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Books beginning with: H

• Habitats

  Author: Hannah Pang Illustrator: Isobel Lundie
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  Explore the different layers of a variety of habitats with this beautiful non-fiction book, featuring interactive layered pages.

• Hacker

  Author: Malorie Blackman
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A thriller for the computer buffs. Vicky's father is arrested for the theft of millions from the bank where he works.

• Hair in Funny Places

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Who else but Babette Cole would have the audacity to tackle puberty in a picture book - and the comic genius to make it work? This hilarious book is a conversation between a girl and her teddy bear about 'Mr and Mrs Hormone'.

• Hair, it’s a Family Affair!

  Author: Mylo Freeman
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  This celebration of black hair, demonstrating the variety of hairstyles found in a single family, is another delightful read from Mylo Freeman: full of vibrant illustration and some simple text about elements of everyday life.

• Hairy Hezekiah

  Author: Dick King-Smith Illustrator: John Eastwood
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 8+

  Hairy Hezekiah is a camel living a sad solitary life in a zoo. To remedy this, he slips through the main gates to look for a mate.

• Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy

  Author: Lynley Dodd
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town

• Hairy Maclary's Bone

  Author: Lynley Dodd
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Hairy Maclary is lucky enough to be given a big juicy bone by the butcher, Samuel Stone. This does not go unnoticed by all the other dogs who decide to follow him.

• Half a Creature from the Sea

  Author: David Almond Illustrator: Eleanor Taylor
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  A collection of eight spooky tales of the fantastic. 

• Half a King

  Author: Joe Abercrombie
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 12+

  From the first page, Yarvi's story, set in a vividly imagined fantasy world, is gripping, fast-paced and hard to put down. Explores complex questions of morality, loyalty and obligation.

• Half Bad

  Author: Sally Green
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  In a modern-day Britain in which witches live alongside humans, Nathan is a 'half-code', caught between the 'good' White Witches and the 'bad' Black Witches.

• Half Brother

  Author: Kenneth Oppel
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Oppel bases his first YA novel on projects in the 1970s which tested the capability of chimpanzees to acquire sign language.

• Half Lives

  Author: Sara Grant
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Separated by several hundred years, Icie and Beckett are linked by a deadly secret.

• Halibut Jackson

  Author: David Lucas
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  One day Halibut Jackson receives an invitation from the Queen to a party at the palace and starts work on his most ambitious outfit yet, a bejewelled suit of silver and gold, which he thinks will go unnoticed amid the splendours of the palace.

  Unfortunately, Halibut doesn’t realise that it is to be a Garden Party... Shortlisted for the Booktrust Ear…

• Halo

  Author: Zizou Corder
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  As an adolescent, Halo is dragged from the love and security of her unconventional upbringing and sold as a slave.

• Hamish and the Neverpeople

  Author: Danny Wallace Illustrator: Jamie Littler
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 5-12
  Reading age: 7+

  Hamish and his friends again face the threat of world domination by an evil mastermind. A fast-moving, hugely funny, uproarious and irreverent storyline that will engage junior readers, especially boys.

• Hamish and the Worldstoppers

  Author: Danny Wallace
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10

  How is a ten year old boy supposed to ward off a horde of marauding monsters plundering through Britain's fourth most boring town?

• Hamish: The Bear who Found his Child

  Author:
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Wheelchair-using teddies (quite rightly) blend effortlessly into the landscape,as the toys have fun while the humans aren't looking in this book.

• Hana the Hanukkah Fairy

  Author: Daisy Meadows
  Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Can Rachel and Kirsty help Hana the Hanukkah Fairy find her stolen magic candle and save Hanukkah?

• Handa's Noisy Night

  Author: Eileen Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This is a lovely addition to the classic Handa stories, which are beloved by so many.  In this, Handa is allowed spend the night with her friend Akeyo, when they hear some strange noises. Children will have great fun trying to mimic the animal sounds!

• Handa's Surprise

  Author: Eileen Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Glorious images of an African village convey the sights, smells and colours of the landscape, its animals and its food in a story told as much through pictures as through words.

• Handstand

  Author: Lisa Stickley
  Publisher: Pavillion
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Edith loves doing handstands, although she's only just learned how. 

• Hang In There Bozo: the Ruby Redfort Survival Guide For Some Tricky Predicaments

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  A companion book to the fantastically successful Ruby Redfort mystery series, this is a funny and practical guide to surviving the variety of tricky predicaments that life can throw at you.

• Hans and Matilda

  Author: Yokococo
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Everyone says that Matilda cat is a good girl. She loves to quietly sit and read or water her flowers, while Hans cat is very naughty and always up to mischief.

• Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid

  Author: Metaphrog
  Publisher: Papercutz
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  The Little Mermaid lives happily under the sea, but her older sisters' tales of what they see on the surface of the water start to make her yearn for something more.

• Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen

  Author: Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator: Lesley Barnes
  Publisher: Templar Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  This classic fairy tale story about friendship and the magic of winter is as enchanting as ever, and Lesley Barnes’ amazingly intricate illustrated pop-ups add an even more magical dimension to a wonderful tale. 

• Hansel & Gretel

  Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Lorenzo Mattotti
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 9+

  Neil Gaiman has created a chilling and dark retelling of the story of Hansel and Gretel.

• Hansel & Gretel

  Author: Bethan Woollvin
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Willow is a good witch, and it’s the horrendously naughty Hansel and Gretel who wreck her house and her magic spells. A delightful twist on the classic fairy tale.  

• Hansel and Gretel

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  This version is richer for the addition of the themes of manipulation, hope and love. The illustrations, both the bright and the brooding, reflect the disturbing plot.

• Hansel and Gretel

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  The classic tale of the two children abandoned in the forest, and their frightening encounter encounter with an evil witch, has lost none of its popularity over the years.

• Happy as a Lamb: Choose Your Mood, Express Your Feelings

  Author: Illustrator: Teresa Bellón
  Publisher: Mama Makes Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  Reading age: 4-5

  Happy as a Lamb is a really clever and well-thought-out board book, but it’s really more of a tool for enabling communication about feelings with children which feels fun and has a toy-esque quality that children will love. Highly recommended. 

• Happy Birthday, Sausage!

  Author: Michaela Morgan Illustrator: Dee Shulman
  Publisher: A&C Black
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  There are lots of delightful illustrations in this story for children who have just begun to read books with chapters

• Happy Christmas, Boris!

  Author: Sam Lloyd
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  A fantastic interactive book that is great fun to read and share as a family

• Happy Eid al Fitr

  Author: Joyce Bentley
  Publisher: Wayland Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Packed with information and lots of photographs, this is a comprehensive introduction to the festival of Eid. Ideal for school libraries.

• Happy Girl Lucky

  Author: Holly Smale
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Hope Valentine is about to find out that life isn't a movie - even when you're a member of an acting dynasty - in this light-hearted but satisfying new series from Geek Girl author Holly Smale.

• Happy Hector

  Author: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  A tale of playtime for Tilly and her animal friends, this time exploring themes of playing alone and playing together, feeling alone and feeling loved.

• Happy Here

  Author: Various authors with an introduction by Sharna Jackson
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  In this important anthology, ten illustrated short stories from present day black authors and illustrators thrill readers with the stories they’ve been waiting for, featuring black protagonists at the centre of a huge variety of fictional worlds and situations.

• Happy in Our Skin

  Author: Fran Manushkin Illustrator: Lauren Tobia
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  It’s terrific to have skin: it keeps the outsides out and the insides in! Skin is always there and everyone’s skin is different. Isn’t that marvellous? This beautiful book also reminds us that everyone has a right to feel loved, secure and accepted for who they are.

• Happy to Be Me

  Author: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  With simple rhyme and colourful artwork, this picture book celebrates every bit of the human body and reminds us that each and every body is different. Another success from the bestselling author-illustrator.

• Harold finds a voice

  Author: Courtney Dicmas
  Publisher: Child's Play
  

  • Harold the parrot lives in Paris and loves to copy sounds and voices.

  • Journey with Harold to discover new sounds, new friends and his own voice.

  • Your little one will love the vibrant colours and copying sounds along with Harold.

• Harold Snipperpot’s Best Disaster Ever

  Author: Beatrice Alemagna
  Publisher: Thames & Hudson
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  When Mr Ponzio arrives, bringing a whole zoo’s worth of animals, they fill Harold Snipperpot’s house with chaos. Disaster! Yet Harold soon starts to find the chaos quite exhilarating. Tremendously touching, well-judged and just a little bit different.

• Harold’s Hungry Eyes

  Author: Kevin Waldron
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Young readers will love this story of hungry Harold the dog, and have a great time spotting all the original places that food has replaced normal everyday items. Kevin Waldron's artwork is bright and colourful with a quirky, modern use of collage.

• Harper and the Circus of Dreams

  Author: Cerrie Burnell Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  When a magical girl arrives, bringing with her a storm and The Circus of Dreams, Harper and her friends set off on a journey to find out more about the strange world in the sky. A great read with tonnes of magic and drama.

• Harper and the Fire Star

  Author: Cerrie Burnell Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  The adventure sees Harper and her band of friends on a quest to help the Wild Conductor regain his place in the circus. However, the task is not a simple one, and the evil ringmaster has other plans.

• Harper and the Night Forest

  Author: Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Should Harper help her friend, the Wild Conductor, capture the Ice Raven so he can create beautiful music? Or should she help the maiden cloaked in moonlight find her happy ending? Interesting ethical questions in a fantasy adventure story.

• Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella

  Author: Cerrie Burnell Illustrator: Lauren Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  This is an endearing book with beautiful black and white illustrations, a light, fairytale-like quality, and a sense there may be more Harper adventures to come.

• Harriet Tubman: A Journey to Freedom

  Author: Sandra A. Agard Illustrator: Luisa Uribe George Ermos Manhar Chauhan
  Publisher: Little Tiger (Stripes)
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The life story of nineteenth-century American abolitionist and activist, Harriet Tubman, who escaped from slavery and then helped many others escape too.

• Harriet Versus the Galaxy

  Author: Samantha Baines Illustrator: Jessica Flores
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  When Harriet is hunting for her hearing aid under the bed, the last thing she expects to find is an alien. Soon, she is working alongside her gran to defend the human race. A highly accessible story, laced with lively illustrations and lots of laughs. 

• Harris Finds His Feet

  Author: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Harris leaps joyfully across the pages, against vibrant washes of colour, as he learns to be independent for the first time.

• Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs

  Author: Ian Whybrow Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Harry discovers lots of dusty old dinosaurs when he helps Gran clear out the attic. Then one day his beloved dinosaurs get lost! Will Harry ever find again them?

• Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School

  Author: Ian Whybrow Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  It's Harry's first day at school. He and his dinosaurs are very excited and perhaps a little bit nervous.

• Harry and the Dinosaurs Have a Happy Birthday

  Author: Ian Whybrow Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  In this title, farmer Oakley’s birthday provides the perfect excuse for a party to celebrate more than just his own old age.

• Harry and the Dinosaurs: First Sleepover

  Author: Ian Whybrow Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Mum and Nan are concerned about how Harry and his dinosaurs will handle a sleepover at Jack’s house – but their worries are unfounded.

• Harry and the Monster

  Author: Sue Mongredien Illustrator: Nick East
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 7+

  A warm, funny book about dealing with night-time fears, with bright, bold text and illustrations.

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

  Author: J K Rowling
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  There is much heartache for Harry as he tries to complete the task left to him by Dumbledore and find the Horcruxes containing pieces of Voldemort's soul.

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

  Author: J K Rowling
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  A gripping and electrifying novel, full of suspense, secrets, and - of course - magic.

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

  Author: J K Rowling
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 9+

  After the misery of life with his ghastly aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is delighted to have the chance to embark on an exciting new life at the Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Illustrated)

  Author: JK Rowling Illustrator: Jim Kay
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he's the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord's curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived

• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

  Author: J K Rowling
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Convicted murderer, Sirius Black, escapes from Azkaban, the merciless prison of the wizarding world and Harry fears for his life.

• Harry the Dirty Dog

  Author: Gene Zion Illustrator: Margaret Bloy Graham
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  It's bathtime for Harry the dog - but he hides his brush and runs away on an adventure! But he gets very, very mucky in the process - will his family recognise him when he comes home?

• Hartslove

  Author: K M Grant
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This absorbing Victorian family story has a dash of everything - scheming servants, guardian angels, darkest despair, thwarted romance, pluckiness, even a spot of haunting – with a nail-biting climax

• Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present is the sort of story that warms your heart – and is perfect for a seasonal snuggle. A Christmas classic, indeed.

• Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?

  Author: Liz Kessler
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  One Friday afternoon in Geography Jessica's friend, Izzy, notices Jessica turning invisible...

• Has Anyone Seen My Chihuahua?

  Author: Clare Wigfall Illustrator: Ollie Lett
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  A funny, fresh twist on the search for a lost pet in a lovely story about friendship

• Hat Tricks

  Author: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Scallywag Press
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This super simple picture book is ideal for very young readers who like to learn their animals. Kitamura’s fun illustrations are big and bold and children will enjoy shouting ‘Abracadabra, katakurico! What’s in the hat?’

• Hate

  Author: Alan Gibbons
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  A hard-hitting story about love and hate, prejudice and forgiveness, inspired by a real event.

• Hats of Faith

  Author: Medeia Cohan Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
  Publisher: Shade 7 Publishing
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This instructive board book opens with the simple statement that many religious people wear head coverings to show their love of God. An optimistic and valuable book that celebrates diversity and fosters understanding. 

• Hattori Hachi: The Revenge of the Praying Mantis

  Author: Jane Prowse
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Hattie Jackson is an ordinary 15 year old girl until her mother suddenly disappears under mysterious circumstances, causing her life to change forever. Secrets about her mother's life begin to unfold, and Hattie discovers her true destiny - she is the last in line to a ninjutsu dynasty nearly a thousand years old.

• Haunt Me

  Author: Liz Kessler
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Introverted Erin has just moved to a new house and school - and finds her new bedroom is haunted by teenager Joe. With a mature and sensitive approach to bereavement, loss and teen relationships, this proves a thought-provoking read.

• Haunt: Dead Scared

  Author: Curtis Jobling
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  When Will dies and becomes a ghost, the only person who can see him is his best friend Dougie. Together, they try to discover why Will is still here. This book is funny, touching and exciting all in one go, and much more than a regular ghost story.

• Haunted

  Author: Susan Cooper Joseph Delaney Berlie Doherty Jamila Gavin Matt Haig Robin Jarvis Derek Landy Sam Llewellyn Mal Peet Philip Reeve
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  A scintillating selection of supremely scary tales from 11 well-known children’s authors

• Haunted House

  Author: Jan Pieńkowski
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Enjoy a tour of this spooky old house where a spine-tingling surprise lurks in every dark corner.

• Hav3n

  Author: Tom Easton
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  When the world is struck down by a fast-spreading, deadly plague, only the small, isolated village of Great Sheen in the English countryside manages to escape the ravages of death

• Have You Seen Dinosaur?

  Author: David Barrow
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A little boy, his dog and his friend Elephant decide to go looking for dinosaurs in a city that looks remarkably like New York. They try the museum, the underground train, the skate park, but the trio find it very hard to spot any at all! Finally, when they rest at the top of a rather comfy green hill, they realise what they’ve been overlooking.

• Have You Seen Elephant?

  Author: David Barrow
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This hilarious book - about an elephant who wants to play hide and seek - will delight children and adults with its offbeat humour and beautiful illustration.

• Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?

  Author: Alex Macdonald
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Penguin sits on his beloved teddy Mikki Olsen and then can’t find him. Can you spot the teddy? A funny, interactive book that should make toddlers giggle with delight. 

• Have You Seen My Blankie?

  Author: Lucy Rowland Illustrator: Paula Metcalf
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A princess loses her blankie. Who could have taken it? Her brother, a witch, a giant… or someone more fiery? A charming book that stresses the pleasure of sharing and features a brave and compassionate young heroine who is in no way a stereotypical princess. 

• Have You Seen My Dragon?

  Author: Steve Light
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A counting book that is a cut above the rest in terms of its beautiful design and style. New Yorker Steve Light brings all the shapes and sights of the city to these stunning spreads.

• Having Fun!

  Author: Jess Stockham
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 5+

  A lift-the-flap book, with animals hidden behind pictures of happy toddlers, splashing like dolphins, playing like dogs and sliding like otters.

• Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One

  Author: Maggie Horne
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Hazel attempts to make friends for the first time, and to challenge the behaviour of a boy in her class. An inspiring read.  

• Head Over Heart

  Author: Colette Victor
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 7+

  A very timely and topical story about a Muslim girl struggling to balance both cultures while staying true to her family and faith. An enlightening and uplifting story for young teens.

• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes...

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play (International)
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a happy book for babies and toddlers, one that no-one will be able to listen to and remain sitting still!

• Heads

  Author: Matthew Van Fleet
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  From frilled necks to floppy ears this follow-up to Van Fleet’s Alphabet and Tails, provides a playful way to teach toddlers about animals’ heads

• Heart of Stone

  Author: Melanie Welsh
  Publisher: David Fickling
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  The continuation of Verity Gallant’s story, begun in Mistress of the Storm, sees the ancient harbour town of Wellow once more under siege

• Heart Shaped

  Author: Siobhan Parkinson
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Siobhan Parkinson tells the story of Annie in this companion novel to 2011’s Bruised.

• Heartbeat

  Author: Sharon Creech
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Annie loves drawing, running barefoot, her family, and possibly Max, her running partner. It’s an eventful time for the 12-year-old: as her mother is about to give birth, her beloved grandfather is sliding slowly into dementia.

• Heartbreak Cafe

  Author: Janet Quin-Harkin
  Publisher: Ellingstar Media
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Originally published in the 80s, Heartbreak Cafe (the first in a series) is a fun, typically American story in the tradition of TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210.

• Heart-Shaped Bruise

  Author: Tanya Byrne
  Publisher: Headline Publishing
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Lying forgotten on top of a wardrobe at the Archway Young Offenders institution is a notebook. Inside its pages, the notorious Emily Koll reveals the story she has refused to tell anyone, even her psychiatrist - the truth about the crime she committed, and why she did what she did to her best friend, Juliet.

• Heartstopper

  Author: Alice Oseman
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  An utterly charming, slow-burn love story between two boys. This heart-warming graphic novel captures every moment of the joy and terror of having a crush on someone.

• Heaven

  Author: Christoph Marzi Translator: Helena Ragg-Kirkby
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 10+

  While making his way across the rooftops of London one night, David meets Heaven, a beautiful, mysterious girl who has had her heart viciously ripped out. Yet she remains alive…

• Heaven Eyes

  Author: David Almond
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  A beautifully written tale about three lonely, frustrated children who live in Whitegates children's home.

• Heavy Metal Badger

  Author: Duncan Beedie
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Funny picture book about a Badger who is loud and wild and eventually finds his tribe in a heavy rock band. 

• Hector and Hummingbird

  Author: Nicholas John Frith
  Publisher: Scholastic/Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  The story of Hector and Hummingbird is a lovely one for children with - sometimes irritating but always lovable - little brothers and sisters. The 1950s style and colouring of this fantastic picture book is very appealing.

• Hector and the Big Bad Knight

  Author: Alex T Smith
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  When the Big Bad Knight steals Granny's magic wand, Hector offers to get it back for her. 

• Hedgehog Holidays

  Author: Ruth Green
  Publisher: Tate
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Herbert and Hilda Hedgehog have been enjoying a book about the seaside and decide to go and see it for themselves. This gentle story has a bouncy rhyme, and the tone remains sweet and upbeat throughout.

• Hedgewitch

  Author: Skye McKenna
  Publisher: Welbeck Flame
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When Cassie escapes her dreary boarding school, she's astonished to discover a magical world of witches - and what might be the secret to her long-lost mother's disappearance...

• Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor

  Author: Laurie Wallmark Illustrator: Katy Wu
  Publisher: Sterling
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Who was the real Hedy Lamarr? Was she the sensational movie star? Or was she an incredibly clever inventor whose most famous creation helped develop Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology? This wonderful book takes a closer look.

• Held in Love

  Author: Dawn Casey & Oamul Lu
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This beautiful, quiet book captures a new mother’s hopes for her new baby, and a message that whatever happens in life, love will see them through. Perfect for a dreamy, cuddly read.

• Hell and High Water

  Author: Tanya Landman
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11-16
  Reading age: 11+

  A historical adventure following one boy's fight for justice at a time when corruption, prejudice and brutality were commonplace - and society seemed to value wealth and status above honesty and integrity.

• Hello Darkness

  Author: Anthony McGowan
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Johnny Middleton is hiding in the boys toilets to avoid double maths when a shower of dead stick insects hit the floor.

