Search results for ""Gecko Press""

There was once a cheeky little rabbit. You might know him already. When his mother told him, "Simon, tomorrow is your first day of school!" he replied,"I'm not going."

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A fascinating journey around the world of extinct animals, combining cartoons with naturalist drawings, and mythology with science. Did you know there was once a beaver that was two metres long? That the elephant-bird really did exist? And that the dodo once had a life beyond the pages of Alice in Wonderland? Have you heard of the megatherium, the glyptodon or the tratratratra?Through legend and mythology, anecdotes and scientific facts, the authors tell fascinating stories of the strange animals that disappeared before our time. The book is a tragicomedy, and a mine of information for everyone interested in the animal world.

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A high-spirited story about an enterprising only child and a father's juggle to work from home Mika's father works from home and he's very busy! He can never find time for the promised swimming trip. So Dad allows Mika to choose herself a pet from the store while he finishes the project-something quiet like a mouse. And so begins a wonderfully turbulent story in which Mika brings home one animal after another... The mouse gets lost so she gets a dog to find it. the dog is followed by a seal, the seal a penguin. How many animals can come to stay before a harassed father notices? This is a high-spirited story about an enterprising only child and a father's juggle to work from home.

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A visual history of the inventions, discoveries and technology that have shaped our world. In his signature playful style, Peter Goes brings together breakthroughs in science, IT, entertainment, medicine and everyday life. He shows us the earliest flute alongside tools and weapons, takes us from candle clocks to drones, from spectacles to genetic modification, from the toothpaste of Ancient Egypt to the clones of the future. These cross-sections of history highlight human ingenuity and hope, from the Stone Age to the world of tomorrow.

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Papa Monkey and Little Monkey are on their way home. But the street is very busy and they are going so slowly! Monkey loses patience and jumps onto the fire engine. Up the ladder from there and he joins a TV crew! Then the rubbish truck, a rabbit takeaway stall packed with carroty treats, Arctic animals traveling by snow globe, a jewel thief’s getaway car...

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Tell me three goodnight stories, please, please, says Little Bear. Three!? says her mother. YesI gave you three good night kisses! First, Little Bear hears the story of the Night Guardian, who lives in the woods and makes sure all the animals go to bed. But who tells the Night Guardian when its bedtime? The second story is about the brave girl Zhora, who seeks the forests most delicious blackberries. In the third we meet Bo, the little man with the big overcoat, who finds it hard to sleep. Finally, Little Bear falls asleep, and there in bed beside her are her new storybook friends.

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A funky little children's book that takes the "before and after" concept to unexpected places. A gust of wind, an elephant, a dive bomb, a spell: this funky "before" and "after" book will have you chuckling! What happens to a lion after the storm? His mane is swept into a dishevelled mess. What becomes of a pear after an elephant passes by? Pear jam! A frog after a spell? A prince. And the room after a battle? A big mess!

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Watch the wolf put on his trousers, his T-shirt, his socks, and more. But what is his plan once he's fully dressed? Careful-he might bite! This boardbook has extra-thick board pages and strong cloth binding that will withstand many reads (it will need to!). It's a French bestseller, with bold illustrations and simple text, great for reading aloud, with a fun ending guaranteed to get giggles. It's also good for discussing getting dressed and different items of clothing.

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An almost single-color picture book tracks the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding. When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his window. He always carries a small box, which he opens for no one. He meets a wildcat who understands his need to carry the box. As the cat plays on her violin, the bear remembers all the beauty he experienced with the little bird. Now he can bury his friend, keeping him alive in his memories and feelings. The Bear and the Wildcat shows a way through paralyzing grief and simultaneously tells the story of a hopeful new friendship.

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Bear can't find his glasses. He must have left them at Giraffe's house. On the way over, Bear sees all kinds of animals he didn't notice last time: an elephant, a crocodile, a flamingo, a deer. And who's this long spotty snake lying on Giraffe's deckchair? The patient Giraffe finds Bear's glassesright where glasses always get lost, perched on his head. Then Bear takes Giraffe to meet these wondrous animals that he found on the way. Leo Timmers' details are full of expression and humorthe angle of Giraffe's neck and lift of his eyebrows, hiding his skepticism as he helps his friend, the dear, artless bear. Through an ingenious telling of this classic comical situation, Leo Timmers shows us how to enjoy the world through different eyes.

