The Best Books of 2022: Baby & Toddler

Nala's World: One Little Cat's Quest for Love and Adventure (Hardback)

£12.99

Hardback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Boasting stunning illustrations from a former Waterstones Gift of the Year winner, this inspirational picture book tells the true story of the round-the-world cyclist and the resilient and adorable kitten that accompanied him on his incredible travels.

The Zebra's Great Escape (Hardback)

Katherine Rundell, Sara Ogilvie

£14.99

Hardback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The acclaimed author of The Explorer and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning Rooftoppers delivers an exquisitely written animal adventure packed full of vibrant illustrations from Sara Ogilvie.

A Flying Visit - A Percy the Park Keeper Story (Hardback)

Nick Butterworth

£12.99

Hardback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

One of the most beloved characters in picture book history returns to help hedgehog realise his dream of flying in this adorable Percy the Park Keeper story from the incomparable Nick Butterworth.

The Gecko and the Echo (Hardback)

Rachel Bright, Jim Field

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

From the team behind the bestselling The Lion Inside comes a hilarious and heartwarming rhyming story about a gecko with a love of the limelight who learns that kindness is more important than fame.

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Pirates Ahoy! (Paperback)

Tracey Corderoy, Steven Lenton

£7.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The side-splitting picture book series continues with the cupcake-baking, formerly criminal canines embarking on a madcap, rhyming adventure to reclaim Captain Chucklebeard's treasure from the dastardly Captain Sharpwhiskers.

One Camel Called Doug (Paperback)

Lu Fraser, Sarah Warburton

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Doug the camel discovers that it's ok to have a little 'me time' in this warm and witty rhyming tale from the acclaimed author of The Littlest Yak and The Viking Who Liked Icing.

The Littlest Yak: The New Arrival - The Littlest Yak (Paperback)

Lu Fraser, Kate Hindley

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The heartwarming and hilarious sequel to Fraser's much-loved The Littlest Yak finds Gertie having a bit of a wobble when she becomes a big sister for the first time.

Gretel the Wonder Mammoth (Paperback)

Kim Hillyard, Kim Hillyard

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The author-illustrator of Mabel and the Mountain delivers another pitch-perfect story encouraging little ones to embrace their feelings, as the last woolly mammoth starts to get a bit nervous about her place in the herd.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety (Paperback)

Rachel Morrisroe, Ella Okstad

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Combining a hilariously daft story with an important message about managing anxiety, this cracking picture book from the author of How to Grow a Unicorn centres on a nervous boy whose fears manifest themselves as a giant pink llama.

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster (Paperback)

Union Square & Co.

£7.99

Paperback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The cheeky pigeon returns in another side-splitting picture book from the author-illustrator of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, as our feathery hero confronts his fear of fairground rides.

Octopants: The Missing Pirate Pants (Paperback)

Suzy Senior, Claire Powell

£6.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Join the piratical search for pufferfish's pants in the side-splitting, vibrantly illustrated second picture book in the Octopants series.

I Am NOT a Prince (Paperback)

Beatrix Hatcher, Rachael Davis

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A little frog doesn't want to be transformed into a magical prince in Hatcher and Davis' colourful and inclusive rhyming picture book that challenges gender stereotypes.

The Station Cat: A Story of Kindness and Hope (Hardback)

Stephen Hogtun

£9.99

Hardback

Not available

Currently not available to order

Marrying breathtakingly beautiful illustrations to a heart-rending story of emotional connection and love, The Station Cat sees the eponymous feline enter a drab, grey train station in a burst of colour to light up the lives of its passengers.

A Hero Called Wolf (Paperback)

Lucy Rowland, Ben Mantle

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The creators of Little Red Reading Hood charm and amuse once more with a heartwarming rhyming tale of a giant in the library and a wolf who really wants to be a hero.

Hot Dog (Paperback)

Mark Sperring, Sophie Corrigan

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A superbly silly, summery story about a hot dog who longs to be a real-life pooch, Sperring and Corrigan's picture book is perfect reading for little ones who worry about fitting in.

Frank and Bert - Frank and Bert (Paperback)

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Introducing a loveable duo whose games of hide and seek always end the same way, Frank and Bert is a wonderfully warm-hearted picture book all about friendship from the author-illustrator of The Suitcase.

My Mum is a Lioness (Paperback)

Swapna Haddow, Dapo Adeola

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Following up My Dad is a Grizzly Bear, Swapna Haddow and former Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Dapo Adeola pay tribute to the roarsome power of mums in this delightful picture book.

Dinosaurs on Kitten Island (Paperback)

Michael Slack

£6.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A wryly funny take on co-operation and compromise from the author-illustrator of Kittens on Dinosaurs, this hilarious picture book features the titular creatures unable to share their living space.

