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Books beginning with: A

• A Bear Called Paddington

  Author: Michael Bond Illustrator: Peggy Fortnum
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Paddington, the brown bear from darkest Peru, is found by the Brown family on Paddington Station with his hat, duffel coat and marmalade sandwiches.

• A Bear Hug at Bedtime

  Author: Jana Novotny Hunter Illustrator: Kay Widdowson
  Publisher: Child’s Play
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a delightful picture book with appealing illustrations and a gentle story about the power of the imagination and the fun of play, featuring a highly inclusive cast of characters.

• A Bear’s Guide to Beekeeping

  Author: Pip Cornell Illustrator: Alex G Griffiths
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This entertaining picture book is a step-by-step guide for any bear who wants to become a successful beekeeper. Attractive, colourful artwork depicting Bear’s mishaps is full of witty detail.

• A Beautiful Lie

  Author: Irfan Master
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Set in India during the summer of 1947, A Beautiful Lie follows the tumultuous events of the Partition of India through the eyes of Bilal who is looking after his ill father.

• A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting

  Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This amusing guide book contains an array of information about how to spot and behave around bears. The result is a stylish, highly entertaining picture book, perfect for reading aloud.

• A Berlin Love Song

  Author: Sarah Matthias
  Publisher: Troika Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 13+

  Lili Petalo is a trapeze artist in her family's circus. Max Hartmann is a member of the Hitler Youth, about to be recruited into the German Army.

• A Better Day: Your Positive Mental Health Handbook

  Author: Dr Alex George Illustrator: The Boy Fitz Hammond
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 9-11
  

  An upbeat and positive book which feels perfectly pitched at lower secondary school kids and will no doubt be hugely helpful for many.

• A Big Day for Migs!

  Author: Jo Hodgkinson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Migs is nervous on the first day of school, so he tries a number of things to calm his nerves.

• A Bird Like Himself

  Author: Anahita Teymorian
  Publisher: Tiny Owl
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  A charming book about growing up, fitting in and finding your own wings. Engaging, funny illustrations enhance the simple text in a story that will delight young readers.

• A Bit Lost

  Author: Chris Haughton
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Little Owl falls asleep in his (rather precarious) nest, falls onto the ground with a 'bump' and becomes 'a bit lost'. But Squirrel comes to his rescue...

• A Book About Marley Bear at the Farm

  Author: Melissa Crowton
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  Marley Bear is having a day out at the farm. There’s plenty to spot, from a wheelbarrow to a hen, and even Marley’s friend, Gus the Lion. There are plenty of good, sturdy flaps and the book is tough enough to withstand enthusiastic chewing, too.

• A Book of Feelings

  Author: Amanda McCardie Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Feelings. We all have them - and sometimes they're uncomfortable. But what should we do with them? Bright, lively and sensitive pictures complement this warm and thoughtful narrative.

• A Boy and a Bear in a Boat

  Author: Dave Shelton
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Imagine travelling on a boat with a polar bear as your captain.

• A Boy Called Christmas

  Author: Matt Haig Illustrator: Chris Mould
  Publisher: Canongate
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.

• A Boy Called Hope

  Author: Lara Williamson
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  A Boy Called Hope is a moving story about a boy's search for his dad. Dan Hope is a funny and likeable boy who tackles the questions he has in his life head on. His determination to find answers is inspiring and will make the reader laugh as well as cry.

• A Boy's Best Friend

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Cathy Fisher
  Publisher: Graffeg
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  One of a series of standalone stories about children growing up in the countryside by Nicola Davies and illustrated in pencil by Cathy Fisher, A Boy’s Best Friend is a fantastic, short read about an outdoorsy boy who loves animals but finds school difficult. 

• A Brave Bear

  Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Emily Hughes
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A book for families, for dads and for illustration fans, this is in the same territory as the phenomenally successful Guess How Much I Love You, but with a subtler sentimentality that might appeal to a new generation of parents.

• A Breath of Frost

  Author: Alyxandra Harvey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 8+

  Written with humour and wit this first story in the Lovegrove Legacy trilogy is a thrilling Regency adventure with a sinister twist.

• A Bus Called Heaven

  Author: Bob Graham
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  One morning, a dilapidated bus appears from nowhere abandoned outside Stella’s house; a hand-painted sign on the front says: 'Heaven.'

• A Busy Day for Birds

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This is a bright, lively book, full of cheerful rhyme about the many different kinds of birds in the world. It is drawn with very distinct pop-art colours that really zing and grab your attention from the get-go. 

• A Cage of Roots

  Author: Matt Green
  Publisher: O'Brien
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  A gripping read with a feisty heroine, about time travel, loyalty, magic, betrayal and bravery which convincingly captures both contemporary and ancient Ireland.

• A Cat Called Penguin

  Author: Holly Webb Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 8+

  An entertaining story for fluent younger readers complemented by pen and ink illustrations

• A Cat’s Christmas Carol

  Author: Sam Hay Illustrator: Helen Shoesmith
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  It’s Christmas and all is quiet in the department store. The staff are on their way home to loved ones, all except one… Clawdia, the department store’s security cat. A purrfect twist to the classic A Christmas Carol.

• A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth

  Author: Francesca Gibbons Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When Imogen and Marie stumble on a magical world and meet a prince, they're thrown into an exciting adventure full of incredible creatures and lots of danger. Will they ever make it back home?

• A Change Is Gonna Come

  Author: Various
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  This must-have anthology featuring stories and poems from 12 black, Asian and minority ethnic authors deals with the subject of change with wit, emotion and moments that will make you stop in your tracks.

• A Chase in Time

  Author: Sally Nicholls Illustrator: Brett Helquist
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Alex and Ruby hurtle back in time to 1912 when they topple through the ornate mirror of their great-aunt's house. This rip-roaring time-slip novel has a fast-paced plot and entertaining characters.

• A Child of Books

  Author: Oliver Jeffers Illustrator: Sam Winston
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 5+

  A little girl sails across the sea of her imagination to ask a little boy to come away with her to find stories again, worried that some people in the world have forgotten them.

• A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  In a war-torn, barbed wire-fenced landscape, a boy finds a seedling and cultivates it, attracting insects and birds, bringing joy to all.

• A Christmas Advent Story

  Author: Hannah Tolson & Ivy Snow
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A gentle introduction to Christmas themes for little ones, with flaps to turn and new words to learn.

• A Christmas in Time

  Author: Sally Nicholls
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Ruby and Alex slip through a magical mirror to Christmas 1872 where they must race against time to save sad, motherless Edith from almost certain death at a cruel boarding school.

• A Dangerous Crossing

  Author: Jane Mitchell
  Publisher: Little Island
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  This heartbreaking story depicts the reality of fleeing war, as told by a 13-year-old boy. Not only is their story told with compassion and understanding, it is also a timely and vital read. Deserving of a place on every school reading list.

• A Dangerous Game

  Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Mike Lowery
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Sam’s sickle-cell anaemia means he has trouble keeping up with the other boys in his class, but a school trip into the wild gives him the chance to be a hero. A fast-paced adventure story with plenty of peril and heart. 

• A Dancer's Dream: The Real Story of The Nutcracker

  Author: Katherine Woodfine Illustrator: Lizzy Stewart
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Loosely based on the history of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, this heartfelt story brings the magic of the ballet to a whole new audience.

• A Dark, Dark Tale

  Author: Ruth Brown
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A black cat takes the reader from one dark place to another: from a dark, dark moor to the dark, dark corner of a cupboard...to find what?

• A Darkling Plain

  Author: Philip Reeve
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Far into the future, cities are earth-churning, mobile predators which eat smaller towns and villages and fight the Anti-tractionists, who long for the demise of the cities and for the world to be green again.

• A Darkness of Dragons

  Author: S.A. Patrick
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  When Patch agrees to help find a way to break the curse that’s turned his friend Wren into a rat, he has no idea it’ll land him in quite as much trouble as it does.

  In Patch’s world, playing music has a magical effect: it can conjure courage or make you dance until exhausted, and everyone lives under the shadow of the actions of the evil Piper of Hamelyn. Te…

• A Day I Remember

  Author: Prodeepta Das
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This colourful account of a traditional Hindu wedding in modern day India is illustrated with stunning photographs, capturing the atmosphere of the preparations and ceremony.

• A Day in the Life of a Poo, a Gnu, and You

  Author: Mike Barfield Illustrator: Jess Bradley
  Publisher: Buster Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A very unusual fact book with laugh-out-loud strip cartoons about everything from eyeballs to Bactrian camels.

• A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars and the Distant Stars

  Author: Mike Barfield Illustrator: Jess Bradley
  Publisher: Buster Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Think you know about space? Think again! You might not have read about it in quite this way before…

• A Day With Dogs

  Author: Dorothee de Monfreid
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  What do dogs do all day? A fantastically fun naming and classification-style book, A Day With Dogs will appeal to little ones that like to list and name different types of things - be it dogs, trains or elements of nature.

• A Day with the Animal Doctors

  Author: Sharon Rentta
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Terence the Tapir accompanies his doctor mum to the animal hospital for the day.

• A Different Dog

  Author: Paul Jennings
  Publisher: Old Barn Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  A boy taking part in a running competition stops to help a van which has crashed - but the only survivor is a dog. This emotional novella follows his quest to get his new friend to safety and is perfect for reluctant or struggling readers.

• A Different Kind of Freedom: A Romani Story

  Author: Richard O’Neill
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Lijah loves football, but his Romani father doesn’t want him to play. How can Lijah follow his passion if he has to hide it from his dad?

• A Different Sort of Normal

  Author: Abigail Balfe
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 8+

  Abigail, the author and illustrator of this exceptional non-fiction book, spent most of her life not knowing she was autistic. Insightful, accessible and easy to navigate, this is an essential book for autistic and allistic (non-autistic) readers of all ages, including adults.

• A Dinosaur Ate My Sister

  Author: Pooja Puri Illustrator: Allen Fatimaharan
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Genius inventor Esha Verma is on the brink of winning the Brain Trophy, when she accidentally sends her sister back to the age of the dinosaurs. Funny and fast-paced STEM adventure.

• A Dog Called Flow

  Author: Pippa Goodhart Illustrator: Anthony Lewis
  Publisher: Troika Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This is a powerful story that clearly leads its reader through the struggles of dyslexia. But it is also an adventurous tale of a boy and his dog and the powerful friendship between them.

• A Dog Called Grk

  Author: Joshua Doder
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Returning a lost dog doesn't usually involve running away to obscure European countries, stealing helicopters, masterminding jail breaks and fleeing despotic generals.

• A Dog With Nice Ears

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  It’s always a delight and a comfort to step into the lovely world of Charlie and Lola and this charming, warm and very funny book is no exception. Lauren Child captures perfectly the thought processes and dialogue of children who wish they had a dog.

• A Dose of Dr Dog

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  The focus on tropical diseases means A Dose of Doctor Dog is not as educational in its focus as the first in the series, Doctor Dog, but it also means that Babette Cole’s anarchic sense of humour can be fully unleashed.

• A Dot in the Snow

  Author: Corrinne Averiss Illustrator: Fiona Woodcock
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Miki the polar bear cub is bored: mum is fishing on the ice, but he wants to play. He sees a red dot, far in the distance: what could it be?

• A Double Detectives Medical Mystery: Diagnosis Danger

  Author: Roopa Farooki
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When their friend is viciously attacked, twin medical detectives Ali and Tulip are on the case. But can they assess the crime correctly and diagnose the villain behind it? Compelling reading that manages to combine entertaining slapstick with creepy villains.

• A Drop of Golden Sun

  Author: Kate Saunders
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A classic-feeling storyset in the 1970s about filming a Hollywood movie. 

• A Duck Called Brian

  Author: Al Murphy
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  Brian the duck encounters all kinds of extraordinary ducks as he looks for his best friend Gregory. Brilliantly funny and quirky with an unexpected hit of very convenient magic, this whimsical picture book has plenty to amuse adults and children alike.

• A Face Like Glass

  Author: Frances Hardinge
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  This unusual and highly imaginative fantasy from Frances Hardinge is spellbinding

• A Fairy-Tale

  Author: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  In a dreary town, between the two world wars, young Bessie is lonely and bored. She meets the elderly Mrs Leaf who lives next door and they talk about whether fairies really exist.

• A Family Christmas

  Author: Alana Washington Illustrator: Emily Nash
  Publisher: Uclan Publishing
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Join a loving family as they share their Christmas Day traditions. Inclusive and tender, this is a warm hug of a book.

• A First Book of Animals

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A wide range of animals are depicted and celebrated in this lovely, colourful hardback - from polar bears to flamingos, fireflies to nightingales. Each double page spread features a full illustration and a short poem

• A First Book of Dinosaurs

  Author: Simon Mole Illustrator: Matt Hunt
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  This fun and inventive collection of thirty roar-some, illustrated poems celebrates the weird and wonderful world of dinosaurs. 

• A First Book of Nature

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Mark Hearld
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Hearld's nostalgic illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this lovely chronicle of a child's first experiences of nature

• A First Book of the Sea

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

  A First Book of the Sea reunites nature writer and poet Nicola Davies and illustrator Emily Sutton to create another stunning volume of poetic odes to the wonders of the sea.

• A Flash of Blue

  Author: Maria Farrer
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 10+

  A gripping story of love, grief, friendship and trust. The characters and their situations are completely believable and Amber's doubts, guilt and confused emotions are written with real understanding. Ultimately uplifting, this is a compelling read.

• A Flash of Fireflies

  Author: Aisha Bushby
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  Hazel’s family is relocating from Kuwait to the UK and her parents have sent her on ahead to stay with Grant, her unconventional great aunt, while they finalise the move. Hazel finds change difficult and is nervous about travelling alone and meeting Grant. She’s also worried about attending summer school, even though it will give her the opportunity to make …

• A Fox Called Herbert

  Author: Margaret Sturton
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Herbert's mother cannot understand why he won’t be a good rabbit, but Herbert doesn’t want to be a rabbit – he wants to be a fox! This charming picture introduces themes of identity and acceptance to young children through bright, expressive illustrations and visual clues to help children predict what will happen next.

• A Friend for Henry

  Author: Jenn Bailey Illustrator: Mika Song
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Henry’s keen to make friends in his class, but it’s proving a bit of a challenge. His autism is hinted at but not referred to directly, and all young readers will empathise with Henry and find reassurance in the book’s ultimate message of hope.

• A Fun ABC

  Author: Sade Fadipe Illustrator: Shedrach Ayalomeh
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Simple rhyming text accompanies the full-page watercolour illustrations, and children will enjoy searching for an assortment of objects beginning with each featured letter. A fun, positive portrayal of everyday life in a Nigerian village.

• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School

  Author: Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Silly and strange, children will enjoy the formula of this arty piece and it will encourage them to think creatively for their own extreme excuses.

• A Gathering Light

  Author: Jennifer Donnelly
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Mattie is entrusted by a female guest at the hotel where she works with some letters and instructed to burn them. The next day the woman is found drowned: murdered.

• A Ghost-light in the Attic

  Author: Pat Thomson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  While helping to sort out old toys in the attic of a historic house, two youngsters are summoned back to the 17th century and thrust into the midst of the English Civil War.

• A Girl Called Dog

  Author: Nicola Davies
  Publisher: Corgi Children's
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Threatening, scary, moving and exciting, this adventure story tackles the serious subject of child abduction with a light touch

• A Girl Called Justice: The Smugglers' Secret

  Author: Elly Griffiths
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A gripping tale of midnight feasts and murder set in 1937 as Justice Jones, junior super-sleuth, returns to her boarding school for a new term. 

• A Girl Called Owl

  Author: Amy Wilson
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10+

  This is a magical, wintery tale that explores the relationship between the human and fairy world, featuring well-known characters from folklore. Amy Wilson's debut novel is a perfect read for those who love wintery magic.

• A Girl, A Raccoon and the Midnight Moon

  Author: Karen Romano Young Illustrator: Jessixa Bagley
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When the statue at her beloved library is vandalised, Pearl is determined to find the culprit - but she'll discover a lot more along the way, too. A highly inventive, satisfying read.

• A Good Day For Climbing Trees

  Author: Jaco Jacobs Illustrator: Jim Tierney Translator: Kobus Geldenhuys from Afrikaans
  Publisher: Rock the Boat
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  Thirteen-year-old Marnus finds himself at the centre of a protest when he and a girl named Leila camp out in a tree to prevent it from being cut down by developers. This is the perfect feel-good book from one of South Africa’s top children’s authors.

