Walker Books

Book SynopsisRevisiting once again the world of Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana''s Way Home, No.1 New York Timesbestselling author Kate DiCamillo turns her focus to the tough-talking, inescapably tenderhearted Beverly Tapinski.Beverly put her foot down on the gas. They went faster still.This was what Beverly wanted what she always wanted. To get away. To get away as fast as she could. To stay away.Beverly Tapinski has run away from home plenty of times, but that was when she was just a kid. By now, she figures, it's not running away ... it's leaving. Determined to make it on her own, Beverly finds a job and a place to live and tries to forget about her dog, Buddy, now buried underneath the orange trees back home; her friend Raymie, whom she left without a word; and her mum, Rhonda, who has never cared about anyone but herself. Beverly doesn't want to depend on anyone, and she definitely doesn't want anyone to depend on her. But dTrade ReviewDiCamillo shows that life's underlying sadnesses can also be studded with hope and humor, and does it in a way so true that children will understand it in their bones. And that's why she's called Kate the Great. * Booklist *DiCamillo makes it looks so easy; it’s not. This accomplished storyteller, who has twice won America’s prestigious prize for children’s books, the Newbery Medal, makes every line work so hard each paragraph positively glows. * The Times (Saturday Review), Children’s Book of the Week *This book is a real page tuner… All ages will enjoy this very heart-warming story which celebrates the victory of hope over adversity. * The School Librarian *A good choice for a book group, this novel takes in themes of grief, love, abandonment, perception, bullying and kindness. * Children's Books Ireland - Mind Yourself *

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Book SynopsisPick a pumpkin from the patch tall and lean or short and fat. Vivid orange, ghostly white, or speckled green, might be just right...Illustrated by the winner of the V&A Best Illustrated Book 2017 It's Halloween! Which means it''s time to dangle cobwebs and bats from the windows, put on costumes, and most important of all visit the pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect pumpkin! Then cart it home, scoop out the insides, carve a scary face, and finally light a candle inside, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind, glowing jack-o'-lantern.With warm, autumnal art, and a rhythmic read-aloud text that captures all the excitement and familial feeling of Halloween, this is the perfect book to share by flickering candlelight on the spookiest night of the year.Trade Review“[…] perfectly captures that sense of misty autumnal days […] Warm autumnal colours and a rhythmic rhyming text capture the fun and excitement of Halloween.” * The Bookseller, Children's Previews *Sumptuous production from Walker Books, this feels like a real treat of a book – as sweet as a toffee apple and as warm as hot chocolate. It's one to share on a crisp October night and to treasure, year after year. * BookTrust *Jarvis’ illustration is absolutely remarkable, and its soft retro-styled beauty makes this book really stand out – especially the Christmas tree spread at the end. * BookTrust *Featured in The Bookseller's September Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisTravel back in time and discover the amazing world of the Vikings with award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams.Meet legendary warriors, daring explorers and clever kings in this colourful introduction to the Vikings. With Marcia Williams (and Loki!) as your guide, discover incredible stories of Viking raids, voyages of discovery and conquered kingdoms. Told in comic-strip style and packed with jokes and facts, this is the perfect guide to the Viking world.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller July Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisA timeless story celebrating friendship and imagination, from an exciting new voice in children''s literature.Mabel lives with her parents in the Mermaid Hotel, by the sea. Mabel likes to keep an eye on the comings and goings of all the guests. Then one day a particularly in-ter-est-ing old lady comes to stay. There is something very suspicious about her, with her growly voice and her heavy trunks and her beady-eyed tortoise. And why does no one know her REAL name? There can only be one answer, Mabel decides ... this guest is a SUPERVILLAIN. But even supervillains have a soft side, and as an unlikely friendship grows between the pair, their fantastical exploits take them well beyond the corridors of their seaside home.Trade ReviewHer drawings are completely beautiful… It’s so magical and the words and the drawings really do weave together in this symbiosis which completely transported me when I read it to be being read to as a kid [...] I had completely forgotten what it’s like when you find a story that’s so vivid and imaginative and the pictures and the words align so perfectly that you literally every night feel that you are stepping into a page with your mum. * Dolly Alderton, The High Low Podcast *My favourite contemporary kids’ author[..] * Editor's Letter, Evening Standard Magazine *Illustrated with airy, light-hearted charm by Lauren O’Hara…This longer-form picture book taps astutelyinto the imaginative life of an adventurous child. * The Guardian Review *Dahl’s engaging style – teamed with Lauren O’Hara’s gorgeous illustrations – make it a book to remember. * Press Association (SYNDICATED) *This is a charming story about unexpected friendships and the power of imagination. * minitravellers.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisA dark and supernatural contemporary teen debut by multi-talented author and journalist Caroline O''Donoghue.So gripping, so intriguing, so layered All Our Hidden Gifts feels like a book that should have always existed. Kiran Millwood HargraveA seductive and brilliant book. Fiercely, furiously good. Melinda SalisburyThe most authentic teenage voice I''ve read in ages... I was utterly bewitched. Holly BourneGrim, gripping and gorgeous. I devoured it. Deirdre SullivanMaeve Chambers doesn''t have much going for her. Not only does she feel like the sole idiot in a family of geniuses, she managed to drive away her best friend Lily a year ago. But when she finds a pack of dusty old tarot cards at school, and begins to give scarily accurate readings to the girls in her class, she realizes she''s found her gift at last. Things are looking up until she discovers a strange card in the deckTrade ReviewA supernatural mystery plays out against the backdrop of contemporary Ireland, exploring the theme of acceptance without ever being heavy-handed. O’Donoghue has a keen eye for the complexities of friendships; I predict this one will be catnip to teenage readers. * The Observer *From the author of Scenes of a Graphic Nature, this genuinely creepy novel is veined with mordant comedy and dreamy romance. * The Guardian *Fabulous, richly imagined YA, full of folklore and romance: delicious. * Katherine Rundell *overall this is a satisfying, entertaining read - with a well-deserved sequel due next year * SFX *Thankfully, All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline manages to present a non-binary character with subtlety and warmth. Perhaps it works so well because, being an occult-tinged mystery-romance steeped in Irish folklore, there’s a lot else going on. […]O’Donoghue’s intriguing story takes in myth, history, tensions between Catholic and Protestant, and race in Ireland. Helping the repentant Maeve search for the missing girl is Lily’s nail-polish wearing brother Roe, formerly Rory, who is the essence of fluidity in a novel that’s all about the power of liminal spaces. * The Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisA spellbinding supernatural teen drama and sequel to All Our Hidden Gifts.Maeve and her friends have revealed their powers and banded together as a coven: Roe can pick locks, Lily sends sparks flying, Maeve can read minds and Fiona can heal any injury. And even better than their newfound talents? Roe and Maeve are officially an item.But with strange things happening at school, and old enemies appearing in new places, it soon becomes clear their powers are attracting all the wrong attention. It's not long before Maeve's gift start to wane, drained by someone or something that's hiding even from her second sight...The brilliant second installment in the Hidden Gifts series, with further titles to come.Praise for All Our Hidden GiftsSo gripping, so intriguing, so layered All Our Hidden Gifts feels like a book that should have always existed. Kiran Millwood HargraveA seductive and brilTrade ReviewO’Donoghue is wonderfully attuned to the delights and agonies of adolescence. The emotional intelligence of this book, and its grasp of how friendships can be a source of fierce love and tremendous pain at different times, is what stands out here; every detail rings true. This series is Ireland’s answer to Buffy the Vampire Slayer; I adore it. -- Claire Hennessy * The Irish Times *A great blend of witchy drama and nuanced teenage relationships. * The i *The world O’Donoghue has built with its poky but believable small Irish town and distinct magic system is a pleasure to spend time in. Teen readers will love this series – but adults might learn a thing or two as well. * Irish Business Post *a book that bewitches the reader * Armadillo *Handling all the classic teenage themes of isolation, sex, feeling different and even self-sabotage with a wonderfully realistic and down-to-earth approach O’Donoghue refuses to condescend to her audience. It’s with a lightness of hand that she sketches this time of transition and self-identification, capturing the terror of making what we think are life-altering choices at 17.Brave, but incredibly relatable, these teens are written with wit, honesty and great authenticity.With great heart and empathy, O’Donoghue takes the second book in a more mature direction, but the magic of the first (All Our Hidden Gifts) remains with deeper, more intimate explorations of relationships, traumas and how finding yourself can sometimes feel like losing yourself at first…truly spellbinding. * The Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisHave you ever noticed that penguins are always going on epic journeys? Waddle waddle! Waddle waddle!The penguin family are off on an adventure! Travelling by bus, train and even by cable car, the persistent pals keep on going, through rain or shine, sleet or snow. Finally, they soar through the wispy clouds and yes, there it is! their long-awaited destination is ahead, atop a frosty, snow-capped mountainA playful, happy read-aloud, which features a jolly family of big and little penguins, and all the noisy modes of transport that little ones love.Trade ReviewWho doesn’t love a book about penguins? Especially when the penguins are so cute and have such adorable names. This is a lovely book with the sweetest (and funniest) illustrations about a family of penguins undertaking an epic journey displaying patience, politeness and resilience, to embark on the world-renowned super-duper penguin slide. […] definitely worth slipping this one into your young child’s stocking. * MiniTravellers *

