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Books beginning with: P

• Benjamin Zephaniah’s People Need People

  Author: Benjamin Zephaniah Illustrator: Nila Aye
  Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A joyous book that celebrates community and human connection, with gorgeous illustrations.

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  Mae testun odledig Benjamin Zephaniah yn un sy'n codi calon ac yn rhannu llawer rheswm pam fod angen pobl eraill ar bobl – i chwarae gyda nhw, i ddysgu oddi wrthyn nhw ac i'w cwtsio!

• Pablo & Jane and the Hot Air Contraption

  Author: Jose Domingo
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  A mind-boggling comic book journey through the Monster Dimension, with Pablo, Jane, an evil cat and a very clever mouse.

  This blend of graphic story-telling, fantasy and humour comes from renowned Spanish illustrator Jose Domingo.

• Pablo and Splash

  Author: Sheena Dempsey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Pablo and Splash are two penguins who've accidentally time-travelled to the Cretaceous period! Can they get home to the icy Antarctic before they’re eaten by dinosaurs? A funny colour graphic novel for newly confident readers. 

• Pablo and the Noisy Party

  Author: Andrew Brenner and Sumita Majumdar
  Publisher: Ladybird Books
  Interest age: 3-7
  

  Pablo finds the noise at his cousin's party overwhelming, but his imaginary friends are there to help him make sense of the situation. This empowering book and TV series competently reflect neurodiversity and has been developed by writers who are themselves on the autistic spectrum.

• Pablo the Artist

  Author: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  Pablo the elephant is looking for inspiration. His friends suggest he paints a landscape so off he goes to the country where he dreams up a wonderful painting full of colour and life.

• Paddington Here and Now

  Author: Michael Bond Illustrator: Peggy Fortnum
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  Half a century after he first appeared in print, Paddington Bear is back.

• Paddington in the Garden

  Author: Michael Bond
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  • Part of the beloved series following Paddingon Bear and the Brown family.

  • Paddington lends a paw in the garden, with some funny results!

  • Preschoolers will love the illustrations and hearing you read the story.

• Paddington's Cookery Book

  Author: Michael Bond and Lesley Young Illustrator: R W Alley
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  This delightful cookery book is the perfect way to inspire youngsters to have fun in the kitchen

• Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers

  Author: Anna James
  Publisher: HarperCollins
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Tilly Pages always knew she loved books... but she never imagined she'd be able to step into their fantastical fictional worlds. A warm tribute to the joy of stories that doubles as a classic adventure.

• Pairs! In the Garden

  Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls Illustrator: Laura Scobie
  Publisher: FrancesLincoln Children’s Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 3+

  This busy, colourful book flows with fun, rhyming text that is great for reading aloud. The detailed illustrations can be used to help identify many types of bugs, colours and flowers, making it a great learning tool for early readers.

• Pale

  Author: Chris Wooding
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 8+

  In an eerie futuristic world, society has figured out a way to bring people back from the dead...

• Panda & Penguin Find a THING

  Author: Zehra Hicks
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  Reading age: 2-3

  Two animal friends find a mysterious THING which has the power to distract them from each other, but they ultimately realise that their friendship is more important.

• Panda at the Door

  Author: Sarah Horne and Anna Wilson
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 8+

  Pudding the panda at Edinburgh Zoo is an avid fan of Mary Poppins. She craves a family of her own – so when she receives an email from a sad little boy called Callum, she knows just what to do. A readable romp with a compassionate heart. 

• Pandora

  Author: Victoria Turnbull
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Pandora the fox lives alone in a world of broken things. She fixes and mends them, giving new life to the forgotten. One day, an injured bird falls from the sky and she nurses it back to strength.

• Pants

  Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 1-5
  

  From hairy pants, scary pants and fairy pants, to loose pants, tight pants and lighting up at night pants, this must-have picture book explores every possible variation on the theme.

• Pants are Everything

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

  Michael Swarbrick's pathetic existence had just got better. He was on a date with the girl of his dreams - a romantic donkey ride on the beach, followed by some daring skinny dipping in the sea. Delightful!

• Panther

  Author: David Owen
  Publisher: Little Brown
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is a clever, compelling and very moving novel about the debilitating effects of depression on both the sufferer and those around them.

• Papa Penguin

  Author: Lindsay Camp Illustrator: Momoko Abe
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  When a little boy's dad is late home for story time, the little boy is a bit annoyed - so Dad tells him the story of Papa Penguin, an emperor penguin who keeps his baby egg warm for months on his own. 

• Paper Aeroplanes

  Author: Dawn O'Porter
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Growing up in Guernsey in the 1990s, timid Flo struggles to deal with her dysfunctional family life - until rebellious extrovert Renee unexpectedly befriends her.

• Paper Avalanche

  Author: Lisa Williamson
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Fourteen-year-old Ro Snow’s got a secret: her house is filled to the doors with her mother’s hoarded rubbish. A brilliant, thoughtful read that explores Bonnie’s mental health issues and their effect on Ro with compassion. 

• Paper Boat, Paper Bird

  Author: David Almond Illustrator: Kirsti Beautyman
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  On a visit to Japan with her mother, Mina is mesmerised when she sees a woman making delicate, origami models and is inspired to make her own paper boat and bird. The poetic language and unhurried pace of this slim, illustrated novel will immerse readers in a gentle celebration of Japanese culture.

• Paper Weight

  Author: Meg Haston
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  Based on experience, Meg Haston tells the story of 17-year-old Stevie and her journey into an eating disorder.

• Paradise On Fire

  Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes Illustrator: Serena Malyon
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 9+

  On a wilderness holiday in California, Addy and her friends are caught in a forest fire. Addy guides her friends to safety while dealing with the memories of a terrible fire that killed her parents. A lyrical and important story. 

• Party for Dads

  Author: Adam and Charlotte Gullain Illustrator: Ada Grey
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This rhyming book is a lovely celebration of everything we love about dads: silliness, games, embarrassing dancing and cuddles (and perhaps even their competitive dad behaviour)

• Party Parade

  Author: Leanne Miller Illustrator: Sara Miller
  Publisher: Scholastic
  

  Can you find the five flamboyant flamingos frolicking or the nine proud penguins partying in the snow? A beautifully illustrated hide-and-seek counting book created by homeware brand designer Sara Miller.

• Pass It On

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  The little girl in this bright, happy book embraces the simple act of passing on smiles, laughs, chuckles and whoops to others.

• Pat-a-Cake!

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's play
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 4+

  Part of a series introducing well loved games and rhymes.

• Patina

  Author: Jason Reynolds
  Publisher: Knights Of
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9+

  Elite runner Patina is a girl with a lot on her plate and she takes her responsibilities very seriously. The dialogue is crisp, the characters are believable, and it's a beautiful, flawless reading experience that will hook reluctant readers (especially those into sports).

• Patrick

  Author: Quentin Blake
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 0
  Reading age: 6+

  Setting out to buy a violin, Patrick finds that playing it transforms not only his outlook on life, but the lives of all he meets, be it plant, animal or human!

• Pathfinder

  Author: Angie Sage
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  Magyk, friendship and conquering the forces of evil: a whole world of fantastical possibilities is left open for future books in this new series.

• Paul Thurlby’s Wildlife

  Author: Paul Thurlby
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  Take a saunter through the animal kingdom and explore some of the oddities found there, in this stylish picture book.

• Paws Off My Book

  Author: Fabi Santiago
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Olaf the giraffe is trying to read a book but all the animals in the jungle are interrupting him with advice on how he should be reading. Fruit-salad colours pop off the page, plus there are silly animals sure to get a laugh from little book lovers.

• Pax

  Author: Sara Pennypacker Illustrator: Jon Klassen
  Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 10-12

  Peter's dad is joining the war, and Peter must leave his pet fox Pax behind. This is a touching story of the bond between a child and his pet, as well as the devastating and often unseen consequences of war.

