Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Death and grief

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Book SynopsisAfter years as a professional paper-pusher, NATALIE D. RICHARDS decided to trade in reality for a life writing YA fiction. She lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her husband, three children, and a ridiculously furry dog named Yeti. This is her second novel. Visit her on Twitter @natdrichards or at nataliedrichards.com.Trade Review"Richards's text sustains the suspenseful mood from the very start to the final pages-just the kind of fun book one needs for a hot summer day or a cold winter's night." - School Library Journal"A twisty thrill ride that will leave you breathless. I stayed up after midnight just to see how it all ended." - April Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Stolen"Richards is a master of tension...Suspense fans will get all the ups-and-downs of a well-paced narrative, but they may never want to drive on a snowy road again." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Richards' (What You Hide, 2018) latest young adult thriller will keep readers intrigued." - Booklist

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Book SynopsisFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp (This Is Where It Ends) comes Before I Let Go, an emotional thriller about a suspicious death, a friend desperate for answers, and their small town''s sinister secrets. Best friends Corey and Kyra were inseparable in their tiny snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. But as Kyra starts to struggle with her bipolar disorder, Corey''s family moves away. Worried about what might happen in her absence, Corey makes Kyra promise that she''ll stay strong during the long, dark winter. Then, just days before Corey is to visit, Kyra dies. Corey is devastatedand confused, because Kyra said she wouldn''t hurt herself. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones, saying Kyra''s death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she''s a stranger. The further Corey investigatesand the more questions she asksthe greater her suspicion grows. Lost is keeping secretschilling secrets. Can she piece together the truth abTrade Review"With exceptional handling of everything from mental illness to guilt and a riveting, magic realist narrative, this well wrought, haunting novel will stick with readers long after the final page." - Booklist

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Book SynopsisI will always remember you . . .Joanna Rowland''s best-selling The Memory Box: A Book about Grief has helped thousands of children and families work through the complex emotions that arise after the loss of a loved one. Now, with The Memory Book, Rowland has created a beautiful grief journal to help readers put her methods into practice. The Memory Book helps grieving families process their emotions together by remembering their lost loved one and creating their own memory album full of photos and keepsakes of the person they lost. With gentle prompts and ideas for journaling, drawing, and talking through grief, this journal will bring comfort in the midst of loss and be a keepsake for families for years to come.

