Walker Books

Book SynopsisA powerful and necessary picture book the journey of a child forced to become a refugee when war destroys everything she has ever known.Imagine if, on an ordinary day, war came. Imagine it turned your town to rubble. Imagine going on a long and difficult journey all alone. Imagine finding no welcome at the end of it. Then imagine a child who gives you something small but very, very precious... When the government refused to allow 3000 child refugees to enter this country in 2016, Nicola Davies was so angry she wrote a poem. It started a campaign for which artists contributed drawings of chairs, symbolising a seat in a classroom, education, kindness, the hope of a future. The poem has become this book, movingly illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, which should prove a powerful aid for explaining the ongoing refugee crisis to younger readers.Trade Review“In a wholly different register, The Day War Came combines Nicola Davies’s simple, hard-hitting text and Rebecca Cobb’s pencil drawings to evoke the destruction of everyday reality for the youngest victims of conflict. Thought-provoking and poignant, it’s an excellent answer to the question of how to talk to children about war.” * The Guardian *“The deceptively simple narrative combined with Rebecca Cobb’s evocative illustrations make this a useful tool for explaining the refugee crisis to younger readers.” * Oldie *“[…] it ends on a powerful notes about the power of kindness and the potential for a better future.” * Surrey Advertiser *“an incredibly powerful picture book […]. Cobb’s illustrations are both beautiful and devastating.” * The Bookseller *“A tale of humanity and compassion that is worth sharing.” * South Wales Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisSend your spirits soaring with this powerful, positive rhyming tale.On the way to school one day, Sid is so full of happiness that he starts to fly. But no one believes him. Dogs don''t fly, they say. Poor Sid is miserable, until his dad lets him in on an amazing secret: some dogs do!The most uplifting book. Nadia Hussain, Stylist magazineTrade ReviewWhen my children are feeling down, we always read it. It’s about a dog that flies and it’s the most uplifting book. Each of my kids has their own copy. * Nadiya Hussain, Stylist *

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Book SynopsisThere''s a storm raging in Eerie-on-Sea. Has the mighty Gargantis come back from the deep...?When an ancient bottle is found washed up on the beach after a ferocious electrical storm, all the residents of Eerie-on-Sea seem to want it ... but should they in fact fear it? Legend has it that the bottle contains an extraordinary secret that spells doom for the whole of Eerie-on-Sea. Could it be true that the vast sea creature Gargantis has awoken from her slumbers, and is causing the large cracks that are appearing all across the town? Finding themselves entrusted with the bottle, Herbie and Violet discover they will need to ride the terrible storm and pacify the creature if they want to save Eerie-on-Sea from sliding into the ocean and being lost for ever.Trade ReviewTaylor's magical touch makes you believe the impossible. -- Catherine Doyle…another expertly unspooling tale of derring-do in which a beast of a storm, a hooded stranger and a mechanical crab feature, as well as a very good joke about a toolbox, inside which a moggy is either alive or dead (or both, à la Schrodinger). Herbie is, understandably, terrified of the deep. Guess where he’s headed? Just the bottom of the Vortiss, where the not-so-mythical Gargantis lurks. * The Guardian *I, and several members of my class, have been eagerly awaiting this book after thoroughly enjoying Malamander. We read together and discussed virtually and all agreed that we weren’t disappointed. This return to Eerie on Sea was very welcome and enjoyed by us all. * Teacher via Toppsta *I couldn't wait to read this as I loved the first book, Malander. It follows Herbie and Violet as they battle to save Eerie-on-Sea from the vast sea creature. I couldn't put the book down as it was so exciting! * Reader, aged 10 via Toppsta *I've been anxiously waiting for the next book in the Malamander series to come out. Gargantis is just so good! I loved returning to Eerie-on-Sea and meeting all my favourite characters again and discovering new ones. Erwin the cat plays a big part in this book, always piping up at unexpected moments. The action is fast-paced and there are lots of sudden turns. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a nail-biting adventure and mystery. * Reader, aged 10 via Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisIf you think monsters don''t exist, just ask Theodora Hendrix. The third in a brilliantly funny series about an ordinary girl brought up by monsters, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang and A Series of Unfortunate Events.Theodora, Sherman and Dexter are off to the Big Apple for the holidays, and they cannot wait! However, if Dracula and Mummy thought an overseas trip would keep Theodora safe from bad monsters with sinister intentions, they were wrong. For New York is teeming with Shadowmongers sly, shadowy creatures controlled by the most sinister foe of all. A foe who wants nothing more than to see the Monstrous League of Monsters brought down ... and Theodora with it.Trade ReviewWith Lisa Hunt’s expressive black and white illustrations throughout, this is just right for autumnal reading, especially for those who enjoy spooky stories tinged with humour. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisA celebration of family time, sharing food together, and a Grandma''s hug full, full, full of love.For Jay Jay, the youngest member of an exuberant extended family, Sunday dinner at Grannie's can be full indeed full of hugs and kisses, full of tasty dishes, full to the brim with happy faces, and full, full, full of love. With a special focus on the bond between little Jay Jay and his grannie, Trish Cooke introduces us to a family we are sure to want more, more, more of.

