Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

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Book SynopsisThey know Olive has the talent to follow in their footsteps.But Olive likes to smear, splatter, splash, and even lick.With a brush in each hand, Olive cascades through town with her friends in tow, painting what she wants to, what she feels—until she reaches her parents’ pristine art museum.Trade Review"Irrepressible. Joyful. Vibrant and full of oomph! Olive Chen is the artist of the year!" — Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer "Lian Cho has managed to bring together a visually stunning, energetic story full of clever humor, heart, and a reminder that art has no boundaries. Olive is someone we all hope to be more like!" — Ruth Chan, author-illustrator of Thank You, Neighbor "An infectiously gleeful celebration of art and being true to yourself." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "The exuberant, brightly colored, non-representational art that Olive chooses is fun, and young students will be excited to try out some of the splashing and smearing that Olive does. This is a pithy story about finding your own voice, even when adults keep coming in the way." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTHE ONE WHERE GREG SHAPES UPThe third laugh-out-loud, fully-illustrated Diary of a Wimpy Kid book from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney! A global phenomenon with 250 million copies of the series sold worldwide! Greg Heffley''s dad is on a mission! He''s decided it''s time for this wimpy kid to become, well, less wimpy and has planned lots of manly activities for him and his son. Greg somehow manages to find ways to get out of most of them, but when his dad threatens to send him to a military academy, Greg realises he''s going to have to somehow shape up ... or get shipped out! WHAT''S IN DIARY OF A WIMPY KID? 50% words, 50% cartoons, 100% hilarious! Stories that all readers can''t wait to get their hands on Laughter guaranteed! *BRAND NEW* DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE DEEP END IS OUT NOW! And DON''T MISS an all-new fantasy from Greg''s best friend in Rowley Jefferson''s Awesome Friendly Adventure, the follow-up to the instant #1 bestseller Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson''s Journal. ''Kinney is right up there with J K Rowling as one of the bestselling children''s authors on the planet'' Independent Have you read all the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series? Diary of a Wimpy Kid Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot - THE BRAND NEW NOVEL COMING SOON - PRE-ORDER NOW!!Trade ReviewThe world has gone crazy for Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series * Sun *Kinney is right up there with J K Rowling as one of the bestselling children's authors on the planet. * Independent *Hilarious! * Sunday Telegraph *The most hotly anticipated children's book of the year is here - Diary of a Wimpy Kid * The Big Issue *

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Book SynopsisGreg's mom has a vision of "family togetherness" that really doesn't sound a whole lot of fun. But there's a brand-new addition to the Heffley family to contend with and it looks like Greg might be outnumbered. It could be a real dog of a summer...Trade ReviewThe world has gone crazy for Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series * Sun *Kinney is right up there with J K Rowling as one of the bestselling children's authors on the planet. * Independent *Hilarious! * Sunday Telegraph *The most hotly anticipated children's book of the year is here - Diary of a Wimpy Kid. * Big Issue *

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Book SynopsisLottie Brooks is BACK and she''s as BRILLIANT as ever!At long last Lottie and Daniel are an official couple and everything seems to be going super well (except for Amber being increasingly mean and jealous, but what''s new there?).Amber decides it''s ludicrous that Lottie has a boyfriend and she doesn''t so she decides to hand out applications forms at school and audition the most eligible Batchelors for the role. Jess also decides to reveal to the rest of the group that she might be gay, and that she might also have a crush on someone at school.Meanwhile Toby''s new year''s resolution is to get a dog, and for once Lottie and him see eye to eye, in fact the whole Brooks family are in agreement (except mum). Eventually they break mum down - enter the lovable cockapoo Pot Noodle who is lots of fun but VERY naughty and VERY destructive.Lottie soon finds having a new boyfriend and a new dog means she has little time for anyone else, leaving the Queens of Eight Green pretty upset. How is Lottie meant to keep everybody happy and stop Pot Noodle from pooing on the carpet?!

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Book Synopsis#1 New York Times Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller Winner of the Newbery Medal A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book   This award-winning modern classic—a must-have for every child’s home library—is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother. Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling cTrade ReviewPraise for Last Stop on Market Street: #1 New York Times Bestseller USA Today Bestseller Winner of the Newbery Medal A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book A New York Times Notable Children’s Book of the Year A Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year An NPR Best Book of the Year The Huffington Post Best Overall Picture Book of the Year A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Horn Book Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading & Sharing Pick A Miami Herald Best Children’s Book of the Year A Raleigh News & Observer Best Children’s Book of the Year An Atlanta Parent Best Book of the Year “It’s also the warmth of their intergenerational relationship that will make this book so satisfying, for both young readers and the adults sharing it with them.” —The New York Times “That material poverty need not mean spiritual or imaginative poverty becomes beautifully clear in the quietly moving pages of ‘Last Stop on Market Street,’ a picture book by Matt de la Peña filled with Christian Robinson’s vibrant naïf illustrations.” —The Wall Street Journal “Matt de la Peña’s warmhearted story is musical in its cadences . . . Christian Robinson’s angular, bright illustrations are energetic and vibrant . . . [A] celebration of the joys of service, the gifts of grandmothers and the tenderness that the city can contain.” —The Washington Post “The sharp illustrations—in bold, and cheerful primaries—get CJ’s restless energy and curious postures exactly right. The voices of CJ and his grandmother carry the story along in subtle point and counterpoint so that at this book’s quiet close you feel like you’ve been listening to a song.” —The Boston Globe ★ “This celebration of cross-generational bonding is a textual and artistic tour de force.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ “Like still waters, de la Peña and Robinson’s story runs deep. It finds beauty in unexpected places, explores the difference between what’s fleeting and what lasts, acknowledges inequality, and testifies to the love shared by an African-American boy and his grandmother.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ “De la Peña and Robinson here are carrying on for Ezra Jack Keats in spirit and visual style. This quietly remarkable book will likely inspire questions . . . It will also have some adult readers reaching for a tissue.” —The Horn Book, starred review ★ “With the precision of a poet, Matt de la Peña chronicles a boy's heartwarming Sunday morning routine with his nana. Christian Robinson's uplifting palette and culturally diverse cast brightens the rainy-day backdrop.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review “The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner . . . A lovely title.” —School Library Journal “It’s not often that you see class addressed in picture books in ways that are subtle and seamless, but Last Stop on Market Street, the affectionate story of a young boy and his grandmother, does just that . . . This ode to gratitude is 2015’s first must-read picture book.” —BookPage “If Robinson doesn't win this year's Caldecott, then next year could be the one with his name on it. His remarkable Last Stop on Market Street (with Matt de la Peña), is an early favorite for the best picture book of 2015.” —The Huffington Post "Bright colors and streamlined shapes keep the urban setting and its denizens cheerful, emphasizing the positive message.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “This story is full of figurative language and the art provides a distinct contemporary feel to support this urban story.” —School Library Connection

