Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisThe ghettos of Brazil are crawling with street kids. Their life expectancies are short, not least because the Brazilian authorities allow paramilitaries to shoot them like rats. But it's with the street kids of Rio de Janeiro that the cadets must become embedded.

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Book Synopsis‘He’s the seventh son of a seventh son. His name is Thomas J. Ward and he’s my gift to the County. When he’s old enough we’ll send you word. Train him well. He’ll be the best apprentice you’ve ever had and he’ll also be your last.’These were the words of Tom's Mam to the county Spook some years ago. As Tom, the Spook and their allies prepare to battle with the Fiend on a huge scale, to finally enact their revenge, it now remains to be seen whether Mam's declaration will come true.

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Book SynopsisIntelligence has been received that Argentina is plotting to invade, but is it reliable?The Special Forces Cadets are sent in to investigate, disguised as nature watchers, but when they split up to conduct essential research, two of them are captured and imprisoned.Trade ReviewA really gripping page-turner * MiniTravellers.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisThe alluring yet corrupt STAGS society, where the rich and privileged play fast and loose with the lives of others, is revealed to be terrifyingly global ... Shafeen's father, Prince Aadhish, has had a heart attack and is close to death.Trade ReviewThe fourth book in M. A. Bennett's S.T.A.G.S series returns to the alluring yet corrupt society, where the rich toy with the lives of others. In T.I.G.E.R.S, Greer and Shafeen race to Rajasthan when Shafeen's father, Prince Aadhish, has a heart attack. With the prince in a coma, Greer and Shafeen realise that it's connected to a decades-old secret that links back to the founder of a shooting club that pursued low-caste Indians instead of tigers. And the hunts might not be over... Like the books that came before, this story blends YA angst with psychological thrills and a sharp look at privilege and wealth. * Culture Fly *

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Book SynopsisOut-of-this-world magical adventure series for teens from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Sabriel and the Old Kingdom seriesSeven days. Seven keys. One very unlikely hero.Arthur Penhaligon is a normal teenage boy, trying to fit in at school. But when he suffers a serious asthma attack, his life is unexpectedly saved by two strange characters who appear out of nowhere - and a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock.Arthur''s life may have been saved, but his world is in danger. An incurable epidemic is spreading throughout the country, and his foster mother, a scientist, is desperately trying to help find the cure. And it is not long before Arthur realises that a chilling person named Mister Monday will stop at nothing to get the key back from Arthur...Arthur will need to enter the mysterious house that has appeared in town - a house that only he can see. Maybe there he can unravel the secrets of the key - and at the same time find the cure to help the epid

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Book SynopsisAlthough E. Nesbit regarded her poetry as her most important work, it is her children's books (written 'to keep the house going') that ensured her lasting fame and which are still enjoyed with such affection today. Her readers have their oen favourites, but the film version of THE RAILWAY CHILDREN, with Jenny Agutter as Roberta, the eldest daughter of the man unjustly sent to prison, and the Bernard Cribbins as the friendly railway porter, brought the book to a new generation of readers who love it for Roberta's courage and the satisfaction of the ending when her father is vindicated and restored to his family. The film is regularly shown on British Television.

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Book SynopsisOut-of-this-world magical adventure series for teens from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Sabriel and the Old Kingdom series. Seven days. Seven keys. One very unlikely hero.IT''S THURSDAY. Following their adventure on the Border Sea, Arthur and Leaf are set on heading home. But only Leaf can make it through the Front Door. Arthur is blocked because someone - or something - has assumed his identity and is taking over his life. Before Arthur can take action, he is drafted by the strange Sir Thursday and forced to join the Glorious Army of the Architect. While Leaf tries to banish Arthur''s double on earth, Arthur must survive his basic training, avoid getting posted to the front, and work out how he can free Part Four of the Will.Is this a war that Arthur can win... or is his only hope to escape it?Trade ReviewI just loved Mister Monday, which is an amazing, no-holds-barred fantasy by Garth Nix. This is destined to be a cult series. Every chapter seems to bring something new and wonderful and ends with another surprise. In all honesty, I've never read anything quite like it. -- Anthony Horowitz[Garth Nix is] the coolest read in the playground. -- Amanda CraigMagic splashes across virtually every page. * Publisher's Weekly *Every bit as exciting and suspenseful as the author's previous young adult novels. * SLJ *

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Book SynopsisOut-of-this-world magical adventure series for teens from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of Sabriel and the Old Kingdom series. Seven days. Seven keys. One very unlikely hero.The house is falling apart, and when it is destroyed, all existence will be destroyed with it. Arthur Penhaligon and his friends Leaf and Suzy are caught in the chaos, separated by events but drawn together in their fight to survive. They must use every power at their disposal - magical or practical - to defeat the enemies attacking them from all sides. For Arthur, the most formidable challenge comes from Lord Sunday, the most elusive of the Trustees of the Will. Lord Sunday''s magic is unlike anything Arthur has encountered before - and his secrets have the potential to destroy not only Arthur but also all the people he holds dear.Trade ReviewI just loved Mister Monday, which is an amazing, no-holds-barred fantasy by Garth Nix. This is destined to be a cult series. Every chapter seems to bring something new and wonderful and ends with another surprise. In all honesty, I've never read anything quite like it. -- Anthony Horowitz[Garth Nix is] the coolest read in the playground. -- Amanda CraigMagic splashes across virtually every page. * Publisher's Weekly *Every bit as exciting and suspenseful as the author's previous young adult novels. * SLJ *

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1842, Robert Browning's poetic version of the legend about the lost children of Hamelin is sub-titled 'A Child's Story' and was originally intended only for the private enjoyment of Willie Macready, young son of the famous actor. Once in print, it became a perennial favourite with generations of children (and compilers of poetry anthologies for children!) Kate Greenaway's illustrations, engraved by her regular printer Edmund Evans, were first published in 1888 and have become as popular as the poem itself, being considered by John Ruskin to be her finest work.

