Children & Teen Books

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Book SynopsisRoald Dahl Funny Prize-winning series, perfect for fans of Dennis the Menace, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, and Mr Gum.''I''ve never minded that my name''s Barry Loser because my coolness has always cancelled it out, but ever since Darren Darrenofski joined school with his horrible little crocodile face he''s been completely ruining my life about it.''Have you got all of Jim Smith's amazekeel books?I am not a LoserI am still not a LoserI am so over being a LoserI am sort of a LoserBarry Loser and the holiday of doomBarry Loser and the case of the crumpled cartonBarry Loser's ultimate book of keelnessBarry Loser hates half termMy dad is a loser free ebookMy mum is a loser free ebookFuture Ratboy and the attack of the killer robot granniesJim Smith is the keelest kids' book author in the whole wide world amen. He graduated from art school with firstclass honours (the best you can get) and went on to create the branding for a sweet little chain of coffee shops. He also designs cards an

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Book SynopsisDiscover the world''s greatest city in 3D!Follow the River Thames through the famous, funny and fantastic sights of London from Kew Gardens to the Olympic Village. With amazing interactive pop-ups, flaps and tabs to lift as well as buildings to explore and tabs to move, this is your chance to see London in all its three-dimensional glory. Full of fun and facts, this is a delight for all, whether introducing this great city to novices or revealing unknown treats to the capital''s long-time fans.Trade ReviewExplore London as you never have done before in this beautiful and original introduction to the city...The final spread of Tower Bridge, which opens too, is a special delight. * Guardian *. . . A very engaging birds’ eye view of the city's culture and buildings. Pop-ups and flaps to lift help you find and enjoy the Thames, the Globe, O2 Arena and London 2012 Olympic Venue. Enjoy and explore in all directions! * Carousel *Glorious...Enterntaining snippets of informtaion on culture, history and politics can be gleaned from behind the flaps, making this useful as well as beautiful. * Guardian *brilliant attention to detail * Junior *An amazing feature about the book in the German Wings Magazine * German Wings *This truly is a book with lots of dimensions. * thelittleadventurer.com *

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Book SynopsisA reassuring and simple story about separation for the very youngest children.Mum and Dad don''t live together any more, so sometimes this little girl lives with her mum and her cat, and sometimes she lives with her dad. She has two bedrooms and two sets of toys, but she takes her favourite toys with her wherever she goes. This simple, warm, lift-the-flap book with bold and colourful illustrations is a reassuring representation of separation for the youngest children. Melanie Walsh is sympathetically alive to the changes in routine that are familiar to many children who live with separate parents and are loved by both.Trade ReviewWarm simple text for the youngest of tots * Practical Parenting *

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Book SynopsisSaddle up for the best read on horse riding. From knowing everything about the colours, markings, and breeds of horses to learning the basics of riding, this book covers it all.Even absolute beginners can pick up the reins with this comprehensive horse riding manual. With step-by-step photographs and easy to follow instructions, How to... Horse Riding is designed to help young riding enthusiasts pick up the basics, from trotting and cantering to jumping.You will also discover the best way to take care of your equine friend, including how to use a grooming kit to brush a horse''s coat. The later chapters in the book give an insight into the more experienced riding, dressage, and horse shows.How to... Horse Riding gives children all the confidence they need to pursue this exciting activity as a fun hobby or competitive sport. You''ll be galloping to the gymkhana before you know it!

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Book SynopsisA retelling of this famous, dark fairytale from award-winning author-illustrator Anthony Browne.Hansel and Gretel is perhaps the darkest and greatest of the fairytales from the Brothers Grimm. This extraordinary book brings the classic childhood tale to a new generation courtesy of one of the world''s greatest picture book artists, Hans Christian Andersen Award-winner Anthony Browne.Trade Reviewrich and alliterative * Springboard Stories *

