Search results for ""chicken house ltd""

The first book in the bestselling BATTLE OF THE BEETLES series – perfect for fans of Roald Dahl! Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2017 Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 Shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Children's Book Award 2016 Chosen for the Tom Fletcher Book Club 'Truly great storytelling.' MICHAEL MORPURGO 'Funny, exciting and genuinely eccentric' PHILIP REEVE 'Roald Dahl meets 101 Dalmatians in a rollicking ride, full of adventure with vivid characters' EXPRESS 'By the end, you'll think beetles are the coolest creatures on the planet' TOM FLETCHER Darkus can't believe his eyes when a huge insect drops out of the trouser leg of his horrible new neighbour. It's a giant beetle – and it seems to want to communicate. But how can a boy be friends with a beetle? And what does a beetle have to do with the disappearance of his dad and the arrival of Lucretia Cutter, with her taste for creepy jewellery? The first book in MG Leonard's acclaimed trilogy, followed by Beetle Queen and Battle of the Beetles! Featuring exotic beetles, a daring quest, a mixture of bold male and female characters and a truly venomous villain Includes brilliant illustrations by Julia Sard� From the author of Twitch and the Adventure on Trains series, co-written with Sam Sedgman

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When the River School's new head teacher decides to ban football,Jummy and friends must come up with a new game plan - and fast.

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Return to the magic of Hoarder Hill in this spellbinding finale! Praise for THE HOUSE ON HOARDER HILL: 'A ghostly mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.' BOOKTRUST 'This is a book full of magic and suspense ... exciting, a bit scary, sad, poignant, funny and also full of love.' JUNO When their magician grandpa is imprisoned in a snow globe, Hedy and Spencer, with their cousins and friends, must go in search of a magical way to free him. The Spellbound Tree - the source of all magic - could be the answer. But to find it, the children must fight their way through the catacombs of Paris, with the help and hindrance of ghosts and monsters ... The thrilling, fantastical finale in the Hoarder Hill trilogy! A family mystery with a pair of brave siblings at its heart Magical, gutsy and spooky; perfect for readers aged 9 and up

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An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of Every Line of You – A Good Girl's Guide to Murder meets virtual reality ... 'This dark, dystopian thriller is genuinely disturbing and the final twist is a genuine shock ... Chilling.' DAILY MAIL 'A pixelated whirlwind of a ride through the darkest secrets of the human mind, explored through the lens of virtual reality gaming!' LEE NEWBERY, AUTHOR OF THE LAST FIREFOX Lola's been selected to play a new virtual reality game – Better Than Life. In her game, she's loved. Is beautiful. Can do whatever she wants. But she quickly breaks the one rule: not to recreate people or places from real life. She recreates her house and a boy she fancies. Soon she's skipping school to play. But Lola has secrets - dark ones that begin to surface inside her game - and the more she tries to fix her problems, the more she overlooks a much bigger threat ... An original, high-concept psychological thriller – Holly Jackson meets VR horror Set in an exclusive boarding school, this rollercoaster ride of a story involves an unreliable narrator,immersive gaming, a dark secret and a huge twist Perfect for fans of Cynthia Murphy and Kathryn Foxfield PRAISE FOR EVERY LINE OF YOU: 'What a debut. So tense – and it didn't lead where I thought it was going.' SUE WALLMAN, author of YOUR TURN TO DIE 'Frankenstein meets Heathers. Bonnie and Clyde for the digital age, Every Line of You is a gripping thriller about the power of AI and a fresh twist on the intensity of first love.' AMY MCCAW, author of MINA AND THE UNDEAD

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A captivating fantasy for middle grade readers - power, corruption and friendship collide in this enthralling adventure! 'a captivating fantasy ... This enthralling adventure will make readers yearn for their own masks and powers' GUARDIAN 'Hoghton's exciting premise is enriched by the Venetian setting, where the deceptive cobbled streets, maze of rivers and idiosyncratic islands make it easy to slip between a realist register and fantasy' THE IRISH TIMES Aribella lives in Venice, the daughter of an impoverished lacemaker. But she has a secret: when angered, sparks shoot from her fingertips. Afraid, Aribella leaves her old life behind, only to discover the world of the Cannovacci: warriors with magical skills, sworn to defeat the strange spectres menacing the city … • A captivating fantasy by debut author Anna Hoghton, a young and thrilling new voice for middle-grade readers. • Original and arresting storytelling in the captivating setting of historical Venice. • Themes of power, corruption, friendship and celebrating your true self.

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A charming action-packed adventure across the Atlantic from acclaimed author Holly Rivers! 'Energetic, lively and charming' READING ZONE Siblings Orinthia and Séafra Shalloo accept a summer job from eccentric Grandy, who has collected a menagerie of furry and feathered posties known as animails. The children are especially fond of Geronimo, a homing pelican. But when the big bird fails to return from a delivery, Taber – the youngest sibling – is devastated; so much so, he mails himself to New York, where Geronimo was sent. Orinthia and Séafra follow suit, stealing a precious stamp and hopping in a freight crate – and soon all are embarked on an extraordinarily daring first-class adventure … A warm, adventurous and action-packed story from acclaimed author Holly Rivers, author of Demelza & the Spectre Detectors A brillantly-imagined fantasy world with a vintage feel and a trio of characters you’ll long to be friends with As a child, Holly was a lead actress in ITV’s original Worst Witch series! Perfect for fans of M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman's Adventures on Trains series

