Children’s / Teenage fiction: Humorous stories

Book SynopsisNow an animated series with Paramount+ and Nickelodeon! Bestselling author Lincoln Peirce takes readers on a hilarious, romantic, rock-and-roll adventure in this installment of the bestselling series! Nate Wright is born to be wild! And when Enslave the Mollusk is invited to play at the P.S. 38 annual open house, he and his bandmates are on the stairway to heaven. While the kids rock, the school year rolls on. Mrs. Godfrey is back in black, Gina thinks she’s hot stuff, and Coach John is dazed and confused.The good news: Nate’s finally reunited with Trudy, his summer crush. But when he finds out she’s a—gulp—seventh grader, will Nate lose that lovin’ feeling? Middle school is a long, strange trip, and this collection of riotous Big Nate comics just might BLOW THE ROOF OFF!

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Book SynopsisIt's a new year at Wayside School, and Mrs Jewls's class on the thirtieth floor has a LOT to deal with. First of all, they must prepare to face The Ultimate Test, which involves a fiendishly difficult Spelling Bee, upside-down singing and blindfolded smelling. Meanwhile the paperclips are triple-locked in a safe so no one can access them, Miss Mush is threatening to serve rainbow stew for lunch – and a CLOUD OF DOOM is gathering over the school. It can only mean one thing … the kids at Wayside School are in for their strangest year yet! From the basement to the thirtieth floor, Wayside is packed with quirky and hilarious characters who are all brought to life in this brand-new instalment of Louis Sachar's much-loved Wayside School series. With brilliant illustrations throughout by award-winning Aleksei Bitskoff, this is an unmissable, irrepressible story of mixed-up mayhem from the bestselling author of Holes.Trade ReviewLouis Sachar is one of the few masters of American fiction * Independent on Sunday on Louis Sachar *Thirty clever, fast-moving stories that describe the bizarre events at Wayside School … each story is refreshingly different * Guardian on SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL *Magic and hard realism come crashing together. This is an extraordinary and unconventional novel * Observer on HOLES *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2023! A fresh, funny, heartfelt look at this generation’s must-win battle: one earth, one chance. It’s the summer holidays, and thirteen-year-old Luke’s life has been turned upside down. First his older sister Rose moved ‘across the road’, where a community of climate rebels is protesting the planned airport expansion. Then his dad followed her. Dad only went to get Rose back, but now he’s out there building totem poles, wearing sandals and drinking mead (whatever that is) with the best of them… Can Luke save his family when all they want to do is save the planet? ________________________ 'Hilarious, acutely observed and deeply felt, Sutcliffe’s new novel is part biting satire on nimbyism and adult complacency, part impassioned call: take action now, before it’s too late.' GUARDIAN 'This is the perfect book to inspire action against the climate crisis and to lift your spirits.' SCOTSMAN 'A heartfelt, well-observed, gripping family drama, as well as a call to arms.' SUNDAY TIMES Children’s Book of the WeekTrade ReviewThis is the perfect book to inspire action against the climate crisis and to lift your spirits. * The Scotsman *William Sutcliffe’s latest hilarious read for teens … resists talking down to its readers as it tackles climate change and environmental protests … The questions posed by this smart, entertaining page-turner are the big ones for our age * Irish Times *Hilarious, acutely observed and deeply felt, Sutcliffe’s new novel is part biting satire on nimbyism and adult complacency, part impassioned call: take action now, before it’s too late. * Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels, Guardian *Warm, funny and very topical. * Sunday Express *This tale of rebel climate protestors is an engrossing and relatable emotional rollercoaster, full of drama and vividly written. * Daily Express *This very funny, topical tale is the perfect stage for Sutcliffe’s witty and sharply observed dissection of adolescence and the cringe-making behaviour of parents and siblings. * Sally Morris chooses the most fun books for kids, Daily Mail *A heartfelt, well-observed, gripping family drama, as well as a call to arms. * The Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week *Inspiring, funny and warm-hearted comedy… Filled with passion for our planet and the youthful energy of a generation who genuinely want to make a difference, The Summer We Turned Green is an essential read for teenagers and adults alike. * The best children’s and YA books to read this summer, CultureFly *Glorious fun, hugely moving, inspiring and massively entertaining * Liz Hyder, author of Bearmouth *A fresh and funny social comedy with a big heart * Observer New Review *“[The Summer We Turned Green] is funny and moving and the characters are convincing. Older teenagers will enjoy the wry humour and adults will appreciate the social satire on adult relationships * BookTrust *William Sutcliffe, who made us laugh until we wept with The Gifted, the Talented & Me, has applied his gentle humour and acute observations to this generation’s battle to save the Earth to hilarious and meaningful effect * The Times & The Sunday Times: Best Children’s Books for Summer 2021 *This tale of rebel climate protestors is an engrossing and relatable emotional rollercoaster, full of drama and vividly written * Summer Reads for Children, Daily Express *Dangerously funny … Sutcliffe is gifted and talented. I hope the prizes flood in * Alex O'Connell, The Times Children's Book of the Week on THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME *So, so funny and recognisable – I immediately forced it on my 14-year-old * Jenny Colgan, Sunday Times bestselling author, on THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME *What a wonderful book! It made me chortle, and I never chortle. So, so refreshing and charming and believable. I loved this book * Max Porter, award-winning author of Grief is the Thing with Feathers and Lanny, on THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME *The Gifted, the Talented and Me made me cry with laughter. A comic novel like this is a gift to the nation, and Will Sutcliffe's teenage Sam, struggling to adapt as his family moves to privileged, pretentious Hampstead and enrols him in a progressive London school is the best book he has written for a decade. He, David Nicholls and Joe Dunthorne are part of a tradition that goes back to PG Wodehouse, and which has never been more needed by readers young and old * Amanda Craig, journalist and author of The Lie of the Land, on THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME *