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Book SynopsisJustin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, returns with Forever Ends on Friday, another charming and powerful YA contemporary novel with a twist. What if you could bring your best friend back to life – but only for a short time?Jamal’s best friend, Q, doesn’t know that he died, and that he’s about to die . . . again. He doesn’t know that Jamal tried to save him. And that the reason they haven’t been friends for two years is because Jamal blames Q for the accident that killed his parents.But what if Jamal could have a second chance? A new technology allows Q to be reanimated for a few weeks before he dies . . . permanently. And Q’s mom is not about to let anyone ruin this miracle by telling Q about his impending death. So how can Jamal fix everything if he can’t tell Q the truth?Forever Ends on Friday weaves together loss, grief, friendship, and love to form a wholly unique homage to the bonds that bring people together for life - and beyond.Forever Ends on Friday is published in the US as Early DeparturesTrade ReviewThis what-if novel about loss celebrates life, asking the questions: what would you do with the rest of your life if you knew you were about to die? And would you want to know? Jamal loses someone but has the chance to bring him back, briefly. Forever Ends on Friday is also about coming to terms with other griefs, and not letting fear sabotage friendships and relationships. It considers the morality of truth-telling, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. Written with warmth and wisdom, it is a lighter read than its theme suggests, notwithstanding lumps in the throat. Despite the sci-fi element, it is full of everyday American teenage reality, bantering dialogue, family repartee (notably between Jamal and his pregnant sister, Whit), comic details, romantic connection and, above all, having fun. * Sunday Times, children's book of the week *A page-turning narrative with a cast of fully realized characters and realistic dialogue. The skillful use of flashbacks and social media content fully engages readers. Despite the seriousness of the story, humor and moments of pathos will elicit empathy and connection. This thoroughly satisfying novel of love, loss, and reconciliation is not to be missed. * Kirkus Reviews *This charming, wry novel packed with witty, crackling banter is propulsively readable. There are some big questions about choice, consequences, loyalty, and love in this novel, and Reynolds beautifully complements those heavy concerns with the sweet, funny, and genuine voice of his protagonist. * Booklist *Praise for Opposite of Always: Opposite of Always is as beautiful as it is funny, warm, and captivating. One of the best love stories I’ve ever read. Jack King is the hero we’ve been waiting for. -- Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U GiveI loved the humour, brightening even the darkest moments but without spoiling them, and the warmth in the relationships.Jamal’s voice is just great. The premise is so interesting and plays out believably, leaving the reader with lots to ponder over: Do you think it is a good idea to have a second chance to say goodbye? * Teen Librarian *Forever Ends On Friday is a really enjoyable contemporary, with a hint of sci-fi that I really enjoyed, that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you what is truly important in life. You’ll treasure your friends and loved ones after this. I can’t recommend this book enough. * Jth Books *Forever Ends On Friday is a real page-turner: the writing is pacey, the plot is unpredictable and Jamal’s underlying humour seams together tragedy, connection and forgiveness in one enthralling story. The point of view of the narration is so detailed that it almost feels we are allowed into a private, personal space. Family and friendship are key themes in the book; all the relationships with the secondary characters are given the spotlight, none of them overshadows the others and they all contribute to the development of the plot. In Reynold’s story, we hurt with all the characters, we grieve with them and weheal with them. Forever Ends On Friday is a book that I feel needs to be read in a quiet, private space as there is a lot to process; I think would be a great addition to a KS4 library * Just Imagine Story Centre *The depiction of the main two boys, Quincy and Jamal, and their friendship is very cleverly constructed. The friendship is flawed and deeply human, it’s only when Jamal knows that time is short that he learns how to put others first. It really makes you consider what it is to be human and supporting others – whether they be friends, parents or carers, partners, co-workers, etc. I like that the story is told from the perspective of both boys. It brings the reader fully into the story and makes them consider things from each of the viewpoints – both the grieving friend and the boy with only a short time to live. The first-person perspective also brings other characters fully to life, with vivid descriptions, sometimes almost painfully vivid. The grief felt by Jamal at the death of his parents, then of his best friend can be difficult to read, but also very relatable for anyone who has gone through that loss. The depiction of Quincy’s mother and her journey through grief is also realistically presented and I found myself crying at several points in the book because of her raw emotion. I would recommend this for both girls and boys aged 14 plus. Other topics include love, grief, loss, comedy, relationships, family and what it means to live a full life. I loved the concept of this story and it would create lots of discussion points for reading groups or classroom discussions. It really makes you think about the choices we make in life and if we truly live our lives to the fullest. * Armadillo magazine *

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A boy awakens in the Afterlife, with a pocketful of vague memories, a key, a raven, and a mysterious atlas to guide him as he sets out to piece together what happened, and try to find his way home ...Twig is alone as a newly-made street kid after his dad goes missing. But when he meets Flea, a cheerful pickpocket, the pair become fast friends. Together, Twig and Flea raise themselves on the crime-ridden streets, taking what they need and giving the rest to the even-poorer. Life is good, as long as they have each other.But then Twig wakes up in the Afterlife with just a handful of memories from Earth and one big question ... how did he get there?Loyalty will be tested, and a cruel twist of fate will lead to an act of ultimate betrayal in this epic story that spans a city, a decade, and the divide of life and death itself. From the award-winning author of The Bone Sparrow.

