Walker Books

Book SynopsisA fresh and fascinating look at caterpillars ushers kids into the process of scientific discovery in this first book in the Discovery Chronicles by a biologist and award-winning children's author.This is a story about remarkable creatures, inquisitive people and fascinating conversations. The creatures? Pine processionary caterpillars with mysterious group habits. The people? Jean Henri Fabre and, many years later, Terrence Fitzgerald scientists with big questions about the behaviour of these caterpillars. And the conversations? The conversations span lifetimes, as one researcher continues a dialogue started by the other.In this playful, candid, and accessible book for young readers, biologist Loree Griffin Burns captures the unique leader-follower behaviour of pine processionary caterpillars through a glimpse into the ask, test, repeat nature of the scientific process and shows how that process creates one long line of questioning and learning. Back matter incl

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Book SynopsisShout out GOOD MORNING! Shout out HOORAY! Shout it together HOORAY FOR TODAY!Every new day is brimming with possibility. As it unfolds, enjoy games, friends, dreams, laughter, dancing and songs all the way to the quiet of bedtime. With timely messages of optimism, cherishing the moment, and finding love and joy in the world around us, this gorgeously colourful and wholesome picture book is an upbeat celebration of life from a pair of picture book icons.

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Book SynopsisFly to space in Maisy''s rocket in this exciting shaped board book.Three, two, one blast off! Maisy is going to space in her rocket! Join Maisy as she puts on her space suit, delivers food to the astronauts and carries out essential repairs in this latest addition to the ever-popular Maisy shaped board book series.

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Book SynopsisA quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother's tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations and includes the author's favorite recipe.Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book's unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and spend time counting your many blessings current and imminent. Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones.Sidura Ludwig's poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their bac

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Book SynopsisThe fourth title in Daisy Hirst''s popular and playful Natalie and Alphonse series featuring two adorable monster siblings.Natalie and Alphonse are staying the night at Granny's house and putting on their own play! There will be red curtains, lights, and even yoghurt with sprinkles in the interval. But when Natalie tells Alphonse he can't have a ticket and be in the show, well, Alphonse wants to go home! Granny knows just what to do... After a cosy night''s sleep and a breakfast of pancakes, Natalie and Alphonse are excited to welcome Mum and Dad to their very special and marvellous theatrical performance!From the award-winning Daisy Hirst comes a reassuring and hugely enjoyable story about a very first sleepover with Granny, and wonderfully creative and imaginative play between adorable and funny monster siblings.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate five years of Matt Tavares's holiday classic with a beautifully designed gift set featuring four press-out keepsakes.Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart and whose life is forever changed when she meets a man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sledge. New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Matt Tavares channels the spirit of the seasonand leaves us with a heroine to root forin a pair of picture book odes to giving, kindness, and holiday magic. Included are two specially designed paper ornaments, two standees as well as two hardcover classics:Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas ForeverDasher Can''t Wait for Christmas

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Book SynopsisPerfect for children just learning to read, this highly original book is told entirely in speech bubbles with a repetitive use of familiar phrases. From the award-winning author of the multi-million-copy-selling Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Happy Pig Day!, Piggie celebrates her favourite day of the year. But will Gerald the elephant be included in the festivities...? Mo Willems creates another hilarious escapade starring the award-winning duo that will have early readers breaking into laughter from the first page.

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Book SynopsisOluwalase Babatunde Benson is the number 1 car spotter in the village maybe even the world! A bind-up of three classic stories set in Africa by an internationally renowned Nigerian storyteller.From the acclaimed author of the Anna Hibiscus series comes the first three of six stories about Oluwalase, also known as the No. 1 Car Spotter. No. 1 is bright, sparky and resourceful and while spotting cars is his favourite hobby but he is also very good at solving problems in his village. Join him on his breath-taking adventures, from saving his family''s goats from being eaten by a leopard to foiling a gang of car thieves!

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Book SynopsisFrances loves horses and can't wait for her first riding lesson. It can't be all that hard, can it? From the creator of The Camping Trip, this spirited story is for all children who like horses or are trying something new.Frances adores horses and knows everything about them at least she thinks she does. But when she arrives at her friend Mae's house for her first horseback-riding lesson sporting a bike helmet and wellies, Frances quickly discovers that she might not know as much as she thought she did. Barns are actually a little stinky, and it takes a lot of time to brush a horse and tack it up (what does that even mean?). Not to mention that horses are much bigger in real life, and being so far off the ground can be scary! Will Frances be brave enough to ride Snowball all by herself, or will it be too different from what she's imagined?Jennifer K. Mann's exuberant story encourages readers to get back in the saddle and reminds them that sometimes reality doesn't match our expectations but usually the real thing is better!

