Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisOne of the most iconic characters in children's literatureHergé's classic comic book creation Tintin is one of the most recognisable characters in children's books. These highly collectible editions of the original 24 adventures will delight Tintin fans old and new. Perfect for lovers of graphic novels, mysteries and historical adventures.The world's most famous travelling reporter must attempt to catch an Emerald thief.When Captain Haddock meets a palm reader, he dismisses a forewarning about a beautiful lady''s stolen jewels. But when the famous opera singer Bianca Castafiore suddenly descends on Marlinspike Hall, the palm reader's prediction seems to be all too real. Can Tintin catch the emerald thief?Join the most iconic character in comics as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure spanning historical and political events, and thrilling mysteries. Still selling over 100,000 copies every year in the UK and having been adapted for the silver screen by Steven Spielberg and Peter JacTrade ReviewTintin shows young readers that the world in all its complexity is theirs to bestride. (The Wall Street Journal) I became enthralled with the way Hergé told his stories. Grand, epic, global adventures about a young reporter who goes all around the world looking for stories to tell. (Steven Spielberg, 'The Adventures of Spielberg: An Interview', The New York Times, 2011) Top 100 Children’s Book – Time Out (2022) Terrific world-straddling adventures. (Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Ten Essential Children’s Books, Books for Keeps, 2020) The Red Sea Sharks was named one of Young Bond author Charlie Higson’s favourite books in The Daily Express: “Tintin was a huge inspiration being a young person in an adult world.” (2015) Explorers of the Moon was named one of comedian Milton Jones’ favourite books in The Daily Express (2018) Explorers of the Moon was named one of screenwriter and best-selling crime novelist Peter May’s favourite books in The Daily Express: “A childhood favourite…it encouraged me to create my own cartoon series.” (2016) The Calculus Affair was named one of author and foreign correspondent Christian Jennings’ favourite books in The Week (2017)

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Book SynopsisKatherine Woodfine''s bestselling debut novel. A fast-paced historicalmystery adventure for readers aged 9+, with gorgeous Edwardian period detail. Perfect for fans of Enid Blyton, Chris Riddell''s Goth Girland Robin Stevens'' Murder Most Unladylike series.You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening of Sinclair's department store!Enter a world of bonbons, hats, perfumes and MYSTERIES around every corner. WONDER at the daring theft of the priceless CLOCKWORK SPARROW! TREMBLE as the most DASTARDLY criminals in London enact their wicked plans! GASP as our bold heroines, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lilian Rose, CRACK CODES, DEVOUR ICED BUNS and vow to bring the villains to justice***Cover and interior illustrations by Júlia SardàA wonderful book, with a glorious heroine and a true spirit of adventure' Katherine Rundell, award-winning author of RooftoppersKatie, age 10 for lovereading4kids.co.uk ''A brilliant historical detective novel I read it in one sitting and couldn't put Trade Review’A wonderful book, with a glorious heroine and a true sprit of adventure’ – Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers. “Woodfine’s stunning debut novel boasts tantalizing Edwardian-era set dressing” – WORLD Magazine

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Book SynopsisThe final instalment in the breathtaking Orphans of the Tide trilogy, which The Times calls ''Unputdownable''.The seas have parted to reveal the remains of humanity''s lost empire and opened a path from Shipwreck Island to the Enemy''s City. Now only Ellie Lancaster and her orphan friends can prevent a terrible war. As Kate marches north at the head of her army, panic infests the City as the Enemy''s strength grows. For the parting of the seas has also uncovered the Eternity Engine, a dreadful machine from before the Drowning, with the power to remake the world - or destroy it forever . . .The critically-acclaimed Orphans of the Tide trilogy reaches its spine-tingling climax and dramatic conclusion. Perfect reading for fans of His Dark Materials or Vashti Hardy.Praise for Orphans of the Tide:''Unputdownable'' - The Times''Enthralling'' - The Daily Express''Sumptuously atmospheric . . . tirelessly inventive'' - The Daily Telegraph''Gripping'' - The Guardian''Energetic and inventive'' - Sunday Times''Gripping and original'' - The Observer''Singularly brilliant'' - Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars and The Mercies''Compellingly inventive and unpredictable'' - Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild''A terrific debut of strange myths and dark secrets'' - The Bookseller (Editor''s Choice)

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Book SynopsisThe perfect Halloween treat for all Mr Men fans.Mr Happy is having a fancy dress Halloween party with spooky decorations, ghoulishly good treats and creepy costumes! Mr Happy is a vampire, Little Miss Magic is a witch, but who is the mysterious ghost?Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events and even a trip to the moon.Trade Review‘Mr. Men Halloween Party by Roger Hargreaves is a wonderful celebration of all things ghoulish in typical Mr.Men Style!', Armadillo magazine

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Book SynopsisThe eighth book in the brilliant Roald Dahl Funny Prize winning BARRY LOSER series. Perfect for readers aged 7-10 years old and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, Dennis the Menace and Pamela Butchart''s Wigglesbottom Primary series.It's Barry's birthday and his mum and dad have bought him the amazekeel new gaming helmet he wanted The Shnozinator 9000! It's the best birthday present ever until his baby brother breaks it and ruins everything.But Barry has a plan: he'll just have to become a billionaire inventor and make enough money to buy another one, before his life is comperleeterly over Join everyone's favourite Loser on his eighth hilarious adventure!Don''t miss the other funny books by Jim Smith: I am not a Loser, I am still not a Loser, I am so over being a Loser, I am sort of a Loser, Barry Loser and the holiday of doom, Barry Loser and the case of the crumpled carton, Barry Loser hates half term,Barry Loser''s ultimate book of keelness, My mum is a loser, My dad is a lo

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Book SynopsisShare the classic novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in an illustrated chapter storybook made for young readers! Perfectly thrilling, beginner readers will find the irresistible mystery of Kid Classics Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles just the right amount of detective work!Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this classic tale about Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Watson more than one hundred years ago, and it's a story that you can't put down.When the Baskervilles are haunted by a giant, ghostly hound that glows eerily and howls outside their estate at night, no one can crack the case but Sherlock Holmes! Holmes and Watson track the fearsome hound through the Grimpen Mire and solve the mystery, along the way learning lessons about greed, truth, and illusion. With page after page of captivating illustrations, this magical hardcover will be the fought over favorite in your home and schoolroom!This just-for-kids retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles: Is an abridged, child-friendly retelling of original novel Is a beautiful illustrated hardcover with illustrations in each chapter Is perfect for homeschooling, school reading challenges, and beginning readers

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Book SynopsisThe Mummies return in another fun adventure, perfect for children learning to read. From the author of Dilly the Dinosaur. The Mummy family are back! They're about to have the biggest mummy party for thousands of years. But party plans keep going wrong. Can Tut and Sis, the Mummy kids, save the day?

