Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisA powerful and wise story about finding the courage to be yourself, despite the pressure to conform.Abtin is nothing like the rest of his family. The Moleskis are fiercely competitive sports champions, and they expect Abtin to become a great athlete too. But Abtin is a reader, an artist, and has his own way of doing things. Despite his family’s best efforts, Abtin remains stubbornly himself. Wanting his family to be proud of him, he comes up with a plan to make them happy: a plan that doesn’t go quite as expected…Written and illustrated by two celebrated Iranian creators, Champ is a book for anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum: for the artists in a science family, or the readers in a sports family. It is a book for those around the world who have resisted and continue to do so, no matter what.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed creator Laura Dockrill sews together family, imagination and heart in this lyrical and completely unique Barrington Stoke debut. Sequin's mum is a talented seamstress and their little flat is overflowing with beautiful silks, fabrics, buttons and beads. It's a sparkling sanctuary, like a princess's wardrobe. While Mum works at her sewing machine late into the night, Sequin takes care of her baby brother, Stitch, and dreams of a place in the spotlight for her brilliant mum. But when tragedy strikes, their shimmering world disintegrates and Sequin is forced to confront the biggest loss of all … Acclaimed creator Laura Dockrill sews together family, imagination and heart in this lyrical and completely unique novella.Trade Review"A story that needs to be read by everyone" – Readers that Care, Blog "Laura Dockrill has created a poignant, touching story about the love between a little girl and her mum, full of her trademark quirky voice and brilliant ability to depict the minds of kids" – BookTrust "Poignant, touching adventure … a story that readers will absolutely love, with a twist that they’ll want to return to again and again" – LoveReading4Kids "It broke my heart. Like in that very quiet way books sometimes do … This is a gorgeous story filled with love" – A little but a lot, Blog

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Book SynopsisDaisy's getting into some seriously spooky trouble on Halloween! Cheeky, extremely readable and funny young fiction from the bestselling author behind the hilarious OI FROG series.It's Halloween and Daisy is going trick-or-treating for the very first time. In the dark . . . in the fog . . . with a VAMPIRE . . . armed only with a torch and some silly string. GULP!The funny, spooky and totally troublesome tale from the bestselling Daisy series.

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Book SynopsisCarry on camping with dream team Julian Clary and David Roberts! It's the summer holidays, and the hairiest family in Teddington decide to take a well-earned holiday by the seaside. With their extended hyena family in tow, they head on down to Cornwall for a spot of camping. But it's never long before trouble sniffs these hyenas out, and Bobby is mistaken for a pup and snatched by a wicked dognapper. The Bolds will need all their ingenuity to hunt her down and rescue all the pilfered pooches. But can these hyenas-in-disguise save the day, without letting the cat out of the bag...? ‘I wish we lived next door to the Bolds!’ Davina McCallTrade Review"I wish we lived next door to the Bolds!""Silliness and fun" * Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *"Clary writes at a quick-fire pace, with short, snappy sentences and lots of jokes... But the real charm of his books lies in the way he recasts the hyena as a sympathetic outsider - and makes it a figure of gentle fun." * Daily Telegraph *"Bursting with fun" * Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement *"David Roberts’s brilliant illustrations make the most of Julian Clary’s riotous story" * Lovereading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth 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...It's lambing time on the farm and Jasmine has her hands full. She has two orphaned baby birds to care for, as well as a tiny motherless lamb who needs her attention. She's determined to look after little Lucky and keep him safe. But there are bigger dangers facing the flock, ones that come in the dead of night...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 SynopsisMeet Mabel - she's MAGNIFICENT.Sometimes life isn't fair for Mabel Chase. Like for instance a naughty Christmas Elf gets her into LOTS of trouble. And the new boy in her class at school REFUSES to be her friend. And no-one lets her look after her little cousin, even though she is BRILLIANT with toddlers. But none of that matters in the end ... because Mabel is still MAGNIFICENT.The second book in a hilarious new series, highly illustrated throughout and with three short stories, this is ideal for newly-confident readers.Look out for:Magnificent Mabel and the Rabbit RiotMagnificent Mabel and the Magic Caterpillar

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Book SynopsisThree children. One long, boring school holiday at an ancient neighbour's. One very old, very smelly cat. But when Ed and co find a box of birthday candles and make a wish, their world is changed completely. For with every candle comes a wish, but some of those wishes actually belong to someone else . . .Trade ReviewA witty, skilful romp * Sunday Times *This magic adventure is a wish come true * The Times *A joyful celebration of living life to the full, this bubbles over with humour, adventure and positive messages * Daily Mail *The award-winning Lissa Evans returns with another warm-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny read * Sunday Express *It's the book I wished I'd wrote * Frank Cottrell-Boyce *Very wise, very magic, very, very funny * Hilary McKay *It seems that Lissa Evans only writes instant classics . . . she's one of the funniest writers for any age * Anthony McGowan *I can't stop thinking about this beautiful and very funny book * Jenny McLachlan *Magic is the word when it comes to Lissa Evans' dazzling, laugh-out-loud children's books ... Wished is one of her classics ... hilariously funny but instinctively kind, entertaining and eminently wise * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisFig Fitzsherbert is good at a lot of things: making lists, playing the piano, advanced mathematics. But it’s never quite enough for her high-flying mother, who every New Year’s Day sets Fig an impossible resolution. So one year, Fig decides to set her own challenge instead: she’s going to swim her way round the world. There’s just one tiny problem … Fig can’t swim. Taking it one length at a time, Fig embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. But with her mother closing in, will she be able to keep her head above water and complete her challenge? A quirky coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Katy Birchall, GEEK GIRL and SUPER AWKWARD.

