Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisEarn your Tooth Brushing Badge with Duggee!It''s a sunny day and Duggee and the Squirrels are on a lovely walk until they meet a lion with VERY smelly breath!Join your favourite Squirrels as they teach the lion a special song to help him learn how to brush his teeth for two minutes.Featuring all of your favourite characters from the triple BAFTA-winning CBeebies show, this board book story is perfect for reading as part of the morning and bedtime routine with little Hey Duggee fans.

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Book SynopsisCatching criminals, solving ancient riddles and defending the honour of king and country are all in a day's work for world-famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his faithful biographer, Watson!

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Book SynopsisSpectacular you can almost smell the surf between the pages. The TimesFive stars if you take only one picture book away this summer, make it this. The TelegraphFrom Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton, the multi award-winning team behind Tiny and Lots, comes a spellbinding collection of poems about the oceans of the world and their shores. With this book, children can swim alongside dolphins and flying fish, pore over rockpools and sail from pole to pole and back, learning about everything from phosphorescence and plankton to manta rays and puffins all in the comfort of their bedroom. Emily Sutton''s exquisite watercolours capture the breathless excitement of a child''s first glimpse of the sea, the majesty of ancient trading ships and the sheer, staggering wonder of the humpback whale. The perfect companion to international bestsellers A First Book of Nature and A First Book of Animals, this book is sure to enthral aTrade Review“Just dive in and enjoy.” * The Sunday Express *“Like fish and chips, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton are meant for each other. You can almost smell the surf between the pages.” * The Times *“This ravishing coffee-table volume of poems is the perfect companion to a seaside holiday, cruise or day out, full of language rich observations about wildlife and beaches and illustrated with engrossing visual variety and charm.” * The Sunday Times *“If you take only one picture book away this summer, make it this.” * The Telegraph *“gloriously illustrated” * The Daily Telegraph, Best 50 Books of 2018 *

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Book Synopsis"Every loch in Scotland, however beautiful, has its cold, dark depths.And every loch in Scotland has its kelpie.But it's easy to forget those dangers on a sunny afternoon..."Flora is playing with her brothers and sisters by the loch when she notices a stunning white horse. While her siblings clamour for a chance to ride the beautiful animal, Flora is worried. Where has this strange horse come from? Why are its hoof prints wet?Too late Flora realises this is no horse! It's a kelpie: a shape-shifting water horse from Scottish folklore known to steal children. Can Flora reveal the secret of the kelpie in time to save her family?The kelpie, once a lesser-known creature of Scottish mythology, is now enjoying legendary status as Andy Scott's magnificent Kelpies statues have become a world-famous tourist attraction.The classic tale of the kelpie is wonderfully retold for 4-7 year olds in this gripping adaptation by renowned Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don, with breathtaking illustrations by artist Philip Longson.Trade Review'A wonderful re-telling of the traditional Scottish folk tale. The language is very accessible and the hushed earth and water colours of the illustrations perfectly capture the impact of the Scottish landscape and the drama of the story. Ideal for storytelling.'--Carousel, Annie Everall 'A classic tale of the kelpie that is wonderfully and beautifully retold for children ages 4-7 in this gripping adaptation... and enhanced with the breathtaking illustrations by artist Philip Longson.'-- Midwest Book Review'The story is haunting, and along with its lovely, detailed illustrations, it captures the look and feel of Scotland perfectly. '--Goodreads, Barbara'... The author uses elements of various traditional versions and acknowledges several collections of Scottish tales as source material. But Don makes her story far gentler than many.'-- Kirkus'The illustrations are very pretty and fun, and are an exciting part of the story.'--Kids' Book BuzzPraise for the Scottish Traditional Tales:'Beautiful books which are a great introduction to the folklore genre... Wonderful stories which will give children a real sense of Scottish culture.'-- Creative StepsPraise for The Tale of Tam Linn:'A traditional Scots tale served up both fresh and freshly illustrated.'-- Kirkus'The illustrations are very pretty and fun, and are an exciting part of the story.'--Kids' Book Buzz'With swirling lines, soft earthy colors, and dramatic compositions, Longson's illustrations capture the beauty of the natural world as well as the ominous undertones of the tale. A haunting picture book with a stouthearted heroine.'--Booklist

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Book SynopsisOlga, the animal-loving girl scientist returns in a second laugh-out-loud adventure for fans of Tom Gates, Barry Loser and Timmy Failure.Olga's trip to outer space is postponed when her possibly-alien but definitely-cute pet, Meh, comes down with a case of the Pink-Pox. Meh is acting weird. She won't eat olives. She sleeps for 12 hours at a time. She'd rather pee on the rug than go for a walk in the park. And she smells bad REALLY bad worse than usual! But the vet is a silly human, and Olga does NOT trust humans. Can she solve Meh's mystery illness herself? Girl power, wacky jokes, kooky science facts and an adorable furry pink alien blob resist if you can!Trade ReviewOriginal and hilarious, with outstanding cartoon-style illustrations. Ideal for fans of Dogman and Captain Underpants, or children who need a little more encouragement to read. Long live Olga. -- Independent IE * Independent IE *There are so many appealing things in this book. It has a part-comic book format, very much in the vein of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. * York Press *