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Book SynopsisThe 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner for the Atlantic region!Even under the most normal circumstances, high school can be a painful and confusing time. Unfortunately, Lilianna’s circumstances are anything but normal. Only a few people know what caused her sudden change from model student to the withdrawn pessimist she has become, but her situation isn’t about to get any better. When people begin coming down with a quick-spreading illness that doctors are unable to treat, Lil’s worst fears are realized. With her parents called away on business before the contagious outbreak—her father in Delaware covering the early stages of the disease and her mother in Hong Kong and unable to get a flight back to New Jersey—Lil’s town is hit by what soon becomes a widespread illness and fatal disaster. Now, she’s more alone than she’s been since the “incident” at her school months ago.With friends and neighbors dying all around her, Lil does everything she can just to survive. But as the disease rages on, so does an unexpected tension as Lil is torn between an old ex and a new romantic interest. Just when it all seems too much, the cause of her original trauma shows up at her door. In this thrilling debut from author Yvonne Ventresca, Lil must find a way to survive not only the outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.The paperback edition will include bonus materials and a sample chapter from Yvonne Ventresca's upcoming YA novel, Black Flowers, White Lies.Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Atlantic region Shortlisted for the West Australian Young Readers Book Award “The best novels are multi-layered, presenting the reader with new questions at every turn of the page. Pandemic is truly exceptional in that regard—its teen protagonist, Lily, is stuggling with a dark secret from her past, her first tentative romances, and a horrifying pandemic that throws her town into utter chaos. Ventresca’s debut novel will appeal to those who love realistic coming of age stories, romances, or disaster fiction. Bravo!” —Mike Mullin, award-winning author of the Ashfall trilogy “Yvonne Ventresca’s debut novel hits the ground running and never stops until the last page. This fast paced story about a teen who struggles to regain her sense of safety after an assault will have you reading well into the night. You’ll have to find out how Lil survives . . . alone . . . surrounded by death . . . and fearful her attacker will return at any moment. Pandemic is an exciting new addition to young adult books.” —C. Lee McKenzie, author of Sliding on the Edge and The Princess of Las Pulgas “A suspenseful, authentic, and emotional narrative makes Pandemic a gripping and powerful story. . . . Riveting and terrifyingly real with moments of hope that shine through when you least expect it, Pandemic is one that will stay with you long after you read the last page.” —Amalie Howard, author of the Alpha Goddess and Aquarathi series and the Riven Chronicles “As is to be expected in an apocalyptic novel, there is no shortage of tension or death and a few gruesomely dead bodies, but teen disaster fans will likely appreciate that the high schoolers are portrayed as good, helpful people, but certainly not perfect.” —Booklist “This is an engrossing apocalyptic story, told through Lil’s eyes and newsfeeds as her neighborhood, then the East Coast, and finally the entire U.S. buckles to its knees as the pandemic spreads. . . . Themes of friendship and coming together in a crisis carry the novel.” —School Library Journal “Ventresca just manages to take it to new and interesting places by making her main character one who is forced to deal with the emotional struggles of abuse in the midst of the end of the world.” —School Library Journal/Teen Librarian Toolbox “In her first novel, Ventresca pulls together three unrelated themes to create a medical thriller/romance. . . . This realistic page-turner will keep most readers enthralled.” —Kirkus Reviews “I can honestly say this is one of my favorite reads thus far this year and easily ranks in my top 25 favorite disaster novels. Yeah, it is that good. . . . It is obvious the author has done her homework.” —Survival Weekly “Pandemic is a fast and gripping story. . . . The plot never failed to impress me; there was always a surprise around the corner.” —Teen Ink “I love how the author spins her own unique twist into what might have been yet another deadly-disease-plague-that-kills-everyone story.” —YA Books Central “Pandemic is a win. I never put it down, and never wanted to. It terrified me, excited me, and moved me. It even threw in some swooniness and charm just for giggles.” —The YA Buzz “An intriguing story about emotional trauma, fear, danger, and the will to survive you won’t want to put down.” —KidsBookshelf.com “This book really speaks about the resiliency of the human spirit.” —Shelf Full of Books “The brilliance of this book lies in its simplicity, its crispness, its economy of detail, its characterization, and especially in its mastery of psychological horror.” —Boy Book of the Month Blog