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An honest, humorous and factual book for children and early teens who want to understand and feel at home with their own bodies. Sometimes we feel uncomfortable in our own skin, sometimes invincible. Expert Katharina von der Gathen’s many years of experience working with children as a sex educator are the basis for this witty encyclopedia covering interesting facts about skin, hair and body functions alongside the questions that may affect us through puberty and beyond—gender identity, beauty, consent, self-confidence, how other people react and relate to us, and how they make us feel. With accessible and warm text, Any Body gently acknowledges common feelings of ambivalence about our bodies. Through showing body diversity and positivity, it encourages acceptance of self and others. The illustrations are relatably funny and include charts, cartoons and more—even a handy page of visual compliments. This compendium is an encouraging starting point for conversations with children navigating puberty and laying the foundations for body acceptance in a straightforward and highly entertaining way. Translated from the German edition by Shelley Tanaka.

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Illustrated in full color and packed with character and humor, this is the fifth whodunnit mystery in the awardwinning Detective Gordon series, fun to read alone or aloud. A Case with a Bang is the final book in the series of funny detective stories for early readers set in a friendly forest in which two determinedly fair police—retired-toad Gordon and the indefatigable mouse Buffy—solve the mystery and stop regularly to eat cake. Night brings a horrible humming, scraping sound in the forest. Someone has wrecked the badger’s trash can. Later, three large creatures are spotted up on the mountain. Detective Buffy discovers this seemingly small case really is a dangerous mystery—she comes back from her first investigation flat as a gingerbread, rolled over by something huge and terrifying. Back at the station, retired Detective Gordon is training a new young police assistant, and the cakes have run out in the forest bakery! While all the animals cower at the police station, Buffy remembers Gordon’s stories about trolls. Is it possible they do exist? Taking Gordon’s advice about how everyone thinks differently, she finds a way to communicate with the giant creatures—perhaps not so terrifying after all. The book leaves readers with a memorable Gordon message: Everyone thinks differently, strangers are welcome, cakes for everybody! This final instalment in the awardwinning Detective Gordon series is a multi-layered philosophical story about good detective work involving all, kindness to newcomers and doing the right thing. Winner of multiple awards and accolades, Detective Gordon is a mystery series with depth—perfect for reading alone for emerging readers, wonderful for reading aloud together as a chapter book. Translated from the Swedish edition by Julia Marshall.

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Once there was a little rabbit who did only what he wanted. When his mother asked him to tidy his room he cried, “Wooolf! The wolf is coming!" and, when she ran away, he did whatever he wanted. One day he did a wee where he wanted, and the wolf came to get him. "Wooolf!" he cried, but his mother didn't fall for that. The wolf got him! It was just Simon's father in a wolf mask. Simon promised never to cry wolf again. But when his mother opened the cupboard in the morning, a wolf cried "Awwoooo!" A funny new book with a twist ending in the worldwide bestselling series about Simon the cheeky rabbit.

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This big-hearted picture book captures the warmth and fun of a spontaneous summer’s day with friends, where one lovely activity leads to another until they all go back home to bake a cake (two cakes!) to finish. Raccoon decides to bake an apple cake. But he has no eggs, so visits his friend Fox, who needs a ladder to mend the roof. Badger will have one, but he needs help too, so they set off to find Bear. They stroll through meadows, meet up with Crow, nibble blackberries and find Bear fishing at the river. Soon the five friends are having the best day out—the sun shining on their fur, fishing, swimming, picnic and finally home to bake the cake—two cakes, because bears have big appetites. A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends is a picture book to instantly capture the heart. Laconic narration, funny dialogue and exquisite illustrations tell the story of a carefree childhood day. Philip Waechter is one of Germany’s leading children’s author/illustrators with a beautifully classic illustration style.

