Children & Teen Non-Fiction Books

Book Synopsis"Readers will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers."--Aisha Saeed, author of the New York Times Bestseller Amal UnboundFour determined homeless children make a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut.Life is harsh on the teeming streets of Chennai, India, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge that's also the hideout of Muthi and Arul, two homeless boys, and the four of them soon form a family of sorts. And while making their living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to take pride in, too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.Trade Review* “Venkatraman’s middle-grade debut tackles sisterhood, chosen families, and loss. . . . Viji’s narration is vivid and sensory. . . . The novel also touches on social justice issues such as caste, child labor, and poverty elegantly, without sacrificing narrative. A blisteringly beautiful book.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "Exquisitely narrated novel set in Chennai, India. . . . Venkatraman vividly sketches the group’s precarious economic situation. . . . This is a poignant portrait of love, sacrifice, and chosen family in the midst of poverty.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review* “The four individual children and their tightknit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. While the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, together they find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance, Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.”—Booklist, starred review* “In her stellar middle grade debut, Venkatraman brings compassionate attention to the plight of India’s homeless children. . . . Venkatraman’s depiction of the streets of Chennai is a sensory experience. Her elegant prose tells a heartfelt, wholly captivating story while encouraging readers to consider larger issues including religion, poverty, and the caste system. An unforgettable tale of families lost, found, and moving ahead without leaving those they love behind.”—School Library Journal, starred review* "Hopeful yet heartbreaking. . . . Venkatraman weaves a breathtaking story which takes the reader to the streets of India, where millions of homeless children fight to survive each day. . . . It is a story that must be told, and Venkatraman does a beautiful job describing everyday life and showing that a 'home' and 'family' doesn’t always correspond to a house with a white picket fence. This is a story that must be shared."—School Library connection, starred review“An author’s note attests to the reality of all of the situations described in the book as having been drawn from first-person accounts; the tenderness of Viji’s love for her sister and her new ‘brothers’ will break hearts and inspire activist longings.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“Readers will be captivated by the message of love and the true meaning of home and family. The book demonstrates how people, even if they are not related, can form a family.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Playtime Co.! Don''t mind the toys, they are all harmless.... mostly! This in-world Orientation Notebook to the viral video game Poppy Playtime teaches gamers everything they need to know to be the very best employees.Learn all about Huggy Wuggy, Mommy Long Legs, and all of your favorite toys in Poppy Playtime. The Orientation Notebook even includes exclusive secrets not found in the factory. It may be your first day on the job, but don''t worry, this notebook will show you the ropes. Just remember, feel free to explore... uncover secrets and most importantly, survive.Filled with lore straight from the game''s creators, handwritten notes, incident reports and so much more. This in-world notebook is sure to delight fans of the hit horror video game!

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Book SynopsisStanley Yelnats is sent away to a boys'' detention center where the warden instructs the boys to build character by digging holes everyday, but it doesn''t take long for Stanley to figure out that the warden is up to something, and he decides to figure out what it is. Newbery Medal Winner. Teacher''s Guide available. Reissue.

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Book SynopsisTwo greedy squirrels learn to share, in this hilarious rhyming adventure from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside. Now in a board book!Greedy squirrels Cyril and Bruce both have their sights on a very special prize: THE VERY LAST NUT OF THE SEASON! As the nut bounces crazily though the forest, the squirrels race after it, between the trees, over boulders, down the river and - ARGH! - right to the edge of a waterfall! Working together might be the only way to save themselves now ...A laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and sharing. Perfect for competitive friends and sibling rivals! Now in a board book, for little hands to hold.''A charming story about sharing and friendship.'' Parents in Touch''Reminiscent of Julia Donaldson.'' The Sun''Delightful to read again and again.'' The Bookbag''A truly delightful tale.'' The School Librarian.Trade ReviewA rhyming romp of a read complete with gorgeous illustrations that pre-schoolers will adore. Rachel Bright improves with each book. This is reminiscent of Julia Donaldson. -- Natasha Harding * The Sun *Told in catching rhyming text that reads aloud superbly, and illustrated in great detail by Jim Field, showing off the beauties of the forest, this is a charming story.about sharing and friendship. * Parents in Touch *Bright colours (with a perfect, autumnal palette here) and characters full of life bring a joyful feel to every page. So much care and attention has gone into this book, and it really pays off. It's delightful to read again and again... * The Bookbag *The series of books by Rachel Bright and Jim Field are fantastic for their morals and messages, and this one doesn't disappoint. [...] Highly recommended. * Reading Zone - Teacher Review *The Squirrels Who Squabbled offers a humorous look at the perils of adopting an "I want" mentality, which will ring true in many households. * Evening Echo (Cork) *A truly delightful tale about friendship, sharing and the importance of laughter in our lives. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisOn the outskirts of the Milky Way, floating slowly through space, there hangs a planet unlike any other. It has oceans, deserts, jungles and mountains. It has life that swims, life that soars and life that swings through the trees. It is a place of dazzling variety and infinite wonder - and it''s the only world we''ve got. Climate change is happening, now. But it''s not too late to change the story. Meet the humans, from around the world, who are fighting to save our planet. This is your call to arms. Featuring 25 hopeful stories including Greta Thunberg, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Wangari Maathai - as well as lesser-known heroes, such as turtle-protector Len Peters, the guardians of the Amazon rainforest, and the poacher patrollers The Black Mambas.This book will transport you from the poles, to the oceans, to the rainforests, with iconic illustration. These are true stories to make you think, make you cry, make you hope - and these are stories to make us all stand together and protect our home. These stories are the proof that one person''s small changes can grow into something big, and powerful, and world-changing.So read on to be inspired, as we take our future in our own hands, and together save Planet Earth - for all the living things that call it their home.

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Book SynopsisFrom the No.1 bestselling football series, comes the Ultimate Football Heroes Colouring Book!Get ready to dive into 80 pages of fun-filled illustrations of your favourite superstars in this exciting new colouring book. Featuring your favourite footballing heroes like Ronaldo, Messi, Salah, Mbappé, Haaland and many more, you won't be able to resist bringing these global footballers to life and in colour. Each illustration will also be accompanied by the hero's stats - so you can know who the best of the best is!Why not also try:- The Ultimate Football Heroes Joke Book- The Ultimate Football Heroes Activity Book- The Ultimate Football Heroes Quiz Book

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Book SynopsisA fun, quirky science series that tackles the questions other books are afraid to ask! Why doesn't the Moon fall down? How can a plane fly upside down? And just why aren't there any super-giant humans? A Question of Science: Forces answers all these questions and much more.With an engaging question and answer format, these books draw kids into science in a fun way. Each book features one question per spread with a clear explanation to follow, diagrams and fun and humorous illustrations. The quirky questions are designed to range from those that children will often ask to things they may never have thought of, but will still be keen to know the answer to.Perfect reading for curious young scientists aged 8 and up.Other books in the series include:Why don't eyeballs fall out? And other questions about the human bodyWhy does a mirror show things back to front? And other questions about lightHow can a plant eat a fly? And other questions about plantsWhere does lightning come from? And other questions about electricity Why can't penguins fly? And other questions about animals Why is ice slippery? And other questions about materials Can you hear sounds in space? And other questions about soundTable of Contents 1: What is a force? 2: Why doesn’t the Moon fall down? 3: Why do parachutes slow you down? 4: Why is falling off a cliff dangerous? 5: Why does rubbing your hands together warm them up? 6: How can a big metal ship float? 7: How can a plane fly upside down? 8: Why can’t people grow as big as dinosaurs? 9: How do pond skaters skate? 10: How can a magnet pull something it’s not touching? 11: How does the tablecloth trick work? 12: Why can you jump higher on the Moon? 13: Quick-fire questions 14: Glossary / Further reading 15: Index

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Book SynopsisA new colouring book from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Kerby Rosanes, whose detailed illustrations are loved by adults and children alike.Mythic World features over 55 mythical creatures and legends to colour. Showcasing some of the best-known creatures alongside some you might not have discovered before, each scene shows them interacting with and morphing out of some of the most distinctive landscapes in our world today. Warring giants morph out of The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, petrified trolls come back to life in Icelandic rock formations, the Bhutanese Druk emerges from Mount Everest's cloudy summit and much more.Colour and discover the classical myths of Ancient Greece and Rome; celtic folklore from Ireland and Scotland; oriental tales from Japan and China; and norse sagas from across Scandinavia. Pages at the back of the book provide a brief introduction to each mythical creature and explain the inspiration and rationale behind each illustration.