• Peace and Conflict

  Author: Irene Sabatini
  Publisher: Corsair
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 8+

  Sabatini has written a complex and engrossing novel, which challenges many assumptions we make around truth, courage and responsibility.

• Peace and Me

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

  From Martin Luther King to Malala, this book is full of people who have won the Nobel Peace Prize and strived to improve the lives of others. Raising awareness for Amnesty International too, it should sit proudly on the shelves of libraries and classrooms. 

• Peace At Last

  Author: Jill Murphy
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  The hour is late and Mr Bear is tired. But he just can't sleep - however hard he tries, all he can hear are the noises in the house.

• Peace Maker

  Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Matthew Griffin
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  In Michela's world, aggression is forbidden - but sometimes fighting is the only way to keep the peace. This is a well-paced and interesting story, designed to appeal to reluctant or hesitant readers, as well as dyslexia-friendly.

• Peace on Earth

  Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: David Litchfield
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Peace on earth – what a wonderful idea that would be! The idea of a sparkling, joyful world is a beautiful one. Yet, sometimes, we can hurt each other, and feel the fires of rage burn deep within us. At times like that, it’s hard to find a sense of peace. 

• Peanut Butter and Jelly (A Narwhal and Jelly Book)

  Author: Ben Clanton
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Narwhal and Jelly are the best of friends - but when Jelly persuades Narwhal to try peanut butter for the first time ever, it's a life-changing event for Narwhal as he becomes obsessed with the fabulous new flavour sensation! These quirky comic strips are perfect for younger children looking for something a bit unusual.

• Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City

  Author: Rob Biddulph
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A magical pencil takes art-mad Peanut and her friends on a quest beyond her wildest imagination in the search for her lost father.

• Peanut, Butter and Crackers: Puppy Problems

  Author: Paige Braddock
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Butter the cat and Crackers the dog are very happy, until their human comes home with a new puppy… A fun colour graphic novel, the first in a series, perfect for young readers and pet owners.

• Pea's Book of Best Friends

  Author: Susie Day
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  When Pea's Mum becomes a famous children's author, Pea and her family leave their home in Wales behind to start a new life in London.

• Pea's Book of Holidays

  Author: Susie Day
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Susie Day returns with another hugely fun installment of the delightful Pea's Book series.

  Whether or not they've read about Pea's previous adventures, young readers will enjoy the gentle humour of this entertaining contemporary spin on the classic family story.

• Peck Peck Peck

  Author: Lucy Cousins
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  The new picture book from Lucy Cousins introduces readers to an enthusiastic and eager woodpecker who is being taught to peck by its dad.

• Pedro Loves Saving the Planet

  Author: Jess French Illustrator: Duncan Beedie
  Publisher: Happy Yak
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Pedro and his friends are at the eco cabin, discovering lots of eco-friendly activities. Fact-filled and friendly, this is a useful book for sharing with young school children.

• Peek Inside: Farm

  Author: Becky Davies Illustrator: Fhiona Galloway
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  

  This chunky board book will grab your child’s attention from the word go: delightfully oversized and shaped like a farm barn, everything about it screams “fun”!

• Peekaboo Apple

  Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Ingela P. Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-1
  

  Everyone is saying peekaboo! in this bold, chunky board book – from a baby peeking out of her pram to a dog peering out from behind a tree! But who's ready to say peekaboo at the end?

• Peekaboo Bear

  Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Add new elements to a game of peekaboo with this exciting board book that has 9 sliders and a mirror for hours of interactive enjoyment.

• Peekaboo House

  Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  This is a terrific first book to share with someone who loves to play peekaboo, complete with ten sliders to pull and a surprise mirror at the end.

• Peekaboo Opposites

  Author: Becky Davies Illustrator: Gareth Lucas
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Do you know your opposites? Test yourself as you follow Zebra through his day filled with ups and downs.

• Peekaboo Park!

  Author: Emily Bolam
  Publisher: Campbell Books
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 3+

  A life-the-flaps adventure in the park!

• Peekaboo Pumpkin

  Author: Camilla Reid Illustrator: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  A fun interactive book to share, with tabs to push and pull. It has a loose Halloween theme and friendly creatures to say ‘peekaboo!’ to.

• Peek-a-Boo!

  Author: Annie Kubler
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 4+

  The exuberant characters include children on supported mats, a child with a leg splint and a parent with a hearing aid.

• Peekabooks: In the Jungle

  Author: Emily Bolam
  Publisher: Campbell Books
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 3+

  Join these baby animals as they ask their parents questions about getting bigger.

• Peek-Through Around Town

  Author: Jonny Marx Illustrator: Zoe Waring
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Dusty the dog wants to go for a walk, so sets off on a journey around his town - saying hello to all his friends and taking in all the exciting sights and smells of the day. These board books from Little Tiger offer toddlers a bit of narrative, which make them ideal for slightly older little ones with longer attention spans.

• Peek-Through Jobs We Do

  Author: Jonny Marx Illustrator: Zoe Waring
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Roxy the rat shows us around her neighbourhood to find out what jobs different animals do - from Dasher the dog detective to Michelle the monkey mechanic. This board book with 8 peek-through flaps is a lovely introduction to different jobs, aimed at slightly older toddlers.

• Peep Inside the Night Time

  Author: Anna Milbourne Illustrator: Simona Dimitri
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  The robust flaps are just right for little fingers to lift easily, and the atmospheric illustrations from Simona Dimitri vividly conjure up the night time world. Perfect for sharing and enjoying together, this is an ideal bedtime book.

• Peepo!

  Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  • Much-loved picture book classic that delights babies, toddlers and their parents.

  • Look through the holes to spot details from the wonderful illustrations.

  • A rhyming peek-a-boo journey through a day in the life of a baby.

• Peng and Spanners

  Author: Steve Webb
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Peng and Spanners are wannabe superheroes, so when the head teacher’s pizza place is stolen, they must catch the culprit! A very silly graphic novel, or comic book, full of action and humour. 

• Penguin

  Author: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Polly Dunbar's illustrations are gorgeous and her palette stylish - from the endearing Ben's rosy cheeks to the magnificent turquoise lion who eats him up.

• Penguin and Pinecone

  Author: Salina Yoon
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Penguin would like to keep the pinecone he finds, but soon realises that it was lost and isn’t happy in the snowy land in which he lives.

• Penguin in Peril

  Author: Helen Hancocks
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  Penguin hatches an escape plan to avoid becoming dinner for a group of cats, who have kidnapped him from the zoo.

• Penguin Problems

  Author: Jory John Illustrator: Lane Smith
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A little penguin is out in the cold, and he doesn’t like it: the sun is too bright, the ocean is too salty, and he’s tired of whales and orcas trying to hunt him. A sweet and tongue-in-cheek story about remembering all the good things in our lives.

• Penguin’s Big Adventure

  Author: Salina Yoon
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Penguin wants to be the first penguin in the Arctic. When he reaches his destination, Penguin meets a polar bear who is as scared of him as he is of the bear. However, they soon make friends and discover they're not so different after all.

• Penguins Can't Fly

  Author: Richard Byrne
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Gregory the gull and Hudson the penguin are best friends, until Gregory learns to fly and have fun with the other gulls, leaving Hudson feeling left out. But when Gregory gets into trouble, Hudson discovers he has special skills of his own, and comes to the rescue.

• Pêl-droed Penigamp

  Author: Robin Bennett Illustrator: Matt Cherry
  Publisher: Firefly
  Interest age: 10-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Dyma lyfr ffeithiol sy’n berffaith i ffans ifanc pêl-droed a, diolch i’w arddull ysgafn a hwyliog, bydd hefyd yn apelio at rai sydd yn llai cyfarwydd â’r gêm.