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Book SynopsisCuddle up with this adorable sequel to the ever-popular, award-winning Hug.Trade Review"As brilliant as ever... Spot on for little ones." The Children's Bookseller"

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Book SynopsisEleven favourite tales from the Old Testament brought to life in Marcia Williams' vivid comic-strip style.

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Book SynopsisMorris, teen restaurateur and neophyte vampire, is in the fight of her life. Even as she adjusts to her new appetites, she must clear her best friend and true love, the hybrid-werewolf, of murder charges; thwart the ambitions of Bradley Sanguini, the seductive vampire-chef who 'blessed' her; and, keep her dead parents' restaurant up and running.

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Book SynopsisA stunning, new, limited edition version of a much-loved children''s classic.Part modern fairy tale, part science fiction myth, The Iron Man describes the unexpected arrival in England of a mysterious giant metal man who wreaks havoc on the countryside by attacking the neighbouring farms and eating all their machinery. A young boy called Hogarth befriends him and he and the extraordinary being end up defending and saving the earth when it is attacked by a fearsome space-bat-angel-dragon from outer space. This children''s classic, with its message of peace and hope, is known and loved all over the UK and is here presented as part of an exciting new collaboration between Walker Books and Faber and Faber.Trade ReviewReckoned one of the greatest of modern fairy tales. * Observer *Hughes has never written more compellingly. -- Robert Nye * Times *

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated cut-paper souvenir, featuring twelve of Berlin's most important sights.

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Book SynopsisWho is the traitor among us?WWII, German-occupied Antwerp, and life continues as usual for 16-year-old Paul Hansen until his father is shot. Paul learns that his parents are part of a group of resistance fighters and he''s whisked away by Jos Theys, his father''s closest friend, to the home of an elderly couple. There Paul learns he must leave Antwerp as quickly as possible and travel south through France and across the Pyrenees into Spain, and from there to England, and freedom. It is a journey to save his life. Along the way he is aided by a collection of courageous men and women prepared to risk everything to help him in his desperate fight for survival. Danger is ever present; who can Paul really trust? A tense, hugely compelling tale of bravery, betrayal and first love.Trade ReviewBeautifully researched and sheds a lot of light on the way in which the resistance movement in occupied France began. It's not easy to take this level of research and accuracy and blend it with an exciting story but Rigby has done a grand job of just that. * The Book Bag *Read if you dare! -- Nick Tucker * Independent on Sunday *It's not easy to take this level of research and accuracy and blend it with an exciting story but Rigby has done a grand job of just that * The Book Bag *Robert Rigby's historical drama is well-researched and fast-paced. Some tense scenes feel really cinematic and the story is peppered with bursts of action that will delight thrill-seekers. But the severity of Paul's situation is not lost in gun-fire and explosions; the book carries the weight of its war theme and will make a useful addition to any school lessons on the subject. A colourful cast of supporting characters adds some memorable moments - the Bugatti-loving priest is a particular highlight. Whilst this feels very much a boys story it should be pointed out that young resistance recruit Josette can certainly hold her own * Booktrust *Spine-tingling * The Oxford Times *Weaves interesting historical details into the story . . . a tense story of courage and betrayal * The Publisher’s Association’s Best New Children’s Books Summer 2014, The Guardian *Exceptional * Yorkshire Reporter *