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Book SynopsisA touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls. Sam is sick, and Ella is sick of Sam. Life seems to revolve around his hospital appointments, his medication and his need for peace and quiet. No one thinks about what Ella wants or needs, no one cares. They don’t even know what day she was born on. In the end, Ella decides she doesn’t care if Sam gets sicker, but when it happens, she finds she cares an awful lot…. A touching exploration of family love and the challenges of being a younger sibling, from multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls.

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Book SynopsisAnother side-splitting story packed with hilarious illustrations from Sue Cheung, winner of the Diverse Book Award. The Easter holidays are about to get a lot more exciting! Maddy and her best friend Dev have lucked out and are heading to the seaside where the brand new roller coaster, the Mega Beast, is about to open. This will literally be life-changing! One problem: Maddy has to bring her annoying little brother Oli and her cheeky grandad Agung along for the weekend. With seaside hazards such as terrifying seagulls, stinky pickled eggs and a giant candyfloss-mad dog to deal with, will Maddy ever get to loop-the-loop on the best ride ever?Trade Review"Another laugh-out-loud excursion into the madcap world of Maddy Yip" * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisDavid Grossman (Author) David Grossman is the bestselling author of numerous books, which have been translated into thirty-six languages. His most recent novel, A Horse Walks into a Bar, was awarded the International Man Booker Prize 2017, and shortlisted for the TLS-Risa Domb/Porjes Prize 2019. Grossman is also the recipient of the French Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the 2010 Frankfurt Peace Prize. Grossman lives in Jerusalem with his wife.Ninamasina (Illustrator) Ninamasina (aka Anna Masini) has degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Cinematography. By day, she worked for a video production company, while taking drawing and printing techniques classes by night. Now, she works as a freelance illustrator. Her books have been published around the world. When she's not illustrating, she's busy running her own self-publishing label called Red Boots, and collaborating with theatre companies in scenography, puppetry and live painting. She lives and works in Milan, Italy

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Book SynopsisSpoilt rich kid Mia's world is turned upside-down when she is orphaned and whisked away to Mis Tor Manor on the edge of Dartmoor to live with her uncle and cousin Christopher. Mia is appalled to find herself in the remote countryside, in a freezing, crumbling manor. Grieving and missing her old life, she takes an instant dislike to Christopher, who never leaves his bedroom due to illness. Yet little by little, Mia starts to discover the beauty of this wintry world, and befriends local boy Daniel, who loves animals and teaches her how to ride a Dartmoor pony. One day she discovers a hidden door, covered in brambles and ivy, which leads to a walled garden A special, secret place which needs someone's care to bring it to life once again so nature can flourish. Cover art by Rachael Dean.

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Book SynopsisA new 20th anniversary edition of the utterly classic Clarice Bean Spells Trouble by bestselling Children's Laureate, Lauren Child.There are so many things in life you can't explain. Like why isn't YOU spelt U? Why isn't WHY spelt Y? And why can just opening your mouth get you into some very BIG trouble?Clarice Bean is in non-stop trouble these days - almost as much as Karl Wrenbury, and he is the naughtiest boy in school. Clarice just wants to star in the school play and impress Mrs Wilberton in the spelling bee, but things aren't quite going to plan . . .'Witty and charming. We can't get enough of Clarice Bean.'The Sunday TimesTrade ReviewWe can't get enough Clarice Bean * The Sunday Times *Oodles of comic charm * Evening Standard *I love this book. It really is great - in fact, the Clarice Bean books are probably the best books I've ever read!! -- Guardian children's books young reviewer * Guardian.com *We can't get enough Clarice Bean * The Sunday Times *Oodles of comic charm * Evening Standard *What Bridget Jones is to thirtysomethings, Clarice Bean is to pre-teens: full of funny one-liners, doing her best to overcome her shortcomings, prone to embarrassing mistakes and good at heart ... The story, like Child's doodles, is witty and charming and crams a lot of meaning into apparent simplicity ... We can't get enough of Clarice Bean. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisAn egg hatches, feet first and goes in search of a parent. The chick and surprise parent are revealed at the end.

