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Books beginning with: S

• Can You Say It Too? Stomp! Stomp!

  Author: Sebastien Braun
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  A board book specially designed for children who are just starting to talk, with sturdy flaps, bright colours and bold illustrations giving it younger appeal, too. Part of Nosy Crow’s lovely little board series that covers all kinds of animals.

• Clarice Bean, Scram!

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 7-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  Clarice Bean is back! Clarice has her summer holiday ahead of her but seems like there is nothing to do and it’s so hot. Her best friend Betty Moody is on holiday, her big sister Marcie is grumpy as ever, and little brother Minal is as little as ever. Her neighbour Robert Granger is as annoying as ever. But one day that starts out as nothing ends up being fi…

• Nick Sharratt’s Super Silly Museums

  Author: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 2+

  Nick Sharratt uses his unique and fun style to show you every kind of museum you could imagine and even leaves space at the end for you to draw your own. 

• S.C.R.E.A.M.: The Mummy’s Revenge

  Author: Andrew Beasley
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  This terrifically exciting book has it all – mystery, creepy paranormal baddies and lashings of sharp humour. You’ll be right there with Charley and Billy as they outwit the grown-ups and use their wits in their battle to beat the baddies.

• S.C.R.E.A.M: Carnival of Monsters

  Author: Andrew Beasley
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Spooky supernatural activity is mixed here with plenty of humour to create the right balance of action, fun and thrills. Sharp-witted Charley makes a spectacular wheelchair-using protagonist, alongside streetwise partner Billy.

• S.W.I.T.C.H Spider Stampede

  Author: Ali Sparkes Illustrator: Ross Collins
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Follow Josh and Danny on their terrifying trail down the plughole...

• Sadé and Her Shadow Beasts

  Author: Rachel Faturoti
  Publisher: Hodder (Hachette)
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Since her mum died, Sadé has been escaping to a magical imaginary land to deal with her grief - but the lines between the real world and her imagination start blurring as her feelings begin to get too much. A beautiful story that tackles big feelings in an accessible and relatable way.

• Sadie’s Almost Marvelous Menorah

  Author: Jamie Korngold Illustrator: Julie Fortenberry
  Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Sadie has made her own menorah for Hanukkah – but what if it’s not quite perfect?

• Sadiq and the Pet Problem

  Author: Siman Nurali Illustrator: Anjan Sarkar
  Publisher: Raintree (imprint of Capstone Global Library)
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Sadiq is excited about getting a pet for the classroom, but which one should the class choose? Sadiq is a relatable little boy from Somalia, who has everyday experiences that children will identify with.  

• Safe

  Author: Vanessa Harbour
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  In the middle of war-torn Europe, can Kizzy and Jakob save a group of lost children and abandoned horses? A dangerous journey awaits them. 

• Safe and Sound

  Author: Jean Roussen Illustrator: Loris Lora
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  The baby animals are settling down in their homes for bedtime in this very sweet and simple rhyming story that is a great addition to the bedtime routine.

• Saffy's Angel

  Author: Hilary McKay
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  This is an uplifting story about an eccentric family encased in chaos, but also full of intense warmth and loyalty.

• Safiyyah’s War

  Author: Hiba Noor Khan
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

• Saint Death

  Author: Marcus Sedgwick
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 14-18
  Reading age: 14+

  Arturo lives in Anapra, one of the poorest neighbourhoods around the Mexican border city of Juarez, where drug lords rule. A tightly plotted, dark and thrilling tale of crime, poverty and desperation.

• Sala, Mountain Warrior

  Author: Wakanyi Hoffman Illustrator: Onyinye Iwu
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  There's a school camping trip coming up, and Sala couldn't be more excited! Climbing the mountain is sure to be a big challenge - but with the help of her grandmother's stories, Sala might just be strong and brave enough to become a mountain warrior.

• Salat in Secret

  Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrator: Hatem Aly
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  

  Muhammad is delighted when he receives his very own salat prayer rug for his seventh birthday, but can he find the courage to pray in public? An engaging and touching picture book, with joyful illustrations.  

• Salem Brownstone: All Along the Watchtowers

  Author: John Harris Dunning Illustrator: Nikhil Singh
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  In this dark gothic fantasy, Salem must meet his guardian familiar, get help from some new friends and defeat mysterious dark forces.

• Salt to the Sea

  Author: Ruta Sepetys
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 15+

  A group of children flee the war in Germany, each with a secret to hide and a painful past to bear. This book is brilliantly written and tremendously sad, showing the perspective of very different characters.

• Salty Dogs

  Author: Matty Long
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Matty Long’s cartoon-style illustration, funny signage and pirate puns will keep kids entertained for ages. You’re in for fast-moving adventurous fun and plenty of dramatic exclamations with this band of dastardly dogs.

• Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts

  Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Sam Wu is scared of many things but is determined not to let anyone find out. However, after an unfortunate incident in a space simulator on a school trip, he becomes a target for class bully Ralph, who nicknames him Scaredy-Cat Sam.

• Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Spiders

  Author: Katie & Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Sam Wu has been working hard on his bravery, facing down dangerous sharks, ghosts and the dark – not to mention the annoying class bully who just won’t leave him alone. So when one of his teachers brings a tarantula into school, Sam definitely isn’t scared. And he really, really isn’t scared when he finds out later that day that the tarantula is on the loose…

• Sam Wu is Not Afraid of the Dark

  Author: Katie & Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Nathan Reed
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The quest continues for Sam Wu to prove that he is not afraid of anything. This time he is out to prove that he is not by any means afraid of the dark... This series is going from strength to strength and is a great accessible read.

• Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Zombies

  Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Sam Wu meets his toughest challenge yet – can he be brave enough to face down a zombie werewolf?

• Sammy and the Skyscraper Sandwich

  Author: Lorraine Francis and Pieter Gaudesaboos
  Publisher: Book Island Books
  Interest age: 2
  Reading age: 4

  Sammy is hungry and he's going to make a sandwich - the biggest sandwich in the world! But are his eyes bigger than his tummy?

• Sammy Claws the Christmas Cat

  Author: Lucy Rowland Illustrator: Paula Bowles
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Meet Sammy Claws, Santa’s sleepy pet cat, who has a more adventurous Christmas Eve than he first anticipates! The rhyming text and humorous antics of the lovable cat make this an ideal tale to read aloud to young children during the festive period. 

• Sammy Striker and the Football Cup

  Author: Catherine Emmett Illustrator: Joe Berger
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Can Sammy work out why she can’t score a goal? Fizzing with energy and positivity, this rhyming picture book explores finding the confidence to embrace your individuality.

  ---

  Mae Sammy wrth ei bodd yn chwarae pêl-droed! Un diwrnod, mae hyfforddwr y tîm cenedlaethol yn sylwi ar ei photensial. Ond bob tro mae hi'n anelu at y gôl, mae'r bêl yn gwyro i'r ochr. Sut…

• Sammy the Shy Kitten

  Author: Holly Webb Illustrator: Sophy Williams
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 5
  Reading age: 7

  Emma wants to adopt one of the kittens from her riding stables, but they are half wild. She must convince her mum that Sammy, the shy kitten, will be happy as a pet. This sweet and gentle animal story bridges a reading gap before novels.

• Santa Baby

  Author: Smitri Prasadam-Halls Illustrator: Ada Grey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Having been told they're too young to join Santa on Christmas Eve, Santa Baby and Roo discover two presents left behind and decide to chase Santa round the globe. This exciting Christmas adventure story is jam-packed with colour and rhyme.

• Santa Claude

  Author: Alex T Smith
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6-10

  It's Christmas Eve and Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes have gone to a party, leaving Claude and Sir Bobblysock alone. But then Claude hears a funny noise downstairs, and finds Santa himself! Prepare for plenty of panache, puns and Christmassy fun.

• Santa Claus vs The Easter Bunny

  Author: Fred Blunt
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Fred Blunt’s anarchic, hilarious story delights with a fat, complacent Santa and an exhausted, desperate Bunny whose bad deed manages to come right in the end. A delightful mash-up (or meltdown) of festive characters, full of genuine laughs.

• Santa Post

  Author: Emma Yarlett
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  After Amy's letter to Santa is damaged, will he and the elves be able to figure out what she wants for Christmas? A heartwarming picture book with a fun, interactive element.

• Santa Selfie

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Anna Chernyshova
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Father Christmas wants a little me time so heads off for a holiday... but it's not long before everyone recognises him and wants a selfie! An original take on a Christmas picture book.

• Santa’s Christmas Countdown

  Author: Kathryn Jewitt Illustrator: Sebastien Braun
  Publisher: Townhouse Publishing Ltd
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Santa’s lost his to-do list! Will he remember everything before Christmas? A fun touch-and-feel book starring a Black Santa.

• Santa’s Wonderful Workshop

  Author: Elys Dolan
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Father Christmas is planning for another year but is beset by continual problems. He brings in some additional penguin workers, but they're rather rowdy and things keep going wrong. Like all Dolan's picture books, this is utterly joyful and endlessly original. 

• Santa's New Sleigh

  Author: Caroline Crowe Illustrator: Jess Pauwels
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s ready to leave the North Pole in his sleigh, but there’s a problem: the engine’s dead, and spare parts can’t be had for love nor money! Is Christmas cancelled?

• Sapphire Battersea

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Another fact-filled and exciting slice of working-class Victorian life, showing readers how young people used to live

• Saving Celeste

  Author: Timothee de Fombelle Translator: Sarah Ardizzone
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Step into a future where tower blocks rise hundreds of floors up into the sky, where nobody goes outdoors except in their car, and society is run by a giant multinational corporation, ‘!ndustry’. Meanwhile, Earth’s natural habitats have shrunk to tiny fenced-off areas, the air is full of smog and the rivers and seas heavily polluted – yet no one seems to car…

• Saving Daisy

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

  Daisy's mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it. As far as Daisy's concerned, it's all her fault.

• Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant

  Author: Trang Nguyen Illustrator: Jeet Zdung
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 12+

  Created by environmental activist Trang Nguyen and award-winning manga artist Jeet Zdung, this is a great story that will delight young animal activists and enthusiasts, based on a true story.

• Saving Mr Hoot

  Author: Helen Stephens
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 2-6
  

  A funny and heartwarming story about a young boy’s mission to protect an owl and old beech tree. Children – and adults – will love the surprise ending and joining in with the hooting.

• Saving Neverland

  Author: Abi Elphinstone Illustrator: Geraldine Rodriguez
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  An enchanting reimagining of Peter Pan for contemporary times, where Martha must help Peter stop Captain Hook’s curse.

• Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear

  Author: Trang Nguyen Illustrator: Jeet Zdung
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Based on a true story, this stunning graphic novel follows Chang as she fights to protect her local forests and wildlife, and rewild a young sun bear, Sorya, who was captured by poachers as a cub.

• Saving Winslow

  Author: Sharon Creech
  Publisher: Guppy Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Louie takes on the challenge of saving Winslow the baby donkey, but can he let Winslow go when the time is right?

• Sawbones

  Author: Catherine Johnson
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  In 18th century London, 16-year-old Ezra is working as apprentice to a highly respected surgeon, William McAdam. 

• Say Goodbye... Say Hello

  Author: Cori Doerrfeld
  Publisher: Scallywag Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Even the most difficult times, like saying goodbye to a pet when it dies, or a friend when they move house, can lead to saying hello to a heart full of emotion and letting go. Cori Doerrfeld's beautiful picture book is perfect to talking to children about feelings of sadness or in times of change.

• Say hello like this!

  Author: Mary Murphy
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Six animals show how they say 'hello'.

• Say No to the Dress

  Author: Keren David
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A refreshingly honest and very funny account of how one girl goes into battle with puberty but works out that a peace treaty is often the best way to resolve conflict. A super-readable format makes the story accessible to a wide range of reading abilities.

• Say Zoop!

  Author: Hervé Tullet
  Publisher: Handprint Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  This fun, interactive book contains different instructions for different coloured dots, such as making the noise louder, quieter, go up and down or even shake. It will have both adults and toddlers laughing in no time.

• Scales and Scoundrels

  Author: Author Sebastian Girner Illustrator: Galaad and Jeff Powell
  Publisher: Image Comics
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10-12

  Luvander and her companions go on an expedition to find The Hall of Dreaming Teasures. Their journey is like a cross between Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings. A fun fantasy adventure packed with action and humour and comic-style ilustrations.

• Scared?

  Author: Neal Zetter and Joshua Seigal Illustrator: Zoe Williams
  Publisher: Troika
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A vibrant collection of funny, thoughtful and inventive poems, perfect for sharing in the classroom and for reading aloud.

• Scareground

  Author: Angela Kecojevic
  Publisher: Neem Tree Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  12 year old Nancy Crumpet loves nothing more than talking to the sky, going on adventures with her best friend Arthur, and eating the delicious cakes and pies that her adoptive parents make in their bakery. But despite her charmed life, Nancy's past is full of secrets she's desperate to unravel. Could the mysterious Scareground be hiding some answers?

• Scarlet Ibis

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 7+

  At times heart-rending, this is a powerful story which skilfully gains our sympathy for those who are often misjudged, feared and derided by society.

• Scarlett

  Author: Cathy Cassidy
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Twelve-year-old Scarlett is a rebel: outrageous clothes, tongue stud, total contempt for authority and thinks she is totally cool.

• Scarlett Dedd

  Author: Cathy Brett
  Publisher: Hodder Headline
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 9+

  Scarlett is dead. Which sucks. She's stupidly gone and accidentally killed herself while trying to get out of a school trip.

• Scavenger: Chaos Zone

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  The second in the Scavenger series, Chaos Zone finds York and his robot Zoid friend Belle exploding from a ventilation tube into a strange forest. A thousand years into space, the animals and plants aboard the city-sized Biosphere spaceship have mutated. But what has happened to the humans on board the ship?

• Scavenger: Zoid

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Fourteen year-old York is one of the few humans left on the Biosphere, a huge spaceship adrift in space. He's a scavenger; one of the brave few that leaves the safety of the Inpost to kill zoids for their useful mechanical parts. Once robots that served humans, the killer zoids hunt their human prey mercilessly…

• Scenes from the Epic Life of a Total Genius

  Author: Stacey Matson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10-12

  Arthur Bean is back and set to prove he’s a creative genius in this hilarious follow-up from A Year in the Life of a Total and Complete Genius. As with the first title in this series, this is a great, funny take on the diary format.

• School Bus Saves The Day

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Louise Conway
  Publisher: QED
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  The School Bus must save the day when the carnival Queen and King are in danger of missing their carnival.

• School for Princes: Stories from the Panchatantra

  Author: Jamila Gavin Ilustrated by Bee Willey
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  In these stories the Princes learn how to have self-control and wisdom, to be aware of treachery and to seek peace

• Science and Me

  Author: Ali Winter Illustrator: Mickaël El Fathi
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This beautifully-designed, mixed media non-fiction book introduces young people to a selection of exceptional scientists, all of whom have been awarded the Nobel Prize in physics, chemistry or medicine.

• Science Ideas in 30 Seconds

  Author: Mike Goldsmith Illustrator: Melvyn Evans
  Publisher: Ivy Kids
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  This easy-to-read book illuminates a series of great science ideas, from Ancient Greece to the present day.

• Science Tales

  Author: Darryl Cunningham
  Publisher: Myriad Editions
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  This graphic novel takes on controversial topics like climate change and fracking to separate the truth from the fiction in a fun but informative way.

• Scientists are Saving the World!

  Author: Saskia Gwinn Illustrator: Ana Albero
  Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7-9

  A little boy is watching TV with his mum one day and starts asking questions about scientists. What are they doing to save the world right now?

  ---

  Mae Scientists are Saving the World yn llyfr lluniau gwreiddiol a deniadol iawn, yn tynnu sylw plant ifanc at amrywiaeth o wahanol fathau o wyddonwyr mewn fformat cyfeillgar a lliwgar.

• Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor

  Author: Helen Castles
  Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Who’s publishing bad news before it happens? Scoop McLaren is determined to find out, before the town of Higgity Harbour is destroyed forever. Pitched somewhere between Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo, this is a light-hearted and fast-paced adventure mystery. 

• Scoop McLaren: Waves of Mystery

  Author: Helen Castles Illustrator: Beatriz Castro
  Publisher: New Frontier
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When a surfing competition comes to town, Scoop McLaren is eager to cover the story - but what will happen when she uncovers some foul play? A page-turning mystery with a fantastic case for children to crack.

• Scoot!

  Author: Katie Blackburn Illustrator: Jim Smith
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This fun-filled celebration of the joy of scootering is sure to be a hit with all young two-wheeled riders. Energetic and joyful rhyming text, as well as bright illustrations, makes this an enjoyable read.

• Scramasax

  Author:
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  This thought-provoking historical novel is the sequel to the acclaimed Bracelet of Bones.

• Scrap

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Alessia Trunfio
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Scrap the robot has vowed never to help another human. Now two children need him, and he’s catapulted into a breakneck adventure full of action and humour. A fantastic read.

• Scribble Witch: Notes in Class

  Author: Inky Willis
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  When a tiny, papery witch springs from Molly’s pen pot, she hopes for some magical help but what she actually gets is trouble – with a capital T! 

• Scruff

  Author: Alice Bowsher
  Publisher: Cicada Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A rather scruffy man goes to the dog pound and finds a dog which is just as scruffy as him: Scruff! But Scruff doesn’t want to jump and run around like the other dogs. Scruff just wants to be pampered!

• Sea of Whispers

  Author:
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Growing up within an isolated island community, Hetty develops a unique connection with an old woman washed up by the sea.

• Seaglass

  Author: Eloise Williams
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 10+

  As the week draws on in a bleak Welsh caravan park, 13-year-old Lark feels increasingly anxious and soon senses a presence hiding in the sea fog. This chilling ghost story will have readers gripped from the outset. 

• Seahorse: The Shyest Fish in the Sea

  Author: Chris Butterworth Illustrator: John Lawrence
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 8+

  Seahorses are one of the most fascinating and ancient creatures that inhabit the oceans and this book explores their life-cycle and habits in some detail.

• Seal Surfer

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A welcome re-publication of Foreman's timeless and evocative account of a boy's relationship with life and death.

