Walker Books

Book SynopsisA heartwarming story of how friendship can help through the worst traumas, even losing your sight.A heartwarming and funny story about the power of friendship, perfect for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jacqueline Wilson and Lara Williamson. Victor is a failure at everything school, girls, making his dad feel better about his mother having left them. When Marie-Jose, the smartest girl in the class and musical prodigy, starts helping him with his maths homework, there must be something she wants in return.Trade Review“[…] a poignant, sensitive and eloquently translated French novel […]” * Armadillo *A beautiful heart-warming story of believing in yourself and others. * Primary Times *This story will provide young readers with a new outlook on life and the difficult situations we can all find ourselves in. With strong friends to hold you up, everything seems possible. * Children's Books Ireland - Mind Yourself *

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Book SynopsisHop, skip and jump your way through this timeless tale of courage and community-spirit, with charming watercolour illustrations by Charlotte Voake.Elsie Piddock is a born skipper. By the age of seven, news of her skipping talents has reached the fairies and they invite her to Mount Caburn for lessons. The High Skip, the Slow Skip, the Skip Double-Double, the Long Skip, the Strong Skip, the Skip Against Trouble Elsie Piddock learns them all, and soon there's not a mortal or fairy to touch her. Many, many years later, a greedy Lord buys Mount Caburn and threatens to build factories on its land. Can Elsie Piddock save the skipping ground for the next generation? Sparkling with charm and a liberal sprinkling of fairy dust, Elsie Piddock''s story is one to be cherished.Trade Review“Elsie Piddock Skips in Her Sleep is one of the great Eleanor Farjeon’s loveliest stories, and Charlotte Voake’s beautiful ink and watercolour illustrations capture all its magic. […] As lovely to read aloud as it is to look at, and with a timeless message about the strength of communities, this is an absolute delight.” * LoveReading Andrea Reece *

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Book SynopsisThere is, said the marzipan pig, such sweetness in me!From the inimitable team of Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake, the pair behind Captain Najork and The Twenty Elephant Restaurant, comes an enchanting story of a little pig made of marzipan. Fallen behind the sofa, nobody hears the lost marzipan pig's cries for help. And, after many months, a mouse discovers him and eats him up, having never known such sweetness. But a longing to be loved passes from the marzipan pig to the mouse and so begins a curious chain of events featuring a dancing owl, a glowing taxi meter, a buzzing bee and a pinky-orange hibiscus flower all triggered by the little lost marzipan pig. Each encounter more wonderful and more romantic than the last, just how far will the marzipan's sweetness travel?

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Book SynopsisA beautiful edition of this classic retelling by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo, with glorious illustrations by Emma Chichester Clark.No child ever forgets the story of the witch, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house in the forest. Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo takes the Brothers Grimm classic to a new level, weaving from these themes a rich fairytale tapestry of hunger and hope, cruelty and courage. With breath-taking illustrations by the celebrated Emma Chichester Clark, this edition of Hansel and Gretel will grip the imagination of a whole new generation of children.

