Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisA new coach is causing trouble for the team as Paul Stewart continues the action in the third of this four-part football series. Danny, Scott, Jack and the rest of the Dale team are gearing up for a hat-trick in their last ever town cup competition. But the boys have moved to senior school and Danny’s having a rough time. Their new coach is a hard, harsh man who has disliked Danny from day one. His taunting and teasing has knocked Danny’s confidence and now the coach is threatening to boot him off the team. But why has he got it in for Danny? And can Danny do something about it before his hat-trick dream goes up in smoke?

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Book SynopsisA boy genius keeps some hapless adults in hand in the brand-new 4u2read edition of this hilarious tale from a master of comic writing. Silly parents, silly teachers and a very silly Prime Minister! Alfie Popple (real name Squeaky Squawker Redface Slurpbottom) has got his work cut out dealing with a set of very silly adults. Can Alfie get the town of Underpants – and the rest of the country – sorted out? A brand-new lower reading age edition of this hilarious tale from comic genius Jeremy Strong. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 7+Trade Review"Jeremy Strong knows exactly what will make young readers laugh" – LoveReading4Kids "There are giggles and guffaws aplenty in this madcap mini-story … children everywhere will find the fun in this ridiculous story of foolish adults and one smart kid" – BookTrust

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Book SynopsisSixteen-year-old Erica is transported to the magical world of Aqouril, where she discovers the power to control water. To unlock her destiny, she must survive dangerous trials, confront hidden truths, and embrace who she truly is in a journey of courage, friendship, and transformation.

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Book SynopsisPioneering aviatrix Dolly Shepherd comes alive in this thrilling reimagining of her death-defying exploits from bestelling author Karen McCombie. When sixteen-year-old Dolly Shepherd is offered the chance to take to the sky in a hot-air balloon, there’s no way she’s going to turn it down. Even though the pilot actually plans for her to jump out of the balloon and plummet back to earth using just a flimsy parachute. For Dolly, it’s the start of a sensational career. But the life of an aeronaut is as dangerous as it is daring, and there will be many narrow escapes along the way … Pioneering aviatrix Dolly Shepherd comes alive in this thrilling reimagining of her death-defying exploits from bestselling author Karen McCombie.Trade Review"McCombie beautifully captures Dolly’s excitement about all of her adventures … a wonderful message for young readers about living our dreams and defying the expectations of those around us" – Francis Durkin, author "An inspiring story … brimming with optimism" – Roaring Reads "Told with characteristic verve and humour by Karen McCombie" – Fiona Dunbar "Fascinating and informative … I was thoroughly engaged and can imagine that young emergent, reluctant and dyslexic readers will be equally entranced" – The Letterpress Project

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of Harry Styles' sensational rise to fame.The bells rang out at Coachella and Harry stepped onto the stage and into the spotlight in his sparkly jumpsuit. This was the moment that he had been waiting for all his life. To share his own music with the world felt special. Commanding the attention of the crowd, he began to sing...Discover the journey of this modern-day pop icon, from reality-TV contestant to global star! This retelling of Harry Styles' story is perfect for young fans to learn about the early life of a music legend, from boy band member to his solo career as a chart-topping artist. Relive his incredible rise to fame, from 'What Makes You Beautiful' to 'As It Was'. Discover the story of his life in a world where dreams really do come true!

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Book SynopsisInspire your child''s love of reading and ignite their imagination with this collection of 12 short stories for young readers to enjoy independently or as part of story time. Each story is accompanied by charming black-and-white illustrations.

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Book SynopsisWhen a petulant princess demands that her parents get her a dragon, it''s a tough - though not impossible - task. But when she insists on having the hare in the moon... well, what on Earth are they to do? A fantastically funny story of mayhem and magic, filled with characters we can all relate to. The Magnificent Moon Hare is a must-read title for all fans of Roald Dahl, that will captivate and enthral, inspiring the imagination and opening up a whole new universe of fun and adventure.

