of friendship between a mouse and a whale. Owners and Boris explores the relationship between these two very different characters, and shows how generosity and empathy can overcome any obstacle. With a tender style and unique illustrations, Steig creates a tale that will touch the hearts of both children and adults. A modern classic for children aged 6 and up.

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

This EscapeBook is an interactive adventure that engages young readers with challenges and clues to solve as they explore Octopus Island. The story mixes mystery, riddles and fun in an innovative format that will delight fans of Octopus. escape rooms. Ideal for children aged 10 and up, this book offers an immersive experience full of surprises and the discovery of hidden secrets.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.