Children & Teen Books

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Book SynopsisClassify the features of prehistoric creatures!This book transports children back in time to meet the terrifying theropods! These killer dinosaurs were fierce predators who used their top speed and sharp teeth and jaws to catch prey. Readers can find out about different theropod species and how some theropods evolved into the first birds. This is the must-have guide to killer dinosaurs for dino-mad kids aged 7 and over.Learn about classifying prehistoric creatures with the Dino-sorted! series. Get a close-up look at dinosaurs and other ancient beasts, with large colourful artwork, and discover the key features that they have in common.Table of Contents 1: Meet the theropods 2: Small and large 3: Sorted: compsognathus and spinosaurus 4: Predators 5: Sorted: coelophysis 6: Teeth and jaws 7: Sorted: tyrannosaurus rex 8: Powerful limbs 9: Sorted: allosaurus 10: Feathered reptiles 11: Sorted: yutyrannus huali 12: Dinosaur to bird 13: Sorted: archaeopteryx 14: Glossary 15: Further information 16: Index

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Book SynopsisFind out how to be more grown up and take responsibility with this fun guide to becoming a more confident you! Every day you have to make choices. Part of growing up is making the right choices and taking responsibility for those choices. Taking responsibility helps you to become more independent. It means you can be trusted to do what you say you will do, or what others have asked you to do. Being responsible means others can count on you.Short comic-strip stories featuring a diverse range of characters show you how to deal with different situations. Sound non-fiction advice will help you to learn best ways to become more responsible by learning how to plan, think about others feelings, be helpful, look after your belongings and others'', saying sorry when you make a mistake and looking after the environment. The consultant, Sarah Davis, is qualified in child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and provides counselling support for children, young adults and parents

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Book SynopsisThe officially licensed How a Jeep Wrangler Works is a sturdy board book designed for curious kids who love big wheels and bold rides. Kids will learn about the fun colors of Jeep Wranglers, how the doors and roof are removable, 4-wheel drive, fender flares, and more! This book fuels curiosity and turns reading time into a playful ride.

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Book SynopsisA fun, upbeat book that encourages kids to get into good saving habitsBe a Super Saver shows readers the best ways to save money - for example, how to distinguish between ''wants'' and ''needs'' - and explains the different ways that they can keep their money safe, and even watch it grow over time.Learn all about managing money with Master Your Money - a dynamic series which fosters children''s money skills and encourages their independence with sound advice and top tips.The clear information text is tailored to the young readership and recommend only safe, age-appropriate, achievable aims. It will also offer global advice on how to keep your money safe and avoid fraud, as well as explaining the importance of sharing money to help others, if and when you can.Perfect for kids aged 7 and up.

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Book SynopsisEach book in the A Dinosaur Story series follows a group of dinosaur friends who get into some sticky situations but in doing so, helps them to learn about good manners and behaviour.In Running from Rex, Deano and his friends are playing hide-and-seek and it''s Deano''s turn to count. But while he''s trying to find them, he''s told to run because the biggest, baddest T-Rex is looking for a dinosaur to eat. Will Deano leave his friends and run for safety? Or be brave and try to help them?The A Dinosaur Story series is great to read aloud or to share with friends and family. Each book includes notes for parents, teachers and care-givers which give suggestions for how to reinforce and extend understanding of the message of each book.The series also supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and is suitable for use with children in KS1. Suitable for children aged 3+.

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Book SynopsisA boy and his dog . . . a girl and her . . . unicorn? It all started when Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond and accidentally hit a unicorn in the face. Improbably, this led to Phoebe being granted one wish, and used it to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligational best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection? Indeed they can, and that''s how Heavenly Nostrils unfolds. This beautifully drawn strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is. Through hilarious adventures, where Phoebe gets to bask in Marigold''s awesomeness, the friends also come to acknowledge they''d been lonely before they met and come to truly appreciate the bond they share.Trade Review"Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso’s Salem Hyde...A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans." (Kirkus Reviews)“… hilarious, sweet, and unsentimental…” (Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing)"Readers in need of a good friend can curl up with this title. They won’t be sorry." (Esther Keller, School Library Journal's Good Comics for Kids blog)"…unique and witty…Simple line drawings bring the characters to life without detracting from the clever dialogue…those looking for something to read after Jenni Holm’s 'Babymouse' books might want to take a look.” (Barbara Moon, School Library Journal)"I can’t wait to share this collection with my students." (Travis Jonker, School Library Journal’s “100 Scope Notes” blog)"...the friendship between [Phoebe and Marigold] is impeccably developed…Rich humor lies in the illustrations…" (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)“This is a really cute book that is cleverly written…very relatable to girls ages 8 to 12…” (Time to Play Magazine)Named one of the "Best Feminist Books for Young Readers" list, "...a breathtakingly refreshing look at friendships and school age struggles." (Brandi Bailey, BookRiot)“Situational humor will appeal to all regardless of gender. The volume contains chuckles and pop references that will entertain the most skeptical adults as well as the target audience.” (Library Media Connection)Included in the “Your pre-approved list of feminist books for all the kids in your life” roundup. (Caroline Gerdes, Hello Giggles)