• A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

  Author: Holly Jackson
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  A school project intended to reinvestigate the evidence of an old murder case brings new dangers and too many secrets to light 

• A Good Night for Shooting Zombies

  Author: Jaco Jacobs Translator: Kobus Geldenhuys from Afrikaans Illustrator: Jim Tierney
  Publisher: Rock the Boat
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 11+

  When Martin and his neighbour bond over their love for horror films, he helps him realise his ambition to create a zombie movie. A wonderfully quirky, humorous and heartwarming read, with a compelling plot.

• A Good Place

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 3+

  Four friends including a ladybird, a bee, a beetle and a dragonfly search for a new home and finally find the perfect place in a little boy's garden. 

• A Great And Terrible Beauty

  Author: Libba Bray
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster Childrens Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Gemma Doyle struggles to deal with her strange supernatural powers in this first installment of Libba Bray's series set in Victorian England.

• A Great Big Cuddle

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Beautifully illustrated poems for young children by two Children's Laureates

• A Greyhound of a Girl

  Author: Roddy Doyle
  Publisher: Marion Lloyd Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Memories, stories and emotions intertwine in this beautiful, contemplative story about a family and its progress through time

• A Guide to Sisters

  Author: Paula Metcalf Illustrator: Suzanne Barton
  Publisher: Words and Pictures
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  A big sister imparts her wisdom on all things to do with having a new little sister in this fun and playful picture book. Smart, funny text from Paula Metcalf is matched perfectly with cute line drawings from Suzanne Barton.

• A Hen in the Wardrobe

  Author: Wendy Meddour
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  This warm-hearted, cross-cultural story from debut author Wendy Meddour makes a fun, easy and lively read.

• A Hero Like Me

  Author: Angela Joy & Jen Reid Illustrator: Leire Salaberria
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  

  An important picture book with an positive message about recognising modern heroes, A Hero Like Me is a must-read.

• A Hollow in the Hills

  Author: Ruth Frances Long
  Publisher: The O’Brien Press
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Izzy, who is only just getting used to her new powers, must try to stop a war breaking out. Hunted into the hills, she encounters an angel of death. This is a magical fantasy, brimming with suspense and adventure.

• A House Without Mirrors

  Author: Mårten Sandén Illustrator: Moa Schulman Translator: Karin Altenberg
  Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  During hide-and-seek, Thomasine and her cousins find a wardrobe that takes them to a mirror image of the house, but in another time. This beautifully written, poignant and sometimes creepy story is really about a family overcoming difficulties. 

• A Hungry Lion: or a dwindling assortment of animals

  Author: Lucy Ruth Cummins
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  The author keeps the surprises coming in this hilarious and quirkily illustrated picture book. It proves that, while you can never trust a hungry lion, there’s always a bigger eater waiting in the wings…

• A is Amazing

  Author: Various Editor: Wendy Cooling Illustrator: Piet Grobler
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Whether you are feeling lonely, joyful, bored, excited or naughty, there is a poem for every mood in this delightful children’s poetry anthology exploring emotions and feelings.

• A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars

  Author: Yaba Badoe
  Publisher: Head of Zeus
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Real and supernatural threats mingle as a girl saved from a shipwreck tries to find justice for her dead parents. Romance and magic combine with a powerful setting and subject to make a unique, enjoyable read for teens.

• A Journey Through the Human Body

  Author: Steve Parker Illustrator: John Haslam
  Publisher: Marshall Editions
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  A clear, accessible and humorous exploration of the workings of the human body. An ideal book to share with budding scientists and curious children.

• A Kid in my Class

  Author: Rachel Rooney Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This brilliant and imaginatively illustrated book is the perfect addition to any classroom library; a book of clever poems picking out some of the many personalities that pupils will find sitting next to them in assemblies, lunch queues and in playgrounds.

• A Kind of Spark

  Author: Elle McNicoll
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When 11 year old Addie, who is autistic, learns about the 16th century women who were persecuted for witchcraft, she starts to lobby for a local memorial in her small Scottish village. With the help of a new girl at school, she fights valiantly against injustice and oppression.

• A Lark in the Ark

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Lynne Chapman
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 5+

  The animals in the ark are bored. Noah suggests hide and seek, but he knows their usual hiding places, so the animals pick the one place they’re FORBIDDEN – Noah’s bedroom.

• A Laureate's Choice: 101 Poems for Children chosen by Carol Ann Duffy

  Author: Carol Ann Duffy Illustrator: Emily Gravett
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 8-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has created a spirited, enriching and exquisite anthology of poems for children.

• A Letter for Bear

  Author: David Lucas
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Bear works very hard, delivering post to all the animals in the wood - but he never receives any letters himself.

• A Library of Lemons

  Author: Jo Cotterill
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Believable, memorable, charming and moving, fans of Jacqueline Wilson's domestic dramas will enjoy this bittersweet story of a family finding their feet in the next chapter of their lives.

• A Lion is a Lion

  Author: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Everyone knows that lions are fierce, but this lion is dressed smartly and skips down the street. When he visits a little girl and boy for lunch, he eats all his greens. But the children are still worried... A modern fable that's sure to become a real favourite.

• A Little Aloud for Children

  Author: Various Editor: Angela Macmillan
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 9+

  Ideal for classroom use as well as bedtime reading, this is a delightfully varied and enjoyable collection.

• A Little Bit Different

  Author: Clare Alexander
  Publisher: Words & Pictures
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  The Ploofers  - little beings that look like upside-down balloons - have been busy practicing something very special, and now they’re ready to show everyone. But one of the Ploofers is a little bit different! A lovely book which teaches us to embrace what makes us unique and brilliant.

• A Little Dose of Nature

  Author: Dr. Alison Greenwood
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This book is both calming and fun, suggesting over 25 activities to do while enjoying being outside. Brilliant for young children and families. 

• A Little Monster’s Guide to Positivity

  Author: Emily Snape
  Publisher: Vie Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This charming picture book from Emily Snape has a simple and reassuring tone for little ones who may also feel anxious about new tasks or not feel very confident in themselves.  It’s practical too with lots of easy and effective activities for parents and carers to try with children.

• A Little Piece of Ground

  Author: Elizabeth Laird
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  A Little Piece of Ground cleverly combines an exciting story with pressing political issues and as such is sure to encourage passionate debate.

• A Little Princess

  Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
  Publisher: Vintage Children's Classics
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A girl has a terrible time when she must go to boarding school

• A Lullaby for Little One

  Author: Dawn Casey Illustrator: Charles Fuge
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-4
  

  This heartwarming rhyming story is beautifully illustrated by Charles Fuge - with the huggiest and loveliest bunnies imaginable.

• A Medal for Leroy

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A moving story of love, loss and discovering your identity, inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British army

• A Midsummer Night's Dream - Manga Shakespeare

  Author: Richard Appignanesi William Shakespeare & Kate Brown
  Publisher: SelfMadeHero
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Shakespeare's enduring story set in present-day Athens, but a present with a massive difference.

• A Monster Calls

  Author: Patrick Ness (From an idea by Siobhan Dowd) Illustrator: Jim Kay
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Connor's mum has cancer and life is changing. There is the nightmare, then there is school, where people avoid him, or persecute him. And then there is the immense, mythic Monster.

• A Month with April-May

  Author: Edyth Bulbring
  Publisher: Hot Key
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Follow bored, angry yet irresistible teen April-May as she negotiates a new school and a new family situation in her own unique way.

• A Moon Girl Stole My Friend

  Author: Rebecca Patterson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A funny, inventive story set in the year 2099, where skycars, cyber pets and flying sweets are the norm but the complexities of friendship and playground politics are just the same as now.

• A Most Improper Magick

  Author: Stephanie Burgis
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10+

  A 21st-century take on Jane Austen's world, entertainingly viewed through the eyes of a 12-year-old heroine who discovers she has inherited her mother's magical abilities.

• A Most Peculiar Toy Factory

  Author: Alex Bell Illustrator: Nan Lawson
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Hoggle’s Happy Toys is a creepy toy factory that has been closed for five years, ever since the toys came to life and started to attack children. This darkly humorous tale will appeal to children who enjoy spine-tingling adventures with a macabre edge.

• A Mouse Called Julian

  Author: Joe Todd-Stanton
  Publisher: Flying Eye
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Julian isn’t a very sociable mouse... until he finds an unexpected friend in a fox. Joe Todd-Stanton’s book is full of his usual stylish illustration and the book is a lovely reminder to children that it’s OK to be yourself and have the friendships that suit you.

• A Mummy Ate My Homework

  Author: Thiago de Moraes
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Henry's just excited about starting Year 6 - little does he know he's about to end up getting pulled through a time portal to Ancient Egypt! Will he ever find his way back home? A real gem of a book mixing a fast-paced story with lots of facts about Ancient Egypt.

• A Near Thing for Captain Najork

  Author: Russell Hoban Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 8+

  This is another fantastic collaboration between Hoban and Blake. The story is a joyous, nonsensical tale of misadventure and the illustrations capture the absurdity perfectly.

• A Necklace of Raindrops

  Author: Joan Aiken Illustrator: Jan Pienkowski
  Publisher: Jonathan Cape Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Filled with poetic repetitions, each story beautifully balances the prosaic with the wondrous.

• A Nest Of Vipers

  Author: Catherine Johnson
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  We meet Cato Hopkins in Newgate Prison in September 1712, on the morning of the day he is due to be hanged for fraud.

• A New Hero: World of Warriors

  Author: Curtis Jobling
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 11+

  Thirteen-year-old Trick Hope is magically transported to the Wildlands, where the greatest warriors of all time have been summoned to fight the brutal Boneshaker and his murderous Skull Army. To return home, Trick must first defeat the mighty warlord in this thrilling fantasy adventure.

• A New House for Mouse

  Author: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Mouse sets off to find a new home, one that will be big enough for her and her big juicy apple.

• A Piglet Called Truffle

  Author: Helen Peters Illustrator: Ellie Snowdon
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  When Jasmine discovers a helpless piglet, she takes it upon herself to make sure it has a chance. But will Truffle be allowed to stay with Jasmine for good? This short, sweet story of a little girl looking after the runt of the litter is a perfect early reader. 

• A Pilgrim's Progress

  Author: Geraldine McCaughrean (retold from John Bunyan's original story) Illustrator: Jason Cockroft
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This retelling of John Bunyan's classic story is filled with drama, excitement and adventure

• A Pinch of Magic

  Author: Michelle Harrison
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Desperate for an adventure, Betty plans an outing to neighbouring Marshfoot on her 13th birthday. But then Granny breaks the devasting news that she is trapped on her island by an ancient curse. A riveting tale of witchcraft, love and betrayal. 

• A Place to Call Home

  Author: Alexis Deacon Illustrator: Vivianne Schwarz
  Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  A family of furry animals grow too big for their home in an old mattress and have to go out into the unknown world of the back yard to find a new one. This endearing and engaging picture book about growing up is told with gentle humour and illustrated with a blend of painting and photography by 2011 Best New Illustrator, Viviane Schwarz.

• A Pocketful of Stars

  Author: Aisha Bushby
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Safiya must uncover the truth of her mother’s history to help her survive the present. A beautifully written and page-turning read, set in London and Kuwait, that deals with changing friendships, family dynamics and learning how to say goodbye. 

• A Postcard to Ollis

  Author: Ingunn Thon Illustrator: Nora Brech
  Publisher: Wacky Bee Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Ollis’s mum has a new boyfriend and now she has a new baby brother. She feels lonely but luckily her best friend lives next door and they know each other inside out. Or do they? A charming and quirky illustrated story about the importance of family. 

• A Quiet Day in the Jungle

  Author: Andrew Weale Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
  Publisher: Picture Corgi
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  The jungle animals are enjoying a quiet day in the sun. Rhinos are relaxing, snakes are sunbathing and hippos are hiding until, suddenly, ten puffer fish pounce and chaos ensues

• A Recipe for Bedtime

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Sarah Massini
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 0-5
  

  You're feeling sleepy, but how can you have the perfect recipe? Peter Bently's sweet lullaby will give you step-by-step instructions to the best bedtime ever.

• A Recipe for Playtime

  Author: Peter Bently and Sarah Massini
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  Baby wakes up in the morning and starts to play! This rhyming text flows along very nicely, following a toddler through a delightful array of activity with their toys, who are definitely alive (like all treasured toys) and have personalities of their own.

• A Reckless Magick

  Author: Stephanie Burgis
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Kat is stalked by a dangerous magical enemy - and finds everything she thought she knew about her late mother called into question.

• A River

  Author: Marc Martin
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A lovely, poetic story following a girl's imaginary journey from the city to the sea, complete with immersive illustrations.

• A Robot Girl Ruined My Sleepover

  Author: Rebecca Patterson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A funny and touching sequel to the futuristic A Moon Girl Stole My Friend in which Lyla’s shiny, new cyborg friend Clara 2.2 turns out to be more trouble than she’s worth.

• A Robot Squashed My Teacher

  Author: Pooja Puri Illustrator: Allen Fatimaharan
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The story races along at a furious pace, and is packed full of laughs, hilarious antics and imaginative inventions. The short chapters are bursting with black-and-white illustrations, helping readers to visualise the many weird and wonderful gadgets which feature throughout the wacky tale.

• A Rocketful of Space Poems

  Author: Various Editor: John Foster Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  A galactic display of poems all on the topic of space, with some trademark detail and chaos from Winnie the Witch illustrator Korky Paul: think multi-legged aliens, fantastic spaceships and swirling planets.

• A Roman Rescue

  Author: Kelly Gerard Illustrator: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Charlie and his trusty dog Bandit fall down a sinkhole and are transported to ancient Rome where he meets Cosmo and goes on an adventure...

• A Room Full of Chocolate

  Author: Jane Elson
  Publisher: Hodder's Children's Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  On Grace's tenth birthday, Mum finds a lump and her Dad leaves forever. Then Grace is sent to live with Granddad on a farm in Yorkshire. Soon, a girl in rainbow clothes and a pig called Claude become Grace's friends. A sweet, sad story with a smidge of silly slapstick.

• A Safe Place

  Author: Lucy Marcovitch Illustrator: Jo Blake
  Publisher: Tamarind
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Can Kyla and her Dad safely deliver Granny's present, despite the many distractions on the way? Responsibility is a key theme in this (UK based) story.

• A Sea of Stories

  Author: Sylvia Bishop Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Roo loves staying with her grandfather in his cottage by the sea and enjoys listening to his wonderful stories. A touching tale about a girl’s relationship with her grandfather, which also evokes the wildness and beauty of the coast. 

• A Secret of Birds and Bone

  Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Sofia's mother is the most sought-after bone-crafter in Italy - but when she goes missing, Sofia must uncover her secrets and find out what she was running from. A story about family, full of action, history, and beautiful detail.

• A Seven-Letter Word

  Author: Kim Slater
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 9+

  It's a difficult time for Finlay. It's two years since his mother left the family home without any explanation. Marrying some unusual themes and a likeable protagonist, this an absorbing and well-paced mystery.

• A Shame to Miss: 1, 2 and 3

  Author: Various Editor: Anne Fine
  Publisher: Corgi Children's
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Former Children's Laureate Anne Fine has selected some marvellous poems, both classic and contemporary, for inclusion in her trio of poetry anthologies.

• A Shiver of Snow and Sky

  Author: Lisa Lueddecke
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  When the lights in the sky turn red, the inhabitants of Skane know that the Goddess is warning them of great danger ahead. An atmospheric and thrilling quest that is packed with adventure and magic. 

• A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

  Author: Glenda Millard
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  When the bombs begin to fall, runaway Skip camps out in the State Library with homeless old Billy and little Max, waiting for the mother who never comes.

• A Song for Jamela

  Author: Niki Daly
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Jamela is a young girl who lives with her family in South Africa. One day she goes to help out at Aunt Beauty’s hair salon.

• A Song for Summer

  Author: Eva Ibbotson
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  A deliciously old-fashioned story, which encompasses love, adventure and a host of memorable characters.

• A Song of Gladness

  Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Emily Gravett
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s own thoughts about the Covid-19 pandemic and his real-life conversations with the blackbird in his garden, A Song of Gladness is a tribute to the resilience of nature and a reminder to take pleasure in the small things.

• A Splendid Friend Indeed

  Author: Suzanne Bloom
  Publisher: Alanna Max
  Interest age: 0-5
  

  A small goose wants to know what a big bear is doing, and keeps asking him the question while the bear is quietly trying to read, write or think.

• A Spoonful of Jam

  Author: Michelle Magorian
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  To avoid a gang of bullies during the summer holidays, 12-year-old Elsie eagerly accepts a role in a play at the local theatre.

