Children’s / Teenage fiction: Humorous stories

Book SynopsisChameleon Kid and The Shock were enjoying a normal day at school. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to stay that way Join them as they battle stink bombs, farts and explosions. It's time for Chameleon Kid and The Shock to save the day AGAIN!

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Book SynopsisAlbert the tortoise is not having a good day. He gets awakened by a strong breeze, and then, when he tries to eat his food, the breeze blows it away. Will the other garden creatures help Albert to find his food? And will Albert be able to thank them for their kindness? A Welsh translation by Anwen Pierce of Albert and the Wind.

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Book SynopsisThe Dinosaur Explorer Club is going camping. Everyone wants to help set up camp- except for Daisy. Can her friends persuade her to change her lazy ways? A QR code on the back cover provides a link to an audio recording of the story.

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Book SynopsisDee and Gus want to be the stars of the Dino Valley charity show. But will they give anyone else the chance to shine? Find out in this latest addition to the popular Dinosaur Tales series.

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Book SynopsisA bright new red edition in our smash hit Robert Munsch deluxe collection series!For generations, superstar storyteller Robert Munsch has been writing about fiercely independent, empowered kids. This iconic special collection honors Munsch's legacy with gorgeous first-edition reproductions of bestselling Munsch classics so you can see how the now-classic books looked when they were first introduced to the world!The Big Red Book of Munsch Books includes:The Fire StationWait and SeePigsJonathan Cleaned UpThen He Heard a SoundAngela's AirplanePLUS! A letter from Robert Munsch about how these wacky and wonderful stories came to be adored the world over.Robert Munsch is THE authority on stories kids love to hear read aloud! Two of his books, The Paper Bag Princess, and Love You Forever, appeared on The New York Times list of the top 100 children's books. Since his first book was published in 1979, over 80 million Munsch books have been sold in over 30 countries and territories and in 25 languages.50 languages & dialects, 34 territories & countries, 87 million books sold

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Book SynopsisSidney the skeleton lives in Halloween Land. Sometimes, poor Sidney can feel a little lonely and not quite 'part of the crowd.' However, one thing that always makes Sidney feel better is music, and now he wants to make his own! He tries playing all sorts of battered and broken instruments he finds lying around, but none of them work. However, after attempting to play trumpets, violas and contrabassoons, our music-loving skeleton discovers that he has a very special talent - Sidney possesses musical bones! At the 'Grand Monsters' Ball' that year, Sidney enters the talent contest alongside the most weird and wonderful acts. After Harry the Hunchback's eye-watering juggling act and Frankenstein's questionable street-dancing, Sidney hopes that his own unique act will get the judges' attention...

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Book SynopsisThe tiny Tindims are like the Borrowers-on-Sea, who turn our everyday rubbish into treasure. Mother-and-daughter duo, prizewinning Sally Gardner and Lydia Corry, create a fun new world of characters and adventures in their empowering new series for 5-8 year olds inspiring conservation and inventive ways to recycle. In their fourth adventure, the Tindims can hardly see each other! A grumpy Gupper fog is swirling all over Rubbish Island and it won't leave the Tindims alone. And now their world has turned upside down as Ethel B Dina thinks the moon has fallen into the sea! Scrunch me a teabag, how are they going to get out of this pickle? Printed in dyslexia-friendly font with pictures on every page and perfect for the reluctant reader, the Tindims show keen young ecologists how to help protect our planet for the future.Trade ReviewCombining eccentric characters, short chapters and lively illustrations, this delightful new series is ideal for confident, independent readers. Full of joy and laughter, this quirky adventure also carries an important environmental message about waste, pollution and recycling * BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021 *PRAISE FOR SALLY GARDNER & LYDIA CORRY: 'Gardner remains the patron saint of the reluctant reader' Daily Telegraph. 'An idiosyncratic genius' The Times. 'Sally Gardner's tale unfolds with all the beautiful illogicality of a dream' Financial Times. 'Slightly older fairytale fans will relish Lydia Corry's delicious pictures' * Guardian, on Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror *