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Book SynopsisFootball School Season 4 is part of the bestselling Football School series, which teaches you about the world through football, packed with superstar stories, fun facts and laugh-out-loud illustrations. Perfect for readers 7+ and recommended by the National Literacy Trust, BookTrust, the Premier League and parents and teachers.This book is packed with awesome true stories, real science and fascinating facts and will make you laugh loads and it''s all about football! Discover when robots play football, where the highest ever football match took place, how referees keep time in matches and what llamas and professional footballers have in common. With hilarious illustrations throughout and laugh-out-loud gags, this is the perfect book for football-mad children everywhere.We love this book series! Match of the Day WeeklyIntelligent, inspiring, funny Head of Education, Premier LeagueCollect the series!FootbalTrade ReviewIt’s a genius format that makes everything accessible and interesting, whether you really love football or not – it’s just a common pitch to spread everything across. The cartoon illustrations are silly and also keep the pages looking lively and inviting to reluctant readers. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisDiscover a world of magical storytelling with Ross Montgomery. SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN''S BOOK AWARD WATERSTONES CHILDREN''S BOOK OF THE MONTHHIVE CHILDREN''S BOOK OF THE MONTHTOPPSTA CHILDREN''S BOOK OF THE MONTHOne of our finest children's writers. Phil EarleA master storyteller. Aisling FowlerAnother absolute triumph from one of my favourite children's authors. Catherine Doyle Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightestWhen Col's childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bringTrade ReviewBeautiful... A magical, big-hearted adventure full of wit and warmth. One of the best children's books I've read for ages. * Anna James *Spectacular... A story of real and rare power - The Midnight Guardians is one of the best books I've read in years. * Kiran Millwood Hargrave *The Midnight Guardians is timeless story-telling with a magical heart; a tale of enchantment and friendship in the cold of adversity; has all the charm of the The Box of Delights, all the magic and fellowship of The Lord of the Rings, all the warmth of a timeless story, told between friends round a winter fire. It’s also brilliantly inventive — funny where it needs to be, and true in the way all good stories are. * Thomas Taylor *A real triumph of the imagination, bleeding the appeal of a classic adventure with Montgomery’s heart and humour. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Imagine a delicious milkshake made with the blended ingredients of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lord of the Rings, Five Children on the Western Front, and a special pinch of additional magic. There you have The Midnight Guardians. Drily humorous at times, utterly terrifying at others, this tale will whisk you away to another time that is both instantly recognisable and completely alien.The Midnight Guardians is a classic in the making, and I loved every second of it. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisFor Magnolia Moon, magic is a way to solve problems. And when you're starting a new class at school and your best friend doesn't live across the road any more, problems seem to come easily.In her latest adventure, Magnolia Moon invents everyday magic to help her navigate the pitfalls of friendship, school, family and being ten. A lyrical and imaginative tale which highlights everyday wonders through Magnolia's curious and observant nature.Trade Reviewan enchanting, immersive story that invites readers to look at the world around them in a different way and to be open to possibilities at any time. * Red Reading Hub *Magnolia shows the reader how to be kind and look for positive things around us. Edwina Wyatt writes of Magnolia’s experiences, painting colourful images that really appeal to the senses. The narrative helps the reader to smell the flowers, taste the food and enjoy the colours that Magnolia observes all around her. * Just Imagine *