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Book SynopsisWhat's that noise? said Jack. It's coming from the forest, said Alice. Let's go and see!From Helen Oxenbury, the illustrator of We''re Going on a Bear Hunt, and Timothy Knapman, the author of Soon, comes the story of a brother and sister, and their adventure in the woods. When Alice and Jack are out playing, they hear a strange noise. Alice wants to know what it is, but Jack is afraid. He thinks it might be the Wicked Wolf with big, bad claws and snap-trap jaws. But Alice takes his hand and they follow the noise, right into the heart of the forest Just what will they discover there? Timothy Knapman''s powerful, atmospheric narration alongside Helen Oxenbury's spectacular illustrations skilfully convey Jack's growing fear and Alice's curious excitement, all the while building toward the reveal of that mysterious soundTrade Review“The illustrations by Helen Oxenbury are beautiful. Reminiscent of an old-style water colour book in soft pastels – perfect for bed time, really. The children are classically drawn – it reminded me a little of original Winnie the Pooh drawings. Very beautiful, wholesome feeling, if you can call pictures wholesome! Time Now to Dream is a beautiful book and it definitely gets a huge thumbs up from me!” * Diaryofafirstchild.com *“Every word of Knapman’s text is carefully weighed and his pacing of the tale brilliantly controlled. As ever Helen Oxenbury’s watercolour illustrations are sheer delight. She takes readers right back to the seemingly timeless days of childhood evoking a bygone era when it felt safe to allow children to roam freely with nothing but their sense of adventure and their imaginations to accompany them. The combination of the two is picturebook eloquence of the first order and a treat to share at bedtime or indeed, any time.” * Books for Keeps *“A sweet bedtime read.” * Baby London *“Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations never fail to enchant and Time Now to Dream is no different. […] Some picture books evoke emotions from childhood and Time Now to Dream does just that. […] an excellent book to read out loud. For the illustrations alone this is a book everyone should read, I cannot recommend it highly enough.” * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisFrom the creator of Home, comes a book written in Bug.In her follow-up to the internationally acclaimed Home, Carson Ellis invites readers to imagine the dramatic possibilities to be found in a garden, where insects talk their own mysterious language... With gorgeous, exquisitely-detailed illustration that will appear to children and art-lovers alike, and a wonderfully playful invented language, we soon find ourselves speaking Bug ... Du iz tak? What is that?Trade Review“Graham creates the atmosphere not through excessive description; his prose is quiet, low key. Rather it is his illustrations that draw us in. The rain streaks across the pages, the water sprays out from under the traffic wheels. Above all there are the details, the different perspectives, nothing is forgotten. […] Exceptional.” * Books for Keeps *“With beautiful illustrations that are full of detail and whimsy, Carson Ellis has created an imaginative and quirky world, hidden away at the bottoms of the garden. Written in an entirely invented language, this playful book cleverly shows how meaning can be found even without understanding the words. A brilliant book for children who are making their first tentative steps in learning to read. A delightfully unique tale that his the possibility to change with every reading.” * Carousel *This story is written in “bug language”, an idea that borders on lunacy but is in practice a joy and a quirky triumph. It is enormous fun reading this book aloud and trying to decipher exchanges between talkative insects… It is a refreshing change from the worthily educational: only the most duty-bound parent could be bugged by this. * Observer *Children will love the world portrayed, and love too the fact that adults need to decode this new language just as they do. * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *The illustrations are wonderful and each spread offers plenty of details about life in the bugs' world. The book offers a fabulous bugs' eye view of the world and its wonders with plenty of untold stories to explore. * School Zone *

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when a boy is brave enough to stand up for what he feels is right?Greedy Greenbackboy's got an idea for a game. He wants Snowboy to help him cut down all the trees in the forest and catch all the fish in the deep and ever-moving ocean. But Snowboy recognizes the importance of life in the natural world around him and, in this evocatively told tale, has to trust his instinct to protect, rather than destroyFrom the illustrator of Oliver and Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance, and highly acclaimed author, Hiawyn Oram, comes a poignant eco-conscious story, and a vivid portrayal of a child''s imaginative play.Trade Review“[…] the book is beautiful to look at and filled with quirky characters.” * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *“[…] the pages positively glow and as for the story well what is not to love about stories of bravery, heroism and friendship.” * Armadillo *The story has a strong moral message about power, decision making, responsibility and protecting after the earth. Beautifully illustrated with a fairy-tale quality the fable is a lyrical introduction to ecology and conservation. * Brenda Marshall, School Library Association *“This is a wonderful book to share.” * Pat Thompson, Carousel *

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Book SynopsisWith an eye for capturing small moments of shared experience, Bob Graham illuminates the natural wonder that comes with every new day.Bob Graham encourages readers to reflect on, and reach out to, the world around them Guardian From prolific and multi-award winning writer and illustrator Bob Graham comes an enchanting story about the sun, and how it makes its journey from the far side of the world to the home of one small girl. While Coco sleeps far away, the sun rises up behind a snowy peak and casts its mellow dawn light for the wandering polar bears. It skims across the icy water, touching a fisherman''s hat and catching for a moment in the eye of a whale. The sun races through the countryside, greeting snow cats and bears. High over a desert it meets the rain in a halo of colours... The sun leaps whole countries, chasing the night, before bursting at last in a fanfare of warm golden light through Coco''s window!