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Book SynopsisEnthralling children''s fiction for everyone who loves Robin Steven''s Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries and Frances Hardinge''s The Lie Tree.Twelve mysteries.Twelve authors.One challenge: can YOU solve the crimes before the heroes of the stories?These are twelve brand-new short stories from twelve of the best children''s crime writers writing today.These creepy, hilarious, brain-boggling, heart-pounding mysteries feature daring, brilliant young detectives, and this anthology is a must for fans of crime fiction and detection, especially the Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries, The Roman Mysteries and The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow.The Crime Club are twelve UK-based authors who are mad about crime fiction. Clementine Beauvais, Elen Caldecott, Susie Day, Julia Golding, Frances Hardinge, Caroline Lawrence, Helen Moss, Sally Nicholls, Kate Pankhurst, Robin Stevens, Harriet Whitehorn and Katherine Woodfine can be found anywhere there is a mystery to be solved, a puzzle to be cracked or a Trade ReviewI can't pick a favourite of the twelve because they were all so different and gripping; all I can say to all you other young sleuths out there is track down a copy of this book and read it. 5 stars out of 5 in my opinion. -- BookieCookie Guardian Children's Books The variety contained in these pages is breath-taking. There are poisonings, dog-nappings and a good number of crimes that seem, at first glance, simply impossible to commit. You'll be whisked from contemporary Britain to the eighteenth century and to Victorian London. You'll find yourself in theatres, grand country houses and the American suburbs, and you'll discover enigmas and puzzles concerning pearls, pineapples, poisons and poodles (to employ just one letter of the alphabet). All the clues are there on the page, there's no cheating or actually-I-never-told-you-but, so you can set to and get to the solution before Emily, Minnie, Marcel and co, or you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. You'll laugh, you'll gasp with shock, you'll admire their cleverness (and your own!) and you'll occasionally grind your teeth as adults step in at the last minute and take all the credit. But most of all you'll have lots and lots of fun. -- Linda Lawlor The Bookbag

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Book SynopsisClassic magic and mystery from one of Britain's best-loved authors of fantasy adventure. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Eva Ibbotson, Cornelia Funke'sInkheartand Shane Hegarty'sDarkmouth.An Academy for magic and special talents. A destiny unfulfilled. A secret legacy.The third instalment of the international best-selling series from Jenny Nimmo starring Charlie Bone.Charlie''s Uncle Paton has dashed off to try to stop the Yewbeam aunts'' latest plan, but when Grandma Bone greets the arrival of Belle with delight, could this be what Paton left hoping to prevent? At Bloor''s, Emma finds art teacher Mr Boldova is the brother of the mysterious Ollie Sparks, made invisible by the blue boa.Have you collected all of the Charlie Bone series?Midnight for Charlie BoneCharlie Bone and the Time TwisterCharlie Bone and the Blue BoaCharlie Bone and Castle of MirrorsCharlie Bone and the Hidden KingCharlie Bone and the Wilderness WolfCharlie Bone and the Shadow of BadlockCharlie Bone and the Red KnTrade ReviewThe story is lively, accomplished and dramatic and the writing has an engaging directness and warmth'', Helen Dunmore, Daily Telegraph 'This book is a gripping fantasy tale of mystery, suitable for children and adults. If you like Harry Potter you will love this. Harry, aged 8', 01/06/2016, Books for Keeps '“A fast moving, dialogue-driven romp with plenty of cliff-hangers for those first hooked into reading by Harry Potter".', The Bookseller

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Book SynopsisMy naughty little sister is always doing silly things. She''s curious about what''s in a chimney and sticks a feather duster up and then tries to hide all the soot! But when she has measles she''s itchy and sad and grumpy and has to stay in bed and can''t be naughty at all! How long before she''s bad again?My Naughty Little Sister has charmed generations of adults and children alike thanks to Dorothy Edwards' playful stories and Shirley Hughes' beautiful illustrations. These best-selling books are perfect for little girls with siblings of their own. A great book for early readers aged 6 and up. Fans of Milly Molly Mandy and Mrs Pepperpot will love My Naughty Little Sister.Praise for My Naughty Little Sister:Edwards was one of the best children's writers of the 20th century and her collaboration with illustrator Shirley Hughes was pure magic: the stories are cheeky, touching and funny' Sunday Express.Naughtiness is naughtiness, whatever the generation, and these stories are a delight'

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Book SynopsisRoald Dahl Funny Prize-winning series, perfect for fans of Dennis the Menace, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, and Mr Gum.''I''ve never minded that my name''s Barry Loser because my coolness has always cancelled it out, but ever since Darren Darrenofski joined school with his horrible little crocodile face he''s been completely ruining my life about it.''Have you got all of Jim Smith's amazekeel books?I am not a LoserI am still not a LoserI am so over being a LoserI am sort of a LoserBarry Loser and the holiday of doomBarry Loser and the case of the crumpled cartonBarry Loser's ultimate book of keelnessBarry Loser hates half termMy dad is a loser free ebookMy mum is a loser free ebookFuture Ratboy and the attack of the killer robot granniesJim Smith is the keelest kids' book author in the whole wide world amen. He graduated from art school with firstclass honours (the best you can get) and went on to create the branding for a sweet little chain of coffee shops. He also designs cards an

