Walker Books

Book SynopsisAlex's best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. A charming and gentle story about how life isn''t one size fits all.Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he's devised a plan impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park ... right?Trade ReviewPaws is a thoughtful, and well-crafted book which deals with friendship and hope. Alex is a wonderfully caring character. * Maisie Chan *This was a charming read I thoroughly enjoyed. I think any young reader will relate to Alex as he navigates school, dreams and forming friendships with the fun of a dog show thrown in! Honest, touching and real ... a hug of a book. * Gina Blaxill *This is a book about friendship and it's ADORABLE. It's gentle & heart warming and – thankfully, because it's impossible not to care – has the perfect feel good ending * Perdita Cargill *I raced through this book and really related to it again due to Loghan and the issues that he faces. The book is written beautifully with a lovely story and well developed characters that I loved especially Alex. I loved that their was a dog in this story who was Alex's best friend because honestly as a mother of a boy who faces the same challenges as Alex, this really resonated with me. [...] I loved it and if you like reading middle grade books, love dogs or just love heart-warming books in general, this is the book for you. -- @fiction_vixen18This book is aimed at age 7-10 but I got a lot out of it as an adult too. It was so educational. My son (age 8) has recently been diagnosed as autistic and basically Alex is him! He related to Alex in so many ways, he said ‘Alex talks like me, and his brain blocks out things like mine does’, he was eager to read this every night, I think it really resonated with him and it’s definitely one we will be re-read, especially as he gets older. -- @real_mother_booker

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Book SynopsisNew-found witch and eco-warrior Orla is up against some seriously dark magic in this creepy and funny adventure, the second in the series.Orla, her brothers and Dave the dog are on holiday in Norfolk, visiting their eccentric Uncle Valentine. Orla may have recently learned she''s a witch, but she''s not looking for trouble. Nope. Definitely not.Unfortunately, her timing is terrible.She quickly discovers the beautiful Anna''s Wood, due to be bulldozed any minute for shale gas. The locals are all convinced that GasFrac''s plan is a great one. Make way for a new shopping centre and car park! But why doesn''t anyone care about the destruction of the wood? Where are the protests? Orla soon begins to suspect that this isn''t just indifference ... there''s dark magic involved here. With the help of a magpie, she finds out who is behind GasFrac. And what he wants is worse than she could possibly have imagined.Trade Review[…]It’s a gripping read and while it is aimed at young readers aged nine and over, it has won lots of grown-up fans too. * North Norfolk News *

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Book SynopsisFeaturing a vivid mythology, spectacular battles, and an endlessly surprising heroine, Rebel Skies is as intricate, beautiful and startling as one of the paper spirits Kurara brings to life. Jonathan StroudA magical debut that reads like a Ghibli film, brimming with imagination, action and heart. Natasha NganAn intricately constructed ode to papercraft and Japanese culture. I fell in love with this world of airships, cumulous whales and floating cities. Pure magic. Lauren JamesA beautifully written and pacy teen fantasy adventure, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits. Inspired by Asian cultures and exploring themes of empire, slavery and freedom.Kurara has never known any other life than being a servant on board the Midori, but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a power treasured across the empire, she joins a skyship and Trade ReviewIn elegant, graceful prose, Ann Sei Lin whisks us off on a tale of eerie magic and high adventure, in which friendships are undying and nothing is as it seems. Featuring a vivid mythology, spectacular battles, and an endlessly surprising heroine, Rebel Skies is as intricate, beautiful and startling as one of the paper spirits Kurara brings to life. * Jonathan Stroud *A vividly imagined fantasy with an enticing Studio Ghibli feel for 12+ readers. * Guardian *A magical debut that reads like a Ghibli film, brimming with imagination, action and heart. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so immersed in a fantasy world. * Natasha Ngan *An intricately constructed ode to papercraft and Japanese culture. I fell in love with this world of airships, cumulous whales and floating cities. Pure magic. * Lauren James *With its grand floating cities, fearsome shikigami beasts and a heroine who can manipulate paper with her mind, Ann Sei Lin has created a truly unique world that delights on every page. * Joseph Elliott *

