Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisM.G. Leonard, internationally bestselling author of Twitch, Beetleboy and Adventures on Trains, is back with the second thrilling wildlife mystery for birdwatching detectives The Twitchers! >> Shortlisted for the CRIMEFEST Award for Best Crime Novel for Children 2022>> Longlisted for the 2023 James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Children''s Writing on Nature and Conservation>> A clarion call for environmentalists everywhere. Rob Biddulph on SparkWhen Jack rescues a wounded cat, he quickly suspects foul play. Could there be a wildlife criminal on the loose in Briddvale?Jack rushes to investigate, determined to catch the culprit, only to stumble into a deepening mystery and a sinister criminal plot.Can Jack and The Twitchers stop the villains before it''s too late?Spark is a page-turning autumn mystery adventure about courage, friendship and protecting our planTrade ReviewEvery bit as brilliant as you’d expect: fun, fresh & fabulously gripping. * Abi Elphinstone *A flapping great follow-up to the eggcellent Twitch. * Sam Sedgman *Another pacy wonderful adventure steeped in the magic of nature and friendship * Jasbinder Bilan *Utterly brilliant. Every book M. G. Leonard writes, I think ‘ooh, this is my favourite’ - and yes, this is my favourite AGAIN! Absolutely magnificent. Gripping and funny, utterly engaging, unputdownable. Cannot recommend highly enough. Perfect storytelling, loved it with all my heart! * Liz Hyder, author of Bearmouth *Spark is a skillfully crafted mystery adventure, it’s also a clarion call for environmentalists everywhere, and will, no doubt, help nurture a love of birds and nature in readers young and old. -- Rob Biddulph * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisTwo greedy squirrels learn to share, in this hilarious rhyming adventure from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside. Now in a board book!Greedy squirrels Cyril and Bruce both have their sights on a very special prize: THE VERY LAST NUT OF THE SEASON! As the nut bounces crazily though the forest, the squirrels race after it, between the trees, over boulders, down the river and - ARGH! - right to the edge of a waterfall! Working together might be the only way to save themselves now ...A laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and sharing. Perfect for competitive friends and sibling rivals! Now in a board book, for little hands to hold.''A charming story about sharing and friendship.'' Parents in Touch''Reminiscent of Julia Donaldson.'' The Sun''Delightful to read again and again.'' The Bookbag''A truly delightful tale.'' The School Librarian.Trade ReviewA rhyming romp of a read complete with gorgeous illustrations that pre-schoolers will adore. Rachel Bright improves with each book. This is reminiscent of Julia Donaldson. -- Natasha Harding * The Sun *Told in catching rhyming text that reads aloud superbly, and illustrated in great detail by Jim Field, showing off the beauties of the forest, this is a charming story.about sharing and friendship. * Parents in Touch *Bright colours (with a perfect, autumnal palette here) and characters full of life bring a joyful feel to every page. So much care and attention has gone into this book, and it really pays off. It's delightful to read again and again... * The Bookbag *The series of books by Rachel Bright and Jim Field are fantastic for their morals and messages, and this one doesn't disappoint. [...] Highly recommended. * Reading Zone - Teacher Review *The Squirrels Who Squabbled offers a humorous look at the perils of adopting an "I want" mentality, which will ring true in many households. * Evening Echo (Cork) *A truly delightful tale about friendship, sharing and the importance of laughter in our lives. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal.A deftly crafted fairy tale adventure story from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess who laughs often and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and of old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery – unlimited treachery…Trade Review...entertains, involves and enlightens... * The Bookseller *Expertly told, with frequent asides to the reader, vividly drawn characters and funny, the story makes it impossible for one's heart not to go out to the spirited little mouse - it is a book for all ages. * The Children's Bookseller *A magical fairy story you can't just stop reading. * Newcastle Upon Tyne Evening Chronicle *Full of charm, this is a heroic story of how goodness and courage can outsmart evil. * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''I can''t remember how old I was when I first started collecting stamps. But I''ve got a whole shoebox full of them now.Mam used to help me collect them ... Before she got so ill that she lost her job, her friends...everything.Now it''s my job to take care of her and protect her - and my little brother and sister too. But to do that, I have to make Mam a Secret. A secret no-one can ever find out about. Not even my best friends at school, or Mo, our postman. Or the stranger living in the house across the street. The one no-one has seen, but who I know is spying on us. The one I think might be Them...''Deep in the heart of Swansea, Wales, lives a small girl with some big secrets to keep. Secrets that make her one of the best actresses on the planet - because no-one would ever think that, away from school, Audrey is the sole carer for her increasingly sick mam and her two youn