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Book SynopsisBaby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama in this rhyming read-aloud favorite! Llama Llama?s tale of nighttime drama has charmed readers for over a decade and makes an ideal story for bedtime reading. With this board book edition, Anna Dewdney?s infectious rhyming text and expressive artwork are availabe to the youngest readers. Children will relate to Baby Llama''s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama''s reassuring message.

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Book SynopsisDarius doesn't think he'll ever be enough, in America or in Iran. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable debut introduces a brilliant new voice in contemporary YA.Winner of the William C. Morris Debut Award“Heartfelt, tender, and so utterly real. I’d live in this book forever if I could.” —Becky Albertalli, award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens AgendaDarius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He’s a Fractional Persian—half, his mom’s side—and his first-ever trip to Iran is about to change his life.   Darius has never really fit in at home, and he’s sure things are going to be the same in Iran. His clinical depression doesn’t exactly help matters, and trying to explain his medication to his grandparents only makes things harder. Then Darius meets Sohrab, the boy next door, and e

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Book SynopsisGlastonbury with veg! From the bestselling picture book team behind Kitchen Disco.The vegetables start waking up They stretch and rise and shine - They set up lots of stages, Cos it's VEGGIE PARTY time! Mud, rain, vegetables. A winning combination!A party season essential.' The Times (Kitchen Disco)Absurdly catchy . . . complete with blaring, psychedelic illustrations.' Metro (Kitchen Disco)Fantastic totally captured my son's imagination.' Parent/Carer, Time to Read Campaign (Kitchen Disco)Absolutely brilliant.' Librarian, Time to Read Campaign (Kitchen Disco)

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Book SynopsisFrom Michael L. Printz Award winner A.S. King, a weird and insightful new novel about a girl intent on picking the lock of her toxic family.Jane Vandermaker-Cook would like her mother back. As Jane''s mother tours the world to support the family, Jane lives and goes to school in a Victorian mansion with her younger brother and their mendacious father who confines Jane?s mother to a system of pneumatic tubes whenever she?s at home. And then there''s weirdly ever-present Aunt Finch, Milorad the gardener, and his rat, Brutus. For Jane, this all seems normal until she suddenly gains access to the files for a lifetime of security-camera videos?her lifetime.A.S. King''s latest surrealist masterpiecefollows Jane?s bizarre and brilliant journey to reconnect with her mother by breaking out of her shell and composing a punk opera.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Looks and reads just like its predecessor Goodnight Moon." -- Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisIn this heart-stopping adventure based on real historical events,Benjamin Zephaniah shows us an important and intriguing timein Britain that's sure to fascinate young readers.

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Book SynopsisA celebratory, inclusive and educational exploration of Lunar New Year for both children that celebrate and children who want to understand and appreciate their peers who do.Lunar New Year captures the magic of the celebration by exploring how Ling and her family enjoy the biggest Chinese festival of the year. The new year festival lasts for 15 days full of preparation, celebration and symbolism. Join Ling, her sister Mei and granny Po Po as they clean the house from top to bottom, pick fresh flowers from the garden, visit friends and family, and carry red lanterns through their neighbourhood. Ling invites the reader into her home and family, allowing the reader to experience this special celebration first-hand through an authentic narrative non-fiction story. A fun 16-page 'factivity' section follows the story and delves into more detail about how the festival is celebrated inTrade Review“This heavily illustrated guide to Lunar New Year, for 5 to 7 year olds, has a 16-page fact section, a craft project, a quiz, and a story about Ling and her family who celebrate Lunar New Year in China.” * The Bookseller *"This title explores how the Lunar New year is celebrated around the world, capturing the magic of the festival for children everywhere." * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisA 2019 NEWBERY HONOR BOOKA gripping, nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults.                                                                                                                 -Kirkus, starred reviewIn the vein of Inside Out and Back Again and The War That Saved My Life comes a poignant, personal, and hopeful tale of India's partition, and of one girl's journey to find a new home in a divided countryIt's 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundre

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Book Synopsis A brand-new full-color graphic novel adapted by USA Today bestselling author Gale Galligan!Kristy''s mom is getting married, and Kristy is going to be a bridesmaid! The only problem? Fourteen kids are coming to town for the wedding. Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, and Mallory think they can handle it, but that''s before they spend a week changing diapers, stopping arguments, solving mix-ups, and planning activities. It''s the biggest job the BSC has ever had, but they''ll work together to make sure Kristy''s big day is a success!