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Book SynopsisThe third and final book in a pacy, lyrical and vivid fantasy adventure set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits.Kurara and her friends have found the key to releasing shikigami from their bonds and granting them eternal freedom if they can unlock its power. The answer lies in Kurara's homeplace, deep in the mountains of Mikoshima. But can the crew reach it before the imperial forces catch up with them, or their own internal battles break them apart for ever?Excellent world-building, a dramatic and pacy plot, and an array of deep and believable characters explored through multiple perspectives make for a thrilling final instalment in this masterful fantasy adventure.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully written Christmas tale, brimming with humanity and hope, by best-loved author, Timothée de Fombelle.On a quiet Christmas night, a swallow takes flight from Africa, searching for something it cannot quite name. A disenchanted driver sits alone in his yellow truck, yearning to be home. And a man walks through the snowy streets, feeling utterly alone. But when the three destinies meet, it seems their search for hope, belonging and kindness has finally ended. An atmospheric and heart-warming story, perfect for this very special time of year.Trade ReviewAtmospheric and heartwarming. -- Charlotte Eyre * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisA witty, suspenseful and inventive debut that asks what makes a person a friend and a house a home.Sam and Asha. Asha and Sam. Their friendship is so long established, they take it for granted. Just as Asha takes for granted that Donnybrooke, the mansion that sits on the highest hill in Coreville, is the best house in town. But when Sam is accepted into snobbish Castleton Academy as an autistic Miracle Boy, he leaves Asha, who is also autistic, to navigate middle school alone.He also leaves her wondering if she can take anything for granted any more. Because soon Sam is spending time with Prestyn, Asha's nemesis, whose family owns Donnybrooke and have forbidden Asha to set foot inside. But when it becomes clear that Prestyn''s interest in Sam is less than friendly, will Asha be able to find it in herself to help her former friend?Told from the points of view of Asha, Sam and Donnybrooke itself, this is a highly original debut about friendship, pTrade ReviewThis debut novel from Trehan presents intriguing, achingly real characters in the persons of Asha, Sam, and Prestyn. . . the original presentation and complex young characters carry this compelling exploration of friendship and home. * Booklist *The growing pains of middle school friendships, peer pressure, and bullying are palpable; readers will ache for Sam and Asha as they grow distant and cheer their tentative steps toward new relationships. . . . An unusual, insightful exploration of what makes strong foundations in houses, families, and friendships. * Kirkus Reviews *This is a book about friendship, and what it means to be a true friend. In the end, friendship wins out. Readers who struggle with the social scene in middle school will relate to the characters and the desire to be accepted for who they are. * School Library Connection *A story both delightfully unreal and gratifyingly true to life. * Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author *Asha and Sam are among the most memorable characters I’ve ever encountered. In meeting them, young readers will find their worlds expanded and their hearts enlarged. * Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author *

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Book SynopsisAbby is anxious to host the perfect tea party for a friend she idolizes, but life serves up a sweet taste of the fun to be had when perfection is off the table.Have you met Phoebe Miss Phoebe Dupree?Phoebe's as perfect as perfect can be.To Abby, her friend Phoebe can do no wrong. Phoebe is speedy. Phoebe is smart. She's equally brilliant at science and art. So when the budding hostess invites Phoebe over for a tea party, everything from the sugary treats on the menu to Abby's dog, Louie, must be, well ... perfect. But when life and possibly Louie send a clear message to let loose, the girls indulge in a perfectly imperfect playdate. Linda Ashman's vivacious rhyme and Alea Marley's inviting illustrations serve up a classic tale of enduring friendship at a tea party that will leave readers wanting to pull up a chair.

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Book SynopsisJabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister.Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! It'll be easy. I don't need any help, he declares. But it doesn't work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall's tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.Trade ReviewA fabulous story for little inventors who feel frustrated by external limitations, with some subtle coping mechanisms embedded in it. * Children's Books Ireland - Mind Yourself *

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Book SynopsisA new title in the fantastic Where's Wally? activity book range. Wally is on an incredible adventure through the pages of a magical story book. Grab your pencils, get creative and bring every scene alive with colour. Includes extra things to find and over 100 incredible stickers. Wow!Join Wally as he steps into the pages of a magical story book. Grab your colouring pencils, get creative and bring the adventure to life! Navigate through a land of dragons, a paradise filled with flowers and fruit, a world of toys and games, a murky mysterious swamp and (if you're feeling brave enough) be drawn into a land of fearsome monsters to find some valuable treasure. It's a colourful caper!