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Book SynopsisTurn your favourite Pokémon into folded art with the easy origamiprojects in Pokémon Origami: Fold Your Own Pokémon! Eighty full-colourpages featuring 48 pages of instructions and all the specialsheets of origami paper needed to complete 10 Pokémon!

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Book SynopsisAndy Griffiths is Terry's best mate. He is also Australia's number-one children's author. His books, including the popular Treehouse series, have been hugely successful internationally, winning awards and becoming bestsellers in the UK and the USA as well as in his homeland, Australia. Andy thrives on having an audience: he has worked as a high-school teacher, been the lead singer in a rock band and a stand-up comedian. He is a passionate advocate for literacy, has two daughters and lives in Melbourne, Australia.Terry Denton is Andy's best mate. He is also a bestselling and award-winning writer and illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia. Among other things, he worked on the Horrible Science series. He lives by the beach with his wife and three kids.Trade ReviewThe kind of book I would have loved as a kid -- Tom Fletcher, author of The ChristmasaurusWith its slapstick humour, brilliant absurdities and some bonus puzzles to solve at the back of the book, The 13-Storey Treehouse is the best 'tall story' you'll read this year! -- Lancashire Evening Post on 13-Storey TreehouseLongtime collaborators Griffiths and Denton (Killer Koalas from Outer Space) get metafictional in their latest book (first published in Australia), and the result is anarchic absurdity at its best... Denton's manic cartooning captures every twist and turn in hilarious detail, as babies are pelted with garbage, yapping dogs squashed, and monkeys catapulted into the distance. -- Publishers Weekly, on 13-Storey TreehouseFull of crazy, funny pictures, which will make you laugh . . . Extremely enjoyable, very funny and easy to read! -- SophieStarlight * Guardian.com *Especially good for reluctant readers as it is heavily illustrated and VERY funny . . . This really is the coolest treehouse ever! * Angels & Urchins *Packed with cartoons and craziness * Sunday Express *This book is about friends Andy and a Terry that live in a really cool 13-storey treehouse, with cool things like a bowling alley, games room and secret lab. They invent things and write things; Andy does the writing and Terry does the pictures. I could read this book on my own without assistance. I read it pretty quickly as it was really interesting and funny, so I wanted to keep reading it. I liked there was chapters, so I could read to the end of the chapter and knew where I was picking up, and each chapter was a good length. I liked at the end of the book there were fun things to do; a word search, maze, spot the difference, a quiz and jokes. The black and white illustrations helped bring the book to life. Chapter 7 the monster mermaid, maybe be scary to some readers. The pictures of the monster aren't really scary, but what is written might scare some; talks about eating people, but goes into detail; ripping limbs, crushing heads etc, so a bit gruesome. One chapter has one word all the way through, which was silly but funny. The friends get up to some crazy things, an enjoyable book. -- Toppsta Reviewer, on 13-Storey TreehouseMy son absolutely adores this whole series of books. They are hilariously funny but so imaginative and creative. I've recommended them to so many people and haven't yet found a child who doesn't love them. This first book sets the scene with Andy and Terry - the characters and authors/illustrators - living in a treehouse with 13 stories who are meant to be writing a book but keep getting distracted by an endless stream of hilarious madness. * Toppsta Reviewer *I bought this book (the first in a series) on the basis of many positive reviews. Having now read it, I know my decision is vindicated. It's funny, hugely imaginative and has LOTS of pictures. What child would not want a treehouse with see-through swimming pool, lemonade fountain, games room, bowling alley and marshmallow machine? Besides, this one is also home to book-making duo Andy, the writer, and Terry, the illustrator. But story-making isn't always straightforward, especially when there are gorillas to contend with. No matter, flying cats to the rescue! And when the story is over, there are still jokes, a spot-the-difference, a maze, wordsearch and treehouse triva to enjoy.Children with the latest brain-to-brain-information technology will be able to read it; others will have to ask for it at the library or a bookshop. They will also want to visit http://www.andygriffiths.com.au/ for loads more fun and the latest from author Andy Griffiths. -- Toppsta Reviewer, on 13-Storey TreehouseBrilliant series and if you haven't read them yet why not? Start at the beginning and work through them all. Laugh out loud funny and I love reading about all the things they have in their treehouse. * Toppsta Reviewer *I bought the set of these after reading the other Toppsta reviews. My son read this book solidly in one day. He has LOVED it, the mix of text and illustrations is ideal for this age range, I could hear him laughing away to himself whilst he was reading it, although I'm not convinced he followed the whole story, he has since read most of it again (as we were out and the next one was at home) A fabulous buy that will be read time and time again. * Toppsta Reviewer *This is silly and fun and a great book to encourage of love of reading in young children. I read this to my 5 year old daughter and months later she still makes reference to a scene in the book. She is a strong reader for her age and wanted to get the other books in the series. She started reading more bits of them herself before devouring the 65 and 78-storey treehouse books entirely by herself. The 78-Storey Treehouse she read in one sitting. She can't wait for the 91-Storey Treehouse to come out later this year. * Toppsta Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisThe instant top ten Sunday Times bestseller. The perfect YA romantic fantasy!Twin Crowns cast a spell on me from the very first pages I was thoroughly bewitched by this marvelous book! Don't miss it! SARAH J MAAS Magical, clever, surprising and pure fun. If you love wicked kings, sexy bandits and sister stories that are full of heart, this is a must read' STEPHANIE GARBERPure indulgence a minibreak in book form' GUARDIANThis book gave me butterflies. Delicious fun, in the loveliest of ways. LAUREN JAMES'The charm of The Princess Bride and all the stakes of Game of Thrones. Addictive, swoony, tender and vivid I loved it with all my heart.' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVEFull of magic, intrigue, romance and fun.' DAILY MIRRORTwin Crowns is so joyous that days after reading, I''m still grinning.' ROSHANI CHOKSIDaring deception, spectacular settings and two very appealing love interests KENDARE BLAKEFresh, funny and exciting' LOUISE O''NEILLReading Twin Crowns left me giddy. Adventure, romance, TWO incredible protagonists, magic, sisterhood I loved it.' LAURA WOODTwo sisters. One throne. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister's place in the palace. Trained from birth to avenge her parents' murder and usurp the princess, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves.Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility including marriage into a brutal kingdom. Life outside the palace walls is a place to be feared and she is soon to discover that it's wilder than she ever imagined.Twin sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other's lives a whole lot betterAn irresistible fantasy romantic comedy perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Stephanie Garber, and Lauren RobertsTwin Crowns reached number 9 in the Sunday Times Bestseller chart week ending 14/05/2022.Trade Review“Twin Crowns cast a spell on me from the very first pages with its glittering blend of harrowing adventure, charming wit, and intricate world-building. Add in delightful romance and two unforgettable narrators, and I was thoroughly bewitched by this marvelous book! Don’t miss it!” – Sarah J Maas, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author ‘Pure indulgence – a minibreak in book form’ – Guardian ‘Pure indulgence – a minibreak in book form’ – Guardian “This magical tale is smart and fun with lots of twists and turns”The Sunday Times, Ireland ‘Full of magic, intrigue, romance and fun.’ –The Daily Mirror ‘An absolute delight from start to finish, Twin Crowns is a dazzling gem of a book. Magical, clever, surprising and pure fun. If you love wicked kings, sexy bandits and sister stories that are full of heart, this is a must read’ Stephanie Garber, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of Caraval ‘Twin Crowns has all the charm of The Princess Bride and all the stakes of Game of Thrones. Addictive, swoony, tender and vivid – I loved it with all my heart.’ – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, bestselling author of The Mercies and The Girl of Ink and Stars ‘Riotously funny, fast-paced and dripping with romance, TWIN CROWNS manages to deliver a tale as familiar and nostalgic in the way of childhood blankets and fireflies in jars, while at the same time wholly refreshing with its levity, charm and quirky tale of sisterhood rediscovered. TWIN CROWNS is so joyous that days after reading, I'm still grinning.’ – Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves and Aru Shah series “Doyle and Webber give readers twin plots of daring deception, spectacular settings and two very appealing love interests… you’ll root for both twins in this dangerous web of intrigue.”-Kendare Blake #1 NYT Bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series