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A warm father and son story in which an irresistible lion cub proudly tries to be just like Dad. Lionel can do everything Dad does: Dad combs his hair. So does Lionel. Dad scratches his arm. So does Lionel. Dad sings very, very loud. So does Lionel. But when Lionel throws all the toys in the air and they come down THUNK on Dad’s head ... Dad yells! Ow! So does Lionel! Dad stops to think. Then rushes back for a big hug—Dad is very, very happy, and so is Lionel! This fun story is a discussion tool for emotional learning—over enthusiasm, mistakes, feeling upset, reconciliation, love—and a father and son relationship rarely seen in board books. Boundary-pushing Lionel has a winning, mischievous grin, and his tolerant father provides a great model for parenting. This small and sturdy board book is just right for toddlers’ and preschoolers’ hands and ideal to read alongside a child. Lionel Is Just Like Dad is the third book in this original board book series, designed as standalone stories that introduce developmental milestones with tolerant humor, mischief and gentle guidance. Series includes Lionel Eats All By Himself and Lionel Poops. With stories drawn from the intense emotions of toddlers, this series is built to give children confidence and the freedom to discover who they are. Translated from the French edition by Daniel Hahn.

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A springtime fresh picture book about a good day out with friends—climbing mountains, swimming and singing—and the difference between storytelling and lies. Lisette and her friend Bobbi the lizard have never told a lie. But they are eager to try—it might be fun! They tell Popof they are going for a trip to the mountains. When Popof decides to come too, they realise they’ll have to make the mountain. A liar needs to improvise. In this funny story about imaginative play with friends, Lisette’s creativity and quick thinking make for a wonderful day out. Gently exploring the differences between storytelling and little white lies and the importance of good intentions, this picture book is ideal to read aloud with preschoolers. With illustrations that convey a range of mood and emotion, the animal friends are brimming with personality and childlike playfulness. Other books from Catharina Valckx: Lisette’s Green Sock Zanzibar Bruno

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Cricket Karlsson is going to become an artist just like her aunt, who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Cricket's mother, who is dieting and sighs at everything. But now Aunt Frannie has lost her joy and Cricket's best friend has dumped her for the horse girls. Eleven-year-old Cricket Karlsson is a warm and complex character with an artistic soul. This is a liberating and unexpected story about growing up, fitting in, and sorting out the adults in our lives that will reach the hearts of young readers (and older ones).

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Hattie is a street-smart country girl in her first year of school. She lives just outside of nowhere, right next to no one at all. Luckily she’s starting school and that brings new adventures. Hattie gets her first swimming badge, falls madly in love with a hermit crab and meets a best friend. Sometimes things go wrong—like when the hairdresser cuts her hair into stumps just in time for school photos. And while Hattie tries her best, it’s not always easy to be well behaved... Hattie is perfect for newly independent readers from Frida Nilsson, whose award-winning The Ice Sea Pirates was an international bestseller.

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Bear finds three tasty mushrooms on her way home through the woods. Her friend Weasel cooks them up in the frying pan. But the friends have a problem: how to share three between two? Bear and Weasel come up with one argument after another for why they should have more. Bear needs more because she’s big; Weasel needs more because he’s small and needs to grow. Weasel cooked them, but with Bear’s recipe ... Until the fox comes around the corner and snatches a mushroom. That solved the problem. They eat the two mushrooms and it’s time for dessert. Here comes Weasel with the scrumptious wild strawberries, three of them to share...

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A stand-alone follow-up to the acclaimed chapter books that began with New York Times Notable Book My Happy Life. What do you do if your best friend lives in another city and the adults can't keep their promises about when you'll see her? You have to sort it out for yourself! Dani's father is away and Dani is staying with her grandparents. When she is invited to Ella's party, she thinks of the world's best gift for the world's best friend: she, Dani, will be the present! Her grandmother agrees- if she's brave enough to take the train alone.So Dani sets out on a journey all by herself.

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A funky and fascinating collection of inventions that never caught on, from the authors of the international bestseller MAPS. When Leonardo da Vinci invented the tank, car, helicopter, glider, parachute, submarine, lift and telescope, over 500 years ago, he was considered a dreamer. Or even crazy. Today he is understood to be a genius, ahead of his time. This book collects ancient and modern inventions. Some are revolutionary, others comical, others were simply impossible. But each of them testifies to the extraordinary imaginations of their inventors. You will find here a flying bicycle, bubble telegraph, passenger clouds and passenger birds, mechanical chess players, a water clock, a concentration hood and many more incredible ideas.