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Book SynopsisThe Classic Comics series is the authoritative graphic guide to the greatest masterpieces in literary history.The three witches have prophesied that Macbeth will be king, and both he and his wife will stop at nothing to make this prophecy come true! But will he succeed, or will his bloody crimes come back to haunt him? This timeless tragedy is presented as an exciting and vivid graphic novel which remains faithful to Shakespeares original text.Full-colour artwork brings excitement and atmosphere to this classic tale. Speech bubbles work with the main text to emphasise and enhance the retelling. A running glossary at the foot of each page helps young readers with any challenging vocabulary without disrupting their reading experience.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated children's picture book prequel to the worldwide bestseller A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob – perfect for very young fans. A moving and uplifting tale about one cat in search of a friend that will melt your heart."[Bob] has entranced London like no feline since the days of Dick Whittington" Evening StandardTrade ReviewA truly moving and uplifting tale that will melt your heart. * Woking Advertiser *Stunning illustrations show Bob looking for someone to love him, and your heart will go out to him. Tender and emotional. * Parents in Touch *Treat yourself to this book – for yourself, or as a gift for a young friend. You won’t regret it. * consciouscat.net *

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Book SynopsisFather Christmas is back, and this time he's had three helping of sprouts! As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in - he doesn't want to wake anyone up! Will he come up Trumps?Trade ReviewA cheeky seasonal treat and sequel to the hugely popular Father Christmas Needs a Wee! * The Bookseller *Told through rhyming couplets, children will love to join in with this one and the onomatopoeic words will encourage enthusiastic interaction... Be prepared for squeals of glee and cheeky laughter from start to finish. * Early Years Educator *A lively and fun story to get children into the Christmas spirit and with its rhyming text, rooftop spreads and the delight of a 'naughty word', it makes a great read-aloud * ReadingZone website *Written with great descriptive text ... Any young child is going to find this book thoroughly entertaining * Over 40 and a Mum to One blog *This is laugh out loud stuff, just right for letting off steam after that magnificent Christmas dinner (with sprouts, of course), but children and parents will be happy to return to this lovely book any time of the year. * Books Monthly *

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Book SynopsisThis is the first new Spirits novel for five years. It is both a reboot and a continuation of the original series, featuring the return of ghostly Edward and classic villains alongside some new characters.

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Book SynopsisIn the sixth magical adventure in the new young fiction series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser, the time has come for young Tibben to take the test to become the new Potions Master. But he's going to need some help along the way, and the Emerald Dragon might well have to lend a hand . . . Or a wing!Perfect for first readers whether reading alone or reading aloud. This is the sixth book in the enchanting six-book Magic Potions Shop series. Book 1: The Young Apprentice; book 2: The River Horse; book 3: The Blizzard Bear; book 4: The Lightning Pup; book 5: The Fire Bird; book 6: The Emerald Dragon

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Book SynopsisAn exciting underwater adventure full of magic, plot twists, love stories and laughs. With evil pirate captains and magic shell necklaces, Penelope's journey under the sea teaches that your family, and the family you build around yourself is the real treasure.

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Book SynopsisDon't panic, but you're in danger.At least, you would be, if Jack Beechwhistle wasn't around to protect the world from alien attacks, zombie sweet-shop owners, and exploding conkers - with a bit of help from his trusty sidekicks, Colin and Harry (as long as it's not past Colin and Harry's bedtime). Their missions are daring, dangerous, and deadly. They even have top-secret headquarters (the shed by the rhubarb patch).But now Jack's about to face his most challenging challenge yet. The Attack of the Giant Slugs.And they're on their way to Jack's school - right in the middle of maths!

