Books by Julia Donaldson

Book SynopsisThe Paper Dolls is a stunning, lyrical story of childhood, memory and the power of imagination from Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, and award-winning illustrator Rebecca Cobb.A string of paper dolls go on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. They soon escape the clutches of the toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, but then a very real pair of scissors threatens . . .The Paper Dolls is a beautiful and evocative story from Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, the bestselling creators of The Everywhere Bear.Trade ReviewA picture book that seems simple but gets richer every time you look at it . . . Cobb's illustrations capture the joy of childhood; between them, she and the Children's Laureate have made a book that works like magic. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *The Paper Dolls was picked as a top summer read in the Metro. The selectors included George Hanratty from Tales on Moon Lane bookshop and Katherine Woodfine from BookTrust. * metro.co.uk *Rebecca Cobb's beautifully drawn and colourful illustrations are absolutely charming . . . I don't want to spoil the ending, but I can say that the inherent message of the story, that nothing is truly destroyed once it becomes a memory, left us both feeling surprisingly contented! * muffandteacake.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and join in the fun with this bestselling preschool classic, Postman Bear by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. Bear is writing letters to his friends. But what could his letters be about? Lift the flaps and join Frog, Squirrel and Mole for Bear's special surprise!With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, the Tales from Acorn Wood series has been delighting both parents and toddlers for over twenty years.Discover more stories in the Tales from Acorn Wood series: Fox's Socks, Rabbit's Nap and Hide-and-Seek Pig, Cat's Cookbook, Squirrel's Snowman, Mole's Spectacles and Badger's Band. Look out for new Acorn Wood story Dormouse Has a Cold.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, THE UGLY FIVEis a jubilant celebration of creatures that are often rather unloved. The animals proudly rejoice in their ugliness, while theirbabies tell them they're perfect just the way they are. A funny,heart-warming rhyme that is a joy to read aloud, with bold, comicalillustrations.

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Book SynopsisFrom the creators behind The Gruffalo is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship with Julia Donaldson's trademark rhyming text and Axel Scheffler's brilliant, characterful illustrations—a perfect gift for any special occasionWhen a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands. It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before. But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?

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Book SynopsisJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's bestselling picture book, ZOG,is now available in an appealing read-alone format. This EarlyReader edition contains the complete classic story and pictures,in a pocket-book format, and with an extra-clear font and layout,to support children who are gaining confidence in reading.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the tenth anniversary of TABBY MCTAT with this fantasticnew activity book based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldsonand Axel Scheffler. Packed with over 400 stickers, colouring-in pages, dot-to-dots, puzzles,spot the difference, mazes, simple word searches, there'splenty to keep little hands busy for hours.

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Book SynopsisMeet a very helpful giant in this funny, big-hearted tale from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. George wished he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it's time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he's the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!This edition features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelves of all Donaldson and Scheffler fans – big and small!Also available with redesigned covers are: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.Trade ReviewJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are a combination made in heaven. * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisThe Bowerbird is the irresistible tale of Bert a small bird with a very big heart, from Number One bestselling Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration.Bert the bowerbird has made the most perfect bower nest, complete with a pretty purple flower, and is hoping it will help him to meet the bird of his dreams. But will all his efforts to create a beautiful display be enough to win over Nanette?A stunningly illustrated book with a wonderful rhyming tale for little ones, from the creators of The Go-Away Bird.

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and join in the fun with Mole's Spectacles, a brilliant story in the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.Mole has lost his spectacles. He searches all around his house, in the garden and even in Weasel's sweetshop, but he can't find them anywhere! Where could they be? Lift the flaps to help him find them.With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Mole's Spectacles joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.More lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood: Cat's Cookbook, Squirrel's Snowman and Badger's Band. Look out for new Acorn Wood story Dormouse Has a Cold.

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and join in the fun with Cat's Cookbook, a story in the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. Cat wants to learn to cook. Will she find a book to help her in Acorn Library? Lift the flaps to find out, and then join Cat and all her friends for a special surprise!With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Cat's Cookbook joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.More lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood: Squirrel's Snowman, Mole's Spectacles and Badger's Band. Look out for new Acorn Wood story Dormouse Has a Cold.Trade ReviewEvery well-read toddler will be familiar with Julia Donaldson’s Tales from Acorn Woodseries, in which Fox loses his socks, and Rabbit has difficulty napping. And now finally, after20 years, comes the fifth instalment, Cat’s Cookbook, in whichDonaldson uses her beloved rhyming text to tell the story of a cat in search of a recipe. -- Emily Bearn * The Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisJulia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 17 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was Children's Laureate 2011-13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.Anna Currey's warm, classic watercolour style has brought to life many enchanting picture books. Her previous work for Macmillan includes Rosie's Hat, also written by Julia Donaldson. Anna was born in Norfolk, grew up in Ireland and now lives near Bath with her husband.

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Book SynopsisLift the colourful felt flaps in this fun chunky board book, perfectfor small hands, until you find the Smeds and Smoos! Based onthe bestselling book THE SMEDS AND SMOOS by Julia Donaldson andillustrated by Axel Scheffler, the creators of The Gruffalo.