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Book SynopsisA magnificent anthology of poems themed around different moods, collected by the bestselling creator of The Poetry Pharmacy and illustrated by Emily Sutton.This exquisite gift-book contains over a hundred poems, chosen by creator of the bestselling The Poetry Pharmacy, William Sieghart, and illustrated in sensational style by picture-book star Emily Sutton. Divided into four thoughtfully-curated sections, including Poems to Make You Smile, Poems to Move You, Poems to Give You Hope and Poems to Calm and Connect You, the poems originate from an extraordinary and diverse range of sources, from Maya Angelou to Roger McGough, Lemn Sissay, Jackie Kay, Carol Ann Duffy, Joseph Coelho, Kae Tempest, W.B. Yeats, Christina Rossetti and Emily Dickinson, among many others. Combining traditional favourites with recent gems, here are poems to delight, inspire, entertain, intrigue, console and uplift readers of all ages.Trade Reviewcomplimented by exquisite art from Sutton * The Bookseller *This is an anthology that will appeal to every generation with plenty of remedies should tempers flare on Christmas Day. * The Daily Telegraph *With a brilliant selection of short poems on every possible feeling, there is something here for every reader, young and old. * The Irish Independent *With contributions from poets such as Wordsworth, T. S. Eliot and Thomas Hardy, as well as contemporary voices, including Lemn Sissay and Kae Tempest, this comprehensive volume offers poems to Inspire, Move, Calm, Connect You and Make You Smile. And they will. * The Daily Mail *This is a large, beautiful hardback that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family […] Emily Sutton’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, I Love the colours she uses and how she interprets each poem. The combination of words and pictures creates a wonderful book to explore and treasure. * Juno *