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Book SynopsisDaffodil Patterson is a small girl with BIG plans - it''s really not her fault that they always seem to go wrong! A brilliantly funny new series for young readers, from the author and illustrator of The Worst Class in the World.Daffodil is eight years old. She''s the youngest in her family but is full of BOBBY DAZZLERS, which means brilliant ideas.Daff''s latest Bobby Dazzler involves entering the Chipping Grimley Village Talent Show and winning 25 and getting her picture in the local paper so she can become WORLD FAMOUS. But first she needs to practise the trombone so she can win the competition. And before that she needs to get a trombone ... And to start off with, she''ll need to raise 25 to buy a trombone from the charity shop...Luckily, her trusty (and only slightly misbehaving) greyhound Colin is by her side for support, as is reliable best friend and fellow genius-ideas-generator Nirmal. What could possibly go wrong?

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Book SynopsisPerfect for children just learning to read, this highly original book is told entirely in speech bubbles with a repetitive use of familiar phrases. From the award-winning author of the multi-million-copy-selling Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Happy Pig Day!, Piggie celebrates her favourite day of the year. But will Gerald the elephant be included in the festivities...? Mo Willems creates another hilarious escapade starring the award-winning duo that will have early readers breaking into laughter from the first page.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2022 ★ Everyone knows how "Little Red Riding Hood" goes. But Grandpa keeps getting the story all wrong, with hilarious results!"Once upon a time, there was a little girl called Little Yellow Riding Hood—" "Not yellow! It's Red Riding Hood!" So begins the story of a grandpa playfully recounting the well-known fairytale—or his version, at least—to his granddaughter. Try as she might to get him back on track, Grandpa keeps on adding things to the mix, both outlandish and mundane! The end result is an unpredictable tale that comes alive as it's being told, born out of imaginative play and familial affection. This spirited picture book will surprise and delight from start to finish, while reminding readers that storytelling is not only a creative act of improvisation and interaction, but also a powerful pathway for connection and love.Telling Stories Wrong was written by Gianni Rodari, widely regarded as the father of modern Italian children's literature. It exemplifies his great respect for the intelligence of children and the kind of work he did as an educator, developing numerous games and exercises for children to engage and think beyond the status quo, imagining what happens after the end of a familiar story, or what possibilities open up when a new ingredient is introduced. This book is illustrated with great affection by the illustrious artist Beatrice Alemagna (Child of Glass), who counts Gianni Rodari as one of her "spiritual fathers."Trade ReviewA New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2022!Selected for the Publishers Weekly 2022 Holiday Gift Guide★ "Rodari’s raucous text is basically a conversation: A grandpa tells the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood' all wrong, giving the heroine a yellow hood, the wrong mission, an encounter with a giraffe and so forth. His granddaughter passionately corrects him while thoroughly enjoying each fresh deviation from the classic tale. Alemagna’s textured, inviting marker drawings provide many punch lines of their own, and the pictures become a joyful celebration of on-the-fly storytelling." —Author Emily Jenkins, judge of the 2022 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book Award“Alemagna’s marker-and wash-textured illustrations, predominantly composed of blobs and circles, materialize into both reality (…Grandpa’s voluminous hair and mustache, the pink-skinned child’s pink dress and gangly braids) and narrative chaos (an entire thought bubble of Riding Hoods with cloaks of various hues), leading up to a grand finale that shows Grandpa at the helm of a city bus filled with characters who have appeared in his woolgathering. When Grandpa returns to his newspaper, and his grandchild heads to the store with a quarter for bubble gum, a final hug makes it clear that they share the same sense of storytelling mischief.” —Publishers Weekly“Here is a humorous story of a grandfather retelling ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ to his granddaughter, and telling it hilariously wrong. The child keeps correcting him, but it doesn’t seem to get him back on track. And why bother? Anyone who reads this book will see that the heart of storytelling with children is not the accurate retelling of plot but rather the connection and creative interaction between adult and child. Alemagna’s well-composed and multilayered mixed-media illustrations cleverly support the transition between the two speakers, as the narrative is related solely through dialogue; thought bubbles amusingly show the very different stories unfolding in each of the character’s heads. Young readers already familiar with ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ may enjoy this story most, but it will be great fun for all, nonetheless.” —The Horn Book“With its combination of the absurd along with its imaginative creativity, Telling Stories Wrong is an excellent entry point for [Gianni Rodari's] writing. Lovingly executed illustrations by award-winning artist Beatrice Alemagna – who considers Rodari a ‘spiritual father’ – enhance the warmth of the story with great humor and a marvelous sense of play." —Nanette McGuinness, The Riveter“Gianni Rodari, described as the father of modern Italian kid lit, gets a makeover here of one of his classic Telephone Tales. In this fractured version of Little Red Riding Hood, a grandpa mixes up all the particulars of the story, much to the delight of his squealing granddaughter... At each stage, the little girl emotes expressively, throwing up her arms and imagining (with squishy thought bubbles) all the right and wrong things about the story, crouching on the floor while Grandpa tries to get back to his newspaper. The star here was the fabulous illustrations, combined with gorgeous book design. Alemagna uses Magic Markers (possibly on dampened paper), which mimic watercolor and their characteristic spread, but allow her to create her own blobby version of pointillism… The large thick pages, with their buff color would make for really standout viewing of the large goofy pictures, like Grandpa and the girl racing off on a large horse (we only see their behinds, including the girl’s underwear!) with the pesky newspaper pages conveniently blowing away.” —Susan Harari, Keefe Library (Boston Latin School, Boston, MA), Youth Services Book Review“We see nutty books all the time. The difference here is that this particular nutty book has a lot of heart and affection between the characters that comes through in spite of (or because of?) the kooky storytelling. It’s an ideal book for a grandparent to read to their own offspring’s offspring. Especially if that kid can’t stand it when grown-ups get facts wrong. Here’s one fact that isn’t wrong: This book is delightful. A win of an import.” —Betsy Bird, A Fuse 8 Production: A School Library Journal Blog“A little girl is listening to her grandfather tell the story of ‘Little Red Riding Hood,’ but he keeps getting important details wrong... The laugh-out-loud developments will tickle readers, but by the time Grandpa finishes his rendition of ‘Little Red,’ the little girl has had enough of his stories and leaves him to his newspaper—likely the clever old man’s plan all along! Fantastic childlike illustrations by Alemagna capture the playful spirit of the story, using simple marker drawings to show all the hilarious ways Grandpa goes off script. Originally published in Rodari’s Italian classic Telephone Tales, this picture book is perfect for reading aloud and for fans of fractured fairy tales.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisA baking nightmare makes for slapstick comedy gold in this hilarious Little Gem from a bestselling author and illustrator team. Albert’s dad needs help in the family bakery, but all his son can think about is sport. So he builds a machine like no other: the Doughmaster 5000. It seems to have solved all their problems, until one night, Dad’s miracle solution turns into a rampaging disaster. It’s up to Albert to fix the mess – but will his sporting skills save him now?Trade Review"An admirable addition to the [Little Gems] series … The story is funny and moves at a fast pace … A great read for young children" –The English Association "This sparkling new story – brimming with Earle’s signature wicked wit and May’s anarchic illustrations – delivers slapstick giggles and guffaws on every page" – Lancashire Evening Post "Plenty of thrills and fun … These pocket-sized stories are really accessible and entertaining … Thoroughly recommended" – The Letterpress Project "This book is guarenteed to have young readers giggling!" – Makebelieve and Manuscripts, blog "A laugh-out-loud sci-fi adventure!" – Kate Heap, Scope for Imagination

