Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism / Magical fantasy

Book Synopsis A spellbinding story from the Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'A story bursting with imagination, sparkle and tender heart ... I adored it!' JASBINDER BILAN 'Both souful poetry and thrilling adventure; powerful and delicate, chilling and comforting' SOPHIE ANDERSON 'Ripping propulsive plot, gorgeous imagery, floating fairytale prose ... absolutely loved it' ROSS MONTGOMERY In an Italian city ravaged by plague, Sofia's mother carves beautiful mementoes from the bones of loved ones. But one day, she doesn't return home. Did her work lead her into danger? Sofia and her little brother Ermin are sent to the convent orphanage but soon escape, led by an enigmatic new friend and their pet crow, Corvith. Together they cross the city underground, following clues in bones up to the towers of Siena, where - circled by magpies - the children find the terrible truth ... The fourth children's novel by Times number one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year From the author of The Island at the End of Everything, The Way Past Winter, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies - chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club A darkly beautiful historical novel featuring Kiran's trademark magical realism and an enthralling mystery, presented as a gorgeous flapped paperback with stunning cover foil Longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards 2021

Read more less

Book SynopsisAnd now, Master Harker, now that the Wolves are Running, perhaps you could do something to stop their Bite?''A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The police don''t believe Kay, so when his family and the Bishop are scrobbled up just before Christmas, he knows he must act alone John Masefield's classic children's book is considered to be one of the great works of modern children's fiction. Magical, fantastical and filled with vivid, rich characters brought to life in this edition by Quentin Blake's stunning artwork The Box of Delights and its sequel The Midnight Folk are a must-read for any child. A genuine fantasy classic in the tradition of Peter Pan, Alice''s Adventures in Wonderland or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. If you like Harry Potter, you'll love this. A wonderful book for early readers aged 8 and up.Recently adapted for the sta

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrozen is a consumer products whirlwind and this format is hugely popular, so we anticipate Young Adult Colouring: Frozen to be a perfect storm of demand versus popularity

Read more less

Book SynopsisEye-catching new design for an established, successful fiction range.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHave you heard of the bird that turned to stone? Or of the extra-specially-super-deliciously-fantastically naughty boy who got a frog stuck in his throat? Has anyone ever told you of the Captain of the Nile who only has six toes?No? Well, tuck yourself in, and let Onjali Raúf entertain you with her first collection of never-before-told fables of magic and mayhem... Beautifully illustrated by Katarzyna Doszla in full colour.From the sand-laden shores of Egypt, where an Axe married a Tree... To the mountains of Japan where dragons and hungry mirrors roam ... To the ancient trees of the Amazon where a bed destined to steal time is forged ... Discover new tales of magic, wonder and imagination, inspired by old sayings, everyday objects and countries of the world.Written with Onjali's trademark heart and humour, and inspired by her travels, Where Magic Grows is a compilation of seven original fairy tales where friendship, kindness - and poetry awaits.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe MAGICAL debut children's book from superstar TV presenter and magician, Stephen Mulhern!ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!Max Mullers loves doing magic tricks - his gran has taught him everything he knows! But his tricks aren't enough to keep Bottley the Bully off his back.Then a run-in with Bottley at his parents' market stall gets Max into even bigger trouble - now the notorious East End gangsters the Crayfish Twins are after him! If Max is going to get out of this one, he'll need A MIRACLE. Fortunately for Max, with magic . . . anything is possible!An unforgettable adventure celebrating friendship, family and . . . MAGIC!Engaging black-and-white illustrations throughout and a dyslexic-friendly layout make this perfect for every child.Ideal for fans of Greg James & Chris Smith, Noel Fitzpatrick and David Baddiel.Inspired by Stephen Mulhern's incredible story of his journey to becoming a magician, performer and TV star.[MAX MAGIC by Stephen Mulhern was a Sunday Times bestseller in September 2022]

Read more less

Book Synopsis ‘Utterly original. Amanda Foody has a wicked imagination.’ Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Caraval Reality is in the eye of the beholder… Even among the many unusual members of the travelling circus that has always been her home sixteen-year-old Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all of their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival's Freak Show. But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.Now she must unravel the horrifying truth before all her loved ones disappear.Trade Review‘I highly recommend this fantastical, wildly imagined thrill-ride of a story.’Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch

