Bloomsbury

Book SynopsisA page-turning mystery about bravery and brotherhood among evacuees in the Second World War, from an prize-winning author. September 1939. When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed. Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever. A perfect book for readers of 9 and over who love Michael Morpurgo's stories. 'Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded' - The Sunday TimesTrade ReviewWith echoes of Carrie's War, and Goodnight Mister Tom, Parr brings her own fresh voice to what already feels like a wartime classic. This story is quietly brutal and brilliantly heartfelt. I absolutely ADORED it. * Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse *Evocative and heartfelt, The Valley of Lost Secrets already reads like a classic. A celebration of kindness and friendship at a time of upheaval, it's gripping, heart-breaking and yet full of hope. I loved it with all my heart * Liz Hyder, author of Bearmouth *An evacuee story with all the makings of a classic. * Anna Fargher, author of The Umbrella Mouse *A story of friendship, love, loss and belonging; of looking at people deep past their exterior, and of the love and pain in a human heart. There’s a cracking mystery at the centre of it, but it was the Welsh backdrop and Jimmy’s journey to acceptance that stayed in my heart long after I’d closed the book. * Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant *A gripping mystery, overflowing with heart – The Valley of Lost Secrets is one of the very best books I’ve read this year. * Carlie Sorosiak, author of I, Cosmo *What a wonderful book. A brilliant debut – warm and tender, simple in the best way, historical fiction with a light touch. * Ross Montgomery, author of The Midnight Guardians *Lesley Parr’s The Valley of Lost Secrets (Bloomsbury), follows Jimmy in wartime, evacuated with his brother to a Welsh mining village, as he slowly acclimatises to his new surroundings. But when Jimmy finds a hidden skull, he unearths a secret that has haunted the community for years. Atmospheric, direct and gripping, with a superbly assured narrative voice, this book is woven through with powerful themes: grief, belonging and making peace with the past. * Guardian *An absolute triumph of warm, tender-hearted, timeless storytelling – Lesley Parr has created a story that feels like it has always been here… and one that I'm sure will still continue to be read many years from now. * Sophie Kirtley, author of The Wild Way Home *The Valley of Lost Secrets vividly evokes the uncomfortable reality of being an evacuee in a new place very different from home, as experienced by 12- year-old Jimmy. This warm, sensitive story celebrates the Welsh community at its heart, but also shows the complexities of living in a small mining town where everyone knows everyone else. I particularly loved the way Lesley describes the landscape and its people. The story moves along at a compelling pace, the historical background is lightly touched in, the characters are memorable. And the ending is truly satisfying. * Julia Green, author of The Children of Swallow Fell *Beautifully written, this story of two brothers from London struggling with homesickness and the mysteries of their new surroundings is one of the best books I've read this year. Human, warm, funny, thrilling, and above all, compelling, The Valley of Lost Secrets leads the reader effortlessly into a convincing world of wartime Wales. We follow Jimmy as he makes sense of his new surroundings and uncovers a secret that relates to the lovely couple who have taken him and his little brother into their home. Along the way, he has to deal with new realities that challenge all the things he thought he knew. Friends that become foes, and old foes that become friends. I massively recommend this for ages 9+. * Fleur Hitchcock, author of The Boy Who Flew *The Valley of Lost Secrets is a heartfelt story set in WW2. It’s a perfectly woven mystery but so much more than that. It’s about families torn apart, sometimes for the better as well as the worse, and a mining community determined to do their best by the evacuees. The ending brought a tear to my eye! This is historical fiction at its finest. * AM Howell, author of The Garden of Lost Secrets *An unforgettable story that already feels like a classic. Has fast become one of my all-time favourites. Every school should read this. * Juliette Forest, author of Twister *A great book. A real gripping, engaging story, with a nice heart of darkness. * A.F. Harrold, author of The Imaginary *A beautiful, touching, emotional, warm and captivating story. Like a cwtch in a book. Timeless and powerful, The Valley of Lost Secrets has future classic written all over it. * Eloise Williams, Children's Laureate Wales *It’s very rare that I read a debut that completely steals my heart away but Lesley Parr’s, ‘The Valley of Lost Secrets,’ is one of these unique finds… A truly extraordinary and accomplished debut which is destined to become a future classic * Book Lover Jo *Lesley Parr is an outstanding new voice in children’s literature and definitely one to look out for! * Snaily Can Fly *A stunning novel about evacuation, hardship, challenging times and the strengths and weaknesses of human behaviour * The Breadcrumb Forest *The Valley of Lost Secrets is a wonderful evocation of wartime Wales. There's great warmth in the portrayal of the main characters, but the author doesn't gloss over the harsh realities of life at the time. The result is a mixture of light and dark, joy and sadness. An unforgettable read. * Claire Fayers, author of The Accidental Pirates *A thrilling and touching story about change, family, and friendship * Libraries4schools *An absolutely outstanding book - I was gripped from the first page until the last * Educator, NetGalley Reviewer *Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded. * The Sunday Times *a beautifully told novel ... This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded * Children’s Book of the Week, The Sunday Times *An exciting adventure… no wonder this mystery about bravery and brotherhood is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month * Press Association *A wonderfully warm book * Books for Topics *This is a book about the strength of sibling bonds and having the courage to stand up for honesty and truth. With strong characters, a touch of humour and a mystery to solve this is a wonderfully heartfelt and atmospheric story that will stay long in the mind. A satisfying and welcome addition to the canon of WW2 literature for children * Books For Keeps *The Valley of Lost Secrets is the much-acclaimed debut by Lesley Parr * Make the last lockdown fly by, Daily Telegraph *This beautiful book, reminiscent of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories and Michelle Magorian's Goodnight Mister Tom, explores so many heartfelt themes ... The mystery of the skull has a brilliant pay-off, and there are enough red herrings thrown in to keep you guessing until the very end * Books We Love, BookTrust *Wales works its magic on the at first rather spiky Jimmy — and the reader — and the setting is so strong it almost becomes another character in this compelling story. Full of heart and kindness, this is historical middle-grade fiction at its best and I cannot recommend it highly enough * Irish Independent *This WW2 story of evacuees and Welsh valley communities has an immediate feel of familiarity. The characterisation is so warm, the setting so real, it could be Philippa Pearce, or Nina Bawden, but instead it’s Lesley Parr and a brand new instant classic. * Hilary McKay *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'This exciting, science-packed novel is a cracking read and bursts with action, warmth and humour' - BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021 'This is great fun; an energetic middle-grade debut with a fresh contemporary feel and a good dash of Stranger Things' - The Bookseller Alfie has noticed a few things since his family moved to Folding Ford. He really misses life in the city. He and his sister don't exactly fit in here. But the most interesting one is that the weather is BONKERS. One frost-covered branch on one tree in the middle of June? A tiny whirlwind in a bucket in the garden? Only in Folding Ford. Armed with his bike, a notepad and his new best mate Sam, Alfie is going to investigate. His best clue is Nathaniel Clemm … the only thing in town weirder than the weather. When Alfie ‘investigates’ Mr Clemm’s garden, only SLIGHTLY illegally, he finds a strange box that freezes his trainers and makes his teeth tingle. And when he opens it, only SLIGHTLY deliberately, SOMETHING gets out. Something fast, fizzing and sparking with electricity and very, very much alive. But the creature from the box brings trouble of its own, and as barometers and tempers go haywire in Folding Ford, Alfie finds himself at the centre of a perfect storm. Skellig meets Stranger Things in this funny, heartfelt adventure story perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Christopher Edge and Frank Cottrell Boyce.Trade ReviewThis exciting, science-packed novel is a cracking read and bursts with action, warmth and humour * BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021 *A fun, fast-paced fusion of science and imagination ... an electrifying adventure! * Sophie Anderson *I loved this story of intrigue, danger and complicated friendship. Clare Weze is an amazing new voice * Nizrana Farook *A really original debut novel that fizzes with fun, warmth and adventure * Sophie Kirtley *Highly original, extremely exciting, and a brilliant adventure * Katya Balen *This book is so much fun, it's exhilarating * Stephanie Burgis *An intelligent, highly charged, imaginative novel where science and fiction mesh and fizz extraordinarily to create a weird and wonderful adventure * Candid Cocoa *This is great fun; an energetic middle-grade debut with a fresh contemporary feel and a good dash of Stranger Things * Bookseller *You should read this book as soon as it comes out if you like books about science, made up creatures and adventures! * Euan’s Book Reviews *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe author of THE LIGHTNING CATCHER is back with an exciting, imaginative and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and The Shark Caller. Summer was supposed to be Ginika's time for fun, friends and fairs. But instead she's been sent to live at the dead-end seaside boarding house her grandparents run. Even though her parents say it’s just for a little while, she can’t help feeling abandoned and heartbroken to be missing out on everything she loves back home. And then she meets Peri. He leaps and dives through the water like a dolphin and he talks like a burst of bubbles. He’s not exactly a mermaid, but he’s definitely something Ginika's never seen before. His family is far away too, but unlike Ginika, he loves his independence. As Ginika shows Peri her world, she starts to feel free as well. They don’t need anyone else when they’ve got each other. But then the lights and noise of the human world start to change Peri. And when things spin out of control, Ginika must be the bravest she's ever been to face her fears and make the hardest decision of her life. Join Ginika and Peri as they dive beneath the waves and walk the lands that will take them into each other's worlds on an adventure they will never forget and a life-changing friendship.Trade ReviewI loved Clare's book. Every sentence a sea sparkle, luring me into new and beautiful worlds beneath the surface where myth and evolutionary magic meet. Marvellous! * Zillah Bethell, author of The Shark Caller *A fun, fast-paced fusion of science and imagination ... an electrifying adventure! * Sophie Anderson on THE LIGHTNING CATCHER *I loved this story of intrigue, danger and complicated friendship. Clare Weze is an amazing new voice * Nizrana Farook on THE LIGHTNING CATCHER *An intelligent, highly charged, imaginative novel where science and fiction mesh and fizz extraordinarily to create a weird and wonderful adventure * Candid Cocoa on THE LIGHTNING CATCHER *This is great fun; an energetic middle-grade debut with a fresh contemporary feel and a good dash of Stranger Things * Bookseller on THE LIGHTNING CATCHER *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE TIMES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2023A BOOK OF THE YEAR PICK FOR THE TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES, BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT AND FINANCIAL TIMESA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK AN INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Humanity has transformed the Earth: Frankopan transforms our understanding of history'' Financial Times''Vast, learned and timely work'' Sunday Times------From the international bestselling author of The Silk Roads comes a major history of how a changing climate has dramatically shaped the developmentand demiseof civilisations across time.When we think about history, we rarely pay much attention to the most destructive floods, the worst winters, the most devastating droughts or the ways that ecosystems have changed over time. In The Earth Transformed, Peter Frankopan, one of the world's leading historians, sh

