Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories

Book SynopsisDear reader,There is nothing to be found in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events' but misery and despair. You still have time to choose another international best-selling series to read. But if you insist on discovering the unpleasant adventures of the Baudelaire orphans, then proceed with cautionViolet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they are exceptionally unlucky.In The Grim Grotto, the siblings face mushrooms, a desperate search for something lost, a mechanical monster, a distressing message from a lost friend, and tap dancingIn the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted.Despite their wretched contents, A Series of Unfortunate Events' has sold 60 million copies worldwide and been made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey. And in the future thingsTrade Review‘Perhaps A Series of Unfortunate Events is so special simply because Handler saw children as people. He took his readers seriously' – Guardian ‘Lemony Snicket is the new Harry Potter’ – Entertainment Weekly ‘Deliciously wicked and wonderful’ – The Times ‘Lemony Snicket is a publishing phenomenon’ – Independent ‘Harry Potter’s worst nightmare’ – Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisDear reader, There is nothing to be found in Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ but misery and despair. You still have time to choose another international best-selling series to read. But if you insist on discovering the unpleasant adventures of the Baudelaire orphans, then proceed with caution…Trade Review‘Perhaps A Series of Unfortunate Events is so special simply because Handler saw children as people. He took his readers seriously' – Guardian ‘Lemony Snicket is the new Harry Potter’ – Entertainment Weekly ‘Deliciously wicked and wonderful’ – The Times ‘Lemony Snicket is a publishing phenomenon’ – Independent ‘Harry Potter’s worst nightmare’ – Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewGubler’s quirky, goofy, and easily palatable tale; it offers an evergreen message that is a staple of children’s literature. A feel-good read reaffirming the power of empathy. * Kirkus Reviews *Straightforward prose delivers a heartfelt ode to finding beauty in different perspectives, fostering connection in shared experiences, and approaching others with empathy and kindness. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThe thought of making new friends turns Kerry Koala's tummy upside down. But luckily Miss Molly's treetop school is there to help. Here Kerry will learn how to start conversations, take turns and play fairly, and work through disagreements and apologise - as well as understand different kinds of friendship and how they can change and grow. A perfect way to start conversations with children about making friends, with humour, fun and a cast of lively animal characters.

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Book SynopsisBig Cat Phonics for Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised has been developed in collaboration with Wandle Learning Trust and Little Sutton Primary School. It comprises classroom resources to support the SSP programme and a range of phonic readers that together provide a consistent and highly effective approach to teaching phonics.Dreena and Scarlet are twins and when Dreena becomes ill and loses her hair, Scarlet decides to donate her hair so that people like Dreena can have nice wigs. A beautiful and touching story of friendship and empathy in the face of adversity.

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Book SynopsisNew girl Hattie hopes a scarecrow will protect her den at school, but she soon realises she can’t control him … A darkly comic tale from acclaimed author Nicola Skinner. When lonely Hattie feels out of place at her new school, she creates a scarecrow – Crow. Hattie wants him to guard the den she finds in the playground, the only place she feels happy and comfortable. Poor Crow really just wants to have fun with the other children, but he takes his job for Hattie very seriously and his behaviour starts to get scarier and scarier. Will Hattie realise that Crow is ruining her chance to make new friends before it’s too late?Trade Review"A darkly comic tale about a girl's anxiety over starting a new school" – The Times Children's Books of the Year "A short and slightly creepy story about being careful what you wish for, with added Frankenstein vibes! A great story to share with those starting a new school or struggling to fit in." – Midlands Creative Learning Services "Nicola Skinner's brilliant humour brings the scarecrow to life which causes all sorts of problems for Hattie … a sweet story about loneliness and making friends." – The School Librarian "Darkly humorous, emotionally intelligent and astutely aware supernatural schoolyard story … Crow’s deliciously dark personality serves up some fabulously funny moments with that slight macabre edge … will go down very well with any child who is experiencing upheaval in their own lives." – A Word About Books, Blog