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Book SynopsisDiscover the heartstopping fifth instalment in the Lorien Legacies series by Pittacus Lore, the bestselling author of I AM NUMBER FOUR''Exhilarating . . . Each book grows more and more cataclysmic and heroic'' 5***** Reader Review''This series is consistently captivating. It makes me shiver to think about it'' 5***** Reader Review______The worst was supposed to be over.We were reunited after a decade apart. We were discovering the truth about our past. We were training and getting stronger every day. We were even happy. . . .We never imagined the Mogadorians could turn one of our own against us. We were fools for trusting Five. And now Eight is lost forever. I would do anything to bring him back, but that''s impossible. Instead, I will do whatever it takes to destroy every last one of them.I''ve spent my entire life hiding from them, and they''ve stolen everything away from me. But that stops now. We''re going to t

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Book SynopsisThe moving story of a Kashmiri boy soldier, from a prize-winning Irish author.It's an ordinary morning at nine-year-old Rafiq's school in rural Kashmir when the silence of dawn prayers is ripped apart by gunfire. Soldiers of the Kashmir Freedom Fighters have raided the village in search of new recruits they scrawl a line in chalk across the schoolroom wall, and any boy whose height reaches the line will be taken to fight. Rafiq is tall for his age the first boy to cross the chalkline into a life of brutality and terrorism. This is the story of Rafiq's transformation from child to boy soldier, as he is indoctrinated into the cause of fanatical belief. But his family have not forgotten him; when he can no longer recognize himself, they remember the boy he was, and reach out a hand of redemption as he spirals towards a final act of atrocity.