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Book SynopsisIt's blowing up a storm, and a boy and his grandad decide it's the perfect weather for kite-flying. There's just one problem - first they have to find the kite. Their search brings up lots of wonderful memories of previous adventures together, but when they finally make it outside, their adventure really takes off!Trade ReviewStorm by Sam Usher is the final installment in the quartet of seasonal books which highlight the special relationship a boy has with his grandfather, as well as beautifully depicting the changing weather and landscapes around us. In this book, it's blowing a gale and the boy and his grandfather decide that it's perfect kite-flying weather! (Now personally I think it's a don't try this at home sort of story as it's far too stormy to actually fly a kite but we will let this book have some artistic license because it makes for a wonderful and atmospheric story.) But, of course, they can't find the kite. Isn't this always the way? As they search through the cupboards for their beloved kite, they happen across a whole cacophony of items that allow them to reminisce of wonderful memories of their days out together and the special bond that they have. And each page of the search is interspersed with the increasingly stormy weather developing outside, including a rather hilarious elderly gent who gets more and more swept up by the storm! When they do eventually find their kite and make it outside, they have their best adventure yet. So much so that they actually take flight!The magic of this book, for me, comes from the incredibly dramatic illustrations of the stormy weather, so much so that as you gaze at the pictures you can almost hear the wind blowing (or perhaps that's just me because it's blowing a gale here as I type). The colour-palette of the greys of the sky is truly perfect when set in contrast against the bright rainbow of kites that tear across it in the breeze. The selection of autumnal leaves which swirl on each page are crafted so beautifully you can feel their movement. This book really is a wonder! * BookBairn *Previous titles in the series include Rain, Sun and Snow, and the children all knew why I had chosen the book for this week - they talked excitedly about the recent rain and strong winds and how the leaves were falling from the trees. One of the most popular activities at playtime recently has been gathering mounds of multi-coloured leaves and pretending they are mountains to dominate and explore. The children loved the evocative language used in the book when describing the wind - 'blustered and blew', 'huffed and 'howled' and 'whistled and whooshed'. Not only do these words sound perfect for the noise the wind makes, but their onomatopeic nature inspired the children to have a go at making the sounds themselves. The illustrations complement the words perfectly, with the windy scenes in particular creating a sense not just of movement but whirling, natural chaos.My young audience was particularly captivated by the kite-flying scenes, calling out all the shapes and sizes, from a Chinese dragon to a massive whale. We talked about times when we'd flown a kite (most of my experiences have not been impressive!) and then, during library lunchtime, we decorated kite shapes as an activity.This is a delightful story that not only makes us think about the weather but also how different family members can have fun together. A great book for everyone, but especially a boy to share with his fun-loving grandfather. * Childtastic Books *Storm is the fourth in a series of books from writer and illustrator Sam Usher which follow a young boy and the adventures he has with his grandad in the snow, rain, sun and now, a storm. Every book starts in the same way; the boy wakes up, looks out of his window and discovers something exciting.Full of enthusiasm he races to find his grandad, desperate to have an adventure. He just can't decide what to do, but grandad knows that a windy day is the best day to fly a kite of course. They search the house high and low for the kite and there are some beautifully touching moments where they find items they used in their previous adventures and reminisce.There's so much excitement in getting everything perfect that the boy and his grandad are always slightly delayed in getting out to experience the extreme weather. During this time the weather becomes more dramatic than ever with lively illustrations of what's going on just outside the front door.When they're finally ready they step out and the adventures can really begin. These books build up the action so gently from what is a normal activity to a crescendo that breaks the barrier between real life and imagination. One minute they are flying their kites on a blustery hill and the next they are really flying, swooping amongst the clouds with fantastical kite creatures.The bond between grandchild and grandparent is truly special and these two capture the essence of it perfectly. Sam Usher's watercolour illustrations are wonderfully grand but also tender and full of affection. All the books leave you feeling warm and snug, which is exactly what you need on a stormy autumn day. * Acorn Books *Written and illustrated by Sam Usher and published by Templar Publishing, STORM is the fourth and final instalment in a beautiful seasonal series of books, which celebrate the special relationship between a little boy and his grandad.As we had previously read RAIN, SUN and SNOW, we were very much looking forward to finding out what new adventure STORM would bring. It is a real delight to share another joy-filled day with this imaginative duo. As they search for their kite, we gain a glimpse of adventures past: a game of cricket, a boat trip and a visit to a secret cave! Then when they do eventually locate the kite, we join them on yet another fun-filled trip to the park.This heartwarming story is completed by Sam Usher's timeless and atmospheric illustrations. The way in which he captures the wildness of the weather outside, and contrasts it with the comforting memories the pair find within the house, is very special indeed. As too is his level of detail and his ability to create expression and movement on the page. All the images are beautiful but the double spreads are particularly wonderful!STORM may be the final book in the series but it is definitely our favourite and it is perfect for curling up under a blanket and reading this Autumn. * Along Came Polly *Storm is part of a series of fictional books that are based around seasons. The other titles in the series are, Snow, Rain and Sun.Storm celebrates a loving and respectful relationship between a grandfather and his grandson as shown in the previous books. It's wonderful to meet the familiar characters again and witness natural conversations between the two of them.It's proving to be a windy day in the story and the young boy is excited at the prospect of exploring the outdoors. His granddad suggests flying a kite but they need to find it first. As they search all over the house they each find different items. The various items they find are representative of wonderful memories that will also remind readers of adventures they've read about from Sam Usher's previous books.Thankfully the kite is found and off they go on their outdoor adventure. They aren't the only ones who thought to fly a kite on such a windy day. As the wind becomes stronger they both swoop and fly with the kite but with the weather becoming more intense they, thankfully, land safely and head home.Sam Usher does a brilliant job at creating interesting, dramatic illustrations with a sprinkle of magic. His colourful artwork so wonderfully captures the delightful colours found during autumn time and the sense of movement and wind blustering outside is so realistic.The format of the story is similar to previous books written but the familiarity in its structure will be welcomed by young readers. The simple storyline makes this a great book to be enjoyed by preschoolers and up, who I am sure will also be in awe of the gorgeously detailed illustrations. * Mamma Filza *The fourth of Sam Usher's series of picture books about a little boy and his grandfather continues to celebrate their special relationship.It's a very blustery autumn morning and when the little boy wakes up he sees leaves flying, dancing and tumbling down.Eager to get outside, he calls his Grandad who suggests flying a kite. First though they have to find it.During their search they rediscover several items - a cricket bat, letters and a telescope that bring back memories of previous adventures - until finally, they find the kite.Off they set under a stormy-looking sky to the parkwhere they discover lots of other kite fliers. "Hold on tight," calls Grandad as their fantasy adventure begins.Up, up, up they go swooping and twisting as the sky is filled with an amazing, colourful array of kites of all different shapes and patterns.The wind intensifies and the boy lets go of the kite string. Luckily though, Grandad catches it "There's a storm brewing!Let's head for home," he urges and they do.Back indoors, as the storm rages outside, they share some tea and Grandad declares, "The best adventure is an adventure shared." And so it is, just like the one herein: what better prelude to a kite-flying foray than this.With russet, gold, orange and brown hues, and a darkening grey, Sam Usher's watercolour and ink illustrations capture so well both the trees' autumnal foliage and the brooding nature of the storm. * Red Reading Hub *Sam Usher's Storm is a great book to inspire children to go outside and have an autumn adventure. We've already met the boy and his grandad in Rain, Sun and Snow and we love the way that their relationship and adventures harness the power of imagination and lead them outside to have fun.The Story: It's a windy autumn day and a boy and his grandad are looking for their kite. They reminisce as they discover objects from previous adventures but before long Grandad and the boy are having fun flying through the air along with a host of other kite flyers. But there's a storm brewing - can they make it home before it arrives?The boy has several ideas for windy day activities including our favourite - kicking up leaves - but it is Grandad who suggests kite flying. The calm inside the house as they look for their kite contrasts with the weather outside. The alliterative text is brilliant, we love 'blustered and blew' and 'whirled and whooshed', and combined with swirling leaves in the illustrations you are blown away as your read. Scarves blow sideways and the boy and his Grandad hold onto their hats as they finally step out of the iconic red front door, dressed almost identically, to start their adventure.The boy and his grandad share a wonderfully strong bond, the story is a really lovely portrayal of family members from two different generations having fun together. We love the way that they immerse themselves in their adventure and the double page spreads showing them flying their kite are gorgeous.The boy also shares his adventure with the toy that was lying on his bed at the beginning of the story. The dragon mask (which has a tail like another of Sam's picture book characters, Sassoon) becomes a kite and at one point Grandad and the boy ride on its back. The flying scenes are wonderfully busy with a colourful array of kites and children in stripy jumpers. It's amazing that the strings don't get tangled together but that's the beauty of this adventure, reality and fantasy are blurred together as the boy and his grandad's imaginations take over. * Story Snug *