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Book SynopsisSince her mom died, Andie’s family has crumbled. Instead of working, her dad gambles away insurance money, while her sister, Paige, has put her future on hold in order to pick up extra waitressing shifts. Andie’s afraid of what will happen if people find out just how bad things are. She’s not sure how long she can hide the fact that there’s no food or money in the house...or adults, for that matter.When her science partner suggests they study paranormal activity, Andie gets an idea. She wants a sign from her mom—anything to tell her it’s going to be okay. Maybe the rest of her family does too. So she starts a project of her own. Pretending to be her mother’s ghost, Andie sprays perfume, changes TV channels, and moves pictures. Haunting her house is Andie’s last hope to bring her family back into the land of the living.For anyone who loved Counting by 7s, The Haunted House Project is a journey through loss and grief, but ultimately a story of hope and self-reliance. As much as Andie has been changed by her mother’s death, the changes she makes herself are the ones that are most important.Trade Review"Tricia Clasen’s debut novel tackles poignant issues with tact and grace while breaking them down in understandable and relatable ways for young readers. Though Andie creates the ghostly hauntings in the book, real magic exists in how this story lingers long after the last page. You’ll root for and cry with Andie as she plots to reconnect a family splintered by her mother’s sudden death and her father’s growing addiction. As Andie realizes her own strength by accepting the unthinkable, readers’ awareness and compassion for others will flourish, too." —Beth Vrabel, author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville and the Pack of Dorks series"Tricia Clasen’s debut novel tackles poignant issues with tact and grace while breaking them down in understandable and relatable ways for young readers. Though Andie creates the ghostly hauntings in the book, real magic exists in how this story lingers long after the last page. You’ll root for and cry with Andie as she plots to reconnect a family splintered by her mother’s sudden death and her father’s growing addiction. As Andie realizes her own strength by accepting the unthinkable, readers’ awareness and compassion for others will flourish, too." —Beth Vrabel, author of A Blind Guide to Stinkville and the Pack of Dorks series

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Book SynopsisA family gradually moves forward after the loss of a child—a story for readers of all ages When someone you love dies, you know what doesn’t die? Love. On the hot beach, among colorful umbrellas blooming beneath a bright sun, no one saw a little girl walk into the water. Now, many months later, her bedroom remains empty, her drawers hold her clothes, her pillows and sheets still have her scent, and her mother and father, brothers and sister carry her in their hearts, along with their grief, which takes up so much space. Then one snowy day, the mother and father ask the girl’s older brother, “Would you like a room of your own?” He wants to know, “Whose?” They say, “Your sister’s.”Tenderly, and with refreshing authenticity, beloved Minnesota writer Kao Kalia Yang tells the story of a Hmong American family living with loss and tremendous love. Her direct and poignant words are accompanied by the evocative and expressive drawings of Hmong American artist Xee Reiter. The Shared Room brings a message of comfort and hope to readers young and old.Trade Review"There is such power and pain and beauty in this brave little book. It is a thing to be treasured. Children who have experienced terrible grief in their young lives and are in need of seeing their sorrow reflected and honored have a beautiful friend in this story. The Shared Room is a tender thing—all heart and hope and quiet love. I love it dearly."—Kelly Barnhill, author of Newbery Medal Winner The Girl Who Drank the Moon "A devastating yet beautiful meditation on loss, The Shared Room is a loving portrait of a family grappling with the impossible but necessary reality of moving forward together through their grief."—Minh Lé, author of The Perfect Seat "Comforting for readers who have suffered the tragic death of a sibling or young friend."—Kirkus Reviews "This is a story of unimaginable loss, the loss of a child, but also the power of family love, healing, and hope."—Youth Services Book Review (starred review) "The Shared Room will pull at your heart strings as you observe a family coping with deep sadness and emptiness attempting to move forward and put the fractured pieces of their lives slowly back together. It is a powerful book of hope. I highly recommend it."—StoryWraps "Although the story is about death, this is not a dark book. It shows that family love can heal and it touches on the big topics children are eager to learn about, especially in these days of pandemic."—Pioneer Press "Yang’s prose is filled with poetic moments throughout this heartfelt story."—Waking Brain Cells "While this poignant book might best be read by children who have suffered tragedy or loss, the story is so carefully and beautifully crafted that its hopeful message is appropriate for all."—Star Tribune "Told from the perspective of the dead girl’s brother, who is asked if he would like to move into her now-empty bedroom, The Shared Room is a beautiful and tender story of loss and abiding love."—Minnesota Alumni Magazine "A message of comfort and hope to readers of all ages."—Northern Wilds