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Book SynopsisLyla and her friends are off to camp on the moon! They're going moon walking, laser archery shooting and low gravity dancing! And Moonite kids at camp are just so stylish and cool. When they suggest sneaking out of camp to visit the city, Lyla and her friends can't resist, but then everything starts to go astronomically wrong . . .Trade Review"Jokes a-plenty in this fresh and witty version of a Year 6 school camp with a difference... Friendship, first love and having fun fuel this entertaining and slice-of-life story" -- Julia Eccleshare * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisFor Lil, life at the Squawking Mackerel inn couldn’t be more miserable. She's tasked with the sloppiest, grottiest jobs and picked on at every turn. Her only friend is Augustus Scratchy, a cantankerous crow with a habit of stealing. When the dread villain Rotten Bob Hatchet and his gang of cut-throat highwaymen begin attacking travellers on the road, things get really dire. Joining forces with a new servant boy, Ned, and armed with the contents of the inn’s lost property cupboard, a pocket full of revolting dumplings and some knicker elastic, Lil comes up with a plot to scare off Rotten Bob. And so the legend of Ghastly Jack Crowheart the Demon Highwayman is born! Dangerous highwaymen, furious crows, ludicrous underwear, and a turnip apocalypse - stand and deliver!Trade Review"A funny, fast paced adventure that will keep you on the edge of your saddle" -- Mo O'Hara"Glorious, a laugh-out-loud tale" -- Chris Mould

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Book SynopsisPrepare for a hilarious adventure with the funniest dinosaur you've EVER seen! This book is NOT about a dinosaur! Well, not any old dinosaur. THIS dinosaur can become the most amazing things - a footballer, pirate, deep-sea diver, knight, magician and even a hairdresser! Having a dinosaur for a friend is one BIG adventure.This fabulously funny story has stacks of appeal for both girls and boys. Look out for spooky houses, prehistoric creatures, silly fish, sparkling teeth and LOTS of fun and friendship.With wonderful wordplay and a sweet relationship at its heart, this is NOT a dinosaur book to be missed!Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free "Stories Aloud" audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!

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Book SynopsisGet ready for fun, games and BIG bear hugs with a fabulous new friend!This book is NOT about a polar bear. Well . . . OK, maybe it is! But this polar bear can drive a train, roller skate, disco dance and even save the world. And there's one thing this bear does best of all - he gives the biggest, cosiest cuddles!With brilliant wordplay and a sweet and playful friendship at its heart, this is the perfect picture book for bear fans everywhere.This fabulously funny story has stacks of appeal for both girls and boys - watch out for bubbles, bumper cars, jelly mountains, treasure chests and magical adventures.Praise for This is NOT a Unicorn!: "Timms and Adamson put a genuinely fresh spin on the genre with irresistible word play, a joyful read-aloud text and gorgeous feel-good artwork." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

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Book SynopsisDaft Jack is such a silly-billy. Who else would swap a cow for some baked beans - and think it's his lucky day?

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Book SynopsisNumber One for Fiendish Fun! Four wickedly funny stories from everyone's favourite troublemaker Horrid Henry. This book contains a giant snowman, a very rainy day, a MONSTROUS makeover and an author visit! Four utterly hilarious and totally brilliant Horrid Henry stories from internationally bestselling author Francesca Simon. Illustrated by Tony Ross, these timeless stories offer an irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure, featuring one of the best-loved characters in children's fiction.Discover all Horrid Henry's adventures at https://www.horridhenry.co.uk/ and collect all the books in the range.Trade Reviewthe 14th book in this great series...very funny indeed' THE INDEPENDENT

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Book SynopsisNumber One for Fiendish Fun!This book contains a bedroom invasion, a fake diary, a SNEAKY biscuit thief and a rock concert!Four utterly hilarious and totally brilliant Horrid Henry stories by Francesca Simon, with illustrations by Tony Ross. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure.Trade Reviewa laugh-aloud romp * IRISH EXAMINER *I always think that Francesca Simon must have such fun writing them. The stories are also scattered with little pen and ink drawings by Tony Ross that capture the chaos of Henry's life and help the action along. I think that the book works well as either read-aloud stories to share, or for children growing in confidence to read by themselves. The short story format is perfect for either approach, so children can take the book in bite-size chunks or parents can limit bedtime reading marathons * THE BOOKBAG *It's wickedly funny! -- Kitty, Age 6 * FIRST NEWS *Henry returns to follow his dreams of endless biscuits, no school and loud music. Can he outwit Perfect Peter? Will he best Moody Margaret? Can he secure a ticket to see the Killer Boy Rats? Great fun and a hit with Gabriella, my six-year-old rocker! * WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY *