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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 SynopsisGet ready to move! Everyone is invited as Bear, Moose, and a medley of forest animals join in an impromptu dance – each in their own way.“I like your moves. But I’m not like you. So I’ll just do what I can do.” Some like to kick their feet and bend their knees to the music. Others prefer to slip and slide ... or swoop down ... or skip high and low! Whatever their style, children will be captured by David Martin’s buoyant rhymes and Raissa Figueroa’s vibrant illustrations as Bear, Moose, Snake, and other forest animals dance to their own groove in a rhythmic celebration of individuality.

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Book SynopsisFAIRY-LAND EXCLUSIVE! Discover THE TRUTH about your favourite fairy-tale characters in Richard Ayoade''s second children''s book.A wonderful, funny book of fairy tales with a twist, with equally fabulous illustrations by the brilliant David Roberts. Liz Pichon, author of Tom GatesRead about the real lives of fairy-tale characters in this exclusive collection of letters between curious kids and their fairy-tale idols.What are they doing now? Was it really Happily Ever After? Is the Big Bad Wolf actually that bad? When will Sleeping Beauty get out of bed? And what makes frogs so kissable?Only one man has the answers, direct from the ACTUAL LEGENDS themselves: meet C.C. Cecily, Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club.BAFTA-winning comedian, actor/director and presenter Richard Ayoade brings his trademark comic genius to Fairy Tale Land.Funny, bonkers and brilliant. StylistRichard Ayoade is one of

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Book SynopsisA warm and heartfelt story of a little boy with a bicycle-obsessed dad learning to ride a bike of his very own.Training bikes have four wheels, a tricycle has three wheels, but what this little boy really wants is a bike with two wheels! It isn’t easy, but with practice, patience, determination and Dad’s unwavering support, the dream of achieving this milestone moment might just become a reality.Trade ReviewThis simple story will appeal to any bike-mad dad who is desperate to share his passion with his offspring. * The Big Issue *Just right for sharing with young children starting out on the road to becoming competent cyclists. * Books for Keeps *This book is beautifully illustrated […] Those who are learning the skills of pedalling, balancing and being brave will recognise the stages this young athlete goes through, and if these things are not familiar, they are explained through the text and illustrations and will undoubtedly become goals for young readers. […] A book that children from around two years old to six would enjoy with adults as well as alone. * Read for Good *This tale of patience and determination is one to share especially with those starting on the road to becoming confident bike riders. * Red Reading Hub *A charming and gentle story with a message that you might summarise as ‘the family that bikes together, stays together’. […] It’s also a lesson about trust and how to come to terms with taking your time to master new skills. * The Letterpress Project *

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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 Synopsis"The Black Friend is THE book everyone needs to read right now... Read it, absorb it, and be changed because of it.” —Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U GiveSpeaking directly to the reader, Frederick Joseph offers powerful reflections on his own experiences with racism. As a former "token Black kid", he now presents himself as the friend many readers need, touching on topics including cultural appropriation, "reverse racism" and white privilege. Featuring interviews with figures such as writer Angie Thomas, content creator Toni Tone, and April Reign, founder of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, this book serves as conversation starter and tool kit, creating a timely and essential read for committed anti-racists and newcomers to the cause of racial justice alike.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's January Previews 2021. * The Bookseller *I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference, whatever their age is. This book has shown me matters of racism that I otherwise never would have known about, and it is so important for everyone to understand that racism is a big thing, and everyone needs to take action against it. * Books Up North *This is a must-read book! It is a hard read and you must not rush it so you can think about the topics it talks about. It talks about his life and his personal experiences and it has interviews with people who want to stop racism/ those who wrote nooks about racism. It is a very interesting read and as a white person it tells what he felt like as a black living in the U.S.A. Due to everything that has gone on I think everyone should read it! However, the language used is strong and you need to be mature to read so I would say 12+. P.S I am 13. -- Reader, Age 13 * Toppsta *This is a very interesting book. It is not like the usual books that I read. It makes you think about important issues and has lots of thought provoking ideas. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it for older readers. -- Reader, Age 12 * Toppsta *