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Book SynopsisDill the dog knows his time is up so he packs his case and tells Lily, his owner, that he's off "up there". "Can I come too?" asks Lily. "Er . . . not yet," replies Dill. While he is waiting for the angels to collect him, Dill explains to Lily what he thinks heaven is like: hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell and bones everywhere - with meat on them! But Lily completely disagrees, she thinks heaven is quite different. Luckily, they agree to disagree just in time for a fond, and very poignant, last goodbye. Nicholas Allan is unique among picture book creators for his combination of off-beat humour and child appeal.Trade ReviewThe single most poignant children's book . . . It won't take away all the pain of a pet's death but it will make it much more bearable * South Wales Argus *A poignant, heart-warming story for everyone who has ever owned a pet, by the brilliant Nicholas Allan * Parents News *A warm and moving account of parting * Bournemouth Daily Echo *Nicholas Allan deals with the subject of death . . . with the kind of comic warmth and understanding one has come to expect from this talented bookmaker * Carousel *A book for anyone whose dog has died - or anyone facing he death of someone they love. * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisA children's story which combines humour with important life lessons. It shows the importance of embracing exactly who you are, and the joy of finding true friendship, as a direct result of this.

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Book SynopsisDaisy's getting into double the trouble in this fantastic collection! Whether she's making lots of furry friends on her summer holiday in Spain, or trying to win a coconut at the fair, one thing's for sure - there's always trouble when Daisy's about.

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Book SynopsisMiles is a very difficult dog... Until he is given his very own motor car and learns to love the open road!This enigmatic story is a joy to read, gently exploring the transformational power of freedom. John's distinctive, expressive artwork is stunning, whether it's his instantly recognisable characters or the expansive, contemplative spreads of colour, as Miles discovers the joys of the road. This is a story that children will immediately engage with, while parents absorb the magically nostalgic air and subtle celebration of change and growing up.Trade ReviewJohn Burningham, who has brought us so many memorable picture-book characters since Borka the goose with no feathers arrived in 1963, now introduces Miles, who is "a very difficult dog".Characteristically for Burningham - and this is an important lesson for children - misbehaviour does not mean forfeiting affection.Instead, Alice Trudge and her son Norman, who own Miles, find what he really likes to do, which is to go out in the car. Taking him daily is time-consuming, so a neighbour builds him his own car and Miles learns to drive. He takes Norman to school, and the two have joyous secret outings. With his wavering, fragmented line and beautiful washes of colour, Burningham expresses character and comedy, and depicts landscapes through the seasons that are magical and seductive.Everything about this picture book suggests freedom, in the style and the story. The tale is simple but encompasses kindness to animals, neighbourliness, the advantages of being practical and handy, the rewards of diligently learning a skill, a love of the outdoors, the pleasure of companionship, following your own inclinations and knowing left from right. There is a fun punchline too. The book might look sketchy, but it is just right. -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *October 2016 Book of the Month There’s a perfect simplicity to this book, the work of a picture book genius. Miles is a difficult dog, won’t come when called, doesn’t like walks or other dogs, barks too much. The only thing he does like, in fact, is going out in the car. Fortunately, the family’s neighbour realises that what Miles needs is a car of his own, and offers to make him one. John Burningham’s illustrations, simultaneously comic and serious, match his deadpan text beautifully; Miles and his young owner Norman are wonderfully realised characters; the colours glow: quite simply wonderful. -- Andrea Reece, Lovereading4Kids * http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/13204/Motor-Miles-by-John-Burningham.html *

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Book SynopsisFirst in a series of children's fiction, for 59-year-olds, set on the Isle of Wight. Fiction inspired by the authors great love of the animal kingdom, the Isle of Wight and her grandchildren.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the pooptastic world of Dino and Danny, from bestselling authors Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter!Danny and Dinosaur are off on another adventure - and this time, they're going to SPACE! But when Danny realises he's forgotten Dino's lunch box, the very hungry dinosaur eats everything in sight, including their only way back home: the rocket ship!Can Dino save the day by pooping them back to earth?Join Danny and Dino on this OUT OF THIS WORLD adventure, full of rollicking rhyme, stupendous surprises and - of course - plenty of poop!Trade ReviewThe kids were in hysterics reading this book. . . The story is really easy to read and builds up to a dramatic boom with Dinosaur. It will definitely keep children of all ages engaged and wanting to read it again and again. The illustrations are great. * www.yummymummyflabbytummy.co.uk *It's a great book for reading aloud to little ones . . . I highly recommend it for kids aged two and up. -- Jennifer Muirhead * www.weekendnotes.com *

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Book SynopsisIn the second exciting instalment of The Ponies and Taren series, Taren must negotiate the trials and tribulations at school along with learning about her unknown family.