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Book SynopsisMeet the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand.Edgar is alarmed when he sees a nasty looking black tail slinking under the castle walls. But his warnings to the inhabitants of the castle go unheeded: Lord Valevine Otherhand is too busy trying to invent the unthinkable and discover the unknowable; his wife, Minty, is too absorbed in her latest obsession - baking; and ten-year-old Cudweed is running riot with his infernal pet monkey. Only Solstice, the black-haired, poetry-writing Otherhand daughter, seems to pay any attention. As the lower storeys of the castle begin mysteriously to flood, and kitchen maids continue to go missing, the family come ever closer to the owner of the black tail...Dedicated website on Raven Mysteries: www.ravenmysteries.co.uk

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Book SynopsisThis title features ten fantastic tales of frightful fun. Beware: gruesome fairy tale characters at large...but not all of them are as bad as they seem. Meet a gentle giant and a wise ogre, visit a party that shook the world, and join a troll's search for treasure. Lively drawings by leading children's illustrator Ken Morton bring all the odd and awful individuals to life. It is perfect for reading aloud to young children or for confident readers to enjoy by themselves. If you want to find out who won the ugliest ogre contest, what really happened between the troll and the Billy Goats Gruff, or why giants cannot be trusted with electricity, then this is the book for you! There has been a lot of misinformation over the years about the monsters of legend. Ogres might not be the friendliest of folk, but their cooking is out of this world - and it almost never includes small children. Giants are big, of course, but they are as harmless as kittens - except when they try to do their own rewiring. As for trolls, they couldn't care less about billy goats. The single thing they are interested in is neither hairy nor hooved, it is yellow and shiny - gold. If you want to find out more about the truth behind fairy tale fibs, read on...

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Book SynopsisDragons have invaded Crumbling Castle, and all of King Arthur’s knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies. It’s a disaster!Luckily, there’s a spare suit of armour and a very small boy called Ralph who’s willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers. But there's a teeny weeny surprise in store . . .Fourteen fantastically funny stories from master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett, full of time travel and tortoises, monsters and mayhem!‘So funny I dropped my spoon laughing!’ – King ArthurTrade ReviewFunny, action-packed . . . a rip-roaring read. * The Sun *Full of [Pratchett's] burgeoning wit and wordplay . . . A delightful romp. * Sunday Times *A splendid collection . . . rumbustious, irreverent and hilarious. * Booktrust *A good choice for the chapter-book set, this is highly recommended for reading aloud to younger children as well . . . Pratchett’s vast, all-ages fan base will be intrigued by these early offerings, while their accessibility and skillful storytelling will pull in young newcomers to the masterful author's work. * Booklist *Charming and funny . . . Accompanied by Beech’s wiry Quentin Blake–like illustrations, as well as numerous typographical flourishes, this volume will please both its intended audience and older Pratchett completists. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisAnimal lover and champion Irish dancer Samantha Hannigan is having a truly woof week. She and her best friend Ajay were messing around with the Brain Swap 3000, one of her grandad's crackpot inventions, and now Sam is stuck inside the body of her neighbours' dog how can they can change her back?

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Book SynopsisGrandad and Lenny are trying to paint the living-room. But Grandad’s paint is very old and it’s gone quite strange. It has stripes and patterns in it….. At first it seems like fun to make pictures with this weird paint. Lenny calls his picture ‘Fang’ because it looks like a creature, and Grandad calls his ‘Mildred’. Lenny and Grandad decide to hang their pictures on the wall and go in search of frames. But when they return the pictures have disappeared. It looks like they’ve been stolen, but then they realise something else has happened.... That’s when things start to go terribly, terribly wrong… Trade ReviewIf you have a 4-7 year old please make sure he or she has had a taste of the Mad Grandad series by OisinMcGann -- Sarah Crossan