• Search & Find: A Christmas Carol

  Author: Original story by Charles Dickens retold by Sarah Powell with an introduction by Cindy Sughrue Illustrator: Louise Pigott
  Publisher: Studio Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This search and find book takes children through the different stages of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story with lots of things to look for; a lovely activity for Christmas Day, whether you're young or old.

• Search and Find: Alphabet of Alphabets

  Author: Mike Jolley and Amanda Wood Illustrator: Allan Sanders
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A book with 26 differently illustrated and themed alphabets is an original idea, and it’s fun to dip in and out of – both to marvel at Allan Sanders’ fabulous eye for design, and perhaps in schools as a source of advanced vocabulary-building for Years 2 and 3.

• Seaside Poems

  Author: Jill Bennett Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a delightful collection of seaside poems, beautifully illustrated by award-winning illustrator, Nick Sharratt.

• Season of the Witch: A Spellbinding History of Witches and Other Magical Folk

  Author: Matt Ralphs Illustrator: Nuria Tamarit
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This beautifully illustrated book provides an introduction to a variety of magical cultures, from Haitian vodou and Central American brujeria to more well known practices such as Wicca.

• Second Best Friend

  Author: Non Pratt
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  An electric coming-of-age story, Non Pratt deftly uses a school political race to highlight other kinds of school politics: the minefield of boys and girls and friendships and relationships and how overwhelming and all-consuming these can be.

• Seconds Away

  Author: Harlan Coben
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Taking up the story exactly where Shelter left off, this action-packed thriller follows Mickey, Spoon and Ema as they continue to unravel the mystery of the Abonea Shelter.

• Seconds Out

  Author: Dan Tunstall Illustrator: Dave Shephard
  Publisher: A&C Black
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 9+

  Andy Cope’s self-worth centres on his reputation as the hardest lad in Year 10 – a reputation he frequently has to fight to maintain

• Secret Agent Mummy

  Author: Steve Cole Illustrator: Donough O'Malley
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  With lively black and white illustrations and historical facts about ancient Egypt, this is a humorous and action-packed new series.

• Secret Breakers: The Power of Three

  Author: Helen Dennis
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  When Brodie Bray receives a mysterious coded message through the post, she founds herself suddenly drawn into a strange new world of secret codes and ciphers.

• Secret Friends

  Author: Elizabeth Laird Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Rafaella suffers daily name-calling from her peers. Lucy feels partly responsible, having herself invented the nickname 'Earwig' as a result of Rafaella’s prominent ears.

• Secret Horse

  Author:
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  The sequel to Nobody's Horse continues the story of Abby and her god-fearing family on a Californian ranch in the mid 1960s.

• Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes

  Author: Dara O'Briain (with Sally Morgan) Illustrator: Dan Bramall
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A whistle-stop tour through all the extraordinary things that happen behind the scenes to make our normal lives happen: science is going on everywhere, all the time. Funny and fascinating and it looks gorgeous, too. 

• Secrets

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Posh India and streetwise Treasure forge a friendship based on a shared secret – they lead unhappy lives with inadequate parents.

• Secrets in the Fire

  Author: Henning Mankell Translator: Anne Stuksrud
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Sofia and her family flee their Mozambique village after her father is killed by bandits. They attempt to start afresh, but the dangers of war are ever-present.

• Secrets of a Rebel Rock Star

  Author: Nat Amoore
  Publisher: Rock the Boat
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Can Mac and his new friend Flynn create a musical to save their teachers? Pulsing with a love of music, this is funny and heart-warming – and a call to save the arts in education.

• Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire

  Author: Nat Amoore
  Publisher: Rock the Boat
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  What you would do if you found a million dollars in your backyard? Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire was a big hit in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. The book is fresh, fast and truly laugh-out-loud funny. 

• Secrets of a Sun King

  Author: Emma Carroll
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a glorious historical adventure with a nimble, thrilling 1920s tale, as well as a wonderful subplot set back in Ancient Egyptian times. Somehow that all does work perfectly, due to artful weaving by Emma Carroll. A totally thrilling read.

• Secrets of a Teenage Heiress

  Author: Katy Birchall
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 9+

  If you were grounded just when you had the chance to hang out with a superstar celebrity, would you risk sneaking out to have some real fun? This first book in a new series about Flick’s life offers engaging, entertaining escapism.

• Secrets of the Henna Girl

  Author: Sufiya Ahmed
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  Seba leaves rainy England for a holiday in her parents' homeland of Pakistan - only to discover she is expected to marry her cousin Asif. 'It is my honour and your honour to accept,' insists her father.

• Secrets of the Sea

  Author: Kate Baker Illustrator: Eleanor Taylor
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  This wonderful non-fiction book lets children see the staggering beauty of life under the sea.

• Secrets of the Snakestone

  Author: Piu DasGupta
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This intriguing mystery combines experiences of Paris in the late 1800s with the myth and folklore of India. An exciting adventure with just a sprinkling of ancient magic.   

• Secrets of the Tombs; The Phoenix Code

  Author: Helen Moss
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  There's a fast-moving plot, plenty of cliff-hangers and unexpected bad-guys, with humour provided by interplay between happy-go-lucky Ryan and nerdy Chloe in this engaging, informative ancient historical mystery.

• See How They Run

  Author: Ally Carter
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  International intrigue, family secrets and a contemporary plot full of twists, yet rooted in the past, make this an addictive page-turner - with a fragile, deeply determined heroine.

• See Inside Castles

  Author: Katie Daynes Illustrator: David Hancock
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  Packed full of fascinating facts about everything from banquets to battles, this delightful and engaging history book will be sure to grab young readers’ imaginations

• See Inside Great Cities

  Author: Rob Lloyd Jones Illustrator: David Hancock
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  This interactive lift-the-flap book for older children lets you explore the world's most famous cities and their amazing buildings, with eye-catching spreads and fascinating facts.

• See Inside Your Head

  Author: Alex Frith and Colin King
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Find out how your brain controls your senses with this lift-the-flap book for older children. 

• See What a Seal Can Do

  Author: Chris Butterworth Illustrator: Kate Nelms
  Publisher: Walker
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  This stunning picture book follows a day in the life of a grey seal.

• See What I Can Do!

  Author: Jon Roberts Illustrator: Hannah Rounding
  Publisher: Graffeg Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  See What I Can Do! introduces a range of characters (based on real-life children) who each share an insight about disability and point out the challenges but also positive aspects of their lives. A beautiful book that celebrates individuality, empathy and understanding. 

• See You in the Cosmos

  Author: Jack Cheng
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Alex has built his own rocket and he's going to launch it into space with a golden iPod full of Earth sounds. With themes of friendship and family, this is a highly engaging and heartwarming story - a true journey of discovery.

• See You Later Escalator

  Author: Various Editor: John Foster
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  See You Later, Escalator is an anthology of rhymes and poems chosen by John Foster for the very young.

• See You Later, Alligator

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play International Ltd
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 3+

  A fabulous interactive story which encourages the reader to join in and encourages good discussion.

• Seed

  Author: Lisa Heathfield
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 13-18
  Reading age: 13+

  Everything 15-year-old Pearl knows is Seed, the nature-loving community she’s lived in all her life: cut off from the outside world and led by the mysterious Papa S. An uncompromising and truly fantastic read, Seed will stay with you for a long time.

• Seek and Find Animals

  Author: Lydia Halliday Illustrator: Amanda Shufflebotham
  Publisher: Imagine That
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Using the 'magic torch', readers can discover things like which animal has an unusually long tongue, what a wolf might eat for lunch, and how Emperor penguins keep warm on the ice. Clearly laid-out text, bold, colourful illustrations and sturdy cardboard pages make the book engaging and accessible. 

• Seek and Find Bugs

  Author: Lydia Halliday Illustrator: Amanda Shufflebotham
  Publisher: Imagine That
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Discover details about the biggest and smallest bugs, the brightest bugs, deadliest bugs and even the jumpiest bugs! Readers can find out things like which insects make the water their home, which bug is named after a famous artist, or which bug is heavier than a mouse. Readers can spotlight different parts of the page, to find and focus on specific areas of…

• Sektion 20

  Author: Paul Dowswell
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  A thoroughly absorbing story within a real historical setting

• Sensational!

  Author: Various Editor: Roger McGough Illustrator: Sara Fanelli
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Every poem could inspire a child's writing, reading or thinking, and their teachers' too.

• Senseational Illusions

  Author: DK
  Publisher: DK
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Turn science into a game with this fun, interactive book that explores the senses and the way the body reacts to different things.

• Sequin and Stitch

  Author: Laura Dockrill Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Sequin's mum has been asked to make the Princess' wedding dress! It's top secret, but the princess herself is coming to their flat to try it on - Sequin is so excited. But when a terrible disaster threatens to ruin everything, Sequin realises that the most important thing is the love that stitches her and her mum together. 

• Serafina and the Black Cloak

  Author: Robert Beatty
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 12+ (quite scary at moments)
  Reading age: 10+

  Serafina has spent her life in hiding, but now it is time for her come out of the shadows to save the children of Biltmore Estate. This is a book to be devoured in one sitting, overflowing with mystery, magic and adventure.

• Seraphina

  Author: Rachel Hartman
  Publisher: Doubleday
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  In a world in which humans and dragons have come to an uneasy truce in order to live side-by-side, shy court musician Seraphina has a secret to hide.

• Set in Stone

  Author: Linda Newbery
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  In the closing years of the 19th Century Samuel Godwin, a promising young artist, is employed by Ernest Farrrow to tutor his two teenage daughters at the beautiful Fourwinds house.

• Seven Ghosts

  Author: Chris Priestley
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A chilling and unnerving ghost story that will have you convinced that, just beyond the corner of your eye, something unspeakable is looking right back at you. Ideal for readers looking for accessible text with exciting content.

• Seven Sorcerers

  Author:
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 11+

  With a roller-coaster plot, a deliciously nasty bad guy and doggedly determined heroine, this fantasy adventure, with a desperate quest at its heart, is full of action and suspense.

• Shackleton's Journey

  Author: William Grill
  Publisher: Flying Eye Book
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his brave crew set out to cross the frozen wastes of Antarctica, in what was to be the last expedition of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. 

• Shades of Scarlet

  Author: Anne Fine
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Scarlet's parents are going through a messy divorce - and no matter what Scarlet tries to do to help, she just seems to make it worse! A fabulously insightful and funny book for teens by Anne Fine.

• Shadow

  Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a candid exploration of the injustices of war, at home and away, and an unflinching account of the treatment of asylum seekers.

• Shadow

  Author: Robie H. Harris Illustrator: Patrick Benson
  Publisher: Brubaker, Ford & Friends
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  A little boy discovers and explores his own shadow. Not knowing what it is, he excitedly plays with his shadow, as it follows him, plays hide and seek and even waves at him.

• Shadow

  Author: Lucy Christopher Illustrator: Anastasia Suvorova
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This dark story will appeal to older children who like its atmospheric illustration. It is a good book to share and talk through together, providing an opportunity to discuss stranger danger, loneliness and anxiety.

• Shadow and Bone

  Author: Leigh Bardugo
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  In this richly-imagined and beautifully-written novel, Leigh Bardugo has created a vivid fantasy world drawing on Russian traditions and folklore

• Shadow Cat

  Author: Gillian Cross
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 7

   An exciting adventure novel which prompts readers to reflect upon how we treat wild animals, and respect each other.

• Shadow Forest

  Author: Matt Haig Illustrator: Sandy Nightingale
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This fantasy story is both touching and humorous, and is sure to have wide appeal.

• Shadow Girl

  Author: Sally Nicholls
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 8+

  The story examines relationships between teenager and adult, and coming to terms with past experience. Another Barrington Stoke winner!

• Shadow Magic

  Author: Joshua Khan Illustrator: Ben Hibon
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Lilith is the last surviving member of the House of Shadow - she was never meant to rule but the assassination of her family has left her no other option. This book is an exceptional start to what looks set to be a very exciting series.

• Shadow of the Fox

  Author: Julie Kagawa
  Publisher: HQ (imprint of Harper Collins)
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 11+

  In a land faraway, they tell of a mythical Dragon-god who appears only once every thousand years and can grant any wish. First of a trilogy of absorbing fantasy thrillers that draws inspiration from Japanese culture, myth and folklore. 

• Shadow of the Minotaur

  Author: Alan Gibbons
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 11+

  Combining Greek mythology with modern technology, Alan Gibbons creates an exciting fantasy adventure.

• Shadow of the Zeppelin

  Author: Bernard Ashley
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Set around Woolwich, in Flanders and in Germany, Ashley's latest powerful novel for KS3+ readers shows World War One from the viewpoint of British and German combatants, but concentrates on the little-known Home Front experience.

• Shadow Runners

  Author: Daniel Blythe
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  When 12 year old Miranda May is forced to leave her busy life in London and move to a small town where nothing ever happens, she begins to notice strange things happening - dark forces that cannot be explained.

• Shadowhall Academy: The Whispering Walls

  Author: Phil Hickes
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Set in a 1980s boarding school, a clever plot takes the atmosphere in this tense ghost story from intriguing to quite creepy then through spine-tingling to moments of complete terror.  

• Shadows of the Silver Screen

  Author: Christopher Edge
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  Penny finds herself mixed up in the exciting new world of motion pictures in this entertaining sequel to Twelve Minutes to Midnight.

• Shadowsmith

  Author: Ross Mackenzie
  Publisher: Floris Books
  

  Kirby's life is turned upside down after a terrible storm hits his hometown, leaving his mum fighting for her life.

  Soon, a mysterious girl warns him that he is in grave danger. This brilliant page-turner is full of suspense and intrigue.

• Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings

  Author: Elizabeth Laird Illustrator: Shirin Adl
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Shahnameh is an ancient Persian poem comprising a collection of stories, myths and legends which have been retold for over a thousand years.

• Shake a Leg

  Author: Boori Monty Pryor Illustrator: Jan Ormerod
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  This award-winning picture book celebrates the diversity of peoples and traditions in Australia

• Shamanka

  Author: Jeanne Willis
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sam lives, unhappily, with her drunken aunt. Her only solace is her beloved orang-utan, Lola. While locked in the attic one day, Sam finds a witch doctor's note book.

• Shampoozel

  Author: Laurence Anholt Illustrator: Arthur Robins
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Dan Druff, the jolly hairdresser, steals secret herbs from the Bad Hair Witch’s castle to repair his wife’s terrible hair, so the Bad Witch kidnaps their daughter Shampoozel in revenge.

• Shapes are Fun!

  Author: Katja Spitzer
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Starting with some basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle, oval), this well-made hardback presents a quirkier approach to a basic shape book - engaging little ones and appealing to parents, too.

• Share!

  Author: Anthea Simmons
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  Georgie Birkett beautifully captures the expressions of both big sister and baby brother in this funny and endearing picture book about learning to share.

• Sharing a Shell

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Poor crab has lost his shell, and nobody wants to share. But when he finally finds a shell of his own, he is surprised to find himself being asked to move over!

• Shark in the Dark!

  Author: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  Follow Timothy Pope, a young boy determined to see a Shark in the Dark before bed time.

• Shark in the Park on a Windy Day!

  Author: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Picture Corgi
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Timothy Pope spots all sorts of things through his telescope, but are they really sharks? A delightful Sharratt peep-hole picturebook for toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore the action and join in.

• Shark in the Park!

  Author: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  But wait it's only a cat. He looks again and there's another shark! Phew, only a crow, and the next time, it's just his dad. But as he sets off for home, is he really sure it's a shark-free park?

  Some of the fun of this book lies in the sheer incongruity of spotting a shark in this spick-and-span, candy-bright park full of smiling people. Part of the fun com…

• She is Not Invisible

  Author: Marcus Sedgwick
  Publisher: Orion Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Laureth receives a mysterious email informing her that her father's notebook has been found. She decides to travel to New York to investigate. Laureth is blind, but this book isn't about that: it's an action-packed adventure, full of twists and turns. 

• She Persisted Around the World

  Author: Chelsea Clinton Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger
  Publisher: Puffin/Philomel Books
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Featuring simply-told stories and glorious illustrations, this book about incredible, determined women from around the world is sure to inspire a generation of young readers.

• She Wolf

  Author: Dan Smith
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 10+

  An intense and original coming-of-age adventure/thriller set in the Dark Ages, featuring murder, revenge, wolves, Vikings and Norse myths. Another stunning read from a master storyteller.

• She Wore Red Trainers

  Author: Na’ima B Robert
  Publisher: Kube Publishing
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  An intriguing teenage romance, told from the perspectives of a Muslim boy and girl.

• Sheep School

  Author: Ross Montgomery Illustrator: Marisa Morea
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  William the lamb can’t stand still or be quiet for very long – but this proves useful when the Big Bad Wolf comes along! Accessible and full of humour, this is a very enjoyable story for new readers.

  ---

  Mae'r ychwanegiad pleserus hwn at y gyfres Little Gems yn llawn i'r ymylon â hiwmor, yn berffaith ar gyfer y rheini sy'n dechrau darllen ac wrth eu boddau'n ch…

• Sheets

  Author: Brenna Thummler
  Publisher: Cub House Press
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 10+

  At just 13, Marjorie has to run the family launderette. When a plan emerges to turn it into a posh yoga retreat, unexpected help comes from some sheet-wearing ghosts. A beautiful, modern, clever and funny graphic novel about bereavement and family.

• Shelter

  Author: Harlan Coben
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  In the first young adult novel from bestselling crime author Harlan Coben, Mickey sets out to investigate the mysterious disappearence of his new girlfriend Ashley.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamonds

  Author: Sam Hearn
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Young John Watson is a new arrival at the Baker Street academy. Soon he is befriended by quite a rude, lanky but very intelligent boy named Sherlock Holmes.

• Shh! We Have a Plan

  Author: Chris Haughton
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Deep in the dark of a moonlit forest, four shady hunters are out to catch themselves a bird. Or at least they’re trying...

• Shhh... Good Night

  Author: Nicky Benson Illustrator: Thomas Elliott
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  The animals in the forest are finishing their day and settling down to sleep –  it’s time for quiet and time for dreams. A beautiful, lyrical, lullaby of a book that's perfect for soothing little ones into sleep.

