Children’s / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories

Book SynopsisWhen Captain Firebeard and the crew of the Horrible Haddock kidnap young Molly Rogers they get more than they bargained for … A swashbuckling adventure from global bestseller Cornelia Funke, now in a hi-lo, dyslexia-friendly format for the struggling middle grade reader. Ferocious Captain Firebeard and the crew of the Horrible Haddock rule the high seas. But the dastardly pirates meet their match when they kidnap a small, feisty girl called Molly. Molly also knows the real pirate to fear is her own mum, and she won’t be pleased to find her daughter kidnapped! A swashbuckling adventure from global bestseller Cornelia Funke, now in a hi-lo, dyslexia-friendly format for the struggling middle grade reader.

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Book SynopsisThe Greatest Showman Nevermoor, The Spectaculars is the enchanting new adventure series that combines magic, theatre and danger with a large pinch of starstuff...When three figures arrive at Harper's window in a flying canoe, informing her that she is due to start her apprenticeship, Harper discovers she is a Spectacular - a magical performer, gifted special powers from the stars.Harper is thrilled to be part of the Spectaculars' travelling theatre and boarding school, until everything is plunged into great danger. With her new friends Trick and Thief, Harper sets out to save her school... But while dreams come true at the Wondria, nightmares might just be lurking in the wings.'A story of magic, friendship and theatre that shines star-bright' Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows'Beautifully written, imaginative and witty, The Spectaculars immerses you in a thrilling magical world with characters you fall in love with right from the start' Hannah Durkan, author of Zeina Starborn and the Sky WhaleTrade ReviewA story of magic, friendship and theatre that shines star-bright * Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows *Beautifully written, imaginative and witty, The Spectaculars immerses you in a thrilling magical world with characters you fall in love with right from the start * Hannah Durkan, author of Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale *Fantasy lovers will find plenty of inventive high jinx in The Spectaculars. * The Oldie *Grab your ticket and hold on tight this is a thrilling fast-paced magical read. * Armadillo *

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Book SynopsisAfter getting accepted into the RADAR training programme, Nathan is on the path to becoming a secret agent, just like his hero Jack Masters. Although, not everything is as it seems at RADAR HQ. Can Nathan and his new classmates save the day when no one else can?

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Book SynopsisJay Jenks is back! And about to fall into yet another perilous adventure. Jay and his friends, Tim and Ella, are on holiday by the shores of a Scottish sea loch. What else is there to do but to set out to investigate reported sightings of a monster in the loch? They're not sure what they hope to find, but it sure is exciting to think of the possibilities. However, matters are complicated by the strange, scientific experiments being carried out by Professor Ricardo, the great uncle of Jay’s friends. Their quest to find the monster and their curiosity leads them into new friendships but also into serious peril as they encounter sinister forces that ultimately threaten national security. Will Jay and his friends be able to help save the day? The Mystery of the Loch Kilgardie Monster is written in the engaging style and spirit of a classic children’s adventure. Readers will soon meet memorable characters they would want as their own friends and become absorbed in an adventure set in the kind of intriguing location they might, one day even, visit themselves.

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Book SynopsisA new adventure series about the pivotal moments of discovery through the ages, bringing the past to life with a generous helping of fantasy, humour and delightful, black and white illustrations. Shaman by name and shaman by nature... Billy just hasn't found his magic yet... but he is learning fast. No one is more surprised than Billy when he wakes up on a Chinese battlefield. Scooped from the jaws of death by a boy called Han, Billy's far from rescued. Taking refuge in the royal stables, the boys are soon held hostage by the Emperor Wudi. He's at war with the Horse King whose powerful and magical herd of horses, the heavenly horses of Ferghana, he wants for his own. It takes all Billy's skills and a very special spirit horse to get Han to safety and Billy back to his friend Charles Darwin, a two-hundred-year-old talking tortoise. Join Billy, a new kind of explorer who sets out to return artefacts to their original home.Trade ReviewWith beautiful, atmospheric illustrations on every page, and a perfect blend of history and full-on exciting adventures to enjoy, the Billy Shaman Adventures offer time-travel with an entertaining twist! * Lancaster Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe 12th laugh-out-loud, fully-illustrated book about Greg Heffley and his family. It's freezing cold at home and he and his parents are stressed about Christmas, so they decide the whole family are going to escape to a tropical island! A few days in paradise SHOULD do wonders for Greg and his frazzled family. Can their trip be saved, or will this island getaway end in disaster?

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Book SynopsisTag along with Kid Kong, the young ape with an appetite for bananas - and misadventures! Travel across time, hairdress aliens in space, mess around in Ancient Egypt, and loads more hilarious tales!