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Book SynopsisAn outdoor adventure trip is one thing, but can Roman Garstang survive a chicken nugget-only diet?Roman Garstang is all set for his class trip to Farm View outdoor survival centre. There are only three issues:1. With Darren Gamble as his new 'BFF' how can Roman make friends with funny, cool girl Vanya?2. Roman will be sharing a tent with Kevin (AKA 'The Pukelear Missile') for THREE DAYS3. Mum has prescribed a strict chicken nugget-only diet (Seriously?!)It's time to put his new survival skills to the test . . .Trade ReviewThis story is incredibly funny - hilarious in fact and a laugh out loud book throughout. From reading the first page I decided to read the whole story to my seven-year-old son who had just returned himself from a school residential trip. Without any exaggeration he was rolling on the floor with laughter and tears cascading down his cheek within the first two minutes - I have never read a book to him which had quite this effect * The Bookbag *Side-splitting escapades from the master of revels... * Lancashire Evening Post *This book is a non-stop comical disaster ride. Ideal for kids who find bodily functions, scabs, bogeys and toilet humour hilarious * Booktrust *I have been searching for a story to read to my class on our next 5 day residential and The Chicken Nugget Ambush will be my book of choice as I know children will absolutely love it * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisAnother fast and fun adventure about life, death and all the hilarity in between . . .Jim is getting to grips with his father's rather unusual job at the Dead End Office and is keeping the truth secret as a promise to Dad. But when Jim sees that Will's grandma is next on the list of Death Dates, he springs into action. Even though Granny Maggot is smelly, mean-spirited and VERY unfriendly, his best friend Will adores her. Jim has to do something! If the boys can keep Will's granny safe until midnight, can they save her life?Trade ReviewThis book is definitely going to make it high on my end of year list! * Mango Bubbles Book Blog *Saving Granny Maggot is funny, unpredictable, and adventurous (...) If the next title is anything like Saving Granny Maggot, I can't wait to see more! * Two Bookworms Blog *A very funny story that will really appeal to young readers; lively and well-written, it moves at a good pace * Parents in Touch *I found Jim Reaper: Saving Granny Maggot a hilarious book (...) Jim's dad is the strangest of all because he is a GRIM REAPER. This is what I think will draw people to this book the most as it is so different and unique compared to most children's books * Powered By Reading Blog *· Written for children between 7 & 9, I'd highly recommend Jim Reaper: Saving Granny Maggot as a brilliant fast paced adventure story, perfect for children who are intrigued by the dark side! * Culture for Kicks *

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Book SynopsisMark Lowery is far too funny - Jonathan Meres, author of THE WORLD OF NORMRoman endures a royal visit and a school fashion show - in a jumper knitted by his Grandma . . .Grandma has come to stay for the royal visit by Princess Lucy to launch her new badger charity, 'Badges for Badgers'. Which would be fine, if she hadn't knitted Roman the crummiest jumper (AKA "crumper") on earth that he's forced to wear to school. His whole class is in a fundraising frenzy, led by fame-crazy Rosie Taylor who is convinced that organising a charity fashion show is bound to win her favour with the princess. And in a bid of fierce cruelty she has sponsored Roman to wear his crumper ALL WEEK, even after Gamble tries to flush it down the toilet. When the jumper causes a swan attack and a biker to swerve off the road, can Roman keep his whole life from unravelling? A new side-splitting story in the Roman Garstang Disaster series.

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Book SynopsisWhen Mum asks Jim to rid their garden of snails, he has an idea. Using the white glove from Dad's study, Jim is going to give each snail a swift and painless death. But can he go through with it? When Mr Darcy the cat gets involved, Jim loses the glove and trouble breaks loose. The third story in the deadly funny JIM REAPER series, perfect for fans of Dahl, Walliams and Lemony Snicket.

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Book Synopsis'Mark Lowery is far too funny' Jonathan Meres, author of THE WORLD OF NORMThe fourth book in the hilarious and anarchic ROMAN GARSTANG ADVENTURE seriesIncredibly, unbelievably, Roman's cousin is marrying the cousin of Rosie Taylor (AKA The Worst Person Who Ever Lived) cousin. Roman can't believe this (as Rosie says: "How can we be in the same family, we're barely in the same species"). Rosie's parents decide they should go along together and "make a weekend of it". Roman's plus one is his best friend Gamble (probably the naughtiest kid in Europe) - and it's the beginning of another big, messy, catastrophic and uproarious adventure for Roman - with Winnebagos, illegal thrash metal festivals and campsite beauty contests all thrown into the mix ...

