Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories
Candlewick Press,U.S. Lonely Bird
Book Synopsis
£16.14
Candlewick Press,U.S. Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Candlewick Press,U.S. Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Candlewick Press,U.S. Never Trust a Gemini
Book Synopsis
£16.99
Candlewick Press,U.S. Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away
Book Synopsis
£8.54
Candlewick Press,U.S. Evelyn Del Rey se muda
Book Synopsis
£8.54
Candlewick Press,U.S. Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories
Book Synopsis
£13.59
Candlewick Press,U.S. Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor
Book Synopsis
£6.64
Candlewick Press,U.S. Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Candlewick Press,U.S. Maisy's Big Book of Kindness
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£15.29
Candlewick Press,U.S. The Concrete Garden
Book Synopsis
£16.14
Windmill Books The Unicorn and the Mermaid
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£9.25
Amazon Publishing We Are One
Book SynopsisFrom an award-winning author, a New York Times bestselling artist, and a Coretta Scott King Honor artist, lyrical text about how we are all one is paired with beautiful illustrations of two girls and their families. If you’re a star, I’m a moon. Together we dream. When we are together, we are one. Two girls—one from a city who lives with her mom, and one who lives by the beach with her dads and brother—come together at a lantern festival in a beautiful story of how we are all one, whether near or far, friend or newcomer. From an award-winning trio, this celebration of community, friendship, and the natural world features poetic, lyrical text paired with a vibrant visual tale of two characters, each illustrated by a different artist.Trade Review“Azúa Kramer offers up word pairs—seashell and wave, spark and idea—that provide creative metaphors of partnership in this idyllic picture of oneness through camaraderie…Employing smudgy, layered coloring, digital renderings from Figueroa and Mata portray figures of varying skin tones interacting…” —Publishers Weekly
£12.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Wolfboy Is Scared
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£16.14
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Sonny Says No!
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£14.44
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc The Vanquishers
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£8.54
Star Bright Books Pelican
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£12.34
Star Bright Books Arletis, Abuelo Y El Mensaje En La Botella
Book SynopsisWhen a little girl who loves maps and an old man who dreams of sailing the world connect through a message in a bottle, their communication inspires a visit that forges a lasting friendship, which expands both their worlds.
£7.99
Star Bright Books Arletis, Abuelo Y El Mensaje En La Botella
Book Synopsis
£16.14
Santa Monica Press Ventura and Winnetka
Book SynopsisThe author of Ventura and Zelzah follows up that critically acclaimed debut novel with Ventura and Winnetka, a stand-alone work that furthers the adventures of Douglas and his friends as they come of age in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley in the late 1970s. As seniors in high school, the gang spends their final year before college practicing crazy car stunts, getting high, obsessing about girls, passionately listening to the great rock and roll of the ’60s and ’70s, arguing about the Dodgers and the Lakers, and partying at the prom in powder blue tuxedos. From a West Hollywood porn theater to a punk rock club in Chinatown to the site of the Manson murders, the Valley boys also begin to spread their wings as they explore the city of Los Angeles, located “just over the hill” from where they live. Like Ventura and Zelzah, the stand-alone Ventura and Winnetka is a funny, poignant, and nostalgic coming-of-age tale about the relationships of teenagers on the verge of adulthood. The re-creation of the Valley culture of the late 1970s is palpable and magical.Trade ReviewComing-of-age in the 1970s is wildly fun and equally fraught. In this stand-alone novel, Bryan revisits the group of suburban California teens he introduced in Ventura and Zelzah (2022) a few years further along their journeys to adulthood. High school senior Douglas Efron narrates in an energetic first-person voice. The car accident that killed Weddy, one member of his friend group, still hurts, but Marco, Weddy’s cousin who attends high school with them, bring reminiscences of him and his love of fast cars. The novel’s busy plot, which follows the young men through their senior year, doesn’t