• A Sprinkle of Sorcery

  Author: Michelle Harrison
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Betty, Fliss and Charlie live on a gloomy island with their dad and pipe-smoking granny, Bunny Widdershins - but when they find a strange girl in their garden, a mysterious quest ensues. The second book in the Crowstone series can be read independently from the first, as a different adventure within the same magical world.

• A Squash and a Squeeze

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  An anxious little old lady has a house that is just too small - but when she asks a wise old man for help, he suggests a rather strange solution to her problems.

• A Stork in a Baobab Tree: An African Twelve Days of Christmas

  Author: Catherine House Illustrator: Polly Alakija
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This Christmas tale explores African village life during the festive season. It would be particularly useful in schools, discussing how different people celebrate religious festivals.

• A Storm of Strawberries

  Author: Jo Cotterill
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Twelve-year-old Darby is excited – it is the weekend of the family's chocolate hunt. However, beloved sister Kaydee has suddenly brought home a friend for the weekend. Plus her parents (who run the family's strawberry farm) seem distracted, increasingly preoccupied with news that a major storm is brewing. Does no one realise how important the event is to Dar…

• A Story About Afiya

  Author: James Berry Illustrator: Anna Cunha
  Publisher: Lantana Publishing
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Afiya’s fine black skin contrasts beautifully with her flowing white dress, as she skips through the landscape and encounters a variety of plants and animals in this lyrical picture book.

• A Story About Cancer (With a Happy Ending)

  Author: India Desjardins & Marianne Ferrer Translator: Solange Ouellet
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  A girl goes to talk to the doctor about her leukaemia. On the way, she considers how having cancer has affected her life. An affecting and striking illustrated book that charts one girl’s experience of surviving cancer: it’s honest and raw, but hopeful, too.

• A Story Like The Wind

  Author: Gill Lewis Illustrator: Jo Weaver
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Gill Lewis’s brief but beautiful story is rich in wonder, as well as being a timely reminder of the refugee crisis. Mixed with an exotic story of wild horses and a Dark Lord that rules a kingdom in peril, this is an unusual and memorable book.

• A Strange Place to Call Home

  Author: Marilyn Singer Illustrator: Ed Young
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 8+

  This illustrated collection of poems explores nature's miracles: creatures who survive in some of the world's most hostile places.

• A Street Dog Named Pup

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 9+

  This hard-hitting, compelling story of life on the streets for an abandoned dog and his search for the boy who loves him. 

• A Super Weird! Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner

  Author: Jim Smith
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Melvin's desperate to befriend Hector, the cool kid at his new school on Donut Island, but finds himself stuck with the two class oddballs. When an eerie smell takes over the town and children start acting weirdly, it's up to Melvin and his friends to solve the mystery...

• A Superhero Like You

  Author: Dr Ranj Illustrator: Liam Darcy
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Lily wakes up one day and decides she wants to be a superhero - but not the kind that flies around in a cape or wears their underpants over the trousers. It turns out, superheroes are everywhere...

• A Surprise for Tiny Mouse

  Author: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Baby Walker
  Interest age: 0-4
  

  Expore different types of weather and turn the wheel for a surprise!

• A Swift Pure Cry

  Author: Siobhan Dowd
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Loosely based on the real life case of the Kerry babies, powerful imagery and lyrical prose is woven throughout this unforgettable, outstanding and ultimately hopeful novel.

• A Tangle of Magicks

  Author: Stephanie Burgis
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Kat’s stepmother drags their family to the fashionable city of Bath to remove Kat’s sister Angeline from a most improper suitor. But unbeknownst to Stepmama, Regency-era Bath is full of notorious rakes, Napoleonic spies, and dangerous wild magic!

• A Tale of Two Dragons

  Author: Geraldine McCaughrean Illustrator: Peter Malone
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Two wealthy kingdoms stand back-to-back: if only the two cities shared their resources, all would be well, but the proud kings will not hear of it. This story carries a poignant message for modern times, beautifully packaged as a classic fairy tale. 

• A Taste of Chlorine

  Author: Bastien Vives
  Publisher: Jonathan Cape
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 10+

  This beautifully drawn book cleverly examines the intricacies and complications of friendship

• A Taste of the World: What People Eat and How They Celebrate Around the Globe

  Author: Beth Walrond
  Publisher: Little Gestalten
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  From everyday meals to celebratory feasts, this fascinating non-fiction picture book looks at the diverse range of food eaten by people from around the world.

• A Time Traveller's Guide to Life, the Universe and Everything

  Author: Ian Flitcroft Illustrator: Britt Spencer
  Publisher: O'Brien
  Interest age: 9-17
  Reading age: 10+

  In this quirky, fantastical graphic novel, Albert Einstein is at your service to guide you through time and space on a beam of light and answer all the questions you ever wanted to ask about life, the universe and everything.

• A Tiny Little Story: Park

  Author: Lisa Jones and Edward Underwood
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  A bright and interactive cloth book with a velcro-fastening strap that can attach to a pram, this relatable little story about an everyday trip to feed the ducks can be read either on the go or at home.

• A Tower of Giraffes

  Author: Anna Wright
  Publisher: Words & Pictures
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This exquisite volume of collective nouns will be treasured by children and adults alike, and cannot be recommended highly enough.

• A Traveller in Time

  Author: Alison Uttley
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Penelope is sent to stay with her great-aunt in an old Derbyshire house where the Babingtons used to live where discovers she can slip in and out of time

• A Treasury of Animal Stories

  Author: Holly Webb Illustrator: Artful Doodlers
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  There are puppies and kittens as well as ducks, a hedgehog and penguins too in these 11 stories about animals.

• A Tricky Kind of Magic

  Author: Nigel Baines
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This action-packed, black and white graphic novel is witty, original and dynamic with a unique take on grief, and learning to find the magic in life after the loss of a loved one.

• A Tudor Turk

  Author: Rehan Khan
  Publisher: Hope Road
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Will and Awa are caught up in a dangerous adventure across the Mediterranean and beyond, during the Turkish "golden age" in the late 1500s. Older children and teens who love Assassin's Creed will enjoy the setting, mission and swaggering sense of adventure.

• A Twist of Fortune

  Author: Barbara Mitchelhill
  Publisher: Anderson Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Sam Pargeter and his younger brother and sister have always been poor. But, in their tiny house in the country, with Ma and Pa, they were one big happy family. Until Pa goes off to America to seek their fortune and Ma dies.

• A Thousand Questions

  Author: Saadia Faruqi
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Set in Karachi, Pakistan, this engaging novel explores the developing relationship between two seemingly disparate eleven-year-old girls. A compelling tale, which paints a vivid picture of the poverty and privilege of Karachi life.

• A Throne of Swans

  Author: Katharine & Elizabeth Corr
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  If you love Melinda Salisbury’s royal politics and treacherous courts, you’ll love this brilliant Game of Thrones-esque fantasy. Tons of intrigue, mystery, family drama, glamorous gowns and hidden swords.

• A Very Corgi Christmas

  Author: Sam Hay Illustrator: Loretta Schauer
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  It’s Christmas Eve, and Buckingham Palace is a flurry of activity. Delightful dogs and Christmas adventure (with a gentle nod to the latest royal couple, for their young fans) combine in a charming rhyming picture book for the festive season.

• A Visit to City Farm

  Author: Verna Wilkins Illustrator: Karin Littlewood
  Publisher: Firetree Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  The pupils of Rainbow Class eagerly embark on a visit to City Farm, where they spend a fun-filled day meeting the animals. This joyful tale, with its vibrant watercolour illustrations, perfectly captures the excitement of a school trip.

• A Visitor for Bear

  Author: Bonny Becker Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Bear likes to be on his own until a mouse turns up and teaches him that sharing experiences is far better than being on your own

• A Voice in the Distance

  Author: Tabitha Suzuma
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 12+

  It seems like Flynn has it all - but he's also a manic depressive and two small daily pills represent the border between functioning normally and chaos.

• A Walk in London

  Author: Salvatore Rubbino
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Full of fascinating facts about the city, this lovely companion to A Walk in New York is enhanced by Salvatore Rubbino’s engaging retro illustrations and even includes an unfolding panorama of the Thames.

• A Walk in New York

  Author: Salvatore Rubbino
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  From the talented new illustrator Salvatore Rubbino comes this charming story about a boy and his father who spend an exciting day wandering around Manhattan ‘the busiest part of New York’.

• A Walk in the Park

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A welcome republication for an Anthony Browne classic from 1977. Two children from very different backgrounds (and their dogs) make friends where their parents cannot.

• A Walk on the Wild Side

  Author: Katie Cotton Illustrator: Louis Thomas
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This is a great introduction to the world's key animal habitats, accompanied by amazing facts (why do zebras have stripes?) and humour. The stylishly expansive pen-and-ink illustrations prompt your curiosity along the journey. Great fun!

• A Web of Air

  Author: Philip Reeve
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  The fabulous sixth book in the Mortal Engines series. Two years ago, Fever Crumb escaped the war-torn city of London in a travelling theatre. Now she arrives in the extraordinary craer city of Mayda

• A Welcome Song for Baby

  Author: Marsha Diane Arnold Illustrator: Sophie Allsopp
  Publisher: Tamarind; Random House Children’s Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This reassuring, sensitively illustrated story celebrates the milestones of pregnancy as the seasons pass, foregrounding the naturalness of the process as Emma excitedly awaits her new brother or sister.

• A Whale of a Time: a funny poem for every day of the year

  Author: Various selected by Lou Peacock Illustrator: Matt Hunt
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A treasure trove of funny poems encompassing many subjects and poets – one for every day of the year! A beautiful gift book.

• A Whisper of Horses

  Author: Zillah Bethell
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  An orphaned girl goes on a dangerous journey to find a place where horses still exist. With the government in pursuit, her escape to Whales is an adventure in recovering a past she's never known.

• A Whisper of Wolves

  Author: Kris Humphreys
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Kris Humphrey's debut is the first part of a four part series for middle grade readers, with each part focussing on a new character and animal companion it will appeal to young fans of fantasy and adventure.

• A Witch Alone

  Author: James Nicol
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Arianwyn Gribble has finished her witch training, and now the evil Hex is driving more and more supernatural creatures from the Great Wood and into Lull and beyond. Lots of magic and Cressida Cowell-style spirit creatures make for great fun. 

• A Witch in Winter

  Author: Ruth Warburton
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Anna is bewildered when Seth Waters – possibly the most beautiful boy she’s ever met – dumps his girlfriend and starts pursuing her

• A Wizard of Earthsea

  Author: Ursula Le Guin
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  The first in a classic series of fantasy novels, A Wizard of Earthsea follows a young boy’s development from goat herder to magician. Flawlessly written and by turns exciting, insightful and thought provoking, Ursula Le Guin's story has a timeless, mythical feel – a truly wonderful book.

• A World Between Us

  Author: Lydia Syson
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 14+

  Spirited young nurse Felix shakes off her restrictive family to follow her heart and her political convictions to Spain to support the Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War.

• A World Full of Spooky Stories: 50 Tales to Make Your Spine Tingle

  Author: Angela McAllister Illustrator: Madalina Andronic
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Organised thematically, this delightful and truly diverse collection of international stories celebrate the spooky in all manner of different ways. 

• A World of Dogs

  Author: Carlie Sorosiak Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A fascinating non-fiction book that details everything on dogs!  

• A Wrinkle in Time

  Author: Madeleine L'engle
  Publisher: Puffin Classics
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  When Charles Wallace Murry goes searching through a 'wrinkle in time' for his lost father, he finds himself on an evil planet where all life is enslaved by a huge pulsating brain known as 'It'.

• A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals

  Author: Claire Grace Illustrator: Christopher Corr
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This richly illustrated non-fiction book showcases an entire year of festivals from across the globe, with each of the four sections focusing on a different season. A fascinating selection are featured, from ancient customs to modern-day festivities.

• A Year Full of Stories: 52 Folk Tales and Legends From Around the World

  Author: Angela McAllister Illustrator: Christopher Corr
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  52 stories from around the world are collected in this nicely produced hardback, celebrating the wheel of the year across many cultures. It includes stories from Buddhist, Caribbean, Japanese, French, Inuit and Arabic traditions, among others.

• A Year in the life of a Total and Complete Genius

  Author: Stacey Matson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Arthur is a genius and he's great at everything he tries, despite the recent death of his mother.

• A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions

  Author: Jamia Wilson Illustrator: Jade Orlando
  Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
  Interest age: 9-11
  

  52 Black visionaries, creators and changemakers share what brings them joy. Inspiring and fascinating, this beautiful book also includes an activity or fact file linked to the profiled person. Gorgeous.

• A Year of Nature Poems

  Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kelly Louise Judd
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This beautifully illustrated portrait of one year in nature is put together by poet Joseph Coelho, with each month assigned a relevant and resonant poem. It reassuringly shows that emotions come and go, like the seasons – and the bad times always pass.

   

• A Year Without Autumn

  Author: Liz Kessler
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 8+

  Kessler combines a chatty tween novel with a serious dose of 'what if' in which a disused lift transports Jenni between the present and future years.

• A Zeal of Zebras

  Author: Woop Studios
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Vibrant design fills each page and the alphabetical listings create a clear, engaging read

• A.N.T.I.D.O.T.E

  Author: Malorie Blackman
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  Elliot wishes his Mum was more interesting: everyone else’s parents do exciting things like work for the BBC, but his is only a secretary. But is she?

• Aalfred and Aalbert

  Author: Morag Hood
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Aalfred and Aalbert both need a friend but seem destined never to meet, until fate finally unites them. A unique voice and wryly humorous illustrations will leave you smiling at this wonderful tale of aardvarks, broccoli, string and friendship.

• Aaron Slater, Illustrator

  Author: Andrea Beaty Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  Aaron loves to listen to stories. He cannot wait to create his own tales, but first, he must learn to read. However, Aaron finds it hard to make sense of the squiggles on the page. This wonderfully creative tale celebrates self-expression and demonstrates there is more than one way to tell a story.

• Aarti and the Blue Gods

  Author: Jasbinder Bilan
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A delicious mix of mystery, adventure and fantasy, as a girl living on a remote Scottish island with a cruel aunt begins to question what she has been told about her origins.

• Abandon

  Author: Meg Cabot
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Skilful characterisation, gothic locations and plenty of humour combine to create an addictive read

• ABC Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures

  Author: Jan Pieńkowski; paper engineering by Rodger Smith and Helen Balmer; computer lettering by Jane Walmsley and Hilary Saunders
  Publisher: Heinemann
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This big format dinosaur pop-up book may not contain any information about the dinos features, but it’s the pop-up papercraft that’s the real star here, and pulling all the levers and pulleys is great fun for all.

• ABC Mindful Me

  Author: Christiane Engel
  Publisher: Walter Foster Jr
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This inspiring ABC board book introduces mindfulness to young children as it guides readers through the rhyming alphabet. A perfect antidote to the sometimes hectic, noisy and overwhelming environment of modern life – with suggested activities to try.

• ABC: A Walk in the Countryside

  Author: Rosalind Beardshaw
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1-5
  Reading age: 5+

  Learn the alphabet as you take a walk through the countryside. This is a great book for young readers who are just starting to learn their alphabet.

• Abela

  Author: Berlie Doherty
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  When Abela loses her parents and sister to AIDS, she is left in the care of her aging grandmother in their African village. Unbeknowst to her, her selfish Uncle Thomas is hatching a scheme to take her to England.

• Able Seacat Simon

  Author: Lynne Barrett-Lee
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 9+

  Simon was a starving, bedraggled kitten living off scraps in Hong Kong harbour when he was scooped up by an English sailor. So begins his life of adventure aboard the HMS Amethyst. 

• About This Boy

  Author: Leon Rolle and Derek Owusu
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Part autobiography and part guide-to-life, Leon “Locksmith” Rolle of the British drum and bass band Rudimental writes about being a teenager, growing up and facing challenges. Looking at his own experiences and teenage years, Leon presents lots of positive advice to readers on how to achieve their dreams and be their best selves.

  Leon’s journey to adulthood …

• Above and Below

  Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Hanako Clulow
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press (360 Degrees)
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  This fascinating and stylish picture book explores habitats both above and below the surface. The half-page flaps add another level of interactivity to this wonderful information book that young nature fans will love.

• Absolutely Everything: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention

  Author: Christopher Lloyd
  Publisher: What On Earth Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  The perfect gift for an inquisitive child, Absolutely Everything is a magnificent tome filled with wonderful discoveries that will keep you turning the pages. It will provide you with enough fantastic facts to impress friends for the next few years.