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Book SynopsisCrimson Twill is an adventurous young witch excited for her first trip to Broomingdale’s, a magical shop with lots of surprises in store – a puppy hiding among the cats, a mischievous broom and a witch’s hat unlike any she’s ever seen before. But there’s more to discover in Broomingdale’s than what’s for sale on the shelves…A rich and playful new world comes to life in the first book of this endearing series, with easy-to-read text and charming illustrations.Trade ReviewWith its theme of being true to yourself, full of witchy whimsicalness and gentle humour – I love the fun word plays – this is the first of Kallie George’s chapter book series. Birgitta Sif’s black and white illustrations are a delight, depicting an inclusive city community. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisA young girl with a tragic past and a rhinoceros facing life in captivity form an unlikely and magical bond after a fateful storm and a shipwreck bring them together. A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship for readers 8+.1891On a stormy night off the coast of southern Australia, a ship transporting a cargo of exotic animals tosses and turns in enormous seas. Rhino senses they are in grave danger. . .Not far away, ten-year-old Evie and her grandfather shelter in their crumbling, once-grand old home. They know too well how deadly storms can be. When all is calm, Evie treks over the dunes to the sea and makes a discovery that will change her life, and Rhino’s, forever.Will the tragedies of their pasts finally be put to rest?The perfect story for 8+ fans of The Last Bear, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals."It is a story based on true events, introduces readers to some fascinating facts about animals and fauna in Australia, and will make your heart sing. […] . This story exudes love and the magical connections and healing powers that true friendship brings.” Armadillo MagazineTrade ReviewOh, this book is just exquisite. It’s my favourite book of the year so far! It’s like being wrapped up in a warm blanket of love while drinking a mug of something hot and a comforting apple pie […] I cannot wait for my daughter to read this book because I know she will adore it too. A squillion stars for this one! * Mini Travellers Blog *It is a story based on true events, introduces readers to some fascinating facts about animals and fauna in Australia, and will make your heart sing. […] . This story exudes love and the magical connections and healing powers that true friendship brings. * Armadillo Magazine *A truly memorable tale of rediscovering your inner strength and your voice, and the healing power of friendship. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisJoin inventor Scooter and his alien sidekick, Fizzbee, on their third adventure! For the first time ever, Scooter has NO ideas. How on earth can they save the jam factory from a slimy slug invasion?Scooter, Fizzbee and Cat have turned McLays jam factory into a tropical jam-making paradise. Delicious! There's just one problem. SLUGS. Slithering everywhere, eating all the fruit, and in danger of causing the factory to fail its hygiene inspection. Scooter has to think of a way to get them out, pronto. Hyper-creative, he usually has ideas constantly whizzing and whooshing around his head. But something strange has happened ... he's gone blank. SCOOTER HAS NO IDEAS! With evil head slug Mucus Vane taking total control of the factory, the gang will need to summon everything they have to save McLays Jam – and help Scooter rediscover his creativity!Trade ReviewWe love this series, jam-packed with humour and heart, and with brilliant black and white illustrations. * WRD Magazine *Slugs Invade the Jam Factory is an exciting, humorous story […] The story is exciting and full of quirky ideas and inventions. […]There is much fun to be derived from this story. * Just Imagine *Hugely funny and equally silly, with Jenny Taylor’s illustrations adding to the enjoyment, this tasty offering concludes with a spread giving information about cerebral palsy, the condition that Scooter has. * Red Reading Hub *A funny read carrying deeper themes of empathy, teamwork and celebration of difference. -- Children's Books Ireland * Reading Matters Guide 2023 *