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Book SynopsisDo you love dinosaurs? How about robots? And unicorns? Find them ALL in the pages of this laugh-out-loud pick your own' picture book adventure!It's Gwen's birthday but, oh no, the birthday cake that Dad's been busy making has DISAPPEARED. Gwen needs YOUR help to find it!Has the cake been stolen by dinosaurs? Or taken by robots? Has it been snatched by unicorns? It's up to YOU to decide!Pick a Story is the ONLY series where young readers choose between three completely different worlds allowing them to change the story as it happens. Children are excited by having choice and a feeling of agency, and it fires their imaginations.Choice and value! Readers choose the direction of the adventure on every page. With endless story paths to be taken, the adventure is always different.Packed with activities! Each page includes an activity, such as search-and-find, odd-one-out, mazes and more, woven seamlessly into the narrative perfect for immersing and engaging young readers.Trade ReviewPraise for the series: “With twists and turns and decisions to make on every page, this book takes young readers on a whirlwind adventure” – Teach Primary ‘The ideal book to inspire a lifelong love of reading’ – Lancashire Newspaper Group 'A truly un-put-downable book’ – Armadillo Magazine ‘The dynamic and detailed instructions perfectly match the bonkers settings of the different story paths’ – BookTrust September 2022 Book of the Month – LoveReading4Kids ‘A very interactive and colourful book full of exciting adventure stories and problem solving [and] packed with thrills’ – The Green Parent

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Book SynopsisEddie and the bear are back, but can it be true? Yes! They''re inseparable!Eddy is feeling sad and so is the Bear. They both wish they had a friend to talk to. All they've got are their teddies, and teddies can't talk. Or can they? A great first look at friendship and feelings from master picture book maker, Jez Alborough.Trade ReviewGreeted with shrieks of delight. * The Independent on Sunday *The rhyming text rollicks along and the dialogue gives plenty of opportunity for those who like to put the panache of feeling and different voices into their rendition to give a virtuoso performance. * Child Education *

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Book SynopsisAn anthology of dark, powerful and moving short stories from a master storyteller and Hans Christian Andersen Award winning author, inspired by his childhood in the north-east of England.A diverse collection of stories from the author of the internationally award-winning Skellig, deftly interwoven with illuminating autobiographical pieces on the inspirations behind the fiction. David Almond says of this unique volume, Stories on the page are so beautifully neat. All that lovely black print; those lovely straight lines and paragraphs and pages. But stories are living things, creatures that move and grow in the imaginations of writer and reader. They must be solid and touchable, like the land, and must have fluid half-known depths, like the sea. These stories take place in a real world but in fiction, real worlds merge with dreamed worlds. Real people walk with ghosts and figments. Earthly truth goes hand-in-hand with watery lies.Trade ReviewThis coming of age collections of stories inspired by Almond’s childhood in the north east, which of course is so prevalent through his work. * The Bookseller *The work of a writer of great power, and a living insight for teenage readers into the power of imagination and the way that stories grow from seed to fruit * The School Librarian *The autobiographical notes are stories in themselves, encouraging young writers in their reminder that we all have the material for fiction a short memory away. . . As well as the living roots of the stories, the prefaces reveal where, how or why Almond wrote them, and that some have seen many drafts and may never be finished: more encouragement. * Observer *If anything will encourage teenagers to start writing, it is this superb masterclass in how setting, dialogue and character can convey powerful emotions in a few words. * Daily Mail *A powerful collection of stories, interleaved by Almond’s memories of the places he grew up in. It’s a meditation on the power of stories . . . extraordinary dreamy atmosphere and lyrical evocation of life by the sea. * Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Read *An absolute treat . . . he writes sparingly and beautifully. . . fiction to treasure * Books for Keeps *The tale-behind-the-tale preludes are intriguing—perhaps especially to big fans and those interested in the writing process—but the stories themselves shine brightest here. Taylor's illustrations, sometimes cartoonish, sometimes more abstract and moody, cast the Almondine experience in yet another new light. This is powerful, top-notch storytelling from Almond, who seems himself to be the titular "half a creature from the sea," in that he, as ever, fluidly blends past and future, the living and the dead, the ordinary and the transcendent. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisLearn how to write code and then build your own website, app and game using HTML, CSS and JavaScript in this essential coding guide for kids from expert organization Young Rewired State.Learn how to write code and then build your own website, app and game using HTML, CSS and JavaScript in this essential guide to coding for kids from expert organization Young Rewired State. Over 6 fun missions learn the basic concepts of coding or computer programming and help Professor Bairstone and Dr Day keep the Monk Diamond safe from dangerous jewel thieves. In bite-size chunks learn important real-life coding skills and become a technology star of the future. Young Rewired State is a global community that aims to get kids coding and turn them into the technology stars of the future.Trade ReviewWith no knowledge at all you could produce webpages in a matter of hours. You'll be writing code in a matter of minutes. The explanations are gloriously simple and straightforward and there are even online resources if you get stuck. The steps are very easy and you start seeing rewards straight away - there's no toiling away for hours only to find that there's still really nothing to see. This has been written by people who understand how children's minds work - and a lot of adults too! […] It's all great stuff and I can't think of a better way to get kids started on coding. I just wish I'd had this sort of opportunity when I was nine! * The Bookbag *A hot topic is introduced in this fabulously informative textbook for junior coders (and adults looking for a simple introduction!) […] Basic coding skills and clean step-by-step explanations make this a thorough workbook to help enthusiasts teach themselves an exciting new skill. * IBW Children's Book Guide, The Bookseller *This book goes into a lot more detail than many others I have seen, so it gives excellent coverage. * Parents in Touch *Learning is through completing six 'missions' and discovering how to create an app or a game to your own design would be interesting and fun for kids. More advanced than other coding books I've read, this would be a useful addition to your library, primary or secondary. * SLA *