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Book SynopsisThere is nothing to be found in the pages of A Series of Unfortunate Events but misery and despair.You still have time to choose another international best-seller to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on The Carnivorous Carnival contains such a distressing story that consuming any of its contents would be far more stomach-turning than even the most imbalanced meal. To avoid causing discomfort, it would be best if I didn't mention any of the ingredients of this story, particularly a confusing map, an ambidextrous person, an unruly crowd, a wooden plank and Chabo the Wolf Baby. Your time might be better filled with something more palatable such as eating your vegetables or feeding them to someone else.In the tradition of great storytellers, from Dickens to Dahl, comes an exquisitely dark comedy that is both literary and irreverent, hilarious and deftly crafted.Despite their wretched contents, ''A Series of Unfortunate Events''has sold60 millioncopies worldwide and been made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey. And in the future things are poised to get much worse, thanks to the forthcoming Netflix series starring Neil Patrick Harris. You have been warned.Are you unlucky enough to own all 13 adventures?The Bad BeginningThe Reptile RoomThe Wide WindowThe Miserable MillThe Austere AcademyThe Ersatz ElevatorThe Vile VillageThe Hostile HospitalThe Carnivorous CarnivalThe Slippery SlopeThe Grim GrottoThe Penultimate PerilThe EndAnd what about All The Wrong Questions? In this four-book series a 13-year-old Lemony chronicles his dangerous and puzzling apprenticeship in a mysterious organisation that nobody knows anything about:Who Could That Be at This Hour?'When Did you Last See Her?'Shouldn't You Be in School?'Why is This Night Different from All Other Nights?'Lemony Snicket was born before you were and is likely to die before you as well. He was born in a small town where the inhabitants were suspicious and prone to riot. He grew up near the sea and currently lives beneath it. Until recently, he was living somewhere else.Brett Helquist was born in Ganado, Arizona, grew up in Orem, Utah, and now lives in New York City. He earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Brigham Young University and has been illustrating ever since. His art has appeared in many publications, includingCricketmagazine andThe New York Times.Trade Review‘Perhaps A Series of Unfortunate Events is so special simply because Handler saw children as people. He took his readers seriously' – Guardian ‘Lemony Snicket is the new Harry Potter’ – Entertainment Weekly ‘Deliciously wicked and wonderful’ – The Times ‘Lemony Snicket is a publishing phenomenon’ – Independent ‘Harry Potter’s worst nightmare’ – Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisZara and Adnan are just friends. Always have been, always will be. Even if they have to pretend to be girlfriend and boyfriend... Zara loves love in all forms: 90s romcoms and romance novels and grand sweeping gestures. And she's desperate to have her own great love story. Crucially, a real one. So when her best friend Adnan begs her to pretend to date him to cover up his new top-secret relationship, Zara is hesitant. This isn't the kind of thing she had in mind. But there's something in it for Zara too: making her parents, who love Adnan, happy might just stop them arguing for a while. She may not be getting her own love story, but she could save theirs. So Zara agrees and the act begins: after all, how different can pretending to be in a relationship with your best friend be to just hanging around with them like usual? Turns out, a lot. With fake dating comes fake hand-holding and fake kissing and real feelings... And when Trade ReviewThis delightful romantic comedy takes a thoughtful look at romance tropes and expectations, full of heart and candour. -- Fiona Noble * The Observer *Funny, heartwarming and wholly original, This Is How You Fall In Love is a fast-paced rom-com that takes all the classic tropes and puts its own delightful spin on them. An absolute joy to read! -- Ravena Guron, author of THIS BOOK KILLSFunny and charming, This Is How You Fall In Love is a love story that will have you swooning! -- Adiba Jaigirdar, author of HANI AND ISHU'S GUIDE TO FAKE DATINGA humorous and heartfelt romcom for fans of Holly Bourne * The School Librarian *I would highly recommend this book to those who love a good romcom story mixed with friendship and the life of a teenager. * ReadingZone *

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Book SynopsisHe has all sorts of friendship goals in mind, like riding bikes together, going to the movies together, and even solving mysteries together!Trade ReviewFeuti’s art is bright and expressive. Clean lines, plenty of white space between panels, and a clear narrative arc with three short chapters make this a solid choice for emerging readers. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe third story in the heart-warming, inclusive and funny Dream Team series about three big F''s: friends, football and following your dreams!Hey! My name''s Naomie Osei, but my friends call me Mensa, cos I''m supposed to be the clever one among my friends, the Fabulous Four. Normally I''m the one with all the answers, but right now I''m struggling to figure out our future.I mean, how do I break it to my friends that I might not be going to the same high school as them next term? Is my sax-playing good enough for the big solo at the Midsummer Concert? And can Bramrock''s top girl''s football team, the Dreamers, save our library from closing?Since I can''t tell the future, I kind of want to press pause and stay in the present a bit longer. But as that''s impossible, I suppose I''ll have to do what I''m best at and work out the solution . . .Trade ReviewReviews for The Dream Team: Jaz Santos vs. The World: Exciting, original and heart-warming * Jacqueline Wilson *

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Book SynopsisIn this funny and heartfelt slice-of-life graphic novel for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller, when coding whiz Zoey goes from homeschooled to new school, she develops an app to help her make friends. Will the Cool Code help Zoey fit in? Or will it completely crash her social life?In an attempt to fit in, Zoey develops an app called the Cool Code with a cute llama avatar that will tell her everything from what to say to what to wear based on pop culture algorithms she’s uploaded.But when the app gives her ridiculous advice, awkwardness and hilarity ensues. With a few upgrades and a bit of debugging from the coding club, the app actually works—Zoey gets really popular . . . and gets her pulled in all kinds of directions, including away from her real friends.Life’s most complicated choices. . . is there a code for that?Trade Review“Mai’s bright, full-color art is reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier’s and should instantly appeal to her fans.” — Kirkus Reviews “A humorous exploration of cracking the middle school social code for anyone craving more personified snarky llamas in their lives.” — School Library Journal "Mai's full-color artwork is inviting and cartoony, complete with noodle arms and exaggerated eyes, but the app avatar C.C., a pink llama, is simply adorable and certainly the star of the show. An easy and engaging pick for STEM-loving middle-graders." — Booklist

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Book SynopsisYou''ve met Duggee and the Squirrels, now meet their new friends; Peggee and the Hummingbirds!Everything that these new friends do is a little bit different, but the everyone soon learns that they have lots in common!This lovely board book is all about making friends, playing together and having a great time!One more thing... DUGGEE HUG!Want more Duggee? Also available:Hey Duggee: The Colour BadgeHey Duggee: The Sharing Badge Hey Duggee: Happy Birthday Tag!