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Book SynopsisAn exceptional and moving novel about the power of the imagination from a New York Times bestselling author, illustrated by the winner of the Kate Greenaway medal.Described by Michael Morpurgo as a remarkable book: December 1941; Britain is at war. Emmaline has been evacuated away from the bombs to Briar Hill Hospital in Shropshire. When she gets there she discovers a secret. It's not to be shared, not to be told to anyone, even her friend Anna. But she'll tell you. This is Emmaline's secret. There are winged horses that live in the mirrors of Briar Hill. Exquisitely illustrated by Levi Pinfold, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill has all the makings of a modern classic.Trade Review“This is a very special book indeed. Not only because of the sheer beauty of its production, illustrated as it is by Greenaway medal winner Levi pinfold, known for his exquisite colour, mesmerising picture books, but here demonstrating what he can do with simple line and restricted to black and white. But also because it is an enthralling, moving and evocative tale set in the midst of World War Two. […] This is a beautifully written story of bravery and resilience with a terrific sense of time and place and which reminds us all of the fragility of life. Highly recommended do thoughtful readers of any age.” * The School Librarian *“The book was clear and well written and I got quite engrossed in it; the illustrations were a nice touch and added to the story.” * Teen titles reader review *This beautiful and unusual book has incredible illustrations by award-winning artist Levi Pinfold. * The Week Junior *[…] this is beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, a book that will move all who read it and leave a lasting impression on many. * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *“This gem of a book is something very different, magical realism for children with outstanding black and white illustrations by Levi Pinfold. […] Shepherd's writing is flowing and lyrical and this story utterly gripped me from start to finish. Ideal for a thoughtful reader who loves Michael Morpurgo.” * Independent online, Ireland *

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Book SynopsisMichael Morpurgo, the nation's favourite storyteller and author of War Horse, shares the secrets and inspirations of his novels.This insightful collection is the perfect gift for Michael Morpurgo fans who want to understand how writing works and where stories begin. Revealing essays from Michael about more than twenty of his most popular novels are combined with key extracts from his books along with historical context and illuminating background information from Michael's brother Mark. Stunning illustrations from Michael Foreman, photographs and facsimiles complete the immersive experience.Trade Review"From the first sentence of a Michael Morpurgo book, you know you are in the hands of a natural storyteller." -- The GuardianThis is totally absorbing - find out how one of our greatest storytellers gets his inspiration. This collection of essays gives a revealing insight into how writing works and where stories begin; it's a brilliant way to inspire children to write. […] This is a superb book which really takes the reader inside the author's mind, showing just how he came to write such great novels, and what inspired him. A brilliant classroom resource and a good read for any age. * Parents in Touch *...I found it brilliant. This book has a good structure and is very interesting. [...] A must for Morpurgo fans. * Junior News and Mail *fans 10+ will be fascinated to learn the stories behind the stories, in his own inimitable words. * angels & urchins *“Throughout, Michael Foreman’s illustrations complement and enhance the writing. This book is well produced , easy to read and I cannot recommend it too highly to students and teachers.” * SLA *Award-winning former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo gives all those who love his books a fascinating behind-the-scenes introduction to how he came to write twenty of them. While each story and the inspiration for it is very different, the simple and attractive format of the book makes a brilliant and coherent whole. Michael Foreman, who has illustrated so many of Michael Morpurgo’s books, has added wonderful new illustrations for his volume. An inspiring and invaluable book for all budding writers. - One of LoveReading's Books of the Year 2016 * Julia Eccleshare. LoveReading *

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Book SynopsisSecond book in a fantasy adventure trilogy about witches and forbidden magic from a multi-award-winning author.Ireland''s answer to JK Rowling. Sunday Independent One of the best Irish books of all time. TV3AMFrom twice-winning author of Ireland''s CBI Book of the Year AwardFans of Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell will adore this fantasy adventure trilogy about witches and forbidden magic from a beloved and award-winning Irish writer. In the second book in The Wild Magic Trilogy, the queen and her raggedy witches have fled, but the kingdom is not yet healed. The castle is haunted by memories of its brutal past. The ghosts are angry, and one of them in particular possesses a magic which may be too much for even Mup and Mam to handle.Trade Review“[…] it is filled to the brim with drama and danger, true, heartwarming and heart-stopping, and magical...so very magical. Just read it.” * Fallen Star Stories *