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A perfectly simple interactive board book for babies that lets the child take charge of bathtime. Who enjoys having their ears washed? Little Rabbit doesn't like the idea, but it turns out to be not so bad after all. But he does need our help. When the blow-dryer breaks, we must blow his ears dry. Wfffff! Keep blowing! Now wrap him in the towel and bathtime is over. Squeaky clean, Little Rabbit! Joerg Muhle has created another loveable boardbook that invites children to turn on the shower, cover Little Rabbit's eyes, wipe the water off his nose. Fun for everyone: children, parents, and rabbits!

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Elephant wants to play hide and seek. You can play too, but you'll have to try your best - he's VERY good! Have You Seen Elephant is an absurd and heart-warming picture book from a brilliant storyteller with perfect comic timing. Watch out for the dog and the tortoise, too...

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Bert is eleven and wants nothing more than to fight in the war. But he soon learns that the secrets and danger of war dont always stay at the front line.

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A fast-paced, comical story for early readers, in which Dad’s hair takes off through the open window to freedom! One day, Dad’s hair decided it was tired of being brushed and combed. It wanted a life of its own, to see the world. It took off. Out of the bathroom, into the kitchen, and before you could say, “Hairsta la vista, baby!” it was gone. Dad gave chase around the town. He spots his hair hiding in the lawn, on the road, at the zoo —it’s amazing how many things look like hair. He gives up. Dad tries to accept life without hair. Then the postcards arrive. The hair is on a round-the-world trip and Dad is still bald. Until one day the unbelievable happens and the hair comes back. This is a fast-paced tour-de-force, a wonderfully absurd story packed with wordplay and full colour hilarious illustrations. When Dad’s Hair Took Off is a comical chapter book for early readers or for any child to enjoy reading aloud with a grownup who relates! A fun book to celebrate and share with Dad on Father’s Day or any day. Translated from the German edition by Melody Shaw, where it was shortlisted for multiple awards. Jörg Mühle studied illustration in Offenbach and Paris. He has been illustrating for books and magazines since 2000. He is the author and illustrator of worldwide bestselling interactive bedtime book for toddlers, Tickle My Ears.

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Play hide and seek in the city with a boy, his animal friends and a dinosaur that’s surprisingly hard to spot. The brilliantly interactive follow-up to international bestselling picture book, Have You Seen Elephant? Best friends boy, dog and elephant are VERY good at hide-and-seek. There’s a missing dinosaur in the city—who better to spot this elusive giant? They search the skate park, the museum, the subway... No one in the city can spot the dinosaur, not even this crack hide-and-seek team. But delighted readers will be pointing “There it is!” from the first page. This absurd, laugh-out-loud picture book for preschoolers is richly illustrated with David Barrow’s trademark beautiful use of light and colour and dramatic cityscapes—a guaranteed hit with dinosaur-loving toddlers. With clues, surprises and humour, this game-inside-a-book celebrates imaginative play and is perfect for sharing with children who will love being better at finding the dinosaur than their adult reader.

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An exuberant rhyming picture book about a school trip to the woods, where no one sees the danger—apart from quiet Liam, who pays attention and saves the day with his particular skill of hiding. It’s the class trip to Dismal Hills wilderness. The children aren’t worried about the legendary Grizzled Grist who lives here; they’re excited to show off their outdoor skills—foraging, climbing, trapping. No one’s impressed with Liam’s skill of hiding. But it turns out a hider can see what others think does not exist. A hider moves with soundless ease and treads as softly as the breeze. At times, a hider barely breathes—but what is this the hider sees? When the children and their frazzled teacher walk confidently into disaster, little Liam saves the day—a triumph for the quiet child no one notices. From the world of That’s Not a Hippopotamus: Good-natured, funny, and a fabulous readaloud to groups.” Best Books of 2016, School Library Journal “Buoyant fun for the very young.” Kirkus Reviews

