Walker Books

Book SynopsisTrade Review...this quirky, imaginative story is a delight… Vividly illustrated, this is a witty and gently moving debut. * The Daily Mail *Dahl’s granddaughter makes her children’s debut with this gentle tale… “I really hate bitter books, and bitter people,” Sophie Dahl has said. There is no bitterness here, and nothing too revolting – but there is plenty of charm. * The Daily Telegraph *It is a splendidly entertaining story, just right for younger readers who are launching out into a larger text, and Lauren O’Hara has responded to it with huge dash and imagination. * Shirley Hughes *...it’s swashbuckling and mysterious whilst still being very easy to follow. I can’t recommend it enough as a gift for a godchild or a niece or nephew, it’s a beautiful, beautiful kids’ book and I hope to read lots more of Madame Badobedah * Dolly Alderton, The High Low podcast *…visit a seaside B&B in Sophie Dahl’s Madame Badobedah (Walker), illustrated with airy, light-hearted charm by Lauren O’Hara. Mettlesome Mabel encounters a suspicious guest: a flamboyant old lady with piles of fascinating luggage, toffee-apple-red hair and rude, secretive manners. Is she right to guess that Madam Badobedah is a super-villain? This longer-form picture book, tapping astutely into the imaginative life of an adventurous child, is lovely both to read and to listen to. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisNo. 1 New York Times bestsellerA powerful and important novel. Observer No one else who writes like Angie. Phenomenal. The Guardian From international phenomenon Angie Thomas comes a hard-hitting return to Garden Heights with the story of Maverick Carter, Starr's father, set seventeen years before the events of the award-winning The Hate U Give.With his King Lord dad in prison and his mom working two jobs, seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter helps the only way he knows how: slinging drugs. Life''s not perfect, but he''s got everything under control. Until he finds out he''s a father...Suddenly it''s not so easy to deal drugs and finish school with a baby dependent on him for everything. So when he''s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. But when King Lord blood runs through your veins, you don''t get to just walk away.Praise for The Hate U Give:No. 1 NewTrade ReviewAngie Thomas returns to the world of her award-winning debut The Hate U Give in one of the most awaited books of 2021. […] Thomas smashes stereotypes at every turn in the lives of her raw, complex and unforgettable characters, her writing underpinned by immense humanity. A powerful and important novel. * The Observer *This is searing, moving, but never sentimental. * The Irish Examiner *A blistering, unputdownable look at black boyhood in the US, and what it means to be a man. It can be read as a standalone, but knowledge of The Hate U Give will make for a richer reading experience. * The Bookseller *Thomas’s prequel to the award-winning The Hate U Give investigates the pride and pain of being a black boy on the brink of man hood with humour, clarity and pathos. * The Guardian *Like Thomas’s other work, this is a book that will stay with you. -- Claire Hennessy * The Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“You can almost smell the seasonal sugar and spice in Snow in the Garden: A First Book of Christmas from Shirley Hughes. Nobody captures the joy of each season, the way the light falls and the world looks at different times of the year, or the tiny details of family life, quite as well as Hughes. This collection of Christmas-themed stories, poems, recipes and craft ideas deserves to become as well-thumbed and covered in crumbs as all of her previous books.” * The Observer *“A glorious, gentle countdown to Christmas.” * The Times, Children’s Book of the Week *“A seasonal collection […] accompanied by beautiful illustrations.” * The Sunday Express *Everyone, no matter whether they are one or 101, should own a copy of this book to capture and then go on recapturing, year after year, the magic of Christmas. * The Good Web Guide *“It sums up Christmas beautifully.” * Picture Books Blogger *