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Book SynopsisBunsfold, Surrey, and the nights are drawing in. And something wicked this way comes. A thick fog descends on the town and refuses to disperse. Is a malign spectre really afoot in the town? Or just mass paranoia? The junior Top Gear gang - Sam, Buster, Cabriola and Ford - have a theory. Four hundred years ago to the week, the God-fearing and righteous villagers of Bunsfolde burnt a sinister crone who lived deep in the woods - and she appears to be making a return. But are the sightings simply publicity ruses engineered by the Cruiser Corps? Or has the ghost of the old crone really risen to seek revenge on the descendants of her village persecutors? What greater scheme does PT Cruiser have up his sleeve? The junior Top Gear gang investigate - with the help of one very special white-suited chap stepping in just when he is needed - to race, and to save humanity ...

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Book SynopsisTen-year-old Daniel is never happier than when he is eating chips. Especially during his family's annual Chip Shop Championships, the highlight of his year. And especially when he can also eat chips with Monkey, his beloved soft toy and trusty companion. But one terrible November day, the lives of Daniel and his family are changed forever when an accident renders Daniel a shadow of his former self. As Daniel retreats into himself, his family slowly begin to fall apart, without this bright boy at the heart of their lives. When an impromptu trip to a chip shop seems to briefly engage Daniel with the real world, the family decide to revisit their Chip Shop Championships, on a quest to find the best chip shop in the country. Along the way, as they attempt to rebuild their family and regain Daniel, they must contend with hungry giraffes, nouveau cuisine, the loss of Monkey, the theft of Grandma, and lots of chips.Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award (shorter novel category)Nominated for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2021Shortlisted for the Calderdale Children's Book of the Year 2021Trade ReviewDaniel, who is on the autism spectrum, is also sensitively drawn, from his imaginary relationship with Monkey to the way he describes his feelings as colours. You'll be rooting for him to find his way back to his family and begin to process what has happened to him. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisMark Anchovy: pizza delivery boy and private detective is off to Russia . . .'Hilarious and exciting' The Scotsman'LOVE this proper funny series ... Funny, fast-paced adventure with loads of cheese (the good kind!)' Pamela ButchartPosted to Russia on a school exchange programme, he must find a missing casket of jewelled egg cups. His only lead is a frail ex-detective called Swirly Ben. Who happens to be on the hit list of a jewel thief called Heidi Hyde High. On top of all that, crusty Mr Hogstein is directing the school play. Oh, and Colin's sister Alicia has found out what 'extra anchovies' really means.Read more of the Mark Anchovy adventures for fast-paced and food-filled hilarity:MARK ANCHOVY: PIZZA DETECTIVEMARK ANCHOVY: PIZZA POWER

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Book SynopsisIn her third adventure, Cookie finds mysteries everywhere - but can she solve them, and save the science show?Hurray, Cookie's Nani is coming to stay from Bangladesh! But she doesn't speak English and Cookie is the only one in the family who doesn't speak Bengali. Luckily, science-mad Cookie realises that her coding lessons at school might help her crack the language code and help her bond with Nani.Other mysteries are harder to solve, though - like, why is Jake's mum acting so weird? Who is the mystery gamer who keeps levelling-up in Cookie's computer game? And who is the Woodburn Hacker, who keeps posting teachers' secrets on the school website? Why does it look like it might be Cookie herself?Can Cookie solve these mysteries, clear her name and save the science show?Trade ReviewSide-splittingly funny and supremely science-y * Adam Kay *Get ready for chaos, comedy and a cast of quirky characters as much-loved BBC Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq returns with her hilarious children's series.Written and illustrated by Huq, the brilliantly entertaining Cookie! books star adorable science-obsessed girl Cookie Haque, from a Bangladeshi family, who is ready to take on the world... and won't take no for an answer!With her chaotic family life, drama queen attitude and her love for madcap school science projects, geeky Cookie also has an uncanny ability to get herself into almost constant scrapes, and her riotous adventures are winning the hearts of mischievous youngsters.In the third book in the series, Cookie finds mysteries everywhere... but can she solve them, and save the science show? Meanwhile, Cookie's Nani is coming to stay from Bangladesh but she doesn't speak English and Cookie is the only one in the family who doesn't speak Bengali.Fortunately, science-mad Cookie realises that her coding lessons at school might help her crack the language code and help her bond with Nani. Other mysteries are harder to solve, though... like, why is Jake's mum acting so weird, who is the mystery gamer who keeps levelling-up in Cookie's computer game and who is the Woodburn Hacker who keeps posting teachers' secrets on the school website?Huq's inspiration for this anarchic comedy series - illustrated throughout with her own doodle-style, black and white illustrations - was her own childhood, a lingering feeling that she 'didn't quite fit in,' and her own propensity for embarrassing disasters.With a fresh, funny and joyful warmth permeating the story throughout, subtle lessons about saving the planet and the importance of coding, and an enchanting lead player who inspires girls to get on board with science, this is the perfect all-round adventure for middle grade readers. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancaster Guardian *

