The best new Puffin books out in 2022

January

The Green Planet by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe & Kim Smith (6 Jan)

Our green planet is truly a thing of wonder and you’ll be surprised at everything that goes on in the world of plants. In The Green Planet, Leisa Stewart-Sharpe gives a glimpse into their hidden life and all the different ways plants smell, touch, taste, hear, and – that’s right – talk!

Greta and the Ghost Hunters by Sam Copeland & Sarah Horne (20 Jan)

Greta Woebegone has never been one to believe in ghosts. But after a bad accident that almost ends in tragedy, Greta can now see and talk to all the undead spirits that wander the land, including her grumpy Grandpa and Percy the plague victim! When it looks like Greta’s Grandma is going to be put in a home, Greta must call on her new ghoulish friends for help.

Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor by Lucy Brandt & Gladys Jose (20 Jan)

Leonora Bolt may be young, but she is a brilliant inventor. She is also an orphan, and so lives alone on a remote island making wild and cool contraptions. One day, a strange boy called Jack washes ashore on an inflatable lobster. And he brings terrible news – Leonora’s evil Uncle Luther has been stealing her creations and selling them. It’s up to Leonora and Jack to thwart his dastardly plans.

February

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills & Luna Valentine (3 Feb) 

Charley, a 12-year-old viral singing sensation, and her best friend George, a camera whizz and up-and-coming comedian, are living their best lives. But then the two find themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons when they’re accused of stealing a priceless painting! The duo now has to uncover the mystery behind the high-profile heist, nail their European tour AND keep on top of their homework.

Hello, Star by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic & Vashti Harrison (3 Feb)

Hello, Star is a touching picture book story that pays tribute to stars, space, and science. When a young girl realises that a particularly bright light in the sky is coming from a dying star, she vows to keep the star company until the light goes out.

The Secret of Haven Point by Lisette Auton (3 Feb)

Haven Point is a remote lighthouse and a home for anyone that needs a place to belong. Alpha Lux was the first foundling and after being raised by a mermaid, she looks out for the other lost children. They’re her family now. But when Alpha spots a strange light up on the headland, she worries that their safe haven is not so safe anymore…

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (3 Feb)

Can you believe it’s been 120 years since Beatrix Potter first introduced the world to Peter Rabbit? This is a cause for celebration, so grab a copy of this extra special birthday edition. Featuring Potter’s original illustrations, new and old fans will love reading the iconic tale of Peter as he gets up to mischief in Mr McGregor’s Garden.

Rocket Rules by Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola (17 Feb)

For World Book Day 2022, Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola have teamed up again to create this new picture book. Our favourite hero Rocket, from Look Up!, is back and this time she’s sharing her ten rules for living life the best way possible.

The Mapmakers by Tamzin Merchant & Paola Escobar (17 Feb)

We loved Tamzin Merchant’s debut last year, and her characters and the magical world of the Maker families are back in The Mapmakers. Cordelia Hatmaker is still trying to find her father following his mysterious disappearance at sea, and the map she found hidden in his telescope might be the key…

March

The Last Firefox by Lee Newbury & Laura Catalán (3 Mar) 

Charlie Challinor has been finding life a bit scary. Changes are happening at home and he’s facing bullies every day at school. But then Charlie is made guardian of Cadno – a firefox – and he’s going to have to be brave if he wants to protect his new furry friend from a dangerous, otherworldly hunter.

Ambrose Follows His Nose by Dick King-Smith & Josie Rogers (3 Mar)

Animal story extraordinaire Dick King-Smith passed just over a decade ago, but he left behind an unfinished story about an ordinary rabbit with an extraordinary sense of smell. Ambrose Follows His Nose has now been completed by King-Smith’s great-granddaughter to celebrate what would have been the centenary of his birth.

The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby (3 Mar)

Lottie Brooks is back for another tumultuous term at school but this time she’s got her best friends Jess and Molly at her side, so she’s prepared for anything. The spring musical is coming up and Lottie is determined to wow her crush Daniel whilst she plays a singing crustacean. But it appears three is a crowd in her friendship group and no matter what Lottie does, Jess and Molly seem to get pulled further and further away from her…

Orphans of the Tide: Eternity Engine by Struan Murray & Manuel Sumberac (17 Mar)

We’ve reached the final instalment in the Orphans of the Tide trilogy and it’s going to be a dramatic conclusion. The seas have parted revealing the remains of humanity’s lost empire. They have also uncovered the Eternity Engine – a powerful machine created before the drowning which has the ability to save the world and destroy it.

Frankie Best Hates Quests by Chris Smith (31 Mar)

Chris Smith, the co-author of the Kid Normal series and The Great Dream Robbery, has a brand-new fantasy adventure under his belt. Frankie Best is stuck at her Grandad’s house for the week whilst her parents head to the arctic. It wouldn’t be so bad but there’s no Wi-Fi and her annoying nerdy brother Joel is also there. Boring! But it turns out, that Frankie’s Grandad is the custodian of a secret fantasy realm called Parallelia, and when he’s kidnapped by a group of gnoblins it’s up to Frankie and Joel to work together to save him.