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Book SynopsisAn all-consuming story of revenge, redemption and dragons from the twice Carnegie Medal-winner Patrick Ness.On a cold Sunday evening in early 1957, Sarah Dewhurst waited with her father in the parking lot of the Chevron Gas Station for the dragon he'd hired to help on the farm. This dragon, Kazimir, has more to him than meets the eye. Sarah can't help but be curious about him, an animal who supposedly doesn't have a soul but is seemingly intent on keeping her safe from the brutal attentions of Deputy Sheriff Emmett Kelby. Kazimir knows something she doesn't. He has arrived at the farm because of a prophecy. A prophecy that involves a deadly assassin, a cult of dragon worshippers, two FBI agents and somehow, Sarah Dewhurst herself. From the bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy comes a heart-stopping story of fanaticism, hope, bravery and impossible second chances, set in a world on the very brink of its own destruction.Trade ReviewSimon Mayo selected Burn as one of his favourite reads of 2020, praising: “Revenge, redemption, the Cold War and dragons. Another great tale from the master with the best opening line of any book this year…” -- Simon MayoNess is on tip-top form here, deftly propelling a complex plot… Ness shows that although monsters exist in every world, there are many more who wish to overcome them; and that even in the smoking ruins of civilisation, there is room for hope. * The Guardian, Book of the Day *Award-winner Ness excels himself in this powerful allegory about a rare, fire-breathing dragon whose arrival on a mid-western U.S. farm in the Cold War 1950s incites an FBI chase, a time-slip family drama, a love story and an exposé of the racist, homophobic and sexist attitudes of the time. Incendiary stuff. * The Daily Mail & The Scottish Daily Mail *Ness’s latest YA blockbuster follows prophecies of Armageddon in a world where dragons are real, prejudice bites and teens find love across the divides. * The Guardian *PREJUDICES — racist, sexist and homophobic — underpin this extraordinary story set in 1957, during the increasingly tense Cold War. Enter dragon-worship cults, a hired assassin, FBI agents, a time-slip love story… FABULOUS in every sense of the word. * The Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA vital and vibrant book answering real children''s questions about racism, giving them the confidence and the tools to work towards a fairer society for all.Using questions canvassed from children around the UK as her framework, writer, engineer and broadcaster, Yassmin Abdel-Magied gives clear context to the racism that persists today and shows how to recognize, resist and disrupt racist conversations and attitudes.Yassmin creates a safe space for exploring an emotive and important topic. Her friendly, assured tone de-stigmatises any feelings young readers might have, while illustrations and infographics from Aleesha Nandhra provide a fresh way for readers to approach this complex issue.Ideal as a way to open the conversation with readers aged 9 and up, nurturing compassion, encouraging ways to create change and giving them the confidence to challenge inequality and strive towards racial justice for everyone.Trade ReviewThis is a book that should be in all schools to instigate class discussions; many adults would do well to read it too. * LoveReading4Kids *Written in an accessible, clear way, with reminders to take a breather if it’s getting overwhelming, this book offers a way into complex topics for upper primary aged readers. * BookTrust *Author Yassmin Abdel-Magied explores many questions about racism to help readers learn how to recognise it and to speak out against it to make the world a fairer, safer place for everyone. * WRD Magazine *The book is bright, bold and colourful and the illustrations by Aleesha Nandhra really enhance the message of the book. [...] Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism has the capacity to really make the reader think not only about racism in today’s society, but also what we can do to build a better, safer, fairer world for everyone * Reading Zone *An ideal book for classrooms everywhere. * Armadillo Magazine *

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Book SynopsisNancy and her sausage dog Roger return for a summery and mischievous! day at the beach.Nancy is visiting her cousin Jack at the seaside, when his cheeky pet parrot flies away. After that parrot! cries Nancy, and sets off in hot pursuit, racing across the bustling beach, the colourful funfair and even the foaming sea. But uh-oh! There's lots of mischief to be had beside the sea and Nancy is VERY mischievous! With plenty of flaps to open, a fold-out map, and an exciting pop-up pirate ship, this is an interactive read-aloud for all the family.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's May Previews 2022. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisTake to the trails for a celebration of nature and a day spent with Dad.In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive and closer than ever as they document their hike and take their place in family history. In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.Trade ReviewThe extremely sparing use of text focuses the reader on the illustrations. These are beautifully done, using a range of mute d greens, browns , greys, and blues. However, more importantly , it celebrates the relationship an d connection between father and son. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisTravel back in time to the amazing world of the Vikings with award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams.Meet legendary warriors, daring explorers and clever kings in this colourful introduction to the Vikings. Join Marcia Williams and discover incredible stories of Viking raids, voyages of discovery and conquered kingdoms. Told in comic-strip style and packed with jokes and facts, this is the perfect guide to the Viking world.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller July Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisMam, did you think George was, I say, a bit weird?Weird? Yes, I suppose so. But you kids are all a bit weird if you ask me. And to tell the truth, it'd be weird if you weren't.When a new boy joins the class, everyone thinks he's a bit strange, but he's brilliant at football and loves crisps, and that's all that matters to Dan and Maxie. However, the truth about George is stranger than anyone could have imagined ... and more sinister, too. Can his new pals help him to become truly free?Trade ReviewAlmond takes a thought-provoking look at AI, and what it means to be human, in an illustrated story set in the north-east of England. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Cleverly disguised as a heist, Almond ’s moving page-turner ponders nothing less than humanity and free will, and how to have a great time in the woods. * The Observer (The New Review) *David Almond tackles deep philosophical themes with an invisibly light touch in this funny story about George, a new boy at school. * The Daily Mail, The Irish Daily Mail & The Scottish Daily Mail *Like so many of David Almond’s books, this ends up being a celebration of humanity and wonder, and of what it feels like to be young. * The Times & The Irish Times *I really liked the plot of this book as I couldn’t guess what George’s secret was until it was revealed half way through. Then the story gets really exciting as the friends try to save their strange new friend. If you like exciting books that are told by the child themselves, I think you will like this book. -- Ted (Age 9) * Books Up North *