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Book SynopsisDanny Dingle: menace to his neighbours and threat to their pets is back! When a routine freeze ray demo leads to the death of Mr Nesbit's prize-winning chameleon, Danny and Percy are sent to jiu-jitsu lessons to `learn some discipline' - YAWN! Instead their friendship is tested as never before. Can building the world's greatest killer robot bring them - and the whole class (EVEN twit-faced Gareth Trumpshaw) - together? Part of a four book series full of expressive fonts and comic-style illustrations, Danny Dingle's Fantastic Finds is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Aimed at kids aged 7+, there's even more fun when you head to www.sweetcherrypublishing.com to discover online activity packs.Trade ReviewIt is very quirky and a great read for any child who is just becoming confident reading alone.- Jenny Leonard, The Brick Castle

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Book SynopsisBook 8 in the Hopeless Heroes series that takes readers on fun adventures back to Ancient Greece! Agatha has been taken prisoner and it’s up to Tim and friends to save her. But how? They’d have to trick Hera, sneak into her fortress, past her army – it seems impossible! "Impossible? Did I say it was impossible when–" Okay, Odysseus, but Hera’s soldiers are armed to the teeth, tempers are hot, and whoever heard of a Trojan Peacock? About the Hopeless Heroes series: Hopeless Heroes is a fun-filled series about Greek mythology, adventure and what it means to be a hero. Readers aged 7+ will love diving into the world of Tim Baker and his (sort of) friend Hercules. Illustrations throughout.Trade Review“These books are awesome.” – Alex, 8