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Book SynopsisJeff Miller's heartbreaking, coming-of-age middle-grade novel-inspired by his personal experience living through his own parent's heart transplant-invites readers into the world of a twelve-year-old birdwatcher looking for a place to call home and a way to save his mother, even if it means venturing deep into Florida swampland.

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Book SynopsisThose who would suppress and destroy you stand not a chance when confronted with the power that lies within these pages . . . Elliott D'Angelo-Brandt is sick and tired of putting up with it all. Every week, she attends a support group for teen victims of sexual assault, but all they do is talk. Elliott's done with talking. What she wants is justice. And she has a plan for getting it: a spell book that she found in her late mom's belongings that actually works. Elliott recruits a coven of fellow survivors from the group. She, Madeline, Chloe, and Bea don't have much in common, but they are united in their rage at a system that heaps judgments on victims and never seems to punish those who deserve it. As they each take a turn casting a hex against their unrepentant assailants, the girls find themselves leaning on each other in ways they never expectedand realizing that revenge has heavy implications. Each member of the coven will have to make a choice: continue down the path of ma

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThe next in the thrilling Fallen Academy series, sitting at the sweet spot between romantasy and dark academia, with an apocalyptic war between angels and demons thrown in for good measure. Get ready for your new obsession.

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Book SynopsisA spectacular autumn Halloween adventure, filled with pumpkins, black cats and witches, Ollie's Lost Kitten is the perfect book for cozying up with on spooky nights! With striking illustrations, cutouts and foil inside, this series is a great way to help ones engage with, and explore textures and shape. One windy autumn day, Ollie and her cat Pumpkin are jumping in piles of fallen leaves when they discover a little kitten. After lots of fun and games, Ollie learns that the kitten is actually lost, and she must help him find his way home! But after returning the kitten to his rightful owner, she realises she has lost something very dear to her . . .  With playful cutouts for little ones to look through and explore, Ollie's Lost Kitten is the perfect gift book. This Halloween treat is the next in the bestselling Ollie series. 

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Book SynopsisBut when Jo's father is found dead in his study after an alleged accident, her life becomes far more exciting than even Jo would wish.Trade ReviewAn intelligent, personable heroine-Jo Montfort's hopes for an enlightened future uncover a dark past, resulting in a splendidly hair-raising tour of the brightest and darkest corners of Victorian New York. * Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of CODE NAME VERITY *THESE SHALLOW GRAVES delivered all that I adore: lovely prose, historical intrigue, unique chracters and setting. I devoured this book! * Ruta Sepetys, New York Times bestselling author of BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY and OUT OF THE EASY *A fast-paced Gilded Age crime thriller that plunges its intrepid investigative-journalist heroine into the sordid underworld of nineteenth-century New York City and into her own family's dark secrets * Julie Berry, award-winning author of ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME *Murder, morgues, asylums, dirty secrets and a slow-burning romance in this epic historical thriller * Editor's Choice, The Bookseller *Superbly plotted, suspenseful historical mystery with a great sense of place and a sprawling cast of shifty characters worthy of Dickens. Cracking read! * Peters - Librarian's Pick *Donnelly's action-packed chapters propel this compelling mystery. Through Jo's sheltered perspective, readers learn about class disparity right alongside her, and Donnelly is as adept at describing an opulent ball as she is a seedy neighbourhood. * Publishers Weekly *Engaging characters and historical accuracy make clear the appalling conditions endured by the poor of New York and the changing attitudes towards the role of women . . . this well-paced story will satisfy those who enjoy a good mystery. An added element of romance makes this book all the more appealing -- Judy Pomeroy * Inis Reading Guide *If George Clooney had walked in to the room I would have told him to come back later when I'd finished ... Mattie is a heroine on a par with Jo in Little Women or Cassandra in I Capture the Castle. Donnelly captures period and place with almost supernatural skill. * The Telegraph (Praise for A GATHERING LIGHT) *This is as brilliantly written as you would expect from Jennifer Donnelly. She delivers a compelling thriller but also a rich thought provoking novel about late nineteenth century New York. This is a novel that will educate young readers as it enthrals them. -- Andrea Regan * School Librarian SLA Journal *These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly is the story of a wealthy family, the wealthiest, in a gilded age where the future is planned. What happens when you want to break away from the future and be independent? With grit, violence and challenge this is a must-read for teens. * Armadillo Magazine *