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Book SynopsisLeon "Locksmith" Rolle is one-quarter of the phenomenally successful band Rudimental. In this book, he shares his aspirational story. With chapters on mindset, self-belief and confidence, Leon encourages you to find balance and happiness, no matter what life throws at you.Leon grew up in Hackney, where he played semi-professional football and went on to form Rudimental with three childhood friends. He says: "Things weren’t always easy for me growing up, and I made a lot of mistakes. But I don’t regret any of it, because everything that’s happened has made me Locksmith, and that makes me proud. I want you to be proud of yourself too. You have the power to be great, and successes, mistakes and failures are all just a part of life. It's the journey that counts, because that's what makes you who you are."Let Leon's story inspire you to embrace life and fulfil your incredible potential.Trade ReviewListed in Pen&Inc, highlighting the best in diverse children's books, June 2022 * Pen & Inc *

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Book Synopsis"Strong characterisation and warm emotional depth mark out this uplifting YA debut." GuardianWhat if Romeo & Juliet took place in Memphis in 2022?Ray has no time for romance. She's queen of the roller rink, she writes found poetry, and she’s got her eyes set on her own independent future. Besides, she’s seen what loving someone too much – and losing them – can do to a person.Orion, on the other hand, would like to be smooth with the girls. Just once. He looks like the jock his father wants him to be, but really he’s a hopeless romantic. When he spots Ray at the rink, it feels like the stars have aligned.But now it seems like something in their families' past will stand in their way, and cross their stars forever...An honest, unpredictable, funny and heartbreaking dual-POV love story to fall head over heels for.Trade ReviewStrong characterisation and warm emotional depth mark out this uplifting YA debut. * Guardian *Self-affirming and deeply moving. Rowe tenderly reminds us that it takes courage to love and love to heal. * J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony *Through a blend of prose and found poetry, this novel thoughtfully explores the impact of absence on love. An emotional debut that celebrates the joy that comes from healing. * Kirkus Reviews *An uplifting and tender debut celebrating first love and the joy that comes from healing that fans of Angie Thomas and Jandy Nelson would relish. * The School Librarian *A sparkling debut! This fun, page-turning summer romance is packed with tenderness, insight, and hope. * Liara Tamani, author of All the Things We Never Knew *

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Book SynopsisDance yourself happy with the second, samba spectacular picture book by dancing superstar, Oti Mabuse. It’s time for Oti’s dance class! Join Oti and her class for their first dance show, and learn “The Lion Samba” in ten easy steps.The children are excited to return to dance class with Mrs Oti and waste no time preparing for their animal-themed dance show. Mrs Oti teaches them all about animal movements and how they can be used in their dance. From stomping like an elephant, stretching up high like a giraffe or even shaking your mane like a lion, there’s so much fun to be had. But when disaster strikes on the day of the show, it seems like all of their hard work has been for nothing. Luckily for the children, Mrs Oti is on hand, and soon they realize that a little bit of courage can go a long way.Written by Strictly Come Dancing superstar, Oti Mabuse, this heartwarming picture book will dance into the hands of families who have loved watching Oti on-screen.Trade ReviewListed in Pen&Inc, highlighting the best in diverse children's books, June 2022 * Pen & Inc *Featured in Booktime's July/August Picture Book Roundup * Booktime *‘Ten Stars!! I looove it! I love it! I love to dance! I want to be the Lion and do the lion Samba! Roooooar!!’ My wee one absolutely loved this book, she loved learning the lion samba and watching the video at the end. The story is really good teaching children that it’s ok to make mistakes and to be nervous. The illustrations are lovely with lots to see on every page. The video link is a great idea along with the step guide to the dance * Toppsta.com *A great book about enjoying being on the stage and believing in yourself! We loved the storyline and the dance moves at the end. It was fun learning the moves! Plus we loved the video with step by step instructions. My son watched it over and over and got his toys to do the moves! It has a lovely bit of information about Oti at the end of the book. It is a bright, colourful, enjoyable story which would be great for ks1 children! * Toppsta.com *Waw, what a fantastic book. The little one aged (3) was so engrossed in the pictures, they are vibrant and bright you can almost feel the music, then we read the story and everyone loved it especially the roaring part. This book not only has great pictures showing lots of different children dancing and enjoying themselves, but also explores feelings. We look forward to doing the lion Samba with the older children in the holidays * Toppsta.com *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming, tenderly witty debut about belief – in friendship, in yourself and, maybe, in just a little magic. “I don’t know exactly how wishes work. But I knew a man that did.” Phyll is having a difficult summer. Her family has moved to the seaside, but it’s a long way from perfect. Her mum is sick, she has an enemy called Hilda, and someone is stealing dogs. Then Phyll meets Mr Djinn – a wise old man who insists he’s a genie. It’s a tough claim to believe, until Phyll starts wishing for change…Trade ReviewI thoroughly enjoyed this book and was invested in the range of characters, [...] Recommend and will definitely be ordering a copy. -- Isabelle Coulson * NetGalley *I have to admit to having tears in my eyes as I finished this wonderful story of friendship, self-belief, wishes and the possibility of magic. The characterisation is superb: Mr Djinn especially has some powerful things to say...My wish having put the book aside is that Andy Jones writes another story as beautiful and moving as this, his first for children. -- Jill Bennet * Red Reading Hub *Full of warmth, wit, family and friendship, nasty bullies and dog-stealing villains, and a little pinch of magic... this is a perfect summer read. -- Richreadalot * What I Read Blog *This was a book that I instantly fell in love with. Covering mental health and depression amongst parents and exploring themes of hope, fear and anxieties, this is a book that isn’t just going to support young people but educate as well. Wishes Come in Threes is written with sensitivity and compassion throughout. Plus everyone needs a bit of magic in their lives to make the world a better place sometimes and this story is so heart-warming it filled me with that magic feeling. Wishes Come in Threes is a fantastic debut novel and I really hope Andy Jones is going to continue writing as I am really looking forward to what stories he creates next…A beautiful story which will be perfect for any school library. -- Miss Suffield * Little Blog of Library Treasures *This is a story of friendship and family. Of being lost and being found. A story about moving somewhere new and dealing with change. A story about living with depression. This is a tale of growing up and navigating the choppy waters of the world around you. This is a story about believing in yourself and in others. This is a gritty, witty story about the peaks and troughs of real life sprinkled with just a little magic! -- Jennie * Edspire Blog *