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Book SynopsisBilal is terrified of The Test. He can't answer any of the questions! But then Bumble the bee comes along, and he can answer any question you ask, even the really tricky ones. Then Bilal's granny suggests they go on the wildly popular TV quiz show, What's What? Win the Lot! But what will happen if Bilal and Bumble do win the lot...? A wonderfully bonkers and laugh-out loud funny story from dream team Rosen and Ross.Trade Review"Perfect for imaginative readers everywhere" * Guardian, The Best New Children's Books *"Funny, sly and gloriously accompanied by Tony Ross' instantly recognisable bold illustrations" * BookTrust *"Appealing fiction for new readers" -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *"Rosen is on his usual hilarious good form." * Glasgow Herald *"Pure Michael Rosen: hilarious and playful" * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisTuesday 12th April We’re all still talking about our plans for the holidays and Fabi has had a GENIUS idea. When I get back from visiting my grandparents, we’re going to have a Finkelspark Club May Day treehouse sleepover. Can’t wait. The school holidays are coming up and Bea is excited to see family, practise magic and spend time with ALL her friends! It’d be perfect, except something’s up. Dad is OBSESSED with learning magic (he can’t even levitate a pea!) and Taffy keeps having to do some SERIOUS THINKING. What’s going on? Then Bea finds out Dad and Taffy’s secret... They want to get married! Bea’s To-Do list just got a lot longer – she’s got a wedding day to plan, MORE secrets to keep and magic to learn teach! With help from her family and friends (new, old and VERY OLD), Bea is determined to make everything PERFECT and throw the best party of the year EVER! A perfect potion of magic and mischief, DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH is THE WORST WITCH meets TOM GATES. PRAISE FOR DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH: “Great fun!” – iPaper “Full of magical mayhem!” – BookTrust “A magical adventure that will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone.” – Maz Evans, author of WHO LET THE GODS OUT “A brilliant, hilarious story!” – Emma Carroll, author of THE WEEK AT WORLD’S END

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Book SynopsisMishaps and mayhem abound as Noodle joins the new kid in class for the school talent show in this adorable canine comedy. Mishaps and mayhem abound as Noodle joins the new kid in class for the school talent show in this adorable canine comedy. There’s another new arrival at Wigley Primary. At first Samir finds it hard to settle in, but with a bit of help from Noodle the doodle, he starts to feel at home. When the class decide to put on a talent show to raise money for charity, Samir can’t decide what to do – until his new best buddy Noodle gives him an amazing idea. Can the children in the class prove that Wigley’s got talent … or will Noodle steal the show?Trade Review"Meres puts on his own fine performance in this warm and wise story about friendship, fun and finding your feet in a new school … A class act from a top team" – Lancashire Evening Post "Lots of fun … supplemented by the excellent illustrations of Katy Halford" – The Letterpress Project "Noodle is such a loveable character. Full of mischief and life, he is an absolute delight and his occasional misbehaviour is sure to put a big smile on younger readers’ faces, as it did mine … An absolute joy to read" – World's Smallest Library, blog "Another tail-wagging success … it is an absolute joy to spend time with Noodle who I guarantee will bring smiles to everyone. You’d be barking mad to miss out on this kind of fun!" – A Word About Books, blog

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Book SynopsisA brand-new lowered reading age edition of this riotous, laugh-out-loud adventure from the bestselling author of the Mr Gum series. Matthew Buzzington has a superpower – he can turn into a fly! It’s just that it hasn’t happened yet, which is pretty bad timing really because there are robbers and flying pineapples out to get him. Can he make his superpower work? A brand new edition of this ruckus, laugh-out-loud adventure from Mr Gum author and King of funny Andy Stanton, now in at a lowered reading age of 7.

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Book SynopsisA hilarious and anarchic collection of classic bedtime stories for young readers, all utterly updated for a new generation - now in paperback format. Meet Trumplestiltskin, a vain and gold-obsessed little man who will stop at nothing to become richer and richer. There's Sleeping Brainy, the princess whose only dream is to become Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Gingerbread Kid, who escapes persecution in his home country but struggles to fit in in his new one. You won't forget the lingering stench of Mouldysocks - a boy obsessed with staring at his iPad but rather less obsessed with personal hygiene - and you'll be rooting for Rap-Unzel when she gets the chance of fame by appearing on Kingdom's Got Talent . . . but at what cost?Packed with stories about boys who aren't afraid to cry and rhymes about girls who refuse to kiss frogs, FEARLESS FAIRY TALES shakes up dusty, old-fashioned (and, to be honest, rather sexist) bedtime stories and totally reinvents them for the twenty-first century. From fake news to female footballers, environmental pollution to equal pay, nothing is off limits in this anthology of laugh-out-loud fairy tales with thoroughly modern morals.Told in the fresh, vibrant and unique voice of Blue Peter favourite Konnie Huq, writing with James Kay, and packed full of irresistible illustrations by Rikin Parekh, FEARLESS FAIRY TALES is the perfect gift for young readers (and older readers fed up with serving their kids the same old boring bedtime stories).

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Book SynopsisDuring a violent thunderstorm, a strange fortune-telling soothsayer turns up in the Gaulish village, drawing Asterix''s friends into his web of enticing deception. In the midst of general confusion, Asterix is unable to convince his fellow villagers of the soothsayer''s deceit - whose warnings of foreboding are sure to rip the Gaulish village apart.