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Book SynopsisA lyrical, richly illustrated storybook about community and family - set against the backdrop of a seaside fishing village. If you keep walking over the hills and across the fields, you will come to the edge, where the land meets the sea. And on this edge lies a village. This is my home.A young boy watches the grown-ups in his village go about their work. Everyone is busy: the blacksmith, the boat-builder, the baker. But most important of all, he thinks, are the fishermen who bring in the catch.The boy's father is a baker, but he wants to be a daring fishermen when he grows up, brave enough to sail through stormy seas. He asks his father, "Have you ever been to sea?"An atmospheric look at a traditional way of life, and a timeless reminder that everyone is important, no matter how seemingly small their role.

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Book SynopsisA joyful bear hug of a picture book, celebrating the special relationship between father and child. From Rachel Bright, author of the award-winning Lion Inside series.My daddy is amazing for a thousand different reasons. He''s a year-round superhero, a daddy for all seasons!Join Little Panda and Daddy Panda as they spend the day together, sharing lots of special moments along the way. The perfect gift to share with the amazing daddy in your life! On Father''s Day, for new Dads, or at any time of the year.Rachel Bright is the author of the Lion Inside series, with over one million copies sold in more than 30 languages.Trade ReviewWarmth, humour and love abound in this tale of all that is best about fathers. The perfect gift to share with the amazing daddy in your life. * Parents In Touch *This would make a lovely present for a dad to share with his little one. It encourages discussion...and it also encourages hugs, since it's that sort of lovely book. Nicely gentle for bedtime reading, this is a sweet book all round. * The Bookbag *Full of warmth, love and laughter this is like giving a big bear hug wrapped up as a book * South Wales Evening Post *A book to share for father's day ... and beyond with any dad like this ... With rumtytump rhyming text, old typewriter typeface and cosy scenes of comic father-and-child pandas, including a spread of 100 vignettes of knitting, kite-flying, cookery, football... * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisThe sixth in a fantastic series of animal stories for younger readers by Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon.Jasmine's dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself...Jasmine has secretly rescued a baby goat. She's gorgeous but she's really naughty! Will her amazing antics persuade Jasmine's parents to let her stay, or will Jasmine have to say goodbye to Willow for ever?Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation. Perfect for readers aged seven and up.Check out Jasmine's other adventures: A Piglet Called Truffle, A Duckling Called Button, A Sheepdog Called Sky and many more!