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Book SynopsisWithout you, Kay-Kay, there's no sun, no warmth, no light. I will find you my brother, my friend. I will find you and bring you back.When Lena's beloved older brother goes missing at the end of summer camp, the bottom drops out of Lena''s world. The police dismiss Kay-Kay's disappearance as that of just another teenage runaway, but Lena knows they are wrong. Tired of not being listened to, powerless to reach her parents through their grief and unable to imagine a future without her brother in it, Lena sets off to find him.As Lena journeys across India to retrace Kay-Kay''s last known steps, she embarks on a parallel journey of discovery. Because it seems there is a side to Kay-Kay she has never known. The more she learns about her brother in the weeks leading up to his disappearance, the more determined Lena is to find him and to finally be the sister he has so clearly needed. But will she be too late?

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Book Synopsis'No matter whether it’s day or night, it’s always a good time for a story. And the very best stories you’ll ever hear – are true. They’re unfolding right now, in nature all around.'Kids will be amazed by these incredible stories of people coming together to understand and protect a variety of animals who share our precious planet. From outstanding conservation efforts to wholesome community projects, this newest addition to the joyful Happy Stories series is a cheerful compendium of true animal stories from around the world. This anthology is a warming reminder of the good things happening in the world of animal conservation. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by bad environmental news. But Happy Stories for Animal Lovers provides some light, showing that with the right approaches, we can help animals thrive. The stories are told in a narrative style,

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Book SynopsisAn outrageously funny new children's book from award-winning author Joseph Elliott, star of CBeebies' Swashbuckle and CBBC's Big Fat Like. When Atticus and Autumn's dads leave them with their eccentric great-grandmother Nora for the weekend, they're hoping for a few days scoffing biscuits and playing video games. But when Nora's around, nothing ever goes quite to plan... After a stranger from Nora's past leaves a menacing note pinned to her front door, Atticus and Autumn are swept away on a hair-raising adventure dodging snot-flinging sea monsters, battling thunderous electrosquibs and trying to escape from a very flappy goose! Complete with wild and joyful illustrations from Nici Gregory, this rip-roaring tale is perfect for readers aged 8 and up!

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Book SynopsisThe dazzling follow-up to the phenomenal The Book of Stolen Dreams from master storyteller David Farr, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Philip Pullman. Step inside the pages of an immortal adventure... Rachel and Robert have defeated the tyrant Malstain and become the heroes of Krasnia, but all is not how it should be. Robert is swept away with his new friends, leaving Rachel alone to take care of her ailing father, who's lost without their beloved mother. From nowhere, a boy appears knowing the secrets of the hidden blood-red key. For the key is a way into the Hinterland - and Rachel must promise that, as a new key keeper, she will answer when it calls. When a young girl, Elsa Spiegel, is illegally smuggled into the Hinterland, Rachel has no choice but to use her key to save Elsa. But her fate is linked to Krasnia, and Rachel must battle to save her home as she knows it. Praise for The Book of Stolen Dreams:A new and important voice for young people. Michael MorpurgoD

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Book SynopsisRick Riordan has now sold an incredible 55 million copies of his books worldwide

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Book SynopsisWith carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction.Me Before You, a Level 4 Reader, is A2+ in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing more complex uses of present perfect simple, passives, phrasal verbs and simple relative clauses. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear regularly.When Lou Clark loses her job at a café, she is given a job caring for Will Traynor. Will was disabled in a motorbike accident. Lou knows she needs the money. Will knows that his accident took away his love of life. Neither of them know that they''re going to change each other''s lives forever.

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Book SynopsisCallum is a Nought - a second-class citizen; Sephy is a Cross. In their world, Noughts and Crosses don''t mix. Can Callum and Sephy find a way to be together? In what has already become a modern classic, award-winning author Malorie Blackman tackles the issues of prejudice and racism in a way that will thoroughly engage and inspire readers.