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Book SynopsisThe ninth book in the brilliant Roald Dahl Funny Prize winning BARRY LOSER series.Perfect forreaders aged 7-10 years old and fansofDiary of a Wimpy Kid,Tom Gates, Dennis the Menaceand Pamela Butchart''s Wigglesbottom Primary series.Barry''s class are off on a school trip to see a history of television exhibition, which Barry knows will be comperleeterly rubbish. But then he discovers that Future Ratboy (super-keel superhero TV show) is filmed in the same TV studios! All he has to do is find a way to sneak away and find the set Will Barry come up with an amazekeel plan? Will he get to audition for Future Ratboy? Will they get the best seats on the coach??Join everyone's favourite Loser on his ninth hilarious adventure!Barry Loser: I am not a loser was selected as a Tom Fletcher Book Club 2017 title.Future Ratboy and the Invasion of the Nom Noms is shortlisted for the Lollies Award 2017Don''t miss the other funny books by Jim Smith:BARRY LOSERI am not a LoserI am still not a LoserI am sTrade ReviewPraise for the BARRY LOSER Series! ‘The review of the eight-year-old boy in our house . . . "Can I keep it to give to a friend?' Best recommendation you can get', Observer 'Hugely enjoyable surreal chaos', Guardian 'I laughed so much that I thought I was going to burst!', Finbar, aged 9

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Book SynopsisThe magical and brilliantly funny adventures of everyone's favourite flat boy Flat Stanley. With wonderful new illustrations by the award-winning author/illustrator Rob Biddulph.Magical things always happen to Stanley Lambchop Stanley can't believe it when he finds a genie inside a teapot. He can have anything he wants!But everyone else wants a turn and the wishes are causing chaos! Can he put things right before he runs out of wishes?Jeff Brown's world-famous character Flat Stanley continues to charm half a century after he first found his way into print.Jeff Brown was a story editor and assistant film producer in Hollywood. He worked on the at The New Yorker and the Saturday Evening Post, and his stories appeared in these magazines and many others. Jeff created the classic character Flat Stanley, whose adventures have been beloved by children around the world for more than 50 years. He died in Manhattan in 2003.Rob Biddulph is a bestselling and award-winning children's book author

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Book SynopsisThe hilarious and magical adventures of everyone's favourite flat hero Flat Stanley. With brilliant new illustrations by the award-winning author/illustrator Rob Biddulph.Stanley is now so famous the President of the United States calls him to send him on a special mission to space.Life in space is exciting at first what with TV appearances and zero gravity. But soon the Lambchops start to worry that the journey is taking too long. And will the aliens be as friendly as the President has promised?

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Book SynopsisSoar into space with a glorious story of alien folk that's literallyout of this world! The Smeds (who are red) nevermix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoofall in love, their families don't approve. But peace is restoredand love conquers all in this irresistible tale from the creatorsof STICK MAN.

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Book SynopsisIn If You Run Out of Words, an imaginative bedtime adventure from award-winning artist Felicita Sala, a father reassures his daughter of the fantastical lengths he’d go to in order to show his loveWhat happens if you run out of words?Will you have any left for me?Don’t be silly!I could NEVER run out of words!But what if you DO? Seeking reassurance of her father’s attention, a young girl peppers her dad with elaborate, anxious what-ifs. Dad soothes each worry with the perfect answer: if he ever ran out of words, he’d visit the Elves’ Word Factory so that he never runs out again, of course! Even if it means having to brave the darkest woods, escape pirates, or even fly a rocket ship back home, there’s nothing that could ever come between them—and there aren’t enough words to describe how much he loves her. Imaginative, hu

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling, award-winning David Almond comes a book of hope and joy: under a boundless starry sky, the unforgettable Sylvia Carr finds out what it means to be brave. For readers of Michael Morpurgo and Katherine Rundell, from the author of the beloved Skellig.She felt like a ghost. She woke in the night. What was that music?Sylvia has never been so far away. Her mother has brought her to this village, this place of silence and dark, endless forest, and she yearns for the city, the bright lights, her friends, even a phone signal.Late one night she hears the music, a weird jagged spiralling sound. It is played by Gabriel, a troubled, beautiful boy.Gabriel uses the strangest of flutes, a hollow bone. Play it well enough, he says, and you cross the borders between the living and the dead.Sylvia knows she''ll follow him into the depths of the forest. But will they ever find their way out again?PrTrade ReviewLyrical...hypnotic and beautifully written * The Daily Mail *This tale from rural Northumberland will stick with you...He explores our place in the world, our connection to nature. At some point it becomes a rather Blakean tale of self-discovery...rich, wise, and never boring * The Times Children's Book of the Week *A breathtakingly beautiful and lyrical novel * The Bookseller *A remarkable book that already feels like a classic, it is sure to become one * The Irish Times *Mystical * Financial Times *David Almond's novels are so simple on the surface, so hauntingly mysterious in their depths * Financial Times *This is a book of hope and joy - get out of your comfort zone, explore the extraordinary, get in touch with nature and share in the belief that young & old can create a better world. * Young Writers *

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly funny story all about celebrating difference, from the stellar picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and David Roberts – perfect for young dinosaur fans everywhere!Everyone knows that tyrannosauruses are big and scary, so when a placid duckbill dinosaur's egg ends up in the wrong nest, confusion is sure to ensue! When the baby dinosaur hatches out, he's so out of place that his grisly big sisters call him Tyrannosaurus Drip. Poor little Drip: all he wants is a quiet life munching on water weed . . .Tyrannosaurus Drip is a fantastic rhyming adventure story from Julia Donaldson, bestselling author of The Gruffalo, with wonderfully funny illustrations from award-winning illustrator David Roberts. This roar-tastic book all about celebrating difference is sure to become a firm favourite with young dinosaur fans.Enjoy the other stories by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts: The Troll, Jack and the Flumflum Tree, The Flying Bath and The Cook and the King.Trade ReviewComic, dynamic and charming * The Sunday Times *Terrific and full of fun! * Telegraph *A winning team * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisA classic he-said-she-said romantic comedy, with bonus content including a Q&A with the author.All I've ever wanted is for Juli Baker to leave me alone. For her to back off – you know, just give me some space.Juli has been making Bryce's life hell from the moment they met. All he wants is to live a normal life, without some crazy person mooning after him.The first day I met Bryce Loski, I flipped. Honestly, one look at him and I became a lunatic. It's his eyes.But she doesn't see it that way. In her eyes, they're meant for each other, even though he might not realize it yet.That is, until the eighth grade, when everything flips. And just as Juli starts to realize that Bryce may not be all he seemed, Bryce begins to think that there's more to Juli than meets the eye . . . Wendelin Van Draanen's Flipped is a modern-day classic about first love and not judging a book by it's cover. A romantic comedy-of-errors told in alternating chapters by two fresh, funny voices.Trade ReviewWith a charismatic leading lady kids will flip over, a compelling dynamic between the two narrators and a resonant ending, this novel is a great deal larger than the sum of its parts -- Publishers Weekly, Starred reviewVan Draanen has another winner in this eighth-grade ‘he-said, she-said’ romance. -- School Library Journal, Starred reviewDelightful! Delicious! And totally teen. -- BookPageThis is a wry character study, a romance with substance and subtlety -- Booklist