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Book SynopsisA chilling and compelling YA mystery from Joanna Nadin bestselling author of Rachel Riley and three times nominated for Queen of Teen.I wait for my heart to slow and then I begin the game of ''what ifs'' and ''if onlys''. What if I could turn back time? Would Eden still stand? Would Bea still be alive? After her cousin Bea is killed in a house fire, Evie returns to her childhood home of Eden, full of guilt for what might have been. She is not the only one seeking redemption. Bea's boyfriend, Penn, arrives in Cornwall, desperate to atone for a terrible mistake. And as Penn and Evie's feelings for each other intensify, Evie slowly unravels the dark truth behind Bea's tragic deathTrade ReviewA chilling and compelling YA mystery -- Fiona Noble * Bookseller Children’s Guide *It’s the combination of skilful writing, accurate intelligence and empathy for the agonies of adolescence that makes Nadin’s books so popular with teenage girls . . . tense coming-of-age story . . . the emotional intensity of teenage love, desire and insecurity is brilliantly portrayed and Nadin’s control of the unfolding, tense mystery is flawless * Daily Mail *Undertones of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca . . . a memorable psychological suspense novel about first love – and first hate -- Amanda Craig * The New Statesman *The plots and how the interweave are extremely clever and the writing is very good. -- The School Librarian * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated cut-paper souvenir, featuring twelve of Barcelona''s most important sights.Bring Barcelona to life with this amazing three-dimensional expanding city skyline. The 1.5-metre unfolding guide features twelve of the city''s most important sights: Sagrada Familía, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Battló, Camp Nou, Boqueria Market, Santa Maria del Mar, Barceloneta, Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona Cathedral, Port Vell and the National Museum of Catalonian Art. Presented in a beautiful slipcase, and including a map of the city, this is the perfect souvenir for anyone wishing to remember a trip to Spain''s beloved coastal city, and acts as a creative alternative to a postcard.

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Book SynopsisHoly unanticipated occurrences! A cynic meets an unlikely superhero in a genre-breaking new novel by a master storyteller.It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw it coming the vacuum cleaner, that is. As for self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, she has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You! so she is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight and misspelled poetry. And Flora will be changed too as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences, plus full-page illustrations, alTrade ReviewOriginal, touching and oh-so-funny tale starring an endearingly implausible superhero and a not-so-cynical girl. * Kirkus reviews *Flora & Ulysses is a truly unique book. DiCamillo's narrative is gentle yet engaging and intelligent. Her characters, though oddballs, are immediately loveable and relatable. Campbell's vivid, hilarious illustrations and comic strip inserts give this book an added dimension that does not come across at all gimicky, rather enriching the narrative, in particular the chapters that focus on Ulysses' point of view. Both warm and laugh out loud funny, it is a treat from start to finish for children and adults alike. It comes as no surprise that this has won the 2014 Newbery Medal, and well deserved it is too. Flora and Ulysses are sure to become favourite characters in many households and their story one to be revisited time and again. * We Love This Book *Flora and Ulysses is a lovely middle grade book; it's charming, kooky and features a very clever squirrel who I quickly fell in love with. It's fantastically illustrated by K.G. Campbell and is an absolute joy to look at * Wondrous Reads *Unruly adventures that are refreshingly zany * Guardian Review *Unique in style, this fabulous story combines traditional storytelling with huge illustrations and comic strips to create an exciting and heart-warming adventure * The Publisher’s Association’s Best New Children’s Books Summer 2014, The Guardian *This book is Hilarious with a capital H!!!! * Guardian Reader Review *You should read it, share it and read it again! Original, touching, unique, quirky are all words that sum up this book but to really do it justice make sure to read it for yourself. * Armadillo *“This book is an absolute treasure!” * Fallen Star Stories *

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Book SynopsisFirst in Cassandra Clare's internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series about the Shadowhunters.Love. Blood. Betrayal. Demons. First of 6 brand-new collectable editions of the New York Times No. 1 bestselling Shadowhunter series that has swept the globe. City of Bones is now a major movie. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City and the dangers of forbidden love. Gorgeous cover illustration by Mila Furstova, the artist who created the album art for Coldplay's Ghost Stories. Read all the sensational books in The Shadowhunter Chronicles: The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, The Bane Chronicles and The Shadowhunter's Codex.Trade ReviewThe perfect young adult novel. The tale of a shadowy underworld of elegant half-angel demons hunters in New York is thrilling. It’s romantic. The pages fly by. The characters leap off the page and into your heart. I aspire to write like this. And I want to fight like a Shadow Hunter -- CJ Daugherty * The Big Issue *Mesmerising, lyrical tale of bright and dark sides of love and desire -- Fiona Noble * Bookseller Children’s Guide *The book was easy to get into and thrilling the whole time. -- First News * First News *A thrilling urban fantasy of vampires, warlocks and shapeshifters that fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will love to get their teeth into […] We haven't read such a brilliant mixture of razor-sharp wit and humour and spine tingling fear but above all a terrific page-turning read that will have you saying just one more page, then one more chapter and suddenly you've finished it, for quite a while. * Love Reading 4 Kids *Reissues with striking new cover art will bring these books to a new audience. * The Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide *

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking picture book which explains Asperger''s Syndrome in a simple, gentle and positive way to very young children.A groundbreaking picture book, described by the National Autistic Society as delightful ... full of positive messages, which explains Asperger''s Syndrome in a simple, gentle and positive way to very young children. Meet Isaac. He''s a superhero! He might look like everyone else, but he has a kind of autism called Asperger''s. Inside this book he''ll tell you all about what it''s like to have his Asperger superpowers. An essential book for anyone wishing to understand more about Asperger''s Syndrome.Trade ReviewA very accessible, positive story explaining Asperger’s to young children. Backed by the National Autistic Society, it is an excellent resource for classrooms and libraries. * Bookseller *Groundbreaking picture book explaining Asperger’s Syndrome in a simple, gentle, positive way to young children. * The Bookseller *Melanie Walsh’s picture book for the very young is visually cartoonish without being patronising. […] It will appeal to those affected and unaffected by Asperger’s […] It’s a wise and cheerful book for anyone who wants to understand the syndrome better. * The Times *…a book which gently explains Asperger’s syndrome to young children. […] Full of comfort and wisdom – just like Melanie Walsh’s Goodbye Grandma * The Herald *[This book] wears its heart on its sleeve […] It is a good, bright, dauntless book – and does not make the mistake of labouring the detail. * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisA festive sticker activity book with hundreds of stickers and a create-your-own Where's Wally? scene! A perfect search-and-find Christmas present. This sensational Santa-themed Wally activity book is bursting with hundreds of stickers. There are loads of wintry sticker-based activities including spot the differences, games, mazes, searches and much more... including a fold-out back cover that you can use to create you very own Where's Wally? scene. Perfect for Christmas gifting, this book is hours of festive fun!

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“This award-winning story is celebrating ten years of the playful pencil and the power of imagination in this special anniversary edition.” * Nursery World *

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Book SynopsisDiscover eight funny animals in this bright, bold and graphic board book for little babies!Baby Elephant loves to wash. Splish splosh! Baby Turtle loves going for walks. Stomp stomp! Baby Cat loves lots of cuddles. Miaow! And what does a baby like YOU love to do? With bold shapes and colours, interactive read-aloud sounds and a surprise novelty mirror on the last page, this stylish board book is the perfect gift for a new arrival, and a fantastic addition to a toddler''s first library.

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Book SynopsisThe first of Allan Ahlberg''s mini-masterpieces for early readers, with striking illustrations by Katharine McEwen.Winner of the Red House Children''s Book Award, this book is the first in a series of brilliantly funny early readers by Allan Ahlberg. One morning Mr Gaskitt puts on all his clothes, Mrs Gaskitt picks up a robber in her taxi, Gus and Gloria have trouble with a teacher, Horace the cat goes to a friend''s house to watch TV and the car radio gets things wrong. What follows is an action-packed, massively swift-paced and farcical romp as different plots interweave and end in a thrilling car chase with Mr Gaskitt saving the day! With lively illustrations by Katharine McEwen.

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Book SynopsisBe the star of the show with these fun stage make-up looks from the National Theatre.Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to transform yourself into twelve dramatic characters, including a phoenix, zombie, pirate and rock star. Created by the experts at the National Theatre, the book is full of original top tips and tricks, such as the techniques for scars, bruises and wrinkles. With clear photographs throughout, the looks are all easy to create using face paints, and will make you the star of any show.Trade Review“Just using readily available face paints can produce some amazing results and the practical advice will be valuable in creating many other characters.” * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisCabs are resting in a line. Wake up, Taxi. Rise and shine!It's the day in the life of a busy taxi cab! There are plenty of passengers to pick up, and they all need a ride to a football game, a play, a business meeting, an airport and more. Whizzing left, right and through the traffic, Taxi takes on the town and navigates everything the road throws at him. Taxi stop! Now, Taxi GO!With energy and exuberance, Patricia Toht and Maria Karipidou create a detail-rich and happy world that vehicle-loving children will adore.Trade ReviewThis is sure to appeal to the many young vehicle enthusiasts who will enjoy emulating the taxi’s ‘wee-wooo-weee’ and joining in with the frequent STOP! and GO! instructions as the cheerful, energetic story unfolds. * Books for Keeps *There is so much to see in the child-friendly scenes, you will likely need to share this several times to allow your young audience to enjoy the action and linger over all the details. * Red Reading Hub *Not only does Patricia Toht’s charming story encourage little ones to engage with the excitement of the story, but with Maria Karipidou’s illustrations everything takes on a new life… this is an incredibly engaging and multi-layered picture book. * Armadillo Magazine *

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Book SynopsisNo racing in the haul-ways! A look at seven adorable train cars on their first day of school.All aboard! A new line-up of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules Work hard, play fair, be kind it's time for some maths to get the wheels turning. Then everyone's ready to climb a hill in P.E. (it's good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off key) and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. Bouncy verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life.