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Book SynopsisA boy. A girl. A bump. Trouble. A smart, touching and funny contemporary young adult book from an extraordinary new talentHannah's smart and funny ... she's also fifteen and pregnant. Aaron is new at school and doesn't want to attract attention. So why does he offer to be the pretend dad to Hannah's unborn baby? Growing up can be trouble but that's how you find out what really matters.Trade ReviewThe first chapter will blow your mind! The first sentence bowled me over * Serendipity Reviews *Trouble’ is an amazingly addictive book, it’s written really well and would appeal to a lot of teens or young adults. I couldn’t put it down! It has to be one of the best books that I have read! * Maximum Pop *One of the strongest debuts so far this year, I can't wait to read more from this talented author! * The Book Bag *Incredibly cool. It's a fresh, modern and raw take on teenage pregnancy, and it's brilliant. . . Pratt produced constant and flowing emotion and experiences, and her style is gorgeously modern and honest, in a way that I think a lot of UK YA authors are worried to. . . It's a secret form of honesty we never get to see, and I'd recommend it to absolutely anyone * Blame My Bookshelf *I can’t finish my review without talking about the authenticity of both Hannah and Aaron’s teenage voices. It makes me smile to think about it because it makes me want to shout from the rooftops about UKYA fiction. You all know how much I love it, anyway, and I think Trouble is right up there with all of the award-winning UKYA. It’s captured teen life so, so well, and I think this is a major selling point for those teens who don’t read as much as others: it’s so relatable they’ll fall straight into the story * Queen of Contemporary *Okay, first things first, is that or is that the best cover you've ever seen for a book about teen pregnancy. I know I keep going on about it, but seriously, I love it . . . a really great, funny, touching book about friendship and family and growing up * Cicely Loves Books *Very highly recommended as one of the strongest debuts so far this year, I can't wait to read more from this talented author! * The Book Bag *Pratt’s characters are rib-achingly funny, outrageous and entirely true to life: they might not be role models but they’re enormously friends. Anyone who likes coming-of-age stories with sharply observed, hilarious and poignant young protagonists should devour [it] * Metro *Stand-out. . . Pratt’s prose is casual, effortless, not too flashy, as she tackles her subject in a funny and non-judgemental way. It is partly a tale of friendship but also a portrayal of being teenage and pregnant, of having any kind of sex life in the age of social media * Glasgow Herald *Non Pratt just seems to get it all right. Her portrayal of contemporary British teens is uncannily realistic and she gets the language spot on too - ever read a book and been turned off by how the author insists on making the teenagers use way out-of-date slang? Well, I assure you there isn't any of that here. It's so refreshing to read a book tackling the difficult subject of teen pregnancy in a way that is entirely non-judgmental. The author doesn't talk down to teens or patronise them; her characters are well-developed and refuse to conform to any stereotype. Really, Trouble is a story of friendship and familial relationships and both are written with authenticity and emotion without ever tipping into sentimentality. But Trouble is also often funny and always compulsively readable. . . I think it must be impossible to not enjoy Trouble * The Book Nook *It’s a gripping read which tugs on the heart strings in ways which means you can’t help but root for Hannah and hope that everything turns out okay. Written in a style which makes it accessible, touching and with humour I think everyone should have the opportunity to read Trouble * Books for Teens *Very entertaining. I smiled, laughed and related, as well as being anxious and fearful for the characters throughout the story. It is a gripping read, and coupled with the certain realism it's even easier to envisage the situation in real life. For people who enjoy love stories and realistic fiction, Trouble ticked all my boxes for easy-going entertainment with meaningful undertones * Guardian Reader Review *Trouble is a book with so much heart in it, so much love, and so much respect for the characters * didyoueverstoptothink *Pratt has done well to create an original story that will force you to ask some hard questions of yourself in a book filled with a brilliant cast of characters. Read Trouble, even if you’re not into teen-pregnancy books; there’ll be plenty for you to enjoy otherwise in this delightful book that takes life as it comes * Thirst for Fiction *If staying up long after my bedtime to finish reading this book is a sign of its success, then this novel is a winner. This is a thought-provoking read which highlights the Janus-like existence of many young people . . . For the readers it is aimed at however, it will echo with verisimilitude all the more for this uninhibited candour and I’m sure will be devoured by teenage girls just as quickly as I sped through it * Armadillo *This smart, sharp young adult novel is a real breath of fresh air. Frank, honest and non-judgemental about teen sexuality, it feels authentic, contemporary and distinctly British. The characters are always believable, and never rely on simple stereotyping: told from the alternating perspectives of Hannah and Aaron, Non Pratt's narrative sensitively explores the complex issues of relationships and growing up with both compassion and wit. A warm, funny and brave debut from a young adult author to watch. * Booktrust *In a Nutshell: A realistic and brilliantly written novel about teen pregnancy * Kiss *This is a lovely look at a subject that people will always have an opinion on and continue to get het up about. A fantastic little story about a girl, her mistakes, and her finding out about herself and what matters to her in a time that is confusing for any teenager. This is a YA novel but readers of all genres should enjoy it. It is sharp and clever and just really heartfelt, showing the dramas and ups and downs of the teenage rules of life. Recommended if you'd like a kind of Mean Girls-esque story that will take you back to the carefree days of your teenage years, and all the stresses, strops and dramas that came with them. * Book Cunt *I liked the contrast between the two styles, and I think Non did very well at differentiating the two. She also gets teenage thought processes, priorities and ideas really well. . . All the characters are real, likable, and stick with you. Watching Aaron and Hannah develop is really nice, and the diverse supporting characters make a great cast * Death, Books and Tea *Pratt’s characters are rib-achingly funny, outrageous and entirely true to life: they might not be role models but they’re enormously friends. Anyone who likes coming-of-age stories with sharply observed, hilarious and poignant young protagonists should devour [it] * Metro *Stand-out. . . Pratt’s prose is casual, effortless, not too flashy, as she tackles her subject in a funny and non-judgemental way. It is partly a tale of friendship but also a portrayal of being teenage and pregnant, of having any kind of sex life in the age of social media * Glasgow Herald *Non Pratt just seems to get it all right. Her portrayal of contemporary British teens is uncannily realistic and she gets the language spot on too - ever read a book and been turned off by how the author insists on making the teenagers use way out-of-date slang? Well, I assure you there isn't any of that here. It's so refreshing to read a book tackling the difficult subject of teen pregnancy in a way that is entirely non-judgmental. The author doesn't talk down to teens or patronise them; her characters are well-developed and refuse to conform to any stereotype. Really, Trouble is a story of friendship and familial relationships and both are written with authenticity and emotion without ever tipping into sentimentality. But Trouble is also often funny and always compulsively readable. . . I think it must be impossible to not enjoy Trouble * The Book Nook *It’s a gripping read which tugs on the heart strings in ways which means you can’t help but root for Hannah and hope that everything turns out okay. Written in a style which makes it accessible, touching and with humour I think everyone should have the opportunity to read Trouble * Books for Teens *Entertaining, heart-warming, and funny. A lot of teenagers will be able to relate to this, and I do recommend you read it if you're after a sparkling contemporary with a fresh voice * The Mile Long Bookshelf *Unpredictably shocking, this book brings a new name and vision to what I've thought of depression, also showing the way that people closest to those who are depressed are affected . . . I give this book a 4.7 out of 5 for its powerful (to say the least) realisation of what depression really is, a mind crippling mental pain brought on by guilt and betrayal * Guardian Reader Review *Trouble is such a raw, emotional ad beautiful story. This is not just a book. It is something that gives you perspective on everything in life. This book truly moved me and I know it will stay with me for a very long time. It truly is a masterpiece. Nothing will ever really live up to the beauty that is in those pages in Trouble. * K-Books *The book is really enjoyable! I recommend that all teenagers pick it up and give Trouble a chance, it gives a well needed look at the inside of people (not like their kidneys and stuff), and shows the reasons people act like they do. To sum up: An honest look at the lives of teenagers dealing with the pressures of school, relationships and fitting in. * The Reader Ramblings *Really interesting and enjoyable . . . so different and a bit controversial… gritty YA * Katie Yates Books *Lovely story of friendship, loyalty, family and growing up. It captures the world of teenage relationships beautifully * Family Traveller *This accomplished debut is smart, engaging and hard to put down; Non Pratt is a YA writer to watch . . . Pratt’s contemporary approach is witty and irreverent . . .There is so much to admire in this well-constructed novel, which deserves to reach a large audience: its pace; its humour; its (sometimes unpalatable) honesty; its keen observation; above all, its author's good judgment in allowing the story speak for itself and in not attempting to provide answers for the many questions it raises * The Guardian *I absolutely LOVED Trouble * To Another World *A smart, touching and funny contemporary young adult book * Woman's Way *Voices are believable, sympathetic and different . . . an entertaining and convincing take on a serious subject * The School Librarian *A witty, non-judgemental treatment of a well-worked theme * Irish Times *Sensitive and witty * Telegraph *A witty and moving debut * Fabulous magazine, supplement to The Sun *A sensitive and thought-provoking read about friendship and family. And pregnancy. * Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Read *Compelling. -- Carousel * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisDo you love dinosaurs? How about robots? And unicorns? Find them ALL in the pages of this laugh-out-loud pick your own' picture book adventure!It's Gwen's birthday but, oh no, the birthday cake that Dad's been busy making has DISAPPEARED. Gwen needs YOUR help to find it!Has the cake been stolen by dinosaurs? Or taken by robots? Has it been snatched by unicorns? It's up to YOU to decide!Pick a Story is the ONLY series where young readers choose between three completely different worlds allowing them to change the story as it happens. Children are excited by having choice and a feeling of agency, and it fires their imaginations.Choice and value! Readers choose the direction of the adventure on every page. With endless story paths to be taken, the adventure is always different.Packed with activities! Each page includes an activity, such as search-and-find, odd-one-out, mazes and more, woven seamlessly into the narrative perfect for immersing and engaging young readers.Trade ReviewPraise for the series: “With twists and turns and decisions to make on every page, this book takes young readers on a whirlwind adventure” – Teach Primary ‘The ideal book to inspire a lifelong love of reading’ – Lancashire Newspaper Group 'A truly un-put-downable book’ – Armadillo Magazine ‘The dynamic and detailed instructions perfectly match the bonkers settings of the different story paths’ – BookTrust September 2022 Book of the Month – LoveReading4Kids ‘A very interactive and colourful book full of exciting adventure stories and problem solving [and] packed with thrills’ – The Green Parent