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Book SynopsisA book about life, loss, and the secrets families keep, reminiscent of Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons, by National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff.CJ's Aunt Nic is a psychic medium who tours the country speaking to spirits from Far Away, passing on messages from the dearly departed. And CJ knows firsthand how comforting those messages can be -- Aunt Nic's Gift is the only way CJ can talk to her mom, who died just hours after she was born.So when CJ learns that she won't be able to speak to her mother anymore, even with Aunt Nic's help, she's determined to find a work-around. She sets off on road trip with her new friend Jax to locate the one object that she believes will tether her mother's spirit back to Earth . . . but what she finds along the way challenges every truth she's ever known. Ultimately, CJ has to sort out the reality from the lies.National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff has written a poignant, heartfelt novel that explores the lengths we go to protect those we love -- and the power secrets have to change our worlds.Praise for Far Away:* Graff nimbly crafts a credible novel from the unlikely, shaping layered characters and unforeseen plot twists while exploring issues of truth and illusion--and the emotion-infused miasma that separates the two. A genuinely moving and memorable story. --Publishers Weekly, *STARRED REVIEW*The story is a genre blend of mystery and realistic family drama . . . Graff never shies away from difficult topics, and this is as brave as expected. --Booklist

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Book SynopsisA compulsively readable breakout novel that offers abiding friendship and forbidden romance.

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Book SynopsisThis reassuring picture book explores the difficult issue of death for young children. Children's feelings and questions about this sensitive subject are looked at in a simple but realistic way. This book helps them to understand their loss and come to terms with it.Notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book provide valuable advice for how to share this book with your child or class.Written by a trained psychotherapist, journalist and parent, and illustrated by an experienced children's book artist, this is part of an acclaimed and successful series of picture-book non-fiction for Early Years. Books in the series give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues. They are excellent tools for teachers to use during classroom discussions.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated and reassuring picture book that explores the issue of the death of a pet in a simple but realistic way. The worries and questions surrounding this difficult experience are made accessible and approachable, helping them to deal with their grief and come to terms with their feelings. The superb A First Look At series consists of a number of reassuring picturebooks that give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues. Notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book provide valuable advice for how to share this book with your child or class. Suitable for Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7), occasional prompts throughout the text give a chance to discuss the issue being raised. Written by trained psychotherapist, journalist and parent, and illustrated by an experienced children's book artist, this is a part of an acclaimed and successful, long-running series of picture-book non-fiction books for Early Years. Books in the series give advice and promote interaction between children, parents and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues. They are excellent tools for teachers to use during classroom discussions.

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Book Synopsis"Grief is a tricky subject to explain to kids, but this book is a wonderful go-to expert toolkit!" Dr Ranj SinghThe death of a parent, sibling or friend is one of the most traumatic experiences for a child or young person and it can be hard to know how to talk to them about it. In this honest, comforting and strength-building guide Julie Stokes, a clinical psychologist and founder of childhood bereavement charity Winston's Wish, provides readers with the tools they need to navigate this tough and turbulent time.Readers will discover the stories of other people who have been through grief themselves. They will learn how to flex their 'grief muscles' in order to develop confidence, trust, grit, a resilient mindset and flexible feelings ­- the ability to notice, accept and talk about emotions when they choose to. And packed with practical exercises, such as creating memory boxes and managing different kinds of memories using 'memory stones', this guide will give readers helpful ways to manage their grief so they can begin to move forward with life. Because there is no right or wrong way to grieve, you just need to find your own way."The book I wish someone had read with me when I was young" Kristin Scott ThomasTrade Review"The book I wish someone had read with me when I was young." - Kristin Scott Thomas"Grief is a tricky subject to explain to kids, but this book is a wonderful go-to expert toolkit!" -- Dr Ranj Singh * Instagram *"Julie has had a wealth of experience working with children who have been through the most challenging of times. She can guide children through the most tender stages of grief and help them build resilience and move forward with their lives." -- Emily Eavis"I wish this book had been around when I was younger, but reading it now has still been so helpful! It really breaks grief down and normalises all of the feelings, making it much more manageable. I can see the visuals and the activities being very useful for teachers in the classroom. Accessible and inclusive for all ages." -- Lydia, primary school teacher, whose mother died when she was 11