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An endangered forest. An abandoned snow leopard. A child who only feels comfortable talking to animals. When fates collide, the unbelievable can happen ... 'Put me in mind of Dodi Smith and Gerald Durrell at their very best - enchanting and thrilling in equal measure.' Piers Torday 'Reads like a classic. I loved it.' Pam Muñoz Ryan The Big Freeze 1963 Maggie’s stutter makes going to school hard. She will do almost anything to avoid speaking in class – even if that leads to trouble. Sent to stay in the depths of Cornwall with a grandfather she barely knows, Maggie discovers an abandoned snow leopard hiding in the nearby Wildoak Forest. Sheltered by the ancient trees, the two of them build an understanding in secret. But when the cub is spotted by local villagers, danger follows - threatening everything she has come to believe in. Can Maggie find an answer before time runs out - not just for the cub, but for herself and the forest as well? An enticing, classic new voice in children's fiction – perfect for fans of Natasha Farrant or Melissa Harrison Told in alternating voices, Wildoak shimmers with life as it explores the delicate interconnectedness of the human, animal and natural worlds The bond between a troubled child and an abandoned snow leopard is at the heart of this emotional and atmospheric story set in the 1960s

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Welcome to a new term at the River School! Jummy and Caro are thrilled to be working with their Nile House friends on the school corn-planting competition. But as they try to grow the biggest crops, they realize the beautiful Shine-Shine River is running low - why, and what does it have to do with the sinister bakery nearby? The friends will have to step up if they want to save the river and its wildlife - and win the school prize in the process ... The sequel to the critically-acclaimed Jummy at the River School, chosen as both Indie Book of the Month and Blackwell’s Book of the Month A glorious collision of old-fashioned boarding-school tropes with vibrant 1990s Nigeria Irrepressible Jummy investigates a mystery full of laughter, environmentalism and friendship with a message of empowerment PRAISE FOR BOOK 1, JUMMY AT THE RIVER SCHOOL: ‘Beautifully told, with powerful and emotive writing … a joyous read filled with hope’ THE SCOTSMAN ‘What a joyful, vibrant story! A book for the heart’ EFUA TRAORE, AUTHOR OF CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS

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A spooky gothic adventure, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and for curling up with on a rainy night ... WINNER OF THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'S FICTION COMPETITION WINNER OF THE MSLEXIA NOVEL AWARD 'It's exciting and original, warm and funny and gothic' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE Autumn Albert can see the dead – much to her annoyance. But when her dad dies in mysterious circumstances, he’s the one ghost who doesn’t appear. A curious instruction in his will sends Autumn to Imber, the storm-soaked island of his childhood: a place marked by tight-lipped locals, strange stacks of witchstones – and even fewer ghosts. Soon Autumn is ensnared in a dark and twisty mystery, which must be unravelled before the sea rises up and history is doomed to repeat itself ... The debut adventure for ages 9 and up from Emily Randall-Jones, a breathtaking new talent Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2021 A gripping, chilling tale with Gothic elements which offers an original new spin on a traditional ghost story Perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Lucy Strange

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The year's must-read YA fantasy – ancient djinn, an epic adventure, and one girl's courage to seek her own destiny ... Burn the flame. Seek the night. 'Highly relevant yet utterly original, I was utterly entranced by this world of jinn, peris and hot air balloons that ache for the skies.' LAUREN JAMES, author of THE QUIET AT THE END OF THE WORLD For Khadija, the only escape from her father’s arranged betrothal is the sky. When she spots a rogue hot air balloon fighting against its ropes, she leaps at the chance for adventure. Khadija soon finds an unlikely ally in a poor glassmaker’s apprentice, Jacob. But Jacob is a hāri, and Khadija a Ghadaean. The hāri are oppressed and restless – their infamous terrorist group, the Hāreef, have a new fearsome leader. And the ruling Ghadaeans are brutal in their repression. Soon, a deadly revolution threatens their friendship and their world. The Hāreef use forbidden magic, summoning jinn – wicked spirits made of fire – to enact their revenge, forcing Jacob and Khadija to choose what kind of a world they want to save … A commercial, thrilling and uplifting fantasy adventure following sixteen-year-old Khadija, who flees her home in a stolen hot air balloon to escape an arranged marriage The debut novel from enthralling new talent, twenty-four-year-old Aneesa Marufu, which draws on the author’s South Asian heritage Explores racism, misogyny and discrimination in a highly original fantasy universe Perfect for fans of Noughts + Crosses, We Hunt the Flame and Rebel of the Sands

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From the author of The Last Chance Hotel comes a brand new magical mystery ... 'Blending magical adventure with Golden Age crime mystery, this delightfully atmospheric spin-off from the author of The Last Chance Hotel confirms Thornton's place as one of the most original children's writers around.' WATERSTONES on book 1 Is Oakmoss Hornbeam the unluckiest boy in the world? Or has someone cursed him? When a black cat crosses his path, mysteriously blown in by a storm, Oakmoss believes it’s his worst omen yet. But Nightshade, a cat of considerable talents, knows when it’s game on or game over. With the help of newshound Veena Vale and magical crime investigator Dexter Stormforce, she sets out to become a lucky charm for one very unlucky boy ... A magical murder mystery story perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter By the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award Follows on from The Howling Hag Mystery, a series starring fan-favourite Nightshade the cat as the star of her very own mystery! Praise for THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL: 'A jolly, atmospheric mystery.' THE TIMES 'All kinds of fun' THE OBSERVER '[A] mash-up of murder mystery and fantasy ... full of great characters, plot twists and intriguing detail.' METRO 'Featuring magical antics, a talking cat and a locked-room murder mystery, Seth's story reads like an old-school whodunnit with added wizards and spells' BOOKTRUST