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Book SynopsisGo crazy for the one and only Daisy! Cheeky, extremely readable and funny young fiction from the bestselling author behind the hilarious OI FROG series. Here comes trouble! Daisy's uncle is taking her on a FISHING TRIP! And she is so excited. There is so much to learn about fishing, it isn't just about rods and bait and waiting. Daisy also needs to know about: How water witches turn fishermen into dog poosWhy supermarkets don't stock picknicky things like lemonade and chicken wings on the same shelfAnd why maggots are one of the best things about fishing! But the trouble with maggots is they don't make very good catapult ammunition...Trade ReviewDaisy, with her perfectly round face, determined, beady eyes and severe Joan of Arc coif, is a veritable icon of juvenile intransigence * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA fun, enlightening collection of twelve linked short stories taking place in both a mainstream school, and a school for students with disabilities.

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Book SynopsisPig wants the biggest and finest new house for the lowest price, even if that involves telling a little porky… He's about to find out exactly what happens to greedy pigs who fleece their workers! When the bricks fall, who will save this greedy pig's bacon? A hilarious cautionary tale that teaches kindness and integrity from dream team Katie Cotton and Tor Freeman.Trade Review"A delightful twist ... highlights themes of fairness, hard work, just desserts, and the importance of reading the fine print. Recommended for fiction collections." * School Library Journal *"A greedy pig gets his comeuppance in this very funny and beautifully told picture book... Katie Cotton's rhyming text is a joy to read aloud and Tor Freeman's illustrations are full of character and extra treats for readers" -- Andrea Reece * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisEric is stressed out! A new baby in the family is bad enough – but this baby is seriously weird. He soon discovers why. His crazy Auntie Rose has sent a present from South America which has incredible powers. But how can Eric get hold of it before the baby goes too far?

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A remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from an award-winning, celebrated writer for children.On a frozen Christmas Eve, Mouse Mallory and his family set off across a snow-white valley to visit his grandparents.They never arrive.As the wheels skid off the icy road, Mouse is thrown from the car. When he wakes, he finds himself in a magical landscape, with only a talkative sheep and a very bossy horse for company.And they tell him: this is your story now.So begins Mouse's extraordinary quest through a world of wonder. A world of monsters, minstrels, dangerous knights and mysterious wizards; a world of terrifying danger but also more excitement than Mouse has ever known.All to find a castle, somewhere, beyond.But why is Mouse looking for a castle? As thoughts of his family back at the car begin to surface, Mouse realises this might be the most important journey he will ever make ...This is a novel about love and death. It's about the power of stories to change the way we view the world - and it's about the power of a child to change their own world. Emotionally arresting but ultimately uplifting, this is a remarkable novel for our times.

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Book SynopsisJoin Mirabel, Woody and all your favourite Disney and Pixar characters in this bumper activity book, with a temporary tattoo reward every time you finish a page

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Book SynopsisGear up for an exciting new adventure with the thrill-seeking Kidds as they search for a missing city in South America made entirely of gold! The Kidd family discovers an ancient map to the lost Incan City of Paititi. But when the map is stolen, the Kidds have to rely on Storm's picture-perfect memory to navigate the dangerous Amazon jungle - until she's kidnapped! To save Storm, the Kidds must locate the fabled city ... before the bad guys find it first. The race is on!