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Book SynopsisPaul Walden is just trying to make sense of life. After all, it's not easy being a teenage boy. He worries about things like death and if he''s looking sharp enough, and he spends way too much time thinking about girls. As Paul navigates high school friendships, his parents' divorce, first love and first loss, he has to confront some of life's biggest questions, and learn what really matters most. A welcome story from an author with a keen understanding of the concerns of those on the verge of adulthood, this is a boy''s answer to Sarah Dessen''s novels.Trade ReviewA sweet yet genuine coming-of-age story. * Hypable *Myracle’s depiction of Paul, his deep friendship with Roby, his relationship with his mom, and his first love with Natalia (a strong and multidimensional young woman) will snag readers, both reluctant and voracious, as they root for each of them to make it through the difficult realities of life, high school, and love. * School Library Journal *Through well-crafted dialogue and prose, the narrative highlights the ordinary, everyday moments and conversations that take up Paul's life. Paul's intimate first-person narration holds nothing back...A gritty and powerful story. * Kirkus Reviews *Myracle does a superbly vivid job of handling Paul’s friendship with Roby, his love for Natalia, and his later addiction. More than a simple cautionary story, this is a deeply felt, highly empathetic exercise in survival and a celebration of friendship. * Booklist *This Boy is at once universal and molecular, tender and brutal; a graceful, engaging four-year journey through friendship, love, and life that will rough you up with honesty while quietly etching its characters deeper and deeper into your heart. Lauren Myracle has done it again. * Andrew Smith, author of Grasshopper Jungle and Rabbit & Robot *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Ultimate Football Heroes comes the second book in the Johnny Ball series, funny reading for football-mad kids.Johnny Ball''s got a super exciting new job: assistant manager for the Tissbury Tigers! But there''s a catch. Johnny''s brother, Daniel, is the Tiger''s star player and he doesn''t want his younger brother cramping his style. Daniel tells Johnny that no one on the team is ever allowed to know who he is. Can Johnny use his football genius to go undercover and lead the Tigers to victory in the League?Trade ReviewWith plenty of helpful advice that works for life in general as well as for football, this is a wise but very funny book with an inclusive message and lots of witty black-and-white illustrations. * BookTrust *This funny and entertaining story from Matt Oldfield, who is well-known for his Ultimate Football Heroes biographies, is sure to be a hit among football-loving primary school children. The seamless link-up play between storytelling, match reports and relentless humour will ensure that young readers are engrossed in Tissbury Tigers’ league challenge right to the final whistle. -- Parent * Toppsta *This is the second Johnny Ball book and he is still a brilliant football manager. I love the mix of match reports and story. Johnny is really fair and kind to his friends. He's started to change what he wears in this story but I'm not going to spoil the surprise. Next year, he might be my World Book Day character! There are lots of illustrations by Tim Wesson and I think they are great too! Thank you Matt Oldfield for writing this exciting book - I loved it! -- Reader, Age 7 * Toppsta *This book was so fun to read! Very funny and well written! I love the quirkiness of the characters and the storyline was fantastic highly recommended. -- Parent * Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisA charmingly funny picture book that celebrates the unconditional love a family has for their slurpy, burpy and boisterous new baby!Smriti was inspired to write Our Gorgeous Baby after reading Shakespeare's Sonnet 130. With lyrical humour the story reflects the routine chaos a new baby brings upon a family and in so doing shows that even the slurpiest, burpiest, noisiest, smelliest and messiest of babies (multiple night-time wakings included) is no challenge whatsoever to the unbreakable bond and endless and unconditional love, care and affection a family has for their gorgeous baby.Trade ReviewWritten throughout in rhyme the book is beautifully illustrated. These support the text perfectly, and young children will adore following them… It has a timeless quality to it and portrays the burping, dirty nappies and sleepless nights which accompany the arrival of a new baby. It is done in a loving and charming way that parents and children alike will enjoy. * Left on the Shelf *