Read more less

Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA GOLD CROWN LONGLISTED FOR THE BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION 2021 BEST NOVEL For fans of Matt Haig, Stuart Turton and Bridget Collins comes a sweeping historical adventure from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street 'Original, joyous and horrifying, The Kingdoms is an awe-inspiring feat of imagination and passion which had me in tears by the end' - Catriona Ward Come home, if you remember The postcard has been held at the sorting office for ninety-one years, waiting to be delivered to Joe Tournier. On the front is a lighthouse – Eilean Mor, in the Outer Hebrides. Joe has never left England, never even left London. He is a British slave, one of thousands throughout the French Empire. He has a job, a wife, a baby daughter. But he also has flashes of a life he cannot remember and of a world that never existed – a world where English is spoken in England, and not French. And now he has a postcard of a lighthouse built just six months ago, that was first written nearly one hundred years ago, by a stranger who seems to know him very well. Joe’s journey to unravel the truth will take him from French-occupied London to a remote Scottish island, and back through time itself as he battles for his life – and for a very different future. Trade ReviewA twisty time-travelling tale ... Pulley’s deft characterisation sucks the reader into what is a very human story of searching for a sense of belonging * Independent *I loved the vivid and intricate alternate universes of The Kingdoms, and the flawed and complicated people who inhabit them -- Katherine AddisonThe Kingdoms is an intricate and complex but ultimately very satisfying read, blending time slip and historical fiction with the pace of a thriller and the sweetness of a love story. A unique book -- Sinead CrowleyWhat a novel. It broke my heart and stretched my brain and when I finished reading it I turned back to the first page and started again. Readers are going to love this perfectly realised vision of all the futures that are possible and all the ways that love can break and heal us -- Stephanie ButlandLavish world-building and breakneck plotting … Clear a weekend and let yourself be absorbed * New York Times Book Review *Natasha Pulley has created a world so richly immersive that I felt real shock returning to reality. At once fiercely original, joyous and horrifying, The Kingdoms is an awe-inspiring feat of imagination and passion which had me in tears by the end -- Catriona WardAll time-travel plots are fraught with paradox, but not all rise to Pulley’s level of tricky cleverness, and few of those trickily clever books rise to her level of emotional intensity. Suspenseful, philosophical, and inventive, this sparkling novel explores the power of memory and love. * Kirkus Reviews *Inventive, immersive and entirely unputdownable -- Praise for 'The Lost Future of Pepperharrow' * Daily Mail *Wildly inventive, full of eeriness and magic, and fiendishly intricate plots -- Praise for 'The Lost Future of Pepperharrow' * The Times *Pulley excels at portraying the emotionally charged interplay of her charming cast -- Praise for 'The Lost Future of Pepperharrow' * Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA New Statesman, Financial Times and Economist Book of the Year ‘Brilliant’ NEW STATESMAN, BOOKS OF THE YEAR ‘Enlightening and a good read’ SPECTATOR ‘Moving and perceptive’ NEW STATESMAN Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Kim Il-sung, Ceausescu, Mengistu of Ethiopia and Duvalier of Haiti. No dictator can rule through fear and violence alone. Naked power can be grabbed and held temporarily, but it never suffices in the long term. A tyrant who can compel his own people to acclaim him will last longer. The paradox of the modern dictator is that he must create the illusion of popular support. Throughout the twentieth century, hundreds of millions of people were condemned to enthusiasm, obliged to hail their leaders even as they were herded down the road to serfdom. In Dictators, Frank Dikötter returns to eight of the most chillingly effective personality cults of the twentieth century. From carefully choreographed parades to the deliberate cultivation of a shroud of mystery through iron censorship, these dictators ceaselessly worked on their own image and encouraged the population at large to glorify them. At a time when democracy is in retreat, are we seeing a revival of the same techniques among some of today’s world leaders? This timely study, told with great narrative verve, examines how a cult takes hold, grows, and sustains itself. It places the cult of personality where it belongs, at the very heart of tyranny.Trade ReviewEssential reading … The standalone portraits of his eight dictators are riveting -- Justin Marozzi * Evening Standard, 'Book of the Week' *How to be a dictator? Ruthlessness matters a lot more than talent, but luck most of all. That is the upshot of Frank Dikötter’s elegant and readable study of the cult of personality in the 20th century … [Dikötter’s] penmanship and eye for anecdote brings [the dictators] to life * The Times *A brilliant study of twentieth-century dictatorship … The book’s psychological insight is devastating, the stories are eye-popping … Essential reading for any student of political manipulation, as a study of man’s inhumanity to man, it’s almost unbearably moving -- Sue Prideaux * New Statesman, Books of the Year *A disturbing emblem of our times -- Justin Marozzi * Evening Standard, 'Best Books to Take on Holiday' *A whistlestop tour of some of the most infamous leaders of the 20th century … What Dikötter does so well is to find the pathological and ideological connections among leaders who “teetered between hubris and paranoia” * Observer *Frank Dikötter provides a timely reminder of just how destructive toxic insecurity, and its corollary, pathological narcissism, can become … In terms of the dynamics of narcissistic authoritarianism, there is much in How to Be a Dictator that is of critical contemporary relevance … History only makes sense if we understand the psychological pathology that underlies it, and our own propensity for partaking in such pathology. We need a clear-eyed understanding of history as a recurring series of monumental follies, led by cretins who duped or forced millions of us into humiliating childish submission. Only then can we hope to avoid the repetition. Dikötter is in the vanguard of historians opening our eyes to this fundamental truth * Irish Times *Enlightening and a good read * Spectator *A heroic piece of research … Devastating in every sense of the word -- Praise for 'Mao's Great Famine' * Economist *Ground-breaking … Unsparing in its detail, relentless in its research, unforgiving in its judgements … Dikötter’s achievement in this book is remarkable -- Praise for 'The Tragedy of Liberation' * Sunday Times *Worryingly close to