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Book Synopsis“A beautiful poetic and visual delight” Joseph CoelhoA BEAUTIFULLY EVOCATIVE STORY OF A CHILD'S JOURNEY TO ENGLAND ON BOARD EMPIRE WINDRUSH, FROM AN INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED, MULTI-AWARD-WINNING POET AND AN EXTRAORDINARY DEBUT ILLUSTRATOR."you're stepping into historybringing your Caribbean eyeto another horizon"With one last hug, Windrush chid waves goodbye to his Caribbean home and sets sail across the ocean to Britain. In this powerful picture book, full of hope and promise, celebrated poet John Agard and illustrator Sophie Bass movingly evoke the journey made by children and their families as part of the Windrush Generation.PRAISE FOR JOHN AGARD'S WINDRUSH CHILD:Longlisted for the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2023Longlisted for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for IllustrationShortlisted for the Spark! School Book Award 2023Longlisted for the Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards 2023"A poetic story brought to life by Sophie Bass’s colour-popping illustrations." Daily Mail"A beautiful picture book with gorgeous illustrations ... I couldn't think of a better way for young children to learn about history and understand the world." David Walliams“John Agard’s hopeful poem commemorates a child’s Windrush journey from the Caribbean, and bold and vivid illustrations sing of palm trees and mangos left behind, and new experiences, including pigeons and terraced houses and snow.” ‘One to Watch’, The Sunday Times (Culture)"Debut illustrator Bass’s intricate, colourful, arresting pictures bring out all the resonances of Agard’s spare text in this story of a child, a ship, a journey, and a new life enriched by the loves and memories of the old." Guardian"A stunning picture book ... with the distinctive, vibrant art of Sophie Bass.” The Bookseller"A gorgeous bedtime read that will reward repeat readings, deceptively simple, emotionally deep." Joseph CoelhoTrade Reviewa stunning picture book, paired with the distinctive, vibrant art of Sophie Bass * The Bookseller *A beautiful poetic and visual delight. John Agard's Windrush Child is both an important reflection on the Windrush Generation and a gorgeous bedtime read that will reward repeat readings, deceptively simple, emotionally deep. Sophie Bass’ illustrations are beyond lovely, bold and vibrant that have you lingering on their splendour just as much as Agard’s poetry has you contemplating the emotional landscape of finding a new home. * Joseph Coelho *John Agard’s hopeful poem commemorates a child’s Windrush journey from the Caribbean, and bold and vivid illustrations sing of palm trees and mangos left behind, and new experiences, including pigeons and terraced houses and snow. * The Sunday Times *Debut illustrator Bass’s intricate, colourful, arresting pictures bring out all the resonances of Agard’s spare text in this story of a child, a ship, a journey, and a new life enriched by the loves and memories of the old. * Guardian *Sophie Bass’ bold and vibrant illustrations – a vibrancy that reflects the culture and contribution made by the Windrush Generation – also help to tell the story. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisHello, puppy! We don’t know where you came from. We don’t know what kind of dog you are. We’ve been waiting and waiting for you … look!A little girl wants to show her new puppy everything in their world. Look! LOOK! Look! But when puppy disappears, the girl realizes what her new friend really needs ... and that she is the one who can give it.A warm and reassuring tale about loving, thinking and understanding.