Read more less

Book Synopsis A fin-tastic tale of friendship and adventure, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Edward Scissorhands! 'Charming and delightful ... a whimsical adventure story stuffed to the flippers with fish puns and fun' SAM SEDGMAN 'I loved this story of fish, friendship and finding yourself.' A.F. STEADMAN 'The story has been polished like a pebble in a gift shop … so charming and quirky is our voyage' THE TIMES Marina lives in Merlington, a fish-obsessed seaside town. Unfortunately, she doesn't care for fish; she loves telling stories. Marina finds her best story yet when she explores the ruined, haunted pier: a boy called William with a head of tentacles and crab claws for hands. He has lived on the pier all his life, cared for by a fisherman who has since disappeared and who warned him always to remain hidden. Together, the pair resolve to unravel the mystery of his past – but danger isn't far away ... The debut novel by Richard Pickard, a fresh new voice in children's fiction and winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice Award 2019. A funny, dark, core middle-grade story touching on themes of lies, storytelling, secrets, acceptance and, of course, fish! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Edward Scissorhands!

Read more less

Book SynopsisEver since she turned eighteen and moved from an adolescent mental health ward to an adult one, Heather’s life has felt isolated and grey. She’d never attempt to suggest that climbing over the back fence of the hospital in the middle of the night is her sanest decision, but with a life that feels empty and a head full of memories that she doesn’t want to think about, she doesn’t feel like she has a choice. Heather is barely over the fence, however, when she meets Maeve. While, at first, Heather only allows Maeve to accompany her to keep the younger girl out of harm’s way, events soon lead to the lives of the two teenagers becoming increasingly entangled. As the night goes on, Heather is soon forced to consider who will be saving who.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA wild gallop for freedomTrade Review"The magic of C. S. Lewis's parallel universe never fades,"The Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisHaelsford, Florida is a Hellmouth and when the Haunting Season begins,Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. This year, the Red Three- Iris, Jailah and Thalia, teen witches at Mesmortes Coven Academy- with the help of the young witch Logan want to end the cursefor good. But the cost to break the curse may be greater than anyonecould ever know...