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Book SynopsisDaniel''s school is haunted, there''s a python in his loft, and the Kelly Horton gang are lying in wait outside his house, ready to shower him with wet, disgusting kisses. And, to top it all, his mum has left home. It''s a lot to take on, but with the help of his best friend, Errol, and Loo Brush the dog, Daniel has a plan to get his life back to normal...

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Book SynopsisA clever and charming board book with an upbeat theme and a special surprise on the last page—a North American debut by a brilliant illustrator Love is everywhere! And it's not just us humans. From birds to elephants, rabbits to turtles, there is love and togetherness depicted on every page. Very young readers will enjoy the surprises in this cheerfully inventive little book. The bold, colorful illustrations reveal a surprise on every die-cut page, with a final delightful surprise on the last page.Trade Review"I appreciate a publishing company that understands how very difficult it is to make a good board book....this book is pretty much brilliant. It shows animals apart who, when put together, make different shapes. Circles, squares, triangles....The art is bold, colorful, simple, funny, sweet, touching..." --Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal"Japanese author/illustrator Yonezu marries color, animal, and shape concepts with die-cuts and a reassuring theme of love in an expertly designed and executed board book....Yonezu's simple renderings radiate happiness and charm on every page." -- Publishers Weekly"adorable and a great way to show your kids that you love them." --Jenny Williams, geekdad.com"The vibrantly colored, stylized animals are appealing, the large white shapes on bold backgrounds command attention, and the glossy, die-cut pages encourage exploration....Babies and toddlers will appreciate this playful, upbeat introduction to shapes." -- Kirkus Reviews"A smart way to introduce simple shapes, adorable animals and a Valentine's-worthy love theme, Yonezu's board book is precious." -- Kids Home Library"A sweet book to read again and again." -- Imagination Soup"Yusuke Yonezu uses clever cutouts to convey--without ever stating outright--the message that loves completes us . . . ingenious pictures." --Sarah Smith, nytimes.com"With a playful "love" message for Valentine's Day, Japanese author/illustrator Yusuke Yonezu brings together bold colors and stylized illustrations to familiarize tots with basic shapes." -- Washington Parent

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Book SynopsisAfter losing her parents, young Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle's gloomy mansion on the wild English moors. She is lonely and has no one to play with, but one day she learns of a secret garden somewhere in the grounds that no one is allowed to enter.Trade Review“It is only the exceptional author who can write a book about children with sufficient skill, charm, simplicity, and significance to make it acceptable to both young and old. Mrs. Burnett is one of the few thus gifted.”—The New York Times

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Not My Problem, winner of the Waterstones Prize (Older Readers) Winner of the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Junior Juries' Award Shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards YA Book of the Year Seventeen-year-old Saoirse has finished with exams and is facing a long hot summer before uni. She plans to party, get drunk, watch horror movies and forget all her troubles by kissing girls. Ever since the breakupocalypse with her ex Hannah, she’s been alone and angry, dealing with the hole left in her family by her sick mother’s absence. Worse, Dad drops a bombshell: he’s remarrying at the end of the summer. Enter the scene: Ruby, who might just be the prettiest girl Saoirse’s ever seen. A romcom fan and a believer in true love, Ruby challenges cynical Saoirse to try a summer romance with the serious parts left out, just like in the movies. But what happens when the falling in love montage ends?Trade Review"An outrageously comic, moving debut" -- Guardian"It’s so special, so arrestingly heartfelt, and so painfully, gorgeously real" -- Becky Albertalli"Funny, sexy and smart, The Falling in Love Montage is the romcom to beat all romcoms. I loved it" -- Cat Clarke"An emotionally stirring queer romance with witty, playful dialogue" * Publishers Weekly *"Audaciously fills a gap in queer romance. The novel's voice is delightfully brash and no-nonsense ... Smyth paints each character as a complex, messy, lifelike individual." * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisWhat do you all come here for?' Why, to change the world, of course! Don't we all want to change the world . . . if we can?'A General Election is coming and the Revolutionaries are gathering at Natalie's house. She's determined to be a part of it all, but is it really just about red coats, muddy boots and piles of glossy leaflets? Surely changing the world should be more exciting than that?It's time to start her OWN revolution and it all begins with her pet rat . . .Praise for The Octopus, Dadu and Me:"A charming, touching, exciting debut, with an irresistible cast of characters I didn''t want to leave behind. Now I''m off to case the local aquarium to get an octopus of my own..."David Owen, author of Alex Neptune: Dragon Thief"A beautiful story of love & grief, art & friendship, and the changes that come to families as you grow up." ?Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy & Once We Were Witches seriesA heart-warming tale of changing family dynamics, friendship and it features the best octopus in literature - Ian! What a brilliant debut! Maisie Chan, author of Tiger Warrior

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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 SynopsisMeet Bluey!Bluey Heeler loves to play, explore and use her imagination to turn everyday life into an amazing adventure. Learn all about Bluey in this fun shaped board book for kids of all ages.The perfect introduction to Bluey!Want more Bluey? Also available: Bluey: Where''s Bluey? Search-and-Find bookBluey: Meet Bluey! Sticker Activity BookBluey: At the BeachLook out for Bluey: Bingo - coming soon!