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Book SynopsisBouncy Bo and little Smudge Lived in a CASTLE, with their father, Mr Judge.... Bouncy Bo and Little Smudge live in a sombre castle with their serious father. They are full of laughter and mischief, but it seems as if all the adults have forgotten how to smile . . . until an eye-opening visit to their grandparents proves otherwise! Romping rhyme and joyful silliness from Klaus Flugge Prize shortlisted illustrator Padmacandra.

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Book SynopsisTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first book in the hilariously funny Fudge series from the iconic Judy Blume.Peter thinks he has the world's biggest problem – his naughty little brother, Fudge.Fudge causes trouble wherever he goes and it's usually up to Peter to sort out the mess. When Peter wins a tiny green turtle called Dribble, he's determined to keep it away from his brother. But when Fudge does get his hands on Dribble – disaster strikes!The chaos continues in Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great and Superfudge.Trade ReviewWarm and funny, the five novels about family and school life are brilliantly written and a must for young readers. Expect to hear laughter! * Your Cotswold Family *

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Book SynopsisThe third adventure in the brand-new 12-book collectible series for young readers from survival expert and Chief Scout BEAR GRYLLS.Omar is fiercely competitive and very impatient about anything that holds him back. . . especially other people. Activity camp is brilliant because he's the best at all the challenges, it's just so annoying that not all his teammates are as quick or brave or strong as he is. It would be much easier just to ditch them and go it alone. But when he's given a mysterious compass it transports him to a thick jungle that is impossible to get through quickly - he has to learn to move with the rhythm of the environment around him with the help of his guide, adventurer Bear Grylls. Can his time in the rainforest change his mind about what makes someone successful? And who will he give the compass to next?Each book in this fun 12-book series from BEAR GRYLLS follows a different child on the outdoor activity camp. Once they are given the magical compass, they meet the inspirational adventurer in an amazing place and learn new skills and facts they can take with them back to their real life.Trade ReviewThis series of books is truly informative and children will come away with practical skills that will help them to impress their friends in the playground and ignite an interest in outdoor activities and exploration. * Magpies Magazine *

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Book SynopsisJust Kidding! is the first book in a hilarious series of short stories about the world's smartest, craziest and most annoying practical joker from the creators of the bestselling Treehouse series, Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.Is this the right book for you? Take the JUST KIDDING TEST and find out!1. Do you ever pretend that you are sick to get out of going to school?2. Do you leave banana skins in the middle of busy footpaths?3. Do you wish that every day could be April Fools' Day?SCORE: One point for each yes answer.3. You are a practical joking genius. You will love this book.1-2. You are a good practical joker. You will love this book.0. You are not a practical joker. You will love this book.(Just Kidding! was originally published as Just Tricking!)

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Book Synopsis A whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, now a Netflix original series! I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please. At the urge of her lucky-in-love brother, sixteen-year-old Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on her favourite bookshop shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. Curious, Dash isn’t one to back down from a challenge – and the Book of Dares is the perfect distraction he’s been looking for. As they send each other on a scavenger hunt across Manhattan, a whirlwhind romance ensues on paper. But finding out if they share their on-page chemistry in real life could be their biggest dare yet…. Perfect for fans of Emily in Paris, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Kissing Booth. 'One of the best books I’ve ever read’ The Guardian on Every Day Readers LOVE Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares! ‘A perfect Christmas read’ ***** ‘I absolutely loved this book. The way that Dash and Lily meet and develop their romance is unique and made for a cute and fun story’ ***** ‘The Christmas love story that everyone wants’ ***** ‘I read this book in less than a day because it just sucked me right in and I found it impossible to put down’ ***** ‘Dash and Lily make me want to leave my own red journal somewhere in New York to create a love story for myself’ ***** ‘Perfect for book lovers, it was a pacey read and I loved every moment of it!’ ***** ‘I fell completely head over heels with Dash and Lily's story’ ***** ‘Oh, how I loved Dash & Lily's Book of Dares! This… has everything I want in a novel and to have Christmas time in New York in the background just made it extra special’ *****

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Book SynopsisA small boy who has been kidnapped by brigands, passes a dark and stormy night in their cave weaving for them incredible stories of their own exploits. Through the stories he solves his own problem and manages to escape.

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Book SynopsisJoin these twelve mischievous moggies in the most perfectly PURRfect Christmas gift for all cat lovers everywhere! Based on the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas poem.  It’s Christmas and the cheeky catsare counting down the days.There’s so much festive fun to have,in so many different ways!   Whether they’re climbing up the Christmas tree, singing carols or waiting up for Santa’s sleigh, the twelve cats of Christmas are as naughty as they are adorable. Children and adults alike will love reading this joyful rhyme aloud and counting all the cute cats on each page. Also available in the series, the best-selling THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS!   