• Hello Garage

  Author: Nicola Slater
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Nosy Crow’s series of board books featuring Ludo the cat is great for toddlers who love to turn flaps, and any little animal enthusiasts. A deceptively simple book that has interest and detail.

• Hello H2O

  Author: John Agard Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A brilliant collection of poems from John Agard that take a traditionally un-poetic subject – science – and imbue it with the sense of the marvellous it truly deserves.

• Hello Lighthouse

  Author: Sophie Blackall
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Sophie Blackall won the Caldecott Medal in the US for Hello Lighthouse and it’s easy to see why. Her artwork is stunning in this lovely book about the passing of time, which children will pore over, caught up in its magic.

• Hello little Egg!

  Author: Puffin
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 2-6
  Reading age: 5+

  The first in a new series of picture books from the phenomenally successful children's TV series Puffin Rock is as cute and appealing as you would expect - and a great bedtime choice for any young fan of the show.

• Hello Tilly

  Author: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 3+

  Tilly has a yellow storybook, and the characters in it become a house full of friends.

• Hello World!

  Author: Paul Beavis
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Monster is bored as Mr and Mrs Mo are too busy to play with him. He decides to pack his bag, and sets off to see the world. Warmth and humour abound in this exuberant tale of adventure and friendship.

• Hello Zoo

  Author: Nicola Slater
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  Ludo the cat has come to the zoo in this cute and colourful board book. He peeks behind the giant fold-out flaps to find some other animals to play with... The lovely illustrations here have lots of little details to enjoy.

• Hello, Friend

  Author: Rebecca Cobb
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This warm-hearted picture book about making friends is a perfect read for little ones starting school or nursery who might be a bit nervous, reassuring them that there will be lots of other children who will want to make friends.

• Hello, Frog

  Author: Isabel Otter Illustrator: Sophie Ledesma
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  Join Frog on a jungle journey and say hello to lots of friendly creatures along the way, in this bright, fun and interactive board book full of touch-and-feel elements, peek-through holes and easy-to-lift flaps. 

• Hello, Hello

  Author: Brendan Wenzel
  Publisher: Abrams & Chronicle
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Say ‘Hello!’ to a whole host of familiar, and more unusual, animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures in this stunning picture book with an underlying ecological message.

• Hello, Hot Dog!

  Author: Lily Murray Illustrator: Jarvis
  Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Hot Dog is having a lovely snooze on a comfy bread roll when he sees a bottle of ketchup approaching and realises he’s about to become… LUNCH! A quirky tale told in a delightful conversational style, which is full of humour and mild jeopardy.

• Hello, Mr Dodo!

  Author: Nicholas John Frith
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Martha loves birds, but she can't believe her eyes when she discovers the rarest bird of them all in the woods behind her house. It's a real life Dodo! Retro illustration and technicolour splashes make this picture book a beautiful thing to behold.

• Hello, Orange Tiger

  Author: Natalie Marshall
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  This rhyming board book has colourful, die-cut pages, which will introduce youngsters to animals, colour and habitats. Bright, vibrant and deceptively simple. 

• Hello, Rain!

  Author: Kyo Maclear Illustrator: Chris Turnham
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 3-12

  Celebrate the excitement and joy that a rainstorm can bring in this gorgeous picture book.

  A young girl watches out the window as the rain starts to ‘plink, plunk, plonk’ down from the sky, before donning her raingear and going out in the downpour to experience it first-hand. From a kaleidoscope of umbrellas to puddle jumping, mini curbside waterfalls, and w…

• Hello, Star

  Author: Stephanie V W Lucianovic Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Hello, Star captures something of the magic and mystery of space, and a sense of how all of us are connected: even a giant blue supernova and a small girl. A truly lovely and moving book.

• Hello, Universe

  Author: Erin Entrada Kelly
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Virgil, or 'Turtle' for his shyness, has a crush on Valencia - the trouble is, she doesn't know he exists. After a run-in with the school bully leaves Virgil trapped in an old well, it's up to Virgil's friends to rescue him before it's too late.

• Help Me!

  Author: Paul Geraghty Illustrator: Paul Geraghty
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 8+

  In this beautifully illustrated story based on real animal behaviour, benevolence from the most improbable sources helps to maintain the status quo during a day at the waterhole.

• Help! The Wolf is Coming

  Author: Cedric Ramadier Illustrator: Vincent Bourgeau
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Relish the tension, as you are stalked by the wolf and encouraged to manipulate the book to scare him away. The black wolf is stark against a green and yellow landscape.

• Help: My Cat’s a Vlogging Superstar!

  Author: Rae Earl
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  When Millie’s best friend Lauren is mortified by an Instagram post, Millie makes a vlog to cheer her up. Rae Earl has a real talent for writing a charming and funny story that handles life problems particularly well.

• Helping Hercules

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Seven Greek myths with a twist: the introduction of an extra character in the shape of a small, and somewhat stroppy, girl named Susan.

• Hen in the Bed

  Author: Katrina Charman Illustrator: Guilherme Karsten
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  This charming version of the classic counting song “Ten in the Bed” features a cast of adorable animals all doing the bidding of the rather bossy hen, who realises right at the last minute that maybe shedoesn’t want the bed to herself at all… 

• Henry Tumour

  Author: Anthony McGowan
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 9+

  Henry Tumour is certainly a memorable book: it's funny, shocking, and thought-provoking, too. Just be warned that the language is extreme throughout!

• Her Idea

  Author: Rilla Alexander
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Inspired by Rilla Alexander's own experiences of working with children who can get frustrated about finishing a story or a picture, this is a how-to book about Rilla's own practice of keeping an ideas journal.

• Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies

  Author: Alison D Stegert
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Set in 1889, against a backdrop of increasing protest from women wanting more choices and of rapid technological change, this is a fun and fascinating tale of intrigue and sisterhood.

• Her Name's Not Cruella De Vil

  Author: Anna Lavatelli Translator: from Italian by Denise Muir
  Publisher: Il Battello a Vapore
  

  This book starts as a garrulous tale of teenage angst and turns into a slower-paced, dramatic account of life in fascist Italy and Stalinist Russia. The young narrator, Katia, tells how she used to be at odds with her world and how misplaced anger led her to vandalise the property of an elderly lady. Her friends are sent on work placements but Katia is order…

• Hercufleas

  Author: Sam Gayton
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8

  This is an unusual and imaginative fairy tale adventure. A fast paced and exciting story, scattered with wonderful pencil drawings, it is also a reminder that the little things in life can be very significant. This will delight young readers with its originality and fun!

• Hercules: The Diary of a (Sort Of) Hero

  Author: Tom Vaughan Illustrator: David O'Connell
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Hercules' plan to play it cool when he starts secondary school goes awry when he becomes a target for the school bully. With the arrival of his estranged Greek father, Hercules' popularity surges, but at what cost? With a generous smattering of Greek mythology, this laugh-out-loud tale explores the nature of friendship, love and loyalty with a perfect mix of…

• Here be Monsters

  Author: Jonathan Emmett Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This brilliantly funny story uses rhyming text and very entertaining and colourful illustrations to keep young readers amused (and adults too).

• Here Comes Frankie!

  Author: Tim Hopgood
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Describing music using words is tricky - but by adding pictures, Tim Hopgood creates musical magic on the page.

• Here Comes Lolo

  Author: Niki Daly
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Set in South Africa, this charming collection of four short stories about the everyday adventures of a young girl has broad appeal. Each tale focuses on small but significant events in the life of Lolo, who is a fun-loving, likeable character. 

• Here I Am

  Author: Patti Kim
  Publisher: Curious Fox
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: wordless

  The word-less book deals with the challenges of leaving a beloved home; coming to terms with the big changes you face in your new world; and the emotions surrounding this journey.

• Here I Stand

  Author: Various Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Walker Books/Amnesty International
  Interest age: 12-18
  Reading age: 12+

  These short stories by writers such as Sita Brahmachari, Matt Haig and Frances Harding, with illustration by Chris Riddell, put current and continuing political situations in context for young people. Not an easy read, but a necessary one.

• Here in the Real World

  Author: Sara Pennypacker
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Wade loves spending time in his own world, but when his summer plans are upended, will he finally be the hero he dreams of becoming? A beautiful, heartfelt tale.

• Here Lies Arthur

  Author: Philip Reeve
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 11+

  The violence is darkly terrifying, the sense of landscape immediate and haunting and Gwyna/Gwyn's shifting gender permits Reeve to cast a unique, strikingly vivid glimpse into dark-age Britain.

• Here We Are

  Author: Oliver Jeffers
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This manual to life on Earth from new dad Oliver Jeffers to his baby son is simple, life-affirming and showcases the beautiful diversity in the world.

• Here We Are: Book of Animals

  Author: Oliver Jeffers
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  A very nicely produced ABC book that also teaches little ones to name animals, which makes it doubly lovely.

• Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

  Author: Sophie Fatus
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  A multicultural take on a familiar old nursery rhyme, which transports each familiar activity into everyday life in Britain, West Africa, India and China.

• Heriot

  Author: Margaret Mahy
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Heriot Tarbas has always been a troubled child but whether he causes, or attracts, trouble is unclear.

• Herman's Letter

  Author: Tom Percival
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Herman the bear and Henry the raccoon have been friends for as long as anyone can remember - but then Henry has to move away.

• Hermelin: The Detective Mouse

  Author: Mini Grey
  Publisher: Jonathan Cape
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Hermelin the Detective Mouse lives in the attic at the top of Number 33 Offley Street. From here, with the help of his trusty typewriter and binoculars, he solves all kinds of mysteries

• Hero

  Author: Sarah Lean Illustrator: Gary Blythe
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  A gentle, imaginative story that looks at the importance of friendships and truthfulness.

• Hero at the Fall

  Author: Alwyn Hamilton
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 13-17
  Reading age: 10+

  Using every ounce of her resources, Amani is determined to continue the fight for Miraji and to bring justice and peace to her homeland. The final instalment in an epic fantasy adventure trilogy, packed full of myth, magic and merciless battles. Engrossing.

• Hero on a Bicycle

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  The first novel from much-loved author and illustrator Shirley Hughes is a thrilling and moving story about a boy and his bicycle, set against a dramatic background of war-torn Italy

• Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune

  Author: Rick Riordan
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  An enthralling page turner sure to delight Percy Jackson fans everywhere

• Heroes: Incredible True Stories of Courageous Animals

  Author: David Long & Kerry Hyndman
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  For as long as there have been wars, animals have been saving lives. So begins the short preface to this fascinating and heartwarming book, featuring 33 true stories of heroic animals in wartime.