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  This is a perfect non-fiction book for young football fans, due to its light and funny style, and it will also appeal to those that are less familiar with the game.

• Penny and the Little Lost Puppy

  Author: Emily Sutton
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  Penny gets a dog when she moves house, but one day the dog goes missing. A charming and intricately illustrated story about moving home, friendship and the magic of puppy-power.

• Penny Dreadful Causes a Kerfuffle

  Author: Joanna Nadin Illustrator: Jess Mikhail
  Publisher: Usborne Publishing
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  The likable Penny Dreadful (really called Penelope Jones) is back in this second installment of her chaotic adventures.

• Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster

  Author: Joanna Nadin Illustrator: Jess Mikhail
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Boys as well as girls will race through these stories giggling all the way!

• Penny Dreadful is a Record Breaker

  Author: Joanna Nadin Illustrator: Jess Mikhail
  Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  This book brings together three hilarious stories about unlikely heroine Penny.

• People's Republic

  Author: Robert Muchamore
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  The hugely popular Robert Muchamore once again grips his audience with this tale of two very different characters whose worlds dramatically entwine in an action-packed adventure.

• Peppa’s Magical Unicorn

  Author: Peppa Pig
  Publisher: Ladybird Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  This sparkly story about Peppa and her family is perfect for young unicorn fans, but, as ever, it’s a great story about friendship and family.

• Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian

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

  Witty, touching, sad and gripping by turn; this is a satisfying finale to an exciting series.

• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

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

  In this leftfield comic fantasy novel, 12-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that the Greek gods of Olympus are alive and living in modern-day New York.

• Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

  Author: Rick Riordan
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  After monsters infiltrate Percy Jackson's school and try to kill him, Percy, Annabeth and new schoolmate Tyson, who is not all he seems, rush to Camp Half-Blood which is under attack.

• Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse

  Author: Rick Riordan
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Percy and his friends are charged to deliver two new demigods safely to school, but discover a plot to destroy Olympus.

• Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm

  Author: Ash Bond
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 9-14
  Reading age: 10+

  With nail-biting action on the streets of Oxford, the riverways of London and in the depths of the Under-Underground, otherworldly creatures shoot laser blasters and ancient gods lurk around every corner.

• Perfect

  Author: Nicola Davies
  Publisher: Graffeg
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  A young boy is very excited that there's to be a new arrival in the family. However, when the baby arrives, it is clear that there is something a little different about her. Minimal text and exquisite artwork tell a story of sibling love.

• Perfectly Ella

  Author: Candy Hooper
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 9+

  A touching, funny book about growing up and the challenges of a changing home.

• Perfectly Norman

  Author: Tom Percival
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Norman has always been normal, perfectly normal… So he is very surprised to have wings suddenly one day! This is a sweet and truly uplifting story that celebrates diversity in a subtle but unique way.

• Perfectly Polite Penguins

  Author: Georgiana Deutsch Illustrator: Ekaterina Trukhan
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Most penguins are perfectly polite. But then there is Polly. This silly, chilly story will have little ones laughing out loud at naughty little Polly, while also aborbing the message that we can’t always do what we want, when we want.

• Perijee and Me

  Author: Ross Montgomery
  Publisher: Faber
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  When 11-year-old Caitlin discovers a shrimp-like alien creature on the shores of her island home, she takes responsibility for teaching it about the world. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Studio Ghibli films.

• Peril en Pointe

  Author: Helen Lipscombe
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Peril en Pointe mixes together classic elements of boarding school ups-and-downs, ballet dreams and a super sleuth crime mystery into one page-turning novel, with a plot that will keep readers guessing right to the end.

• Peril in Paris

  Author: Katherine Woodfine Illustrator: Karl J Mountford
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  This first in a new detective series that delves into the world of spycraft in the early 1900s. Sophie and Lil are a great pair of well-drawn young women in a changing time, and the book is riveting from the start, with some delightful twists.

• Persepolis

  Author: Marjane Satrapi Translator: Blake Ferris
  Publisher: Vintage
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Persepolis is Satrapi's history of Iran and her life in Iran and France as she tries to retain her Iranian culture but also grow up and become independent.

• Persist

  Author: Melvin Burgess
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Melvin Burgess allows us to experience the highs and lows of a family who are going through a very difficult time in their lives.

• Pests

  Author: Emer Stamp
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A little mouse loses his grandmother but finds hilarious friends at a school for pests. Hilarious and full of warmth and humour, this adventure will appeal to all kinds of readers.

• Petals in the Ashes

  Author: Mary Hooper
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  It is 1666: a year after Hannah, heroine of At the Sign of the Sugared Plum, first came to London and was forced to leave after the outbreak of plague.

• Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons

  Author: Eric Litwin Illustrator: James Dean
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This book is fun! It's got counting, singing, rhyming and repetition. Pete's 'don't sweat the small stuff' life philosophy is engaging and the vibrant, almost perspective-less illustrations are strangely beautiful.

• Pete with No Pants

  Author: Rowboat Watkins
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Pete isn't sure who, or what, he is. A funny, quirky, reassuring story about a confused little creature who doesn't want to conform, yet desperately wants to discover who he is.

• Peter Nimble and the Fantastic Eyes

  Author: Jonathan Auxier
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Peter is a blind orphan who has been trained as the ultimate thief.

• Peter Pan

  Author: J M Barrie retold in rhyme by Caryl Hart Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  In this delightful gift edition, J M Barrie’s classic tale about the boy who wouldn’t grow up is simplified and told entirely in verse, while still retaining the magical joy of the original. 

• Peter Pan in Scarlet

  Author: Geraldine McCaughrean Illustrator: David Wyatt
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  Geraldine McCaughrean's much anticipated sequel to Peter Pan finds Wendy and the lost boys now grown-up and leading respectable lives in London.

• Peter Rabbit: Christmas is Coming

  Author: Beatrix Potter
  Publisher: Penguin Random House
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  This must-have Christmas storybook contains 24 brand new tales from Beatrix Potter's best loved character - the adorably naughty Peter Rabbit - plus lots of fun festive activities to do!

• Peter the Penguin Pioneer

  Author: Daren King Illustrator: David Roberts
  Publisher: Quercus Publishing
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 5-8

  Fresh from a jungle trip, Peter, his exuberant assistant Punky and their friend Harold discover their beloved ice-skating rink has been over-populated with some dubious-looking penguins.

• Petrify

  Author: Beth Chambers
  Publisher: A&C Black
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 7+

  Ella’s new next-door neighbour is confident, verging on cocky. He’s keen to prove to Ella and her friends that he knows no fear, and when he learns that the local woods are supposed to be haunted, he persuades them to join him in exploring them. 

• Pets

  Author: Wee Gallery/Surya Sajani
  Publisher: QED Publishing
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 2+

  I have a waggly tail and I like to play - who am I? Slide the puzzle pieces into place and find out. This lovely book is a great interactive early learning tool for very young children.

• Petunia Perry and the Curse of the Ugly Pigeon

  Author: Pamela Butchart Illustrator: Gemma Correll
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  Petunia Perry is writing her memoir to fully explain why she's no longer friends with Cammy - and why, therefore, she and Cammy's band are unlikely to be the Next Big Thing.

• Picasso’s Trousers

  Author: Nicholas Allan
  Publisher: Hutchinson
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  An excellent humorous introduction to the artist for younger readers

• Pick a Perfect Egg

  Author: Patricia Toht Illustrator: Jarvis
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A charming invitation to decorate real eggs, before joining in with an egg hunt. Inspiring for art lovers, yet accessible for young readers too. Delightful.

• Pick a Pine Tree

  Author: Patricia Toht Illustrator: Jarvis
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Putting up a tree is such an exciting part of Christmas for many little ones, so it’s lovely to see it featured as a whole story in itself here. A beautiful and nostalgic-feeling book that's a wonderful one to share.