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Book SynopsisA powerful account of the reclamation of an urban landscape told wordlessly through fascinating, detailed collage artwork.Observed through the window of a house, a city street gradually becomes a place to call home as the inhabitants begin to rescue their street by planting grass and trees in the empty spaces. Year by year, everything begins to blossom... Told wordlessly and with stunning collage illustrations, Belonging explores the re-greening of the city and the role of community, the empowerment of people and the significance of children, family and neighbourhood in changing the urban environment for the better.Trade ReviewThis book is inspirational. There is romance in it, and neighbourliness and family affection. Talking about the pictures with toddlers would stimulate verbal skills and powers of observation, while older children can learn from it about time and nature and society, or make images of the scenes from their own windows. This book is ideal to stimulate art projects, classroom discussions and even neighbourhood initiatives. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA charming story which captures the true spirit of Christmas and a must for every Christmas library!It's Christmas Eve, and the house in Exeter Street is full to bursting! There's a guest in every nook and cranny from top to bottom and even a baby sleeping in the kitchen sink! Will Father Christmas be able to find them all? This gorgeously illustrated and atmospheric picture book about a house packed full of guests perfectly captures the sense of excitement and sharing that goes with this very special time of year.Trade ReviewThis charming story captures the spirit of sharing and kids will enjoy spotting the various guests and their gifts in each illustration * Babyology *This is a joyful Christmas message about embracing the unexpected and offering random acts of kindness to strangers as well as friends. The text is perfectly portrayed in the delicate and detailed illustrations created in fine line ink and watercolour. * Buzz Words *This completely delightful Christmas classic is back in print! Celebrating all the things that matter at Christmas – community, family, love and laughter. This is a much loved book in our house over the Christmas season * Children's Books Daily *This is a gorgeous story about the spirit of Christmas, a time for sharing, generosity and coming togethe * Kids' Book Review *Beautifully descriptive and filled with alliteration and Christmas puns, the text is a joy to read. * My Little Bookcase *

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Book SynopsisDiscover London with a book packed full of information, fun facts, city secrets and things to spot, along with activity sheets and maps, plus a clipboard. All you need for a day out in London!Discover the capital's amazing history and spot all the main sights, from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, while learning some of London's best kept secrets. With things to see and do at each key landmark, along with fun puzzles, games and activities, this has everything you need for an unforgettable, fun-filled trip.Trade ReviewI do like the clipboard format for days out. This one has a booklet with interesting info about London, 4 guided walks with maps and lots of activity sheets. * Blackbird Pie Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAnother day. Another mood. Meet Judy Moody at her moodiest-best, in this laugh-a-minute fourteenth adventure in the international bestselling series. Bad moods, good moods, even right-royal-tea moods Judy has them all in this brand new adventure, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Lauren Child. With Grandma Lou's help, Judy has dug up proof that some old-timey Moodys lived in merry olde England. In fact, if her grandpa's notes are right, Judy might even be related to royal fanfare, please the Queen herself! But then Judy's family tree gets a few more shakes and some more surprises come tumbling out. Now Judy has some right royal family secrets she'd like to keep hidden away, especially from Jessica, the princess in pink!

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Book SynopsisPoint Blanc is a brand-new TV series on Amazon Prime UK, bringing the adventures of Alex Rider to teenage and adult audiences.Recruited by MI6 after the mysterious death of his uncle, teenage spy Alex Rider engages in a dangerous undercover mission to infiltrate the exclusive Point Blanc Academy. But the school hides a deadly secret. Can Alex alert the world to the truth before it's too late...?