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Book SynopsisFrom psychologist and children’s friendships expert Eileen Kennedy-Moore and parenting and health writer Christine McLaughlin comes a social development primer that gives kids the answers they need to make and keep friends.Friendships aren’t always easy for kids. Almost every child struggles socially at some time, in some way. Having an argument with a friend, getting teased, or even trying to find a buddy in a new classroom…although these are typical problems, they can be tough. Children want to fit in, but sometimes getting along with friends is complicated. Psychologist and children’s friendship expert Eileen Kennedy-Moore and parenting and health writer Christine McLaughlin give kids the answers they need to make and keep friends using five essential skills: -Reaching Out to Make Friends -Stepping Back to Keep Friends -Blending In to Join Friends -Speaking Up to Share With Friends -Letting Go to Accept Friends With research-based, practical solutions and plenty of true-to-life-examples of social skills in practice—presented in lighthearted humorous cartoons—Growing Friendships is a toolkit for both boys and girls as they make sense of the social environment around them. They will learn how to be open to friendship, choose kind friends, and most important, be a good friend.Trade Review“Growing Friendships is the secret playbook you’ll wish you’d had when you were growing up. It’s packed with clever strategies that help kids handle the awkward, upsetting, and confusing social situations that happen to everyone. The fun cartoons make the advice light-hearted and easy to swallow.” -- Diane Debrovner, deputy editor of * Parents magazine *"Finally! A gap in the literature of friendship is filled. Growing Friendships is profound and subtle, clear and humorous. Anyone, of any age, who reads it will benefit." -- Wendy Mogel, PhD, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee"Kids who have social skill challenges often view friendship as an event or a product (Hi, I'm Michael. Let's be best friends and have a sleepover tonight.). They do not understand that friendship is a PROCESS with specific steps and sequences. Eileen Kennedy-Moore brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and sensitivity to this issue. Her book Growing Friendships teaches kids the strategies they can use to establish--and maintain--peer relationships. Her unique and entertaining format holds the child's attention and makes these complex concepts understandable and within reach. It will be an invaluable tool for parents and professionals as they try to prevent their child from hearing the most dreaded words in childhood: 'Sorry, you can't sit there. That seat's taken.' " -- Richard D. Lavoie, author of It's So Much Work to be Your Friend"Funny, practical, and not at all preachy—Growing Friendships offers spot-on, research-based friendship advice for girls AND boys. Highly recommended! This must-read book is the Google Maps to friendship that every kid needs ” -- Michele Borba, author of Unselfie“This book is so important! All children face friendship challenges at some point and Growing Friendships offers kids real help—and enough giggles to make the messages fun and memorable.” -- Amy McCready, author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time and The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic“Some kids intuitively know how to make and manage friendships. Most don’t. Growing Friendships is a kid-friendly guide that uses simple language, engaging illustrations, and humor to help girls AND boys master the mysteries of social interaction.” -- Jennifer L. W. Fink, founder of BuildingBoys.net“Practical examples, real-life solutions, and playful humor make Growing Friendships a great resource. This insightful guide can help kids become competent problem solvers, cope with common social challenges, develop empathy, and build strong friendships.” -- Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, coauthor of bestsellers The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline“This empowering and entertaining guide for kids shows ways to maneuver the often tricky, confusing, and challenging journey to build and maintain positive friendships. Not only do children learn strategies to make new friends, handle stressful situations, say ‘no’ to a pushy peer, and be a great team member, Growing Friendships makes the process fun and meaningful for the entire family.” -- Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD, developmental psychologist and founder of Roots of Action“Children’s friendships are a rollercoaster of emotion and conflict—fun and exciting when a friendship is going well, but challenging and even crushing when it’s not. Growing Friendships taps into the real-life problems kids face—from the friend who tells your secret to the one who likes you one day and won’t play with you the next. This spot-on guide navigates the slippery slope of inevitable difficulties with kid humor and compassion to demonstrate not only how to mend friendships or let them go, but also how to be a good friend. If you have school-age children they—and you—need this book.” -- Susan Newman, PhD, social psychologist and author of Little Things Long Remembered and The Case for the Only Child“The complexities of friendships in the school-aged years can be the most perplexing for students, parents, and educators alike. Growing Friendships gives research-based, concrete, and effective solutions for navigating these relationships. A tool every school should have!” -- Kelly Bos, MSW, RSW, psychotherapist, parent, and former school counselor"For any child struggling with friendships, this book will be a source of comfort, guidance, and fun, with its wonderful illustrations and child-centered dialogue. Counselors, psychologists, and parents, this is a book to read with the children you care about." -- Maurice J. Elias, PhD, Rutgers University, coauthor of The Joys and Oys of Parenting and Emotionally Intelligent ParentingWritten for kids (specifically 6 -9 year olds) this is a book that parents will want to read as well. It offers some terrific advice for helping young people navigate the complicated waters of social interaction. These authors return to the basics to explain social and face-to-face communication skills to children who are living in a mostly virtual world. What appears to be silly dialogue between a cartoon cat and dog, actually contains some powerful lessons about how to approach and interact with other children. The fact that it makes these encounters humorous allows children to feel more comfortable about risking personal contact with other children. Making friends and keeping them, joining the fun, how to share, when to say NO, dealing with bullying, joining a group, and moving past conflict are all topics which are discussed in kid-friendly terms with real-world applications. In our fast-paced and disruptive world, we’re losing sight of the kitchen-table wisdom that children used to take refuge in. This book puts kids and their parents back in touch with basic, tried and true, social skills, and the ways in which those skills can be used. * Retailing Insight *Kennedy-Moore and McLaughlin highlight five skills—reaching out, stepping back, blending in, speaking up, and letting go—to help readers make and maintain friendships. Each chapter introduces a dilemma relating to one of 15 fictional kids: Aiden tries too hard to be funny, Susan assumes that others are being mean behind her back, and Mackenzie has trouble joining a group. Mingus’s cartoon spot illustrations and comics sequences add humor and help illustrate various points (such as the “power difference” involved in bullying, versus other social conflicts). Multiple-choice quizzes and reader-directed questions (“Do you have a habit of apologizing when you didn’t do anything wrong?”) invite children to apply these ideas to their own developing relationships. -- Publishers Weekly * May 15, 2017 *A how-to book for making friends, is clear and entertaining as well as informative, could be a very useful tool. Many kids struggle with the myriad aspects of navigating the day-to-day complexity of interpersonal relationships. Combining real-life examples, attractive cartoon illustrations, and humorous commentary from a snarky cat and a friendly dog, this upbeat effort provides ample useful advice. Making friends and keeping them, dealing with bullying and distinguishing it from simple teasing, speaking up for oneself and others, being a good sport, figuring out how to join in a group activity (including choosing the right activity to join), and matching the tone of a conversation are just a few of the topics covered. The presentation is clear, reasonable, and specific enough to be practical, and it begins with very basic skills such as greeting others. Practice situations, including a couple where friends won't take no for an answer, provide opportunities to try new skills in low-stress situations. This handbook is highly recommended for high-functioning autistic children as well as anyone who suffers from social awkwardness. The cover depicts both a white and a black child. The simple chapter format makes it possible to just practice certain skills without having to read through the entire work. A fun handbook for any child who has ever wanted another friend but been uncertain how to accomplish that. (Nonfiction. 8-12) -- Kirkus Reviews * 5/1/17 *For children and preteens, perhaps no other aspect of life is as stressful as making and maintaining friendships. The author team of Kennedy-Moore and McLaughlin offers sound advice from the perspectives of psychologist, parent, blogger, and therapist. Using fun cartoons, relatable stories, metaphors, and bulleted summaries, this provides basic skills training for kids looking to widen their social circles. From reaching out to make initial contact with potential friends, through navigating tricky situations and mitigating arguments, myriad issues are described. Readers are encouraged not to just follow prescribed advice but to consider the feelings of others and to use their own judgment in choosing a course of action. Many of these skills are important lifelong lessons that will benefit readers long after their adolescence. While skills like saying no and compromising may be intuitive to some, for many others, particularly those in their awkward preteens, the advice in the book will be invaluable. This is an authoritative and appealing resource for children working on fitting in and finding a tribe. — Erin Anderson -- Booklist * June 2017 *This guide to friendships is simply illustrated and full of useful information. Written by a child psychologist and a professional parenting writer, this book goes over basic information explaining how body language and verbal signals can help signal the progression of a friendship. It provides basic coping skills for anxiety so that readers can attract more friends. There is also a section on bullying and learning to say no. The information is a lot to digest for a younger crowd, while the conflicts presented are too young for a middle grade audience. Recurring dog and cat mascots are supposed to provide a bit of levity but just end up being diverting. The section on blending in may put off more independent and individualistic types, and the section on anxiety isn’t always clear about the feelings it’s trying to help children cope with. Overall, though, the information is accurate and helpful. VERDICT A decent guide for younger middle grade collections, even adults could learn something from this book. -- School Library Journal * August 2017 *