• Pick a Pumpkin

  Author: Patricia Toht Illustrator: Jarvis
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Fans of Jarvis’ gorgeous illustrations won’t be able to resist this seasonal treat that celebrates all things Halloween and plays down the scary side for younger readers. A real treat of a book – as sweet as a toffee apple and as warm as hot chocolate. 

• Pick a Story: A pirate + alien + jungle adventure

  Author: Sarah Coyle Illustrator: Adam Walker-Parker
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Vincent has lost his dog Trouble at the park and he needs YOUR help. With twists and turns and hilarious characters, Trouble’s fate is completely in your hands. Bringing the fun of choose-your-own-adventure stories to the world of picture books, this energetic interactive book sets up three alternative tales based around pirates, aliens and the jungle.

  ---

  Mae …

• Picklewitch and Jack

  Author: Claire Barker Illustrator: Teemu Juhani
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  A chuckle-filled story about the most unlikely of friendships between a mischievous witch who lives at the bottom of the garden and brainbox, Jack, who was voted Most Sensible Boy in School for three years running.

• Picnic

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Red Fox Picture Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  Reading age: 5+

  The deceptive simplicity of both text and illustrations will draw youngsters to the interactive elements in this picture book and provides an early opportunity to attempt independent reading.

• Picture Me Gone

  Author: Meg Rosoff
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Twelve-year-old Mila has a talent for noticing things that other people don't. 

• Picture Perfect

  Author: Serena Patel Illustrator: Louise Forshaw
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 6-8

  Sonal has a photo project to do for school, and she’s chosen the theme of ‘family’. However, getting a nice family photo of everyone proves to be impossible: her brother Jay is always gaming, Mum and Dad never stop checking their phones for work emails and Sonal’s sister Reena keeps lecturing everyone about climate change from behind her laptop. Plus, the fa…

• Pie in the Sky

  Author: Remy Lai
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Illustrated throughout, this heartfelt story contains so much: a family coping with bereavement, the alienation of moving somewhere new, and what it’s like when you can’t speak the language of the people around you. Lovely and heartfelt.

• Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin’s Hijab

  Author: Priya Huq
  Publisher: Amulet Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 8+

  Set in Oregon, USA in 2002, this powerful graphic novel tells the story of a distressing event in the lives of two girls, Nisrin and Firuzeh, when they experience a violent racist attack. A powerful, thought-provoking and, at times, uncomfortable read.

• Pig and Small

  Author: Alex Latimer
  Publisher: Picture Corgi
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Alex Latimer's illustrations are bold, colourful and stylized, and show that we can all get along, even if we're very unlike each other in many ways.

• Pig Heart Boy

  Author: Malorie Blackman
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 12+

  Cameron desperately needs a new heart when he is offered the opportunity to take part in a radical and controversial experiment involving the transplant of a pig's heart.

• Pigeon P.I.

  Author: Meg McLaren
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Murray MacMurray, the Pigeon P.I., is enjoying some quiet time until a persistent yellow canary named Vee asks him to help find her missing friends. This story of mystery and friendship will delight both children and adults.

• Piggy Handsome

  Author: Pip Jones Illustrator: Adam Stower
  Publisher: Faber Children’s
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Piggy Handsome is distraught to discover he is the only one in the Handsome family tree to have failed to become famous. Pacey, silly and brilliant. 

• Piggybook

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

  Humour permeates this gentle exploration of gender stereotypes which will entertain families and mums in particular.

• Pigs Make Me Sneeze! An Elephant and Piggie Book

  Author: Mo Willems
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Gerald the elephant thinks that pigs make him sneeze, but his best friend is a pig! What is he to do? A very funny simple story told in speech bubbles – perfect for beginner readers.

  ---

  Dydy Gerald yr eliffant ddim yn gallu stopio tisian – a, bob tro mae'n gwneud, mae'n chwythu Piggie ei ffrind druan i'r awyr. Beth os ydy moch yn gwneud iddo disian? Yn ffodus,…

• Pigsticks and Harold: Lost in Time!

  Author: Alex Milway
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Fast-paced and funny, this chapter book with full-page graphic-novel style artwork is a hilarious romp through history. This is the fourth book in the fabulously funny Pigsticks and Harold series, which would particularly appeal to reluctant readers.

• Pike

  Author: Anthony McGowan
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  This companion to McGowan's Brock is spare, poetic, moving, often wryly funny.

• Pink!

  Author: Lynne Rickards Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Patrick is teased at school and doesn’t like being different. He packs his rucksack and goes to Africa to join the flamingos.

• Pip and Posy: The Bedtime Frog

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  A beautifully illustrated and simply worded story about friendship and kindness. 

• Pip and Posy: The Christmas Tree

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  Pip and Posy are putting up the Christmas tree. Mysteriously, when Posy goes to get some candy, she returns to find that one of the biscuits has gone. What happened? And why does Pip suddenly feel sick? A lovely picture book with a gentle moral. 

• Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Pip is having so much fun at Posy's house that he forgets he needs a wee...

• Pip and Posy: The Scary Monster

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Full of lovely detail, this is a delightful story about being brave and taking turns

• Pip and Posy: The Snowy Day

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  • Posy wants to make a snowmouse and Pip wants to make a snowrabbit...

  • Colourful, engaging illustrations and a simple, lively story about friends falling out and making up.

  • Part of award-winning illustrator Axel Scheffler's series about the ups and downs of toddler life!

• Pip and Posy: The Super Scooter

  Author: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  Part of the endearing Pip and Posy series with gentle lessons for toddlers and preschoolers

• Pippi Longstocking

  Author: Astrid Lindgren Translator: Tiina Nunnally Illustrator: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  Follow Pippi Longstocking on her amazing adventures as she moves into Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase of gold coins.

• Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

  Author: Justin Somper
  Publisher: uclanpublishing
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  With short, punchy, accessible chapters and all the classic pirate tropes, from sword fights and cannons to climbing the rigging and even fire down below, this adventure story is ideal for newly independent readers. 

• Pirate Blunderbeard: Worst. Pirate. Ever.

  Author: Amy Sparkes Illustrator: Ben Cort
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  The funny fictional debut from acclaimed picture book author Amy Sparkes, with comical illustrations by Ben Cort, features an endearing hero who is much better at making cupcakes than being a pirate!

• Pirate Pete: A Change-the-Story Book

  Author: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  As Pirate Pete sails the sea in his pirate ship, he meets One-eyed Wanda and Captain Stubble, who guide him to a treasure chest containing... whatever the reader wants!

• Pirate Stew

  Author: Neil Gaiman Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  A little boy and his sister are surprised to say the least when their babysitter turns out to be a huge, bearded pirate - and he's invited all his friends round for stew! A great book for storytime with brilliant illustration by former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell.

• Pirates 'n' Pistols: Ten Swashbuckling Pirate Tales

  Author: Chris Mould
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  Narrated with verve and an ear for the piratical, this collection will appeal to the bloodthirsty buccaneer in would-be pirates from the age of 8 and up.

• Pirates of Darksea

  Author: Catherine Doyle
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  When Max answers the call to join Captain O’Malley’s pirate ship instead of his brother, who’s ill, it’s the start of a rip-roaring fantastical adventure. A page-turner that will have children gripped and moved.  

• Pirates!

  Author: Celia Rees
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 11+

  Pirates! traces the adventures of Nancy Kington and Minerva Sharpe as they sail the high seas, often fighting for their lives, in the hope of gaining glory and riches.

• Pirates: Dead Men’s Tales

  Author: Anne Rooney Illustrator: Joe Wilson
  Publisher: Carlton Kids
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9-12

  This beautiful hardback reveals the gruesome truth about being a pirate with profiles of buccaneers like Blackbeard, the Barbarossa Brothers, Mary Read, Anne Bonny and Zheng Shi.