• Heroes: Inspirational People and the Amazing Jobs They Do

  Author: Jonny Marx Illustrator: Gerhard Van Wyk
  Publisher: 360 degrees
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This appealing, colourful book acknowledges the unsung heroes of our everyday lives, going above and beyond to help others behind the scenes. It also acts as an aspirational guide for kids who might not have considered some of these options as viable careers.

• Heroic

  Author: Phil Earle
  Publisher: Penguin Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Brothers Jammy and Sonny see their lives changed forever when Jammy joins the army and is sent to Afghanistan.

• HERSTORY: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World

  Author: Katherine Halligan Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Celebrated in this lavish hardback, the stories of 50 great women redefine their “herstory”, from disability activist Helen Keller to Indian poet, singer and saint Mira Bai and Aboriginal Australian Olympic athlete Cathy Freeman.

• Hetty and the Battle of the Books

  Author: Anna James Illustrator: Jez Tuya
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  Hetty is a bookworm, and her favourite place at school is the library. In fact, she’s been spending even more time there than she might usually, because she’s fallen out with her best friends Mei, Ali and Rocket and it feels like a safe place to be.

• Hetty Feather

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Yearling
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 7+

  Nick Sharratt's silhouettes perfectly reflect the mood of Jacqueline Wilson's first historical fiction, set in London's Foundling Hospital in the 1870s.

• Hexed

  Author: Michelle Krys
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  Hexed is a mixture of magic, romance and thriller with lots to appeal to teen readers looking for an enthralling page turner.

• Hey Presto!

  Author: Nadia Shireen
  Publisher: Jonathan Cape
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  With delightful illustrations and something of the same quirky humour that characterised her acclaimed Good Little Wolf, this is a fun and engaging story about friendship.

• Hey You! An empowering celebration of growing up black

  Author: Dapo Adeola Illustrator: Various
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A baby is born to loving parents, but as she grows up it’s hard for her to find books to read containing girls that look like her. Sometimes, as she gets older, she encounters racism, and life can be very hard. Yet, she is reminded that she stands on the shoulders of the great black community that has come before her – and that she has the power to be anythi…

• Hic!

  Author: Anushka Ravishankar Illustrator: Christiane Pieper
  Publisher: Tara Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A little girl tries lots of crazy antidotes to her hiccups, but none of them work. This book gives children the chance to add their own solutions and be creative with rhyme while doing so.

• Hiccups

  Author: Holly Sterling
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  While adults may be used to getting the hiccups, it can be a disturbing predicament for children. Author and illustrator Holly Sterling relays the frustration of Ruby, a young girl trying to cure her adorable doggie, Oscar, of the hiccups through any means possible.

• Hicotea: A Nightlights Story

  Author: Lorena Alvarez
  Publisher: Nobrow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Even if you're new to the Nightlights series, Hicotea (the second book) is a stunning place to start. Alvarez’s gloriously hallucinogenic artwork is coupled with a smart-girl protagonist and underlying themes of environmentalism and conservation.

• Hidden

  Author: Marianne Curley
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 10+

  Ebony has never understood why her parents are so overprotective. But sneaking out to a night club with friends has consequences more frightening than she could ever imagine.

• Hidden

  Author: Marcel Prins and Peter Henk Steenhuis Translator: Laura Watkinson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  This revealing, thought-provoking collection brings together true stories of Jewish children sent into hiding in the Netherlands during World War II - and provides plenty of opportunities for discussion.

• Hidden

  Author: Miriam Halahmy
  Publisher: Troika
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Alix doesn’t want any trouble with the local bullies. But then she defends Samir, a boy who has recently joined their school – and is from Iraq, seeking refuge in England. A book about a serious subject which is nonetheless warm, funny and optimistic. 

• Hidden Among Us

  Author: Katy Moran
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  When Lissy meets a mysterious boy at the train station late at night, she finds out that the Hidden - an ancient elven people - made a bargain with her mother fourteen years ago.

• Hidden Planet

  Author: Ben Rothery
  Publisher: Ladybird Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A self-confessed wildlife obsessive, Rothery’s book isn’t just a collection of his gorgeous illustration but rather a study of the hidden connections between species. Fascinating and beautiful.

• Hidden World: Ocean

  Author: Libby Walden and Stephanie Fizer Coleman
  Publisher: 360 degrees
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This is a delightfully simple introduction to the creatures of the underwater world with realistic portraits and incredible facts. Readers will get a glimpse into the diversity of our ocean habitats and explore how animals use camouflage to outwit predators.

• Hide and Seek History: The Greeks

  Author: Jonny Marx Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 6+

  In this epic book, Marx and Prabhat explore the culture, science and life of Ancient Greece. Prabhat’s illustrations are appealing and colourful and this is a real joy of a “dip in and out” book for kids with short attention spans, who might appreciate the interactive flaps too.

• Hide-and-Seek Pig

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  Help Pig find Hen by lifting the flaps on each page in this fun game of hide and seek.

• Higgledy Piggledy: The Hen Who Loved to Dance

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Elizabeth Moseng
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Higgledy Piggledy loves to dance, but how useful is a dancing hen?! All the other animals think she is silly and lazy.

• Higglety Pigglety Pop! or There Must Be More To Life

  Author: Maurice Sendak
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  A quirky story about a discontented dog who is determined to be different, from the author of Where The Wild Things Are - and illustrated with his wonderfully detailed drawings.

• Higgly Hen

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Oh dear - Higgly Hen has lost her chicks! This friendly farmyard board book is a must for Scheffler fans. The addition of a fun sound button will amuse toddlers and adds an extra element of play.

• High Five to the Hero

  Author: Vita Murrow Illustrator: Julia Bereciartu
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  What if heroes weren't always the strong and silent type? Vita Murrow brings the stars from some of our favourite stories into the modern day with this thought-provoking collection.

• Highest Mountain Deepest Ocean: A Pictorial Compendium of Natural Wonders

  Author: Page Tsou
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Did you know that the Blue Whale's tongue weighs as much as an elephant, and its heart as much as a small car? Or that the Hercules Beetle can grow to 19cm long? 

• High-Rise Mystery

  Author: Sharna Jackson
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  High-Rise Mystery is the perfect ‘whodunnit’. As the two girls sift through red herrings and reveal a series of tower block secrets, short snappy sentences and sparkling dialogue will keep readers turning the pages. A mystery as hot as the summer heatwave in which it’s set!

• Hilary McKay's Fairy Tales

  Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Sarah Gibb
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  This gorgeous collection from Hilary McKay will make you see your favourite fairy tales in new and surprising ways; it's a book that you and your children will treasure.

• Hilda and the Great Parade

  Author: Luke Pearson and Stephen Davies
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  The second novel-length version of Hilda’s adventures accompanies the Netflix series and follows the graphic novels by Luke Pearson. A magical yet contemporary world that is as full of friendship, school and community as it is elves, talking birds and trolls.

• Hilda and the Hidden People

  Author: Stephen Davies and Luke Pearson
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  An illustrated chapter book based on Luke Pearson’s brilliant Hilda graphic novels, Hilda and the Hidden People is a fun and pacey adventure combining a contemporary heroine with a gentle mythological element. 

• Hilda and the Mountain King

  Author: Luke Pearson
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Hilda is turned into a troll child and must venture into the Hall of the Mountain King on a quest to become human again in the sixth instalment of Luke Pearson's brilliant graphic novel series.

• Hilda and the Runaway Baby

  Author: Daisy Hirst
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A sweet story of an unexpected friendship, with a porcine heroine you won't forget in a hurry! Daisy Hirst's bright colours and loose paintery style are a delight to behold, and Hilda herself is a fabulous character.

• Hilda and the Stone Forest

  Author: Luke Pearson
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  In her fifth adventure, the daring Hilda is back on form with plenty of strange magic, but this time with mum in tow. This allows Pearson to explore their mother-daughter relationship - as they battle two-headed trolls, of course.

• Hilda and the Troll

  Author: Luke Pearson
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Blue-haired explorer Hilda has an uncanny ability to find weird and wonderful adventures and befriend peculiar creatures.

• Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World

  Author: Judd Winick
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-12
  Reading age: 6-10

  Hilo, DJ and Gina are best friends - only, Hilo's been away in another dimension battling alien monsters. He's back now, but  weird creatures are appearing out of interdimensional portals all over town. Funny, colourful, well drawn and full of adventure.

• Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

  Author: Judd Winick
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6-10

  Colourful, action-filled and laugh-out-loud funny, with plenty of burps, farts and catchphrases, HILO is the first in a bestselling US graphic novel series for younger readers. It's also a genuinely well-told, gripping sci-fi story.

• Hip and Hop: You Can Do Anything

  Author: Akala Illustrator: Sav Akyuz
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Inspired by Hip’s helpful rap about working hard for your dreams, Hop tries and tries, and finally wheels his way into first place at the local bike race.

• Hippospotamus

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Poor Hippopotamus has a spot on her bottomus – a big red spot which simply won’t go away!

• His Royal Whiskers

  Author: Sam Gayton Illustrator: Peter Cottrill
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  This gloriously imaginative tale from Carnegie Medal nominee Sam Gayton is the perfect book for readers curled up by the fire, ready to be transported to a fantastical kingdom.

• History Atlas

  Author: Thiago de Moraes
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A fascinating, beautiful and occasionally tongue-in-cheek book of maps featuring civilisations as diverse as the Tang Dynasty, the vast empire of Genghis Khan, the Maurya empire, and many more.

• History’s Biggest Show-Offs: The Boldest, Bravest and Brainiest People of All Time

  Author: Andy Seed Illustrator: Sam Caldwell
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 8-9
  

  Who are the biggest show-offs of all time? The people that have done some of the flashiest and most outrageously impressive things? Some of them were super powerful, some others were amazingly talented and some were extra clever. This book aims to give children an introduction to some of humanity’s greats, and inspire them to want to show off about their tal…

• Hitler's Angel

  Author: William Osborne
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  In the summer of 1941, two displaced teenagers, one German, one Austrian, are recruited by the British government for a secret mission.

• Hitler's Canary

  Author: Sandi Toksvig
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Hitler's Canary, ultimately, is about the courage and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time of danger and strife.

• Hog in the Fog

  Author: Julia Copus Illustrator: Eunyoung Seo
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  A wonderful, comical rhyming story about friendship and collaboration, with lively alliterative text  and appealingly atmospheric illustrations, which make the words sing.