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Book SynopsisHome Alone meets Adrian Mole in this hilarious madcap adventure from bestselling author Jo Simmons. Home Alone meets Adrian Mole in this hilarious madcap adventure from the bestselling author of I Swapped My Brother on the Internet. Bob Bunyon is fed up. In a family full of artists and performers, he’s the one with no talent, the one bypassed by the creativity gene – and his four siblings just won’t let him forget it. Finally sick of being taunted for being so "normal”, Bob wishes that his family would all just disappear, but he doesn’t really expect his wish to come true! When he wakes the next day to find everyone gone, Bob’s initial delight quickly turns to worry. Does he have supernatural powers? Is he the only survivor of a zombie apocalypse or an alien invasion? Gathering all his courage, and employing survival skills learned from TV endurance shows, Bob sets out to find his missing family …Trade Review"Will delight fans of funny fiction and adventure stories … A perfect story for fans of the Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon and The World of Norm series by Jonathan Meres" – Emma Suffield, librarian "Very funny … a great story which wastes no time in hooking the reader in" – BookTrust Book of the Day "Fun on every page… Family really does come first in this riotous romp of search for survival" – Lancashire Evening Post "Readers will laugh out loud at [Bob's] attempts at survival. He's not exactly Bear Grylls and life in the wild (with sheep) is almost more than he can handle" – Scope for the Imagination "Loaded with LOLs right from the get-go, Bob’s well-meaning but surely-won’t-come-true wish brings about Operation Find My Family and a riotous escapade through the woods and across the fields" – A Word About Books

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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 Synopsis**National Book Award Longlist Title****Asian/Pacific American Award Honor Book**This funny, fast-paced, and heartrending story about three siblings living on their own as undocumented new immigrants is perfect for fans of New Kid and Front Desk.A DREAM TRIP TO AMERICA TURNS INTO A NIGHTMARE!Feng-Li can''t wait to discover America with her family! But after an action-packed vacation, her parents deliver shocking news: They are returning to Taiwan and leaving Feng-Li and her older siblings in California on their own.Suddenly, the three kids must fend for themselves in a strange new world--and get along. Starting a new school, learning a new language, and trying to make new friends while managing a household is hard enough, but Bro and Sis''s constant bickering makes everything worse. Thankfully, there are some hilarious moments to balance the stress and loneliness. But as tensions escala

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Book SynopsisTwo people from opposite sides of town. One long hot summer...Before the epic romance of the hit romance The QB Bad Boy and Me, there was the story of Drayton''s Lahey''s parents, Leroy and Ellie, and the one summer that changed everything.It''s the year 1998 and seventeen-year-old Ellie is about to have the summer of her life with her new boyfriend, Leroy.Even though they are from two different worlds and two very different families, their love is one of a kind. But between troublesome brothers and strict parents, rowdy parties and epic concerts, Ellie and Leroy will discover that there is more in store for them that summer than they could have ever imagined.The sizzling stand-alone prequel to Wattpad hit THE QB BAD BOY AND ME.***PRAISE FOR THE QB BAD BOY AND ME*** This book was such a page-turner! It was funny, perfectly paced, and always kept me guessing. An instant favorite! - Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth A story filled with tons of plays that will hit you right in the feels. - Anna Todd, New York Times best-selling author of After

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Book SynopsisStarring Sally J. Freedman as Herself, is an insightful, historical story about imagination, dreams and starting somewhere new. From Judy Blume, the bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.Sally J. Freedman loves making up stories – stories in which she is always the star of her own lavish film spectaculars. But when her close-knit family is separated because of her brother's illness, even Sally's daydreams are not enough to comfort her. With her beloved father left behind in New Jersey, a winter in the Florida sunshine seems gloomy. The cramped and dingy flat can't compare with her comfortable home, and her new classmates are nothing like her old friends. Worst of all, it is 1947 – and Sally is convinced that Adolf Hitler is alive and living in Miami Beach . . .