• Pizazz

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Meet Pizazz - a superhero who hates her superpower! Sophy Henn’s new illustrated adventure aimed at younger to middle-primary school aged readers is perfect for fans of her previous series Bad Nana, with the same level of illustration and zany text throughout. 

• Pizazz vs The Demons

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Pizazz is from a superhero family but doesn't always think her superpower is as cool as her family's. When the evil Copycat makes five clones of her that represent her demons, Pizazz must face her up to her demons with the help of her friends. 

• Pizazz vs the New Kid

  Author: Sophy Henn
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Pizazz is used to being the only Super in her school - which is a bit exhausting, especially when Serena and the Populars keep making fun of her cape. So when new kid Jett appears, Pizazz decided to take her under her wing. However, things don't quite go to plan...

• Pizza Cake

  Author: Morris Gleitzman
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  This fantastic book of short stories from Morris Gleitzman is a truly inspired mix of witty humour, sharp observation and keen imagination.

• Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions

  Author: Carrie Sellon Illustrator: Sarah Horne
  Publisher: Guppy Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Can Pete and his friend Anna find the recipe to save Pete and his dad’s pizza shop? Fizzing with magical action and slapstick situations, this debut novel is great fun.

• Pizzasaurus Rex

  Author: Justin Wagner and Coloured by Warren Wucinich
  Publisher: ONI Press
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 9+

  This American comic offers loud, unadulterated fun from start to finish. A page-turning, laugh-out-loud adventure for the over-10s.

• Planet Awesome!

  Author: Stacy McAnulty Illustrator: David Litchfield
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A humorous, fabulously entertaining and lavishly illustrated introduction to astronomy, geology, natural history and ecology from the point of view of planet Earth herself.

• Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

  Author: Zanib Mian Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it's wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

• Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission

  Author: Zanib Mian Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Omar and his friends launch a mission to rescue their favourite teacher and make a disturbing discovery: she has undoubtedly been abducted by aliens!

• Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy

  Author: Zanib Mian Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Omar's mosque is in danger of being closed down, so quick-thinking Omar holds a school talent show to raise the money needed for the emergency building repairs. When the money goes missing, it's up to Omar and his friends to become super spies to track down the culprit!

• Planet Rescue

  Author: Patrick George
  Publisher: Patrick George
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  This innovative book, which is about helping the planet and looking after the environment, allows readers to literally change the picture using clever see-through pages.

• Planet Stan

  Author: Elaine Wickson Illustrator: Chris Judge
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Written from his own perspective, readers can follow 11-year-old space enthusiast Stan as he and his friends enter a competition to win a much-desired telescope. How fantastic to see a book packed with mathematical concepts and space facts and yet be so hilarious.

• Planetarium

  Author: Raman Prinja Illustrator: Chris Wormell
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Written by an astrophysicist and illustrated by the phenomenally talented Chris Wormell, Planetarium explores the solar system and universe as we know it. A beautiful and wonderful book and a real treasure for any child.

• Plants to the Rescue

  Author: Vikram Baliga Illustrator: Brian Lambert
  Publisher: Neon Squid
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Plants are amazing, complex organisms. In Plants to the Rescue, Vikram Baliga, a horticulturalist, takes readers through many ways that plants are helping humans deal with tricky environmental problems, from producing food to dealing with climate change. In fact, it could be said that plants are coming to our rescue!

• Plastic Sucks! You Can Make a Difference

  Author: Dougie Poynter
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  Plastic is one of the problems of our age, but what can we do about reducing how much we use? There’s a great mix here, from advice to learning about eco-entrepreneurs and experts. An excellent guide for older primary kids that is useful and timely.

• Play Like Your Football Heroes

  Author: Seth Burkett and Matt Oldfield Illustrator: Tom Jennings
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  A step-by-step guide to progressing from a kickabout in the park to playing like your footballing heroes; expect plenty of fun, interesting anecdotes and quite a few very bad jokes along the way.

• Play Time

  Author: Julia Donaldson
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Tried and tested and guaranteed to get children of all ages and abilities reading

• Play the Shape Game

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 5+

  Celebrities, authors and illustrators join the Children's Laureate Anthony Browne in this fun novelty book encouraging children to be creative and use their imaginations.

• Playground

  Author: 50 Cent
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 10+

  Some tales can't help being told. And this is one of them

• Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein

  Author: Jennifer Roy and Ali Fadhil
  Publisher: Rock the Boat
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  It's 1991 in Iraq and Ali wants to play football with his friends, read his comics and enjoy American television - but after President Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait, he and his family are thrust into war. An important read based on the co-author's real experiences.

• Playing with Fire

  Author: Henning Mankell Translator: Anna Paterson
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 12+

  Sofia is growing up and is ready to fall in love. When the mysterious 'Moonboy' appears, he seems to be the answer to Sofia's prayers, but is he real, or just a figment of her imagination?

• Playing with Phyre

  Author: Graham Marks
  Publisher: Catnip
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  His family killed and his village laid to waste by the ruthless Sadar forces, the boy Haden and his mute companion Decker head off into the wastelands in search of vengeance.

• Playsongs: Grand Day Out

  Author: Compiled by Sheena Roberts Illustrator: Rachel Fuller
  Publisher: Playsongs Publications
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Playsongs: Grand Day Out is a really lovely concept: a picture book full of songs and rhymes that is created for grandparents to enjoy with their grandchildren.

• Please Mr Panda

  Author: Steve Antony
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Children will love looking through the pages time and time again - and will also pick up on the story's simple but all-important message: good manners will get you anything, including doughnuts!

• Please Write Soon

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  This important and moving book from an acclaimed author follows pen pals Solly, an English schoolboy, and his Polish cousin Bernie during World War II.

• Plum

  Author: Tony Mitton
  Publisher: Barn Owl Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  This enjoyable collection from popular children’s poet Tony Mitton brings together a wide range of engaging poems for younger children

• Podkin One Ear

  Author: Kieran Larwood Illustrator: David Wyatt
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  A mysterious storyteller rolls in from the snow one night and enchants a warren of young rabbits with the tale of Podkin One Ear: the son of a chieftain who went on to become a legend. A family read that already feels like a classic.

• Poems Aloud

  Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  This dynamic collection of verse brings poetry alive, both for the reader and their audience. Perfect to encourage children to develop a love of poetry and performance.

• Poems to Perform

  Author: Various Illustrator: Clare Melinsky Editor: Julia Donaldson
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Julia Donaldson selects her favourite poems to perform in this anthology.

• Poetry for a Change

  Author: Various
  Publisher: Otter-Barry
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  This is the first-ever official National Poetry Day anthology, and it's a truly brilliant book for children to get stuck into all year round: perfect for classrooms but also fun for families. 

• Poetry Prompts: All sorts of ways to start a poem

  Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Georgie Birkett Grasya Oliyko Amanda Quartey and Viola Wang
  Publisher: Wide-eyed Editions
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Everyone can be a poet! Packed with suggestions for themes and forms, with examples throughout, this is a friendly and accessible guide to having fun with words. Useful in a classroom, alongside the Poetry Prompt videos.

• Poison Heart

  Author: S.B. Hayes
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 10+

  Katy Rivers has never been super-confident but finally, at college, she is beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin: she has good friends and drop-dead gorgeous Merlin seems besotted with her. Then the enigmatic, cruel and captivating Genevieve arrives on the scene...

• Polar Bear's Underwear

  Author: tupera tupera (Tatsuya Kameyama and Atsuko Nakagawa)
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5

  A comical, colourful, cut-out picture book which will appeal to small children everywhere.

• Politics - Cutting Through the Crap

  Author: Bali Rai
  Publisher: Walker Books
  

  What is politics? How does Parliament work? Is the great British democracy even a true democracy?