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Book SynopsisPress both feet to the ground. Place your hand on your heart. You are brave and capable. It will always be your time. An empowering and uplifting collection of poems from groundbreaking and award-winning poet Koleka Putuma, about figuring out who you are and embracing it. With words to affirm, this is the ideal companion to hold your hand while you navigate all the big questions, discoveries and transitions of young adulthood. The perfect gift for fans of Rupi Kaur, Nikita Gill and Elizabeth Acevedo.

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Book SynopsisThe famous stage-designer Ivan Bilibin was a self-taught artist who was lucky enough to be offered the commission of a lifetime at the very start of his career. In 1899 the Department for the Production of State Documents asked this young Russian artist to illustrate a series of fairy tales, a task that took him four years to complete and inspired his finest work, reflecting his deep love for his country and his passionate interest in its national dress and wooden architecture. This, with ten other traditional tales, make up the collection for which all Bilibin's original artwork has been faithfully reproduced. Gillian Avery has provided a retelling of the texts which admirably complements Bilibin's distinctive illustration, itself rooted in the stylized forms of Russian folk and medieval art.

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Book Synopsis''Tell the story to its end,'' says Eren with a grin. His yellow eyes are glowing like embers in the night. ''When I reach the end,'' I say, ''what happens? You'll have the whole story.''''Hmm,'' he says, looking at me and licking his lips with a dry, grey tongue. ''What happens then? Why don't we find out?''People are keeping secrets from Oli. His mum has brought him to stay with his aunt and uncle in the countryside, but nobody will tell him why his dad isn't with them. Where is he? Has something happened? Oli has a hundred questions, but then he finds a secret of his own: he discovers the creature that lives in the atticEren.Eren is not human.Eren is hungry for stories.Eren has been waiting for him.Sharing his stories with Eren, Oli starts to make sense of what's happening downstairs with his family. But what if it's a trap? Soon, Oli must make a choice: learn the truth or abandon himself to Eren's world, foreTrade ReviewEren caught my attention from the very first page. I really enjoyed it. Sure-footed, distinctive, strange, poetic. Simon P. Clark is a truly interesting new voice. -- David Almond, author of SkelligThis is a beautiful, illustrated short fables about the power of stories. * Financial Times *Sure to appeal to older readers with a taste for the dark side, and probably to adults as well . . . This is an impressive debut from young author Simon P. Clark, who doesn't shy away from pushing his story to its darkest reaches. The ending will leave you shell-shocked. -- Rebecca Davies * Independent, TEEN BOOK OF THE MONTH *Eren will both satisfy and excite your imagination. * The Bookseller 'Book of the Week' *If you let the story in, let Eren in, I think you'll be delighted and horrified by the inevitable conclusion. * We Heart YA *Dark, moody and easy to get lost in, Eren is a great book that makes audiences really wonder about the power of a good story. * The Sprout *Eren is a sophisticated look at truth and lies and the area inbetween inhabited by stories. On the other, it's a simple tale of a family in crisis. You're never quite sure what to believe and it never quite feels that the ground is steady beneath your feet. It takes skill to juggle all these balls and still involve the reader to such an extent they can't put your book down, but Clark carries it off with aplomb. This is storytelling at its best. * The Book Bag *Savvy readers and would-be writers will love this exploration of story as an art form, a panacea, and an endless part of life. * Kirkus Reviews *Offering a spiral of stories within stories, this atmospheric first novel features a boy searching for truth, who gets sidetracked by a remarkable discovery. Echoing the surreal quality and settings of David Almond's books, this novel adeptly mixes fantasy with reality and leaves some pressing questions unanswered. * Publishers Weekly *The magical realism and storytelling details will draw fantasy readers, who will find meaty substance and enough Britishisms to lend flavor. While the conclusion is entirely logical, it's unexpected and will spark discussion, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of both stories and reality. * Booklist *A sinister debut novel . . . A chilling read reminiscent of Patrick Ness's books, Clark's novel will appeal to those who enjoy their fiction dark and disturbing. * School Library Journal *Clark's novel can be placed in the company of David Almond's Skellig or Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls. It has all the elements of a great mystery, with some magical realism thrown in for good measure. This debut novel is truly wonderfully crafted. Poor Oli is a likable kid, and readers will connect with him immediately. Will Oli continue the story until the end, or will he stop before it is too late? Clark's haunting tale will leave you asking who needs whom more, the storyteller or the listener. * VOYA *

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Book SynopsisImagine all your friends growing up, moving on, and you being stuck in one year of your life... More of Me is an incredible, unforgettable story of identity, friendship, love and sacrifice.Trade ReviewA gripping thriller with a sinister sci-fi edge, exploring family, identity and sacrifice. * The Bookseller *A definite page turner and I read it almost in one sitting. Be warned – this is one of those books that stops time and there is a risk your real life will be put on hold while you follow Teva's story. * The Book Bag *A gripping thriller with a sinister sci-fi edge. * The Bookseller *Of all of us, teenagers are surely the most enthralled by ideas of self and self-determination and this creepy, unusual novel will have them glued to the pages. * LoveReading4Kids *A super-smart, standout read that takes a pinch of sci-fi, a dash of romance and a hefty dose of tension and mixes them up in a contemporary test tube. It grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go! * Tamsyn Murray, author of My So-Called Afterlife *