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW DARK FANTASY ROMANCE NOVEL FROM ALEXANDRA CHRISTO, AUTHOR OF TIKTOK SENSATION, TO KILL A KINGDOM.Enter a world of Gods and monsters . . . Atia is an immortal who feeds on fear and nightmare. As the last of her kind, she hides in the shadows of the world to escape the wrath of the vengeful Gods. Silas is a Herald, carrying messages and ferrying the dead, as punishment for a past he can't remember. Atia would never dream of allying with someone like him, but when she breaks a sacred law and the gods send monsters to hunt her, Silas offers an irresistible deal: he'll help her take on the Gods and get vengeance for her family. But in return, she must help him break the curse that binds him and restore his humanity. All they need to do is kill three powerful creatures: a vampire, a banshee and one of the very Gods who has destroyed both their lives. Only together can they finally rewrite their destinies.<Trade ReviewChristo expertly volleys between snarky banter and gory horror while spinning a memorable enemies-to-lovers romance set amid a page-turning adventure. * Publisher's Weekly, starred review *An inspired take on monsters and myths. * Kirkus *'There is a swoon-worthy romance, great world-building, and our favourite Greek mythologies are woven within. * United by Pop *

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Book SynopsisAn eye for an eye. It's very simple. You choose your homeland like a hyena picking and choosing where he steals his next meal from. Scavenger. Yes you grovel to the feet of Mengistu and when his people spit at you and kick you from the bowl you scuttle across the border. Scavenger.As a violent civil war rages back home, teenager Alem and his father are in a B&B in Berkshire. It''s his best holiday ever. The next morning his father is gone and has left a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. This strange grey country of England is now his home. On his own, and in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council, he lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. Then Alem meets car-obsessed Mustapha, the lovely ''out of your league'' Ruth and dangerous Sweeney three unexpected allies who spur him on as Alem fights to be seen as more than just the Refugee Boy. Based on the novel by Benjamin Zephaniah, Refugee Trade ReviewThe playful, obstinate and courageously humorous tone of Zephaniah's writing shines through . . . Hilarious and later heartbreaking. -- Alfred Hickling * Guardian *Fine and humane play... Sissay weaves in poetry, laughter... moments of awe * The Times *Although tragic, this play is funny. The writers provide barrow-loads of sharp lines and exchanges. -- Ray Brown * British Theatre Guide *Lemn Sissay’s script reflects [Alem's] fears but also has its moments of pure poetry ... it’s also funny, not least in the cultural differences of teen-speak -- Will Ramsey * Stage *Sweet, funny, highly inventive * Yorkshire Post *Humour and innocence are both to the fore as is a sweetness of tone ... more street than poetic, and personal yet universal, Refugee Boy is well told by impassioned writer -- Charles Hutchinson * York Press *

