Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisA Canadian teenager travels to China to explore her ancestry and search for her birth mother in a dramatic and moving YA novel.Throwaway Daughter tells the story of Grace Dong-mei Parker, whose biggest concern is how to distill her adoption from China into the neat blanks of her personal history assignment. Aside from the unwelcome reminders of difference, Grace loves passing for the typical Canadian teen — until the day she witnesses the Tiananmen massacre on the news. Horrified, she sets out to explore her Chinese ancestry, only to discover that she was one of the thousands of infant girls abandoned in China since the introduction of the one-child policy, strictly enforced by the Communist government. But Grace was one of the lucky ones, adopted as a baby by a loving Canadian couple.    With the encouragement of her adoptive parents, she studies Chinese and travels back to China in search of her birth mother. She manages to locate the village where she was born, but at first no one is willing to help her. However, Grace never gives up and, finally, she is reunited with her birth mother, discovering through this emotional bond the truth of what happened to her almost twenty years before.

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Book SynopsisCricket Karlsson is going to become an artist just like her aunt, who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Cricket's mother, who is dieting and sighs at everything. But now Aunt Frannie has lost her joy and Cricket's best friend has dumped her for the horse girls. Eleven-year-old Cricket Karlsson is a warm and complex character with an artistic soul. This is a liberating and unexpected story about growing up, fitting in, and sorting out the adults in our lives that will reach the hearts of young readers (and older ones).Trade Review"The humorously blunt first-person narrative, which includes Cricket’s numerous revealing lists…offers a sympathetic portrait of an idiosyncratic, thoughtful preteen in a period of turmoil." -- Publishers Weekly"Sigunsdotter's honest voice and Eriksson's sophisticated and generously distributed art come together to honour the passion of (young female) friendships, and the pain that accompanies their dissolution." -- The New York Times"It’s properly funny (like, do a little snort level of funny). Without talking down to youngsters, it treats them with the respect and smarts that middle-readers deserve and in doing so perfectly captures the liminal space between childhood and adolescence." -- Dominion Post"We’re obsessed with this side-splitting, heartfelt book...filled with hilarious & wicked illustrations, delightfully oddball humour (recalling Harriet the Spy) and the perfect read for ages 10 through 100." -- Little Unity Books

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Book SynopsisJosie and Delia are best friends and co-hosts on their own public access TV show, Midnite Matinee. They dress as vampires Rayne and Delilah, perform daft skits involving skeleton raves and dog weddings, and show the weekly so-bad-it's-good low-budget horror movie. But the end of senior year is coming, and Josie is torn between pursuing her television dreams in a new city or staying making TV with her BFF. What's more, she's just met a boy, Lawson, who is totally not her type, but is just a little bit intriguing . . . Meanwhile, Delia is searching for her dad, who walked out on her and her mom ten years ago. When the private investigator she hired unearths his contact details, she agonises over digging up the past. A road trip to ShiverCon, a convention for horror filmmakers, may just have the answers the two need - but will Josie and Delia be prepared for life taking some seriously unexpected plot-twists?Trade Review"Anyone can break your heart - Jeff Zentner can also make you laugh out loud!" -- Rainbow Rowell"Outrageously funny, with whip-smart, surreal dialogue, this tender portrait of friendship under the strain of inevitable change is an absolute must-read." -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *"There’s so much to adore in this quirky novel about friendship, family and changing dreams. For fans of John Green" * Paste Magazine *"It’s a rollicking, heartfelt story of friendship and growing pains, of the things you can count on in a world that too-often takes everything away, and of shining bright no matter what. I laughed, cried, and fell over-the-moon in love with Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee" -- Jennifer Niven"Zentner’s quick-witted, charming characters tackle real-life issues with snappy dialogue and engaging levity" -- starred review * Publishers Weekly *"Downright hilarious" * Kirkus Reviews *"Zentner packs a poignantly satisfying blend of wit and pathos, with lovable and unpredictable characters. Readers looking for an unforgettable slice of small-town angst will love this one" -- starred review * Booklist *"Richly generous, vividly real, and jankily hilarious" -- Jesse Andrews, author of Me, Earl and the Dying Girl"A testament to the power of friendship and big dreams, Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee had me laughing aloud on one page and sobbing on the next. A resounding triumph" -- Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin"Zentner has successfully retained his knack for crafting unique and charming teen characters who are tackling tough issues with grace and wit" * BookPage *