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Book SynopsisAn anthology of dark, powerful and moving short stories from a master storyteller and Hans Christian Andersen Award winning author, inspired by his childhood in the north-east of England.A diverse collection of stories from the author of the internationally award-winning Skellig, deftly interwoven with illuminating autobiographical pieces on the inspirations behind the fiction. David Almond says of this unique volume, Stories on the page are so beautifully neat. All that lovely black print; those lovely straight lines and paragraphs and pages. But stories are living things, creatures that move and grow in the imaginations of writer and reader. They must be solid and touchable, like the land, and must have fluid half-known depths, like the sea. These stories take place in a real world but in fiction, real worlds merge with dreamed worlds. Real people walk with ghosts and figments. Earthly truth goes hand-in-hand with watery lies.Trade ReviewThis coming of age collections of stories inspired by Almond’s childhood in the north east, which of course is so prevalent through his work. * The Bookseller *The work of a writer of great power, and a living insight for teenage readers into the power of imagination and the way that stories grow from seed to fruit * The School Librarian *The autobiographical notes are stories in themselves, encouraging young writers in their reminder that we all have the material for fiction a short memory away. . . As well as the living roots of the stories, the prefaces reveal where, how or why Almond wrote them, and that some have seen many drafts and may never be finished: more encouragement. * Observer *If anything will encourage teenagers to start writing, it is this superb masterclass in how setting, dialogue and character can convey powerful emotions in a few words. * Daily Mail *A powerful collection of stories, interleaved by Almond’s memories of the places he grew up in. It’s a meditation on the power of stories . . . extraordinary dreamy atmosphere and lyrical evocation of life by the sea. * Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Read *An absolute treat . . . he writes sparingly and beautifully. . . fiction to treasure * Books for Keeps *The tale-behind-the-tale preludes are intriguing—perhaps especially to big fans and those interested in the writing process—but the stories themselves shine brightest here. Taylor's illustrations, sometimes cartoonish, sometimes more abstract and moody, cast the Almondine experience in yet another new light. This is powerful, top-notch storytelling from Almond, who seems himself to be the titular "half a creature from the sea," in that he, as ever, fluidly blends past and future, the living and the dead, the ordinary and the transcendent. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisUndercover in a poisonous world, teen spy Alex Rider is back for his seventh adrenalin-rush adventure!In the seventh book in the number one bestselling Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, teenage spy Alex is forced into the Australian secret service. His target is the criminal underworld of South East Asia, and a ruthless organization known as the Snakehead.Trade ReviewThis book is full of surprises! Anthony Horowitz has lived up to his reputation and has created another spell bounding plot, which does not allow the reader to put the book down! -- Young Reviewer * The Guardian Online *

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Book SynopsisWritten in Julia Donaldson's glorious rhyme and illustrated in glowingcolour by Axel Scheffler, THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING is a fabulouslove story. Scarecrows Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay are planningthe perfect wedding, but wicked Reginald Rake has other ideas. Harry must become a hero before he and Betty can have the weddingof their dreams.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling picture book, THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING, is now availablewith a high-quality audio CD, brilliantly performed by award-winningactress, Imelda Staunton. The CD contains the full story,The Scarecrows' Wedding Listening Game and the brand-new Scarecrows'Wedding Song, which was written specially for this CD byJulia Donaldson.

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Book SynopsisThe illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lonesurvivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his familyof actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run awayfrom school to an estranged uncle's puzzling house in London, wherehe must piece together many mysteries...

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Book SynopsisIt's up to Jimmy, Robbie, Kayla and Rover the wonder-dog to rescueMr Mack from prison, avoid the orphan catchers and save the worldfrom an army of stroppy slugs. Will they succeed? There's only one way to find out...

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Book SynopsisThe latest volume in Kazu Kibuishi's popular Explorer graphic anthology series takes us through hidden doors to explore mysterious worlds.

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Book SynopsisEnter the rich and fantastical world of Rema in the first installment of this middle-grade graphic novel series with sweeping adventure and light romance!Tabby Simon is determined to learn what happened to her father, who was found dead after researching a tree that leaks a mysterious mist in her neighborhood. She is unexpectedly led to Rema, a distant world of magic and beauty that is periodically invaded by a nearby planet desperate for resources. While Tabby searches for the truth surrounding her father''s death, she meets a handsome blue-haired boy named Philip. He has his own dangerous secrets, but has promised to help Tabby get home. As she learns more about this strange world, Tabby discovers that she is destined for something far greater than she ever could have imagined.

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Book SynopsisOn the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... this enchanting tenth anniversary edition of Robert Sabuda's classic 12 Days of Christmas pop-up!

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Book SynopsisComplete the Fullmetal experience with these best-selling novels featuring original stories.Somewhere between magic, art and science exists a world of alchemy. And into this world travel Edward and Alphonse Elric—two brothers in search of the Philosopher's Stone, the ultimate alchemical treasure!Winry, childhood friend of the Elric brothers, is ecstatic to advance her training as an automail mechanic in Rush Valley. Her passion and skills are tested when she crosses paths with a boy who lost a leg and can’t get back on his feet. Meanwhile, Edward and Alphonse Elric just can’t seem to stay out of trouble, even when they’re trying to get noticed for doing good deeds!