• Accidental Superstar

  Author: Marianne Levy
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Katie's world feels like a mess: horrid new house, annoying new step-dad, and a mum who just won't listen. Things are weird with her best friend too. Katie's only escape is music and she loves writing her own songs, but then a film of her singing winds up online – and goes viral! Is this Katie's chance to make her dreams of pop stardom come true? Or will it …

• Accidents of Nature

  Author: Harriet McBride Johnson
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Jean, who has Cerebral Palsy, is about to spend ten days at Camp Courage (or ‘Crip Camp’ as her cabinmate Sara calls it), which is to prove an eye-opening experience.

• Ace Ghosts

  Author: Karen Wallace Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Catnip
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 8+

  A humorous first 'chapters' book for newly independent readers or suitable for reading aloud to younger children. Pen and ink illustrations add interest and humour.

• Ace of Spiders

  Author: Stefan Mohamed
  Publisher: Salt
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  The second in the Bitter Sixteen trilogy, Ace of Spiders fizzes with just as much heart, razor-sharp dialogue, down to earth humour and sci-fi references as the first in the series. One of the best modern takes on the superhero genre, out there.

• ACID

  Author: Emma Pass
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Jenna Strong used to be pretty, popular and rich - now she is a violent, battle-scarred skinhead in an all-male maximum security prison.

• Across the Risen Sea

  Author: Bren MacDibble
  Publisher: Old Barn Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Set in a future world where rising sea levels have collapsed the governments and everyday resources are precious commodities, Across the Risen Sea is a page-turning adventure starring a wild spark of a character who must save her home.

• Across the Universe

  Author: Beth Revis
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Amy and her family are cryogenically frozen and stored aboard the Godspeed to travel to a new planet - but Amy is wrongly unfrozen 50 years early, forcing her to experience life aboard the ship.

• Action Dude

  Author: Andy Riley
  Publisher: Welbeck Flame
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  Action Dude – aka Charlie Munderdrew – may be a kid, but he loves danger and excitement and to be a hero. Even just popping round to the corner shop requires a daring leap from a jet plane. So when disaster strikes at ‘Prehistoric Land’, the new local theme park, obviously it’s Action Dude that the Mayor calls on for help.

• Action Rhymes

  Author: Clare Beaton
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 1-4
  

  Simple rhymes with hand-sewn illustrations

• Action Stan

  Author: Elaine Wickson Illustrator: Chris Judge
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  The follow up to Planet Stan has all the fun of graphs and charts and laugh-out-loud humour but has evolved to explore friendships and bullying too, making it the perfect story to help young people navigate relationships. 

• Actual Size

  Author: Steve Jenkins
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Have you ever looked a giant squid in the eye, shaken hands with a gorilla or been face to face with a tiger?

• Achoo!

  Author: Simon Philip Illustrator: Nathan Reed
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 4-5

  Everyone knows that it’s good manners to cover your nose when you do a great big sneeze. Or do they? One day, Sid forgets this very important rule and out of his nose flies none other than an elephant in a canoe! It’s not long before Sid is sneezing again and with every sneeze, something even wackier and wilder appears.

• Ada Twist, Scientist

  Author: Andrea Beaty Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Abrams
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A brilliant and beautiful rhyming book about supporting your child's curiosity, and taking inspiration from Ada Lovelace (the pioneer mathematician and programmer), this is an inspirational and entertaining read.

• Adam Wins The Internet

  Author: Adam B Illustrator: James Lancett
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  When lonely kid Adam meets an AI on the internet that promises to make him a famous YouTuber, all his dreams start to come true! But there are some things that money can't buy, and as Adam's popularity skyrockets out of control he must remember what's truly important...

• Adam-2

  Author: Alastair Chisholm
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-16
  Reading age: 10+

  In a world devastated by 200 years of brutal conflict between humans and intelligent machines, could Adam-2 hold the key to ending the war? And, if so, which side should he save? A breathtaking science fiction thriller. 

• Adelaide's Secret World

  Author: Elise Hurst
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Adelaide lives a quiet life in a mysterious city. However, one stormy day leads to a chance meeting with someone similar to her, instigating much change in Adelaide's life and her city. Full of beautiful and surreal painted illustrations.

• Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans

  Author: Isi Hendrix
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When Adia learns that the Emperor has been possessed by a fearsome demon, she embarks on a dangerous mission to expel the evil spirit and protect the kingdom of Zaria. A thrilling Afro-fantasy adventure with an enthralling cast characters and an imaginative, fast-paced plot.

• Adorkable

  Author: Sarra Manning
  Publisher: Atom Books
  Interest age: 14-17
  Reading age: 13+

  A quirky, appealing and original young adult romance told from two contrasting perspectives, this is a sharp-eyed and funny insight into relationships for the Rookie generation.

• Adventure Duck vs Power Pug

  Author: Steve Cole Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Steve Cole’s funny animal fantasy will appeal to new readers looking to make the move from picture books or simpler chapter books. Giggles are guaranteed with plenty of silly puns and jokes that will also entertain parents if they’re reading aloud.

• Adventure Island: The Mystery of the Whistling Caves

  Author: Helen Moss Illustrator: Leo Hartas
  Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  An action-packed beginning to a new series and a good old-fashioned mystery.

• AdventureMice: Otter Chaos!

  Author: Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  When Pedro the mouse meets the Adventuremice, he has a chance to prove his bravery. Can they stop an otter from terrorising the Mouse Islands? A delightful bite-size adventure vibrantly illustrated in full colour.

  ---

  Mae Pedro'r llygoden fach wastad wedi breuddwydio am antur fawr, felly gyda chês yn ei law mae'n dechrau ar ei daith ac yn cael ei hun ar y traet…

• Adventures of the steampunk pirates: attack of the giant sea spiders

  Author: Gareth P Jones Illustrator: Artful Doodlers
  Publisher: Stripes publishing
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 9+

  The Leaky Battery is a pirate ship with a crew powered by steam and clockwork, apart from Pendle the cabin boy (who is really a girl).

• Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates: Clash of the Rival Robots

  Author: Gareth P Jones Illustrator: Artful Dodgers
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  After the motley crew of The Leaky Battery escape the clutches of the King of England, they run into trouble when a mechanical albatross lands on their ship.

• Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates: rise of the slippery sea monster

  Author: Gareth P Jones
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The Steampunk Pirates' treasure has been stolen by what they think is a sea monster. They make a plan to get their treasure back and uncover more mysteries than they bargained for in this rip-roaring tale of daring-do on the high seas.

• Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates: The Leaky Battery Sets Sail

  Author: Gareth P Jones
  Publisher: Stripes Publishing
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Witty, engaging text is complemented by humorous pen and ink illustrations and clever characterisation making this ideal for newly independent readers.

• Adventures on Trains: Kidnap on the California Comet

  Author: M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Harrison Beck returns to solve another train-based crime! This time a tech billionaire fuels the mystery on the California Comet.

• Adventures on Trains: Murder on the Safari Star

  Author: M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman Illustrator: Elisa Paganelli
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When a passenger on the Safari Star is found dead in his locked compartment in strange circumstances, it's up to Harrison Beck to crack the case! Another fantastically fun, gripping mystery in the Adventures on Trains series.

• Adder, Bluebell, Lobster: Wild Poems

  Author: Chrissie Gittins Illustrator: Paul Bommer
  Publisher: Oteer-Barry Books
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 6+

  There is much to savour in this wide-ranging poetry anthology about all things wild. Written in response to the removal of many nature-related words from the Oxford Junior Dictionary, each of the forty poems is about one of these 'missing' words.

• Afraid of the Dark

  Author: Sarah Shaffi & Isabel Otter Illustrator: Lucy Farfort
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Amy can't sleep in her new bedroom, but with the help of some new friends and a caring father, she soon feels at home.

• Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

  Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Mouni Feddag
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in Africa.

• African & Caribbean Folktales, Myths & Legends

  Author: Wendy Shearer Illustrator: Andrea Pippins
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  In this collection you will find creation myths, trickster tales, stories about shapeshifters and gods, and many more – some funny, some thrilling. An excellent introduction to African and Caribbean folklore.

• African Tales: A Barefoot Collection

  Author: Gcina Mhlophe Illustrator: Rachel Griffin
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Eight inspirational stories plucked from the storytelling traditions of eight different countries, bring the fascinatingly diverse culture of the African continent alive.

• Africana

  Author: Kim Chakanetsa Illustrator: Alabi Mayowa
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A fascinating treasure trove of information about the 54 countries in Africa, and their landscapes, animals and people. With stunning illustrations and bite-size facts, this is the perfect gift book for all non-fiction fans.

• After

  Author: Morris Gleitzman
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 10+

  The fourth installment in Morris Gleitzman's unforgettable series beginning with Once, tells the story of what happened to Felix in the final, agonising stages of the Second World War.

• After Iris

  Author: Natasha Farrant
  Publisher: Faber Children's
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 12+

  Given a video camera on her thirteenth birthday, Bluebell Gadsby sets out to document her life and her quirky, bohemian family

• After Tomorrow

  Author: Gillian Cross
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Matt's world changed forever on Armageddon Monday, when five banks crashed simultaneously. Now he's living in a refugee camp, struggling to survive.

• After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again

  Author: Dan Santat
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  You’ve heard the story of Humpty Dumpty – what we will now refer to as the Great Fall. But did you know what happened afterwards? 

• After the Snow

  Author: S D Crocket
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 14+

  Fifteen-year-old Willo has been left alone in the freezing and snow covered hills that have been his home for years.

• Aftershock

  Author: Bernard Ashley
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Childrens Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  After a major earthquake in 1951 devastates their lives, Makis and his mother are re-homed in North London, but they face antagonism from both the British and Greek communities.

• Aftershocks

  Author: Anne Fine
  Publisher: Old Barn Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Louie and his dad are almost killed by a tsunami during a trip to the strange, desolate Endlands, and his dad chooses to stay and help the people devastated by the disaster. An absolutely masterful tale: a futuristic ghost story about loss, love and grief. 

• Afterwalkers

  Author: Tom Becker
  Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 8+

  This disturbing tale in the supernatural, zombie/horror genre has a refreshingly inventive storyline and credible and likeable protagonists the reader can really root for. A very rewarding and exciting page turner.

• Again!

  Author: Emily Gravett
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  It's Cedric's the little dragon's bedtime, but before he goes to sleep, there's just enough time for mum to read him a bedtime story.

• Agatha Parrot and the Zombie Bird

  Author: Kjartan Poskitt Illustrator: David Tazzyman
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Agatha Parrot suspects Misto the Mysterious is up to no good!

• Agent Moose

  Author: Mo O’Hara Illustrator: Jess Bradley
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7-9

  Special Agent Moose (‘Anonymoose’) is probably the best (worst) secret agent out there. He’s an excellent master of disguise with a fondness for chocolate milk - shaken, not stirred, like all good spies - but he can sometimes find himself in sticky situations. Together with his wiser (more sensible) sidekick Owlfred, Agent Moose is on the case to find a miss…

• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds

  Author: Annabelle Sami Illustrator: Daniela Sosa
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The mysterious disappearance of some diamonds at her cousin's henna party gives Zaiba the perfect opportunity to prove that she's just as good a detective as her Aunty Fouzia. An energetic adventure set against the background of a traditional Pakistani pre-wedding ceremony.

• Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret

  Author: Annabelle Sami Illustrator: Daniela Sosa
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a classic detective adventure with a very up-to-date attitude, which children will love for all the same reasons their parents loved the Famous Five and Nancy Drew, but which also provides positive role models and a realistic picture of today’s society.

• Agents of S.U.I.T. an InvestiGators adventure

  Author: John Patrick Green Illustrator: John Patrick Green with Christopher Hastings and Pat Lewis
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Can Cilantro the chameleon discover who’s making the crop circles – aliens or something closer to home? A brilliantly funny graphic novel for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators.

• Agents of the Wild: Operation Honeyhunt

  Author: Jennifer Bell Illustrator: Alice Lickens
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Orphan Agnes is flabbergasted to find a shrew in a safari suit sitting on her bed one afternoon. He informs Agnes that she has been selected as a field agent for the covert organisation SPEARS, the Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species Can she rise to the challenge? Fast-paced and funny, this entertaining eco-chapter book with a…

• Angel

  Author: LA Weatherly
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  A thriller with a difference, this riveting read explores the conflicting emotions felt by two young people who know that only by risking their lives can they save the world.

• Angel Dares

  Author: Joss Stirling
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 7+

  Novel five in the romantic supernatural Benedicts series. Light, humorous romance set in the teenage pop world, with the characters' special abilities adding excitement.

• Angel Dust

  Author: Sarah Mussi
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Serafina is one of the brightest and most beloved of all God's angels - until she is sent down to earth to collect the soul of Marcus Montague, and deliver him to Hell.

• Angel Fire

  Author: LA Weatherly
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  The Second Wave invasion of predatory angels continues.

• Angel on the Roof

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  When Lewis finds an angel living on the roof of his house, they form a quick friendship. Soon, the people living under the angel feel the effect of its goodness in their lives. An atmospheric and timeless story, full of Shirley Hughes' trademark warmth. 

• Angela Nicely: Cupcake Wars

  Author: Alan Macdonald Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Three short chapter books in one small volume, containing the further adventures of Angela Nicely. The clear text and funny illustrations complement each other well, and encourage readers to move swiftly through the stories.

• Angelica Sprocket's Pockets

  Author: Quentin Blake
  Publisher: Red Fox Picture Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Angelica’s small chums are enchanted by the contents of her pockets which include mice, cheese, hankies, frying pans, umbrellas and much more!

• Angelina's Christmas

  Author: Katharine Holabird Illustrator: Helen Craig
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Beautifully epitomises the real spirit of christmas

• Angelina's Halloween

  Author: Katharine Holabird Illustrator: Helen Craig
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Helen Craig's delicate and intricate illustrations beautifully conjur up the Halloween atmosphere and are full of detail children will love to explore

• Angels Next Door

  Author: Karen McCombie
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This perfectly pitched pre-teen story touches on some bigger issues, but the gentle warmth added through its angelic spin keeps the whole thing lighter than a feather from a shimmering wing.

• Angry Arthur

  Author: Hiawyn Oram Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  First published almost thirty years ago, Otam and Kitamura's depiction of Arthur remains a classic which continues to entertain and warn us all against unreasonable anger.

• Angry Cookie

  Author: Laura Dockrill Illustrator: Maria Karipidou
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Cookie is very angry, and she’d prefer it is you just went away! Laura Dockrill’s text is brilliantly quirky and friendly, and little ones will definitely identify with Angry Cookie. It’s a perfect book for talking about emotions.

• Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

  Author: Louise Rennison
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  Welcome to the world of Georgia Nicolson - an angst-ridden teenage girl who keeps a diary to record the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences she faces every day

• Ahmed and the Feather Girl

  Author: Jane Ray
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  This beautiful fairy tale story of hope and dreams is enchanting. Jane Ray's illustrations are truly magical. A wonderful book to keep and treasure.

• Aidan Abet, Teacher’s Pet

  Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Steve May
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Aiden is a target for school bullies. The only way he can survive is to suck up to the teacher, so he offers to look after the classroom animals. But there is something strange about them... A fun-filled mystery with a great twist.

• Air

  Author: Lisa Glass
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 11+

  Iris travels far away to a surfing competition with her boyfriend, Zeke, but when they are both far away from what they know, Iris sees a different side to her boyfriend.

• Airman

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 11+

  A tense and accomplished adventure story from a popular bestselling author

• Ajay and the Jaipur Moon

  Author: Varsha Shah Illustrator: Sònia Albert
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Ajay and his fellow Mumbai street kids are in a race to Jaipur, to find a crashed meteorite. This big story could save the newspaper they run! Only, there may be a bigger story – about a threat to the whole world… A thrilling adventure with a lot of heart.

• Ajay and the Mumbai Sun

  Author: Varsha Shah Illustrator: Sonia Albert
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8-9

  When street kid, Ajay, uncovers a scandal that threatens to evict thousands of the poorest people of Mumbai from their homes, he knows he has an important story to tell.

• Akissi: Even More Tales of Mischief

  Author: Marguerite Abouet Illustrator: Mathieu Sapin
  Publisher: Flying Eye
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  The hilarious adventures of Akissi, a little girl with a huge personality from Cote d’Ivoire.

• Akissi: Tales of Mischief

  Author: Marguerite Abouet Illustrator: Mathieu Sapin Translator: Judith Taboy and Marie Bédrune
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Akissi is a ball of energy who doesn’t know how to stay out of trouble. But she always eventually gets caught! A fun and colourful comic, full of tales of an Ivory Coast neighbourhood.