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Book SynopsisThe highly anticipated latest title in the Twisted Tales range focuses on one of the most popular Disney Princesses, Rapunzel

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Book SynopsisSequel to the award-winning neurodivergent, cli-fi adventure mystery 'Moojag and the Auticode Secret'. ----------------------------------- When Nema returns to Gajoomdom she discovers three forgetful grannies who've totally lost track of time. If she and Moojag can't help them remember, everyone's memories are in danger. But turns out not everyone is who they thought they were. Who will they rescue? Will they rescue them in time? -------------------------------------- The Lost Memories, inspired by the author's gran and living with dementia and disability during the pandemic, shows us the impact of loss and the power of memory. A multi-generational adventure, recommended for readers nine years and over. You'll whizz through this one, like the wrinkly new characters who star in it!Trade Review"Fantastical fun with a deep message about the value of human memories. I loved that the three grannies took centre stage, with so much dynamism, humour and wisdom whilst taking memory loss head on. Go grannies!" PATIENCE AGBABI - Award-winning poet and author, THE LEAP CYCLE.----------------------------'"A really great book ...a captivating adventure. The world is really dense with really fun and whimsical pieces of technology, but still there is a real sense of peril that runs through the story. I have never been so scared of a marshmallow chamber! I love how it pushes back on the idea of older people being useless, not by erasing the things they may find difficult, but by highlighting their strengths ...the things they still remember end up being as important as the things they have forgotten." ALEX FALASE-KOYA - Award-winning author, MARV / BREAKFAST CLUB ADVENTURES----------------------------"A thrilling adventure with a memorable cast of characters!" BEN DAVIS - Award-winning author, LENNY LEMMON----------------------------'"An imaginative futuristic adventure that draws you in and keeps you hooked. But it's the characters who win your heart...vivid, vibrant, compelling, laugh out loud..." READERS' FAVORITE - 5 Star review.----------------------------'"A brilliant story... Positive autism representation with loads of fantastic ideas that take you to another world!" SEAN FLETCHER - Journalist / TV presenter.----------------------------'"A fantastic adventure with an important message and authentic and exciting neurodivergent characters. I loved it!" DANIEL AUBREY - Author, DARK ISLAND

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Book SynopsisWhen Emily's mother becomes dangerously ill again, in this sequel to Tolly and the Pirate Ghost',Emily and the twins, Laura and Harry, time travel with Tobias, the pirate ghost, and his parrot, Tolly, to a tropical island in the year 1660. Their goal is to find the legendary Medicine Tree said to cure any illness, but there are thousands of trees on the island. How can they possibly find the right one?Tobias is reassuring but mysteriously disappears with Tolly, shortly after their arrival, leaving the children to fend for themselves under a scorching sun, with little to eat or drink and no means of getting home. Their problems multiply when they realise a band of ruthless pirates is also hunting for the Tree, and will stop at nothing to gain the prize and make their fortune.Time is running out to save Emily's mother and dangers press in on all sides. As the situation becomes desperate, the children start to quarrel and

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE ADRIEN PRIZEFourteen-year-old Elle and her friends are going to a not-to-be-missed funfair. But a ride on the Ghost Train takes them further than they ever imagined. They end up in 1880, face-to-face with criminal mastermind, The Grandfather! To Elle's surprise, he needs her help. Someone has threatened to reveal The Gift to the media. If that happens, everyone will know that Leaplings can leap through time; no Leapling will be safe. Meanwhile, Millennia's power at the head of The Vicious Circle grows. Will Elle work for a villain to save her secret community? Can she and The Infinites crush The Vicious Circle for good?Trade ReviewPraise for The Time-Thief: An ingenious, exhilarating adventure -- SOPHIE ANDERSON, author of THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGSAn adventure so thrilling it makes time fly! -- BEN MILLER, author of THE BOY WHO MADE THE WORLD DISAPPEARA time-travel mystery that manages to incorporate criminal masterminds, neurodivergence, racial inequalities, intertemporal friendships and Samuel Johnson - all narrated in Elle's exuberant and energetic voice. Even better than The Infinite! Loved it! -- FLEUR HITCHCOCK, author of THE BOY WHO FLEWIn The Time-Thief, Agbabi has written a second instalment to the Leap Cycle series that even exceeds the first. Elle is a delightful character to follow: not just a well-rounded heroine with a unique set of beautiful insights, but also an important example of meaningful representation in a literary arena where Black autistic girls are rarely represented. In reading The Time-Thief you also get a clear sense of how much Agbabi loves creative wordplay, as she tells a gripping time-travel story that keeps you guessing, while clearly having fun with the English language along the way! A creative, imaginative novel with a fascinating lead character -- CHRIS BONNELLO, author of UNDERDOGSThrilling . . . Starring a brilliant young heroine, this original and inventive adventure story will keep you gripped from beginning to end * * The Week Junior * *The main characters in Patience Agbabi's The Time-Thief [are] as literate as they are skilled on the athletics field. They are also neurodivergent, not least narrator Elle, whose autism is depicted accurately and sympathetically . . . just as clever and enjoyable as its forerunner * * Financial Times * *A must-read . . . Filled with thrilling twists and turns, and with a relatable main character, this a spellbinding mystery that will keep readers gripped to the final page * * Scotsman * *What a delight to be back in the company of Elle and her Infinite friends. The Time-Thief is chock-full of wicked wordplay and time-travelling conundrums, but also a breathlessly paced thriller. Time disappears while reading this book, so Agbabi actually proves that time travel is real -- STEVE TASANE, author of CHILD IThe Time-Thief pulses to its own thrillingly original beat. An exhilarating, intelligent and twisty time-travelling mystery -- SINÉAD O’HART, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTHThe Time-Thief is a gripping and thought-provoking zigzag across time and across London for children from all ages! -- S.I. MARTIN, author of INCOMPARABLE WORLD