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Book Synopsis*WINNER of the 2023 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prize for Excellence in Science Books* 'This is the perfect book for talking to children about death' - The Guardian In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end, it’s also a beginning. Fox: A Circle of Life Story answers the big scientific question: What happens when we die? Bringing together an evocative non-fiction narrative with breath-taking illustrations, this book will help parents and children to talk about life and death. It introduces the scientific concept that death leads to new life, and that this way of understanding the world is no less beautiful and awe-inspiring than traditional stories. Fox: A Circle of Life Story unites story and science to explain this big concept to children who have lost a pet or a loved one, or who simply are curious about death and what happens after we die. PRAISE FOR MOTH: AN EVOLUTION STORY 'A rare pleasure … a true story of adaptation and hope.' - Wall Street Journal 'Moth … is a stunning visual experience.' - Books for Keeps 'Moth … is another picture book with inbuilt growing room, an introduction to the concept of evolution in language both scientific and poetic, full of thrill and peril.' - Times Literary SupplementTrade ReviewThe story, warmly illustrated by Daniel Egneus, not only teaches the biology of death, decomposition, and renewal but may provide solace to children affected by death or dying. * Science Magazine, Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books *Thomas’s direct language, with just the right degree of poetic resonance, pairs powerfully with Egnéus’s atmospheric images; this is the perfect book for talking to children about death. * The Guardian *Moth … is a stunning visual experience. The narrative is simple – the life and evolution of the Peppered Moth. It is not a fictional story but it shows that facts can also inspire the imagination. This is how information can really excite. Magical. * Books for Keeps on MOTH *A gorgeous blend of text and illustrations and a wonderfully successful introduction to nonfiction for younger readers * Booklist on MOTH *Moth … is another picture book with inbuilt growing room, an introduction to the concept of evolution in language both scientific and poetic, full of thrill and peril. … Thomas’s spare text and back matter elegantly develop the book’s twin themes of survival and hope. * Times Literary Supplement on MOTH *A rare pleasure … a true story of adaptation and hope. * Wall Street Journal on MOTH *

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Book Synopsis**'Luminous and unforgettable' - Emma Chichester Clark** **'Utterly pitch perfect' - Debi Gliori** **'Heartwarming and heartbreaking' - Caryl Hart** ------------------------------------------------- When a wise old tree takes a tiny sapling into his care, they both learn what it means to make memories and put down roots. He keeps her sheltered from storms and shaded from the scorching sun, and supported by his love, she grows and grows. There are so many things to see and to learn: how to appreciate the beauty of the world; how to be strong against the wind, but flexible enough to bend. Together, they make memories they'll hold on to forever. But when the old tree's leaves begin to fall, it's time for the sapling to grow up and take her own place in the world - and to learn how to hold on to the memories that mean so much. Filled with beautiful, luminous artwork, this heartfelt picture book is a story for everyone - both young and old.Trade ReviewThis book tackles an enormous subject in the simplest and most beautiful way. Every word is perfect, carefully chosen, and the gentle characters of the trees are luminous and unforgettable -- Emma Chichester Clark, award-winning illustrator of The Misadventures of FrederickUtterly pitch perfect and all the more stunning for being a debut. It’s breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful and suffused with love and light -- Debi Gliori, bestselling creator of No Matter WhatWhat a beautiful book. The story manages to capture the unique hope and heartache of life's cycle and parental love with such gentle, wise words and spectacular seasonal scenes. It has the same classic feel as The Giving Tree * Alexandra Page *A moving, heartfelt and utterly beautiful picture book from an incredible new talent * A Word About Books *A haunting and beautiful story told from an unusual point of view ... The dreamlike art takes us through the seasons, and makes us think about life from a new perspective * Storytime Magazine *A truly beautiful book that shines in both its moving message and its gorgeous illustration style * Sloan Magazine *Invaluable for literacy teaching . . . poignant but heartening, demonstrating in the enduring power of love. This is a fabulous book for key stage 1 and 2; excellent for PHSE, supporting children through loss, change and bereavement. * The School Libraries Association *A breathtaking beauty of a book. * Edspire.co.uk *There are not many children’s books that leave you with goosebumps and a sense of tranquility. This remarkable book is an emotive read, perfect for adults and children alike. * Get Kids Booked *One of the most beautiful children’s books I’ve ever read . . . it will be a classic. * Little Bug Togs *A glorious picture book that deserves to be gifted, shared, realised and loved. * Bookwagon.co.uk *This tender book, full of light, love, nurturing and loss is at once heart-warming and truly heart-breaking. * Caryl Hart, author of Sonny Says *