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Book SynopsisA delightful collection of stories about friendship from the award-winning former Children''s Laureate Anne Fine.Once best friends, always best friends. Nothing can come between Jamie and Angus - a boy and his toy Highland bull. Join them as they tackle a lively play mate, get muddled in a pretend game, and discover that playing isn''t fun unless they are doing it together.These heartwarming stories for young readers are filled with playful adventures and lessons in just how wonderful friends can be. They are brought to life with enchanting black and white illustrations from the celebrated author-illustrator Sam Usher.Trade ReviewJamie's everyday dilemmas are familiar to young children and will encourage them to share their own experiences; happily, there is always a cheerful ending. * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisFind out if you have what it takes to be an astronaut in this exciting board book with press-out models!Blast off to the moon and discover what it takes to be an astronaut! Follow the story of astronauts preparing for their mission and experience a hands-on adventure with three easy-to-make models of an astronaut, a rocket and a moon buggy. With stylish graphic illustrations, this will inspire anyone that they can be an astronaut!

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Book SynopsisFind out what it takes to be a firefighter in this exciting board book with press-out models!Race to the rescue and discover what it takes to be a firefighter! Follow the story of firefighters answering an emergency call and experience a hands-on adventure with three easy-to-make models of a firefighter, a fire engine and a fire dog. With stylish graphic illustrations, this will inspire anyone that they can be a firefighter!

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Book SynopsisA beautiful, lyrical story of a little boy and his two best friends, told in enchanting verse by renowned poet Owen Sheers and magnificently illustrated by award-winning artist Helen Stephens.Poet Owen Sheers and award-winning illustrator Helen Stephens have beautifully imagined the story of a little boy named Drew who sets off on an adventure with his best friends, Bunny and Moo. As the three fly around the world on a magic rug, powered by the friendship they share, they run into pirates and trouble on the dark sea. Can the three best friends find what they need to return home?Trade ReviewThis is a poignant and lyrical children’s book written by award-winning author & poet Owen Sheers and beautifully illustrated by gifted artist Helen Stephens. […] The heart-warming tale is brought to life with enchanting verse and charming pencil art, capturing the dreamlike quality of Sheers’ storytelling about love and friendship. * Preneur World *Written in verse with plenty of rhythmic repetition that makes this an ideal book for reading out aloud. * The Letterpress Project *Featured in The Bookseller's Wales Focus for July 2023 - June 2024 titles * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisThe spotlight search is back with a fabulous festive edition! Use the paper spotlight-searcher as a magic torch to illuminate six scenes buzzing with busy Santas. With bonus games on every page!Ho-ho! Wally, his friends and hundreds of busy Santas are getting ready for the festive countdown. There’s so much to do from shopping in the department store, to helping in the toy factory, baking holiday treats and loading the sleigh – but they still find time to party! For extra sparkle as the excitement builds there are bonus searching games to complete on every page. It’s jingle bells all the way!Includes a spotlight-searcher wand to light up the scenes. No batteries required. All light-up magic is designed from paper and extra spotlight-searcher wands are available to print online.Trade ReviewMartin Handford’s fascination with places, crowds, and patterns are captured in painstaking and humorous detail in the hurly-burly of these fabulously festive scenes. There’s Christmas shopping, a Jolly Jamboree, a festive bake-off, and Santa’s workshop amongst others. As well as the challenge of the spotlight search, each scene contains some extra puzzles and games for readers to try too, such as finding a reindeer in a changing room, matching weird and wonderful brass instruments, and locating the components of toys to build in the workshop. With so much to find and do, Where’s Wally? Santa Spotlight Search would be a wonderful gift for puzzlers and Where’s Wally enthusiasts and buzzing with hundreds of Santas, plenty of sparkle and festive frolics, this title would be a great way to kick off the holiday countdown. -- Lisa Hoad * Reading Time *

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Book SynopsisFind out what it takes to be a doctor in this exciting board book with press-out models!Look after patients and discover what it takes to be a doctor. Follow the story of a doctor's day in the hospital and experience hands-on fun with three easy-to-make models, perfect for inspiring little readers with big imaginations.

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Book SynopsisWhere did life on Earth come from? Out of the blue! Discover the story of life on Earth, and how it evolved from tiny cells in vast oceans into the huge variety of creatures that covered our prehistoric planet. Find out why creatures first emerged from the sea and brought life onto land, in a lively and engaging journey through millions of years of fishes, giant reptiles and mammals. With illustrations from the award-winning Frann Preston-Gannon, this is a gorgeous introduction to the amazing story of prehistoric life.

