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Books beginning with: W

• Big Rock and the Masked Avenger: Match One

  Author: Jim Eldridge
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 7-9
  Reading age: 7+

  This is the first book in an entertaining and fun packed adventure series. With endearing and comical characters, this is funny, enjoyable and easy to read.

• Waffle Hearts

  Author: Maria ParrTranslator: Guy Puzey
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Simultaneously funny and hair-raising, these stories are beautifully crafted creating a subtly textured emotional world, strong in its sense of place and community, never shying away from the joys and difficulties of friendship, and profound loss.

• Wait and See

  Author: Tony Bradman and Eileen Browne
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Jo has saved up her pocket money and is tempted to spend it all at the local shops, but instead, decides to wait and see.

• Waiting for Baby

  Author: Rachel Fuller
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 6 months+
  Reading age: 3+

  This gentle book deals with the anticipation of waiting for a new baby.

• Waiting for Callback

  Author: Perdita and Honor Cargill
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  Fifteen-year-old Elektra's humorous and thoughtful account of juggling school, home, friends, relationships, and her attempts to become an actress.

• Waiting For Callback: Take Two

  Author: Perdita & Honor Cargill
  Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 10+

  A funny, frothy and light-hearted romp through the life of 15-year-old Elektra James: soon-to-be-star of post-apocalyptic survival movie Straker. 

• Waiting for Gonzo

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

  Moving to a sleepy village, both Oz and his sister Meg have some unwelcome problems to face.

• Waiting for Santa

  Author: Steve Metzger Illustrator: Alison Edgson
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 6+

  On Christmas Eve, Bear is confident that Santa Claus will visit him and his forest friends. Santa just needs a little help to find them. This gentle picture book reminds readers that Christmas is a time for believing in all things magical.

• Walk This World

  Author: Lotta Nieminen
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  This gorgeously-produced book from illustrator and graphic designer Lotta Nieminen will take young readers on a tour of the world.

• Walking in a Winter Wonderland

  Author: Tim Hopgood
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  The words to the famous Christmas song by Peggy Lee are given new life in this beautiful new picture book by Tim Hopgood - and children (and grown ups) can sing along with the singalong CD included in the book, too.

• Walter Tull's Scrapbook

  Author: Michaela Morgan
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Discover the fascinating true story of footballer and World War I officer Walter Tull in this highly visual scrapbook.

• Want to Play Trucks?

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

  Beautifully observed illustrations complement a thoughtful tale about two boys trying to reconcile their different interests and find enough common ground to play happily together. 

• Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar

  Author: Emily MacKenzie
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Little book lovers will adore this silly story of naughty Ralfy. The illustrations are fun and modern, with some bunny puns to keep adults entertained too.

• WANTED: The Chocolate Monster

  Author: Pip Jones Illustrator: Laura Hughes
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5-7

  Guard your treats: the Chunk is on the loose and he's coming after your chocolate stash! This hilarious and chaotic picture book will delight anyone who loves biscuits, truffles, cakes, pudding... well, just about anything to do with chocolate, really.

• War and Peas

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

  Foreman’s innovative classic about co-operation between nations remains as pertinent to international relationships as it was forty years ago.

• War Dog

  Author: Chris Ryan
  Publisher: Franklin Watts
  

  Told through the eyes of Jamie, an amputee veteran, War Dog is the story of Lance Corporal Sam Maguire, part of a bomb disposal squad in Afghanistan, and the springer spaniel sniffer dog Charlie who becomes his best friend.

• War Game

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Pavilion Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  This simple yet haunting book tells the story of the First World War from the point of view of the writer’s uncles who lost their lives in the conflict.

• War Horse

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Francois Place
  Publisher: Egmont
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Steven Spielberg enjoyed this story so much, he turned into a film. Joey is a young farm horse, sold to the army at the beginning of the First World War. Through his eyes, the reader experiences the devastation of the Western Front, his capture by Germans and  entrapment in No Man's Land.

• Warning Cry

  Author: Kris Humphrey
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 8+

  Nara must prevent the kingdom of Meredina from being destroyed by the shape-shifting Narlaw demons.

• Warning! This Book Contains Rabbits!

  Author: Tim Warnes
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Mole and The Lumpy-Bumpy Thing (which looks suspiciously like a crocodile) discover a magic hat. Even more surprisingly, the magic hat keeps producing bunnies - so many, in fact, that it starts to become a bit of a problem.

• Wasim and the Champ

  Author: Chris Ashley
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  The repercussions of a religiously motivated bomb attack in London prompt anti-Asian feelings and Wasim and his fellow Muslims are threatened by teenage troublemakers.

• Watch Out For Muddy Puddles!

  Author: Ben Faulks Illustrator: Ben Cort
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 3-6

  The first picture book from Ben Faulks, otherwise known as CBeebies’ Mr Bloom, and illustrated by Aliens Love Underpants’ Ben Cort, is inspired by muddy walks to school and is a perfect, fun read for autumn days.

• Watch Us Rise

  Author: Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13-16
  Reading age: 10+

  Jasmine and her friends are fed up with casual discrimination and being pigeonholed as stereotypes. So they start a school blog addressing contemporary social and personal issues of sexism, racism and other forms of prejudice. A timely teen novel. 

• Watchmen

  Author:
  Publisher: Titan Books
  Interest age: 15+
  Reading age: 14+

  This is the superlative post-modern superhero tale involving pulp noir, science, hubris, the Cold War, love, lust, craziness and pirates.

• Water Born

  Author:
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 8+

  This is an exciting and dark psychological thriller, the second in the series after The Drowning.

• Watership Down

  Author: Richard Adams
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Young rabbit Fiver is convinced that a great evil is about to befall the warren where he lives - but no one will listen to him.

• Wave Me Goodbye

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Doubleday Children’s
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 10-12

  Shirley’s emotional and physical hardships are sensitively depicted in this sometimes sad, sometimes happy, story. Recent and older fans of master storyteller Jacqueline Wilson will delight in this new tale of friendship and bravery.

• Ways to Live Forever

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

  This debut novel from a very young and exceptionally talented new writer is striking in its simplicity, but tackles a traumatic and extraordinarily difficult subject with warmth, humour, sensitivity and brutal honesty.

• We Are All Born Free

  Author: Amnesty International
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7

  The variety of illustrations is a delight, while the content is essential knowledge for children to learn. An unmissable book to read cover to cover or dip into as you please.

• We Are All Made of Molecules

  Author: Susin Nielsen
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  High-functioning Stewart is happy at Genius Academy but his life is shattered when his Mum dies from cancer. Ashley is obsessed with her social standing at her own school, devastated by her dad moving out because he's gay.  They become unwilling siblings when their parents start a relationship.

• We Are Family

  Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Ryan Wheatcroft
  Publisher: Caterpillar Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  On each double-page spread of this vibrant, lovely book, families show the different ways they experience a variety of common experiences to us all. Overall, the great thing about families, whatever their makeup, is that they help us through the difficult times.

• We Are Giants

  Author: Amber Lee Dodd
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Sydney's mother Amy is 124cm tall - and in her heart, Sydney longs to be a 'little person' too. She feels like she's growing too fast, and she's scared to outgrow her mum and lose their special connection. Perfect for young fans of Jacqueline Wilson.

• We Are Not Frogs!

  Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Sam Usher
  Publisher: Picture Squirrels
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Alice and Jago are playing in granny's garden one day when they find lots of toads in the long grass. Michael Morpurgo's lovely nature tale and Sam Usher's sensitive and funny illustrations bring this story hoppingly alive.

• We Are the Beaker Girls

  Author: Jacqueline Wilson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  The sequel to My Mum Tracy Beaker is another Jacqueline Wilson classic, handling serious issues in a humorous, accessible and thoughtful way. Even many years after Jacqueline Wilson started writing like this, somehow it still feels trailblazing. 

• We Are Wearing Out The Naughty Step

  Author: Mick Inkpen
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Poor Mum! Somebody's let the school hamster out of its cage and it's disappeared. Somebody fed forbidden food to the zoo elephants. And somebody won't eat their carrots.

• We Can Be Heroes

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

  Funny, insightful and surprising – a great debut novel

• We Come Apart

  Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Written in free verse, this dual narrative story goes straight to the heart of Jess and Nicu’s friendship, exploring their feelings with immediacy and heart. Readers will be rooting for their star-crossed romance from the beginning.

• We Eat Bananas

  Author: Katie Abey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Animal friends chomp their way through a variety of different meals in this cheerful celebration of food. Bright, bold illustrations are full of humorous detail and the book is a delight to share with young children.

• We Found a Hat

  Author: Jon Klassen
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 3+

  The third and final hat book from Jon Klassen is an absolute delight. While We Found a Hat has similar elements of I Want My Hat Back and This is Not My Hat, it presents us with a new dynamic. In the previous titles, we have had a single hat thief who has knowingly done wrong and soon faces the consequence. But here we have two turtle fri…

• We Wear Pants

  Author: Katie Abey
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 3-6

  We Wear Pants showcases the bright and quirky illustrations that Katie Abey is known for, creating an enjoyable picture book that will have parents and children giggling together as they find their favourite animals wearing funny things.