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Book SynopsisThe tiny Tindims are like the Borrowers-on-Sea, who turn our everyday rubbish into treasure. Mother-and-daughter duo, prizewinning Sally Gardner and Lydia Corry, create a fun new world of characters and adventures in their empowering new series for 5-8 year olds inspiring conservation and inventive ways to recycle. In their third adventure Ethel B Dina, who looks after the fish hospital and loves to sing, needs ten green, glass bottles to complete her musical Bottleramma. But she is surrounded by too many plastic bottles which do not make music. Join the Tindims in their glass bottle hunt and meet the Tindims explorer, Tiddledim. Printed in dyslexia-friendly font with pictures on every page and perfect for the reluctant reader, the Tindims show keen young ecologists how to help protect our planet for the future.Trade ReviewCombining eccentric characters, short chapters and lively illustrations, this delightful new series is ideal for confident, independent readers. Full of joy and laughter, this quirky adventure also carries an important environmental message about waste, pollution and recycling * BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021 *This collection of books have become well known for their accessible language. Printed in a dyslexia-friendly font, the story features short, fast-paced chapters but does not detract from what is a fun and heart-warming story... Whether this book is read by the individual or as a group/class reader, it will make a fantastic addition to a KS1 class library. There is so much scope for discussion not just about the environment and recycling but about sea creatures, voyages, climate, weather and teamwork. In its own unique way the Island is always moving and for this story, finds itself in warmer waters. Ethel B Dina's description of her surroundings as, 'The Land of the Midnight Sun,' allows children to explore what it might be like to live somewhere where it is always dark or always sunny. The poems and songs (and of course a great rendition of ten green bottles) lend themselves beautifully to choral reading and subsequently, children can produce songs of their own about their surroundings and things that they hold dear' * Just Imagine *PRAISE FOR SALLY GARDNER & LYDIA CORRY: 'Gardner remains the patron saint of the reluctant reader' Daily Telegraph. 'An idiosyncratic genius' The Times. 'Sally Gardner's tale unfolds with all the beautiful illogicality of a dream' Financial Times. 'Slightly older fairytale fans will relish Lydia Corry's delicious pictures' * Guardian, on Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror *

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Book SynopsisTim can’t speak much French. Grk can speak even less. But they have to learn fast when they take the train to France and track down the evil Colonel Zinfandel. In this new thrilling adventure, Tim and Grk chase Colonel Zinfandel from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the bottom of the River Seine, and finally discover the true meaning of revenge . . .

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Book SynopsisCan Tim and his dog, Grk, stop the Red Jelly Gang from blowing up the Sydney Opera House? When Grk sniffs some succulent sausages, he can’t resist following his nose – and ends up on the other side of the world. He’s in Australia, where a ruthless band of crooks have taken over the Sydney Opera House. Tim must travel halfway round the planet, rescue his beloved dog and outwit the most wicked villains in the southern hemisphere . . .Trade Review"A meaty amount of words - and all of them entertaining ones! Fast-flowing read, and an easily recommendable one." * The Bookbag *"Delightful, Tintin-like Grk series for 8+(readers)." * The Times *"Funny and adventurous." * Steven Faichney, Forrester High School (Teen Titles) *"This book is really good. It took you straight into the storyline and kept you going all the way through." * Naomi Whitney, Castlebrae Community High (Teen Titles) *

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Book SynopsisGrk the dog is walking happily through the park when he’s suddenly snatched by two men in black suits. Where are they taking him? And how can Tim get him back? Tim and Grk’s latest amazing adventure takes them to the home of pizza, pasta and the leaning tower of Pisa. There they meet the Duke of Macaroni – a man with a terrible secret which he will do anything to hide . . .Trade Review"Straight-forward, gadget-free, adventure story that cracks along at a good pace." * The School Librarian *"Fast paced, action packed and full of humour. Good for reluctant readers." * English 4-11 *"Funny, warm-hearted and action-packed, this is a tremendous addition to a well-loved series." -- Julia Eccleshare * Guardian *"A fun-filled and action-packed adventure . . . The fabulous duo of Grk and Tim may well remind you of the other irrepressible action and adventure duo of Tintin and Snowy. Great stuff." * Lovereading4kids, Book of the Month. *"I simply couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened to Tim and Grk ... Great reading for boys." * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisGet ready for an exciting fairy adventure with the no. 1 bestselling series for girls aged 5 and up. It's Queen Titania's and King Oberon's 1000th jubilee, and the seven Party Fairies are in charge of making the celebratory party extra-special! However, naughty Jack Frost has stolen each of the seven Party Fairies' magical party bags... if he succeeds the Fairyland celebrations will be ruined! Can Kirsty and Rachel help rescue the party bags so the magnificent jubilee cake can be finished in time...? 'These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!' ReadingZone.com Read all seven fairy adventures in the Party Fairies set! Cherry the Cake Fairy, Melodie the Music Fairy; Grace the Glitter Fairy; Honey the Sweet Fairy; Polly the Party Fun Fairy; Phoebe the Fashion Fairy; Jasmine the Present Fairy If you like Rainbow Magic, check out Daisy Meadows' other series: Magic Animal Friends and Unicorn Magic!