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom bestselling horror master K.R. Alexander, a twisted take on a school for magic where the line between curse and survival is always shifting.Sebastian Wight is cursed. As a boy with the forbidden ability to traverse the lands of the dead, he must not only harness his newfound powers to fight the monster that stalks him, but also to navigate a creepy world of hunting ghosts and ghouls with his eccentric classmates.And that''s only the start of his concerns.There''s also the tangled on a boy who barely looks at him twice... and the deadly family history that brought him to the halls of Gallowgate Academy in the first place.For Sebastian Wight, fighting the dead might be hard... but it''s dealing with the living that may bring him down.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautifully written coming-of-age novel nominated for the 2017 CILIP Carnegie Prize from an acclaimed literary voice. A lost boy. A dead girl, and one who is left behind. A village full of whispers and secrets. When the white hare appears, magical and fleet in the silvery moonlight, she leads them all into a legend, a chase. But who is the hunter and who the hunted? 'There's magic in Michael Fishwick's The White Hare, a haunting story of a troubled London teenager [and] a tender reflection on father-son relationships' EVENING STANDARD. 'Finely tuned prose, a rich sense of place, magical folklore elements, multi-dimensional characters, and a well-paced plot create a suspenseful contemporary tale of grief, retribution, and healing' KIRKUS, Starred Review. 'Myth, mystery, love and loss collide in an utterly gripping, deeply atmospheric, coming-of-age novel' THE BOOKSELLER. Trade ReviewThere's magic in Michael Fishwick's The White Hare, a haunting story of a troubled London teenager [and] a tender reflection on father-son relationships * Evening Standard *Finely tuned prose, a rich sense of place, magical folklore elements, multi-dimensional characters, and a well-paced plot create a suspenseful contemporary tale of grief, retribution, and healing * Kirkus Reviews *Myth, mystery, love and loss collide in an utterly gripping, deeply atmospheric, coming-of-age novel -- Fiona Noble, The BooksellerThis is the best sort of magical realism * The Spectator *Beautifully written, with lyrical evocations of the rural setting and a tense playing out of a myth that seems all too real, this is an all too believable blend of magic and realism. The striking cover and delicate line drawings which pepper the pages make it a lovely object as well as a gripping read * School Librarian *The launch title for Head of Zeus's new children's imprint, Zephyr, and it sets the bar very high... Fishwick's depiction of place and landscape as well as his creation of the atmosphere and mythology of the novel is excellent... it is exactly the sort of book that deserves to figure in the reading lives of young people' * Nudge Book *It's got a clarity about what it evokes, and a sterling mood to its pages. It could do very well indeed for this new imprint * The Bookbag *A magical and thoughtful tale about the place where old and new communities meet, this is also a sensitive, well-told story about the rifts that occur in families and friendships, and how they can be healed. Fishwick's writing is fine and stylish and never loses the grip of a slowly building, powerful story * Booktrust *Fishwick's sense of wonder (childlike but never childish), expertly paced plot and relatable characters make it a highly original and deeply moving read * The Lady. *Handsomely produced, with delicate line drawings, this is a skilfully told and original novel * The Tablet. *Alongside the magic and the fables, there are some difficult and bang up-to-date modern themes running through this book, and the author has combined the two very well. His attention to detail, his description of the countryside and his well-rounded and realistic characters work so well together to create an enjoyable and quite different story for children and young adults... Fishwick has a rich imagination and is a skilled writer. The White Hare is thought-provoking and a pleasure to read' * Random Things Through My Letterbox *One of the best books I've read this year. I loved the book so much because it drew me in instantly... Without a shadow of a doubt 5/5 rating. Go buy the book now!' -- Dylan Christie, 12, Zephyr Review CrewBoth the reader and story are richly imbued with the essence of the countryside and nature... A great look at a teenager finding his place in a new world' * Sherborne Times *Gripping... a modern day fairy tale' * Books Books Books *A wonderfully atmospheric novel. It's a real achievement to combine a family drama about grief, family and friends with a central mystery which has a dangerous edge to it, all magically bound up in nature and legend, but Fishwick has done it with consummate skill. This novel should delight the 12+ audiences of its primary target, but it also entranced me (9/10) * AnnaBookbel *If you like your stories lilting and poetic do give this one a read * Books, OccupationMagic! *The further along I got the more the suspense built up and more than once I felt a chill run down my spine * Typewritered *A gripping novel of rural intrigue, loss and awakening * BBC Countryfile *A stunning coming of age tale interwoven with folklore, mysticism and villainy at the village fete * Lounge Books *His tense relationship with Sheila, the new woman, and her daughters, shows Fishwick to be a keen observer of blended-family life, particularly in Robbie's relationship with his stepsisters, which is edged with resentment and rivalry but also affection and friendship * Evening Standard *

Read more less

Book Synopsis An enchancting, lyrical novel from the acclaimed author of A Light Between Worlds! 'Weymouth's prose is lush and evocative, filled with palpable descriptions and compelling mystery' KIRKUS 'With lush prose and an eye for atmospheric detail, Weymouth adeptly spins a tale in which thge heroine is torn between passion and purpose, destruction and duty.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY When her father is convicted of high treason, Violet Sterling is exiled. Seven years later she has a chance to return to her beloved Burleigh House and to Wyn, the boy she left behind. But Burleigh – one of the six great magical houses of England – has gone wild with grief after the death of Violet’s father and now the capricious King of England has threatened to raze it to the ground. Vi must decide whether her destiny is set in stone, before Burleigh destroys everything she loves. The second novel by acclaimed YA talent and author of The Light Between World, Laura Weymouth. A curious and original alternate history of living great houses, set in a vividly imagined, enchanting world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHogwarts meets Men in Black in a thrilling comic adventure about a very gifted boy who joins a monster fighting academy.Trade Review‘Men in Black for kids. Pure entertainment.’ Kirkus Reviews