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Book SynopsisIf you're feeling feline-friendly, this may be just the novelty book for you.When did you last play with cats inside a book?! The cats in this book want to have fun, and by turning the pages and flipping the flaps you can play their favourite games with them! Tiny, Moonpie and André love wool to tangle with, cardboard boxes to hide in, pillow fights and fish! But where there are fish, there is also water lots of it. So who's going to rescue the cats from the giant floodwave? You are, of course!Trade ReviewWitty, original and charming, with lively and economical illustration . . . This book is extremely successful with toddlers, who will not only enjoy the jokes and connection with the cats but also learn to understand and delight in the way books work. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *Clever and funny, the pages talk directly to the reader as we go on a mild feline adventure before bedtime. * Time Out *

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Book SynopsisUndercover in a poisonous world, teen spy Alex Rider is back for his seventh adrenalin-rush adventure!In the seventh book in the number one bestselling Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, teenage spy Alex is forced into the Australian secret service. His target is the criminal underworld of South East Asia, and a ruthless organization known as the Snakehead.Trade ReviewThis book is full of surprises! Anthony Horowitz has lived up to his reputation and has created another spell bounding plot, which does not allow the reader to put the book down! -- Young Reviewer * The Guardian Online *

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Book SynopsisLift-the-Flap Fairy Tales: The Three Little Pigs is a fresh, modern and wonderfully witty take on the much-loved story, retold in a playful rhyme and accompanied by bright and funny illustrations. Flaps to lift on every page bring to life the classic tale of three brave little pigs and their escape from the Big Bad Wolf. See what happens when the wolf huffs and puffs, be quick and close the doors and windows in the house of bricks, and watch the page pop up as the mean old wolf comes falling down the chimney! Featuring a free audio reading, complete with music and sound effects! Just scan the QR code on the book with your smart device to hear the story. With this bonus audio feature, you can listen to the story wherever you are, and follow along with the book by turning the pages when you hear the chime.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides your child with a whole year of ready to go activitiesand support on key English topics which will be being taughtin school from 2014. *Workbooks for home learning or classroom practice*Linked website with additional activities, answers and support forparents. *Developed by teachers.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling picture book, THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING, is now availablewith a high-quality audio CD, brilliantly performed by award-winningactress, Imelda Staunton. The CD contains the full story,The Scarecrows' Wedding Listening Game and the brand-new Scarecrows'Wedding Song, which was written specially for this CD byJulia Donaldson.

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Book SynopsisBeth can model things in sand - we find out how and see some fantastic sand champ creations.

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Book SynopsisThe king and queen discover that life is much happier when they swop jobs - the king cooks the meals and the queen takes over the DIY!

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Book SynopsisThis workbook helps to break down the skills children need to masterto meet their curriculum objectives in a clear and fuss-freeway. It supports children to develop their their comprehension skillsusing a mix of fiction and non-fiction texts through fun andengaging activities.

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Book SynopsisThe illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lonesurvivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his familyof actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run awayfrom school to an estranged uncle's puzzling house in London, wherehe must piece together many mysteries...

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Book SynopsisEnter the rich and fantastical world of Rema in the first installment of this middle-grade graphic novel series with sweeping adventure and light romance!Tabby Simon is determined to learn what happened to her father, who was found dead after researching a tree that leaks a mysterious mist in her neighborhood. She is unexpectedly led to Rema, a distant world of magic and beauty that is periodically invaded by a nearby planet desperate for resources. While Tabby searches for the truth surrounding her father''s death, she meets a handsome blue-haired boy named Philip. He has his own dangerous secrets, but has promised to help Tabby get home. As she learns more about this strange world, Tabby discovers that she is destined for something far greater than she ever could have imagined.