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Book SynopsisBattle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. An evil wizard has enchanted the magical Beasts of Avantia - only a true hero can free the Beasts and stop them from destroying the land. Tagus the horse-man is terrorising the people and animals in the plains - can Tom and Elena stop him?There are SIX thrilling adventures to collect in Series One: Sepron the Sea Serpent; Arcta the Mountain Goat; Nanook the Snow Monster; Tagus the Horse-Man; and Epos the Flame BirdIf you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade's other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!

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Book SynopsisThe British Book Awards Audiobook of the Year 2018. Penguin presents the audio CD edition of La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman, read by Michael Sheen. Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames (which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them; a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua . . .“As a reader and a fan, I was hugely excited on hearing that Phillip was returning to the story of Lyra and Dust and challenging the Authority. And, as an actor, it was a true privilege to be asked to record La Belle Sauvage, the first book of this new work.” Michael Sheen "The best piece of narration I've ever heard" - The Bookseller“Michael Sheen’s narration of Philip Pullman’s new novel is better than an army of voice actors his voice is impressive, from the crisp, definitive consonants of its higher registers to the rumbly bass notes Sheen summons when some menace enters the scene, to the vast, buttery expanse of his middle range.” Slate

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the exciting new Guardians of the Wild series. When a raven drops a white feather at the doorstep on the day of your birth, it is a symbol of your destiny. You are a Whisperer – a guardian of the wild. The kingdom of Meridina is under threat. When Nara and her leopard companion, Flame, receive the call to attend a Whisperers’ council of war, they begin the long journey north. But signs of the shape-shifting Narlaw are everywhere. Can Nara and Flame make it to the palace or will the demons reach them first? The future of the natural world is resting on their shoulders… A dramatic and fast-paced new series, perfect for fans Michelle Paver, Gill Lewis and the Warriors series.Trade ReviewPraise for A Whisper of Wolves: "A wonderful tale filled with enchanting characters." –– Kate O’Hearn "A mysterious and gripping read." –– Steve Voake “The world is original and the novel fast paced with the reader hooked until the end on both storylines and left eager to the next instalment in the four-part series.” Children’s Books Ireland

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Book SynopsisEmmeline Widget has never left Widget Manor – and that’s the way she likes it. But when her scientist parents mysteriously disappear, she finds herself being packed off on a ship to France, heading for a safe house in Paris. Onboard she is befriended by an urchin stowaway called Thing. But before she can reach her destination she is kidnapped by the sinister Dr Siegfried Bauer. Dr Bauer is bound for the ice fields of Greenland to summon a legendary monster from the deep. And he isn’t the only one determined to unleash the creature. The Northwitch has laid claim to the beast, too. Can Emmeline and Thing stop their fiendish plans and save the world? A dazzling fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of ROOFTOPPERS, THE UNCOMMONERS and A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

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Book SynopsisA new coach is needed - but what can a wheelchair basketball champion teach Fergus and friends about cycling? Fergus is sure their new coach is going to be his ultimate hero, cycle champ 'Spokes' Sullivan, so when Grandpa introduces Charlotte Campbell, the children are all less than impressed. Charlie is the successful captain of the Paralympic wheelchair basketball team and has some interesting training methods. She gets the team doing yoga and wheelbarrow races, and enters them in the Wreck-It Run, a charity race where everyone creates their own adapted bikes from parts and must compete in pairs. Fergus is sure Charlie is off her rocker - how will this help them get faster for the International time trials?Trade Review'The latest instalment in Chris Hoy and Joanna Nadin's popular Flying Fergus series should keep primary school age cyclists entertained.' * Cycle Magazine *Another brilliant book in the series * Frost Magazine *