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Book SynopsisWhat would you kill for?After a brutal nuclear war, our country was decimated. A new nation of survivors lives within a fenced community. No one knows what lies beyond the fence; only that to be cast outside it is a fate worse than death. Two families fought to govern our new society. Now, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing faction to the sons of the winning side in a yearly ceremony. This year, it''s my turn. My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill Bishop Lattimer, the president''s son and my soon-to-be husband, and return the Westfall family to power.I never expected that my new husband would be the one person in the world to truly understand me. But I can''t falter now - I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy. Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him...The Book of Ivy is the first novel in a thrilling dystopian young adult duoloTrade Review[The Book of Ivy] has immediacy, and there's justification for plenty of teenage angst. Ivy is forced to question her family's motivations as Bishop keeps surprising her, and she surprises herself with her growing feelings for him. An intriguing start with a brave heroine * Kirkus Reviews *Thought-provoking, poignant, and sexy! Readers will burn the midnight oil to finish The Book of Ivy and fall asleep with the name Bishop Lattimer on their lips * Mereadalot.net *The Book of Ivy has every ingredient you look for in an epic novel: from the spine-tingling plot and exhilarating characters, to every entrancing word penned by Amy Engel * Insightful Mind Reviews *With her debut, Amy Engel has pulled off one of the best dystopian romances that I have ever read. It was impossible to put down' * Bibliophilia, Please *I enjoyed this novel so much that I polished it off in two sittings. The slow-to-develop relationship is believable, and both Ivy and Bishop are easy to relate to. Waiting anxiously for Book 2! * Magna Maniac Cafe *'Well-developed characters and intricate world-building, combined with complex relationships, political corruption, and betrayal, leave readers begging for the second book in this series.' * SLJ *'The novel is less about the devastation of the world and intriguingly more about the people left behind. The promise of a second book will excite potential readers.' * Booklist *'There were points in which I found myself clutching the covers, shaking the pages in a little disbelief and a little rage. Overall, if you're looking for a suspenseful book with a great, and at times almost heart-wrenching romance, don't miss The Book of Ivy.' * Teenreads.com *

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Book SynopsisMatthew writes books for Usborne about all sorts of subjects, including history, science and Planet Earth. Before he did this, he studied English at university and worked for the BBC where he made funny radio programmes. He lives in London and spends his weekends visiting its many museums and exploring different parts of the city.

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Book SynopsisMeet five friendly giraffes in this charming addition to the much-loved That's not my... series. Babies and toddlers will love touching the textured patches as they meet giraffes with tufty tails, fluffy manes and soft spots. The bright pictures and textures to stroke are designed to help develop sensory and language awareness.Trade ReviewAnother tactile feast for little fingers. * The Sun, Fabulous Magazine *

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Book SynopsisJoin Poppy and Sam as they follow their new friend the bunny around Apple Tree Farm in this adorable finger puppet book. Push your finger through the hole to bring the bunny to life and make simple actions from sniffing the flowers to nibbling a carrot. With charming illustrations, and of course, the little yellow duck to spot on every page.Trade Review[A] fun and interactive farmyard-based story. * Baby magazine *Fun, laughter and learning in one beautiful book! * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisGrowing up in Australia and the UK, Abigail often found herself covered in paint or flour, or lost in a book. After a BA in English and a PhD on Medieval Castles, she combined her interests writing Usborne children's books - from cookery, craft and castles to science and unicorns.

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Book SynopsisSam Baer grew up on the tiny island of Jersey before setting off on adventures in not-quite-so-tiny England. Since 2011, he's been writing books about everything from imps and elves to Victorian fashion. It's a dream job - almost as good as being a superhero.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Lucky Few comes a “refreshing” (Booklist, starred review) teen novel about Internet fame, peer pressure, and remembering not to step on the little people on your way to the top!After a shout-out from one of the internet’s superstar vloggers, Natasha “Tash” Zelenka suddenly finds herself and her obscure, amateur web series, Unhappy Families, thrust in the limelight: She’s gone viral. Her show is a modern adaptation of Anna Karenina—written by Tash’s literary love Count Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy. Tash is a fan of the 40,000 new subscribers, their gushing tweets, and flashy Tumblr gifs. Not so much the pressure to deliver the best web series ever. And when Unhappy Families is nominated for a Golden Tuba award, Tash’s cyber-flirtation with a fellow award nominee suddenly has the potential to become something IRL—if she can figurTrade Review"It’s beyond refreshing to see an asexual character, and the complexities of Tash’s relationships with Thom, her friends, her sister, and, yes, fame make this a home run. The flip, irreverent tone, literary references, and peek into the creation of a web series are just icing on the cake." * Booklist, STARRED REVIEW *"[A] spot-on narrative voice, make this a compassionate and frank look into challenges that can seem to fly at teenagers from all directions." * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisWarning: this book contains a troll!Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold and funny adventure story for little rebels, by the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin.Once upon a time in a Viking village, everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing, trees are falling down, and there's lots and lots of crashing and bashing. The silly Chieftain won't listen to the three littlest Vikings, but can they work together to solve the mystery and save the day?Three Little Vikings is all about cooperation, bravery, and getting your voice heard!Trade ReviewBethan Woollvin’s feminist takes on fairytales for very little children (Little Red, Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel) accompanied by her distinctive, bold, colourful illustrations have rightly earned her a prize place in the picture-book market. -- Alex O'Connell - Children's Book of the Week * The Times *triumphant tale * Saturday Telegraph *brilliantly atmospheric * The Telegraph *“I’ve long been a fan of Woollvin’s bold, colour-block illustrations and deadpan humour and love this story that turns a traditional tale upside-down with a lesson in empowerment for all of us. Great for reading aloud, it’s the ideal response to an adult who always thinks they ‘know best’, so parents beware . . .” -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *A story that will likely appeal to all the independent, bookish readers out there. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisWith creative ideas and inspired prompts, this art activity title will have young artists filling the pages with all sorts of wild and wonderful things about themselves. The activities range from simple things like your birthday, your eye colour, portraits of your family and friends or filling in information about your favourite foods or clothes, to the more weird and wonderful, like your favourite smells, how many star jumps you can do in one minute and what flavour you would be if you were an ice-cream.Perfect for self-expression and building children's confidence through creativity, the celebratory and fun activities will put each child centre-stage as they complete their very own book about themselves!