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In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret ... WINNER OF THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'S FICTION COMPETITION 2019 SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2022 'A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling' KATHERINE RUNDELL 'A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!' JASBINDER BILAN 'An excellent book ... rich in tradition and realism.' HANNAH GOLD, AUTHOR OF THE LAST BEAR '[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH City girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmother in a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone. Not a single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noise of birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside. Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicine to the village, but she's tight lipped about their family history. Something must have happened, but what? Determined to find out, Simi disobeys her grandmother and goes exploring. Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake, her fantastical journey begins ... A richly imagined magical fantasy adventure set in West Africa by a prize-winning new voice in children’s writing. Introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends whilst showcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure, fun, joy, celebrations, music, pride and love found in Nigeria. Beautifully explores themes of grief and belonging. Efua is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2018. More praise for Children of the Quicksands: 'Gorgeous ... an enthralling story' ABI ELPHINSTONE '[A] terrific debut novel' YABA BADOE 'Traoré’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' THE TIMES 'A stunning debut' THE SCOTSMAN 'Full of secrets and myths' THE OBSERVER

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The third and final book in Cornelia Funke's internationally celebrated trilogy – magical, thrilling and mesmerising. 'I don't think I've ever read anything that conveys so well the joys, terrors and pitfalls of reading' Diana Wynne Jones on Inkheart Life in the Inkworld has been far from easy since the extraordinary events of Inkspell, when the story of Inkheart magically drew Meggie, Mo and Dustfinger back into its pages. With Dustfinger dead, and the evil Adderhead now in control, the story in which they are all caught has taken an unhappy turn. Even Elinor, left alone in the real world, believes her family to be lost – lost between the covers of a book. But as winter comes on there is reason to hope – if only Meggie and Mo can rewrite the wrongs of the past and make a dangerous pact with death ... A thrilling and magical series about stories and the imagination they inspire Book 1, Inkheart, is now a major movie starring Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany and Brendan Fraser! Cornelia Funke is the critically-acclaimed, internationally bestselling author of Dragon Rider and The Thief Lord

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From the author of the Costa Award-winning Asha & the Spirit Bird comes a breathtaking, magical adventure ... WINNER OF THE INDIE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD LONGLISTED FOR THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD 'I absolutely adored it ... an achingly beautiful story' Sita Brahmachari 'A lush, gorgeous setting in a novel as vivid and original as her Costa-winning debut.' The Guardian 'Beautifully written, richly atmospheric and touchingly spiritual, this brief novel sparkles like a polished gem' Daily Mail Tamarind never knew her Indian mum, who died soon after she was born. So when she arrives at her ancestral home, a huge mansion in the Himalayas surrounded by luxuriant gardens, she's full of questions for her extended family. But instead of answers, she finds an ominous silence – and a trickle of intriguing clues: an abandoned hut, a friendly monkey, a glowing star ring, and a strange girl in the garden who calls herself Ishta. Slowly, Tamarind unravels a mystery at the heart of who she is ... The second novel by Jasbinder Bilan, author of the Costa Award-winning Asha & the Spirit Bird and a rising star in middle-grade fiction. Perfect for readers aged 9 and up – for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave. A beautiful and emotional family drama lightly woven with magic, in a breathtaking Indian setting.

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A breathtaking tale of the rich, wild world and all its wonder from acclaimed nature writer and Costa Award-shortlisted novelist, Melissa Harrison - the perfect read for cosy nights! SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS 2021 CHOSEN AS ONE OF COUNTRYFILE'S BEST NATURE BOOKS OF 2021 'Timely and magical, it will open the young reader's eyes to the wonders of the natural world.' NATASHA FARRANT 'Each page brims with the wonder of our natural world, so much to learn but all a sheer delight.' PIERS TORDAY Three tiny, ancient beings - Moss, Burnet and Cumulus, once revered as Guardians of the Wild World - wake from winter hibernation in their beloved ash tree home. When it is destroyed, they set off on an adventure to find more of their kind, a journey which takes them first into the deep countryside and then the heart of a city. Helped along the way by birds and animals, the trio search for a way to survive and thrive in a precious yet disappearing world ... The breathtaking children's debut from acclaimed nature writer and literary fiction novelist, Melissa Harrison: shortlisted for the Costa Book Award and longlisted for the Baileys Prize Inspired by 1942 classic The Little Grey Men by BB, with shades of The Borrowers A tale of disappearing wilderness that couldn't be more relevant in today's environmental crisis, brought to life for children by three tiny, funny, eternal beings Continue the adventure in book 2, By Rowan and Yew!

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From acclaimed author Dan Smith comes a page-turning, atmospheric ghost story packed full of adventure and heart ... 'What a story ... absolutely gripping' EMMA CARROLL 'An enchanting, beautifully crafted wartime tale'ALLY SHERRICK Malaya, 1942. Nisha's home is destroyed by war and she and her mother, Amma, flee to her father's ancestral house in England, perched on a cliff top on the cold Northern coast. When Amma falls gravely ill, Nisha is left to face her formidable grandmother alone. Grandmother's rules are countless, and her Anglo-Indian granddaughter is even forbidden from climbing the old weeping tree. But when a ghost child beckons Nisha to sit under its boughs, and promises her Amma's life in return for three truths, its pull proves irresistible ... A thrilling historical ghost story; full of adventure, grief, guilt, forgiveness and belonging A fresh angle on a wartime story: the prejudice Nisha faces as a refugee feels particularly relevant today Perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Emma Carroll Praise for Dan Smith: 'Action, adventure, wolves, snow ... this story has EVERYTHING. I devoured it so quickly I need to read it again.' EMMA CARROLL on She Wolf 'This book grabbed me from page one - highly recommended' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY on My Friend the Enemy