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Book SynopsisFrom a debut picture-book author and a #1 New York Times best-selling illustrator, a wry take on "Why did the chicken cross the road?” that gives a whole new meaning to “the Other Side.” Cock-a-doodle-BOO!It’s punny. It’s spooky. It’s a meta picture book that puts a fresh spin on an old joke and elevates chicken comedy to ghastly new levels. A little spring chicken crosses the road but quickly gets flattened under a lorry. The barnyard beasts who’ve gone before break the news: now that Chicken’s fried – dispatched to the Other Side – Chicken has a job, an unwanted job, as a noisy trouble-making ghost. This fowl may be weak in the beak, but Chicken knows that scaring people isn’t nice. There is such a thing as a friendly ghost, after all – isn’t there? Loaded with laughs and shivers, this Halloween-ready treat features ghoulishly funny art by the illustrator of the #1 New York Times best-selling Bad Seed series. Let the haunting begin!

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Book SynopsisAnother day. Another mood. Meet Judy Moody at her moodiest best, in this laugh-a-minute fifth adventure in the international bestselling series.Judy Moody has got the Moody Monday blues – until she finds out that her class's new project is on the amazing human body. That means skeletons, skulls, a hospital trip, lots of medical jokes and double trouble when Judy's friends trick her into thinking the class guinea pig has been cloned! But when Judy catches the mumps off her younger "bother", Stink, her friends make it up to her by coming to visit.

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Book SynopsisPrepare for the Judy Moodiest summer ever in the tenth book in the internationally popular and bestselling series, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Judy Blume and Lauren Child.Roar! It’s bad enough that Mum and Dad are heading to California, leaving Judy and Stink with Aunt Awful (er, Opal), but now Judy’s two best friends are going splitsville on her too. Just when it looks like her summer is going to be boring-with-a-capital B, eureka! Judy (with some help from Aunt Opal) comes up with the most thrill-a-delic plan ever. Get ready for tightrope walking, roller coaster riding, a treasure hunt to find Judy's teacher, a midnight stakeout, a runaway ice-cream truck and a hunt for Bigfoot.