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Book SynopsisThis is a wonderful anthology of timeless tales, retold in a beautiful heirloom edition. It includes Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, The Bad-Tempered Princess and the Frog, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and more. You can meet Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella and her fairy godmother, and many other memorable characters. It is specially adapted by P. L. Anness from the stories by Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, and carefully worded for young readers. Each story is charmingly illustrated on every page by accomplished children's artist Beverlie Manson. It is perfect for reading aloud to the very young, or for more confident readers to enjoy by themselves.You can: marvel at Rapunzel's long hair, which she dangles from her tower to let a handsome prince climb up; follow Cinderella as she overcomes the cruelty of her stepsisters to attend a royal ball; see Beauty conquer her fear of the dreadful Beast; follow Snow White as she escapes into the dark woods and is helped by seven kindly dwarves; and, be spellbound as a princess is freed from the curse of everlasting sleep, and as a little mermaid falls in love with a human prince.This collection of entrancing stories is certain to captivate little princesses everywhere.

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Book SynopsisIn a world of dragons, song spells and battles, Patch Brightwater is a boy in disgrace. Thrown in jail for playing a forbidden spell, he is no one's idea of a hero. But then he discovers that the evil Piper of Hamelyn is on the loose. With the help of his friends Wren and Barver, Patch must stop the Piper sparking the biggest battle of them all...Trade ReviewAll the ingredients of a perfect fantasy adventure. * Kieran Larwood, author of The Legend of Podkin One-Ear *A Darkness of Dragons creates an exciting imaginary world that will leave children eager to get their hands on forthcoming sequels. * Mark, The Alligator's Mouth *A Darkness of Dragons is an inspired take on an old story, with engaging characters, a really good story and several unexpected twists. * Linda Wilson, Crime Review *A Darkness of Dragons is sheer brilliance in children’s fiction. I have not been this excited about a children’s series of books since a pubescent wizard called Harry Potter first leapt onto the scene. S.A. Patrick’s storytelling knows no bounds and is masterfully executed and Patrick builds a quite brilliant original tale whilst also creating an unforgettable magical world for his readers to escape into. * Storgy Kids *this could turn out to be a fantastically popular new series. [...] S.A. Patrick has adapted the traditional fairy tale to create a fearsome character and then filled the plot with action, suspense and magic from start to finish. * TES *

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Book Synopsis“Fresh, compelling—and timely.” —Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Carve the Mark and the Divergent series “Vividly conjured…positively chilling.” —The New York Times “Spectacular.” —Buzzfeed Set in a near-future Taipei plagued by pollution, a group of teens risk everything to save their city in this thrilling novel from critically acclaimed author Cindy Pon.Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits, protecting them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths. Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost. With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the liveTrade ReviewPaste Magazine’s Best YA Novel of 2017 A Junior Library Guild Selection “Vividly conjured…positively chilling.” —The New York Times Book Review “Fresh, compelling—and timely.” —Veronica Roth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Carve the Mark and the Divergent series "An exciting, socially conscious futuristic thriller." —Kirkus Reviews "Pon excels as this society’s architect, constructing sights, sounds, and smells that make this Taipei come alive." —Booklist "A strong sci-fi novel that will entice an array of readers." —School Library Journal "A gripping, fast read that blends cultural elements, edgy tech, and a future coming out of a recognizable pollution-heavy current path." —BCCB “Cindy Pon's sci-fi debut envisions a world that could very easily become our own.” —Beth Revis, author of the New York Times bestselling Across the Universe series “A story brimming with high-octane action. What a rollercoaster!” —Marie Lu, author of the New York Times bestselling The Young Elites trilogy “You will not find a more plausible or terrifying dystopian future, and if you've always wanted to visit Taipei, this book is a first-class ticket.” —Ann Aguirre, author of the New York Times bestselling Razorland trilogy “Fast-paced, utterly engrossing, and highly recommended.” —Leah Cypess, author of Mistwood

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Book SynopsisAnimal Stories for 6 Year Olds is rich and varied selection of heart-warming animal stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or reading aloud - and for dipping into time and time again.With stories from David Henry Wilson, Meredith Hooper, Dick King-Smith, Margaret Mahy and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

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Book SynopsisThe car in this story is fast and fun, and your child's first steps in reading can be just the same when you share this book at home or school. The book can be used in a number of ways to help young readers build confidence. Grown-ups can begin by reading the illustrated words at the edge of each left-hand page with the child. Have fun trying to spot the same terms within the story itself. Finally, all the illustrated words can be found at the end of the book, so the child can enjoy checking all the phrases that you can now read together!