• Politics for Beginners

  Author: Alex Frith and Rosie Hore and Louie Stowell Illustrator: Kellan Stover
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10-12

  It's increasingly important for young people to learn about politics and how they can get involved. This engaging book introduces different political systems, ideologies and big questions - and explains how its readers can make a difference.

• Polly Bee Makes Honey

  Author: Deborah Chancellor Illustrator: Julia Groves
  Publisher: Scallywag Press
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This colourful picture book fuses factual information and fictional narrative to present a day in the life of Polly, a worker bee. This is one of a series of books that aims to teach children where their food comes from. 

• Polly Parrot Picks a Pirate

  Author: Peter Bently
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  With its humorous, energetic pictures and a bouncing rhyme, this book about a parrot seeking a pirate will be fun to use in the infant classroom.

• Polly’s Pink Pyjamas

  Author: Vivian French Illustrator: Sue Heap
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  All Polly ever wears is her fabulous pink pyjamas – she can’t get enough of them! But when Fred invites her to his party she has to assemble a party outfit.

• Pom and Pim

  Author: Lena Landstrom Illustrator: Olof Landstrom
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 2-4
  

  Pom, a little boy, and Pim, his stuffed toy, go out to play in the sunshine.

• Pony on the Twelfth Floor

  Author: Polly Faber Illustrator: Sarah Jennings
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  This hilarious and heart-warming chapter book combines an entertaining plot and a diverse range of characters with delightfully funny black-and-white illustrations. The cheeky antics of the mischievous pony are great fun.

• Poo in the Zoo

  Author: Steve Smallman Illustrator: Ada Grey
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Zoo keeper Bob McGew calls in poo expert Hector Glopp when an iguana poops a big lime green poo.

• Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee

  Author: Steven Cowell Illustrator: Erica Salcedo
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  Designed to take the stress out of toilet training, Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee has been made with one thing in mind: SILLINESS! Your child will be using the toilet confidently in no time (and singing the book’s toilet song). 

• Poo: A Natural History of the Unmentionable

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Neal Layton
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  This funny non-fiction picture book for older readers is packed full of fascinating facts about poo and enthusiastically explains why this natural waste product is one of the most useful things on earth.

• Poor Little Rabbit

  Author: Jörg Mühle
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  This is a simple and clever idea to make reading a really interactive experience. Children can play along with making Bunny better as they wipe away his tears, brush off the dirt and stick a plaster on his elbow. 

• Pop and Peek Babies

  Author: Mel Matthews
  Publisher: Templar Books
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  Featuring five animal families, each double-page spread in this charming board book features a full-page flap to pull up opposite a picture of the parent animals. Each flap reveals a pop-up baby animal underneath. A lovely board book with a bright cover, which little ones will enjoy again and again.

• Pop and Peek: Hatch

  Author: Carly Blake Illustrator: Mel Matthews
  Publisher: Templar Books
  

  Part of the entertaining Pop and Peek series comes Hatch: another pop-up peekaboo book for babies that toddlers, this time exploring all the amazing animals and insects that come into the world out of eggs!

• Pop!

  Author: Catherine Bruton
  Publisher: Farshore
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Elfie wants to change her life forever, so decides to achieve celebrity by entering TV talent contest Pop to the Top, coercing her reluctant friends Agnes and Jimmy to join her.

• Poppy Field

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Inspired by John McCrae’s war poem In Flanders Fields, this touching story is ideal to share with young children to promote discussion about the impact of war and the nature of remembrance. 

• Poppy Goes Wild

  Author: Nick Powell Illustrator: Becca Hall
  Publisher: Little Steps Publishing
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Poppy loves listening to her grandpa's stories of the wildlife that used to make his farm their home - but modern farming techniques and pesticides have made it impossible for them to survive there. Poppy learns all about rewilding and decides to bring nature back to the farm.

• Poppy Pym and the Pharaoh's Curse

  Author: Laura Wood
  Publisher: Scholastic Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 8+

  Poppy Pym and her new school friends try and solve the mystery of the pharaoh's curse after strange things happen when Egyptian artefacts go on display.

• Poppy the Police Horse

  Author: Gavin Puckett Illustrator: Tor Freeman
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 6+

  Told in hilarious rhyming couplets and with Tor Freeman’s brilliantly comic illustrations, this little book is about a police horse named Poppy, who was born blind. Poppy learns a valuable lesson: the pride from helping others is the best feeling of all...

• Pop-Up Frankenstein

  Author: Claire Hawcock (adapted from Mary Shelley) Illustrator: Anthony Williams (Art) Rob Taylor (colour) and David Hawcock (Pop-ups)
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This remarkable new version blends the finest contemporary illustration, dramatic storytelling and superb paper engineering.

• Pop-Up London

  Author: Jennie Mazels
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 8+

  Explore the capital city in 3D in this fun pop-up book.

• Pop-Up Peekaboo! Ocean

  Author: DK Illustrator: Jean Claude
  Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Embark on a mini ocean adventure with this vibrant, interactive book that introduces life under the sea, complete with beautiful illustrations and irresistible flaps.

• Pop-up Peekaboo! Space

  Author: Dawn Sirett Illustrator: Elle Ward
  Publisher: Dorling Kindersley
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  A lovely, large and sturdy pop-up book about a mission to the moon that is a delightful book to share with little ones, with big and bright pop-ups behind every big flap.

• Port Side Pirates!

  Author: Debbie Harter Illustrator: Oscar Seaworthy
  Publisher: Barefoot Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 7+

  Fun rhyming text with a singalong CD

• Postcards from No Mans Land

  Author: Aidan Chambers
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 9+

  The stories of three different characters are interwoven in this powerful novel exploring relationships, sexuality, life and death.

• Postman Bear

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Postman Bear writes three letters and goes out to deliver them in Acorn Wood. By lifting the flaps young readers can find out who they are for.

• Potkin and Stubbs

  Author: Sophie Green Illustrator: Karl J Mountford
  Publisher: Piccadilly
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  One night at the bus station Lil meets Nedly, a boy who doesn’t remember who he is. Finally, there’s a case for Lil to investigate: who is Nedly Stubbs, and what’s he doing in Peligan City? And, just as important - why doesn’t anyone else seem to see him?

• Pot-san's Tabletop Tales

  Author: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Illustrated in Kitamura's distinctively original and vibrant style, both existing fans and new readers will enjoy this whimsical tribute to the Japanese art of tea.

• Potter’s Boy

  Author: Tony Mitton
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  This wonderful story of a boy who yearns to be a warrior has an underlying theme of mindfulness and being in the moment. It may be a worthwhile read for tweens and upper primary children, who will enjoy Ryo’s adventure but also be suffering school burnout.

• Predator's Gold

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

  Predator's Gold, the sequel to Reeve's breathlessly exciting Mortal Engines is every bit as thrilling and imaginative as its predecessor.

• Prehistoric Actual Size

  Author: Steve Jenkins
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  From teeny-tiny creatures to ginormous ones, discover amazing prehistoric animals (and how big they are compared to you!) in this fascinating, ingenious picture book.

• Press Here

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

  An ingenious picture book that uses the power of the imagination to create a fun interactive experience for children aged two upwards

• Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy!

  Author: Thomas Flintham
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Aimed specifically at early readers, this super-fun colourful and accessible story will appeal to young gamers, and any child who enjoys simple yet engaging books.

  ---

  Mae gan y llyfr penodau hwn ddarluniau blociog lliwgar iawn wedi'u dylunio'n arbennig i edrych fel Minecraft a Lego, fel bo'n apelio'n fawr at y rhai ifanc sy'n chwarae'r gemau hyn. Dyma'r cyntaf…

• Pretend Cows

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Cathy Fisher
  Publisher: Graffeg
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  When Maxy's beloved herd of cows has to be killed for suspected disease, Maxy refuses to believe they're gone, choosing instead to sit in her favourite tree and talk to them as if they're still there. But when Mum falls ill and Maxy starts to help Dad with his chickens, she finds a way to heal.