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Book SynopsisIn this laugh-out-loud funny sequel to the graphic novel Huda F Are You?, the Fahmys are off to Disney World, but self-conscious Huda worries her family will stand out too much.Huda and her sisters can’t believe it when her parents announce that they’re actually taking a vacation this summer . . . to DISNEY WORLD! But it’s not quite as perfect as it seems. First Huda has to survive a 24-hour road trip from Michigan to Florida, with her sisters annoying her all the way. And then she can’t help but notice the people staring at her and her family when they pray in public. Back home in Dearborn she and her family blend right in because there are so many other Muslim families, but not so much in Florida and along the way.It''s a vacation of forced (but unexpectly successful?) sisterly bonding, a complicated new friendship, a bit more independence, and some mixed feelings about her family''s public prayers. Huda is proud of her religion aTrade ReviewPraise for Huda F CaresNational Book Award for Young People's Literature FinalistNPR Best Book of the Year SelectionRise: A Feminist Book Project SelectionMuslim Bookstagram Awards' Best Muslim Middle Grade Book of 2023“One of the rare books where I literally laughed out loud! I loved Huda’s story of standing out from the mainstream, and her real, funny, and complex sisterly relationships.” —Victoria Jamieson, creator of National Book Award Finalist When Stars Are Scattered"Touching and laugh out loud funny! Huda F Cares is a relatable ode to sisterhood and what it means to have your family’s back while being true to yourself." —Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlings Series and Frizzy"Infused with the perfect balance of warmth and humor, Huda Fahmy’s latest is a gem of a story exploring everything from sisterhood to identity. An absolute delight.” —Hafsah Faizal, New York Times bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame"Comedic and poignant, Fahmy’s narrative captures universal feelings of fluctuating confidence and self-deprecation, the ups and downs of family dynamics, and the growing awareness of siblings’ humanity outside the family unit. The cartoonlike, full-color artwork is dynamic, with simplified features that accentuate facial expressions. Delightfully heartwarming." —Kirkus"This follow-up to Huda F Are You? is a delightful story, even when addressing difficult issues. Picturing a tiny 'Thoughtful Huda and 'Selfish Huda' on Huda’s shoulders as she wrestles with decisions is one way the creator employs humor in both narrative and art without lessening the impact of what the girls face. This strong addition to any collection wraps messages about stepping into new experiences while staying true to yourself within a funny, enjoyable story." —School Library Journal"Fahmy’s signature simplified cartooning style softens some ofthe tougher moments the sisters encounter, while still enabling her quick, sharp humor to stick the landing." —Booklist“[I]ncredibly charming . . . Fahmy’s jokey style mixes beautifully with a story of learning to be both strong and joyful, and that maybe, just maybe, it’s not so bad to hang out with your sisters.” —Vox

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Book SynopsisA funny, filmic and fast-paced crime-caper by a hilarious new voice in middle-grade fiction, ideal for readers aged 10 and up.Some people rob banks because they're greedy. Others enjoy the adrenalin rush. Me? I robbed a bank because of guilt. Specifically: guilt and a Nepalese scented candleWhen fifteen-year-old Dylan accidentally burns down the house of the girl he's trying to impress, he feels that only a bold gesture can make it up to her. A gesture like robbing a bank to pay for her new home.Only an unwanted Saturday job, a tyrannical bank manager, and his unfinished history homework lie between Dylan and the heist of century. And really, what's the worst that could happen?A funny, cinematic, ill-advised comedy-crime adventure perfect for gamers, heist movie fans, and anyone who loves a laugh.Trade Review“There's plenty of humour, plus well balanced credible characters, all set against an unusual concept”. Parents in Touch. “A hilarious, gripping and unique story”. The Big Issue North.

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Book SynopsisTheir parents own rival businesses—an Asian American café and a Puerto Rican bakery—and Gabi’s lack of coordination has cost their soccer team too many games to count.Stuck in the closet and scared to pursue his own dreams, Gabi sees his family’s shop as his future.Trade Review"Café con Lychee quenched my thirst for the perfect queer enemies-to-lovers tale! With the most exquisitely picked ingredients—loveably cantankerous Theo, adorably awkward Gabi, delicious descriptions of treats, and relatable discoveries of love and sexuality—Emery Lee has yet again cooked up a world and characters I want to return to over and over!" — Jason June, author of Jay's Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue "Café Con Lychee is as sweet as the baked goods and boba that fill up its pages, along with the adorable enemies-turned-lovers romance at its heart." — Adiba Jaigirdar, author of The Henna Wars and Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating "Continuing to be THE master of tropes, Emery Lee's food filled, beautifully multicultural, enemies-to-lovers Café Con Lychee is everything that I love about eir books: humorous, sassy, the perfect amount of stress that keeps me obsessively captivated, and so incredibly gay." — Jonny Garza Villa, author of Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun and Ander and Santi Were Here "If enemies-to-lovers is what you’re hungry for, Emery Lee has something special on the menu for you. Café con Lychee is the confection of sweetness and sweethearts we all need right now!" — Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons “[A] touching and humorously told portrayal of intersections of culture, race, and sexuality, told through the lens of an inviting Romeo and Juliet–esque feud.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThe Little Princess is jealous – all her friends' dads can do amazing things. The Cook bakes delicious cakes: the King burns buns. The Gardener takes his daughter on adventure-walks through the forest: the King gets lost on his way to bed. When the Maid volunteers to do these things with the Little Princess, it looks like her problems are over. But what if she has more in common with her dad than she realises?Trade Review"Ross’s idiosyncratic royals and distinctive pencil and watercolor art relay the message that there’s no father like one’s very own." * Publishers Weekly *"The illustrations have the boundless energy that is the hallmark of Tony Ross, but are also full of warmth and affection." -- Andrea Reece * LoveReading4Kids *"Another delightful tale about the sparky little royal" * Newbury Weekly News *

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Book SynopsisDeep in the garden, one very tiny girl is about to go on a hugeadventure. Step inside Min's magical miniature world, and discoverthat you're never too small to be mighty!Melissa Castrillón's first picture book as author/illustrator isan exquisitely illustrated adventure with a bold, empowering message.