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Book SynopsisFollow London's newest detective, Enola Holmes, in her thrilling sixth adventure - from the series that inspired the films, starring Millie Bobby Brown. Read them all before the next film lands!Enola Holmes - sister of the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes - always has an eye for mystery-solving.Trade ReviewExciting and adventurous! * Millie Bobby Brown *Flat-out among the best mysteries being written for young people today. * Booklist, starred review *Enola's most dangerous case yet!...This is Enola Holmes at her best! * Indie Next *Enola, the quintessential spunky heroine, navigates the historical setting with the pluck of Nancy Drew but within the constraints of her upbringing. * Horn Book *

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Book SynopsisPrince Albert comes up with a royally creative solution to Queen Victoria’s modesty concerns in this true story that reveals an overlooked splash of history.Poor Queen Victoria! She loves to swim, but can’t quite figure out how to get to the water without her devoted subjects glimpsing her swimming suit. (Because, of course, such a sight would compromise her regal dignity.) Fortunately for the water-loving monarch, it’s Prince Albert to the rescue with an invention fit for a queen! This quirky tale about the longest reigning monarch in British history is as fun as it is authentic, and the book includes a picture of the actual bathing machine Prince Albert created.Trade ReviewQueen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan; illus. by Nancy Carpenter How could Queen Victoria get into the sea on a hot day? Modesty decreed that she mustn’t be seen in her bathing costume. It’s Prince Albert to the rescue with a queen-sized bathing machine—large enough to fit the queen and her lady-in-waiting, and with wheels to roll it into the sea, where the waters would conceal Her Majesty. This entertaining story nicely encapsulates a curious bit of social history, though its glimpse of the royal family is as much fantastical as realistic, with a jaunty tall-tale tone governing a rhymed text (delighted with his creation, Prince Albert crows, “Let me tell you, my dear, what I propose. / You enter the back door wearing all of your clothes. / Off comes your dress, off come your rings, / off come all those unmentionable things”). Carpenter ably limns eight or so children in lively attendance, riding globes or peering through telescopes while Albert studies catapults or “old wars both Spartan and Punic.” The stifling frills and furbelows of Victorian dress; the loving couple’s delight in each other; and jacket art of the queen frolicking underwater in her voluminous black swimming costume, a minnow in her crown—Carpenter renders each in comical detail. A concluding note features a present-day photo of the commodious vehicle. A bibliography of Victoriana for various ages is appended. * Horn Book ** Queen Victoria is ready to break free from the constraints of life at the top (including literal ones, like corsets) and take a swim in the ocean. But that would never do given the mores of the era named after her—until her beloved husband Albert hits on a solution: a covered wooden cart with an undressing room that can be rolled into the sea, allowing the swimmer to discreetly enter the water. “No one will get so much as a peep,” Albert assures her, “except for the creatures down in the deep.” Whelan’s (Homeless Bird) rhyming bounds along with a crackle worthy of Gilbert and Sullivan, and Carpenter’s (Big Bear’s Big Boat) digital drawings are sublime. Her portrait of a loving marriage (which includes a scene of the Queen and Her Consort canoodling—in their nightgowns!) is every bit as wonderful as the busier scenes in which Albert (with assists from the couple’s many children) devises his contraption. But the finest image is the penultimate, which finds an ecstatic Victoria gliding through the lapis water in her swimming costume. Ages 5–8. (Apr.) * Publishers Weekly (starred) ** QUEEN VICTORIA'S BATHING MACHINE The Victorian era is often caricatured as a time of excessive modesty, and this buoyant, rhyming picture book highlights a royal example with affection and good humor. Queen Victoria longs for a summer swim, but even when she’s vacationing at her informal residence on the Isle of Wight, decorum prevents her from traipsing down to the beach in her bathing suit—it would expose her queenly knees! Her doting husband, Prince Albert, invents a “bathing machine,” a caravan of sorts in which his wife can change out of her corset and petticoats in privacy and be wheeled straight into the water: “You climb down the steps in perfect repose, / into the ocean right up to your nose. / No one will get so much as a peep, / except for the creatures down in the deep.” Jaunty Seuss-ian rhymes (most effective when read aloud with an English accent) tell the amusing true-life story, and gleeful pen-and-watercolor illustrations of the royal family—including nine busy children—spill into lively double-page spreads. In one Monty Python–esque scene, Queen Victoria is unceremoniously flipped into the Atlantic via catapult, one of her husband’s earlier queen-transportation solutions. The book’s crown jewel? The underwater queen blissfully blowing bubbles with the fish. A funny and intimate behind-the-scenes look at royal family life by the National Book Award–winning Whelan (Homeless Bird, 2000). (author’s note, photo of actual bathing machine, bibliography, websites) (Picture book. 4-8) * (STARRED) Kirkus Reviews on March 1 *In delightful rhyming prose, Whelan brings history to life recounting an amusing anecdote of Queen Victoria and her bathing machine (currently on display at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight). One hot summer day, the British queen longs to take a refreshing dip in the sea, but her lady-in-waiting is scandalized. “It would be a disgrace/to see more of the queen than her hands and her face.” Victoria’s devoted husband, Albert, gives all his genius to the problem, promising to come up with a way to transport her unseen from the beach to the water. He discards his first idea involving a catapult, but inspiration strikes in the middle of the night. “Just after midnight/Albert sprang from the bed./A brilliant idea/had come to his head.” He starts working on his invention the next morning, constructing a portable dressing room on wheels. Impressed and excited, Victoria dons her bathing suit inside the clever contraption and the bathing machine is then rolled into the sea, whereupon she dives right into the surf and indulges in a glorious swim. The digital artwork deftly portrays the loving relationship shared by Victoria and Albert. Comical details and the inclusion of the royal couple’s nine mischievous children in many of the scenes add to the fun. For a royal day out at the library, pair this outstanding title with Celeste Davidson Mannis’s The Queen’s Progress (Viking, 2003). * School Library Journal, March 1, 2014 ** Poor Queen Victoria gazes longingly at the sea from her balcony while being tightened into a sweaty corset and petticoats at the start of this lilting picture book from the author of Small Acts of Amazing Courage (2011). It would be indecent, after all, “to see more of the queen than her hands and her face,” but taking a dip in her full regalia would mean a quick trip to the seafloor. How can the queen enjoy a summer swim while still retaining her royal modesty? After abandoning his idea of a catapult to fling Her Majesty into the ocean, industrious Prince Albert devises a cart to be wheeled into the surf, so Victoria can change into her bathing costume and step into the water hidden from nosy onlookers. Carpenter’s jaunty illustrations, digitally rendered line drawings with colorful washes, depict the hot, uncomfortable queen surrounded by her beloved, rambunctious gaggle of children, who all pitch in to help build Albert’s invention. Based on Prince Albert’s real invention (a photo of the bathing machine and a brief biography of Queen Victoria is appended), this swingy, silly story in rhyming couplets offers a cheery glimpse into the life of a queen and a charming lesson on how necessity is the mother of invention. The informative author’s note and bibliography lead readers on to more. -- April 15, 2014 * Booklist, starred review *