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Book SynopsisA time travel story like never before! Get ready for time travelling adventures in this epic graphic novel as heroic robot soldier Steel Commando battles his way across past, present, and future to stop the forces of evil and save the day! Invented by Professor Brayne, The Steel Commando is a robot created at the height of World War II. Fighting giant bats whilst riding a missile above London the story only gets more awesome from there, with the nefarious Doktor Von Hoffman sending his minions after Professor Brayne''s new secret weapon plans! Together with his friends, Ernie and Penny, Steel Commando will have to travel into the future, the past and modern day London, battling the powerful Mark II Robot and the villainous Maxine Von Klorr in order to stop Von Hoffman from winning the war. Heavy metal mayhem awaits! Part of the Monster Fun Collection, spinning from the pages of the hit UK comic, this brilliant range of books aims to inspire childre

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Book SynopsisThe brand-new official Minecraft novel is a journey into the unknown! When a young girl teams up with her friend to find the boy’s missing uncle, they must leave the safety of the Overworld behind.Alison and Max must team up to find his missing uncle Nicholas. Using the journal his beloved uncle left as a guide, the duo hurtle headlong into a treacherous and unknown landscape called the Nether. There, they meet a strange girl named Freya and her woefully unheroic dog, Bunny Biter, who agree to help them in their quest. The group must take on dangerous new foes and unravel the cryptic journal to find Nicholas and reunite this fractured family.

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Book Synopsis'A perfect story to tickle the funny bone of any young reader!' Megan RixOh boy, oh boy, oh boy!I’ve been waiting ages to tell my story, and now it’s finally happening!Being Rafe’s dog isn’t always easy, but it is always EXCITING!I’ve got so much to tell you about:The amazing Catch-A-Doggy-Bone kennelMy favorite places for hiding snacksAnd my ultimate nemesis – THE VACUUM CLEANER!All the most important parts of a dog’s life.Trade ReviewA perfect story to tickle the funny bone of any young reader! -- Megan RixLively and funny, these illustrated chaotic canine capers will keep young readers entertained and eagerly anticipating further instalments of Junior’s diaries. * Armadillo magazine *Narrated at breathless speed by super-excited puppy Junior, this new series is spot-on for newly confident readers ... Junior's enthusiasm for life is catching, and it's impossible not to be completely caught up in his descriptions of his daily activities ... Great fun, and super-readable too. * Lovereading4Kids *Got a lot of laughs from our testers, two of whom are obsessed with dogs, so they particularly loved it. It tells the story from a dog’s point of view and has plenty of illustrations for kids to enjoy ... A popular choice. * Independent Online *

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Book SynopsisTwo outsiders. Two secrets. David longs to be a girl. Leo wants to be invisible. When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School, secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long . . .Trade ReviewHeart-warming and ground-breaking * Independent *Impressive and affecting * Guardian *Passionate and gripping * Telegraph *Life-affirming * Marie Claire *A compelling story with a ton of heart * BuzzFeed *A life-changing and life-saving book * Philip Pullman *A sensational, heart-warming and life-affirming debut * Juno Dawson *

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Book SynopsisEmmie let out a huge sob - "It''s not a film set", she cried. She held onto Jack for a moment, then took a step back, closed her eyes and shouted - "WHERE AM I?"When Jack and Emmie suddenly find themselves transported back to London in 1940, they find a world both familiar, yet very different. As they dodge falling bombs and over-zealous policemen, they befriend Jan - a lonely Polish refugee. Together, they must work out if the shadowy figure they keep seeing is a spy and unlock the secret of getting home again...This educational story helps to weave current views and historical events together in an exciting adventure which would appeal to both boys and girls.