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Book SynopsisUnearth the secret lives of stones in this dazzling cabinet of curiosities exploring the fascinating stories of 25 spectacular rocks and gems.

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Book SynopsisWhat happens a big furry monster no longer wants to be scary? How can he figure out where his other talents lie? In this installation of Sue Fliess and Simona Sanfilippos Magical Creatures and Crafts series, an unhappy monster is hoping to get out of the scaring business. But its all hes ever known. So one day he realizes thekey lies in learning a new skill. And who better than to teach him something new, than a group of kind and patient kids? The kids agree to help him and offer to teach him a number of thingsand he chooses baking a cake. The story follows the monsters journey of learning how to bake and decorate, with occasional humorous monsterly snafus. Ultimately he makes a monster of a cake and is proud to have learned and changed. Kids will delight in the monsters trials and errors, and cheer him on when he persists and finds success. Fliess's bouncy read-aloud rhyming text andSanfilippo's energetic, whimsical illustrations will bring joy to young readers as they watch the children exercise patience with a monster who is just a little bit self-conscious and clumsy. Also included are guides for teachers and parents aboutpopular monsters in stories and media, as well as instructions for making a monstrously fun and delicious cake!

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Book SynopsisPerfect complements to the top-selling EyeLike Stickers: Baby Animals, EyeLike Stickers: Kittens and EyeLike Stickers: Puppies are the newest additions to the bestselling sticker book series. The full-colour photograph stickers are adorable, beautifully detailed, and lifelike, featuring a variety of breeds that will delight every kid and crafter who loves cuddly pets. For dog lovers, EyeLike Stickers: Puppies is the sticker collection that will spruce up any surface with over 400 adorable pups. And they're durable enough to be reusable. Decorate journals, binders, laptops, and phone cases: Stick them on, peel them off, and stick them on again without tearing or losing adhesive.

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Book SynopsisJoin the kids of the Science Club and discover electricity through a combination of adventure, activity and experiment in this fun, story-based series for kids aged 5 and upThe Science Club follows a group of science-mad kids who meet at a club where they learn about science through their own experiences and discoveries. For example, at one club someone brings in a fossil, leading to an investigation into the rock cycle, dinosaurs and fossil formation. At another, a storm inspires the children to learn about lightning and other forms of electricity. Each story features sweet, humorous illustrations and includes simple experiments for readers to try for themselves.The Science Club''s pet hamster, Einstein, is a bit restless in his cage, so Mrs Khan suggests that the Science Club start investigating animal and plant habitats. They discover the huge range of different habitats around the world, from the school pond to the vast Amazon rainforest, and find out how animals adapt to live in particular places. At the end of the project, the Science Club use what they have learned to make Einstein''s cage even betteTitles in the series:LightElectricityRocks & FossilsStates of MatterForces & MagnetsPlantsThe Human BodyHabitatsSoundWeather

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisGet outside and discover the natural wonders you can find at the seaside!