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Book SynopsisIn this story in the Owl and Bird series of full-color board books Owl and his friends are on the go, using various transport and in engaged in a variety of activates requiring motion. This amusing beginner book, with bold, bright illustrations and simple text, introduces young readers to various modes of transport and forms of motion, with simple vocabulary.

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Book Synopsis Part road-trip drama, part comedy and part romance, This is Not the End packs a huge pop-culture punch with a twist - perfect for fans of Adam Silvera! 'Road-trip drama meets comedy and romance' BIG ISSUE NORTH Ever since the sudden deaths of his parents, seventeen-year-old Hugh has developed a serious preoccupation with endings – and things get a little complicated when he meets Olivia Moon, a high-school outcast who can’t die. But if he wants to learn more about her impossible power, he’ll have to drive Olivia to New York and help retrieve a stolen crate of her most treasured possessions. As his feelings for Olivia grow, Hugh embarks on a road trip he’ll never forget. Can she help him to accept that unsatisfying, messy endings are just a part of life? An unforgettable contemporary YA debut with a unique twist Follows two teens trying to figure out their own stories Perfect for fans of TikTok hits such as Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End

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Book SynopsisDuck and Bear are BACK but where has Bear gone? And what will Duck do without him?Duck just wants to hang out with his best buddy, bear.But Bear's gone fishing for a whole week.What will Duck do without Bear? And more importantly, how will Bear survive without him?From the bestselling creators of Goodnight Already! and I Love You Already! comes a fun-filled, laugh-out-loud adventure about friendship and family, from the bestselling author Jory John and award-winning illustrator Benji Davies.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR, IRISH BOOK AWARDSAn extraordinary collaboration between Irish Children's Laureate, Eoin Colfer, and picture book superstar, Oliver Jeffers!Sometimes, with a little electricity, or luck, or even magic, an imaginary friend might appear when you need one. An imaginary friend like FredFred floated like a feather in the wind until a lonely little boy wished for him and found a friendship like no other.The perfect chemistry between Eoin Colfer's text and Oliver Jeffer's artwork make for a dazzlingly original colour gift book.Trade Review“The first collaboration from two children’s books superstars (it also marks Colfer’s picture book début) is a quirky and comical delight, bursting with warmth and wit.” Bookseller ”Jeffers’s spidery vignettes are perfectly synced to Colfer’s bubbly, confiding narrative.” Publishers Weekly [USA]

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Book SynopsisMoving to a new town can be a scary experience, especially when all of your things begin to come alive! In this whimsical, thrilling new series, a lonely boy named Iggie forms an unlikely band of heroes to overcome adversity and discover the importance of true friendship.2023 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL FOR CHILDREN READING LIST HONOREENine-year-old Iggie is the new kid in the town of Peculiar Woods, and nothing about his new home is familiar. So how is he supposed to make friends when he's not allowed to talk to strangers? On his first night in the strange new town, Iggie gets lost in the woods, where he discovers he can speak to inanimate objects. He soon teams up with his blanket, Faye, a talking chair and yoga enthusiast named Boris, and a pair of spirited chess pieces, and sets out on an epic quest to help his new friends solve their problems. Along the way, Iggie and friends encounter the nefarious washing machine, Lazarus Gallington, and begin to uncover the mystery of the flooded town. Throughout his epic quest, Iggie discovers the value of friendship while also discovering what needs to be done to save the entire village—before it's too late! With a rich, enchanting story and artwork reminiscent of The Brave Little Toaster, Adventure Time, Hilda, and other children's classics, Peculiar Woods will enchant young readers with its stories of unlikely heroism, friendship, and adventure.Trade Review“[A] gently eerie graphic novel series opener. [S]oftly rounded illustrations rendered in an autumnal palette depict Iggie’s loneliness and struggle to fit in, and personify the objects’ bizarre personalities, to deliver a cozy adventure.” (Publishers Weekly)“Imaginative worldbuilding and adventure mixed with unique characters and quirky humor.” Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Reviews)“Cartoonish illustrations just this side of absurd and a balance of witty and meaningful dialogue clearly distinguish the inanimate objects’ characteristics and personalities, while the breezy panels expertly pace the heroes’ quest[.]” (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)"This offbeat story utilizes the fantasy genre admirably, teaching young readers about the importance of friendship and showing how fear can often be the fuel for true courage and bravery. Peculiar Woods features excellently paced illustrations and full-color panel work that help elevate the story." (Booklist)