• We Were Liars

  Author: E Lockhart
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  E Lockhart paints a vivid portrait of the Sinclair family, spinning an addictive tale of first love, friendship and family that teens will find impossible to put down.

• We’re All Wonders

  Author: R J Palacio
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5+

  Born with no features other than one eye, the protagonist Auggie is mocked by his peers - but the acceptance he seeks may be closer than he thinks. Palacio has yet again delivered a highly necessary message.

• We’re Going on an Egg Hunt

  Author: Laura Hughes
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  This Easter-themed lift-the-flap book will delight little ones who are already excited about the big day - or discovering the joy of an egg hunt for the first time.

• Weasels

  Author: Elys Dolan
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  In this wonderfully humorous debut from an exciting new picture book talent, the weasels are plotting world domination.

• Web of Lies

  Author: Beverley Naidoo
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Web of Lies follows Femi, who is drawn against his will into closer and closer involvement with a gang of criminals who have links to his school – and an unpleasant interest in his sister. A bleak book, but an important and powerful one. 

• Wed Wabbit

  Author: Lissa Evans
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 9+

  Don't be fooled by the cutesy title. The particularly 'Wabbit' in the story is anything but sweet! Fidge is a clever, slightly cynical 11 year old who is flung into the world of her little sister Minnie's favourite story - the world of the Wimbley Woos.

• Welcome to Mamoko

  Author: Aleksandra Mizielinska & Daniel Mizielinski
  Publisher: Big Picture Press
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  Welcome to Mamoko! It's the day of the Town Carnival - but will all the townsfolk be able to go?

• Welcome to Nowhere

  Author: Elizabeth Laird
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Omar doesn't know much about politics, nor does he care, however, when his older brother, Musa, throws his lot in with the student opposition to the government, everything changes.

• Wendy Quill is a Crocodile's Bottom

  Author: Wendy Meddour Illustrator: Mina May
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Wendy Quill is a little bit desperate to be a little bit famous. Here are three ‘acts’ (short stories) detailing some of her attempts, accidental and otherwise.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 6+

  Follow a father and his family as they go out in search of a bear.

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt (book and CD)

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
  Publisher: Walker Books
  

  A great audio-visual pack which comprises a book and a CD. With fun actions and repetitive rhyming text, this awardwinning classic is particularly good for sharing with several children together, but guaranteed to be loved by any child.

• We're Going on a Lion Hunt

  Author: David Axtell
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 3+

  A re-telling of a traditional story that will take you to another world.

• We're Going to a Party!

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Tony Ross
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Following a group of animals as they decide what costumes to wear for a fancy dress party this lively book offers plenty of little clues to help young readers guess who is hiding under each pop up disguise.

• Werewolf Club Rules

  Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: John O'Leary
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 7-12
  Reading age: 8

  Coelho follows in a noble tradition headed by Agard, Ahlberg, McGough and Rosen, who turn everyday life into memorable poetic miniatures.

• Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf

  Author: Curtis Jobling
  Publisher: Puffin Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Action-packed and fast-paced, this is a gripping adventure with a compelling hero that is likely to appeal to young fans of fantasy and horror

• Whadayamean

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 3-7
  Reading age: 5-7

  John Burningham’s book was topical in 1999 when it was published, and remains so today. A call to action for children to persuade adults to make a better world, it’s a reminder that we are stewards of the earth and need to take care of it before it’s too late. 

• Whale Boy

  Author: Nicola Davies
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  In this short novel, Nicola Davies paints a rich and vibrant picture of island life, which feels as fresh as the sea air.

• Whale in the Bath

  Author: Kylie Westaway Illustrator: Tom Jellett
  Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 5

  This book will engage every reluctant bedtime bather.

• What a Wonderful Word

  Author: Nicola Edwards Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
  Publisher: 360 Degrees (Little Tiger Group)
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  A beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the magic of language by showcasing a small collection of untranslatable words from around the world. With its stunning illustrations and fun facts about different cultures, this is a book to savour. 

• What Are We Fighting For?

  Author: Brian Moses and Roger Stevens
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 9+

  Starting from 1914, this new collection of poems explores individual as well as universal experiences of life, love, death and bereavement at times of personal and global unrest from the perspective of adults, children, soldiers and civilians.

  The range and reach of these poems is both impressive and accessible and sure to arouse compassion, curiosity and di…

• What Do Animals Do All Day?

  Author: Wendy Hunt Illustrator: Marijke Buurlage
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 7+

  This bright and engaging book provides an original take on the idea of how animals cooperate to maintain a healthy ecosystem for themselves. Ideal for school projects, as well as reading together at home.

• What Do Machines Do All Day?

  Author: Jo Nelson Illustrator: Aleksandar Savić
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 4-10
  Reading age: 6+

  This fully illustrated book features more than 100 machines and things that go. It's perfect for children who like to ask "why?" or have a fascination with how things work and slot together. It's also great for young ones who just love to watch trucks or trains!

• What Does Baby Want?

  Author: Tupera Tupera
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 1+

  This book looks at a common part of many babies' lives that is rarely discussed in children's literature - breastfeeding. Told with humour, and illustrated with simple, bright drawings and minimal text.

• What Does Daddy Do?

  Author: Rachel Bright
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 7+

  One day at nursery, the children begin to discuss what their daddies do - which gets Daisy wondering about her own Daddy.

• What Does The Crocodile Say?

  Author: Eva Montanari
  Publisher: Book Island
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  First days at nursery can be really hard for little ones and grown-ups. What Does The Crocodile Say? is a wonderful and emotive picture book that manages to express all the anxieties, along with a happy reassurance that nursery is actually quite fun.

• What Does the Fox Say?

  Author: Ylvis Illustrator: Svein Nyhus
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Electronic dance song 'The Fox', a YouTube sensation, is reinvented as a joyful, toe-tapping picture book.

• What I Couldn’t Tell You

  Author: Faye Bird
  Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  One drunken evening, Laura is violently attacked. It's then her younger sister Tessie, who is selectively mute, who then tries to uncover the truth. An 'unputdownable' mystery, in which we race the narrator to solve the crime. 

• What I Like Most

  Author: Mary Murphy Illustrator: Zhu Cheng-Liang
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  A little girl ponders the everyday wonders she likes most – friends, pencils, staring out of windows – and the person who remains her favourite thing in the world. Mary Murphy excels at writing cosy, sweet books which have a hug at their heart. 

• What I Was

  Author: Meg Rosoff
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  As ever, Meg Rosoff writes beautifully, drawing the reader in with slow, languid prose

• What is a child?

  Author: Beatrice Alemagna
  Publisher: TATE
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  This charming picture book looks at what makes a child. Filled with sweet musings about the differences between adults and children, it is beautifully illustrated with large, colourful pictures that perfectly match the text. A lovely bedtime read.

• What is Gender?

  Author: Juno Dawson
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  An informative, no-nonsense guide looking at the concept of gender and the different issues surrounding it, featuring personal stories to bring it all to life.

• What is Humanism?

  Author: Michael Rosen
  Publisher: Wayland
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8

  What is the purpose of life? Where do moral values come from? Can you be good without God or religion? This straightforward book lays down some astronomically big questions

• What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions

  Author: Jeffrey Boakye and Darren Chetty with artwork by Oli Frape (Design by Rocket Design [East Anglia])
  Publisher: Wayland
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This timely and excellent book explores what it means to be a man in today’s society. It poses thought-provoking questions to develop readers' critical thinking skills, and will give them the confidence to question conventions and stereotypes. 

• What is the Moon?

  Author: Katie Daynes Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Budding astronauts can find out all about the moon in this interactive, lift-the-flap board book. The book is simple and playful for the very young but touches on more complex ideas like orbits too, so it’s perfect to share with siblings. 

• What Lexie Did

  Author: Emma Shevah Illustrator: Helen Crawford-White
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  When Lexie is caught between telling the truth and lying, her decision splits her family apart - can she figure out how to bring them back together? A complex, sophisticated exploration of honesty that's also brilliantly funny and compelling.

• What Light

  Author:
  Publisher: Macmillan
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon, and they always pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. This means Sierra lives two lives - until she meets Caleb. A sweet, romantic story.

• What Momma Left Me

  Author: Renée Watson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  Moving to a new school, making new friends and having your first boyfriend – these are all challenging things. But for Serenity, who is struggling with having lost her family in tragic circumstances, they are tougher challenges than they are for most people.

• What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible

  Author: Ross Welford
  Publisher: Harper Collins
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Thirteen-year-old Ethel absolutely hates having acne, and will go to some pretty drastic measures to cure it - but she didn't imagine she'd turn invisible. Full of pathos and moral dilemma, this book is a great parable for the emotional turmoil of puberty.

• What Pet Should I Get?

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

  There are pets that are tall and pets that are small, but you can only choose one - you can't have them all! With pets ranging from the recognisable to the obscure, this Dr Seuss book is sure to delight children of all ages.

• What Pet to Get?

  Author: Emma Dodd
  Publisher: Templar
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Jack longs for a pet, something big, something exciting… like an elephant… or a lion.

• What Planet Are You From, Clarice Bean?