• Shift

  Author: Jeff Povey
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  A refreshingly original take on the popular 'teenagers surviving apocalypse' theme, this is a fast paced and thrilling read.

• Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa's Stolen Sleigh

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Steven Lenton
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Uh oh! Santa's elves have come out in spots and have been sent to bed, and polar bear Flo Frost has stolen Santa's sleigh. Will Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam be able to save the day?

• Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Aliens Are Coming!

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Steven Lenton
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Dog chefs Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are keeping very busy in these three action-packed stories.  These stories are fantastic fun for new readers and anyone looking for a jolly read with a little bit of mystery and some lovable characters.

• Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Up, Up and Away!

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Steven Lenton
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Three wacky short stories are squeezed into this fun-filled volume, featuring the cake-baking, mystery-solving dogs, Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam. With short chapters and cheery blue illustrations, this funny collection is sure to appeal.

• Shine

  Author: Candy Gourlay
  Publisher: Tamarind
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  A fascinating and mysterious tale of twins and superstition and separation.

• Shine

  Author: Sarah Asuquo Illustrator: Nadia Fisher
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-8
  

  Kai wishes he weren’t so tall, and didn’t have a scar on his cheek. His parents say that everyone is different, but can he find the confidence to be different? A charming, gentle story about low self-esteem, forgiveness and building confidence.

• Shine Mountain

  Author: Julie Hunt
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 9+

  When a young girl discovers that a magical artefact is malevolent, and could kill members of her family, she embarks on a dangerous and frightening quest to find the origin of the object and, ultimately, to destroy it.

• Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest

  Author: Harry Heape Illustrator: Rebecca Bagley
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  When Pippin discovers she possesses magical powers, she uses her newfound skills to investigate the mysterious water shortage in Funsprings. This hilarious fantasy adventure will have readers rolling around with laughter.

• Ship's Cat Doris

  Author: Jane Simmons
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Meet a brilliant cast of animal characters in this charming Cornwall story of friendship and belonging

• Shiver

  Author: Maggie Stiefvater
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Set in small-town Minnesota, Stiefvater’s moving and poetic novel of human/wolf interaction and relationships is a werewolf story like no other.

• Shiver Point

  Author: Gabriel Dylan
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A short, snappy rollercoaster of a horror story with a skilful build-up of tension from ‘This sleepy town is so bland, nothing ever happens here’ to ‘Aargh, we’re all going to die!’.

• Shivers

  Author: Bali Rai
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sam’s life changes forever when his Dad is arrested for an unspeakable crime.

• Shiverton Hall

  Author: Emerald Fennell
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Arriving at his new school, Shiverton Hall, Arthur discovers its has a strange and spine-chilling history of ancient curses and sinister secrets.

• Shoe Wars

  Author: Liz Pichon
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A madcap adventure packed with loathsome baddies, absurd inventions and heroic deeds from underequipped underdogs. Could the future of the world rest on the designs for a pair of flying shoes?

• Shoestring: The Boy Who Walks on Air

  Author: Julie Hunt Illustrator: Dale Newman
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Shoestring is a marvel on the tightrope, but what will happen when he becomes haunted by a pair of white gloves seemingly offering him whatever he wants? A remarkable, highly-illustrated novel that brims with magic.

• Shola and the Lions

  Author: Bernardo Atxaga Illustrator: Mikel Valverde
  Publisher: Pushkin
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8

  A charming story about an ambitious little dog convinced that she is actually queen of the jungle.

• Shona, Word Detective

  Author: John Agard
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A delightful celebration of lexicography in a dyslexia-friendly layout, this is a book that will surely inspire all children to find the fun in words and language.

• Shoot to Kill

  Author: Steve Cole
  Publisher: Doubleday
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Young Bond: Shoot to Kill is a real page turner with heroes and villains, adventure, action and humour. The book works well as a stand-alone novel, but once you've read it you'll be glad there is a whole catalogue of Young Bond novels to dive into next.

• Shopping with Dad

  Author: Matt Harvey Illustrator: Miriam Latimer
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  One Saturday morning, Dad is sent shopping with his excitable daughter. Enthusiastically, she starts crossing things off the list before they have even started. Things can only get worse...

• Short

  Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-13
  Reading age: 8+

  Julia has always been very short for her height. It only started to feel like a problem when she overheard her parents discussing it. Could it be that being unusually short is something to worry about? A gentle story, told with tenderness and humour.

• Show and Tell

  Author: Rob Biddulph
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 3-6
  

  It’s Show and Tell day and class 2L are very excited: one child begins by showing everyone a sunflower seed, but the children begin competing with each other to show a bigger, more impressive thing than the child before. When an alien appears and steals all those wonderful treasures, there’s only one thing left. Fortunately, it’s just the right thing to win …

• Show Us Who You Are

  Author: Elle McNicoll
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  When 12 year old Cora meets Adrien, they become inseparable. But when Cora starts to visit Adrien's dad's company - which creates realistic holograms of people - she begins to realise that nothing about Adrien's life is quite what it seems.

• Shrunk!

  Author: Fleur Hitchcock
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 10+

  When Tom wishes on a meteorite that falls in the Bywater-by-Sea Model Village, he discovers he has gained a strange new power - the ability to shrink things.

• Shu Lin’s Grandpa

  Author: Matt Goodfellow Illustrator: Yu Rong
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 4-5

  The new girl Shu Lin can’t speak English very well, but when her grandpa show the class his beautiful paintings, they communicate through art. A stunning book celebrating difference and empathy.

• Sidney, Stella and the Moon

  Author: Emma Yarlett
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  Sidney and Stella love doing everything together except one thing: they are not very good at sharing.

• Siege

  Author: Sarah Mussi
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 11+

  Leah's life is turned upside down by the Eternal Knights - a dangerous gang of bored, power-hungry Year Nine boys, armed and ready to take over the school.

• Siege and Storm

  Author: Leigh Bardugo
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  In the second installment of  Bardguo's young adult fantasy series, Alina has left her life amongst the Grisha behind her, escaping to an unfamilliar land with Mal.

• Siena

  Author: Helen Eve
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  A story of friendship, rivalry and unsettling family loyalties makes an engaging and entertaining read appealing particularly to teenage girls.

• Sign About: Meal Time

  Author: Anthony Lewis
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 2+

  A great introduction to simple signs which can be used with children from a very early age.

• Signed Stories: A Lark in the Ark

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Lynne Chapman
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  All the animals are in the ark - but they're bored and decided to play hide and seek. Via the Signed Stories app, this picture book is told with a British Sign Language performance or subtitles, as well as narration, sound effects and specially-commissioned music.

• Silas and the Marvellous Misfits

  Author: Tom Percival
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This is the third book in the Dream Defenders series and would benefit from being read in sequence. The imaginative Dreamscape setting, short chapters and lively black-and-white illustrations make it an engaging tale which celebrates individualism and promotes emotional wellbeing.

• Silence is Goldfish

  Author: Annabel Pitcher
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Tess starts to question herself and her life when things start to fall apart, although she finds solace in a bright orange goldfish.

• Silence is Not An Option

  Author: Stuart Lawrence
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Teacher and motivational speaker Stuart Lawrence is the brother of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack. This book is full of good advice and reflections on their relationship, with the aim of helping young people live successful, positive lives.

• Silly Billy

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Billy worries about so many things, like hats and rain and giant birds, that it keeps him awake at night. His Grandma comes up with an ideal solution - worry dolls to do Billy's worrying for him. Soon Billy is able to use his own resourcefulness to overcome his problem. This simple story from a former Children's Laureate is beautifully told and will reassure…

• Silly Doggy!

  Author: Adam Stower
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  When Lily finds an animal in her garden, she looks at his four legs, tail and big, wet nose and deduces that despite his enormous size, he is a dog

• Silly Suzy Goose

  Author: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  A delightful collection of action-filled pages; the illustrations fit the text perfectly and will greatly entertain young readers, while introducing new vocabulary for actions and sounds.

• Silver

  Author: Walter de la Mare Illustrator: Carolina Rabei
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This beautifully illustrated version of Walter de la Mare's classic poem about the moon's night-time adventures is sure to help your little ones nod off, thanks to its gorgeous colours and soft rhythm.

• SilverFin

  Author: Charlie Higson
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Meet Bond. James Bond. But not as you will have seen him before... James is a recently orphaned boy starting his first term at Eton.

• Simon Sock

  Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet Illustrator: Nick East
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  All the socks in the draw have pairs except for Simon Sock - he's all alone. He's odd. But when there's a voice from under the chest of drawers, will he be about to meet his perfect match? A bright and sweet book about relationships.

• Simon Thorn and the Wolf’s Den

  Author: Aimee Carter
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  Simon's world changes on the day that his mother and uncle begin to tell him the truth about his abilities. Simon needs to use his abilities and enlist the help of others to save his mother and keep himself safe.

• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

  Author: Becky Abertalli
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 14+

  Simon finds himself in trouble when an email he sent ends up in the wrong hands; will his secret about his sexuality be revealed?

• Simone Biles: Golden Girl of Gymnastics

  Author: Sally J Morgan Illustrators: Emma Trithart and Luisa Uribe
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  This accessible biography chronicles the incredible life of Olympic gymnast and world champion Simone Biles - from being shuffled between foster carers as a young child to discovering gymnastics and her path to the 2016 Olympics. 

• Since You've Been Gone

  Author: Morgan Matson
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is the perfect summer read about friendship, romance and self-discovery, written with real understanding and humour.

• Sindhu and Jeet’s Detective Agency

  Author: Chitra Soundar Illustrator: Amberin Huq
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 8+

  A funny and exciting compilation of three stories following junior detectives Sindhu and Jeet from Chennai airport to Tower Bridge and the Natural History Museum, as they put their investigative skills to the test.

• Sing a Song of Bottoms!

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Adam Stower
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 7+

  Young children will love the rhyming text which rejoices in the diversity of bottoms!

• Sing a Song of Kindness

  Author: Becky Davies Illustrator: Ciara Ni Dhuinn
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 0-5
  

  Rediscover your favourite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This gorgeous board book is beautifully illustrated by Ciara Ni Dhuinn, and every page could be put in a frame and hung on a nursery wall. 

• Sing Along With Me! Five Little Ducks

  Author: Yu-hsuan Huang
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  This super chunky board book edition has lovely bright illustrations for little ones to enjoy. It also has fabulous pull tabs to explore, revealing the next part of the song – the best one being a little wheel that makes the ducks swim round a pond.

• Sing Along With Me: We Wish You A Merry Christmas

  Author: Yu-hsuan Huang
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 2+

  It is time to learn the most famous Christmas song ever: 'We wish you a merry Christmas'. Turn the pages and follow the animals on their snowy adventure, while singing along to this festive tune.

• Singing for Mrs Pettigrew: A Storymaker's Journey

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Peter Bailey
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  Morpurgo encourages writers of all ages to nurture the seeds of creativity we all hold within us, and strives to reassure those who find school an unfulfilling and unpleasant place, as he did.

• Sinner

  Author: Maggie Stiefvater
  Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 9+

  A stand-alone companion book to the Shiver trilogy, this is an intense and gripping story of love and friendship - all set against the fast and crazy backdrop of LA. 

• Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure

  Author: Kristina Stephenson
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 7+

  A fun adventure, with big, bright, lively pictures and fold out pages

• Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of Two Treasures

  Author: Kristina Stephenson
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  The King has found a treasure map! Sir Charlie, his good grey mare and his faithful, fearless cat Envelope set out on a quest to find the treasure.

• Sir Lilypad

  Author: Anna Kemp Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  It's brilliant to see Princess Sue again and Sir Lilypad is adorable. Faultless family fun.

• Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants

  Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 7+

  When King Colin’s golden underpants go missing, he sends young Sir Scallywag on a quest to find them.

• Sir Tony Robinson's Weird World of Wonders: Pets

  Author: Tony Robinson and Jessica Cobb Illustrator: Del Thorpe
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  Bursting with amazing tales, fantastic facts and practical tips on how best to look after your pets, Tony Robinson's compendium of stories, statistics and advice will delight animal lovers of any age.

• Siren

  Author: Tricia Rayburn
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  The first in Rayburn's trilogy about modern sirens: like those of mythology they inhabit earth and water, luring men to their death.

• Sister Switch

  Author: Beth Garrod
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 8+

  Lily and Erin are sisters, but they couldn't be more different. So what on earth will happen when they find that their bodies have been swapped? A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud story with lots of heart.

• Sister, Missing

  Author: Sophie McKenzie
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Sister, Missing is the second book in McKenzie’s projected trilogy about three siblings who share a common birth mother, but a complex extended family.

• Sisters of the Lost Marsh

  Author: Lucy Strange
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  A wonderfully unpredictable, gothic-feeling fairy tale where the lines between reality and fantasy are deliciously blurred and the downtrodden female characters emerge strong and self-reliant.

• Sisters of the Mist

  Author: Marlyn Spaaij
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  It’s summer and Margot, Kyra and Janna are staying with their granny in Frygea Forest, a place full of legend. Trolls stalk the forest, as does the Hellhound, a beast with burning eyes. Worst of all are the Fog Furies who abduct the young girls they find in the forest.

• Sisters Red

  Author: Jackson Pearce
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 11+

  Scarlett and Rosie March saw their grandmother killed by a monster wolf, a Fenris. Now they have made it their mission to rid the world of Fenris and hunting is the focus of their lives.

• Six Days

  Author: Philip Webb
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  In grim, post-apocalyptic London, the search is on for the ‘artefact’, an undefined and mysterious relic from the distant past which holds the key to the future of the earth and mankind.

• Six Dinner Sid: A Highland Adventure

  Author:
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Readers are subtly reminded of the responsibilities of pet ownership, and then introduced to a variety of upland wildlife, from wildcat to golden eagle.

• Six of Crows

  Author: Leigh Bardugo
  Publisher: Indigo
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Set in the Grisha universe that Leigh Bardugo first introduced readers to in her bestselling Grisha trilogy, Six of Crows is a new epic fantasy that will both delight her old fans and thrill new ones.

• Sixes and Sevens

  Author: John Yeoman Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  A comic counting book follows Barnaby and his raft on a ten-stop journey to Limber Lea. At each village Barnaby has to collect something and his mother advises him that if he has any difficulties, he should look in his big box.

• Size Wise

  Author: Camilla de la Bedoyere Illustrator: Vasilisa Romanenko
  Publisher: Buster Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  From the big to the small, size is important and can tell us a lot about the animals and plants that live on planet Earth. This fascinating book zooms in on size to reveal all kinds of interesting facts about why things are the size that they are, and to give young readers a sense of scale.

• Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

  Author: A. F. Steadman
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This compelling fantasy adventure, the first in an epic series, is a gripping read. With imaginative characters and an exhilarating plot, readers are transported to a convincing world of fortified forests, spectacular treehouses and ferocious unicorns. Friendship, loyalty and teamwork are at the heart of this novel, which also sensitively explores topics of …

• Skeleton Keys: The Unimaginary Friend

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Pete Williamson
  Publisher: Stripes Publishing
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Full of mystery and adventure, Skeleton Keys will stretch vocabularies and imaginations. Children will love the outlandish story with monster chases and ghoulish beheadings, which is ultimately about friendships, fitting in and being confident in yourself.

• Skellig

  Author: David Almond
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 11+

  Exploring a ramshackle garage with his new-found friend Mina, Michael discovers a strange, magical creature who needs his help. A contemporary classic. 

• Skin Deep

  Author: Laura Jarratt
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  The car crash that left her best friend dead has left Jenna with scars both emotional and physical. She feels as though her life is over - but then Ryan turns up.

• Skin Taker

  Author: Michelle Paver
  Publisher: Head of Zeus
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Fall into a prehistoric world of myth, mage craft, demons and the fight for survival in this spectacular fantasy adventure set in the deep winter of ancient Scandinavia.

• Skink No Surrender

  Author: Carl Hiaasen
  Publisher: Indigo (Orion Books)
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is a brilliant and utterly gripping adventure, featuring an unusual, endearing and very funny hero in Skink. A tense thriller full of plot twists and laugh out loud humour.

• Skip through the Seasons

  Author: Stella Blackstone Illustrator: Maria Carluccio
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  • This book takes you on a journey through the year and the seasons.

  • Learn about weather, activities and celebrations.

  • The story and word lists are great for helping to build your child's vocabulary.

• Skulduggery Pleasant

  Author: Derek Landy
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Meet Skulduggery Pleasant, skeleton detective, fighting to save the world from wizard-gone-to-the-dark-side, Nefarian Serpine.

• Skulduggery Pleasant: Death Bringer

  Author: Derek Landy
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Derek Landy’s series about Skulduggery Pleasant, skeleton detective, reaches its sixth entertaining installment

• Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing With Fire

  Author: Derek Landy
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  Skeletons, vampires, black magic, ancient gods, secret powers and a gruesome monster... Skulduggery Pleasant is back. 

• Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones

  Author: Derek Landy
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 11-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Skulduggery Pleasant, the skeleton detective, and his sidekick, fourteen-year-old Valkyrie Cain, known to her Irish friends as Steph, are unofficially on the case.

• Skunk and Badger

  Author: Amy Timberlake Illustrator: Jon Klassen
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A quirky, eccentric, illustrated story about unlikely friendships and stepping out of your comfort zone. Ideal for reading aloud to either at home or in a classroom.

• Sky Chasers

  Author: Emma Carroll
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Based on historical events, the story follows a young thief, Magpie, who is caught up in the Montgolfier brothers’ attempt to be the first people to fly. This engaging story is full of heart and adventure.

• Sky Dancer

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  

  The moorland where Joe lives has been traditionally managed for generations as a grouse moor. It's Joe's whole world and he loves it. But a storm is brewing and Joe's stuck in the middle: his brother and tradition are on one side, while much of the local community, including his school friends, are on the other. The problem? The hen harrier – or 'Sky Dancer'…

• Sky Hawk

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Powerful, evocative writing about landscape and the natural world

• Sky Run

  Author: Alex Shearer
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  A sequel to the popular Cloud Hunters, Sky Run is the exciting story of brother and sister, Gemma and Martin who live with their 130 year old great-great-grand aunt Peggy.