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From debut author Janae Marks comes a warm, wise and captivating mystery full of heart, as one girl searches for the truth in the face of great opposition. 'Truly a must-read.' ANGIE THOMAS, author of THE HATE U GIVE 'When Marcus tells Zoe he is innocent, and her grandmother agrees, Zoe begins to learn about inequality in the criminal justice system, and she sets out to find the alibi witness who can prove his innocence.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, 'An Anti-Racist Children's and YA Reading List' 'From the outset, debut author Janae Marks takes a sensitive approach to difficult themes of justice and racism to produce this important, heartfelt book.’ THE SCOTSMAN Zoe Washington isn’t sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she’s never met, hadn’t heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who’s been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed. Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means hiding his letters and her investigation from the rest of her family. Everyone else thinks Zoe’s worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship and proving to her parents that she’s worthy of auditioning for Food Network’s Kids Bake Challenge. But with bakery confections on one part of her mind, and Marcus’s conviction weighing heavily on the other, this is one recipe Zoe doesn’t know how to balance. A warm and wise contemporary middle-grade novel by a fantastically talented debut writer. An incredibly moving and important story with important themes of racism and justice. Despite the big themes it sacrifices none of its middle-grade appeal – Zoe is a wonderfully lovable character and her journey is a real adventure.

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From the bestselling author of THE GIRL OF INK & STARS comes an unforgettable read for young and old alike: an exciting adventure to the frozen north, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman. WINNER OF THE BLACKWELL'S CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 'This gorgeous story of bravery, sisterhood, goodbyes and beginnings is a must for everyone.' JESSIE BURTON 'The Way Past Winter is a masterclass in exquisite storytelling.' CATHERINE DOYLE 'Gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly exciting. Her best yet, and that's saying something.' ROBIN STEVENS Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow. One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they've gone – taking Oskar with them. Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back – even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter. The third children's novel by Times number one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year From the author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, The Island at the End of Everything, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies - chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club The Way Past Winter combines high adventure with beautiful writing and a wintry folk-tale feel – a gorgeous literary novel for all year round

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A captivating tale of love, identity and redefining who you are from New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel. 'It's hard to be unique in a genre as broad as YA and in fiction in general, but Faceless truly stands out ... an absolute gem.' THE MILE LONG BOOKSHELF 'Faceless is a book you have to read' MUCH LOVED BOOKS 'Sheinmel's writing is absolutely exquisite ... I can't recommend this book strongly enough.' THE BOOKBAG How do you live your life when you can't even recognise yourself? When Maisie is struck by lightning, her face is partially destroyed. She's lucky enough to get a face transplant, but how do you live your life when you can't even recognize yourself any more? She was a runner, a girlfriend, a good student ... a normal girl. Now, after a single freak accident, all that has changed. As Maisie discovers how much her looks did and didn't shape her relationship to the world, she has to redefine her own identity, and figure out what 'lucky' really means. From New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel comes an emotionally gripping YA novel A highly-acclaimed, beautifully written story perfect for teenage readers Wonder for a teen audience; perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and They Both Die at the End

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The bestselling magical adventure, perfect for winter nights ... Alone in the world, Sophie dreams of being someone special, but she could never have imagined this ... On a school trip to Russia, Sophie and her two friends find themselves on the wrong train. They are rescued by the beautiful Princess Anna Volkonskaya, who takes them to her winter palace and mesmerises them with stories of lost diamonds and a tragic past. But as night falls and wolves prowl, Sophie discovers more than dreams in the crumbling palace of secrets ... An exciting, atmospheric, romantic fairy tale. With shades of Eva Ibbotson, Cornelia Funke and Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Specsavers National Book Awards. Over 100,000 copies sold worldwide. 'A classic winter's tale.' THE FINANCIAL TIMES '... an engrossing, deeply atmospheric story.' THE TELEGRAPH 'A highlight of this year's fiction.' THE TIMES 'Fans of Eva Ibbotson will love this gripping tale.' THE WEEK JUNIOR

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A prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series - now a series of major movies starring Dylan O'Brien! SEE THE FILMS. READ THE BOOKS. ENTER THE MAZE ... When sun flares hit the Earth, intense heat, toxic radiation and flooding followed, wiping out much of the human race. Those who survived live in basic communities in the mountains, hunting for food. For Mark and his friends, surviving is difficult, and then an enemy arrives, infecting people with a highly contagious virus. Thousands die, and the virus is spreading. Worse, it's mutating, and people are going crazy. It's up to Mark and his friends to find the enemy – and a cure – before the Flare infects them all .. A prequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling MAZE RUNNER series! Can be read as a prequel to the series, or as a standalone Maze Runner novel The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure are all major films available to stream on Disney+ High-octane, dystopian YA adventure, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent Five pulse-pounding books in the series! Loved The Kill Order? Check out The Fever Code – a direct prequel to The Maze Runner!