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Book SynopsisA gorgeous and evocative story of how the animals got their colours, from Carnegie Medal-winner Tanya Landman and V&A Illustration Award winner Laura Carlin.The earth was young and full of colour. But the animals were dull and drab. The painter decided: something must be done! With dabs and sweeps the painter''s brush creates the stripes on the zebra, the sharp suit of the penguin and the bright splashes on parrots. But what can he give the nightingale when his paintbox has run dry? A beautiful and gently moving tale from the award-winning Tanya Landman and Laura Carlin.Trade ReviewTanya Landman (Buffalo Soldier) and Laura Carlin (The Promise, King of the Sky) are the dream team. * The Times & The IrishTimes *Carnegie Medal winner Landman teams up with the exquisitely talented Carlin for a striking and evocative story of how the animals got their colours. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *A glorious hymn to creativity. * New Statesman *The Song of the Nightingale snuck in at the tail end of the year but shone immediately with its beautiful account of the Earth’s animals receiving their colours from an artist at the beginning of time. […] Reminiscent of John Burningham ’s textured, painterly early work, Laura Carlin ’s illustrations evolve from scratchy pencil sketches to vibrant, inky pictures of animals strutting and strolling, sent on their way by the painter, looking almost still wet. A celebration not just of the Earth’s creatures but creativity itself, this is an origin story to savour. * The Guardian *I can’t express my love for this book enough; it is such a treat on so many levels. Good length, large type for emerging readers, the most beautiful artwork and a lovely, heart-warming story. See what happens when the colourless animals meet the painter and the true story of the Nightingale’s song. I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it! * Small Print Books *

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Book SynopsisA playful picture book exploring the hilarious complications of first friendships, from an exciting new voice in children''s literature.Ramona is having her best friend Gracie to stay the night. It's their first ever sleepover and she wants to make a den, read stories, dance like a wild thing, stay up all night and have a midnight feast. It''ll be the BEST SLEEPOVER IN HISTORY. But nothing quite goes to plan. Will Gracie, Ramona and her little sister Ruby be able to solve their problems and still be friends in the morning?PRAISE FOR THE WORST SLEEPOVER IN THE WORLDThis funny but tender look at children's insecurities and why fear can manifest as difficult behaviour will resonate with sleepover-weary parents as much as with children. The Daily Maila wry, relatable look at the dynamics of first friendships The BooksellerA comedy of manners for seven year olds that beautifully navigates tTrade ReviewThis funny but tender look at children’s insecurities and why fear can manifest as difficult behaviour will resonate with sleepover-weary parents as much as with children. * The Daily Mail *Sophie has a wild capacity to think and dream like a child, I love her writing voice, her tone is spot on and after reading this I basically just want to go to a sleepover at Sophie’s house! The illustrations are so emotive and funny and how cool is mum? I adored reading this chaotic, funny and heart warming book that is full of warmth, friendship and life. * Laura Dockrill, Author *"The Worst Sleepover in the World is a charming and gleeful story of the joys and perils of the sleepover, brought beautifully to life by Sophie Dahl's witty words and Luciano Lozano's delightful artwork." * Anna James, author *This may be The Worst Sleepover in the World but since reading this story to my children they’ve been begging me to have their own sleepover. With wit and pizzazz Sophie Dahl tells it just like it is- hilarious, exasperating and a tiny bit exhausting (for Mum at least) but hey, let’s do it all again tomorrow! * Polly Dunbar, author-illustrator *This book is fabulous! It should be handed to every parent with a child in primary school as a self help manual. Kids are also going to love it! * Rebecca Patterson, author *

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Book SynopsisA sparky non-fiction guide to the Viking world, told by the hero of Tony Bradman's bestselling novel Viking Boy.Take a real-life tour of the everyday world of Gunnar, a teenage Viking boy: find out how the Vikings lived, what they believed, how they travelled and fought, and gained their legendary reputation as warriors. Gunnar tells us the real story of growing up as a Viking in an exciting first-hand account, introducing us to family and friends, famous warriors, sea-raiders and even a Norse god!Packed with historical facts, figures and anecdotes, with illustrated information panels on topics from Viking poetry to battle and bloodlust, this is a brilliant new read for Viking fanatics, both at home and in the classroom.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's November previews. * The Bookseller *Following Tony Bradman’s award-winning novel, Viking Boy, this is a tour of the world of the Vikings: their homes, longships, mythology and sagas, with detailed pictures, a fictional framework and intriguing facts. * The Sunday Times *Featured in ‘Best children’s books of 2022 so far’ -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisMy toes tingle with excitement. It's ballet class today!Snowflakes are falling softly outside when Thomas and his friends arrive at Mr Elliot's dance studio. Prancing and whirling and twirling around the room, the boys and girls perfect their steps first and second position, pliés, curtsies and more. Then, it''s time for the most exciting moment ... picking out costumes for their first ever performance: The Nutcracker!Joyful and spirited, this young celebration of dancing is inspired by the author's time learning ballet as a child, and will have little dancers, and aspiring dancers, pointing their toes and joining in.Trade Review[…]delightful picture book that confounds gender expectations. The perfect story for any child who loves to dance. -- Charlotte Eyre * Bookseller *A candy-sweet, gently inclusive picture book capturing the magic of dancing and performance for the very young. * Guardian *In her inclusive illustrations, Holly Sterling captures that magic and the sheer joy of the young dancers both in their class and as they perform the winter show. Young audiences will surely be swept up in that enchantment, especially the aspiring dancers among them. * Red Reading Hub *this is a book to share with all budding ballerinas. -- Andrea Reece * LoveReading4Kids *Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books. * Pen & Inc *