• Hold Me Closer: The Tiny Cooper Story

  Author: David Levithan
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 9+

  Tiny Cooper first appears in Will Grayson, Will Grayson, co-written with John Green and, although not essential, it would make sense to read this first.

• Hold On

  Author: Alan Gibbons
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  After a chance meeting with John on holiday in Florida, Annie realises that he sees her as a lifeline against the relentless bullying he suffers at school.

• Holding Up the Universe

  Author: Jennifer Niven
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 12+

  The book is narrated in turns by Libby, famous for once being 'America's Fattest Teen' and starting high school after years of being home schooled, and Jack, who seems to be one of the popular kids but secretly suffers from Prospagnosia...

• Holes

  Author: Louis Sachar
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck, so he is not entirely surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to the Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre

• Holes

  Author: Jonathan Litton Illustrator: Thomas Hegbrook
  Publisher: 360 degrees
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  A fascinating book on holes, from subways to sinkholes, as well as the philosophical concept of a hole and some surprising cultural facts. Any budding archaeologists will really enjoy this original take on the natural and built environment.

• Hollow Pike

  Author: Juno Dawson
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 10+

  Lis London had hoped that a move to the country would allow her to escape not only the bullies but also her recurring nightmares

• Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow

  Author: Jessica Townsend
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  An excellent follow-on to the two previous novels, this instalment in the Nevermoor series sees heroine Morrigan desperately searching for a cure for the Hollowpox ravaging her world.

• Holly

  Author: Mary Hooper
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Holly agrees to meet her secret admirer and is shocked when he claims to be her real father. Furious and upset, she confronts her mother, who eventually admits it to be true.

• Home

  Author: Carson Ellis
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Where is your home? Where are you? Carson Ellis explores wild and wonderful, familiar and extraordinary places that people – real and imaginary – might live.

• Home Ground

  Author: Alan Gibbons
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Sam’s football team is second to last in their league and desperate not to be relegated. They try really hard but have barely won a game all season and Jordan, their captain, isn’t much of a team player, fighting his own team and blaming them for their poor record.

  When Sam recruits skilled players Hasan and Faisal to join the team, it looks like their luck …

• Home is Where the Heart is

  Author: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  What makes home so special? This is a heart-warming, rhyming picture book for parents to share with toddlers. From playing together to cuddling on the sofa, little ones will be able to relate to the tender everyday moments they share with their loved ones.

• Honesty and Lies

  Author: Eloise Williams
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Highlighting the huge chasm separating the experiences of the richest and poorest in Tudor England, this dual narrative, historical thriller is packed with political intrigue but also with the harsh reality of daily existence.

• Honey For You, Honey For Me

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  A gorgeous collection of nursery rhymes and playground songs which toddlers and pre-schoolers will love joining in with.

• Honey’s Hive

  Author: Mo O’Hara Illustrator: Aya Kakeda
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  

  This is the first book in a new series from Mo O’Hara, the author of many hilarious picture books such as My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and the early reader Agent Moose series. It’s a lovely book for younger readers who still want something illustrated, with plenty of fun and bee facts along the way. 

  ---

  Mae Honey y wenynen yn breuddwydio am gael swydd gyffr…

• Honk, Honk! Hold Tight!

  Author: Jessica Souhami
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A King promises half his kingdo to anyone that can make his daughter smile.

• Hook or by Crook

  Author: Jan Mark Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8

  Mayhem in the Middle Ages!  The Abbot of Canterbury has been set three very tricky puzzles by mean King John.

• Hooray for Fish!

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 0-4
  

  Lucy Cousins gently introduces first concepts: simple colours, spots and stripes, being happy and grumpy, counting one two three, the difference between fat and thin.

• Hooray for Hoppy!

  Author: Tim Hopgood
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Tim Hopgood delights again with his signature heartwarming and thoughtful approach to concept books for young children. This one, a book about the senses, joins his equally fantastic previous books about colours, counting and shapes.

• Hoot Owl: master of disguise

  Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Jean Jullien
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Hoot Owl wears a selection of ingenious disguises when hunting for food, but his prey always manages to escape. Vibrant illustrations and repetitive text combine to create a comical tale of perseverance. Very silly and the illustrations are great!

• Hop a Little, Jump a Little!

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a perfect book for sharing with lively toddlers, who will love to imitate the children’s actions, as they run, skip, stretch and nod.

• Hop Little Bunnies

  Author: Martha Mumford Illustrator: Laura Hughes
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  In a field, four little bunnies are sleeping until noon. Yet, when they wake up, it’s time to hop! The popular nursery song is given an adorable makeover (with actions and animal noises very much encouraged) in this picture book.

• Hope

  Author: Rhian Ivory
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Hope has only ever wanted to be an actress, so what will she do now she has failed to get into drama school? Tension in her family life and terrifying mood changes all add to her feelings of desperation. Hope is a contemporary coming-of-age story.

• Hope in a Ballet Shoe

  Author: Michaela and Elaine De Prince
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Michaela takes the reader with her from the joys and struggles of her early life in Sierra-Leone to the challenges and delights of her life in America.

• Hope is a Girl Selling Fruit

  Author: Amrita Das
  Publisher: Tara Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 7+

  A picture book which contains a powerful message about the evolving position of women in traditional Indian life.

• Hope Jones Saves the World

  Author: Josh Lacey Illustrator: Beatriz Castro
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Hope has managed to convince her dad to switch to eco-friendly products to save the planet - but getting her sister to ditch her favourite over-packaged make-up is trickier. When Hope begins protesting outside the supermarket, she quickly attracts lots of media attention - but when she's invited to meet the CEO, will she be able to make a difference?

• Hope on the Horizon

  Author: Onjali Q. Raúf
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This interactive guide for children offers practical tips and inspiring stories about compassion, empathy, and how we can all make the world a better place through acts of kindness.

• Hopewell High: All Too Much

  Author: Jo Cotterill Illustrator: Maria Garcia Borrego
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  An absorbing school story that looks at the pressures and mental health challenges for young people when trying to live up to expectations. Part of a series that provides age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers.

• Horace Burp, Lizard Boy

  Author: Christine Tennent Illustrator: Rob Overend
  Publisher: Earlyworks Press
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Horace Burp is an eight year old boy with an unusual name and an even more unusual condition. His skin changes colour like a chameleon along with changes in mood. We join him on the day he first discovers his strange new power - and then accompany him on a series of zany adventures, during which Horace must cope with a gang of bullies, escaped rattle snakes,…

• Horrible Bear!

  Author: Ame Dyckman Illustrator: Zachariah OHora
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This sweet and simple story about friendship and saying sorry perfectly captures the frustration that children can feel when something doesn’t go right, and the relief we all feel at saying sorry and making things better again.

• Horrible Histories: Frightful First World War

  Author: Terry Deary Illustrator: Martin Brown
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 6+

  Terry Deary has created a book which details how life was in the trenches and at home during World War One.

• Horrible Science: House of Horrors

  Author: Nick Arnold Illustrator: Tony De Saulles
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  Enter the house of horrors and get up close with fleas, dust-mites, rats and germs in this entertaining book from the popular Horrible Science series.

• Horrid Henry

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Stories about naughty characters have been told for centuries, and Horrid Henry is a modern-day rogue in the tradition of Dennis the Menace and Just William.

• Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 5+

  Henry has a chance to get his hands on FA Cup tickets, if he can be declared man of the match in a class football game.

• Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Horrid Henry is not a model child. He is jealous of his younger brother, Perfect Peter, who symbolises everything that Henry is not.

• Horrid Henry’s Haunted House

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  

  Horrid Henry can't believe his mean, horrible parents are forcing him to stay overnight at his slimy cousin Stuck-up Steve's house. And to make matters worse, Steve's house is HAUNTED. Or is it?

• Horrid Henry's Revenge

  Author: Francesca Simon Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 6+

  Horrid Henry is determined to get his perfect brother into trouble, meets his match in the monstrous Bossy Bill at dad's office, and pits his wits against Greta, the evil dinner lady.

• Horror Heights: The Slime

  Author: Bec Hill Illustrator: Berat Pekmezci
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Connie is proud to be known as the ‘Queen of Slime’ at school and intends to keep it that way – even though her entire slime collection has now been confiscated by the teacher. Desperate to get a new slime to take to school next week, Connie resorts to making her own, using a recipe her dad gets off the internet. Things take a funny turn though: after she ad…

• Hortense and the Shadow

  Author: Natalia and Lauren O’Hara
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 6-8

  Hortense and the Shadow is deeply captivating and atmospheric. The message – that we all have a shadow side, and it’s part of us, not to be ignored and denied – is simply and effectively expressed. Ideal for winter bedtime reading.

• Horton Hears a Who!

  Author: Dr Seuss
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Now a major film, Horton Hears a Who! is a hilarious picture book in verse from the world-famous Dr Seuss. Horton is an elephant who takes his responsibilities of caring for smaller people very seriously. Reading this book together with your child will reinforce the need to care for other people and encourage less confident children to believe that it's okay…

• Hostage Three

  Author:
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Amy's voyage across the world in a luxury yacht takes a nightmarish turn when her family's boat is captured by Somali pirates.

• Hot Air

  Author: Sandrine Dumas Roy Illustrator: Emmanuelle Houssais
  Publisher: Phoenix Yard Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  The climate is changing and animals all over the world are struggling.  At their wits’ end, they finally call a conference to try and solve the problem.

• Hot Dog

  Author: Mark Sperring Illustrator: Sophie Corrigan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 4-5

  It’s a hot day and a lonely hot dog sausage watches the dogs playing on the beach with envy. How he wishes he could run and jump and chase his tail – if he had one.

• Hot Like Fire and Other Poems

  Author: Valerie Bloom Illustrator: Debbie Lush
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7-8

  A book of poetry filled with humour and covering so many childhood themes that children of any culture and background will find something to enjoy.

• Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend

  Author: Alan Cumyn
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  When Pyke flies into the playground, everything changes for Shiels. Pyke is a pterodactyl - and it leads Shiels to face her most primal desires. The magic realism doesn't detract from a sensitive, beautifully written tale of fitting in and being left out.

• Hotel Flamingo

  Author: Alex Milway
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Anna is determined to bring back grandeur to Hotel Flamingo, so it can once again be full of sunshine and life.  Hotel Flamingo is a sweet story of working together, being optimistic and knowing anything is possible.