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A prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series - now a series of major movies starring Dylan O'Brien! SEE THE FILMS. READ THE BOOKS. ENTER THE MAZE ... When sun flares hit the Earth, intense heat, toxic radiation and flooding followed, wiping out much of the human race. Those who survived live in basic communities in the mountains, hunting for food. For Mark and his friends, surviving is difficult, and then an enemy arrives, infecting people with a highly contagious virus. Thousands die, and the virus is spreading. Worse, it's mutating, and people are going crazy. It's up to Mark and his friends to find the enemy – and a cure – before the Flare infects them all .. A prequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling MAZE RUNNER series! Can be read as a prequel to the series, or as a standalone Maze Runner novel The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure are all major films available to stream on Disney+ High-octane, dystopian YA adventure, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent Five pulse-pounding books in the series! Loved The Kill Order? Check out The Fever Code – a direct prequel to The Maze Runner!

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Prepare to be swept up, up and away on this high-flying adventure from the queen of historical fiction, Emma Carroll! Winner of the Teach Primary Book Award 2018 Shortlisted for the Young Quills Award 2019 Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award 2019 'Carroll, an unstoppable, natural storyteller, lets her imagination take off.' THE TIMES 'Soaring flight and the power of friendship are to the fore in this gripping historical adventure.' THE GUARDIAN Orphan Magpie can't believe her eyes when she sees a boy swept off his feet by a kite ... or something that twists and dances in the wind. Like her, the boy – Pierre – dreams of flying over the rooftops of Paris. His family, the Montgolfiers, are desperate to be first to discover the secret of flight. The world looks so different up high and suddenly Magpie knows what she wants – to be the first to fly in a balloon above the King and Queen of France ... From the bestselling historical fiction author of books including Secrets of a Sun King, When We Were Warriors and Letters from the Lighthouse Discovery meets imagination in this rich and inspirational tale based on the true story of the first hot air balloon flight over Paris in the eighteenth century An enchanting story of history, adventure, science and facing your fears

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It takes courage to follow your dreams . . . Young gymnast Pearl dreams of winning gold in Paris. It’s what Mum would have wanted. However, elite training camp is super tough, even with the help of best friend Ryan and rising star, Jada-Rae. Think ice baths, rivalry ... sabotage. When others will do anything to win, what will Pearl risk? Safety? Morals? Friendships? This thrilling tale reminds us sport is about more than medals. It's about making friends, being brave and freeing your soul. An all-action sporting drama set in the world of gymnastics, from the author of Sister to a Star Packed full of friendships, drama and action; perfect for tweens aged 10-13 years Author Eloise Smith is a former Olympic fencer and three-time Commonwealth gold medal winner! 'A gymnastic fantastic read' CATE SHEARWATER, AUTHOR OF SOMERSAULTS AND DREAMS 'Perfect for book clubs, Winner Takes Gold celebrates honesty, fair play and the value of true friendship.' THE SCHOOL READING LIST

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A delightfully old-fashioned debut adventure for modern children aged 7 and up, full of friendship, daring and fun. 'This is a story filled with charm ... I read this in one sitting, finding myself transported back in time and all the while feeling this would make for a brilliant film!' LOUISE NETTLETON, BLOGGER Ben and Hattie meet a new friend in the park. Mr Dandy Paws is not just any big cat, he's a highway lion who robs from the rich to give to poor animals in need. His next daring rescue is a breakout from the city zoo. But if they help him, Ben and Hattie could get into more trouble than they bargained for. Set in an off-the-wall 1920s London complete with talking animals! Strong animal welfare and ecological themes with a funny and fantastical twist Inside illustrations with a classic nostalgic feel by Roxana de Rond

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A deliciously spooky novel packed with illustrations - Stranger Things for younger readers! 'Wildly imaginative and totally terrifying' JEFF KINNEY, AUTHOR OF DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 'A haunted-house version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' BRIAN SELZNICK, AUTHOR OF THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET 'Overgrown with fantastic ideas' THE NEW YORK TIMES Nothing seems out of place in the town of Cowslip Grove. But kids have been going missing – excpet no one even realizes it, because no one remembers them. Not their friends. Not their teachers. Not even their families. But Levi and Kat do remember, and only they can see why everyone is in danger when night descends. Can they find the disappeared before evil swallows the town whole? A spellbinding, original and lavishly illustrated horror story for middle-grade readers Half-written, half-graphic novel, and all spooky mystery! Two unlikely friends face down their worst fears in order to stop their small town – and themselves – from disappearing

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Codebreaker. Friend. Spy? A thrilling, nail-biting YA mystery with themes of friendship, loyalty, secrets, and a dash of romance. 'The appealing setting, nuanced and flawed heroines and engaging plot make this a gripping read' THE IRISH TIMES 'A tense and gripping period piece.' CHRIS SOUL 'Absolutely brilliant' FIONA SHARP, Waterstones Bookseller Wartime. Pearl and Ellen work at top-secret codebreaking HQ, Bletchley Park. Pearl is the youngest. A messenger at sixteen, she’s untidy, lively, bright, and half in love with the wrong boy, Richard. Her circle of friends overlaps with his – the dashing young men on their motorcycles who courier the secrets that Bletchley deciphers. Ellen is a codebreaker. Reserved, analytical and beautiful. She never expected to get close to a girl like Pearl – or fall for a chap like Dennis. But when tragedy strikes, their logical world is upended, with both friends caught in a spy plot that rocks the very heart of the war effort. Who can they turn to now? Who can they trust? And above all, can they unmask the traitor in their midst before it’s too late? Follows two young women, Pearl and Ellen, who are recruited to work at Bletchley Park during the Second World War Set in atmospheric 1940s England, The Secrets Act also explores serious historical themes Perfect for fans of Code Name Verity