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Book SynopsisStrange rituals, hauntings and the occult collide in this darkly memorable YA thriller. Perfect for fans of Louise O'Neill, Sarah Waters and Donna Tartt.One year ago, Kitty's boyfriend Nikki Bramley visited a psychic who told him he had no future. Now, he's dead. With the Bramleys grieving inside their rural English home, Kitty sets out to find the psychic who read Nikki his fate.Instead she finds Roan, an enigmatic medium claiming he can speak to the dead. He belongs to the Life and Death Parade - a group that explore the thin veil between this world and the next. Kitty is convinced he's a charlatan - but the 'magic' seems to work. The darkness is lifting.But there are things Kitty can't ignore - evidence of strange rituals, shadows of the boy she lost, and Kitty begins to suspect that this boy had something to do with Nikki's death. More, that he may have the very real power to bring him back ...'Haunting, unexpected, beautifully written. One of the best books I've read this year' LOUISE O'NEILL on In the Dark, In the WoodsTrade ReviewA breathtaking, gut-wrenching coming-of-age saga from all sides. Readers will be swept into the Cresswells' claustrophobic world and ache for them long after it's set aflame. * Kirkus *A haunting family portrait centered on the power of belief. * Publishers Weekly *Haunting, unexpected, beautifully written. In the Dark, In The Woods is one of the best books I've read this year. * Louise O'Neill *

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Book Synopsis'Haunting, unexpected, beautifully written. One of the best books I've read this year' LOUISE O'NEILLAn unforgettable thriller from an incredible new author, for fans of We Were Liars and Half Bad, reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides.Father wants sixteen-year-old Castley and her five siblings to hide from the world. Living in a falling-down house deep in the woods, he wants to bury their secrets where noone will ever find them. Father says they are destined to be together forever. In heaven. Father says the sooner they get there, the better. But Castley wants to be normal. She wants to kiss boys and wear jean shorts. CASTLEY WANTS TO LIVE. 'A breathtaking, gut-wrenching coming-of-age saga from all sides. Readers will be swept into the Cresswells' claustrophobic world and ache for them long after it's set aflame' - Kirkus'A haunting family portrait centered on the power of belief' - Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewHaunting, unexpected, beautifully written. In the Dark, In The Woods is one of the best books I've read this year. * Louise O'Neill *A breathtaking, gut-wrenching coming-of-age saga from all sides. Readers will be swept into the Cresswells' claustrophobic world and ache for them long after it's set aflame. * Kirkus *A haunting family portrait centered on the power of belief. * Publishers Weekly *One of the best books for young adults that I have read recently is In the Dark, In the Woods by Eliza Wass ... It's haunting tale, and one not easily forgotten -- Louise O'Neill * The Guardian.com *I almost couldn't sleep that night because of how big an impact the ending made on me ... the story is amazing! -- Lexi Dupliy, St Augustine's High * Teen Titles *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling new adventure series: what would the world look like if dinosaurs had never died out?Imagine a world where dinosaurs have survived and evolved as ... SUPERSAURS. This is the world that Bea Kingsley lives in, a world where humans live side by side with supersaurs, sometimes in peace but often in conflict.Bea is the daughter of explorer parents who went missing when she was just a baby. So when her grandmother suddenly takes her on a trip to the remote Indonesian islands of Aru, Bea starts asking some big questions. But the more questions Bea asks, the more trouble she and her grandmother find themselves in. Was the journey to the islands a big mistake?The adventure starts here...SUPERSAURS: RAPTORS OF PARADISE is the launch of a major new six book series for children, illustrated throughout with magnificent black and white artwork. The ground-breaking Supersaurs app uses state-of-the-art augmented reality to make the world of Supersaurs literally leap off the page and into the real world . . .Trade ReviewThis is a really, really good book, with a lovely approach to world building. * The Bookbag *Intriguingly set in a world where dinosaurs co-exist with humans, this is the first in a six-book series of classic adventure stories with a twist. Dynamic black-and-white illustrations bring the dinosaurs to life and add to the tension of a dramatic, historical thriller * Booktrust *Fantastic * The Week Junior *A great adventure story -- Mariella Frostrup * Good Housekeeping *I love dinosaurs, so I was excited about reading this before I'd even opened it! The story is very interesting and you're always excited about what happens next, especially because of the special app! Throughout the story, there are some awesome pictures. Using the special Supersaurs app you can have a look through your phone at the pictures and see them come to life! It's so cool. You end up reading it really fast, just because you want to see the next illustration! If you like adventures and dinosaurs, then you'll love this. I can't wait for the next one to come out! Five stars! -- Francis, aged 11 * First News *