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Book SynopsisNumber One for Fiendish Fun!This book contains the ULTIMATE revenge, a computer hack, a DISASTROUS office visit and a demon dinner lady!Four utterly hilarious and totally brilliant Horrid Henry stories by Francesca Simon, with illustrations by Tony Ross. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure.Trade Review"A very funny collection of short stories about the lovable rascal, with amusing black and white illustrations ideal for early readers." Booktrust, 100 Best Books 2002 'I liked this because it had funny things like when Henry tricks Peter by pretending he has fairies and saying they only come out at night.' -- Alexandra Newman, Aged 8 SUNDAY EXPRESS

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Book SynopsisLife is never boring now that Jams and his family have a monkey to look after. Jams and his mum love Thimble, but Dad is determined to get rid of him - to a zoo, a school, even a demolition site. But when Jams and his dad are in mortal danger, Thimble proves once and for all why he is a Monkey Superstar! Thimble is very clever and very naughty - and just the best friend Jams has been waiting for. Illustrated by Martin Chatterton

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Book SynopsisFOURTH YEAR. TWO PALS. ONE MURDER. ‘Whoever said yer school days are the best days ae yer life was at the absolute wind up. I hink maist grown ups dinnae mind whit it was really like. Wait til yeese hear whit Sonny and me got detention for...’ Daughter and Sonny are two best friends just trying to get through fourth year at high school. But when their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one will say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation. As they dig deeper into the staff at Battlefield High, they discover a dark secret which one person will kill to protect... Will they uncover the truth without being expelled? Can their friendship survive when personal secrets are revealed? And will they manage to dog off double English?

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE SALTIRE FIRST BOOK AWARD An eight-year-old girl and her granpa are on the run… “When me and Granpa watched James Bond films, he told me not to be scared because people didn’t have guns like that in Scotland. That must’ve been why the robbers used hammers.” Orphaned Mary lives with her granpa, but after he is mixed up in a robbery at the bookies where he works, they flee to the Isle of Skye. Gradually, Mary realises that her granpa is involved. And the robbers are coming after him–and their money. Mary’s quirky outlook on life, loss, and her love of all things Elvis, will capture your heart. Full of witty Scots banter, Mary’s the Name will have you reaching for the hankies, first with laughter, then with tears. ‘Funny, smart, and full of heart’ HELEN SEDGWICK Author of The Comet Seekers ‘Pacy and poignant, wee Mary leaves a big impression’ LIAM MURRAY BELL Author of The BuskerTrade Review‘Funny, smart, and full of heart’ HELEN SEDGWICK, Author of The Comet Seekers‘Pacy and poignant, wee Mary leaves a big impression’ LIAM MURRAY BELL, Author of The Busker'Once you’ve met Mary you won’t forget her in a hurry' ALISTAIR BRAIDWOOD, Scots Whay Hae'This beautiful debut novel took me totally by surprise… in the best way! For a man to completely encapsulate a young girl was the biggest surprise for me. It’s wonderful!' BLOOMIN' BRILLIANT BOOKS