• Hotel for Cats

  Author: Marie Pavlenko Illustrator: Marie Voyelle Translator: Anna Brooke
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  When Wolfgang the cat arrives for a two-week stay at a feline hotel, he seems frightened to leave his room, so the four resident cats do everything they can to make him feel welcome. This light-hearted chapter book is full of gentle humour and features charming black-and-white illustrations.

• Hotel of the Gods: Beware the Hellhound

  Author: Tom Easton
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  When Atlas’s parents get jobs at the Hotel of the Gods, he can’t help noticing that the guests seem to be actual gods; which is great fun until he accidentally releases a terrifying hellhound from the basement.

• Hour of the Bees

  Author: Lindsay Eager
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Carol's summer was supposed to be filled with pool parties and sleepovers - not helping move her dementia-wrecked grandfather from his drought-crippled ranch into a care home. But learning more about her family changes Carol.

• House Held Up By Trees

  Author: Ted Kooser Illustrator: Jon Klassen
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  A thoughtful and sophisticated picture book about the passage of time and the power of nature, which will particularly appeal to older readers.

• House of Robots

  Author: James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
  Publisher: Young Arrow
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Patterson and Grabenstein create a funny, easily read novel, liberally aided by Juliana Neufeld’s illustrations, but beneath the crazy adventures is a story of school-bullying, of a gravely sick little sister, and a boy isolated from his peers by his family situation.

• How About A Night Out?

  Author: Sam Williams Illustrator: Matt Hunt
  Publisher: Boxer Books
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  This rhyming book about what cats do at night hits all the right notes – the rhyme is bouncy, quirky and original and the cats’ expressions are priceless. A thoroughly entertaining read, with lots of opportunity for pulling feline faces!

• How are you feeling, Little Mouse?

  Author: Illustrator: Leonie Servini
  Publisher: Rily Publications
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Join Little Mouse in a conversation about emotions. Simple, repetitive text and friendly pastel illustrations give toddlers a prompt to recognise and to talk about their feelings.

• How Big is our Baby

  Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  This marvellous non-fiction book, aimed at soon-to-be siblings, charts the month-by-month development of an unborn baby in the womb. Warm, cheerful illustrations depict different genders, ethnicities and family set-ups, giving it broad appeal. 

• How Dinosaurs Really Work

  Author: Alan Snow
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 8+

  Everything you've ever wanted to know about dinosaurs is explained in a witty, accessible style in this book full of fascinating facts.

• How Do Meerkats Order Pizza?

  Author: Brooke Barker
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This fascinating non-fiction book features a wealth of fun facts about a range of animals, along with information about some of the ingenious methods scientists have devised to study them. Packed full of colourful, amusing illustrations, it is sure to appeal to budding scientists and anyone with an interest in animals.

• How Do You Feel?

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  

  From bored to curious, confident to shy, this book takes young readers through a kaleidescope of emotions

• How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

  Author: Mac Barnett Illustrator: Jon Klassen
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 4-5

  This absolutely brilliant Christmas picture book is just as deadpan and hilarious as you might expect, given this is the team that gave us Circle and Square, and The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse. New and old fans of Klassen’s will love his adorable, offbeat illustration, and the text is warm and quirky too. A real treat. 

• How Families are Made

  Author: Dr Amir Khan Illustrator: Donough O’Malley
  Publisher: Red Shed
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  All families are different, and all are special! A friendly guide to the diverse range of families, and how they might begin. 

• How Far Do You Love Me?

  Author: Lulu Delacre
  Publisher: Lee and Low
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 7+

  This addition to the 'I love you' genre has soft illustrations, a poetic text and a map identifying each place highlighted in the text.

• How Hard Can Love Be?

  Author: Holly Bourne
  Publisher: Usborne Publishing
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  Working at a US summer camp, Amber meets Kyle, the all-American boy. He can't seriously be interested in her - can he? Written with humour and warmth, Amber's story perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster that is love.

• How High the Moon

  Author: Karyn Parsons
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Inspired by the tragic true story of the youngest American ever to be executed, this ambitious novel weaves together family drama with an unflinching look at racism and prejudice in 1940s South Carolina.

• How I Live Now

  Author: Meg Rosoff
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Fifteen-year-old New Yorker Daisy is sent to England to spend a summer with her unconventional cousins

• How I Saved The World in a Week

  Author: Polly Ho-Yen Illustrator: George Ermos
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Billy's mum is determined to teach him survival skills instead of letting him go to school. So when Billy is sent to live with his dad, everything he's learned is written off as total rubbish. But judging from the news, Billy's survival skills might come in handy very soon...

• How Kirsty Jenkins Stole the Elephant

  Author: Elen Caldecott
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  Kirsty Jenkins loves the allotment her grandfather lovingly tends and, just before he dies, he asks Kirsty to look after it for him. Unfortunately, Mr Thomas from the council has other ideas and insists the allotment must go to the next person on the waiting list.

• How Loud Can You Burp?

  Author: Glenn Murphy
  Publisher: Macmillan Childrens Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a wonderfully funny and informative book, which helps us take a fresh look at the world (and universe) we live in, with no boring bits and an abundance of fascinating facts!

• How Many Legs?

  Author: Kes Gray Illustrator: Jim Field
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  How many legs are coming to my party? This is what's puzzling a little boy who has invited all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures to share his celebratory feast.

• How Much Poo Does an Elephant Do?

  Author: Mitchell Symons
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Let Mitchell Symons be your guide into the weird and wonderful world of totally useless trivia!

• How Not To Be A Vampire Slayer

  Author: Katy Birchall
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Maggie hopes desperately that her new house is haunted as she loves horror and scary stories. But is not at all prepared for what she finds. A hilarious adventure that is more funny than frightening.

• How Not To Disappear

  Author: Clare Furniss
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Hattie and Gloria are generations apart. Times and attitudes have changed, but their stories of teenage motherhood, war-damaged fathers and family secrets vividly intertwine in this moving, beautifully structured, absorbing novel.

• How the Borks Became

  Author: Jonathan Emmett Illustrator: Elys Dolan
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Evolution can be a difficult concept to explain to children, but this amusing picture book presents it beautifully. Reminiscent of Dr Seuss books, it's a fantastically funny tale with wonderfully vibrant illustrations.

• How the Grinch Lost Christmas

  Author: Alastair Heim (based on prequel by Dr Seuss) Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz
  Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  In this joyful picture book follow-up to classic Christmas tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch has changed his ways.He is no longer the grouchy, mean-spiritedhermit who wants to ruin Christmas for the Whos, the residents of Who-ville. In fact, he now loves Christmas. 

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

  Author: Dr Seuss
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you'll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he's in for a big surprise!

• How the Library (Not the Prince) Saved Rapunzel

  Author: Wendy Meddour Illustrator: Rebecca Ashdown
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  This is how every fairy tale should be written, with the protagonist - regardless of gender - saving themselves from a life of solitude and boredom. A great read.

• How the Stars Came to Be

  Author: Poonam Mistry
  Publisher: Tate Publishing
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  This enchanting contemporary folk tale about how the stars were made is exquisitely illustrated, beautifully combining colour, shape and pattern. Influenced by traditional Indian textiles, paintings and ornaments, it will make a treasured gift.

• How the Sun Got to Coco's House

  Author: Bob Graham
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  A story about how the sun shines alike on everyone all over the world.

• How the World Works

  Author: Christiane Dorion Illustrator: Beverley Young
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Your jaw will drop at the Big Bang and then you will find out that it is gravity which caused your jaw to drop. This ingenious book is a 3D extravaganza and perfect for curious young minds.

• How They Met and Other Stories

  Author: David Levithan
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  This collection of stories from bestselling YA author David Levithan shows the many sides of love - complicated, addictive, volatile, scary and wonderful.

• How to Avoid a Wombat's Bum

  Author: Mitchell Symons
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Have you ever wondered how long it would take to walk to the sun (about 2,000 years, if you didn’t burn to a crisp!)? And did you know that a snail has 25,000 teeth?

• How to Babysit a Grandad

  Author: Jean Reagan Illustrator: Lee Wildish
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  A boy gives his account of looking after grandad when the parents go out - as, of course, grandad couldn't possibly be babysitting him. This very sweet and funny story will have you grinning from ear to ear.

• How to Bake a Sausage Dog

  Author: Kirsten Reinhardt Illustrator: David Roberts Translator: Siobhán Parkinson
  Publisher: Little Island
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  It’s no surprise that this book won the Oldenburger Prize for Children’s Books. Reindhart has created an irresistible world of surrealism. The quirky details, alluring mystery and wonderful characterisation are what make this a must-read.

• How to Be a Bawse

  Author: Lilly Singh
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12-18
  Reading age: 12+

  Lilly Singh is a phenomenally successful YouTuber known as Superwoman, and that's a name rightly earned if this book is anything to go by. Lilly's collection of life lessons and coaching tips are designed to help young people conquer life and work.

• How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs

  Author: Dr Punam Krishan Illustrator: Sol Linero
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 6-8

  What is a doctor and how do you become one? What do doctors need to learn, and what are the different kinds of doctors you can be? Answering these and many more questions, such as ‘Who looks after older people?’ and ‘What happens when someone has a baby?’ this helpful picture book, perfect for mid-and upper-primary readers, explains how a variety of peo…

• How To Be A Lion

  Author: Ed Vere
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Leonard is a gentle lion: just because you’re a lion doesn’t mean that you have to roar. A book about ignoring the aggressive voices in our society and lending an ear to our quieter thoughts, this is a warm and reassuring story. 

• How to be a Real Ballerina

  Author: Davina Bell Illustrator: Jenny Løvlie
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This fun-filled picture book is narrated by a delightful young girl, who shares her thoughts on how to become a real ballerina. A light-hearted, inclusive tale with a diverse cast of characters, which will delight aspiring dancers, especially those who don’t quite conform.

• How To Be a Tiger

  Author: George Szirtes Illustrator: Tim Archbold
  Publisher: Otter-Barry
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  How To Be a Tiger is the first collection for younger children by multi-award-winning poet George Szirtes - and it's a treat that will make little ones laugh, think and wince.

• How To Be A Viking

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Cressida Cowell came up with the idea for her How To Train Your Dragon series by sketching this little story about a timid Viking in her sketchbook. The story of Hiccup is one of believing in yourself and not measuring yourself against others' standards.