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Book SynopsisA gentle, probing picture book from award-winning author Kyo Maclear and celebrated illustrator Katty Maurey about the special relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, and the many traces, memories, and even ghosts with which we live. A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2024 and a Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2024, with SIX starred reviews! There's a ghost in Grandpa's garden. It leaves tracks by the path where there was once a cool, dark stream. It makes mischief by knocking over flowerpots. And sometimes, it leaves behind a gift perfect for a curious boy in the form of little treasures from times gone by. The boy who is the narrator of this picture book loves spending time with his grandpa in the garden, enjoying the natural world, listening to memories of how things used to be, and making up stories about the friendly ghost. With Grandpa as his loving guide, the boy learns to look closely at the garden and marvel at it

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Book SynopsisOur Home is about the power of families, their beautiful but unending work, and the special connection between family members who share a space.A tip of the hat to all of the invisible labor that happens […] making little ones aware of what their parents do and reminding parents to watch for those bucket-filling moments of delight with their children. —School Library Journal It’s funny to get so excited about things we may think of as chores. But what if you thought of it this way—each job is a hug at its core! Follow a diverse cast of families as they discover all it takes to make their homes welcoming and cared-for places. From making their bed to helping in the kitchen, readers will realize how much they contribute and the value of all family members sharing this beautiful work. With gorgeous, eye-catching illustrations, Our Home is sure to become a family favorite. And as your

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Book SynopsisGuided by his mother, a young bear learns important life lessons before finally finding his true calling.

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Book SynopsisThis crisp and contemporary picture book offers a unique baby's eye view of the first year, from birth to first steps. A mother is a nest, a vehicle, a mirror... The baby sees their mother in every aspect of their day. As the pages go by, the child grows. The mother who was a refuge becomes a road, a story and a show. On the final page, the child is ready to take their first steps. Because a mother is a home that you carry inside you forever. A Mother Is a House looks through the baby's eyes for an unexpected and affecting picture of parents and home-shown through bright, contemporary illustrations and special inks.Trade Review"This book is really a wonderful celebration of all things involved in being a mother to a young child–both the enjoyable and the more challenging aspects." -- Youth Services Book Review"Gorgeously illustrated, refreshingly real and oh so touching, we think this book is just glorious." -- Well Read"What’s most striking about the book, though, is its use of intense neon colors both for details and large swaths of the illustrations and for the text itself. The final metaphor says it all: “A mother’s a home.” " -- Kirkus ReviewsChildren's Book of the Week "Daniel Hahn is a careful, creative translator and his lovely sing-along lines avoid cliché. The tone is never cloying—a feat in a paean to mums for this age group." -- The Times

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Book SynopsisBoy87 is an original and beautifully written page-turner of a novel about love, survival and the strength that can be found in a hopeful human spirit' -- Sarah Crossan, Carnegie Medal Winner 'Shif is an unforgettable character, and his story should be read by everyone who cares about one of the unfolding tragedies of our time' -- Award-winning author Elizabeth Laird Shif is just an ordinary boy who likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school. But one day, soldiers with guns come to his door - and he knows that he is no longer safe. Shif is forced to leave his mother and little sister, and embark on a dangerous journey; a journey through imprisonment and escape, new lands and strange voices, and a perilous crossing by land and sea. He will encounter cruelty and kindness; he will become separated from the people he loves. Boy 87 is a gripping, uplifting tale of one boy's struggle for survival; it echoes the story of young people all over the world today.

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Book SynopsisLike lightning/you strike/fast and free/legs zoom/down field/eyes fixed/on the checkered ball/on the goal/ten yards to go/can’t nobody stop you/can’t nobody cop you… Twelve-year-old Nick is a football-mad boy who absolutely hates books. In this follow-up to the Newbery-winning novel The Crossover, football, family, love, and friendship take centre stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents’ break-up, stand up to bullies, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges – which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal – change his life, as well as his best friend’s. This energetic novel-in-verse by the poet Kwame Alexander captures all the thrills and setbacks, the action and emotion of a World Cup match.Trade Review"An obvious love of words, and the way they flow together and create their own rhythm, makes Alexander’s work somewhat irresistible. . . To pick up Booked is to find yourself turning page after page, swept along as Nick spills out his story." * New York Times *"A satisfying, winning read" * Kirkus, starred review *"Eminently readable . . . readers will surely love Alexander's joyous word play and celebration of reading" * Booklist, starred review *"Alexander scores again. Emotionally resonant and with a pace like a player on a breakaway." * Publishers Weekly, starred review *"Warm and believable . . . Alexander understands reluctant readers deeply, and here hands them a protagonist who is a smart, reading-averse kid" * Horn Book, starred review *

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Book SynopsisThe seventh in a fantastic series of animal stories for younger readers by Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon.Jasmine's dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself...Jasmine and Tom are amazed to spot a baby otter alone on the riverbank. When the little cub is swept downstream, they risk everything to rescue her. But where is her family? Can Jasmine and Tom find Pebble's home before it's too late?Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, this is Dick King-Smith for a new generation. Perfect for readers aged seven and up.Check out Jasmine's other adventures: A Piglet Called Truffle, A Duckling Called Button, A Sheepdog Called Sky and many more!