• Aladdin

  Author: Niroot Puttapipat
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  The classic tale is retold and illustrated using delicate silhouettes in six exquisite three-dimensional scenes

• Alana Dancing Star: Viennese Waltz

  Author: Arlene Philips Illustrator: Pixie Potts
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Includes sweet illustrations, a cut-out doll to dress and a step-by-step guide to dancing the waltz yourself

• Alaska

  Author: Anna Woltz Translator: Laura Watkinson from Dutch
  Publisher: Em. Querido Kinderboeken Uitgeverij
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  An epileptic boy, an insecure girl, and the dog that brings them together – witty and wry with echoes of John Green.

  Sven knows he must do something brilliant on the first day of a new school year or he'll be the epileptic kid that everyone feels sorry for. So he targets Parker, a girl who just wants to be invisible after surviving the worst summer of her li…

• Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers

  Author: Alastair Humphrey Illustrator: Kevin Ward
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  An inspiring introduction to 20 adventurers and explorers from the last 700 years. This book will encourage readers to live more adventurously, think a little more boldly and go a little further themselves.

• Albert and Little Henry

  Author: Jez Alborough
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Henry starts to feel left out and ignored when a new baby sibling arrives at home.

• Albert and the Garden of Doom

  Author: Phile Earle Illustrator: Jamie Littler
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Albie loves playing football in his garden. The problem is, he's always kicking the ball over the fence to the spooky, weed-infested Garden of Doom next door.

• Albert Talbot, Master of Disguise

  Author: Ben Manley Illustrator: Aurélie Guillerey
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Albert doesn't want to get out of bed today - and maybe if he pretends to be somebody else, he won't have to! An original and hilarious book about imagination and adventure with some truly outlandish made-up names to enjoy.

• Albert’s Tree

  Author: Jenni Desmond
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  After hibernating all winter, Albert the bear rushes to his favourite tree. As he settles onto one of the branches, the tree begins to cry, so Albert tries to cheer it up. A delightful tale with atmospheric illustrations, about caring for those you love.

• Alcatoe and the Turnip Child

  Author: Isaac Lenkiewicz
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  Alcatoe the witch helps three kids grow a huge turnip – but it comes alive! Can they protect it? A quirky story illustrated in autumnal colours, with speech bubbles and lots of details to spot in the fun illustrations. 

• Alex As Well

  Author: Alyssa Brugman
  Publisher: Curious Fox
  Interest age: 15-16
  Reading age: 14+

  Alex As Well is a pioneering young adult story which explores issues of gender, identity and sexuality in a frank and unembellished way.

• Alex Rider Mission 2: Point Blanc

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 12+

  Alex Rider is plucked from his life as an average schoolboy to pit his wits as a spy for MI6 against the frightening Doctor Grief and his evil plans.

• Alex Rider Mission 3: Skeleton Key

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Alex Rider’s back, and he’s in trouble. Real trouble.

• Alex Rider Mission 4: Eagle Strike

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Fourteen-year-old MI6 agent Alex Rider's fourth case plunges him into a desperate race to save the world...

• Alex Rider Mission 5: Scorpia

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 11+

  The fifth Alex Rider adventure sees the teenage spy in Venice, where he infiltrates Scorpia, an international organisation of assassins.

• Alex Rider Mission 6: Ark Angel

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 11+

  From Cornwall to Cuba, Venice to France, Alex Rider has travelled far and wide as a spy for MI6, facing danger and death at every turn.

• Alex Rider Mission 7: Snakehead

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  The latest instalment in the adventures of Alex Rider, in which he re-enters earthly events from outer space - and gets tangled up in the criminal world of the Snakehead organisation in south-east Asia.

• Alex Rider Mission 8: Crocodile Tears

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 11+

  A charity broker con artist has invested millions into genetically modified corn that has the power to release a powerful airborne strain of virus onto the world...

• Alex Rider Mission 9: Scorpia Rising

  Author: Anthony Horowitz
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  This gripping final mission brings together Alex Rider's old enemies to frame the teenage superspy in an unstoppable plot of revenge, from which he can never return.

• Alex Sparrow and the Furry Fury

  Author: Jenifer Killick
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Agent Alex and Jess are back for the second book in the Alex Sparrow series and still bickering constantly! Their latest mission begins when animals turn against humans. An innocent, funny and exciting read, with characters you wish you could be friends with.

• Alex Sparrow and the Really Big Stink

  Author: Jennifer Killick
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Alex Sparrow is training himself to be a super-agent and has a brand-new superpower that allows him to tell when people are lying. This is a hilarious, exciting, fun read - filled to the brim with great characters and laugh-out-loud moments.

• Alex Sparrow and the Zumbie Apocalypse

  Author: Jennifer Killick
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A bonkers story of unlikely superheroes, an evil genius, a zombified keep fit class and a very angry octopus.

• Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door

  Author: Ross Montgomery
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This lively debut novel features a host of eccentric but immensely likable characters.

• Alfie and Dad

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Bodley Head
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This collection of three classic Alfie stories is a charming reminder of just how perfectly Shirley Hughes understands little ones.

• Alfie and the Big Boys

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Children will relish this warm tale of everyday life with illustrations overflowing with colour and vitality.

• Alfie Bloom: The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle

  Author: Gabrielle Kent
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  This book has a little of everything, time-travel, magic, mystery and an enigmatic butler! It is a satisfying story of good versus evil and little verses big that will resonate with young readers.

• Alfie Gives a Hand

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Shirley Hughes' much-loved Alfie goes to his first birthday party in this lovely picture book for pre-school children.

• Alfie Outdoors

  Author: Shirley Hughes Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Shirley Hughes's iconic Alfie takes a trip into the garden and starts gardening and finding out more about the creepy crawlies.

• Alfie Wins a Prize

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Alfie's painting at the Big School's Harvest Fair is judged worthy of one of the main prizes. But Alfie is more taken with the consolation prize...

• Alice Dent and the Incredible Germs

  Author: Gwen Lowe
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 8+

  Can Alice outwit the Best Minister for Everything Nicely Perfect's evil plans? Find out in this brilliantly original tale of friendship and adventure.

• Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Recipe for Trouble

  Author: Sarah Todd Taylor
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  By day, 13-year-old Alice Éclair is a skilled baker, but by night, she is a spy. In this thrilling adventure, set in 1930s France, she must combine her skills as she embarks on a dangerous mission aboard a luxury steam train. 

• Alice in Sunderland

  Author: Bryan Talbot
  Publisher: Vinatge Publishing
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Alice in Sunderland is a graphic novel like no other. Bryan Talbot takes the city of Sunderland and the story of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell (the ‘real’ Alice) as the spine of his story and around them spins a spectacularly diverse range of different stories.

• Alice Through the Looking-Glass

  Author: Emma Chichester Clark
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 7+

  Alice walks through the mirror above the fireplace and into the topsy-turvy Looking-Glass Kingdom in this glorious retelling of Lewis Carroll's classic story.

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

  Author: Lewis Carroll Illustrator: Alison Jay
  Publisher: Old Barn Books
  Interest age: 4-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This much-loved children's classic features the traditional unabridged text, illustrated by Alison Jay, whose nostalgic and dreamy crackled-finish images are a perfect accompaniment.

• Alice-Miranda on Holiday

  Author: Jacqueline Harvey
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Precocious seven-year-old Alice-Miranda is home from boarding school for the holidays in the second installment of this tongue-in-cheek series.

• Alien Invaders: Rockhead - The Living Mountain

  Author: Max Silver
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Set in 2121 about Cosmo, about an earthboy on a mission to save the galaxy from the monster Kaos and his deadly alien invaders

• Alien Superstar

  Author: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver Illustrator: Ethan Nicolle
  Publisher: Amulet Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  What better place for an alien to go unnoticed than the backlot of Universal Studios? Full of humour and with an appealing plot, this book shows that, human or alien, we all need kindness and understanding to achieve our dreams and flourish. 

• Alienography

  Author: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Have you ever feared a Martian attack? This book recommends creeping up close enough to plant a big wet slobbery kiss on their slimy skins – your germs will do the rest to defeat them.

• Alienography 2: Tips for Tiny Tyrants

  Author: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Find out how to take over the universe in this funny and engaging book from Chris Riddell (and Colin the Alien)

• Aliens Love Dinopants

  Author: Claire Freedman Illustrator: Ben Cort
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  The return of old favourites in a new adventure involving underpants. When Aliens meet Dinosaurs a rhyming riot must ensue!

• Aliens Love Underpants

  Author: Claire Freedman Illustrator: Ben Cort
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Underpants are a source of humour whatever your reading age, even, it appears, when it comes to aliens!

• Alive Again

  Author: Ahmadreza Ahmadi Illustrator: Nahid Kazemi Translator: Azita Rassi
  Publisher: Tiny Owl
  Interest age: 3-8
  Reading age: 5+

  A young boy asks his father what happens to the word 'blossom' when the blossom is blown from the trees. Does the word die, along with the blossom? What about rain, wheat or a journey? If these things disappear, do the words disappear too?

• Aliya to the Infinite City

  Author: Laila Rifaat
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Featuring flying carpets, sphynxes, invisibility cream, knowledge turbans and a genie who has been trapped in a cookie tin for 152 years, this exciting fantasy adventure story also includes snippets of the rich history of Egypt. 

• Almost Anything

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Penguin Random House
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Sophy Henn has the perfect touch when it comes to tapping into childhood emotions and readers both young and old will relate to George’s wobbly feelings about trying new things. A brilliant book for sharing, and for giving little ones a little extra self-belief.

• Almost Everybody Farts

  Author: Marty Kelley
  Publisher: Sterling
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Part of the joy of this book, featuring the eternally amusing subject of farting, is the skilful depiction of a variety of farting faces belonging to all the different characters. Plenty of laughs guaranteed.

• Along for the Ride

  Author: Sarah Dessen
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Auden decides to go and spend the summer with her father, his new (much younger) wife and their newborn daughter, Thisbe, at their home in a seaside town.

• Alone

  Author: D J Brazier
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Imagine being stranded in a tropical jungle. You're all alone and all you have are the clothes you're wearing and whatever the jungle can offer you. A nail-biting story of survival.

• Alone in The Forest

  Author: Bhajju Shyam Gita Wolf and Andrea Anastasio
  Publisher: Tara Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  What makes this book extraordinary - and elevates a simple story into a complex, very real emotional and psychological experience of fear and of a particular place - are the illustrations.

• Alone on a Wide Wide Sea

  Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Filled with vividly beautiful descriptions of land and seascapes, this roller-coaster novel quietly maps the changing nature of childhood through time.

• Alpha: Abidjan to Gare du Nord

  Author: Bessora & Barroux Translator: Sarah Ardizzone
  Publisher: The Bucket List
  Interest age: 14-16
  Reading age: 14+

  A powerful, terrible and essential story, Alpha should be required reading for everyone. The graphic novel highlights the terror and hopelessness experienced by someone forced to leave their own country in search of a future.

• Alphabet Street

  Author: Jonathan Emmett Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-5
  

  Eye-grabbing design gives this house-shaped board book some irresistible shelf appeal and it’d make an impressive gift (if a little challenging to wrap!) for the same reasons. The book folds out to make a street of shops or a bustling park scene.

• Alphamals A-Z

  Author: Graham Carter
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 4-9
  Reading age: 6+

  From A for Armadillo to N for Newt and X for X-ray Tetra (it's a fish), Alphamals combines alphabet book with poetry and sophisticated printmaking.

• Alphonse, That Is Not OK To Do!

  Author: Daisy Hirst
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  This charming and very funny book about the ups and downs of sibling relationships perfectly captures the affection and frustration experienced by an older sibling - and the monsters are wonderfully expressive.

• Also an Octopus

  Author: Maggie Tokuda-Hall Illustrator: Benji Davies
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a lovely story about storytelling which extends the invitation to the reader to continue the tale after the last page has been turned.

• Always and Forever, Lara Jean

  Author: Jenny Han
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 14-16
  Reading age: 10+

  The final instalment of the 'Lara Jean' trilogy: a coming-of-age, romantic story. Fans of the first two books will enjoy Lara Jean's personal journey towards independent thinking and a bright future.

• Alyssa and the Spell Garden

  Author: Alexandra Sheppard Illustrator: Bex Glendining
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Touching on social anxiety and divorce as well as featuring a non-binary child and characters of many ethnicities, this is a truly inclusive tale of magic, community and healing.

• All Aboard the Discovery Express

  Author: Emily Hawkins and Tom Adams Illustrator: Tom Clohosy-Cole
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  The Discovery Express is a sophisticated and interactive flap book, which offers an ongoing and interactive quest where readers follow clues to solve a mystery.

• All Aboard the Numbers Train

  Author: Illustrator: Sean Sims
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Join the crew of the intergalactic numbers train as it prepares to blast off into space! There are so many fun things to count in this beautifully illustrated picture book for children learning numbers.

• All About Alfie

  Author: Shirley Hughes
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  In a brand new collection of stories and poems, Alfie has a spooky late-night adventure with an owl and introduces us to his secret den in the garden.

• All About Eid (Things to Make and Do)

  Author: Sarah Shaffi Illustrator: Aaliya Jaleel
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7=

  With beautiful illustrations and lots of information about Eid, this activity book is the perfect gift for any creative child.

• All About Hanukkah (Things to Make and Do)

  Author: Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand Illustrator: Kathryn Selbert
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  With beautiful illustrations and lots of information about Hanukkah, this activity book is the perfect gift for any creative child.

• All About Lunar New Year (Things to Make and Do)

  Author: Kevin Tsang Illustrator: Linh Nguyen
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  With beautiful illustrations and lots of information about Lunar New Year, this activity book is the perfect gift for any creative child.

• All About Mia

  Author: Lisa Williamson
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Mia is a troubled 'middle child'. For years, she has felt overshadowed by her siblings - and now is she relying on booze and defiance to feel in control. Mia's comical, infuriating and touching story will draw you in and keep you hooked.

• All Afloat on Noah's Boat!

  Author: Tony Mitton
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Combine bright, funny, action-packed pictures with a rap-style rhyming text telling a favourite story, and you get a book like this, guaranteed to engage readers of all ages.

• All American Girl

  Author: Meg Cabot
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Teenager Sam is the All American Girl of the title. One day, quite by chance, she just happens to save the life of the President - this changes her life in ways she never imagined.

• All Because of Jackson

  Author: Dick King-Smith Illustrator: John Eastwood
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A superbly-told story of a young rabbit whose dream of travelling overseas comes true.

• All Because You Matter

  Author: Tami Charles Illustrator: Bryan Collier
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A poem of a mother’s love in the age of the Black Lives Matter movement, stunningly illustrated by Bryan Collier, this book seeks to remind children that regardless of their background, they are important and valued.

• All Bodies Are Wonderful

  Author: Beth Cox Illustrator: Samantha Meredith
  Publisher: b small
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A non-fiction resource for discussing the amazing and unique human body.
  
  

• All Fall Down

  Author: Sally Nicholls
  Publisher: Marion Lloyd Books
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Growing up in a medieval Yorkshire village, Isabel's life is utterly predictable – until the pestilence, which has been devastating Europe, crosses the Channel and begins to spread northwards. An utterly absorbing, compelling and meticulously researched novel.

• All Fall Down

  Author: Ally Carter
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 8+

  This thrilling story, set against a glamorous international backdrop, is the first in the exciting new Embassy Row series from favourite teen author Ally Carter.

• All Four Quarters of the Moon

  Author: Shirley Marr
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When Peijing’s family move from Singapore to Australia, everything is different. Will they ever adjust to a life so unlike the one they have left behind?

• All I Said Was

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Ross Collins
  Publisher: Red Squirrel Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  One of an innovative series of dyslexia-friendly picture books which feature accessible fonts, strong contrast, good spacing and uncluttered layout to ensure accessibility for all, including parents with reading difficulties.

• All I Want for Christmas

  Author: Beth Garrod
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Christmas-crazy Holly swaps lives with an American influencer for the holidays in this fabulously festive story - but will they both get more than they bargained for?

• All I Want For Christmas

  Author: Rachel Bright
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A welcome addition to Rachel Bright's hug-a-licious series - and a timely reminder that the festive season is about more than just receiving presents.

• All Kinds of Cars

  Author: Carl Johanson
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 2-8
  Reading age: 5+

  A unique, picture book about real and imaginary vehicles of every sort: from a fire engine, small loading shovel and a limousine, to a moving skyscraper car, a sock on wheels and a chewing-gum car!

• All Mine!

  Author: Zehra Hicks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  This appealing picture book brings together Zehra Hicks' vibrant and energetic illustrations with a quirky story about the importance of good manners and learning to share.