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Book SynopsisThe first book in a bitingly brilliant and fangtastically feisty debut middle-grade series by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron. Fans of The Breakfast Club Adventures, Goosebumps and Stranger Things will devour this fun, thrilling and heartfelt vampire adventure. In the world of the Vanquishers, vampires were history ... until now. Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolising the Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don't take even the most basic vampire precautions - the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews are long gone - but Boog’s parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment. When a friend goes missing, Boog isn't sure what to think. Could it be the school counsellor, Mr Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all? No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call ...Trade ReviewA sharp vampire tale full of bite, heart, and humour that’s sure to please any ‘thirsty’ reader. The undead don’t stand a chance with Malika ‘Boog’ Wilson and her friends on the case. * Rena Barron, author of the Maya and the Rising Dark series *A heart-pounding and hilarious reimagining of classic vampire mythology. Boog and her friends will capture your heart in an instant. You’ll cry, laugh, and ache in this stunning, unique adventure. I’m ready to become a Vanquisher! * Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS *Combining mythology and science to produce a fresh take on modern vampire lore, Bayron erects a fantastical San Antonio that is as chock-full of personality as each of the story’s characters. Pithy dialogue and sensational description make this a speedy, eerie read. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *This warm, witty friendship story with a healthy dose of vampire adventure is a page-turning read ... A lively, appealing addition to the genre. * Kirkus Reviews *Mesmerising and beautiful * Tracy Deonn, NYT bestselling author of Legendborn on THIS POISON HEART *Wholly original and captivating * Brigid Kemmerer on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *

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Book SynopsisStolen cakes, major explosions and an unforgettable cast of characters – dive into The Orphans of St Halibut's, a hilarious caper from debut author Sophie Wills and million-copy bestselling illustrator, David Tazzyman. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket.Life has been perfect ever since the orphans of St Halibut's buried their matron – don't look like that, it was an accident! Tig, Stef, Herc, and Pamela the goat just have to make sure nobody finds out they're on their own.Discovering that an Inspector is on his way, they'll need to convince him that everything is peachy or they'll be sent to the Mending House – where badly behaved orphans go, never to return. But the Inspector is not quite what he seems and things very quickly go from bad to spectacularly out of hand . . .Can these crafty kids outsmart the adults and save their home? 'This book reminded me of an old fashioned film caper – a little like St Trinians meets Oliver with a twist of Matilda thrown in' Year 6 Teacher and Parent‘I would recommend this book to people that like spooky, funny and adventurous stories’ Reader, aged 8Trade ReviewThe most effortlessly hilarious book I’ve read in a long time with an unforgettable cast -- Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an ElephantA lovely – warm, funny, energetic – read. -- Lucy ManganDeliciously funny, dark, eccentric and clever -- Nicola Penfold, author of Where the World Turns WildA fabulously funny tale of clever orphans, rambling houses, angry goats and grizzly ends . . . made me laugh out loud! -- Kirsty Applebaum, author of The MiddlerWhat a wonderful caper . . . fantastically high-spirited and truly heartwarming story. -- Marina Hyde, Guardian columnistFast-paced, witty and clever with wicked twists and turns and a brilliant bunch of characters. David Tazzyman's illustrations are spot on! -- MyBookCorner BlogAll round middle grade perfection! -- Marie Basting, author of Princess BMXThis book will make you snort, squirm and scream with laughter! -- Dashe Roberts, author of Sticky Pines: The Bigwoof ConspiracyDark, funny and very, very clever. With gloriously gothic artwork from David Tazzyman -- Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of How to be ExtraordinaryDeliciously dark and laugh-out-loud funny, I LOVE The Orphans of St Halibut's -- Julie Pike, author of The Last Spell BreatherA darkly delightful combination of slapstick humour and sharp satire -- Miss Cleveland, book bloggerStupendous and hilarious! Hapless heroes, slime ball villains, and a volatile goat. Deliciously disgusting at times, and filled to the brim with Sophie's dark humour. Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket. -- Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables[A] brilliantly funny tale -- Anna Fargher, author of The Umbrella Mouse‘There’s nothing I love more than getting stuck into a really good book featuring orphans, workhouses and wicked matrons so I LOVED The Orphans of St Halibut’s! Plus it’s proper laugh-out-loud funny. What a treat’ -- Judith Eagle, author of The Secret StarlingAn irreverent quirky dark and twisty middle-grade adventure perfect for Halloween -- Zoe James-Williams, drawingonbooks blog

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Book SynopsisMyths are the oldest stories of all, and the ones thatcome from the deepest and most powerful part of thehuman spirit. They help us to explain the world aroundus and to make sense of our place within it. The mythsand legends presented in this book come from manydifferent cultures all over the world. They are filled withadventure, magic, mystery, and the wonders of thehuman heart and spirit. Retold for young children,these stories are perfect for reading together or for newreaders to try themselves.

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Book SynopsisThis uplifting anthology contains classic and modern poems to galvanize and inspire you which are brought to life with exquisite, intricate artwork.Chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell, Poems to Save the World With –the follow-up to Poems to Live Your Life By and Poems to Fall in Love With - will ignite your inner activist and provide comfort and inspiration. These poems speak of hope, happiness, rebellion and living in interesting times.This wonderful book features famous poems, old and new, and a few surprises. Classic verses sit alongside the modern to create the ultimate collection. Includes poems from Neil Gaiman, Nikita Gill, Maggie Smith, Brian Bilston, Raymond Antrobus, Fiona Benson, Lewis Carroll and many more.Trade ReviewContains enough humour, pathos and passion to enthral any bookish teenager * Daily Mail *Designed to "galvanize, uplift and inspire" in our challenging times * The Bookseller *a lovely collection for the turbulent world we live in. * Indybest *Chris Riddell has selected and illustrated his favourite classic and modern poems to uplift and inspire you to make the world a better place. Be inspired and take action with this insightful and beautiful collection * WRD Magazine *

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Book SynopsisRediscover the classic magical adventure of the Little Wooden Horse, brought to life with the original inside illustrations from the author of Milly-Molly-Mandy, Joyce Lankester Brisley.When Uncle Peder the toymaker falls on hard times, his little wooden horse must go out into the world to seek his fortune. But whether he's working in a coal mine, sailing the seven seas with a band of pirates, or walking the tightrope in a circus, the loyal little horse only has one wish: to return to his beloved master.Originally published in 1938, Ursula Moray-Williams' The Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse is her most famous story and continues to be one of the most-loved classic stories of children's literature.