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Book SynopsisGallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses - but it''s really a school for spies. Cammie Morgan is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti). But the one thing the Gallagher Academy hasn''t prepared her for is what to do when she falls for an ordinary boy who thinks she''s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without his ever being the wiser, but can Cammie have a normal relationship with a boy who can never know the truth about her?Trade ReviewIf ever there were a new series chock full of characters to make Harry, Ron, Hermione et al look like wimps, then this is it. * thebookbag.co.uk *A great guilty pleasure read for those of you out there who also harbour secret dreams of becoming a spy, or even those who just want a light-hearted break from studying for their exams. Go out, grab a copy, step out of your reality bubble and enjoy! * Teen Today *A short, fun, fast-moving book. * INIS *This book is absolutely incredible. * Teen Titles *I couldn't put it down. * Katie, 15 *I was so excited when I got this book I read it in 24 hours...11/10! * Toya, 14 *Tore through it in like 4 days, and really loved it. It's a nice guilty pleasure. * Aime, 15 *Best book in the world. * Ellie, 13 *Entertaining and witty... refreshing * Southern Daily Echo *Ally Carter is an author that you simply can't miss. * Gripped into Books *Fast paced and suspense-building, this witty novel is enthralling. * Lincolnshire Echo *Carter really digs deep and expresses the life of not just a teenage spy, but also a teenage girl. Amazing 5/5. Siobhan Heagney yr 7 pupil at Kenton School Newcastle * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *Fast-paced, funny and action-packed. * tBk Magazine *Funny... great story... five out of five stars. * WRD Magazine *If ever there were a new series chock full of characters to make Harry, Ron, Hermione et al look like wimps, then this is it. * thebookbag.co.uk *Ally Carter's stories are a must for any teenage girl's bookshelf. Amazing. 5/5 * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *A great guilty pleasure read for those of you out there who also harbour secret dreams of becoming a spy, or even those who just want a light-hearted break from studying for their exams. Go out, grab a copy, step out of your reality bubble and enjoy! * Teen Today *A short, fun, fast-moving book. * INIS *This book is absolutely incredible. * Teen Titles *I couldn't put it down. * Katie, 15 *I was so excited when I got this book I read it in 24 hours...11/10! * Toya, 14 *Tore through it in like 4 days, and really loved it. It's a nice guilty pleasure. * Aime, 15 *Best book in the world. * Ellie, 13 *Entertaining and witty... refreshing * Southern Daily Echo *Ally Carter is an author that you simply can't miss. * Gripped into Books *Fast paced and suspense-building, this witty novel is enthralling. * Lincolnshire Echo *Carter really digs deep and expresses the life of not just a teenage spy, but also a teenage girl. Amazing 5/5. Siobhan Heagney yr 7 pupil at Kenton School Newcastle * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *Fast-paced, funny and action-packed. * tBk Magazine *Funny... great story... five out of five stars. * WRD Magazine *

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Book SynopsisHarness the power of the elements with the Moonlight Riders! A stand-out series for young readers from bestselling author Linda Chapman, author of MY SECRET UNICORN and UNICORN ACADEMY.Could you be a True Rider?When Amara started riding at the Moonlight Stables Riding School she never expected that the ponies there could do magic! Rose can harness the strength of earth, Tide has the abilities of water, and Ember has fire power! Amara is delighted when her favourite pony, Ember chooses her to be his True Rider, but she has a lot to learn. Can she help Ember to master his powers and protect him from the evil Night Riders and their dangerous elemental ponies?Don''t miss the other Moonlight Riders stories!Storm StallionPetal PonySea FoalSnow MareSand Filly

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Book SynopsisWhen Gabby unboxes an Easter basket with an egg inside, all the Gabby Cats want to know what will hatch. But when the egg rolls away, Gabby and Pandy must go on a springtime search through the Dollhouse to find it. Will they find the Easter Kitty Bunny along the way?

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Book SynopsisBased on the traditional fairy tale The Magic Porridge Pot, this vibrantly illustrated story is sure to become a favourite in every home. Find out what happens when a magic pot won''t stop cooking porridge! Part of the Ladybird First Favourite Tales series - a perfect introduction to fairy tales for preschoolers - this hardback book contains lots of funny rhythm and rhyme to delight young children. Ideal for reading aloud and sharing with 2-4 year olds.

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Book SynopsisAs the little alien explains to Sam, being invisible can be a big help. A very funny adventure story by award-winning author Sally Gardner, in her MAGICAL CHILDREN series.When his parents are lost in space, Sam is left in the care of the horrible neighbour Hilda Hardbottom. There he finds a tiny spaceship in the cabbage patch and meets a little alien called Splodge. Splodge loves ketchup, enjoys learning languages and can make himself - and Sam - invisible. How Sam uses this helpful new skill is a very funny and satisfying story for young readers.Trade ReviewGardner's playful hyperbole and spry pen-and-inks are certain kid-pleasers. Ages 7-up. * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *This story sparkles with originality and appealing out-of-the-ordinary events to provide a rivetting read. * JUNIOR MAGAZINE *What makes Gardner's book special is not just the cleverness of its plot, but its charming linguistic zaniness... It's a pleasure to read - to yourself and aloud. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Funny and exciting * Townsille Bulletin *A heart-warming and laugh-out-loud story with wonderful memorable characters * Middleton and North Manchester Guardian *Funny imaginative and touching, the Invisible boy sees Sally Gardner writing at the height of her powers. * LOVEREADING4KIDS *The Invisible Boy has enough humour and action to keep less confident readers as well as assured readers turning the pages. * BOOKS FOR KEEPS *

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud Daisy adventure for readers of 6-9, from bestselling author of the Oi Frog series, Kes Gray.Here comes trouble!Daisy is off to actual, actual London for the day!!!Nanny and Grampy are taking her to see the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and lots more.Trouble is, all Daisy really wants to see is Cooey the pigeon . . .