• All My Secrets

  Author: Sophie McKenzie
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 8+

  Fast paced and easy to read, this exciting mystery with unexpected plot twists, new friendships and a touch of teenage romance is a great summer teen read.

• All Sorts of Possible

  Author: Rupert Wallis
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 15+

  When a giant sinkhole swallows Daniel and his father, it not only steals the only life he has ever known, it releases something dangerous within him.

• All to Play For

  Author: Eve Ainsworth Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Lewis loves football, but his mum won't let him play. So what will happen when an Ace Academy coach spots him practising and recognises his talent?

• All the Bright Places

  Author: Jennifer Niven
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  All the Bright Places will pull you in and won’t let you go again, even long after you turned the final page – a must-read

• All the Pieces of Me

  Author: Rebecca Westcott and Libby Scott
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  For 14 year old Tally, starting Year 9 is not proving easy.  Attempting to maintain friendships is exhausting, understanding teachers’ expectations is challenging and making sense of all the spoken and unspoken rules of school life is quite simply a nightmare. Plus, being on the autistic spectrum, she finds the combination of shouting, canteen smel…

• All The Rage

  Author: Courtney Summers
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 15-17
  Reading age: 10+

  Romy Grey has given up trying to be heard after she was raped by Kellan Turner, the sheriff's son, and no one believed her story. A heart-rending and gripping novel that pulls no punches and is beautifully written.

• All the Ways to be Smart

  Author: Davina Bell Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
  Publisher: Scribe
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  All The Ways to be Smart is an earnest and charming book celebrating the joys of all the wonderful qualities that make children who they are, with a subtle and unique message that getting excellent grades is not what makes you smart.

• All the Wild Wonders: Poems of the Earth

  Author: Various Editor: Wendy Cooling Illustrator: Piet Grobler
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 8-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Celebrating the wonder and variety of the earth - and the need to protect it - this is an eclectic collection of poetry from across time and continents.

• All The Year Round

  Author: John Yeoman Illustrator: Quentin Blake
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  With Quentin Blake's instantly recognisable illustrations, this picture book contains 12 funny poems by John Yeoman: one for each month of the year, with suggested activities. A lovely, funny book that captures the fizz and farce of close family life.

• All These Things I've Done

  Author: Gabrielle Zevin
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 13+

  Set in the dirty, crime-filled New York City of 2083, in which basic necessities such as water are in short supply, this engaging young adult novel is the first in a trilogy blending elements of dystopia, thriller and romance.

• Alley Cat Rally

  Author: Ricky Trickartt
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  When Asta the cat spots three alley cat racers speed past in their soapbox cars, she decides to give them a run for their money. When the racer is finished, can it drive Asta to glory in the Kibble Hill Rally?

• Allies and Assassins

  Author: Justin Somper
  Publisher: Atom
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  When Prince Anders is assassinated, his younger brother Jared's life is dramatically turned upside down. 

• Am Dro Gyda Maia

  Author: Moira Butterfield Adapted by Nia Morais Illustrator: Kim Geyer
  Publisher: Rily
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Llyfr sydd yn dathlu pethau syml bywyd yw hwn ac un sydd yn gwneud i’r darllenwr sylwi ar holl  harddwch y byd o’n cwmpas. Wrth droi’r tudalennau rydyn ni’n dilyn taith Dad a Maia wrth iddyn nhw fynd am dro. Mae’r ddau yn ffeindio hwyl ac hapusrwydd ym mhob man wrth iddyn nhw chwarae gemau, edrych a gwrando yn ofalus ar y byd o’u cwmpas.

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  This book cele…

• Am I Made of Stardust? Dr Maggie Answers the Big Questions for Young Scientists

  Author: Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock Illustrator: Chelen Ecija
  Publisher: Buster Books
  Interest age: 8-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a real-life space scientist (you may have seen her on the TV) with a passion for sharing the wonders of space and science. This excellent book presents Dr Maggie’s answers to some brilliant questions asked by children, from “Did a person drive a car on the moon?” to “What do aliens look like?” and “Does it really rain diamonds on J…

• Am I Normal Yet?

  Author: Holly Bourne
  Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
  Interest age: 14-16
  Reading age: 12+

  This is a powerful and engrossing read that successfully informs, shocks, reassures and entertains in equal measures.

• Amal Unbound

  Author: Aisha Saeed
  Publisher: Text Publishing
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  Amal lives in a small Pakistani village. When her family are unable to pay the debt their landowner says they owe, he takes Amal to work in his house as a servant. Inspired by Malala Yousafzai, this is a compelling tale of one girl’s determination to make the world a fairer place.

• Amari and the Night Brothers

  Author: B B Alston
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Amari is a scholarship student at a supernatural summer school, investigating magical crimes as she tries to solve the mystery of her brother’s disappearance. 

• A-maze-ing Minotaur

  Author: Juliet Rix Illustrator: Juliet Snape
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

   A pacy, atmospheric retelling of the old greek myth.

• Amazing

  Author: Steve Antony
  Publisher: Hachette Children's Group
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A delightful story about a little boy and his amazing pet dragon. It's a rare and perfect example of completely incidental inclusion when it comes to disability – and the themes of friendship and being yourself will appeal to every child.

• Amazing Animal Babies

  Author: Chris Packham Illustrator: Jason Cockroft
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Travel around the globe and meet some incredible baby animals as they begin their journey through life in this beautiful, fact-filled non-fiction picture book by wildlife expert Chris Packham.

• Amazing Animals

  Author: Guinness World Records
  Publisher: Guinness World Records
  Interest age: 7-13
  Reading age: 8+

  Have you ever heard of Bini the basketball-playing bunny? What about Koko the gorilla, who speaks in sign language? Or the elephant that paints? These are just a few of the record-breaking animals in this fact-filled book about incredible creatures around the world. From the world's ugliest dogs to the silliest celebrity animals, and animal superpowers to an…

• Amazing Baby: Black and White

  Author: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar Books
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  Turn the cut-out pages of this excellent black-and-white baby book and discover spotty frogs, stripy bees and even a sleepy teddy bear on pages filled with patterns, dots and stripes. A perfect first book with an easy rhyme that means baby can also get used to the sound of your voice.

• Amazing Baby: Mummy, Baby

  Author: Beth Harwood Illustrator: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Bonnier
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  A chunky glossy board book with exciting tabs to slide and reveal which babies belong to which mummies. Little children will love the "slide and reveal" format and it will make for a lovely talking point.

• Amazing Baby: Party Time!

  Author: Emily Hawkins Illustrator: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  This chunky party-themed board book contains a variety of favourite songs to sing together

• Amazing Daddy

  Author: Rachel Bright
  Publisher: Orchard Books, Hachette
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  Unabashedly going straight for the heartstrings, this picture book looks at the father-child love between two every-day, house-dwelling pandas. It's full of lovely, funny details that never tips into schmaltziness.

• Amazing Esme

  Author: Tamara Macfarlane
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Follow the wildly imaginative adventures of Esme as she leaves behind her circus home

• Amazing Grace

  Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Caroline Binch
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This classic story clearly communicates an inspiring message that anything is possible

• Amazing Islands: 100+ Places That Will Boggle Your Mind

  Author: Sabrina Weiss and Kerry Hyndman
  Publisher: What On Earth Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Spanning prison islands, river islands, barrier islands, mystery islands, island cultures and many, many other fascinating topics, Weiss and Hyndman’s colourful, stylish book is full to the brim with fascinating facts.

• Amazing True Stories About Animals Behaving Badly

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Adam Stower
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7-12
  Reading age: 8+

  This collection of animal anecdotes is funny, interesting and insightful. Comical black-and-white illustrations bring the true tales to life in this entertaining book for animal-loving independent readers.

• Amber Undercover

  Author: Em Norry
  Publisher: Oxford
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Shy, cool-headed Amber has just been chosen to be a spy by a mysterious agency - and before long she's sent to foil an evil cybercrime plot! Can she juggle friendship, family, and going undercover?

• Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball

  Author: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  The first in a series, this ghoulishly funny chapter book is full of fabulous gothic pen-and-ink illustrations and explores the importance of friendship.

• Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords

  Author: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Anderson’s writing is as zany as ever in this third instalment of the Amelia Fang series. It's all presented completely accessibly and with tons of humour. The book reads well on its own even if children haven’t read the previous two. 

• Amelie and Nanette: Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes

  Author: Sophie Tilley
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Delicate, pastel illustrations with a Scandinavian feel express Christmas excitements, expectations - and disappointments - in this reassuring story about friendship and making the best of things.

• Amira’s Picture Day

  Author: Reem Faruqi Illustrator: Fahmida Azim
  Publisher: Holiday House
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Amira doesn’t want to miss Picture Day at school, but it’s also Eid on the same day. What will she do? A delightful picture book about celebrations and community.

• Amy

  Author: Mary Hooper
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 10+

  After falling out with her friends, Amy is lonely and turns to the internet for consolation. An extremely topical story about the dangers of internet chatrooms and date-rape drugs.

• Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

  Author: Morgan Matson
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  This is a heart warming story about facing up to the complexities of life and winning through

• Amy and Matthew: A Love Story

  Author: Cammie McGovern
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Amy, who has cerebral palsy, is in her final year of high school and she wants this year to be different: she wants to replace the adult aides who help her, with her fellow students, so she can get to know them better.

• An Abundance of Katherines

  Author: John Green
  Publisher: Penguin Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped.

• An Act of Love

  Author: Alan Gibbons
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 11+

  A hard-hitting, contemporary novel exploring issues of religion, ethnicity, friendship, family, duty and democracy from two different perspectives.

• An Alphabet

  Author: Oliver Jeffers
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  Everyone knows that A is for Apple and B is for Ball, but in this exciting alphabet book A is for Astronaut, P is for Parsnip and V is for Viking!

• An Animal ABC

  Author: Alice Pattullo
  Publisher: Pavilion
  Interest age: 5-7
  Reading age: 6+

  A is for Armadillo, short, stout and round; B is for Beetle, close to the ground. A lovely alphabet book and with accessible animal facts for younger children, this would be a great addition to any bookshelf.

• An Eagle in the Snow

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Stuck on a train, a boy listens to a stranger’s story about one moment that could have stopped World War II. A thought-provoking story that young history enthusiasts will especially welcome.

• An Egyptian Escape

  Author: K A Gerrard Illustrator: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar Publishing
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 8+

  Charlie has already had a narrow escape from the perils of Ancient Rome, but this time he travels back in time to an archeological dig in 1906 and then back to Ancient Egypt.

• An Engineer Like Me

  Author: Dr Shini Somara Illustrator: Nadja Sarell
  Publisher: Hachette Children's
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Zara is fascinated by the world around her - how do planes stay up? How do rollercoaster go upside down? Why don't skyscrapers fall over? With the help of her Gran, Zara starts to explore the incredible feats of engineering which have changed our lives.

• An Elephantasy

  Author: Maria Elena Walsh Translator: Daniel Hahn
  Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 10+

  The fact that a girl is taking her geranium for a walk (the way she does every Thursday) is not the most unusual thing that happens on the first page of this book; there's an elephant on the doorstep. So far, so curious.

• An Ember in the Ashes

  Author: Sabaa Tahir
  Publisher: Harper Voyager
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Laia and her family live under the oppressive and brutal rule of the Empire, where all defiance is met with death. When her grandparents are murdered and her brother imprisoned for treason, Laia has no choice but to ask the rebels for help.

• An Episode of Sparrows

  Author: Rumer Godden
  Publisher: Virago Modern Classics
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10+

  With hints of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, it is a powerful, thought-provoking and subtle story, with plenty to offer to adult readers, as well as children themselves.

• An Imaginary Menagerie

  Author: Roger McGough
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A welcome republication for McGough's classic collection of real and imaginary animal poems, which first delighted readers of all ages more than twenty years ago. Adults who enjoyed these poems as children now have an excuse to revisit and share them with a further generation.

• An Island of Our Own

  Author: Sally Nicholls
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  This is a beautiful tale of hardship and family love.

• An Odd Dog Christmas

  Author: Rob Biddulph
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Dasher has a cold, and after a chance encounter, Odd Dog steps up to help pull Santa's sleigh - but is she going to have time to shop for gifts? A heartwarming addition to the Odd Dog series.

• An Otter Called Pebble

  Author: Helen Peters Illustrator: Ellie Snowdon
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Friends Jasmine and Tom spot a baby otter alone on the riverbank and decide to help and name her Pebble. This heartwarming tale of hope, kindness and determination will delight young independent readers with an interest in wildlife. 

• An Unexpected Thing

  Author: Ashling Lindsay
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Fred is afraid of lots of things: menacing shadows, things that may or may not lurk under the bed, and especially unexpected things. So, when a black disc appears in the sky, Fred is instantly afraid of it.

• Anastasia Krupnik

  Author: Lois Lowry
  Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Anastasia's parents have just announced that she's going to have a new baby brother - not the most welcome news when you've been an only child for ten years! A brilliantly witty, relatable and chaotic book for 7+ readers.

• Ancient Egypt: Tales of Gods and Pharaohs

  Author: Marcia Williams
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Marcia Williams explores the rich culture and traditions of Ancient Egypt in this attractive large-format picture book.

• Ancient Games: A History of Sports and Gaming

  Author: Iris Volant Illustrator: Avalon Nuovo
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A stunning book exploring the history of sport across the world, from the sword fighter the Lady of Yue to boat-jousting on the Nile in Ancient Egypt. As ever with Flying Eye titles, the illustration and lovely book production means that this is a special treasure of a book that kids will adore.

• Ancient Warriors

  Author: Iris Volant Illustrator: Joe Lillington
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Do you have a history nerd in your family? This book is for them! From Alexander the Great to Joan of Arc, Ancient Warriors teaches you pretty much everything there is to know about the warriors of the world. 

• And A Happy New Year?

  Author: Holly Bourne
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  Spinster Club girls Evie, Amber and Lottie are reunited for a huge New Year's Eve Party. This is the perfect wrap up to the  series: smart, authentic, funny, and heartfelt.

• And I Climbed and I Climbed

  Author: Stephen Lightbown Illustrator: Shih-Yu Lin
  Publisher: Troika Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Eight-year-old Cosmo fell from a tree and is now disabled. He talks to the tree in free-verse poems that are punchy and accessible, honest and thought-provoking.  An important and beautifully affecting book.

• And I Darken

  Author: Kiersten White
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  And I Darken is a fictional retelling of the rise of Vlad the Impaler - except, in White's thrilling take on it, Vlad isn't Vlad but Lady Lada. The political intrigue and character relationships are wonderfully done, and Lada is an anti-heroine to root for.

• And Tango Makes Three

  Author: Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell Illustrator: Henry Cole
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Roy and Silo are two boy penguins who live in the zoo in New York's Central Park. This is a really delightful story and the message behind it is subtle. It's a true story, and you can learn more about it in a note at the end.

• And the Ocean Was Our Sky

  Author: Patrick Ness Illustrator: Rovina Cai
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  In Patrick Ness’ amazing homage to Moby Dick, the worlds of ocean and sky are upturned, and it’s a whale that tells her version of the story of hunter and hunted. The writing is as beautiful as you might expect and the illustration is exceptional. 

• And Then I Turned into a Mermaid

  Author: Laura Kirkpatrick
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 10-14
  Reading age: 9+

  Molly Seabrook really just wants to be normal. And popular if possible. But when, at midnight on her thirteenth birthday, her mum and older sisters take her on a mysterious trip to the beach and reveal that she’s half-mermaid, Molly knows with absolute certainty that normal is never going to happen.

  Being a mermaid might sound pretty cool, but when you just …

• Anemone Is Not The Enemy

  Author: Anna McGregor
  Publisher: Scribble
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Anemone lives in a rockpool but is rather lonely. Yet when she’s completely unaffected by a clownfish's sting, she wonders if shes's found a friend. A sweet and informative picture book that simply explains the concept of natural symbiosis for young readers. 

• Animal 123

  Author: Nikolas Ilic
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Nikolas Ilic’s lovely counting book takes little ones all the way up to 12 and introduces an adjective that describes each set of animals, as well as an action, making this point-and-say numbers book a fun reading experience for adults too. 

• Animal ABC

  Author: Jannie Ho
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Some unusual animal choices complete the alphabet in this funky, modern animal-themed ABC board book: a cute and fun must-read for pre-schoolers starting to learn their letters.

• Animal ABC

  Author: Nikolas Ilic
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 1-2
  

  This delightful, colourful board book is perfect as a starting point for animal-loving toddlers learning their alphabet.

• Animal Antics

  Author: DK
  Publisher: DK
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Smile… you’re on camera! In these candid and hilarious photographs, lots of different animals have been caught in the act of making funny faces or doing the silliest looking of things. There’s a laughing leopard, polar bears having a boogie, and even a Komodo dragon practising kung-fu.