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Book SynopsisIreland''s answer to JK Rowling. Sunday Independent One of the best Irish books of all time. TV3AMA classic hero in the making. Parent TalkFrom twice-winning author of Ireland''s CBI Book of the Year AwardIn the third book in The Wild Magic Trilogy, Witches Borough is dying, and no one knows how to save it. Into this scorched landscape, storms a raggedy witch named Magda, trailing ashes in her wake. She wants Mup. She wants Mup to fulfil a promise. And woe betide any who stand in her way.Trade ReviewThere is so much colour; so much life and vibrance in The Promise Witch...the perfect ending to a perfect trilogy. A gloriously woven spell. Just read it.... * Fallen Star Stories Blog *Start with the first book, Begone the Raggedy Witches and lose yourself in this exciting, beautifully written trilogy. * Independent IE *In a magnificent conclusion to the series, exploring compelling themes of bravery in the face of adversity and what it means to be a part of a community, Kiernan proves herself once more to be a master storyteller. * CBI *Start with the first book in this trilogy, Begone the Raggedy Witches, and lose yourself in this enchanting series. * The Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe fifth classic Wally adventure has received the deluxe treatment! Featuring all new bonus content, a poster and ever more things to search for!This deluxe edition of Where''s Wally? The Wonder Book includes even more searches! Take the Wally challenge and go up and down the Corridors of Time, wander around the Fantastic Flower Garden, witness the Mighty Fruit Fight, visit Clown Town and see many other wondrous wonderlands! Search for Wally and his friends in every intricately-detailed scene. This special deluxe edition includes a striking new jacketed cover; an original poster of Odlaw on the underside of the jacket; a spot-the-difference game on the self-cover; a gatefold with a new visual of the checklist on every spread; a never-before-seen section of artwork revealed on every spread; and new things to search for!The Where''s Wally? series has sold over 72 million books worldwide.

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Book SynopsisJoin Little Fish on an underwater journey, and count from 1 to 10 along the way. Little readers will love Lucy Cousin's bright, bold characters and will delight at the final page, teeming with colourful fish of all shapes and sizes. Inspired by Hooray for Fish!, this charming counting book features the spotty Little Fish and his fishy friends! Perfect for babies and toddlers and fans of Lucy Cousins, multi-award-winning creator of Maisy.Trade Review“Inspired by the brilliant Hooray For Fish!, a vibrant deep-sea delight for babies and toddlers. Also this month comes Where is Little Fish?” * The Bookseller *Featured in LoveReading’s April Highlights for their Baby and Toddler category. * LoveReading *“Little readers will love the bright, bold characters of all shapes and sizes and delight at the final page.” * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisFlossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London''s Highgate Cemetery. As Turnkey, Flossie must ensure all the souls in the cemetery stay at rest. This is a difficult job at the best of times for a twelve-year-old ghost, but it is World War II and each night enemy bombers hammer London. Even the dead are unsettled. When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object, she becomes suspicious. What is he up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could result in the destruction of not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country. Can Flossie stop him before it is too late?Trade ReviewAllison Rushby cleverly weaves a supernatural plot into a page-turning mystery with a fresh historical perspective and a strong heroine at its centre. * Books+Publishing *Nothing can stop Flossie – not even being dead. A wonderfully ghostly and gothic tale. * Carole Wilkinson *The Turnkey is full of research potential for the classroom or out of personal interest. Allison Rushby has cleverly woven accurate historical details, places, people and objects such as the Holy Grail and Mayan crystal skulls, through the gentle but fast-moving narrative.Highly recommended – even if you don’t like ghosts. Actually I feel bad even saying that, Flossie was absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure we would be friends, if she existed, which I kind of hope she doesn’t because … well …ghosts. -- Megan Daley * Children's Books Daily *I am always on the lookout for strong female role models in literature and Flossie ticks all the boxes, especially her kindness; we could do with more kindness in life and in afterlife. Flossie is a character who many young readers will connect with, despite her translucence! * Children's Books Daily *The Turnkey is a solid, original and intriguing tale that has the perfect blend of mystery, history and paranormal activity. * The Bookshelf Gargoyle *