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Book SynopsisThe Vikings were warlike adventurers with a strong sense of justice, and the high drama of their myths and legends, retold through the centuries, are still as vivid and enduring today. The stories are full of excitement and encompass both broad comedy and heart-rending tragedy. At the centre of the stories are the thunder god Thor, and the frost giant, Loki, Odin’s foster brother, who becomes one of the gods but is never fully accepted by them. Through the tales the themes of love, betrayal, courage and compassion are played out from the dawn of time to the end of the world. Their stories are among the foundation stones of Western culture, and young readers will enjoy these highly accessible retelling of the Norse myths, with stories about the adventures of Odin, father of the gods and his children, the trials and tribulations of the trickster Loki, the rages of the thunder god Thor, and Freya, the goddess of fertility, magic and war who gathers the souls of the warriors slain in battle. Ideal to read aloud or for older readers to enjoy discovering by themselves, artist Maryclare Foa’s bold, eloquent paintings capture the excitement, humour and drama of these powerful stories in strong, simple images that linger in the mind.

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Book SynopsisA funny and inspiring collection of poems about sport by Brian Moses and Roger Stevens! Olympic Poems is perfect for any young poet or aspiring Olympian.These are poems about winning and about taking part; poems about having all the right kit, but no talent; poems that show that coming first in the egg and spoon race really is as important to your mum and dad as being an Olympic athlete; poems about being a team player and poems about being an individual hero. In fact, this book is packed with sporting gems of all kinds.

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Book SynopsisThe universal and archetypal theme of how the world began has been explored by tribes and civilizations from the earliest times. These creation myths from many different cultures range from tales of the Titans and Olympian gods of ancient Greece to the Dreamtime of the Aboriginal peoples. This beautifully illustrated anthology allows the reader to compare and contrast the varied and wonderful stories of how the world was made, from every continent. Some of the classic creation tales include Marduk and the Tablets of Destiny, Five Aztec Worlds, Obtalala and the Hen, and The Cosmic Coconut. Background information to the stories is also included to provide a superb context for young students to understand the subject further. It is a perfect introduction to tales of long ago, and is ideal for project work, school libraries or home study.

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Book Synopsis'Heart wrenching and unputdownable' Stephanie Garber, on Only a MonsterNot every fight is won by heroes. Sometimes, you need a monster.The sequel to the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster will take Joan deeper into the monster world, where treacherous secrets and even more danger await. Despite the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family - and destroyed the hero, Nick. But her success has come at a terrible cost. She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend - and maybe more - is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn't even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there. When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick - as Aaron closes in. As the danger rises - and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did - Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves. Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.Praise for the Only a Monster series 'A fantastic, immersive read' Naomi Novik 'An absolute page-turner' Chloe Gong 'Captivating' Hafsah Faizal 'Phenomenal' Adalyn GraceTrade Review** Praise for the Only a Monster series **Mind-bending, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable * Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart *An exciting, original and complex fantasy about monsters, heroes, and all the people in between * Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of Uprooted and A Deadly Education *An absolute page-turner * Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights *A captivating new voice in fantasy * Hafsah Faizal, New York Times bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame *A phenomenal new series * Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth *Like nothing I've ever read, utterly fresh and unique * C.S. Pacat, USA Today bestselling author *Darkly delicious fun. If you've been looking for your newest YA fantasy obsession - you've found it * Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire *There are thought-provoking questions here about how much we are shaped by events versus any kind of innate goodness - or evil - and the plot slides smoothly along. I gobbled this up * Irish Times *Captivating ... a fast-paced book that's full of action and excitement * ReadingZone *

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Book SynopsisThe world of fairy tales is one that we all love to enter. Many of these stories had been told for centuries, delighting children and adults alike with their mixture of magic, mystery, and truths older even than the stories themselves. Here twenty best-loved tales by the famous German storytellers, the Brothers Grimm, are retold for the enjoyment of children today. As well as many old favourites, other tales of magic and enchantment are included, such as The Musicians Bremen, Hans the Hedgehog, and Clever Elsie. Neil Philip's retelling tries to capture some of the immediacy and sparkle of the living storyteller's voice. The language is fresh and direct, and the pace is lively. Isabelle Brent's detailed illustrations decorate the pages beautifully.