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Book SynopsisMeet Mark Anchovy: pizza delivery boy and private detective!'Hilarious and exciting' The Scotsman'LOVE this proper funny series ... Funny, fast-paced adventure with loads of cheese (the good kind!)' Pamela ButchartColin Kingsley is a pizza delivery boy with a twist. He's actually an aspiring detective. But in sleepy Rufflington-on-Sea, there are no cases to solve - until the Golden Spatula League come calling. The world's premier agency for 'caterer-detectives', run by children, the G.S.L. have been dazzled by Colin's freakish memory skills.To join their ranks, Colin - codenamed 'Mark Anchovy' - must fly to Rome to track down a valuable stolen painting, titled, 'Girl With A Squirrel'. The chief suspect: Big Alan Fresco, notorious art thief and pizza addict. It's the toughest, most pizza-ry mystery the G.S.L. have ever encountered.Read more of the Mark Anchovy adventures for fast-paced and food-filled hilarity:MARK ANCHOVY: WAR AND PIZZAMARK ANCHOVY: PIZZA POWERTrade ReviewIf you like cheesy jokes, and not taking things too seriously, you will enjoy this book. * English Association *Author and illustrator William Goldsmith has hit on a winning formula in this, his début children's novel, which is sure to herald the start of a successful new series for Colin and the Golden Spatula League * INIS - Children’s Books Ireland Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Daughter of the Burning City comes a thrilling new series about the scandalous lives in the City of Sin. ‘Amanda Foody has a wicked imagination.’ Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Caraval Take a card. The price is your soul. Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school, and her reputation, behind to follow her mother's trail. Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected, he's a street lord and con man, but he might just be the only person who can help her. As their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless society, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city to uncover the truth. And she'll need to play the game.Trade Review‘Utterly original. Amanda Foody has a wicked imagination. If you enjoy your fantasy on the darker side, then you will love Gomorrah!’Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Caraval. ‘Wow! A dark and dangerous tale, a world like no other and heroism of the weirdest kind!’New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce. ‘Foody's stunning debut is full of velvety language, intricate worldbuilding, and a story that treads the fine line of horror and fantasy. This is the kind of read that makes your spine shiver, and your heart beat faster.’Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen ‘‘House of the Rising Sun' meets Six of Crows in Ace of Shades. Thieves, rogues, and shady characters have always fascinated me, and so I enjoyed my dive into the morally ambiguous world of New Reynes.’New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima ‘Ace of Shades has it all – incredible worldbuilding, cinematic set-pieces, heart-pounding pacing, and unpredictable, deliciously messy characters. Foody's impressive and ambitious vision for the City of Sin will linger in my senses for a long time. An utter delight.’Claire Legrand, author of Winterspell

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Book SynopsisNina has to take part in the school talent show in a few days, and she still doesn’t know what to do!When her teacher mentions a magical fantasia that could help, Nina sets off to Brazil in the travelling spice shed to find it. There, she has a great adventure involving . . .a mysterious costume,a samba paradeand a top-secret mission!

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Book SynopsisFrom scaring Mum at Halloween to building the biggest snowball the world's ever seen - Maxine always has a super plan and needs the help of her twin brothers, Anthony and Edward. Together the super siblings make all sorts of mischief . . . Can they fix it before Mum finds out?These seven funny short stories are perfect for building confidence in new readers, whether reading alone or reading aloud.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE LAUGH OUT LOUD BOOK AWARDS!Meet Wilf. He worries about everything. He is a Mighty Worrier. And now the most evil man in the world has moved in next door...Things Wilf was worried about before:1. Stuffed animals. 2. Peanut Butter.3. Creepy crawlies that have waggly feeler things instead of eyes.Things Wilf is worried about now:4. The most evil man in the world.5. The most evil man in the world living next door.6. Anyone called Alan.When Alan, a self-styled Evil Lunatic, moves in next door with his grumpy robot sidekick and his silent right-hand-dog, Kevin Phillips, Wilf knows he will have to find a way to overcome his anxiety and fears. And soon he realises: only he can stop Alan's ridiculous yet still Quite Evil plan to destroy the world...Join Wilf for a fantastically funny adventure, illustrated throughout by Jamie Littler!Trade ReviewA lively, funny story that should delight and reassure many children who are worriers themselves * Jacqueline Wilson *Genuinely touching and wonderfully funny. A total delight of a, what I call, book. * Miranda Hart *Funny, imaginative and adventurous...anyone should read this to turn their frown upside down. * Guardian Children's Book Reviews *An endearing story that will have worriers everywhere cheering for this unlikely hero * Mother Daughter Bookclub *With fantastic attention to all the funny details that make Wilf's life (and his nemesis, Alan) so worrisome, this is a truly laugh-out-loud read that also has a reassuring message for children who worry about the world -- Anna Loudon * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisMaisie Voyager used to explore the world with her parents. She now lives in a tall town house with Aunt Hetty, experiencing 'normal' life. But strangers start appearing, cryptic messages are left, and Aunt Hetty is kidnapped!Following a trail of clues that leads her to abandoned tin mines and a hunt for treasure, Maisie discovers that evil Dr Gallows and his gang have taken her family hostage and it's up to her to save them. Facing many challenges along the way including sinister strangers, cold dark tunnels and the colour purple, Maisie has a big adventure ahead of her with big decisions to make.Suitable for children aged 9+ this captivating novel is a great read and offers a positive heroine with a unique outlook on life that all children will relate to, especially those on the autism spectrum.Trade Review*Winner of the gold medal in the 'Pre-Teen Fiction - Mystery' category of the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards*'Her autism is, however, never explicitly stated and her personality is handled in an entirely natural way allowing the story to, as it should, take centre stage... This is a well-paced, fast-flowing and enjoyable adventure which deserves to be widely read.' -- Nasen SpecialOne of the real advantages of this book is that any child will enjoy it, while those with Asperger's will find much to identify with as well as enjoying the rip-roaring adventure. I could hardly put it down! -- healthy BooksIt's an exciting story, with mystery, intrigue and tension. It's also a compassionate view on being different... Maisie has a fascination for detail and a refreshing attitude to life, making her a positive, alternative role model for girls. -- JUNOLucy Skye has created a world full of exotic places, a unique heroine, scary villains and a huge mystery. Her flowing prose makes the reader feel safe in her hands, secure in the knowledge that the next page will be as exciting as the one before. -- Kathy Hoopmann, author of the Asperger Adventures SeriesMaisie is a great heroine, and she and Aunt Hetty are well-realized characters. Readers will appreciate her descriptions of how things feel to her, how she makes sense of things, and the fact that she has so much free rein. -- School Library JournalWhat better way to teach teens about ASD than to encourage them to read about people like themselves, who are brave, intelligent and who have a strong sense of right and wrong. This is exactly what The Adventure of Maisie Voyager, by Lucy Skye is, a work of fiction by a British author who works for the National Autistic Society in the U.K... I couldn't stop reading The Adventure of Maisie Voyager! It was a fun and easy book to read and will be an inspiration to many a young adult reader who wants a positive role model of a child on the autism spectrum. -- Autism Society of Michigan NewsletterThe book is ideally suited for children between the ages of eight and thirteen. It is a detective novel with a difference, enlightened by a lot of subtle emotional intelligence, gently guiding the reader about feelings. I am fifty and enjoyed it enormously so would also recommend it for adults over fifty who enjoy jejune escapism. The only thing missing for me was a child curled up by my side to read it to but those of you with young children or grandchildren have a treat in store. -- Asteens