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Book SynopsisA gem. TelegraphFilled with warmth and humour, this short novel would suit children aged nine and over. GuardianSweet, funny and heartwarming ... absolutely worth a read. Glasgow HeraldClownfish is a moving and stunningly original story of friendship and life after loss, from the award-winning author Alan Durant. Dak''s dad has been dead for seven days when suddenly he reappears. He''s the same in almost every way, with one startling exception: Dad has turned into a clownfish, and now lives in a tank at their local aquarium. Dak is delighted by the news he has Dad back, even if he isn''t quite as he was before. Deciding to keep Dad''s transformation a secret, Dak visits him at the aquarium as often as he can, and ends up spending so much time there that they offer him a job. This is how he comes to meet Violet, the owner''s prickly but kindhearted niece; wheTrade Review“This is a really poignant story cleverly told with humour taking the sting out of the sadness and with an upbeat ending that still had me reaching for a tissue.” * Primary Times *“[…] it is a sign of Durant’s supreme confidence as a storyteller that he can make the saddest stories the vehicles for his wildest ideas.” * The Daily Telegraph *“Clownfish is an autumnal gem.” * The Telegraph *“The story rings with humour and longing without ever being maudlin or depressing; it does not dwell on the pain, but shows how to cope with loss. And it demonstrates clearly that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Gentle, funny, genuine and warm, this is a hopeful, memorable book.” * Fallen Star Stories *“Overall this is a sweet, sometimes funny but mainly heartwarming story that is absolutely worth a read.” * The Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisNine-year-old Billy is digging for buried treasure when he finds a wormhole in the garden! And to make matters worse, all sorts of people from the past begin to clamber through it. Now Billy aided by his pet dog, Shakespeare is in a race against time to close the wormhole and round up all the people who have slipped through it, before history is changed for ever! No pressure thenTrade ReviewThis is a hilarious, laugh out loud story, you don’t know what madcap plot twist is coming along next. * Primary Times *I learned quite a lot about historical characters from the book… I’ve now decided to ask for a metal detector for Christmas as I hope to find buried armour and other historic items! * Hugo (Age 7), National Geographic Kids *

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Book SynopsisA laugh-a-minute, action-packed alien adventure perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart and Frank Cottrell Boyce.Best friends Freddy and Sal have accidentally intercepted a message from Alan a spectacularly grumpy, brain-munching alien from outer space. Alan has only one message. Earth is going to be invaded in exactly ten hours' time. Soon the police, Nasa and even Presidents from around the world are getting involved and Freddy is about to become the most famous kid on planet earth for all the wrong reasons. Wolverhampton, we have a problem.Trade Review“In a hilarious romp that moves fast enough to keep young readers on the edge of their seats, several world presidents, a farting policeman and a very angry lollipop lady join the fight to save Earth and humanity. But who will ultimately succeed? Incidental black-and-white illustrations and plenty of alien-related activities add to the enjoyment of this brilliant first chapters book.” * BookTrust *The humour (the eating of brains, the effects of cheese and onion pasties on the police chief's digestive system) will appeal to many a newly confident reader and Freddy and Sal are engaging characters who try to sort out the invasion they have inadvertently started. * School Zone *[…] a story packed with jokes to keep young readers entertained. * Sunday Express Magazine *“My son found it absolutely hilarious…definitely a laugh out loud book.” * Toppsta *“Brilliant funny story that my daughter loved reading, she says she can’t wait for another one.” * Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisToday is the day Nanette gets to get the baguette! Is she set? YOU BET!If there's a living creator of children's books who stands a chance of occupying a cultural position akin to a Dr. Seuss, it's Mr. Willems The New York Times From Mo Willems, the multi award-winning creator of the Pigeon series and the Knuffle Bunny trilogy, comes a hilarious new tongue-twister read-aloud about a little girl, Nanette, on a mission to buy a baguette. It''s Nanette''s very first solo trip to the bakery. But will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret? Set in a meticulously handcrafted-paper-modelled French village, the uniquely vibrant laugh-out-loud world of Nanette''s Baguette may be Mo''s best creation yet. Get set to crack into an irresistible tale you won''t soon forget!Trade Review“Willems places his characters in a cleverly constructed diorama shown on the title page, and Nanette’s antics are, oh so expressively portrayed, in brightly coloured vignettes, the whole thing being orchestrated by the variety of fonts used. Extra servings are sure to be the order of the day when this is presented to young audiences – it certainly was with several of mine. In a word, a KRACKER!” * Red Reading Hub *“Set in a perfectly handcrafted-paper-modelled French village, is an irresistible tale […]” * Primary Times *“I laughed out loud, got my tongue in a twist and wanted to share with anyone willing to listen. A delight to read over and again.” * Armadillo *A story told entirely in giggle-inducing rhyme and quirky illustrations, Nanette’s Baguette is Mo Willems’ latest book, containing a gentle and whimsical message about responsibility and being truthful. * BookTrust *“It is an absolute joy to read aloud, and one can’t help but feel exhilarated and liberated when reading this wonderfully joyous text.” * LibraryMice.com *