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Book SynopsisThe start of a swoony, high-energy duology that Emily Lloyd-Jones, author of The Bone Houses, calls reminiscent of classic fairytales yet brimming with a charm all its own.A world of glimmering fae that sparkles with mystery, adventure, and enchantment. Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us Iselia Seelie Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isoldebut as an autistic changeling left in the human world by the fae as an infant, she has always known she is different. Seelie's unpredictable magic makes it hard for her to fit inand draws her and Isolde into the hunt for a fabled treasure. In a heist gone wrong, the sisters make some unexpected allies and find themselves unraveling a mystery that has its roots in the history of humans and fae alike. Both sisters soon discover that the secrets of the faeries may be more valuable than any pile of gold and jewels. But can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister and herself?Housman's stunniTrade Review“Housman opens a portal to a world of glimmering fae and blistering magic where, to our autistic protagonist, humanity is just as daunting as the fantastical. Both meaningful and whirlwind-fun, Unseelie sparkles with mystery, adventure, and enchantment.” —Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us“Housman’s stunning debut is the sort of love letter only an autistic author could write. Fae canon has been waiting for this one.” —H.E. Edgmon, author of The Witch King“Reminiscent of classic fairytales yet brimming with a charm all its own.” —Emily Lloyd-Jones, author of The Bone Houses“Housman enchants readers with magical mischief, page-turning action, a tight-knit sisterhood, and secrets that forever change the way Seelie sees the faerie world... and herself." —Amparo Ortiz, Author of Blazewrath Games“This adventurous tale of sisterhood, found family, and wicked fae is a story told with authenticity and heart.” —Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge and Forestfall"Housman spins an imaginative tale that’s part heist and part quest, set against a fanciful backdrop of magic and mystery peopled by characters whose genuine chemistry and varyingly antagonistic personalities conjure a sweet found-family dynamic." —Publishers Weekly"An intriguing, magical debut." —Kirkus Reviews"Readers will enjoy Seelie’s sharp, contemporary voice, the nuanced sisterly relationship, the girls’ cozy enchanted wagon home, and Seelie’s growing acceptance of her own magic." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books"The autistic main character written by an autistic author [is] a breath of fresh air to readers who have made do with autistic coded characters and stereotypes." —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIn this fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies go codebreaking in Cairo in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.Codename Kathmandu, better known as Kat, loves logic and order, has a favorite eight-digit number, and can spot a pattern from a mile away. So when a series of cyberattacks hits key locations in London while the spies are testing security for the British Museum, it’s clear that Kat’s skill for finding reason in what seems like randomness makes her the perfect candidate to lead the job. And while the team follows the deciphered messages to Egypt and the ancient City of the Dead to discover who is behind the attacks and why, Kat soon realizes that there’s another layer to the mystery. With more players, more clues, and involving higher levels of British Intelligence than ever before, this mission is one of the most complex that the group has faced to date. And it’s also going to bring about a change to the City Spies…

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Book SynopsisWhen a ghost train is seen rattling into Belle-on-Sea, Bridget Vanderpuff must use her incredible powers of invention and detection to solve the mystery on her second spooky adventure… Belle-on-Sea is getting ready for the Night of the Hungry Ghosts, the spookiest time of the year. Mr Vanderpuff's bake will be the centrepiece of the whole parade, but he needs a new creation and he’s totally stumped. To make matters worse, salty old seadog, Captain Lufty, and his Hat Rat, Barry, have warned that something is coming to Belle-on-Sea. Something terrible… When a ghost train is seen rattling into town, and people start to go missing – first the librarian, then the Mayor – Bridget and Tom begin tracking the train’s tracks, delighted to be in the thick of another mystery. Then the unthinkable happens: the ghost train takes Mr Vanderpuff! Someone – or something – is out to destroy Belle-on-Sea. But they’ve forgotten one important detail… This is Bridget’s town. Bridget must save the missing people from their perilous prisons, rescue the parade, and come up with an idea for Mr Vanderpuff’s Hungry Ghosts bake, before it’s too late.Trade ReviewBridget is such a wonderfully-written character. Brave, loyal, determined and resourceful. Full of delightful details and some wonderful wordplay that make this an absolute joy to read. * Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library *Bridget Vanderpuff is the perfect recipe for a modern-day Matilda. * David Owen, author of Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief *Bridget is a deliciously flavoursome character and her adventures are sure to be gobbled up by eager readers in a single sitting. I'm sure I won't be the only one asking: "Please Sir, may I have some more?"' * Keith Gray, author of The Climbers *It’s so great to be back in Belle-on-Sea with Bridget...this exciting story is an absolute belter. * Erin Lyn Hamilton, My Shelves are Full *Bridget is the most wonderful heroine! Quirky, resilient and full of fun, she is a fantastic role model for readers – not to mention her magnificent hair! She inspires curiosity, creativity and invention. * Kate Heap, Scope for Imagination *Bridget Vanderpuff and the Ghost Train will once again sneak into your heart and give it a big squeeze. The writing is delicious and has the air of a timeless classic about it, making it a series that will be read for years. * K and O: Bonkers About Books *This book is a little fire cracker from start to finish. A fabulous middle grade story full of magic, adventure, mystery and silly humour throughout. * Emma Suffield, Little Blog of Library Treasures *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Eisner-nominated duo behind the instant bestseller Allergic comes a fun new graphic novel about finding your own space... especially when you''re in a family of nine!Eleven-year-old Avery Lee loves living in Hickory Valley, Maryland. She loves her neighborhood, school, and the end-of-summer fair she always goes to with her two best friends. But she''s tired of feeling squished by her six siblings! They''re noisy and chaotic and the younger kids love her a little too much. All Avery wants is her own room -- her own space to be alone and make art. So she''s furious when Theo, her grumpy older brother, gets his own room instead, and her wild baby brother, Max, moves into the room she already shares with her clinging sister Pearl! Avery hatches a plan to finally get her own room, all while trying to get Max to sleep at night, navigating changes in her friendships, and working on an art entry for the fair. And when Avery finds out that her family might move