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Book Synopsis'You are walking into the jaws of death.' Hal and Roger Hunt are on an awesome African adventure to track down the rare great white elephant. The brothers coolly tackle their task - despite doom-laden prophecies from mumbo, a Watussi chieftain - and as the temperature rises...the danger-level intensifies.Trade ReviewPrice knew all the right buttons to press to excite a young reader - exotic locations, nasty villains, wild animals and lashings of peril -- David Barnett * Guardian *Willard Price makes the pulse-rate soar * Independent *

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Book SynopsisFifteen men on the dead man's chest- Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! When young Jim Hawkins discovers a map showing the way to Captain Flint's treasure, he and Squire Trelawney set sail on the Hispaniola to search for the gold. Little do they know that among their crew is the dastardly pirate Long John Silver. Silver has a devious plan to keep the gold all to himself. Can brave Jim outwit the most infamous pirate ever to sail the high seas? Will he escape from Treasure Island alive?

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Book SynopsisWhen Josie is evacuated to her aunt and uncle's farm in Essex, she meets and falls in love with seventeen year old Jumbo, a happy-go-lucky optimistic young man who doesn't let his disability interrupt a life full of fun. Their relationship takes off, despite the difficulties of the war, which interrupts their idyll from time to time with stories of tragedy and death. But when Josie meets Chris, Jumbo's heroic fighter pilot brother, she experiences feelings that are out of control and dangerous; is this what real love feels like? She is torn between the two young men - one who is steady and loving, the other wayward and challenging. Yet it may not be her choice to make, as the German attack on England becomes more and more dangerous...Set against the backdrop of the second world war, where people diced with life and death every day, this is a wonderfully moving story of love, passion and tragedy.Trade ReviewA gorgeous love story . . . Marvellous -- Kati Nicholl * Daily Express *A disturbing but richly evocative narrative which illustrates the human cost of war * Books for Keeps *The Blue Skies and Gunfire of the title are beautifully evoked in this wartime romance -- Becky Stradwick * The Children's Bookseller *A pleasure to read . . . A moving love story that illustrates the hardships, tensions and freedoms in the Second World War -- Georgina Hanratty * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisEight-year-old Jack and his little sister, Annie, are playing in the woods during their summer holiday, when they find a mysterious tree house full of books. But these are no ordinary books . . . And this is no ordinary tree house . . .Morgan le Fay - the owner of the Magic Tree House and all its mysterious books is missing and needs Jack and Annie's help! They follow her clues to Japan where they find themselves in the middle of a feud between Japanese ninja warriors and Samurai warlords. Will Jack and Annie find the tree house again? Or will they be caught up in a terrifying battle?