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A delightful board book for toddlers and adults to have fun experimenting with words to create funny new ones. Selected as a White Raven 2022, Kirkus Reviews Best Board Books 2022 and Bank Street Best Children's Books 2023. Playful animals get up to everyday toddler mischief in this board book built on child-based wordplay, where each page twists animal names into funny new words that are fun to share. With illustrations drawn from a toddlers world, babies and young children will recognise each activity—getting dressed, playing, painting (including themselves), having a bath, using the potty—and see how the animal makes the mischievous most of it. The bumblebee breaks its toy—bumblebee grumblebee! The cockatoo is getting dressed—cockatoo sockatoo! The pelican tries out the potty—pelican smellican! What will turtle do? Everybody gathers for the final squirtle. Built for adults, babies and toddlers to share and read aloud, this fresh and sweet board book encourages experimentation with words and sounds, just by changing a letter or two. Other books by David Elliot: Oink Henry’s Map

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A large-format non-fiction picture book that describes the incredible creatures that once walked the Earth, with a lively mix of illustrations, comics and facts. Walk in the footsteps of the first fossil researchers to discover the earliest animal life on Earth. Explore the story of a spiny sea worm without tail or head, a walking fish, a peaceful sea dragon, and many other incredible creatures. Told through comics, illustrations and data, Fossils from Lost Worlds is also a fascinating insight into paleontology itself. It shows how science is a process of thinking and rethinking, questioning and learning. Through a timeline of animal reconstructions and major discoveries, we can track the beliefs and theories that have brought our knowledge to where it is today.

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The migrants must leave the forest. Borders are crossed, sacrifices made, loved ones are lost. It takes such courage to reach the end. At last the journey is over and the migrants arrive. This is the new place. Through extraordinarily powerful images, Migrants narrates the journey of a group of animals that leaves behind a leafless forest. It is the story of a great and unique migration, a journey where borders must be crossed, sacrifices made, loved ones left behind. With forceful simplicity, Migrants shows us the courage migration takes. Death looms throughout the journey. And arriving may mean burying a portion of the past.

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In this stellar picture book by New York Times Best Illustrated Book recipient Leo Timmers, three knights go looking in the dark for a dragon. The king won't sleep until they find it. The knights know everything about dragons. With only one candle between them, they go out into the night. Is that a dragon? Attack! Intricately detailed illustrations combine with a joyful rhyming text in this spirited take on mistaken dragon identity.

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In this expressively illustrated picture book about acknowledging differences and strengths, an overeager dinosaur school bus causes problems for the city’s transportation system—so the children find a place where oversize is perfect. Every morning, Leilong the school bus shuttles through the city, picking up children as he goes. But a brontosaurus longer than a tennis court and heavier than five buses causes big problems in the busy streets. The school decides he can’t be the bus anymore. The children must find a way to help their long friend fit in. Bei Lynn’s loose and vibrant illustrations bring to life the charming world of Leilong, where brontosauruses share the city with ordinary vehicles, and sliding out the bedroom window down the neck of the dinosaur school bus is an everyday activity. From the world of Leilong the Library Bus: “Intriguing dialogue and winning characters” Kirkus Reviews “A sweet adventure that celebrates dinosaurs and imagination” Youth Services Book Review “Reminds children just how it feels to be transported by a unique, original, and enchanting story” Midwest Book Review

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A bestselling and much-loved Gecko Press title now in board book A new play on the fable of the tortoise and the hare. This is a picture book for drivers of all ages. "Simply told, with a minimum of fuss, Who's Driving? is a good example of less is more... For best results, tackle at full throttle." The Age (Australia) "A joyous ride for any pre-schooler in love with the fast and the furious." Dominion Post (NZ)

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A deft and delightful tale, packed with word play and madcap energy A class trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing hippopotamus. Teacher, zookeeper and all the children join the search. The noise and drama reach a pitch, and no one thinks to listen to quiet Liam, who really might know where the hippo is hiding.

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Another classic in the best-selling series about Simon, a cheeky little rabbit who knows just what he wants. Once there was a little rabbit... "I'm not a LITTLE rabbit! I'm Super Rabbit!" Simon is not afraid of anything. He's Super Rabbit! But one day when he goes out to save the world, he comes across a situation he wasn't expecting.