• Sky Song

  Author: Abi Elphinstone
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Abi Elphinstone's magical adventure is full of close calls, fantastical creatures and deliciously evil villains to savour in a tale that already feels like a children's classic.

• Sky Thieves

  Author: Dan Walker
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  This is the stuff of classic swashbuckling fast-moving adventure, complete with a wonderful cast of gloriously named characters, a deliciously evil baddie and a feisty heroine coming into her own.

• Sky Wolves

  Author:
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  An animal story with a difference, Sky Wolves combines diverse themes into a thoroughly satisfying novel, which can be read by readers of many ages and interests.

• Skygazing

  Author: Anna Claybourne Illustrator: Kerry Hyndman
  Publisher: Welbeck Editions
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A wealth of information is packed into this fascinating non-fiction picture book, which is cleverly designed as two volumes in one. The first half is about the sky during the daytime; turn it upside-down halfway through, and you will discover facts about the night sky.

• Skylar and the K-Pop Headteacher

  Author: Luan Goldie
  Publisher: Walker books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This funny, engaging, body-swap adventure explores fandom, friendship and empathy via an unmissable dance competition, viral videos and throwing away the school rule book. 

• SkyWake: Battlefield

  Author: Jamie Russell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8-9

  This second book in the SkyWake trilogy is an adrenaline-fuelled, futuristic, gaming thriller which is immersive and exhilarating but also funny and thoughtful in places.

• SkyWake: Invasion

  Author: Jamie Russell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 10+

  This exhilarating futuristic adventure, the first in a trilogy, is a fast-paced, thrilling read, perfect for gamers and sci-fi fans.

• Skyward

  Author: Sally Deng
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This slightly fictionalised version of the experiences of female pilots in World War Two is a fascinating read in terms of untold history. It's also an inspiring and heartwarming story of the close bonds these pioneer female pilots formed with each other. Brilliant.

• Slated

  Author: Teri Terry
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Set in the not too distant future this book investigates the restrictions on freedom and individuality that are placed on society by an all-controlling government.

• Slaves of the Mastery

  Author: William Nicholson
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  This is the second part of a trilogy, bringing together the Manth people, who were first introduced in The Wind Singer, with two other societies. 

• Slay

  Author: Kim Curran
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Slay are a successful rock band, but they hide a secret. When off-stage, the band fight demons, who are attacking innocent mortals to take over their bodies. This is a high-action drama with its fair share of blood and gore, but also plenty of humour and heart.

• Sleep Tight Very Hungry Caterpillar

  Author: Eric Carle
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  You may be familiar with the tale of the Very Hungry Caterpillar and what he eats over the course of a week, but now it’s time to join him as he makes his way home to bed. A calming goodnight story from the nation’s favourite caterpillar.

• Sleep Tight, Teddy!

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  Board book with cuddly toy teddy to help with talking to your baby at bedtime

• Sleep Well Siba & Saba

  Author: Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl Illustrator: Sandra Van Doorn
  Publisher: Lantana Publishing
  Interest age: 2-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Sisters Siba and Saba are always forgetting where they have left things. They leave sweaters on buses and sandals at the beach. At night, they have magical dreams of the things they have lost.

• Sleeping Beauty

  Author: Re-told by Lynn Roberts-Maloney Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Pavilion Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  A wonderful retelling of the classic fairy tale coupled with the book's fantastic 1950s-style illustration is sure to make this a very popular read for children, as well as adults with an eye for the retro and beautiful.

• Sleepover Takeover

  Author: Simon James Green Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Otis and his mate Jagger are the class weirdos, so they're surprised to get an invite to cool-kid Rocco's sleepover party! When they wake up the next day, however, all hell has broken loose... and it's time to unravel the mystery of exactly what happened.

• Slick

  Author: M. M. Vaughan
  Publisher: Alma Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Slick is an android – a robot that looks and behaves just like a human. But no one knows he’s an android, not even him. What Slick does know is that it’s important to have the coolest clothes and the best tech, and be friends with the popular kids. That’s what everyone’s always telling him, anyway – his parents, his teacher, his Uncle Martin.

  Danny is defini…

• Slightly Invisible

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Fans of the Charlie and Lola TV series should enjoy this original book featuring the pair.

• Slog's Dad

  Author: David Almond Illustrator: Dave McKean
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  Slog's dad is in heaven, but Slog is sure he'll see him again some day. David Almond and Dave McKean tell a sensitive story of grief and loss in this powerful graphic novel.

• Sloth Slept On

  Author: Frann Preston-Gannon
  Publisher: Pavillion
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A gentle, endearing environmental tale about a lost sloth who finds his way into a family's back garden. Chunky, strongly coloured illustrations portray gestures and feelings with unexpected delicacy.

• Slug in Love

  Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Doug is a slug in need of a hug... but no-one wants to give him a cuddle! Will Doug ever find his perfect match? A brilliantly fun read.

• Slug Needs a Hug

  Author: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Poor little slug never gets a hug from his mummy and he's starting to feel a bit sad about it, so he goes and asks all the other animals what he should do to be more appealing. They have plenty of suggestions, but nothing looks quite right - fortunately, in the end, mummy makes it clear that she loves slug just the way he is.

• Small Blue Thing

  Author: S C Ransom
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  When Alex finds an opal bracelet half-buried on the banks of the Thames, she discovers something extraordinary...

• Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket

  Author: Tatyana Feeney
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 4+

  Small Bunny loves his blue blanket; it's perfect in every way. But one day, mummy insists on giving Blue Blanket a wash - and Small Bunny is worried that it will never be the same.

• Small Change for Stuart

  Author: Lissa Evans
  Publisher: Doubleday
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  This humorous adventure is accompanied by atmospheric ink drawings, making this an attractive and compelling book for confident boy and girl readers

• Small Elephant's Bathtime

  Author: Tatyana Feeney
  Publisher: OUP
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A common cause for a toddler tantrum is averted with humour and understanding. Simple clear illustrations.

• Small in the City

  Author: Sydney Smith
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  The streetwise kid telling Sydney Smith’s atmospheric story has some advice for fellow kids negotiating a big, noisy city. A masterpiece of thick, blurry lines and drifting snow, framing a child’s solitary yet celebratory experience of urban life.

• Small Knight and George and the Pirates

  Author: Ronda Armitage Illustrator: Arthur Robins
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Small Knight and George, his tiny dragon friend, live in an old castle that is falling to pieces. There is no money for repairs so the duo set off in a pirate ship in search of treasure.

• Small Steps

  Author: Louis Sachar
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Small Steps is the indirect sequel to Holes and follows the fortunes of its protagonist, Armpit, once he leaves Camp Green Lake and returns home.

• Small Things

  Author: Mel Tregonning
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  This brilliant book manages to deal with bullying, fear of being different, frustration at underachieving, and the fact that while some things may appear small from the outside, they can feel unconquerable to those experiencing them.

• Small Town Hero

  Author: Patrick Neate
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Gabe's Dad has just died in a terrible accident, and his world is falling apart. But Gabe's just discovered the ability to step into alternate realities - and something about his video game, Small Town Hero, feels all too familiar.

• Small!

  Author: Hannah Moffatt
  Publisher: Everything With Words
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Harvey Small is a nice boy – but he’s been expelled from pretty much every school he’s gone to, and after a particularly bad incident (OK, so he might have set fire to the headteacher’s trousers…) his Mum decides the only solution is to send him off to Madame Bogbrush’s School for Gifted Giants. The only problem? Harvey isn’t a giant. He’s a small boy. On st…

• Small’s Big Dream

  Author: Manjeet Mann Illustrator: Amanda Quartey
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  

  In Small's world, everything is small – her house, her shoes, her bed – but her dreams are big. Small discovers that when you dream big, anything and everything can happen.

• Smart

  Author: Kim Slater
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  When a homeless man's body is discovered wading in a local river, police determine the death to be an accidental drowning. Kieran, however, suspects that the body he himself found in the river was the victim of murder and takes it upon himself to investigate a case about which no one else seems to care.

• Smart About Sharks

  Author: Owen Davey
  Publisher: Flying Eye
  Interest age: 4-12
  Reading age: 7+

  Presenting an ever-popular topic, this fantastic, high quality illustrated book is fascinating and attractive.

• Smell My Foot: A Chick and Brain Book

  Author: Cece Bell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Brain wants everyone to smell his (surprisingly nice) feet, but despite his name he's not the smartest - so his friend Chick has to explain to him how to use please and thank you to ask people for things. It's an uphill struggle, but Chick is up to the task. A great comic early reader for children just beginning to read independently.

• Smelly Louie

  Author: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Louie goes on a hunt to try and find is old pongy smelly scent.

• Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems

  Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Joseph Coelho has written the brilliant poems in this book to help children spread happiness. 

• Smile!

  Author: Leigh Hodgkinson
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  When Sunny gets told she must not eat chocolate biscuits before teatime, she is very annoyed, and loses her smile.

• Snail

  Author: Fiona Watt Illustrator: Rachel Wells
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 0+

  As babies develop they will love to follow the snail trail - a raised line - all the way through the book.

• Snail in Space

  Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 7+

  Gail is a little snail with a big dream – to become the first snail in space! A hilarious story about the power of passion and persistence.

• Snail Trail

  Author:
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  One morning Slimy Snail sets out on a journey through many different landscapes which each present challenging obstacles... 

• Snail, Where Are You?

  Author: Tomi Ungerer
  Publisher: Phaidon Press
  Interest age: 2-5
  Reading age: 5

  Packed full of subtle humour, each page of this witty and sophisticated picture book is a visual feast, providing a gateway to exciting, imaginative discussion.

• Snail's Legs

  Author: Damian Harvey Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  A cautionary tale with vibrant, comic illustrations which explains why Snail now hides his legs.

• Snakes' Elbows

  Author: Deirdre Madden
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  This book is very, very funny, totally far-fetched, hard to put down and even harder to forget

• Snap

  Author: Margaret Mayo and Alex Ayliffe
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 1+

  Watch out for the snapping sharks and dancing dolphins - a treat for all!

• Snap!

  Author: Anna Walker 
  Publisher: Scribe Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  A delightful book about a small frog on a perilous journey, filled with fun actions and words to share and copy. Perfect for bedtime!  

• Snow Bear

  Author: Tony Mitton Illustrator: Alison Brown
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A small bear is searching for a winter home. Everywhere he tries is occupied, until he finds a cottage inhabited only by one small girl, who welcomes him inside.

• Snow Bears

  Author: Martin Waddell Illustrator: Sarah Fox-Davies
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 7+

  This gentle, very beautiful picture book is about three baby bears playing in the snow with their mummy.

• Snow Dog

  Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Sami Sweeten
  Publisher: Corgi Pups
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  Nicky would love a dog more than anything, but her mum and dad don't want one. Then Nicky’s grandfather comes up with the idea of a snow-dome dog, made with special clay...

• Snow Foal

  Author: Susanna Bailey
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When her alcoholic mother is unable to take care of her, 11-year-old Addie moves in with a long-term foster family on a remote working farm. However, desperate to return to her mum, Addie is determined that she will not stay for long.

• Snow Sisters: The Frozen Rainbow

  Author: Astrid Foss Illustrator: Monique Dong
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This is the third exciting volume in the Snow Sisters series, with a sparkling front cover and black-and-white illustrations throughout the short chapters. It is ideal for children who enjoy fantasy tales and are building their confidence as independent readers.

• Snow Sisters: The Silver Secret

  Author: Astrid Foss Illustrator: Monique Dong
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This exciting chapter book with black-and-white illustrations is the first in a series about the magical triplets. Encompassing magic, love, loyalty and bravery, it's a delightful adventure for confident young readers.

• Snow White and Rose Red

  Author: Bernadette Watts
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Snow White and Rose Red live in an isolated cottage in the middle of the forest with their widowed mother. One wintry night there is a knock at the door...

• Snow White in New York

  Author:
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 5+

  A beautiful 1920s Art Deco treatment of the classic fairytale - now a beautiful socialite, Snow White falls foul of her celebrity-loving stepmother who the tabloids call 'the classiest dame in New York'.

• Snowball: The Baby Bigfoot

  Author: Ruth Symes Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 8+

  How do you find a baby bigfoot in the snow? This is a delightful, engaging and warm-hearted story for early readers, which talks about friendship.

• Snowflakes

  Author: Cerrie Burnell Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Mia has left the noisy city behind, and come to live with her Grandma in a land of forest and snow.

• Snowglobe

  Author: Amy Wilson
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10+

  This fantasy adventure features some formidable female characters and illustrates the importance of being true to yourself. Love, loss, magic and friendship are all explored and readers will welcome Clem’s change from bullied loner into powerful magician.

• Snug

  Author: Carol Thompson
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  Delightful book celebrating the different ways to feel snug by comparing how animals and children stay cosy

• Snug as a Bug?

  Author: Karl Newson Illustrator: Alex Willmore
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Ronald the bug is very snug in his cosy home, until he makes the mistake of answering the door to Snake, who tries to eat him. Sadly, it’s the beginning of a predator-filled day for poor Ronald, with not only Snake, but Mole, Frog, Bird and Crocodile also having a go at making him lunch.

  ---

  Mae Ronald y pryf yn glyd a chysurus iawn nes iddo wneud camgymeriad a…

• Snuggle Bunny

  Author: Emma Goldhawk and Derek Matthews Illustrator: Jonathan Lambert
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  As part of a going-to-bed routine, this book works like a dream

• So Cosy

  Author: Lerryn Korda
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  Dog is snuggled up in his bed, and it's awfully cosy. Then goose comes along and notices how cosy dog is, so she joins him. Then comes cat, some rabbits, bears, snake and even an elephant... The perfect book to cosy up with and share together.

• So Much

  Author: Trish Cooke Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  Reading age: 5+

  One by one, family members drop by on a mum and her tot – all wanting to squeeze, kiss and give undivided attention to the baby. An adorable picture book, which is high-spirited, vibrant and fun. 

• Socks Are Not Enough

  Author: Mark Lowery
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Mike Swarbrick's life couldn't get any worse. His pervy best friend gets him embroiled in a scandal involving the girls' changing rooms, his idiot of an older brother is snogging the girl of his dreams and he's just come home early from school to discover his parents are secret nudists... but they're ready to go public!

• Solace of the Road

  Author: Siobhan Dowd
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Holly Hogan, 'delinquent care-babe with a crack-pot past' is trying to settle with yet another set of foster parents, but their neat, ordered life is uncomfortable and stifling.

• Soldier Dog

  Author: Sam Angus
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  It's 1917 and Stanley Ryder is one of many young boys enlisting in the army, in spite of the fact he is underage. Assigned to working with messenger dogs, he is drafted to the Western Front.

• Solo

  Author: Adam Beer
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 4-5

  Solo the dog has a great life on his island, playing with his favourite ball, chasing the annoying birds, scratching, sniffing, and swimming in the sea. He’s the only dog on the island and he likes it that way – even though, sometimes, he gets a bit lonely.

• Solomon and Mortimer

  Author: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Catherine Rayner’s cheeky character, Solomon Crocodile, is back - and this time he’s joined by his friend Mortimer, looking for some fun. Fun and sweet; a snappy read to enjoy at bedtime.

• Solomon Crocodile

  Author: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Everything is peaceful on the river, until Solomon Crocodile appears and disturbs everyone from the frogs to the dragonflies to the storks. When he takes on the hippos peacefully bathing in the river, they decide enough is enough.

• Some Days

  Author: Karen Kaufman Orloff Illustrator: Ziyue Chen
  Publisher: Sterling
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  From the 'waiting at the store days’ to the ‘going for dessert days’, all the emotions are covered in this sing-song rhyming poem about the ordinary and extraordinary days that are part of growing up.

• Some Dinosaurs are Small

  Author: Charlotte Voake
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  A small dinosaur goes wandering through the forest in search of fruit and leaves - but the group of big hungry dinosaurs with sharp teeth and fearsome claws who are following him are in for a surprise!

• Some Dogs Do

  Author: Jez Alborough
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  One morning, Sid the dog is filled with an overwhelming feeling of happiness which – to his utter surprise – sends him floating into the sky and all the way to school!

• Some Kid Lived Here & Other Stories

  Author: Mi-Kyoung Song Translator: from Korean by Sophie Bowman
  Publisher: Sigongsa Co., Ltd.
  

  Sometimes there are strange worlds lurking inside our everyday lives. Sometimes our 'normal' everyday lives turn out to be anything but. This collection of five stories contains a range of eerie and unsettling variations on the theme of the ordinary.

  In Some Kid Lived Here, a lone kid roams undetected from home to home with nowhere to call his own, and le…

• Some Other War

  Author: Linda Newbery
  Publisher: Catnip Publishing
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Seventeen-year-old twins Alice and Jack work at the mansion of the Morland family - but when the First World War breaks out, their lives are changed completely.

• Some Places More Than Others

  Author: Renée Watson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Amara desperately wants a trip to New York for her birthday, to meet her dad’s family and see where he grew up and she can’t understand why her parents are reticent about the trip. Until she discovers her dad hasn’t spoken to his dad, Grandpa Earl, for twelve years – not since the day she was born. What could make them so mad at each other?

  For Amara, this m…

• Somebody Crunched Colin

  Author: Sarah Roberts Illustrator: Hannah Jayne Lewin
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Colin the crisp packet finds himself on the ground, outside in the leafy garden. The problem is that he doesn’t really belong there... This sweet rhyming book teaches children about some of the perils that litter can cause in the natural environment. 

• Somebody Give This Heart a Pen

  Author: Sophia Thakur
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12-18
  Reading age: 12+

  An internationally acclaimed performance poet and YouTube phenomenon, Thakur writes with passion and conviction about everyday life alongside wider social issues, reminding us that they are intricately linked: the personal is political, after all.

• Somebody Swallowed Stanley

  Author: Sarah Roberts Illustrator: Hannah Peck
  Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Written by an animal behaviourist and environmental campaigner, this gentle tale subtly educates children about the damage a simple plastic bag can do to wild animals. Lively illustrations accompany the rhythmic, repetitive text, which is perfect to read aloud.