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Book SynopsisThe unputdownable second book in the action-packed spy thriller series, where cutting-edge tech meets explosive adventure. Fans of Alex Rider and Young Bond will be hooked on this fast-paced spy series, perfect for gadget-lovers, gamers and thrill seekers.>> High-tech gadgets and explosive action. THE WEEK JUNIOR>> The next generation of super spies. EOIN COLFERAn undercover mission. A deadly game of spies.When a secretive robotics company is hacked, teen spies Swift and Hawk discover out-of-control weaponized robots battling to escape into the city.As they race to shut down the virus, they quickly realize this is only the beginning. A ruthless organization is plotting something far more deadly. Swift and Hawk must go undercover in their most dangerous mission yet.A page-turning spy thriller for readers 9+ that can be enjoyed as a standalone novel or read as part of the adrenaline-fuelled SwiftTrade ReviewHi-tech, hi-spec and high adventure. This is the next generation of super spies. I loved it. * Eoin Colfer *Featured in The Bookseller's Children's Previews for March 2023 * The Bookseller *With plenty of high-tech gadgets and explosive action, the newest instalment of the Swift and Hawk series is just as thrilling as the first. * The Week Junior *Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books. * Pen & Inc *

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Book SynopsisA teenage girl wonders if she's inherited more than just a heart from her donor in this compulsively readable debut.Seventeen-year-old Chloe had a plan: work hard, get good grades, and attend a top-tier college. But after she collapses during cross country practice and is told that she needs a new heart, all her careful preparations are laid to waste. Eight months after her transplant, everything is different. Stuck in summer school with the underachievers, all she wants to do now is grab her surfboard and hit the waves which is strange, because she wasn't interested in surfing before her transplant. (It doesn't hurt that her instructor, Kai, is seriously good looking.) And that's not all that's strange. There's also the vivid recurring nightmare about crashing a motorcycle in a tunnel and memories of people and places she doesn't recognize. Is there something wrong with her head now, too, or is there another explanation for what she's experiencing? As she searches for aTrade ReviewEverything I Thought I Knew is a page-turning, mind-bending story of hope and healing. The reader will root for Chloe from page one as she navigates her world post–heart transplant and tries to meld her prior reality with her new one. I couldn’t put it down; it is a beautiful debut from a talented new voice in YA. * Alexandra Ballard, author of What I Lost *The thoughtful balance of self-discovery, humor, and realistic relationships will bring in fans of John Green and Nicola Yoon. Readers looking for a good, cathartic cry will love Chloe’s journey from losing everything she thought she was, to finding the person she was meant to be. * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisJourney through India and explore its incredible diversity in this richly illustrated book, with words from a Costa-winning author.Written by award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan with detailed artwork by Nina Chakrabarti, this is a joyful celebration of India and its incredible people, places and wildlife. Watch elephants bathing from a houseboat in Kerala, marvel at ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka, wander through Delhi''s bustling streets, and ride a train through the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya. Uncover India''s fascinating history and culture, and explore the unique mix of the traditional and modern that makes India the incredible country it is today.Winner of the Books for Topics Book of the Year!Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2023!A truly stunning book to pour over for hours. WRD magazineThis colourful, evocative journey through India [] does a superb job of conveyinTrade Reviewa visual pleasure, a celebration of tradition and modernity and a book to make readers dream of exploration. -- Nicolette Jones * children's book of the week, Sunday Times, Sunday Times Ireland *[...]in her first nonfiction title, Bilan celebrates India’s people and places, revealing what makes the country so special and vibrant. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *this colourful, evocative journey through India […] does a superb job of conveying the vast scale, variety and richness of the subcontinent, touching intriguingly on its wealth of wildlife, food, festivals, dance, scientific innovation and history. * Guardian *This book can be dipped into, read at length or can be explored in as many diverse ways as there are regions in India. Every time the covers are opened there is something new to discover. Readers will be able to almost see and smell the wonderful things which are being described. Through the pages, they can travel in their thoughts and widen their horizons and grow in knowledge, creativity and ideas. Curiosities will be sparked, questions will flow, and imaginations will be fired up. * IBBY UK *A truly stunning book to pour over for hours. * WRD Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA personal, powerful and resonant account of the Holocaust by one of this country''s best-loved children's authors.By turns charming, shocking and heart-breaking, this is the true story of Michael Rosen's search for his relatives who went missing during the Second World War told through prose, poetry, maps and pictures. When Michael was growing up, stories often hung in the air about his great-uncles: one was a clock-mender and the other a dentist. They were there before the war, his dad would say, and weren't after. Over many years, Michael tried to find out exactly what happened: he interviewed family members, scoured the internet, pored over books and traveled to America and France. The story he uncovered was one of terrible persecution and it has inspired his poetry for years since. Here, poems old and new are balanced against an immensely readable narrative; both an extraordinary account and a powerful tool for talking to children about the HolocaTrade ReviewRosen makes comparisons with the present-day refugee crisis and injects hope in the final chapter (and, boy, do we need it), with one of his best poems, Today; One Day. Essential reading. * The Times, Book of the Week *Rosen handles the difficult topic as sensitively and thoughtfully as you would expect, always writing in a straightforward and accessible way for children, interspersed with his own poetry. * BookTrust *What is so affecting about this book is its gentle tone. Instead of anger, there is contemplation – and, as always with Rosen, an innate ability to see every mystery through a child’s eyes. * The Telegraph *The personal connection, the use of source materials, the accessibility of the text and the way it encourages empathy (both with historical and current events) all make this an invaluable text for UKS2 and KS3. A poignant and essential read. * ReadingZone *Rosen intersperses his family memoir with his own poetry to create a fascinating, chilling and poignantly personal take on unimaginable horrors of genocide. * The Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisIn a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic, a desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial lady find a connection on the high seas.Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew. For Flora, former starving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don't trust, don't stick out, and don't feel. But on this voyage, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is headed to an arranged marriage she dreads. Flora doesn't expect to be taken under Evelyn's wing, and Evelyn doesn't expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian. Neither expects to fall in love.Soon the unlikely pair set in motion a wild escape that will free a captured mermaid (coveted for her blood) and involve the mysterious Pirate Supreme, an opportunistic witch, double agents, and the all-encompassing Sea herself.Deftly entwining swashbuckling action anTrade ReviewBloody, poetic, rich with pirate politics, captured mermaids and a witch who wields the magic of stories, Tokuda-Hall’s debut is original, satisfying and romantic – a swashbuckler with great imagination and emotional depth. * The Guardian *“The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea will take you on the journey of a lifetime. Maggie Tokuda-Hall has created characters I’ve never seen before, then put them in an adventure that feels more real than real life and twice as unpredictable. I wanted to live in the world of this book forever, and I can’t stop obsessing about the rich tapestry of pirates, mermaids, witches, and conniving nobles who inhabit it. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea might just remind you of why you fell in love with adventure in the first place and change how you think about the genre forever. I envy anyone who’s getting to experience this incredible book for the first time.” * Charlie Jane Anders, author of the Nebula Award–winning novel All the Birds in the Sky *“An utterly romantic and breathless adventure that wouldn’t let me sleep until I’d devoured every last word. It’s a journey of love, magic, and self-discovery unlike any I’ve ever read.” * Dahlia Adler, author of Under the Lights and editor of His Hideous Heart *One of the best YA books I've read this year -- Katherine Webber[…] this was a fast paced, enjoyable read with some thoughtful and relevant issues raised. A book which will most appeal to teenage girls into adventure/fantasy/ romance around Year 9 and above. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisIn this incredibly moving and powerful story about climate change by one of France's greatest writers for children, the world is run by !ndustry and the only thing that matters is to buy, buy, buy. People live in crowded cities where cars are stacked vertically and shopping centres run miles into the sky. On the day Celeste starts school on the 110th floor of a tower block, she meets a lonely, young boy. The next day she doesn''t return. Her blood has become as polluted as the seas and rivers. On a mission to save her, the boy battles the forces of !ndustry and takes her far, far away. Will the world realise the truth of Celeste's disease? Will there be time for her, and the planet, to recover?Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's November previews. * The Bookseller *Saving Celeste is moving and powerful story about climate change by one of France’s greatest writers for children, Timothée de Fombelle. * The Irish Independent *a truly powerful read * Books Up North *Beautifully written and charmingly simple, Saving Celeste is a hopeful tale about both an individual’s power to change things, and how our collective responsibilities to each other and to the earth are one and the same. * Cheshire Education Library Services blog *This novella is still remarkably relevant since its 2009 publication, as well as hopeful. * CLPE, "October New Books Roundup" *