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Book SynopsisFrom traditional steam trains to super-fast bullet trains, this fact-filled information book allows children to look inside locomotives and find out how they work. Young readers can lift-the-flaps to discover fun facts and find out about the history of train travel.Trade ReviewThis ingenious lift-the-flaps book will keep all young train lovers on track as they get an inside look at everything from traditional steam trains to super-fast bullet trains. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisFiona Watt (Author) Fiona 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 ReviewBabies will love looking at the bright, high-contrast pictures, feeling the textures and listening to the musical sounds as they explore this vibrant board book. * Lovereading4kids *With buttons producing sounds, finger trails using cut-outs and textures, holes for tiny fingers to explore, flaps, fabrics and other materials, this book encapsulates many of the principles of The Science Museum’s Sensory Garden in a bright and accessible volume. * Culture Baby *A brilliant book which I foresee will provide entertainment for a long time to come * Mother and Baby *

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling Felt Flap series - perfect for babies and toddlers! With five colourful felt flaps to lift, friendly characters and a surprise mirror ending, there's so much to discover in a Felt Flap book!In Where's Mr Fire Engine?, you're on the look out for Mrs Police Car, Mr Ambulance, Mrs Helicopter and Mr Fire Engine. Parents adore these books because they are beautiful but incredibly durable. And children love them because they are just so much fun!Other titles in the series include, Where's Mr Lion?, Where's Mr Duck? and Where's Mrs Car?Felt Flaps Where's Mr Lion? won Sainsbury's Children's Book of the Year 2017"The felt flaps in this sturdy board board are perfect for little ones to turn and tug, which means you can get even the tiniest tot into books and finding the activity fun. Ingela Arrhenius' illustrations are a real bonus. They are bright and retro and sure to capture your baby's attention. A perfect book to share with very little ones." BookTrust