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Book SynopsisGet ready for an exciting fairy adventure with the no. 1 bestselling series for girls aged 5 and up. When Jack Frost steals Rita the Rollerskating Fairy''s magical object, rollerskates everywhere start spinning out of control! Best friends Rachel and Kirsty must help Rita put things right, before anyone gets hurt.''These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!'' ReadingZone.comRead all four fairy adventures in the After-School Sports Fairies set! Teri the Trampolining Fairy; Bonnie the Bike-riding Fairy; Rita the Rollerskating Fairy; Callie the Climbing Fairy.If you like Rainbow Magic, check out Daisy Meadows'' other series: Magic Animal Friends and Unicorn Magic!Trade ReviewA sure-fire hit for girls - MumsenseRemains the number one series for girls aged five and over - BooksellerHugely popular with young girls - Sunday ExpressA lovely set of books for girls to collect - Parents in Touch

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Book SynopsisAlex and Ruby are back in their SECOND time-slip adventure, tumbling back into a Victorian Christmas! From multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls comes another brilliant action-packed adventure for 7+ readers, beautifully illustrated by Rachael Dean. When Alex and Ruby fall through the mirror in their aunt's house, they find themselves in a different historical period, each time with a different task to perform before they can return to the present. From Edwardian crime capers to Victorian Christmasses, their time-slip stories are always exciting and beautifully told.A Victorian Christmas is lovely - all the food and candles and games and singing - unless you're poor, motherless Edith who is condemned to be sent to a cruel boarding school on Boxing Day. Can Alex and Ruby persuade her strict father that home is where the heart is instead?Full of action and humour and featuring exciting black-and-white illustrations throughout, this is another superb time-slip story which brilliantly brings history to life as part of an adventure.'A clever vehicle for introducing the differences between then and now in an accessible way, with a fast-paced plot and a lovely spooky ending' - The Times on A Chase in TimeHave you read Alex and Ruby's other adventures: A Chase in Time, An Escape in Time and A Secret in Time?Cover illustration by Isabelle Follath.

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Book SynopsisJoin best friends Rachel and Kirsty on four magical adventures with the Friendship Fairies!This bumper story collection contains Esther the Kindness Fairy, Mary the Sharing Fairy, Mimi the Laughter Fairy and Clare the Caring Fairy. The girls must help the fairies find their magical objects before friendships everywhere are ruined. Can Rachel and Kirsty work together to show how powerful true friendship can be?Rainbow Magic is the perfect stepping stone for children to become independent readers. With black and white illustrations, short chapters and lots of books to collect, these books are really accessible for children aged 5+.''These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!'' ReadingZone.comDo YOU have a Rainbow Magic fairy? Find a fairy with your name at orchardseriesbooks.co.uk/rainbow-magic and collect all the books in the range.

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Book SynopsisAt Zoe's Rescue Zoo only the cutest, cuddliest animals need apply!Zoe loves living at her uncle's rescue zoo because there's always something exciting going on. And Zoe also has an amazing secret... She can actually TALK to the animals!When Raina the reindeer and her family arrive, it looks like Christmas at the zoo will be the best one yet. But after Raina runs away and ends up in an accident, she's not sure she'll be a very good Christmas reindeer. Can Zoe change Raina's mind and help her to spread Christmas cheer after all?Another fantastic title in the perfect series for young animal lovers, beautifully illustrated throughout by Sophy Williams.Have you read Zoe's other adventures? The Lonely Lion Cub The Puzzled Penguin The Silky Seal Pup The Eager Elephant The Lucky Snow Leopard The Pesky Polar Bear The Cuddly Koala The Wild Wolf Pup The Happy Hippo The Sleepy Snowy Owl The Scruffy Sea Otter The Picky Puffin The Giggly Giraffe The Curious Kangaroo The Super Sloth The Little Llama The Messy Meerkat The Helpful Hedgehog The Rowdy Red Panda The Talkative Tiger

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Book SynopsisMeet the ultimate Dream Team! When Tito becomes friends with the mysterious new girl at school, Neena, she introduces him to the world of Dreamweaving. Soon Tito and Neena are going on adventures every night – exploring dreams where quirky creatures called jinn roam. And when their classmates start acting strangely, they realize someone else is using Dreamweaving to cause chaos. Can Tito and Neena stop them before the dream world takes over the waking world? The first book in a fun, fresh and exciting new series, for fans of Laura Ellen Anderson, Star Friends, Peanut Jones and Witch for a Week.

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Book SynopsisCome with Claude on a smashing adventure! These waggy tales are perfect for new readers, with illustrations on every page. As seen on TV - Claude is the star of his very own TV show! ''Illustrated with humour and elegance ...'' The Sunday TimesA gentle stroll through town leads to leg kicking and bottom shaking as Claude dances his way into the theatre and straight into the spotlight!''For emerging readers I recommend the Claude books'' Irish Sunday IndependentCatch up with ten terrific years of Claude! Read on with: Claude on HolidayClaude in the CityClaude at the CircusClaude in the CountryClaude in the SpotlightClaude on the SlopesClaude Lights! Camera! Action!Claude Going for GoldSanta Claude Claude AdventuresClaude All At SeaClaude at the PalaceClaude Doodle BookClaude: Trade ReviewLittle ones will be high-kicking long after the last page is turned; a glittering triumph. * Little London Magazine *A wonderful creation for newly independent readers. * The Bookseller *Claude is taking to the stage and that can only mean mayhem! Little ones will be high-kicking long after the last page is turned; a glittering triumph * Little London Magazine *A treat for new readers. * Peters Gazette *Comic talent not just for writing a good story but also illustrating it in a fitting but hilarious style. * Books For Keeps *I loved everything about this book. * Bookbag *A perfect series for new readers. * Parents In Touch *This is a fantastic series that is sure to capture the attention of any reader with its funny and engaging story. * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *A lovely, silly story and once again the well written words and delightful illustrations go together beautifully. * Bookbag *Alex T. Smith is a rising star in children's books. The text is ideal for early readers, combining simple language with humour and page-turning entertainment. It is his skill in creating drama out of bright comedy that makes the book such a compulsive read. * Books For Keeps *Quirky illustrations and plenty of humour. * Metro *Sharp, knowing and sophisticated: a total delight. * Irish Times *Illustrated throughout in a quirky, elegant, 1950s style, in a distinctive palette of red, white and black. Smith's off-the-wall humour and sense of fun will keep both children and their parents entertained from beginning to end. An utterly charming book for emerging readers. * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisJoin Bertha and Blink on an adventure full of friendship, with a sprinkling of science and a nod to nature. The perfect new series for fun-loving readers!When a rumble in the jungle disturbs super-star inventor Bertha's work, she has to leave her peaceful home and investigate. To help her, she creates Blink an excitable robo-bird sidekick who can't wait to explore! How will the unlikely pair cope in the wilderness? And will they be able to discover the secret behind the strange noises?PRAISE FOR BERTHA AND BLINK:Blending friendship, science, and nature, Rumble in the Jungle is an accessible text that newly independent readers will enjoy. School Reading ListA bite sized adventure for 5+ with such character! Full of bright pictures, colourful personalities and inventive inventions, it's a great launch into reading. Rachel Delahaye, author of MORT THE MEEK