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Book SynopsisFrom seconds to minutes to hours, learn all about how to tell the time with Anna and her grandpa.A charming new book, all about telling the time! Anna's friend Zane is coming to tea soon but when is soon, exactly? While Anna waits, Grandpa teaches her how to tell the time for herself... From reading a clock, to learning about different lengths of time (seconds, minutes, hours and more) join Anna, Grandpa and even Whiskers the cat as they explore the wonderful workings of telling the time with words by master storyteller Vivian French, and warmly illustrated by rising star Ya-Ling Huang.

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Book SynopsisThe stakes are high in this fast-paced mystery adventure starring young magician Flick Lions. The second book in the Great Fox series.How well do you really know someone...?Flick is a magician who needs answers. Her father is still missing, and top illusionist the Great Fox doesn't seem interested in finding him, despite his promises. Meanwhile, she and her friend Charlie must represent the Great Fox in a new competition in the Swiss town of Linth. The Global Order of Magic is electing a new chancellor, and the Fox insists that if he wins, it will help – but Flick isn't so sure. Determined to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance and of The Bell System, his greatest and most mysterious magic trick, Flick must pull off an impossible diamond heist to win. But danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is what it seems.Trade Review“Justyn Edwards really knows how to build a gripping narrative, like a tower of cards, using 'sleight of writing hand' to surprise you and thrill you. […] This is such a cracking, original series that will keep children hooked and hankering for answers. * Chris Soul *Quirky fast paced story telling that may help to encourage reluctant readers. * NetGalley Reviewer *A wonderfully written, exciting tale full of magic and mystery. The characters are lovable and it is a pleasure to follow them in their adventures throughout this story. * NetGalley Reviewer *The Great Fox Heist is a thrilling adventure that will keep you guessing; loyalties are tested and questions are definitely raised. With twists that will leave you reeling, I promise that this is a sequel that is even better than the first book and one that will leave you desperately hoping that there will be a book 3. * K and O Bonkers about Books *It's a magician's job to make you doubt but there is no doubt The Great Fox Heist is an absolutely outstanding sequel! […] These are books for active readers - those who want to analyse every clue. Readers have the chance to solve the mystery right along with the characters and work out the illusions as they happen. * NetGalley Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisPick a perfect egg with care – choose a white one nestled there. Lay in cartons, row by row. Pay the farmer. Off you go!There’s excitement in the air as a little girl and her mother carefully collect speckled eggs at the farm. These are no ordinary eggs – they will be dyed, decorated, bejeweled and nestled in a basket. And then, when Sunday morning arrives, the little girl will wear her best bunny ears and head out to meet friends and neighbours. It's time to search for eggs of a different kind, filled with chocolate, toys and sweeties... It's time for a spectacular, springtime egg hunt!This happy and gloriously illustrated Easter read-aloud captures all the excitement of the season, and is from the creators of the perennially popular Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin.Trade ReviewPerfect for the Easter season. * The best new children’s books to read this Easter, Irish Independent *Featured in The Bookseller's Children's Previews for March 2023 * The Bookseller *A stunning story celebrating all things Easter. * Little Blog of Library Treasures *Patricia’s rhyming narrative and Jarvis’s brightly coloured illustrations capture so well that mounting excitement and the fun of those Easter rituals that most children love so much. With a gorgeous cover, this is a really fun book to share in the run up to Easter. * Red Reading Hub *The illustrations accompanying the words really make this such a fun and magical read and each double page is so colourful throughout. * The Strawberry Post *

