The Magic Fire is available now 

THE MAGIC FEATHER by Julia Donaldson Illustrated by Catherine Rayner (Macmillan £12.99, 32pp)

What a dream pairing. Donaldson’s pitch-perfect rhyme and Rayner’s delicate illustrations lift this touching story of impoverished Susanna who rescues an injured linnet and, using a discarded feather, learns to communicate with birds: ‘Instead of trills and twitters, they seemed to speak in words.’

After a boat journey in search of work, she meets a queen and persuades her to save the endangered forest the birds live in. It is a beautiful celebration of nature, courage, kindness and action that will make your heart soar with joy. Age 3+

WHERE ARE YOU EDDIE? by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Gill Smith (Walker £12.99, 32pp)

Michael Rosen has written before about the sudden death of his son Eddie, 18, from meningitis and drew on his grief to create, with Quentin Blake, the exceptional, award-winning Sad Book.

This is a companion piece, but can be read alone, as he explores the role of memory in keeping someone you love alive. As he travels on a bus, eats chips, talks to Eddie’s siblings and meets people who knew him, Rosen remembers all the ways in which he lived and how the thought and image of Eddie is still there, wherever he looks. ‘Each time I think of him, it’s new.’

It is simple but profound, deeply moving but also healing. It’s aimed at children but, honestly, anyone grieving should read it. 5+

HER HIDDEN FIRE by Cliodhna O’Sullivan (Penguin £9.99, 416pp)

Servant girl Eadha has grown up with Ionain, son of the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep, who must prove he can channel magic on his 17th birthday to save their dynasty. He can’t – but in a twist of fate Eadha discovers she can and sends him her power.

They’re both dispatched to the training academy where Eadha must keep her secret, even from Ionain, but how long can she survive a world of patriarchy, class exploitation and violence while being overwhelmed by developing passions for Ionain and the mysterious Gry?

A complex web of magic, feminism, sexual desire, Irish folklore and, of course, dragons – this will leave fans desperate for the next in the trilogy. 14+