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Book SynopsisThe Antarctica awaits in this fast-paced adventure starring a plucky new heroine. Pearly must face her fears to save her parents, her pet pig, and the day!Pearly Woe is a worrier. She worries about everything, especially that she’ll never be brave enough to become a member of the top-secret group of stealth adventurers – The Adventurologists’ Guild. Pearly also has a special talent – she can talk to animals. Her favourite animal to talk to is her pet pig, called Pig. But with her parents missing, Pig pig-napped and Pearly a stowaway on an icebreaker heading for Antarctica, Pearly’s worries just got REAL.Trade ReviewPearly Woe is not your average 10-year-old. She can speak 27 languages, talk to and understand most animals and, in this tale, travels to Antarctica. However, this is no holiday. Pearly and her faithful friend Pig (a pig) are representatives of the Adventurologists Guild and need to find Pearly’s missing parents—all the while trying to understand what the despicable film star Emmeline Woods wants with Pig. This story is action-packed from the start; readers will be swept away with the pace and the blend of fantasy and realism. While Pearly’s character and situation are unique, author Sue Whiting has woven into her protagonist’s character an increasingly common condition children are facing these days: anxiety. Throughout the story, Pearly constantly worries and doubts herself, and this is the battle she fights most against. Mind you, her anxiety is justified—there are few reliable adult figures in the story and she is alone in Antarctica trying to stop a megalomaniac with a gun. When Pearly finally locates her parents safe and well, it is a great comfort to both Pearly and the reader when her mum tells her, ‘We all worry, it’s normal.’ Let’s hope there are more adventures to come with Pearly and Pig, as they really are a remarkable pair. -- Katie Haydon * Books and Publishing *Pig and the Great Hairy Beast is a page-turning adventure story set in Antarctica that blends realism and fantasy. -- Joy LawnThe excitement of this adventure starts immediately in this novel. Pearly is a 10-year-old who is very concerned that her parents have not returned home. The special Adventure Phone continues to ring but should she answer it? This is a test of whether she too can be a member of the Adventurologist Guild, like her parents. She makes the right decision and her mother answers and tells her she must immediately take Pig to the jetty at Port Clementine. Pig is a pig with an extraordinary sense of smell and Pearly can communicate with him. But there’s something very fishy going on and when she arrives at the jetty her parents aren’t there. Just the beautiful Emmaline Woods and some burly men and a ship called the Mighty Muncher. Pearly doesn’t trust this woman who intimidates her. When Pig is Pignapped Pearly tricks her way onto the ship which is headed for Antarctica in search of the Great Hairy Beast. Of course, she is discovered on board and she also realizes Emmaline's true villainy. But where are her parents and how will Pearly and Pig survive the harsh Antarctic environment? This is an entertaining mystery with a light touch and an array of colourful characters. Pearly is an earnest girl trying to stick to the rules of RAG (Rules and Guidelines for Young Adventurologists) and not give into her fears. Fortunately, she is a gifted linguist and communicates with animals which helps the animals and gets her out of tricky situations. Pig is endearing with his OINKY! OINKY! NO!-NO! and AROOing warnings. There’s a subtle thread of climate change, anti-hunting and you get a sense of the Antarctic environment. Whiting’s RAG as an appendix is a nice touch and worthy of discussion with children. Pearly will work well as a read-aloud for 7- to 9-year-olds. * Read Plus *Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast is an exciting adventure story that whisks readers away to the cold climes of Antarctica on a thrilling and dangerous rescue mission that is nothing like it first appears. Quickly surrounded by peril and where one wrong move could have dire consequences, Pearly is going to need every bit of courage and bravery she can muster if she is going to stop a dangerous villain who is famous for all the wrong reasons, save the Great Hairy Beast, save her parents and save another very unexpected stowaway. Fast-paced and with plenty of pig-themed jokes and puns this first in a new series offer readers a relatable young protagonist, a delightful and quirky sidekick, and deals with relevant themes of anxiety, worrying and catastrophising. Children who fancy joining The Adventurologists’ Guild can see if they have what it takes by checking out the rules, guidelines and survival tips at the end of the story. * A Word About Books *This is a promising start to a new series. While the obvious themes are courage and overcoming fears, it is kind, gentle drama and action that is light enough for readers who don’t like scary, confronting, or tense stories. Absent are friendship and school dramas, the action instead is out in the real world. If you have a reader who enjoyed the Mango and Bambang series and is now ready for longer, more complex stories then this is a great option. One inclusion throughout the book was the advice and tips for adventurologists, such as be prepared, but also be prepared to be spontaneous. I loved that the entire ‘Rules and Guidelines for Young Adventurologists’ was included at the end of the book, as there are some great little tips for being brave, curious, but also careful. The reading level of this book is probably around grade 5-6, but the content is suitable for children as young as 6 or 7, making it a great one for a family read-aloud, or for youngsters who are strong independent readers who have moved beyond shorter chapter books. * Reading Time *