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Book SynopsisMelrose has lost his smile will Little Green Croc help him to find it again? This glowing picture book from the creator of the Blue Kangaroo series is perfect for sharing with little children who are making friends.When Melrose loses his smile, he worries that he won''t be able to find it again. But Little Green Croc takes him to the countryside and sure enough, his smile returns! A heart-warming tale about the power of friendship.A story map on pages 26 and 27 supports children in recapping the main events in the story.Orange/Band 6 books offer varied text and characters, with action sustained over several pages.Ideas for reading at the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

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Book SynopsisA tiny, delicately illustrated picture book for young children and animal lovers that holds a world of emotion conveying a friendship between an energetic puppy and a new kitten. Little dog George isn’t sure about the new kitten that appears in their home. George sniffs Tao, they look at each other, they wag and wave their tails. Then they start to play. George and Tao are best friends! But George is too excited and Tao gets hurt. Now Tao is gone. George looks everywhere, then waits—all morning, all afternoon, all night. Will Tao come home? George's overenthusiastic friendship comes to a sudden stop, turns to worry, a long wait and then finally an outburst of pure doggy joy when Tao comes home. This puppy and kitten encapsulate everything about being small, and the intensity of the now-moment. With beautiful and irresistible animal illustrations, this warm friendship story that touches the heart is an ideal gift book for pet lovers of any age. Ideal for families to use as a tool for talking about a new baby or sibling in the home with themes of friendship, overenthusiasm, different styles and overreaching boundaries. A lovely size for small hands, George and Tao is a story for anyone who knows the thrill of finding a new friend. Translated from the French edition by Daniel Hahn.Trade Review"This cozy tale is ideal bedtime fare...a darling ode to friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews"Resist if you are able!" -- Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production"irresistibly sweet." -- Youth Services Book Review, starred review"Exquisite." -- Read Plus, Australia"Simple but evocative illustrations complement the effective, brief narrative." -- Reading Rockets, USA

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Book SynopsisA missing budgie inspires an unlikely friendship between a young boy and his elderly neighbour in this touching Little Gem from award-winner and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. A lost little budgie brings together a young boy and his seemingly grumpy older neighbour in this touching Little Gem from award-winner and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. Mr Buxton is always having a go at Miles and his friends for climbing the trees outside their tower block. Miles thinks he’s just a grumpy old man but when he finds a lost little budgie, Miles also discovers that he and Mr Buxton have more in common than he could ever have imagined.Trade Review"This moving and lyrical story is pitched perfectly at young readers. It is short and accessible, yet full of empathy and compassion, with beautiful illustrations. Pippin shines brightly out of the artwork, echoing the brightness he brings to everyone’s lives." – BookTrust "I did not expect the plot of this lovely book to go the way it did, and it was such a beautiful thing." – Lesley Parr, author "A beautifully crafted, poetic and poignant story" – The Guardian "A beautifully rounded story full of his hallmark humanity and love of nature." – LoveReading4Kids “Joseph Coelho and David Barrow have created something wonderful. And ‘reluctant reader’ experts Barrington Stoke have preserved all of the soft beauty & textures of Joseph’s prose.” – Letterbox Library

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Timmy Failure, and the previous Stick Dog books, Tom Watson’s hilarious Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti will be gobbled up even by reluctant readers.It’s slippery.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“By the end, readers will be itching for more… A captivating and satisfying queer fantasy.” — Kirkus Reviews “Dazzling and creative… This sterling start to a high fantasy series features creative world-building, nuanced and witty characters, good versus evil, a perilous quest, and a touch of romance for both queer and straight characters. Recommended for most fantasy lovers.” — School Library Journal “Masters of character-driven stories, Jones and Bennett yet again deliver with a foul-mouthed thief, an enchanting fae prince, a headstrong woman, and an ex-Queensguard, to name only a few…Though the dreamy fae-mortal romance doesn't flourish until the latter half, fans of the authors will happily subsist on the story's consistent sharp-witted voice alone.” — Booklist “Classic YA fantasy tropes break into a fast-paced fantasy revolution whose heart, grit, and consequences are more than the sum of its parts… A smart, stakes-loaded LGBTQ fantasy well worth sticking with, for fans of Six of Crows and Megan Whalen Turner.” — Publishers Weekly Praise for Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett: “Havemercy is an absolute charmer of a book: at once exciting, romantic, and funny.” — Kirkus Reviews “These ladies write like a house on fire, delivering fantasy’s most pleasant surprise since Temeraire himself took wing in 2006...An impressive debut.” — SFReviews.net “Delicious! The characters are unique, entrancing and believable: dinner-party guests you never want to see go home. I will gladly walk again in this city, now that I know my way around.” — Ellen Kushner, author of The Privilege of the Sword “A dazzling cast memorable characters! Havemercy is a wonderful debut from two talented new authors.” — Lynn Flewelling, author of Shadows Return “[The authors] vividly convey the testosterone-saturated world of fantasy fighter pilots in this fast-paced debut.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Timmy Failure, and the previous Stick Dog books, Tom Watson’s hilarious Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti will be gobbled up even by reluctant readers.It’s slippery.