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Book SynopsisWhen eleven-year-old Cailin's mother takes a contract job on Victoria's eastern coast, Cailin's holiday plans are ruined. Worse, they're staying at her eccentric grandfather's shack at Whitefoam Cove. Cailin barely remembers him, let alone knows him. Grandpa doesn't have Wi-Fi, and his television is older than him. The memories of her father are everywhere and, to make matters worse, she's left her cricket bat at home. How will she make the team now? And how will she keep in touch with her best friend, Josie? It's going to be the worst summer ever.But life with Grandpa proves to be anything but boring. There's treasure to be found at Whitefoam Cove, and Cailin's collection of sea glass is growing rapidly. But just when cricket-mad Cailin and her estranged grandfather finally feel like they're making aconnection, disaster strikesand Cailin knows it's all her fault. Will Grandpa ever forgive her?Sea Glass is a family drama for readers aged 7-12 that explores how, despite difference and disaster, a generational gap is bridged over a shared enthusiasm for sea glass. This contemporary Australian middle grade novel celebrates the importance of family and environment and proves you're never too old to go treasure hunting.

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Book SynopsisJon wakes up in hospital from one nightmare into another: he has no arms and can remember nothing – except his name. Tense and horrifying, this story compels the reader to its chilling climax. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 14+ Jon keeps waking up from a recurring bad dream to find that he is missing his arms and parts of his legs. Kept constantly sedated, as Jon's body disappears his nightmare gets worse. The nurses seem to hate him and the doctor won't answer his questions. Who is Joe? Why do they keep calling him by that name? Tense and horrifying, this story compels the reader to its chilling climax. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 14+

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Book SynopsisA spookily atmospheric tale full of heart-pounding suspense that will keep readers gripped right up to the very last page. From an award-winning author, this haunting story is sure to thrill and chill ghost-story lovers everywhere. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ The holiday was supposed to give them a break, a chance to get away and heal after the loss of the baby. But Hannah's parents are still listless and distracted, and her toddler brother doesn't understand what's going on. And worst of all, something feels wrong in Hannah's room. Her mum and dad don't understand what she's trying to tell them, so one stormy night Hannah sneaks out to find someone who can tell her the truth about the Front Room…Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+

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Book SynopsisTaut, gritty thriller from the phenomenally successful author of Looking for JJ and Finding Jennifer Jones. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ They thought the joyride would be a bit of a laugh. They weren't meant to crash. No one was meant to get hurt. But now Mark's caught up in the worst possible scenario – he left Katie behind and now she's dead. The police can't prove he had anything todo with it, so he's got away with it, right? Wrong. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+

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Book SynopsisChildren's books superstar Julia Donaldson retells a trio of charming tales from across the world in a stunning full-colour edition, ideal as a very first independent read for children who have grown up with The Gruffalo. A king hides a terrible secret under his crown …A marvellous dream inspires an epic journey …A clever girl outwits the king. Told in hyper-readable language and with full-colour illustrations, these stories are an ideal first step for children embarking on a lifelong journey through the wonders of books and stories.

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Book SynopsisA lovely celebration of father–son bonds and the importance of family, wrapped up in a wonderful extraordinary story that is sure to appeal to young superhero fans! Stanley is a normal little boy, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on the planet. Six days a week, Dad saves the world from disasters, aliens, and bad guys. Friday is his day off and he always spends it with Stan. But one Friday, Dad and Stan meet a series of people desperately in need of Dad's help. Soon Stan finds himself saving a lion stuck up a tree, rescuing a monster truck from a ditch and taking on shark-infested floodwaters. That's right: Stan is a chip off the old (superhero) block! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Trade Review"A wonderful enjoyable romp" – INIS "The superhero theme and humour make this a delight for children to read" – Carousel "This exciting adventure story makes a brilliant first chapter book for children who love superheroes!" – Books for Topics "This is a lovely story … and will resonate with fathers everywhere" – The School Run, Blog "Great fun from beginning to end" – LoveReading4Kids