• Someone Else's Life

  Author: Katie Dale
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 10+

  When Rosie's mum dies from Huntingdon's disease she thinks life can't get any harder, until she discovers that Trudie wasn't her biological mother at all. So who is and what happened to her?

• Someone Just Like You

  Author: Helen Docherty Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Picture book exploring how whoever you are and wherever you live there is someone in this world just like you. Joyful. 

• Something About a Bear

  Author: Jackie Morris
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  A beautiful gift for bear and book lovers alike, this is a showpiece for Morris's paintings which are as awe-inspiring as their subjects.

• Something Beginning With Blue

  Author: Sally Symes Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Fun interactive 'I Spy' picture book - peep through the holes in the eyes and follow the clues to guess what's hiding on each page

• Something Different About Dad

  Author: Kirstie Evans Illustrator: John Swogger
  Publisher: Jessica Kingsley
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sophie’s father Mark has Asperger’s Syndrome.

• Something Else

  Author: Kathryn Cave Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Something Else is a lonely creature, excluded from everything because he is different. This is the perfect book for reassuring any child that being different can be a very positive thing.

• Something I Said

  Author: Ben Bailey Smith
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  A career in comedy or the respect of your family and friends: if you had to choose, which would it be? Car’s story is a great reminder that making good decisions is often a consequence of making, and learning from, bad ones.

• Something's Drastic

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Tim Archbold
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  A diverse selection of fun and lively poems for children

• Sometimes

  Author: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 1-4
  

  This is a warm book about unconditional love. A perfect book for encouraging children to do what they want with reassuring support.

• Sometimes

  Author: Rebecca Elliott
  Publisher: Lion Hudson
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  When Toby’s sister Clemmie is unwell, she has to go and stay in hospital...

• Sometimes I Feel Sunny

  Author: Gillian Shields Illustrator: Georgie Birkett
  Publisher: Picture Corgi
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  An introduction for the youngest readers to the different feelings they experience, from sad to funny, angry to sunny, and even lost and small.

• Son of the Circus: A Victorian Story

  Author: E L Norry Illustrator: Alette Straathof (cover art)
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Twelve-year-old Ted discovers he has roots in the circus and must join his father’s company for the first time to discover his own talent! Great for history buffs and those looking for historical fiction featuring people of colour.

• Sona Sharma: Looking After Planet Earth

  Author: Chitra Soundar Illustrator: Jen Khatun
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Set in India, this gentle tale is one of a series of delightful chapter books about Sona and her extended family and is peppered with interesting details about Hindu traditions, culture and food. 

• Sona Sharma: Very Best Big Sister

  Author: Chitra Soundar Illustrator: Jen Khatun
  Publisher: Walker
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Sona Sharma is not sure about being a big sister: it will mean she has to share her family and her favourite things. But when the new baby arrives, she knows she wants to be the best big sister ever.

• Song for a Whale

  Author: Lynne Kelly
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A baleen whale's unique 55-hertz frequency means he cannot communicate with other whales, and 12-year-old Iris is determined to help him. A pacy story told with a tender touch, which also offers examples of common frustrations experienced by deaf children. 

• Song of the Current

  Author: Sarah Tolcser
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Could this be Caro's chance to prove herself to the river gods? The magical watery river-lands form a vibrantly organic backdrop to this absorbing fantasy of intrigue, spies, sorcerers and rebels. 

• Songs About a Girl

  Author: Chris Russell
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 14-16
  Reading age: 12+

  The first in a series of three books, Songs About a Girl is for anyone who has wanted to be with the band. The story is fun with a lot of depth to the characters and some great plot twists.

• Songs of the Birds

  Author: Isabel Otter Illustrator: Clover Robin
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  This enchanting, nonfiction sound book introduces beautiful birdsongs from different habitats from around Europe.

• Sons of Scarlatti - Infinity Drake

  Author: John McNally
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  

  This is a real page turner with lots of twists and turns! An action-packed sci-fi adventure with killer wasps, and the first of a three book series.

• Soonchild

  Author: Russell Hoban Illustrator: Alexis Deacon
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 8+

  This unusual tale for both adults and children is imaginative, magical and readable. Stark, brooding black and white illustrations by Alexis Deacon, complement the northern landscape and the dreamworld of the shamans.

• Sophie Goes to Sleep

  Author: Ruth Symons Illustrator: Vulli
  Publisher: Templar
  

  Part of the “Sophie la giraffe” series, which includes the title Sophie Has Lunch, Sophie Goes to Sleep treads similar ground, easing young ones into their daily routines with the help of a friendly giraffe, Sophie, based on the iconic teething toy used seemingly by families everywhere.

• Sophie Has Lunch

  Author: Ruth Symons Illustrator: Vulli
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  

  Sophie the giraffe has been transformed into a very cute little illustration, courtesy of Vulli. She’s feeling hungry, which is great – as it’s time for lunch! Join her at the table for a delicious meal in this book specially made for little ones trying their first tastes.

• Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert

  Author: Morag Hood Illustrator: Ella Okstad
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Every toy or animal in Sophie's sight is given a horn, and because she is a unicorn expert, she teaches them about magic, hunting and other important unicorn things. But Sophie is a little too busy teaching her “unicorns” to even notice a when a real one shows up...

• Sophie Someone

  Author: Hayley Long
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  A girl's life is thrown into turmoil when her family's past comes back to haunt her. 

• Sophie Takes to the Sky

  Author: Katherine Woodfine Illustrator: Briony May Smith
  Publisher: Little Gems (Barrington Stoke)
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Sophie is scared of everything. Can she overcome her fears to attend the crowded, noisy fair to see the hot-air balloon? This charming tale, about real-life 18th-century balloonist Sophie Blanchard, will inspire young people to follow their dreams.

• Sorceress

  Author: Celia Rees
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 11+

  Accused of witchcraft, Mary flees from the Puritan settlement of Beulah into the icy wastes of the New World.

• Sorry Mrs Cake

  Author: Kate Milner
  Publisher: Tiny Owl
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A simple picture book with minimal text and a message that we should listen to everyone (not just the loudest voices ), Sorry Mrs Cake! is a real treat for illustration fans. 

• Soul Eater

  Author: Michelle Paver
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  A complex plot puts an original slant on a good versus evil battle and will keep readers on the edge of their seats right to the last page.

• Soulmates

  Author: Holly Bourne
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Poppy doesn't believe in true love - until she meets Noah

• Sounds of Nature: World of Birds

  Author: Robert Hunter
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Do you know what the roadrunner sounds like? The emperor penguin? Or the superb fairy-wren? Find out in this extraordinary sound book. Introducing birds from all around the world, over sixty different bird calls can be heard throughout the book, from the classic Cuckoo to the exotic birds of paradise.

• Sounds of the Skies

  Author: Moira Butterfield Illustrator: Jonathan Woodward
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  This delightful, nonfiction sound book introduces birds from different habitats from around the world. Listen to the song of the Chinese nightingale, the hunting call of the mighty bald eagle, or the nighttime hoot of a tawny owl by pressing the highlighted circles on the page.

  Although called Sounds of the Skies, there is a lot more here than just birds and…

• Sounds of the Wild: Jungle

  Author:
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  One in a series of stunning pop-up books, this one shows rainforest scenes, with atmospheric jungle sounds of insects and elephants. Detailed factual information is also provided.

• South Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends

  Author: Sarah Shaffi
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Anyone looking to escape into a world of battling princesses, scary ogres, heroic warriors, wily animals, and even ordinary people doing extraordinary things, should take a look inside this beautiful compilation of traditional tales from across South Asia.

• Sovay

  Author: Celia Rees
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  When an angry Sovay becomes a highwayman so she can hold up her faithless fiancé, she discovers that there is a conspiracy to try her father and brother for treason.

• Space Ace

  Author: Eric Brown Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 5-10
  Reading age: 6+

  Billy's grandad is a retired astronaut who likes to take Billy on tours around the earth in his space ship. However, one day, by accident, they rocket into space and have to find their way back by navigating past all the planets, learning about them as they go!

• Space Baby: Zoom to the Moon!

  Author: Pat-a-Cake Illustrator: Kat Uno
  Publisher: Hachette Children's
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  This delightful board book for babies is a perfect grabbable size with six board pages and a fun little story that introduces very young readers to the idea of going on an adventure.

• Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe

  Author: Katie & Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Amy Nguyen
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  Suzie’s invention has sent her into space! Can she and the spaceship crew solve the mystery of the missing moons? Pacy and exciting, this young chapter book is perfect for newly confident readers.

• Space Detectives

  Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A summer holiday job selling ice cream aboard the exotic space station of Starville turns into a race against time to avoid a catastrophic collision with the moon. Bring on the Space Detectives!

• Space Detectives: Extra Weird Creatures

  Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Powers’ and Adeola’s second book in this illustrated series, ideal for newly independent readers, is delightfully fast paced, silly and beautifully illustrated in black and white. Expect plenty of laughs and some brilliant space-themed scene-setting.

• Space Dog

  Author: Mini Grey
  Publisher: Jonathan Cape
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7

  Visually and graphically inventive, packed with tongue-in-cheek humour and witty details, this comic-style picture book delights in subverting the conventions of epic space adventure!

• Space in 30 Seconds

  Author: Clive Gifford Illustrator: Melvyn Evans
  Publisher: Ivy Kids
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Thirty key topics on what really happens in space, explained in neat 30-second soundbites. Topics range from the Big Bang theory to what we know about distant planets and galaxies.

• Space Kids

  Author: Steve Parker Illustrator: Andrea De Santis
  Publisher: Little Gestalten
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Including topics such as stars, planets, moons, gravity and even how astronauts are able to eat and sleep, each page of this fascinating book is a journey through the complexities of space.

• Space Oddity

  Author: Christopher Edge Illustrator: Ben Mantle
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Jake thinks his dad is just embarrassing, but it turns out he’s an alien! This is a funny and heart-warming sci-fi story about a father and son relationship.

• Space Pirate Bears

  Author: Alastair Chisholm Illustrator: Jez Tuya
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-7
  Reading age: 7+

  A funny and inventive picture book that celebrates the power of storytelling. One dreary day Dad tells Jamie and Abby a story about a band of intergalactic heroes - the Space Pirate Bears - who must defeat evil Doktor Drab and save the galaxy from dullness...

• Space Pirates: Treasure

  Author: Jim Ladd Illustrator: Benji Davies
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  More swash and buckle in space than you can imagine when Sam and the crew of the Jolly Apollo continue their quest for Planet X. The fourth book in the Space Pirates series.

• Space: The Whole Whizz Bang Story

  Author: Glenn Murphy
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  What is a black hole? What's it like on the Moon? And which planet is Earth's evil twin? Glenn Murphy, author of Why is Snot Green?, answers these questions and many more in this funny and informative book.

• Spaghetti Hunters

  Author: Morag Hood
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Duck is looking for his spaghetti, but he can’t find it anywhere! Fortunately, Tiny Horse, self-proclaimed spaghetti hunter, has all the kit to help them find the elusive pasta.

• Spaghetti with the Yeti

  Author: Adam and Charlotte Guillain Illustrator: Lee Wildish
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Intrepid young hero George sets out to hunt the mythical yeti, armed with only a map, a woolly hat and a tin of spaghetti in his rucksack.

• Spangles McNasty and the Fish of Gold

  Author: Steve Webb Illustrator: Chris Mould
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  Both ludicrous and funny, join Freddie on the greediest, goldest and fishiest escapade of the summer. And remember, where there's fish, there's always chips!

• Sparky!

  Author: Jenny Offill Illustrator: Chris Appelhans
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 8+

  With simple, expressive text and dynamic illustrations providing wonderful contrast to the apathy of its main subject, this picture book is not only refreshingly original but also very, very funny.

• Speak Up!

  Author: Rebecca Burgess
  Publisher: Quill Tree Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Mia is a secret superstar musician, writing song lyrics that her friends love. But in real life she’s bullied for being different. Is Mia ready to show the world who she really is?

• Speak Up!

  Author: Nathan Byron Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Rocket loves visiting her local library every week, but on one visit, she discovers it will be closing. It’s time to speak up and see if she and the local community can save their beloved library.

  ---

  Mae Rocket wrth ei bodd â mynd i'r llyfrgell leol bob wythnos gyda'i mam a'i brawd hŷn. Felly mae hi'n torri ei chalon pan ddaw i wybod y bydd y llyfrgell yn cau …

• Special Forces Cadets: Assassin

  Author: Chris Ryan
  Publisher: Bonnier Books
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  Max, Abby, Lukas, Lili and Sami are the Special Forces Cadets: a secret unit that exists to carry dangerous missions where adults would be conspicuous but where teenagers would go unnoticed. The Cadets’ latest mission is to go undercover at a posh boarding school in the Swiss Alps. Their task: protect a boy called Darius Al Zarani. The Cadets have received i…

• Specs for Rex

  Author: Yasmeen Ismail
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A perfectly judged niche story that has general appeal due to a clean text and cute character; Specs for Rex is a visual treat that's really worth putting your glasses on for.

• Spectre Collectors: Too Ghoul for School

  Author: Barry Hutchison
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 9+

  Spectre Collectors is a funny, high-octane adventure story. Each page is bursting with imaginative details, from the magical and technological divisions of the secret organisation to the descriptions of the different ghost rankings. 

• Speed of Light

  Author: Joy Cowley
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Cowley's writing is a delight to read and this family drama is engrossing and endearing.

• Spellbound

  Author: Siobhan Parkinson
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  A fascinating selection of folk and fairy tales.

• Spellbound Ponies: Magic and Mischief

  Author: Stacy Gregg
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  The first in a series of magical pony adventures, this tale features Bad Bess, a highway horse. With black-and-white illustrations throughout each chapter, this magical ghost story with mixed heritage characters will delight young, independent readers.

• Spin! 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry

  Author: Joseph Coelho & Various Illustrator: Ruthine Burton
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  An anthology of poems for reading aloud and sharing with children that will make them feel seen, included and represented.  

• Spinderella

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sebastien Braun
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Spinderella is a spider who lives with her spider mum and brothers and sisters on top of a ceiling light at a school. A story about numbers, football and family, Spinderella is an enjoyable read for young children just starting to learn maths.

• Spirit Walker

  Author: Michelle Paver
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 10+

  While out hunting in the Forest, Torak encounters a man whose body and brain have been wasted by a horrifying disease

• Spirited Away

  Author: Hayao Miyazaki
  Publisher: Viz LLC
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 10+

  As night falls, Chihiro finds out she's in a world of ghosts, demons, and strange gods.

• Splash

  Author: Charli Howard
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Molly is passionate about swimming but is having to deal with a domineering friend and a difficult home life. A sensitive novel that touches on several issues that may concern pre-adolescents, from anxieties about secondary school to pressures around body image.

• Splash

  Author: Claire Cashmore Illustrator: Sharon Davey
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 2-6
  

  Based on the real-life experiences of a Paralympic gold medallist, this lively picture book is a joyful celebration of mastering a new skill by stepping out of your comfort zone.

• Splash, Anna Hibiscus!

  Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Lauren Tobia
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Anna Hibiscus is at the beach with her family. She wants someone to go in the sea and splash in the waves with her but they are all busy doing other things.

• Splat the Cat

  Author:
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  It’s Splat the Cat’s first day at school, but he’s worried he won’t make any friends – so just in case, he decides to bring along his pet mouse Seymour in his lunch box.

• Splat the Fake Fact

  Author: Adam Frost Illustrator: Gemma Correll
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  These days it's very important to be able to identify fake facts. With a series of interactive activities, this book not only allows children to find out what is and isn't true. Fabulously original and interactive non-fiction.

• Splintered Light

  Author: Cate Sampson
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Engaging, believable characters, painful family secrets and tension which mounts to a nail-biting climax make this an addictive, well-plotted, gritty, thriller.

• Splinters of Sunshine

  Author: Patrice Lawrence
  Publisher: Hodder Children's
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Spey receives a mysterious parcel full of torn up paper flowers from a long-lost friend - just as his ex-prisoner dad arrives back into his life. Spey can sense that his friend is in danger, but can his father help him find her?

• Splish, Splash, Ducky

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Lucy Cousins’ bright and vivid animal characters are as loveable as ever for babies and toddlers. The rhyme is perfectly aimed at little ones learning first words, who will enjoy repeating "drip drop" and "plip plop", and seeing the adults improvise actions!

• Split by a Kiss

  Author: Luisa Plaja
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 8+

  Split by a Kiss is the story of Jo, a British girl who goes to live in the USA for a year, and finds herself plunged into an exhilarating but confusing new life.

• Split Second

  Author: Sophie McKenzie
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  When a bomb goes off in a London market, Charlie’s mother is killed and Nat’s brother is left fighting for his life in a coma.

• Spook Squad: The Beast of Hangman's Hill

  Author: Roger Hurn
  Publisher: Ransom
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  The spook squad are Emma, Roxy, Nita and Leena; a team of four feisty girls who bust bogeymen and vanquish vampires.

• Spooks and Scooters

  Author: Elen Caldecott Illustrator: Nathan Reed
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  When Flora and Sylvie's holiday with dad is cancelled, they are determined to discover who or what is responsible. Amid the excitement of unravelling the mystery, Caldecott sympathetically shows us families coming to terms with change.

• Sportopedia: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Sport

  Author: Adam Skinner Illustrator: Mark Long
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  A luxurious compendium of all things sporty, featuring both well-known and less popular games and activities with plenty of fascinating facts.

• Sports are Fantastic Fun!

  Author: Ole Könnecke
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Full of brilliant detail about a vast range of sports, this highly entertaining illustrated picture book gives children a good introduction to their rules and ethos. Perfect for sporty children but also those less competitive! 

• Sports Legends

  Author: Rick Broadbent Illustrator: James Davies
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This fascinating book with an easy-to-read format and fun illustrations features the profiles of 50 sporting heroes, from Jesse Owens to Serena Williams - covering the secrets to their successes (and failures.)

• Spot the Mistake: Lands of Long Ago

  Author: Amanda Wood and Mike Jolley Illustrator: Frances Castle
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Do you think you could spot the wrong type of shoes worn by a Roman Centurion, or the wrong kind of helmet worn by a Viking? What about spotting a spray paint can at a medieval joust?