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Book SynopsisA dramatic and moving story set in the same world as the international bestseller The Island from the celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop.The absorbing story of the Cretan village of Plaka and the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga – Greece's former leper colony – is told to us by Maria Petrakis, one of the children in the original version of The Island. She tells us of the ancient and misunderstood disease of leprosy, exploring the themes of stigma, shame and the treatment of those who are different, which are as relevant for children as adults. Gill Smith's rich, full-colour illustrations will transport the reader to the timeless and beautiful Greek landscape and Mediterranean seascape.Trade ReviewThe tale is narrated by Maria, one of the children in Hislop’s novel The Island, from which this engrossing yarn is skillfully adapted for younger readers. * The Daily Telegraph *I loved this book because it was so interesting to learn about the disease, but also to realise that if you are courageous like Maria even illness does not have to hold you back. * Books Up North *Among the feelings of sorrow, separation and, at times desperation, there is happiness, hope and so much kindness. These are effortlessly woven into an absorbing, realistic and wonderful, wonderful story that must be shared. I adored this book. It is a real treasure. But please, have the box of tissues to hand. There will be tears, both of sadness and joy. * Fallen Star Stories *I picked this book up as soon as it arrived and couldn’t put it down. My favourite things were the Greek setting and the history in the story, and I loved that the character was called Anna - best name ever! I didn’t know much about this story before I read it and enjoyed finding out about the adventures. I would recommend it to my friends. I liked the illustrations too -- Anna, Age 11 * Toppsta *This children's version is a real triumph! Such an original historical fiction set in Crete. The story and illustrations transport you to Greece. Such an in interesting and lovely story of hope and courage and prejudice. Great for any history or science lover. -- Parent * Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisSona Sharma, who lives in India, learns all about school elections, the ups and downs of best friends, and how to choose what matters most in life."Warmly loving and evocative" The GuardianWhen Miss Rao announces that there's going to be an election for Class Leader, Sona is excited to stand as a candidate – until she finds herself competing against her best friends, Joy and Renu.When the three girls fall out, Sona must decide what matters most – winning the election or proving herself to be a true friend indeed. With the support of her wise family, perhaps Sona can learn that there is often more than one way to be a winner.Trade Review[...]as always with these stories warmth, loving relationships and gentle humour are key ingredients, and readers also learn something of the traditions and foods of Sona’s Hindu family. A delightful addition to this series of illustrated chapter books for younger readers. * Read Reading Hub *This book was a little different to what I have read before, it is not a story from where I live so it was nice to learn a little about a different country. -- Storm (age 6) * Books Up North *The beautiful cover-artwork every time just tempting me like sweets in a sweet shop! […] Paired with Jen Khatun’s vibrant, lively, characterful and plentiful illustrations throughout the story, we’re onto a winner and a permanent spot on my bookshelves, wherever they may be. […] A superb read for all and a great classroom read out loud story too. * Kids Books Curator *This is a great story for empathy building and helping children see the consequences of their actions. * Just Imagine *Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books. * Pen & Inc *

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Book SynopsisMISSION: SurvivalLOCATION: The Indonesian jungleDANGERS: Lava flows; fearsome tigers; orang-utansYoung survival expert Beck Granger is supposed to be enjoying a holiday. But when a volcano erupts he is stranded and must flee from red-hot lava and molten rocks crashing out of the sky.If he is to stay alive, he must make his way acrossthe jungle to safety – travelling right through the heart of tiger territory . . .The fourth book in an explosive adventure series from real-life survival expert BEAR GRYLLS.

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Book SynopsisBefore there were dragons, there were dinosaurs...Imagine a world in which the dinosaurs weren't killed by a meteor hitting the earth. A world in which dinosaurs have learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.Eleri is an oryctodromeus, a small dinosaur raised in an underground warren. He dreams of becoming his herd’s storyteller but when he saves an enemy soldier from a pterosaur attack, he is exiled to the Deadlands. To survive this scorched desert full of carnivores, he joins a herd of other young exiles, including a peppy stegosaur, a stoic sauropod, an irritable triceratops … and a mysterious spy. Can five young misfits save their warring kingdoms?Includes bonus content: a map and extra dinosaur facts.Perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, How to Train Your Dragon and Percy Jackson.Trade ReviewIf you love dinosaurs and adventure, this is the perfect book for you! * The Phoenix Comic *A gruesome, absorbing adventure about trust, courage and manipulation. * BookTrust *An entertaining and gripping story that will rekindle the reader’s interest in the age of dinosaurs. * The School Librarian *Skillfully written, packed with adventure and surprising in its depth, this is a book which deserves a place in the primary (or even secondary) school library. It could stimulate discussion around honour, peace-making and the integrity of leaders in the classroom; but I suspect that it will mostly be enjoyed for the simple pleasure of a good read. * Reading Zone *Action packed adventure story. * the Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisIn the final electrifying novel in the phenomenal House of Night series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her - unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power...but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

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Book SynopsisDebut author Alan Barillaro delivers a stirring story about a sensitive young girl who must face that growing up means coming to terms with the things you cannot change and taking responsibility for the things you can.Ava's mum is about to have twins, and the pregnancy isn't going well. All Ava wants to do is stay by her mother's side, but instead, she is sent away to stay with her grandparents. Normally, spending time at the lake with Nonna and Nonno is wonderful. But everything is different now. While her mum's hospital visits are getting serious back home, Ava grapples with anxiety. As summer storms rock the island, electricity goes out at the cabin, and an annoyingly cheerful boy named Cody seems determined to pop up everywhere she goes. Ava can't be distracted from the feeling that something terrible is going to happen to her mum while she is gone.When a bird dies in front of her, Ava is sure it is a sign that she is cursed the last thing she, or her family, needs. But if a curse has been placed on her, there must a way to break it. So Ava makes a deal: If she can take care of two orphaned bird eggs, she will have paid off her debt, and her family will be OK...