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Book SynopsisA poetic, powerful story about a little brother and a big sister finding a new home and new hope after being rescued from a boat lost in the dark sea.A little brother and his big sister try their best to settle in a new home, where they have nothing left from before except each other. The little one makes new friends and quickly learns to laugh again but his sister remains haunted by the shadows of their past and hides away in their broken house. Trying to help his sister, the little one catches a butterfly for her and brings it inside the house. His sister knows that she needs to set the butterfly free ... but that would mean going outside. In taking the first steps to face her fears and save the butterfly, she also begins the process of saving herself.Trade Reviewa triumph of storytelling in words and art. * 'Children's Books About Immigration', The New York Times *Gill Smith’s illustrations for Saving the Butterfly (Walker) by Helen Cooper also lean towards muted grey shades as we see a boy and his older sister, two refugees, rescued from a boat. The boy settles, makes friends, but the girl is haunted by the past and can’t move on until the day her brother brings her a butterfly. As the insect and the girl begin to flourish, the illustrations become as rich and colourful as the butterfly’s wings. A tender tale focusing on the aftermath of conflict, it’s a great companion to Nicola Davies’s The Day War Came (2019). * Observer *with illustrations that find sweetness in sadness, this touching picture book is the resonant story of refugee siblings who have lost everything but each other * The Sunday Times *This is the most beautiful story of loss, fear and hope, tied together with the healing power of nature. * Juno *Featured in ‘Best children’s books of 2022 so far’ -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly witty and wise illustrated guide to relationships for teens by the hugely popular webcomic artist and creator of Oh No!Isn't it wonderful when love strikes? When you encounter someone beautiful and interesting and suddenly: feelings. But what do you do when that first crush squashes you flat, when sparks fly but fizzle out, when you and your other half just don't click together? Enter How to Love! Your funny, wise and very different guide to relationships of all shapes and sizes, covering topics from singlehood to jealousy to happily ever after all delivered in Alex Norris's clever, accessible and bright graphic style. Full colour throughout and in an Agony Aunt format, with each chapter posed as a question answered in comic book form. Inclusive of all genders and sexualities, and created by a queer non-binary artist.Trade ReviewHow to Love is a book that we can get through in one sitting, but it is also one to be revisited as you grow... The flat, bold and fun comics, filled with endearing anthropomorphic characters, are a testament to Alex’s desire to offer accessible and universal notions of loving and living. * It's Nice That *An inclusive guide to love in all its many forms. * The Bookseller *“Joyous, funny and heartwarming. [...] This delightful non-fiction graphic novel is a guide to relationships that is perfect for teenagers who are just embarking on their love lives.” -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *A warm and witty relationship guide in graphic novel form... Written from a queer perspective but really celebrating individual differences, and all genders and orientations, this feels genuinely inclusive and to be asking just the sort of questions that young people have, as they navigate all sorts of relationships including friendships as well as romantic liaisons... Full of humour, positivity and warmth and almost embarrassingly accurate at times, this is a really accessible, sensible and valuable addition to any home or library. * LoveReading4Kids *The initial simplicity of cartoonist Alex Norris’s non-fiction work How to Love ends up saying an awful lot of smart things about navigating relationships – both romantic and platonic – in a series of comic strip sequences… Cute, yes, but also thoughtful. * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisA comedy of errors starring the instantly-loveable Rex the first book in a fantastically funny series for 7+ readers, from Lollies Prize winning author-illustrator Elys Dolan.Rex is king of the dinosaurs: carnivores want to be him and herbivores want to be eaten by him... That is, until a pesky Ice Age comes along and he winds up frozen solid in a glacier. When he wakes up, 65 million years later, human beings rule the roost and if they get their hands on Rex, he''ll wind up in a zoo. (Or, worse: a MUSEUM.)Lucky for him, Rex isn''t the only undercover creature in town. He''s whisked out of danger by the one and only Bigfoot, who has been surviving among the humans undetected for years. Bigfoot and his friends show Rex how to get by in the humans'' world, and soon there''s only one thing left for him to do: GET A JOB.But that''s easier said than done ... and with a meddling nine-year-old neighbour to deal with, and the constant risk of discovery, lifeTrade ReviewIt's a laugh out read -- Emma Lee Potter * Daily Mirror *See what happens in this very funny story with adorable characters and plenty of food for thought […] Full of gorgeous pictures it is a great bridge from picture book to novel, but enjoyable for all abilities. I love it! -- Debbie Williams * Primary Times *Elys Dolan triumphs again, this time in the form of Rex, an out-of-time dinosaur […] Crazy, thoughtful comedy reigns. Elys’ writing is brilliantly funny, full of absurd situations and Rex is a captivating character; oh! there’s a super subplot too. The story also has subtle messages about tolerance, letting people live how they wish, and the vital importance of thinking for yourself. Full of giggle worthy details, the subtly coloured cartoon style illustrations are hilarious and there are occasional plans, maps and speech bubbles to keep readers engaged, further adding to the humour. KS2 readers will devour this. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *Elys Dolan deals with a wide range of themes with humour and excitement in this illustrated story. Besides encouraging children to think about tolerance and acceptance, allowing everyone to be themselves, the story also encompasses friendship, family and fake news. An appealing, fun package which should attract young readers, this could be used as a class read aloud and to encourage reading for pleasure. -- Jayne * Just Imagine *I like the comic strips and illustrations. I read it fast because I loved it too much. * Toppsta.com *