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Book SynopsisA hilarious Little Gem from Jeremy Strong, the master of comic writing for children, with character-packed illustration from Jamie Smith. Plucky young penguin Nellie Choc-Ice goes on an epic adventure when her iceberg floats off to the North Pole. Nellie needs all her wits about her to outsmart a steady stream of hungry creatures who reckon she looks like a tasty treat. Will Nellie ever find her way home? High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.Trade Review"Packs a punch full of energy and wit … the perfect book for budding little naturalists" – BookTrust "Will have readers in stitches … highly entertaining reading while there's an important environmental message beneath the humour too" – LoveReading4Kids "I read this when I needed a smile and I got many" – Nayu's Reading Corner, Blog "I have a feeling that [Nellie and Captain Beardy Beard] will become very popular with young readers" – The Letterpress Project

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Book SynopsisFull of love, humour and heartbreak, this beautifully crafted YA novella from the multi-award-winning author of Ketchup Clouds and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is a compassionate and distinctive tale of modern family life and its issues. Dads leave home all the time. It's not that unusual, really. Leon's dad walked out. So did Mo's. But Archie's? Well, that's a different story – a story that Archie must keep secret at all cost. Archie knows he should accept Dad for who he is, so he hides his turmoil until he can stand it no longer. With nowhere else to turn, he finds himself at the railway track. The track has been calling to him, promising escape, release. The only problem is, it's been calling to someone else too…Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+Trade Review"Delivers thrills and plenty of talking points without being in least patronising" – The Letterpress Project "A dark, unsettling story and totally authentic in the way that it's told" – The Bookbag "Full of love, humour and heartbreak … Annabel Pitcher portrays Archie with real insight and readers will understand completely the agony he feels" – LoveReading4Kids "Brilliant" – BookTrust

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Book SynopsisA fun and colourful rhyming tale from one of the UKs most beloved author-illustrators, Nick Sharratt. Splish, splosh, splash! It's Splash Day and everyone is ready for a water fight! They've got their trunks and wetsuits, some wellies and rubber rings, and Mrs Rose even has a great big hose! Join in with all the splashing fun in Nick Sharratt's beautiful debut Little Gem. Bursting with lots of rhyme, rhythm and energy for little ones to enjoy, it's the perfect book for a young reader's first steps on the path to reading independence.Trade Review"A wonderful picture book … Children will come away full of ideas for their own sunshiny summer fun!" – True Education Partnerships, Top 10 Titles for Summer "A lovely first reading book" – LoveReading4Kids "A joy to read" – Books for Topics "Loved this. Children will love it too. Inclusive, joyous fun" – Letterbox Library "Nick Sharratt has managed to create something simple yet highly entertaining with Splash Day! …. offers fun and happiness to all who are lucky enough to read it" – Brewtiful Fiction, Blog

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of footballing star and war hero Walter Tull is brought to life in this brand-new edition of a Barrington Stoke bestseller. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+ Tully and his brother don't have much. But they do have each other. And Tully has an amazing talent. Football. But when the First World War begins, Tully must fight for respect on the battlefield not the pitch … Based on the amazing true story of Walter Tull, a First World War hero and one of the first black British professional football players. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+Trade Review"A very good read … the Walter Tull story is a really important one" – Dave Cousins, Five Books "A fascinating and inspirational person that deserved to be better known. As with all Barrington Stoke books, this is a well written, quality text that is accessible for less confident readers" – Book Blether, Blog

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Book SynopsisRebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century. Rebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century. Born in 1876, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. After her father lost control of his empire and was exiled to England, Sophia had a privileged but troubled upbringing that left her unsure about where she belonged – in India or England. Sensitive to injustice, she became an suffragette and fought hard to win the vote for women. This is the extraordinary story of her life.Trade Review"Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a truly remarkable person and Bali Rai brings her wonderfully to life in this short, but action-packed biography … Everyone should know her story and I’d press this into the hands of all young people to inspire them with the sense that you can make a difference to the world, and to let them see through the eyes of this extraordinary woman" – LoveReading4Kids "Fascinating … highlights a troubling period of British history in an accessible manner" – BookTrust, Book of the Day "Takes a complex story and distils it down to the essentials while keeping the narrative clear, accessible and engaging at all times. I can see this being a tremendous hit with teachers looking for resources to use in the classroom that raise a wide range of pressing social issues because it tells its story provocatively but without being tediously didactic. Highly recommended" – The Letterpress Project "So simply done and yet packs an almighty emotional punch … a wonderful addition to any classroom that is investigating the history of the suffragette movement and the history of Empire. This is a fantastic story about a woman who defied authority and achieved incredible things. It’s a wonderful achievement" – The Historian Next Door