home … Dikötter has put together sharp portraits of Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Kim Il-sung, Duvalier, Ceausescu and Mengistu * Times Higher Education *How to Be a Dictator is a timely book and enjoyable to read. It is strangely comforting to be reminded that many of the dictators in Dikötter’s book came to an ignominious end. But that is no excuse for underestimating the need to protect democracy today * Financial Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe snowy Great Hall festooned with Christmas trees, the shimmering Yule Ball, Mrs Weasley’s festive jumpers – Christmas at Hogwarts is filled with magic and wonder. This equally magical scrapbook takes readers on an interactive tour of the Christmas season in the Wizarding World, as seen in the Harry Potter films. With detailed profiles on everything from Harry’s Firebolt broomstick – a festive gift from his godfather, Sirius Black – to Hogsmeade, this book includes concept illustrations, behind-the-scenes photographs, and fascinating reflections from actors and film-makers. Fans can revisit key moments from the films, including Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts when he receives the Invisibility Cloak, as well as his holiday spent at number twelve, Grimmauld Place in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Destined to be a must-have collectable for fans of Harry Potter, this book also comes packed with interactive inserts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'I've been waiting for this book all my life and everyone needs to read it' Claudia Winkleman Anya Hindmarch is a mother of five, stepmother, entrepreneur and globally renowned businesswoman. In If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, she shares what she has learned during her busy and eclectic life, what she still worries about, and what advice she has received along the way. From practical tips and quick fixes, to profound observations about confidence and creativity, this inspiring handbook will show you how to live a little better – and why sometimes, the answer can be as simple as washing your hair. 'Comforting, practical and beautifully personal. This book feels like your best friend telling you it’s all going to be ok' Fearne Cotton ‘Warm, friendly, and packed to the rafters with excellent advice – I loved it’ India Knight 'A charming mix of memoir and manifesto' Grazia 'A hands-on, practical guide to managing the stresses of daily life' Evening Standard, Highlights for 2021 'Warm and refreshingly honest' Julia Samuel ‘I loved this book — it’s really unusual, surprising and inspiring’ Viv Groskop ‘A treasure trove of inspiring, down-to-earth and practical advice shared with humour and honesty’ Alexandra ShulmanTrade ReviewA hands-on, practical guide to managing the stresses of daily life * Evening Standard *A wise, straight-talking and empathetic guide for anyone wanting to start their own business or lead a happier life . . . with lashings of humility and zero psychobabble * Telegraph *I absolutely loved this book; it brings such wisdom, honesty and insight into a very important conversation on juggling motherhood, a career, entrepreneurship and the busyness of life -- Ella MillsA warm and refreshingly honest account of raising a blended family -- Julia SamuelA treasure trove of inspiring, down-to-earth and practical advice shared with humour and honesty -- Alexandra ShulmanEssential reading for the post pandemic entrepreneur . . . The ultimate guide to being both successful AND nice. Hail the roaringly kind 20s -- Christa D'SouzaI loved this book — it’s really unusual, surprising and inspiring -- Viv GroskopWarm, friendly, and packed to the rafters with excellent advice – I loved it -- India KnightAn engaging and down-to-earth guide to juggling family and a demanding career … Packed with motivation for budding entrepreneurs, quick fixes (including the tip that inspired the book’s title) and parenting advice, it’s an uplifting and enjoyable read’ * Sunday Express *Comforting, practical and beautifully personal. A gorgeous read -- Fearne Cotton

Read more less

Book Synopsis_______________ 'An autobiographical meditation on feminism, power and womanhood … Full of Isabel's wisdom and warm words' - Grazia 'In her small, potent polemic . . . Isabel Allende writes about the toxic effects of “machismo”, combining wit with anger as she picks apart the patriarchy' - Independent 'Allende has everything it takes: the ear, the eye, the mind, the heart, the all-encompassing humanity' - New York Times An Independent, Guardian and Grazia Highlight for 2021 _______________ The wise, warm, defiant new book from literary legend Isabel Allende – a meditation on power, feminism and what it means to be a woman When I say that I was a feminist in kindergarten, I am not exaggerating. As a child, Isabel Allende watched her mother, abandoned by her husband, provide for her three small children. As a young woman coming of age in the late 1960s, she rode the first wave of feminism. She has seen what has been accomplished by the movement in the course of her lifetime. And over the course of three marriages, she has learned how to grow as a woman while having a partner, when to step away, and the rewards of embracing one's sexuality. So what do women want? To be safe, to be valued, to live in peace, to have their own resources, to be connected, to have control over their bodies and lives, and above all, to be loved. On all these fronts, there is much work to be done, and this book, Allende hopes, will ‘light the torch of our daughters and granddaughters with mine. They will have to live for us, as we lived for our mothers, and carry on with the work still left to be finished.’ _______________ 'Her thoughts, language and ideas traverse fluidly through ideas of gender, historic injustices, her marriages and bodily experiences and literary references . . . Allende’s love for women is palpable' - Sydney Morning HeraldTrade ReviewAn autobiographical meditation on feminism, power and womanhood … Full of Isabel's wisdom and warm words * Grazia *In her small, potent polemic . . . Isabel Allende writes about the toxic effects of “machismo”, combining wit with anger as she picks apart the patriarchy * Independent *An autobiographical meditation on feminism, power and womanhood . . . Full of Isabel's wisdom and warm words * Grazia *Her thoughts, language and ideas traverse fluidly through ideas of gender, historic injustices, her marriages and bodily experiences and literary references . . . Allende’s love for women is palpable * Sydney Morning Herald *Allende has everything it takes: the ear, the eye, the mind, the heart, the all-encompassing humanity * New York Times *Isabel Allende is a grand storyteller who writes with surpassing compassion and insight. Her place as an icon of world literature was secured long ago. She will be celebrated, by readers and writers alike, for generations to come -- Khaled Hosseini