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Book SynopsisOn a small island off the Scottish coast, Isla and her family are grieving the loss of her older sister Flora, who died three years ago. Then they’re offered the chance to be part of a top-secret trial, which revives loved ones as fully lifelike AI robots using their digital footprint. Isla has her doubts about Second Chances, but they evaporate the moment the ‘new’ Flora arrives. This girl is not some uncanny close likeness; she is Flora – a perfect replica. But not everyone on their island feels the same. And as the threats to Flora mount, she grows distant and more secretive. Will Isla be able to protect the new Flora and bring the community back together? An intriguing, thoughtful and poignant exploration of what makes us ‘us’, for fans of SHOW US WHO YOU ARE, A POCKETFUL OF STARS and TROOFRIEND. “A beautiful exploration of grief, hope, and what it means to be human … This is an outstanding middle-grade debut from one of my favourite authors.” - Simon James Green, author of LIFE OF RILEY “A powerful exploration of grief, technology and what makes us human, Our Sister, Again skilfully combines warm-hearted contemporary with a scifi twist to create a thought-provoking, thrilling read” - Lucy Powrie, author of THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY series. “Our Sister, Again expertly weaves family drama with high concept sci fi. It’s a captivating tale about AI written with real, human heart.” - Annabelle Sami, author of LLAMA OUT LOUD “I loved this book, it was perfect soft sci-fi with very real themes of love and loss. Sophie Cameron has written a wonderful exploration of what it means to be human.” - L. D. Lapinski, author of THE STRANGEWORLDS TRAVEL AGENCY “This book is an absolute triumph. Layers and layers of beautifully crafted intrigue. A book about family, friendship, and what it means to be you. One of those books you read in one day and think about forever.” - Wibke Brueggemann, author of LOVE IS FOR LOSERS “A heart-warming and bittersweet examination of personhood, familial bonds and healing from loss” - Lauren James, author of THE QUIET AT THE END OF THE WORLD “Our Sister Again is a rich, heartfelt story about family, grief, and what it means to be human told with immense gentleness and skill” - Ciara Smyth, author of THE FALLING IN LOVE MONTAGE “An intriguing and tender portrayal of a life changing 'what if' – Sophie Cameron is a fabulous storyteller” Polly Ho-Yen, author of BOY IN THE TOWER “Utterly adored it! Heart-breakingly, life-affirmingly beautiful … An astonishing story about love, loss & life.” - Nicola Penfold, author of WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD “This book is brilliant. It's poignant – sometimes sad – but at the same time it's a cracking, page-turning sci-fi mystery. And it has the perfect hopeful ending. I loved it.” - Perdita Cargill, author of WAITING FOR CALLBACK “Beautifully written, incredibly well-imagined, and a complex, compelling plot mean this is a definite ***** read” - Sinéad O’Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH "A truly remarkable story. Sad and life-affirming all at the same time. Asks a lot of big questions. These characters are going to stay with me for a long time." - Lee Newbery, author of THE LAST FIREFOX "Philosophical and affecting, this exploration of grief, layered experience and what it means to be human will appeal to sci-fi fans aged nine and up" - GuardianTrade Review“A beautiful exploration of grief, hope, and what it means to be human … This is an outstanding middle-grade debut from one of my favourite authors.” -- Simon James Green, author of LIFE OF RILEY“A powerful exploration of grief, technology and what makes us human, Our Sister, Again skilfully combines warm-hearted contemporary with a scifi twist to create a thought-provoking, thrilling read.” -- Lucy Powrie, author of THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY series“Our Sister, Again expertly weaves family drama with high concept sci fi. It’s a captivating tale about AI written with real, human heart.” -- Annabelle Sami, author of LLAMA OUT LOUD“I loved this book, it was perfect soft sci-fi with very real themes of love and loss. Sophie Cameron has written a wonderful exploration of what it means to be human.” -- L. D. Lapinski, author of THE STRANGEWORLDS TRAVEL AGENCY“This book is an absolute triumph. Layers and layers of beautifully crafted intrigue. A book about family, friendship, and what it means to be you. One of those books you read in one day and think about forever.” -- Wibke Brueggemann, author of LOVE IS FOR LOSERS“A heart-warming and bittersweet examination of personhood, familial bonds and healing from loss.” -- Lauren James, author of THE QUIET AT THE END OF THE WORLD“Our Sister Again is a rich, heartfelt story about family, grief, and what it means to be human told with immense gentleness and skill.” -- Ciara Smyth, author of THE FALLING IN LOVE MONTAGE“An intriguing and tender portrayal of a life changing 'what if' – Sophie Cameron is a fabulous storyteller.” -- Polly Ho-Yen, author of BOY IN THE TOWER“Utterly adored it! Heart-breakingly, life-affirmingly beautiful … An astonishing story about love, loss & life.” -- Nicola Penfold, author of WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD“This book is brilliant. It's poignant – sometimes sad – but at the same time it's a cracking, page-turning sci-fi mystery. And it has the perfect hopeful ending. I loved it.” -- Perdita Cargill, author of WAITING FOR CALLBACK“Beautifully written, incredibly well-imagined, and a complex, compelling plot mean this is a definite ***** read.” -- Sinéad O’Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH"A truly remarkable story. Sad and life-affirming all at the same time. Asks a lot of big questions. These characters are going to stay with me for a long time." -- Lee Newbery, author of THE LAST FIREFOX"Philosophical and affecting, this exploration of grief, layered experience and what it means to be human will appeal to sci-fi fans aged nine and up"

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Book SynopsisWhen Lillie spends the summer in Wales with her family, she can't help but feel like the baby of the group. Her big sister Frankie would rather spend time with their older cousin Lana than play with her, and no one else seems to notice how lonely she is. Then during a boat trip Lillie spots a young dolphin swimming alongside them, and for a short while all her worries melt away. Later, when Frankie and Lana are particularly mean to her, Lillie decides to set off on her own in hopes of seeing the dolphin calf againA heartwarming story about family from best-selling author Holly Webb.