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Book SynopsisA search for treasure reveals the toxic consequences of modern life in this thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of the world’s largest e-waste dump. A search for treasure reveals the toxic consequences of modern life in this thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of the world’s largest e-waste dump. Theo lives and works in Agbogbloshie in Ghana, a vast dumping ground for the world’s broken electronics. He spends his days scouring the trash for scraps of metal to sell for cash, while dreaming of going to school and escaping this harsh life. The money Theo makes is barely enough to pay for lessons, so when Emmanuel turns up with talk of buried treasure, Theo sees a chance to get out of Trashland. But Emmanuel’s presence draws the attention of a local gang, and Theo starts to wonder if his new friend is keeping dangerous secrets …Trade Review"This fast-paced story, told through deceptively simple text, will engage even reluctant readers" – The i Newspaper "Tense and exciting" – LoveReading4Kids "An accessible and important book that opens a window on the world that we often don’t get to look through" – The Letterpress Project "A powerful eye-opener to the harsh reality we are creating for other parts of the world … had me gripped right from the start" – Kate Heap, reviewer "With high stakes, bags of tension, difficult decisions and great characters … the exciting treasure hunt through the dumping ground will have readers on the edge of their seats and racing through the pages" – A Word About Books, blog

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Book SynopsisAward-winning master of scary stories Chris Priestley returns with a spine-tingling collection of ghostly tales to chill you to the bone … Award-winning master of scary stories Chris Priestley returns with a spine-tingling collection of ghostly tales to chill you to the bone … When Maya and her classmates are asked to write a creepy story with a winter theme, they come up with some brilliant ideas. Rising floodwaters uncover long-buried bodies and ghostly children take to the ice on a frozen canal. But as each of the stories is read out in class, Maya grows more and more uncomfortable. She features in each of her friends’ creepy tales and they start to feel a little too real. Finally, when a mysterious new girl stands up to read the last story of the day, the light outside dims and it starts to snow. The classroom starts to freeze but everyone is trapped. Can Maya stop the story before the nightmare comes true?Trade Review"A fantastic horror fest for plucky youngsters who love to have their spines well and truly tingled!" – Lancashire Evening Post "Will undoubtedly induce delighted gasps of surprise in readers who relish spine-tingling twists. With his intricate illustrations enhancing the chilling atmosphere, Priestley commands a magician’s prowess to conjure the eerily unexpected .. The set-up of interlinked narratives works a terrifying treat" – LoveReading4Kids, October Books of the Month "Epic horror for kids regardless of reading ability … The blend of supernatural with psychological creepiness is beautiful and chilling … utterly masterful" – Lily and the Fae, blog "[Chris Priestley] knows just how intensively to pitch the tingles and fear for his target readership" – The Letterpress Project

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Book Synopsis'A real treat for bookworms.'- Lucy Strange, children's author of The Ghost of Gosswater Join young, budding detective Jane Austen in her second investigation to uncover a devious diamond thief at the glitziest, most scandalous ball of the year! Inspired by Sense and Sensibility. When the headmistress invites her past favourite pupil to attend their end of term ball, Cassandra brings her younger sister, Jane, along too. Cassandra plunges into the feverish excitement of preparing for the biggest event of the year - the dresses, the dances and the boys expected from the neighbouring school. Feeling rather excluded, sharp-witted Jane unearths the reason for the fuss - the headteacher wants to impress a rich family returned from India as the school is at risk of going bankrupt. Jane also befriends the dancing master's assistant, a former slave, called Brandon, who is as quick to notice things as she. At the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen from a locked room and they are propelled into a race to uncover the burglar and save Brandon from gaol. With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth.

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Book SynopsisThe Spook's Apprentice is the first book in Joseph Delaney's terrifying Wardstone Chronicles – over 3 million copies sold worldwide!‘Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who can’For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over? Many apprentices have tried. Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope. But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?Trade ReviewTeenage readers looking instead for total fantasy should hasten to Joseph Delaney's The Spook's Apprentice . . . This terrific novel is as black as David Wyatt's ingenious ink drawings that head each chapter * Independent *An absorbing tale with scary scenarios and a great central relationship between Thomas and his master * The Sunday Times *Wicked and fast-paced, the second instalment in this series is gripping for adults and children alike . . . Beautifully written * The Good Book Guide *Readers seeking lots of up-close encounters with the unquiet dead and other creepy entities need look no further * Kirkus Reviews *This thrilling and terrifying book should not be read after dark! * Parents News *