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Book SynopsisWritten by Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, and illustrated by Karen George, Freddie and the Fairy is a delightfully witty, rhyming tale.Freddie wants nothing more than a pet, so when the fairy Bessie-Belle offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. But Bessie-Belle can’t hear very well and Freddie tends to mumble, which means the wishes aren’t turning out as planned! Whatever can they do? Luckily the Fairy Queen is on hand to help.Trade ReviewFeatured in the Guardian's Top 10 Inclusive Children's Books 'Shares a universal message about the value of communicating effectively and clearly.' -- Alexandra Strick and Sean Stockdale * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisPush, pull and slide the moving mechanisms to follow the ladybird and all the animals on the farm in this brilliant board book based on the bestselling classic picture book What the Ladybird Heard.When the little spotty ladybird hears Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh's plan to steal the fine prize cow, she makes a clever plan, and all the animals join in to help stop the thieves! Move the push, pull and slide mechanisms on every spread to join in too and bring the story to life.With a short, simple rhyming text based on the original story, What the Ladybird Heard: A Push, Pull and Slide Book is the perfect introduction for preschoolers to the What the Ladybird Heard series by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, and a great gift for little fans of the bestselling picture book.

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Book SynopsisWritten in Julia Donaldson's glorious rhyme and illustrated in glowingcolour by Axel Scheffler, THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING is now availableas a board book. Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay are planningthe perfect wedding, but wicked Reginald Rake has other ideas. Harry must become a hero so he and Betty can have the wedding oftheir dreams.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling story is now available is now available in a gorgeousgift book format. The Highway Rat rides along the highway stealingall the travellers' food. But a crafty duck and her mysterioussister soon put an end to his crooked ways!

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and join in the fun with Badger's Band, a story in the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.Badger wants to start a band and his friends are keen to join in the fun. Tortoise plays the trumpet and Bear can play piano, but who else wants to join the band? Lift the flaps to find out and join Badger and his friends for a special concert.With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Badger's Band joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.More lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood: Cat's Cookbook, Squirrel's Snowman and Mole's Spectacles. Look out for new Acorn Wood story Dormouse Has a Cold.

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Book SynopsisSet sail with Jack for an adventure on the high seas in this wondrous story from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and David Roberts.Jack's Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! And the only cure is the fruit of the flumflum tree which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It's a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail with a motley crew of three and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items from chewing gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey?Jack and the Flumflum Tree is a fantastic, action-packed rhyming adventure from Julia Donaldson, bestselling author of The Gruffalo, with richly detailed illustrations from award-winning illustrator David Roberts. Enjoy these other stories from Julia Donaldson and David Roberts: Tyrannosaurus Drip, The Troll, The Flying Bath and The Cook and the King.Trade Reviewfunny, appealing and imaginative * Booktrust *had my twin baby boys clapping their hands in merriment * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe Baddies are the meanest ghost, witch and troll in the land. They adore being bad and fight over who is the nastiest. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait to scare her out of her wits, but will they succeed?

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Book Synopsis"How I long to sail!" said the tiny snail.The Snail and the Whale is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail's big plan that saves the day!This handy board book format is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans! Also available in board book format and with striking redesigned covers are: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom, The Smartest Giant in Town, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.Trade ReviewIf bestsellers were decided upon by the number of prestigious awards a book had won then this one, with echoes of Edward Lear would be the blockbuster of all time. Julia really is a past-master of rhyme whilst Axel’s illustrations complement the text quite brilliantly. * LoveReading4Kids *With its catchy, incantatory rhymes, the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a favourite for reading aloud. * The Independent *

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Book SynopsisPush, pull and slide the moving mechanisms in this brilliant board book to meet all your favourite characters from the bestselling picture book The Snail and the Whale – and bring the story to life!What happens when a tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale? Push and pull the tabs to see them head off on an amazing journey around the world, help the snail with her big plan to save the whale after disaster strikes and he is beached in a bay, and then slide out the big tab on the last page to watch them both travel safely away – hooray!With a short, simple rhyming text based on the original story, The Snail and the Whale: A Push, Pull and Slide Book is the perfect introduction for preschoolers to The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and a great gift for fans of the bestselling picture book.Also available: Room on the Broom: A Push, Pull and Slide Book

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Book SynopsisZog is the keenest dragon in school. He's also the most accident-prone,flying into trees and even setting his own wing on fire. Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by and patches uphis bumps and bruises. But will she be able to help Zog with histoughest test: capturing a princess?

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Book SynopsisJulia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 27.5 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children's Laureate 2011-13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. Axel is the illustrator of some of the world's best-loved picture books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. In addition to his picture

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and join in the winter fun in this Tales from Acorn Wood story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo – perfect for sharing at Christmas!It's snowing in Acorn Wood, and Squirrel wants to build a snowman. Will she and her friends find everything they need? Lift the flaps to find out in this wonderful wintry tale.With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Squirrel's Snowman joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool stories which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.Enjoy more lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood with Dormouse Has a Cold, Mole's Spectacles and Badger's Band.