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou probably know it’s good manners to ALWAYS say ‘please’ when asking for something. But when Bill forgets this very simple rule, the consequences are WACKIER than he could ever have imagined. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure featuring spaceships, jungle tigers, mountain yaks, fairytale castles and a whole host of alien toads. Saying ‘PLEASE’ has never been so important! This joyfully funny, side-splittingly silly follow-up to ACHOO! is perfect for fans of You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus and The Squirrels Who Squabbled. From the bestselling, award-winning author of You Must Bring a Hat and I Really Want the Cake (shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize), and the illustrator of Think Big by Kes Grey.Trade ReviewPerfect for toddlers and all young children who enjoy a good laugh and an imaginative story, or any parent attempting to highlight the importance of that all-important ‘please’ * Inis Magazine *Yes, Philip and Reed are teaching children a valuable lesson but what readers will remember is the high-velocity plot and exuberantly silly illustrations. [A] seriously fun story * Bookseller *A sure-fire hit. * Kirkust Reviews on YOU MUST BRING A HAT *A funny, highly entertaining picture book. Grab yourself a copy - you’re in for a treat. * Get Kids Into Books on I REALLY WANT THE CAKE *

Read more less

Book Synopsis---------------------- THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: DISCOVER THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES! THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD! ---------------------- Hop into celebrations with the Bunny Adventures! We're going to a birthday party! Come and join the fun! Get ready to celebrate, and join the fun as four bunnies set off on an exciting lift-the-flap birthday adventure. With party hats, red balloons, birthday cake and lots of PRESENTS to find hidden under the flaps, it's an action-packed treasure hunt! Can you find everything you need to get ready for the big party - and get the bunnies there on time? The perfect birthday gift, full of celebration and sparkle, from the bestselling author of We're Going on an Egg Hunt.Trade ReviewA holiday read that is cheerfully chaotic and energetically well calculated * The Observer on WE'RE GOING ON AN EGG HUNT *It's a perfect springtime adventure... Get ready for non-stop Easter fun in this beautifully illustrated read-aloud, full of the joys of spring * Toppsta on FIVE LITTLE EASTER BUNNIES *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of the bestselling and award-winning WITCH CHILD, comes another outstanding historical novel. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and its impact on British politics, this action-driven novel shows once again that Celia Rees is one of our very best writers for teenage readers. Wild and beautiful, spoilt and wilful, Sovay finds that her cosseted upbringing in rural England has not prepared her for life as a highway robber, for defending the honour of her family or for trying to save herself from corruption and evil. As Sovay becomes more and more embroiled in adventures she could never have imagined, a story of dark intrigue, thwarted passions and sinister intentions is revealed to her. Will she be able to survive, and if she does so, at what cost?

Read more less

Book Synopsis_______________ 'Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale ... She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after' - Brigid Kemmerer 'Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre' - Kirkus Reviews 'A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us' - Observer New Review _______________ Ever since she can remember, Briseis has had power over plants. Flowers bloom in her footsteps and leaves turn to face her as though she were the sun. It’s a power she and her adoptive mothers have spent her whole life trying to hide. And then Briseis inherits an old house from her birth mother and suddenly finds herself with the space and privacy to test her powers for the first time. But as Briseis starts to bring the house’s rambling garden back to life, she finds she has also inherited generations of secrets. A hidden altar to a dark goddess, a lineage of witches stretching back to ancient times, and a hidden garden overgrown with the most deadly poisonous plants on earth. And Briseis’s long-departed ancestors aren’t going to let her rest until she accepts her place as the keeper of the terrible power that lies at the heart of the Poison Garden. Cinderella Is Dead author Kalynn Bayron brings a message of proud inclusivity to this empowering fantasy about a young woman finding the strength to challenge everything she has been told is true. Don't miss the sequel, This Wicked Fate, where to save the people she loves, Briseis must change the most dangerous of fates ahead of her ...Trade ReviewMesmerising and beautiful * Tracy Deonn, NYT bestselling author of Legendborn *A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us * Observer New Review *Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre * Kirkus Reviews *This Poison Heart masterfully weaves a unique story grounded in the depths of Greek mythology and Black girlhood * Booklist starred review *A wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after * Brigid Kemmerer on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *Challenges patriarchy with kick-butt heroines and a counter-story that will forever change how readers perceive fairy tales * Booklist starred review *Ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone * Publisher's Weekly Online *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘One of the best fantasy book series of the past decade’ TIME A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret. The search for allies extends to a new land in the sixth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea’s last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child at the hands of Adarlanian soldiers, Yrene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need, and she will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries his own dark past, and Yrene soon realises that those shadows could engulf them both. Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience to overcome the danger that surrounds them. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, long-awaited answers slumber deep in the mountains, where warriors soar on legendary ruks. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival ... or doom them all. The final battle looms in this sixth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.Trade ReviewAction-packed ... What a ride! -- Booklist on The Assassin’s BladeA thrilling read. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Throne of GlassAn epic fantasy readers will immerse themselves in and never want to leave. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Crown of MidnightCelaena is as much an epic hero as Frodo or Jon Snow! -- New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce on Heir of FirePacked ... with brooding glances, simmering sexual tension, twisty plot turns, lush world building, and snarky banter. -- Booklist on Queen of ShadowsTightly plotted, delightful escapism. -- Kirkus Reviews on Empire of StormsTurns a corner from sprawling epic to thrilling psychological fantasy. -- HuffPost on Tower of DawnA worthy finale to one of the best fantasy book series of the past decade. -- Time on Kingdom of Ash

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Brilliantly funny' - Abi Elphinstone on You Can't Take an Elephant on Holiday 'You will laugh out loud' - Guardian on You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus _______________ A band of weird and wonderful creatures try to compete in the most unsuitable sports in this fifth title in the bestselling You Can’t Let an Elephant... series. Have you ever seen a weightlifting wombat, or a figure-skating alligator? How about a pole-vaulting hippo, or an octopus . . . playing table tennis? Get ready for all sorts of hilarious animal antics in this side-splitting picture book from the creators of the bestselling You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus. From zebras playing cricket to a walrus on a mountain bike, this book will make you laugh out loud. Jam-packed with silly animals and all your favourite sports, it's riotous, irresistible fun! _______________ Don't miss out on the other hilarious books in this series: You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus, You Can't Let an Elephant Drive a Digger, You Can't Call an Elephant in an Emergency, and You Can't Take an Elephant on Holiday. Collect them all!Trade ReviewThere's no hiding it, this book is beautifully illustrated and very, very silly * Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, creators of the bestselling Supertato series *I ADORE this series... Expect chaos mingled with mayhem, plus tongue-twisting lines and the ability to rhyme a huge menagerie of animals. * My Book Corner *With a wackier scenario every time you turn the page, this hilarious series just gets better and better * Picture Book Perfect *Funny, crazy, and unexpected – the series which keeps on giving * Library Girl and Book Boy *Will have readers falling off their seats in giggles * Red Reading Hub *Brilliantly funny -- Abi Elphinstone on YOU CAN'T TAKE AN ELEPHANT ON HOLIDAYYou will laugh out loud * Guardian on YOU CAN'T TAKE AN ELEPHANT ON THE BUS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA BBC 2 BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICKSHORTLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2024WATERSTONES IRISH BOOK OF THE MONTH JULY 2024Vivid, sensuous ... A subtle tale of loss, loneliness and disconnection'PAUL LYNCH, IRISH INDEPENDENTLush, lyrical and cleverly-constructed. A beautiful book'LOUISE KENNEDYBeautifully written ... An unchained sea-melody of outsiders, pilgrims and castaways'ANNE ENRIGHTThe disquieting story of an unidentified man as told by those who crossed paths with him on the last day of his life, Sheila Armstrong's debut novel is haunting, lyrical and darkly suspensefulOn an isolated, windswept beach, a pale figure sits serenely against a sand dune staring out to sea. His hands are folded neatly in his lap and there is a faint smile on his otherwise lifeless face. After months of fruitless investigation, the nameless str