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Book SynopsisDavid Walliams meets Goosebumps! When Alistair joins the Corny Scaredy-Cat Paranormal Investigation Squad, his whole life changes. Can Alistair and Saoirse solve the problem of the sword wielding ghosts? And can he stop Saorise's brother Billy ( who is only interested in bums and anything to do with toilets) from creating complete chaos?Trade Review'A gripping ghost-and-gag-packed paranormal mystery underpinned by themes of friendship and overcoming fears' LoveReading4Kids 'David Walliams meets Goosebumps' The Bookseller 'A brilliant story that entertains, empowers… and makes you laugh! The Lancashire Post 'The perfect mix of creepy and funny to keep the readers turning pages long into the night' Kate Heap Scope for Imagination ''Brilliantly funny' AssetreadingAdvocate

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Book SynopsisWINNER: 2023 Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young PeopleSHORT-LISTED: 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's LiteratureChasing cows and pigs. Mockery. Rude songs. Piracy, bullying, revenge, warfare and general thuggery.This is the list of approved duck activities and it does NOT include poetry. The ducks of Little Dismal are angry. A scruffy chicken called Clara has been telling lies about them. They need revenge. Enter Rita - a duck with the soul of a poet. After an embarrassing talent night, Rita sees revenge on Clara as a chance to restore her reputation. But Rita finds more than revenge on her mission. She uncovers a dastardly plan to chook-nap the clever chicken that will take them both a long way from home. Luckily, it's Rita's unlikely friendship with a small human and the help of some street-smart birds that just might save the day and inspire an epic poem! 'Jealousy, revenge, crime, adventure, duck poetry and laugh-out-loud comedy;?Rita's Revenge?has it all! I adore this book.' Katrina Nannestad, author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in RomeTrade Review'Jealousy, revenge, crime, adventure, duck poetry and laugh-out-loud comedy - Rita's Revenge has it all! I adore this book.' Katrina Nannestad, author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome'Rita's sharp tongue and poetic heart will change the way you look at poultry, poetry and friendship forever. Such a funny, original and heart-warming read.' Zanni Louise, author of Tiggy and the Magic Paintbrush'Rita stole my heart and quacked me up!' by Deborah Abela, author of The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee'Rita is hilarious. The funniest book I've read in ages.' Tristan Bancks, author of Ginger Meggs and Tom Weekly series'This animal-narrated crime caper is a fun read aloud for strong readers aged 8-10.' Books and Publishing

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Book SynopsisBumpfizzle is an alien, sent to Earth from Planet Plonk on a research mission. Or is he really just a ten-year-old boy who is feeling a bit disgruntled at all the attention his parents are lavishing on The Baby? It is up to readers to make up their own minds. Either way, Bumpfizzle's confusion at Earthling behaviours, as reported in his diary and his frequent reports back to Plonk, are hilarious, and his adventures are ridiculous, from eating the cat's food (it makes him throw up, always good for attention) to biting his teacher (to check if humans would make a good source of food for Plonkers) and attempting to sacrifice a goat (he soon discovers what goats' horns are for).Trade Review'Forde’s inventive wordsmithing and her instinct for the ridiculous will have kids in stitches.' * The New York Times *'The book is rich with contemporary reference and comedy, as Forde uses the alien perspective to offer the reader an alternative view of familiar family conflicts and academic challenges. Elina Braslina’s illustrations, meanwhile, bring life to Forde’s characters with an expressive clarity that effectively undermines the details of Bumpfizzle’s letters and points readers towards his dissembling. But that’s aliens for you: they just cannot be trusted.' * The Irish Times *'The real triumph, and there are many, is that the narration does not let up at all. Forde is enjoying herself immensely and her enjoyment and energy is infectious.' -- Des Kenny * The Galway Advertiser *'The book was funny. It was very funny. There weren’t jokes, but it just made me laugh … People who like books with cartoons, and who read Roald Dahl would probably like this book. If I had to describe it in three words, I would say: “aliens”, “funny”, “funky” … and “surprising”. I’d recommend it to my friend Brooke. You don’t know her.' -- Sienna (age 11) * The Dublin Inquirer *'... his purportedly extraterrestrial perspective and bombastic voice propel this tongue-in-cheek misadventure.' * Publishers Weekly *'Big changes and the torment that comes with them are given new life on these pages. The accompanying black-and-white illustrations by Braslina are engaging and serve to convey Daniel’s frustrations ... Readers, especially middle children, may relate to how alien it can feel when making room for a new addition to the family.' * School Library Journal *'An engaging and fun read.' * NetGalley Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisShady snakes, thuggish pigs, a cat in a fur coat and a mystery to be solved. The Free Range Detective Agency is on the case! Seamus the private investigator is no chicken. He's a turkey. And after the disastrous case of the Rampaging Rhinoceros, his feathers are a little ruffled. This turkey always knew he shouldn’t trust a cat in a fur coat, but when Ms Ermine comes slinking in with a clawful of cash, he just can’t say no. Soon he’s up to his beak in a case involving a sinister snake, pigs with piercings and a meerkat called Elvis. 'I laughed so much I laid an egg. GENIUS.' Dustin the Turkey A playful and brilliantly funny take on detective noir fiction with an all-animal cast of characters.Trade ReviewFunny, sweet, and beautifully illustrated. -- Sue Leonard * The Irish Examiner *'I laughed so much I laid an egg. GENIUS. The world has a new top turkey.' -- Dustin the Turkey