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Book SynopsisLearn to say ''Thank You'' with Mr Panda in this charmingly funny picture book. Mr Panda has surprise presents for his friends. Some are too big, some are too heavy, and some are simply bizarre... But remember, it''s the thought that counts! Definitely silly, but with plenty of opportunity for a discussion about manners afterwards should you so wish. The Bookbag Look out for more books starring the grumpy (but loveable!) Mr Panda. Over half a million copies sold to date! Please Mr Panda I''ll Wait Mr Panda Goodnight Mr PandaMr Panda''s ColoursMr Panda''s FeelingsTrade ReviewExquisitely illustrated from start to finish * Baby London *Mr Panda's back in story number three - hurray! This might just be my favourite to date; the final spread certainly had me laughing out loud in delight; and I absolutely love the return of those doughnuts * Red Reading Hub *Definitely silly, but with plenty of opportunity for a discussion about manners afterwards should you so wish, this is a fun story to share * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisA fresh and irreverent comedy starring a cast of neurodiverse characters guaranteed to be one of the funniest novels you''ll read this year. Leon John Crothers is 4779 days old (thirteen years and one month, if you''re mathematically challenged). He has been ''moved on'' from six different schools and most people think he has an attitude problem. Leon doesn''t care for the label, in the same way that he doesn''t care for Tim Burton, supermarket trolleys, train fanatics or Bounty bars.This time, however, things may turn out differently, as help comes from where he least expects it Dr Snot, a physician at pains to help Leon navigate ''normal'' and classmates, Tanya and Lawrence, who both face their own challenges. When school bully Glen Jenkins humiliates Leon in the school canteen and almost destroys Lawrence, Leon very reluctantly agrees to the formation of a club, The Asparagus Bunch.How Leon manages to navigate school woes and family drama and astonishingly ends up with not one but two friends is nothing short of a miracle, or maybe just simply down to being different.Shortlisted for the AN Post Irish Book Awards 2022 Shortlisted for the Juniper Book Awards 2023

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Book SynopsisIntroducing The Famous Five to younger readers with this NEWLY-CREATED story for children aged 5 and up!When the Five go to the village show, they find themselves in the heart of a storm! Can they help find the prize that has mysteriously disappeared?Set in the world of Enid Blyton''s best-loved series, this newly created story follows Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog on a special new adventure. The story is broken down into short chapters with vibrant, full-colour illustrations on every page - perfect for shared reading or for newly confident readers to enjoy independently.Also look out for: The Birthday Adventure, Five to the Rescue!, Five and the Runaway Dog, Message in a Bottle, Timmy and the Treasure and The Mysterious Noise, illustrated by Becka Moor.Enid Blyton''s eight original short stories about the Famous Five are also available as early readers illustrated by Jamie Littler. Collect them all!

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Book SynopsisA.M. Howell has always been inspired by the stories around her, and how imagination can unlock the secrets of the past. Her thrilling historical mysteries have garnered great critical acclaim, winning both the Mal Peet Children's Book Award, and the East Anglian Book of the Year Award, as well as being shortlisted for lots of other prizes. A.M. Howell lives in Suffolk with her husband and two sons.

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Book SynopsisNathan's Saturday is thrown into chaos when he finds himself in possession of the only thing that can stop the mysterious organisation RUIN from destroying the world. Can 13-year-old Nathan Chase out run RUIN's ninja army? Can he stop the storm of the century? The Chase is on in Thunder Chase!

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Book SynopsisMole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger are four friends living in the Wild Wood. From racing in a motorcar to getting lost in the forest, their days are always full of high-energy hijinks and adventures. Today's young readers will be charmed by this story of friendship and generosity.

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Book SynopsisDiscover Arthur Conan Doyle's famous Sherlock Holmes novels repackagedwith beautiful modern covers.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever wondered what led Maleficent to become so evil? Many tales have tried to explain her motives. Here is one account, pulled from those passed down through the ages. It is a story of love and betrayal, magic and fantasy. It is a tale of the mistress of all evil.

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Book SynopsisThe story of a Queendom set in an alternate India. A debut rich in fantasy, friendship and faith, and an original middle grade magical adventure that sparkles with storytelling magic.A land that loses its stories loses its way.'The beautiful queendom of Moonlally has fallen under a tyrant's rule. Their queen is dead, worship of their goddess, the Dark Lady, is forbidden, and the precious black diamond that protects the city a rare fragment of fallen star has gone missing.When fierce orphan girl Minou Moonshine's life is unexpectedly shattered, she joins the ragtag band of rebels, the Green Orchids, who are plotting to overthrow the General.Armed with a secret and a map, Minou sets off with her friends and a mechanical elephant, through the lush jungles of Indica, in search of a queen, a goddess and her destiny.

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Book SynopsisJoin five animal friends as they start school in this delightful introduction to the school day, from getting dressed in the morning to home time. Charming illustrations depict the school day and some of the early years concepts including colours, shapes, numbers and counting, weather and seasons, the body and senses and more. - An entertaining introduction to the world of pegs, classrooms, registers, teachers, lessons, lunchboxes, school toilets and playtime. - Perfect for any child, parent or carer excited or nervous about the first day.