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exciting new adventure series for young readers from Carnegie Medal winner Katya Balen, author of October, October and The Light in Everything Clem and her friends Ash and Zara are members of the Thames and Tide Club! Every weekend they go mudlarking by the river, searching for treasures that have washed up on the shore. Clem has found old things, new things and a whole heap of rubbish. But one day, she finds something really special. Something magical that belongs in the river and must be returned to its rightful owner … or else. Before they know it, the Thames and Tide Club are on the weirdest, wildest, underwater-iest adventure they could possibly have imagined on a mission to save Underwater London!Trade ReviewBursting with quirky characters and imaginative world-building elements, this is the start of a delightful young fiction series. Clem and her friends live in a friendly community, and the warmth of that group infuses the whole story. Short chapters and fun illustrations bring huge appeal for readers who are keen to dive in to engaging but accessible stories - BookTrust on THE THAMES AND TIDE CLUB: SECRET CITYClem and the sparring twins Ash and Zara are part of a diverse group of mudlarkers who search the shores of the Thames for artefacts and rubbish, and frequent the mudlarking museum, a place of hot chocolate and mystery. Finding a strange object endangers both London and the river, and the three have to enter a fishily named underwater London (Codvent Garden but still Finsbury Park), and meet a self-important snail, menacing eels and a petulant porpoise to put things right. This is the first of a series by the Carnegie medal-winner Balen. The fun is in the sometimes satirical tone, the lively detail in both text and illustrations, and unexpected phrases: “A frankly terrifying china object, shaped like an evil kitten”; “Tower Bridge swayed like a dandelion in the wind” - The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week on THE THAMES AND TIDE CLUB: SECRET CITYWho doesn’t love a good fish pun? Or even a bad one, for that matter. In this brilliantly briny adventure story, Clem and her mudlarking pals are plunged into the secret world of underwater London . . . This is Katya Balen’s first series for younger readers, following the success of her novels for older children, such as October, October, which won the Yoto Carnegie Medal last year. She is clearly delighting in the daftness of gangster eels and stroppy porpoises, but retains the sensitive style that is her trademark. The action bobs along with the help of black and white illustrations and maps of this secret underwater city by Rachael Dean. Although there is an environmental message, it is never pushed too hard, less a dreary lecture and more a gentle undercurrent that bubbles beneath all the magic and mudlarking. There is much for young readers to enjoy. Dive in - The Times Children's Book of the Week on THAMES AND TIDE CLUB: SECRET CITYBalen doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects and her books all embrace weighty themes within gently suspenseful plots. In The Thames and Tide Club, however, she’s writing for younger readers (the recommended age is seven-plus), and the pace is notably brisker as the story plunges us straight into a highly imagined fantasy, much of which takes place underwater. Balen’s writing also contains a simple poeticism: “Everything looked very familiar. The shapes of the buildings were exactly like the ones above water?… but the more she looked, the more she could see signs that the city was falling apart.” There is a gentle, but never overbearing, moral about protecting the environment; and the combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging illustrations by Rachael Dean make this a book that even less confident readers are likely to enjoy * The Daily Telegraph Children's Book of the Week on THAMES AND TIDE CLUB: SECRET CITY *Balen launches a new series for slightly younger readers with this wildly imaginative romp set on the banks of the River Thames. . . . Packed with piscine puns and lovely descriptions, this is a watery wonder. * The Daily Mail on THAMES AND TIDE CLUB: SECRET CITY *A delightful illustrated quest story * The Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSometimes, secrets don't stay buried forever. Sometimes, they need to be set freeTwelve-year-old Edie and her younger brother Pip are spending half term at Fortune Farm, high in the Irish mountains, with their grandmother Lolly. They haven't visited Fortune Farm for YEARS and Edie has been dreading it for MONTHS. They spent all their holidays there when Dad was alive. And Edie doesn''t like thinking about Dad even the happy memories haunt her too much. When Edie uncovers a clue that could lead her to long-lost Viking treasure, it''s just the adventure she needs to take her mind off Dad. But the adventure soon takes an unnerving and dangerous turn, and Edie discovers that Fortune Farm has more secrets, mysteries and ghosts than she had ever dared to dream. A spine-tingling adventure about the power of memories and the restless spirits that whisper on the wind An emotional and spine-tingling adventure perfect for fans of The House with Chicke

Read more less

Book SynopsisPercy Jackson meets Black Panther - this blockbuster middle-grade fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers. Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron’s only connection to his parents, who disappeared one fateful night two years ago. Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends, Zion and Aliyah, decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the queen’s sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them … but is Cameron ready to be the hero they need? Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventure-filled fantasy introduces readers to Cameron Battle as he begins his journey to greatness.Trade ReviewAtmospheric, absorbing and twisty, with great voices and so many original ideas. I loved this breath-taking adventure, and it’s such a treat to see Igbo people centred! * Clare Weze *Full of exhilarating action scenes and fabulous magic, this book will sweep you away! * Stephanie Burgis *Gripping and fast-this is also a novel that foregrounds acceptance and queerness via the emotional tenderness between tweenage boys * Observer *Packed full of action and adventure, this is a book that readers of fantasy aged 9 and above will find wholly engrossing … With echoes of Jumanji, Black Panther and the Narnia series, this would be a great choice for readers who are not yet old enough for Children of Blood and Bone * BookTrust *Perry has written an action-packed fantasy with Igbo and other African mythology ... This title is a must-read for fans of Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. * Booklist *The way it draws on Igbo mythology gives it a particular power and this is a heartfelt story of legacy, loss and the power of perseverance with a strong cast of characters * Books for Keeps *Inspired by West-African and Igbo mythology, this is Percy Jackson meets Black Panther in a blockbuster middle-grade adventure * Pen & Inc *A wonderfully exciting book full of adventure and heart ... perfect for any middle grade fan who is seeking awesome action * PaperBound Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE SCOTTISH BOOK AWARDS - FIRST BOOK OF THE YEARA SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, SCOTSMAN AND IRISH TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR''A beautiful book ... It warmed my heart'' MAX PORTER''Electrifying ... A pocket epic'' GUARDIANAn astounding debut, both epic and intimate, about grief, trauma, revelation, and the hidden lives of women - by a major new talentIn the year of 1413, two women meet for the first time in Norwich.Before they part, Julian will entrust Margery with a secret one that will change the course of history.You will read it in no time but be thinking about it for ages after' FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE, GUARDIAN, Book of the day''Miraculously conjured ... Brilliantly done'' THE TIMES, Book of the Month''The best first novel I''ve read in years ... So full and so vivid; it is amazing'' RODDY DOYLE