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Book SynopsisExplore friendship, love, revenge, life and death in the pages of From Hereabout Hill. A spell-binding collection of short stories from the nation's favourite storyteller, Michael Morpurgo.Michael Morpurgo demonstrates why he is considered to be the master story-teller with this diverse collection of stories for children.Included in this collection of short stories is a poignant tale about civil war, where a young girl hides from enemy soldiers in a public toilet; a haunting story of a little girl swept out to sea while collecting cowrie shells; and the moving account of two brothers, who, over the years, create a mental picture of their absent father.Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.Trade ReviewPraise for Michael Morpurgo: “Michael Morpurgo writes brilliantly about war and animals, conveying the big emotions without preaching.” Guardian “Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects.” Daily Telegraph “There are few children’s writers as compelling as Michael Morpurgo.” Daily Express “Morpurgo, as always, is subtle and skillful, and incorporates social and moral issues into his writing without being self-righteous or detracting from the quality of the narrative”Elizabeth Reilly, British Council “The former children's laureate has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers.” Guardian

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Book SynopsisJoin Sarah and Mr Pottifer in their magical plant shop, where fantastical creatures grow from trees!A story that celebrates problem solving, kindness and resourcefulness. An unexpected delivery of dragodil seeds provides the perfect chance for Sarah and Mr Pottifer to grow helpful dragon pets for their customers - or does it? It turns out that these fiery dragons are not very well-behaved at all... and everything soon spirals into smoke-filled, out-of-control DRAGON CHAOS!Can Sarah''s quick thinking and green fingers save the day?The second magical adventure from the author and illustrator of the bestselling How to Grow a Unicorn.