Wrong! (Paperback)

Ciara Flood, Lucia Gaggiotti

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Hilarious and energetic yet with a serious message about sharing and kindness at its core, Flood's cautionary tale about a badly-behaved hog and an impeccably polite tiger benefits from Gaggiotti's dynamic illustrations.

Flooded: Winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize for Illustration 2023 (Hardback)

Mariajo Ilustrajo

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

An assortment of animals learn to work together to save their city in this heartwarming and evocatively illustrated picture book all about the power of community and sharing burdens.

The Last Tiger (Hardback)

Becky Davies, Jennie Poh

£11.99

Hardback

Out of stock

Boasting stunning illustrations and a deeply affecting story about ecological change and the importance of conservation, The Last Tiger traces Aasha's journey for survival as her rainforest is cut down.

Meanwhile Back on Earth (Hardback)

Oliver Jeffers

£16.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Nothing less than a history of the world and a primer on the universe in picture book form from the beloved, bestselling author-illustrator of Lost and Found and Here We Are, as a father takes his two children on a thrilling ride into space.

Our Tower (Hardback)

Joseph Coelho, Richard Johnson

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Exquisitely told and boasting beautifully evocative illustrations from Richard Johnson, Coelho's highly imaginative and deeply personal tale of a trio of children who discover the magic inside their tower block is a powerful call for integrating urban and natural spaces.

The Boy Who Lost His Spark (Hardback)

Maggie O'Farrell, Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

£14.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Reuniting former Waterstones Book of the Year winner Maggie O'Farrell with gifted illustrator Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, this enchanting picture book tells the powerful story of a boy struggling in a new town and the mischievous, volcano-dwelling creature that may - or may not - be causing mayhem in the community.

Jim's Spectacular Christmas (Hardback)

Emma Thompson, Axel Scheffler

£14.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A spectacular festive pairing, Dame Emma Thompson joins forces with the iconic illustrator of The Gruffalo for a heartwarming yuletide yarn about the Victoria and Albert Museum's resident pooch.

The Fairy Garden (Paperback)

Isabella Mazzanti, Georgia Buckthorn

£9.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Boasting activity spreads at the back and plenty of hidden fairies to discover, Buckthorn and Mazzanti's exquisitely illustrated story of a young girl who longs to attract magical imps to her garden is an enchanting visual feast.

The Moon of Kyiv (Hardback)

Gianni Rodari, Beatrice Alemagna

£9.99 £5.00

Hardback

In stock

Expected to be dispatched in 7-10 days

Getting a much deserved lease of life in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rodari's luminous poem of tolerance, love and shared humanity is presented here in a new edition with breathtaking art from Beatrice Alemagna.

Once Upon A Fairytale: A Choose-Your-Own Fairytale Adventure (Paperback)

Natalia O'Hara, Lauren O'Hara

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Spin a wonderful new story every time thanks to Natalia and Lauren O'Hara's enchanting interactive picture book where readers can choose what characters and plotlines they would like to pursue.

Adoette (Hardback)

Lydia Monks

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Told with great subtlety and power, Monks' gorgeous story of a venerable tree's hundred-year life on the same street is a heartwarming picture book to treasure forever.

The Missing Piece (Hardback)

Jordan Stephens, Beth Suzanna

£12.99

Hardback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A heart-warming, fresh and original story about family and friendship from brand-new picture book author, writer and performer Jordan Stephens. Sunny loves jigsaw puzzles – the bigger the better. When she completes one, she gets a warm, happy honeybee buzz. One day, her Gran gives her a ONE-THOUSAND-PIECE puzzle. Piece after piece, all by...

A Dress with Pockets (Paperback)

Lily Murray, Jenny Løvlie

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Practical pockets triumph over frills and sparkles in this brilliantly joyous picture book about finding a perfect dress that sends a subtly feminist message and celebrates embracing your own dreams.

Be Wild, Little One (Paperback)

Olivia Hope, Mr Daniel Egnéus

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A joyous celebration of the wonders of the natural world and childrens' sense of adventure, Be Wild, Little One soars through stunningly illustrated vistas accompanied by uplifting and enchanting text.

Daddy Do My Hair: Beth's Twists (Paperback)

Tolá Okogwu, Chante Timothy

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

In delightful rhyming text, Beth persuades her daddy to help her try out a new hairdo in this vibrant picture book all about father-daughter relationships and the joys of Afro hair.

Small’s Big Dream (Paperback)

Manjeet Mann, Amanda Quartey

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The award-winning children's author teams up with an exciting debut illustrator for a fresh and vibrant picture book all about dreaming big, no matter what size you may be.

The Baddies (Hardback)

Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The enormously popular picture book duo returns with another hilarious and heartwarming tale steeped in effortless rhyme, as a trio of thoroughly despicable villains find that scaring a resourceful young girl is harder than it looks.