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An action-packed swashbuckling tale for readers aged 8 and up! While helping in Grandpa's shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to try it on, but when she does she can't take it off . . . And when she looks in the mirror, the face of a famous highwayman Diamond Jack stares back. It seems Bramble has been chosen for a mission. Time to stand and deliver – your magic or your life! A thrilling highway-girl adventure with a magical twist from the brilliantly-named Anna Rainbow, author of Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas A fun, feminist, all-action adventure for ages 8 and up A deliciously familiar but wholly original mash-up of classic tales: shades of The Red Shoes, The Three Musketeers and Robin Hood Praise for ANTIGUA DE FORTUNE OF THE HIGH SEAS: 'Non-stop adventure' NICKI THORNTON, author of THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL 'A true salt-soaked swashbuckler of a story' LINDSAY GALVIN, author of DARWIN'S DRAGONS '[A] magical tale of pirates, magic and high adventure' DAN SMITH, author of NISHA'S WAR

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Book 2 in the New York Times bestselling series - perfect for curious readers! 'This book reminded me of some of the children’s books I grew up with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom Tollbooth.' RICK RIORDAN, author of the PERCY JACKSON series on book 1 'Like the Potter books, this story goes beyond mere adventure' BOOKLIST on book 1 It should have been a celebration party, but now it's another mind-bending mission for the children of the Mysterious Benedict Society. Join Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance as they race across the globe by train, bicycle and ship to save their beloved Mr Benedict. It's a perilous journey that will test all their unusual talents ... Book 2 in the 4-book New York Times bestselling adventure series – ideal for children aged 10 and up Join a group of smart and resourceful junior sleuths as they solve a series of page-turning puzzles and mysteries Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens's MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE series The adventure continues in book 3, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PRISONER'S DILEMMA

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The third and final adventure in Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder's magical Midnight Hour series! 'A fantastic magical adventure featuring a cast of Ghibli-esque characters, a feisty heroine and a hedgehog. I loved it.' M.G. LEONARD, author of BEETLE BOY on book 1 'Fans of Nevermoor will love this' THE BOOKSELLER on book 1 'I haven't enjoyed this kind of caper so much since Harry Potter' NEW STATESMAN on book 1 'Pure delight' THE GUARDIAN ON BOOK 1 Emily is locked out of the Midnight Hour, and things have grown dangerously dark in Victorian London. Her friends and family are on the run from the terrifying Midnight Hunt, while the foul Make Britain Dark Again party schemes to break the spell that keeps both worlds safe. It's going to take more than just Emily's big mouth to fix this one. But how's a girl meant to save the day (and night) when she's all out of snacks and her possibly-magic pocket hedgehog is hibernating? The ingeniously-plotted finale to the much-loved Midnight Hour trilogy, which began with The Midnight Hour and The Midnight Howl A hilarious, spooky adventure full of genuine scares and belly laughs! Coraline meets A Wrinkle in Time: all the makings of a modern classic

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A mesmerising Gothic mystery from Costa Award-shortlisted author Nicholas Bowling. 'Nicholas Bowling is a thrilling writer' THE TELEGRAPH To the horror of young gravedigger, Ned, bodysnatchers have been visiting his churchyard in the dead of night. Until now, he'd been daydreaming about another visitor – daughter of the manor, Obedience Wellrest. But sixteen-year-old Obedience has troubles of her own: her loving but overbearing father, and his wish to see her married to a rich man of science, Phineas Mordaunt. When Mordaunt starts to poke his nose into her family history – in particular, the ruinous research of late Uncle Herbert – Obedience enters into a dangerous game with Death, and Ned might be the only person who can save her … A mesmerising tale of magic, death and science, wrapped up in a delicious Gothic mystery Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell meets Dangerous Remedy – for young adult readers From highly acclaimed Costa Award-shortlisted author, Nicholas Bowling

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A stunning edition of Kevin Brooks' celebrated novel - a truly original, powerful and emotional story from the author of The Bunker Diary. 'It gets to you ... you want to tell everyone how good it is.' SUNDAY TIMES 'A particularly moving and unusual love story.' GUARDIAN 'A gripping story' FINANCIAL TIMES Caitlin's life changes from the moment she sees Lucas walking across the causeway one hot summer's day. He is the strangest, most beautiful boy she has ever seen - and when she meets him, her world comes alive. But to others, he quickly becomes an object of jealousy, prejudice and hatred. Caitlin tries to make sense of the injustice that lurks at every unexpected twist and turn, until she realises that she must do what she knows in her heart is right. A striking reissue of the powerful, emotive novel from Carnegie Medal-winning author Kevin Brooks, author of The Bunker Diary. One of a number of iconic Chicken House bestsellers to be reissued for Chicken House's 20th anniversary celebrations.

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Now a movie on HBO Max starring Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira! 'A remarkable debut about the long and winding road of adolescence. Hilarious journeys and heartbreaking choices.' STEPHEN CHBOSKY, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower Veronica never thought she’d want to fail a test – until she finds herself staring at a plastic stick with two solid pink lines. She’s pregnant. With her college future fading before her eyes, Ronnie has to make a tough choice – an abortion. But the closest clinic is over nine hundred miles away. Faced with a treacherous boyfriend and no car, Ronnie turns to the one person who won’t judge her: her ex-best friend Bailey. What could go wrong? Not much, apart from stolen cars, crazed ex-boyfriends, aliens, and the pain and heartbreak of a broken relationship … In this warm and darkly funny road trip story, Veronica and Bailey drive a thousand miles to an out-of-state abortion clinic – rediscovering their friendship in the process. A sharply-observed, bittersweet road-trip story for our times; perfect for fans of Booksmart and Juno. Female friendship is at the heart of the story: Veronica teams up with her ex-best pal and social misfit, Bailey. A YA Thelma-and-Louise story with a strong social and reproductive justice theme.

