Children & Teen Fiction Books

Book SynopsisTime is freezing at camp, and it’s up to Roanoke Cabin to stop the nefarious and mysterious forces behind it. When Molly makes a deal with a mysterious Voice in the woods surrounding Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types to slow down time, she isn’t hoping for an endless summer! All she wants is more time to spend with her friends at camp, hiking and doing crafts, and playing music and having fun. What she doesn’t bargain for is time starting to skip, and freeze, and make campers’ ages jump forward and back… It’s up to Roanoke Cabin to to set time right again, and save camp!  This New York Times bestseller and multiple Eisner Award and GLAAD Award-winning series features danger, adventure, and life-long friendships! Get in on the fun with this brand-new adventure written by Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh (Super Cakes) and illustrated by Ayme Sotuyo.

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Book SynopsisLittle Spider spins her webs all day, every day, until she grows bored and declares she is done with spinning. But through each season, as she seeks the new adventures she desires, she finds spinning a web is necessary. A tale about self-acceptance and appreciation of one's own gifts, beautifully illustrated with mixed media, with lyrical language that makes it a delightful read-aloud.

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Book SynopsisThe world's strongest girl, Pippi Longstock--ing, is back with a fresh set of funny prob--lems and even funnier solutions. In Pippi Won't Grow Up, she takes on school quiz--zes, refuses to be evicted from her home, and brings Tommy and Annika to visit the island her father lives on. Lindgren's expert storytelling and Vang Nyman's vivid characters and bright colours make this eye-catching volume stand out.Trade ReviewIt's remarkable how universal the stories and art are. - School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisFor twelve-year-old violinist Flora, growing up doesn’t always mean growing apart. But when a Battle of the Bands starts to divide Flora’s friend group, she knows that music will either separate them or bring them back together again.Playing violin makes twelve-year-old Flora feel alive, whether she is playing with her friends in their string quartet or playing fiddle for her Auntie Flora.When a music competition is announced, Flora wants her string quartet to play a classical song like they always do, but her friends want to play something new. Then, Simon, a talented drummer, who is struggling with a recent loss, invites Flora to join his rock trio. Pulled in several directions, Flora must decide if she is willing to risk her friendships by playing in Simon’s band.For Flora, finding harm

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Book SynopsisJonna lives in an orphanage whose manager is strict and obsessed with cleanliness. Like all the other children, Jonna has only one dream: to be adopted by a well-dressed mother who smells of perfume. But one day, a beat-up old car pulls up. The door opens and out step two thick hairy legs with muddy boots, followed by a belly as round as a barrel, and finally, a head like an overgrown pear. It's a gorilla! Surely the orphanage won't let a gorilla adopt a child. But, to Jonna's horror, the gorilla chooses her... Jonna sleeps in a hammock, and in the evenings the gorilla reads Dickens in her worn armchair. It turns out Jonna and the gorilla have a lot in common. But just when they’ve started to get along, a man from the council threatens to send Jonna back to the orphanage. The Ape Star is a heartwarming and unconventional chapter book about love, adoption, friendship, and seeing from different perspectives. An animated adaption starring Stellan Skarsgård (Thor: Ragnarok, Mamma Mia) is now showing worldwide. “Nilsson has a peculiar power to make you remember exactly what it was like to be small, fierce, disempowered and six.” The Times UK on Hattie “A sparkling story” Kirkus Reviews on Hattie and Olaf “The Ice Sea Pirates is a wild adventure with a huge heart…a beautiful book singing with hope and justice.” Sarah Driver of The HuntressTrade Review"Quirky characters make this a truly unusual coming-of-age tale." -- The Irish Times, Best Children's Books of 2022"This explosion of the classic orphan adoption trope is laugh-out-loud funny while making plenty of points about outsiders and standing up for yourself." -- The Listener, Top Children's Books of 2022, NZ"highly original and memorable." -- The School Reading List, UK"Just read this in one sitting, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s heartwarming, different, life-affirming and a story you want to be in!" -- Jo Bowers, Just Imagine"a delight!" -- ReadPlus, Australia

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Book SynopsisJoin Panda and Squirrel in nine funny, wise and thoughtful stories about the meaning of friendship by two world greats of children’s literature. Perfect for emerging readers. Panda and Squirrel have an unbreakable friendship. They can’t live without each other and do everything together: lie on the rocks to look at the moon, take walks, play games. One of their journeys lasts for only two steps, another day they discover a newly hatched duckling. Sometimes they argue but they always make up again. This is a friendship for any day: roaring, quiet, grumbling, snoring...always. This beautiful hardback storybook, with full-color illustrations throughout, features down-to-earth and warm-hearted friendship stories that reach straight from the soul of one six-year-old to another. Perfect for emerging readers or for reading aloud together, it’s a book to read again and again. Written by Ed Franck, one of Belgium’s most important and innovative children’s writers, and illustrated by Thé Tjong-Khing, a world-leading illustrator for children, whose many accolades include nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Translated from the Dutch edition by David Colmer.Trade Review"Captivating text, ideal for reading aloud." -- The New York Times"Full of heart and gentle humor, Panda and Squirrel are sure to please." -- Booklist, US"As Franck models charming rapport and low-stakes companionship, Tjong-Khing’s delicate artwork provides nature-filled scenes of glorious suns and a bamboo forest." -- Publishers Weekly, US"For families who love short, illustrated fiction featuring animals, such as The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham or Ulf Nilsson's Detective Gordon series." -- Youth Services Book Review, US"Striking artwork and sweet, funny stories about friendship make The Moon Is a Ball an amusing addition to the philosophical friends genre, alongside Winnie-the-Pooh and Frog and Toad Are Friends." -- Shelf Awareness, US"[An] upbeat, curiosity-inducing early reader." -- Foreword Reviews, US

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the JAM! Basketball champion and global icon LeBron James goes on an epic adventure alongside timeless Tune Bugs Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy! When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I. s digitized champions on the court--a powered-up roster of basketball stars as you ve never seen them before! It s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life, one that will redefine LeBron s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself. The Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even King James by playing the game their own way! From writer Ivan Cohen (The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries) and an all-star team-up of artists, Space Jam: A New Legacy is the graphic novel adaptation of the animated/live-action movie event!

