Children’s / Teenage fiction: Short stories

Book Synopsis Princess Minna loves to sort out mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom! In this full-colour, illustrated chapter book, join her on another adventure to tame a unicorn and much more - all in time for tea. Princess Minna lives in Castle Tall-Towers with the King and Queen, Raymond the Wizard and her best dragon friend, Lorenzo. There are often mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom and Princess Minna loves to sort them out! She can tame unicorns, kiss frogs and fight dragons (apart from Lorenzo) and she is very good at fixing things before it's time for bed. In The Unicorn Mix-Up, Princess Minna is so tired she gets a bit muddled and fights a unicorn, kisses a dragon and tries to tame a frog - which won't do at all! Can she sort it all out and make a new friend along the way? Full of colourful illustrations, these short, funny stories are perfect for readers just moving on from picture books and visual readers.

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Book SynopsisSnatched from her home by ruthless poachers, baby macaque Bamboo is hurled into the cruel world of the illegal animal trade. Bound in dark cages and forced into performing tricks, Bamboo faces a grim future. Enter Amber, a fearless teenager who can't stand to see animals suffer. She is determined to rescue the macaque and return her to the wild.

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Book SynopsisGuardian Books of the Year 2019. Here are eight princesses for the Rebel Girls generation: bold, empowered, full of curiosity, adventure and determined to be true to themselves. Natasha Farrant's original stories are set in different times all around the world, blending modern and traditional storytelling with glowing full colour illustrations by debut artist Lydia Corry in a glorious gift book. 'Mirror, mirror on the wall... what makes a princess excellent?' An enchantress flings her magic mirror into our universe. Reflected in it are princesses who refuse to be pretty, polite or obedient. Through the centuries and around the world these girls are fierce, brave, and determined to do the rescuing themselves. The desert princess protects her people from the king with the black and gold banner. The forest princess takes a crocodile for a pet. An island princess explores the high seas. A mountain princess puts kindness above being royal. And in a tower-block in a city, Princess saves her community garden from the hands of urban developers.Trade Review'This book of exceptionally excellent princesses is completely gorgeous. The stories and illustrations shine with the same clear light' Hilary McKay, author of 2018 Costa prize-winning The Skylarks' War. -- Hilary McKay, author of 2018 Costa prize-winning The Skylarks' WarTraditional stories also offer rich potential for subversion, as Natasha Farrant shows in her linked collection of original fairytales... A terrific and inspirational conceit, set in a beautiful package designed and illustrated by Lydia Corry' * Irish Times *Slightly older fairytale fans, especially those who enjoy Rebel Girls-style empowerment, will relish Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror by Natasha Farrant, enriched by Lydia Corry's delicious pictures * Guardian, Books of the Year 2019 *A beautiful book to share with a class * Books for Topics *Wonderful contemporary storytelling with a classic feel' * The Bookseller, Editor's Choice *The girls in these stories refuse to submit to the usual perception of princesses being pretty, polite and obedient but each does learn valuable lessons... The realisation of their hopes and dreams come from within themselves, from their bravery to fight for what they cared about, their thirst for knowledge and their caring attitudes. A beautiful book to share with a class' * Books for Topics *A thrilling adventure' * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *A glorious adventure * Metro *Tales of empowerment and bravery, with nuggets of wisdom for any little princesses who may need a boost to their own self-confidence * Evening Echo. *No fewer than eight timely and timeless young female royals pick up the tale's thread of dauntless independence... The results are unpredictable, exuberant, fascinating. For girls with a mind of their own and for boys who might want to understand why girls are different, and so very much just like themselves' * Bookanista. *This collection of original stories about princesses who are bold, empowered, full of curiosity, adventure and determined to be true to themselves will appeal to those ready to move beyond Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora and company... Perfect for newly independent readers' -- Barbara Braxton (Teacher Librarian)The author deftly weaves the arc of the mirror's fantastic journey into each girl's journey of self-discovery... Best of all, though the mirror is a device, it is not a gimmick thanks to the author's engaging plot and the illustrator's evocatively playful, full-colored drawings that border each story.These tales are enchanting in both their realness and their whimsy' * Kirkus *

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Book SynopsisA fabulous large format, full-colour gift book of original timed tales and poems, perfect for sharing at bedtime – or any time. Doogle the dinosaur, Buttons the bear and Cabbage the cat live in Storyland where stories grow on the story tree. One night a storm blows them all away. Join the three friends to find a wicked witch, a dragon with a sweet tooth, bouncing bed bugs, a lonely giant, a frightened ghost, aliens... to name a few, and bring them back safely. This is a top quality collection of magical and familiar everyday stories which tap into early learning skills and will become a family favourite. You can spend as much time as you like in Storyland. Mix and match easy to spot leaf symbols to decide how long.Trade ReviewWonderful collection and beautifully illustrated with much to talk about hidden in the pages * TBC Facebook group *

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Book SynopsisRick: The Dog With A Difference is another great Igloo book that teaches children an important lesson in a fun way - it's okay to be different.