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Book SynopsisAn atmospheric and riveting fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Cornelia Funke.Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object a heart in a silver casket. What's more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back.Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching consequences for the whole city. As the ancient war between the Spectres and witches of Clarel reignites, the heart prepares to seek revenge for all it has sufferedAlison Croggon conjures a rich, immersive world with brilliant and memorable characters in this captivating story of loyalty, courage and friendship.Trade ReviewA lyrical, poetic writer and a compelling storyteller. * Garth Nix *A dark, rich, complex setting and plot, just teeming with the kind of prickly, hardened, sly (yet somehow utterly sympathetic) characters more usual in a Dickens or Susanna Clarke novel than children's fantasy. Every unexpected twist and turn brought a new delight or a new terror that dragged me – grinning and fearful – through this excellent, excellent, story. -- Celine KiernanFeatured in Angels & Urchins. * Angels & Urchins *Featured in Parent Talk. * Parent Talk *Whilst not for the fainthearted, adventurous readers will relish the intensity and jeopardy of Pip’s exploits, which could act as a springboard to more adult fantasy fiction. * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisA counting story that goes wrong when one hungry little T-Rex can''t help himself from gobbling up the other dinosaurs!Let''s count dinosaurs! Rex the T-Rex is 1. Add Patty the Diplodocus, that''s 2. And here''s comes Brian the Anklyosaurus to make 3. But wait, where''s Brian gone? Rex? Rex! You didn''t EAT him, did you? Oh NAUGHTY Rex! The truth is, you just CAN''T count on dinosaurs.In this counting book with a difference, Philip Ardagh and Elissa Elwick bring prehistoric chaos and trouble-making dinosaurs to every page for a truly fun, interactive way to learn how to count to 10.Trade ReviewNo toddler’s library would be complete without a book about dinosaurs, and preschool children will find plenty of prehistoric chaos in You Can’t Count on Dinosaurs by the ever popular Philip Ardagh. In this “almost counting book”, the cast ranges from Rex the Tyrannosaurus to Patty the Apatosaurus – but in a teasingly anarchic plot, we learn that no dinosaur can be counted on. * The Telegraph *Bright and bold, this interactive picture book will help young children count to 10 while they try to keep track of some very troublesome dinosaurs. * Sunday Express (S Magazine) *

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Book SynopsisA rip-roaring, soul-stirring adventure... Utterly enchanting! Katharine Orton, author of NevertellGhosts, pirates and the quiet power of friendship and kindness. Sarah Baker, author of Through the Mirror DoorA funny and imaginative adventure about searching for lost treasure and finding friendship along the way, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Lia Visirin.Treasure isn't always where you expect to find itRiver likes to go mooncatching, sweeping his net across the reflection of the night sky in the village pond. But when he accidentally wakes the ghost of Mona Brightly, River must find Mona's lost treasure before the ghost of the dastardly pirate Dashbuckle gets there first. This is classic children''s storytelling at its best with lively characters and a whole lot of heart.Trade ReviewA warm-hearted adventure of ghosts, pirates and the quiet power of friendship and kindness. A wonderful new middle grade voice championing those who see things a little differently. * Sarah Baker *A rip-roaring, soul-stirring adventure, The Mooncatcher's Rescue simply brims with magic. Utterly enchanting! * Katharine Orton *A fun book about friendship, kindness, ghosts, pirates and monsters I liked that although the adventure was the central storyline to this book, there was a wonderful story of friendship. How even a new friendship can be deep and meaningful, and that helping someone can be the kindest thing you can do. -- Erica * NetGalley *Absolutely full of heart, this magical, sometimes funny adventure is superbly imagined and shows that sometimes friendship can be found in the most unlikely places. Lia Visirin’s splendid black and white illustrations add an additional sprinkling of enchantment to the telling. * Red Reading Hub *as the fantastical plot races along, children will be swept along in its wake. * Just Imagine *

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Book SynopsisSee the city of London like never before in a stunning gift book from the award-winning Laura Carlin.Explore the rich history and culture of London through the eyes of an award-winning illustrator. Laura Carlin''s gorgeous art is paired with a collection of poems, quotes and historical accounts to tell an idiosyncratic story of the greatest city in the world. From pre-history to present day, from famous events to the lives of everyday people, thousands of years of London''s history are celebrated through poems, excerpts and spellbinding illustrations in this beautiful and fascinating compendium.