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The action-packed sequel to The Boy in the Post: perfect for fans of the Adventures on Trains series! 'Energetic, lively and charming' READING ZONE on The Boy in the Post When Dotty moves house, she's delighted to discover the post in her village is delivered by animals trained by local children. This means her family could have their entry into the prestigious Golden Udder ice cream awards delivered by cows! But training cows is the easy part! Dotty soon discovers that rival sundae-makers will do almost anything to take the prize . . . A warm, adventurous and action-packed sequel to The Boy in the Post - though can be easily read as a standalone story A brillantly-imagined fantasy world with a vintage feel and a trio of characters you’ll long to be friends with As a child, Holly was a lead actress in ITV’s original Worst Witch series! Perfect for fans of M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman’s Adventures on Trains series

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Every ten years in Wil's home town of Lennon, California,one person is brought back to life for thirty days. Wil bringsback her ex-best friend Annie LeBlanc. Discovering a loophole thatmeans Annie can stay alive, Wil might have to face some difficulttruths about their past friendship to make things work in justone summer.

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Nush is maharani of an Indian kingdom. When a divine emerald isstolen from them, Nush stows away to England to ask Queen Victoriafor help. This is her moment to shine and bring backthe emerald that will heal the kingdom . . .

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A heartwarming, exciting story of friendship, wonder and dance from Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author Efua Traoré! Jomi’s mum left when he was little to make a new life for them in Lagos, the city of dreams. When Jomi doesn’t hear from her, he decides to follow. His only starting place is a TV dance competition that his mum used to love. Things go badly for the boy and his pet bushbaby, until he meets a crew of street kids. Together, they come up with a one-chance idea to find Jomi’s mother – and make their own dreams come true. A brand new novel full of joy and wonder by the author of Children of the Quicksands, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Selected as The Times Children's Book of the Year 2023 A contemporary adventure of destiny, friendship and dance set in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria Jomi hopes to find his missing mum by dancing on a TV talent show in a story which offers emotional pull and a lot of fun! PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS: ‘A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling’ KATHERINE RUNDELL ‘A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!’ JASBINDER BILAN ‘An excellent book … rich in tradition and realism.’ HANNAH GOLD ‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ THE TELEGRAPH

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The spectacular sequel to Ajay and the Mumbai Sun, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize! Ajay's wish has come true at last - he's a news reporter! He and his friends even have their own newspaper: The Mumbai Sun. But living on the Mumbai railways means that money is tight. They need a big story - and when a meteor crashes to Earth, and there's a competition to find it, Ajay and his friends find themselves in a space race to Jaipur! Getting to Jaipur is just the beginning - because waiting for them is an opponent with a terrifying ambition. One that threatens not just Ajay and his friends but all of India ... The sequel to critically acclaimed Times/Chicken House Competition winner, Ajay and the Mumbai Sun A tale of truth, friendship and determination set in modern-day India Wonderfully illustrated by Sònia Albert and starring a lovable ensemble cast of characters PRAISE FOR AJAY AND THE MUMBAI SUN: 'Easily one of my books of the year' ROSS MONTGOMERY 'Thrilling' THE TIMES 'Addictively lively and heartfelt' THE GUARDIAN

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From the bestselling author of Darwin's Dragons comes a high-stakes aquatic adventure, perfect for fans of The Murderer's Ape! England, 1893, and aquarium fever is at its height. Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris. The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast. She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means ... The second middle-grade historical adventure by critically acclaimed Lindsay Galvin, author of Darwin's Dragons A gripping Victorian mystery with a touching connection between a young girl and an octopus at its heart Strong STEM and natural history themes with an underwater twist Effortlessly blends exciting adventure with a rip-roaring historical mystery and non-fiction elements PRAISE FOR DARWIN'S DRAGONS: 'A striking and original adventure ... just the sort of story I love.' EMMA CARROLL 'WHAT a voyage! [Darwin's Dragons] is everything you hope it will be ...' LUCY STRANGE '[A] beautifully fictionalised story' THE TELEGRAPH

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A glorious boarding school adventure set in Nigeria - a story of friendship, empathy and fighting for what you believe in. 'What a joyful, vibrant story! A book for the heart' EFUA TRAORE, author of Children of the Quicksands Jummy has won a place at the River School, the finest girls' boarding school in Nigeria. Nothing can dampen her spirits, not even when she learns that her best friend Caro won’t be joining her. By the Shine-Shine River, school is everything Jummy dreamt of, with friendly new girls, midnight feasts and sporting prizes - but when Caro suddenly arrives at the school to work, not to learn, Jummy must bring all her friends together to help. From a fantastic new talent in middle-grade contemporary fiction, Sabine Adeyinka, based on her own experience of attending boarding school in Nigeria A joyful, glorious collision of classic boarding-school story with vibrant 1990s Nigeria Irrepressible Jummy investigates an intriguing mystery as her best friend from home turns up at the school

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From the author of The Last Chance Hotel comes a brand new fantastical mystery series! Praise for THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL: 'Blending magical adventure with Golden Age crime mystery, this delightfully atmospheric spin-off from the author of The Last Chance Hotel confirms Thornton's place as one of the most original children's writers around.' WATERSTONES 'A jolly, atmospheric mystery.' THE TIMES Magic must never be misused ... When there's a murder in the village and a hag is heard howling at the local inn, secret witch Raven Charming realizes she could have a rival – one who practises the worst kind of magic. With the help of amateur sleuth, Mortimer Scratch, and Nightshade, a talking cat with a feline sense of detection, she sets out to solve what's been going on ... A magical murder mystery perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter Book 1 in a new spin-off series from the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award Features fan-favourite Nightshade as the star of her very own mystery!