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Book SynopsisThe star of Julian Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return and finds a new friend at a wedding to be remembered.Julian and his nana are attending a wedding. Better yet, Julian is in the wedding along with his cousin Marisol. When wedding duties are fulfilled and with a new dog friend in tow, the pair takes off to roam the venue, exploring everywhere from underneath tables to enchanting willow trees to ... muddy puddles? After all, it wouldn't be a wedding without fun, laughter and a little magical mischief. With ingenuity and heart, author-illustrator Jessica Love tells a charming story of friendship, acceptance and celebration.Trade ReviewA wedding is a party for love’ asserts this beautiful book; and love, acceptance and imaginative bliss breathe off every intricate, rapturous page. * The Guardian *Featured in ‘The Best Children's Books of 2020 for All Ages’ in The Guardian * The Guardian *Love’s skill for capturing the joy of life in a tale that, once again, celebrates self-expression will cement her reputation as a storytelling talent – and Julián as a hero for little kids everywhere. * Observer Design *The many fans of Jessica Love’s Julian Is a Mermaid , which won the Branford Boase award for a debut picture book, will relish this colourful and exuberant sequel, an inclusive celebration of love, family, friendship and acceptance. It’s full of warmth and joy. * The Sunday Times *Sequel to the best-selling Julian Is a Mermaid, this stunning forward-thinking picture book, with sparse text, captures the warmth of a diverse and inclusive Brooklyn community. The spread showing newlywed brides kissing is particularly moving. More than just a book, it's an exquisitely illustrated work of art. A treasured keepsake to pore over forever! * Candid Cocoa *

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Book SynopsisTHE WINNER OF THE KLAUS FLUGGE PRIZE 2021A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A great story about making friends by being yourself and the illustrations are a constant visual delight Malorie BlackmanGustavo is a ghost. He is good at doing all sorts of paranormal things, like walking through walls, making objects fly and glowing in the dark. And he loves playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo also has a problem. He is SHY. Which means some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye-scream or talking to the other monsters. But Gustavo longs to be a part of something, he longs to be seen. More than anything, he wants to make a friend. So, plucking up all his courage, he sends a very special letter: Dear Monsters, I would like to invite you to my violin concert at the Day of the Dead partyWith exquisite detail and humour, Flavia Z. Drago's vivid illustrations tell a sweet and offbeat story oTrade ReviewA great story about making friends by being yourself and the illustrations are a constant visual delight. * Malorie Blackman *This story deftly weaves themes of inclusion, friendship and being true to yourself with striking artwork inspired by the author/illustrator’s upbringing in Mexico City. * Mini Travellers Blog *this sweet and spooky tale of friendship makes a quirky Halloween pick * The Bookseller *[...] terrific illustrations. * The Irish Independent *[...] busy and sweet. * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA poetic, powerful story about a little brother and a big sister finding a new home and new hope after being rescued from a boat lost in the dark sea.A little brother and his big sister try their best to settle in a new home, where they have nothing left from before except each other. The little one makes new friends and quickly learns to laugh again but his sister remains haunted by the shadows of their past and hides away in their broken house. Trying to help his sister, the little one catches a butterfly for her and brings it inside the house. His sister knows that she needs to set the butterfly free ... but that would mean going outside. In taking the first steps to face her fears and save the butterfly, she also begins the process of saving herself.Trade ReviewGill Smith’s illustrations for Saving the Butterfly (Walker) by Helen Cooper also lean towards muted grey shades as we see a boy and his older sister, two refugees, rescued from a boat. The boy settles, makes friends, but the girl is haunted by the past and can’t move on until the day her brother brings her a butterfly. As the insect and the girl begin to flourish, the illustrations become as rich and colourful as the butterfly’s wings. A tender tale focusing on the aftermath of conflict, it’s a great companion to Nicola Davies’s The Day War Came (2019). * Observer *with illustrations that find sweetness in sadness, this touching picture book is the resonant story of refugee siblings who have lost everything but each other * The Sunday Times *This is the most beautiful story of loss, fear and hope, tied together with the healing power of nature. * Juno *The lyrical text is complemented by Gill Smith’s emotive illustrations. […] A gentle story that can be read with children in KS1 to talk about refugee experience and, more generally about the balance between taking time to heal and finding the courage to overcome difficulties. * Just Imagine *Featured in The Bookseller children's previews for July 2023 * The Bookseller *