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Book SynopsisFrom Chris Haughton comes a funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking).Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their branch in the forest canopy. Ok, monkeys! I'm off, says the big monkey. Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there. Mmm mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ... maybe maybe they could just look at the mangos? That'd be ok, right?Trade ReviewHaughton’s picture books tell stories as much through his idiosyncratic images as through words. This involving, laugh-out-loud tale of monkeys who don’t do as they are told features funny faces, intense colour and a lesson about risk. * The Sunday Times *A wonderfully mischievous cautionary tale, delivered with characteristic style and wit. * The Bookseller *Maybe…, Chris Haughton’s new book is ELECTRIC! A smidge of simian curiosity, a pinch of peril, mangoes... And a large helping of tigers. * Ed Vere *Chris Haughton has returned doing what he does best; creating yet another impossibly fun and beautiful cautionary tale about pushing the boundaries and learning life lessons. In just a few words, he gives us suspense, humour and memorable characters that are taken to heart immediately. […] The bright, primary colour palette and simple shapes and design, this picturebook is so appealing! Cheeky, funny, irresistible…get ready to read this one over and over and over… * Fallen Star Stories *The book is beautifully illustrated and Dylan loves spotting the tigers and telling the monkeys there IS a tiger there! It’s a very engaging read and a book you can have even more fun with by acting out monkey sounds and tiger sounds. The colours are bright and beautiful making it uplifting even when it’s a rainy day! * BooksUpNorth *

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Book SynopsisThis terrific, travel-sized Where''s Wally? book is full of searches, games and creative activities. Solve perplexing puzzles, personalise your travel checklist, design your own time machine and more. Plus, keep track of your own journeys with fun prompts, facts and challenges. And don't forget to search for Wally he''s hiding in every scene! This search-and-find book also comes with a bonus sensational story card game!Fourth in a series of travel-sized Wally titles look out for The Totally Essential Travel Collection, The Colouring Collection and Games on the Go! on your adventures!

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Book SynopsisFrom Chris Haughton comes a funny, suspenseful celebration of mothers set against an atmospheric Antarctic backdrop.Mummy Penguin is off to find a fishy dinner for her family. She has to swim very fast, climb a slippery cliff cu-crunch, cu-crunch, cu-crunch and even tiptoe past some sleeping seals Shh! All the while, Little Penguin looks on in awe and says: Well done, Mummy Penguin!The icy and treacherous! Antarctic landscapes are breathtaking in this funny and exciting celebration of all that mothers do, and all that mothers are.Trade ReviewBold colours, simple repetition and a witty ending make this a delightful bedtime read. * Daily Mail *This book will bring joy to young children and the grown-ups reading to them. * Sunday Times, "The 60 children’s books you should buy this Christmas as chosen by the booksellers of Ireland" *A visual and storytelling triumph, ideal for reading aloud. * Top Choice, Children's Book Highlights, Irish Independent *a celebration of mothers. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *With his instantly-recognisable blocky illustration style that combines collage and digital art, Haughton succeeds in creating energetic scenes that will excite the young reader. The book is made to be read aloud, with comforting repetition and text that comes to life; “Cu-crunch… tip-toe… boink boink boink… splash! -- Ruth Ennis * Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisI slide my hand into the crook of your arm, as you open your big brolly wide. We both can stay dry when the spring showers fall, if we dash through the drops, side by side...As spring turns to summer, and autumn turns to winter, we follow a little boy and his grandmother as they take delight in everything the changing seasons have to offer from jumping in puddles, to tasting sweet ice lollies, to nestling under blankets on a cold, snowy night. But no matter the weather, whatever they do, their joy is in being together, in the small but momentous adventures that they share.With vivid illustrations and read-aloud words, this is a tender celebration of grandparent love from the duo behind the bestselling and acclaimed Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin.Trade ReviewCome rain or shine, sweltering heat or frost and snow, Jarvis’ illustrations exude warmth and love at every turn of the page. The jewel-like colours are simply beautiful and the details in every scene, sheer delight. Grandmothers in particular will love spending time sharing this treasure of a book with their young grandchildren over and over again. * Red Reading Hub *A memoir of love and devotion told through the eyes of a child, Together with You is an elegantly crafted book that is not to be missed. * Just Imagine *This is an adorable picture book about a young boy’s love for his grandmother and the special moments they share. […] Jarvis’ illustrations exude warmth and love on each page. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisToday, Maisy is going shopping! She find a trolley and picks out bread, cheese, milk and fruit. After she goes down every aisle it's time to pay, and then home for lunch! This brilliant board book includes a bonus pop-up and play scene, featuring pop-outs of Maisy and Eddie, plus a shopping trolley filled with lots of favourite foods! Ideal for imaginative play and helping little ones learn about a trip to the supermarket.