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Book SynopsisThe history of the Tower of London as told by the ravens that live there.The ravens of the Tower of London bring its fascinating history to life, telling tales of gore, guts and great escapes. Perfect for fans of Horrible Histories, the book is illustrated throughout and packed with fascinating and funny stories that the Yeoman Warders would rather were kept secret from visitors, such as a daring attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, the polar bear who once lived at the Tower and the prisoner who tried to escape through his toilet.

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Book SynopsisA colourful lift-the-flap guessing game perfect for sharing at bedtime.Who is sleeping in the river, under the leaf and in the tree? Lift the flaps to find out and discover a sleepy surprise at the end, in this colourful bedtime board book from acclaimed author/illustrator Petr Horacek.

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Book SynopsisA prehistoric survival adventure about a boy and a horse who rescue one another, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author of Apache and Buffalo Soldier.A boy without a clan was nothing. No one. A boy without a clan was easy prey.Oak, son of the Deer clan chief, hopes that this summer he will finally be allowed to join the hunt and make his father proud of him. But this year is not like other years the rains have failed, his father has fallen out with the Bear chief, and everyone is mistrustful of the new creatures that have been spotted near their encampment: horses. Then Oak becomes separated from his clan with only a young horse for company, and it seems that surely the worst has happened. But perhaps not all animals are prey. Perhaps Horse can be clan too.Trade ReviewThis is an excellent adventure - perfect for lovers of Michelle Paver's Wolf Brother for 8+. Crisp writing, sympathetic characters and great love between hero + horse in Stone Age times. -- Amanda CraigLandman is a natural storyteller, always engrossing, and this tale, which sees boy and beast grow side by side, is a happy addition to the shelf of child-animal friendship stories. * The Times *Landman writes with crisp, vivid prose and a deep sympathy for hero and horse as they battle to return to their tribe together. It contains real wisdom about accepting change, innovation and humility. * New Statesman *I like that the horse is given its own voice. This helps the reader to understand its feelings. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves animals and nature. People who like exciting adventure stories too would also enjoy it as it is a real page-turner. I found myself sinking into it and wanting to read on to find out what happens to Ash and the horse on their journey. * Books Up North *Horse Boy will appeal to all children aged nine and upwards who love a good story, particularly those who love horses and understand the bond which can form between a horse and its rider. The bond between them grows and this enhances the vivid story-telling of a tale which is thrilling, and often very moving. * NewburyToday *

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Book SynopsisTime to splish, splosh and splash in the deep, deep sea with Little Fish and his fishy friends! Dip, dive and swim along to the rhyming text and delightful underwater illustrations, with a colourful finger puppet and peek-a-boo holes on every page. This introduction to Lucy Cousin's Little Fish character is a perfect first interactive reading experience for little ones.Trade Review“Wiggle your finger to make the little fish puppet swim, as you dip, drive and wade through vivid reefs, making new friends along the way.” * Baby London *

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Book SynopsisYou're all invited to Maisy's house! Join Maisy as she gets up, makes breakfast, paints a picture and has a yummy afternoon tea with Tallulah. This brilliant board book from award-winning author-illustrator Lucy Cousins includes a bonus pop-up play scene featuring pop-out pieces of beloved characters Maisy, Little Black Cat, Panda and Tallulah. Ideal for imaginative play and helping little ones start to understand a day-to-day routine.