Grannysaurus (Hardback)

David Walliams, Adam Stower

£12.99

Hardback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Bursting with David Walliams' anarchic sense of fun and blessed with Adam Stower's vibrant illustrations, Grannysaurus is a roar-some picture book about unpredictable grannies, dinosaur discos and staying up late.

Billy Brute Whose Teacher Was a Werewolf - Twisted Tales for Devilish Darlings (Paperback)

Issy Emeney, Chris Mould

£7.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

With echoes of Roald Dahl's classic Revolting Rhymes, this deliciously dark rhyming picture book about a naughty boy whose new teacher might not let him get away with so much is blessed with gloriously gothic illustrations by the great Chris Mould.

Penelope Snoop, Ace Detective (Paperback)

Pamela Butchart, Christine Roussey

£6.99

Paperback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Penelope's determination to solve the mystery of her missing sock snake sends her - and her beloved pooch Carlos - all the way into space in Butchart and Roussey's side-splitting picture book story.

How to Count to ONE (Paperback)

Caspar Salmon, Matt Hunt

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Brilliantly clever and original and perfect for fans of The Book with No Pictures, Salmon and Hunt's side-splitting picture book encourages young readers to outsmart its command to only count to one across a series of colourful, feature-packed spreads.

Pick a Story: A Pirate Alien Jungle Adventure - Pick a Story (Paperback)

Sarah Coyle, Adam Walker-Parker

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Bringing the fun of choose-your-own-adventure stories to the world of picture books, the first in Coyle and Walker-Parker's interactive series sets up three alternative tales based around pirates, aliens and the jungle.

Brrr! (Paperback)

Kes Gray, Nick East

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Wonderfully imaginative and hilariously funny, this delightful picture book from the author of Oi Frog finds a group of dinosaurs turn to knitting jumpers in order to stave off the freezing cold of the Ice Age.

I Really Want to Share - I Really Want... (Paperback)

Simon Philip, Lucia Gaggiotti

£7.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Delightfully funny and ideal for all little ones about to welcome a new addition to their family, this strikingly illustrated rhyming picture book from the creators of I Really Want the Cake finds a little girl faced with the awful truth that she might have to share from now on.

Don't Ask the Dragon (Paperback)

Lemn Sissay, Greg Stobbs

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The acclaimed poet and author delivers a modern-day fable rich in evocative imagery, as young Alem seeks advice from a succession of creatures about what he should do for his birthday.

The Knight With the Blazing Bottom Volume 2 - A Very Fiery Fairy Tale (Paperback)

Beach

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The rip-roaring A Very Fiery Fairy Tale series continues with another explosive rhyming story, as Sir Wayne’s Dragon encounters a bit of a problem on a day when everything starts happening in reverse.

Book vs. Shark Volume 2 (Paperback)

Paul Linnet, Sue Hendra

£6.99

Paperback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The creators of Supertato and Barry the Fish with Fingers return with the second laugh-out-loud picture book in the I Spy Island series, as the gang discover a book that's lost its story and a worryingly peckish shark.

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Fairy (Paperback)

Rhiannon Fielding, Chris Chatterton

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The bestselling picture book series perfect for getting little ones off to sleep continues with the enchanting tale of a young fairy determined to rescue a lost gnome and still get back in time for bed.

Bluey: Sleepytime (Hardback)

Bluey

£12.99

Hardback

Not available

Currently not available to order

Bingo experiences the tribulations of getting to sleep in her own bed in this enchanting picture book featuring everyone's favourite Heeler family.

Sleepytime Music Book - Musical Books (Board book)

Sam Taplin, Polly Noakes

£12.99

Board book

Out of stock

Basil the Badger tickles the ivories in a variety of beautifully rendered and eminently peaceful locations in this sound book featuring five relaxing classical tunes to help get little ones off to sleep.

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My Little Dragon (Paperback)

Rochelle Humes, Rachel Suzanne

£7.99

Paperback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A charming picture book from the author of The Mega Magic Teacher Swap perfect for all picky eaters, My Little Dragon features a young firebreather who is decidedly fussy at mealtimes.

People Need People: An uplifting picture book poem from legendary poet Benjamin Zephaniah (Hardback)

Benjamin Zephaniah, Nila Aye

£12.99

Hardback

Not available

Currently not available to order

Having delivered a gorgeous guide to the natural world for the very young in Nature Trail, Zephaniah and Nye return with an uplifting rhyming picture book that celebrates the power of human connection and kindness.

A Superpower Like Mine: an uplifting story to boost self-esteem and confidence (Paperback)

Dr. Ranj Singh, Liam Darcy

£6.99

Paperback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

From the beloved CBeebies star Dr Ranj comes a bright, colourful picture book that celebrates all the superpowers that children have on the inside.