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Book SynopsisAfter solving the case of Truly Devious, Stevie Bell investigates her first mystery outside of Ellingham Academy in this spine-chilling and hilarious stand-alone mystery from New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson, now available in paperback.Amateur sleuth Stevie Bell needs a good murder.Trade Review"Johnson’s hallmark charming humor and lovable characters provide a robust foundation for another cracking mystery, this time ingeniously working with summer camp and locked room mystery tropes. Stevie’s relationship with her lifelong anxiety is particularly well portrayed. A fantastic stand-alone mystery companion revisits a much-loved sleuth." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "While fans of Johnson's Truly Devious trilogy (and there are many) will undoubtedly be eager for this spinoff, Stevie's summertime exploit both stands alone and adds compelling layers to the established characters—an impressive feat. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Johnson builds on the success of her NYT-bestselling Truly Devious series with this standalone spinoff that blends mystery and horror conventions in a summer-camp setting—perfectly timed for summertime campfires." — Booklist (starred review) "Johnson gleefully takes a stab at the slasher movie trope by sending her teen detective on a cold case at a summer camp. This satisfying standalone mystery will delight fans of teen horror flicks and true-crime documentaries, as well as those who prefer their mysteries wrapped up after one volume. Here’s hoping this highly entertaining volume isn’t the last we hear from Stevie Bell." — Horn Book Magazine “The Box in the Woods is a gripping and complex mystery bolstered by its commentary on the popular fascination with true crime—and its empathetic reminder to consider the perspectives of those whom such crimes leave behind.” — BookPage "Sardonic sleuth Stevie Bell returns in this engaging stand-alone sleepaway camp thriller, a follow-up to Johnson’s Truly Devious trilogy. Johnson’s kinetic descriptions join towering cliffhangers as chapters switch between 1978 and the present day, and Stevie’s search turns deadly. Johnson includes a winning crew of returning characters . . . the friend group sustains entertaining rapport as Stevie navigates personal and public histories." — Publishers Weekly "It’s always a pleasure to watch smart, resourceful Stevie piece together a puzzle. Mystery fans will relish this standalone novel in the 'Truly Devious' ­universe." — School Library Journal “The Box in the Woods is an utterly addictive read that adds a wonderful new dimension to the world of Truly Devious and yet another fiendish twist in Stevie’s story." — The Nerd Daily "The Box in the Woods is an excellent, cleverly braided, no punches pulled story leavened with humor. It’s worth reading for the great rapport between the fully-fleshed characters of Stevie, queer black crafts-mad Janelle, and the sardonic uber-nerd Nate alone. A great summer read!” — AuthorLink "If the beginning of the storyline reads like a Scooby Doo script it’s done in honest homage, and is just as much fun, if admittedly darker and more complex than anything Shaggy and team would have tackled. That there’s also a deep emotional current running through the book as Bell’s finely developed sense of empathy for the friends of the dead is revealed sets the story apart. A challenging and satisfying mystery, this is one you’ll be shaking the sand out of come September." — Mountain Times Praise for TRULY DEVIOUS: “Be still, my Agatha-Christie-loving beating heart.” — Bustle “Jumping between past and present, Johnson’s novel is deliciously atmospheric, with a sprawling cast of complex suspects/potential victims, surprising twists, and a dash of romance. As in her Shades of London books, Johnson remains a master at combining jittery tension with sharp, laugh-out-loud observations.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Remember the first time reading Harry Potter and knowing it was something special? There’s that same sense of magic in the introduction of teen Sherlock-in-training Stevie Bell. Parallel mysteries unfold with cleverly written dialogue, page-turning brilliance and a young sleuth just as captivating as Hercule Poirot.” — USA Today (four stars) “The Agatha Christie-like ecosystem pairs with lacerating contemporary wit, and alternating past and present scenes makes for a multilayered, modern detective story.” — New York Times Book Review “A suspenseful, attention-grabbing mystery with no clear solution. The versatile Johnson is no stranger to suspense, and this twisty thriller will leave plenty of readers anxious for more.” — Booklist Praise for THE VANISHING STAIR: “In this second . . . installment, Johnson gives and she takes away: a few major mysteries are satisfying solved, but other long-standing riddles remain tantalizingly indecipherable, and several new ones come into play by the enigmatic end. Readers, hang tight: there’s one more round to come, and if the signs are right, it’ll be to die for.” — Booklist "Ramps up the intrigue. Throughout this volume, Johnson's compelling would-be Sherlock proves to be as bad at personal relationships as she is adept at solving mysteries. Teen angst soars as Johnson delightfully conjures up more nefarious deeds from the mountain mist." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Take it from the world’s most impatient reader: If the Truly Devious series is basically one long mystery book, The Vanishing Stair is a middle part so enjoyable you won’t even want to skip to the end.” — Entertainment Weekly “In this second installment of her marvelous Truly Devious series, Maureen Johnson offers thrilling suspense, sly wit, a memorable cast of characters and more pieces of her deliciously intricate puzzle.” — Buffalo News “Waiting for the next installment of Maureen Johnson’s Agatha Christie-Sherlock Holmes-classic mystery homage series was torture, but The Vanishing Stair is oh so worth it.” — Bustle Praise for THE HAND ON THE WALL: "The final, riveting chapter of the Truly Devious murder series. Throughout this intricately woven, fast-paced whodunit, Johnson demonstrates how proximity to wealth and power can mold and bend one's behavior, whether with good or—here largely—devious intent. The brainy secondary characters' quirky talents and interests complement Stevie's sleuthing skills; . . . they include diversity in socioeconomic background, mental health challenges, physical disability, and sexual orientation. A richly satisfying, Poirot-like ending for Johnson's inspired and inspiring teen sleuth." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "In this hotly anticipated trilogy finale, Johnson pulls out all the stops, filling the thrillingly nimble narrative with classic mystery conventions. A striking foray into an examination of what mysteries can ever truly be solved, and a satisfying send-off for a series that will be missed." — Booklist “Maureen Johnson brings her delectable ‘Truly Devious’ murder mystery trilogy to a thrilling conclusion, neatly tying together her dueling narrative threads, one set in 1936 and the other in the present day, with an action-packed finale during a blizzard at Ellingham Academy in the mountains of Vermont.” — Buffalo News "This will be essential reading for the many fans of the first two books. This trilogy ender is fun, satisfying, and a genuine treat for teens and adult mystery fans." — School Library Journal “Readers will be eager to know the novel’s conclusion but will never want the book to end. Replete with intrigue, thoughtfulness, and depth, The Hand on the Wall is a mystery of the moment and for the ages.” — San Francisco Book Review "This inclusive, inventive, and vastly entertaining series has been a boon to YA literature. As a layered, complex character who solves crime while also battling anxiety, Stevie Bell reads like the redoubtable love child of Jessica Fletcher and Adrian Monk. There will hopefully be more Stevie Bell mysteries to come." — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisJourney through enchanted lands with the Disney Princesses in this 5-in-1 colouring book