• Spot’s Slide-and-Seek: Aquarium

  Author: Eric Hill
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  The famous Spot the Dog is back and this time him and Dad are off to the aquarium to spot as many sea creatures as they can in this interactive adventure.

• Spotlight on Sunny

  Author: Keris Stainton
  Publisher: Catnip Publishing
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  A trip to London on a film-making couse forces Sunny to evaluate her life - can she tell her big secret to her friends.

• Spot's Baby Sister

  Author: Eric Hill
  Publisher: Warne
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 4+

  Spot and his friends play with his new sister, Susie.

• Spot's Birthday Party

  Author: Eric Hill
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  It's Spot's birthday party, and the first game he wants to play is Hide and Seek. But where are his friends hiding?

• Spotty Lottie and Me

  Author: Richard Byrne
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Joey has chicken pox; nobody's allowed to visit unless they're spotty too.

• Sproutzilla vs Christmas

  Author: Tom Jamieson Illustrator: Mike Byrne
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Anarchic and brilliantly funny (with a whole page dedicated to a fart), Sproutzilla vs Christmas is also a great book to encourage children to eat their greens. 

• Spud

  Author: John van de Ruit
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  Spud gets a scholarship to a smart boys’ school where he soon joins in with a mad bunch of boys – the Crazy Eight.

• Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth

  Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce Illustrator: Steven Lenton
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Prez has one summer to find ten things about the earth that make it worth saving - but can he do it? This book is heart-breaking and hilarious in equal measure.

• Sputterfly

  Author: Simon van der Geest Translator: Laura Watkinson (from Dutch)
  Publisher: Querido Children's Books
  

  Written in diary form, Sputterfly is the story of insect-lover Hidde, his brother Jeppe, and their mum. Three years after the death of Ward, their big brother, they're all still feeling the impact. Hidde hides away in his secret cellar with his menagerie of insects, carrying out experiments without realising how cruel he's being. Jeppe's become a bully who l…

• Spy for the Queen of Scots

  Author: Theresa Breslin
  Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Beautiful young aristocrat Jenny is the closest friend of Mary, the young Queen of Scots. When she overhears a whispered plot against Mary she sets out to become a spy to keep her friend safe, little realising how much danger she will soon encounter.

• Spy Toys

  Author: Mark Powers Illustrator: Tim Wesson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 9+

  A group of super-intelligent, computerised toys are destined for the crusher because they have faults that make them unsuitable for children. But maybe those 'faults' could be useful for a secret protection mission? 

• Spyceratops

  Author: Alex Willmore
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Spy goggles? Check. Spy bike? Check. Get ready for a top-secret action-packed Spyceratops mission. Super fun – with a surprise ending.

• Spyder

  Author: Matt Carr
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Spyder is a spunky secret agent who lives in Tom’s loft. The pace of this story is kept fast and exciting, and there are plenty of puns to keep families chuckling away.

• Spylark

  Author: Danny Rurlander
  Publisher: Chicken House Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  In Spylark, Rurlander has created a gripping adventure, with all the right ingredients. Local bullies, sinister villains, high-speed chases, terrorism plans, explosive weaponry, missing evidence and dramatic escapes.

• Spynosaur

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Lee Robinson
  Publisher: Stripes Publishing
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Spynosaur is a dazzlingly dapper dinosaur, with one mission: to make crime extinct. This action-packed adventure features comic-strip pages, doodles, belly laughs and a whole lot of puns - what's not to like?

• Spynosaur vs Goldenclaw

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Lee Robinson
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When a plan to reignite Spynosaur's passion goes awry, a monstrous new mega-thug is unleashed in the world and only one superhero has any chance of defeating him. A sci-fi action series characterised by anarchic humour and non-stop thrills.

• Square

  Author: Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Square spends his days piling square blocks. One day, Circle comes along and asks him to make a sculpture of her. Barnett and Klassen are the perfect team to deliver this smart and funny book, which reassures children about their own artistic development.

• Squares and Other Shapes with Josef Albers

  Author: Phaidon Illustrator: Josef Albers
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Squares, circles, triangles and rectangles - all in different colours, all in different places, and all having fun. Turn the pages and see if you can identify the shapes.

• Squeeze in, Squirrel!

  Author: Tony Neal
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  It’s time for a fun day at the beach and Squirrel and Rabbit are setting off for the day in Rabbit’s car. But, uh-oh! Other friends keep getting in the car with all their stuff while Squirrel is busy trying to lug in her big trunk! Before she knows it, Rabbit’s car is full to bursting point… will there be any room left for her?

• Squirrel's Busy Day

  Author: Lucy Barnard
  Publisher: QED
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  With large, bright, energetic illustrations this story is ideal for classroom use and lists discussion points about friendship at the back.

• Squish, Squash, Squeeze

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Jane Chapman
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Mouse is not alone: a large bear, an enormous crocodile and a tiger are sharing his tiny house. It's a squeeze but Mouse declares there's room for them all. A cheery story about sharing and making the best of things.

• Squishy McFluff the Invisible Cat Meets Mad Nana Dot

  Author: Pip Jones Illustrator: Ella Okstad
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6

  This comical chapter book is ideal for early readers who are ready to move on from picture books.

• Squishy McFluff, The Invisible Cat: On With The Show!

  Author: Pip Jones Illustrator: Ella Okstad
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A funny and engaging rhyming story with colourful illustrations about Ava, her invisible cat and what happens when the circus comes to town. 

• Squishy McFluff: the Invisible Cat!

  Author: Pip Jones Illustrator: Ella Okstad
  Publisher: Faber Children's
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Squishy McFluff is Ava's best friend. He may be invisible, but that doesn't stop them having all kinds of fun together - and you won't believe just how much trouble one invisible kitten can cause!

• St Grizzle’s School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys

  Author: Karen McCombie Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Stripes publishing
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Dani’s mum has taken a last-minute job that will see her gone for three whole months - and that means boarding school for Dani. Karen McCombie brings her usual wit and warmth to a St Trinian’s-style school story that's a light and fun read.

• Stan and Mabel

  Author:
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 3-8
  Reading age: 6+

  The arrival of a pink hairless creature means that Mabel has been a cuddle-less cat for a long time. Sam, the dog next door, longs for a walk in the park. The two embark on a journey...

• Stand Off

  Author: Andrew Smith
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Ryan Dean West is not looking forward to his final year at Pine Mountain boarding school. He is haunted by events from his past and fears that more terrible experiences await him. Fortunately, he has good friends - who will help him overcome his worries.

• Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism

  Author: Yassmin Abdel-Magied Illustrator: Aleesha Nandhra
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Accessible, informative and insightful, this guide to recognising and speaking up about racism would be useful for stimulating discussions in schools.

• Stand Up, Stand Out

  Author: Kay Woodward
  Publisher: Carlton Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Who is your rebel hero? Stand Up, Stand Out highlights the lives and achievements of 25 amazing people who decided to stand up to injustice and speak out about what they believed in.

• Standing in for Lincoln Green

  Author: David Mackintosh
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Lincoln Green has someone standing in for him to do all the things that need doing right away, but which aren't as much fun as the things he really wants to do

• Standing on One Leg is Hard

  Author: Erika McGann Illustrator: Clive McFarland
  Publisher: O’Brien Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 6+

  This heron chick is determined to stand on one leg, but what is the right way to do it? Much fun ensues as she tries again and again and again… A winning combination of simple, funny text and beautiful illustrations full of humour. Delightful.

• Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat

  Author: Emily MacKenzie
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This eccentric feline tale celebrating friendship is jauntily entertaining. The bunnies in balaclavas have hilarious expressions, and the illustrations are as wild and colourful as Stanley's knitting. Great fun!

• Stanly’s Ghost

  Author: Stefan Mohamed
  Publisher: Salt Publishing
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  The third and final book in the Bitter Sixteen trilogy concludes the adventures of reluctant Welsh superhero Stanly Bird. Stanly’s Ghost brings Stanly back to fight the evil Angel Group for the second time, but a lot’s changed while he’s been gone.

• Star by Star

  Author: Sheena Wilkinson
  Publisher: Little Island
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  When her mum dies in the 1918 flu epidemic, 15-year-old Stella returns to Northern Ireland to live with an aunt she has never met. The war has ended and women (over the age of 30 with property) are about to vote for the first time. Fascinating and inspiring. 

• Star Cat

  Author: James Turner Illustrator: Yasmin Sheikh
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 10+

  This bright, super-fun graphic novel stars Captain Spaceington and his wacky crew as they travel the universe in their spaceship, the Star Cat.

  Spaceington is desperate to win the much-coveted Bravest Captain Award, but every mission he’s sent on by Space HQ never quite works out the way it’s supposed to… Instead, the Star Cat has a habit of leaving a trail …

• Star Fighters: Alien Attack

  Author: Max Chase
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Meet Peri, Intergalactic Force Academy Star Fighter, defender of the Milky Way...

• Star of the Zoo

  Author: Virginie Zurcher Illustrator: Daniel Howarth
  Publisher: QED Publishing
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Published in the QED 'Storytime' series - very accessible stories for the youngest children, which highlight personal and social learning, and show how we can overcome our fears and prejudices.

• Star Stories

  Author: Anita Ganeri Illustrator: Andy Wilx
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A collection of fascinating myths about stars from around the world, with stunning gold illustrations full of epic majesty.

• Star Switch

  Author: Alesha Dixon
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Naomi may be a famous popstar at just fifteen years old, but every minute of her life is micromanaged by her manager-slash-mum. She’s tired, bored and acting out.

  Ruby loves to sing and dance but is too shy to tell anyone other than her best friend about it. She’s also Naomi’s biggest fan and dreams of being her and being on stage.

  But Naomi’s and Ruby’s liv…

• Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space

  Author: Cavan Scott Illustrator: David Buisán
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  A tense, action-packed sci-fi adventure story set in the Star Wars universe. A brother and sister and their droid set out in a starship to rescue their parents who have been kidnapped by Empire forces.

• Starcross

  Author: Philip Reeve Illustrator: David Wyatt
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  Volume two in the Larklight saga continues all the delightful eccentricities of its predecessor, and further convinces us of Reeve's amazing literary versatility.

• Starcrossed

  Author: Josephine Angelini
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 12+

  When the beautiful and mysterious Delos family arrive on Nantucket Island, Helen Hamilton's teenaged life is turned upside down.

• Stardust

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Briony May Smith
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  A little girl keeps hearing that her sister is a ‘star’. Desperate to be a star too, the little girl makes a wish, but then her grandad tells her all about how the world began... A gentle story of sisters and stars, which captures the busy scenes of family life.

• Starfell: Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale

  Author: Dominique Valente Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Can a young witch, who once saved the world, rescue her friend from ruthless kidnappers now that her magic is misbehaving?

• Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day

  Author: Dominque Valente Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Willow's witch family have always looked down on her mundane magical speciality of finding lost things. But last Tuesday is now missing: can she help locate the missing day? Starfell is a fun adventure, with themes of friendship, family and being different.

• Stargazers, Skyscrapers and Extraordinary Sausages

  Author: Claudia Boldt
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Henrietta is definitely not short on ambition. She’s going to start by being the world’s first ice-cream-making, sky-scraper-climbing lighthouse keeper.

• Stargazing for Beginners

  Author: Jenny McLachlan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Meg's dreamed of being an astronaut since she was seven. This novel achieves a delicate balance between light-hearted fiction and thoughtful exploration of the pitfalls of being female, smart and good at science.

• Starlet Rivals (Bollywood Academy 1)

  Author: Puneet Bhandal Illustrator: Jen Khatun
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  When Bela wins the Dance Starz talent show, she earns a full scholarship at the Bollywood Academy – but fellow student Monica is determined to stop her in her tracks.

• Starminster

  Author: Megan Hopkins
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Astrid discovers she’s a Librae – one day she’ll be able to fly! But there’s something strange about her newfound winged community. Can she and her new friends right some wrongs? A pacey magical adventure. 

• Starring Carmen!

  Author: Anika Denise Illustrator: Lorenza Alvarez Gomez
  Publisher: Abrams & Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7

  Carmen is a one-girl theatre company. She sings, acts, dances and makes the costumes! Her little brother Eduardo is desperate to be part of her shows, and she gives him a non-speaking role in her latest production. When her parents decide they need a little break from her relentless performances, Carmen has a very dramatic sulk – how can she be the star of t…

• Starring Grace

  Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Caroline Binch
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  There is no end to Grace's imagination! It is the school holidays and she and her friends spend their time playing at being everything from doctors to ghost-hunters.

• Starring Tracy Beaker

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Tracy Beaker is back and this time she's been cast as Ebenezer Scrooge in her school play.

• Stars With Flaming Tails

  Author: Valerie Bloom Illustrator: Ken Wilson-Max
  Publisher: Otter-Barry
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A stunning collection of poetry for children by poet Valerie Bloom, as fun to read aloud together as it is poignant and powerful.

• Starters

  Author: Lissa Price
  Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  Callie and her little brother exist in a futuristic world in which chemical warfare has killed everyone aged between 20 and 60 years old.

• Starting School

  Author: Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 3+

  Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg is an enchanting picture book for reassuring children who are about to start school for the very first time.

• State of Sorrow

  Author: Melinda Salisbury
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 10+

  This is the first book in a new fantasy thriller series characterised by thwarted love, fraud, trickery and a ruthless battle for power. Startling plot twists will keep you gripped until the last page and impatient for the next instalment.

• Station Zero

  Author: Philip Reeve
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 12-18
  Reading age: 12+

  An epic conclusion to the Railhead series, Station Zero follows Zen and Nova – and the trains Damask Rose and Ghost Wolf – as they fight for the people and the things they believe in. An adventure, a race against time, and a tale of great friendships and power.

• Stay A Little Longer

  Author: Bali Rai
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 8+

  Since Aman’s father died, nothing has been the same. Then she befriends a new neighbour, who is lonely too. This warm, optimistic book carries a vital message about the importance of confronting and resisting homophobia in all parts of society. 

• Stay Where You Are and Then Leave

  Author: John Boyne
  Publisher: Doubleday
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a compelling story, beautifully observed, which covers difficult themes such as shellshock and loss in a sensitive and understanding way.

• Steady for This

  Author: Nathanael Lessore
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  When Shaun, aka MC Growls, goes viral, and not in a good way, he and his mate Shanks become a laughing stock. Told with infectious enthusiasm for life, and with many laugh-out-loud moments, this hilarious and moving coming-of-age story is perfect for young teens.

• Stealing Snow

  Author: Danielle Page
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  

  Stealing Snow is a grown-up fairy-tale, filled with witches, thieves, magic and beauty: all swirling around the frozen world of Algid. Snow is an anti-heroine, only concerned with her own goals; determined not to be dragged into a fight she can't win.

• Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories

  Author: Editor: Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  A hugely varied anthology of thrilling and inventive short stories

• Stefano the Squid: Hero of the Deep

  Author: Wendy Meddour Illustrator: Duncan Beedie
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Stefano the common squid feels dull and ordinary compared to the other amazing sea creatures. But when a diver is in trouble, Stefano faces his fears and races to the rescue. A charming underwater adventure about courage and self-belief. 

• Stella

  Author: Helen Eve
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Stella is the Queen Bee of Temperley, whilst quiet new girl Caitlin feels out of place at an English boarding school.

• Step by Wicked Step

  Author: Anne Fine
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Anne Fine does not shy away from the fact that separation and divorce are painful, but she does have an uplifting message about the power of honesty and compromise.

• Step Father Christmas

  Author: L. D. Lapinski
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Harper suspects Mum’s new boyfriend, Nick, is really Father Christmas. He works with reindeer and has a big white beard, for goodness sake! But can she prove it? A fun, festive read. 

• Step Into Your Power: 23 Lessons on How To Live Your Best Life

  Author: Jamia Wilson Illustrator: Andrea Pippins
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  In this wonderful and timely book, aimed at older primary or younger secondary school children, author Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins give a series of practical tips and explanations about ways that we can live our best lives.

• Stephen Biesty’s Trains

  Author: Ian Graham Illustrator: Stephen Biesty
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  This generously proportioned lift-the-flap book takes a journey through rail history: it's packed with fascinating nuggets of information and technical details, with clear yet beautiful drawings.

• Sterling and the Canary

  Author: Andy Stanton
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sterling Thaxton is handsome, popular and good at sport...

• Steven Seagull Action Hero

  Author: Elys Dolan
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  The wry, snappy comic book-style text and layout humorously evokes the hard-boiled cop genre, in this story about Steven the seagull, pulled out of retirement for one final police case.

• Stick & Fetch Investigate: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

  Author: Philip Ardagh Illustrator: Elissa Elwick
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A fun, illustrated first chapters book, featuring a little girl and her dog who imagine themselves to be a brilliant crime-solving duo. A funny, engaging story, and a celebration of the power of imagination.

• Stick Man

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 4-6
  

  The award-winning creators of The Gruffalo now present us with a modern variation on a long-established folk tale theme, which details the perilous adventures of a stick.

• Sticky Ends

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Anderson Press
  

  Jeanne Willis brings you 19 delightfully disgusting cautionary tales, from mishaps on the toilet to adventures with bubble gum in this collection. Hear the fate of a variety of feckless children, from The Tale of Icy Clare who ran off in her underwear to Filthy Frankie who refused to use a hanky.

  Like a modern day Struwwelpeter with a mix of Revolting Rhymes…

• Sticky McStickStick

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  In March 2020, Michael Rosen became ill with Covid-19 and was admitted to hospital. In Sticky McStickStick he manages to tell the honest story of what happened to him accessibly for children, using his trademark directness and sense of humour.

• Sticky Pines: The Thing at Black Hole Lake

  Author: Dashe Roberts
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  The sequel to The Bigwoof Conspiracy sees Milo discovering a mysterious creature - expect more peril, fun and goo in this rollicking adventure.

• Stig of the Dump

  Author: Clive King
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Exploring an old chalk pit, Barney meets a strange boy who wears a rabbit skin and speaks in grunts.