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavy David, an orphan, lives by his wits in the dead-end town of Brownvale. When a stray dog called George turns Davy's life upside down just days before Christmas, he sets in motion a chain of events which forces them to flee. A mischievous wind blows the two of them to a boarded-up museum on the outskirts of town where they meet the elderly recluse, Miss Flint. She has planned one last adventure before her time is up and hires the reluctant Davy and George to escort her. A magical adventure about an unlikely friendship and an unforgettable journey.Trade ReviewAn elegiac novel, with the poignant elegance of a fading society belle – and some raucous belly laughs along the way * Guardian *The story asks readers to accept the miraculous, and rewards them in return with a beautifully written story, full of memorable characters and scenes, and the sense that life can be wonderful if you follow the right road. * Books for Keeps *This book sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. Despite shedding tears, I found it to be full of hope as well as being very beautiful and poignant. This is a must read for adults, let alone children! * Readingzone *This book is like a warm hug during dangerous times. An ideal book to put in a stocking for Christmas Day. * Serendipity Reviews *Every line, every thought, every idea in this magical book about an orphan boy on a remarkable journey of self-discovery has been worked up into an unforgettable modern classic. Beautifully written and imbued with genuine warmth and wisdom. * Lancashire Evening Post *Gorgeous writing combines with a hauntingly bleak near-future setting, a whiff of holiday magic, and a transcendent story arc to make this novel feel like the classic it deserves to become. * Kirkus, Starred Review *Gorgeous writing combines with a hauntingly bleak near-future setting, a whiff of holiday magic, and a transcendent story arc to make this novel feel like the classic it deserves to become. -- Kirkus, Starred Review * Kirkus *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAward-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds. In modern-day Mexico, Sitlali is all alone after the death of her beloved abuela. Targeted by a dangerous gang member, she flees to the United States to find her father. The night before her journey, she finds an ancient conch shell on the beach and takes it with her as a memento of home. In 1521, Calizto is trapped in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which is besieged by Spanish invaders. He has fought valiantly, but hope for his people is running out. Desperate to escape, he takes up his mother's sacred conch and sounds a plea to the gods. The conch holds magic neither Sitlali nor Calizto understand, magic that allows them to communicate across centuries--and find comfort in each other as they fight to survive. With each conversation, they fall deeper in love, and as the moon waxes, they become more present to each other. But as danger threatens at every turn, will they ever find a way to truly be together?Trade ReviewAn excellent romantic fantasy woven with timeless themes. The authors juxtapose historical aspects of Aztec civilization with today’s current events, calling attention to strains that migrants experience in modern-day detention centers. Young adults will thoroughly enjoy this riveting, long-distance love story. * Booklist, starred review *By turns heartfelt and heart-pounding, this story will grip readers to the final pages. * The Horn Book *The alternating perspectives brim with vitality, pulling the reader into each moment while intertwining ever more closely the shared threads of indigeneity, colonial oppression, and hope for a more peaceful future. * BCCB *A gentle love story and action-packed sequences elevate this sobering read. * Publishers Weekly *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Nutcracker is a Christmas tale filled with magical realms and memorable characters, including the Mouse King, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, Sugar Plum Fairy and, of course, the Nutcracker prince. This retelling of a classic story combines beautifully crafted paperscape scenes with an easy-to-follow and captivating narrative. The book presents the fairytale settings in a series of intricately crafted die-cut pages, forming layered scenes that make each realm unique and picturesque. In addition, children can collect pressout characters along the way and display them in a beautiful diorama, and in so doing enjoy the classic tale in a uniquely interactive and charming way.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAfrican myth and magic beat in the dark heart of this fable about witchcraft, superstition, the bonds we choose and those we cannot. Born into a family of West African witches, Sheba's terrified of her mother who is deadly dangerous. But like mother, like daughter – magic runs through her blood and Sheba discovers powers of her own. Her touch can unravel people's innermost thoughts; their hopes, their fears – their secrets. Sheba too can shape-shift. Through the communion of ancient magic, blood and friendship, she slowly uncovers the murderous truth about her stolen childhood and steels herself for the future. She must protect the hunted from the hunter – her mother. Praise for Lionheart Girl: 'A dark and dazzling coming-of-age novel, rich in atmosphere and magic realism' Guardian Best Books of 2021 'Lionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable' Sophie Anderson, The Castle of Tangled Magic 'Loved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family' Catherine Johnson, author of Queen of Freedom: Defending JamaicaTrade ReviewWritten with lushness and lyricism, this is a complex tale of friendships, community and family conflict expressed in fantastical metaphors * Sunday Times, Book of the Week *A stirring fantasy, rich in west African legend, investigates the bonds of blood, love and friendship, and what it takes to grow into your power * Guardian *Myth, magic and superstition course through this dark and mesmerising novel of witchcraft, family and coming of age. I loved both A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars and Wolf Light, but this is Badoe's best YA novel yet * Editor's Choice, The Bookseller *Fierce and thrilling, Lionheart Girl delivers on the promise of Badoe's debut, and then some. I loved this original, lyrical, dark fable -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of A Secret of Birds of BoneVividly imaginative, brave, passionate and original heroine. A different kind of magical adventure that draws on West African myth for a story of universal interest' -- Amanda Craig, author of The Golden RuleUnlike anything I've ever read. Mythical, vivid, unsettling and utterly page-turning, Lionheart Girl explores bonds of blood, friendship and the power of being true to yourself. Both unique and brilliant -- Ele Fountain, author of MeltThis is a magical tale, one that I loved... Yaba's writing is a rich feast to be savoured. Filled with unforgettable images that leave you breathless, it is about the strength of love' -- Sally Gardner, author of Invisible in a Bright LightLoved it! Yaba's best so far – a wonderful tale of magic and family -- Cat JohnsonLionheart Girl is deeply atmospheric, stunningly original, and sizzling with ancient myth and magic. Utterly unmissable -- Sophie Anderson, author of The Castle of Tangled MagicA fun and ambitious read... A familial take on the fantasy genre' * Bad Form *Rooted in west African myth and tradition... This is a superb book * Irish Times *A thrillingly talented Ghanaian author weaving West African myth into a tale of love and courage * New Statesman *A bewitching, often dark, magical realism novel for children aged 12+ * Book Trust *I love Badoe's tales of myth and magic * Daily Mail *Lionheart Girl is brilliantly written, richly evocative, and quite unforgettable. I loved it -- Lauren St JohnSheba and her mama have a uniquely combative relationship I don't think I've really seen before in YA fantasy. There's magic, great family relationships and lyrical writing and a beautiful ending! -- Peter Bunzl