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Book SynopsisDavid Suárez gets stuck in the middle of a prank war when the neighborhood twins and triplets compete to rule the school.Trade Review"A good choice to grow any early chapter book collection." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisTHE MOONLIGHT MAGIC CLUB ARE IN FOR A WILD RIDE IN THEIR NEXT ADVENTURE!Foxglove is a smart, independent teen witch, whose animal familiar is a sassy talking cat. She makes up exactly one quarter of the Moonlight Magic Club, alongside naive Scarlett, impulsive Pandora, and perfectionistic Maya.Under the guidance of their mentor, Aunt Sandy, the members of the club are earning their witchcraft badges. They use their magic to help other people through secret acts of kindness, and are working on solving the unexplained mysteries of their home, Moonlight Valley.In this adventure ...When the Moonlight Magic Club accidentally bring home a stowaway creature from an enchanted realm, things take a chaotic turn. Everybody''s magic is playing up! Can our favorite witches resist casting any spells until things are put right? Too late - Foxglove''s magic has misfired and now Pandora and Maya find themselves in each

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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

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Scottish Teenage Book Prize 2019Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2018Quick-witted, sharp-tongued Connor Lambert won't take it any longer: the bullying, the secrets, the sympathy. He's been dying from cancer for years, but he’s not dead yet. He's going down fighting.Forming an unlikely friendship with fellow juvenile delinquent Skeates, the pair stage a break out and set off on a crazy tour across Scotland -- dodging the police, joy riding and extreme partying -- to find Connor's dad, an inmate at Shotts prison. But Connor's left two things behind -- the medication he needs to keep him alive, and the girl who makes living bearable. A fresh and bold debut novel full of heart, guts and raw emotion. Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist is a brilliantly funny, thrilling exploration of friendship, identity and mortality populated with witty, sharply drawn characters.Trade Review'This book draws the reader in with the ups and downs of both boys' lives -- recommended.'-- School Library Connection'Sweet , [...] incredibly funny, and tremendously exciting.'-- The Bookwitch'A bold and brilliant debut.'-- Keith Gray, author of Ostrich Boys and Creepers'I normally dislike books about dying teens, but this one had me feeling all the feels. I laughed (often), my heart raced during the get-aways, and yes, I even cried. Real tears!'-- Cindy Huskey, GoodReads'I enjoyed the writing a lot. I also loved the unique voice the main character has. His life is very tragic but he's just so inspiring. I can't wait to hold the physical copy in my hands.'-- NetGalley'Think John Green with a heavy dose of modern Scottish culture.'-- Goodreads'[The book] celebrates friendship and making the most of life. It is a really uplifting read.'-- Lisa Talks About'A fun read... I liked the characters and the unexpected bromance between Connor and Skeates.'-- My Paper Infinity'A life-affirming read and a great adventure'-- Groomsport Parish magazine'[A] very emotional story, but at the same time was absolutely hilarious! I really enjoyed reading Connor and Skeates' adventure across Scotland and all the ups and downs they faced along the way... The characters were realisitic and funny, the storyline was exciting and it was hard to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers looking for a quick, funny and emotional read.'-- Julia Narine, Boroughmuir High'I loved that the novel was set in Scotland! I liked the characters Connor and Skeates, and enjoyed the evolution of their relationship which was really sweet. It was exciting to read as you never knew what trouble or difficulty they would run into... overall I think it was a great debut novel.'-- Mairi McBrien, Boroughmuir High'Normally I don't like this type of YA book, but what I really liked about this one was the Scottish setting. It's like John Green but with a little bit of Scottish culture... I would recommend this book to people who like reading YA books about reality, and people who enjoy stories set outside the US, because the Scottish setting is a great bonus.'-- Joana Dimitrova, Craigmount High'OMG this book was a major tearjerker for me. Connor and Skeates have an unusual friendship but aren’t all friendships? The fact that Connor has terminal cancer but is trying to live his life to the fullest is heart-warming. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this!'-- Goodreads-Taylors Reviews'A couple of unique twists. More importantly, the background attitude is unique.' -- NetGalley reader

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Book Synopsis Perfect for fans of Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series! 'Highly recommend for reluctant readers' SCHOOL READING LIST 'A big-hearted, comic-style adventure full of thrills, spills and laughter' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST Finn loves drawing comic strips featuring his two cartoon heroes, Arley and Tapper. But after being teased at school, he finds he can't draw them any more - and is shocked to see them climbing out of his sketchbook for real! With the help of his friend Isha, Finn needs to find a way to draw them back to their comic world - and quickly ... A brilliant action-packed comic series for readers aged 8-12, illustrated by Phil Corbett! A big-hearted adventure about celebrating individuality, friendship and true loyalty. Deals with children’s insecurities, worries and the debilitating effect of anxiety with a lightness of touch. Author Tom Ellen is the co-author of three books for teens, including Lobsters, shortlisted for the YA Book Prize.