April

The Drama Llama by Rachel Morrisroe & Ella Okstad (14 Apr) 

Like everyone, Alex Allen worries about things. Usually very small things like dancing badly or getting an answer wrong in class. However, unlike everyone else, whenever Alex worries a llama appears! And this time the llama won’t go away. It starts to get him in all sorts of trouble – will Alex be able to stop worrying and lose this pesky llama?

The Wind In The Willows retold by Rashmi Sirdeshpande & Jojo Clinch (28 Apr)

In this beautiful picture book adaptation, Rashmi Siredeshpande retells the classic tale of The Wind in the Willows for younger readers. Friends Toad, Ratty, Moly, and Badger have had some wonderful riverside adventures. But when one of Toad’s escapades gets him thrown in prison leaving his beloved home Toad Hall to the mercy of a band of unsavoury stoats and weasels, is up to his friends to save the day.

Wilder than Midnight by Cerrie Burnell (28 Apr)

Saffy, Aurelia, and Wild Rose are three very different girls, but they all have one thing in common. Silverthrone. Silverthrone is a place of secrets. A place where you must only stick to the forest paths. A place when some are hidden away in locked towers. A place with untold terrors lurking around every corner. But Saffy, Aurelia, and Wild Rose have the power to change everything…

Welcome to the World by Julia Donaldson & Helen Oxenbury (28 Apr)

Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Helen Oxenbury have come together again to create a stunning new children’s picture book that celebrates babies’ first experiences. From meeting family and heading outdoors for the first time, this read-aloud story is the perfect gift for all new parents.

The Greatest Show on Earth by Mini Grey (28 Apr)

The insect troupe of the Shoebox Theatre are here to give you a whirlwind tour of the entire history of planet Earth! From the very beginning (that's 4.6 billion years ago) when Earth was full of lava, to the era of dinosaurs, followed by the ice age, and all the way to the moment when humans arrive.

May

The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson (12 May) 

11-year-old Josephine Williams is desperate to explore the world. There’s only so much you can discover from your internet browser! And when she learns about a woman who started the first Girl Scout troop for Black girls, Josephine becomes determined to start her own troop. So, she and her friends Margot and Wesley head out to earn their camping badges. But on the way, they find themselves in an abandoned factory and a curious old photograph… This is a must-read for fans of the Murder Most Unladylike series.

My Magic Family by Lotte Jeffs & Sharon Davey (26 May)

In this sweet rhyming story, a little girl shares how wonderful her two mummies are. ‘There are billions of families, a million ways to be. But in my magic family, it's Mummy, Mum and me!’ This touching story that celebrates different types of families is a wonderful picture book for every child.

The Dream Team: Charligh Green vs. The Spotlight by Priscilla Mante (26 May)

Charligh is a member of the Bramrock Stars – you remember, the super talented group of footballers in Jaz Santos vs. The World. And although Charligh loves football, she also loves being on stage. She’s got her dream part in the school play but for some reason, her lines just won’t stick in her head. Can her teammates help her out?

June

Black in Time by Alison Hammond (2 Jun) 

TV presenter Alison Hammond loves getting to know all different kinds of people. And in her new book Black in Time, she looks at some of the amazing Black people from history and the amazing things they’ve done that you’ve probably never heard about. From sportsmen and women to scientists and musicians, this compendium is an inspiring read.

The Underpants of Chaos by Sam Copeland & Jenny Pearson (9 Jun)

Super spy-detective Agatha Topps is determined to find out what’s going on at Little Strangehaven Primary School. Lately, peculiar shivers keep striking the school and bringing strangeness in their wake. There’s been uncontrollable ballroom dancing as well as an attack from military chickens! What’s strangest of all though is how no one remembers these events after they’ve happened, except Agatha and new boy Lenny Tuchus…

The Midnighters by Hana Tooke & Ayesha L. Rubio (23 Jun)

If you loved The Unadoptables, then you’ll really love this new story from Hana Tooke. Ema Vašková has been born into a family of famous scientists. There’s no room for superstition of any kind, however, Ema can’t help but feel that strange omens seem to follow her around. Plus, she can predict things before they even happen. Her only friend is a mysterious girl called Silvie, the only person she has ever felt truly comfortable around. And when Silvie goes missing, it’s time for Ema to cast aside her fears and find her best friend.

July

Trixie Pickle Art Avenger by Olaf Falafel (7 Jul)

Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will love this new comic-book-style tale. Trixie Pickle hates the bullies at her school, and she is determined to take them down and teach them a lesson using her secret weapon – art!

Little Badman and the Attack of the Punjabi Zombies by Humza Arshad, Henry White & Aleksei Bitskoff (7 Jul)

It’s been too long, but finally, Little Badman is back! This time round he’s just started big school, and truth be told he’d rather face off against evil teacher geniuses and giant killer hamsters again. But as it turns out, there is a magical orb causing havoc, raising the dead and bringing about world destruction so maybe he won’t have to live with the shame of being out rap-battled by the school bully…

The Double Trouble Society by Carrie Hope Fletcher (7 Jul)

Twelve years ago, Ivy and Maggie were born at exactly the same time and have been best friends ever since. The besties love to have adventures together but sadly they live in Crowood Peak which is officially the most BORING town in the world. But when a mysterious stranger moves into the abandoned Hokum House that was once the home of a witch, Ivy and Maggie are about to get the adventure they wished for.