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Book SynopsisDaisy's in trouble again! Cheeky, extremely readable and funny young fiction from the bestselling author behind the hilarious OI FROG series. Another BRILLIANT laugh-out-loud Daisy adventure, from bestselling author of the Oi Frog series, Kes Gray.Here comes trouble!Daisy is SO excited because it's her BIRTHDAY and she's getting a special treat!Mum is taking Daisy and her best friends Gabby and Dylan to the zoo.The trouble with zoos is, the animals are TOO CUTE. Especially the penguins...So when Daisy gets to go into the ACTUAL penguin cage with the ACTUAL zookeeper and feed the ACTUAL penguins, it really isn't her fault that she has to secretly adopt one.But Daisy soon discovers that the trouble with penguins is, they don't make the easiest pets.Trade ReviewA good read for emergent readers, with an amusing twist to the story that will draw them along as they become involved with Daisy, her mum and her friends * The School Librarian *Gray manages convincingly to get inside the seven-year-old mind to create a laugh-aloud read for newly independent readers * Irish Independent *This is an amusing, easy-to-read story book for young readers. it is sure to become a firm favourite with old and new fans of Daisy -- Louise Ellis-Barrett * writeaway.org.uk *This is a laugh out loud story with hilarious illustrations * Families Magazine *WHAM gives Daisy and the Trouble with Zoos five out of five for laugh-out-loud-ability! * CITV.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisIt's time to meet Roald Dahl's larger-than-life characters as you've never seen them before in this madcap adventure. Focusing on four of Roald's most-loved books – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and The Twits – this book is brimming with all your favourite figures. Meet the main characters from each story illustrated by Quentin Blake, and then let them guide you around their worlds, introducing you to the rest of the cast! The die-cut pages let you create a wonderful work of art inside a book – simply press out parts of the pages to reveal a glorious parade of characters, interacting with each other in quirky and mischievous ways – plus press out and keep some of your favourites! Includes an envelope inside the back cover, to store the press-out characters.Table of ContentsCharlie and the Chocolate Factory: Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe • The Chocolate Factory • Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas • Augustus Gloop • Violet Beauregarde • Veruca Salt • The Great Glass Lift • Mike Teavee • The Twits: Meet the Twits • Beastly Beards • Our House • Mugglewump and the Roly Poly Bird • Twittish Trickery • Upside Down • The BFG: Kidsnatched! • Meet the BFG • Dreamcatcher • Man-eating Giants • Her Majesty • Matilda: Meet Matilda • Meet the Parents • Miss Honey • The Trunchbulls • Hortensia / Lavender • Amanda Thripp / Bruce Bogtrotter.

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Book SynopsisA classic French story from Nobel Prize-winner Patrick Modiano and celebrated illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempé. Beautifully illustrated, this is a love letter to Paris, ballet and childhood for fans of The Little Prince, Le Petit Nicholas and Madeline. Catherine lives with her gentle father, Georges Certitude, who runs a shipping business in Paris with a failed poet named Casterade. Father and daughter share the simple pleasures of daily life: sitting in the church square, walking to school, going to her ballet class every Thursday afternoon. But just why did Georges change his name to Certitude? What kind of trouble with the law did Casterade rescue him from? And why did Catherine's ballerina mother leave to return to New York? Translated by William RodarmorTrade Review"Elegant. Apparently simple and transparent nostalgia belies its sophistication of observation. Deftly characterised illustrations." * Books for Keeps *"What particularly engages is the way Modiano captures memories of childhood: fragmented, misunderstood, but glowing in the crucible of recollection" * Booklist *"Really affecting" * Bookbag *"Feather-light illustrations. This lovely book suggests the delicacy and strength of an eggshell." * Publishers Weekly online *"Ravishing artwork. In surrendering our old certitudes, we may win insights that make our lives more fully human and humane in the present." * The Boston Globe *

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Book SynopsisDimple the gnome is upset and he doesn’t know how to talk about it – but then along comes the Boo … A charming new Gem from the bestselling author of Squishy McFluff. Dimple the gnome is upset and he doesn’t know how to talk about it – but then along comes the Boo … A charming new Gem from the bestselling author of Squishy McFluff. Yucky cabbage pie! Mean Mrs Miskin! Stupid spelling test! Oh dear, Dimple the Gnome is having a very bad day and he just can't find the right words to tell anyone how he's feeling. Then Dimple finds the Boo, who lets everyone know what's going on. But the Boo’s rude words and naughty noises just get Dimple into trouble. Can Dimple find another way to express himself?Trade Review"A wonderful story and a great start to chapter book reading… [and] learning to talk openly about your feelings." – Emma Suffield, Librarian "Dimple is a very sympathetic character and youngsters will completely understand why the Boo takes up residence in his pocket… With colour illustrations by Paula Bowles throughout, this is perfect for children moving from picture books to longer stories" – LoveReading4Kids