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Book SynopsisNominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing Shortlisted for the Nero Book Award A darkly seductive sapphic Gothic romance inspired by classic fairytales like Beauty and the Beast. ‘Kat Dunn has spun a love story both intimate and epic’ SAMANTHA SHANNON, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree 'A deliciously dark fairy tale full of the agony and ecstasy of longing and desire' KATHERINE WEBBER, author of Twin Crowns Blumwald is a town overshadowed by an ancient curse: in a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a monstrous Witch. Once a generation, she comes to claim a companion to return with her – never to be seen again. Now that time is drawing near once more... Mina, daughter of the duke, is grieving and lonely. She has lost all hope of any future for herself in Blumwald. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina offers herself up – though she has no idea what fate awaits her. Stranded with her darkly alluring captor, the mystery of what happened to the previous companions draws Mina into the heart of a terrifying secret that could save her life, or end it.Trade Review"Deliciously gothic... Dunn plays on fairytale conventions to create a lush, atmospheric story of curses, belonging and betrayal with a slow-burn love story at its heart" * Observer *"Kat Dunn has spun a love story both intimate and epic. Bitterthorn is a perfect fireside tale, thick with suspense, yearning, and wild beauty – I loved every moment of reading it" -- Samantha Shannon"A stunning meditation on loneliness, with nods to Jane Eyre, Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent and Naomi Novik’s Uprooted" * Good Housekeeping *"This dazzling YA gem melds a thrilling high-stakes fairy tale scenario with suspenseful, slow-burn Sapphic romance" * LoveReading4Kids *"A haunting, atmospheric tale of two lost souls finding each other, and a love that will remake the world. Exquisite" -- Shelley Parker-Chan * Sunday Times bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun *"Bitterthorn is beautiful and haunting – the type of story that seeps into your bones and stays with you long after reading. Kat Dunn has spun a deliciously dark fairy tale full of the agony and ecstasy of longing and desire, as well as celebrating the power of resilience and inner strength" -- Katherine Webber * Sunday Times bestselling author of Twin Crowns and The Revelry *"A moody and stylish Gothic tale that feels both fresh and timeless – a masterful meditation on grief, loneliness, and terrible love. Gutting and unforgettable" -- Ava Reid * Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wolf and the Woodsman *"Both classic and novel, melancholy and tenderly wrought, Bitterthorn crackles with passion and warmth like a fire on a long winter night. With achingly atmospheric prose, Dunn has crafted characters I would die for and a love story as powerful and enduring as a fairytale. A must-read for fans of Gothic romance" -- Allison Saft * New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic *"Girl meets house. Girl meets witch. And oh, does it ever get deliciously interesting from there! Dunn has created a delicately spun cobweb of a fairytale that slowly unwinds a pattern of secrets, curses, love and betrayal – and finally settles around your heart and leaves you glad to have been captured" -- Freya Marske * Sunday Times bestselling author of A Marvellous Light *"Bitterthorn tugged on the threads of my heartstrings until I had nothing left to give it but my soul. Hauntingly beautiful, this Gothic fairytale lingers in the darkest corners of my mind forever more. A triumph" -- Saara El-Arifi * Sunday Times bestselling author of The Final Strife *

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Book SynopsisA charming children''s encyclopedia bursting with facts about the world, animals, people, planets, and so much more!The world is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is a vibrant encyclopedia for curious 5-9 year olds, with a unique approach to the subject that features both places from around the globe as well as focusing on what the world is like from a child''s perspective, covering everyday subjects about their own experiences. Full of fun facts, colourful illustrations, and games that will keep the kids entertained time again, this children''s encyclopedia is filled with age-appropriate knowledge on a range of topics that are complementary to your school''s Key Stage 1 curriculum, from fiery volcanoes and our place in space, to changing seasons, mighty mammals and more. Celebrate your child''s curiosity as they:- Read hundreds of exciting faTrade ReviewPacked full of colourful illustrations and interesting facts to delight young minds. This is for very important people only! * Smallish Magazine *Colourful style and simple, but effective, facts makes this a very attractive book for a junior with an active mind. * The Bookbag *A simply superb first encyclopedia that will set children on the pathway to learning and discovery. * Parents In Touch *Table of Contents 1: Very important things about my planet 1: Our place in space 2: Our Earth 3: Which way is space? 4: The sky at night 5: Under the waves 6: Mountains 7: Very fiery volcanoes 8: Shake and quake 9: Dry as a desert 10: Rainforests 11: Wonderful water 12: How does it grow? 13: The changing seasons 14: Extreme weather 15: The Wind and the Sun 2: Very important things about places 1: I can count 7 continents 2: Postcards from North America 3: Postcards from South America 4: Postcards from Africa 5: Postcards from Europe 6: Postcards from Asia 7: Postcards from Australia 8: Postcards from Antarctica 3: Very important things about animals 1: What are animals? 2: Dinosaurs once ruled the Earth 3: Mighty mammals 4: Fabulous fish 5: Beautiful birds 6: Scaly reptiles 7: Awesome amphibians 8: Brilliant bugs 9: Caterpillar to butterfly 10: Animal habitats 11: Pole to pole 12: I spy… on the farm 13: I spy… in the mountains 14: Desert animals 15: I spy… on the African plains 16: The very big blue whale 17: Super sharks 18: Primate party 19: Speedy species 20: Big cats 21: Animals after dark 22: The tortoise and the hare 4: Very important things about people 1: Very early humans 2: Early discoveries 3: The time of the pharaohs 4: Ancient China 5: Aborigines 6: Really modern Romans 7: Viking raiders 8: Ancient Americans 9: Native Americans 10: Festivals and celebrations 11: Eager explorers 12: Important inventors 13: Super scientists 14: Travel by land 15: Travel by water 16: Travel by air 17: Totally tall towers 18: I want to be an astronaut! 19: Flying to the Moon 5: Very important things about me 1: The human body 2: My blood 3: Sense-ational 4: My brain 5: Sleep time 6: Good food 7: Let’s communicate 8: Marvellous music 9: Amazing art 10: Getting better 11: Purr-fect pets 12: Fun numbers 13: What’s the time? 14: The ant and the grasshopper 6: Here are some other very important things 1: Saying hello and goodbye 2: Glorious colours 3: Super shapes 4: Fantastic fruit 5: Vibrant veggies 6: Let’s count 7: Let’s multiply 8: Measurements 9: Star signs 10: Chinese horoscopes 11: Precious gems 12: Cool clouds 13: Musical instruments 14: Working vehicles 15: Beetle box 16: Discover dinosaurs 17: Extraordinary eggs 18: Animal babies 19: Fantastic flags 20: Top 10 Countries 21: Top 10 World 22: Top 10 Animals 7: Index 8: Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThe home of trusted English dictionaries and thesauruses for everyday language use.The perfect word reference for daily use with 300,000 synonyms and antonyms. Contains practical usage notes, and a fantastic crossword-solving supplement, this is the ideal thesaurus to take your language use and knowledge further.Specially tailored to meet the needs of the user at home, school, or in the office, with all the words and alternatives you might need, as well as a huge choice of opposites.The clear, accessible layout makes the thesaurus easy to use and ensures users can find the language they need when they need it.