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Book SynopsisThis Ladybird retelling of The Gingerbread Man is a wonderful introduction to classic fairy tales for toddlers and preschool children. Enjoy reading the simple text together, looking at the bright pictures and feeling the different touch-and-feels on every page.Trade ReviewYour baby will love feeling his way through The Gingerbread Man * Practical Parenting *

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Book SynopsisThe electrifying sequel to Wilbur Smith's new series for the next generation - starring teen protagonists Ralph and Robyn Ballantyne. In the wild Lebombo Mountains of South Africa, Ralph and Robyn are on the run from the nefarious Josef Gerhard. His beastly man-made predasaurs have unleashed a deadly virus and only the Ballantynes have the evidence to prove it. They need to regroup and plan their next move if they want to stop him before it's too late and find a cure for the virus.But deep in the forest, dangers lurk; poachers are circling, and Gerhard has a brand-new creation he wants to show off, if he can lure the Ballantynes to its lair...Can they outrun him in time to expose his monstrous crimes? And more importantly will they make it out of the serpent's lair alive?Get ready for more predasaurs, more betrayals and more action in the thrilling sequel to PREY ZONE!

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Book SynopsisJessica Greenwell (Author) Jessica Greenwell grew up in Wolverhampton then studied English at Leeds University. She joined Usborne in 2008 and has since written lots of wipe-clean, sticker, colouring and noisy books. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and three young children.

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Book SynopsisFiona Watt (Author) Fiona 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 ReviewReally cool! * Mrs Meldrum *This stylish, user-friendly version of the magic painting books we all remember guarantees fun for creative kids and is perfect for harassed parents looking for a mess-free activity in the busyrun-up to Christmas. * Lancashire Evening Post *Turn the world every colour of Christmas; the perfect gift for pint-sized painters. * Waterstones *

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Book SynopsisWhen a majestic whale is stranded near their Scottish hometown, Tulsi and Satchen must summon all their courage to save it in this thrilling adventure from Jasbinder Bilan. After rowing out to an island near their seaside home, Tulsi and Satchen discover a whale that has been trapped in a fishing net. Determined to try to free the poor creature, they repeatedly dive down into the freezing sea to cut the netting, but eventually, exhausted and with a storm rolling in, they have to admit defeat. As they head for home to seek help, their boat capsizes in the storm and they’re left clinging to it, dangerously adrift. Just as they think all is lost, help arrives from an unexpected source … A thrilling adventure with a powerful message about how we need to protect the oceans at its heart.Trade Review"A powerful story to resonate with all those who value the wild world and the need to protect it." – Gill Lewis "A heartwarming tale of bravery, kindness and love." – Hannah Gold “A short, impactful story, written with such depth of feeling that, while it's a children's adventure about a whale in need, it's also a call to action: a plea to #saveourseas." – Rachel Delahaye Lefever "This adventurous but heart-warming story shows the important role that children can play in safeguarding all of nature" – The School Librarian

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated collection of over twenty stories of magic and humour. It includes classics such as The Little Mermaid, Treasure Island and The Princess and the Pea along with some original tales such as The Bed Monster's Secret and The Pesky Parrot.Trade ReviewIf your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with your little ones, then this is the book for you. * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisDiscover horses and ponies at work, rest and play in this delightful little book, packed with fascinating facts and charming illustrations.

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Book SynopsisBeginner readers are taken on a trip back to medieval times to learn what it was like to be a knight and live in a castle. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme, developed with experts at the University of Roehampton.Trade Review'Irresistible for children learning to read' - Child Education Plus; 'Crack reading and make confident and enthusiastic readers with this fantastic reading programme' - Julia Eccleshare; 'For every parent, child and teacher weary of the monotony of the average reading scheme, Usborne's First Reading series will offer rays of sunlight. The books are carefully levelled and offer a huge variety of accessible and fun, fiction and non-fiction' - Tamara Linke, Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop

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Book SynopsisThe chilling, powerful sequel to Gemma Malley''s acclaimed debut, The Declaration. For fans of The Hunger GamesIn a world where nobody dies, Peter and Anna are Opt Outs - they choose not to live for ever . . . but is that enough?To try and fight the system further, Peter infiltrates Pincent Pharma, the company behind Longevity - the drug that offers eternal life. But he finds himself involved in things he didn''t think possible . . . and begins to struggle with his own family. It appears Richard Pincent will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means ripping Peter and Anna''s new life apart.Trade ReviewWell-written dystopian thriller . . . dramatic and heartfelt * Sunday Times *Well written and thought-provoking * School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisFrom author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: A magical, reassuring picture book about moving house, to soothe even the biggest worriesIvan''s old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT. Ivan finds his new house strange and can''t sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home. A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman''s Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.Trade ReviewDeliciously droll scenes of the delectable duo, lift-the-flap postcards and an overloaded rucksack, and Tom Percival’s understated verbal humour are all part and parcel of this great follow-up story, at the heart of which once again, is friendship * Red Reading Hub on Herman's Holiday *Warm-hearted and full of the joy of friendship * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling supernatural adventure: dark, funny, with twists at every turn. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children''s Prize 2016.When Luke Manchett''s estranged father dies suddenly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance. Luke has been left in charge of his father''s ghost collection: eight restless spirits. They want revenge for their long enslavement, and in the absence of the father, they''re more than happy to take his son. It isn''t fair, but you try and reason with the vengeful dead. Halloween, the night when the ghosts reach the height of their power, is fast approaching. With the help of school witchlet Elza Moss, and his cowardly dog Ham, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic, and send the unquiet spirits to their eternal rest. The alternative doesn''t bear thinking about.Trade ReviewAn exciting read ... thrilling and spooky * The Week Junior *With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying * Publishers Weekly *Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists. * Kirkus *Thirteen Days of Midnight is the most entertaining and original fantasy or paranormal young adult novel I've read in a long time * Addicted to Media *Thirteen Days of Midnight is a great debut. It's confident and enthusiastic in its storytelling and the first person, present tense telling gives it a real sense of immediacy. It has relatable central characters and an entertaining supporting cast. It's chilling at times and funny at others. Great stuff, and I recommend it. * The Bookbag *13 Days of Midnight is an awesome and wickedly imaginative YA urban fantasy book that now has a permanent place on my Keeper Shelf. It's a fun adventure that'll hook you in right away and keep you glued to the page until you reach the thrilling end. -- Yolanda Stefsos * Yolanda Stefsos *

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Book Synopsis"An absolutely fantastic book – just the thing to inspire future Lionesses!" – Beth Mead, LionessShoot for the stars with Sammy Striker! From Oscars Prize-shortlisted Catherine Emmett and bestselling illustrator Joe Berger, Sammy Striker and the Football Cup is an empowering story for young footie fans, about friendship, football, and having the courage to believe in yourself.Sammy Striker is NEVER found without a football at her feet, and one day at the park, she's spotted by Melissa McDream who coaches the Under 8s National Team! Sammy is a dribbler-extraordinaire, headed straight for the top. But, as the Football Cup gets closer, Sammy's shots on goal go a bit . . . wonky.Will Sammy work out that it's what makes her DIFFERENT that will help them win the final?Trade Review"An absolutely fantastic book – just the thing to inspire future Lionesses!" * Beth Mead *

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Book SynopsisIn Paris, there is a cafe, elegantly furnished with polished wooden tables and an awning of striped gold and green, whose walls are filled with vintage posters advertising drinks such as Green Fairy Liqueur, Mermaid Madeira and Red Devil Lemonade. The cafe is owned by Monsieur Moutarde, and Monsieur Moutarde has made an extraordinary discovery.Trade ReviewPraise for Madame Pamplemousse and her Incredible Edibles: 'Enchanting debut ... witty, warm-hearted and as delectable as one of the dishes it describes, this is as much a hymn to the culinary arts as to the magic of kindness, and is recommended for 6-9s' Amanda Craig, The Times A sophisticated book for sophisticated readers. Warmly recommended for librarians who need children as an excuse to buy the book' School Librarian Praise for Madame Pamplemousse and the Enchanted Sweet Shop: 'A charming, magical and sweet-filled adventure' Primary Times