Read more less

Book SynopsisUnwrap a new Princess storybook every day in the run up to Christmas in this fantastic advent calendar format

Read more less

Book SynopsisBook box set contains 10 timeless tales featuring all of the characters from Disney's hugely successful film, Frozen

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt''s Christmas Eve at the North Pole, but everything is far from ready... The elves in the workshop are frantic, the reindeer are on strike and to top it all off, the sleigh has broken down. Santa is in despair Christmas will be ruined! Suddenly a shimmering, white creature with a magical horn appears... will this mystery unicorn be able to save the day?

Read more less

Book SynopsisCome on a magical journey through the world of imagination in this wonderful storybook

Read more less

Book SynopsisA piano appears on her front lawn one morning, and a mysterious new neighbor invites Mercedes to paint with her at the Red Mangrove Estate.At the Estate, Mercedes can create in ways she hasn’t ever before.Trade Review"A dreamy and subtle work of art, THE GALLERY OF UNFINISHED GIRLS explores love, family, and the maddening, magical drive to create art." -- Adi Alsaid, author of Let's Get Lost "Francesca Lia Block fans will be right at home with this mix of magical realism, girl power self-actualization, and the concept that family can be both biological and found, and they'll likely keep an eye out to see what this debut author will do next." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "The novel's mix of self-discovery, art making, and the unknown should resonate with fans of A.S. King's work." -- Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Maya and her family move to the countryside, strange things start to happen at night. Who is it that keeps tidying the house after everyone has gone to bed? While her parents don’t believe her, Maya knows that there is a mysterious creature living in their new home. This unwanted resident gets very upset when it realizes it won’t be getting the bowl of porridge it expects to receive in exchange for doing the housekeeping. As the furious creature wreaks havoc on the household, will Maya and her family find a way to resolve this situation, or will they have to leave their new home? A delightful story of magic and fantasy, Che Golden’s The Porridge Plot is also a touching portrayal of family life, which emphasizes the importance of love and togetherness.Trade ReviewThe Porridge Plot goes beyond the usual magical fairy story as it deals with themes of family relationships, which I found very touching. -- Elisabetta Minervini, Publisher

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life, we meet Maji, a sixteen-year-old African-American teenager from the Bronx who, inspired by MOBY DICK, and overwhelmed by issues of racism, mental health, and complex family dynamics, sets sail on the Hudson in search of a miracle and experiences a coming-of-age journey that blends own-voice insight, social commentary, elements of magical realism.

Read more less