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Book SynopsisA grim discovery brings disturbing revelations in this chilling ghost story from the late Marcus Sedgwick. A grim discovery brings disturbing revelations in this chilling ghost story from the late Marcus Sedgwick. While mucking about in the ruins of an old farm while on holiday in Yorkshire, James hears strange laughter echoing around the walls. The ghost of a young girl appears to him and urges James to follow her but at first he’s too afraid. When she appears again, this time James follows. But will he be able to face the terrible truth she reveals …?Trade Review"A ghost story guaranteed to reel you in from the first page and then give you the shivers" – The Times Children's Book of the Week "A melancholic yet spine-tingling ghost story written with grace and poignancy. The message of togetherness within landscapes and throughout history is the most perfect one Marcus could have left for his readers." – Keith Gray "Every now and again a book comes along that knocks me sideways. This is one of those books" – Kate Poels, author "Complex and atmospheric … Like all the best ghost stories, Ravencave is inextricably linked to place and people, with a raw emotional heart." – CLPE "The landscape is gorgeously rendered and the prose as eerie, luminous and clear as ever. Here teenagers will find hope, warmth and reconciliation." – Literary Review

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Book Synopsis Try as he might, Arun simply cannot wriggle his way out of taking the maths test at school. Instead, he must learn to face his fears in this encouraging and relatable school story from Serena Patel. Maths test? Nightmare! Arun is determined to get out of a Maths test at school. But how? A school-wide protest against all tests? Pretending to be sick? He’s ready to try anything, but maybe he’s not the only one who feels this way, and maybe in the end it’s better to face your fears?Trade Review"Inspiring story, full of twists and turns … a great universal read for any child who struggles with feelings of nervousness and anxiety, or children who can sometimes fell isolated and alone in school." – INIS Magazine

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Book Synopsis'Real life' or the death defying adventures of the Greek myths, with their heroes and monsters, daring deeds and narrow escapes - which would you choose?For Phoenix it's easy. He hates his new home and the new school where he is bullied. He's embarrassed by his computer geek dad. But when he logs on to The Legendeer, the game his dad is working on, he can be a hero. He is Theseus fighting the terrifying Minotaur, or Perseus battling with snake-haired Medusa. It feels as though he's really there ¿ The Legendeer is more than just a game. Play it if you dare.Trade Review'This book has something for everyone - action, excitement, anger and suspense. You'll not want to put it down!' -- Sheryl Fenwick EVENING CHRONICLE (DURHAM)

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of international bestseller, Giraffes Can't Dance, comes this feel-good rhyming story about a brave little lion who dares to be different ...Leo isn't like other lion cubs. Instead of chasing zebras and antelopes, he wants to make friends with them. But can a lion who's so different ever fit in with the rest of his pride? Learn how Leo's kindness brings happiness to the jungle in this colourful picture book story. Winner of the Red House Children's Book Award.

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Book SynopsisDigging for peat in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it looks like she's been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him - his brother on hunger-strike in prison, his growing feelings for Cora, his parents arguing over the Troubles, and him in it up to the neck, blackmailed into acting as courier to God knows what, a little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog child unfurls.Bog Child is an astonishing novel exploring the sacrifices made in the name of peace, and the unflinching strength of the human spirit.Trade ReviewAs a writer, Dowd appears to be incapable of a jarring phrase or a lazy metaphor. Her sentences sing, each note resonates with an urgent humanity of the sort that cannot be faked * Guardian *The work of an outstanding writer * The Sunday Times *A captivating first love affair, a hilarious red herring and profound truths about politics and family add up to a novel set to win awards in the coming year * Observer *An unflinchingly honest and brave novel * Irish Independent *Only two months in, and I may have already found my favourite book of the year. Siobhan Dowd's Bog Child is an astonishing read and the kind of book that holds you in a trance * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisCommitted to the deadly pursuit of the monster he created, Victor Frankenstein tells his chilling story. It all began with a desire to help mankind, but where will it end? Frankenstein leads us through vast mountainous landscapes and over frozen seas. Can he stop the fiend’s murderous course? Is he prepared to do what the monster demands? The reader will be shocked and surprised. Is the monster as evil as he seems? Is Victor Frankenstein responsible for the tortures he himself endures? What can Frankenstein’s terrible tale teach us today?

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