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The Children's Books You Need to Read in 2022
Bursting with adventure, romance, unforgettable characters and side-splitting silliness, discover the children's and young adult books to make your 2022 courtesy of our hand-picked list of magical mayhem, compelling real-world drama, picture book perfection and much, much more.
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Prepare to experience a magical world full of courageous heroes and warrior unicorns in the first instalment of Steadman's exhilarating series, as young Skandar takes to the skies to battle a deadly enemy.
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The breathtaking sequel to former Waterstones Children's Book of the Month Amari and the Night Brothers pitches our formidable heroine into a battle to decide the Night Brothers' successor and avert catastrophe for all magiciankind.
£6.99
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The acclaimed winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize returns with a typically imaginative and compassionate story of an Edinburgh full of magical creatures - and the only girl who can see them.
£12.99
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From the author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike books comes the first instalment in a wartime-set mystery series featuring two resourceful children desperate to be taken on as spies for the titular government ministry.
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From the wife and husband team behind Waterstones Children's Gift of the Year Julia and the Shark comes a luminous tribute to the power of determination and friendship as a young fox and a girl seeking her mother join forces on an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
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Leila and the Blue Fox: Signed Exclusive Edition (Hardback)
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From the bestselling author of Gangsta Granny and Code Name Bananas comes an epic adventure that's out of this world as a space-obsessed girl in 1960s America spots a flying saucer in trouble.
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£6.49
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Greg Heffley finds the rock n roll lifestyle isn't all it's cracked up to be in the seventeenth side-splitting instalment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, as he tags along with his brother Rodrick's band Löded Diper.
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From the author of the bestselling The Last Bear comes another engrossing tale that blends ecological awareness with deftly plotted adventure, as lonely Rio mounts a desperate search for the whale that has enliven his forced stay in California.
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The bestselling fantasy series returns with unexpected water dragons and a deadly battle that could transform Billy, Dylan, Charlotte and Ling-Fei's lives forever.
£14.99
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Derek Landy delivers the deliciously spine-tingling conclusion to the second cycle of his hugely popular series, in which Skulduggery must turn enemies into allies as things go dreadfully and epically awry.
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Following on from his hit debut Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow, Benjamin Dean delivers another joyful, life-affirming tale as Bea, following a move to the countryside, decides to lift her big sister’s spirits by bringing Pride to the village.
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From the award-winning author of Deeplight comes another sumptuous slice of YA fantasy, where Kellen – a boy who has the power to lift life-destroying curses off others – must find a way to remove the one that hangs over his own life.
£12.99
Hardback
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From former Waterstones Children's Laureate and author of the How to Train Your Dragon and Wizards of Once series comes a thrilling new series about a group of children who find the crossing points to other worlds.
£6.99
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Both a rip-roaring locked room mystery set in a run-down hotel where a famous guest vanished into thin air and a sensitive exploration of living with a parent with bipolar, The Rollercoaster Boy is another superbly realised children's novel from the author of The Goldfish Boy.
£6.99
£5.99
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The third title in the Marcus Rashford Book Club marks the fiction debut of the international footballer and food poverty campaigner himself, as a group of self-styled Breakfast Club Investigators take the twelve-year-old Marcus under their wing.
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A gripping twist on myth and folklore, this magical adventure from the author of The Storm Keeper's Island takes the legend of Tír na nÓg as a jumping off point for richly imagined and sophisticated fantasy.
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With themes of social activism and taking care of your community, this pulsating, slyly spooky mystery from the former Waterstones Children's Book Prize Category Winner revolves around an internet-loving girl determined to start her own scout troop.
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The first instalment of an enthralling new fantasy series from the bestselling author of the Cogheart Adventures is a bewitching blend of sorcery and intrigue in a brilliantly realised alternate eighteenth-century England.
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Magicborn: Signed Exclusive Edition - Magicborn (Paperback)
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A timeless tale of unity and friendship from the author of The House With Chicken Legs, The Thief Who Sang Storms finds a banished girl attempt to bring together the two warring sides of her island and save her persecuted father.
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The seventh chapter of Chainani's bestselling fantasy series sends readers back to where it all began as the foundations of the School are laid in page-turning prose.
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£6.99
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The heroes of Bell's former Waterstones Children's Book of the Month Wonderscape must battle with sinister forces once more when they are thrown forward in time and into an in-reality game based on myth and legend.
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Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Tom Gates, Stowell's effervescent new series presents the doodle-heavy diary of trickster god Loki after he is banished to Earth in the body of an eleven-year-old boy.
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The first instalment in a hilarious new series from the author of Charlie Changes into a Chicken features a school in thrall to the terrifying SHIVERS and two resourceful students who just might know how to put an end to it.