• How To Be An Astronaut and Other Space Jobs

  Author: Dr Sheila Kanani & Sol Linero
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Lots of children think they might like to be an astronaut, but what other jobs could one do and still be involved in space exploration and study? Complete with a press-out model rocket to build and pages of stickers to play with, this is an original and inspiring read.

• How To Be Cooler Than Cool

  Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Jean Jullien
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Chick suggests to their super-duper cool friends that they have fun without expecting to be cool – and everyone has a great time. Taylor and Jullien’s joyful, zingy and high-colour picture book has a lovely message and is brilliant fun for reading together.

• How to be Extraordinary

  Author: Rashmi Sirdeshpande Illustrator: Annabel Tempest
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  This inspirational non-fiction picture book introduces children to extraordinary people from across the world and throughout history. Selected from a range of disciplines, the 15 featured individuals are united by common themes of hard work and perseverance.

• How to Be Invisible

  Author: Tim Lott
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  A strange encounter with a moustachioed man in a dusty bookshop offers a cryptic answer to Strato Nyman's troubles

• How To Be Me

  Author: Cath Howe
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Since Mum died, Lucas's Dad is just so busy all the time. And just when he thinks things can't get any worse, his dad signs him up to a drama club, full of weird people. Engaging, funny and poignant, this is a story of loss, love, friendship and self-discovery. 

• How to be More Hedgehog

  Author: Anne-Marie Conway Illustrator: Danielle Dey
  Publisher: Uclan Publishing
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Lily has a stammer and when a video of her practising a school presentation is posted online, she feels humiliated. She wants to hide away but knows that she must face her fears if she is to find her own voice. This heart-warming novel incorporates themes of friendship, bullying and the environment.

• How to Be on the Moon

  Author: Viviane Schwarz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Viviane Schwarz is a beautifully inventive picture-book maker, and this book about friendship and working as a team works wonderfully with ideas of home and belonging that are invoked by a journey to the moon. 

• How to Betray a Dragon's Hero

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  High up in the treacherous mists of the Murderous Mountains, Hiccup and the Company of Dragonmark are in hiding. The witch's Spydragons are guarding the shores of Tomorrow - but Hicup is determined to become King of the Wilderwest.

• How to Brush Your Teeth with Snappy Croc

  Author: Jane Clarke Illustrator: Georgie Birkett
  Publisher: Red Fox (Penguin Random House)
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  The little girl in this delightful board book takes Snappy Croc through each teeth-cleaning step: from squeezing out the toothpaste to brushing round and round, and showing off her sparkling smile at the end.

• How to Catch a Star

  Author: Oliver Jeffers
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Once there was a boy and the boy loved stars very much. So much, in fact, that he decides he must have one of his own and sets out to catch one... Shortlisted for the 2004 Booktrust Early Years Award, this is a delightful picture book about the power of the imagination and the need for friendship, charmingly illustrated with Oliver Jeffers's quirky watercolo…

• How to Catch a Witch

  Author: Abie Longstaff
  Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  When 11-year-old Charlie and her family move to a creepy cottage in a strange village, she is lonely and miserable. Then she encounters Agatha: a retired witch. This spooky tale is an engaging combination of spells, friendship and self-belief.

• How to Change the World

  Author: Rashmi Sirdeshpande Illustrator: Annabel Tempest
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This fascinating picture book presents a selection of true stories about incredible people who have challenged injustice and worked together to make the world a better place.

• How to Chat Chicken

  Author: Dr Nick Crumpton Illustrator: Adrienne Barman
  Publisher: What on Earth Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This fun, colourfully illustrated non-fiction book explores the ways in which different creatures communicate with one another. It will delight, entertain and inform in equal measure.

• How to Draw Funny Faces

  Author: Barbara Soloff Levy
  Publisher: Dover
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  Aspiring artists will find it easy to create humorous portraits with this easy-to-follow guide. Step-by-step diagrams show how to draw little girls with unusual ponytails, a balding man, a lady with a funny hat and other odd faces by combining ovals and circles and adding curvy lines and squiggles. 116 black-and-white illustrations plus blank practice pages.…

• How to Draw People

  Author: Barbara Soloff Levy
  Publisher: Dover
  

  Step-by-step diagrams make it easy to draw people of all shapes and sizes, engaged in a variety of activities.

• How to Draw Pets

  Author: Barbara Soloff Levy
  Publisher: Dover
  

  Easy-to-follow directions make it easy to draw portraits of favourite animals. Step-by-step diagrams show to join circles, ovals and other shapes to create likenesses of 30 different creatures - from a mouse, parakeet and potbelly pig, to tropical fish, hermit crab and sugar glider. Finished drawings are also fun to colour in.

• How to Eat Pizza

  Author: Jon Burgerman
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  How do you eat pizza? Which slice do you go for first? The biggest isn’t always the best, you know. Jon Burgerman’s big, bold pizza-tastic picture book explodes with colour and bounce, with clear, bold fonts and expressive illustrations.

• How To Feed Your Parents

  Author: Ryan Miller Illustrator: Hatem Aly
  Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Bringing a real twist to family meal times, this humorous story highlights that parents can also be fussy eaters. A real treat for foodie lovers, as Matilda explores the fascinating world of cuisine. There are also recipes to try at the back!

• How to Fight a Dragon’s Fury

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is the final instalment in the How to Train Your Dragon series and it packs an emotional punch. It brings together every adventure Hiccup and his friends have had, as well as reintroducing old characters and tying up loose ends.

• How to Find Gold

  Author: Viviane Schwarz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A little girl and her crocodile companion go on an imaginative adventure in search of gold. This story celebrates the imagination, play and adventure - and Schwarz's illustrations are truly lovely.

• How to Fly with Broken Wings

  Author: Jane Elson
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is a compelling and ultimately uplifting story about making the most of life despite its challenges.

• How to Grow a Unicorn

  Author: Rachel Morrisroe Illustrator: Steven Lenton
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  A beautifully illustrated book about a young girl who gets more than she bargains for when she buys a packet of unicorn seeds for her grandmother. Fun and magical. 

• How to Grow Up and feel amazing!

  Author: Dr Ranj Singh Illustrator: David O’Connell
  Publisher: Wren and Rook
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  An all-encompassing guide to puberty, including body changes, family and friendship issues and navigating the online world. Warm, practical and useful.

• How to Hide a Lion

  Author: Helen Stephens
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  One day, a lion strolls into town to buy a hat - but the townspeople are frightened of lions and chase him away. The lion runs and runs, until he finds a little girl called Iris, who isn’t frightened of lions at all.

• How to Keep a Boy as a Pet

  Author: Diane Messidoro
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Circe Shaw is quite good at looking after animals, but not so adept when it comes to taming herself a boyfriend. But this summer, Circe is determined things will change.

• How to Live Forever

  Author: Colin Thompson
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 6+

  At night, the book shelves come to life and the library is transformed into a bustling miniature city. But Peter discovers there is one important book missing...

• How to Look After your Human: A dog’s guide

  Author: Maggie Mayhem With help from Kim Sears Illustrator: Helen Hancocks
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Using her expert knowledge and years of experience with her owner, Kim, Maggie Mayhem advises her fellow canines how to best look after their humans.

• How to Look for a Lost Dog

  Author: Ann M Martin
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 8+

  A heart-rending tale of a girl with autism who is given a dog, only to lose it in a flood. The search for her pet brings her both sorrow and happiness.

• How to Make Friends with a Ghost

  Author: Rebecca Green
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  It might feel scary to imagine being friends with a ghost – but what if ghosts were quite sweet, really? A delightful how-to guide to ghosts, with some beautiful, retro illustration and plenty of funny details. Plus, Rebecca Green's little ghost is adorable!

• How to Save a Life

  Author: Sara Zarr
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Told through two very different voices, this compelling young adult novel deals with challenging themes such as teenage pregnancy, bereavement and abuse with sensitivity and warmth.

• How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg

  Author: Emma Shevah
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Ivy can talk to animals – really – but no one will believe her. This is incredibly frustrating, especially as she is so passionate about the environment and helping wildlife.

  Nathaniel has grown up with his gran, but this summer is visiting his mum for the first time. In her will, his gran left him a letter, which said there is something at his mum’s for him…

• How to Say Hello

  Author: Sophie Beer
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  From a high five to a fist bump, from a wave to a kiss, there are so many wonderful ways to say hello. A joyous and easy-to-follow read for babies and toddlers, which explores communication and consent in a fun, vibrant and inclusive way. 

• How To Say I Love You In Five Languages

  Author: Kenard Pak
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Five children from different countries show us who they love and how to say 'I love you' in their own languages. A stylish interactive board book that's fun for pre-schoolers and older children.

• How To Spaghettify Your Dog… and other science secrets of the universe

  Author: Hiba Noor Khan Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  It could be said that physics is the science of absolutely everything: clouds to cars, time to rainbows and rain to sandwiches. But, as a subject, it can seem a bit complicated – or, can it?

• How to Speak Spook (and Stay Alive)

  Author: Ally Keenan
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10

  Donald isn’t very good at school work, but he has an amazing gift. He can see and talk to ghosts.

• How to Survive Anywhere

  Author: Ben Lerwill Illustrator: Daniel Long
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  An incredibly practical guide to 12 different terrains, with guidance on their particular challenges and top tips for survival should you be stranded there. Fascinating, brilliantly illustrated and very useful.

• How to Talk to a Tiger and Other Animals

  Author: Jason Bittel Illustrator: Kelsey Buzzell
  Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This entertaining non-fiction picture book presents many ingenious methods of communication used by a variety of wild animals: from farting fish to sneezing dogs.

• How to Train the Perfect Parents

  Author: Rebecca Ashdown
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Meet Mimi Lee, an expert parent trainer. She knows that parents don’t understand what kids want and need, but you can’t blame them, as they’ve never been trained. So just follow her three simple steps to help train your parents, too! Funny and heartwarming.

• How to Train Your Dragon

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an incredible sword-fighter, dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking hero who ever lived.

• How To Train Your Dragon 10: How to Seize A Dragon’s Jewel

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8-11

  The world may be dark in this instalment of Cowell’s supremely enjoyable Viking series, but friendship, loyalty and Hiccup’s intelligence will surely win the day.

• How To Train Your Dragon 2: How to Be A Pirate

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The second in Cressida Cowell’s epic adventure series follows Hiccup as he hones his skills and starts to realise some of his power. This continuation of Hiccup’s tale has as much humour and brilliant characterisation and world building as the first book. 

• How To Train Your Dragon 3: How to Speak Dragonese

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  The third in the series featuring Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III sees the heroic Viking warrior recall more adventures of his life as a small boy.

