Cures for the August blues

The Independent has a fabulous round-up of children's books today! Felix Reade reviews newish fantasies, including The New Policeman by Kate Thompson (I really want to read this one), while Edward Malnick reviews, often hilariously, new young adult titles. Finally, James Urquhart interviews Elizabeth Knox about her move into children's fiction with The Rainbow Opera.

Lots of great suggestions to chase away August anxieties.