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 5-8

  Clarice can't think of a single thing for her project on the environment, until her (usually inert) brother Kurt dashes in and delcares that he is going to become an eco-warrior...

• What Shall We Do With the Boo-Hoo Baby?

  Author: Cressida Cowell Illustrator: Ingrid Godon
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  A picture book guide to diagnosing all the reasons babies usually cry, this is a delightful board book, perfect for reading again and again to little ones. Reassuring and cute at the same time!

• What Stars Are Made Of

  Author: Sarah Allen
  Publisher: Penguin Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  12 year old Libby’s big sister is pregnant and Libby is thrilled - but also anxious, as the pregnancy isn’t going smoothly. Born with a rare condition, Libby wants no such challenges for this baby. So she makes a deal with the universe to safeguard her family’s happiness...

• What Sunny Saw in the Flames

  Author: Nnedi Okorafor
  Publisher: Cassava Republic
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 10+

  The first book of a fantasy adventure series set in contemporary Nigeria, this book is full of jeopardy, juju and mythical monstrosities. 

• What the Birds See

  Author: Sonya Hartnett
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 11+

  Adrian is ‘a child for whom life easily falls apart’, a nine-year-old who is afraid of almost everything and has never known his father.

• What the Jackdaw Saw

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  A highly entertaining book with an inclusive cast of characters, providing an introduction to sign language to all children.

• What the Ladybird Heard

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Lydia Monks
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  The animals on the farm are always noisy, all except for the ladybird who never says a word. But when burglars plot to steal the farmer's fine prize cow, the ladybird has a plan...

• What We Left Behind

  Author: Robin Talley
  Publisher: Harlequin
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  A thought-provoking YA novel which describes the changing relationship between two LGBT teenagers, as they explore new worlds at university and their own shifting gender identities.

• What Would She Do?

  Author: Kay Woodward
  Publisher: Carlton Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 10+

  In this collection of women’s stories from across history and the present day, Kay Woodward introduces the reader to 25 heroines from around the world: featuring awe-inspiring artists, scientists and political activists, among others.

• What’s A Girl Gotta Do?

  Author: Holly Bourne
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 10+

  After being hassled by two strangers on the street, Lottie decides to call out every single piece of sexism that she sees. By turns funny and heartbreaking, this is a smart and insightful look at feminism, packed with drama and friendship.

• What’s Next Door?

  Author: Nicola O’Byrne
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 3-6

  Fans of Open This Book Very Carefully will instantly recognise Carter the crocodile in this hilarious interactive picture book.

• What’s That in Dog Years?

  Author: Ben Davis Illustrator: Julia Christians
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  This story is about leaving childhood and entering a world where, as George says, 'things are not simple anymore'. Children will love the adorable tale of friendship between boy and dog and Gizmo’s doggie memoirs, which are peppered throughout.

• What’s That Noise? Tap! Tap! Guess the Toy!

  Author: Child's Play Illustrator: Cocoretto
  Publisher: Child’s Play
  Interest age: 0-1
  Reading age: N/A

  This bright little board book approaches sound-making with a new angle that focuses on the sounds that various toys make, helping children to learn sounds that are relatable and fun. 

• What's Biology All About?

  Author: Hazel Maskell Illustrator: Adam Larkum
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 9+

  A fun and informative guide that shows what life is, how it works and why biology is more exciting today than ever before.

• What's Cooking, Jamela?

  Author: Niki Daly
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Everyone is looking forward to Christmas amd Mama buys a chicken for the special meal. But Jamela calls the chicken Christmas, and grows fonder of her as she gets fatter.

• What's For Dinner, Mr Gum?

  Author: Andy Stanton Illustrator: David Tazzyman
  Publisher: Egmont
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  The Battle of Lamonic Bibber begins when Friday O'Leary, Polly and Alan Taylor depart for a little seaside time...

• What's the Difference?

  Author: Emma Strack Illustrator: Guillaume Plantevin
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Ever wondered what makes a mandarin different from a clementine? A nectarine from a peach? A tornado from a cyclone? Then this is the book for you! It's a simple but glorious concept that is a lot of fun for both parents and children. 

• What's the Time, Mr Wolf?

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

  A captivating story of wolves with dinner on their minds. The wolf finger puppet attached to the book brings the story to life and is great fun for snapping at little fingers.

• What's the Time, Mr Wolf?

  Author: Debi Gliori
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Is Mr Wolf really as big and bad as his reputation suggests? Award-winning picture book creator Debi Gliori suggests otherwise in this delightful story inspired by traditional fairy tales.

• What's Up With Jody Barton?

  Author: Hayley Long
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Hayley Long creates a vivid and believable picture of family life in north west London in this warm-hearted and highly readable tale with a brilliantly unexpected twist.

• What's Your Problem

  Author: Bali Rai
  Publisher: Five Leaves
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  Jaspal, born and brought up in Leicester, is 14 when his father moves the family to rural Nottinghamshire for a 'better life'. However, they (and their shop) soon become targets for racial abuse, hate mail and threats.

• When an Elephant Falls in Love

  Author: Davide Cali and Alice Notti
  Publisher: Chronicle Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5-7

  Adults will recognise all the symptoms of the first flush of love in this tongue-in-cheek picture book, and children will delight in the funny illustrations and the happy ending.

• When Dad Was Away

  Author: Liz Weir Illustrator: Karin Littlewood
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  Milly thinks her dad is away working, but after she is teased by children in the playground her mum admits that dad is in prison.

• When Dragons are Dreaming

  Author: James Mayhew Illustrator: Lindsey Gardiner
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 6+

  It’s night time and dragons should be dreaming but, in the bright light of a full moon, one little dragon is awake and watching fairies dancing and playing in the trees.

• When Good Geeks Go Bad

  Author: Catherine Wilkins
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Everyone thinks Ella is such a goody two-shoes, but Ella's had enough of toeing the line. Yet will she really break the bigger rules, just to be in with the "in crowd"? A heartwarming and humorous story that deals wittily with everyday teenage angst. 

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

  Author: Judith Kerr
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  

  Partly autobiographical, this is first of the internationally acclaimed trilogy by Judith Kerr telling the unforgettable story of a Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of the World War II.

• When I Coloured in the World

  Author: Ahmadreza Ahmadi Illustrator: Eshan Abdollahi Translator: Azita Rassi (from Persian)
  Publisher: Tiny Owl
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 7+

  With a box of coloured crayons and an eraser to rub things out, one child sets out to transform the world in this richly illustrated picture book, which uses colour to highlight significant humanitarian issues.

• When I Grow Up

  Author: Julie Chen Illustrator: Diane Goode
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  Beautifully illustrated, this is a warm and reassuring story, dreaming of the future and knowing there are no limits to what children can grow up to be.

• When I Was a Child

  Author: Andy Stanton & David Litchfield
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  A Grandma talks to her granddaughter about all the magic she has seen in the world, in this picture book that brings the soft, bright nostalgia of childhood alive and captures those "when I was your age" conversations beautifully.

• When I Was Joe

  Author: Keren David
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Joe's life is a lie. Joe's real name is Ty and he witnessed a boy being knifed. He adopts a new identity, but living a lie is hard, and he never escapes the fear of being hunted down.

• When I Was Me

  Author: Hilary Freeman
  Publisher: Hot Key Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  Ella awakes and discovers that the life she remembers is much different from the life is currently living.

• When it Snows

  Author: Richard Collingridge
  Publisher: David Fickling Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  A little boy follows footprints in the snow until he finds a polar bear who leads him to the place where the snowmen live.

• When Sadness Comes to Call

  Author: Eva Eland
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  Introducing the concept of mental wellbeing, this picture book helps children to recognise and understand difficult emotions. The result is a contemplative and ultimately uplifting tale.

• When Stars are Scattered

  Author: Omar Mohamed Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 9+

  This is the true story of Omar Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp. Searing and poignant, with themes of equality, disability, and the value of education, it’s moving and sad and hopeful, all at the same time.

• When Titus Took the Train

  Author: Anne Cottringer Illustrator: Sarah McIntyre
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5-7

  Titus is taking the train, when he comes across bandits, dinosaur attacks and an enormous boulder. Luckily, he is just the hero his fellow passengers need - even if all of these exciting things happen in the confines of his sketchbook!

• When the Bees Buzzed Off!

  Author: Lula Bell Illustrator: Stephen Bennett
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  This fabulous lift-the-flap book subtly encourages everyone to plant lots of bee-friendly flowers and is a fun-filled introduction to conservation for young children.

• When the Guns Fall Silent

  Author:
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 13+

  A boy's understanding of the First World War changes as he visits Flanders Fields with his grandfather and hears his stories of being a soldier in the war.

• When the Mountains Roared

  Author: Jess Butterworth
  Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Ruby’s been uprooted from her home in Australia and moved to the mountains of India, where her dad’s got a new job managing a hotel. Australia was everything she knew and loved, and was full of memories of her mum, who died last year.

• When the Stars Come Out: Exploring the Magic and Mysteries of the Night-Time

  Author: Nicola Edwards Illustrator: Lucy Cartwright
  Publisher: 360 degrees
  Interest age: 8-10
  Reading age: 8-10

  Can birds sleep in the air? Do dogs dream? What happens in deserts at night, and why do Scandinavian nurseries let their infants have naps outside? What is Walpurgisnacht and how many hours' sleep do children in South Korea get?