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Book SynopsisBoth adults and children can float away in an ocean of pure imagination. Discover the subaquatic world of mermaids in this colouring odyssey. This pocket-sized book is full of mesmerizing mermaids, sea creatures, spooky shipwrecks and underwater castles waiting to be brought to life with colour. It's mer-made to please.

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Book SynopsisBedtime, Little Mouse is part lyrical bedtime picture story and part how-to guide for parents wanting to lull their own little ones into sleep.Little Mouse lives in a beautiful woodland, where she plays happily all day long. But, after one hot day, a storm gathers overhead. Little Mouse and her friends have to rush home to take shelter from the booming thunder, flashing lightning and pouring rain.When she tries to get to sleep that night, Little Mouse can’t help but dwell on the scary storm raging outside. Luckily, Big Mouse is on hand to soothe her into a gentle sleep, using guided breathing, gentle meditation and reflection on all of the good things that happened during the day.After the bedtime story, parents and children can move on to the Mindful Bedtime Method. This mindfulness practice is developed specifically to help children relax and prepare for sleep. From noticing their breathing and the softness of their surroundings, to expressing gratitude for the day, these five mindful practices will help children develop a positive and healthy bedtime routine, which will have them relaxed and ready for bed.It is written by Magali Mialaret PgC, who used her background in applied neuroscience, stress management and yoga coaching to create a story that will develop good practice around bedtime routines and mindful reflection on emotions encountered during the day. It is brought to life with sweet and gentle illustrations by Carmen Saldaña, illustrator of numerous picture book titles.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Heartlake City! This gorgeous activity book comes with your own Aliya mini-doll and her adorable puppy, Aira. Find out all about Aliya and her friends as you read the story, enjoy the comics and complete the fun puzzles and activities.LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations and the FRIENDS logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2023 The LEGO Group.

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Book Synopsis‘There were friends once, but they melted away. Things are different now I am a MONSTER’ Frances is alone. Cast away on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, she has to find water, food and shelter. But survival is hard. Especially when she is haunted by memories of the things that she did before, the things that made her a monster. Pushed to the limit in extreme conditions, she battles to come to terms with her past, and find a future worth fighting for. This is a gripping and thought-provoking story about one girl’s journey to become the person she believes she can be.

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Book SynopsisMolly's shape-shifting curse is getting stronger and more unpredictable. Becoming a hare she could cope with. At least she could run... fast. But now she's turning into the prey of any predator she hears. Life's pretty dangerous if you become a worm whenever you hear a bird tweet.As Molly and her friends search for a stone that can curb the Promise Keeper's powers, and each one of them must face their own monster, Molly is forced to choose: is she prepared to use dark magic to break her curse? Will she become a witch and enter into magical combat? And if she does, will she lose the friendships she most cares about?In this third and final thrilling instalment of the breathtaking Spellchasers trilogy the team faces a blizzard of powerful threats. Can they bring balance to the magical world, defeat the creatures that pursue them and finally break Molly's curse? Or will darkness triumph over friendship?Trade Review'Once again author Lari Don has written a superbly crafted and original fantasy action/adventure novel that will have special appeal for young readers ages 8 to 12... very highly recommended for both elementary school and community librar[ies].'-- Midwest Book Review'... the story is so interesting, it pulls you along... It is super exciting! The heroine, Molly, is brave, smart, and honest. She tries to do the right thing -- not just what her friends want but what is best... If you love magic and myth, read this!-- Kids BookBuzz, Lena -- Age 9

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Book SynopsisMolly Drummond is cursed: whenever a dog barks, she turns into a hare -- which can make life quite dangerous... So she does the sensible thing and attends a curse-lifting workshop, run by a local witch. She tumbles into a world of magical beings, all desperate to reverse their curses. But will the power that feeds on the curses prevent them from returning to their normal lives?By the author of the bestselling Fabled Beasts Chronicles series, this is the dramatic first installment in the brand new, long-awaited Spellchasers trilogy. Lari Don has once again created a world of brilliant magic, dark danger and extraordinary friendship which will enchant children of upper primary age.Trade Review'Among the most exciting books of 2016 for 8-12 year olds.'-- Sunday Herald'A lot of action and adventure as well as a good dose of magic and mystery. This is a great read and I look forward to the next two books.' 4/5 Stars-- Margaret Pemberton, Books for Keeps'I enjoyed The Beginner's Guide to Curses immensely! It is a very clever and well thought out book filled with lots of witty dialogue… The book is thoroughly enjoyable and I would (and will be) recommending it to other children.'-- Ann, age 12, Families Glasgow'This book is an exciting fantasy quest with a lot of twists. Reading all of Lari Don's books has made me love books more than ever. The end is super exciting and I can't wait for the next one because there's some things I want to find out.' -- Lucy, age 8'This is a great book for those who enjoy a heart-racing and mythical story.'-- Isobel, age 10'Absolutely brilliant. An exciting novel, extremely magical.'-- Isabel, age 9'This feast of magic and fantasy will enthral. Friendship, mythical creatures and gripping adventure with plenty of twists will keep you hooked.'-- South Wales Evening Post'Very nicely entertaining tale about curses, and about unselfish behaviour. Or selfish behaviour, if you wish. I'm expecting more books, as there is plenty more magic to be sorted out.'-- Bookwitch'The next big thing in children's books.'-- Lothian Life'A magical book about strange curses, colourful characters and most importantly how great friends can work together.'-- Beth de Lotbiniere for LoveReading4Kids'It shocks, it scares, it makes you gasp in horror and sadness.'-- Rose Hopkins, age 10 for LoveReading4Kids'A girl who turns into a hare when a dog barks, dark magic, curses and an adventure. What more could you want from a book?'-- Tomasz Hawryszczuk, age 11 for LoveReading4Kids'Without a doubt, this book was one of the best I have read in years. The writing involved had me in a trance of never-ending emotions and I was unable to release the book from my grasp.'-- Judith, age 10 for LoveReading4Kids'The story was exciting, thrilling and breathtaking.'-- Emily Golding, age 9 for LoveReading4Kids'This is the first compelling volume in the Spellchasers trilogy, where magic sits convincingly alongside everyday life. Packed full of good and dark magic, sacrifice and treachery, friendship and loyalty, this exciting page-turner will have readers gripped from the start.'-- Scottish BookTrust'A rollicking introduction to a fantasy trilogy set in Scotland... From the first word, readers are dropped straight into the lively action, with nary a breather until the final page turn... A real treat.'-- Kirkus'This is an instantly engaging and gripping fable set in Speyside, with strong and likeable characters on an exhilarating quest with plenty of twists and a fast-paced narrative drawing on mythological creatures from Scotland and beyond.'-- Thomas Jefferson, Schools Events Administrator, Scottish Book Trust'Molly is a great protagonist, brave, honest and loyal and I greatly enjoyed reading this story. [...] An excellent introduction to the world of magical stories, suitable for younger more confident readers.'-- School Library Association'I really like books about magic and the supernatural and this was another book I really enjoyed. Molly doesn't think she has been cursed but soon finds out how wrong she was. This book also showed how we can all help each other out and that friends should stick together.'-- Teen Titles