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Hardback
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The bestselling author of the Waterstones Book of the Year shortlisted They Both Die at the End delivers another Young Adult classic with a scintillating prequel where new star-crossed lovers are put to the test on the first day of Death-Cast's fateful calls.
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The First to Die at the End: Exclusive Edition (Hardback)
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£8.99
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Return to the enchanted realms of Kemmerer's bestselling Cursebreaker series as courier and spy Tycho is charged with foiling a shadowy assassination threat to Grey and Queen Lia Mara.
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For the legions of fans of Alice Oseman's bestselling Heartstopper series comes this fully illustrated companion boasting a new mini-comic, never-before-seen illustrations, trivia, character profiles and much, much more.
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Return to the stunningly realised world of His Dark Materials in this exquisite hardback full of scenes featuring the iconic characters from Pullman's classic fantasy series.
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The peerless Jacqueline Wilson returns with a deftly handled and emotionally engaging story of teen pregnancy and unexpected friendship set at the dawn of the 1960s.
£8.99
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Two titans of young adult writing combine to create a unique romantic fantasy following the stories of twin princesses separated at birth and what happens when their worlds collide.
£16.99
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The first fictional collection from the beloved author of Carry On and Fangirl boasts nine charming, witty love stories featuring princes, trolls, imaginary boys and the return of Simon Snow.
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Scattered Showers: Signed Exclusive Edition (Hardback)
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£10.99
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In the stunning sequel to the bestselling graphic novel The Sad Ghost Club, things get a little complicated for the two friends when a third ghost wants to join their secret club for those who feel invisible.
£8.99
Paperback
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An unsolved murder and a school full of buried secrets spell deadly danger for an intern determined to get to the truth in this nerve-janglingly suspenseful thriller from the author of One of Us is Lying.
£7.99
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The mysterious end-of-year party in the woods known as the Revelry spells trouble for Bitsy and Amy in this stunningly crafted young adult thriller about the complexities of female friendship.
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In the enthralling, exquisitely written sequel to the hugely popular This Poison Heart, Briseis seeks the Absyrtus Heart that will bring her mother back from the dead.
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Deka faces difficult choices about the best way to protect the war-ravaged kingdom of Otera in the propulsive, enthralling sequel to the breakout bestselling fantasy The Gilded Ones.
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£14.99
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Bardugo's phenomenally successful Shadow and Bone series gets a vibrantly illustrated graphic novel prequel that tells the thrilling origin story of the Darkling.
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Hardback
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Drawing from Persian mythology and filled with romance, danger and subterfuge, the first part of an epic new fantasy trilogy from the author of the Shatter Me series spins a glorious story of a crown prince, a prophecy and the eyes of a young servant girl he cannot get out of his mind.
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The celebrated author of The Great Godden delivers another utterly immersive slice of YA fiction as the events of the summer of 1982 threaten to break apart the friendships of a trio of interns in New York City.
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With echoes of The Gilded Ones and Witches Steeped in Gold, Gray's Pan-African mythological fantasy sets a magical girl and a would-be warrior in pursuit of a vicious monster that plagues their city.
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Tackling themes of alienation and toxic masculinity with searing power and thoughtful sensitivity, Goodhand's terrific second novel amply demonstrates that heroes can be found in the most unlikely of places.
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Filled with magical worldbuilding and unforgettable characters, Raman’s stunning Indian-inspired fantasy debut follows four siblings on their quest to find the Ivory Key, a mysterious object of legend.
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A bewitching read from a thrilling new voice in YA fiction, Hotel Magnifique centres around the enchanted titular establishment and the shocking secrets hidden behind its opulent facade.
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Through the story of two members of the biggest boyband in America, this dazzling queer YA romance explores the dark side of celebrity and delivers an unforgettable coming-out story that readers will fall in love with.
£7.99
£6.99
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Perfect reading for fans of Wranglestone, Brown's atmospheric debut merges queer love story with post-apocalyptic thriller as two boys flee the many dangers unleashed after the Superflu wipes out most of humanity.
£8.99
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Based on a true story of incredible courage and fortitude in adversity, Gavin's moving and suspenseful World War II-set drama explores the heroics of a group of four young girls.
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£9.99
Hardback
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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.
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David Walliams' second picture book collaboration with illustrator Adam Stower is the typically funny and heartwarming story of a panda born with orange fur and the charming quest he undertakes to find his place in the forest.
£6.99
Board book
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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.
£12.99
Hardback
Out of stock
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.
£14.99
Hardback
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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.
£12.99
Hardback
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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.
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Board book
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A fun, colourful way to instil the tenets of the democratic system in the very young, this educational alphabet book is the perfect introduction to concepts of justice and equality.
£16.99
£8.49
Hardback
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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.
£6.99
Paperback
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Few children's authors can get to the heart of their readers' emotions as deftly as Tom Percival, and in The River the author-illustrator of The Invisible and Ruby's Worry finds the perfect metaphor to explore a young boy's ever-changing feelings.