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Book SynopsisHer child characters are remarkable because they are so entirely human. They are intelligent, vain, aggressive, humorous, witty, cruel, compassionate... in fact, they are like adults - Gore VidalThe Railway Children, a much-loved children''s classic, was first published in 1906 and has never been out of print.It is a classic tale of humanity, eternal love, and kindness. The lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered when their father is falsely accused of spying, forcing them to move away from their London home to a cottage in rural Yorkshire.They soon become enchanted with arailway that runs nearby. There follows a series of many adventures, including saving a train from disaster andbefriendingan old Gentleman (a daily commuter), who helps them in their struggle to prove their father''s innocence.One of the most famous stories of all time, enjoyed by millions of children and adults across the world.The Legend Classics series:Around the World in Eighty DaysThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnThe Importance of Being EarnestAlice''s Adventures in WonderlandThe MetamorphosisThe Railway ChildrenThe Hound of the BaskervillesFrankensteinWuthering HeightsThree Men in a BoatThe Time MachineLittle WomenAnne of Green GablesThe Jungle BookThe Yellow Wallpaper and Other StoriesDraculaA Study in ScarletLeaves of GrassThe Secret GardenThe War of the WorldsA Christmas CarolStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeHeart of DarknessThe Scarlet LetterThis Side of ParadiseOliver TwistThe Picture of Dorian GrayTreasure IslandThe Turn of the ScrewThe Adventures of Tom SawyerEmmaThe TrialA Selection of Short Stories by Edgar Allan PoeGrimm Fairy TalesThe AwakeningMrs DallowayGulliver's TravelsThe Castle of OtrantoSilas MarnerHard Times

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Book SynopsisMia’s best friend Holly died when they were thirteen. But years later, Holly still hasn’t left her. Spending the summer in New York, Mia is hoping to escape the visions of Holly that haunt her life at home. There she meets Rav, a parapsychology student, who convinces her to take part in a study into why some people see ghosts. Soon she is caught up in the investigation of Halcyon House, which is reputed to be haunted by a poltergeist. As Mia confronts her fears, what she learns about the house and herself will change her life forever. A tense psychological thriller for fans of ONE OF US IS LYING, A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER and THIS LIE WILL KILL YOU.

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Book SynopsisAfrican myth and magic beat in the dark heart of this fable about witchcraft, superstition, the bonds we choose and those we cannot. Born into a family of West African witches, Sheba's terrified of her mother who is deadly dangerous. But like mother, like daughter – magic runs through her blood and Sheba discovers powers of her own. Her touch can unravel people's innermost thoughts; their hopes, their fears – their secrets. Sheba too can shape-shift. Through the communion of ancient magic, blood and friendship, she slowly uncovers the murderous truth about her stolen childhood and steels herself for the future. She must protect the hunted from the hunter – her mother. Praise for Lionheart Girl: 'A dark and dazzling coming-of-age novel, rich in atmosphere and magic realism' Guardian Best Books of 2021 'Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable' Sophie Anderson, The Castle of Tangled Magic 'Loved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family' Catherine Johnson, author of Queen of Freedom: Defending JamaicaTrade ReviewWritten with lushness and lyricism, this is a complex tale of friendships, community and family conflict expressed in fantastical metaphors * Sunday Times, Book of the Week *A stirring fantasy, rich in west African legend, investigates the bonds of blood, love and friendship, and what it takes to grow into your power * Guardian *Myth, magic and superstition course through this dark and mesmerising novel of witchcraft, family and coming of age. I loved both A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars and Wolf Light, but this is Badoe's best YA novel yet * Editor's Choice, The Bookseller *Fierce and thrilling, Lionheart Girl delivers on the promise of Badoe's debut, and then some. I loved this original, lyrical, dark fable -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of A Secret of Birds of BoneVividly imaginative, brave, passionate and original heroine. A different kind of magical adventure that draws on West African myth for a story of universal interest' -- Amanda Craig, author of The Golden RuleUnlike anything I've ever read. Mythical, vivid, unsettling and utterly page-turning, Lionheart Girl explores bonds of blood, friendship and the power of being true to yourself. Both unique and brilliant -- Ele Fountain, author of MeltThis is a magical tale, one that I loved... Yaba's writing is a rich feast to be savoured. Filled with unforgettable images that leave you breathless, it is about the strength of love' -- Sally Gardner, author of Invisible in a Bright LightLoved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family -- Cat JohnsonLionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable -- Sophie Anderson, author of The Castle of Tangled MagicA fun and ambitious read... A familial take on the fantasy genre' * Bad Form *Rooted in west African myth and tradition... This is a superb book * Irish Times *A thrillingly talented Ghanaian author weaving West African myth into a tale of love and courage * New Statesman *A bewitching, often dark, magical realism novel for children aged 12+ * Book Trust *I love Badoe's tales of myth and magic * Daily Mail *Lionheart Girl is brilliantly written, richly evocative, and quite unforgettable. I loved it -- Lauren St JohnSheba and her mama have a uniquely combative relationship I don't think I've really seen before in YA fantasy. There's magic, great family relationships and lyrical writing and a beautiful ending! -- Peter Bunzl