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Book SynopsisRick: The Dog With A Difference is another great Igloo book that teaches children an important lesson in a fun way - it's okay to be different

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Book SynopsisAn arranged marriage interferes with star-crossed love in this sweeping medieval romance from Sally Nicholls – perfectly pitched for struggling teen readers. Lady Elinor of Hardford has fallen in love for the first time, with Dan, her cousin and knight-in-training. But her father has other plans. She must marry his friend, Sir William of Courtney – and he’s nearly 50! Ellie must draw on all her skills to work out a solution to her dilemma. Can she change her father’s mind? And will she ever get to marry Dan?

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Book SynopsisThe complicated nuances of teenage friendship are captured perfectly in this story of summer adventure and exploration by award-winning author Keith Gray. Marshall feels the need to escape because things are so tough at home. Rory is just happy it’s the first day of the summer holidays. While out on their bikes they stumble across a long-forgotten underground bunker at the edge of the woods. This is the den, and going down inside will stretch their friendship to its limits. There will be rivalry and betrayal, but can wrecked relationships be saved before the summer has even begun?Trade Review"Gritty, bold and brilliant" – Jonathan Stroud "A thrilling, deeply moving and tense story, that grips by the throat and refuses to let go. Keith Gray has captured the joy, vulnerability and rawness of being a teenager … Each line is written with searing and piercing clarity … It is a book that stays in your mind and heart long after you close the final page." – Varsha Shah "One page from Keith and I'm fifteen again, remembering the tensions, the friendships, the endless summer holidays. He's a masterful storyteller: one of the finest we have and that's why I savour every word he writes." – Phil Earle "Yet again Keith Gray reminds us what a great storyteller he is. A pacy, exciting tale that will have you greedily turning each page." – Brian Conaghan "Quietly powerful and deceptively simple, The Den is a gripping story from a master of teenage voice. Keith Gray writes about the rawness of friendship and family life with real wit and heart." – Lesley Parr "A well-paced and accessible story that offers a mysterious adventure as well as an emotional exploration of family and friendship" – The School Librarian

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Book SynopsisA full-colour gift book of seven original stories which follow the changing landscape of lives on one hillside from the Stone Age to the present day. Six thousand years ago, people first came to the hillside and a story began. A Neolithic girl, Roman twins, a herbalist's daughter, an orphaned bird-scarer, an archaeologist's niece, three children without a home. Each faced their troubles on that ancient downland. All found healing in the place that Granny Down calls home. Wilderness, weather, history, archaeology and folklore infuse each tale. With gorgeous illustrations of the wildlife and surrounding landscape at different points in history, this glorious full-colour, gift book is a celebration of the enduring power of nature and lives well lived.Trade ReviewThe stories read aloud well and the illustration is gorgeous * Nikki Gamble's Book Blast *Sharp and sweet as the thyme-scented breeze… The stories are timeless, each dealing with a child’s concerns of love and family, of making friends and belonging * Historical Novel Review *PRAISE FOR ANGELA McALLISTER: 'Twelve Shakespearean stories rewritten to be accessible to children .... Presented in a richly illustrated gift edition' The Bookseller, on A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories. 'It will make an excellent teaching resource, giving teachers ideas for right through the year to celebrate cultural diversity' Parent Touch, on A Year Full of Stories. 'McAllister's versions of eight stories by Charles Dickens are both fresh and compelling' * The School Librarian, on A World Full of Dickens Stories *

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Book SynopsisThree new Mouse and Mole stories about a broken bicycle, moss on the roof and a washing line ghost, helping children to see the fun in everyday life. The stories by Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew are: ''Clink, Clank, Clunk!'', ''Something on the Roof'' and ''A Frisky, Fluttery Ghost''.

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Book SynopsisThings are never quite what they seem for Mouse and Mole. A cosy evening at home turns into a scary encounter in the dark. Mouse enjoys special moments on a country stroll while Mole is eager to get to the end of it. Pea soup for supper Mole''s favourite has him in a quandary; is this the happiest moment of his life or the saddest? Mouse, as always, takes it all in his stride.

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Book SynopsisVisit Dizzy in Happy Hills Orchard! It does not matter how often Dizzy falls down because they always get back up!Enjoy our symbolised adaptation of Little Cherries, Dizzy Tries Again. Featuring illustrations, sensory features and symbols to accompany the text, this book enhances reading comprehension and accessibility in a unique way.