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Book SynopsisThe second instalment in a brilliantly clever, funny and highly illustrated murder mystery seriesThe most troublesome thing about being a detective is that it is almost impossible to go on holiday.When Bonnie Montgomery finally gets a break from cracking cases as her alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, something terribly fishy happens the moment she and Grampa Banks arrive on Odde Island for half-term – and it's not just the smell of the harbour. There's been a mysterious death at Leerie Lighthouse, and what everyone assumed was an accident is setting Bonbon's moustache all a-quiver: a sure sign that something is Highly Suspicious.When a second death takes place on the other side of the island, Bonnie is sure the two are connected. But can she solve this case alone, or will she need double the detectives to solve double the murder?Trade ReviewFor any readers who LOVE whodunnits, Montgomery Bonbon is the book to read! The funniest detectives in children's fiction – I loved it so much. Put on your fake moustaches and join the murdery fun! * Maisie Chan *Montgomery Bonbon and ABK have struck again with another hilarious crime-solving mystery. I didnt think Alasdair's writing could get any funnier but somehow he did. The Montgomery Bonbon series is such a brilliantly comical series that I genuinely believe is equally enjoyable for both middle grade readers and adults alike. Also who doesn't love a locked-room mystery that is super satisfying to try and solve. 5-stars easy! -- John * NetGalley *The writing is very accessible to students and the illustration is adorable. Sometimes detective stories for children may come across as being a bit bland, but this one is definitely a fun-filled read. -- Joanna * NetGalley *From the moment I opened the book I couldn’t stop smiling. I fell in love with the writing style straight away – quirky, humorous and light hearted. * NetGalley Reviewer *The cheery wit and humour are just as strong here as they were in the first book - plenty of good puns - creating a charming and fun world that just happens to be filled with murder and mystery that will keep readers guessing and wanting more. * NetGalley Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisThe third in a funny new series from former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen.This puppy is happy – so happy, it feels like dancing the waltz, doing somersaults, laughing out loud – and even climbing on a cloud! This fantastical flight of fancy captures the most joyful of toddler moods, encouraging children to explore their own imagination and celebrate their feelings. A terrifically uplifting read-aloud from the master of rhyme, Michael Rosen, is coupled with brilliantly bold illustrations from Robert Starling.Trade ReviewJoyful and exuberant * The Bookseller *Michael’s exuberant rhyming text and Robert Starling’s bold, energetic illustrations will surely act as an open invitation to youngsters to talk about and celebrate their own feelings. Great for sharing with individuals or in an early years setting. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisIn the darkest depths of outer space, Princess Leona’s STAR DEFENDERS protect the galaxy from danger!Jamie and Abby are bored, and bored. Dad, trying to work from his dining table office, has no choice but to entertain them with a story – a Space Pirate Bear story! When something grey threatens the entire universe, and has the Star Defenders on the brink of defeat, who are you going to call? Well the mightiest band of heroes in all the cosmos, of course, the SPACE PIRATE BEARS. But can Abby and Jamie agree who these mysterious heroes are before the Forces of Greyness destroys everything?A story within a story that celebrates family time together and choosing your own path.Trade ReviewBoth Alastair Chisholm’s words and Jez Tuya’s pictures epitomise the delights of story making, the former providing a humorous, twisting turning, action-packed adventure for the latter to play around with in his inventive scenes. A smashing book, especially for Dads to share with their offspring. * Red Reading Hub *Alastair Chisholm has captured perfectly the bond made by storytelling and the way we should just set stories free to go anywhere they want to go. This is a big generous, colourful book, lavishly illustrated by the New Zealand illustrator, Jez Tuya. * The Letterpress Project *

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