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Book SynopsisFollow London's newest detective, Enola Holmes, in her thrilling sixth adventure - from the series that inspired the films, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Read them all before the next film lands!Enola Holmes - sister of the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes - always has an eye for mystery-solving.Trade ReviewExciting and adventurous! * Millie Bobby Brown *Flat-out among the best mysteries being written for young people today. * Booklist, starred review *Enola's most dangerous case yet!...This is Enola Holmes at her best! * Indie Next *Enola, the quintessential spunky heroine, navigates the historical setting with the pluck of Nancy Drew but within the constraints of her upbringing. * Horn Book *

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Book SynopsisPrince Albert comes up with a royally creative solution to Queen Victoria’s modesty concerns in this true story that reveals an overlooked splash of history.Poor Queen Victoria! She loves to swim, but can’t quite figure out how to get to the water without her devoted subjects glimpsing her swimming suit. (Because, of course, such a sight would compromise her regal dignity.) Fortunately for the water-loving monarch, it’s Prince Albert to the rescue with an invention fit for a queen! This quirky tale about the longest reigning monarch in British history is as fun as it is authentic, and the book includes a picture of the actual bathing machine Prince Albert created.Trade ReviewQueen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan; illus. by Nancy Carpenter How could Queen Victoria get into the sea on a hot day? Modesty decreed that she mustn’t be seen in her bathing costume. It’s Prince Albert to the rescue with a queen-sized bathing machine—large enough to fit the queen and her lady-in-waiting, and with wheels to roll it into the sea, where the waters would conceal Her Majesty. This entertaining story nicely encapsulates a curious bit of social history, though its glimpse of the royal family is as much fantastical as realistic, with a jaunty tall-tale tone governing a rhymed text (delighted with his creation, Prince Albert crows, “Let me tell you, my dear, what I propose. / You enter the back door wearing all of your clothes. / Off comes your dress, off come your rings, / off come all those unmentionable things”). Carpenter ably limns eight or so children in lively attendance, riding globes or peering through telescopes while Albert studies catapults or “old wars both Spartan and Punic.” The stifling frills and furbelows of Victorian dress; the loving couple’s delight in each other; and jacket art of the queen frolicking underwater in her voluminous black swimming costume, a minnow in her crown—Carpenter renders each in comical detail. A concluding note features a present-day photo of the commodious vehicle. A bibliography of Victoriana for various ages is appended. * Horn Book ** Queen Victoria is ready to break free from the constraints of life at the top (including literal ones, like corsets) and take a swim in the ocean. But that would never do given the mores of the era named after her—until her beloved husband Albert hits on a solution: a covered wooden cart with an undressing room that can be rolled into the sea, allowing the swimmer to discreetly enter the water. “No one will get so much as a peep,” Albert assures her, “except for the creatures down in the deep.” Whelan’s (Homeless Bird) rhyming bounds along with a crackle worthy of Gilbert and Sullivan, and Carpenter’s (Big Bear’s Big Boat) digital drawings are sublime. Her portrait of a loving marriage (which includes a scene of the Queen and Her Consort canoodling—in their nightgowns!) is every bit as wonderful as the busier scenes in which Albert (with assists from the couple’s many children) devises his contraption. But the finest image is the penultimate, which finds an ecstatic Victoria gliding through the lapis water in her swimming costume. Ages 5–8. (Apr.) * Publishers Weekly (starred) ** QUEEN VICTORIA'S BATHING MACHINE The Victorian era is often caricatured as a time of excessive modesty, and this buoyant, rhyming picture book highlights a royal example with affection and good humor. Queen Victoria longs for a summer swim, but even when she’s vacationing at her informal residence on the Isle of Wight, decorum prevents her from traipsing down to the beach in her bathing suit—it would expose her queenly knees! Her doting husband, Prince Albert, invents a “bathing machine,” a caravan of sorts in which his wife can change out of her corset and petticoats in privacy and be wheeled straight into the water: “You climb down the steps in perfect repose, / into the ocean right up to your nose. / No one will get so much as a peep, / except for the creatures down in the deep.” Jaunty Seuss-ian rhymes (most effective when read aloud with an English accent) tell the amusing true-life story, and gleeful pen-and-watercolor illustrations of the royal family—including nine busy children—spill into lively double-page spreads. In one Monty Python–esque scene, Queen Victoria is unceremoniously flipped into the Atlantic via catapult, one of her husband’s earlier queen-transportation solutions. The book’s crown jewel? The underwater queen blissfully blowing bubbles with the fish. A funny and intimate behind-the-scenes look at royal family life by the National Book Award–winning Whelan (Homeless Bird, 2000). (author’s note, photo of actual bathing machine, bibliography, websites) (Picture book. 4-8) * (STARRED) Kirkus Reviews on March 1 *In delightful rhyming prose, Whelan brings history to life recounting an amusing anecdote of Queen Victoria and her bathing machine (currently on display at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight). One hot summer day, the British queen longs to take a refreshing dip in the sea, but her lady-in-waiting is scandalized. “It would be a disgrace/to see more of the queen than her hands and her face.” Victoria’s devoted husband, Albert, gives all his genius to the problem, promising to come up with a way to transport her unseen from the beach to the water. He discards his first idea involving a catapult, but inspiration strikes in the middle of the night. “Just after midnight/Albert sprang from the bed./A brilliant idea/had come to his head.” He starts working on his invention the next morning, constructing a portable dressing room on wheels. Impressed and excited, Victoria dons her bathing suit inside the clever contraption and the bathing machine is then rolled into the sea, whereupon she dives right into the surf and indulges in a glorious swim. The digital artwork deftly portrays the loving relationship shared by Victoria and Albert. Comical details and the inclusion of the royal couple’s nine mischievous children in many of the scenes add to the fun. For a royal day out at the library, pair this outstanding title with Celeste Davidson Mannis’s The Queen’s Progress (Viking, 2003). * School Library Journal, March 1, 2014 ** Poor Queen Victoria gazes longingly at the sea from her balcony while being tightened into a sweaty corset and petticoats at the start of this lilting picture book from the author of Small Acts of Amazing Courage (2011). It would be indecent, after all, “to see more of the queen than her hands and her face,” but taking a dip in her full regalia would mean a quick trip to the seafloor. How can the queen enjoy a summer swim while still retaining her royal modesty? After abandoning his idea of a catapult to fling Her Majesty into the ocean, industrious Prince Albert devises a cart to be wheeled into the surf, so Victoria can change into her bathing costume and step into the water hidden from nosy onlookers. Carpenter’s jaunty illustrations, digitally rendered line drawings with colorful washes, depict the hot, uncomfortable queen surrounded by her beloved, rambunctious gaggle of children, who all pitch in to help build Albert’s invention. Based on Prince Albert’s real invention (a photo of the bathing machine and a brief biography of Queen Victoria is appended), this swingy, silly story in rhyming couplets offers a cheery glimpse into the life of a queen and a charming lesson on how necessity is the mother of invention. The informative author’s note and bibliography lead readers on to more. -- April 15, 2014 * Booklist, starred review *