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Book Synopsis“Anna Shinoda’s deeply informed story is not to be missed.” —Dr. Drew Pinsky, Celebrity Rehab and Teen Mom Family secrets cut to the bone in this mesmerizing debut novel about a teen whose drug-addicted brother is the prodigal son one time too many.There is a pecking order to every family. Seventeen-year-old Clare is the overprotected baby; Peter is the typical, rebellious middle child; and Luke is the can’t-do-wrong favorite. In their eyes, they are a normal, happy family. But sometimes it’s the people who are closest to us who are the hardest to see. Clare loves her older brother, Luke—it’s not his fault that he’s always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Life as Luke’s sister hasn’t been easy—their community hasn’t been nearly as forgiving of his transgressions as she and her parents are—but he’s done his time and is on his way home again, and she has to believe this time will be different. But when the truths behind his arrests begin to surface, everything Clare’s always known is shaken to its core. Clare has to decide if sticking up for herself and her future means selfishly turning her back on family…or if it’s the only way to keep herself from drowning along with them.

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Book SynopsisA stunning book for Christmas, written in Julia Donaldson's perfect, heartfelt rhyme, now as a chunky board book for little ones!

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Book SynopsisThe Join the Dots Detectives: Dot, Beans and McClusky are back on the case in a third, brand-new mystery!Dot and Beans can't wait for their school trip to Adventure Camp where they will do lots of exciting activities like zip-wiring, grass tobogganing and roasting marshmallows round a campfire! But once they arrive, strange things start happening. Could mean girl Laura could be up to her old tricks in a bid to win the Adventure Camp Prize? It's up to the Join the Dots Detectives to find out!Meanwhile, TOP DOG McClusky is entered into a local dog show! Will he keep up his training while Dot's away and win the prize for handsomest pooch?Trade Review‘It's funny, it's mysterious and you will be puzzled for a long time.’ – Aarav Mehta, age 7 ‘This book was amazing and I really enjoyed it.’ – Cassandra Butler, age 6 ‘I liked how Dot solved the mystery.’ – Ruby Laverty, age 6

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Book SynopsisMeet Ben Fletcher, an Adrian Mole for a new generationBen Fletcher must get to grips with his more 'feminine' side following an unfortunate incident with a lollipop lady and a stolen bottle of Martini Rosso from Waitrose.Trade ReviewWacky characters, a farcical plot and a fledgling romance are all part of the fun in this novel that will appeal to fans of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. (Fiction. 12-16) * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisIt's up to Jimmy, Robbie, Kayla and Rover the wonder-dog to rescueMr Mack from prison, avoid the orphan catchers and save the worldfrom an army of stroppy slugs. Will they succeed? There's only one way to find out...

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Book SynopsisThe hilarious adventures of everyone's favourite bear, Paddington, now a major movie star!''I''m not a foreigner,'' exclaimed Paddington hotly. ''I''m from Darkest Peru.''Paddington has always felt at home with the Brown family. Then one day, a mysterious visitor arrives at number thirty-two Windsor Gardens. Is it time for Paddington to decide where home' really is?For more than sixty years, Paddington Bear has touched the hearts of adults and children worldwide with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures.Trade ReviewPraise for the Paddington series: 'I've always had great respect for Paddington… He is a British institution.' Stephen Fry 'Paddington has joined Pooh as one of the great bears of English children's literature.' The Teacher 'Michael Bond's accident-prone bear…has become one of the most enduring of children's characters.' The Bookseller Praise for Paddington’s Finest Hour: “…a delight throughout…” Financial Times Praise for Love From Paddington: “…a jolly ride through the best of the Paddington tales” The Times “…a delightful collection…” Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisDot, her best pal Beans and TOP DOG McClusky are back on the case in a brand-new story!When Dot starts hearing strange noises at night she's convinced there must be something SPOOKY afoot. But before they can prove there's a ghost on the loose, Dot and Beans have to follow Ace Detective Fred Fantastic's golden rule: GET PROOF. Easier said than done when the suspect appears to be invisible!It's time to FOLLOW THAT HUNCH!