• When the Wind Blows

  Author: Raymond Briggs
  Publisher: Penguin
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  Jim and Hilda are your typical couple, living in rural England. When warned of a nuclear strike, they resurrect a 'wartime spirit' - surely everything will be all right in the end? This graphic novel is powerful, heartbreaking and educational.

• When We Collided

  Author: Emery Lord
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 14+

  When We Collided is a beautiful and unflinching exploration of what it means to love, grieve and come to terms with the truth about who you are and want to be. The book doesn't shy away from tough topics but also celebrates life, love and family.

• When We Walked on the Moon

  Author: David Long Illustrator: Sam Kalda
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 8+

  More than 5,000 rockets have been blasted into space, but only 12 people have ever been lucky enough to walk on the Moon and look up at Earth. So begins this fascinating human story of the seven Apollo missions and the people involved.

• When We Were Warriors

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

  A trio of connected stories, set during the Second World War, that feature feisty children, ghosts and a potential Nazi invasion. Compelling storytelling. 

• When You Reach Me

  Author: Rebecca Stead
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Miranda's familiar world begins to unravel when her best friend is hit by a stranger and refuses to speak to her anymore. Then mysterious notes start to arrive with clues about the future.

• Where Bear?

  Author: Sophie Henn
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  When a little boy's pet polar bear grows up, he's too big for the house, and has to be found a new home. But where?

• Where Did You Go Today?

  Author: Jenny Duke
  Publisher: Child’s Play
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 5+

  A little girl goes to the park with her dad and has a fantastic time. The book has fewer than 60 words yet positively depicts what appears to be a separated or divorced dad visiting his daughter for a play date as a part of everyday life.

• Where Monsters Lie

  Author: Polly Ho-Yen
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  It all began when Effie's rabbit Buster escaped from his hutch. It was on the night of the offering - a tradition in Mivtown to keep the monsters of the loch away from the tiny village. A spooky and compelling mystery, set in the Highlands.

• Where on Earth is My Bagel?

  Author: Frances Park and Ginger Park Illustrator: Grace Lin
  Publisher: Lee & Low
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6

  An American-sourced picturebook which unites the cultures of urban New York with rural Korea.

• Where the River Runs Gold

  Author: Sita Brahmachari
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Shifa and her brother Themba live in a world destroyed by climate change, but when they're sent away to work, they're horrified to discover a cruel and corrupt system. Will they be able to escape and make the world a better place?

• Where the Rock Splits the Sky

  Author: Philip Webb
  Publisher: The Chicken House
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 7+

  This highly original and creative story cleverly combines dystopian sci-fi thriller with a western adventure. It has a strong heroine, faithful companions, a worthy quest, and very creepy aliens!

• Where the Sea Meets the Sky

  Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Riko Sekiguchi
  Publisher: Hodder
  Interest age: 3-5
  

  Sea otter Sophie is snuggling on her mummy’s tummy in the sea when she asks mum what the horizon is. Yet when mum goes to catch a fish, Sophie spies a lighthouse on the horizon and decides to investigate...

• Where the Wild Things Are

  Author: Maurice Sendak
  Publisher: Red Fox
  

  When Max puts on his wolf suit and shouts at his mother, he is sent to his room without any supper. But then, his bedroom turns into a magical world and he sets sail across the sea to where the wild things are and becomes King of the Wild Things.

• Where the Wilderness Lives

  Author: Jess Butterworth
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  When Cara and her siblings find a mysterious safe, they're desperate to find out what's inside - but their plans are waylaid when a fire destroys their houseboat and their mum is hospitalised. Together they must face down foster carers, brave the wilderness, and escape a thief, all the while looking after the safe - which might just contain something to chan…

• Where Zebras Go

  Author: Sue Hardy-Dawson
  Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
  Interest age: 10-13
  Reading age: 10+

  An exciting debut collection of poems inspired by myths, fairy tales and the natural world. With its playful sense of humour, it can genuinely be described as a page-turner.

• Where’s Mr Lion?

  Author: Ingela Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  Five beautifully illustrated spreads show a series of friendly savannah animals hiding behind bright felt flaps. You're in for a treat on the final page too.... There's a mirror!

• Where’s Mr Penguin?

  Author: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  Reading age: 3+

  There are lots of new friends to discover in this bright and colourful board book that celebrates polar animals. Even the tiniest book-lovers will be able to interact with this board book with its easy-to-turn and sturdy card pages.

• Where’s Mrs Ladybird?

  Author: Ingela Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 2+

  This is a simple yet engaging book for very young children. It is designed to withstand rigorous investigation by small fingers and the mirror on the last page is a great way to help young children identify themselves.

• Where’s My Jumper?

  Author: Nicola Slater
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 1-4
  

  Rudy, a cute, blue rabbit, has lost his most favourite pink jumper. Where is it?! Nicola Slater’s adorable board book shows perfectly the attachment to favourite toys and clothes that toddlers can develop. Creative, funny and interactive. 

• Where’s Santa Claus?

  Author: Ingela P Arrhenius
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 0-3
  Reading age: 4+

  This charming series of Nosy Crow’s baby board book takes a seasonal turn with Where’s Santa Claus? It's sure to delight tiny bookworms even on their very first Chrismas and is perfect for practising turning pages and a very first game of peek-a-boo!

• Where’s the Little Mouse? ...Is it in the House?

  Author: Sam Taplin Illustrator: Stephen Barker and designed by Helen Edmonds
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  This very simple rhyming board book combines bright, simple illustrations with point-and-say question and answers for toddlers and older babies: great for building up their own personal word bank.

• Where’s the Unicorn? A Magical Search-and-Find Book

  Author: Jonny Marx and Sophie Schrey Illustrator: Paul Moran Simon Ecob Stuart Taylor and Wan (Big Red Illustration)
  Publisher: Michael O’Mara Books Limited
  Interest age: 6-10
  Reading age: 7+

  The seven unicorns of Rainbow Valley have exhausted all their favourite hiding places and decide to leave their magical forest in search of adventure. This immersive search-and-find book is bright and busy and will keep kids’ attention.

• Where's Jamela?

  Author: Niki Daly
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 6+

  Jamela is worried about moving to her new home, although her mother tries to reassure her that they will be happy there.

• Where's Spot?

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

  This adorable board book about Spot the dog is the first in the Spot series

• Where's Tumpty

  Author: Polly Dunbar
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 1+
  Reading age: 5+

  One of Polly Dunbar's Tilly and Friends series, which follow the imaginary adventures of Tilly and her toy animals.

• Where's The Baby?

  Author: Britta Teckentrup
  Publisher: Big Picture Book Press
  Interest age: 3
  Reading age: 6

  Britta Teckentrup adds to her beautiful spot the difference series with a stunning collection of animals - but which one is hiding a baby?

• Where's Wally? In Hollywood

  Author: Martin Handford
  Publisher: Walker
  

  This mini-edition is great for helping children to develop concentration and focus on detail as they try to spot Wally, who is hidden away in every scene. The book comes with a magnifying glass to help the child find Wally, who this time finds himself in Hollywood.

• Where's Wally? Mini Edition

  Author: Martin Handford
  Publisher: Walker
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  This classic mini-edition activity book is great for helping children develop concentration, focussing on detail as they try to spot Wally, who is hidden away in every scene. The book comes with a magnifying glass to help the child find Wally.

• Which Witch?

  Author: Eva Ibbotson
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Arriman the Awful (Wizard of the North) needs a wife, so he organises a spell-casting competition to find 'Miss Witch of Todcaster' to be his bride.

• Whiffy Wilson

  Author: Caryl Hart Illustrator: Leonie Lord
  Publisher: Orchard Books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  Whiffy Wilson is a Wolf.  He never brushes his hair or washes his paws, face, or underwear.  No wonder he is so whiffy!

• White Cat

  Author: Holly Black
  Publisher: Gollancz
  Interest age: 12-16
  Reading age: 12+

  Cassel Sharpe doesn't know who to trust - his mother is in prison; his grandfather is a black-fingered death-dealer and his brothers plan to use him to commit a murder.

• White Crow

  Author: Marcus Sedgwick
  Publisher: Orion
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 10+

  City girl Rebecca, spending the summer in a remote East Anglian seaside village, encounters Ferelith, a Goth who lives in a commune.

• White Dolphin

  Author: Gill Lewis
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  A young dolphin, washed up on the beach, unexpectedly brings Kara and Felix together. But the new friends must take on new challenges - finding out the truth about Kara's missing mother, and protecting the bay when it falls under threat.

• White Eagles

  Author: Elizabeth Wein
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 12-15
  Reading age: 8+

  It’s the summer of 1939. Germany’s troops have gathered near Poland’s borders and their air force is making increasingly daring forays into Polish air space. Inspired by a real Polish pilot, this is a war story with a difference. 

• White Fox

  Author: Chen Jiatong Translator: Jennifer Feeley Illustrator: Viola Wang
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 9+

  After tragedy strikes, white fox cub Dilah sets out on an epic quest to become human. A classic animal adventure with themes of friendship, conservation and nature.