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Book SynopsisSome people think that museums are boring places full of glass cases, dust and stuff no one cares about: wrong! In a hidden headquarters below the exhibits there's a gang ready to handle dangerous, spooky or just plain weird problems: the Museum Mystery Squad.Techie-genius Nabster, mile-a-minute Kennedy and sharp-eyed Laurie (along with Colin the hamster!) tackle the surprising conundrums happening at the museum. From pre-historic creatures that move and secret Egyptian codes to missing treasure and strange messages from the past, there's no brain-twisting, totally improbable puzzle the Squad can't solve.--------------The discovery of new Viking treasure brings the museum its biggest exhibit yet -- a giant longboat. With such a huge attraction on show there's plenty of room to hide a secret, or two. In the Case of the Vanishing Viking, the Squad investigate legendary longboats, rare runes and hidden hoards to try to solve their latest mystery.---------------Young readers will love the riddles, red herrings and big reveals jam-packed into this fun-filled series of mystery stories by Mike Nicholson. The enjoyable extras like wacky facts and activities, as well as zany illustrations by Mike Phillips, will keep amateur detectives entertained for hours.Trade ReviewPraise for the Museum Mystery Squad series:'Nicholson slips in fact boxes and a miniquiz as well as some red herrings to confuse matters. Phillips adds coded messages, screen shots, and diary pages to cartoon views of the squad in action... deduction and slick detective work save the day.'-- Kirkus Reviews'All of the books in this series are fast-moving, filled with interesting facts that should spur readers on to their own explorations, well-written, fun and wonderfully illustrated with black and white drawings by Mike Phillips.'-- Youth Services Book Review'... there is a clear desire to celebrate museums as spaces of imagination and learning. There is a very interesting interplay between text and image in the book, as the story is interposed by numerous illustrations, graphs and quizzes that visually make the book very visually stimulating.'-- Armadillo

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Book SynopsisRuby McCracken's life is OVER. Her parents have forced her to move to the Ordinary World and that means -- new home, new school and worst of all, no magic! Seriously?! A witch without magic? That's LITERALLY tragic. Ruby has to leave behind her broomstick (and walk everywhere -- YUCK!) and her friends (no more watching Hex Factor together on a Saturday night). She's absolutely STARVING with no snack spell, and there's no way to get revenge on the mean girls at her boring new school without a good curse.Despite her best witching efforts, the Ordinary World remains tragically magic-deprived, until Ruby receives a mysterious hext that seems to offer an answer. That is, if she can figure out what it means and, more importantly, who sent it.Packed with great humour, loveable characters and witty banter, Ruby McCracken: Tragic Without Magic is perfect for fans of Witchworld and The Worst Witch.Trade Review'Ruby McCracken: Tragic without Magic is packed with humour, magic, disgusting food concoctions and hilarious anecdotes that will be perfect for fans of the Worst Witch and You Can’t Make Me Go to Witch School.'-- Armadillo'The challenges of being a normal human plunged into magic training have been well worked in the Worst Witch series. But perhaps not thoroughly enough explored is what it means to be a witch thrust into a banal ordinary world in which she’s not even allowed to cast spells. Enter the entertaining Ruby McCracken: Tragic Without Magic, by Elizabeth Ezra (Floris, £6.99)'-- The Herald‘Ruby is an endearing, witty heroine whose frustrations... will resonate with young readers as much as her language does, and Ezra's sense of fun abounds in witchy details... A great fit for readers looking to move on from the Worst Witch or Wrigglesbottom Primary to something slightly spooky but not too scary.'-- West Coast Review

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Book SynopsisAdam and his Shetland pony Haki have been inseparable. Haki is clever and brave and Adam soon trains him to do things other Shetland ponies can't -- to act, to dance and to follow the sound of Adam's bagpipes. But Adam must move off the island to find work and selling Haki is the only way he can leave. Then the pair performs at the Highland Show and a ringmaster is so impressed by the talented pony that he lets Haki, and Adam, join his travelling circus. Haki -- with Sondra the friendly elephant -- become stars of the big tent but some of the circus folk are jealous of their success. Can Adam protect his friend?This classic children's novel from much-loved author Kathleen Fidler takes the reader on an entertaining journey -- from a small Scottish crofting community to the bright lights of the circus. Fidler's authentic and charming depiction of life on Shetland remain, to this day, an unrivalled portrait of Scotland’s islands.Trade Review'First published in 1968, this Kathleen Fidler classic shows that ingredients of a captivating children's story have changed very little... Fidler's human and historical observations remain enlightening, as does her understanding of the dilemmas faced by young islanders.'-- West Coast Review