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Book SynopsisThe epic conclusion to the critically acclaimed Shadow Skye series, a rich fantasy adventure trilogy set in a mythical Scotland.As old enemies unite, only the most powerful will survive...News has reached Skye of a vast army approaching from the south, intent on the annihilation of every Scotian.As Jamie risks his life on an ancient and forbidden blood magic, Sigrid returns to the wilds of Ingland in the hope of an alliance. Meanwhile, Agatha is forced on a journey to the very heart of the enemy.With the army marching ever closer, Jamie, Agatha and Sigrid will need all their courage, cunning and sacrifice to survive the final battle and save the future of Scotia...Praise for the Shadow Skye trilogy:Thrilling, strange and brutally involving. GuardianA story fantasy-loving young readers may not even know they''ve been waiting for. New York TimesA grippiTrade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's January 2022 previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *It takes you on an adventure and you won’t be disappointed by the ending. * Books Up North *

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Book SynopsisNobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter. Especially not when darkness falls and the wind howls around Maw Rocks and the wreck of the battleship Leviathan, where even now some swear they have seen the unctuous Malamander creepHerbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, knows that returning lost things to their rightful owners is not easy especially when the lost thing is not a thing at all, but a girl. No one knows what happened to Violet Parma's parents twelve years ago, and when she engages Herbie to help her find them, the pair discover that their disappearance might have something to do with the legendary sea-monster, the Malamander. Eerie-on-Sea has always been a mysteriously chilling place, where strange stories seem to wash up. And it just got stranger...Trade Review…a wonderfully imaginative and atmospheric adventure, rich in myth and legend and with a delicious gothic edge… Taylor is best known as an illustrator – he famously created the original jacket for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – but Malamander confirms him as a ferociously talented writer… this really is one that deserves all the buzz. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller, Children's Book of the Month *I was steeped in the briny world of the Malamander from the very first page. Set in Eerie on Sea, where mythical beasts to walk the misty shores, Thomas Taylor introduces us to a wonderful pair of detectives - Herbie and Violet – with a riddle to solve. This is fantastical storytelling at it’s best with a Dickensian cast and a terrifying beast from the deep. This enthralling oceanic adventure had me hoping our heroic lost and foundlings will have more mysteries to solve in books to come. I wanted to read on and on. * M. G. Leonard, Author of Beetle Boy *Full of unforgettable characters and brimming with maritime mystery, Malamander is a masterclass in original story-telling. Taylor's magical touch makes you believe in the impossible. * Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island *Mermonkeys, monsters and magic, oh my! Malamander is a brilliantly plotted mystery swirling with secrets, myths and the enigmatic residents of one unforgettable sea-side town. * Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners *“Taylor knows how to create atmosphere and a sense of creepy place. It’s a book to be devoured, but is also born for the screen — and I can’t wait to see this south-coast Grand Budapest Hotel meets The Shape of Water (but with a better plot) become a hit.” * The Times, Children’s Book of the Week *