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Book Synopsis In a wise and witty graphic memoir, a young artist finds her path apart from the expectations of those around her. Sylvie lives in a school in France. Her father is the head teacher and her home is a flat at the end of a hallway of classrooms. As a young child, Sylvie and her brother explore this most unusual kingdom, full of small mysteries and quirky surprises. But in middle and high school, life grows more complicated. Sylvie becomes aware of her parents'' conflicts, the complexities of shifting friendships and what it means to be the only Jewish family in town. She also begins to sense that her perceived success relied on the pursuit of math and science even though she loves art. In a funny and perceptive graphic memoire, author-illustrator Sylvie Kantorovitz traces her first steps as an artist and teacher. The text captures her poignant questions and her blossoming confidence, while the droll illustrations depict her making art as both a means of solace and self-e

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Book SynopsisTola may be small, but she''s very determined!Too Small Tola lives in a flat in Lagos with her sister, Moji, who is very clever, her brother, Dapo, who is very fast, and Grandmummy, who is very bossy. One day Tola discovers the secret of multiplication and division. She is so happy!But then there is news of a deadly virus, and news of lockdown too. Moji goes away to live and study with her teacher and Dapo goes off to live and work with his boss. Grandmummy cannot go out to work so Tola does instead.Tola goes to live with a wealthy couple, the Diamonds. She cleans and washes and scrubs, scrubs, scrubs. She befriends the other workers too. But she soon learns that even the wealthy Dimonds have problems of their own. And when it comes to solving them, Tola proves once again how kind and clever, mighty and resourceful she truly is.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's April 2022 Previews. * The Bookseller *I really liked this book because I liked learning about Nigeria and how they felt when the corona virus came. […] I would like to read other stories about Tola and learn more about her life in Nigeria -- Storm, Age 7 * Kids Book Review, Books Up North *Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books. * Pen & Inc *This latest book in the series of Too Small Tola is just as engaging as the first two […] These down to earth, warming stories will bring pleasure to individual 7 to 9 year old readers and to adults who share them with a class. * English 4-11 *Atinuke empathetically portrays the harsh reality some populations faced during quarantine, along with the disparity between wealthy and low-income people, in a way that will be manageable for young readers. The story gives readers and their families a big message of hope, strength, and triumph. * Just Imagine *

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Book SynopsisA charming Nature Storybook all about looking after goldfish inspired by the author''s own pet fish. My Pet Goldfish is a delightful picture book with facts by the Greenaway Medal-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner. The child narrating this story has been given their first ever pet: a tiny fish with shimmering scales and bright beady eyes Their very own goldfish! Sitting alongside the gentle narrative and dynamic illustrations, the subtext introduces facts about goldfish and their care some gentle, some funny, some fascinating making this a perfect choice for first-time owners.Trade ReviewThis is a book to be shared, relished, and revisited with children from 4-8 or 9 who will enjoy the heart-warming story of Richard as well as discovering a great deal about goldfish in general. * The English Association, ages 4-11 *

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Book SynopsisA perfect read for unicorn lovers, this beautiful and utterly transporting picture book tells the story of what every little girl wishes would happen to her: a girl finds and takes care of a lost baby unicorn.Margaret's whole world changes when her family moves to a cottage by the sea. One evening, Margaret spots a mist over the water. No, that's not mist clouds maybe? No, they're unicorns descending onto the shore! They vanish as quickly as they'd appeared, but accidentally leave behind a baby, tangled in the weeds...Trade ReviewA little girl finds and takes care of a lost baby unicorn in this beautiful picture book. A heart-warming story of friendship and kindness brought to magical life by Briony May Smith’s enchanting characters and breath taking coastal landscapes. * The Mainstreet Trading Company *The story has a classic feel and the artwork on each and every page is magical. * Books That Help *A lovely, beautifully illustrated, and magical story. * The Strawberry Post *

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Book SynopsisA positive and uplifting book for young people who are queer or curious and their allies looking to support them.In this empowering and uplifting book, award-winning podcaster Alexis Caught sets out to help queer and curious teenagers explore their LGBTQ+ identity and understanding. Alongside the author''s personal experiences are first-hand stories from notable LGBTQ+ figures, providing a inclusive account of what it means to grow up queer. With chapters on questioning, coming out, friends and family, love, sex, shame, pride and allyship, this is insightful, thoughtful and reassuring book is essential reading for any questioning teen and their allies looking to support them.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's January 2022 previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *For those that want to learn more or seeking a little bit of friendly guidance, this is the book for you. * Gay Times *Included in list of most anticipated LGBTQ+ books of 2022 * Gay Times *a kind-hearted, insightful and wonderfully positive book for teens […] There is so much joy and warmth in these pages, Queer Up, is the coming out and self- acceptance guide we all needed growing up. Thoughtfully compiled and accessibly designed, every school and local library, youth resource centre or group should have this sensitive, supportive and special book on its shelves. * Attitude *An empathetic and inclusive reference book for young and older adults alike. -- . * The School Librarian *

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