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Book SynopsisWINNER: CBCA Book of the Year, Early Childhood, 2020My friend Fred eats dog food for breakfast.I think dog food is disgusting.My friend Fred howls at the moon.I don't know why.He does a lot of funny things. But even though we are different, Fred is my best friend.'Acclaimed, prize-winning author Frances Watts demonstrates with this charming story that a simple idea executed with wit and imagination can bring deep joy and repeated pleasure to book lovers...a book that children and parents will likely love to re-visit at bedtime.' Reading Time

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA solid purchase where Pete is cool. — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA tender (and humorous!) look at the way tough emotions can make us feel stuck and how the presence of a good friend and a deep belly laugh can make it easier to get through stormy feelings. Complete with back matter to help stuck readers feel better through noticing, smelling, talking, and taking a deep breath, this is a perfect pick for those who loved Grumpy Monkey and The Rabbit Listened.“Stuck?” asks Duck. Yep, Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can’t seem to get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is STILL. STUCK.Is there anyone who can help? This wise and humorous story reminds us that when we’re feeling down, sometimes what we need most is a friend by our side—and a deep belly laugh—to help us get back on our feet again.  A social-emotional learning story about how to navigate frustrating emotions. Features a sweet and funny friendship. Charming artwork depicts adorable, instantly lovable characters. Includes tips for practicing mindfulness. Trade Review"Mills’ bright, cartoonish watercolors are enticing. The help of a good friend resolves a sticky situation in this sweet tale." — Kirkus Reviews "The possum’s comforting companionship will convince even the youngest child that sometimes just being with a friend in trouble can help." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisRat has a magic wishing hat and let's his friends have a wish, but it all goes terribly wrong when they all want a second wish. This fun, decodable story is beautifully written and illustrated by Laura Hambleton.Red B/Band 2B books offer simple but varied text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development and a satisfying conclusion.Text type: A story with a predictable structure and patterned language.Pages 1415 provide an opportunity for children to recap the story.Curriculum links: PSHE.This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisMeet RORY BRANAGAN he eats bad guys for breakfast. Well, not ACTUALLY. But he IS the best detective in town. Second in a hilarious illustrated comedy-crime book series for kids.Hello. I am Rory Branagan. I am ACTUALLY a detective.One day, I will be the biggest detective in the world! And I will find out what happened to my DadBut today, a CRIME has been committed on my OWN road. Someone is stealing dogs!What if they try to take Wilkins Welkin my best friend who is also a sausage dog?I need to find these stinking baddies and I need to stop them!And THAT, friends, is what Rory does, with the help of his Accomplice, Cassidy, in a BOOMTASTIC adventure involving dogs, cats, a wheelie bin chariot, a brave and daring rescue and Mrs Welkin, who fights crime in quite a surprising way. (Just you wait! Just you wait!) There are seven books in the RORY BRANAGAN (DETECTIVE) series and this is the second. Perfect for readers aged 8 and up.Trade Review Praise for Rory Branagan (Detective) ‘I read it COVER to COVER immediately. I absolutely loved it and it put a smile the size of the Grand Canyon on my face. It is so delightful … Ralph's quizzical, characterful and charming illustrations are the perfect foil to that Clover storytelling magic, full of humour, genuinely thrilling and moving to boot.' Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild trilogy ‘The Rory Branagan books are fun, fast, and child friendly. The perfect link between picture books and full length novels. If your children like books like The Diary of a Wimpy kid, they'll love these.' Adam Baron, author of Boy Underwater ‘I adore Rory Branagan, Detective … perfect for children who love graphic novels, laughter, and actual mysteries. Illustrations (by Ralph Lazar) are hilarious, full of motion, and propel you from page to page because they're irresistible. Gobble up one of these books in an hour or pace yourself to make them last. Five out of five stars!’ Alison McGhee, New York Times bestselling author ‘Words and illustrations are both very funny and surprisingly touching … A great new series for young readers.’ LoveReading4Kids ‘A totally addictive page-turning storyline … Incredibly clever.’ The Bookbag ‘A pure page turner … So good I bought it at lunch and had it finished before I went to bed. Every page is packed with comedy adventure and beautiful illustrations.' Joseph, aged 11 'I loved the book, it was great. It took me one day to read because I couldn't put it down.' G, aged 9 'A very good book. It's very inspirational and shows you to keep trying and don't let anyone put you down. You can be whatever you want to be so follow your dreams. Even if you're small, you can do big things!' Reader, aged 9

