When political adviser and foreign policy expert Chloe Dalton’s busy London life was upended by lockdown, she never imagined that a return to the countryside would lead her to become the custodian of a tiny, endangered hare. Alone and no bigger than her palm, the leveret was in need of care and survival. Join Chloe as she recounts the extraordinary journey she shared with this unexpected companion in Raising Hare.

Raising Hare also sheds light on the challenges hares face, from the impact of hunting to the need for a ‘closed season’ to protect hare populations. Chloe advocates for this vital change, drawing attention to the threats that endanger these beautiful creatures. Through her story, we’re reminded of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the everyday beauty around us, and learning to set free the things we love.

In conversation with Catherine Carr.

Best-selling author Cressida Cowell returns to the world of How to Train Your Dragon with a brand-new spin-off series! How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing takes readers back to the Isle of Berk, where Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, along with his dragons Toothless and Windwalker, have joined the Viking and Dragon Training School. But instead of soaring to greatness, they find themselves bottom of the class in pretty much everything…

Whether you’re a new reader or a long-time dragon fan, get ready to soar into adventure with Hiccup, Toothless, and Windwalker as they take on Viking training, unexpected dangers, and plenty of fire-breathing fun!

Ages 7-12.

Sam Leith (author of The Haunted Wood: A History of Childhood Reading) and Lucy Mangan (author of Bookish) delve into the power of childhood reading and its lasting impact on our lives. Both writers explore how stories written for children offer a window into our deepest hopes, fears, and dreams, shaping who we are and staying with us long after we grow up.

Discover how the books we loved as children continue to offer us wisdom, solace, and a sense of belonging throughout our lives, from two of Britain’s leading literary voices.

 In conversation with Alex Clark.

Join the 2022 – 2024 Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho for a spookily fun (and at times gruesome!) event as he introduces you to the world of Fairy Tales Gone Bad and his characters Zombierella, Frankenstiltskin, and Creeping Beauty – mwahahaha! Children will delight in Joseph bringing to life his outrageous characters and their dastardly deeds, and be inspired with the joy and magic of his tales as a poet and a writer. With the help of this master storyteller, children will have the confidence to take on their very own creative challenges and perhaps, even become masterful storytellers themselves!

Suitable for ages 8+.

For history and mythology lovers, rockstar mythologist Natalie Haynes brings us her electrifying one-woman show about Medea – priestess, witch, and daughter of a brutal king. When Jason and his Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece, their quest is filled with peril at every turn. Jason’s survival may depend on Medea, who alone has the power to save him.

But what will it cost? Will Medea betray her family and her home for the sake of a stranger? And what will she demand in return? Together, Medea and Jason seize their one chance of a life together, as the gods intend. Yet from the very beginning their love is steeped in vengeance, and no one – not even those closest to them – will escape the consequences.

Based on Euripides’ classic tragedy, this is Medea as you’ve never seen her before: an ancient myth brought vividly to life by a phenomenal storyteller.

In 2024, David McKee’s beloved Elmer celebrated 35 years of being a nursery favourite and is brought to life here by Panto Dame Mama G! 

Elmer is different. Elmer is patchwork. The grey elephants all love him, but he soon starts to wonder what it would be like to be just the same as them… Full of colour, wisdom and pathos, little readers will love this classic tale. Deservedly a modern classic, with over ten million copies of his books sold worldwide, Elmer’s subtle message – that it is OK to be different – resonates with children across the world.

 Ages 3-6.

For passionate climate activists and those interested in understanding the history of our plastic dependence, settle in to watch Wall Street Journal reporter Saabira Chaudhuri sharing how we got here, and what it will take to break free from the cycle of disposability. By understanding the history of our plastic dependence, we can stop accepting failed solutions and start demanding better from the corporations that got us hooked in the first place.

In conversation with Megan Kenyon. 

Get ready to laugh out loud with comic genius Jamie Smart talking all things Bunny vs Monkey with his book, The Great Big Glitch, where Bunny declares himself a magical protector of the woodland, Pig becomes a superspy, and Weenie gets some serious muscles. With hilarious stories, live drawing and Jamie’s brilliant behind-the-scenes tips, this recording is perfect for children, families and comic fans.

Ages 7-11.