so much surprise with twists as comfort with relatable elements: There’s Douglas’ gig with the school newspaper, the Woodrow Wilson Wire; his awkwardness around first love Natalia even as he finds a more serious and complicated relationship with classmate Annie; and multiple minor capers. These adolescent adventures include a ragtag football game called the Turkey Bowl, desperate attempts to secure fake IDs to see an X-rated movie, and experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Bryan writes with enthusiasm and economy in a voice appropriate to his teen protagonist and packs the story with colorful minor characters on the fringes of the action, like Kenny the Killer, Annie’s ex-boyfriend, and Ms. Pearlstein, faculty adviser for the school paper. An abundance of pop-culture references could also attract adult readers wanting a trip down Memory Lane. Breezy adolescent escapades in the Me Decade. (Fiction. 15-adult)—Kirkus Reviews “Ventura and Winnetka is a dead-on evocation of what it was like to grow up in the Valley in the ’70s. The stereo store scene, when the sales guy finally gets to the good speakers, had me laughing out loud. J.G. Bryan gets it right.”—Lou Mathews, Pushcart Prize-winning author of L.A. Breakdown and Shaky Town “A rollicking coming-of-age novel . . . . lively, profane, ribald, touching, hilarious, and ultimately uplifting.”—Historical Novel Society “It doesn’t matter that I grew up on the East Coast in the mid-to-late 1970s. What J.G. Bryan captures so faithfully in terms of dialogue and social environments clearly illustrates that no matter where you came of age, 1970's culture was as shared and communal as a bottle of Boone’s Farm Strawberry Wine being passed around at a Dave Mason concert. Douglas, the protagonist, and his motley crew of West Coast pals trip and cavort through cars, stereo shops, sex, record stores, and senior year with a desperate search for truth and meaning. With real life beginning to loom, the stakes grow higher as the ground begins to shift underneath them. Punk rock culture begins rearing its head as the “Me” decade approaches its close and Bryan manages to create a viscerally vivid universe that calls to mind American Graffiti, Dazed and Confused, and other great cinematic rite-of-passage films. The dialogue crackles with all of the warmth and authenticity of a record needle searching for that first groove at the head of the album. As the characters begin to come to grips with things like sickness and catastrophic car injuries, it’s as if we get to experience their growth in real-time. I felt like I was riding with these guys, sharing the same laughs and obsessing over the same girls and music. All that said, it doesn’t really matter what decade you grew up in. Ventura and Winnetka captures the essence of adolescence and teenage struggles, the drama, the camaraderie, and all of the fragile emotions that will always push this age group to the edge.”—Chris Epting, co-author of Dave Mason’s memoir Only You Know and I Know and author of It Happened Right Here: America’s Pop Culture Landmarks “Throughout the novel, Douglas’ growth as a teen is depicted in great detail. From experimenting with drugs and alcohol to finding his passion in writing and sales, the journey of his development is both captivating and enlightening. J.G. Bryan skillfully captures the dynamics of family, with Douglas’ mother playing a crucial role in supporting him through his trials and helping him overcome challenges. This portrayal of strong familial bonds adds a heartwarming touch to the narrative. . . . . I recommend this book to young adult readers who appreciate romance and stories of high school life, as it offers a thrilling glimpse into the past while remaining relevant to the present.”—YA Dude Books “Ventura and Winnetka is a funny, poignant look at the relationships of teenagers on the verge of adulthood.”—Valley Vantage
£11.55
Clavis Publishing Cat's New Friend
Book Synopsis"A gentle reminder that true friendship means putting others first." - Kirkus ReviewCat has a good life full of crazy adventures and a fridge full of food. However, he feels lonely sometimes. That changes when he meets Fish. They quickly become the best of friends and Cat never feels lonely when they are together. But Fish misses her family, and Cat realizes that in order to be a good friend, he should help Fish get home. A beautiful story about friendship and learning to let go. For children ages 5 years and up.Trade Review"Even a life filled with wild adventures, a cozy home, and plenty of food isn’t enough when there’s no one to share them with. In need of a friend, Cat goes out and buys one—a fish in a bowl. But Fish hides in terror every time the bewhiskered