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Book SynopsisGran tells her not to worry and when they get home, Destiny uses her trusty sketchbook to doodle her ideas and work through her worries. Destiny draws and then makes herself a magic wand - if she had a real one, none of the tricks would go wrong and she wouldn't be nervous. But when Destiny tries it out, the wand really is magic!

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Book SynopsisThis gripping, page-turning YA thriller is a momentous debut from Alex Travis, promising a fast-paced plot and compelling characters. After the basketball star and most popular guy in school is found bloodied and unconscious in the locker room, his three jilted exes become suspects...and the investigation turns from assault to murder. ***His first mistake was underestimating them. Senior year is going to be perfect. Meghan won't settle for anything less. She's already crushing her classes and dating the star of the basketball team. Nate's friends have been less than welcoming, but it's never easy being one of the only Black kids at a mostly white prep school. Still, Meghan did not expect the scene at pep rally. Robin and Bria dated Nate too. Correction: are dating him. He never broke up with them, and Meghan is furious. When Nate is found bloodied and unconscious in the locker room after the big game, suddenly the three teens are prime suspects and a tenuous alliance may be the only way to clear their names. Except Meghan doesn't remember everything that happened that night, and she's starting to have feelings for one of the exes. One thing is for sure: the more clues they uncover, the more Meghan, Bria, and Robin each look responsibleWhy get over your cheating ex when you can get even? John Tucker Must Die meets One of Us Is Lying in a gripping, page-turning debut thriller. TropesYoung Adult ThrillerAmnesiaSuspenseTrust No OneUnlikely Alliance

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Book SynopsisTheodosia Throckmorton has an extraordinary ability: she can sense ancient magic. This is most useful, as she spends her life fighting curses in the London Museum of Legends and Antiquities, where her father is head curator of a vast collection of Egyptian artefacts and mummies. When Theo's mother returns from an archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egypt, a legendary amulet from a long-lost tomb, Theo soon realises it holds a powerful curse which could threaten all of Britain with war. Worse, there are sinister forces who wish to capture the amulet's power for themselves. Theo must summon all her courage and cunning to fight the rising chaos and restore the amulet to its rightful place...Trade Review"A sure bet for Harry Potter fans, as well as Joan Aiken's and Eva Ibbotson's readers. This imaginative, supernatural mystery will find word-of-mouth popularity" * Booklist, starred review *"There are surprises aplenty in LaFevers's spirited debut, a sort of Indiana Jones for girls and a perfect blend of mystery and humour" * Publishers Weekly, starred review *"Vivid descriptions of fog-shrouded London and hot, dusty Cairo enhance the palpable gothic atmosphere, while page-turning action and a plucky, determined heroine add to the book's appeal" * School Library Journal *"Intrepid Theodosia, age 11, narrates a fantasy steeped in invented and authentic Egyptology, clashing secret societies and pre-WWI European intrigue" * Kirkus *"With Theo Throckmorton ... girls have a truly independent role model" * Time Out New York *

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Book SynopsisA lonely girl, a missing father and a trail of lies . . . From the million-copy bestselling author of Girl, Missing, comes a blockbuster teen thriller that will have you looking for answers round every corner. Fourteen-year-old Cat is lonely - reeling from the loss of her father, she’s disconnected from friends and fighting with her mum. But when a new boy, Tyler, arrives for the summer, Cat finds herself opening up to the handsome stranger.  A shocking revelation about her dad turns Cat’s world on its head. She and Tyler uncover a series of secrets that take them on a perilous journey. With fresh lies exposed and threats from a dangerous gang revealed, will Cat risk everything to keep herself and her family safe?  An explosive, edge-of-your-seat new drama from the original queen of teen thrillers, Sophie McKenzie, for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson.'So

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Book SynopsisOriginal and humorous stories for children just moving on from picture books but still wanting full colour illustrations. The adventures of Princess Minna are exciting, reassuring and full of fun, with the perfect amount of peril!

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Book SynopsisOver a hundred years ago, a faithful little dog called Bobby kept a fourteen-year vigil by his master's graveside in Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh. Bobby captured the hearts of the townsfolk and remains a legend still today.Trade Review"Haunting illustrations" * The Spectator *"Classic tale . . . beautifully illustrated" * The Bookseller *"Haunting illustrations" * The Spectator *"Classic tale . . . beautifully illustrated." * The Bookseller *"Greyfriars Bobby is introduced to a new generation in Ruth Brown's lovely picture book" -- Clare Poole * Booksellers' Choice, The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisNominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2022What you don't remember can't hurt you... Cyan has lived at the Elsewhere Sanctuary for as long as he can remember, freed by Dr Haven from dark memories of his past life. But when Cyan finds a mysterious warning carved into the bones of a whale skeleton, he starts to wonder what he had to forget to be so happy. New resident, Jonquil, begins to resist the sanctuary's treatment, preferring to hold on to her memories - even the bad ones. So when Dr Haven resorts to harsher measures, Cyan embarks on a secret mission to discover the truth about the sanctuary...and himself. Marvellously visual and gripping - A. M. HowellTrade ReviewPacy, profound and original * The Observer *Simpson combines fast-paced visual storytelling with a complex, thought-provoking message about coming to terms with the past. * The Guardian *Marvellously visual and gripping * A.M. Howell, author of The Garden of Lost Secrets *Gripped me from the very first page - vivid storytelling, wonderful world-building and characters you'll think about long after the end * Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & The Spirit Bird *This multi-layered thriller is thought-provoking and compelling. * The School Librarian *