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Book SynopsisA creepy magician with a shadowy act. A legend that goes back to the dawn of time. Eerie-on-Sea just got stranger. And darker...A mysterious stage magician has set up in the theatre at the end of the pier, with an act so hypnotic and strange that Herbie Lemon and his friend Violet Parma suspect dark forces are at work. Meanwhile, folk are disappearing from Eerie-on-Sea, and no one knows why. There is an Eerie legend that goes back to the dawn of time, about a creature made of darkness that devours the shadows of the living. But could the Shadowghast really have returned?Trade ReviewTaylor's magical touch makes you believe the impossible. -- Catherine DoyleI think it was well-written and I think that fans of the previous books will really enjoy it. * Books Up North *This was the best book ever. It is the 3rd in the series and is absolutely fantastic book. -- Reader (Age 12) * Toppsta *This is a really good mystery book. It has a lot of action, adventure and lots of twists and turns to the plot. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. -- Reader (Age 11) * Toppsta *This is the best book I have read in forever! In the style of the main character, Herbert Lemon, two words that go together to describe this book are magnificent and magical. Now that I have visited Eerie-on-Sea, I really wish I could stay longer and go on more amazing adventures with Herbie, Violet and Erwin. This book is worth a milky way of stars-I'm sorry I could only award it five! -- Reader (Age 12) * Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisWhen the California drought escalates to catastrophic proportions, one teen is forced to make life and death decisions in this harrowing story of survival from New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman.The drought or the Tap-Out, as everyone calls it has been going on for a while now. Everyone's lives have become an endless list of don'ts: don't water the lawn, don't fill up your pool, don't take long showers.Until the taps run dry.Suddenly, Alyssa's quiet suburban street spirals into a warzone of desperation; neighbours and families turned against each other on the hunt for water. And when her parents don't return and her life and the life of her brother is threatened, Alyssa has to make impossible choices if she's going to survive.Trade ReviewNo one does doom like Neal Shusterman (Thunderhead, 2018, etc.)—the breathtakingly jagged brink of apocalypse is only overshadowed by the sense that his dystopias lie just below the surface of readers’ fragile reality, a few thoughtless actions away ... Mouths have never run so dry at the idea of thirst. * Kirkus Reviews *... the palpable desperation that pervades the plot as it thunders toward the ending feels true, giving it a chilling air of inevitability. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *“A pacy, gripping read which combines snarky teenage dialogue and concerns about friendship, family and the future with the heightened emotion of facing the apparent end of your world.” * Press Association Syndicated Review *“I thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly, enjoyed this book. It was captivating, it was honestly terrifying. […] I loved this book so much, it was dark & shocking at times, it made me think deeply about our society’s values and the current state of our world and I love that Neal is highlighting these issues in his books. He is slowly becoming one of my absolute favourite authors.” * Bibliotales *“This book was so thought-provoking, it made me think a lot about what we currently value and the things we take for granted.” * Bibliotales *

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Book SynopsisA completely updated 25th anniversary edition of the definitive book on childrens' sexual health.Now with expanded information on internet safety, birth control, sexual harrassment and more this universally acclaimed classic by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley is a cutting-edge resource for children, parents, teachers, librarians and anyone else who cares about the well-being of pre-teens and teens. Providing accurate and up-to-date information to answer young people''s concerns and questions, from conception and puberty to birth control and AIDS, it offers everything they need now more than ever to make responsible decisions and stay healthy.Trade ReviewAccurate and up-to-date, it directly addresses young people's concerns and questions in an approachable way. The bird and the bee make comments which are fun but appropriate, engaging the interest and promoting discussion. A book which will be useful for many years and an excellent one to make available to young people. * Parents in Touch *

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Book SynopsisThe playscript for the Old Vic production of A Monster Calls, based on the bestselling novel by Patrick Ness.In this powerful new adaptation from visionary director Sally Cookson, the bestselling novel by Patrick Ness is brought to the stage to tell the stunning story of love, loss and courage anew. Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started that treatments that don''t quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there''s a visitor at his window. It''s ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth. The final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd, developed into an extraordinary and heartbreaking novel by Patrick Ness, and now adapted for an Old Vic production that brings the tale to a new audience.