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Book SynopsisPrepare yourself for the wrath of the Norsemen! That is, if you don't mind and it's not too inconvenient...Everyone knows Vikings are ruthless barbarians whose idea of a good time involves pillaging, plundering and feasting. But Thorfinn is no ordinary Viking! He is always polite and happily offers to wash the dirty dishes. Too bad his dad is Harald the Skull-Splitter, Village Chief and the roughest and toughest Viking of them all. Vikings far and wide are travelling to Scotland's Shetland Islands for the great Fire Festival where they'll compete to become the ultimate champion by creating dazzling fire displays. Chief Harald is determined to be victorious but it seems as if Thorfinn has ruined their chances against rival Viking Chief Magnus the Bone-Breaker, until he remembers a story about a once-legendary dragon, now in hiding… Can Thorfinn and his ragtag crew track down the dreadful dragon and persuade her to help them put on a winning performance? Thorfinn and the Dreadful Dragon is the seventh adventure for Thorfinn the Nicest Viking in this funny, action-packed illustrated series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!Trade Review'Thorfinn and the Dreadful Dragon is funny and adventure-filled, and would be particularly enjoyed by newly-independent readers. While it's sure to be a hit with existing fans, it also works well as a stand-alone.'-- Roaring Reads

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Book SynopsisOne day Arthur Conan Doyle will create the greatest detective of all -- Sherlock Holmes. But right now, Artie Conan Doyle is a twelve-year-old Edinburgh schoolboy with a mystery of his own to solve.Artie and his best friend Ham are investigating the strange case of the Scarlet Phantom, a jewel thief who seems to walk through walls and disappear at will. But there's a rival detective on the case, a paranormal investigator who claims that only he can capture this phantom thief.With the help of their new friend, girl scientist Peril Abernethy, Artie and Ham follow a trail of baffling clues and impossible dangers, but can they catch the Phantom before the invisible fiend pulls off the greatest robbery in history?Robert J. Harris, author of The World's Gone Loki series and Will Shakespeare and the Pirate's Fire, brings the young Conan Doyle to life in the third instalment of this ingenious detective series full of twists, turns and clever reveals.Trade Review'Like all the other books in this series, there is a fantastic plot full of imagination, which has been executed particularly well. It has twists and turns which leave many possibles alternatives to develop and explore. There are many quirky details included which provide a great reading experience. The time and gothic setting have a wide and fantastic appeal. Historically, it makes the story very interesting and atmospheric...'-- Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books'Amusing, exciting and -- dare I say it -- educational.'-- The Sherlock Holmes Society'This book was so fun to read as an adult. I am positive that kids would love it as well. There is a lot of great banter in this friend group. There are also lots of great personality quirks that really give the reader a well-rounded set of characters… Overall, this was a fun read and I will be looking for the previous books in the series to add to my classroom book collection.'-- NetGalley Educator'A first rate, page-turning middle grade mystery narrative.'-- Ted McCoy, Austin Public LibraryPraise for Artie Conan Doyle:'A great series to snatch the attention of reluctant readers away from screens and get them reading.'-- Carousel'For parents out there who are avid Sherlock Holmes fans, this book offers a way for the magic to live on.'-- Scottish Field'A brilliant and well-imagined story.'-- Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

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Book SynopsisPrepare yourself for the wrath of the Norsemen! That is, if you don't mind and it's not too inconvenient...Everyone knows Vikings are ruthless barbarians whose idea of a good time involves pillaging, plundering and feasting. But Thorfinn is no ordinary Viking! He is always polite and happily offers to wash the dirty dishes. Too bad his dad is Harald the Skull-Splitter, Village Chief and the roughest and toughest Viking of them all.When Chief Harald is poisoned by a putrid sleeping potion, Thorfinn suspects visiting soothsayer Ragwich. Banished for offending the power-hungry wise man, Thorfinn and his friends set sail to find the world's best potion maker to brew a cure. Unfortunately, the antidote requires a very rare ingredient. Can Thorfinn find the cure and wake Harald before Ragwich takes control of the village? Thorfinn and the Putrid Potion is the eighth adventure for Thorfinn the Nicest Viking in this funny, action-packed illustrated series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!Trade ReviewPraise for Thorfinn the Nicest Viking:'Hand these to fans of How to Train Your Dragon.'-- School Library Journal'With short chapters and plenty of laughs on every page, this highly entertaining series of Viking antics is ideal for confident independent readers. Hilarious illustrations accompany the witty text, and there are puzzles and trading cards to be enjoyed at the end of the book.'-- BookTrust'It is a story filled with humor that will appeal to young readers... Readers who like the graphic novel/fiction book format will like the cartoon like illustrations throughout the book. Reluctant readers will find the format and short chapters accessible.'-- Youth Services Book Review