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Book SynopsisA beautifully observed middle-grade story from Waterstones-shortlisted author, Ewa Jozefkowicz, about family, friendship, food and self-discovery. *New home *New school *New friends *New puppy (yay!) But I didn't think I was going to have to turn into a detective as well! Sam, Frixos, Tanya, Sausage and I are the Cooking Club Detectives, and we have a mystery to solve. The community centre – my new favourite place – has suddenly been threatened with closure, but by who and why? We're going to find out!Trade ReviewWhen it is out-out, [The Cooking Club Detectives] will be one children will be flocking to in droves! Tackling food poverty and online bullying head on, and featuring a puppy called Sausage (I can't even speak for the genius of it all), I dare to defy anyone who will not instantly fall in love with Erin and her fellow detective buddies -- Onjali Q. RaufA gently unfolding detective story that delicately unpacks themes of food poverty, friendship and the importance of community spaces... The writing gives space for a range of perspectives and characters' background stories to be heard (as well as their recipes!)' * BooksforTopics, Ones to Watch - Middle Grade Round-up for Summer 2021 *A warm and engaging story with appealing characters. Many themes are explored such as settling into a new school and making friends, including with those whose lifestyle is very different from your own * Books for Keeps *This story is a powerful reflection of our time, building empathy and strength... The Cooking Club Detectives is sure to inspire children to make a difference in their communities' * Scope for the Imagination *A beautifully observed story about the power of food and friendship -- Fiona Noble, The BooksellerThis delightful detective story has an engaging plot and likable characters. It subtly explores new friendships, the importance of community and issues of food poverty and online bullying. Easy-to-follow recipes for delicious meals and snacks are dotted throughout the chapters, encouraging readers to develop their own culinary skills * BookTrust *Celebrating the importance of community, family and friends, this is a lovely, warm-hearted story that shows how food can bring people together. The story is interspersed with some great recipes you can try out, such as banana bread, fajitas, mini 'eaglet' omelettes and pizza * The Week Junior *Sensitively tackling themes of online bullying and food poverty, this is a heartfelt story about the importance of community and the power of food to connect people. With recipes dotted throughout the story, [it] is also perfect for encouraging children to get active in the kitchen * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis Weaving together the wonders of nature and a parent''s devotion in one glorious day of outdoor exploration, this picture book is a beautiful, unforgettable ode to the bond between caregiver and child.Busy birdsong, breaking dawn,melodies above the lawn.Fly right over here to me.Y ou''ll always be my chickadee. With lyrical, rhyming text by author Kate Hosford and gorgeous illustrations by artist Sarah Gonzales, this gentle book shows that there are as many ways to say I love you as there are special moments to be shared together. A restful bedtime book, a cherished read-aloud, and a memorable gift for new families, You''ll Always Be My Chickadee reassures young children that no matter what, our love for them is as steadfast as the tallest forest tree and as endless as the stars in the sky.TIMELESS MESSAGE: Parents and caregivers are always looking for ways to reassur

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback! Aloving portrait of a father-daughter relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first bike ride.

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Book SynopsisAh want tae check she’s awricht. Ah kin luik there fur Brodie an aw.Burds are meant tae fly.Brodie goes missing. Being a bird with a bad wing, Iona is sent into a worry. Her mammy is busy trying to get her ready for school and the snaw is settling in. But Brodie must be found.Running through the garden and exploring Mad Billy’s farm, Brodie couldn’t have gone far. After all, she was a hoolet thit couldnae fly.A fantastic book from award-winning Scots author Emma Grae, exploring themes of confidence and celebrates the idea that it is okay to be different. Meet all the different animals we encounter on the search for Brodie in this bonnie wee book.There is an untapped market for an original children’s book in Scots and Emma is keen to fill it with great stories for kids aged 7-10 years old. With a snowy setting, it will make a great gift this Christmas for any child in Scotland.Trade ReviewPraise for The Tongue She Speaks:Wi her latest nuvel, grae is gaun fae strenth tae strenth! – DR MICHAEL DEMPSTER, Director of The Scots Language Centre Deep-rooted prejudice against the Scots language is to be explored in a new book that features a bullied teenage schoolgirl as its main protagonist. – BRIAN FERGUSSON, The ScotsmanThe book gives us all the inspiration to delve intae oor inn'r Scots and try and scrive in Scots anaw! It's also helped light the fire in me of encouraging my classes to use Scots regularly - after all, we aw speak it! – SCOTT SHEILDS, The Wee Scottish Book ClubEmma Grae’s new novel paints a portrait of a young life that is both thrilling and moving. – JOYCE MCMILLAN, The ScotsmanGrae’s writing has a real edge, addressing not only bullying, grief, and growing pains, but also mental health, therapy, and belonging…The real achievement of The Tongue She Speaks is that it’s simply wonderfully written, and an effortless read. It’s not great because it’s written in Scots: it’s great AND it’s written in Scots. The language is there to enrich and shape the characters. It is integral to who they are. – ALISTAIR BRAIDWOOD, Snack MagazineA pleisure tae hear hou young anes the day, haundle the Scots/English dichotomy. – BILLY KAY, author of Scots: the mither tongue