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Book SynopsisAn updated 25th anniversary edition of the classic guide for young children on babies, bodies, love, sex, reproduction and families.This clear, lively information book about sex and reproduction covers all the main areas: babies, reproduction, bodies, chromosomes, genes, growing up, love, health and lots more. As before, the information is imparted simply and reassuringly with humorous commentary from an inquisitive bird and a squeamish bee and very friendly full-colour cartoon-strip illustrations. Created by the author and illustrator of Let''s Talk About Sex, this forthright and funny book has been newly updated for this anniversary edition.

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Book SynopsisEveryone''s favourite best worst detective is back in the sixth book in the New York Times bestselling series that''s perfect for fans of Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates and Barry Loser.Timmy is in Key West, Florida, ostensibly for the honeymoon of his mother and Doorman Dave if they even got married, which Timmy doubts. Unfortunately for Timmy, crime doesn't take a holiday. And because Total has fled to Cuba, Timmy must rely on a new partner for help: Doorman Dave's nephew Emilio. Meanwhile, a surprise newcomer shows up in Timmy's life and, as if things couldn't get more hectic, Timmy's pants have been stolen by a six-toed cat.Trade ReviewThe "best" worst detective Timmy Failure returns for a sixth adventure. * The Bookseller *A new Timmy Failure book is always a cause for celebration and this is another glorious mix of humour, surrealism, incompetent detection – and chickens. […] Stephan Pastis’s cartoon illustrations are a joy in themselves and this is clever, original, inspired fun. * Andrea Reece, LoveReading *“Everyone’s favourite best worst detective is back in the sixth book of this bestselling series.” * Parent Talk *“[…] won me over. Failure is not just another Wimpy Kid, but a deluded, megalomaniacal child detective. Pastis milks these traits for every drop of comedy value.” * Observer *

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Book SynopsisIt''s time to learn with Maisy! This brilliant tabbed board book features fun, themed pages exploring incredible creatures from around the globe.Join Maisy as she spots amazing insects and birds, mammals and fish. Each spread is themed around different habitats including desert, Arctic, mountains, savannah, ocean, jungle, garden and farm. With bright, colourful, clearly labelled pictures to help broaden vocabulary and understanding and bold, easy-to-use tabs which are perfect for helping little ones to locate their favourite pages again and again. Early learning is so much fun!

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Book SynopsisA high octane, high drama romp, following the adventures of Victorian laundry maid Minnie O''Sullivan and her unforgettable band of friends.After a series of misfortunes, Minnie O'Sullivan is whisked away to Haddington Hall: a nightmarish home for wayward girls. Bad becomes worse when the hall's ruthless founder, Mrs Haddington, takes an instant dislike to brave, determined Minnie, and she's in danger of losing everything But Minnie has never backed down from a fight in her life, and she's not about to start now! Irresistible characters and a compulsive plot with twists aplenty; Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Dickensian England in a wonderful new novel for middle-grade readers.Vivian French is a writer of tremendous charm. Literary Review Delightful with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause. Sunday Times (Children''s Book of the Week) on The Steam Whistle Theatre CompanySt

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Book SynopsisIn this magical companion to Bob Graham's celebrated April Underhill, Tooth Fairy, two fairy sisters, April and Esme, are on a brand new adventure!April and Esme are staying at Grandma and Grandad's for a whole weekend! A visit to Grandma and Grandad''s is always special for the two sisters. There's the mixing of fairy cakes, pancakes with syrup for breakfast and a chocolate waiting on each of their pillows. And this weekend, when Mum calls with an urgent tooth fairy job, there''s an exciting trip to the airport with Grandma to make sure one little girl has her tooth collected. Children are sure to love this thrilling and tender new story, so full of hope, possibility and the magic of a secret fairy world, from master storyteller Bob Graham.