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Hardback
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Bringing together a storytelling genius with a legend of children's illustration, Welcome to the World is a truly special celebration of babies and their interaction with the wonders of the world around them.
£11.99
£9.99
Hardback
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Everyone's favourite savoury snack embarks on another yuletide adventure, even ending up at the North Pole in this heartwarming, side-splitting sequel from the mega-selling hit factory LadBaby.
£6.99
Paperback
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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.
£12.99
Hardback
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Once more using the magical and the inspiring to explore themes that are highly relevant to real children, Joe Todd-Stanton weaves a touching, compassionate story about moving home and finding your feet in new places.
£6.99
Paperback
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Awesomely anarchic and sublimely silly, Taylor and Benaglia's side-splitting story involves a very hungry monster on an increasingly desperate quest to order pizza.
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Paperback
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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.
£7.99
Paperback
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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.
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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.
£6.99
Paperback
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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.
£6.99
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From cricketing zebras to weightlifting wombats, this sporting spin on the ever-popular picture book series sees an array of animals in a range of side-splitting scenarios.
£7.99
Paperback
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A wonderfully imaginative and immersive tale about the magic of reading and the thrills of experiencing real adventure, The Story Thief sets bookworm Olive on the trail of a scoundrel who has stolen all the books in the town library.
£12.99
Hardback
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A modern master of the children's story breathes invigorating new life into the work of a legend, as Jacqueline Wilson delivers a brand new Magic Faraway Tree tale in her own inimitable style.
£7.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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The second outing for Anderson's resourceful Rainbow Grey is another effervescent adventure amongst the clouds, featuring missing creatures, dark magic and a terrifying storm.
£6.99
Paperback
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When island-dwelling Leonora learns that someone has been stealing and making a profit from her inventions on the mainland, a cracking quest for justice ensues in this hilarious adventure featuring an inflatable lobster and a singing sea captain.
£10.99
Hardback
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Andy and Terry take a break from compulsively adding more levels to their incredible treehouse in order to share thirteen side-splittingly silly stories that readers will never have seen before.
£10.99
Hardback
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Marking 100 years since Dick-King Smith's birth, this typically charming and gently funny tale begun by the late, great children's author and completed by his great-granddaughter Josie Rogers, revolves around a bunny with incredibly powerful nostrils.
£9.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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A new member – Supersonic Ai – joins the Bunny’s gang in this rip-roaring instalment in the bestselling comic series about a cornucopia of adventurous animals that rule the Wood.
£9.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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From the international football icon, activist and author of You Are a Champion comes another volume to inspire and energise young readers, helping them to find their voices and use their assertiveness to achieve beneficial goals.
£14.99
Hardback
10+ in stock
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Exploring the secret lives of plants, this beautifully illustrated volume accompanying the new BBC series is packed with fascinating facts about the lungs of the globe.
£9.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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The ex-elite soldier and author of The Fear Bubble delivers his first book for children, highlighting great techniques for boosting self-confidence and motivation.
£8.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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Bursting with activities to entertain and occupy all kinds of kids, the debut children's book from the superstar TV duo is a fun-filled extravaganza aimed at having the best time possible.
£9.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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The irrepressible Dr Ranj presents a highly entertaining and informative guide to the workings of the human brain, explaining in fun and fascinating ways the strange quirks which shape our minds.
£14.99
Hardback
10+ in stock
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Traversing the globe on a dozen thrilling locomotive journeys, the co-author of the Adventures on Trains series takes readers from the Orient Express to the Transcontinental Railroad.
£9.99
Hardback
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Blending immersive wildlife guide with empowering information on how readers can help save threatened environments, this inspirational volume from the popular vet and TV presenter is an accessible and optimistic manual for lasting change.
£8.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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The acclaimed author of Explaining Humans incorporates scientific ideas and concepts in an eye-opening and essential guide to understanding human emotions in her first book for younger readers.
£7.99
£6.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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Having built stories and sketched Christmas with 'Draw With' Rob Biddulph, it is time to animate some animals in this vibrant and addictive activity book for all budding junior artists.
£6.99
Board book
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Bluey and family are off for a fun day at the pool but mum and dad are fussing too much in the latest laugh-out-loud story adapted from the hugely popular CBeebies show.
£6.99
Paperback
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Join everyone's favourite care-giving canine and the lovable squirrels on an interstellar adventure to secure their space badges in this delightful picture book.
£6.99
Paperback
10+ in stock
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The stars of the hit CBeebies series return on an exciting trip to the museum in this adorable picture book ideal for all dinosaur-obsessed little ones.
£9.99
Hardback
10+ in stock
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2022 marks the 120th birthday of Beatrix Potter's iconic bunny and what better way to celebrate than with this exquisite new edition of the classic children's story.
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