Super Thursday is an annual tradition marked in the book publishing calendar. Usually landing sometime in October, Super Thursday is the busiest day for the industry, with people beginning their shopping for Christmas gifts. As a result, publishers are busy pushing some of their biggest reads. So, with Super Thursday falling earlier this year than usual, on 8th October, here’s For Reading Addict’s pick of Super Thursday reads; taking a look at some of the potential bestsellers to be published in the last few months of 2026.
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Gruffalo Granny by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Returning with the third instalment in the Gruffalo series, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s new picture book is sure to soon become a much-loved family hit. Descend into the deep, dark woods once again and join the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child as they visit Gruffalo Granny.
Our Noble Selves by Kate Atkinson
A new historical fiction novel from the award-winning author of Life After Life, Transcription, and Behind the Scenes at the Museum. This novel explores The Festival of Britian which took place in the summer of 1951, centring “foreign correspondent turned war reporter Harry Flynn, it might offer the chance of redemption after a bad war in the Far East and a peace that is proving no easier to negotiate. Having failed to resume his journalistic career, he reluctantly joins an oddball team of misfits, ne’er-do-wells and downright chancers helping to ready the Festival of Britain for launch.”
More by Gillian Anderson
Following on from the hit Sunday Times bestseller book, Want. Actor Gillian Anderson delves again into the anonymous and titillating secret desires of female sexuality. Featuring more intimate, unfiltered submissions from women and non-binary people of a diverse range of ages, sexualities, nationalities, religions, and backgrounds.
We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman
Richard Osman is best-known, of course, for writing the Thursday Murder Club series but this September saw the publication of the latest title in his ‘We Solve Murders’ series; We Chase Shadows. When a body is found on the steps of a beautiful villa in the Italian hills, the only clue is a mysterious threatening note. The trio begin digging and find themselves chasing a villian closer to danger.
Peas on Your Knees by Michael Rosen
Author Michael Rosen has a library of titles to his name and this year, he adds another to his library. Peas on Your Knees is an ultimate collection of poems from the nation’s favourite family poet. Rosen’s words are brought to life in this stunning treasury with illustrations from various of artists.
Switzy by Emma Cline
Booker-longlisted, Switzy by Emma Cline is the new novel from the bestselling author of The Girls and The Guest. Telling the tale of an aging man’s final travels as his mind begins to fade, Switzy is described a moving and gripping.
The Newer World by Sebastian Barry
From the international bestselling author of Days Without End and Old God’s Time comes Sebastian Barry’s latest novel. In this work, Barry devles into the aftermath of the American Civil War painting the tale of Tennyson Bouguereau; a freed man, singer, solidier, and wanted man nagivating the shift landscape around him.
The Queerest of Folk by Russell T Davies
Publishing on Super Thursday, Russell T Davies explores his life in TV. From Doctor Who and the seminal Queer as Folk to It’s a Sin and his latest hit, Tip Toe. The Queerest of Folk is a memoir that paints a full picture of Davies’ inspirations, lessons learnt, and stories told in an industry-defining career.
The Witch by Freida McFadden
Publishing just ahead of Super Thursday, The Witch is a new thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid. Publishers are taking a new risk this time with McFadden, making The Witch the author’s first title to be published in hardback as a first format in the UK. A haunting tale delving into the dark history of witch trials and the silencing of women’s voices.
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