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Book SynopsisEvie is so excited to spend her Christmas holiday in Lapland they're going to visit Santa, go on a reindeer sleigh ride and watch the Northern Lights. She's even dreamed about seeing her favourite animal the arctic fox.Evie's parents say this is unlikely, though, as hunting has left the species endangered. But when she hears a strange whining noise in the middle of the night, she follows the sounds and discovers a little arctic fox caught in a trap. Can Evie rescue him in time? A magical wintry tale from best-selling author Holly Webb. For fans of Michael Morpurgo and?THE SNOW FOAL, this is the perfect book to snuggle up with and enjoy this winter.

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Book SynopsisAnother laugh-out-loud FULL COLOUR monster adventure in the 'Billy and the Mini Monsters' chapter book series, perfect for newly independent readers aged 6+ and fans of Claude and Horrid Henry. Packed with full-colour illustrations and comic strips.Billy's feeling nervous about his first overnight stay in hospital, as he has to have his tonsils out. The Mini Monsters are determined to help , and ask to come along too. But there's so much for them to explore in the hospital... will they get back to Billy in time for his operation? And will anyone discover their mischief-making? With humorous illustrations, comic strips, maps and speech bubbles, and an action-packed plot, to appeal to even the most reluctant reader.Collect all the books in the Billy and the Mini Monsters series!1. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters in the Dark2. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters go to School3. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters go Swimming4. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters on a Plane5. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters go to a Party6. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters Move House7. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters on a School Trip8. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters at the Seaside9. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters at Halloween10. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters Go Camping11. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Go Green12. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters at Christmas13. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters go to Hospital14. Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters on a SleepoverTrade ReviewI can't tell you how hard it is to find books that will appeal to a reluctant reader. Thanks to Billy and his Monster pals though, my son is LOVING reading now and his confidence is soaring. Importantly, they are helping to give him the practice he needs to access reading in the future. * Rachel Morrisroe, author of The Drama Llama *

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Book SynopsisRocky proves that girls can be tough. She is a brilliant role model for girls and boys alike. - Kate Heap, A Scope for Imagination. Fourteen, hard as nails and magic on the pitch, Rocky Race is one of the best up and coming young footballers in the UK. But does she have what it takes to make it as a soccer pro in California?Rocky Race is going for goal - but what about her grades? Rocky Race is living the dream: she''s won a scholarship to a prestigious high school in Los Angeles, where she gets to play soccer and train for going pro. She''s got an amazing best friend, and a supportive mum and brother back home in the UK. But living away from home isn''t easy, and fitting in with American kids in high school is scary and new. Not to mention she has to keep her grades up if she wants to stay on the pitch! Will Rocky survive high school? The exciting sequel in The Soccer Diaries series starring Rocky Race, a British footballer looking

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Book SynopsisWhen Birdie is sent to live with her great-aunt in 1950s Yorkshire, she befriends the village's last remaining pit pony. A story of hope and courage, exploring themes of family, racism and identity. Captivating' A. F. SteadmanA tender and touching story for animal lovers everywhere' Hannah GoldBirdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children's home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt in the Yorkshire Dales. From her arrival, Birdie is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return . . . Cover art by Keith Robinson