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Book SynopsisHannah MacLaren has grown up between two worlds: scraping by happily with her single, working mum and avoiding the Maryland upper crust in the next town over, where her wealthy cousin and best friend Sophie lives. The plan is to get out: Hannah from paycheck-to-paycheck life, and Sophie from the cosseted world she doesn't fit into. But just before junior year begins, something goes horribly wrong. Sophie overdoses at a party, leaving behind a shocked community and bereft best friends. As the haze of grief begins to clear, Hannah teams up with Sophie’s other best friend, Gabi, to find out what happened that fateful night. Someone gave Sophie oxycodone. Someone knew what was going on. And Hannah will not stop until she has uncovered the truth.Trade ReviewThis is more than a love story. When We Collided carefully yet effortlessly puts mental illness in conversation with the beauty and struggle of adolescence. It is a book I wish I could have written, but am so much better for having read * Julie Murphy, bestselling author of Dumplin’, on WHEN WE COLLIDED *

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Book SynopsisWe all know that loss is the “great big sad” of life. Grief is a journey we all take in life. How do parents and caregivers help children navigate grief? The Great Big Sad follows familiar siblings Josh and Mia (from Tell God How You Feel and God Hears Your Heart) as they face the death of their beloved grandmother. It is a discipleship tool for parents and caregivers in helping children learn that people grieve in different ways, how to talk about grief, ways to honor and remember a loved one, and how Jesus knows and understands their tears. Trade ReviewGrieving the loss of a loved one is hard for everyone. But it can be especially confusing for children. Christina Fox has written a story that will help kids with the awkwardness of sadness, and assure them of the hope of Resurrection. -- Nancy Guthrie (Author and Bible teacher)In a real, but not overly heavy way, this sweet story will help give words to a child’s big emotions after the death of a loved one – all while pointing them to the comfort of Jesus. -- Sarah Walton (Co–author of ‘Hope When It Hurts’ and ‘Together Through the Storms’)

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Book Synopsis"A grown-up gothic fairy tale" — The Guardian's "five best young adult books of 2023""With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story . . . is perfect"Children's Book of the Week – The Sunday TimesThe award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink.On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.Island of Whispers is a beautiful hardback glittering all over with silver moths, making the most exquisite gift for anyone who loves mysterious fantasy worlds and graphic novels. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.Trade ReviewA fabulously eerie tale that boldly confronts mortality.. the stunning illustrations by Emily Gravett cleverly capture the narrative's haunting mood.. the book is deceptively multi-layered * The Telegraph *With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story, part way between picture book and novella, is perfect for autumn.. with each word carefully and often surprisingly chosen, this gothic fable weaves a frisson-filled spell. * The Sunday Times *Heightened by Gravett’s blue-white expanses and stark black bricks and timbers, Hardinge’s spare coming-of-age parable is laced with her trademark wisdom and subtlety.. this is ideal for 11+ readers who enjoy highly illustrated storytelling. * The Guardian's 'five best young adult books of 2023' *Island of Whispers is a melancholy, mist-shrouded triumph * TLS's best children’s books of 2023 *The book features beautiful illustrations from Elisa Paganelli and perfect for children aged from nine. * School Reading List *Frances Hardinge.. is a terrific YA author * The Observer *Hardinge is an extraordinary writer for teenagers.. atmospheric illustrations add to the ghostly drama * Daily Mail *An ideal gift book for both reluctant teen readers and enthusiastic readers with a penchant for the macabre. * Irish Times *A dazzling coming-of-age story by the Costa-winning author. * i news *Young readers will be in thrall to this unforgettable and ultimately heartwarming adventure. * Lancashire Evening Post *Full of powerful images – in text and illustration – it should be read and reread * Books for Keeps *Island of Whispers is a page turner until the end. * Big Issue *

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