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Book SynopsisFall hard for the Darling Devils in the first in this heartstopping YA rom-com series, for fans of Lynn Painter, Jenny Han and Powerless. ??Fake datingHe falls first HEASlow burnCute, clean and wholesome fun vibes??Never date a jock it's her one rule. He''ll do whatever it takes to break it.When seventeen-year-old Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of her school's ice hockey team, she vows to never date a jock again. But, in an attempt to prove she's moved on, she turns to the most unlikely personher ex's biggest rival, the notorious captain of the Ransom Devils.Reed Darling is gorgeous, mysterious and intimidating, both on and off the ice. Wild rumors constantly circulate about him, and the only thing people love to talk about more than his hockey skills are his exploits as a ruthless heartbreaker and bad boy. Who better to serve as Violet's fake boyfriend until her ex gets the message, right?But despite the intense rivalry between their two schools and Reed's infamous reputation, Violet soon starts to wonder if there's more to him than the gossip suggests. And while she tries her best to control their relationship' with a list of strict guidelines, Reed has other ideas. He's set his sights on winning her over and is determined to show Violet he's not the guy everyone thinks he is.She should have known better than to make a deal with a devil because this one is going to break all her rules.Rival Darling is a YA hockey rom-com with a HEA and no cliffhanger and the first in the Darling Devils series. ??Readers are LOVING Rival Darling!????? ''You don''t get how many times I had to stop just so I could contain my giggling. This book is a must!''????? ''I fell in love with this book right away. The plot twists. The characters. The love story. Everything. A truly great book if you love romance!''????? ''Read this in one day. So cute and wholesome!!! Loved the couple, and all the side characters. Can''t wait for the next book!!!''????? ''I absolutely loved this book so much. I loved the characters and the surprising ending had me laughing and crying. Can't wait for Grumpy Darling.''????? ''Throughout this whole book I was a grinning mess and even cackled out loud. I LOVED the humour and banter between Violet and Reed and cant wait to read the next book!''????? ''Rival Darling is the first book I''ve read from Alexandra Moody, andshe knocked it out of the park. This sweet romance is the kind you sacrifice sleep to keep reading with the classic reasoning just one more page.''

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Book SynopsisThe home of trusted French dictionaries for everyday language learning.A handy 3-in-1 French study book: grammar, verbs and vocabulary in one volume, ideal for beginners who need a clear and easy-to-understand French reference and revision guide.This book gives you the essential tools to help you progress quickly in your study of French. The grammar, verb and vocabulary sections have been designed for all those learning French at school, in an evening class, for work or for leisure.Grammar: this section provides easily accessible information in an attractively presented layout. Key grammatical points are highlighted throughout the text as a means of reinforcement. Hundreds of examples of real French illustrate clearly the grammatical points being made. In addition, a full glossary gives clear and simple explanations of grammatical terminology.Verbs: you will find 112 fully conjugated regular and irregular verbs in this section. Each is self contained in a double-page spread showing all

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Book SynopsisThe second installment of Scott Westerfeld’s international bestselling Uglies series

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Book SynopsisThe perfect book for ace puzzlers and kids who like a challenge, The Kids' Book of Sudoku 2 helps to develop mental arithmetic and logic skills. With a simple tutorial filled with invaluable tips and tricks, and puzzles that range across four levels of difficulty, this book is perfect for anyone from complete beginners to the ultimate sudoku-solvers. Featuring a stylish cover design and brand-new puzzles, this title is part of the ‘Buster Puzzle Books’ series.Other books in the series:9781780555010 The Kids' Book of Sudoku 19781780554402 The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 19781780554341 The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 29781780554419 The Kids' Book of Crosswords 19781780554334 The Kids' Book of Crosswords 29781780555003 The Kids' Book of Mazes 19781780555027 The Kids' Book of Mazes 29781780555058 The Kids' Book of Dot to Dot 19781780555041 The Kids' Book of Puzzles 1

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Book SynopsisThe latest picture book in the bestselling The Colour Monster series, from talented author-illustrator Anna Llenas, that encourages conversations about consent, mental health and wellbeing. One day, Nuna was in situation where she didn't know how to say no and it left her feeling strange and confused. So she goes to see Colour Monster who is now a doctor and who can help to heal emotions, especially those that are big and difficult to understand. To begin with, Nuna cannot find the right words. But with the help of Colour Monster and his emotions toolkit, Nuna learns how to use tools and techniques that will make her feel better. Together they try things like deep breathing, arts and crafts, blowing bubbles and dancing until she starts to feel calmer. Now will Nuna be able to talk about what's bothering her? This story addresses complex themes around consent, saying no and mental wellbeing in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. Through Anna's experience as an art therapist, she has interwoven techniques that can make these conversations easier. Including big, fold-out pages, children can look inside the emotions toolkit, making use of the ideas for themselves (with the support of a grown-up when needed). The ideal conversation starter for readers of The Colour Monster, The Colour Monster Goes to School and Don't Hug Doug.Trade ReviewA timely and beautifully illustrated book, encouraging children to investigate the meaning of their emotions and express themselves without fear. It also builds their confidence to say 'no' when needed: a vital skill which will last a lifetime. * Laura Coryton, activist, author and founder of the social enterprise Sex Ed Matters *A simple but highly effective and accessible exploration of feelings and well-being. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *The illustrations are also wonderfully powerful as they help to portray complex and difficult emotions in a colourful and relatable way for young children. Out on 7 December, this would be a lovely book for a little one to unwrap this Christmas. -- Fiona Eaton * Mini Travellers *The book is effective in showing children how to listen to their bodies, listen to their hearts, and look after themselves, with the caveat that they don't have to do it all on their own. * Juno Magazine *I spent hours with my young readers looking at all the colour, as well as the places where there is no colour, and we could imagine our own. It was a wonderful way to introduce the topic of feelings and emotions and encouraged wonderful conversations. This is a book with a story to enjoy, a message to take away and a practical guide to expressing feelings. -- Louise Ellis Barratt * Armadillo *

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Book SynopsisA picture book follow-up to The Colour Monster, Anna Llenas's jaw-dropping pop-up book.One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows thim what each feeling means through colour. What is the Colour Monster feeling? And can you help him feel a little less mixed up? A gentle exploration of feelings for young and old alike.

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Book SynopsisThis updated picture book of The Darkest Dark by astronaut Chris Hadfield, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing."While I was growing up, the Moon helped light the path to my dreams. But it was on a hot July night that my dreamy thoughts became real. The brave astronauts of Apollo 11 travelled to that distant place and stepped out onto its surface, their boots blazing a new trail in the ancient grey dust. Those footprints showed me that impossible things can happen." Chris Hadfield.Young Chris is a very important astronaut. When Dad says it's time for bed – Sorry, no can do: An astronaut's work is never done. But in the dark lurk all kinds of scary aliens. So Chris doesn't like to sleep, but Mum and Dad do! When he watches in awe at the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, Chris realizes he must overcome his fear of the dark. For in the darkest dark of space lies a power and a mystery that might just help Chris make his dreams come true.Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield, author of An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. The Darkest Dark is his debut children's book, brought to life by the illustrations of Terry and Eric Fan. The evocative beauty of their pictures brings to life a bedtime story that will encourage children to dream big, think like an astronaut and embrace the unknown.Trade ReviewBased on the author's own experiences, and beautifully illustrated, this is an inspiring story about facing up to fear and following your dreams. * Parents in Touch *A pitch-perfect, heart-warming story about facing fears and following dreams. * Mostly Books *A wonderfully warm and exciting picture book... With spectacular colour illustrations by top team, The Fan Brothers, this gorgeous picture book offers both reassurance and a thrilling ride through space. * Lancashire Evening Post *The artwork takes us from his home to the moon and beyond in strikingly beautiful atmospheric spreads, and it’s a book to inspire children with the wonder of space and all the opportunities life holds for them. * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisThe third installment of Scott Westerfeld's New York Times bestselling and award-winning Uglies series - a global phenomenon that started the dystopian trend. Tally thought they were a rumor, but now she's one of them. A Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid. But maybe being perfectly programmed with strength and focus isn't better than anything she's ever known. Tally still has memories of something else. Still, it's easy to tune that out - until she's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.Praise for Uglies‘Fast paced, exciting and thought-provoking.’ The Bookseller's Choice

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Book SynopsisFive Nights at Freddy''s fans won''t want to miss this pulse-pounding collection of three novella-length tales that will keep even the bravest player up at night . . .What do you wish for most? It''s a question that Oswald, Sarah, and Millie think they know the answer to. Oswald wishes his summer wasn''t so boring, Sarah wishes to be beautiful, and Millie wishes she could just disappear from the face of the earth. But in the twisted world of Five Nights at Freddy''s, their hearts'' deepest desires have an unexpected cost.In this volume, Five Nights at Freddy''s creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series'' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi. Readers beware: This collection of terrifying tales is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Five Nights at Freddy''s fans.