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Book SynopsisIt was always at sundown they were seen. In that twilight hour, when the walls between the worlds grew thin, strange things might slip through the cracks. Sometimes then, so the stories went, enchanted islands would appear in the empty ocean to the west of Wildsea. When Utterly Dark was a baby, she was washed up on the shores of the Autumn Isles and taken in by the Watcher of Wildsea. But everything changes when her guardian suddenly drowns. Now who will keep the Watch, and make sure Wildsea stays safe from the strange forces teeming in the deep ocean around them? A magical new story from the bestselling and prize-winning author of Mortal Engines.Trade ReviewPhilip Reeve is an exceptional writer . . . A dark and deep adventure encompassing peril and self-discovery that will carry you away on its tide * The Times Best Children's Books of 2021 *Magnificent . . . This is magical storytelling * Jenny McLachlan *Absolutely extraordinary writing, like Charles Dickens writing Ursula K Le Guin . . . I can't think of anyone who does worldbuilding the way Philip Reeve does * Ross Montgomery *An absorbing, brilliant book. A glorious read. I loved my journey to Wildsea * Lisa Thompson *A gutsy and gusty story of powerful old magic * LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisUtterly Dark promised the sea she would return. And when she does, she learns the ocean is hiding more secrets than she could have ever imagined. About herself, about her past, about the possibility of travelling through time . . . Another stunning novel from the unique imagination of master storyteller Philip Reeve, about nature, magic, friendship and found family.Trade ReviewPhilip Reeve is an exceptional writer . . . A dark and deep adventure encompassing peril and self-discovery that will carry you away on its tide * The Times Best Children's Books of 2021, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *A superbly weird tale of wonder, peril, tragedy and the thin places between worlds * Guardian, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *Reeve's story has the weft and warp of myth . . . a slow-burning, darkly involving read * Literary Review, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *I was captivated by Utterly herself in this immersive coming-of-age narrative * Books for Keeps Books of the Year 2021, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *Magnificent . . . this is magical storytelling * Jenny McLachlan, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *Absolutely extraordinary writing, like Charles Dickens writing Ursula K Le Guin . . . I can't think of anyone who does worldbuilding the way Philip Reeve does * Ross Montgomery, praise for Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep *

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Book SynopsisWith no rugby over the summer, sports-mad Eoin Madden and his friends head to Ormondstown GAA club to get involved in hurling and football. Some local bullies spoil things a bit -- but when the ghosts of Brian Hanrahan and Michael Hogan appear, it's clear there is something more sinister brewing.

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Book SynopsisMeet Julia and her six Steiff bears and a rough old bear' (as Bear Smith describes himself) Best of friends, thesecompanions go everywhere together and are looking forward to their upcoming day trip to Oxford for a college reunionof Julia's father. You would think a visit to Oxford would go smoothly but not for this group!From tanglings with a dog to a wild River Tour to foiling the actions of a thief, Julia and her bears are in for one bigadventure!

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Book SynopsisFriendship forms in the midst of war between a young German boy and a Russian bomber-dog, in this poignant and gripping historical adventure. East Prussia, Germany, 1945. War is raging across Europe, and as Russian soldiers close in across eastern Germany, Bruno and his mother must flee if they hope to survive. In the chaos of the attack, Bruno finds himself face to face with a huge black dog. He knows what she is: a weapon, strapped with explosives by the Russian army and sent into battle as a suicide bomber. But as Bruno's world begins to crumble around him, he soon realises that she is just as scared and alone as he is. Faced with a perilous journey across war-torn Germany, will their bond be enough to keep them alive? Multi-award-winning author Tony Bradman sheds light on an oft-overlooked part of history in this heartfelt and poignant wartime adventure.Trade Review"In Bruno and Frida Tony Bradman casts light among the forgotten shadows of history to show us something important about our past – but also about our present" – Tom Palmer "Heart wrenching, full of adventure and hope … Perfect for fans of war stories including Goodnight Mr Tom and stories by Michael Morpurgo" – Emma Suffield, Librarian