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling children's books series for over 50 years!Drum roll please the new Little Miss chosen by the public is Little Miss Brave!Get ready to meet a Little Miss who is fearless in the face of danger and proud to stand up for what she believes in! Little Miss Brave has an inner strength and confidence which enables her to try new things, challenge expectations and inspire others to be the best they can be. Can she inspire Little Miss Shy to be braver?Fifty years after Mr Tickle, the very first Mr Men book was published, the public voted for the next two new characters from Little Miss Brave, Mr Calm, Little Miss Energy, Mr Brilliant and Little Miss Kind. Little Miss Brave was selected as one of the two most popular characters, alongside a rather relaxed Mr Calm!The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for childreTrade ReviewThe colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.' The Independent 'The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.' The Telegraph 'The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.' The Telegraph Top 100 Children’s Book – Junior Magazine, 2019

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Book SynopsisOur second Squishy McFluff picture book sees Ava and her invisible cat go camping.Ava is off on her first camping holiday! And of course Squishy will come too . . . But when Ava repacks Dad''s bags with FUN camping accessories like her teddy, she forgets to include . . . the TENT!Luckily Idris and his puppy Farida are staying at the same campsite and they are expert camp builders. But when Idris explains his puppy is the best and he says he can''t SEE Squishy, Ava decides to introduce him to a giant invisible . . . BEAR?!Pip Jones''s joshing humour and pacy rhyme is full of charm, and beautifully reflects those competitive conversations we all know so well. With a happy ending, and a new friendship gained, this story is sure to win hearts and inspire camping holidays!

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Book SynopsisThere are lots of laughs at every level in Treehouse Tales: too SILLY to be told . . . UNTIL NOW! From the bestselling Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.Climb the storeys with 13 fully illustrated standalone adventures starring Andy, Terry, and their friends.Featuring stories such as:The Magic WandThe Day We Put Chairs Up Our NosesThe Day Terry Flushed Me Down the ToiletThe Day the Sharks Bit My Head Off ... and many, many more!Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!

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Book SynopsisFunny Stories For 8-Year-Olds is a bright and varied selection of wonderfully entertaining stories by some of the very best writers for children. Perfect for reading alone or aloud - and for dipping into time and time againWith stories from Judy Blume, Anne Fine, Dick King-Smith, Morris Gleitzman and many more, this book will provide hours of fantastic fun.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling picture book, THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING, is now availablewith a high-quality audio CD, brilliantly performed by award-winningactress, Imelda Staunton. The CD contains the full story,The Scarecrows' Wedding Listening Game and the brand-new Scarecrows'Wedding Song, which was written specially for this CD byJulia Donaldson.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling children's books series for over 50 years!Little Miss Giggles can''t stop giggling until the momentous day that she finally loses her giggle. Can the other Mr Men help her to find it?The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?Trade Review‘The colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.' The Independent 'The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.' The Telegraph 'The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.' The Telegraph Top 100 Children’s Book – Junior Magazine, 2019

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Book SynopsisMeet the fabulously feisty Clarice Bean! In this hilarious picture book from Children''s Laureate, Lauren Child.All Clarice Bean wants is a bit of peace and quiet. But that can be hard to find in a house where your little brother is being utterly annoying, your big brother is in the dark tunnel of adolescence and your grandad''s pouring soup on his cornflakes . . .A true picture book classic, this is the book that launched the award-winning, bestselling Clarice Bean series!Packed with quirky details and humour, this is perfect for children who are ready to start making the transition from younger picture books to independent reading.A fresh, playful, wonderfully chaotic look at family life that will make you laugh out loud IndependentWinner of the Smarties Book PrizeTrade ReviewWonderful to read aloud. * Sunday Express (Cressida Cowell) *It'll make you roar with laughter * Sunday Times *Laugh-out-loud funny gloss on family life * The Bookseller *Child's spot-on portrait of family life...has an anthropological quality reminiscent of Posy Simmonds' Weber family...exuberantly inventive * Books for Keeps *For a humorous and refreshingly honest look at family life, you can't get any better than this * The Bookseller *Brilliantly written and drawn by Lauren Child, the cringe-worthy details are a joy * The Guardian *A real treat. This is only Lauren Child's second book for children and I'm totally hooked * The Independent *Text and illustrations are united in giving this wittily ironic, child's-eye view of familiar characters and their foibles * The Guardian *Represents the arrival of a sparkling and irresistable new talent * Literacy and Learning *A modern classic * Sainsburys Magazine *The quirky perspectives show cheerful disregard for convention in this unusual take on family life * The Guardian *A fresh, playful, wonderfully chaotic look at family life that will make you laugh out loud * The Independent *Full of wonderfully dry one-liners * Times Educational Supplement *

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Book SynopsisWelcome to The Nothing to See Here Hotel! A hotel for magical creatures run by Frankie Banister and his parents. ‘Exuberant story and witty illustrations, this is my kind of book!’ Chris Riddell ‘Giggles guaranteed’ Nick SharrattFrankie Banister and his family are preparing to celebrate Grandad Abraham’s 175th birthday – an occasion that’s going to be even more HONKHUMPTIOUS now that Abe’s ghost has showed up!   When the unexpected spook reveals a secret UNDERWATER wing of the hotel that’s been hidden away for years, the Banister’s decide there’s only one thing for it … a whopping welcome home bash in the spectacular BRINY BALLROOM.   But memories aren’t the only things waiting at the bottom of the ocean. Secrets and sea monsters are lurking in the shadows, and is everything

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Book SynopsisWhen the mischievous monkey discovers a paintbox, he has a brilliant idea, but things don’t go quite as Monkey has planned . . . A hilarious rhyming tale from award-winning author Steve Smallman and illustrator Nick Schon. Perfect for fans of Poo in the Zoo, Hippobottymus and The Dinosaur That Pooped series.