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Book SynopsisThe world of the Norse people was rich in poetry, legend and song. Whenever there was a feast to greet guests, to celebrate weddings or the safe return of voyagers, the bards were called upon to tell stories and sing songs. Norse Myths and Viking Legends brings together three epic sagas -- 'The Saga of King Ragnar Goatskin', 'The Dream of King Alfdan' and 'Thorkill of Iceland' -- alongside other dramatic tales in this exciting collection of stories.These thrilling tales of war and love, power and cunning, magic and destiny are artfully retold by renowned storyteller Isabel Wyatt. The book will be particularly useful for those teaching Norse mythology in Steiner-Waldorf Class 4 (age 9–10). Previously published as three books: Thorkill of Iceland, Legends of the Norse Kings and Norse Hero Tales, and now in a single magnificent volume.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Haarville -- if you've arrived, you've survived. Off the grid and not on the maps, it's a place shrouded in fog and steeped in pungent pongs. Everything here smells fishy, especially the town's suspicious new arrivals.Twelve-year-old Manx Fearty is an orphan (his family has a terrible habit of dying, terribly), and now he's about to lose their perpetual device shop to sinister newcomers claiming to be long-lost relatives. As he sets out to prove them wrong, Manx finds himself on the trail of a murky, mist-muddled mystery -- and it's one he needs to solve fast, otherwise Haarville is doomed.With the help of his fiercely protective drag-queen guardian Father G (aka the fabulous Gloria in Excelsis), loyal best friend Fantoosh, and oystercatcher-with-attitude Olu, Manx wades through secrets, schemes and some stomach-churning seafood. Can he save both his family's legacy and his town?Darkly comic but full of heart, this quirky middle-grade mystery adventure from Justin Davies, award-winning author of Help! I Smell a Monster and Whoa! I Spy a Werewolf (Orchard Books), is perfect for fans of Malamander and A Series of Unfortunate Events.Trade Review'A fantastically fishy adventure, packed to the gills with humour and heart. A boat-load of thrills, fun and friendship.'-- Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows series'A wonderfully imagined, ridiculously unique story that I raced through in a day. The inhabitants of Haarville and their secrets will hook you in and leave you wanting more. Justin Davies deserves first plaice for crreating a book every child, and adult, will love.'-- Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre'Utterly magical and instantly transporting. You'll want to visit Haarville again and again.'-- Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of These Broken Stars'The plot is lively with high stakes and misadventure. Intermittent illustrations pair well with the quirky sense of humour. An eccentric and fantastical mystery.'-- Kirkus Reviews'The pluckiest of orphans, a long-leather-coat-wearing villainous uncle, stalwart friends and a hint of magic - all set in a dank gloomy town that steals the show. Innovative, characterful writing with a dark humour that entertains from start to finish.'-- Peters, Books of the Week'Sure to delight and enrapture kids aged nine and over across the nation.'-- Dunfermline Press'A magical story where Manx fights increasingly difficult challenges to uncover the truth and save Haarville.'-- YA Books Central'It's a unique and quirky blend of imagination and setting that will set you off on a mesmerising expedition that will have you glued to the pages. This has to be my favourite read so far this year. […] This brilliant well-written story transports you to a murky seaside town that is the life and soul of the party. The characters are colourful and heartwarming whilst the villains make it an edgy race to uncover secrets to save the family's legacy and Haarville from sinister newcomers.'-- Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksTable of Contents1. Fearty's Perpetuals2. Olu Pays a Visit3. The Customer Isn't Always Right4. Tittle-tattle5. Up, Periscope!6. Marching Orders7. Room to Let8. Black Cats and Broomsticks9. Gushet House10. Three's a Crowd11. Ice Warning!12. Pollock Row13. A Light Tower Alight14. The Accused15. Whoever Heard of the Haarville Hoard?16. The Storyteller of Crab Gulley17. Repelled and Expelled18. The Edge of the Ledge19. Smash and Grab20. Sail Away21. When Snoozing Means Losing22. Jailhouse Rot23. Baggit & Son's24. Rhymes of the Ancient Mariners25. Round and Round the Merry-go-round!26. All Aboard!27. Anchors Away!28. Hatched29. Raft Race30. The Ninth Wave31. Clam Rock32. An Eye for an EyeGlossaryAbout the AuthorAcknowledgements

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Book SynopsisGrandpa and Little Bear share a dream to visit Faraway Valley -- a special, hard-to-find place full of wild and wonderful creatures, a place where the air smells of pine needles, a place they've only seen on a postcard. The determined pair study maps, read books and practice camping to prepare for their adventure, then set sail for the long journey. But when they arrive in the north, they find a bustling port full of shops, where everyone seems to have forgotten about Faraway Valley. Does the beautiful place of their dreams still exist, and can they find it? A magical, heart-warming tale of wonder and adventure, this moving picture book gently explores themes of celebrating nature and respecting wild landscapes. Cecilia Heikkilä's stunning artwork is full of texture, colour and character.Trade Review'A restrained, lyrical tone makes Faraway Valley magical for readers[...] A beautifully illustrated picture book with an environmental theme.'-- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW'This is a gentle clarion call to protect Earth's wild spaces... Its message should be heard globally, in every language. Delicately lovely watercolor, gouache, pastel, and digital illustrations capture our planet's fragile beauty. Faraway Valley is closer to home than we may realize, and we must all protect it.'-- Kirkus Reviews'A story of wonder and adventure. It explores themes of celebrating nature and respecting wild landscapes through the eyes of Grandpa and Little Bear.'-- Kindling'A timely tale about the need to protect and preserve wild spaces.'-- School Library Journal'A magical, heart-warming tale of wonder and adventure.'-- Play to Learn with Katy (Instagram)'A beautifully illustrated intergenerational story about adventure and the celebration of nature and wilderness.'-- TheKidsBookstagrammer (Instagram)'A heartwarming narrative of adventure and inter generational relationships, while emphasizing the need to conserve nature[...] The bears' rediscovery of their connection to nature, upon reaching the valley, is genuinely uplifting. The combination of a profound conservation message with mesmerizing visuals, this book serves as an urgent call to appreciate and safeguard our natural treasures.'-- Storybook Mama (Instagram)'Their journey is filled with hope, new friendships, and lots of wonder. Not only that, but it encourages and promotes love for nature and the desire to protect it. It is a heartwarming story, and I recommend it with all my heart.'-- Our World of Wonder (Instagram)'A book for all nature lovers, a book to make us stop and think and change our ways. It's a stunning must read.'-- Busy Busy Learning (Instagram)