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Book SynopsisI just wanted to see you. Before the end. A taut psychological thriller about obsession, fame and betrayal, for fans of Black Mirror.Cat is in love. Always the sensible one, she can't believe that she's actually dating, not to mention dating a star. But the fandom can't know. They would eat her alive. And first at the buffet would definitely be her best friend, Evie. Amy uses Heartstream, a social media app that allows others to feel your emotions. She broadcasted every moment of her mother's degenerative illness, and her grief following her death. It's the realest, rawest reality TV imaginable.But on the day of Amy's mother's funeral, Amy finds a strange woman in her kitchen. She's rigged herself and the house with explosives and she's been waiting to talk to Amy for a long time. Who is she? A crazed fan? What does she want?Amy and Cat are about to discover how far true obsession can go.Trade ReviewA chilling tale of the desperate hunt for real connection in a social media-driven world. * Amy McCulloch, author of Jinxed and The Potion Diaries *A deft, clever exploration of what it means to connect and be understood in a world where image and feelings are currency. * Melinda Salisbury *Scary, tense & moving in places, a salutary tale about the perils of our always connected online culture. Shows how easy it is for swathes of people to band together in support of what they perceive to be an injustice. Excellent YA read. * CILIP SLG *Such a riotous rollercoaster of a read - I was completely gripped from start to finish. * Sara Barnard *Set aside plenty of time for the latest page-turner from Tom Pollock – once you’re in, you won’t be able to stop. HEARTSTREAM is a masterclass in suspense, and poses the chilling question of just how deep obsession can run. * Samantha Shannon *

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Book SynopsisFlap your wings, fly up high, open your beak and sing in this fun action rhyme story about fantastical birds by multi-award-winning author Lucy Cousins. Can you imagine ... just for one day ... you''re a busy bird? Yes, a bird! Hooray! Can you stand on one leg like a flamingo or waddle like a penguin? How about say cock-a-doodle-doo!, tuwit-tuwoo and even tra-la-la? What a busy day you will have! A bouncy read-aloud book to be enjoyed; beautifully illustrated with bold, bright colours and packed with all sorts of wild and wonderful birds!Trade ReviewColourful and easy to read, this story is great for children starting to learn how to read and also for younger ones learning different types of birds - penguins, parrots, owls. The story is big and bold with a simple layout which really makes it very accessible for younger readers. Personally, I really enjoyed how simple it was, as my children were caught up in the actions with less focus on a narrative, which made a nice change for our reading activity. This story is brilliant for day time reading when you want to engage your child in the actions and play together. * School Zone *“[…] a perfect read-aloud book!” * Baby Book Babbles *

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Book SynopsisA how-to guide to making your own collages, brimful of fascinating hints and tips from a master of the genre.Over the course of a 40-year career, Jeannie Baker has perfected the art of collage in the creation of picture-book classics such as Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Window, a Boston Globe-Horn Honour Book. Her stunning pieces, devised by assembling all sorts of different textures, are known all around the globe. Whether it''s dried flowers or tiny shells, spaghetti or postage stamps, she uses the world around her to make work that is astonishingly beautiful and deeply creative. And she focuses on a range of important issues including the environment, land degradation, family, society and sustainability. In Playing with Collage, she shares her secrets at last and encourages her readers to get creative. Within each of this book''s four main sections, Jeannie presents an abstract collage of her own and offers suggestions and starting point