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Book SynopsisDo you like ketchup on your Christmas tree? Or a Santa hat onyour Christmas pud? Discover all these bonkers combinationsand more in KETCHUP ON YOUR REINDEER?, the fabulous festive follow-upto Nick Sharratt's classic bestseller, KETCHUP ON YOUR CORNFLAKES?Flip the colourful split pages, and find out just how crazyChristmas can be!

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Book SynopsisPerfect for children just learning to read, this highly original book is told entirely in speech bubbles with a repetitive use of familiar phrases. From the award-winning author of Don''t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends.Piggie cannot wait to play her new instrument for Gerald. But is she ready for his reaction...? Mo Willems creates another hilarious escapade starring the award-winning duo that will have early readers breaking into laughter from the first page.

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Book SynopsisAgent Asha is back in the second installment of this action-packed spy adventure series.Top-secret Children''s Spy Agency newest recruit, Asha Joshi is back with a brand new mission. Asha is suspicious when evil teenage trillionaire Shelly Belly proposes to cut down all the trees in Asha's favourite park to make room for CyberOaks: the new tech trees. Asha's a top coder and super spy so she should be able to face robot security parrots, navigate a suspicious internship and travel to Shelly''s super-confidential base in Scotland to crack the case. Will Asha and her robo-hamster sidekick Tumble be able to protect the park and save the day?The story is a great way to engage young readers in coding and critical-thinking as it combines STEM with exciting adventures. It is mapped onto key National Curriculum Computing KS1 and KS2 concepts including algorithms, conditionals and debugging.Trade ReviewWittily written, with high tech devices, coding and critical thinking, diagrams, charts, plus fart fun aplenty, and Priyanka Sachdev’s cyber-style illustrations, this is a great read for young eco-warriors, fans of gadgets, in fact anyone who enjoys a good crime caper. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *“[…] you’re onto a winner. Critical thinking and critical fun all in one book!” * Library Girl and Book Boy *“I was beyond excited to see someone who looked like me on the front cover of this book! Thinking back to my childhood favourites, it was not common to see a strong, Asian, female character at the forefront of adventures. This honestly gave me so much joy to read about family dynamics that were so similar to my own not to mention, being able to live out my own spy fantasy! Sophie Deen has managed to capture an interest in STEM which I felt was missing from my childhood. I can completely see how this book will resonate with children as they explore coding, science and adventure!” * @RealReading *“My younger self would have absolutely loved this book […] so this would have been right up my street!” * Sarah Withers Blogs *“I know for a fact that my year 3/4 class are going to love this one!” * @misswynnreads_ *

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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. Third in a hilarious illustrated comedy-crime book series for kids.Hello. I am Rory Branagan. I am ACTUALLY a detective.This week, my school put on the BIGGEST, BEST school fete the world has ever known. We are raising money to make St Bart''s BOOMTASTIC, with adventure playgrounds and even a DRAGON. But now the cash has GONE, and my Accomplice Cassidy ''the Cat'' Callaghan has been BLAMED for stealing it. I''m thinking I must use my detectiving to find the real thief and RESCUE the Cat!Join Rory as he LEAPS into a new crime-fighting adventure with a dastardly theft, the biggest crime lord ever, head teachers that look like turkeys, and a real live KOMODO DRAGON. There are seven books in the RORY BRANAGAN (DETECTIVE) series and this is the third. 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 SynopsisIt's the latest Brilliant Blockbuster from bestselling Baddiel! A non-stop thrill-ride adventure that will have readers young and old racing to the finishing line.The Taylor TurboChaser is a road-trip rollercoaster with a twist.At its heart is the unforgettable Amy Taylor. Amy loves cars, and dreams of being a driver. But there's a major catch: her slow old wheelchair with its broken wheel. When Amy finally gets a new electric one, it's exciting at first.But standard engines only have so much power. And that's where Rahul comes in Amy's best friend and genius inventor. Soon Rahul turns a wheelchair into a supercar!And so the Taylor TurboChaser is born. But when it all goes suddenly wrong Amy is going to have to hit the road and driveTrade Review“Funny and original. David Baddiel is a dream of a kids’ writer” The Sun Reviews for The Person Controller: “A perfect combination of humour, magic and a happy ending.” Charlotte Norman, Waterstones Bookseller “A real page turner… a compelling story with relatable characters and meaningful life lessons." Huffington Post Reviews for The Parent Agency: “Funny, sometimes moving, always engaging” Guardian “I love this book because it really made me laugh! The best book I’ve read since I was born!” Tom, 11, LoveReading4Kids “Exciting and funny – I didn't want to put it down!” Daisy, 10, LoveReading4Kids

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Book SynopsisIn this hilarious tale of mishap and misadventure, Dr. Seuss reminds us just how lucky we are.A madcap misadventure that roams from the Kavern of Krock to a forest in France, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? is the perfect tale for readers today and a helpful reminder that there is always someone worse off than ourselves!From the best-loved author of The Cat in the Hat, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who! and so much more, this hilarious story is packed with all the same Dr. Seuss characteristics we know and love riotous rhyme, zany artwork and totally off-the-wall humour.