• How To Train Your Dragon 4: How to Cheat A Dragon’s Curse

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The fourth book in this wonderful series might put a beloved character in peril, but we know from the narrating elderly Hiccup that his younger self will save the day. A thrilling instalment of the laugh-filled adventure, which always favours the underdog.

• How To Train Your Dragon 5: How to Twist A Dragon’s Tale

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The fifth in the hugely successful series is just as likely to get kids reading as the others – the humour, illustrations and fast-moving plot are fantastic even for reluctant readers.

• How To Train Your Dragon 6: A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The sixth instalment in this brilliant series includes a dragonese dictionary for the superfan wanting to learn the language for themselves. There’s even a selection of profiles, chronicling the vital statistics of all the dragons.

• How To Train Your Dragon 7: How to Ride A Dragon’s Storm

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The seventh book in this adventure-filled, hilarious series is a must read for fans of dragons, fantasy and Vikings – as well as all of us who appreciate good friends and brilliant ideas in the nick of time.

• How To Train Your Dragon 8: How to Break A Dragon’s Heart

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The eighth book in this fabulous, action-filled series explores the Viking world even further and weaves depth into Hiccup’s story all the more, with plenty of scary dragons, peril and even a bit of romance. 

• How To Train Your Dragon 9: How to Steal A Dragon’s Sword

  Author: Cressida Cowell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8-11

  Can Hiccup find the King's Things and win the sword-fighting contest to stop Alvin the Treacherous from becoming King of the Wilderwest? The reluctant hero Hiccup is back in the ninth instalment of this epic series.

• How to Update Your Parents

  Author: Pete Johnson Illustrator: Nikalas Catlow
  Publisher: Award Publications
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  A rip-roaringly hilarious adventure, this is the brilliant sequel to My Parents Are Driving Me Crazy, and features tears, bucket loads of snot, and some very strange clothes.

• How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth

  Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Kate Hindley
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  Does your woolly mammoth need a wash? This picture book will show you how!

• How to Write a Love Story

  Author: Katy Cannon
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Tilly loves to write, but she has no experience with falling in love – so how can she write a love story? She soon finds out that research is not as easy as it sounds. This clever romance is likely to appeal to any reader with an interest in writing, reading and love.

• How to Write Your Best Story Ever

  Author: Chris Edge
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8

  If you have ever thought that you would like to write a story but you were not sure where to start then this is definitely the book for you.

• How Was That Built?

  Author: Roma Agrawal Illustrator: Katie Hickey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Illustrated in fascinating detail by Katie Hickey, this is a truly brilliant book for any child interested in skyscrapers, big bridges and sports stadiums. There’s a good level of how-to information here as well as a handy glossary.

• How Winston Came Home for Christmas

  Author: Alex T Smith
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 9+

  Designed to be begun on 1 December and completed on Christmas Day itself, How Winston Came Home for Christmas follows Alex T Smith’s previous story about Winston the mouse in another festive adventure. A lovely Christmas story that's ideal for kids who love crafts.

• How Winston Delivered Christmas

  Author: Alex T Smith
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  How Winston Delivered Christmas is a delightful book written in 24 and a half chapters that are designed to be read, one a day, throughout December. Interspersed with Winston’s story are 24 activities. A wonderful idea for Christmas.

• Howl's Moving Castle

  Author: Diana Wynne Jones
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Sophie Hatter is cursed with an old body by the Witch of the Waste and the spell can only be broken by the dreaded Wizard Howl who lives in his moving castle and likes to eat the souls of young girls.

• Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Hubert Horatio's family are fabulously rich and it seems like he has it all. But are they frittering away the family fortune? Children will love this story where kids like them clearly have the upper hand and will find much to giggle about.

• Hubert Horatio: How to Raise Your Grown-Ups

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This is the fabulous story of the millionaire family The Bobton-Trents, and how their only child Hubert becomes a responsible and sensible child due to his woefully irresponsible and senseless parents! A great first chapter book that's a fun and witty read.

• Hue Boy

  Author: Rita Phillips Mitchell Illustrator: Caroline Binch
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Hue Boy is smaller than his friends and, no matter what he eats, he doesn’t seem to grow.

• Hug

  Author: Jez Alborough
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Bobo the chimp wanders sadly around the jungle looking for someone to hug, but all the animals are already cuddling someone else.

• Hug Me

  Author: Simona Ciraolo
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  

  This is one of the loveliest and heart-warming stories around, with gorgeous illustrations to boot. A wonderful picture book that deserves a spot on your bookshelves.

• Hug This Book!

  Author: Barney Saltzberg Illustrator: Fred Benaglia
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Saltzberg and Benaglia present a stylish and enjoyable book all about the pleasure of books themselves and of the joy of reading. The rhyming text celebrates all the ways that books can be shared.

• Hugh Shampoo

  Author: Karen George
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Hugh Shampoo detests having his wild, unruly hair washed, brushed, cut or combed - in spite of the fact that his parents, Mr and Mrs Shampoo, are proud owners of a hair salon.

• Hugless Douglas

  Author: David Melling
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  Douglas, a young brown bear, wakes up one spring needing a big hug. A large round rock is too heavy and a tall tree doesn't feel right, especially the splinters.

• Hugless Douglas and the Big Sleep

  Author: David Melling
  Publisher: Hodder Childrens Books
  

  • Part of the much-loved Hugless Douglas series about a huggable bear and his friends.

  • Hugless Douglas is off to a sleepover at Rabbit's, but will some extra guests fit?

  • Funny words, ilustrations and characters should have your preschooler giggling.

• Hugless Douglas and the Great Cake Bake

  Author: David Melling
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Douglas wakes up to find sticky honey footprints leading from his cupboard to the tree outside, where the sheep are collecting everything they need to bake honey cakes. Problem is, Douglas needs to put honey on everything he eats, otherwise it doesn't taste right!

• Hugless Douglas Goes to School

  Author: David Melling
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Hugless Douglas has a great first day of school when he shows everyone his favourite activity.

• Hugo

  Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Birgitta Sif
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Hugo the pigeon is a park warden. Every day he patrols the park, talking to the dog walkers, playing with the children, and keeping everything tidy and clean. Then, one day, he meets a new, shy friend, a little girl who who stays indoors to hide. This gentle picture book beautifully celebrates the power of friendship and acceptance.

• Hugo Makes a Change

  Author: Scott Emmons and Mauro Gatti
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A simple and accessible book with rhyming text and lovely, bright illustrations, all about the importance of healthy eating, having a balanced diet and trying new foods.

• Hugo Pepper

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 10+

  Hugo Pepper is the tale of a young foundling raised by reindeer herders in the Frozen North.

• Human Kindness

  Author: John Francis and Josy Bloggs
  Publisher: What On Earth Publishing
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  Over the course of history, acts of kindness between human beings have been integral to our survival. Whether it’s as simple as sharing a smile or as brave as risking your life to save another person’s, our compassion is key to our humanity.

• Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals Are Just Like Us!

  Author: Christopher Lloyd Illustrator: Mark Ruffle
  Publisher: What on Earth Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  It turns out that humans have far more in common with animals than you might expect. The examples given in this book provide a fascinating insight and promote sympathy with the animal world – which can only be a good thing for future generations.

• Humbug: The Elf Who Saved Christmas

  Author: Steven Butler
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Featuring tons of reindeer poo, stolen mince pies, the fiercest grandma ever, a contrary reindeer, a flying wheelie bin and a riotous and irreverent look at the festive season, this is a book that, at its core, is about the true meaning of Christmas.

• Hummingbird

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Jane Ray
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Every spring, hummingbirds winter in Mexico and then fly north for the warmer weather. They nest as far as Canada and Alaska – a 2,000-mile trip! This is a book to linger over, full of facts and tips about hummingbirds, plus rich and sumptuous drawings.

• Humpty Dumpty

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 5+

  A simple board book featuring a well-known nursery rhyme with interactive text

• Hunger

  Author: Michael Grant
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Second in a series, this is a gripping, horrifyingly recognisable dystopian vision of a society re-inventing itself but with shaky rules and founded on fast-dwindling resources.

• Hungry Bunny

  Author: Claudia Rueda
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 0-4
  

  Bunny’s tummy is rumbling as he stretches to reach a juicy red apple in a tree. But it’s too high! Can you, the reader, help? This playful, interactive adventure places the child at the heart of the fun.

• Hungry Roscoe

  Author: David J Plant
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Roscoe is a little raccoon in a busy city, and he is hungry, but he’s sick of eating other people’s leftovers.

• Hurricane Child

  Author: Kacen Callender
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Caroline’s mother has gone and left an aching hole in her life. When new girl Kalinda arrives on the island, Caroline falls in love and sets out to find her mother. A rare and special, magical-realist story, which sometimes seems more like a dream.

   

• Hurry Up and Slow Down

  Author: Layn Marlow
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Hare is always full of energy and likes to do everything quickly. Tortoise moves more slowly and struggles to keep up.

• Hush... Little Bear is Sleeping

  Author: Surya Sajnani
  Publisher: QED - Quarto
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  Baby Bear is trying to get to sleep, but will the other animals stop making so much noise? Hush... Little Bear Is Sleeping is a simple board book with soothing sounds that will help your own little cub drift off.

• Hush-a-bye Bunny

  Author: Holly Surplice
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Full of affection and snuggles, this simple rhyme about Bunny's bedtime is just the thing for a relaxing good-night read.

• Husherbye

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 1-4
  Reading age: 5-7

  This soft, shushed delight of a bedtime book is perfect for getting little ones to sleep. John Burningham’s lilting text has a rolling rhythm and gentle assonance that carries the listener into a dream while listening. Husherbye, everyone; husherbye.

   

• Huxley and Flapjack Race to the Rescue

  Author: Alan Macdonald Illustrator: Francesca Gambatesa
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Meet Huxley the irrepressible koala and Flapjack the cautious penguin. Together, they have lots of adventures, but can they catch a thief? A fun chapter book packed with energy and brilliant colour illustrations.

• Hysteria

  Author: Megan Miranda
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  Sixteen-year- old Mallory is sent away to boarding school to start afresh after her boyfriend's death.

• The Adventures of Harry Stevenson, Guinea Pig Superstar

  Author: Ali Pye
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Harry the guinea pig is going to school for the first time! But the day turns out to have some unexpected results. This illustrated young reader book contains two stories and lots of charming black and white illustrations, perfect for young animal fans that aren't looking for long reads.