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Book SynopsisThe seven young members of the Blue Door Theatre Company are, at long last, professional actors. And they are now proudly in charge of the first commercial theatre in their hometown of Fenchester. But the day-to-day pressures of financing the theatre and choosing box-office attractions are soon eclipsed by an event that threatens to close the theatre almost as soon as it has opened. Following the characters from the classic of children's literature The Swish of the Curtain on an adventure which takes them far from the stage of the Blue Door Theatre, Blue Door Venture is the fourth book in the Blue Door series.Trade Review"I wanted to act before I read [The Swish of the Curtain], and afterwards there was no stopping me" --Maggie Smith"An enchanting book. A must for any child who wants to become an actor" --Eileen Atkins

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Book SynopsisInternational bestselling children's author Cornelia Funke has long been inspired and fascinated by fairy tales. This wonderful anthology is Funke's personal selection of fairy tales from all around the world - not just from her native Germany but from Russia, Japan and the Native American tradition. It's the perfect Christmas gift for any young reader wishing to discover the wider world of fairy tales. This wonderful selection of 13 tales includes: The Tale of the Firebird (Russia) The Boy Who Drew Cats (Japan) The Frog Princess (Ukraine) The Six Swans (Germany) The Girl Who Gave a Knight a Kiss out of Necessity (Sweden) Kotura, Lord of the Winds (Siberia)Trade Review"The words of these tales create enthralling images, transporting readers to earlier times and enchanted worlds. . . Denouncing past social norms, these tales are bewitching." — Kirkus Reviews"Fairy and folk tale collections are only as good as their compiler, but you're in safe hands with the distinguished author Cornelia Funke." — Evening Standard, Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas"A collection that is a breath of fairytale fresh air... a welcome change from the exhausted classics." — The Times"Jewel-bright and provocative fairy-tale retellings." — Metro"A marvellous selection." —Herald Praise for Cornelia Funke: • "A wonderful storyteller" -- Sunday Times • "Germany's answer to J.K. Rowling" Daily Telegraph • "A master" Independent

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Book SynopsisDina has the Shamer's Gift - one look into her eyes, and none can mask their guilt or hide their shame. Now even her brother, Davin, no longer dares to meet her gaze. He burns with a desire to take up the sword and avenge the crimes committed against his family. But these are treacherous times and Dina's life is in terrible danger. Kidnapped by the corrupt Valdracu, she is forced to use her gift as a weapon. And Davin becomes her only hope of escape...Trade Review"The series as a whole is in good standing alongside Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia." — Booklist, starred review"The term 'page-turner' is often used, but not always justified. It is deserved here, tenfold. I really, really couldn't put the book down." — School Librarian"The most original new fiction of this kind ... thrilling and thoughtful." — The Times"Spiced with likable characters and an intriguing new magical ability - eagerly awaiting volume two." —Kirkus"This novel stands on its own and offers a satisfying conclusion even as it provides an intriguing setting and mythology for future adventures." — Publishers Weekly"An absorbing and fast-paced fantasy/mystery bursting with action and intrigue. The only question is: when will the next one come out?" — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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Book SynopsisFreja arrives in Singapore during the month of the hungry ghost, when old spirits are said to roam the streets. She's struggling to settle into her dad's new, 'happy' family, and dreams only of escaping home and leaving this hot, unfamiliar city. Then one night, a mysterious girl in a white dress appears in the garden. Freja follows this figure to lush, secretive corners of the city, seeking to understand the girl's identity. Her search will lead her to an old family mystery - one that must be unravelled before the month is over, to allow both girls to be freed from the secrets of the past.Trade Review“Explores lost family histories and expat life, with a taste of Singaporean myth and folk tradition.” --Kirkus Reviews "[Freja's] quest to solve the mystery of this unquiet spirit takes the pair into the thrilling territory of Chinese folklore and feng shui." -- Financial Times"A gripping, moving, perfectly crafted story... one of my books of the year." -- Sinéad O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North

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Book SynopsisCalla's mum has never been normal. She's been known to go out in a lab coat and slippers and often forgets to perform basic tasks because she's been thinking about ducks. When a job offer arrives to study her beloved birds in the Amazon rainforest, Calla knows her mum has to go. Nervously, she agrees to go to boarding school. She quickly learns that trouble is afoot in this odd convent school. A mean new headmistress is imposing horrible rules and making everyone eat Brussels sprout cake, and the students are itching to revolt. As Calla makes new friends and gets drawn into their rebellious plot, she keeps waiting for her mum to call. She will, won't she? Exuberantly funny and brimming with heart, How to Be Brave is a riotous celebration of the power of resourceful girls, stories and the right biscuit at the right time.

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Book SynopsisA thrillingly spooky gothic mystery... The grown-ups all think she's going to die soon ? she can see it in their eyes. Still, when twelve-year-old Stina is sent to be treated at Raspberry Hill Sanatorium, she can't believe her luck. She even gets to ride in a real motor car to the magnificent old hospital, hidden deep in the forest. But as Stina explores the long, eerie corridors of her new home, she senses it is hiding a dark secret. Determined to solve the mystery, she edges closer to the truth ? and soon finds herself in terrible danger...Trade Review'Frantz relies on classic ingredients but does it with a style and suspense that hold the reader tightly in their grip till the last pages' - Vastra Nyland'Has all the right elements that a page-turner for an avid young readership should have: a proper suspenseful plot and supernatural twists' - Hufvudstadsbladet

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Book SynopsisA lonely dachshund dreams of having a friend, but every time the little sausage dog goes to the park they find it hard to fit in. They can only watch the other dogs playing and having fun. Until one day, a friend comes along... A Pack of Your Own is a warm and funny story about friendship in a dog's world. With exquisitely sweet illustrations, readers are invited to ask themselves questions about friendship. How much should one adapt in order to be accepted and valued by others? Do we really need to be similar in order to be friends? And can a dachshund and a poodle be friends despite their differences?Trade Review“The unique art, distinctive canine protagonist, and touching theme about not needing to change to be worthy of friendship will make this picture book a memorable hit at storytime.” – The Bulletin of the Centre for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisAction-packed from start to finish, this dramatic new chapter book version of India's great epic, The Ramayana, will have boys and girls alike on the edge of their seats. Full-color illustrations throughout vividly bring the story of Diwali to life, while courageous heroes and dastardly villains make Prince of Fire the perfect choice for any child with a love of adventure.