face looms outside her world. Cat laughingly assuages Fish’s fears—he’s not going eat her; he just wants a pal. Life is grand after that, and every day Cat tells Fish about his wonderful exploits…until he notices that Fish is wasting away. It turns out that living vicariously through Cat is not enough for poor Fish, who misses her family. He knows he’s going to miss her terribly, but Cat works out a way to get Fish back home again. Neither wants to lose their friendship, but they say goodbye and wish each other well. Later, Cat joyfully realizes he can still play with Fish in his dreams. Wang’s sweet story of an unlikely friendship touches on the importance of being sensitive to each other’s needs. Jiang’s detailed illustrations in soft pastels capture Cat and Fish’s life together. From Cat’s winsome home, which resembles a giant loaf of bread with a door shaped like a fish, to the welcoming tropical landscape, the perfect setting for a nearly perfect friendship shines through. A gentle reminder that true friendship means putting others first." - Kirkus Review
£12.59
Clavis Publishing Simple Gifts
Book SynopsisA warm story about the cheery hustle and bustle before Christmas and the most beautiful gift in the world: friendship! For animals and children ages 4 years and up.The animals of the forest are busy preparing a Christmas party. They each have their specialty: Bear weaves a mat of moss, Squirrel gathers tasty nuts, Deer makes apple cider, Fox bakes a delicious pie, and Owl writes a poem. And Rabbit? He doesn’t know what to do. But he’ll surely think of something, right? Trade Reviewcoming soon
£13.29
Clavis Publishing Taking Care
Book SynopsisA sweet story about friendship and caring for each other. For everyone ages 4 years and up.Piggy finds a baby hedgehog in the forest. He knows he has to help. So he takes the little one home and learns all about caring for it. But in his eagerness, Piggy forgets to take care of himself. Luckily, his friends are there for him. Trade Review"Caring for others is noble, but it can be exhausting. Now starring in his fifth book, Piggy finds a baby hedgehog in the forest. He picks it up gently and, unsure of its care, calls the veterinarian. Diligently complying with the vet’s advice, Piggy provides love, puts the little creature in a box with a blanket, and feeds it goat’s milk every three hours. Then Piggy feels tired (he isn’t shown in bed until after his charge is gone). But his friends worry enough to show up and help. Very soon—a day and a page later—the hedgehog sleeps through the night and feeds itself. Just a page more and the hedgehog is big, returning to the forest as Piggy wishes it luck. Sweet and subtle." -Kirkus Reviews
£13.29
Clavis Publishing A Compliment with Wings
Book SynopsisA warm, loving, and inspiring story that shows children what paying someone a compliment can do. For children ages 5 years and up.Sammy wakes up with a big smile on his face. When he pays his mother a compliment, he sets something special in motion. His compliment rises, flutters on, and inspires everyone in its path. Through his mother, his friend Moira, two teachers in love, and many others, it finally comes back to . . . guess who? How a few loving words can change the whole world! "Proof that one small act can have a very far reach." -Kirkus ReviewsTrade Review"A single ray of sun sets off a domino effect of good deeds and smiles. When Sammy wakes up, he can’t help but compliment his mother, who’s standing in the sunlight from the window, glowing. “You look so beautiful, Mom,” he tells her. This warms her heart, and she decides to surprise him with pancakes in his lunch box. When Sammy shares them with Moira at lunchtime, Mr. Silas sees the interaction and decides to muster the courage to ask Mr. Billy to dinner. Seeds from a dandelion puff soar through the pages, connecting one person to the next as their actions tumble over each other, setting off a chain reaction. Mr. Billy is so happy that he moves his classroom outdoors, and two students find a lost locket in the sandbox. This necklace belongs to Annie, whose mother gave it to her before she passed away. The story comes full circle as Annie’s family gets a dog from the shelter—where Sammy’s mom works. The special little pup is named after the boy whose compliment started it all. This soft-spoken Dutch translation, with downy, pastel art, calmly drifts along, matching the gentle floating of the dandelion fluff. Sammy, his mother, Mr. Billy, Annie, and most other characters present white, although characters of color, including brown-skinned Mr. Silas, are featured. Proof that one small act can have a very far reach." -Kirkus Reviews
£12.59
Clavis Publishing How Do You Become Friends with the Moon?