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Book SynopsisA compelling, gorgeously-written story about the power of friendship and the true meaning of family . . . perfection! Robin Stevens, author of Murder Most UnladylikeA high-speed, witty, absurd and joyful adventure. Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers and The Good ThievesThe remarkable. The extraordinary. The brave.Way back in the autumn of 1880, five babies are discovered at the Little Tulip Orphanage in most unusual circumstances. Those babies are Lotta, Egbert, Fenna, Sem and Milou.The vile matron calls the children ''the unadoptables'' but this talented gang of best friends know that their individuality is what makes them so special - and so determined to stay together.When a sinister gentleman tries to get them in his clutches, the children make a daring escape across the frozen canals of Amsterdam, embarking on an adventure packed with pirate ships and puppets. But is their real home - and their real family - already closer than they realize?A corker of a story. Emma Carroll, author of Letters to the LighthouseA book to absolutely fall in love with. Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl with the Shark''s Teeth Trade ReviewA high-speed, witty, absurd and joyful adventure * Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers and The Explorer *Perfection! * Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series *A corker of a story. * Emma Carroll, author of Letters to the Lighthouse *A book to absolutely fall in love with * Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl With the Shark's Teeth *A compelling, gorgeously-written story about the power of friendship and the true meaning of family. It's a mystery with a hint of magic, featuring characters who feel entirely real ... perfection! * Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series *I adored this story from the very first page. Sleek as Amsterdam velvet and full of heart-clutching mysteries, moonlit escapes on frozen canals, puppets with heartbeats and secret messages engraved upon pocket watches. Follow Milou and her adopted family on a glorious adventure as they race through the streets of Amsterdam, determined to fight for their freedom with spectacular wit, dazzling theatrical wonder and huge amount of hope, courage and everlasting friendship. A book to absolutely fall in love with. * Cerrie Burnell, author of The Girl With the Shark's Teeth *A corker of a story. I loved the writing, the setting, the STUPENDOUS action scenes, how well-paced it was, with such drama, revelations, plot twists and the loveliest of final lines... and one of the most satisfying endings I've read in a long while, with the promise of more in the epilogue. Bravo, Hana - what a book! * Emma Carroll, author of Letters to the Lighthouse *This delicious debut had me reading late into the night... Beautiful but accessible writing, thrilling action, a hint of magic and unforgettable characters are delivered with wit, wisdom and heart in an enviably distinct voice. It's a story of unforgettable friendship and what it really means to be a family... I can't wait to see what Tooke does next. * The Bookseller, Children's Book of the Month *Effortlessly merging the gothic and ghastly with the eccentric and absurd, Hana Tooke's mesmerising debut sends a quintet of abandoned orphans off on a caper across nineteenth-century Amsterdam, complete with sinister supervillains, heart-in-mouth cliff-hangers and lashings of evocative period flavour. * Waterstones Blog, 'Best Books to Look Out For in 2020' *While the vivid, Dickensian setting - grim orphanage, icy mists, and shadowy dockyards - and quaint clockwork creations and life-size puppets spin a web of Gothic creepiness, the bonds among this found family of lively orphans add plenty of warmth and light. Unfolding with the clarity of a fairy tale, this sure-footed debut casts a delightfully spooky spell * Kirkus *Offbeat orphans! Sinister villains! Sort of creepy life-sized puppets! In her debut middle-grade book, Hana Tooke has crafted a terrific, atmospheric story wherein five 'unadoptable' orphans, each of whom showed up in the orphanage in very unusual ways and have unique not-quite-powers, are about to be taken in by the callous Rotman for nefarious purposes and must go on the run. The Unadoptables will make you wish your own parents had loved you enough to leave you at a Dutch orphanage in the 19th century to join in their adventures. Great for readers of A Series of Unfortunate Events and the Serafina series. * Nathan Halter, Lahaska Bookshop *When Milou discovers the orphanage matron's plot to sell her and her friends to a nefarious figure, she hatches an escape plan. Using only the clues left with her as a baby (a coffin-shaped basket, a cat puppet, a velvet dress), Milou and her friends dive headlong into a new adventure outside the orphanage's walls. The Unadoptables has everything: evil ship captains, lifelike puppets, a charming Dutch setting complete with windmills and canals, a ragtag group of orphans looking for a family, and a mystery at the heart of it all. Perfect for reading out loud, and just the right amount of scary, this has the feel of a classic in the making. * Bethany Strout, Tattered Cover Bookstore *The world building in The Unadoptables was absolutely unforgettable. This book has everything you need: villians, action, comedy and adventure all rolled into one. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. * Robyn Broderick, The Reading Bug *In a cold, dark, Amsterdam winter, a group of unique orphans shine brightly with hope and love. Milou and her band of talented friends set out from the Little Tulip Orphanage on a quest for freedom and family, over frozen canals to evade a despicable villain. With a little bit of spookiness and a whole lot of quirkiness, this book will capture your heart! * Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company *Targeted in a wicked scheme, five resourceful kids flee their orphanage in 1892 Amsterdam. Each longs to be adopted, but would-be parents reject them when they see the kids' atypical attributes: Lotta's 12 fingers, Egg's East Asian ancestry (other characters default to white), Fenna's muteness, clumsy Sem's ears, and Milou's wild ferocity. That is, until sinister Meneer Rotman sees their remarkable gifts - but Milou's special sense warns her that Rotman's evil. Indeed: They discover he intends to buy them as slave labor to crew his ship. Milou, who keeps a Book of Theories regarding why her birth family hasn't claimed her, persuades them to escape to the puppet-making Poppenmaker family she's sure she belongs to. Loyal if not convinced, the others join her. Lotta's math and Egg's cartographic acumen help them follow coordinates on Milou's mysterious timepiece to the Poppenmakers' windmill home and puppet theater, now abandoned. Thanks to Lotta's technical ingenuity, Egg's artistry, Fenna's culinary prowess, and Sem's needlework-assisted by clockmaker and dike warden Edda Finkelstein - it's almost home. Then Milou forgets the other orphans have family longings, and the orphans discover Rotman has not forgotten them....While the vivid, Dickensian setting - grim orphanage, icy mists, and shadowy dockyards - and quaint clockwork creations and life-size puppets spin a web of Gothic creepiness, the bonds among this found family of lively orphans add plenty of warmth and light. Unfolding with the clarity of a fairy tale, this sure-footed debut casts a delightfully spooky spell. * Kirkus *

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Book Synopsis''There was once a bear, a great, white bear - Queen of Beasts. But over the years the ice disappeared, slipping away like sand through an hourglass. Slowly, slowly, one by one, the other animals moved on.''The great bear has no choice but to leave her snowy realm to search for food, friends and a new home. She soon discovers a world that is growing hotter whilst hearts grow colder - until one small act of kindness changes everything.The Bear in the Stars is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of kindness.A beautiful and inspirational tale of hope and change, perfect for younger readers.

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