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Book SynopsisVisit Copter in Happy Hills Orchard!Copter gets lost and finds that the orchard is much bigger than they imagined. Enjoy Every Cherry's new adaptation of our Symbolised Little Cherries,Copter the Explorer.With illustrations, sensory features and symbols to accompany the text, enhancing reading comprehension and accessibility in a unique way.

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Book SynopsisOn an ocean somewhere in the world, is a mysterious island. A place shrouded in fog, that has never been discovered by humans. A land of peace and quiet, and chaotic, funny adventures. Welcome once again to the Island of Animaux, a land that continues to mysteriously change its position on the planet each day, to keep it hidden. A paradise, containing a wonderful collection of talking animals. A place we would all like to visit. The five new tales in Coffee and Ice Cream flow smoothly from the ones in the last book, A Surprise Party. As always, the greedy, dusty, bad-mannered Aubrey the Turkey is up to no good. Watch him open a new delicatessen in the worst place imaginable. See him ruin poor Georgina the Goat’s birthday. Be amazed as Walli Hog and Clifford Platypus take on many jobs so they can pay off the turkey’s huge debts. And then see Aubrey hold a magic show, full of rubbish tricks but ending with the most amazing spell ever cast. Once again, stories packed with fun, silliness, naughty behaviour and happy endings. Please enjoy the stories. And don’t be afraid to laugh, particularly at Aubrey’s expense. But please, please, please – continue to remember to keep the latest position of the island top secret!

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Book SynopsisFar from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the fictional countryside of Buckington, down on the quiet and charming riverbank lives a very special set of creatures! The lonesome grasshopper, the know-it-all mouse, the lost dragonfly, the arrogant toad and the venturing newt are all waiting for you to come and share in their stories as they learn life's lessons and experience everyday challenges. Share in these five richly-woven short stories as each riverbank animal takes his own tale, detailing a journey on how these characters live and how their adventures develop. While they may live separately, they also know when to ask for help and show that you're never truly alone when you have a friend. Ideal for young readers who enjoy Beatrix Potter or The Wind in the Willows, these future classics will be ones you return to again and again.

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Book SynopsisWith a classic wintery theme and an eye-catching cover, this beautiful collection is perfect for cosy bedtime stories

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

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Book SynopsisFeaturing Stitch, Simba and more, Disney 100 Stories is packed full of family favourites making it the perfect choice for your next reading adventure

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Book SynopsisEnjoy 7 animal adventures from the incredible world of Disney!

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Book SynopsisEnjoy 7 thrilling adventures featuring a collection of Disney and Pixar heroes

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Book SynopsisJourney into the enchanting worlds of the Disney Princesses with 7 magical stories

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Book SynopsisMeet the heroines who don''t wait at home while boys have all the adventures ... This beautifully illustrated collection brings together a selection of classic children''s stories, retold by Samantha Newman. These narratives from around the world showcase strong, charismatic, independent female protagonists who know their own minds, and make their own decisions. Inside you will meet Dorothy Gale, who freed faraway Oz from a terrible tyrant; Hua Mulan, who became a mighty warrior, legendary throughout ancient China; clever and powerful goddess Athena of Greek myth, who went toe-to-toe with Poseidon; and many more. These women strike out on their own with self-confidence, imagination, wit, and courage. They live without restraint or narrowly defined roles. Inspire the world-changing women of the future to dream big, by fueling their imaginations with relatable and aspirational role models. Featuring magical full-colour illustrations by Khoa Le, this book belongs on every girl''s bookshelf; ideal for children aged 8+. Stories include: • Gerda and the Snow Queen (Denmark) • Hua Mulan, the Noble Warrior (China) • Heidi''s New Adventures (Switzerland) • Alice in Wonderland (UK) • Dorothy''s Adventure in Oz (USA) • The Tale of Athena''s Great Contest (Greece) • Hinemoa''s Great Swim (Maori, NZ) • Chimidyue and the Butterfly (Colombia/Venezuela) • The Tale of Kind Elena and Lazy Anca (Romania) • The Tale of Odette the Swan Maiden (Germany) • Lykke, the Little Mermaid (Denmark) • Guimara, the Giant Princess (Brazil) • The Maiden and the Falcon (Russia) • Celine''s Best Cake (France) • Princess Kaguya''s Great Adventure (Japan) ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing''s Inspiring Heroines series retells classic children''s stories, showcasing strong female protagonists who strike out against adversity and smash stereotypes. Featuring enchanting full-colour illustrations by Khoa Le, these empowering tales will inspire young readers to dream big.

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Book SynopsisSad reassures children and encourages them to speak to their loved ones for support.

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Book SynopsisAfraid includes a calming exercise to help children feel safe and secure.

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Book SynopsisMeet Angela, Ben, Cherish, Daniel and Enoch, in their little life interests, activities and adventures! Enjoy these 5 Delightful stories that will make your child smile, while they learn!

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