New books and book recommendations

Are you looking for inspiration for your next read? Take a look at our selection of recently added books and reading recommendations from library staff.

I who have never known men

by Harpman, Jacqueline

"This book is quite unlike any other book I have read....." click to read the full review

Recommended by Amanda, Customer Advisor, Plymouth Libraries
The Mirror and the Light

"The final instalment of an historical fiction tour de force plotting the rise and fall and Thomas Cromwell. A masterpiece…"

Recommended by Shaun, Service Manager, Plymouth Libraries
Nine lives

by Swanson, Peter

"This book is about nine perfect strangers with no connection to one and other, or is there?"..click here to see the full review

Recommended by Leah, Customer Advisor, Plymouth Libraries
The storyteller, tales of life and music

by Grohl, David

"A must read for fans of the Foo Fighters!...." click here to read the full review

Recommended by Laura, Development Officer, Plymouth Libraries
Widowland

by Carey, C. J.

"An alternate history set in 1953. Rose works at the Ministry of Culture and is tasked with rewriting literature, she’s then assigned a secret task for the Protector…" click here to read the full review

Recommended by Helen, Development Manager, Plymouth Libraries
The couple at the table

by Hannah, Sophie

"So who murdered the new wife?".... click here to read the full review

Recommended by Leah, Customer Advisor, Plymouth Libraries

New fiction titles

147299454X

The monster who was scared of soap

0711267820

Beware the blue bagoo

1529513340

Do lions hate haircuts?

1445176610

Hello, sunflower

1801990883

The Lola bee bop

1406398195

Love, the Earth

0192788582

The king's runaway crown, a coronation caper

1783449160

Fergal and the fib

1839133627

The King's pants

191539502X

Goldilocks and the three bears

1916205496

0711281149

1529513359

1788819233

1839945176

1398502731

Skandar and the unicorn thief

0099572958

0440869951

0440870801

044087081X

New non-fiction titles

1782694021

Hardback

Germs

Author: Devolle, John

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Hardback

Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books

Resource type: Physical

Note: 'Germs' combines colourful illustrations with jokes and incredible science facts to introduce young readers to the fascinating, yucky world of - you guessed it: germs! They will learn about viruses and bacteria, vaccines and antibiotics, as well as finding out the answers to important questions.

32 pages, chiefly illustrations (colour) ; 30 cm (hbk)

Add to media list Recommend title

0753448246

Paperback

The germ lab, the gruesome story of deadly disease

Author: Platt, Richard

Author: Kelly, John, 1964-

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Paperback

Publisher: Kingfisher

Resource type: Physical

Note: Originally published: 2011 Includes index A deliciously humorous and comprehensive history of disease and pestilence, told from the point of view of the bugs and pests that cause them. 'The Germ Lab' features case histories of specific epidemics, 'eyewitness' accounts from the rats, flies, ticks and creepy-crawlies who spread diseases, plus plenty of fascinating facts and figures on the biggest and worst afflictions.

48 pages, illustrations (black and white, and colour), maps (colour) ; 26 cm (pbk)

Add to media list Recommend title

1915613140

Hardback

Sheep can't bake, but you can!

Author: Walden, Sarah

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Hardback

Publisher: Noodle Juice

Resource type: Physical

Note: Sheep and his hilarious friends teach you how to bake. Covering eight core baking skills including delicious sponge cakes, breads, biscuits, gluten-free and dairy-free bakes plus much more, this baking book is packed full of step-by-step photographic instructions and colourful illustrations. Sheep may not be able to bake, but you can!

112 pages, illustrations (black and white) ; 27 cm (hbk)

Add to media list Recommend title

1800783744

Hardback

Be happy!, a little book of mindfulness

Author: Bard, Maddy

Author: Dodd, Emma, 1969-

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Hardback

Publisher: Templar Publishing

Resource type: Physical

Note: Filled with pearls of wisdom and positivity originally written during lockdown, this heartwarming story is told by the creators' two adorable dogs, Hucky and Buzz. The thoughts expressed by Hucky and Buzz reflect the emotions, moods and feelings which will resonate with every young child. In this deceptively simple book Maddy Bard, a mindfulness and meditation coach, shares her tips on boosting confidence, positivity and self-belief.

24 pages, chiefly illustrations (colour) ; 21 cm (hbk)

Add to media list Recommend title

1839947322

Paperback

Listen to the jungle : with 5 amazing real-life sounds!

Media class: Paperback

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Resource type: Physical

Hardback

Add to media list Recommend title

0711265844

Paperback

My own way ; adapted by Jay Hulme

Author: Estrela, Joana

Media class: Paperback

Publisher: WideEyed Editions

Resource type: Physical

Hardback

Add to media list Recommend title

1838958029

Hardback

Johnson at 10, the inside story

Author: Seldon, Anthony

Author: Newell, Raymond, (Writer on British Politics)

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Hardback

Content type: Bibliography

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Resource type: Physical

Note: Includes bibliographical references and index In this gripping work of contemporary history, one of Britain's leading political and social commentators maps Boris Johnson's time in power across ten decisive moments and sheds light on the most divisive and inscrutable prime minister since Margaret Thatcher. Based on major interviews with key aides and allies, Anthony Seldon and Raymond Newell give the first account of Johnson's explosive time in office.

xi, 611 pages, illustrations (black and white) ; 24 cm (hbk)

Add to media list Recommend title

0241568161

Hardback

Wonderfully wired brains, an introduction to the world of neurodiversity

Author: Gooding, Louise

Author: Burrows, Ruth, (Illustrator)

Year: 2023

Language: English

Media class: Hardback

Publisher: DK Children

Resource type: Physical

Note: An inspirational book written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding that challenges misconceptions and shows how neurodivergent brains work a little differently. Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively 'new' concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help! It is common for neurodiverse people to feel as though they don't fit in, but their extraordinary differences should be embraced. This book teaches children all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.

96 pages, illustrations ; 29 cm (hbk)