• White Lies, Black Dare

  Author: Joanna Nadin
  Publisher: Little Brown Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Determined to make friends in her new school, Asha partakes in a life-altering game of Truth or Dare. This fantastic story investigates the need to feel accepted and the lengths we go to fit in.

• White Owl Barn Owl

  Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Davies cocoons the factual information within an inter-generational first-person narrative of a girl and her grandfather building an owl nest-box.

• Whizz Pop Granny Stop

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Joe Berger
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  Having a granny who does magic is possibly every child’s dream, but it can get embarrassing.  She means well, but sometimes Granny’s Helping Kit causes more trouble than intended.

• Whizziwig and Whizziwig Returns

  Author: Malorie Blackman
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  Ben is a young boy with a fear of sleeping in the dark. However, this fear is justified because living in his room is Whizzwig; a small, furry, black bouncing ball of a creature.

• Who Could that be at This Hour? All the Wrong Questions

  Author: Lemony Snicket Illustrator: Seth
  Publisher: Egmont
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  The first in a quartet of volumes of Lemony Snickett's highly unlikely account of his childhood and apprenticeship to a top secret organisation.

• Who Do You Think You Are? Be a Family Tree Detective

  Author: Dan Waddell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Inspired by the BBC TV series, this engaging book is ideal for all young family detectives, with facts, tips and internet links as well as guidance on historical context.

• Who Is Afraid Of Little Wolf?

  Author: Yayo Kawamura
  Publisher: Prestel
  Interest age: 2-5
  Reading age: 5+

  No one will play with little wolf because they think he’s dangerous. Could a tiny bee and a game of hide-and-seek be enough to change their minds? An uncomplicated story for the very young with a message about friendship and overcoming prejudice.

• Who is King?

  Author: Beverley Naidoo and Piet Grobler
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6

  Subtitled Ten Magical Stories from Africa, Beverley Naidoo's collection comes from the rich folklore of Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

• Who is Sleeping?

  Author: Petr Horáček
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 0-3
  Reading age: 5+

  Petr Horáček’s friendly and colourful nature illustrations are showcased in this simple and effective lift-the-flap book, with sturdy pages that are perfect for curious little hands.

• Who Killed Darius Drake?

  Author: Rodman Philbrick
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 10-12, 12+
  Reading age: 10-12, 12+

  When he receives a mysterious letter written in blood asking, ‘Who Killed Darius Drake?’, Darius – who is very much alive – is determined to find out who sent it and why. Recruiting schoolmate Arthur’s help, the first clue leads them to a creepy old abandoned house across town. But what they find there is not what they expected.

• Who Let the Gods Out?

  Author: Maz Evans
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 10+

  A quirky fantasy adventure in which a human boy and a Greek goddess accidentally release an immortal supervillain who is determined to take over the world - and maybe even the universe.

• Who Said Woof? A lift-the-flap touch and feel book

  Author: Yi-Hsuan Wu
  Publisher: Little Tiger
  Interest age: 0-2
  

  This lovely board book has big flaps that little ones can turn over to see who said what and match the animal with the right noise. A wonderful introduction to animals and a help for babies’ speech development.

• Who Stole Mona Lisa?

  Author: Ruthie Knapp Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  

  This is the fascinating and fact filled story of the world’s most famous painting narrated by the Mona Lisa herself.

• Who Wants To Be a Poodle I Don't

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Trixie Twinkle Toes Trot-a-lot Delight is a pampered poodle, who lives in luxury with her owner, Mademoiselle Verity Brulée.

• Who Will Comfort Toffle?

  Author: Tove Jansson
  Publisher: Sort Of Books
  Interest age: 5-9
  Reading age: 6+

  In this book, first published in 1960, we meet Toffle, a vulnerable, lonely and sad creature who cannot get over his terrible complexes and worries.

• Who?

  Author: Robie H Harris Illustrator: Natascha Rosenberg
  Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  This board book will delight babies who love to look at pictures of other babies. Each page asks ‘Who?’ and then answers with a different member of a family. 

• Who’s Hiding at the Seaside?

  Author: Katharine McEwen
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  A lovely addition to any little person’s blossoming bookshelf, this is a great way to learn about our country’s wildlife and the illustrations are a treat for tiny art lovers. Be warned though, you’ll want to collect the entire set from Nosy Crow and the National Trust!

• Who’s Wearing a Hat?

  Author: Sam Taplin Illustrator: Stephen Barker
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 0-3
  Reading age: 5+

  Cats, monkeys, birds, frogs and tortoises parade through the pages of this bright board book, which encourages babies to spot details and learn to talk about pictures.

• Whoosh Around the Mulberry Bush

  Author: Jan Ormerod Illustrator: Lindsey Gardiner
  Publisher: Oxford Children's Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  Inspired by Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, this book takes readers on a rhyme-filled, action-packed journey across the planet.

• Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book?

  Author: Lauren Child
  Publisher: Hachette
  Interest age: 6+
  Reading age: 6+

  Lauren Child uses a classic fairy-tale formula for this ingenious and original tale. The quirky, hilarious, collage illustrations are what make this picture book special.

• Who's in the Loo?

  Author: Jeanne Willis Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 6+

  There's a queue for the loo and two increasingly desperate children need to get in. Who can be taking so long?

• Whose Stripes?

  Author: Fiona Munro Illustrator: Jo Garden
  Publisher: Ladybird
  Interest age: 0-3
  

  This enticing lift-the-flap book features a selection of stripy animals for babies and toddlers to identify, using a mixture of visual and written clues. 

• Why Are There So Many Books about Bears?

  Author: Kristina Stephenson
  Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
  Interest age: 4-6
  Reading age: 6+

  In the hallowed hall of Mollusc college, the animals with the most brilliant minds have come together to answer the impossible question: why are there so many books about bears? 

• Why Do I Feel Like This?

  Author: Shinsuke Yoshitake
  Publisher: Thames & Hudson
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Shinsuke Yoshitake’s quirky book has a cartoonish feel and a sweet, appealing way of working through a little girl’s fantastical yet meaningful ideas around sadness and anger. It’s visually appealing with lots to look at as well as recognising the importance of feeling our feelings.

• Why Do We Need Bees?

  Author: Katie Daynes Illustrator: Christine Pym
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A robust and attractive lift-the-flap book answering all the questions youngsters might have about bees: where they come from, how they live, and why they are important in our world.

• Why Eating Bogeys is Good For You

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

  The facts in this book will make you laugh out loud and possibly answer some of life's great mysteries such as why eating bogeys is good for you.

• Why I Went Back

  Author: James Clammer
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  When Aiden attempts to retrieve his stolen bike, he gets far more than he bargained for. From the very first page, this tense, gripping novel pulls readers in and refuses to let go. 

• Why is Snot Green?

  Author: Glenn Murphy
  Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Why is Snot Green? is a fresh and funny celebration of science and curiosity, and is perfect for young readers who prefer to dip in and out of a book.

• Why Spacemen Can't Burp

  Author: Mitchell Symons
  Publisher: Doubleday
  

  In this book Mitchell Symons answers important questions such as 'Is there anything children can do better than adults?' As you'd expect from the author of Why eating Bogeys is good for you, there are masses of facts, jokes and even a list of things that annoy him.

• Why the Face?

  Author: Jean Jullien
  Publisher: Phaidon
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  Why does one girl have swirly, hypnotised eyes, and another have her fingers in her ears with her eyes scrunched shut? This is a great book to help children explore emotions and facial expression, with plenty of laughs and original, bold ideas and illustrations.

• Why We Broke Up

  Author: Daniel Handler Illustrator: Maira Kalman
  Publisher: Electric Monkey
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  This beautifully presented and unusual young adult novel tells the story of Ed and Min's relationship, from their first meeting to their hearbreaking break-up.

• Why We Took the Car

  Author: Wolfgang Herrndorf Translator: Tim Mohr
  Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Mike and Tschik take off in a 'borrowed' Lada for a summer road trip.

• Why?

  Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Tim Warnes
  Publisher: Little Tiger Press
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 6+

  With its colourful pages, busy with humour and activity, this endearing tale is certain to raise a knowing smile for all families with curious toddlers.

• Wibbly Pig's Silly Big Bear

  Author: Mick Inkpen
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 2-6
  Reading age: 7+

  Did you know that Wibbly Pig has a bear so big he can hardly fit on the page? He may be big, but Wibbly's bear is very silly and seems pretty useless at most things.

• Wiggle and Move

  Author: Sanja Rescek
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 0+
  Reading age: 4+

  This book’s bright illustrations, rhymes and actions make for a sensory treat and provides visual stimulus for the older baby

• Wigglesbottom Primary: Break-Time Bunnies

  Author: Pamela Butchart Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  There's always something going on at Wigglesbottom Primary! Children looking for silly chapter books with lots of pictures will love these zany stories.

• Wigglesbottom Primary: Super Dog

  Author: Pamela Butchart Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 4-9
  Reading age: 7+

  From the winner of the Blue Peter Best Story Award come three new tales in one rip-roaring book. Comical illustrations complement this selection of funny school stories.