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Book SynopsisThe electrifying sequel to Wilbur Smith's new series for the next generation - starring teen protagonists Ralph and Robyn Ballantyne. In the wild Lebombo Mountains of South Africa, Ralph and Robyn are on the run from the nefarious Josef Gerhard. His beastly man-made predasaurs have unleashed a deadly virus and only the Ballantynes have the evidence to prove it. They need to regroup and plan their next move if they want to stop him before it's too late and find a cure for the virus.But deep in the forest, dangers lurk; poachers are circling, and Gerhard has a brand-new creation he wants to show off, if he can lure the Ballantynes to its lair...Can they outrun him in time to expose his monstrous crimes? And more importantly will they make it out of the serpent's lair alive?Get ready for more predasaurs, more betrayals and more action in the thrilling sequel to PREY ZONE!

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Book SynopsisWhen a majestic whale is stranded near their Scottish hometown, Tulsi and Satchen must summon all their courage to save it in this thrilling adventure from Jasbinder Bilan. After rowing out to an island near their seaside home, Tulsi and Satchen discover a whale that has been trapped in a fishing net. Determined to try to free the poor creature, they repeatedly dive down into the freezing sea to cut the netting, but eventually, exhausted and with a storm rolling in, they have to admit defeat. As they head for home to seek help, their boat capsizes in the storm and they’re left clinging to it, dangerously adrift. Just as they think all is lost, help arrives from an unexpected source … A thrilling adventure with a powerful message about how we need to protect the oceans at its heart.Trade Review"A powerful story to resonate with all those who value the wild world and the need to protect it." – Gill Lewis "A heartwarming tale of bravery, kindness and love." – Hannah Gold “A short, impactful story, written with such depth of feeling that, while it's a children's adventure about a whale in need, it's also a call to action: a plea to #saveourseas." – Rachel Delahaye Lefever "This adventurous but heart-warming story shows the important role that children can play in safeguarding all of nature" – The School Librarian

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller comes the second graphic novel in the funny slice-of-life Cool Code series.Morgan, Zoey, and Daniel discover that the popularity AI they''ve coded is being used to wreak mischief and destroy friendships in their school. It''s up to them to fix the glitch!When the coding club finds that their app has a malicious user, Morgan, Zoey, and Daniel code an update to contend with a mischievous AI llama that?s guiding a not-so-popular kid named Marcus to cause chaos in the school. Annoying little siblings, chaotic pranks, and more abound as they race to repair the glitchy app?and their own friendships?in their school before the damage is irreversible.Trade Review“Mai’s bright, full-color art is reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier’s and should instantly appeal to her fans.” — Kirkus Reviews “A humorous exploration of cracking the middle school social code for anyone craving more personified snarky llamas in their lives.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated collection of over twenty stories of magic and humour. It includes classics such as The Little Mermaid, Treasure Island and The Princess and the Pea along with some original tales such as The Bed Monster's Secret and The Pesky Parrot.Trade ReviewIf your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with your little ones, then this is the book for you. * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisAn award-winning novel about family old and new, friendship growing into romance, the beauty of the sea and a hot summer on a Swedish islandVinga dreams of the sea. She's going to be a sailor when she grows up, sailing to distant lands. At home, back in the city, Mum is sad and Dad has left for good. But here with Granddad on the island, all her problems feel far away. Summer goes on as usual, with porridge for breakfast, drinking rhubarb lemonade under the lilac tree and watching the sunset from 'her' cliff. But things are different now too. The heat vibrates during the day, and a girl with a black hat has started appearing. Her name is Ruth. The only thing they seem to have in common is their age and that they are both on the island for the summer. But spending time together, their friendship soon turns out to be something much more.Rhubarb Lemonade is story filled with empathy and heart about an unusual summer when childhood comesTrade Review"Enchanting novel [...] Kroon writes with brilliant psychological acuity, slowly spinning out the gentle, absorbing suspense of their [Vinga and Ruth's] intensifying friendship, as Vinga slowly lets down her guard". -- Emily Bearn * The Telegraph *This coming-of age story is beautifully observed. * Daily Express *I loved this book! It perfectly captures that delicate departure from childhood and entry into adulthood. * Jion Sheibani, author of THE SILVER CHAIN *There is much to love [...] the ease of language, poetic intensity, precision in tone. * August Prize jury *This is beautiful children's literature that stimulates not just the senses but also the imagination. * Vlag en Wimpel jury *This is a gentle and lyrical work set on a hot Swedish island which explores navigating the end of childhood against themes of first love, loss, family breakup, new blended families, mental health, and trauma. * The School Librarian *Its tale of love and friendship is sure to resonate with you. -- Aoibhe Toft * Paper Lanterns *

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Book SynopsisThe chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma Malley''s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. For fans of The Hunger GamesIn a world where nobody dies, Peter and Anna are Opt Outs - they choose not to live for ever . . . but is that enough?To try and fight the system further, Peter infiltrates Pincent Pharma, the company behind Longevity - the drug that offers eternal life. But he finds himself involved in things he didn''t think possible . . . and begins to struggle with his own family. It appears Richard Pincent will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means ripping Peter and Anna''s new life apart.Trade ReviewWell-written dystopian thriller . . . dramatic and heartfelt * Sunday Times *Well written and thought-provoking * School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisA gripping family mystery from the author of Tom''s Midnight Garden.Kate never knew her dad, but that doesn''t stop her missing him. She often secretly visits the gravestone with his name on it. But when the gravestone disappears Kate has a mystery on her hands. She has to find out what has happened and as she delves deeper into her family''s past, she realizes that there are many secrets to uncover and that all the clues point to one place. As Kate races to Sattin Shore her mind is a whirl of emotions: what she finds there will change the shape of her life for ever.