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Book SynopsisBook box set contains 10 timeless tales featuring all of the characters from Disney's hugely successful film, Frozen

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Book SynopsisMummy rabbit watches As baby goes snippety-hop. "When you scamper back to me — We'll hug and never stop." Flip the flaps to see the baby animals snuggle up close to Mummy and Daddy in this cute little board book.

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Book SynopsisFrom the best-selling author Tracey Corderoy (The Grunt and The Grouch and Whiz, Pop, Granny Stop) come The Crumbs, a most unusual family! Follow the fabulously funny adventures of Martha, Otto and Scarlett Crumb, their Aunt Beastly and her pet boar Basil, as they battle baddies and conquer monsters. Otto, Martha and Scarlett Crumb are three most unusual children. With their dad, Henrig, busy inventing a special case to protect the Golden Elephant of Heera, they’re expecting to look after themselves over the summer. Yet suddenly Henrig’s long-lost sister turns up – and she's beastly! The children think things can’t get any worse … but then the Unstoppables, a notorious gang of robbers, set their sights on Henrig’s special case, and it seems they’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on it… Winner of the Hounslow Junior Fiction Award 2014

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining and charming story about an eccentric, loveable family - 'Endearingly funny' 5-star review, Telegraph Chloe Deal is observant. Every day she notices small details - like how Front Door always refuses to open when it's raining; how whatever task he sets out to do, Daddy usually ends up snoozing to the radio in his shed; how her younger sister Daisy muddles her similes but never her fashion sense, and how Mummy's nostrils flare when Dad forgets to mow the lawn, again. So when Chloe starts a school project about her house, she ends up cataloguing the chaotic balancing act of her family along with it. In the run up to the school holidays (and Chloe's birthday), disaster follows disaster at home and school. Mummy's patience is beginning to unravel. Can Chloe get the house, her siblings and her father in shape before it's too late?Trade ReviewEaston, an experienced children's fiction author, has created an endearingly funny family, whose problems ring with poignancy. Chloe is a charming, vulnerable heroine that you root for throughout. The second of this planned series is due in September and I can't wait to read it. -- Julia Llewellyn Smith * The Telegraph *School, friends and the chaos of family life, told with great warmth and charm. From the author of the well-received Boys Don't Knit * The Bookseller *It's a warm story, rather poignant at times, about an endearing, funny family that really tries to pull together despite the disasters and it's really held together with warmth and love. * South Wales Evening Post *This is a funny and heart-warming tale proving that perfect family life comes in many forms -- Louise Heines * The Guardian *This book has made me belly laugh more than any other book I have read this year. T. S Easton had a wickedly delicious sense of humour and any child (or any adult!!!) will be giggling away to themselves throughout this book (...)Children aged 9-99 will adore this book! (...) can't recommend it highly enough! * My Chestnut Reading Tree *This is a funny and interesting book (...) my favourite character was Chole because she is very warm-hearted and friendly (...) I'd recommend this book to people who like Tom Gates or Diary of a Wimpy Kid * National Geographic Kids Magazine *I really like this book because it is obviously very funny, but it also seems very true in some aspects for children who are in the same position as Chloe with a troublesome sibling and a very problematic house * Powered by Reading *This is a great book, about friendship and annoyance. It is great! * Mango Bubbles Books *Our House is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, who will love it, but it has that precious special ingredient: It appeals to any adults who may pick it up as it is funny and sees family life with a wry eye * Cat and Mouse Reading *The cover invites us to meet the Deal family: clumsy, chaotic and mad as a bunch of daffodils and the readers will not be disappointed (...) Chloe's humourous anecdotes (...) keep the story bubbling along, and teachers and librarians may well be reminded of the Hilary McKay novels with serious themes running through the humour (...) Definitely recommended -- Diana Barnes * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisSneak behind the skirting board with Furball the trusting hamster, and run riot with the Mokes - a gang of cockney mice...It's a scary world out there, especially if you're a pet hamster who likes nothing better than snuggling into a cashmere sock with a pouch full of honey seeds. So when Furball escapes her cozy cage and goes gallivanting with a gang of cockney mice who call themselves the Mokes, it can only end in trouble. Suddenly this brave little hamster is dodging fearsome winged Fevvas in the garden, and smelly long-tailed Narks in the cellar. And she'll have to be very careful not to be caught out by poisonous Floor Food, lethal Sticky Traps, or the dreaded Ole Snapper.Meanwhile the Humans, (or 'Ooms', if you're a Moke) are on the hunt for their beloved pet. And while they're searching high and low for their beloved pet, they're also dealing with a serious mouse problem...A.N. Wilson's children's books have been hugely well received: 'delightful' - Daily Mail'clever, moving, imaginative' - Daily Telegraph 'An excellent book... for the whole family' - Spectator