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Book SynopsisA hilarious fantasy adventure set in modern day London.An exciting subterranean London adventure, the first in a middle-grade trilogy. Hyacinth Hayward has recently arrived from America and is having difficulty adjusting to her new surroundings, especially being in the sole company of her eccentric mother. Everything feels strange. Very strange. And it gets stranger the day she accidentally unleashes the power of a secret river running through London. To prevent a second Great Fire, Hyacinth needs to retrieve a single, magically charged drop of water from somewhere in the city sewer system. Along the way she encounters an eclectic cast of characters the shambling, monstrous Saltpetre Men who kidnap her mother, the Toshers who battle for control of magical artefacts and a giant pig with whom she has a tea party. The clock is ticking will she figure out who to trust?Trade Review"Readers must willingly suspend belief to follow Weinstein's engaging, fast-paced fantasy,but he makes it worth their while. It's a wild ride that's fun, freaky, outlandish, and suspenseful. Readerswill beg for another installment." * Booklist * "This setup can't help leading to a rollicking adventure with a lulu of an ending that comes with the promise of a sequel. Middle graders will adore clever Hyacinth and enjoy the other humorous characters, the puns (Oaroboarus, indeed), and the suspenseful narrative." * Kirkus Reviews * With plot twists and potty humor galore, this is an entertaining read-aloud that should keep even reluctant readers engaged. VERDICT Fans of Suzanne Collins's "The Underland Chronicles" and Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams's "Tunnels" series will enjoy this fantastic, funny adventure. * School Library Journal * "[...] a stonking, rollicking delight [...] the prose sings with effervescence." * The Literary Review * "I'd also thoroughly recommend Jacob Sager Weinstein's brilliantly funny The City of Secret Rivers" * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisTuptown is in trouble ... can Pirate Pigsticks and First Mate Harold save the day?Pigsticks and Harold embark on a pirate adventure in the third book of the hilarious illustrated Pigsticks and Harold series. Disaster strikes when Pigsticks'' old enemy Sir Percival Snout turns up in Tuptown and claims the whole town belongs to him. Pigsticks and Harold need to raise a fortune to buy it back and fast. Luckily, Pigsticks'' great-great-grandpig was a pirate, and his buried treasure has never been found. Can Pigsticks and Harold become pirates and track down the treasure before Sir Percival knocks down the whole town?Trade ReviewPure, joyous silliness abounds -- James Lovegrove * Financial Times *A hilarious graphic adventure. * The Metro *“For a fast-paced humorous adventure, look no further […] This book is ideal for young readers building the stamina for longer reads. […] There’s plenty of slapstick and irony which will delight young readers. There are also puns for the grown-ups. And of course, who could not be amused by Alan the Almighty Albatross? This will definitely have appeal with older readers looking for a quick, fun read.” * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisThe third title in Gary Northfield''s exciting, action-packed and hysterically funny series brimming with entertaining Roman and Egyptian facts.After being shipwrecked on the shores of Egypt and mistaken for a Horse God, Julius can''t believe his luck! Soon he and his bedraggled friends will be living it up in the city of Alexandria; preened and pampered like gods. Then a fancy boat procession will take them down the River Nile to Memphis where a lavish party will be thrown in Julius''s honour as well as an obligatory tour of the Pyramids. BUT it is this very tour that seems to signal the end to their glorious fortunes in Egypt. On a visit to the Tomb of Cleopatra, Felix is unable to resist a rather lovely looking treasure for his rock collection... He pockets the jewel and immediately a curse falls upon the group. And so the ridiculous adventure begins where Julius fights for his life as the Egyptians come to unravel the truth and realize that he is not quite Trade ReviewThe adventures never stop for zebra turned gladiator Julius, and they get funnier with each book. […] In amongst the silliness are many real historical facts but children will love this for the action and the laughs. X out of X all round! * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *Gary Northfield’s hilarious Julius Zebra series is the talk of the playground. * Term Time magazine *“As soon as I got this book, I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.” * Alex, 11, LoveReading *“A laugh out loud book; this series gets funnier and funnier!” * Oliver, 10, LoveReading *“There is a great deal to keep young readers entertained and occupied. History made fun – what’s not to like? Recommended.” * Mike Ashworth, Historical Novel Society Magazine *

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