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Book SynopsisThere''s a commotion in the classroom as Goat and the other animals spend the day at playgroup. The musical instruments and the dressing up box are lots of fun, but oh dear! Goat gets into a muddle or two.Even the smallest toddler will enjoy the wonderfully silly animal antics in this book the ideal story for any child starting at, or already attending, a playgroup or kindergarten.Trademark Julia Donaldson rhymes and rhythms are perfect to read aloud, and Nick Sharratt''s mischievous and funny illustrations make the bright and playful Goat Goes to Playgroup a sure winner. Just right for toddlers!Look out for more great books: Hippo Has a Hat, Animal Music, Toddle Waddle and Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose.

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Book SynopsisA very funny story of quick wits and friendship, The Room on the Broom is another smash hit from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch's hat, bow and wand. Luckily, they are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, who are all keen for a ride on the broom. It's a case of the more, the merrier, but the broomstick isn't used to such a heavy load and it's not long before . . . SNAP! It breaks in two! And with a greedy dragon looking for a snack, the witch's animal pals better think fast!Ideal for use in the classroom, Room on the Broom Big Book is a very funny story perfect for reading aloud. Children will be captivated by Julia Donaldson's irresistible verse and Axel Scheffler's spectacular illustrations.

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Book SynopsisIn Poems to Perform, Julia Donaldson has chosen poems with performance by children in mind, and her notes and ideas on performing them are included in a special section at the end of the book.From the author of The Gruffalo, Julia's passionate belief that performance can help children enjoy reading and grow in confidence is informed by her own experience both as a child and now, working with groups of children to bring stories, poems and songs to life. The poems range from classics by Edward Lear, W H Auden and Eleanor Farjeon to contemporary work by Michael Rosen, John Agard and Clare Bevan. Illustrated throughout with exquisite, expressive lino-cuts by Clare Melinsky, this is a book for teachers, parents, children: anyone who loves great poetry.Trade ReviewThis is a book for teachers, parents, children; anyone who loves poetry - and anyone you want to encourage to love poetry. * parentsintouch.co.uk *A vibrant collection of poems perfect to be performed by two or more voices. * Families First NI *

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Book SynopsisJoin Zog the dragon on a flip-the-flap adventure! Lift the colourful, chunky card flaps in this fun board book, perfect for small hands. With a gentle opposites theme, this board book will also help increase hand-eye co-ordination, develop speech and aid learning through repetition.

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Book SynopsisThe Baddies are the meanest ghost, witch and troll in the land. Theyadore being bad and fight over who is the nastiest. When a littlegirl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait toscare her out of her wits, but will they succeed?

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Book SynopsisJulia Donaldson is the author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 27.5 million copies worldwide, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was Children's Laureate 201113 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.Axel Scheffler is a star illustrator whose instantly recognizable, warm and witty illustrations have achieved worldwide acclaim and numerous awards. Axel is the illustrator of some of the world's best-loved picture books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child. In addition to his picture books, Axel illustrates wonderful novelty and gift books for Macmillan, such as the bestselling The Bedtime Bear, The Tickle Book and Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes. He is also the illustrator of the popular Pip and Posy series, and other books with Julia Donaldson including The Ugly Five. Axel was the winner of the Illustrator of the Year award in 2018. Born in Hamburg, Axel now lives with his family in London.

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Book SynopsisJoin a plucky little penguin on the journey of a lifetime!Jonty the gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the SouthPole. One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazingadventure, all the way to Antarctica! Children will love cheeringJonty on his way, in this fabulous story by the creators ofThe Gruffalo.

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Book SynopsisFollow the adventures of Sugarlump the rocking horse and a magical unicorn in this delightful rhyming story from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard.When Sugarlump the rocking horse longs to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes grants his wish and turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for. Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant . . .Sugarlump and the Unicorn is the perfect story for reading together, with brilliant rhyming verse and bright and distinctive illustrations.Enjoy all the stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: Sharing a Shell, The Princess and the Wizard, The Rhyming Rabbit, The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox, What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next, What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday and The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes.Trade ReviewA reliably lovely read-aloud rhythm . . . Children will love Lydia Monk's illustrations. * Daily Telegraph *An absolute delight to read aloud. * Daily Mail *A book that celebrates freedom. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisFollow the adventures of Sugarlump the rocking horse and a magical unicorn in this delightful rhyming story from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard.When Sugarlump the rocking horse longs to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes grants his wish and turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for. Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant . . .With brilliant rhyming verse and bright and distinctive illustrations, Sugarlump and the Unicorn is a perfect story for reading together. Enjoy all the stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: Sharing a Shell, The Princess and the Wizard, The Rhyming Rabbit, The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn, Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox, What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday.Trade ReviewA reliably lovely read-aloud rhythm . . . Children will love Lydia Monk's illustrations. * Daily Telegraph *An absolute delight to read aloud. * Daily Mail *A book that celebrates freedom. * Sunday Times *

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