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Book SynopsisThis series of six picture books guides children through a range of issues relating to fostering and adoption by focusing on the experiences of a five-year-old girl called Kirsty and her magic doll Billy. Billy talks to Kirsty, explains what is happening to her and explores Kirsty's feelings during her journey from an abusive home to a loving adoptive family. In the series, Billy says...· Book 1 "It's not your fault" explores children's feelings when they are living in neglectful families.· Book 2 "You should be taken care of" covers fears around moving into foster care.· Book 3 "Foster carers can help" explains what happens when children move into foster care.· Book 4 "What you think matters" covers courts and the planning process.· Book 5 "Waiting can be hard" focuses on waiting for an adoptive family.· Book 6 "Living as a new family takes practice" explores living with an adoptive family.This set is ideal for use by social workers, foster carers, adoptive parents and counsellors to help children aged 3-8 to understand the fostering and adoption process and to cope with the complex feelings that can arise.Trade ReviewI enjoyed reading them and sharing them with my children and I would recommend them as a tool for talking to children...it allowed us all to talk about our feelings in a safe and non-threatening way. -- Review by adoptive mum of 4 children in Adoption Today...they're beautifully produced and very child friendly. -- Dr Miriam Stoppard...they are very moving and sensitively written. -- Jacqueline WilsonThis group of six books is designed to help looked after children have a sense of being understood as they journey through statutory care. It is an excellent resource for school counsellors, foster carers, adoptive parents, psychotherapists working with children, and for adoption support workers and guardians ... The books are an excellent way to support children in life story work and also to remind substitute carers that the children they care for have complicated inner lives that affect them mentally and emotionally... The illustrations in the books are exceptionally good. i was enchanted by the way that the artwork illuminated the emotion and changing moods of the story... This book gives a real sense to the child that someone is trying to understand what they are experiencing. I found the books moving and was impressed that they tackled such a difficult subject in a a very matter-of-fact way... I highly recommend this book for anyone having anything to do with children in care. I think it could save you a lot of work and get to the point with a child very quickly. -- Jo North, psychotherapist * BACP Children & Young People *Table of ContentsBook 1. It's Not Your Fault. Book 2. You Should Be Taken Care Of. Book 3. Foster Carers Can Help. Book 4. What You Think Matters. Book 5. Waiting Can Be Hard. Book 6. Living As A New Family Takes Practice.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of a boy who loves his grandma, but can’t stand all her rules! She has rules for every room in the house – don’t jump on the bed, or play with the dolls, or leave the loo seat up, or play on the stairs…. But there is one rule that is more important than all the others. DON’T touch the big blue and white vase in the living room.When grandma pops out to the shops, the boy does his absolute best to follow the rules, but of course things go a little bit wrong. Like a terrible domino effect, one thing leads to another, until the big vase goes flying. CRASH! The boy tries to fix the vase but it comes out all wrong.When Grandma comes home, her horror swiftly turns to understanding when she sees how distraught her grandson is. She gives him the biggest hug she’s given him for a long long time. ‘You can break a vase’, she says, ‘but you could never break my heart. And anyway, I think I like the vase better this way!’This is a heart-warming tale about forgiving one’s mistakes, and about how some rules are not quite as important as they might seem. Gorgeous pencil illustrations bring the eccentric grandma and her pattern-filled house alive.

