SHE’S NOT THERE

(Borough Press £14.99) ThIS is a slight step change from my first two choices, but a hot summer read all the same. Jonah and raff’s mother Lucy has vanished in the night.

Worried about the consequences of reporting her absence, the small boys keep it a secret and bravely try to look after themselves. But as clothes go unwashed and food and money run out, how long can they last?

This amazing debut touchingly demonstrates how children love even the most flawed of parents . . . which might come as a comfort to frazzled adults amid the tensions of holidaytime!