• Wigglesbottom Primary: the magic hamster

  Author: Pamela Butchart Illustrator: Becka Moor
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-7
  Reading age: 6-7

  This instalment of the greatly loved Wigglesbottom Primary series sees class 2F puzzling over the great mysteries of their school existence - including the makeup of the school mashed potato and what happens when you eat a fly by accident.

• Wiggly Wiggly: Playtime Rhymes

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-3
  

  A collection of playtime rhymes that encourage physical activity in this charming little board book: from wiggly pigs to a crunchy, munchy lunchtime with a crocodile. Lots of fun!

• Wing Jones

  Author: Katherine Webber
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Wing has always felt overshadowed by her older brother, Marcus. But when he does something unforgivable, Wing’s life starts to change beyond all recognition. A heart-warming, positive tale about family, identity and coming of age.

• Wings!

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Jane Porter
  Publisher: Otter-Barry
  Interest age: 3-5
  Reading age: 5-7

  So many birds can fly, so why can't Penguin? Paul Stewart's sweet, funny text and Jane Porter's characterful collage illustrations combine into a really heartwarming story about fulfilling your potential and staying content and unique.

• Wings: Flyboy

  Author: Tom Palmer
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 7-14
  Reading age: 7+

  On the football field and off it, Jatinder always wants to excel, but he always takes the easy option instead of the risky one.

  Then Jatinder reads a book by a World War 1 pilot - and finds himself transported into battle.

• Wings: Typhoon

  Author: Tom Palmer Illustrator: David Shephard
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 9-13
  Reading age: 8+

  Last in a trilogy of super-readable, time-slip adventures in which bickering sisters must cooperate if they are to survive a high-octane mission of modern warfare.

• Wild

  Author: Emily Hughes
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  A little girl grows up in the wild woods, taught to talk by the birds, eat by the bears, and to play by the foxes. Then some very strange animals arrive and take her away.

• Wild

  Author: Sam Usher
  Publisher: Templar Books
  Interest age: 4-8
  

  Sam Usher’s beautiful picture book starts off as a story about an exciting everyday life kind of event: getting a pet is a big part of anyone’s childhood. Yet what starts as a new pet story changes unexpectedly into something much more fantastical and dreamy.

• Wild About Shapes

  Author: Jeremie Fischer
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7

  Each page offers a new surprise and is sure to delight both children and their parents - a great book to leaf through together.

• Wild Animals of the North

  Author: Dieter Braun
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  This special book takes us on an animal journey through North America, Europe and Asia. It is ideal for an animal-loving child, young person interested in animal conservation, or anyone who would appreciate the book's enchanting artwork.

• Wild Animals of the South

  Author: Dieter Braun
  Publisher: Flying Eye Books
  Interest age: 5-11
  Reading age: 6-10

  Dedicated to the animals in the southern hemisphere, this large, beautiful hardback takes us on a journey from tropical regions to the Antarctic, learning about the many wonderful animals that make the southern half of the world their home.

• Wild Boy

  Author: Rob Lloyd Jones
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  In 1840s London, Wild Boy leads a miserable life in a travelling freak show. Treated as a monster and excluded from society, he develops an unusual talent for observation.

• Wild Goose

  Author: Laura Wall
  Publisher: Award Publications
  Interest age: 2-5
  Reading age: 5-7

  The eighth picture book in the Goose series, Wild Goose continues unusual friendship between Sophie and her goose. This particular story connects children to the wildness around them in a safe and imaginative way, encouraging them to go and play outside.

• Wild Lives: 50 Extraordinary Animals that Made History

  Author: Ben Lerwill Illustrator: Sarah Walsh
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 7+

  In this fascinating book, children can learn about 50 courageous creatures from around the world and throughout history. There is enough wonder here to inspire kids to consider the richness of animals, and why we should treat them with respect and care.

• Wild Song

  Author: Jane Eagland
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Living in a creaking castle on a remote, windswept island, Anna lives a lonely life - until one wild stormy day a strange boy washes up on the shore.

• Wild World

  Author: Angela McAllister Illustrator: Hvass & Hannibal
  Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
  Interest age: 5-8
  Reading age: 7+

  Wild World is a lush and evocative tribute to the 13 last wildernesses on Earth, written in free verse poetry. It's a lovely book to lull and inspire, with a gentle conservationist message.

• Wilde

  Author: Eloise Williams
  Publisher: Firefly Press
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 10+

  In the midst of an intense heatwave in the small Welsh village of Witches Point, mysterious notes claiming to be curses from a legendary witch cause a ‘blame game’ which seems certain to wreck at least one life.

• Wildspark

  Author: Vashti Hardy
  Publisher: Scholastic
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  In a world where the spirits of dead people can be harnessed and given new life in mechanical animals, Prue takes on her late brother's apprenticeship in an effort to bring him back. A riotously enjoyable tale mixing fantasy, school stories, science fiction and big questions about life and death.

• Wildwood

  Author: Colin Meloy Illustrator: Carson Ellis
  Publisher: Canongate
  Interest age: 8 +
  Reading age: 10 +

  When her baby brother is mysteriously kidnapped by crows, Prue McKeel knows she must rescue him.

• Wilf the Mighty Worrier and the Alien Invasion

  Author: Georgia Pritchett Illustrator: Jamie Littler
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  Wilf is worrying about things again - suits of armour and being turned into soup, to name a couple of things - but he'll have to cast those fears aside when he's thrown into an adventure with aliens. A funny and madcap adventure.

• Wilf The Mighty Worrier Saves the World

  Author: Georgia Pritchett
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Lots of things worry Wilf: peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of his mouth, stuffed animals, rollnecks and creepy crawlies with lots of legs. But one day, something worse than any of those things changes Wilf's life forever:

• Will Gallows and the Snake Bellied Troll

  Author: Derek Keilty
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 8+
  Reading age: 8+

  Will is an orphan living with his grandmother. He decides to set out for Deadrock, a hangout for outlaws and crooks, to avenge his father’s death.

• William Bee’s Wonderful World of Trucks

  Author:
  Publisher: Pavilion
  Interest age: 3-9
  Reading age: 7+

  William Bee loves trucks. A lot. In fact, he loves them so much, he has written and illustrated this amazing guide to giant vehicles of all kinds. Children will return to this book again and again.

• William Shakespeare: scenes from the life of the world’s greatest writer

  Author: Mick Manning & Brita Granstrom
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 8

  Starting with his birth in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and ending with this death there in 1616, this informative and accessible book charts the personal and literary life of William Shakespeare.

  Background facts about Elizabethan times, how people lived, the politics and religious issues of the time are revealed. Information about Will's schooling, his m…

• William Wenton and The Luridium Thief

  Author: Bobbie Peers Translator: Tara Chace
  Publisher: Walker
  Interest age: 9-12
  Reading age: 9-12

  William is a 12-year-old boy living under mysterious circumstances, hiding out in Norway with his strangely enigmatic parents who don't seem to be giving him anything like the full story. A fast-paced, highly imaginative page-turner.

• Willow Wildthing and the Swamp Monster

  Author: Gill Lewis Illustrator: Rebecca Bagley
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Willow is in the garden when she meets the Wild Things: a small band of barefoot children with sticks and feathers in their hair. When they kidnap her dog Sniff, she must help them track the monster that has been invading their camp. This gentle adventure story celebrates going back to basics and children immersing themselves in imaginative play in the ‘wild…

• Willy and the Cloud

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

  Former Children's Laureate Anthony Browne adds to his much-loved collection of picture books with a sensitive, supportive exploration of childhood anxiety and depression..

• Willy the Champ

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

  Another book about Willy the chimpanzee who doesn't conform to the macho stereotypes and so comes in for a lot of hard times and bullying.

• Willy the Dreamer

  Author: Anthony Browne
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 6+

  Willy's dreamland is a gallery of amazing and magical pictures, each one magnificently executed and packed with bananas and slyly surreal details which will intrigue and delight.

• Willy the Wimp

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

  Willy wouldn't hurt a fly. The local bullies call him Willy the Wimp, which he does not like at all.

• Willy's Pictures

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

  Willy the chimp makes a welcome return, this time as an artist. His portfolio of work comprises his own, unique versions of art masterpieces.

• Wind

  Author: Carol Thompson
  Publisher: Child's Play International Ltd
  Interest age: 0-3
  Reading age: 2+

  Sumptuous illustrations celebrate children's responses to the weather, in this series of board books. This title features a child with a hearing aid and a child with Down Syndrome.

• Wind or Rain?

  Author: Anthony Lewis
  Publisher: Child's Play
  Interest age: 6 months+
  Reading age: 3+

  An interactive introduction to weather that encourages discussion about feelings and choices.

• Window

  Author: Jeannie Baker
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 0+

  A mother and a baby look together at the view from their window. As the pages turn, the baby grows up, and gradually the scene before him changes… but what will happen next?

• Winnie and Wilbur Meet Santa

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5+

  A lovely festive addition of the Winnie series, this is as full of colourful detail and crazy antics as the rest, and children will love the fold-out letter to Santa at the end, and the final pop-up page.

• Winnie and Wilbur: The Big Bad Robot

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Winnie the Witch is back again in an exciting new adventure. She has been attending an art class where she decides to make a model teddy bear.