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Book SynopsisFootball School Epic Heroes is part of the bestselling Football School series, which teaches you about the world through football, packed with superstar stories, fun facts and laugh-out-loud illustrations. Perfect for readers 7+ and recommended by the National Literacy Trust, BookTrust, the Premier League and parents and teachersCelebrate the greatest names and teams in football history with this collection of 50 true stories.Discover the greatest football moments of all time in this collection of 50 exciting stories, perfect for fans of Football School: Star Players. Discover the incredible stories of heroes such as Messi, Ronaldo, Klopp and Rapinoe, but also the tales of the dog that helped win the league for his team and the team who won the championship with the very final kick of the game. Bringing together the best names in the game with some truly weird, wonderful and hilarious occurrences, this book is a must-read for any yoTrade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's September Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *I found Football School – Epic Heroes a really interesting book. How many interesting tales it has!I found some facts about football that I didn’t know before. There were a lot of dramatic victories and the illustrations were perfect! * Books Up North *Engaging and generously illustrated with humorous black-and-white cartoon-style illustrations, this accessible book is set out as a series of headline articles from four fictional footballing publications. […] this wonderful addition to the popular Football School series is interesting, inspiring and funny. It will delight young football fans and provide fascinating reading for those who are keen to discover more about the world of football. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisWe are friends on epic adventure to Planet Earth! We got space ship! YEAHHH! Look it's got steering wheel, space biscuits and party area. OOH LA LA!From the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise and the team behind Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh! comes a wildly inventive, contemporary picture book comedy about aliens. Boron, Bazoo and Zob are three extra-terrestrials on a mission. They're going to take something brilliant from Earth and bring it back to their home planet, Zabalooloo. Something like an enormous elephant! But this goofy, giddy trio are simply too overexcited they're never going to catch anything if they keep wiggle-woggle dancing, taking selfies and shouting, Ooh la la!.Trade Review“Sean Taylor’s deliciously zany text, some of which is rendered through colour-coded speech bubbles, is full of utterances guaranteed to make you splutter with laughter. […] Perfectly complementing Taylor’s words are Kate Hindley’s sublimely silly, intricately detailed visuals of the diminutive Zabaloolooian explorers and their tin can craft complete with steering wheel and party area, going about their mission. Human explorers of the pages will find many more small-sized things including a wealth of insects hovering on, and buzzing around, the various kinds of plants liberally scattered throughout the terrain of the aliens’ hunting ground. Epic!” * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisWhen a young boy visits a tropical rain forest, he pretends it is a long time ago and that extinct and rare animals live in the forest, and aboriginal children play there. But how much longer will the rainforest remain, he wonders?Trade ReviewEach time the reader opens the book, there is something new and delightful to catch the eye. * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisFor brave hunters and bear-lovers, the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.Trade ReviewBeautifully produced, written and illustrated, this is a classic work for any age at any period. * The Independent on Sunday *With such a partnership, how can this gorgeous great picture-book rhyme fail? * The Guardian *Lovely to read aloud and beautiful to look at. * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisIn the sequel to the modern classic, Handa''s Surprise, two girls count all of the exotic and exciting animals they discover as they search for their grandma''s hen.Learn to count with Handa in the sequel to the bestselling Handa''s Surprise. Every morning, Handa, a young girl from the Luo tribe of Kenya, feeds breakfast to Mondi, her grandma''s black hen. This morning, however, Mondi is nowhere to be seen. So Handa and her friend Akeyo set off on a hunt, coming upon two fluttery butterflies, three stripy mice, four little lizards, five beautiful sunbirds, and many more intriguing creatures. But where could Mondi be? Is that a faint cheeping they hear under the bush? Might Mondi have a surprise in store? Luminous colours depict a lush natural setting in this stunningly illustrated story perfect for reading aloud.Trade ReviewThis picture book throbs with sunshine. A stunning book. * The Independent *...simple, repetitive narrative...accompanied by bold, vibrant spreads. Handa's Surprise, published seven years ago, has become a classroom classic, and I have no doubt that this new title will become a firm favourite. * The Bookseller *A wonderfully-illustrated counting tale set in beautiful Africa. * theschoolrun.com *Featured in Nursery World. * Nursery World *

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Book SynopsisSearch for Wally as he travels through time in this classic Wally activity book! Wally and his friends travel through time in this second best-selling classic adventure. Search for them as they visit the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, the Vikings ... right through to the space world of the future. There are all sorts of other things to look for, too. Wow! Amazing! The Where''s Wally? series has sold over 75 million books worldwide.Trade ReviewThis classic activity book never ceases to bore – every time you look there’s even more! * Junior Education *Addictive and highly entertaining, Where’s Wally contains pages of busy scenes with the uniquely dressed Wally hidden in each one. Spending time with your child as you try to find the elusive Wally is a great way to develop observation skills, memory and concentration. * Maternity & Infant *This book is fun for anyone of any age. The classic “hunt the hidden character” illustrated books are excellent for engaging children. * Brighton Argus/Newbury Weekly News *Where’s Wally? has been around, well forever, and he is still as popular today as he ever was. This is a pocket-sized version of the first book with a magnifying glass to help you find Wally, his friends and all the other items he’s lost during his journey. Great for sitting around airports/on planes when size really matters. * Essex Chronicle *Where’s Wally? has been a hit since it was first published, and the great news is that these books are now available in min-editions with a free magnifying glass! Where’s Wally Now? will keep children (and adults) amused for hours as they try to find Wally, his friends, and other objects, and this mini-edition really is pocket-sized! * Essex Chronicle *

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