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Book SynopsisFiona Watt is an Editorial Director and writer at Usborne Publishing. She graduated from Exeter University with a Bachelor of Education in Art and Design. She taught for three years at a primary school in Kent, before spending two years at a British school in The Netherlands. She started working at Usborne in 1989 and has written and edited hundreds of books including baby and novelty, sticker, art and craft, cookery, science and activity books. She has written all the titles in the award-winning THAT'S NOT MY series and many in the highly successful Sticker Dolly Dressing series. She is the sixth biggest-selling UK children's author, with over 10 million of her books sold in the UK since records began.Trade ReviewA toy and book all in one! A perfect gift. * The Metro *A toy and book all in one! This fun board book comes with a wind-up toy steam train. The colourful pages pop out and the pieces slot together, creating a puzzle landscape for the steam train to explore. It makes a perfect gift for younger readers. * The Metro *It's a book and train set in one, meaning that even the most reluctant young readers will love this book. * The Independent *

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Book Synopsis'Absolutely incredible, honest, gut-wrenching! A must-read!' Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give‘?Painfully timely and deeply moving, this is the novel the next generation should be reading’ Jodi Picoult‘Justyce's story is earnest, funny, achingly human, and unshakably hopeful. I am forever changed.’ Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'Raw and gripping' Jason Reynolds, author of Long Way Down  'A powerful, wrenching, and compulsively readable story that lays bare the history, and the present, of racism in America' John Green, author of The Fault in our Stars---------------Raw, captivating, and undeniably real, Nic Stone boldly tackles American race relations in this #1 New York Times bestselling novel.

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Book SynopsisContinuing our partnership with animation giant Studio Ghibli, this deluxe 100-postcard boxed set captures the history of the studio, in a giftable and collectible stationery format for fans of every age!

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Book SynopsisThe home of trusted German dictionaries for everyday language learning.A handy 3-in-1 German study book: grammar, verbs and vocabulary in one volume, ideal for beginners who need a clear and easy-to-understand German reference and revision guide.This book gives you the essential tools to help you progress quickly in your study of German. The grammar, verb and vocabulary sections have been designed for all those learning German at school, in an evening class, for work or for leisure.Grammar: this section provides easily accessible information in an attractively presented layout. Key grammatical points are highlighted throughout the text as a means of reinforcement. Hundreds of examples of real German illustrate clearly the grammatical points being made. In addition, a full glossary gives clear and simple explanations of grammatical terminology.Verbs: you will find 127 fully conjugated regular and irregular verbs in this section. Each is self contained in a double-page spread showing all

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Book SynopsisThe 39-Storey Treehouse is the third book in Andy Griffith's and Terry Denton's wacky treehouse adventures, where the laugh-out-loud story is told through a combination of text and fantastic cartoon-style illustrations.'The kind of book I would have loved as a kid' – Tom Fletcher, author of The Danger GangAndy and Terry's amazing treehouse has thirteen new levels! It used to be 13 storeys, then 26, but they keep expanding!They've added a chocolate waterfall you can swim in, a volcano for toasting marshmallows, a bulldozer-battling level, a baby-dinosaur-petting zoo, a not-very-merry merry-go-round, a boxing elephant called the Trunkinator, an X-ray room, a disco with light-up dance floor, the world's scariest roller coaster and a top-secret thirty-ninth level which hasn't even been finished yet!And this year Terry has created the greatest invention that he—or anyone else—has ever iTrade ReviewWith its slapstick humour, brilliant absurdities and some bonus puzzles to solve at the back of the book, The 13-Storey Treehouse is the best 'tall story' you'll read this year! -- Lancashire Evening Post on 13-Storey TreehouseLongtime collaborators Griffiths and Denton (Killer Koalas from Outer Space) get metafictional in their latest book (first published in Australia), and the result is anarchic absurdity at its best... Denton's manic cartooning captures every twist and turn in hilarious detail, as babies are pelted with garbage, yapping dogs squashed, and monkeys catapulted into the distance. -- Publishers Weekly, on 13-Storey TreehouseFull of crazy, funny pictures, which will make you laugh . . . Extremely enjoyable, very funny and easy to read! -- SophieStarlight * Guardian.com *Especially good for reluctant readers as it is heavily illustrated and VERY funny . . . This really is the coolest treehouse ever! * Angels & Urchins *Packed with cartoons and craziness * Sunday Express *This book is about friends Andy and a Terry that live in a really cool 13-storey treehouse, with cool things like a bowling alley, games room and secret lab . . . The friends get up to some crazy things, an enjoyable book. -- Toppsta Reviewer, on 13-Storey TreehouseMy son absolutely adores this whole series of books. They are hilariously funny but so imaginative and creative. I've recommended them to so many people and haven't yet found a child who doesn't love them. This first book sets the scene with Andy and Terry - the characters and authors/illustrators - living in a treehouse with 13 stories who are meant to be writing a book but keep getting distracted by an endless stream of hilarious madness. * Toppsta Reviewer *It's funny, hugely imaginative and has LOTS of pictures. What child would not want a treehouse with see-through swimming pool, lemonade fountain, games room, bowling alley and marshmallow machine? -- Toppsta Reviewer, on 13-Storey TreehouseBrilliant series and if you haven't read them yet why not? Start at the beginning and work through them all. Laugh out loud funny and I love reading about all the things they have in their treehouse. * Toppsta Reviewer *My son read this book solidly in one day. He has LOVED it, the mix of text and illustrations is ideal for this age range, I could hear him laughing away to himself whilst he was reading it . . . A fabulous buy that will be read time and time again. * Toppsta Reviewer *This is silly and fun and a great book to encourage of love of reading in young children. I read this to my 5 year old daughter and months later she still makes reference to a scene in the book. * Toppsta Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisCreate stunning works of mosaic art with stickers! This distinctive poly-art paint by sticker book for kids ages 6-10 features a collection of 10 geometric designs of various animals, from a llama and panda to a koala, unicorn, and more. Using 60-100 coloured stickers for each animal pattern, place them in the appropriate spot according to its numbered section and watch as the geometric shapes transform into beautiful, crystalized designs. There are also bonus fun facts about each amazing animal to enjoy. An entertaining, hands-on activity for kids, this sticker painting book offers an excellent opportunity for developing their focus and attention span. Designs are printed on thick, perforated pages that can easily detach to be displayed or gifted once a painting is completed.

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Book SynopsisShe’s All That meets What If It’s Us in this swoon-worthy hate-to-love YA romantic comedy from #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott and debut writer Alyson Derrick.