• Pretty Bad Things

  Author: C J Skuse
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Sixteen-year old Candy-Store crime spree twins, Paisley and Beau Argent are in the headlines again.

• Pretty Funny

  Author: Rebecca Elliott
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Haylah Swinton wants to be a stand-up comic, but her lack of confidence stands in her way. Can she find the self-esteem to love her body and reject the boy who’s using her?

• Pretty Monsters

  Author: Kelly Link
  Publisher: Walker Canongate
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 10+

  It's a mistake anyone could make - digging up the body from the wrong grave. How could you possibly know the corpse would follow you home? And how can you explain it to your Mum?

• Pretty Thing

  Author: Jennifer Nadel
  Publisher: Corsair
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 9+

  Nadel's first YA novel is set in 1976 (a playlist of music is appended!), but apart from the references to LPs, tapes and kaftans there's little to distinguish its subject matter from a twenty-first-century novel about a girl's first sexual experience.

• Pretty Things

  Author: Sarra Manning
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 13+

  Sarra Manning cleverly conveys the confusion and uncertainty of adolescence, revealing that sexuality is not always as straightforward as we are sometimes led to believe

• Previously

  Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  Using just the word 'previously' various fairytales are retold – starting with their endings and working back to their beginnings.

• Prince Cinders

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  Prince Cinders leads a hard life, bullied by his three big hairy brothers - that is, until one Saturday night when Cinders' luck changes

• Prince Charmless

  Author: Jeanne Willis
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 4+

  Price Charmless is a spoilt brat. Despite the fact he lives in a silver castle with all the toys he could wish for, he complains from morning until night.

• Princeless

  Author: Jeremy Whitley Jung Ha Kim M Goodwin and Shawn Gabborn
  Publisher: Action Lab Comics
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 8-12

  Comprehensively dismantling all the features of the fairytale princess theme, from blondeness to passivity, Princeless is a fast-moving, brilliant adventure featuring a black princess.

• Princess Aasta

  Author: Stina Langlo Ordal
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Lonely Princess Aasta wants a bear to play with, so she places an advertisement in the newspaper.

• Princess Arabella and the Giant Cake

  Author: Mylo Freeman Translator: Laura Watkinson
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Princess Arabella loved her recent birthday party so much that she wishes she could have another one. Thankfully, Grandma’s birthday is just days away. A joyful, multi-ethnic tale in the Princess Arabella series, with vibrant illustrations.

• Princess Arabella Goes to School

  Author: Mylo Freeman
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This instalment of the Princess Arabella series covers the familiar milestone of starting school, with Arabella’s royal twist. Acknowledging that school isn’t quite what some children might imagine it to be is a good message to include...

• Princess Arabella is a Big Sister

  Author: Mylo Freeman
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  This charming new tale in the Princess Arabella series, featuring BAME characters, is full of gentle humour about the ups and downs of sibling relationships. A fun book to share with young children, particularly those who are anticipating a new family arrival.

• Princess BMX

  Author: Marie Basting Illustrator: Flavia Sorrentino
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 6+

  Princess Avariella is heir to the throne of the magical kingdom of Biscotti. Bored of behaving with grace and decorum, she gets a BMX bike. A fast-paced contemporary fairy tale with quirky characters, a hilarious plot and funny black-and-white illustrations.

• Princess Grace

  Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Caroline Binch
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 5+

  Grace has always dreamed of being a princess and when there’s a competition to select a princess for a school parade, it creates wild excitement...

• Princess Katie’s Kittens: Suki in the Snow

  Author: Julie Sykes Illustrator: Sam Loman
  Publisher: Piccadilly Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A charming chapter book starring a curious kitty and a princess who loves her very much. Wintry, snowy fun! 

• Princess Kevin

  Author: Michaël Escoffier Illustrator: Roland Garrigue
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Kevin is immensely pleased with his princess outfit for the fancy dress show, but he can't find a knight to go with him! Instead he sticks with his friend Chloe the Dragon - even though her outfit looks like a sock. This marvellous picture book with its self-assured protagonist celebrates individuality and provides a light-hearted platform to discuss gender …

• Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest

  Author: Kirsty Applebaum Illustrator: Sahar Haghgoo
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 7-8
  Reading age: 6-8

  When Princess Minna learns that her neighbour, Prince Welling-Tunboot, has fallen under a sleeping spell cast by a bad fairy, she is keen to help. He must be woken before sunset, or he will never wake again. Princess Minna summons her dragon Lorenzo, and flies to the enchanted forest to rescue the prince. But with several distractions along the way, will she…

• Princess Mirror-Belle

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 7+

  Ellen, off school with chicken pox, gets a big surprise one day while examining her spots in the mirror: her reflection starts talking back to her, and even comes out of the mirror!

• Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox

  Author: Julia Donaldson
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  Ellen has got the chicken pox and she's desperate to scratch her itchy face. But when she's peering into the bathroom mirror she gets a big surprise when her reflection steps through into her bathroom, claiming to be a princess with dragon-pox!

• Princess Mirror-Belle and the Magic Shoes

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  The mischievous Princess Mirror-Belle returns through the mirror in Ellen’s ballet class to create havoc in this fun sequel to Princess Mirror-Belle

• Princess Poppy: A True Princess

  Author: Janey Louise Jones Illustrator: Samantha Chaffey
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7

  Poppy is fed up. Her best friend Honey is prettier, kinder and seems to have a much more exciting time than Poppy.

• Princess Primrose

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

  Princess Primrose finds palace life desperately boring (and pink), so she never stops monkeying about. Despairing, the King and Queen call for grandma to solve the 'Primrose problem'. Packed with humorous details and characters.

• Princess Smartypants

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Princess Smartypants is rebellious, independent, and very happy being single - but her parents want her to get married and settle down! This hilarious picture book has a subversive protagonist and a strong message about choosing your own destiny.

• Princess Smartypants and the Missing Princes

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 8+

  A stroppy, independent-minded princess sets out to solve the mysterious disappearance of the prospective husbands of her three best friends.

• Princess Smartypants Breaks the Rules

  Author: Babette Cole
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  As with other books in the Princess Smartypants series, Cole has a lot to say here about gender stereotyping, but the book is more than a conveyor belt for politically correct messaging. The book is beguiling, compelling and droll.

• Prisoner of Ice and Snow

  Author: Ruth Lauren
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  Valor’s privileged family is brought to its knees when her sister, Sacha, is imprisoned in an ice fortress for stealing a valuable music box from the royal household. Ideal winter reading.

• Prisoner of the Inquisition

  Author: Theresa Breslin
  Publisher: Corgi Children's
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege

• Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps

  Author: Tim Marshall Illustrator: Grace Easton & Jessica Smith
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Geopolitics – the study of how physical landscapes affect international relations – may not seem an obvious subject for a children’s book, but this new children’s version of an adult Sunday Times bestseller is a fascinating read. Pitched perfectly for eight to eleven-year-olds, this book will make younger readers look at maps in a whole new way.

• Private Peaceful

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

  Set during World War I, Private Peaceful charts eight hours in the life of Tommo, a young soldier at the Front.

• Professional Crocodile

  Author: Giovanna Zoboli and Mariachara Di Giorgio
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  What does a crocodile do for a living? This delightfully unusual picture book explores that very question. A sophisticated yet accessible book that reminds us not to prejudge, but rather to examine, ask questions and to wonder at the world around us.

• Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure

  Author: Dr Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 10-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Laid out beautifully, covering a science topic on each double-page spread, with information in bite-size chunks, this book will give you activities and brain teasers to keep you occupied for hours.

• Professor Astro Cat’s Deep Sea Voyage

  Author: Dr Dominic Walliman Illustrator: Ben Newman
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Professor Astro Cat is back with his friends Gilbert, Martha, Felicity, Evie and Astro Mouse, setting sail on an incredible deep sea voyage in this book full of stunning retro illustrations and fascinating ocean facts.

• Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey

  Author: Dr. Dominic Walliman Illustrator: Ben Newman
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Everyone's favourite cat-astronaut investigates the human body in this beautiful, graphically illustrated look at everything from eyes to muscles, genetics to reproduction and the immune, endocrine and lymphatic systems.

• Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System

  Author: Dr Dominic Walliman Illustrator: Ben Newman
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  The always-handsome Flying Eye Books adds to their super cool Professor Astro Cat series with this introduction to the solar system for young readers.

• Professor Wooford McPaw’s History of Cars

  Author: Elliot Kruszynski
  Publisher: Cicada Books
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Professor Wooford McPaw is a cartoon dog who knows a LOT about cars. This marvellous exploration of the history, design, engineering, technology and innovation of car-making is essential reading for any child with an interest in cars.

• Proud of Me

  Author: Sarah Hagger-Holt
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 9+

  A beautifully written and everyday story of LGBTQ family life that’s perfect for any middle grade reader, especially for children who are just starting secondary school.

• Puddle Pug

  Author: Kim Norman Illustrator: Keika Yamaguchi
  Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 6+

  This is a warm and playful tale of friendship and fun, with delightful illustrations, sure to give young readers a giggle!

• Puddling!

  Author: Emma Perry Illustrator: Claire Alexander
  Publisher: Walker Books
  

  This delightful celebration of splashing in puddles is a joyous book, full of community, friendship and the pleasure of being outdoors, whatever the weather.  Parents and carers of little ones will know how fun “puddling” is and it’s nice to see this popular game reflected in a picture book.

• Puffin Peter

  Author: Petr Horacek
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Peter and Paul are the best of friends, until one day while they are diving for fish, Peter is caught in a storm and swept out to sea alone. Thankfully, a kind blue whale is on hand to help him find his friend again - the only problem is that Peter has forgotten to tell him that Paul is a puffin, just like him.

• Pug Hug

  Author: Zehra Hicks
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A very cute pug really wants a hug, but no-one wants to hug him! What is a pug in need of a hug to do? This simple but effective story is perfect for reading aloud with lots of giggly cuddles.

• Pugicorn and the Christmas Wish

  Author: Matilda Rose Illustrator: Tim Budgen
  Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  A festive picture book starring the brave, determined Pugicorn and his owner, Princess Ava.

• Pugs of the Frozen North

  Author: Philip Reeve Illustrator: Sarah McIntyre
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  A race to the far north among some very unconventional competitors and their vehicles. A winning combination of text,  image, humour and sadness.

• Pull Out all the Stops!

  Author: Geraldine McCaughrean
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  After a freak accident and an outbreak of diphtheria, Cissy Sissney and her friends are sent out of town for safety, but end up drifting on a rusting steamboat in the Missouri river...

• Pumpkin Grumpkin

  Author: Various Editor: John Agard and Grace Nichols Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Amusing and bemusing poetry from around the globe. John Agard and Grace Nichols have assembled a bunch of silly poems in this new collection brought to life with quirky illustrations by Satoshi Kitamura.

  From classics like The Jabberwocky to great contemporary nonsense like The Computer's First Proverb, there's something for everyone in this vibrant, varied …

• Pumpkin Heads

  Author: Rainbow Rowell Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 10+

  A story of friendship and romance told in a funny and inclusive graphic novel that celebrates the joy and diversity of Halloween traditions in the USA. 

• Pumpkin Pie

  Author: Jean Ure
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Some unpleasant comments from girls at school and an embarrassing incident relating to her weight lead a girl to start worrying about her self-image.

• Pumpkin Soup

  Author: Helen Cooper
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  The Cat, the Squirrel and the Duck live together in perfect harmony, eating pumpkin soup and playing their musical instruments. Until one day Duck decides he'll try stirring the soup…

• Punk Rocker Poodle

  Author: Laura Dockrill Illustrator: Sandhya Prabhat
  Publisher: Faber
  

  From the moment the alarm clock starts to ring, this little Punk Rocker Poodle is in a terrible mood. Absolutely everything that can be refused is refused. All this pup wants is to stay at home. This is a fast-paced picture book full of humour and anarchy. Presented as a poetic rap, it cries to be read aloud – to be chanted even! 

• Puppy Academy: Scout and the Sausage Thief

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6-9
  Reading age: 7+

  Gill Lewis has created a delightful book which combines a school setting readers will be familiar with, with the appeal of puppies.

• Puppy Academy: Star on Stormy Mountain

  Author: Gill Lewis Illustrator: Sarah Horne
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Star the Border Collie puppy wants to be a champion sheepdog, but her excitable manner causes panic among the sheep. However, her energy and bravery proves invaluable on a mountainside rescue in this funny and heart-warming tale.

• Purple Class and the Half-Eaten Sweater

  Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Helen Bate
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 7+

  Purple Class are back with more entertaining scrapes that highlight the funny side of primary school life.

• Puss in Boots

  Author: Ladybird
  Publisher: Ladybird
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  This pocket-sized Ladybird edition of Puss in Boots is a wonderfully comforting version of the classic fairy tale. This is a great read-aloud book for adults to read to children but also for children, who can read to themselves or retell from the pictures.

  Children love the pattern of fairy tales and enjoy the repetition of reading them over and over agai…

• Put Your Botty on the Potty

  Author: Sam Lloyd
  Publisher: Pavilion
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Little Moo Monster wants to be grown up, but he's still in nappies. Will he be ready for the potty-trained Monster Pant Party in time? This entertaining lift-the-flap book has a great message of encouragement for little ones outgrowing their nappies - and some very cheeky illustrations to enjoy!

• Pharaoh's Fate: Solve the Ancient Egyptian Mystery

  Author: Camille Gautier & Stephanie Vernet Illustrator: Margaux Carpentier Translator: Catherine Bruzzone
  Publisher: b small publishing
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  You're in Ancient Egypt. Someone is plotting to murder the pharaoh - and it's up to you to stop them. This glorious whodunnit feeds you heaps of facts in a fun, interactive way - your child will barely notice they're learning.

• Philippa Fisher and the Stone Fairy's Promise

  Author: Liz Kessler Illustrator: Katie May
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 7+

  A boy finds a piece of amber but doesn't realise it is a fairy in disguise. He tries to take it home but finds himself frozen in time with the unhappy 'stone fairy'.

• Philomena - The Cat Who Thinks She’s a Dog

  Author: Jessie Wall
  Publisher: Wacky Bee Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Philomena is a cat with an identity crisis. Having been brought up with a puppy, she is now convinced she is actually a dog herself. The plot is simple but fun, and carries a gentle message about being yourself.

• Philosophy for Beginners

  Author: Various Illustrator: Nick Radford
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 12-14
  Reading age: 12+

  What exactly is philosophy and why does it matter? As this book shows, philosophy is essentially about asking questions – questions about the world around us and the way we think about things – and trying to answer them. Not every question is a philosophical one, but many are, especially the big ones, e.g. what is art? Does fate exist? How can we create equa…

• Phoenix

  Author: S F Said Illustrator: Dave McKean
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Lucky is on the run and joins up with a group of aliens - refugees from the ongoing war between aliens and humans - who agree to help Lucky find his father. A thrilling space adventure, full of suspense, action, emotion and more.

• Phoenix Rising

  Author: Bryony Pearce
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  This is an exhilarating, superbly written adventure story.