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Book SynopsisCount along with the Ten Little Princesses in this action-packed, counting rhyme adventure!The Ten Little Princesses are going on an adventure ... But what will the Ten Little Princesses do when they meet a wicked witch? And a hairy beast? And a BIG BAD WOLF?Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story, Ten Little Princesses is perfect for sharing together. Read the bouncy rhyming story.Count from ten to one and back again, as the Little Princesses disappear then reappear. Spot and count the details on each page. And join in with all the great sound-words!The Ten Little series has sold over a million copies worldwide, and Ten Little Bookworms was a 2019 World Book Day pick.Trade ReviewA lovely counting book, with a sprinkling of fairy magic * Carousel * Catchy and captivating * The School Run * You won't be able to read princessess' stories in the same way again * londonmumsmagazine.com * Traditional countring rhyme with a fairytale twist. * Bookseller * Infectious... a real delight... children will love to spot the references to well-loved fairy tales. * Parents in Touch * Enchanting rhyming and counting book... youngsters will love seeing all their favourite fairy tale characters. * Aldershot News & Mail * Action-packed, bouncy, rhyming romp... rendered in dazzling colours by Rickerty. Brilliant fun. * Red Reading Hub * This book is sure to be a hit, with its bouncy rhyme, bright pictures and flawless presentation. * * * * * * Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisS and H are running up a big hill, but S can't get to the top. The Alphablocks make a bus to carry S up the hill.

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Book SynopsisCan Ella Bella help the swan princess to be reunited with her prince? Will she help to break the wicked sorcerer''s spell? Will true love conquer all? Young ballerinas will find the answer to all these questions and delight in the sheer charm of Ella Bella''s world. James Mayhew has also included a last page full of ballet facts to help even the keenest budding ballerina learn about the story behind Swan Lake.Trade ReviewVaried use of colour and clever depiction of movement make this a truly enchanting book. * Scotsman *Mayhew gently introduces some of the world's most famous ballets to younger readers. * Cork Evening Echo *Exquisitely beautiful reworking of the Swan Lake story. * Ham & High *These books are a wonderful, accessible, introduction to the stories of the famous ballets; allowing little ones to believe that they too can leap into the dance and become part of the magic. * Culture Baby *Delightful * Parents In Touch *

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Book SynopsisFrom the talented brother-sister duo of Stephen and Anita Mangancomes this exciting fully illustrated adventure.

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Book SynopsisAn internationally bestselling series of board books with amazing real-life sounds! This brand new edition includes replaceable AAA batteries and an exciting 'Look and Find' game on the final page. Press the button, recognise the sound, then point at the right picture! What sounds do a recorder, a piano, a violin, a guitar and a xylophone make? Push the buttons to find out! Aimed at babies and toddlers, this ground-breaking series of interactive board books has a button on every spread, which plays one of five different exceptional quality sound effects. Children of every age will be captivated as they bring the artwork to life with five amazing real-life sounds.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023'I love this book so much' - Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End.A sweeping romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author David Arnold about the power of soulmates and love.Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father's departure. But after his mum's unexpected cancer diagnosis, and as Evan's plans begin to fade, he hears something - a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer ...Shosh Bell has dreams. A high-school theatre legend, she's headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister's life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void - and a soft voice singing in her ear ...Over it all, transcending time and spaTrade ReviewI Loved You In Another Life will have your soul soaring! With unmatched lyricism, David Arnold has written a timeless love saga for the ages about two teens whose love outlasts even death itself. I love this book so much. * Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End *Can the power of love follow us from one life to the next? I Loved You In Another Life dares to say yes. The funniest, saddest, most romantic book on earth. * Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda *With every book, David Arnold's prodigious imagination expands the bounds of storytelling and how we relate to each other. I Loved You In Another Life is a stirring, lyrical, and breathtakingly ambitious ode to love that endures across ages. * Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of The Serpent King *The storyline moves from contemporary Britain to plague-ridden Paris (1832), to Tokyo (1953), to Oslo (2019) as Evan and Shosh re-emerge in previous existences. A challenging structure which is handled extremely well. * The School Librarian *Simply unputdownable * Armadillo Magazine *

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Book SynopsisSasha can see the future. But can she use her power to save her brothers and change their destiny? A stunning World War One anniversary edition of the mesmerising novel from award-winning author, Marcus Sedgwick. It is 1915, WWI. Seventeen-year-old Sasha Fox is the privileged only daughter of a respected doctor living in the wealthy seaside town of Brighton. But her brothers, Edgar and Tom, have gone to war and Sasha has a terrible gift: she can see the future. Her premonitions show untold horrors on the battlefields of the Somme, and the fate that awaits Edgar and Tom. But Sasha is trapped by power - no one will believe her. Even her family have lost faith in her, and she is determined to win them back, whatever the price. And it is a high one. Seeing the future is a fate too awful to contemplate - for who wants to see the end of their own story?A beautifully written story of a child in jeopardy, set in a world full of threat - but with Trade ReviewA classy novel about a young girl going to the very centre of hell ... It's a powerful story that takes the readers into the horrors of war ... This is an unforgettable no-holds-barred novel for older readers looking for a stylish and exciting read

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