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Book SynopsisChildren are, in many ways, born philosophers. Without prompting, they ask some of the largest questions about time, mortality, happiness and the meaning of it all. Yet too often this inborn curiosity is not developed and, with age, the questions fall away. This is a book designed to harness children's spontaneous philosophical instinct and to develop it through introductions to some of the most vibrant and essential philosophical ideas of history. The book takes us to meet leading figures of philosophy from around the world and from all eras - and shows us how their ideas continue to matter. The book functions as an ideal introduction to philosophy, as well as a charming way to open up conversations between adults and children about the biggest questions we all face. What people are saying about Big Ideas for Curious Minds: “This is an absolute must have for ALL children. It is absolutely fantastic and helps children understand a number of their daily struggles. In fact I take that previous comment back, this is an absolute must for EVERYONE. I have had read it from cover to cover, and as a 40 year old woman I have honestly learnt something new.” Freddies Mummy UK “This is a beautifully produced book published by the School of Life (founded by well known philosopher Alain de Botton). It is a very accessible starting point for exploring philosophy and how philosophical ideas can be applied to everyday life, in fact it is very explicit about this.” Ewingel “I can't stop reading and talking about this book with others. It is easy to follow and great for an introduction to philosophy for kids. Well written, great illustrations, ideas and clever how it relates the philosophers' ideas to the lives and issues that children have. 5 stars!” Thomas Leesa “The book itself is genius with an introduction to leading figures of philosophy from around the world from all eras. Alongside that there are chapters teaching our children crucial lessons about life, about love, and about loss. Topics such as ‘Why you feel lonely’, ‘Politeness matters’, ‘People are unhappy not mean’, and ‘The mind-body problem’ offer invaluable insights into philosophy in a way that our children can really get on board with. When the book arrived and I had a quick glance through it, my immediate reaction was that it was far too old for my children. And yet when I took the time to start reading, and to admire the beautiful illustrations, I found myself still sat there, an hour later, realising that this was exactly the kind of book I want each of my children to read as they grow.” Five Little Doves “The focus of these chapters are incredibly meaningful, some of my favourites include ‘People are unhappy, not mean’, ‘Learn to say what’s on your mind’, ‘Good things are (unexpectedly) hard’ and ‘Politeness matters’. The book has been written by the fantastic School of Life and it is suggested for curious minds aged 9+. I think most adults would also find these ideas incredibly helpful to reflect on; who doesn’t need reminding that when someone is angry, maybe it’s not you who is responsible?” Louise Treherne, Role Models “Although Big Ideas for Curious Minds is aimed at children I have got a lot from it too – and I wish I had read it myself as a child… This book has taught me, and LP, new ways of thinking and new ways of being.” What the Redhead Said Trade Review“This is an absolute must have for ALL children. It is absolutely fantastic and helps children understand a number of their daily struggles. In fact I take that previous comment back, this is an absolute must for EVERYONE. I have had read it from cover to cover, and as a 40 year old woman I have honestly learnt something new.” Freddies Mummy UK “This is a beautifully produced book published by the School of Life (founded by well known philosopher Alain de Botton). It is a very accessible starting point for exploring philosophy and how philosophical ideas can be applied to everyday life, in fact it is very explicit about this.” Ewingel “I can't stop reading and talking about this book with others. It is easy to follow and great for an introduction to philosophy for kids. Well written, great illustrations, ideas and clever how it relates the philosophers' ideas to the lives and issues that children have. 5 stars!” Thomas Leesa “The book itself is genius with an introduction to leading figures of philosophy from around the world from all eras. Alongside that there are chapters teaching our children crucial lessons about life, about love, and about loss. Topics such as ‘Why you feel lonely’, ‘Politeness matters’, ‘People are unhappy not mean’, and ‘The mind-body problem’ offer invaluable insights into philosophy in a way that our children can really get on board with. When the book arrived and I had a quick glance through it, my immediate reaction was that it was far too old for my children. And yet when I took the time to start reading, and to admire the beautiful illustrations, I found myself still sat there, an hour later, realising that this was exactly the kind of book I want each of my children to read as they grow.” Five Little Doves “The focus of these chapters are incredibly meaningful, some of my favourites include ‘People are unhappy, not mean’, ‘Learn to say what’s on your mind’, ‘Good things are (unexpectedly) hard’ and ‘Politeness matters’. The book has been written by the fantastic School of Life and it is suggested for curious minds aged 9+. I think most adults would also find these ideas incredibly helpful to reflect on; who doesn’t need reminding that when someone is angry, maybe it’s not you who is responsible?” Louise Treherne, Role Models “Although Big Ideas for Curious Minds is aimed at children I have got a lot from it too – and I wish I had read it myself as a child… This book has taught me, and LP, new ways of thinking and new ways of being.” What the Redhead Said

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Book SynopsisLearn all the essential stitches and skills you need to master the colorful art of plastic lacing. 17 simple but fun projects are provided for making zipper pulls, key chains, bracelets, decorations and more, using both 4-strand and 6-strand lacing techniques. Every braid is clearly illustrated, so instructions are a cinch to follow.

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Book SynopsisA fun, bright pop-up book about a monster who explores colour through his emotions.Today the Colour Monster is feeling very mixed up. He's yellow, blue, red, black and green all at once. Can you help him sort himself out? A stunning pop-out adventure that explores colours and feelings in a fun and gentle way.Trade ReviewAs toddlers begin to experience a range of emotions that they cannot yet put into words, this is the perfect book to help them. The protagonist is a sweet monster who wants to explain how he feels and uses colour to do so.It's an innocent but powerful opportunity for children to make sense of how they feel and learn colours along the way. Anna Llenas's simple illustrations are full of soul. * Mr Fox Magazine *A stunning pop-up book from Templar, exploring children's feelings through colours. If you imagine a non-fiction version of the movie Inside Out, you've got The Colour Monster. -- Hannah Beckerman * The Huffington Post *Skelton describes pop-up picture book The Colour Monster as the equivalent of the hit Pixar movie Inside Out. It features a monster confused by all his feelings, who then learns to compartmentalise them.Each double-page spread features a different emotion and intricately constructed pop-ups: blue rain clouds rise out of the page, held on with tiny ropes, to explain sadness while a parade of yellow suns bursts out to represent happiness. A mass of big black trees spring out for fear: "If you're scared, tell me why and we'll walk through the forest together." -- Anne Miller/Leilah Skelton * Standard Issue Magazine *The Colour Monster is a very cleverly constructed paper engineered book about feelings featuring spectacular pop-ups. [...]This is a special book to share with a child and enjoy looking at, albeit very carefully! Though the concept of bottling up feelings might be a little problematic, parents and teachers could certainly use this book to spark discussion about different feelings and perhaps help children understand them a bit more. It might lead to talk about other feelings too, such as what colour would represent boredom - perhaps brown or grey?Sharing this book may also inspire children to create their own colour monster or even their own pop-ups! -- Andrea Reece * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisThe must-have Back to School thesaurus for Year 7.This English School Thesaurus is the essential word finder for all students of English. Developed with teachers to support the requirements of the school National Curriculum, this English student thesaurus has a clear and easy-to-use layout, with an alphabetical indicator on each page, making it easy to find information quickly.This Collins pocket thesaurus includes thousands of synonyms and antonyms as well as short definitions for all main entry words. Examples are given for all synonyms to show how they are used and to help students choose the right one for their context. The more synonyms' feature and types of' panels help to extend students' vocabulary and extra help is given to help avoid overuse of very common words. A special section focusses on writing skills and helps students to use language effectively and achieve success in all areas of written work. For more on English language usage, the Collins School Dictionary and Thes

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Book SynopsisThis is the no.1 fan guide to celebrate the global music phenomenon that is Billie Eilish. Packed with inspirational quotes, cool facts and amazing photography, We Love Billie Eilish follows her meteoric rise from bedroom singer to global megastar. How well do you know Billie? Discover her song inspiration, her unique style and more. Whether you consider yourself a Pirate or an Eyelash, there''s something for every fan!

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Book SynopsisSquirrel is so cross. Yesterday there were loads of beautiful leaveson his tree, but today? Today some are missing and Squirrel isconvinced that someone has stolen them. there's a leaf thief onthe loose!

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