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Book SynopsisAlvina has two grannies who she loves with all her heart. Grannie Vero is from the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Grannie Rose is from the north of England. When Alvina's parents go away on holiday, both the grannies move in to Alvina's house to look after her. But the two grannies want to do different things, eat different food, play different games and tell different stories. The grannies get crosser and crosser with each other, but Alvina thinks of a way they can do all the things their own way so the grannies can become the best of friends.Trade Review“This story will resonate with many in this expanding community.” * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisTHE NO 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER'This beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story will enchant and entertain' Daily MailEvery year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the Forest, Xan, is in fact a good witch who shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. As Luna's thirteenth birthday approaches, her magic begins to emerge - with dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Deadly birds with uncertain intentions flock nearby. A volcano, quiet for centuries, rumbles just beneath the earth's surface. And the woman with the Tiger's heart is on the prowl . . . The Newbery Medal winner from the author of the highly acclaimed novel The Witch's Boy.Trade ReviewA fairytale with a difference, this is about finding your power and what is means to belong, captured in a richly textured prose in a beautifully realised fantasy world. * The Bookseller *Impossible to put down . . . The Girl Who Drank the Moon is as exciting and layered as classics like Peter Pan or The Wizard of Oz * The New York Times *A gorgeously written fantasy about a girl who becomes "enmagicked" after the witch who saves her from death feeds her moonlight. * People *[Barnhill's] next middle grade sensation...With compelling, beautiful prose, Kelly Barnhill spins the enchanting tale of a kindly witch who accidentally gives a normal baby magic powers, then decides to raise her as her own. * EW.com *Guaranteed to enchant, enthrall, and enmagick . . . Replete with traditional motifs, this nontraditional fairy tale boasts sinister and endearing characters, magical elements, strong storytelling, and unleashed forces. * Kirkus *Rich with multiple plotlines that culminate in a suspenseful climax, characters of inspiring integrity, a world with elements of both whimsy and treachery, and prose that melds into poetry. A sure bet for anyone who enjoys a truly fantastic story. * Booklist *An expertly woven and enchanting offering. * School Library Journal *Barnhill crafts another captivating fantasy, this time in the vein of Into the Woods . . . Barnhill delivers an escalating plot filled with foreshadowing, well-developed characters, and a fully realized setting, all highlighting her lyrical storytelling. * Publishers Weekly *Barnhill writes with gentle elegance, conveying a deeply emotional and heartrending tale with accessible, fluid prose. Characters are skillfully developed: the heroes are flawed, the villains are humanized, and they are forgiven for sins they may or may have not intended. The swamp monster and dragon provide plenty of moments of humor to leaven the pathos, while the setting is infused with fairy tale elements, both magical and menacing, and given a tragic history. Fans of Barnhill's The Witch's Boy and Iron Hearted Violet will find similar intersections of love, loss, and identity here. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *The Girl Who Drank the Moon takes a probing look at social complexity and the high cost of secrets and lies, weaving multiple perspectives, past and present, into one cleverly unfolding fairy tale. Barnhill crafts wonderfully imperfect characters with poetic prose, warmth and wit. The resiliency of the heroes may be partly because of magic, but also because of critical thinking, empathy, deep love and the strength of family in all its unconventional manifestations. Thoughtful and utterly spellbinding. * Shelf Awareness for Readers *Heart-stopping and heart-rending . . . Good and evil square off in this highly original fantasy that satisfies in time-honored ways . . . Poetic turns of phrase, intriguing subplots and fast pacing yield a rich mix of suspense, surprise and social commentary, splendidly exploring 'memory, hope, love, and the weight of human emotion.'...Magic, witches, moonlight, starlight, a baby dragon and baby sacrifice swirl together in this spell-binding high fantasy. * San Francisco Chronicle *If your kids have already read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and they can't get enough of Neil Gaiman, they're going to love Kelly Barnhill's new fantasy, The Girl Who Drank the Moon. * St Paul Pioneer Press *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a story of love, curiosity and the magic of the everyday world . . . this is a novel about the journey, not the destination -- one filled with wisdom and heart. * Minneapolis Star Tribune *Magic, witch-lore, an evil Council of Elders, a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, twists and turns and an utterly fantastical world--this book keeps you hooked! -- Kim Childress * Girls' Life *An involving--and often wondrously strange--adventure. Though aimed at middle grade readers, this has plenty of marvels and tongue-in-cheek moments to keep older readers entertained as well. * Locus *Infused with unique forms of magic. Philosophy and plots intertwine, woven together with bejeweled language and themes of love, secrets, power, belonging and family. * Charlotte Observer *A fresh take on fantasy. * Iowa City Press-Citizen *This story of a girl who gains magical powers after a witch saves her life by 'feeding her moonlight' has drawn comparisons to The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. * New York Post *There's much to love about this fast-paced story. The characters are charming, good and evil battle it out in scenes that keep the pages turning as the story builds to its climax, and the real witches come out of the woodwork. There are plenty of surprises as the author wends her way to a conclusion, leaving not a single stone unturned. Children, and adults too, will be "enmagicked" by this addictive tale. * The Washington Missourian *A delightful read, especially for upper elementary and middle schoolers who love traditional fantasy. * Providence Journal *Refreshing, magical, oftentimes comical, and full of adventure and heart, The Girl Who Drank the Moon soars off the pages. Readers will be fascinated in a spell that will sing to them and wrap them up in a finely woven tapestry of fantasy and magic. Few storytellers have the gift of so deftly arranging a fantasy or building a world so magical that readers want to live there, but Kelly Barnhill is the best at her craft. If you loved The Witch's Boy, you will love The Girl Who Drank the Moon even more . . . An instant classic, a book that today's children will read someday to their children. Highly, highly recommended. I would recommend this book over all others this year. It is honestly the best book I've read in years. * El Paso Times *Kelly Barnhill is an artist, weaving a tightly-developed world from prose that reads like poetry. The Girl Who Drank the Moon is high fantasy at its finest and belongs on the same shelf with legendary tales like The Once and Future King, The Hobbit, Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising Sequence, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. * Nerdy Book Club *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is pure magic . . . Barnhill weaves together poetic prose--along with a few actual poems--well-developed characters, a perfectly escalating plot, and a beautiful message to create the extraordinary tapestry of this nontraditional fairy tale that will engage readers of any age. * Barnes and Noble Kids Blog *This entrancing novel is full of beautiful detail with a very well-crafted plot line and exquisitely developed characters. Light and dark magic combine to weave a complex, twisting vine of a tale. * Skipping Stones *From pure hearted characters to beautifully detailed backdrops, everything about this story is truly mystical . . . The Girl Who Drank the Moon is an unforgettable story that is so beautifully written it must have taken magic to write it. * Young Mensan BookParade *It is the strong element of emotional entanglement between parents and children