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Book SynopsisNumber One for Fiendish Fun!This book contains a HORRIBLE story, yucky healthy meals, a mad professor and a ZOMBIE vampire!Four utterly hilarious and totally brilliant Horrid Henry stories by Francesca Simon, with illustrations by Tony Ross. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure.Trade ReviewWe can never get enough of Horrid Henry - and the more horrid he is, the better he gets! * LIVERPOOL ECHO *Even with his horrid tricks, I will always give Henry 10/10 -- Niamh, age 8 * TESCO MAGAZINE *Younger kids and older readers alike will devour these uproarious stories. Horrid Henry is great fun and as irresistable as ever. * THE BOOKBAG *I have read Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire at least 3 times and I loved it. I am awarding it ONE MILLION STARS -- Dylan, age 8all new Horrid Henry stories are a joy to read... -- Sally Morris * DAILY MAIL *

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Book Synopsis A powerful and devastating YA novel about the redemptive power of truth and healing. 'An important book and a very impressive, ultimately hopeful, treatment of mental illness.' KIRKUS, STARRED REVIEW Tamar is admitted to Lime Grove, a psychiatric hospital for teenagers, where she's asked endless questions. Will you tell us what happened? How do you feel, on a scale of one to ten? But there's one question Tamar can't – won't – answer: What happened to her friend Iris? A uniquely powerful, devastating novel of friendship, fragility and guilt. Stunningly literary YA about one girl’s mental illness and the redemptive power of truth and healing. A shocking, moving and sometimes darkly funny depiction of life on a psychiatric ward, drawn from the true experience of the author.

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Book Synopsis'Isla Fisher is hilarious' DAVID WALLIAMS'Charming, funny, delightful: Marge is the babysitter all children would wish for' DAVID BADDIELZOOM! WHIZZ! MARGE IS ON THE MOVE!Life with Marge is NEVER boring! She has rainbow hair, goes skiing in the middle of summer and is the best babysitter anyone could wish for. And maybe - just maybe - Marge can help Jemima and Jakey work out who (or what) is at the end of the secret tunnel. The fourth fun family story in the MARGE IN CHARGE series, written by actor & comedian Isla Fisher and illustrated throughout by Eglantine Ceulemans.Trade ReviewPerfect for reading aloud, or for beginner readers... the plentiful illustrations make a good transition from picture books and add hugely to children's enjoyment. * Parents In Touch *This book deserves five stars because it's so funny and creative. I would certainly want a babysitter like Marge! My favourite part was..well...I don't know, I loved it all. It was entertaining, funny and you just wanted to read on. * Shell Louise *'My kids are young but my eldest enjoys books like this one read out loud to her at bedtime. I love the humour and the funny and charming stories. I love that Marge is mischievous and causes a lot of mayhem!' * A Mum Reviews *'The Marge In Charge books are lovely - fun and easy to read...The characters are very relatable, the relationship between Jakey and Jemima being a typical sibling love/hate friendship!' * Real Mum Reviews *'Jack loves the character of Marge - he thinks she is incredibly funny and yes, he would like a babysitter like her! When I asked for his thoughts on the series, he said 'Good....No, BRILLIANT!' and I can tell he is a big fan already. Here's hoping there is more in the series as Isla Fisher has created some fantastic characters who we can't to read more about...We are definitely impressed with these books and these make a great addition to Jack's bookshelves.' * I always believe in futures *'Marge and the Great Train Rescue (Piccadilly Press, £5.99), had us captivated from page 1' * Mummy in the City *Again my daughter loved it. It is well written so that she looks forward to the next page to find out what happened next. Three separate stories in the book, each with lots of descriptive words allowing the reader to fully imagine being there in the story. * Mojo Mums *These stories are brilliantly written, full of family-friendly humour and Marge is the sort of character we truly love to see in children's books * Read It Daddy *Offering manageable stories for school-age children whilst still offering them the excitement they are looking for within the plot line. Isla has a way of making whoever is reading the story become part of the adventure. Marge is funny and outrageous, and who wouldn't want her as their babysitter * Boo Roo and Tigger Too *I'd expected these books to be a little too much for my son to cope with reading alone seeing that he's only five, but he quickly proved me wrong. He loved the hilarity of the stories and instantly warmed to the characters and their high jinks. They make the perfect bedtime story as it's so easy to dip in and out of them. And they're quite simply a lot of fun. We certainly loved them * Mum Reinvented *Laugh out loud as you turn the pages of the fantastic book with its humorous heroine * Families Magazine *

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