Book SynopsisSilver Medal Winner of the 2022 Key Colors Competition, the two-yearly national contest for illustrators of children’s books."Readers will delight in this enchanting book…and be eager to befriend the moon themselves." -Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)When three friends have many questions, they soon discover their greatest question of all: Will the moon ever come to stay with us? But no matter how hard they try to find the answer, she still doesn’t come. Until one special night . . . A sweet story about curiosity and friendship. For everyone ages 4 years and up.Trade ReviewSilver Medal Winner of the 2022 Key Colors Competition, the biannual national contest for illustrators of children’s books."Who’s never thought about the moon? A light-skinned, long-haired child and a green dragon pal wonder about the world. They seek answers to such imponderables as “How many songs can a bird sing?” and “How many different flowers are in the world”? Their equally inquisitive friends, an octopus and a cat, join them in their quest for answers. Their most crucial inquiry concerns the moon: “Would she ever come and stay with us?” The gang pore over books in search of answers, hold welcoming picnics for the moon, tell her stories, and play music—to no avail. Finally, they set out to find the moon. Success! Even better: She returns with them and drinks so much milk tea that she becomes fuller and rounder with each cup—until she’s tooround to stay. What to do? Child, dragon, octopus, and cat must return the moon to the sky and “welcome her back whenever she’d like…for more milk tea.” Kids will respond immediately to this sweet fantasy, told with an air of simple, breathless wonderment, and will gladly volunteer their own questions about the world and the moon. The delicate, airy illustrations, created with a limited, soft palette, appear on pages as if seen from a distance and suit the story beautifully. A recipe for milk tea for two is included. Readers will delight in this enchanting book…and be eager to befriend the moon themselves." -Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)
£12.59
Kane/Miller Book Publishers Code Breakers: Volume 2
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£6.24
Kane/Miller Book Publishers The Call of the Wild
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£7.77
Kane/Miller Book Publishers The Deep End
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£6.53
Kane/Miller Book Publishers The Night Fright
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£6.58
Kane/Miller Book Publishers Stolen Stash: Volume 5
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£6.66
Brown Books Publishing Group Let's Play Jegi
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£15.29
Brown Books Publishing Group Let's Play Gonggi
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£15.29
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. April & Mae and the Tea Party: The Sunday Book
Book SynopsisFans of King & Kayla and Charlie & Mouse will love this delightful beginning chapter book series that celebrates friendship every day of the week!It''s Sunday, and April and Mae are having their weekly tea party. Mae usually bakes goodies, and April always sings and dances. But this Sunday, April decides to try a new activity. When April''s juggling causes her to break Mae''s favorite teacup, the two friends navigate their first disagreement and eventually apologize and forgive each other.With imagination and humor, Every Day with April & Mae brings all there is to know and love about friendship to life in a way kids can both relate to and learn from making this a perfect fit for young readers ready to step up from picture books.
£7.17
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. April & Mae and the Book Club Cake: The Monday
Book SynopsisFans of King & Kayla and Charlie & Mouse will love this delightful beginning chapter book series that celebrates friendship every day of the week!It?s Monday, and April and Mae aren''t prepared for book club. To save time, April reads the book aloud while Mae bakes a cake for their friends. When they forget to add flour, some quick thinking helps the girls salvage the dessert. Sometimes a mistake can turn into something better than the original plan!With imagination and humor, Every Day with April & Mae brings all there is to know and love about friendship to life in a way kids can both relate to and learn from making this a perfect fit for young readers ready to step up from picture books.
£7.17
Interlink Publishing Group, Inc Much Too Busy
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£16.11
Red Comet Press LLC The Rescues Finding Home
Book SynopsisTwo shelter dogs await adoption in this early reader story about friendship, family, and home.Moose and Bear are two scrappy shelter dogs patiently waiting for the right owner to adopt them. They meet, become friends, and one day a Cathy decides to take them both home. Despite their luck, they must face the challenges of settling into their new home. Along the way, they learn about each other, and their friendship deepens. Told with humor and heart, Finding Home is a tale that champions the importance of family and relays how it feels to belong and to have a place to call home.
£8.99
Mascot Kids The Tangle Jangles
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£12.71
Mascot Kids You Are Special!
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£17.06
Mascot Kids The Wondrous Adventures of Julie O'Day: A Day at
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£16.96
Mascot Kids Guapo's Stories: Guapo's Great Rescue: Clay Finds
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£16.96
Mascot Kids Michael and Hannah and the Magic Money Tree
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£16.11
Mascot Kids The Adventures of Walter Worm and Benjamin Blue
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£11.66
Mascot Kids Kili and Nakoa
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£17.95
Mascot Kids Sam Says: You Are Born to Shine
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£17.95
Mascot Kids Hay
£17.06
Mascot Kids Paco and the Purple Porcupine (Paco Y El
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£16.96
Milk & Cookies Nellie in Knots: The Dog Olympics: With
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£11.39
Milk & Cookies Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace
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£15.19