that sets this book apart from the bursting shelves of middle grade fantasy. Barnhill does an excellent job of reminding us that, while sorrow can be a dangerous and overwhelming force, love is an even greater magic. * Cleaver Magazine *Just lovely--a worthy precursor to authors like Gaiman and LeGuin. Barnhill has a knack for telling a complex story in deceptively simple, lyrical fairy tale language, and the way she teases the individual threads of this story together--the brave boy, the magical girl, the witch's forgotten history, the mad mother--is brilliant. The characters--minor and major--live and breathe; the world of the story feels sturdy enough to stand on its own . . . go ahead and add The Girl Who Drank the Moon to your reading list. * Home-school-life Magazine *This fantasy book about the unexpected power of magic, love and sorrow is told with beautiful prose and some humor . . . * Free Lance-Star *Get lost in the magic of a middle grade read with The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Beautifully written and poetic, this is a tale that defines magic and love in a whole new light . . . Kelly Barnhill has a magical way of bringing a story and moral to light, while delicately dealing with deep issues. Perfectly suited for young readers, this book is also entertaining for an older reading audience." * Independent Voice *A page turner for all ages. A rich cast of characters that includes a highly intelligent swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and a child imbued with powerful magic form the heart of this enchanting middle grade novel from Barnhill, who weaves an engrossing plot involving family, truth, and sacrifice. * Tullahoma News *The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a marvelous children's story about fear, secrets, and the power of love . . . a wonderful book that older children and teens should enjoy reading. * Portland Book review *Sure to delight readers of other fairy tale-style stories like Neil Gaiman's Stardust with its deliberate mixture of allusions, satire, and playfulness. * Midwest Book Review *This novel is as magical as the magic that threatens to burst from Luna. There is no way to escape its touch as you dream through the pages. It has everything a good story needs - a mystery that is not figured out by the reader until the very end; several unlikely heroes, as well as an unconventional family; so much love mixed with so much pain and sorrow; and magic so unbelievable, it becomes as believable as the age of its painter. Read this book. * Geeks Of Doom *A fantasy set around Luna, a girl whose magic begins to emerge on her thirteenth birthday, set in a rich fantasy world. * Asheville Citizen-Times *A misunderstood witch, a poetry-spouting swamp monster, a tiny dragon with a simply enormous heart, a girl fed from moonlight and a town filled with tragic sadness all come together in this brilliant new novel from the author of Witch's Boy. Fans of Maile Meloy, Alice Hoffman and Shannon Hale will devour this sad, funny, charming, clever stand-alone fantasy adventure. * Pinestraw Magazine *A spellbinding book that will keep you at the edge of your seat . . . Not only does the story show compassion and hope, it shows unconditional love . . . Look for this book to become a classic . . . * Young Voices of New York *A modern fable about a witch named Xan, who accidentally gives a baby moonlight instead of starlight, and the child, Luna, who grows up to be magical and dangerous. Factor in a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, a swamp monster, a not-so dormant volcano, and a mysterious woman with a tiger's heart and, well, you've got something truly magical. * NW Book Lovers *Barnhill's impeccable writing makes for effortless reading, while she spins her plot with perfect pacing. Packed within the story are some tremendously thought-provoking themes which elevate this quite beyond an ordinary fantasy and make it a superb choice for a middle-grade-and-older book club. * Orange Marmalade Books *· 'This beautifully written, darkly funny coming-of-age story will enchant and entertain. And there's a teeny, tiny dragon, too...' * Daily Mail *This is a beautifully written fairytale with delicate weirdness woven into it at every available opportunity, and a sophisticated exploration of propaganda and control. It feels both timeless and fresh, like the best poetry. One for young readers to drink up * Irish Times *A poignant, humorous fantasy with glints of Margaret Mahy, Neil Gaiman and Robin McKinley. This is a gorgeously stratified and satisfying novel, full of archetypal, bone-deep fairytale resonances * The Guardian *An endearing and magical tale * The Bookbag *Barnhill's lyrical, compulsive storytelling will engage and challenge KS2+ readers * Armadillo Magazine *This is a truly beautiful and magical fairy tale that deserves to become a classic in the future * Books for Keeps *[a] thoughtful and magical book about belonging, fear and family... The writing flows beautifully and Barnhill's keen observation of human nature fits naturally into the story, which moves along at a satisfying pace... Perfect for young fans of Neil Gaiman, Ursula Le Guin and Diana Wynne Jones * Booktrust *An engaging and thoughtful feminist fairytale for modern readers. Barnhill's writing is whimsical and eccentric, with a depth and poignancy often not often found in children's books. A fantastic read * Children's Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 and recommended by Amnesty as a top book for young adults. “..a challenging yet life-affirming book that gives its young characters a powerful and original voice” – Amnesty “Surprising, lyrical and beautiful, this book speaks of hope in the darkest of times, and of love in its many forms” - Liz Flanagan Alice is fifteen, with hair as red as fire and skin as pale as bone, but something inside her is broken. She has a brain injury, the result of an assault. Manny was once a child soldier. He is sixteen and has lost all his family. When Manny first sees Alice, she is sitting on the rusty roof of her river house, looking like a carving on an old-fashioned ship, sailing through the stars. He has a poem in his pocket, and he knows the words by heart. And he is sure that girl has written them. When Manny and Alice meet, they find the beginnings of love and healing.Trade ReviewAn absolute tour de force! So beautifully written and with an unforgettable narrative "voice", this is definitely one of the outstanding reads of the year so far. -- Joy CourtExploring themes of sexual assault, poverty and racism, The Stars at Oktober Bend is a challenging yet life-affirming book that gives its young characters a powerful and original voice. * Best YA books (2020) *The Stars at Oktober Bend is so beautifully and carefully written it seems each word is pure gold... Out of terrible crimes evolves a story of forgiveness and redemption, told with passion, heart and humour; it is unforgettable. * Books for Keeps magazine *It was absolutely luminous; I couldn't stop reading it, and when I finally forced myself to put it down I couldn't stop thinking about it. Alice and Manny are so beautifully drawn, and their stories are explored with such care: she may write, and he may run – but together they fly. -- Maggie HarcourtHeartrending and, ultimately, hopeful, this tells the extraordinarily powerful tale of unforgettable Alice. * lovereading4kids.co.uk *Magnificent – one of the most startling things for this age group I've read this year. -- Clare Zinkin * Minerva Reads blog *Iincredibly powerful, haunting, spirited, joyous. Like all of Millard's work, it is a story that makes you feel. Don't let it pass you by. -- Melanie McGilloway * Library Mice blog *Surprising, lyrical and beautiful, this book speaks of hope in the darkest of times, and of love in its many forms. The voices of Alice and Manny are distinctive and memorable, and their resilience will stay with me... -- Liz FlanaganBeautifully told through the eyes and words of the two protagonists, damaged emotionally and physically, I was willing Alice and Manny to find a way to happiness through the small-town bigotry of Oktober Bend. The writing is quirky, poetic and haunting. Surrounded by rising floodwaters, the ending had me on the edge of my seat. -- Sarah Stuffins

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Book SynopsisLooking for Lucie is a contemporary YA novel that explores identity, self-discovery, and newfound friendship as an 18-year-old girl sets out to uncover her ethnic heritage and family history.

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