  Each photo is accompanied by a short paragraph of text that reveals the s…

• Animal Atlas

  Author: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  This attractive, large-format board book, featuring pop-ups and flaps to lift, introduces young children to a range of animals from around the world.

• Animal Babies in the Forest

  Author: Julia Groves
  Publisher: Child’s Play International
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  Do you know what a baby orangutan is called? How about a baby raccoon? I bet you don't know what a baby snake is called! Flip through the pages of this book to find the answers.

• Animal Colours

  Author: Nikolas Ilic
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  From yellow lions to blue whales, pink pigs to black panthers, and even multicoloured toucans, every single animal in Animal Colours is created in Nikolas Ilic’s bright and quirky style. Highly recommended for learning about colours in a direct but fun way.

• Animal Crackers

  Author: Ruby Wright
  Publisher: Rocket Bird Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Maisie loves animals, but Mum says she can’t have a pet in their small flat, even though other kids Maisie knows have pets that don’t need to go outside. There’s Orla, whose gerbils live in a cage in her room, and Conrad has house rabbits!

• Animal Friends: Swimming Hole Party!

  Author: Text by Chronicle Books Illustrator: Junzo Terada
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Monkey is heading to the swimming hole, collecting all his friends as he goes. Life is so much better when you are all together, sharing the excitement.

• Animal Homes: A Lift the Flap Book of Discovery

  Author: Libby Walden Illustrator: Clover Robin
  Publisher: Caterpillar Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  When we’re out and about, we probably walk past all manner of animal homes without even knowing it. A cute and charming board book, perfect for young nature fans at home or at school.

• Animal Homes: Rainforest

  Author: Amelia Warren Illustrator: Natasha Durley
  Publisher: Templar Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  This charming board book is a lovely introduction to the rainforest, with grabbable and durable layered board pages that mimic the low-to-high layers of the rainforest itself.  Natasha Durley’s art is colourful and attractive for little ones, with the names of the animals printed near to their pictures so that adults can point them out.

• Animal Journeys

  Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Jessica Courtney-Tickle
  Publisher: 360 degrees
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  This brilliant little hardback tells the stories of animal journeys from around the world. Combined with gorgeous illustrations that capture the awesomeness of these natural quests, this book is perfect for inquisitive young minds.

• Animal Lullabies

  Author: Mandy Ross Illustrator: Krisztina Kallai Nagy
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0-5
  

  Mandy Ross's original poems are fantastic, with an appealing mix of everyday language and nonsense words!

• Animal Record Breakers

  Author: Steve Parker
  Publisher: Carlton Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 10-12

  Readers will love sharing the fascinating facts and surprising stats in this entertaining collection of oddities about animals.

• Animal Records

  Author: National Geographic Kids
  Publisher: National Geographic Kids
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10+

  What’s the biggest animal? The fastest? What about the grossest, the tiniest, the smelliest, the deadliest…

• Animal Spots and Stripes

  Author: Britta Teckentrup
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Stripy zebras and spotty giraffes share a grassland habitat despite their difference in appearance; stripy caterpillars turn into spotty butterflies and spotty dogs chase stripy cats. Lots of bright colours and scope for discussion make this an ideal book for the very young.

• Animal Surprises

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Abbie Cameron
  Publisher: GRAFFEG
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A simple illustrated nature picture book featuring a catchy rhyming refrain, Animal Surprises introduces a variety of animals to young readers in a friendly manner with a good level of text to illustration.

• Animal Tales

  Author: Terry Jones Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Pavilion Children's Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Terry Jones’s irreverent wit and quirky humour make a compendium of stories that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike

• Animal Tales

  Author: Dick King-Smith
  Publisher: Young Corgi
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 8+

  An anthology of five charming and humorous animal stories from much-loved author Dick King-Smith, accompanied with characterful drawings from a variety of illustrators.

• Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra

  Author: Nikita Gill Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 6-8

  This engaging collection of ancient Indian animal fables is accompanied by stylish, vibrant illustrations. 

• AniMalcolm

  Author: David Baddiel Illustrator: Jim Field
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Magic realism and slapstick humour combine in this story about Malcolm: an animal hater living in a family of animal lovers. Inside the book are deeper questions about discovering and acknowledging who you really are.

• Animalium

  Author: Jenny Broom Illustrator: Katie Scott
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Quirky yet authoritative, this book is bursting with information to engage young naturalists, whilst the spectacular illustrations in a rich colour palette give it real 'wow' factor.

• Animals are Delicious

  Author: Sarah Hutt Illustrator: Dave Ladd and Stephanie Anderson
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This box set of attractive concertina-style board books explores food chains in three different environments: the sky, the forest and the ocean. Crisp, stylish illustrations create a dynamic visual accompaniment to the simple yet informative text.

• Animals in the Sky

  Author: Sara Gillingham
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  A beautiful introduction to astronomy for younger readers. In this lovely board book with nice thick fold-out whole-page flaps, children are asked to guess the animal shape of a set of stars before turning the page to see if they were right, and to learn a basic fact about the constellation. 

• Animals Up Close

  Author: DK
  Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Did you know that you can count the ring patterns on a tortoise’s shell to find out how old they are? Or that seahorses are actually fish?

  Animals Up Close showcases over thirty creatures with close-up photographic images and simple facts about how they live and the special adaptations they have that help them survive. From the tree-climbing Racer Snake and …

• Anisha Accidental Detective: School's Cancelled!

  Author: Serena Patel Illustrator: Emma McCann
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Can Anisha Mistry find out who sabotaged her science experiment and flooded the school with foam when all the potential suspects have alibis?

• Anisha, Accidental Detective

  Author: Serena Patel Illustrator: Emma McCann
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Anisha's ultra-dramatic Aunty Bindi is getting married tomorrow and the groom, Uncle Tony, has been kidnapped! Can Anisha and her best friend Milo track down the culprit - and Uncle Tony - in time for his wedding?

• Anisha, Accidental Detective: Holiday Adventure

  Author: Serena Patel Illustrator: Emma McCann
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Anisha is not thrilled at the prospect of a family holiday to an outdoor adventure park, as she prefers science and reading to archery and zip wires. However, to her surprise, she finds plenty of things to keep her occupied, including an intriguing mystery to solve. 

• Anisha, Accidental Detective: Show Stoppers

  Author: Serena Patel Illustrator: Emma McCann
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  When disaster threatens to ruin the school musical, Anisha is on high alert for things that are ‘not quite right’. Her detective brain will have the mystery solved in no time… with just a few wrong turns along the way. Another entertaining addition to the Accidental Detective series.

• Anita and the Dragons

  Author: Hannah Carmona Illustrator: Anna Cunha
  Publisher: Lantana
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Anita imagines she is about to fly to a distant land on the back of a great white dragon. In reality, she and her family are leaving their home aboard an aeroplane to move to another country. A beautiful story about emigration and venturing into the unknown.

• Anna and Otis

  Author: Maisie Paradise Shearring
  Publisher: Two Hoots
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Anna and Otis, her pet snake, are best friends. One afternoon, Anna decides that she and Otis should explore the town, but Otis is worried – he knows that lots of people don’t like snakes. A delightful story about friendship and tolerance in a bright, modern style.

• Anna Hibiscus' Song

  Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Lauren Tobia
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This delightful story about a happy girl learning to express her feelings is a wonderful celebration of the joy of life

• Anne Frank

  Author: Josephine Poole Illustrator: Angela Barrett
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This account of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and Anne Frank's family's hiding in a secret annexe to escape them, is sensitively told.

• Anne Frank: The Diary of A Young Girl

  Author: Anne Frank
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Now widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of historical literature of all time, Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant and powerful insight into the life of a child in hiding from the Nazi occupation.

• Anne of Green Gables

  Author: L M Montgomery
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Anne Shirley is one of literature's finest heroines, and this first book of her adventures is the perfect book about growing up, friendship and family.

• Annexed

  Author: Sharon Dogar
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  This fictionalised account of Peter (a teenage Dutch Jew, hiding from the Nazis with his family and their friends, the Franks) is a meditation on the power of written testimony and the nature of evil.

• Another Life

  Author: Keren David
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  When Ty is imprisoned for knife possession, his privileged cousin Archie finds himself drawn into his cousin's darker and more dangerous life.

• Anton and the Battle

  Author: Ole Konnecke
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Anton and Luke compete to see who is the strongest and the loudest - who will win?

• Ants in Your Pants!

  Author: Julia Jarman Illustrator: Guy Parker Rees
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Brilliant colour and lively rhyming couplets tell the story of Leopard and his friends who decide not to invite Aardvark to their party because he's not as cool as they are.

• Anthem for Jackson Dawes

  Author: Celia Bryce
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  Megan would never have met Jackson Dawes if she hadn't had cancer.  But as the only teenagers on the children's ward, they soon form a powerful and unconventional bond.

• Anyone but Ivy Pocket

  Author: Caleb Crisp Illustrator: John Kelly
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Twelve-year-old orphan Ivy Pocket battles supernatural forces and wicked vengeance to find out her true self. Ivy is an eccentric heroine in a humorous, macabre and quirky story.

• Anything But Typical

  Author: Nora Raleigh Baskin
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  Jason is 12 and on the autistic spectrum...

• Anywhere Farm

  Author: Phyllis Root Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Rhyming text and warm illustrations create an uplifting tale that celebrates the joys and pleasures of growing not just food and flowers, but also friendships and communities.

• Apache

  Author: Tanya Landman
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 10+

  Siki already has a fierce hatred for the Mexican warriors but when her little brother Tazhi is brutally slain in front of her, she vows to become an apache warrior and avenge his death.

• Apes-A-Go-Go!

  Author: Roman Milisic & A Richard Allen
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This exuberant story employs repetition alongside highly entertaining variation, bringing security and surprise, the illustrations expressing the apes' antics with endearing gusto.

• Apple and Rain

  Author: Sarah Crossan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 12+

  Engrossing and uplifting, challenging and charming, Apple and Rain brings fiction and poetry together in a well-crafted story about growing up and learning to love.

• Apple Pie ABC

  Author: Alison Murray Illustrator: Alison Murray
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Here is an introduction to the alphabet featuring a hot apple pie and a hungry pup!  Once he has seen the pie and eaten a crumb of it he must get his paws on some more...

• April the Red Goldfish

  Author: Marjolaine Leray Translator: Sarah Ardizzone
  Publisher: Phoenix Yard Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Though a simple picturebook, with a limited palette of colours, and sketchy, childlike, crayon images, the subject is anything but childlike.

• April’s Garden

  Author: Isla McGuckin Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
  Publisher: Graffeg
  Interest age: 6-8
  

  This stunning story about a mother and child starting again is very touching, and could possibly represent the experiences of mothers and children forced to flee abusive homes, or of refugees starting again in a new country. Echeverri’s illustration begins with dark, scribbled pages of rain and darkness, and gradually get lighter as the story progresses and …

• Arabel's Raven

  Author: Joan Aiken
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A new edition of a much-loved classic by the immensely popular Joan Aiken.

• Arabic Folktales: The Three Princes of Serendip & Other Stories

  Author: Rodaan Al Galidi Illustrator: Geertje Aalders Translator: Laura Watkinson
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Featuring twenty folk tales with stunning paper cut illustrations, this book delights with its fanciful tales of kings and treasures, but also with relatable themes of acceptance, love and the perils of arrogance.

• Arctic Hero

  Author: Catherine Johnson
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  American explorer Matthew Henson was one of the first men to reach the North Pole in 1909. But his place in history wasn’t formally acknowledged for many years, due to the colour of his skin.

• Archie Green and the Magician's Secret

  Author: D D Everest
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  If you love books that show you where the magical could be hiding in your everyday world then this is the book for you.

• Archie's Unbelievably Freaky Week

  Author: Andrew Norriss Illustrator: Hannah Shaw
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Poor Archie! Lovable but hapless Archie Coates manages to attract strange escapades wherever he goes.

• Archie's War

  Author: Marcia Williams
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 6+

  In 1914, ten-year-old Archie is sent a scrapbook in the post by his Uncle Colin, and through the years that follow, we see the world through Archie's eyes.

• Are the Dinosaurs Dead, Dad?

  Author: Julie Middleton Illustrator: Russell Ayto
  Publisher: Picture Corgi
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Dave's dad reckons he knows everything there is to know about dinosaurs. But as they walk around the museum, all Dave wants to know is wherther these dinosaurs are really dead...

• Are We There Yet?

  Author: Dan Santat
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 5-10
  Reading age: 6+

  A little boy is on the way to his Grandma's birthday party in the car with mum and dad, but after the first hour, the journey gets more and more boring. But as the little boy feels the hours ahead weigh heavy on the horizon, his imagination (or is it?) takes the car further and further into the past until there's a very real possibility that he and his mum a…

• Are You a Monster?

  Author: Guiherme Karsten
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Are you a monster? No? Well, can you make a big loud noise? Oh no…! A wonderfully fun and brilliantly interactive picture book for all ages.

• Are You A Sleepy Monster?

  Author: Guilherme Karsten
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  It’s sleepover time for little monsters – and the monster in this book is very excited to welcome readers to their special monster den under the bed. They are a little confused to realise that readers may prefer to sleep on top of the bed, however, AND that they don’t have special monster pyjamas. Most odd.

• Are You Sitting Comfortably?

  Author: Leigh Hodgkinson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  The little boy in this book is looking for the perfect place to read his book - but nothing he finds is quite right. Hodgkinson's recognisably quirky and appealing rhyming text and illustration celebrates the enduring importance of reading together.

• Are You Sleeping?

  Author: Constance von Kitzing
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Little Lion is desperate to find someone to play with, but all the animals in the savannah are going to sleep! A beautiful book to help settle your little ones.

• Are You the Pirate Captain?

  Author: Gareth P Jones Illustrator: Garry Parsons
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  First Mate Hugh is on the hunt for a Captain to help lead a trip out to sea.

• Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret

  Author: Judy Blume
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  All the girls in Margaret's new neighbourhood are interested in boys, wearing makeup, and getting their period - but Margaret hasn't done any of those things yet. To assuage her worries, Margaret begins to talk to God in her mind, asking him to help her grow up.

• Argh! There’s a Skeleton Inside You!

  Author: Idan Ben-Barak Illustrator: Julian Frost
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Quog and Oort are off to Kevin’s birthday party but – oh no! – their spaceship is broken. This beautifully crafted story distils complex ideas into a fun story. Thoroughly recommended for anyone exploring the world of science with young children.

• Ariki and the Giant Shark

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Nicola Kinnear
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  When a huge shark threatens a fishing boat, the island's queen believes that the creature means them harm. However, young Ariki discovers the truth about the shark – it needs their help. An exciting adventure story about friendship, families and being different.

• Aristotle

  Author: Dick King-Smith Illustrator: Bob Graham
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  As the mischievous Aristotle sets off on a series of incredibly perilous adventures, his nine lives start to vanish...

• Arkspire

  Author: Jamie Littler
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Juniper Bell, relic thief and trickster, needs to pretend she has magic to avoid jail. If only the strange shadowy creature she’s suddenly found would be less grumpy and help her. Fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure.

• Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep

  Author: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  A perfect bedtime book, Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is tenderly illustrated in watercolour as always by Rayner, giving readers gentle pages to fall into and inspire soft, reassuring dreams.

• Armadillo and Hare

  Author: Jeremy Strong Illustrator: Rebecca Bagley
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  In this adorable collection of ten short stories, friends Armadillo and Hare meet other animals in a variety of encounters that centre on the importance of small things. Full of gentle humour and philosophy, reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh.

• Armadillo and Hare and the Flamingo Affair

  Author: Jeremy Strong Illustrator: Rebecca Bagley
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Grumpy Armadillo and cheerful Hare are best friends, despite being rather different in temperament. In this book, a flamingo moves to the neighbourhood and dazzles everyone with her jazzy colours and wonderful singing, Armadillo tells the story of how his slippers came to be, Hare tells Armadillo all about his tuba, and much cheese is eaten.

• Armistice Runner

  Author: Tom Palmer Illustrator: Tom Clohosy Cole
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 8+

  Lily loves fell running. She’s good, but never quite good enough: she gets anxious and loses her focus and then that’s it. Out. Plus she’s worried about her grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s and is growing distant and confused.

• Around the World in 80 Festivals

  Author: Nancy Dickmann Illustrator: Lucy Banaji
  Publisher: Welbeck Editions
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  People around the world celebrate thousands of different holidays and festivals. Many may form part of a religion, but others remember loved ones who have died, or historical people and events. Many have been celebrated in the same way for hundreds or even thousands of years.