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Book SynopsisEoin Colfer, the second of five brothers, was born and raised in Wexford, in the south-east of Ireland. Artemis Fowl, his first book featuring the brilliant young anti-hero, was an immediate international bestseller and won the WHSmith 'People's Choice' Children's Book of the Year and the Children's Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. This is Eoin's third book for younger readers.Trade ReviewPraise for The Legend of Spud Murphy and The Legend of Captain Crow's Teeth:'The funniest book of the year. A mini-masterpiece' – Daily Mail'Plenty of full-on belly laughs' – Sunday Times'Cracking' – Disney's Big Time

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Book Synopsis''Funny, arty and just a little bit naughty, the Art Avenger is amazing!'' Matt Lucas''Very funny . . . I learned tons about art and laughed A LOT.'' Joe LycettA laugh-out-loud illustrated adventure featuring Trixie Pickle, the Banksy of her school.Trixie loves art and hates bullies - and so decides to become an Art Avenger, righting wrongs at her school through art.She uses Picasso, Pollock and Ofili to teach bullies a lesson, get out of lessons and help those in need, like an arty Robin Hood. Highly illustrated throughout by Olaf and with fact files of hilarious and irreverent details about real artists, Trixie Pickle is perfect for fans of Konnie Huq, Sam Copeland and Liz Pichon.Trade ReviewThis is a GREAT book! Funny, charming, original, secretly educational. * Adam Kay *

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Book SynopsisWilly Wonka''s Chocolate Factory is opening at last, and only five lucky children will be allowed inside!But now you have the amazing chance to explore the factory in this incredible book, and you''ve been tasked with finding all your favourite characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.From the Factory Gate to the Boiled Sweet Room, you''ll be looking for everything from golden tickets to toffee apple trees, scrumptious sweets such as rainbow drops, to the weird and wonderful that walk the factory floors (a cow in a wig anyone?).So join Charlie and Grandpa on this amazing puzzling adventure. With full-colour illustrations, and twelve amazing factory rooms to explore, this is a Search and Find book like no other.

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Book SynopsisThe fourth hilarious book in the brilliant STEM adventure series Leonora Bolt. With glorious illustrations by Gladys Jose throughout.It''s Leonora first Christmas, and the brilliant young inventor is feeling festive! She''s made presents, Mildred''s boiling cabbage for the candy canes (yuck!), and best friend Jack''s brought along . . .an invite to the Great Gadget Games?!Her villainous Uncle Luther is behind this new inventing show, and planning on stealing the creations made by the very talented contestants. And in ANOTHER twist, the judges of the competition are two people very dear to Leonora''s heart.Leonora HAS to enter - it''s her best-ever chance to finally stop Luther''s dangerous games! But she can''t enter as herself - he''ll never allow that - so she''ll need a foolproof disguise, and a brilliant idea for a winning invention . . .Violet Baudelaire meets Peanut Jones in this epic STEM-themed adventure about believinTrade ReviewPraise for Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor: A hilariously silly adventure for 7+ * The Guardian *Praise for Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor: Fizzing with fun, friendship and fabulous inventions! * Maria Kuzniar *Praise for Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor: a laugh-out-loud adventure...Warm, funny and with plenty for parents to enjoy too * The Sun *Praise for Leonora Bolt: Deep Sea Calamity: Another exciting adventure, packed with fun, thrills and gadgets galore...hugely entertaining and thoroughly inventive * LoveReading4Kids *Praise for Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor: Great to have a female STEM lead in this joyous story about a young inventor * The i *

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Book SynopsisThe chaos-causing Cat returns in a brand-new graphic novel for kids aged 58!The Cat in the Hat is back and he's ready to have some fun! But Sally and Conrad just have so many things to do. There's SO MUCH maths, SO MUCH science, SO MUCH history how does anyone get through all that homework? Sally and Conrad could really use some help ... Luckily, they know a certain someone who knows a thing or two (or three, or four!) about Things, and he has a plan: it's time for a Thing-filled homework party!!With dynamic illustrations, fun-filled stories and easy-to-follow panelled storytelling, the Dr. Seuss graphic novels are perfect for newly independent readers aged 5+.

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Book SynopsisAs the witch of the Chalk, Tiffany Aching performs the distinctly unglamorous work of caring for the needy. But someone or something is inciting fear, generating dark thoughts and angry murmurs against witches. Tiffany must find the source of unrest and defeat the evil at its root. Aided by the tiny-but-tough Wee Free Men, Tiffany faces a dire challenge, for if she falls, the whole Chalk falls with her . . .THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE TIFFANY ACHING SEQUENCETrade ReviewTeen witch Tiffany is one of [Pratchett's]most formidable creations yet * Time Out *Tiffany Aching fans should be ecstatic. * Publishers Weekly starred review *Writing at the height of his powers . . . he makes us laugh a lot. * The Sunday Times *funny * Oxford Mail *... everything gets very funny * Newcastle Upon Tyne Evening Chronicle *

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