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Book SynopsisThe Parent Trap meets The Holiday in this heartwarming and funny story of two girls, one American and one British, who become friends and confidantes when their families swap houses, from the acclaimed author of Glitter Gets Everywhere.Allie is British and dreams of being a spy.Trade Review"A charming novel positioned as The Parent Trap meets The Holiday about life’s surprises as well as the trials and rewards of family life." — Publishers Weekly "A tender story of two girls navigating complicated family lives and two poignant storylines that illustrate the value of learning to have hard conversations." — Kirkus Reviews "A strong, heartwarming coming-of-age tale--will warm readers’ hearts." — School Library Journal "Well-paced." — Booklist PRAISE FOR Glitter Gets Everywhere: “Joy, sorrow, humor, hope—this book has it all. I loved every page. Kitty and I would have been great friends.” — Erin Entrada Kelly, author of Newbery Medal winner Hello, Universe and Newbery Honor winner We Dream of Space "Delightful and utterly compelling. Glitter Gets Everywhere sparkles like the gem that it is." — Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain, Reign “Kitty Wentworth draws readers into her personal journey through grief with surprising honesty and abundant humor. A touching debut that brims with authenticity. Well done!” — Leslie Connor, National Book Award Finalist, and author of A Home for Goddesses and Dogs "A heartfelt novel that is sure to touch readers deeply, Glitter Gets Everywhere offers a gentle exploration of grief, sprinkled with moments of humor worthy of Louise Rennison. Kitty is an immensely loveable character, and middle graders will find her transatlantic adventures relatable, poignant and honest. I loved this book!"—Ali Standish, award-winning author of The Ethan I Was Before — Ali Standish, award-winning author of The Ethan I Was Before "This tender, witty debut made me cry, laugh, and think deeply. Glitter Gets Everywhere sparkles with insights about the beautiful, complicated ways people move forward after a heartbreaking loss." — Laurie Morrison, Author of Up for Air and Saint Ivy "The well-drawn characters are distinctive individuals who see things from different points of view. The narrative engages readers with its well-paced story and articulate portrayal of emotions. Clark portrays Kitty and her circle of family and friends with perception, wit, and finesse in this absorbing first novel." — Booklist (starred review) "The heart-rending topic; the well-drawn family relationships; and Kitty’s brave, honest, and often funny responses to her tragedy are the soul of this book. Heartfelt and comforting." — Kirkus Reviews "Clark offers a solid depiction of therapy as positive and sometimes necessary. Throughout, Kitty deals with her grief openly and honestly, doing her best to work through it. A touching story of grief and change." — School Library Journal "With a deeply introspective bent that delves into the darkness of grief and the light found on the other side, Clark’s tender debut will strike a chord with readers who have experienced the loss of a loved one." — Publishers Weekly "Kitty is a perceptive narrator, keenly aware of the emotional currents around her. Clark’s characters, both adult and child, are fully realized and slightly eccentric without being caricatures. The book takes a thoughtful approach to grief and recovery, exploring Kitty’s emotional growth in a nondidactic way." — The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisMaybe if she were decorated like the Christmas tree, her little girl would notice her again.And so Tiny Cactus makes a wish—to be special, to be noticed, to be a part of the magic of Christmas. With the support of her friend and some Christmas magic, Tiny Cactus learns that wishes can come true if you believe hard enough.Trade ReviewLittle readers will be delighted by the holiday magic …This succulent successfully steals the spotlight from the ever-present evergreens. — Kirkus Reviews Kang’s enchanting illustrations are perfect for young children. An excellent addition to a holiday collection. — School Library Journal (starred review) The spiky protagonist makes a holiday wish, which remains ungranted through Christmas Day—until nature delivers a wondrous surprise. Kang uses charcoal, pencil, ink, and digital techniques to create soft digital renderings that emphasize creamy reds and greens, helping this empathetic portrait to blossom. — Publishers Weekly [A friendly-looking prickly pear cactus] doesn't get her desired decorations, [and] something magical happens that allows her to feel quite festive and part of the holiday, along with the loving family. — Booklist The text’s simple, vivid descriptors evoke the infectious bustle of holiday traditions. The reds and greens of Christmas decor within this family’s pink-hued household, shown on creamy, off-white pages, increase the coziness. — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewRecommended for fans of Becky Albertalli’s Kate in Waiting and Robin ­Talley’s The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre. — School Library Journal Bridget Bloom is the dynamic, fat superstar my library has been waiting for. — Laura Taylor Namey, New York Times Bestselling author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow Bridget Venus Bloom is my new hero! Smart, funny, and absolutely charming, Bitz's debut novel is a grin-inducing delight. — Lynn Painter, NYT Bestselling Author of Better Than The Movies A funny, bold, and heartwarming ode to the thrill of performing, the beauty of friendships, the joy of falling in love, and the satisfaction of self-discovery. THE UNSTOPPABLE BRIDGET BLOOM is a beautiful reminder to be bold, love big, and take up space. — Crystal Maldonado, award-winning author of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega and No Filter and Other Lies Bold, bright, and with a dash of Midwest charm, The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom has a voice that sings. Bitz’s joyful debut is one to cheer for—Bridget herself wouldn’t have it any other way. — Joan F. Smith, author of The Half-Orphan’s Handbook and The Other Side of Infinity Bridget Bloom is a fat positive heroine we've been waiting for! For everyone who has ever struggled to find their voice, every page of this story sings with a message about what it means to find love and learn to love yourself. — Kelly deVos, author of Eat Your Heart Out ? A body-positive story of self-absorption, self-realization, and, ultimately, love. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisAn official, super cute guide exploring the world and adventures of Hello Kitty and her iconic friends. Hello Kitty always says, You can never have too many friends! and this adorable guide has everything you need to know about all her friends and the adventures they go on! Featuring character profiles and sweet advice, as well as inspirational quotes and life lessons paired with bright full-color illustrations, this is a perfect gift for Hello Kitty and Friends fans of all ages. Characters included in the book are: - Hello Kitty- My Melody- Chococat- Badtz-Maru- Cinnamoroll- Keroppi- Pompompurin- Kuromi 2023 Sanrio Co., LTD. Used Un