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Book SynopsisIt's the summer break in Shadyside, Queens, and Team Pom's investigation into the mysterious organization called C.A.O.S, and its sinister boss Steve, have hit a dead end. Seeking a bit of inspiration, Roberta, Ruby and Agnes head to the Natural History Museum to spend time with Ruby's aunt, a de-extinction biologist in training who's just stumbled upon a precious sample of Dodo remains. But C.A.O.S. lurks in the shadows with Dodo schemes of their own! Can Team Pom foil Steve's plans in time to save the entire city? Can peanut butter really fight evil? Or is New York City finally going to the birds?Trade ReviewGood book alert! Drew and her daughters love biting into a good book together, and The Adventures of Team Pom is a hilarious series they revisit again and again! -- The Drew Barrymore Show Staff * The Drew Barrymore Show *This graphic novel is a little James Bond, a little Wes Anderson, and a lot of fun. Readers will love the larger-than-life characters and the offbeat jokes, brought to life in cool tones with pops of warmer hues, especially orange. * Kirkus Reviews *Resplendent with the most gorgeous mid-century colour scheme, it boasts endearing oddball characters readers will root for and adore, and an off-the-wall story underpinned by a luminous message of teamwork. -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisA touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls. Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his need for peace and quiet. No one thinks about what Ella wants or needs, no one cares. They don’t even know what day she was born on. In the end, Ella decides she doesn’t care if Sam gets sicker, but when it happens, she finds she cares an awful lot…. A touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls.

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Book SynopsisA change in classroom seating arrangements challenges old habits and leads to a new friendship in this funny new school story from award-winning author Anne Fine. A change in classroom seating arrangements challenges old habits and leads to a new friendship in this funny new school story from award-winning author Anne Fine. At first Ben doesn’t want to sit next to Alice in the classroom. She’s scary and tells him off for his squiggly drawing and poor handwriting. She even points out his bad table manners. But when Ben starts to take Alice’s advice, he realises that she might have a point and discovers that sitting next to her isn’t so bad after all.Trade Review"At its heart, Next to Alice is a story about not judging people too quickly … [Gareth Conway's artwork] complements the story beautifully … it really does illustrate why Fine is considered one of the best children's writers around." – Trans-Scribe, blog "Anne Fine successfully treads the fine line between showing her readers how, with a little effort, life can be rewarding without preaching or becoming didactic in tone." – A Library Lady, blog

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Book SynopsisAn uplifting and humorous story about adventure, expanding horizons and acelebration of new experiences.Whena curious little mouse discovers a boat by his front door, he climbs aboardand accidentally sets out to sea. But it's not easy being a little mouse in abig world. Drifting farther and farther away, Mouse passes volcanic lands,sails through icy waters, and battles a ferocious storm . . . But will he everfind his way back home?

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Book SynopsisNew girl Hattie hopes a scarecrow will protect her den at school, but she soon realises she can’t control him … A darkly comic tale from acclaimed author Nicola Skinner. When lonely Hattie feels out of place at her new school, she creates a scarecrow – Crow. Hattie wants him to guard the den she finds in the playground, the only place she feels happy and comfortable. Poor Crow really just wants to have fun with the other children, but he takes his job for Hattie very seriously and his behaviour starts to get scarier and scarier. Will Hattie realise that Crow is ruining her chance to make new friends before it’s too late?Trade Review"A darkly comic tale about a girl's anxiety over starting a new school" – The Times Children's Books of the Year "A short and slightly creepy story about being careful what you wish for, with added Frankenstein vibes! A great story to share with those starting a new school or struggling to fit in." – Midlands Creative Learning Services "Nicola Skinner's brilliant humour brings the scarecrow to life which causes all sorts of problems for Hattie … a sweet story about loneliness and making friends." – The School Librarian "Darkly humorous, emotionally intelligent and astutely aware supernatural schoolyard story … Crow’s deliciously dark personality serves up some fabulously funny moments with that slight macabre edge … will go down very well with any child who is experiencing upheaval in their own lives." – A Word About Books, Blog

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Book SynopsisMali''s father is a fisherman, who has created a small boat for her so that she can learn how to sail. Soon, Mali is sailing on the waves in the company of a pod of dolphins. Mali helps a young dolphin who gets caught in a net. But who will help Mali when she gets into difficulty on the sea?

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