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Simon-the little rabbit from Poo Bum-is back! There's a new baby in Simon's house. "When's that stupid baby going back to the hospital?" Simon asks his parents. But the baby is there to stay. What about all the scary wolves outside the house? The wolves that want to eat Simon up? Will his parents still protect him now they have a stupid baby?

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Joy Cowley knows what makes children laugh. In this book full of absurd poems and very short, silly stories, a man takes his tadpoles for a walk in his hat, a cat is surprised by its talking feet, a tiger gobbles up a dentist, ten baggy clowns do a do-wacky dance . . . along with many more preposterous flights of imagination. Illustrations by David Barrowa first-rate visual comedianexpand the humor in each fantastical suggestion. Cowley channels the spirit of classic, silly humorists such as Spike Milligan, Edward Lear, and Ogden Nash in this exuberant collection for the family that emboldens readers to experiment and play with language.

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In this slapstick illustrated crime adventure, the honest Theo Pincher, who doesn't fit in to his family of criminals, finds a clever way to save the family dog, Sherlock, from the nasty new police officer. The new police officer, Clive, is not niceeven the other police are afraid of him. Everything, even the dog, must have a receipt to prove there's no stealing going on. Things without receipts are locked up. Of course, Theo's family don't have a receipt for anything, especially not for their dog Sherlock. When Sherlock is caught, Theo makes a plan to get him back using cooking oil, a dog onesie, and cunninga plan so good even Theo's family are impressed. This criminally funny tale contains a break-in at the candy store, an interrogation, and comical commentary from the dog, who thinks his name is Shuddup Sherlock. Praise for The Pinchers: If you are looking for a goofy, good fun beginning chapter book reader series, pinch this book. Criminally good writing, illustrations,

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The first in a funny chapter book crime series about a well-behaved child who doesn't fit in to his family of criminalsfeaturing a prison break, a diamond heist and a lie that saves the day.

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A funny and whimsical picture book about an ordinary family day, told through a bird family, from 2022 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award recipient Eva Lindström. “Wash your beaks, it’s time for lunch—flies again today,” says Dad. After lunch the young birds get sent off to play—they sing, hunt mosquitos, compare leg size and poke grubs. This is how birds spend a day. Eva Lindström reflects the familiar and the absurd in human behavior through this funny bird family. We all recognize the family dynamics of bickering over fried mosquitos and worm pie—only the youngest is allowed to pick out the worms. Toddlers will recognize key moments in a perfectly down to earth day—play, mealtimes, stretching boundaries and sleep. With dry observations of human family behavior that adults will enjoy, this is a picture book to make all the family laugh and to read aloud together. Expressive faces, hilarious hairstyles, Dad’s great cooking, and a sister and brother’s everyday conversation combine in a heartwarming and completely individual picture book from a unique artist with an international following. Eva Lindström was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2022 and has been nominated once for the Hans Christian Award and eight times for the August Award which she won in 2013. She is a major influence on picture and comic book artists worldwide. Translated from the Swedish edition by Julia Marshall. Other books from Eva Lindström My Dog Mouse Everyone Walks Away

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A concertina board book of big bright faces to place around baby on the floor at tummy time—by multi-award-winning author/illustrator Gavin Bishop. Babies will love tummy time or learning to sit up surrounded by this beautiful two metre fold-out, wordless board book illustrating faces and toys in bright colors. This safe and sturdy concertina book is a perfect new baby or baby shower gift, with compelling illustrations of the things babies love. Friendly faces from the whole family combine with familiar toys and objects, drawn in bold lines with a striking minimalist color palette. Choose your cover and which direction to read this fully reversible book. Accordion-fold books are perfect for babies to strengthen core muscles at tummy time with the saturated colours, simple lines and open faces that babies are hard-wired to enjoy. As the baby grows the strong simple images are perfect for introducing first words and concepts, with family faces to name—including the dog—and objects that babies love to hold and explore—soft toys, ball, keys, an enticing pair of spectacles and more. Selected as a dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picturebooks 2023.