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Book SynopsisA sensitive, beautifully illustrated picture book about three children spending time with their grandad at his wonderful beach hut and how his spirit lives on there.This delightful story is all about the warm, loving relationship that three children share with their Grandpa Martin. The children visit Grandpa at his Happy Hut throughout the year, in spring, summer, autumn and even winter. Each season brings its own adventures and shows the hut in a new light each time.This poignant story goes on to depict the family coping with Grandpa Martin's death in a gentle, uplifting manner as they make sure that the Happy Hut stands as a reminder of all the memories they made together.Trade ReviewWonderfully warm, Tim’s tale of love, loss and memories is presented with tenderness and sensitivity in both words and pictures. This is a book to share with Grandpas, as well as to enjoy both with family members and in the KS1 classroom. * Red Reading Hub *The exuberant energy and enthusiasm of Grandpa Martin as he strides across the book cover and earlier pages is visceral. The special beach hut is painted ‘a bright vivid, sunshine yellow‘, a colour palette that shines through. * The Letterpress Project *This is a heart-warming and ultimately uplifting story touching on some deep themes for young children. […] It’s about trying to remember all the reasons we have to be happy and enjoying the moment. A moving and powerful book. * Mini Travellers Blog *

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Book SynopsisFor dog people of all ages, a jubilant ode to our canines and the many things they love with wild abandon – especially YOU!From the yard to the park, from school to the market, from one end of the day to the next, dogs are full of joy. Ears flapping out the car window! Tug of war with a rope toy! Sprawling out on the sofa! Getting those “good dog” treats! Wherever they go, whatever they see, dogs love it all. But what do they love most? Guess! This delightfully chaotic book from Leda Schubert and Paul Meisel portrays dogs of all shapes and colours in a laugh-out-loud celebration of our very best friends.

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Book SynopsisThis popular museum adventure is now published in paperback! A fantastic collection of favourite Wally scenes challenging readers to spot over 500 differences, ranging from tricky to fiendish to diabolical!Join Wally for a day at the museum! Ogle at artefacts and gawp at galleries as you search for Wally and his friends. And that's not all: this brilliant book contains double the trouble, with over 500 challenging differences to spot! This is the ultimate test for eagle-eyed Wally-Watchers to experience the world of Wally in a whole new way!

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Book SynopsisK-pop gets the Gossip Girl treatment when Alice Choy is catapulted into the life of a manufactured popstar at the elite Top10 Entertainment's Star Academy.When seventeen-year-old Alice Choy moved from San Francisco to Seoul, she left behind her friends – and the regular singing lessons she used to love. Now the only singing she does is karaoke with her little sister in Myeongdong. That is, until she's spotted by a scout for Top10 Entertainment and invited to attend their Star Academy.But sculpting herself into one-fifth of soon-to-be-launched K-pop group A-List is hard work. It's rising at dawn for lung-crushing cardio, dancing drills and calorie controlled meals. It's egos and rivalry and secrets lived outside of the public eye, because if A-list gets on the wrong side of a certain influential blogger and the anti-fans, then Alice's dreams of being an idol might never materialize.A debut novel about standing out and fitting in, dreaming big and staying true.Trade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's April 2022 Previews. * The Bookseller *Listed in Pen&Inc, highlighting the best in diverse children's books, June 2022 * Pen & Inc *

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Book SynopsisTired of chopping fruit, cubing cheese, fishing rice cakes out of a backpack and generally fielding incessant snack requests? Then this new Cheery Street title is the book for you all about the joy of making and sharing food, together! Gertie LOVES snacks: sofa snacks, bath snacks, bedtime snacks it's a snack life! She abandons almost every mealtime in favour of snacking. Her daddy can't help but feel frustrated how can he convince her to try new food? Or to even talk about something other than snacks? A day in Granny''s allotment might just provide all the inspiration that''s needed. From the same funny, warm world of Cheery Street as Carry Me!, Georgie Birkett explores small children's exasperating eating habits and, once more, through a very endearing father-daughter mouse duo, she perfectly captures the ups and downs of parenting life.

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