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Book SynopsisJOIN THE MOONLIGHT MAGIC CLUB FOR THEIR FIRST MAGICAL ADVENTURE!Scarlett lives in Moonlight Valley, a perfectly normal town for a perfectly normal girl. Or so she thinks! When her quirky neighbor Foxglove shows up to babysit, Scarlett notices some odd things happening. Why does Foxglove keep talking to the mirror? What''s going on with her spooky black cat? And, most importantly, what is this old ornate book that she''s left behind? Curiosity gets the better of Scarlett as she tries an unusual recipe from Foxglove''s book - with some disastrous, magical consequences! When Foxglove comes to the rescue, Scarlett learns her secret. Not only does Foxglove have magical powers - but she''s scouting new talent for the Moonlight Magic Club! Scarlett joins Foxglove and her friends, Maya and Pandora, as they try and undo Scarlett''s magical mistake!This is the first book in the Moonlight Magic Club series, a warm-hearted and empowe

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Book SynopsisTHE MOONLIGHT MAGIC CLUB ARE BACK IN THEIR FOURTH ADVENTURE!Maya is smart young witch with big plans for the future ...and the best friends in the whole world. She makes up exactly one quarter of the Moonlight Magic Club-a troop of witches-in-training-alongside naive Scarlett, impulsive Pandora, and independent-minded Foxglove.In this adventure...Maya doesn''t think she''ll ever be a real witch without a familiar. So she''s over the moon when she meets a starry-winged magpie and a skittish hare! Is one destined to be her companion creature? Things quickly take an unexpected turn, and Maya finds herself on an incredible new adventure -- exploring the mysterious Crystal Caves with the her friends, the Moonlight Magic Club! But this adventure comes with real danger, and Maya''s decisions will make a lasting change on her family. Will friendship and magic prevail against a sneaky thief?This is the fourth book in the Moonligh

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Book SynopsisKeep Smiling is a celebration of the most universal symbol of hope, joy and positivity - a smile! Created by the bestselling team behind Coming to England: the inspirational Dame Floella Benjamin, and award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen.Vina's Mum has always told her that a smile is the best gift you can give someone. And as Vina loves smiling more than anything else, she gives the gift of her smile to anyone who needs it. But on her first visit to her new school, Vina's own smile gets a bit . . . lost. She can't find it under the slide, or on the climbing frame. Then, a smile appears, in the most unexpected place!Trade ReviewBrimming with the vibrant colours and charm of Ewen’s illustrations – Keep Smiling is a joyful, sensitive and heart-melting celebration of that most universal symbol of hope, joy and positivity... a smile. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Post *

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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

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Book SynopsisBadger can't stop worrying. Little Fox can't find her favourite hat and Mole wants to give Grandpa Mole the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. Step into a warm and cosy world, where worries are shared, friends are always there to help - and adventures end with a reassuring hug. Each story explores a different emotion, with tips at the back to help children understand and manage their own feelings. Written with expert advice from child clinical psychologist, Dr. Sasha Lillie Lyons.

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Book SynopsisRuff! Ruff! Meet Ruffles, the playful puppy who faces all the tricksy troubles of pre-school life in this new picture book series from bestselling author and illustrator David Melling.Today it is snowing and the teeny, tiny kittens want to play outside! Ruffles loves the teeny, tiny kittens but Ruffles DOES NOT LOVE the snow. It's too cold, too slippy, too slidey and too sinky, ESPECIALLY in the deep snow places.But when the teeny tiny kittens get stuck, will Ruffles be very brave and help his friends?Dog-lovers won't be able to resist the adorable Ruffles in this new preschool series from the creator of Hugless Douglas, which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.Just like every preschooler, Ruffles the puppy experiences all the ups and downs of daily life as he learns about the world around him. There are LOTS of things he likes and LOTS of things he doesn't . . . and he doesn't always get things quite right!Other titles in the series include: Ruffles and the Red, Red Coat, Ruffles and the Teeny, Tiny Kittens, Ruffles and the New Green Thing and Ruffles and the Cosy, Cosy Bed.

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Book Synopsis

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