ABC Pride (Hardback)

Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes

£9.99

Hardback

5+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Little ones can learn the alphabet whilst finding out about Pride in this bright, colourful and inclusive volume which also contains LGBTQ+ topics for adults to discuss with children.

The Girl Who Planted Trees (Paperback)

Caryl Hart, Anastasia Suvorova

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

An inspirational picture book with a message of conservation and environmental awareness at its heart, The Girl Who Planted Trees revolves around one child's determination to revitalise the great, grey mountain that broods over her village.

What Do You See When You Look At a Tree? (Hardback)

Emma Carlisle, Emma Carlisle

£12.99

Hardback

Out of stock

Encouraging both empathy and an understanding of nature and the environment, Carlisle's exquisitely presented volume boasts stunning watercolour images and thoughtful, perceptive text.

Somebody Crunched Colin (Paperback)

Sarah Roberts, Hannah Jayne Lewin

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

The perfect introduction to plastic pollution for little ones, Somebody Crunched Colin follows the tribulations of the titular crisp packet.

The Odd Fish (Paperback)

Naomi Jones, Right Revd James Jones

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Highlighting important ecological issues in a fun and engaging way, The Odd Fish finds the creatures of the ocean battling plastic problems as a mysterious stranger floats by.

Milo's Monster: A Big Bright Feelings Book (Paperback)

Tom Percival, Tom Percival

£6.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Milo meets the green-eyed monster, as a new girl moves into the neighbourhood and starts spending a lot of time with his best friend in the latest heartwarming addition to Tom Percival’s brilliant Big Bright Feelings series.

The Stompysaurus - DinoFeelings (Paperback)

Rachel Bright, Chris Chatterton

£7.99

Paperback

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Hot on the heels of The Worrysaurus and The Hugasaurus comes another winning addition to Bright's DinoFeelings series as a bad-tempered Stompysaurus learns to take control of his anger and frustration.

This Tree is Just for Me! (Paperback)

Lucy Rowland, Laura Hughes

£7.99

Paperback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Brimming with colourful and heartwarming illustrations, this charming tale about a boy who gets a bit territorial about his favourite new reading spot teaches little ones about the importance of sharing and the joys of friendship.

The Circles in the Sky (Hardback)

Karl James Mountford, Karl James Mountford

£12.99

Hardback

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

A beautifully pitched exploration of grief for little ones, Mountford's tender tale revolves around Fox's anger and confusion at finding a motionless bird and the reassuring story told to them by Moth.

Mole's Spectacles: A Lift-the-flap Story - Tales From Acorn Wood (Board book)

Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler

£6.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

This charming addition to Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved Tales from Acorn Wood series finds Mole searching high and low for his glasses as young readers help out by lifting the sturdy interactive flaps.

Arctic Animals Sound Book (Board book)

Federica Iossa, Sam Taplin

£12.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

From puffins to polar bears, press the buttons and discover the delightful sounds of arctic inhabitants in this wonderfully illustrated book perfect for little animal lovers.

When You're Fast Asleep – Who Works at Night-Time? (Board book)

Ingela P Arrhenius, Peter Arrhenius

£12.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

From doctors to train drivers, this bold, interactive board book from the team behind the Felt Flaps and Peekaboo series contains easy-to-lift flaps which teach children all about people with nocturnal professions.

Look, It's Twit Twoo Owl - Look, It's (Board book)

Clare Youngs, Camilla Reid

£7.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Another winning addition to the striking new series of lift-the-flap board books illustrated by noted collage artist Clare Youngs, Look, It's Twit Twoo Owl boasts felt, foil and a mirror for tactile, interactive fun.

Lights and Sounds Mermaids - Lights and Sounds Books (Board book)

Sam Taplin, Devon Holzwarth

£12.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Beautifully illustrated and blessed with shimmering noises and sparkling lights, this sensory feast invites wannabe mermaids to join Ada's odyssey to find the twinkliest thing in the ocean.

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Ocean: Pop-Up Surprise Under Every Flap! - Pop-Up Peekaboo! (Board book)

DK, Jean Claude

£7.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

Another delightful addition to the Pop Up Peekaboo series, this exciting, interactive introduction to underwater exploration is perfect for all ocean-obsessed preschoolers.

Baby Touch: Nursery Rhymes: A touch-and-feel playbook - Baby Touch (Board book)

Ladybird

£8.99

Board book

10+ in stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

This bright and adorable addition to the brilliant Baby Touch series is an enticing way to introduce the little ones to some of the best-loved nursery rhymes.

My First 100 Words: A World of Words - World of Words (Board book)

Ladybird, Emilie Lapeyre

£7.99

Board book

In stock

Usually dispatched within 1-2 days

From animals to vehicles, this vibrant board book is the ideal way to introduce very little ones to a hundred essential words and their use in a variety of scenarios.