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Book SynopsisRosie the Not-so-Little Princess has always loved Gilbert, her royal teddy bear. But she feels she's a bit too old for him now and decides to stop playing with him. But then Gilbert goes missing and has a very strange adventure indeed. Will Rosie ever get her teddy back? These young fiction colour readers take Tony Ross's beloved Little Princess to a whole new audience. The text appears in short blocks around full-colour illustrations, and is divided into short chapters, making it perfect for new readers.Trade Review"Though The Little Princess has lost her teddy, she has lost none of her zest." * Bedfordshire Families *"Short, achievable chapters will keep developing readers smiling throughout" * Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement *"Very enjoyable" * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2018 Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2018 In three years I will be able to vote and I will still have less power than I did at the moment that I saw that email, which was such a tiny thing but look what happened. Fifteen-year-old Alena never really knew her political activist mother, who died when she was a baby. She has grown up with her older half-brother Danny and his boyfriend Nick in the east end of London. Now the area is threatened by a bomber who has been leaving explosive devices in supermarkets. It is only a matter of time before a bomb goes off. Against this increasingly fearful backdrop, Alena seeks to discover more about her past, while Danny takes a job working for a controversial politician. As her family life implodes, and the threat to Londoners mounts, Alena starts getting into trouble. Then she does something truly rebellious. A searing, heartbreaking coming-of-age tale for fans of Lisa Williamson, Jenny Downham and Sarah Crossan.Trade Review"A thought-provoking, richly layered YA novel about politics, love, grief and coming of age." -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *"Wonderfully individual and heartbreakingly real" -- starred review * Kirkus *"A touching, truthful depiction of an unconventional family life... written before London’s current summer of discontent but captures the effect of a constant climate of unease on young people and the permanently anxious adults who care for them." -- Geraldine Brennan * Observer *"A clever, thoughtful novel with a wonderfully realistic main character" -- Sarah Webb * Irish Independent *"It’s refreshing to see a contemporary YA novel that focuses so much on family and politics and allows its heroine to escape the narrative without a boyfriend in tow" -- Claire Hennessy * Irish Times *"A sparky and timely coming-of-age tale about politics, activism & morality" * Katherine Woodfine *"Family tensions and uncertainty are contrasted against the current political situation in this excellent novel" -- Marilyn Brocklehurst * Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement *"I loved it, so much so that as soon as I finished I started reading it again. Completely brilliant" -- Keren David, author of Salvage"I couldn’t put Troublemakers down. It's a real page-turner, with utterly believable characters who are all trying to do their best. Barter is a fresh, exciting new voice, and I can’t wait to see what she does next." -- Susin Nielsen"I think it's really brilliant and I absolutely loved it – the voice is terrific. I hope it's loved as much as Jenny Downham's Unbecoming." -- Aoife Walsh, author of Too Close To Home"One of the most woke YA novels EVER and will quickly make you question your own political knowledge and outspokenness" * Maximum Pop! Books *"Politics and the personal combine in a thoughtful, well-told and moving story" -- Andrea Reece * Lovereading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisEver since tragedy struck her family, Petula has learned to see danger everywhere – whether it’s crossing the road or eating a poached egg. Petula’s determined not to let her guard down, even if this means allowing herself to be ruled by anxiety and grief, and losing her best friend. Then Jacob walks into her therapy group. Strikingly tall and confident, he’s survived a different kind of disaster and still come out smiling. At first Petula is repelled by his optimism, yet even she can’t deny their chemistry together. But optimism is blind – and so is love. What will happen if Petula gives in to both?Trade Review"Hilarious, heart-warming and beautifully unexpected – a real keeper" * Lisa Williamson *"I fell for Optimists Die First like I was curled up with a familiar favourite – offbeat charm, with a bittersweet romance at its sorrowful heart." -- Harriet Reuter Hapgood"Optimists Die First will make you feel bigger in every way. Bigger in courage to face a dangerous world; bigger in feeling; bigger in love; bigger in your ability to put yourself back together after something that should break you; and yes, bigger in optimism" -- Jeff Zentner"Susin Nielsen has produced a richly comic story featuring a cast of mismatched, engaging characters" -- Marilyn Brocklehurst * Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement *"Entertaining but also poignant" -- Claire Hennessy * Irish Times *"One of the most talented teen writers working today" * BookTrust *"Grief and guilt permeate Nielsen’s empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue." * Publishers Weekly, starred review *"Nielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humour" * Kirkus, starred review *"The novel’s greatest strength is its handling of the characters’ very real burdens with sympathy, wit, and not an ounce of melodrama. Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers" * Starred review, School Library Journal *"Optimists Die First is both funny and heartbreaking. Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor And Park will love it." * Red Magazine Online *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for CrimeFest Best Crime Novel for Young Adults 2019. Nora has lied about many things. But has she told her most dangerous lie of all? There’s a new art assistant at Nora’s school, and he’s crossed a line. Nora decides to teach him a lesson he won’t forget. But not everything goes quite to plan, and Nora needs an escape. She befriends the rich and talented Bel, who longs for a part in a remake of a famous film. Bel is unpredictable, jealous and crazy, but she opens up a new world for Nora, and that makes her irresistible. As events start to spin wildly out of control, Nora must decide where her loyalties lie – and what deceits she can get away with.Trade Review"Gray has a sure-footed understanding of the adolescent mind (so much so that I often winced in pleasurable recognition) and creates a gripping, smoothly executed psychodrama... I genuinely could not stop reading this: a treat for teens and above." -- Philip Womack * Literary Review *"Julia Gray’s impressive, Patricia Highsmith inspired Little Liar... puts readers into the hands of the ultimate unreliable narrator for a story that never lets you stay too long on stable ground - it’s nail-biting stuff." * Waterstones Children's Summer Reading Round-Up *"This gripping psychological thriller, crackling with the intensities of female friendship, confirms [Julia Gray] as a highly original new talent in YA fiction" -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *"Julia Gray’s second novel is a superb psychological thriller with a distinctive voice, a clever blend of contemporary realism and classic noir." -- Claire Hennessy * Inis Reading Guide *"Julia Gray has created an immensely powerful psychological thriller which challenges our whole understanding of behaviour and warns against passing judgement" * Carousel *"Intelligent, gripping, highly original." -- Andrea Reece * Lovereading *"Intense, psychological, gripping; The Talented Mr Ripley for YA" -- Anna McKerrow"Smart, gripping and sharply-observed YA, with a pitch-perfect narrative voice." * Katherine Woodfine *"Another wildly inventive, thrillingly unreliable narrator from the immeasurably talented Julia Gray. Full of twists and turns this story leaves you wondering who is telling the tallest story. A great novel about truth and lies and what we need to believe to stay alive." -- Julia Bell"...a gripping, memorable page turner that I am glad to have read." * Teach Secondary *