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Book SynopsisIt's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners-and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's young ladies learn to finish . . . everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage - in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.Trade Review. . . cleverly Victorian methods of espionage, witty banter, lighthearted silliness, and a ship full of intriguingly quirky people. * Booklist, starred review *This genre-blender will introduce fans of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls and Jennifer Lynn Barnes The Squad to a world of mechanical maids and flying machines, while bringing a spy-school romp to readers of the weightier worlds of Cassandra Clare and Scott Westerfeld. * Kirkus, starred review *Carriger deploys laugh-out-loud bon mots on nearly every page . . . in a sparkling start to the Finishing School series. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *Readers will love the well-developed characters and the quirky charm imbued into every page, and will eagerly await the sequel! * Romantic Times *

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Book SynopsisA heart-wrenching exploration of grief from a bestselling YA author, set in a landscape corrupted by fame and the scrutiny that comes from living in the shadow of a star.To the world, Lizzie Beck is a superstar: famous, talented and beloved.To Emmy, she is simply Beth: her brilliant older sister, her idol.But then Beth takes her own life, and all the light in the world disappears.Now Emmy is lost. Amidst the media storm and overwhelming public grief, she must fight to save her own memories of her sister – and find out who she is without her.Trade Review"raw and brilliant" * Holly Bourne *A powerful and raw exploration of grief and fame, Where the Light Goes is infused with empathy and hope. -- Fiona Noble * The Observer *Emmy’s grief, her rage at those she feels let Beth down, and her attempts to cope with social media onslaughts shape this wrenching, powerful novel for 14+, the talented Barnard’s best yet. -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *The always-thoughtful Sara Barnard is on form with Where the Light Goes [...] both heart-wrenching and hopeful” * The Irish Times *A heart-wrenching, unflinching exploration of grief, rage, sadness and hope, in all its messy forms told with a deeply authentic and moving voice. * WRDExtra *

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Book Synopsis“High stakes, big heart, and lots of Black Girl Magic…unputdownable.” —Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.After years of waiting for her Calling—a trial every witch must pass to come into their powers—the one thing Voya Thomas didn’t expect was to fail. When Voya’s ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees—and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic. Voya is determined to save her family’s magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she’ll first have to find the perfect guy—and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn’t count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc—how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her? With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she’ll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.Trade Review"Liselle Sambury builds a world not far from our own, where blood is both weapon and salvation. Blood Like Magic is an intoxicating, skillful blend of science fiction and fantasy that reads like an enthralling dream. Poignant, smart, and wholly unique. An ode to the spirits of Black women, this novel demands that the future never forget the enduring power of family or the long, sharp blade of history. A bold, magical debut full of heart, and an author to watch! -- Tracy Deonn, New York Times bestselling author of LEGENDBORN"With high stakes, big heart, and lots of Black Girl Magic, Blood Like Magic is everything you love about paranormal fantasy. The fast pace, painfully relatable characters, and incredible generational magic system makes Blood Like Magic unputdownable. Liselle Sambury left me with a massive book hangover that won’t be cured until I get the sequel!" -- Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery BoysAfro-futurism meets urban fantasy in this strong YA debut. Descended from a long line of powerful Black witches and having just started her Bleeding, 16-year-old Voya Thomas anxiously plans for the Calling that will follow, an ancestor-given trial that she must pass in order to inherit magic. A Thomas hasn’t failed in 100 years, but Voya worries nonetheless. To pass a Calling, one must make the correct choice between two decisions—something Voya has notorious difficulty with. Her concerns threaten to become reality when she receives the most impossible task ever known to witches, one with equally unheard of consequences: if Voya does not destroy her first love in one month, all current and future Thomases will lose their magic. Voya’s one desire is to help her family, but she’s never been in love, and she doesn’t want to take a life. As her family tries to find loopholes around committing murder, Voya stumbles across an ancestor she’s never heard of, whom the adults insist on pretending doesn’t exist. Sambury blends technology and fantasy to create a detailed world that’s both futuristic and magical. Featuring a cast of BIPOC and queer characters of all ages, this novel focuses on familial love, individual desires, and making choices that will lead to the greatest good. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kristy Hunter, the Knight Agency. (June) -- Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW* * April 26, 2021 *In Sambury's downright dazzling debut, Voya has finally started menstruating, which means she's ready to come into her family’s magic and receive her gift from her family’s ancestors. To receive this gift, each witch needs to complete a task given to them by an ancestor, and failing is not an option. To Voya’s misfortune, Mama Jova, who suffered at the hands of slavery, imparts her task: to echo the family’s mantra of “suffer and survive,” Voya is instructed to destroy her first love or risk losing her family forever. This engrossing novel features a world both familiar and unfamiliar, in a near-future Toronto. Sambury vividly captures the vibrancy of Toronto as well as the diversity within the witch community, and her dedication to world building lends authenticity to her characters. Family and heritage are two important themes, demonstrated powerfully in the novel's descriptions of history keeping, food, and daily family life. While this urban fantasy takes place in the near future, Sambury does not turn a blind eye to the persistent history of systemic racism against Black people, the evils of slavery, or police brutality targeting Black people, nor how those impact the Black community on a daily basis, all while keeping magic compellingly at the forefront. This impressive debut will wow readers and leave them eager for more from this writer to watch. -- Booklist STARRED Review * June 1, 2021 *It’s 2049 in Toronto, and sixteen-year-old Voya is about to go through her Calling, the trial that will determine whether she will have magic like the rest of her witch family. She might fail, though, since she’s directed to destroy her unknown first love, but if she doesn’t do it, her entire family will lose magic and future generations will be magicless. Billion-dollar tech company NuGene offers a solution with a beta matching program, and she’s matched with handsome trans NuGene intern and sponsor son Luc, who seemingly wants nothing to do with her; Voya’s task will only get harder as the two become closer. Sambury’s near-future Toronto is an interesting mix of cultural progressivity and capitalist nightmare, with NuGene’s high-tech modding and genetic sequencing services only available to the rich and a “sponsor” system where CEOs groom kids from “so-called ‘disadvantaged’ countries” to become heirs, but Voya’s Black family faces less discrimination than they would in the present day. The technology is additionally thought-provoking, with a rating system for everyone’s profiles to determine approachability, and the two prominent trans characters have new tech for transitioning per their preferences but also new battles to fight. It’s impossible not to root for Voya, who loves cooking Trinidadian recipes and always looks out for her big, often dysfunctional family, as she uncovers conspiracies in the witch community. Readers will certainly be holding out until the last page to see if Voya and her complex, nuanced family get their much-deserved happiness. -- BCCB * June 2021 *