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Rico and Nick make a great team!'' Jacqueline Wilson-----An empowering and authentic football story by Junior Premier League footballer Rico Hinson-King, illustrated by the beloved Nick Sharratt about bravery, teamwork and making sure EVERYONE is included.-----Charlie LOVES football. In fact, it is his life. He practises morning, noon and night and all of his dreams come true when he gets a spot on a pro football team.However, at Charlie's school things aren't going so well as one of his friends starts leaving him out during football. Charlie notices that other children are being left out too just because they are different. But Charlie knows that football is for EVERYONE so he starts a team where ALL are welcome, no matter who you are or what you look like.A heart-warming tale about the importance of including everyone.A positive tale of triumph over adversity. We thoroughly recommend it.' Show Racism the Red Card

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE BREATHTAKING SEQUEL TO THIS POISON HEART, FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR KALYNN BAYRON _______________ 'This duology closer delves deeper into mythology while depicting textured, realistic relationships' - Kirkus Reviews 'A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us' - Observer New Review on THIS POISON HEART 'This Poison Heart is a book to enjoy on the first read, notate in the rereads, and pump you up for what’s to come in its sequel. You should pick up this book!' - blackgirlscreate.org _______________ Briseis’s mother is dead, but there is one chance to bring her back: find the last piece of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. If Bri is to locate the missing piece, she must turn to the blood relatives she’s never known, learn of their secret powers and take her place in their ancient lineage. But Bri is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies will stop at nothing to fulfil their own ruthless plans. Strengthened by the sisterhood of ancient magic, can she harness her power to save the people she loves most? Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella is Dead and This Poison Heart, returns with the second and final book in this stunning, empowering and inclusive fantasy duology.Trade ReviewThe book centres Black characters, and its prose sings. This Wicked Fate is a delightful novel about literal Black Girl Magic, found family, and queer love, with adventures and a satisfying twist on Greek mythology * Foreword Reviews, starred review *This duology closer delves deeper into mythology while depicting textured, realistic relationships * Kirkus Reviews *Mesmerising and beautiful * Tracy Deonn, NYT bestselling author of Legendborn on THIS POISON HEART *This Poison Heart is a book to enjoy on the first read, notate in the rereads, and pump you up for what’s to come in its sequel. You should pick up this book! * blackgirlscreate.org *A delicious mix of intoxicating fantasy and coming of age, steeped in Greek mythology and peppered with references to the Jordan Peele films Get Out and Us * Observer New Review on THIS POISON HEART *Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavour to the teen fantasy genre * Kirkus Reviews on THIS POISON HEART *This Poison Heart masterfully weaves a unique story grounded in the depths of Greek mythology and Black girlhood * Booklist starred review *Ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone * Publisher's Weekly Online on THIS POISON HEART *Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale ... She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after * Brigid Kemmerer on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe captivating biography of one of the most important designers of the twentieth century - adapted for Sky Cinema starring Phoebe Dynevor, Matthew Goode and David Morrissey Clarice Cliff was one of the most prominent ceramic designers of the twentieth century. Born in 1899 in the Staffordshire Potteries, she started work as just another factory girl, but by 1928 had launched her own range of pottery, ‘Bizarre'. A ‘gargantuan feast of colour', it blazed a trail through the homes of inter-war Britain. But if Clarice Cliff's rise from apprentice gilder to art director was remarkable - and all the more so for her being a woman - it was not without its tensions; for years she conducted a secret relationship with her married boss. Fusing art, design and industry and vividly conveying the texture of women's lives between the wars, this is a compelling study of the complex, talented woman whose work is for many the epitome of art deco.Trade Review‘A thoughtful and fascinating biography, packed with fabulous pictures' * Image *‘Knight deftly uses Cliff's life and work as a way to view broader currents in Britain: increased social mobility, greater (though still limited) independence for women, and changes in domesticity towards smaller houses and fewer servants. At the centre is Cliff herself, a woman who inspired admiration as well as snobbish opprobrium for her vivid designs and ambitiousness' * Financial Times *‘Knight's evocative life of Clarice Cliff is both biography and social analysis and it reads like a very sophisticated folk tale ...[She] has done wonders in building up a picture of a woman of exceptional self-reliance and determination' * Fiona MacCarthy, Guardian *‘A fascinating read' * Time Out *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWelcome to the animal swim school! This cute picture book is the perfect first book of swimming.Learn from your favourite animals how to blow bubbles like a sea lion, float like a platypus and much more. Each page includes simple instructions and cheerful illustrations, giving little ones the skills to become confident swimmers. Swimming instructions are supplemented by fun animal facts. Did you know that otters hold hands while floating? Or that heavy elephants can actually float? Whether your child is a complete beginner or already a keen doggy-paddler, this is the book for them! What are you waiting for? Let's dive in!

Read more less

Book Synopsis*** A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER *** "A riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls." -Angeline Boulley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper's Daughter Jade Nguyen has always lied to fit in. She’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough – at least for this summer with her estranged father in Vietnam. Just five weeks of ignoring the quietly decaying French colonial house he's fixing up, then college and freedom are hers. But soon Jade begins waking up every morning certain that something has clawed down her throat. . . from the inside. Then the ghost of a beautiful bride visits her with a cryptic warning: DON’T EAT. When her father and little sister don't believe her, Jade decides to scare them into leaving by staging some haunting events of her own. She recruits Florence, the daughter of her dad's business associate (and more of a distraction than Jade bargained for) to help. But the house has other plans. It's hungry. A home, after all, is only as powerful as those who breathe new life into its bones. And this one is determined never to be abandoned again … This deliciously spooky, yearningly romantic ghost story from a brilliant debut author will thrill fans of Kalynn Bayron and Wilder Girls by Rory Power.Trade ReviewA riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls. * Angeline Boulley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper's Daughter *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWherever you go,whatever you do,I want you knowI'm so proud of you.In this warm and heartfelt story from the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome, follow a group of families whose preschool children are finally heading to ''big school''. As all the kids prepare for their big graduation day, their parents look back on how their little ones have grown and promise them that they will always be loved. That they will always belong. That wherever they go and whoever they become, their families will always be proud of them.Perfect for fans of Oh, The Places You''ll Go! and Guess How Much I Love You, Wherever You Go is a hopeful, soulful celebration of the highs and lows of growing up, and the power of a parent''s unconditional love. A must-have for school and library shelves, and wonderful gift to share with young children as they prepare to take on the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Peter Taylor tells for the first time the gripping story of Operation Chiffon, the top-secret intelligence operation that helped bring peace to Ireland.A gripping exploration of how MI5 and MI6 worked for a ceasefire with the IRA and how one meeting changed everything' Telegraph''An extraordinary story . . . A true tale of espionage'' The TimesApril 1998: the Good Friday Agreement is signed, ending decades of violence and bloodshed in Northern Ireland. The process of getting the IRA to end its so-called armed struggle' was always the prerequisite of the search for peace. It was Operation Chiffon that finally helped make it possible.Operation Chiffon takes us inside the top-secret intelligence operation whose roots go back to the bloodiest years of the conflict in the early 1970s, involving officers from MI6 and, later in the 1990s, MI5. The remarkable stor

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE POWERFUL AND MOVING NEW NOVEL FROM LITERARY LEGEND ISABEL ALLENDE - A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK FOR JULY 2024A testament to love, survival and sacrifice' HARPER'S BAZAAR No, we''re not lost. The wind knows my name. And yours too.Vienna, 1938. Five-year-old Samuel Adler boards the last Kindertransport train out of Nazi-occupied Austria, escaping to England with just a change of clothes and his beloved violin. Eight decades later, Anita Diaz and her mother flee El Salvador for refuge in the United States, where the new family separation policy lands seven-year-old Anita alone at a camp in Nogales. Intertwining past and present, this is an unforgettable story of the search for family and home, the extraordinary sacrifices made by parents, and the courage of children to never stop dreaming. Allende blends fact and fiction, love and war . . . As you read her escapis