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Book SynopsisBea has started to hear and see things that no one else can – creatures, voices, visions. Then strangers visit Bea and tell her she is different: she has the rare powers of a witch. They warn her she is being hunted. Her parents think she is hallucinating and needs help. All Bea wants to do is get on with her life, and to get closer to Lars, the mysterious young man she has met at the skate park. But her life is in danger, and she must break free. The question is – who can she trust? Carnegie Medal-winner Melvin Burgess returns with a powerful, thrilling fantasy for young adults about magic, myth and following your instincts.Trade Review"Extraordinary" -- Simon Mayo * Simon Mayo's Books of the Year podcast *"Rich, twisty storytelling ... Written with observation and skill" -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *"Burgess is a master storyteller" -- Alex O'Connell * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *"The godfather of young adult fiction" * BBC Front Row *"Melvin Burgess is an original, experimental voice and in his first YA novel for five years he draws on the rich tradition of British fantasy rooted in landscape and folklore" -- Fiona Noble * Observer *"Burgess’s work remains strong meat, sometimes overwhelming; abduction, seduction, deceit, coercion and the limits of moral responsibility all test the reader’s tolerance of trauma to breaking point in this arresting coming-of-age tale." -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *"Tackles issues of control, identity, personal freedom and trust through the medium of folklore and magic... An arresting, high-octane adventure" -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *"...an uncompromising look at issues in a way that doesn't patronise young adult readers. A tough page-turner." -- Jane Graham * Big Issue - Kid's Books of 2018 *

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Book SynopsisWhen Matilda discovers a treasure map inside an old bottle, she shows it to the Jolley-Rogers and they all set sail to find the mysterious island. Only to end up in the belly of the dastardly Pirate Cruncher! Can Matilda and the rest of the Jolly-Rogers rescue themselves before it is too late? Or will they end up trapped there forever? Expect adventure, laughs and perhaps an almighty sneeze..Trade ReviewA-HARR! OHO! It's time for a book we've been waiting for since...oooh since AGES! The welcome return of a most heinous beastie in the latest book from Jonny Duddle [...]The Pirates Next Door" was one of the first of Jonny's books we read, and then later on we happened across its predecessor "The Pirate Cruncher" in the library, and couldn't wait to read it and pick up our own copy.So in the latest of Jonny's hugely successful chapter book versions of his nautical tales, we see the Jolley-Rogers and Matilda on their latest adventure, seeking out the treasure depicted on a mysterious map salvaged from a floating bottle. [...] It's only a matter of time before Jonny's first two picture book universes collide in spectacular fashion as The Pirates Next Door Meet the fearsome PIRATE CRUNCHER!We've been hoping, praying for the reappearance of ol' PC himself since his first brilliant picture book appearance, and this latest chapter book story from Jonny doesn't disappoint! [...] Brilliant illustrations also help to jolly things along (there's an epic sequence as the Jolley-Rogers' fabulous amphibious jeep ends up flying into the Pirate Cruncher's gaping maw!)Full of excitement, adventure and brilliant moments of piratical pursuits, it's our favourite of the chapter book Jolley-Rogers books, and we're gnashing at the bit for more!Charlotte's favourite bit: Even Nugget helps mount the rescue attempt (Nugget, Matilda and Mum make a formidable girl-power team!)Daddy's favourite bit: I love the way Jonny deconstructs his original book as the girls (and grandad) realise just how lame the Pirate Cruncher's daft old pirate puppet is, and how daft the boys are for gadding off in search of buried booty without thinking things out. Nicely sharp, that! -- Phil May * Read it Daddy! *This is a fantastic series and the perfect transition from picture books to chapter books.[...] Super illustrations add enormously to the fun of this hilarious book. It's fast-moving with an excellent storyline and wonderful characters. -- Sarah Brew * Parents in Touch *Full of excitement, adventure and brilliant moments of piratical pursuits, it's our favourite of the chapter book Jolley-Rogers books... * Read it Daddy! (Condensed) *

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Book Synopsis. . . One moonlit night I sailed away in my silvery boat of dreams . . .A dream-weaving masterpiece of pop-up storytelling, bursting with dragons, starlight and adventure. Just turn the page to enter the magic.

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Book Synopsis

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