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In this fresh and playful board book, the kind crocodile leaves his pond to see the world. Animals are in danger out here! Here comes a terrified mouse, a frightened hog, an antelope. One by one they find shelter on Crocodile's long back, while his big teeth scare their enemies away. GRRR! Is there room for an enormous, frightened rhino? Yes! But a growling lion is too much. GRRR! And then the crocodile turns on his friends. GRRR! "Just joking!" says crocodile. "Not kind!" say the friends. This funny board book from Leo Timmers, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award author, features his trademark detailed illustrations full of expression and a satisfying twist ending-will Crocodile turns on its friends? Of course not, the kind crocodile is just kid, leaving much to discuss about when a joke is not that funny. Kind Crocodile is a board book to enjoy again and again with a good message at its heart, about jokes that transgress the boundary of kindness.

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This big-hearted picture book captures the warmth and fun of a spontaneous summer’s day with friends, where one lovely activity leads to another until they all go back home to bake a cake (two cakes!) to finish. Raccoon decides to bake an apple cake. But he has no eggs, so visits his friend Fox, who needs a ladder to mend the roof. Badger will have one, but he needs help too, so they set off to find Bear. They stroll through meadows, meet up with Crow, nibble blackberries and find Bear fishing at the river. Soon the five friends are having the best day out—the sun shining on their fur, fishing, swimming, picnic and finally home to bake the cake—two cakes, because bears have big appetites. A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends is a picture book to instantly capture the heart. Laconic narration, funny dialogue and exquisite illustrations tell the story of a carefree childhood day. Philip Waechter is one of Germany’s leading children’s author/illustrators with a beautifully classic illustration style.

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In this pithy board book series, an overenthusiastic, impulsive lion tests his daily routines to their limit—in Lionel Poops, cheerfully trying all sorts of places to poop before ending up proudly on the potty. Lionel is bouncing on his trampoline when all of a sudden he needs to poop. Where will he do it? On some cows! No, Lionel, no! On some wildcats! No, Lionel! Lionel thinks of many inappropriate places but eventually poops on his potty. Well done, Lionel! But wait—that’s not all... Cheeky toddler lion Lionel learns about looking after his own body. His mischievous grin puts the reader instantly on his side, and the tolerant voice of his adult helper provides an amused commentary. Ideal to read to a child while they are on a potty. Series includes Lionel Eats All By Himself. From the author of Encyclopedia of Grannies… “A completely bonkers, gleefully silly guide to grandmothers of all stripes.” School Library Journal …and My Pictures after the Storm (3 starred reviews) “A terrific little book that will amuse all out of proportion to its size.” Wall Street Journal

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Caught in a storm, Arnold the elephant washes up on a tiny island. Along comes Mouse in a little dingy and Arnold steps aboard . . . uh-oh! They use the wreckage to make the island bigger. And here's Dog-can this boat take Arnold's weight? Uh-oh! None of the animals can save the shipwrecked elephant but each broken vessel provides new materials for another intricate construction. Wheels and pulleys create a Ferris wheel, an elevator, a waffle maker. Soon there is a whole community and enough space for everyone! As with all Leo Timmers picture books, Elephant Island has many layers of discovery. Each new building is a magical fun park packed with mechanical detail and busy animals all working together.

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In this vibrant rhyming tale of resourcefulness and friendship by one of the world's great children's writers, the tiny woman makes a coat of leaves-a book to leave its readers snug as a bug The tiny woman makes a coat of leaves with the help of friends in this vibrant rhyming tale. The trees, geese, porcupine, horse and plants all share something so the tiny woman can snip, snip, snip and stitch, stitch, stitch a coat to keep herself warm. Resourcefulness and friendship are at the heart of this simple rhythmic poem by one of the world's best children's writers. Buoyant and satisfying to read aloud, this small book will leave the reader snug as a bug.

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Pablo is a fresh and funny story for babies and toddlers about stepping out on your own into a bright new world. With the little chick Pablo, we discover our five senses and take a first flight. Shhh! Pablo is asleep. This is his last night inside the shell. Tomorrow he'll come out. But he's a little shy so starts with a very little hole... Tap tap! Pablo is fresh and funny story about stepping out on your own into a bright new world. With the little chick Pablo we discover up and down, forward and back, shapes, the noises and smells of the outside, and take a first flight. It's not scary at all! Especially not if you keep a little piece of home with you, in case you need it later.

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