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThis classic bestselling Angelina Ballerina picture book about chasing your dreams even when things don’t turn out perfectly is back in a beautiful, refreshed hardcover edition! Angelina Ballerina has always dreamed of being the star of a show, and the Mouseland Dance Festival is her chance! Angelina practices her dance routine constantly. She even rehearses on her grandparents’ canal boat on the way to the festival. But when Angelina accidentally ruins her costume with her nonstop dancing, will she still get to be the star of the show? © 2023 Helen Craig Ltd and Katharine Holabird. The Angelina Ballerina name and character and the dancing Angelina logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited, Katharine Holabird, and Helen Craig.

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Book SynopsisBook 6 in the hardback series – Racing Trains Peter's Railway is a story about a young boy who lives at Grandpa's farm. After building a miniature railway across the farm and then completing an amazing 5 mile extension to the line, Peter is ready for some more thrilling adventures. As their engineering skills progress the children are given more responsibility on the railway, and are delighted when they are given the task of completing a model Stirling Single locomotive – a perfect project for the summer! After watching the mainline train thunder past their miniature railway, the children were asking how fast was it travelling, and how fast could Fiery Fox go? Peter, always one for tinkering and creating things, comes up with just the ticket to measure speed – a computer-powered speedometer This leads to all sorts of adventures and the inevitable races along the track to test out Peter’s new invention and to find out how fast trains can go! As in the previous books in the series, there is technical information and diagrams at the end of relevant chapters. In this book the topics explored are: how wheel size affects speed, pistons speed, work, power, computer programs, boilers, and much more…Table of ContentsChapter 1 Fast Running Chapter 2 The Eight Foot Stirling Singles Chapter 3 Old No. 1 Arrives Chapter 4 A Computer-Powered Speedometer Chapter 5 Smoke Fire Water Chapter 6 Fiery Fox Flat Out Chapter 7 Speed and Power Chapter 8 The Duchess Express Chapter 9 Come on Baby! Chapter 10 Faraday at Full Speed Chapter 11 Painting the Old Lady Chapter 12 Slow Motion

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Book SynopsisFollowing their last battle, Dr. Eggman''s been mysteriously absent from Sonic''s life. What shocking secret will Sonic discover when he learns the bad doctor''s whereabouts?Plus, Sonic isn''t the only one looking for Eggman--so''s his old frenemy Shadow the Hedgehog! There are twists and turns in the course of this high-speed, action-packed mystery-adventure! But with a little help from his friends--including a new ally--Sonic''s fast enough to overcome any obstacle! Collects issues #5-8 of the ongoing series.

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Book SynopsisWhen Dr. Eggman unleashes his latest attack, Sonic and Tails will have to rely on their friends to help them foil his newest dastardly plan!There''s a new kid on the block! And a new... tower? While Tangle tries to initiate the new recruit, Belle, into the Restoration, Sonic, Tails, and Amy investigate a mysterious structure that has popped up. Turns out, it''s a maze of twisting corridors and crazy challenges!Can they pass this test with flying colors?Fan-favorite writer/artist Evan Stanley continues her epic Sonic run in this adventure also featuring artists Adam Bryce Thomas and Bracardi Curry.Collects IDW''s Sonic The Hedgehog issues #37-40.

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Book SynopsisHoney Get the Door! is a book of illustrated thoughts and pictures of Honey the wee sausage dog who Janey Godley ventriloquises for her fans across social media on a regular basis. In this book Honey tells us what she really thinks about her life as a dachshund, with Janey’s own thoughts, along with cute photographs and hilarious illustrations, interspersed throughout.Trade ReviewPraise for Janey Godley 'A f ***ing great comedian' – BILLY CONNOLLY 'Some of the sharpest-elbowed comedy in the world' – NEW YORK TIMES 'The Godmother of Scottish comedy' – THE SCOTSMAN Since lockdown began, people have woken up to Janey Godley’s comedy by the hundreds of thousands… [She] has provided much-needed relief throughout the coronavirus pandemic with her gallus Glesga interpretations which have been shared around the country with much glee. – Daily Record

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Book SynopsisBook two in the New York Times bestselling series called "Beautiful, brutal, heart-stopping, and epic" (Laini Taylor)! Two queens, separated by thousands of years, connected by secrets and lies, must continue their fight amid deadly plots and unthinkable betrayals that will test their strength-and their hearts.Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien-but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity's long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption-fear of becoming another Rielle-keeps Eliana's power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted-by embracing her mother's power, or rejecting it forever.Praise for Furyborn:A BuzzFeed Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018A Goodreads Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018A Bustle Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018"A must-read." -Refinery29"A series to watch." -Paste magazine"Visionary." -Bustle magazine"One of the biggest new YA fantasies." -Entertainment Weekly"Empowering." -BuzzFeed

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