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Book Synopsis*Winner of the 2023 Wainwright Prize for Children's Writing on Nature & Conservation!*'A captivating tale that glistens with wonder. Leila and Fox will always have a home in my heart' Sophie Anderson'This is an extraordinary book - wild and beautiful and perfect' Katya BalenCome with an Arctic fox on a breathtaking journey ... an enthralling story from the bestselling, award-winning creators of Julia and the Shark. With dazzling blue and black illustrations, this is a perfect gift for 9+ fans of The Last Bear and A Wolf Called Wander.Fox wakes, and begins to walk. She crosses ice and snow, over mountains and across frozen oceans, encountering bears and birds beneath the endless daylight of an Arctic summer, navigating a world that is vast, wild and wondrous. Meanwhile, Leila embarks on a journey of her own - finding her way to the mother who left her. On a breathtaking journey across the sea, Leila rediscovers herself and the mother she thought she'd lost, with help from a determined little fox.Based on the true story of an Arctic fox who walked from Norway to Canada in seventy-six days, a distance of two thousand miles, this compelling, emotional and beautifully illustrated story is the perfect gift for 9+ readers.Praise for Julia and the Shark:'A tale of courage, understanding and compassion' The Observer'Julia and the Shark is deep, beautiful and true. The art shines and the writing soars. A classic from cover to cover' Eoin Colfer'A truly beautiful book, with text and illustrations in perfect harmony. A book to treasure!' Jacqueline WilsonTrade ReviewBeautiful and moving, LEILA AND THE BLUE FOX delicately explores themes of migration, freedom and belonging, through a captivating tale that glistens with wonder. Leila and Fox will always have a home in my heart * Sophie Anderson *This is an extraordinary book - wild and beautiful and perfect. The mess and tangle of humanity is so brilliantly contrasted with the wild spirit of nature * Katya Balen *Leila and the Blue Fox really is a thing of beauty both inside and out * A.F. Steadman, author of SKANDAR *Powerful and moving * Countryfile Magazine *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD 2018 - Best Book with Facts. Have you ever wondered what exactly does go bump in the night? From mysteries like Shackleton’s ghostly companion to the Loch Ness Monster and friends, read the amazing evidence about these mysterious cases and make up your own mind. Things are not always what they seem - until they are, then you might wish you had never asked!Trade Review'A great read!' - North Somerset Teachers Book Award; 'A brilliant, thought-provoking book that will set young brains in motion' - Lancashire Post; 'Ideal for children who continually ask questions' - Parents in Touch; 'A keen example of brilliance of well done non-fiction' - BookMonster; 'Takes me right back to my childhood' - ReadItDaddy; 'In a world of fake news, this book is an excellent primer for thinking about what's fact-based and what's not' - MinervaReads; 'K's eye's lit up as soon as she saw the book because she's been reading lots of adventure mystery stories recently' - Love Hijab Girl; 'The need for objectivity to be taught at a young age has never been more apparent, and this would be a great place to start' - Book Murmuration.

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Book SynopsisSing a nursery rhyme with a book that's Indestructible!Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies "read" (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: * Rip Proof-made of ultra-durable tight-woven material* Waterproof-can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed! * Emergent Literacy Tool-bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading * Portable-lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel * Safe for Baby-meets ASTM safety standardsTwinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a soothing bedtime read-aloud, introducing baby to a favourite song and the concepts of rhythm and rhyme.

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Book SynopsisThis pop-up book comes with a secret. Each pop-up scene casts a shadow that depicts another element in the story. The story can be read cover to cover with the additional elements of pop-ups and shadow scenes. An amazing bedtime storybook experience - all you need is a torch. * Beautiful artwork. * Brings an interactive element to story-time. * Stunning hidden images emerge when a light is shone through each pop-up.

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Book SynopsisREACH FOR THE STARS and learn all about SPACE in this fact-packed new book from the bestselling creator of the FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN series! Mixing STEM topics with a sweet story of figuring out your place in the world, this is the perfect introduction to space for the next generation of space travellers, whoever they may be. Budding astronaut Luna Scope wants nothing more than to blast off into space and explore the cosmos, but how does she go from a cardboard rocket in her room to running experiments on the International Space Station? Enter Granny, who’s about to teach Luna just how to make her dream a reality. From discovering what shooting stars are really made of and learning how to complete a spacewalk, to rocket building lessons by Mary Jackson and space shuttle trips with Mae Jemison– Luna and her Granny take us on a crash course adventure into how to become a successful astronaut. Meeting incredible female space pioneers along the way, Granny takes Luna on a fact-filled space adventure showing her that ANYONE can be an astronaut if they dream big enough. In fact, just by standing on planet Earth, you’re already closer than you think... From Kate Pankhurst, award-winning creator of FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN, this is the first in a new series tackling popular non-fiction topics in fun new ways. Inspiring young readers to aim high, dream big and see that they too can reach for the stars!Trade ReviewWe Are All Astronauts is a beautiful celebration of female achievements and diversity throughout the history of human spaceflight. It is equally informative and fun. It encourages children, especially young girls, to dream big and to hold onto those dreams. * Hayley Arceneaux - commercial astronaut on the SpaceX mission *WE ARE ALL ASTRONAUTS is a delightful book! Its engaging design fosters a sense of exploration and adventure. I was surprised at how much information is packed into its pages. Children will love this book while they learn about exploring space. * Loretta Hall, author of Wally Funk’s memoir, Higher, Faster, Longer: My Life in Aviation and My Quest for Spaceflight’ *We Are All Astronauts is a fantastic book for youngsters who want to learn about astronauts, space travel and space. I really like the energetic illustrations that just pop and fizz off the page and love how it is crammed full of facts. * Dominic Walliman, author of the Professor Astro Cat series *It’s great to show girls (and boys) that even fifty years ago, women were working as engineers and mathematicians and helping to put humans into space and on the Moon. This book will help all girls dream big and aim high. Space is for everyone. * Sue Nelson, author of Wally Funk's Race for Space *Pitched as “STEM by stealth”, this celebration of female pioneers like Mae Jamison is told via the story of Luna, who is desperate to explore the cosmos. A quintessential Pankhurst title. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisThe whimsical debut picture book by two celebrated novelists about a slug, desperate to fit in at all costs, and the adventure he embarks upon to learn that maybe being yourself is best of all! Serge was a snail without a shell. His mum and his dad were shell-less as well. "You're no more than a SLUG!" the snails at school taunted. I wish I had a shell. It was all that Serge wanted. Serge is not like the snails at school. They call him a horrible name--slug--and even though that's entirely what he is, he wishes for a shell of his own. Feeling like an outcast, Serge sets off on a solo adventure in search of the elusive shell that will make a perfect home--and make him just like everybody else. After some much-needed advice from his friend Fish, he finds himself at the ocean, where many options await: "Big shells and teeny shells/ All the in-betweeny shells/ Pyramid and swirly shells/Altogether curly shells!" But can Serge find the perfect shell, or is he destined to be different forever? A charming, lyrical story with bouncy text, whimsically illustrated by artist Andrea Blinick, Serge the Snail Without A Shell puts a modern twist on a tale as old as time: trying to fit in at all costs, before realizing that maybe being yourself is best of all.