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Book SynopsisOn the eve of the first manned mission to Mars, a madman has kidnapped the space project's chief engineer. Can secret agent Jack Stalwart save the day and keep his cool when he finds out who the missing engineer is?Trade ReviewI loved the Jack Stalwart series right from the first book . . . Can these keep coming, please? I love it! It's like Anthony Horowitz for the younger reader * The Bookseller *This series is the 'must read' of the summer. The books' travel-based themes also make them ideal for holiday reading -- Jacob Hope * Achuka *The Jack Stalwart books have been a great weapon in the bookseller's armoury for hooking reluctant readers. Now re-launched, they are set to reach a much wider audience of young readers who want a piece of the secret-agent action * Publishing News *

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Book SynopsisSacred Japanese treasures are being stolen, and Jack must investigate. Can he defeat the shady geisha Madame Minori and her band of ninja thieves?Trade ReviewI loved the Jack Stalwart series right from the first book . . . Can these keep coming, please? I love it! It's like Anthony Horowitz for the younger reader * The Bookseller *This series is the 'must read' of the summer. The books' travel-based themes also make them ideal for holiday reading -- Jacob Hope * Achuka *The Jack Stalwart books have been a great weapon in the bookseller's armoury for hooking reluctant readers. Now re-launched, they are set to reach a much wider audience of young readers who want a piece of the secret-agent action -- Sarah Moore * Publishing News *

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Book Synopsis A rip-roaring historical adventure set at the time of the Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot – winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award! ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY England, 1605: 12-year-old Tom must save his father from hanging. He falls in with a mysterious stranger – the Falcon – who promises to help him in exchange for his service. But on the long journey to London, Tom discovers the Falcon’s true mission – and a plot to blow up Parliament with barrels of black powder. Tom faces a terrible decision: secure his father’s release, or stop the assassination of the king … A rip-roaring, action-packed life-and-death quest, packed with history and adventure Set at the time of the Gunpowder Plot and featuring Guy Fawkes – perfect for Bonfire Night and beyond Ideal for readers aged nine and up Check out more historical adventures by Ally Sherrick: THE BURIED CROWN, VITA AND THE GLADIATOR and THE QUEEN'S FOOL

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Book Synopsis Arianwyn is back for one final adventure in the third Apprentice Witch book - Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones! Praise for book 1: 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE 'The Apprentice Witch is entirely more charming, adventurous, and full of heart than a book has any right to be.' TRENTON LEE STEWART 'A delightful, witty and vivid story' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE The war is over and Arianwyn has discovered the secret of the quiet glyphs, but her troubles are far from over. Her day-to-day work as Lull's witch is tricky enough: winter has set in, bringing bad weather, ice imps and befuddling Yule traditions. But when Arianwyn's grandmother is abducted by the traitor on the Council, our witch faces her greatest challenge yet. What really makes a witch come true? Our lovable heroine is about to find out ... A bewitching series set in a world of domestic magic – a refreshingly small-world fantasy perfect for readers aged 9 and up. A spellbinding read, tapping into important themes of overcoming failure and building self-esteem. Filled with thrills, pesky magical conundrums, outlandish creatures and an enchanted forest, yet retains its warm soul and earthy charm!

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Book SynopsisTom and Beth are not happy when they move to North Berwick in Scotland and find themselves facing a rainy, windswept beach, a house that's falling to pieces and a school full of strangers. But when an oil tanker crashes into the Bass Rock, the small seaside town is shaken to its core and Tom and Beth suddenly find themselves in a race to rescue the local sea life and save their new community from environmental catastrophe...Trade Review“This book has bite…The plot was exciting, dangerous and had great characters; I loved the premise and the fact that everyone in the town was so concerned about the environment not simply because of the impact on tourism, but demonstrating genuine love for the wildlife that inhabit the sea.” — Catherine Scott, Armadillo Online“Gripping from the first page, Annemarie Allan’s latest offering is likely to be a big hit with her 8-12 target audience, especially those from East Lothian. Environmental disaster, friendships and loyalty, excitement and integrity, all these are lightly touched upon through a page-turning plot that catches hold of 12-year-old twins Beth and Tom when they move to their new home by the sea.” — Suse Coon, Lothian Life

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Book SynopsisA Girl. A War. Who to Trust? Even your friends may betray you. In war everyone becomes a new person and some seem to shed their old skin entirely. Paris 1942, when Amelie Dreyfus hides in her mother's cupboard, it's a game; when she comes out it's a matter of life and death.Trade Review'A powerful wartime adventure.' THE BOOKSELLER 'A gripping, utterly convincing wartime spy story' LOVEREADING4KIDS 'Hide and Seek brings to vivid life the courage of young people who risked all in the French resistance in the Second World War.Young Amelie Dreyfus is playing hide and seek when the soldiers come for her Jewish family. A much more dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues as she half-starves, makes common cause with resistance operatives and eventually outperforms a whole cadre of British spies with her cunning and courage. Who can you trust, Scott-Elliot asks.' THE OBSERVER 'An epic, inspiring coming-of-age novel, which thrills from the opening pages and doesn't lose its grip' CHRIS SOUL

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Book SynopsisSet in England during the late Victorian era, famed author Arthur Conan Doyle must push aside his scepticism of the supernatural with the emergence of Spring-Heeled Jack, a mysterious phantom of urban legend. This sets in motion the revival of The InSpectres, a secret society devoted to the investigation of the occult originally formed by Charles Dickens, and brings together, alongside Doyle, Harry Houdini, Bram Stoker and ten-year-old Agatha Christie to try and save London from a deadly, paranormal event.Trade Review"an intriguing beginning... something for fans of mystery and the mystic to get into." -- Michael Nimmo * 3 Million Years *"a very compelling story... I can’t wait to see what this motley team does next." -- Steven W. Alloway * Fanbase Press *"I really enjoyed this first volume. 5 out of 5 stars." -- David Charles Bitterbaum * The Newest Rant *"a winner for readers who like historical fiction with a supernatural twist." -- Comical Opinions * Comical Opinions *