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Book SynopsisBowa is a young boy of the Tujia ethnic minority living in a small village outside Chongqing. A severe speech impediment means he can’t string two words together until after the age of ten, which prevents him from going to school and causes his fellow villagers, family and acquaintances to write him off as silly or dumb.But not being able to speak doesn’t stop him from dreaming and imagining. With the help of an enlightened supply teacher, who has volunteered to teach in this remote mountainous area, and help from a little white crane he befriends along the way, he eventually overcomes his speech impediment revealing a veritable child prodigy beneath the surface…

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Book SynopsisAlong the banks of the Bachi River, a group of young people overcome many obstacles, one after another. Like a boat fighting against rapids, they bravely walk the long mountain road to school. The serenity of the flowing river, the beauty of the landscape, the ways of the world, human nature and life itself fill the hearts of Jiang, his family, his friends and his neighbours.Huang Zheng's moving portrait of a rural village in the Zhuang community of southern China documents a world that has long been swept away by modern life.

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Book SynopsisBabies, Babies Everywhere! Sleeping, crying, laughing, looking, gurgling, eating, crawling...and at last toddling! Follow five families and their babies from birth to around 12 months, with all the excitements, challenges and joys of that first year with a new baby in the world. With lots to look at and point to, this delightful celebration of babies, from the team who created The Great Big Book of Families, will be loved by babies, older siblings - and grown-ups too! Trade Review"Follow five families and their babies through the first 12 months in a diverse and inclusive celebration of babyhood. Otter-Barry calls it a 21st century answer to the Alhbergs’ Baby’s Catalogue." -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *"I absolutely love it … a package of pure joy" -- Nikki Gamble (Just Imagine) * via Twitter *"An absolutely gorgeous and inclusive celebration of babies during their first year of life... this book is a delight from cover to cover...there’s never a dull moment as Ros’s wonderfully detailed, amusing illustrations show (I love the soft toy’s thought bubbles). Mary’s straightforward narrative has a gentle playfulness with lots of baby sounds and comments from family members." * Red Reading Hub *"A really joyful book from a top author-illustrator team tracing the milestones of babies’ first twelve months …The book has delightful endpapers and is expertly designed throughout – a real treasure …With lots to look at and point to, this diverse and inclusive celebration of babies will be loved by babies, older siblings and grown-ups too." * Achuka (Book of the Day) *"Babies, Babies Everywhere is a diverse, and joyful celebration of the lives of six babies and their families…Your own babies, both big and small, will love poring over the details of Ros Asquith's Ahlberg-esque illustrations which depict a fabulously diverse range of family setups and characters… This book provides a lovely way to reflect with your own child on how they have grown and changed and would also be a great story to use for any child about to become a big sibling…" * Discover Children's Books *"This delightful picture book is aimed at younger readers but could be used for thoughtful discussion about different kinds of families and child development with any age group. The simple, straightforward text and beautifully drawn characters convey messages about valuing individual differences in children. No matter what kind of family is bringing up a young child, each is conveyed in a positive way with plenty of laugh out loud moments. I can see this being used with childcare students and expectant parents in ante-natal classes as a way of reassuring them that under ones are always a challenge but mostly a joy to live with, and never ever boring. Strongly recommended. " * The Letterpress Project *"What joy is portrayed here, from Hoffman’s direct and sensitive text to the delightful pictures throughout by Ros Asquith. Both author and illustrator have banks of highly acclaimed work in the world of children’s books, and this new publication will be welcomed in families, nurseries and libraries everywhere." * Books for Keeps 5-star review *"An upbeat picture book that's just right for young children who are anticipating or observing a baby in the family and wondering what to expect during the newcomer's first year." * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisGrace-Ella is nervous and excited to be going to Witch Camp, with her cat Mr Whiskins, of course. At first all goes well, but when her friends get into danger she suddenly finds herself in a real adventure.

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Book SynopsisEleven-year-old Emily doesn't think Badger Cottage will ever be home. But there is something out there that needs her; a bright pair of eyes in the darkness. In the middle of a fierce battle between conservationists, who want to to rewild the lynx in the woods, and the local farmers, Emily tries to shield a baby lynx she calls Lotta, afraid it will be killed by the person who killed its mother. But can Emily work out who the illegal hunter is in time, and who can she trust?

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Book SynopsisWhen pixie Buddy smuggles himself into her back pack after Witchcamp, Grace-Ella lets him stay, even though her cat, Mr Whiskins tells her pixies are trouble. She can't leave him at home so she takes him to school, where he causes all kinds of trouble!

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Book SynopsisThe bears have a problem. Their cub won't... You know... Fart!