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Book SynopsisA fast-paced, comical story for early readers, in which Dad’s hair takes off through the open window to freedom! One day, Dad’s hair decided it was tired of being brushed and combed. It wanted a life of its own, to see the world. It took off. Out of the bathroom, into the kitchen, and before you could say, “Hairsta la vista, baby!” it was gone. Dad gave chase around the town. He spots his hair hiding in the lawn, on the road, at the zoo —it’s amazing how many things look like hair. He gives up. Dad tries to accept life without hair. Then the postcards arrive. The hair is on a round-the-world trip and Dad is still bald. Until one day the unbelievable happens and the hair comes back. This is a fast-paced tour-de-force, a wonderfully absurd story packed with wordplay and full colour hilarious illustrations. When Dad’s Hair Took Off is a comical chapter book for early readers or for any child to enjoy reading aloud with a grownup who relates! A fun book to celebrate and share with Dad on Father’s Day or any day. Translated from the German edition by Melody Shaw, where it was shortlisted for multiple awards. Jörg Mühle studied illustration in Offenbach and Paris. He has been illustrating for books and magazines since 2000. He is the author and illustrator of worldwide bestselling interactive bedtime book for toddlers, Tickle My Ears.Trade Review"All the relish of a tall tale, deadpan timing, and choice vocabulary." -- Foreword Reviews, starred review"Get ready for a hair-raising—or should we say hair-racing?—chase and an abundance of absurdity and witty wordplay." -- Kirkus Reviews"An early chapter book—the kind Gecko Press excels at bringing us." -- Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production"Both its punny, funny words and full colour illustrations are perfect." -- Kids' Book Review, Australia

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Book SynopsisA thrilling supernatural adventure: dark, funny, with twists at every turn. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children''s Prize 2016.When Luke Manchett''s estranged father dies suddenly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance. Luke has been left in charge of his father''s ghost collection: eight restless spirits. They want revenge for their long enslavement, and in the absence of the father, they''re more than happy to take his son. It isn''t fair, but you try and reason with the vengeful dead. Halloween, the night when the ghosts reach the height of their power, is fast approaching. With the help of school witchlet Elza Moss, and his cowardly dog Ham, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic, and send the unquiet spirits to their eternal rest. The alternative doesn''t bear thinking about.Trade ReviewAn exciting read ... thrilling and spooky * The Week Junior *With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying * Publishers Weekly *Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists. * Kirkus *Thirteen Days of Midnight is the most entertaining and original fantasy or paranormal young adult novel I've read in a long time * Addicted to Media *Thirteen Days of Midnight is a great debut. It's confident and enthusiastic in its storytelling and the first person, present tense telling gives it a real sense of immediacy. It has relatable central characters and an entertaining supporting cast. It's chilling at times and funny at others. Great stuff, and I recommend it. * The Bookbag *13 Days of Midnight is an awesome and wickedly imaginative YA urban fantasy book that now has a permanent place on my Keeper Shelf. It's a fun adventure that'll hook you in right away and keep you glued to the page until you reach the thrilling end. -- Yolanda Stefsos * Yolanda Stefsos *

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Book Synopsis"An absolutely fantastic book – just the thing to inspire future Lionesses!" – Beth Mead, LionessShoot for the stars with Sammy Striker! From Oscars Prize-shortlisted Catherine Emmett and bestselling illustrator Joe Berger, Sammy Striker and the Football Cup is an empowering story for young footie fans, about friendship, football, and having the courage to believe in yourself.Sammy Striker is NEVER found without a football at her feet, and one day at the park, she's spotted by Melissa McDream who coaches the Under 8s National Team! Sammy is a dribbler-extraordinaire, headed straight for the top. But, as the Football Cup gets closer, Sammy's shots on goal go a bit . . . wonky.Will Sammy work out that it's what makes her DIFFERENT that will help them win the final?Trade Review"An absolutely fantastic book – just the thing to inspire future Lionesses!" * Beth Mead *

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Book SynopsisIn Paris, there is a cafe, elegantly furnished with polished wooden tables and an awning of striped gold and green, whose walls are filled with vintage posters advertising drinks such as Green Fairy Liqueur, Mermaid Madeira and Red Devil Lemonade. The cafe is owned by Monsieur Moutarde, and Monsieur Moutarde has made an extraordinary discovery.Trade ReviewPraise for Madame Pamplemousse and her Incredible Edibles: 'Enchanting debut ... witty, warm-hearted and as delectable as one of the dishes it describes, this is as much a hymn to the culinary arts as to the magic of kindness, and is recommended for 6-9s' Amanda Craig, The Times A sophisticated book for sophisticated readers. Warmly recommended for librarians who need children as an excuse to buy the book' School Librarian Praise for Madame Pamplemousse and the Enchanted Sweet Shop: 'A charming, magical and sweet-filled adventure' Primary Times

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly quirky picture book from Children''s Laureate, Lauren Child. Starring the fabulously feisty Clarice Bean!Mum and Dad are going away on Important Business, so Uncle Ted comes to stay. Before long there''s a guinea pig on the loose, Grandad''s gone missing and her little brother is stuck in the railings like a giant squeaking tomato! Luckily Uncle Ted''s around. He''ll come to the rescue . . . won''t he?The second picture book in the award-winning, bestselling Clarice Bean series!Packed with quirky details and humour, this is perfect for children who are ready to start making the transition from younger picture books to independent reading.Trade ReviewA virtuoso display of stylish graphics, dizzying typefaces employed to maximum humorous effect, and a story which takes it for granted that the reader is as streetwise and worldly as Clarice Bean herself * Financial Times *Wild, entertaining fun * The Northern Echo *

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