Read more less

Book Synopsis----------------------THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: DISCOVER THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES!OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD!----------------------Hop into SCHOOL with the Bunny Adventures!We''re going to a new school.Come and join the fun!Get ready to start school with the bunnies, as our four favourite friends set off on an exciting lift-the-flap adventure to get to their first day of school. With lunchboxes, fresh pencils, school bags and treats to find hidden under the flaps, it''s an action-packed treasure hunt! Can you find everything you need to get ready for your first day and get the bunnies there on time?Reassuring and full of fun, this is the perfect gift for any little one starting or returning to school or nursery, from the bestselling author of We''re Going on an Egg Hunt and We're Going on a Sleigh Ride.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFollow a flock of swallows and see what they see in this nature book of things to spot and talk about. Fly with the birds through the cities, coasts and countryside and over mountains and markets, farms, towns, open sea, rainforests, deserts and more. Each location features ten I-spy animals and plants to find, with prompts and questions to give children lots to talk about. Also includes a map of the swallows' migration route and additional fascinating information about bird flight.This book is perfect for young nature enthusiasts and for parents looking for a book that will keep kids busy while encouraging them to engage with the wonder of the natural world.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Irresistibly funny' Guardian Join time-travelling penguins Pablo and Splash on an unexpected adventure to the time of the dinosaurs in this brilliantly funny full-colour graphic novel. Perfect for fans of Bunny vs Monkey or Bumble and Snug. Antarctic penguins Pablo and Splash are polar opposites and besties for life. Pablo is a home-bird and a careful planner. Splash is easily bored and hungry for adventure. Sick to her flippers of the harsh, freezing weather, Splash persuades Pablo to go on a holiday with her. But far from the luxury beach destination that Splash has in mind, the pair end up in a time-travel machine that takes them back to the age of the dinosaurs! Suddenly their icy homeland doesn't seem so dull … 'Joyful, fun and very silly indeed' Louie Stowell, author of Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good This is the first book in a series and further time-travel adventures await for Pablo and Splash.Trade ReviewIrresistibly funny -- Imogen Russell-Williams * Guardian *Gripping and enjoyable ... should be recommended whatever the age of the reader. A really fun, enjoyable read. 10/10 * Irish Times *Joyful, fun and very silly indeed -- Louie Stowell, author of 'Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good'Pablo and Splash is utterly charming! "Krilly" good indeed -- Steven Lenton, author of 'Genie and Teeny'

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end. Left for dead, but desperate to survive ... they have one last chance to save their kingdom. Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully ... An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian - the man she trusts least - makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds ... Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support - and maybe more - in unexpected places. Can Harristan be the king his people need? Can Corrick and Tessa find their way back to each other? As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.Trade ReviewBrigid Kemmerer has woven her compelling heroine into a kinetic tale of the tension between duty, love and trust. * Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST HOURS, on DEFY THE NIGHT *Immersive and engaging, Defy the Night is a romantic epic that blends magic and politics with a deft hand. * Adrienne Young, New York Times Bestselling author of FABLE, on DEFY THE NIGHT *Defy the Night is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat fantasy that has it all--outlaws, court intrigue, rebellions, and romance. Addicting from page one! * #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, on DEFY THE NIGHT *A captivating combination of thrilling adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and royal intrigue, Defy the Night is everything I crave in a fantasy romance. * Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series, on DEFY THE NIGHT *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA stunning new edition of the third novel in the bestselling Bone Season series with gorgeous new cover artwork and updated text, by the bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.Following a fierce battle for the Rose Crown, Paige Mahoney has risen to the dangerous position of Underqueen, ruling over the clairvoyant syndicate of London. But with vengeful enemies still at large, the task of stabilising the fractured underworld has never seemed so challenging. As Paige rallies her army of criminals, she continues to meet in secret with her former enemy, Arcturus Mesarthim. Should they be discovered, the fragile alliance with the Ranthen will fail. But all bets are off when Scion introduces Senshield, a deadly technology that spells doom for clairvoyants. Now Paige must race against the clock to stop her reign from ending in blood.

Read more less

Book Synopsis* AN OPRAH''S BOOK CLUB PICK *A spectacular achievement' ANTHONY DOERRExtravagantly beautiful' DAILY MAILOne of the greatest writers of all time' JACQUELINE WOODSONExtraordinary' GUARDIANThe best book I've read in years' LOUISE KENNEDY-----------------------The first weapon I ever held was my mother''s hand.On a slave plantation in the Carolinas, Annis has survived in the light of her mother's resilience, comforted by stories of her African warrior grandmother. Everything she knows, she learned from her mother how to fight, how to be strong, how to grow up in a world shrouded in darkness.When she is sold south by the white enslaver who fathered her, Annis must venture onward through the rich but unforgiving landscapes of the American South alone: from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans, and into the fearsome heart of

Read more less

Book SynopsisA swoony, speculative and entirely electric YA debut with a humorous and satirical take on the conventions of the superhero-verse, for fans of Michelle Quach's Not Here To Be Liked and the Marvel Universe. Seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray has just been saved by the world's newest superhero, Blaze. And, in the eyes of the public, that means one thing: Jenna Ray has been cast as the Love Interest.No. Not happening. Not if Jenna has anything to say about it (even if Blaze is actually quite sweet and cute).But her plans to defy the HPA (the Heroics and Power Authority) and turn down this new role are thwarted when the Villains begin to take an interest in her and offer a life-changing proposition; become Blaze's Love Interest, while avoiding catching feelings for him, to uncover the HPA's secret plans and find her missing mum.To make matters even more complicated, just as Jenna starts to embrace her new-found career, she discovers she might be m

Read more less

Book Synopsis**A STUNNING GRAPHIC NOVEL FROM THE WINNER OF THE BEST BOOK AWARD 2013/14 BRITISH COMIC BOOK AWARDS**Imagine you made something that was so beautiful and powerful that everyone wanted to take it for themselves. And then you had to watch them destroy it. Would you fight for it?Meet Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess who created the Earth and the universe that stretched beyond it in this fascinating graphic novel. She raised trees from their roots to the sky, sent waterfalls tumbling over cliffs and created the tides that sloshed on the shore. But she also created a force she couldn't control: the ambition of gods. Gaia watched as the gods fought brutal wars and manipulated mortals such as Hercules and Achilles, disturbing peace on Earth. Storms raged, fires blazed and people, animals and plants suffered. Gaia begged the gods to look after her creation, but no one listened. Gaia never gave up fighting for a better world. This is her story.This action-packed

Read more less

Book SynopsisA TIMES, GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH AND WATERSTONES BEST SPORT BOOK OF THE YEARGripping' Roger Alton, Sunday TimesThe inside story of how England transformed the way Test cricket is played.For 145 years, Test cricket had been played mainly in one way, but the old ways weren't working. After one win in 17 by the start of the summer of 2022, England needed something new.Then came Bazball', driven by new head coach Brendon (Baz') McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. They embarked on a brand of Test cricket that breathed life into an ailing format, breaking records as they began by winning 11 out 13 games. The once rudderless and ridiculed England Test team soon became cricket's most talked-about phenomenon.Told via a mixture of interviews with the protagonists and ringside reporting, Bazball is an unmissable read, marking one of the most thrilling revolutions in any sport. Updated to include E