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A stunning edition of Kevin Brooks' celebrated novel - a truly original, powerful and emotional story from the author of The Bunker Diary! ' ... will keep you gripped.' The Observer "... a cult novel." Independent "An immensely clever murder mystery." Literary Review Martyn hated his dad, but he never meant for him to die. And now he has to tell the police what happened ... or hide the body. Simple, right? Not quite. One story leads to another. Secrets and lies become darker and crazier. And then everything shatters. Life is never easy, but death is even harder ... A stunning reissue of the Branford Boase-winning novel from Kevin Brooks, author of The Bunker Diary; also shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Published in over 20 countries and over 250,000 copies sold worldwide!

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The second book in Cornelia Funke's internationally celebrated trilogy – magical, thrilling and mesmerising. 'I don't think I've ever read anything that conveys so well the joys, terrors and pitfalls of reading' Diana Wynne Jones Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of the extraordinary events of Inkheart, and the story whose characters strode out of the pages, and changed her life for ever. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater, torn from his world of words, the need to return has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the magical ability to read him back, he sets in motion a dangerous reversal that sees the characters of Inkheart transported to a charmed Inkworld, about to be fought over by rival rebels and princes ... A thrilling and magical series about stories and the imagination they inspire Book 1, Inkheart, is now a major movie starring Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany and Brendan Fraser! The adventure continues in book 3, Inkdeath Cornelia Funke is the critically-acclaimed, internationally bestselling author of Dragon Rider and The Thief Lord

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A hilarious adventure from the author of the bestselling Who Let the Gods Out? series! SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD 2021 'Twists, turns, spies and surprises. What more do you want? Tears? Laughter? Maz Evans delivers them all.' FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE 'Vi Spy: Licence to Chill is brilliant – knockabout, laugh-a-minute, heartfelt fun' ROSS MONTGOMERY 'Wildly hilarious' THE GUARDIAN Divorce is tough for any kid. But when – like Vi's parents – your mum is ex-secret service and your dad is a retired bad guy, 'till death do us part' takes on a whole new meaning. And with her parents' focus on each other, the real super-villains are having a field day. To save her family – and the world – from evil domination, Vi must turn spy ... The first book in a brand new middle-grade comedy adventure series by the author of the Who Let the Gods Out? series; book 1 shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize in 2018. A laugh-out-loud funny, high-octane spy story perfect for readers aged 8 and up. Perfectly combines humour and heart: addresses the realities of being caught between divorcing parents. Praise for the WHO LET THE GODS OUT? series: 'I totally fell in love with Elliot and the gods, and I think you're all going to love them too.' ROBIN STEVENS 'One of the funniest new voices in children's literature. The laughs come thick and fast' DAVID SOLOMONS '[A] relentlessly witty, fast-paced middle grade adventure' M.G. LEONARD

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A new look for the first book in Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams's bestselling series! 'It's well paced, exciting and - in places - frightening and bloody.' THE GUARDIAN Fourteen-year-old Will Burrows lives with his family in London. He has little in common with them except for a passion for digging which he shares with his father. When his father suddenly disappears down an unknown tunnel, Will decides to investigate with his friend Chester. Soon they find themselves deep underground, where they unearth a dark and terrifying secret - a secret which may cost them their lives ... A spectacular new edition of the first novel in Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams's bestselling series, reissued to celebrate Chicken House's 20th anniversary. Classic subterranean science-fiction - with a hint of horror. Over a million copies sold worldwide in 39 countries.

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Now on Netflix! A gorgeous new edition of the first book in Cornelia Funke's internationally celebrated trilogy – magical, thrilling and mesmerising. 'I don't think I've ever read anything that conveys so well the joys, terrors and pitfalls of reading.' Diana Wynne Jones, author of Howl's Moving Castle 'One of the outstanding children's novels of the year.' The Times 'A breathtakingly fast-moving tale.' The Independent Meggie loves stories, but her father, Mo, hasn't read to her since her mother disappeared. When a stranger knocks at their door, Mo is forced to reveal an extraordinary secret – when he reads aloud, words come alive, and dangerous characters step out of the pages. Suddenly Meggie is living the kind of adventure she has only read about in books, but this one will change her life for ever ... A thrilling and magical adventure about stories and the imagination they inspire Also a major film from the makers of The Lord of the Rings, starring Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany and Brendan Fraser! The adventure continues in books 2 and 3, Inkspell and Inkdeath Cornelia Funke is the critically-acclaimed, internationally bestselling author of Dragon Rider and The Thief Lord

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Lights, camera ... kidnap! 'Dreams of stardom; sibling rivalry & a gripping ending, Sister to a Star has it all & I gobbled up the entire book' BONKERS ABOUT BOOKS Evie is forever crossing swords with her twin. While she practises her after-school fencing, Tallulah is winning movie auditions. Neither of them could have imagined how their worlds would collide, but when Tallulah goes to Hollywood Evie goes too – as her sister’s identical stand-in. But that changes, when the film needs some all-action sword-play. Soon Evie’s the one enjoying the limelight – that is, until Tallulah goes missing ... An action-packed sibling adventure of twin rivalry, glamour and skulduggery set against the bright lights of Hollywood! Written by ex-Olympic fencer, Eloise Smith Features a diverse ensemble cast of brave and spirited kids you can't help but root for!

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