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Book SynopsisA companion title to Bob Graham's celebrated picture book Max, whose superhero family has just got bigger!Max has a new baby sister Maxine! Max is there for her first words, her first steps and her first flight! But as Maxine grows up and starts school, she doesn't feel like she quite fits in. In fact, she's not sure if she feels comfortable in her superhero guise at all. Can Maxine convince her family that not all superheroes wear capes? With a strong, incredibly smart girl at its centre, this is a book to inspire any child to dream big and be exactly who, and how, they want to be.

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Book SynopsisA special edition to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Bob Graham''s heroic and heartfelt tale of growing up super.As the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt, Max is destined to join their ranks - once he learns to fly, that is. But despite his parents' valiant coaching and encouragement from his grandparents and friends, Max can't seem to get off the ground. Will he ever learn to leap over tall buildings in a single bound? With quintessential quirkiness, award-winning author Bob Graham has created a mighty tale about the ups and downs of mastering your potential - all in your own good time.

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Book SynopsisA bright, cheerful and stylish board book introducing the numbers one to ten along with lots of different animals but watch out for the pop out of the crocodile at the end!Let''s count your tails, Bunny Hun! Bouncy-bounce! I''ve got ONE!From elephant''s two tusks to bee''s three stripes, from lion''s four paws to koala''s five claws, each animal has a special number for you to count. But can you count Crocodile Claire''s teeth? Do you dare? They''re very sharp so you''d better beware! With rounded corners and sturdy pages perfect for little hands, this rhythmic, rhyming text combined with gorgeous simple artwork will have little ones laughing with joy while learning their numbers one to ten.Trade ReviewThe simple and brilliant rhyme and surprise pop-up at the end of the book really bring fun and playfulness into this early counting book. * BookTrust *Bright, colourful illustrations entice the young reader on a counting journey. Using rhyming text, the child is invited to count different features of popular animals. A pleasurable scare at the end will make readers want to read this book again and again. -- Children's Books Ireland * Reading Guide 2023 *Edward Underwood’s illustrations cry out for youngsters to emulate the subject of each spread. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book SynopsisEnjoy all the animals'' colours - but watch out for spider Jack leaping out with his black legs!Show us your tail, Foxy Fred!Here it is, look it''s RED!From duck''s brown feathers to donkey''s white teeth, from macaw''s purple feathers to fish''s yellow fins, each animal has a special colour to show off. But what happens when spider Jack waggles his legs? They''re very long and very black... will you run away and not come back?Featuring a surprise pop-out at the end, with rounded corners and sturdy pages perfect for tiny hands, this rhythmic, rhyming text combined with gorgeous simple artwork will have little ones laughing with joy.Trade ReviewI like all the bright colours in this book and enjoy touching the pages with the animals on, especially the sea horse. But my favourite bit is the big pop out spider at the end! I like their big eyes and the way their legs move up and down. -- Dylan, 14 months, and Mum and Dad * Books Up North *

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Book SynopsisFrom Sean Taylor, the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise, and the illustrator of Little Green Donkey, Anuska Allepuz, comes a stunning original bedtime poetry collection to comfort, inspire and reassure little children.From best-selling picture book author, Sean Taylor, comes his first ever poetry collection for children. The Dream Train is a handsome new collection of original bedtime poetry perfect for sharing whilst tucked up in bed, written for the very young. Filled with 30 warm, joyful and atmospheric poems of every kind from the funny to the gentle, from the surprising to the lyrical each capture the experience of falling or being asleep, in a pure, emotional way and celebrates the wonderful, busy, imaginative minds of little children. Some poems read like a soothing mantra, helping lull small ones to sleep, others will plant a seed of inspiration to take children bravely and boldly into the next day.This gift of a book takeTrade ReviewThis collection of poems is full of reassurance and magic. It evokes quiet and rest and happy dreams, and its illustrations are cosy and soft. Its soothing rhythms and many visual and verbal ideas — from the sound of rain to the presence of love around you — all tend to make sleep irresistible. -- Nicolette Jones * 'Watch Out For', Sunday Times *An original collection for the very young, featuring funny, gentle, surprising and lyrical poems about going to bed. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *The range of styles and moods offered by these poems makes the collection an excellent starting point for developing a child’s love of poetry. […] There is plenty to explore on each spread, imaginative details to enjoy and stories to tell. ‘The Dream Train’ would make a stunning gift to treasure and share through- and for- generations. * Through the Bookshelf *[…]this collection of bedtime poems is perfect for sharing. From the funny to the lyrical, each capture the experience of falling asleep or dreaming. The imaginative illustrations add whimsy and wonder to the package. * WRD Magazine *warm, joyful and atmospheric poems of every kind - from the funny to the gentle, from the surprising to the lyrical - capturing the experience of falling or being asleep in a pure, emotional way. * Booktime *