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Book Synopsis‘Freewheeling frivolity’ – Financial Times ‘Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.’ Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus. His mum's a clown, his best friend is a bearded boy, and he sticks his head in a lion's mouth every night. Other than that, he's pretty normal. When Fish the sea lion goes missing Fizzlebert tracks down the runaway beast to an Aquarium, which has problems of its own. Fish (not Fish the sea lion, fish. Keep up.) are going missing, and the Admiral blames the circus. Can Fizzlebert solve the mystery, avoid an over-enthusiastic crocodile, and find his friend? The story of a boy, a lion, a sea lion, fish (but fewer than there used to be), a possible pirate, a temperamental cook and a very surprising octopus.Trade ReviewFreewheeling frivolity * Financial Times on FIZZLEBERT STUMP *Stuffed with laughs * Jeremy Strong on FIZZLEBERT STUMP *Children will love the Stanton/Ardargh-esque authorial tone * Telegraph on FIZZLEBERT STUMP *

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Book SynopsisA little mouse picks the petals from a daisy to find out how much he is loved, a little, a lot? But no, it's so much more than that! Strong like a lion, giant like an elephant, as deep as the ocean, infinitely to the end of the universe This oversized board book contains a declaration of love in every image, to be shared in tender moments and to be repeated time and time again!

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Book Synopsis_______________ DON’T MISS! An extra jolly bonus story inside! _______________ "I absolutely ADORED it! A really funny, clever, brilliant play on all the Christmas tropes. It just has to be made into a movie!" - Emma Carroll "Very sparkly storytelling and a lovely portrayal of friendship" - Hilary McKay "Joyful and hilarious. I loved every moment of it" - Stephanie Burgis _______________ What if somewhere along the way we've all got the Santa story a bit wrong...? Join Blanche Claus as she aims to deliver a Christmas gift to every child on Earth. With help from her best friend Rinki and an aspiring chef called Santa, it's a funny festive sleigh ride you'll never forget! From Sibéal Pounder, bestselling author of the Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids series, this tale of friendship and mince-pie feasts is the perfect book to curl up with this winter. Funny, feminist and with a huge heart, it's a gloriously Christmassy adventure that will delight even the biggest Grinch.Trade ReviewI absolutely ADORED it! A really funny, clever, brilliant play on all the Christmas tropes. It just has to be made into a movie! * Emma Carroll *Very sparkly storytelling and a lovely portrayal of friendship * Hilary McKay *Joyful and hilarious, this book is full of characters I adored and dialogue that made me laugh out loud. I loved every moment of it! * Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart *Sibéal Pounder’s stories fizz with fun and energy, and her characters grow more appealing with each book * LoveReading4Kids *This is a gorgeous book celebrating strong, feisty girls, and friendship. Rinki’s two dads are incorporated into the story just as they should be; without fuss or fanfare and gender roles are challenged throughout but in such a way that it never feels forced. Any book with a festive theme is a winner in my eyes and Tinsel is a twinkly, Christmassy delight that I can’t wait to have in my school library! * NetGalley Reviewer *A refreshingly original story on the origins of Santa Claus. It was really funny and a brilliant adventure. Definitely one to be enjoyed with lots of mince pies! * NetGalley Reviewer *Hilarious, heartwarming and full of fun! I so, so enjoyed this festive book and the feminist streak that ran through it. I loved all the Christmassy details peppered absolutely everywhere [...] I highly recommend reading this book if you want to feel full of funny festive joy! * Harriet Muncaster *This the most fun I’ve had reading a book in quite a while – the most inventive, crazy, yet hilarious read * Minerva Reads on WITCH WARS *Cleverly mixing the snowy chill of the North Pole with the fuzzy warmth of friendship, Tinsel is Christmas spirit wrapped in a fun, feminist parcel. The elves (all named Carol) are glorious, and I was left craving a mince pie * Lesley Parr *A sparkling, glittering festive delight, Tinsel is funny, warm hearted and thrilling too – it made my toes tingle and my heart glow with Christmas magic * Sophie Kirtley *captivating * iNews *a rollicking good story ... , with a definite feminist slant * Books for Keeps *A charming feminist retake on the Santa story […] the real message of this charming story is that just one act of kindness has the power to transform. A fun-filled adventure with a magical horse, a talking tree and two feisty girls makes for a great Christmas tale * Children's Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisA collection of ten of the most well-loved and timeless children's stories. Fondly repackaged, adapted and illustrated to be enjoyed by readers 7+.

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