• Winnie and Wilbur: The Dinosaur Day

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  When Winne the Witch discovers that the local museum is holding a competition, she comes up with a good idea.

• Winnie and Wilbur: The Magic Wand

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  Wacky witch Winnie washes her party dress to impress her audience of witches at the Magic Show. Unfortunately, her wand is also washed by mistake...

• Winnie Goes Batty

  Author: Laura Owen Created by Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 6+

  The hilarious situations Winnie gets herself into are brought to life by illustrations packed with humour and energy.

• Winnie the Witch

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  

  This is the first of many stories about Winnie and her cat, Wilber. Winnie is a well-loved character, and the excellent illustrations are wild and wacky.

• Winnie's Haunted House

  Author: Valerie Thomas Illustrator: Korky Paul
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 5+

  Winnie thinks her house is haunted, but Wilbur the dog is the real culprit.

• Winnie-the-Pooh

  Author: A A Milne Illustrator: E H Shepherd
  Publisher: Egmont Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 7+

  No child's library could be complete without A A Milne's stories about Pooh, Christopher Robin and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

• Winston and the Marmalade Cat

  Author: Megan Rix
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 5+

  History and animals come together in this young fiction title, aimed at fans of Michael Morpurgo. A charming tale that is sure to warm hearts, young and old.

• Winter Damage

  Author: Natasha Carthew
  Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Ennor Carne needs to find her mother.

• Winter Magic

  Author: Various Editor: Abi Elphinstone
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8-12

  Winter Magic is a fabulous collection of atmospheric, sometimes sad, sometimes unnerving but mostly warming stories for cosy bedtimes or cold winter afternoons under a blanket - with a mug of hot chocolate handy, of course.

• Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story

  Author: Sean Taylor and Alex Morss Illustrator: Cinyee Chiu
  Publisher: Words and Pictures
  Interest age: 4-5
  

  This beautifully illustrated, large-format picture book perfectly blends a sweet story with fascinating facts about animals sleeping through winter. As it’s all about being cosy and sleepy, it makes a lovely bedtime book, but would also work well for schools. 

• Wintergirls

  Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
  Publisher: Marion Lloyd Books
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 12+

  Wintergirls tells the story of Lia, a recovering anorexic whose recovery is sent spiralling out of control when her former best friend (and bulimic), Cassie, is found dead in a motel room.

• Winterkill

  Author: Kate A Boorman
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  This is the first in a series and is sure to gather many fans. A great read.

• Winterling

  Author: Sarah Prineas
  Publisher: Quercus
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Fer finds herself in a dangerous and enchanting new world in this magical adventure story.

• Winter's Tales

  Author: Lari Don
  Publisher: A & C Black
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  How did the boy known as the Prince of Wolves get his name? Where did tinsel come from? How did Lars and the snow bear get rid of Christmas trolls? Find out in this unusual collection.

• Wish Me Dead

  Author: Helen Grant
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 12+

  This tense and sometimes gory thriller is not for the faint-hearted; readers are kept guessing until the very end

• Wishful Thinking

  Author: Ali Sparkes
  Publisher: OUP
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  This funny and engaging book from a Blue Peter Book Award-winning author holds plenty of appeal for boys and girls alike

• Wishing for Tomorrow

  Author: Hilary McKay Illustrator: Nick Maland
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 8+

  Evocatively illustrated, this is a warm and humorous sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess.

• Wisp: A Story of Hope

  Author: Zana Fraillon and Grahame Baker Smith
  Publisher: Orchard
  Interest age: 6-8
  Reading age: 6+

  A haunting and immersive story of hope in the darkest of places, this picture book tells younger readers about a child's life in a refugee camp. 

• Witch Born

  Author: Nicholas Bowling Illustrator: Erica Williams
  Publisher: Chicken House
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 9+

  Alyce flees to London, hunted as a witch, but finds herself running into even greater danger. Can she find out who she really is before it is too late? There are some genuinely frightening moments of witchery in this enjoyable work of alternative history.

• Witch Finder

  Author: Ruth Warburton
  Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 12+

  In 1880s London, Luke Lexton is the latest recruit of the Malleus Maleficorium, a secret brotherhood devoted to eradicating witches.

• Witch Fire

  Author: Laura Powell
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 13+
  Reading age: 13+

  Glory and Lucas go undercover at a boarding school in the second installment of Laura Powell's series about modern-day witches.

• Witch Glitch

  Author: Sibéal Pounder Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson  
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  Tiga the witch has moved to Silver City with her mum, who has just come back from being stuck inside her witch's hat for many years.

• Witch Switch

  Author: Sibéal Pounder Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 7+

  As in Witch Wars, Lauren Ellen Anderson's illustrations are perfect for the story, and the outfits and adventures are as fabulous as ever. A wonderful second book that will leave the reader excited for the next book in the addictive series.

• Witch Wars

  Author: Sibéal Pounder Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7+
  Reading age: 8+

  A completely fresh and fun take on witches, Witch Wars is for anyone who likes magic, adventure, fashion, or a fabulous story.

• Witch Watch

  Author: Sibéal Pounder Illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson
  Publisher: Bloomsbury
  Interest age: 7-10
  Reading age: 8+

  Third in an illustrated series of funny and original witch stories. Full of goodies, baddies, thrills, spills and slapstick humour.

• Witchstruck

  Author: Victoria Lamb
  Publisher: Corgi Children's
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 12+

  The future Elizabeth I has been imprisoned by her half-sister Queen Mary at the ruined, isolated palace of Woodstock, and 15-year-old Meg Lytton is sent to serve her.

• Witchworld

  Author: Emma Fischel  
  Publisher: Nosy Crow
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9

  Witchworld is a thoroughly bewitching tale that brings witches into the 21^st century and touches upon environmental issues as well as family relationships.

• Withering Tights

  Author: Louise Rennison
  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  When Tallulah’s parents pack her off to an am-dram college, she hopes she will become a toppity-top-actress type. Infectiously mad and hilariously dramatic, Withering Tights is unputdownable.

• Wizard vs. Lizard

  Author: Simon Philip Illustrator: Sheena Dempsey
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 7-11
  Reading age: 7+

  Fred comes from an exceptionally gifted magical family, but unfortunately his own wizarding skills are rather underwhelming. A marvellous and funny fantasy adventure about not fitting in and having the courage to face fears head on. 

• Wolf and Dog

  Author: Sylvia Vanden Heede Illustrator: Marije Tolman Translator: Bill Nagelkerke
  Publisher: Gecko Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Dog lives in a warm house with plenty of food. Wolf lives free in the wild: he tells lies, has itchy fleas and is always hungry.

• Wolf Brother

  Author: Michelle Paver
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  Twelve-year-old Torak sees his father murdered by a terrible demon in the form of a bear. With his dying breath, Torak's father tells his son that he is the only one who can stop it.

• Wolf by Wolf

  Author: Ryan Graudin
  Publisher: Orion Children's Books
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 10+

  Set in an alternative post-World War II, a shape-shifting death camp survivor tries to win a cross-continent race in order to kill Adolf Hitler.

• Wolf Hollow

  Author: Lauren Wolk
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  When a girl is seriously hurt at the hands of the school bully, the finger of blame lands on a local wanderer. Annabelle takes it upon herself to prove his innocence. A timely, sensitive and thought-provoking tale.

• Wolf Light

  Author: Yaba Badoe
  Publisher: Head of Zeus
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 11+

  Three girls, far apart in the world, are born with magical powers into a sisterhood. Together, they must defend the planet they share. Written in a magical realist style, Wolf Light is a challenging, unconventional literary fantasy that disrupts expectations.  

• Wolf Won't Bite!

  Author: Emily Gravett
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 4+

  Roll up, roll up! The Three Little Pigs capture the Wolf and have fun making him do circus tricks, each time claiming that 'Wolf Won't Bite'! But will the wolf have the last laugh?

• Wolf, Edda and the Stolen Relic

  Author: Kristín Ragna Gunnarsdóttir Illustrator: Kristín Ragna Gunnarsdóttir Translator: Larissa Kyzer from Icelandic
  Publisher: Bókabeitan
  

  Warring siblings, villains and Norse gods star in this Rick Riordan-esque adventure about a quest to recover a stolen archaeological treasure.

  When her father rents out their house in Reykjavík and takes a summer job at a historical site in the Icelandic countryside, 11-year-old Edda is miserable. For one, she can't bring her science experiments, but worse, …

• Wolfie the Bunny

  Author: Ame Dyckman Illustrator: Zachariah O’Hora
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 5

  Dot the bunny does not want a little brother – especially if that brother is a wolf! This book is an absolute delight to read, and perfect for any child with a new baby sibling.

• Wolfman

  Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Mould
  Publisher: Red Squirrel Books
  Interest age: 4+
  Reading age: 6+

  Wolf Man has escaped from his cage and is wrecking the town. All of the people in the town are scared and are rushing to hide indoors. The dyslexia-friendly features make this book highly accessible.

• Wolves

  Author: Emily Gravett
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's books
  Interest age: 3+
  Reading age: 4+

  This is a humorous, highly imaginative and original picture book and even comes with an alternative vegetarian ending! 

• Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World

  Author: Rachel Ignotofsky
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  An appealing, meaningful and well-researched book, perfectly pitched for older primary aged children. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the work of these women artists, and hopefully learning about their contributions will ensure a new generation of artists.

• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

  Author: Rachel Ignotofsky
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 7-12
  Reading age: 7-12

  The 50 women profiled in this book are leaders in their fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Thoroughly inspiring and informative, in a fun and stylish illustrated format: a must for every child.

• Women in Sport: 50 Fearless Athletes who Played to Win

  Author: Rachel Ignotofsky
  Publisher: Wren & Rook
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 8+

  So many women’s achievements in sport have been overlooked in favour of men’s over the years, so it’s a great pleasure to see these 50 women celebrated. The text is engaging and factual, represented clearly and with a focus on inspiring and empowering readers.

• Wonder

  Author: R J Palacio
  Publisher: Bodley Head
  Interest age: 9+
  Reading age: 9+

  August ('Auggie') Pullman can't help but stand out - he was born with a severe facial deformity. Written in the first person, Wonder follows Auggie as he experiences more than the usual ups-and-downs of friendships, family and school.

• Wonder Boy

  Author: Nicole Burstein
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Joseph 'Wilco' Wilkes is the biggest loser at the posh private school he attends on a scholarship. However, his life is about to get turned upside down.

• Wonder Goal

  Author: Michael Foreman
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 5+
  Reading age: 7+

  Being the new boy on the football team is no fun, especially for one little boy who trips over the shoelaces his team-mates have tied together.

• Wonder Woman at Super Hero High

  Author: Lisa Yee
  Publisher: Puffin
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  Wonder Woman is thrilled when she enrols at Super Hero High School, but not everyone is keen to have her on board. This first novel in the DC Super Hero Girls helps address the gender imbalance in the male-dominated superhero genre.

• Wonderscape

  Author: Jennifer Bell Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 9-11
  Reading age: 8+

  Three friends slip through a time portal and find themselves thrown 400 years into the future, trapped in a complex virtual reality video game world called Wonderscape... but how will they find their way out?

• Woodland Sounds

  Author: Sam Taplin Illustrator: Federica Iossa
  Publisher: Usborne
  Interest age: 1-3
  

  Each brightly illustrated, textured page of Woodland Sounds carries a recording of a different sound from nature alongside a short explanatory text. A high-quality, sturdy toddler book.

• Woolf

  Author: Alex Latimer Illustrator: Patrick Latimer
  Publisher: Pavilion
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A funny, reassuring story about families, friendships and fitting in, in which Woolf accepts that being true to yourself is more important than following the flock.

• Woooo!

  Author: Gerry Turley
  Publisher: Random House
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 5+

  This book is a joy to read out loud. The book includes simple words that children can learn and repeat, allowing them to take part in the story telling process.

• Woozy the Wizard: A Broom to Go Zoom

  Author: Elli Woollard Illustrator: Al Murphy
  Publisher: Faber and Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6

  Brightly coloured pages, cheerful illustrations and funny rhythmic verse zip this story along, making it an ideal book to bridge the gap between picture books and older fiction.

• Woozy the Wizard: a present for pig

  Author: Elli Woollard Illustrator: Al Murphy
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 6+

  Woozy the Wizard feels terrible when he realises that he has forgotten Pig's birthday, and dashes around for the perfect present. Hilarious, fast-paced rhyming text combine with vibrant illustrations to create a joyful book for early readers.

• Woozy the Wizard: A Spell to Get Well

  Author: Elli Woodward Illustrator: Al Murphy
  Publisher: Faber & Faber
  Interest age: 4-8
  Reading age: 7+

  A delightful small-format picture book with engaging rhyming text telling a charming tale of a well-meaning but confused old wizard. Bold, expressive illustrations in bright colours complement the lively, humorous text.

• Word Nerd

  Author: Susin Nielsen
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  Ambrose gets a neighbour to drive him secretly to a Scrabble club every week, and ends up telling his mum a series of lies that get completely out of control. Readers will be swept up in Ambrose's story and rooting for his success.

• Words and Your Heart

  Author: Kate Jane Neal
  Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  Interest age: 4-7
  Reading age: 5+

  A clear and simple book all about the power of words to affect how we feel that is perfect for young children just starting to navigate friendships for the first time.

• Words in the Dust

  Author: Trent Reedy
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  A thoughtful, sensitive and utterly absorbing story of a young girl’s painful journey to self-discovery in contemporary Afghanistan

• Work It, Girl: Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama

  Author: Caroline Moss Illustrator: Sinem Erkas
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  This beautifully illustrated introduction to Michelle Obama’s inspiring life is a must for anyone with a dream, and a reminder that with hard work and focus, everything is possible.

• Work It, Girl: Blast Off Into Space Like Mae Jemison

  Author: Caroline Moss Illustrator: Sinem Erkas
  Publisher: Frances Lincoln
  Interest age: 6-11
  Reading age: 8+

  A beautifully written and illustrated book about the inspiring life story of Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space, from the wonderful Work It Girl series. 

• World’s Greatest Liar: Beaky Malone

  Author: Barry Hutchison Illustrator: Katie Abey
  Publisher: Stripes
  Interest age: 8-11
  Reading age: 9+

  What happens when a compulsive liar is suddenly unable to tell anything but the truth? Misunderstanding and mayhem, certainly - but also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and some unexpected consequences.

• Worlds of Ink and Shadow

  Author: Lena Coakley
  Publisher: Amulet
  Interest age: 14+
  Reading age: 13+

  Charlotte and Branwell Brontë have the ability to bring their fictional worlds to life, but at what cost to their family? This fantastic novel looks at the lives of the Brontë children, cleverly combining fact with fiction. A fascinating and heart-breaking read.

• Worry Angels

  Author: Sita Brahmachari Illustrator: Jane Ray
  Publisher: Barrington Stoke
  Interest age: 8-12
  Reading age: 8+

  A super-readable ‘chapters’ book looking at family break-up, school anxiety and how a caring and supportive environment can help to heal and inspire.

• Would the Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand Up?

  Author:
  Publisher: Andersen Press
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11

  On Stanley's thirteenth birthday an unexpected birthday card arrives for him. The card is from his birth mother and it brings up a lot of confusing emotions for him.

• Would You Like a Banana?

  Author: Yasmeen Ismail
  Publisher: Walker Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  The gorilla in this book is hungry, but she doesn’t want the banana she’s been offered. Except, when the banana is taken away, it suddenly becomes more appealing… Ismail’s take on fussy eating uses bold, expressive illustration and photography which brings a fun energy to what can sometimes be a frustrating experience for parents.

• Would You Rather…

  Author: John Burningham
  Publisher: Red Fox
  Interest age: 3-6
  Reading age: 5-7

  A classic for children, Would You Rather... presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fantastical and real-life choices. It's great for building confidence with little ones about making their own choices for their own reasons. 

• WOW! It's Night-Time

  Author: Tim Hopgood
  Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
  Interest age: 2+
  Reading age: 3-6

  Little book lovers will enjoy the return of this curious owl and following her night-time discoveries and seeing what happens in the outside world when they fall asleep. The illustrations are bold and stylish, and bring to life the midnight wildlife.

• WOW! Said the Owl

  Author: Tim Hopgood
  Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
  Interest age: 2-5
  

  Everyone knows that owls are nocturnal but one curious little owl decides to take a long nap at night so she can stay awake during the day.

• Wreckers

  Author:
  Publisher: Oxford University Press
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 9+

  Hearn’s novel is a fantasy which combines Greek myth, 18th-century Cornish wrecking history, teenage relationships and a vision of post-disaster life in 2028.

• Wriggle and Roar!

  Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
  Publisher: Macmillan Childrens Books
  Interest age: 2-4
  Reading age: 5+

  This super collection of 17 original rhymes for joining in with has appeal for the new toddler and well into the nursery years.

• Wundersmith

  Author: Jessica Townsend
  Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
  Interest age: 10+
  Reading age: 10+

  The second book set in the magical world of Nevermoor, and Morrigan Crow is now officially a member of the much coveted Wundrous Society, or "Wunsoc". Ideal for Harry Potter fans, with masterful storytelling, twisty plotting and thrilling magic. 

• Wuthering Heights

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

  Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense and almost demonic love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

• Wyrmeweald: Bloodhoney

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  A young man makes his way in a harsh world, where dragons are real and danger is always present. There is love and adventure in the Wyrmeweald, but there is loss and danger too. Can he hold on to the girl he loves, and evade dark magic of his enemies?

• WyrmeWeald: Returners Wealth

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Corgi Children's
  Interest age: 12+
  Reading age: 13+

  Heartbroken Micah runs away from the flat, featureless plains to climb the distant inhospitable mountains in search of returner's wealth...

• Wyrmeweald: The Bone Trail

  Author: Paul Stewart Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  Publisher: Corgi
  Interest age: 11+
  Reading age: 11+

  In the beautiful, threatened world of the Wyrmeweald, where dragons are real and danger is always present, the forces are gathering for a final battle. For Micah and his friends, caught between duty, love and sacrifice, this is only the beginning.