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Book SynopsisIn spectacular and astonishing collage detail, Jeannie Baker captures the deep beauty, mystery, and hidden vitality of the desert landscape and why it needs our protection.Chico's grandpa has taken him on holiday where he grew up as a child, out in the desert. Chico has no interest in exploring the land the desert jungle frightens him, and he'd much rather play on his his tablet. Grandpa decides that it is time to show Chico the secrets and the wonders that the desert has to offer so that he will not fear it but, instead, welcome it, embrace it and help protect it. Grandpa shows Chico paths through the cactus and the scrub, teaches Chico the plants'' names ocotillo, cholla, cirios, pin cushion, fishhook and, soon, Chico begins to understand the wonders of the wild. He learns the value of watching, waiting and listening for all the life that hums within his desert home.Trade ReviewThis is a powerful book to educate the young about a productive area which could be named a ‘desert jungle.’ For grandparents, teachers and librarians, this is an excellent story to share with young students who will likely not have heard of this particular region. The artwork and photographs are striking and provide lots of subjects to discuss: geography, history, nature, relationships with family, walking and tablets! * Books for Keeps *A lovely story, incorporating the importance of nature and how it needs protecting. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisThe Champion of Rome returns, with a compendium of quiz questions!The Zebra-themed quiz book we have all been waiting for! Full of Roman, Greek and Egyptian ancient history, join Julius and the gang for a trivia tour of the ancient world, and impress parents and friends alike with over 100 fascinating facts. And of course, in true Julius Zebra style, there''s heaps of humour to lighten the load of all that learning.How did the Romans transport the water for the baths?a) Viaduct b) Aquaduct or c) Via a duck

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Book SynopsisThird in the AGENTS OF THE WILD series: fun-packed young fiction with wildlife conservation themes. Agnes and Attie AGENTS OF THE WILD are off to the Sahara Desert on a mission to rescue rare baby animals from illegal wildlife traders.When a lesser flamingo crashes into Agnes's window-box with an urgent message for SPEARS, Agnes is ready for the call. Three rock hyrax pups have been kidnapped from their burrow in Egypt, and other baby animals are missing across Africa. Soon Agnes and Attie find themselves trapped in an ancient Egyptian tomb at the mercy of animal poachers can they save the animals and themselves?SPECIES IN DANGER? GIRL AND SHREW TO THE RESCUE!Trade ReviewAgnes and Attie are awesome and their missions for SPEARS are bursting with humour and heart. -- Sibeal Pounder * Sibeal Pounder *Fast-paced and funny, this entertaining eco-chapter book with attractive, two-tone illustrations is ideal for young new readers with an interest in nature. -- Booktrust * Booktrust *A fun, adventure-filled book following a young environmentalist […] helping to protect and save endangered species. -- ReadPlus * ReadPlus *This book was really enjoyable. It has a captivating story, with adventure and a moral of reminding us not to judge a book by its cover. It also has lots of interesting facts which were a great discussion point … We especially like a book with great pictures, which this had in abundance. -- Parent * Toppsta *Another great addition to this series … It is such an easy read for reluctant readers and a big win with a fabulous story at its heart. -- Teacher * Toppsta *

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