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Book Synopsis'In a booky world where many publishers are playing it solid and safe, Taylor Dolan is a breath of fresh air. I would give this series five stars out of five and say to you, go and crack open your kid's head (in a good way) and give the contents a stir. Y'all will thank me for it.' – SNORT! Blog______________It's Visitor's Weekend at Camp Croak and Lexie Wilde and her band of Ghost Scout friends are looking forward to seeing their families. But when Grams doesn't appear, and instead someone claiming to be Lexie's mother arrives, Lexie doesn't know what to think. And when a Wish Wind suddenly flies through camp, causing chaos and mayhem, the scouts must use their best skills and badges to unravel the chaos that ensues. It most certainly is a hullabaloo at Camp Croak! GHOST SCOUTS UNITE! Raise your paws and show some claws!Trade ReviewIn a booky world where many publishers are playing it solid and safe, Taylor Dolan is a breath of fresh air. I would give this series five stars out of five and say to you, go and crack open your kid's head (in a good way) and give the contents a stir. Y'all will thank me for it. * SNORT! Blog *This is a wild and wicked experience. It will pick you up with one hand and tickle you with the other, whilst dragging you through page after page of horrible but hilarious morsels. It’s dark humour for adventurous beginners – and like a bungee jump into the bayou, it’ll dip your head deep into a supernatural soup of a rather silly temperature. * SNORT! blog *With its cast of ghoulish but gorgeous characters, a feisty feminist heroine, a story steeped in friendship, fun, kindness and daring to be different, and Dolan’s all-action, two-colour illustrations throughout, this is the perfect read for all young mischief-makers. * Lancashire Post *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth in this hilarious, ghoulish story of Lexie Wilde and her ghost scout pals. Lexie Wild is having a rollicking time at Camp Croak with her ghoulish pals. That is until the smarmy scouts from Happy Hollow issue a deadly ancient challenge. If the Ghost Scouts lose, their beloved camp will be destroyed... Lexie must summon all her courage if the Ghost Scouts are to defeat the wicked Euphemia Vile and her crew. But watch out! The malicious whispering snakes are loose! Maybe working together is the answer...

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Book SynopsisAsterix and Obelix hiv tae tak the laurel bunnet aff Caesar''s heid For the glory o Gaul or their wee clachan? Naw, it''s aw because o a glaikit bet and a bool o soup! In their dangerous mission tae get their hauns on Caesar''s laurel croon, will oor heroes keep the heid or go completely aff it?

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Book SynopsisA crisis which knocks out druid Oghamaix quickly becomes a take-over headache for Asterix and his friends!

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Book SynopsisThere''s excitement in the Gaulish village, where bard Dándírix has decided to compete for the An Liagán Órga in the Gallic Oireachtas. But with the Romans keeping an eye open for troublemakers intent on keeping the old traditions alive, Asterix and Obelix must go with him to ensure his safety even if it gives them a headache!

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