• Still Stuck

  Author: Shinsuke Yoshitake
  Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
  Interest age: 3-4
  

  A boy wants to get ready for his bath on his own, but his top gets stuck over his head. What if he is stuck forever? This charming, funny picture book shows the boy realising that everything is OK – and thinking of all the advantages of this new point of view.

• Still Water

  Author: Chris Priestley
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  World War II is on the horizon and Rosie’s been evacuated to the countryside to be safe from the threat of bombs. However, the village where she’s staying isn’t as idyllic as it at first appears and Mary, the girl she’s staying with, is a terrible bully and determined to be as nasty as possible.

• Stink

  Author: Jenny McLachlan
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  When Danny accidentally summons a feisty green fairy, he does everything he can to send her back to Fairyland before she causes too much havoc. This hilarious tale has a bonkers plot and an imaginative cast of eccentric characters.

• Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers

  Author: John Dougherty Illustrator: David Tazzyman
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Stinkbomb’s tenner has gone missing and he can only conclude that is must be the badgers that have taken it.

• Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Evilness of Pizza

  Author: John Dougherty
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8

  Unashamedly silly, this badger-themed series of zanily illustrated adventures for Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face delights in playing with conventions of language, genre, humour, and how stories work. Clever and fun!

• Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Great Kerfuffle Christmas Kidnap

  Author: John Dougherty Illustrator: David Tazzyman
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  A group of dastardly badgers escape from prison and kidnap Father Christmas - so Stinkbomb and his little sister Ketchup-Face embark on a madcap adventure to save Christmas. Colourful characters and an uproarious plot.

• Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky

  Author: Philip Ardagh
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  You won't find Grubtown on any maps. The last time any map-makers were sent anywhere near the place they were found a week later wearing nothing but pages from a telephone directory, and calling for their mothers.

• Stitch

  Author: Pádraig Kenny Illustrator: Steve McCarthy
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A powerful re-imagining of Frankenstein that provokes empathy and compassion. Compelling and thrilling.  

• Stitch Head: the graphic novel

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Pete Williamson
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Stitch Head is surrounded by terrible creatures, both inside and outside Castle Grotteskew. And he must protect the monsters... A terrific graphic novel full of action and atmosphere. 

• Stitch Head: The Spider's Lair

  Author: Guy Bass
  Publisher: Stripes Publishing
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Guy Bass has spun a fun and creepy tale in the fourth adventure of the much loved character 'Stitch Head'. A great read that must be read!

• Stolen

  Author: Lucy Christopher
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Sixteen-year-old Gemma has no idea what is happening to her when she is kidnapped from Bangkok Airport and finds herself trapped in the Australian outback. 

• Stolen History

  Author: Sathnam Sanghera Illustrator: Jen Khatun
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  An accessible and fascinating look at the British Empire and how it still affects our lives today.

• Stomp, Chomp, Big Roars! Here Come the Dinosaurs!

  Author: Kaye Umansky Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Penguin
  

  Another brilliant rhyme book from Kaye Umansky and Nick Sharratt. This book focuses on dinosaurs, and all the stomps and chomps that come along with them! Full of fun, vibrant and bold illustrations

• Stomp, Dinosaur, Stomp!

  Author: Margaret Mayo Illustrator: Alex Aycliffe
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  A limited palette of extremely bright colours emphasises the images of dinosaurs and the qualities of their environments in this book.

• Stone

  Author: Finbar Hawkins
  Publisher: Zephyr
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Ancient magic and folklore weave into a modern day story of a boy grieving for his father in this beautiful tale for older readers.

• Stone Age Beasts

  Author: Ben Lerwill Illustrator: Grahame Baker-Smith
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Three million years ago, humans had just started making stone tools. This was the beginning of the Stone Age, which only ended about 4000 years ago – not very long, in the grand scheme of things.

• Stone Age Boy

  Author: Satoshi Kitamura Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 8+

  This beautifully illustrated book is packed with fascinating facts about the Stone Age, presented in an accessible and interesting way

• Stone Girl Bone Girl

  Author: Laurence Anholt Illustrator: Sheila Moxley
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Mary Anning lives near the cliffs at Lyme Regis and from an early age her beloved father, Pepper, shows her how to look for fossils, or 'curiosities' in the rocks.

• Stone Heart

  Author: Charlie Fletcher
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  George finds himself alone and in mortal danger in unLondon, where all the statues in the city come to life and a terrible struggle ensues between the spits and taints – statues with opposing natures.

• Stone Soup

  Author: Jess Stockham
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  This beautiful picture book retells the traditional story, complete with ‘flip-up’ flaps which encourage prediction, involvement and discussion.

• Stonebird

  Author: Mike Revell
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 9

  An accessible and engaging story about the sadness and joy of family life and the power of memory, magic and storytelling.

• Stop in the Name of Pants!

  Author: Louise Rennison
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  ‘Luuuurve God’ Masimo has gone back to Italy for the summer and she finds herself drawn to her old friend Dave the Laugh, who seems to be drawn to her too…

• Stop Picking on Me: A First Look at Bullying

  Author: Pat Thomas Illustrator: Lesley Harker
  Publisher: Hodder Wayland
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 7+

  A sensitive look at bullying for younger children - the reader is encouraged to think about and understand bullying and advice on ways in which to deal with the problem.

• Stop That Dinosaur!

  Author: Alex English Illustrator: Ben Cort
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A young girl must save her Granny from a runaway brontosaurus in this hilarious rhyming picture book.

• Stop the Train

  Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10+

  This novel is set in 1890s Oklahoma. Cissy's family buys a plot of land in Florence, hoping to build a new life there.

• Stop Those Monsters!

  Author: Steve Cole Illustrator: Jim Field
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9

  A hugely entertaining, fast-paced romp through Monsterland, with hilarious, lively illustrations which bring the monsters to life.

• Stories for a Fragile Planet

  Author: Kenneth Steven Illustrator: Jane Ray
  Publisher: Lion Hudson
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Ten traditional and traditional-style tales retold for younger readers, reflecting experiences from around the world, encompassing different cultures, times and ethical beliefs.

• Stories for South Asian Super Girls: A Treasure Trove of 50 Illustrated Biographies of Amazing South Asian Women

  Author: Raj Kaur Khaira Illustrator: Anu Chouhan Deepikah R Bhardwaj Kokila Bhattacharya Meenal Patel Nazrina Rodjan Poonam Saini Raj Kaur Sandeep Johal Suman Kaur and Vinny Soor
  Publisher: Kashi House
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  This beautifully illustrated collection of 50 biographies showcases a huge range of historical and modern-day South Asian women's stories and achievements. 

• Stories of WW1

  Author: Various Editor: Tony Bradman
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 8+

  Poignantly bringing the First World War alive for teenagers, this anthology reminds us that many of those in the trenches were themselves no older.

• Storm

  Author: Nicola Skinner
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Frankie Frida Ripley was born during a storm, and her mum has always said that a little piece of it must have stayed inside her. When Frankie's entire village is wiped out in a natural disaster, she finds herself alone, an angry poltergeist stuck spooking tourists. But maybe that little piece of storm has its uses...

• Storm Hound

  Author: Claire Fayers
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Fast-paced and funny, this otherworldly adventure is a heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty. With entertaining characters and a clever plot, it explores big issues with humour, sensitivity and a touch of magic.

• Storm Whale

  Author: Sarah Brennan Illustrator: Jane Tanner
  Publisher: Old Barn Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7

  Three sisters walk to the beach on a windy day to find a huge whale beached on the shore. The girls try everything to help the poor whale, throwing endless buckets of water over its giant body to keep it alive. An encroaching storm sends the girls home where they spend a restless night worrying about the whale. The storm washes up all sorts of litter onto th…

• Storm Witch

  Author: Ellen Renner
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  When Storm’s island home is attacked by the marginalised Drowned Ones, magic seems to be the only hope for survival. But can she rise to the challenge? A magical, coming-of-age fantasy with a tense and engaging narrative. 
  
  

• Stormbreaker

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his life turned upside down on discovering that his late uncle wasn't a mild-mannered banker, but instead a field agent for MI6.

• Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  The graphic novel adaptation of this well-written and action-packed story of a teenage spy works really well

• Storm-Wake

  Author: Lucy Christopher
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 12-18
  Reading age: 10+

  Moss has always believed that the island she lives on is all that is left, after the great floods have swallowed the world. But a new arrival forces her to question all that she has ever known and loved. Lyrical and dreamlike, this is a unique and beautiful novel. 

• Stormwalker

  Author: Mike Revell
  Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  A year on from the death of Owen's mum, and his dad is still struggling to cope. But when his dad writes stories, his eyes light up and everything seems better. A gripping read from start to finish, which sensitively deals with grief and loss.

• Stormy Weather

  Author: Debi Gliori Illustrator: Debi Gliori
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 7+

  All over the world baby animals are preparing to go to sleep. Foxes, seals, rabbits, owls and even snails have shared a bedtime story and said goodnight.

• Story Soup

  Author: Abie Longstaff Illustrator: Nila Aye
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 3-6
  

  Siblings Ollie and Susie are cooking up story soup but can’t seem to agree on what should go into the pot. With each new ingredient they add, the story takes an unexpected turn. A fun celebration of imagination and a great introduction to how to create a story. 

• Story Time with Ted

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Another addition to the fab board book series for tiny tots, starring Ted. This time, Ted is getting geared up for story time. This is a perfect reminder of just how exciting story time can be.

• StoryWorld: Christmas Tales

  Author: John Matthews Illustrator: Caitlin Matthews
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 8+

  StoryWorld consists of a pack of beautifully illustrated story cards with lots of detail that children can combine to make any number of new stories and connections.

• Strange and Ever After

  Author: Susan Dennard
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Set in 19^th Century Egypy, the conclusion to The Something Strange Trilogy sees Cassandra Clare in hot pursuit of the evil necromancer Marcus who has taken her friend Jie hostage.

• Strange But True: 10 of the World’s Greatest Mysteries Explained

  Author: Kathryn Hulick Illustrator: Gordy Wright
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  There are many strange mysteries with the reputation of being unexplained. But could a scientific explanation help us understand the seemingly odd? It’s nice to find a book that respects children’s love of the strange and spooky but also looks at other angles.

• Stravaganza: City of Flowers

  Author: Mary Hoffman
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Sky is a Stravagante who travels to Giglia, the City of Flowers, which resembles sixteenth century Florence.

• Stravaganza: City of Masks

  Author: Mary Hoffman
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Written in an inventive and engaging style, Stravaganza is an an extraordinarily exciting time-slip novel set in both sixteenth-century and contemporary Venice.

• Stravaganza: City of Secrets

  Author: Mary Hoffman
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Matt Wood doesn't know the ancient leather-bound book he's bought is a talisman that will allow him to stravagate - to travel in time between this world and sixteenth century Italy.

• Street Heroes: Runaways

  Author: Joe Layburn
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  In this second part of the Street Heroes series, Layburn challenges his readers to examine serious issue of ethics and political morality.

• Stretch Your Confidence

  Author: Beth Cox and Natalie Costa Illustrator: Vicky Barker
  Publisher: B Small Publishing
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  With a lightness of touch, this book encourages children to record their feelings, as they consider how they interact with others. A perfect way to help any child develop confidence and support good mental health through fun activities.

• Strictly No Elephants

  Author: Lisa Mantchev Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This is a touching picture book about a boy and his small pet elephant. The boy realises that having such an unconventional pet singles him out, yet he doesn’t waver in his friendship and loyalty.

• Striking Out

  Author: Ian Wright and Musa Okwonga
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This engaging and uplifting novel, which celebrates friendship and community, is based on Ian Wright’s own childhood experiences and will appeal to any aspiring sportsperson. 

• Stripes of the Sidestep Wolf

  Author: Sonya Hartnett
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  When Satchel tells Chelsea about a creature he’s seen on the mountain, she becomes convinced it is the last-ever Tasmanian wolf and that finding it will save them both.

• Strong Like Me

  Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Kamara is strong and fast. But negative words from her friends make her doubt herself. Can she find a way to celebrate her strength? This heart-warming picture book celebrates the many ways to be strong, and to be yourself.  

• Stubby: A True Story of Friendship

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War, this beautiful book tells the story of Stubby, the most decorated war dog of the First World War. The storytelling is sublime and the illustrations are profoundly beautiful.  

• Stuck

  Author: Oliver Jeffers
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  It started with Floyd's kite - but now there's all kinds of things stuck in the tree: a cat, a bucket of paint, the kitchen sink, and even a curious whale who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time...

• Stuff You Should Know About The Human Body

  Author: John Farndon Illustrator: Tim Hutchinson
  Publisher: QED (Quarto)
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  What do you need to make a body? How do you breathe, get strong, speak and move? What does your liver do, and where does your food go? Each one of 32 questions are answered in a lively double-page spread, entertainingly illustrated with bright cartoon-like imagery that is nonetheless very detailed: cell activity is depicted as a factory, and the fold-out sec…

• Stung

  Author: Bethany Wiggins
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Can Fiona survive in a place where she is considered someone to be feared, hunted and killed?

• Stunt Double

  Author: Tamsin Cooke
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 10-12

  Free-running champ Finn is recruited to work on a new blockbuster movie as the stunt double for superstar Blake Saunders. A cleverly written, fast-paced read with each chapter leaving you on the edge of your seat.

• Stuntboy, In-Between Time

  Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Raúl the Third
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Portico spends a fun-filled day hanging out with his friends but underneath the laughter, he’s struggling to come to terms with his parents’ separation. This funny tale moves at a frantic pace and is absolutely packed with dynamic cartoon illustrations. 

• Stuntboy: In the Meantime

  Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Raul the Third
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In his imagination, Portico Reeves is Stunt Boy, saving other superheroes from disaster.  But when his parents plan to divorce, he needs help from unlikely friends. A child’s-eye view of coping with arguing parents that manages to be fun and funny, with an innovative style that samples different media.

• Stupendous Sports: Fantastic Football

  Author: Robin Bennett Illustrator: Matt Cherry
  Publisher: Firefly Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  Stupendous Sports: Fantastic Football begins with the origins of football in China more than 2000 years ago, followed by its existence later in England as “foteballe” – a rough, violent game which could feature hundreds of players, with goals miles apart and with so much fighting that King Edward II banned it in 1314.

• Stupid Baby

  Author: Stephanie Blake
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  There is a new baby in Simon’s family, and Simon is not pleased. He wants to know when the stupid baby is going back to the hospital.

• Stupid Baby

  Author: Stephanie Blake
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  Sam is NOT impressed with his new baby brother. All he's done is stop Simon playing with his blocks and ruin his fun - but when Simon thinks he hears wolves at the window, he leaps into action to protect him. An excellent picture book which understands the trials and tribulations of a new sibling from a child's point of view.

• Submarine

  Author: Joe Dunthorne
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Meet Oliver Tate, 15. Convinced that his father is depressed ('Depression comes in bouts. Like boxing. Dad is in the blue corner') and his mother is having an affair with her capoeira teacher.

• Such Wicked Intent

  Author: Kenneth Oppel
  Publisher: David Ficklling Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  In this sequel to His Dark Endeavour, Victor discovers a means of travelling through a time portal to find his dead brother, Konrad.

• Suee and the Shadow

  Author: Ginger Ly Illustrator: Molly Park
  Publisher: Amulet
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  When her dad gets demoted at work, Suee has to transfer school from the cosmopolitan Bustle Elementary to lame Outskirtsville, which is darker, duller and in all ways unwelcoming – not least the other kids, who make fun of Suee’s black clothes and strange sense of humour.

• Sugar Rush

  Author: Julie Burchill
  Publisher: PanMacmillan
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 11+

  Shortlisted for the 2005 Booktrust Teenage Prize, this is a controversial and daring look at the gritty reality of teenage experience.

• Sugarlump and the Unicorn

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks have teamed up to create another delightful picture book, complete with sparkly glitter on each page.

• Suitcase S(witch)

  Author: Aisha Bushby Illustrator: Coralie Muce
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  When Zahra accidentally swaps suitcases with a witch, she experiences a weekend of magical surprises, helping her to overcome her fears and form new friendships. A humorous, dyslexia-friendly chapter book, with delightful black-and-white illustrations. 

• Suite Scarlett

  Author: Maureen Johnson
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Fifteen-year-old Scarlett Martin lives in a famous art deco hotel in the heart of New York City. But her life isn’t nearly as glamorous as it sounds.

• Sulwe

  Author: Lupita Nyong’o Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Sulwe is anxious: why is her skin so dark, and why is she bullied? But a visit from a star reassures her that she is beautiful exactly as she is. This gorgeous book demonstrates the gloriously diverse spectrum of colour within "blackness".

• Summer Bird Blue

  Author: Akemi Dawn Bowman
  Publisher: Ink Road
  Interest age: 13-18
  Reading age: 10+

  Rumi struggles with loss and anger and ultimately finds her way back to the thing that gives her relief: music. A stunning and visceral depiction of survival after devastating grief and the potential of music to heal. 

• Summer's Dream

  Author: Cathy Cassidy
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Thirteen year-old Summer has always been passionate about dancing, but when the chance to audition for a place at a prestigious ballet school comes her way, she feels sure her dreams are about to come true.

• Summer's Shadow

  Author: Anna Wilson
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  The sumptuous setting makes for a perfect summer read - the gentle introduction of a romance will keep young teen readers engaged and the spooky set-up is atmospheric with some chilling moments.

• Summertime of the Dead

  Author:
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  When twins Hiroshi and Miko take their own lives after having being blackmailed by the Japanese mafia, Yukio sets out to avenge their deaths.

• Summoner: The Outcast

  Author: Taran Matharu
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-15
  Reading age: 10+

  This prequel to the Summoner series is an excellent introduction to the world of Hominum for new readers, and a welcome “what happened before?” for fans. A page-turning battle fantasy with a sensitive consideration of class and corruption.

• Sun

  Author: Carol Thompson
  Publisher: Child’s Play International
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  It’s the perfect day to slap on the sunscreen and sunhats and explore the great outdoors. Sumptuous illustrations celebrate children's responses to the weather, in this series of board books.