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen the mudlarking gang find a mysterious cutlass on the banks of the Thames, they immediately know that something fishy is afoot. When the cutlass vanishes, and Mrs Drummonds disappears too, it's down to Clem and the gang to find them. The mystery leads them to a band of ghost pirates, who will stop at nothing to find their long-lost treasure. With the help from their friends in the Undercity, the gang must set sail on the seven seas, solve riddles and save the day! This is the third instalment in the critically acclaimed series from award-winning author Katya Balen.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe most inspiring and down to earth chef' Pinch of NomEverything he does with food just POPS' Nathan Anthony The ultimate all-killer, no-filler recipe book for every occasion. Packed with down-to-earth, accessible recipes that you'll want to make again and again. An absolute gem that banishes boring food from the kitchen for good!' Becky Excell Jon Watts brings you the ultimate cookbook for quick, easy, and delicious dinners under 30 minutes. From classic crowd-pleasers to fresh and healthy flavours, Jon has an answer for every night of the week. With chapters spanning: - Family Favourites - Six Ingredients or Less- Quick Comforts- Low Calorie- Speedy One Pot- Fast Fakeaways- Sweet TreatsThere's no limit to just how easy it is to put delicious food on the table. 80 tried and tested recipes, with something for everyone and every occasion, like Bang Bang Chicken, Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, Beef Stroganoff, Creamy Tuscan Cod and S'mores Traybake. Jon believes everyone can create amazing food from scratch, having worked hard himself to learn how to cook and put himself on track as a chef after serving time in prison when he was young. Jon's cooking and his personal story has already inspired a fast-growing audience to make delicious home cooked meals - so you can rely on him to deliver again and again.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the delicious, time saving and cost-effective way to cook Italian classics in the air fryerWith fresh takes on Gino''s iconic Italian recipes such as Classic Lasagne and Roman-Style Pizza, plus new air fryer favourites such as Carbonara Potatoes and Devilled Chicken Wings, this is the ULTIMATE ITALIAN AIR FRYER BOOK.Chapters include:* Classic Italian* Ready in 20* Family* The Med Diet* Date Night* SweetI just love air fryers. They''re simple to use, efficient and environmentally friendly. They make your life easier in the kitchen while still enabling you to create fantastic food for your friends and family. The best thing of all is that Italian food cooks beautifully in an air fryer, which means a very happy Gino!

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NO 1. BESTSELLER''Astonishing . . . Sheds riveting new light on this breathtaking plan'' Daily Mail''A rollicking read'' Max Hastings, Sunday Times''Brilliant and almost absurdly entertaining'' Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker____________________April, 1943: a sardine fisherman spots the corpse of a British soldier floating in the sea off the coast of Spain and sets off a train of events that would change the course of the Second World War.Operation Mincemeat was the most successful wartime deception ever attempted. It hoodwinked the Nazi espionage chiefs and saved thousands of lives by deploying a secret agent who was different from any spy before or since: he was dead. His mission: to convince the Germans that instead of attacking Sicily, the Allied armies planned to invade Greece.The brainchild of an eccentric RAF officer and a brilliant Jewish barrister, the great hoax involved an extraordinary cast of characters including a famous forensic pathologist, a gold-prospector, an inventor, a beautiful secret service secretary, a submarine captain, three novelists, an irascible admiral who loved fly-fishing, and a dead Welsh tramp.This is the true story of the most extraordinary deception ever planned by Churchill''s spies: an outrageous lie that travelled from a Whitehall basement all the way to Hitler''s desk.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCalling all Ghosts fans! This is the ultimate celebratory gift book for all of you in desperate need of another Ghosts fix, complete with in-depth interviews with the actors, the directors and the crew, a behind-the-curtain peek at what happened on the film set, scenes that were left on the cutting-room floor, bloopers, episode guides and character profiles, and much, much more.Collated and written by the show''s beloved creators-actors-writers - Mat Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond - this is a hilarious and amazing profusion of stories, memories and secrets that will help fill that Ghosts-shaped hole. From understanding how the ghosts walked through walls to discovering how long it took to do Robin''s make-up, and from learning who stole what from the set to reliving favourite moments, Ghosts: Brought to Life is a treasure-trove of fascinating insight into the makings of this comed

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES No. 1 BESTSELLERWITH AN AFTERWORD BY JOHN LE CARRÉ''Riveting, astounding . . . An unputdownable postwar thriller'' Observer''Irresistibly readable'' Sunday Times''Worthy of John le Carré at his best'' Guardian''Hugely engrossing . . . Both authoritative and enthralling'' William Boyd________________Kim Philby was the most notorious British defector and Soviet mole in history. Agent, double agent, traitor and enigma, he betrayed every secret of Allied operations to the Russians in the early years of the Cold War.In the aftermath of the Second World War, Philby, Nicholas Elliott and James Jesus Angleton were rising stars in the intelligence world and shared every secret. Elliott and Angleton thought they knew Philby better than anyone - and then discovered they had not known him at all.This is a story of loyalty, trust and treachery, of m

Read more less

Book SynopsisYour essential guide to not getting murdered in a quaint English village, where danger lurks around each cobblestoned corner and every bite of scone or sip of tea may be your last. If you insist on visiting, do yourself a favour and bring along a copy of this guide book. It may just keep you aliveBrought to life with dozens of Edward Gorey-esque drawings and peppered with allusions to classic crime fiction, Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village gives you the tools you need to stay alive. Repeat after us: don''t look in the pond, keep away from the maze and never trust the vicar. Good luck. You''re going to need it.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSuzy Hopkins''s and Hallie Bateman''s new book, What to Do When You Get Dumped, comes out in January 2025 and is available for pre-order now!A mother's advice to her daughtera guide to daily living, both practical and sublimewith full-color illustrations throughout.One sleepless night while she was in her early twenties, illustrator/writer Hallie Bateman had a painful realization: her mom would die, and after she died she would be gone. The prospect was devastating, and also scaryhow would she navigate the world without the person who gave her life? She thought about all the motherly advice she would missadvice that could help her through the challenges to come, including the ordeal of losing a parent. The next day, Hallie asked her mother, writer Suzy Hopkins, to record step-by-step instructions for her to follow in the event of her mom's death. The list began: "Pour yourself a stiff glass of whiskey and make some fajitas" and continued from there, walking Hallie through the days, months, and years of life after loss, with motherly guidance and support, addressing issues great and small--from choosing a life partner to baking a quiche. The project became a way for mother and daughter to connect with humor, openness, and gratitude. It led to this book.Combining Suzy's wit and heartfelt advice with Hallie's quirky and colorful style, What to Do When I'm Gone is the illustrated instruction manual for getting through life without one's mom. It's also a poignant look at loss, love, and taking things one moment at a time. By turns whimsical, funny, touching, and above all pragmatic, it will leave readers laughing and teary-eyed. And it will spur conversations that enrich family members' understanding of one another.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA creative guide to making abstract mosaic designs inspired by nature, using the beauty and texture of slate and stone.The shapes, patterns and structures found in the natural world can provide a source of wonder and inspiration for mosaic artists. Mosaics do not have to be made from tiles and then grouted, but instead they can be full of texture, incorporating a whole array of materials which hold connections to nature and to particular places. The subtle beauty of stone surfaces gives the work an organic feel, creating beautiful abstract designs. Not only are these materials attractive but preparing them is an enjoyable task in itself. In this book, experienced artist Rachel Davies shares the methods she uses in her mosaic practice. Starting with tools, materials and cutting techniques, discover adhesive and substrate options, and get to know the various materials and how to use them creatively. Supported by step-by-step photos, follow a serie

Read more less