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Book Synopsis A magical, thrilling pirate adventure: fun, fantastical and totally unputdownable! '[A] magical tale of pirates, magic and high adventure!' DAN SMITH 'Non-stop adventure, loved all the magic lurking beneath the sea.' NICKI THORNTON Tiggy has always had the ocean in her blood - and lately, she's been dreaming of mermaids - but she's a high-born girl on the Isle of Fortune, forced to wear dresses, attend balls and (worst of all) comb her wild curls. But then the Pirate King strikes, wielding deadly turquoise magic, and Tiggy's younger brother is stolen - along with every boy on the island. Tiggy knows it is time to claim her destiny, take to the high seas and rescue the boys of Fortune ... A spellbinding, hugely exciting pirate adventure: fun, feminist, classic in feel and totally unputdownable. Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean! Oli is co-founder and executive producer at Blue Zoo, a BAFTA-winning film animation company - bringing a brilliantly cinematic and visual feel to Antigua de Fortune.

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Book SynopsisWhen Aubrey is stung by a very polite wasp, he realises there is something strange going on in Rushing Wood. And as he's the only boy he knows of who can talk with animals, he is determined to find out what. With help from his friends Ariadne the house spider, Silvio the silverfish and Lupo the husky pup, the young warrior sets out to fight the Terrible Spiders and their genius creator Big B and, just maybe, save the world.

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Book SynopsisTen-year-old Walker isn't allowed a dog of his own, so he walks other peoples. But when he finds he can understand them, he gets drawn into mysteries that only the dogs can solve. When crooked billionaire, Arlington Wherewithal goes to prison, his wife, Jazaminta, asks Walker to look after his dogs. Walker finds out that a gang is trying to make Jazaminta tell them the hiding place of Arlington's missing millions. Walker tries to help, but when he gets too close he puts himself in peril! Can Walker, his friend Anje ,and the dogs save themselves, and follow the clues to finding the missing millions?

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Book SynopsisTwelve-year-old Marius is on the run from the Government. He’s the only one in the whole nation that values his sense of humour. Everyone else was de-humoured at birth – well, most people were. Yet somehow with Marius there was a glitch. He is captured on the run, but this time it’s not the soldiers. He has been taken by The Funnies – renegades who, like him, somehow escaped the ‘zappers’ at birth, but were betrayed by their loved ones. Marius meets their leader – Clown, plus Punchline, Slapstick, Stand-Up, Dummy (and his wooden owl, Too-Wit), Corny, Sick, Sarky, Mimic, Poo (yes, sorry) and Mime. He is entranced – kindred spirits – fellow laughers. His loyalties are put to the test when The Funnies snatch his best friend Peter, humourless son of Mr. J, the Deputy Minister of Humour. Marius dreams of being able to make Peter laugh. Could the de-humouring be reversible and if so, could he restore the humour of an entire population?

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Book Synopsis An action-packed swashbuckling tale for readers aged 8 and up! While helping in Grandpa's shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to try it on, but when she does she can't take it off . . . And when she looks in the mirror, the face of a famous highwayman Diamond Jack stares back. It seems Bramble has been chosen for a mission. Time to stand and deliver – your magic or your life! A thrilling highway-girl adventure with a magical twist from the brilliantly-named Anna Rainbow, author of Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas A fun, feminist, all-action adventure for ages 8 and up A deliciously familiar but wholly original mash-up of classic tales: shades of The Red Shoes, The Three Musketeers and Robin Hood Praise for ANTIGUA DE FORTUNE OF THE HIGH SEAS: 'Non-stop adventure' NICKI THORNTON, author of THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL 'A true salt-soaked swashbuckler of a story' LINDSAY GALVIN, author of DARWIN'S DRAGONS '[A] magical tale of pirates, magic and high adventure' DAN SMITH, author of NISHA'S WAR

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Book SynopsisBeautiful, thrilling and magical, Sunday Times bestselling-author Kiran Millwood Hargrave's critically-acclaimed first novel is a modern classic. Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella dreams of the faraway lands her cartographer father once mapped. When her friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. The world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself. A beautifully written, multi award-winning story of friendship, discovery, myths and magic for any age – perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Frances Hardinge or Katherine Rundell. A perfect gift, illustrated in colour by Olia Muza, and featuring a bonus chapter. From the author of Julia and the Shark, Leila and the Blue Fox and The Mercies, chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club. Set in an extensive and stunningly-imagined parallel world imbued with magical realism. 'Absolutely loved it from start to finish' TOM FLETCHER 'I read it, I loved it' MALORIE BLACKMAN 'Kiran Millwood Hargrave creates a spellbinding world of magic, myth and adventure' EMMA CARROLL Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner of the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award Shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize

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