• Sun Catcher

  Author: Sheila Rance
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  On her thirteenth birthday, Maia discovers she is the Sun Catcher - and must face up to her strange power

• Sundae Girl

  Author: Cathy Cassidy
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  All teenagers are embarrassed by their parents but Jude feels she has more reason than most to cringe when hers are around her in public.

• Sunday Fun Day: A Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year

  Author: Katherine Halligan Illustrator: Jesus Verona
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Featuring 52 activities (one for every Sunday in the year), Sunday Fun Day is a compendium of craft, cooking, gardening and outdoor activities organised into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Loads of useful ideas and lovely for families who love crafts. 

• Sunday Rain

  Author: Rosie J. Pova Illustrator: Amariah Rauscher
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A little boy watches the children on his street playing together, but he's too shy to say hello! A lovely tale about having the courage to leap into the unknown to make friends.

• Sunflower Sisters

  Author: Monika Singh Gangotra Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes
  Publisher: Owlet
  Interest age: 3-8
  

  The beautiful Sunflower Sisters pays tribute to cultural traditions and celebrations and also gently explores colourism (also known as shadeism), and how harmful unkind words and old-fashioned views can be. 

• Sunita's Secret

  Author: Narinder Dhami
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sunita's perfect world collapses when her father is accused of stealing money from his clients, and he disappears.

• Sunk!

  Author: Rob Biddulph
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Penguin Blue is back and in search of treasure in this absolutely gorgeous book about pirates (and friendship) from award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph.

• Sunny and the Mysteries of Osisi

  Author: Nnedi Okorafor
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 10+

  The second book of a fantasy adventure series set in contemporary Nigeria. Can Sunny and her friends use juju and natural abilities to save the Niger delta from destruction?Great for those looking for some magical escapism.

• Sunny Side Up

  Author: Clare Helen Welsh Illustrator: Ana Sanfelippo
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 6+

  This is a joyful and warm-hearted picture book which takes inspiration from CBT coping skills to explore how children can manage difficult feelings. The minimal and sensitive text comes together beautifully with the innovative holes and flaps that are used to recast the child’s negative experiences into positive ones.

• Super Animal Adventure Squad

  Author: James Turner
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  Cutlasses, cookery and comedy capers abound in these two brilliantly funny stories.

• Super Awkward

  Author: Beth Garrod
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 13-17
  Reading age: 10+

  Bella's life is a bit like a rollercoaster ride - with highs and lows, comedy and trauma. But they say life is what you make it so can Bella get something positive out of all the things that make her super awkward?

• Super Cats

  Author: Gwyneth Rees Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Tabby kitten, Tagg, is astounded to learn that he is a Super Cat, just like his parents. He must use his newfound superpowers to help rescue several missing cats. An amusing, action-packed adventure.

• Super Cats v Maximus Fang

  Author: Gwyneth Rees Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  The Super Cast are an elite team of crime-fighting felines - and the biggest baddie of them all, Gory Gus, is about to break his old pal Maximus Fang out of prison and wreak havoc on the world. Can new recruits Tagg and Sugarfoot infiltrate his gang and stop the breakout before it's too late?

• Super Duck

  Author: Jez Alborough
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  Bright illustrations and rhyming text in a fun adventure with kites!

• Super Dweeb and the Pencil of Destiny

  Author: Jess Bradley
  Publisher: Arcturus
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Andy may be a dweeb but he has an awesome imagination and is great at drawing. Then, one day, he discovers his pencil can bring his stories to life... This funny, fast-paced and zany adventure is bursting with colourful cartoon-style illustrations. 

• Super Frozen Magic Forest

  Author: Matty Long
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  The third in the excellent, giggle-inducing Super Happy Magic Forest series has a distinctly Lord of the Rings homage which will amuse parents no end, and the semi-comic format is original yet accessible for young ones.

• Super Happy Magic Forest

  Author: Matty Long
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This anarchic and amusing picture book deserves much praise for taking commonplace story elements - pixies, goblins, unicorns and magical locations - and giving them an original twist. It's a hilarious read, with rich and vibrant illustrations. 

• Super Happy Magic Forest and the Humongous Fungus

  Author: Matty Long
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  It’s the day of the Frolic Festival in the Super Happy Magic Forest and everyone’s waiting for the Rainbow Dragon to appear, but something is very wrong. It's up to five unusual heroes – including Trevor, a small talking mushroom and Blossom the burping unicorn - to investigate.

• Super Happy Magic Forest: Slug of Doom

  Author: Matty Long
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Zorgoth the evil slug is accidentally freed by a unicorn, but fortunately, our heroes are hot on his trail. The second book in the psychedelic, cartoonish Super Happy Magic Forest world is as joyously original as the first.

• Super Pooper and Whizz Kid: Potty Power

  Author: Eunice and Sabrina Moyle
  Publisher: Abrams and Chronicle
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Here’s a super fun board book that will add lots of laughter to the tricky topic of learning to use the potty. The bright and bold illustrations are modern and cool – no one will be embarrassed reading this book!

• Super Rabbit

  Author: Stephanie Blake
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Super Rabbit – complete with cape and mask – isn't little. He fights supervillains! But when he gets a splinter (otherwise known as a Super Sword) stuck in his finger, he needs his mum to help him out. Bright and funny and perfect for little heroes. 

• Super Sidekicks: No Adults Allowed

  Author: Gavin Aung Than
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  JJ and his friends Fly Girl and Dinomite are sick of being taken for granted by the adult superheroes they work for. It’s time to stage a revolution and prove that they’re not just sidekicks!

  Can they get the adults to listen? When Goo arrives at their no-adults-allowed meeting things get even trickier. The misunderstood sidekick of the villain, Dr Enok, Goo…

• Super Sidekicks: Ocean’s Revenge

  Author: Gavin Aung Than
  Publisher: Penguin Random House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When the world’s superheroes start disappearing one by one and a mysterious mass begins moving through the water towards the city, it’s clear that it’s up to the Super Sidekicks to save the day.

• Super Sloth

  Author: Robert Starling
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This amusing tale about Sloth’s journey of self-discovery is accompanied by warm, colourful illustrations. The underlying message is that it is better to play to your strengths than try to be something you are not.

• Super Sons: The PolarShield Project

  Author: Ridley Pearson Illustrator: Ile Gonzalez
  Publisher: DC Comics, Inc (Imprint: DC Zoom)
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Most likely to appeal to comic book collectors and existing fans of the DC universe, this is the first in a new series of comic books with an environmental theme, starring the sons of Batman and Superman.

• Superbat

  Author: Matt Carr
  Publisher: Scholastic
  

  Pat the bat is bored. Everyone else is asleep, but Pat doesn’t want to be like everyone else, he wants to stand out. He dreams of being as special as the superheroes in his favourite comics. He dreams of being… Superbat!

• Superdad’s Day Off

  Author: Phil Earle Illustrator: Steve May
  Publisher: Little Gems
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Stanley is an ordinary boy from an ordinary family, with one notable exception: his father is a superhero. With lively, colourful illustrations, short chapters and clear, well-spaced text, this very funny tale is ideal for reluctant readers.

• Superfrog!

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Superfrog is a brave frog who steps in to confront an evil underwater gang of frogspawn thieves, before leading them out of the depths of the pond, and encountering a princess - with unexpected results.

• Superhero Baby

  Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Alex Willmore
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  As Suphero Baby darts from one catastrophe to the next to save the day, she realises that these are not mere accidents. They are in fact the work of a dastardly Super Villain and she is astounded when she discovers the culprit’s identity.

• Superhero Mum

  Author: Timothy Knapman Illustrator: Joe Berger
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  No one is more heroic for the little girl featured in this retro Pop Art-styled picture book than her playground-chasing, cake-making, teddy-finding, bubble-bearded Supermum.

• Superhero Street

  Author: Phil Earle Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
  Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-12
  Reading age: 7+

  Superhero Street is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud read that celebrates mums as the everyday superheroes they are. Sara Ogilvie's illustrations add an even more warm, hilarious background to Earle's realistic family.

• SuperJoe does NOT say sorry

  Author: Michael Catchpool Illustrator: Emma Proctor
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  SuperJoe thinks he has no time to say sorry to his family for the mess he’s made. But what happens when he wakes up his baby sister? A super read!

• Superkid

  Author: Claire Freedman Illustrator: Sarah McIntyre
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  When his X-ray eyes spot someone in trouble, Superkid is always ready to save the other children from all kinds of horrors - from playground bullies to grandma's broccoli

• Superkitty

  Author: Hannah Whitty Illustrator: Paula Bowles
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Based at the Sensational Superhero Agency, Kitty sets out to save the day and prove that small is MIGHTY when she pursues a criminal. A fun story that combines cute animals with a lively crime caper, and has a sweet message about believing in your abilities.

• Supermouse and the Big Cheese Robbery

  Author: M N Tahl. Illustrator: Mark Chambers
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  It's time for the grand unveiling of the Big Cheese in Mouseopolis - but a thief has stolen it and left a taunting note! Can Supermouse, local mouse superhero, identify the culprit? With innovative die-cuts on every page and plenty of sophisticated lift the flap features, children will enjoy caerphilly reading this delightfully silly, cheesy s…

• SuperQuesters: The Case of the Stolen Sun

  Author: Lisa Moss and Dr Thomas Bernard Illustrator: Amy Willcox
  Publisher: QuestFriendz
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A puzzle book and storybook combined into one! Lilli, Leo and Bea are trying to figure out why hot air balloons fly. Wishing hard for a clue, they find themselves in Questland, an enchanted world where they will find the answer they seek – if they can first help the Queen of Questland get the sun back, which has been stolen by Lord Grumble and his Snapettes.…

• Supersaurs 1: Raptors of Paradise

  Author: Jay Jay Burridge Illustrator: Jay Jay Burridge & Chris West
  Publisher: Bonnier Zaffre
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Intriguingly set in a world where dinosaurs co-exist with humans, this is the first in a six-book series of classic adventure stories with a twist. 

• Supertato

  Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 3-6
  

  It’s night-time in the supermarket and all is quiet and still. But wait. Something has escaped from the freezer, something with evil plans. This little escapee (or escapea?) wants to cause chaos. Can Supertato save the day? A hilarious and anarchic story with truly brilliant characters – one that you'll be asked to read again and again.

• Supertato: Eviltato vs Superpea

  Author: Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 2-3
  Reading age: 4-5

  This time Evil Pea becomes GOOD, and Supertato becomes EVIL. Can the veggies restore order? A fabulous addition to this hilarious series.

• Supertato: Super Squad

  Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Supertato is on a mission to teach Evil Pea a lesson and rallies the Super Squad to help - but what do sprinkle-covered cupcakes have to do with defeating their nemesis? A hilarious, action-packed, and delicious picture book.

• Supertato: The Great Eggscape

  Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Supertato disguises himself as an Easter egg to try and trick the Evil Pea into returning all the stolen chocolate... but it's going to take a little more than some natty foil to get past this evil vegetable! Can Supertato save the day?

• Supertato: Veggies in the Valley of Doom

  Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  The latest book in the Supertato series brings another fast-paced and colourful story, full of exciting twists and turns. But as well as being an adventure story full of fun and laughter, it’s also a sweet tale about friends who always look out for each other. 

• Superworm

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Alison Green Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Superworm is a hero with a difference. Super-long and super-strong, he's always on hand to help out the other creatures - until the evil Wizard Lizard captures him.

• Surprising Sharks

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: James Croft
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  An engaging introduction to the world of sharks, which seeks to dispel the myths about them, while adding fascinating detail.

• Survival in Space: The Apollo 13 Mission

  Author: David Long Illustrator: Stefano Tambellini
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise were over 200,000 miles from Earth, in a rocket on the way to the moon, when a faulty wire caused a disastrous explosion. With compromised support systems and one oxygen tank completely destroyed, their survival was on the line.

  This is the true story of the famous Apollo 13 mission, told in an accessible na…

• Survivor

  Author: Tom Hoyle
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 13+

  A group of strangers are on an outback survival course in Australia - but will they survive the murderous intents of someone in the group? This dark, disturbing, fast paced-story will keep readers on their toes.

• Survivors

  Author: David Long Illustrator: Kerry Hyndman
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  An anthology to inspire and help children understand how far self-belief and guts took adventurers from the past - and to wonder how far these qualities could take them too. Includes stunning illustrations.

• Survivors of the Holocaust

  Author: Kath Shackleton Illustrator: Zane Whittingham and Ryan Jones
  Publisher: Franklin Watts
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  Six people tell their stories of living through the Holocaust as children in this compelling and deeply thought-provoking graphic novel-style book.

• Susan Laughs

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Andersen
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  Susan can do so many things - she can laugh, sing, fly, dance, swim and much more. The final page of this wonderful book reveals that Susan is in a wheelchair, showing that 'disabled' doesn't mean 'disadvantaged'.

• Sut Wyt ti Bwci Bo?

  Author: Joanna Davies Illustrator: Steve Goldstone
  Publisher: Atebol
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Mae teimladau'n bethau anodd i'w deall a'u hesbonio, yn enwedig pan rydych chi'n blentyn, ond bydd y llyfr hwn yn sicr yn rhoi plant ar ben ffordd.

  ---

  Feelings are difficult to understand and explain, especially when you're a child, but this book will definitely set children on the right track.

   

• Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star

  Author: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  As Suzy and her friends prepare the tree on Christmas Eve, Suzy notices something missing and sets off in search of a Christmas Star to complete the decorations.

• Suzy Orbit, Astronaut

  Author: Ruth Quayle Illustrator: Jez Tuya
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Suzy Orbit, an engineer, lives on the moon and come sup with lots of ingenious solutions to life there. This STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) focused picture book explores concepts of remaking, reusing and making do.

• Swallows and Amazons

  Author: Arthur Ransome
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  It's the summer holidays, and the Walker children are excited to set sail on their boat Swallow and camp on Wild Cat Island.

• Swan Song

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A young boy expelled for hurting a classmate is sent to stay with his Grandad in a tiny village, where he begins to find comfort in the peace and beauty of nature. This moving novel sensitively explores some of the pressures faced by teenagers and their potential impact on mental health. 

• Swapsies

  Author: Fiona Roberton
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This clever and minimal little story about three friends, their favourite toys and what happens when you share is very good indeed. The humour and the simple but sparky language is perfectly pitched at little ones.

• Swarm Rising

  Author: Tim Peake and Steve Cole
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  An absorbing, exciting, sci-fi adventure based on an ingenious concept, thoughtfully planned and with a strong environmental message.

• Swashbuckle Lil: The Secret Pirate

  Author: Elli Woollard Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A rhyming 'chapters' story about a little girl with a big imagination, this is ideal for those transitioning from supervised to independent reading.

• Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster

  Author: Jonathan Auxier
  Publisher: Amulet Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  When Nan, a chimney sweep, survives a fire, she realises that the small piece of coal in her pocket is alive and has saved her life. Providing a fascinating insight into 19th-century Britain, this moving page-turner is also an uplifting tale, enhanced with magic.

• Sweet Damage

  Author: Rebecca James
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 9+

  Having been kicked out by his girlfriend, Tom becomes a lodger in the mysterious Anna's enormous house.

• Sweet Dreams Peter

  Author: Beatrix Potter
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  The perfect introduction to the world of Peter Rabbit, as Beatrix Potter's beloved bunny settles down for a lullaby at the end of a busy day.

• Sweet Dreams, Maisy

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  A favourite with so many babies, Maisy the mouse and her friends admire the beautiful sunset before Maisy goes home to settle down for bed. She reads Panda a story and then snuggles up in bed with her bear. Sweet dreams, Maisy!

• Sweet Music in Harlem

  Author: Debbie A Taylor Illustrator: Frank Morrison
  Publisher: Lee & Low
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Inspired by a 1958 photograph of American jazz greats, both text and illustrations in this unusual historical picture book capture the style and verve of Harlem's heyday.

• Sweet Pizza

  Author: G R Gemin
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 11-15
  Reading age: 11+

  In a small Welsh town, a young man gets to reconnect to his Italian roots and explore his entrepreneurial streak, as he exchanges the joys of fried chicken and chips for fresh espresso and pasta puttanesca.

• Sweet Venom

  Author: Tera Lynn Childs
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Gretchen has been fighting monsters for years. As a descendant of Medusa, she is duty-bound to keep humans safe but, until now, thought she was on a solo mission.

• Sweeties 1: Cherry/Skye

  Author: Veronique Grisseaux Illustrator: Anna Merli Translator: Joe Johnson
  Publisher: Charmz (imprint of Papercutz)
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  When her dad moves in with his girlfriend, Cherry finds herself part of a whole new family. This comic-book adaptation of stories by Cathy Cassidy features some difficult family dynamics and a strikingly attractive ghost.

• Swift and Hawk: Cyberspies

  Author: Logan Macx
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  A futuristic, middle-grade page-turner with wide appeal. Packed with mind-boggling gadgets and superhuman hacking skills, this tense spy thriller is pure escapism.

• Swim the Fly

  Author: Don Calame
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Matt, Coop and Sean have been friends forever.  Each summer, they set themselves a goal, and this year tops the lot - they must see a real live naked girl. 

• Swimming on the Moon

  Author: Brian Conaghan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  Anna is fiercely protective of her autistic twin brother Anto. While their parents argue, Anna does everything she can to keep the family together. Many key topics are thoughtfully explored in this sensitive novel for older readers.

• Swimming to the Moon

  Author: Jane Elson
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  The unfortunately named Beatrix Daffodil Tulip Chrysanthemum Rose is dealing with parent and friend issues in this real-world drama that stays light on its toes. Just enough quirk for young readers who may feel like outsiders.

• Swiss Family Robinson

  Author: Johann David Wyss
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 12+

  William, a Swiss pastor, and his wife Elizabeth are sailing to Australia with their four sons – Fritz, Ernest, Jack and Francis – when their ship is caught in a storm and they become shipwrecked on a deserted island.

• Swordswoman!

  Author: Devika Rangachari Illustrator: Amerigo Pinelli
  Publisher: Pushkin
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Truth really is more exciting than fiction in this dramatic, real-life adventure showcasing the bravery, compassion and military prowess of a young Rani during the Indian uprising of 1857.  

• Sylvia and Bird

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

  A story that gently explores themes of expectation, loneliness, friendship and valuing others.