• Arrowhead

  Author: Ruth Eastham
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12-14

  With its complex, well-defined characters and vivid setting, Arrowhead's narrative shares much of the same dark driving power that drives Viking mythology, in this thrilling time-slip novel.

• Art & Max

  Author: David Weisner
  Publisher: Andersen
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Max and Art are reptilian friends. Art is an artist and one day, as he is painting a conventional portrait, the exuberant Max decides that he’d also like to give painting a try.

• Artemis Fowl

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 10+

  Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl hatches an ingenious plot to steal all the gold in fairy land.

• Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In the seventh installment of the series, criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has summoned an elite group of hi-tech fairies to Iceland.

• Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In this fifth episode in the ongoing saga of Colfer's teenage criminal mastermind, Artemis feels the first stirrings of adolescent emotion

• Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Faced with the imminent death of his mother as a result of his irresponsible behaviour in an earlier adventure, Artemis Fowl travels back to confront his younger self

• Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  The second book in the epic Artemis Fowl series is another action-packed magical adventure.

• Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In his third adventure, Artemis Fowl sets out to extract money from a powerful businessman by exploiting stolen fairy technology.

• Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In the eighth and final volume in the saga of Artemis Fowl the power-crazed pixie Opal Koboi is plotting to exterminate mankind and become fairy queen

• Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception

  Author: Eoin Colfer
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  The Fairy People have a problem - the evil pixie known as Opal Koboi is hell-bent on world destruction, and they need help from Artemis Fowl.

• Artichoke Hearts

  Author: Sita Brahmachari
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  This empathetic account of the process of bereavement, a month’s diary, reassures readers that we grow from our experiences, however painful they are.

• Arthur and Me

  Author: Sarah Todd Taylor Illustrator: Peter Stevenson
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A laugh-out-loud first chapters book, featuring a cast of mythical heroes and an accident-prone schoolboy.

• Arthur At the Crossing Places

  Author: Kevin Crossley-Holland
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 11+

  Crossley-Holland's trilogy continues with Arthur leaving Caldicot and his childhood behind and taking up a position as squire to Lord Stephen.

• Aru Shah and the Song of Death

  Author: Roshani Chokhsi
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Packed with humour, wisdom and a satisfyingly twisty plot, this story will take confident readers on a magical journey. It’s fresh and contemporary and will open the door to a whole new world of Indian lore.

• Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes

  Author: Roshani Chokshi
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 9+

  The third book in a trilogy about Aru Shah, daughter of a deity, and her adventurous, wise-cracking team who need to save the world.

• As Red as Blood

  Author: Salla Simukka
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 8+

  Set against a wintry Finnish backdrop, this is an intriguing and brilliantly crafted thriller which keeps the reader absorbed right to the end. First in a trilogy.

• Ash

  Author: Malinda Lo
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-15
  Reading age: 12+

  In this bewitching and sophisticated re-interpretation of the Cinderella story, lonely orphan Ash falls in love not with a handsome prince, but with Kaisa, the King's Huntress.

• Ash Dresses her Friends

  Author: Fu Wenzheng
  Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Ash the Magpie is lonely. Everyone thinks she is shy but the truth is, she is just quiet. After meeting a sad elephant, Ash makes him a shirt to cheer him up. Beautiful illustrations, which display Chinese culture, with simple text for very young readers.

• Ash Mistry and the City of Death

  Author: Sarwat Chadda (also writes under Joshua Khan)
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Ash Mistry and the City of Death is an action-packed chase across India to stop arch enemy Savage conquering the most powerful magic of all, and much more besides. The second book in a series, this story is a dark, gripping page-turner.

• Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress

  Author: Sarwat Chadda (also writes under Joshua Khan)
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Covering themes of reincarnation, destiny, family, friendship, loyalty and a host of characters from Hindu belief and mythology, this is a page-turner that most children will find totally gripping.

• Ash Mistry and the World of Darkness

  Author: Sarwat Chadda (also writes under Joshua Khan)
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Ash Mistry has everything to play for in this final, epic battle against Savage and the forces of evil. The book isn’t simply a battle of good versus evil – the central theme is about realising your potential and becoming the best person you can be. 

• Asha and the Spirit Bird

  Author: Jasbinder Bilan
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Asha’s quest across India to find her father brings her into danger before love, faith and friendship finally provide a happy ending. A warm, comforting story that tackles some dark subjects with a constantly reassuring tone.  

• Ask Amy Green: Summer Secrets

  Author: Sarah Webb
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 11-13
  Reading age: 9+

  The second instalment in a series set in Ireland about a 13 year-old girl. As well as the trauma of teenage romance, Amy juggles a number of challenging family issues.

• Ask Oscar

  Author: Alan MacDonald Illustrator: Sarah Horne
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  An ordinary day is interrupted for Sam when he finds a dog called Oscar on his doorstep. Can he persuade his parents to let the dog stay? This is simply an all-round good book, with lovable characters, laugh-out-loud moments and lots of warmth and innocence.

• Asking for a Friend

  Author: Kate Mallinder
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10+

  After convincing their parents that a change of scene will help them to focus on exam revision, teenagers Agnes, Hattie and Jacques embark on a week’s study break together. However, they each have a personal reason for wanting to get away. This touching novel is sensitively written and explores a number of issues, such as loneliness, bullying, illness a…

• Asterix and the Picts

  Author: Jean-Yves Ferri Illustrator: Didier Conrad Translator: Anthea Bell
  Publisher: Orion Publishing
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  This is the first of the Asterix books not to be written by at least one of the series’ original creators, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, and has instead been produced by a new  team

• Asterix the Gaul

  Author: Renné Goscinny Illustrator: Albert Uderzo Translator: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  In a tiny corner of Brittany, one small village of indomitable Gauls hold out against the almighty, all-conquering Romans.

• Astrid and the Space Cadets: Attack of the Snailiens!

  Author: Alex T Smith
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Every night, six-year-old Astrid transforms into a Space Cadet, an intergalactic helper who zooms across the universe to solve problems and assist those in need. This fast-paced, funny chapter book is accompanied by magnificent black-and-white illustrations.

• Astro Girl

  Author: Ken Wilson-Max
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Astrid loves the stars and space, and wants to be an astronaut. A delightful and educational book for young readers interested in space travel, with colourful illustrations, large-print text, fun facts, diverse characters and heartfelt father-daughter interactions. 

• Astrosaurs: Riddle of the Raptors

  Author: Steve Cole
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Captain Teggs and his faithful crew are no ordinary dinosaurs – they are astrosaurs!

• Astrosaurs: The Planet of Peril

  Author: Steve Cole Illustrator: Woody Fox
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  Captain Teggs is an astrosaur! With the help of his crew he goes on dangerous space missions in his spaceship, the DSS Sauropod. 

• Asylum

  Author: Rachel Anderson
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  Driven by drought, starvation and conflict, Rosa and Sunday have both undertaken perilous journeys across continents – only to end up in Hawk Rise, a decaying tower block scheduled for demolition.

• At Somerton: Secrets and Sapphires

  Author: Leila Rasheed (also writes under Ellie Boswell)
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 13+

  Spring 1910, and the Averley family are returning to their ancestral home, the beautiful Somerton Court, after living a life of luxury in India. But it soon becomes clear that they have some scandalous secrets to hide...

• At the House of the Magician

  Author: Mary Hooper
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Lucy discovers that she has second sight. This enables her to warn the Queen of danger, and leads to her covert employment as a spy.

• At the Seaside

  Author: Germano Zullo
  Publisher: Tate Publishing
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  This is a beautifully illustrated picture book which follows a mother looking for her son on the beach.

• At the Sign of the Sugared Plum

  Author: Mary Hooper
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 11-14
  Reading age: 10+

  It is 1665 and Hannah, the spirited heroine, is thrilled at the chance to visit London to help her sister in her sweetmeats shop, The Sugared Plum. 

• At the World's End

  Author: Catherine Fisher
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 8+

  Caz has been living in a department store for the past nine years with a group of survivors. They managed to escape the storm of the Blue Star, which turned everything outside into a frozen world. Nine years on, rations are running low and sacrifices have to be made - meaning someone has to leave the safety of the store.

• Atlantia

  Author: Ally Condie
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 10+

  This engaging, dystopian fantasy is both entertaining and thought-provoking, raising questions about environmental responsibility and the nature of humanity.

• Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World

  Author: Ben Handicott Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  From the Eiffel Tower to Angkor Wat, Death Valley to Easter Island, this edition of the beautiful and information-packed Atlas of Adventures series explores 30 wonders of the world, featuring a mix of human structures and natural phenomena.

• Atlas of Amazing Architecture

  Author: Peter Allen
  Publisher: Cicada Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Innovative architecture from around the world and through the ages is explored in this colourful and absorbing picture book. Ideal for any budding young architect but also anyone with an interest in how people across the globe live.

• Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures

  Author: Emily Hawkins Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Millions of years ago, the world was very different than it is now – even in terms of how a map of the world looked. In the Triassic period, the world was one large supercontinent called Pangaea, which, over millions of years, separated into Laurasia and Gondwana in the Jurassic period, and then into the more recognisable continents we know today.

• Atlas of Miniature Adventures

  Author: Emily Hawkins Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This little non-fiction book celebrates small-scale curiosities from around the world and is accompanied by distinctive illustrations, which contain a wealth of detail. An unusual and informative book, packed full of petite surprises.

• Attack of the Necron

  Author: Cavan Scott Illustrator: Magnus Noren and Cole Marchetti
  Publisher: Games Workshop
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A rollicking, fast-paced space adventure awaits Zelia Lor when terrifying robot warriors attack her planet and force her to flee, alongside unlikely companions. This exciting, action-packed adventure is a great read for children who love the Star Wars universe.

• Attack of the Not-So-Virtual Monsters

  Author: Kim Harrington
  Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This fun novel taps into the recent Pokemon Go craze, and will appeal to gamers and sci-fi fans equally. It is a fast-paced, heart-warming story that may even charm tech-fiends away from their screens.

• Atticus Claw Breaks the Law

  Author: Jennifer Gray
  Publisher: Faber Children's Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Atticus Claw is the world's greatest cat burglar, but things change when he is hired by a group of magpies to steal some jewels.

• Athena: The Story of a Goddess

  Author: Isabel and Imogen Greenberg
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The story of Athena may be lesser known than some other Greek myths, but hers is one of wisdom, war and courage. A brilliant and stylish book that offers an empowering experience for those unfamiliar with these commanding goddesses and heroines.

• Aubrey and the Terrible Ladybirds

  Author: Horatio Clare Illustrator: Jane Matthews
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9-11

  The holidays are not off to the best start. But if anyone can sort out this mess, it's Aubrey: the boy who can talk to animals. This lively chapter book is a funny, smart look at the animal kingdom and how - and why - we should listen to others' points of view.

• Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot

  Author: Horatio Clare Illustrator: Jane Matthews
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  This fabulously illustrated book addresses the difficult subject of parental depression, at once describing the horror of Aubrey’s dad’s experience but also remaining upbeat and full of surreal humour.

• Augustus and his Smile

  Author: Catherine Rayner Illustrator: Catherine Rayner
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 3+

  Augustus is a tiger, who though large and fearless, is sad, because he has lost his smile. He goes on a journey to find it.

• Aunt Amelia

  Author: Rebecca Cobb
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  'We were in a bad mood. Aunt Amelia was coming to look after us. We didn't know who Aunt Amelia was and we didn't want looking after.'

• Aunt Amelia’s House

  Author: Rebecca Cobb
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 4-6
  

  At Aunt Amelia’s house, even the chores are done in an unusual way – from watering the garden from a hot air balloon to cleaning the windows on climbing ropes. This magical, delightful and beautiful book from Rebecca Cobb has the feel of a modern classic.

• Aurora

  Author: Julie Betagna
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 8+

  The third in a series which portrays a future world devastated by global warming, Aurora introduces us to  the headstrong Lily, Mara's daughter, who sets out in search of Fox, her birth father, and in doing so, discovers lands and peoples they had thought completely destroyed.

• Ausländer

  Author: Paul Dowswell
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  Ausländer gives a fascinating insight into life in Berlin during WorldWar II – a perspective not frequently portrayed in young adult fiction.

• Ava’s Spectacular Spectacles

  Author: Alice Rex and Angela Perrini
  Publisher: New Frontier
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  When Ava doesn’t want to wear her glasses at school one day, her quick-witted teacher offers some wise words of advice about their importance. The reimagined fairy tales are told with plenty of humour and zest.

• Avatar: The Rise of Kyoshi

  Author: F C Yee
  Publisher: Amulet Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  In this epic prequel to the animated series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’, the Avatar is a revered individual who can manipulate all four elements. Friendships are tested, love blossoms and treachery abounds in this gripping, action-packed fantasy adventure.

• Aven Green: Baking Machine

  Author: Dusti Bowling Illustrator: Gina Perry
  Publisher: Union Square Kids
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Aven and her friends are getting excited for the big pudding competition and each of them has a dessert they want to make - but with so many cooks, can their friendship survive the heat?

• Avery McShane

  Author: Greg Lyons
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Plenty of action and adventure; an exotic setting; well-drawn characters and a plucky, engaging hero, make this a page-turner

• Avocado Asks

  Author: Momoko Abe
  Publisher: Hachette Children's
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  Is Avocado a fruit or a vegetable? He sets off to find out, but Tomato shows him that it really doesn't matter if he isn't easy to categorise. A witty allegory about identity.

• Avocado Baby

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Red Fox Picture Books
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Mr and Mrs Hargreaves' new baby is the fussy kind and doesn't seem to want to eat anything. Until he eats avocadoes – and gets bigger and stronger than anyone could have guessed. Avocado Baby is a total joy, full of surreal, off-kilter humour.

• Away with Words

  Author: Sophie Cameron
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This is a relatable, engaging story about friendship, family and dealing with change. It’s also a great book for discussions around empathy – the idea of ‘spoken words’ is difficult to explain but absolutely works in the context of the story, creating themes of communication, the power of words, and the importance of listening.

• Awful Auntie

  Author: David Walliams Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 8-13
  Reading age: 8+

  A rude, witty and irreverent illustrated story in which an orphaned girl tries to escape from her murderous auntie and solve the mystery of her parents’ death. It's just a bit scary and fantastic fun.

• Awkward

  Author: Svetlana Chmakova
  Publisher: Yen Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Awkward perfectly captures the secondary school experience – friendships, rivalries, secrets, eccentric teachers, and also what can be accomplished when everyone works together.

• Axel Scheffler Rhyming Stories Book 1: Pip the Dog and Freddy the Frog

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Campbell Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  The first in a series of rhyming stories following unlikely friends who love to make noise and have fun.

• Axel Scheffler’s Flip Flap Ocean

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Featuring Axel Scheffler's bright, friendly and recognisable animal illustrations and a lighthearted rhyming text, children can also mix the animal names, poems AND animal pictures up to create amusing hybrids.

• Axel Scheffler's Flip-Flap Farm

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Farm is a rhyming book app: swipe any part of the screen to create 121 different combinations of animal halves, rhymes and silly, hybrid animal names.

• Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Magic Puppy

  Author: Lola Morayo Illustrator: Cory Reid
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Aziza and her brother Otis visit fairyland, where a mischievous puppy steals the magical hands of the town clock. The siblings must fix the clock before sunset, or time will stand still. An enchanting adventure which features Black main characters.

• Azizi and the Little Blue Bird

  Author: Laïla Koubaa and Mattias De Leew Translator: David Colmer
  Publisher: Book Island
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Azizi's beautiful land is under threat, but will he be able to save it with the help of a little blue bird? The beautiful illustrations perfectly match the tone of the book and this is a fabulous way to introduce cultural diversity.

• Azzi in Between

  Author: Sarah Garland
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-12
  Reading age: 7

  This is a moving tale of a refugee family told in graphic novel style and so appealing to a wide range of younger readers.

• Cyborg Cat: Rise of the Parsons Road Gang

  Author: Ade Adepitan
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This first book by Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan offers a fascinating picture of his childhood. With a light touch and plenty of wit, he recalls the influences and events that helped to shape his life and career. Entertaining, accessible and inspiring.

• The Amazing Edie Eckhart: The Big Trip

  Author: Rosie Jones Illustrator: Natalie Smillie
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This is book two of the Edie Eckhart series, and our heroine Edie has now been at secondary school for one term. After her starring role as Scrooge in the Christmas play she should be feeling great about drama, but she is starting to feel a bit unsure about herself. She’s not sure if she’s definitely gay and whether she can call herself Flora’s girlfriend, t…