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Book SynopsisThe simple text of love, caring and protection is accompanied by adorable illustrations of animals and dinosaurs that hug, help, and protect a human child. The comforting text is ideal for a soothing bedtime story. This beautiful book is a perfect gift for parents with a newborn baby. AGES: 3 to 5 AUTHOR: Born in 1952, Mamoru Suzuki's first published work as a picture-book artist was Boku no okina ki (My Big Tree), with a story by Masao Tsurumi in 1980. In 2006, he received the Kodansha Award for Picture Books for Boku no tori no su enikki (My Illustrated Diary of Birds' Nests).

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Book SynopsisPoco and Moco are twin lambs. They look almost exactly alike, and they get along so well that they spend every minute of their day together. But they're also different in a lot of ways. For one thing, Poco is a boy and Moco is a girl. Poco likes breads and rolls, but Moco likes cakes and pastries. They both like donuts, so if they only have one, they split it in half. Poco likes to play hide-and-seek, Moco loves to climb trees. And when they join forces they can do things neither of them could ever do alone. The use of fold-outs, cut-outs, and other special features add an extra element of fun as readers get to know the twins and explore differences and similarities. AGES: 0 to 3 AUTHOR: Jun Ichihara was born in Aichi Prefecture and graduated from Osaka University of Arts. In addition to creating picture books, he works as an illustrator for books, magazines, and ads. His picture-book titles include Wakuwaku ABC bukku (ABC Excitement), Nikkori niko niko (Everybody Smiles), Waratta (Theeere's the Smile!), and Sugoi kuruma (Awesome Car).

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Book SynopsisIn her debut as author and illustrator, Mirelle Ortega shares her own story of growing up on her family’s pineapple farm in Mexico, where she learned the true meaning of magicI learned that magic isn’t good or bad, it just is. Sometimes it gives, sometimes it takes. Sometimes life blossoms, sometimes it wilts.Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magic in this truly magical picture book about change and transformation of all kinds—what we can’t control, such as natural disasters and loss, and what we can. Magic can transform dirt into pineapples, seeds into trees, wool into blankets, words into stories, blank pages into pictures—a story into a picture book.

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the love for a child through every season, with delightful artwork by the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Hoda Kotb's I've Loved You Since Forever.Poetic verse perfectly expresses the unconditional love shared between grown-ups and their precious little ones. Togetherness is always special, whether you are enjoying springtime showers, lazy summer days, or the cozy chill of autumn and winter. The touching message will resonate with parents, grandparents, and anyone who has a little one in their life. A must-have for new parents...and every family's storytime bookshelf!Trade Review"Mason's use of light is masterful; many of the illustrations capture the animals at golden hour, and this contributes to the cozy mood evoked by the text....A cozy year-round delight." —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisBrayden Bunny is grumpy. His friend Lena is playing silly games with his sisters, leaving him all alone. Then he hears there is a storm on the way, and he knows his sisters, Minnie and Millie, are frightened of thunder and lightning. Suddenly he's not grumpy anymore. He needs to save his sisters.

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Book SynopsisA lost and lonely girl finds a wonderful new familyTrade ReviewRebecca Elliott sees and reads colours to great effect.A" Carousel [Rebecca Elliott is] an exceptionally talented illustratorA"Julia Eccleshare, Lovereading4kids "Rebecca Elliott's 'Zoo Girl' is a picture book with minimal but powerful text and moving, sombre illustrations. Children will easily engage with the emotions of a little girl who longs to be loved. Accidentally left behind on a trip to the zoo, this lonely child finds affection from the animals who care for her, but it is the zoo-keepers who ultimately offer her the love and family that she craves. Children will talk endlessly about this book, and teachers will love it." Marilyn Brocklehurst, The Bookseller "Written with very few but poignant words, and an illustrative style that is both touching and captivating, Rebecca Elliott's book has all the hallmarks of a classic." Junior

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Book SynopsisThis little book holds the message of dignity that every child on this earth needs to hear: You are loved. You matter. You make me smile. You make me the happiest person in the world, just by being you.Trade Review"Powerful words of love and encouragement are offered to children of all ages, races, religions, and walks of life in this picture book, whose refrain, “Have I told you?”, is followed by character-building affirmations of dignity, respect, and value. Beautifully textured mixed-media artwork depicts two small hands creatively interacting with much larger ones.Images swirl and dance across fingertips in this emotionally charged tribute to all of the exceptional children in the world." -- PALLAS GATES MCCORQUODALE - Foreword Review"A message of love and respect for self and others is charmingly conveyed…Uplifting and upbeat…An affirming message all children should hear." -- Kirkus Reviews

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