We're very excited to announce the book collection for the Summer Reading Challenge 2018, Mischief Makers. The book collection comprises 70 must-have reads for children aged 4-11, with something to enthrall every young reader, and will be available in many libraries during the Challenge. The collection brings together brilliant books chosen by children and librarians which capture the Mischief Makers spirit, and includes many brand new titles which will be published this summer.

There are two lists - one for younger children and one for more confident readers - representing the best in contemporary children's fiction, poetry, non-fiction, picture books and graphic novels.

The younger collection (ages 4-7)

A wide array of books feature in the younger collection, from across 25 different children's publishers. Titles include the wildly imaginative Are We There Yet? by Dan Santat, the hilarious Don't Leap, Larry! by John Briggs and Nicola Slater, and Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure from the ever-popular Alex T. Smith. Also included are upcoming titles from favourites Jonny Duddle - Pirates of Scurvy Sands - and Lucy Rowland and Kate Hindley - The Knight Who Said "No!"

The younger collection includes plenty of early reader titles for those developing their reading skills, such as Michael Rosen and Nicola O'Byrne's Dread Cat from dyslexia-friendly publisher Barrington Stoke, and the latest adventures from The Invincibles and Wigglesbottom Primary. The Girl with a Brave Heart by Rita Jahanforuz and Vali Mintzi introduces young readers to a tale from Tehran, while fans of Philip Ardagh will enjoy Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Stick and Fetch Investigate, illustrated by Elissa Elwick. Remember 10 with Explorer Ben by author Catherine Veitch and illustrator Duncan Beedie is the perfect book for puzzle-solvers, and young scientists will relish Al's Awesome Science: Egg-speriments! by Jane Clarke and James Brown, from independent publisher Five Quills.

Also included are plenty of picture books for the youngest Mischief Makers, including This Zoo is Not for You by Ross Collins; The Bad Bunnies' Magic Show from Mini Grey; and the charming Edward and the Great Discovery by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme.

Have a look at the full list here

The older collection (ages 8-11)

The older collection includes a great mix of books, including new titles from favourites Steven Butler and Steven Lenton - The Nothing to See Here Hotel - and M.G. Leonard - Battle of the Beetles. Fans of poetry will enjoy the captivating Overheard in a Tower Block by Joseph Coelho and Kate Milner, as well as the laugh-out-loud funny Aunt Grizelda's Treasury of Grim and Grisly Rhymes, from Anna Best and Natallia Pavaliayeva.

Readers of non-fiction will love Real Life Mysteries by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker, and Dion Leonard's heart-warming true-life tale Finding Gobi. The list also features new fiction books from Jennifer Killick - Alex Sparrow and the Furry Fury - and Ross Welford, author of The 1,000 Year Old Boy, guaranteeing plenty of reading adventures for Mischief Makers this summer.

Older readers will enjoy titles including The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson; The Extraordinary Colours of Auden Dare by Zillah Bethell; and Boy 87 by Ele Fountain. And naturally, the collection wouldn't be complete without an epic Beano adventure in the form of Dennis and the Chamber of Mischief, by the brilliant Nigel Auchterlounie.

Have a look at the full list here.

Selecting the books

Publishers from all over the UK sent us over 470 finished books, manuscripts, and top secret early proofs to consider for the 2018 collection. With help from librarians from across the country and children from Baddow Hall School in Essex, we narrowed the submissions down to just 70 titles.

Young volunteers

There is also a collection of titles aimed at the 10,000 teenagers and young adults who are expected to support the Challenge at their local library as young volunteers through our young people's programme. Reading Hack groups across the country have been busy reading and reviewing submissions and their favourites make up the Top 10 Volunteer Reads list.

Have a look at the list here.

Get involved

Libraries can contact their usual library supplier for ordering instructions.

Visit the Summer Reading Challenge website for competitions and activities all year round, including the Winter Mini Challenge with DK and Star Wars.