Search results for ""Chicken House Ltd""

An engaging tale of fighting the impossible and transforming from a spider worrier to a SPIDER WARRIOR! 'The story is so engagingly told and Milton is such a loveable character' PARENTS IN TOUCH 'Written with an engaging pace and a heartwarming sense of humour that is sure to appeal' BOOKS FOR TOPICS 'Milton and his web-spinning sidekicks are as fearless and charismatic a crew of characters as any others you might come across in children's fiction' THE IRISH TIMES When little spider Milton discovers he’s been branded deadly on social media – and is targeted by pest-killers BugKILL – he fears for his life and the future of his species. Alongside his BFFs, big hairy Ralph and spindly daddy-long-legs Audrey, he searches for a way to clear his name ... But to succeed, Milton realises he must communicate with his house humans, a schoolgirl called Zoe – and her arachnophobic dad ... Is he mighty enough to achieve the impossible? The first book in a fresh, funny new series for children aged seven and up! Quirky illustrations by the brilliant Alex G Griffiths. Explores themes of phobia, social media and bravery as Milton – a little spider with a big heart – strives to clear his name by befriending his house-human, Zoe.

Read more less

The magical bestseller: a classic story to read again and again. Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 Winner of the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year 2017 Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award Shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize Beautiful, thrilling and magical, Sunday Times bestselling-author Kiran Millwood Hargrave's critically-acclaimed first novel is a modern classic. 'Absolutely loved it from start to finish' TOM FLETCHER 'I read it, I loved it' MALORIE BLACKMAN 'Kiran Millwood Hargrave creates a spellbinding world of magic, myth and adventure' EMMA CARROLL Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella dreams of the faraway lands her cartographer father once mapped. When her friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. The world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself. A beautifully written, multi award-winning story of friendship, discovery, myths and magic for any age – perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Frances Hardinge or Katherine Rundell From the author of Julia and the Shark and The Mercies, chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club Set in an extensive and stunningly-imagined parallel world imbued with magical realism A gorgeous gift with intricate star-chart illustrations throughout - a present for young and old, which will stay with you long after reading 'One of those timeless stories that feels like a real myth' SAMANTHA SHANNON 'FANTASTIC!' CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER 'Absolutely stunning' CATHERINE DOYLE 'So beautiful and magical' PIERS TORDAY

Read more less

An extraordinary new teen YA story set in the same world of Once Upon A Fever – perfect for fans of Philip Pullman. The city of Lundain is battling strange illnesses brought on by excessive emotion. The Guild of Medicine wants cures; the Guild of Finance sees only opportunity. In this malignant world, two boys struggle to succeed. Kitt, who is suffering from Midas-fingers and turns whatever he touches to gold with dangerous consequences, and Os, a young doctor who has an unusual ability – to read the feelings of others. Unless the boys can work together, a toxic disaster will end it all . . . A stunning teen urban fantasy set five years after the events of the original and critically-acclaimed Once Upon a Fever Can be read as a standalone story, as well as a companion novel Two new characters navigate a disaster in this unique, enchanting alternate-London, in a world in which feelings cause supernatural illnesses Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman and Laini Taylor PRAISE FOR ONCE UPON A FEVER: 'A dark, enthralling fantasy with a vividly imagined setting' GUARDIAN 'This is a book to escape into' IRISH TIMES 'Richly imagined and deftly constructed' WATERSTONES, BEST TEEN AND YA BOOKS OF 2022

Read more less

A fiercely original verse novel for middle-grade readers and beyond from Zana Fraillon, the Carnegie Award-shortlisted author of The Bone Sparrow. 'Tender and gritty' THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 'Beautifully written … ambitious and absorbing' BOOKS + PUBLISHING Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor. Scruffity is born into a harsh, grey world. What he yearns for most is Family. But no one wants him. Just as his chances of adoption grow thin, Scruffity is set free by a boy as unwanted as he is. He learns how to run, to dig, to howl and, biggest of all, to love. But then tragedy strikes ... How does a dog find his way home when he never had one to begin with? A heartfelt, wondefully written and totally compelling story of love and belonging Told through the eyes of a young pup, Scruffity, who will tug at your heartstrings Themes of friendship, loss and hope are woven through a gripping narrative Stunning illustrations by Sean Buckingham

Read more less

Dear Nose-Pickers, are you well? Good. Then come closer. For I'm about to tell you a right slimer of a tale ... In it, there's a bogey monster, two best friends, four daredevil slugs, a neighbour so wicked she'll give you the willy-willy-woo-woos and a castle with secret chambers. Will it end happily? No ... Yes ... Sorry, I don't know! You'd better ask the cabaret-singing spider ... A fantastic slimer of a tale by the hilarious Anna Brooke Laugh-out-loud funny – Frankenstein meets bogeys! Perfect for fans of Who Let the Gods Out?, Mr Gum and Charlie Changes into a Chicken

Read more less

A post-apocalyptic rom-com perfect for fans of Adam Silvera. 'Could not have adored My Love Life and the Apocalypse any more.' CYNTHIA MURPHY, AUTHOR OF WIN LOSE KILL DIE 'The most fun you'll have in an apocalypse!' BRIANNA BOURNE, AUTHOR OF YOU & ME AT THE END OF THE WORLD 'A perfect blend of romance, humour and dark dystopia, Melissa Welliver has created something fun, thought-provoking and completely unique.' AMY MCCAW, AUTHOR OF MINA AND THE UNDEAD 'Wry, inventive, and heart-warming all at once' NADIA MIKAIL, AUTHOR OF THE CATS WE MEET ALONG THE WAY Planet Earth Sucks. Humans have gone and cities are empty, looked after by bots. But not all robots are machines. Echo is part-human, his heart ruled by an unreliable E-Mote chip which means he's pretty much a normal boy surviving on canned beans. Living his best life. Then a space-pod crash-lands in his neighbourhood with a girl on board. Pandora. She's his last hope, and apparently he's hers - if they really are all that's left alive ... A highly original and uplifting YA love story/science fiction mash-up with a slow-burn romance Set in an abandoned but fully maintained New York City where the characters live out all our empty mall dreams A thrilling adventure with plenty of unexpected twists and turns – and a dash of darkness YA readers will love Echo’s vintage 90s-00s culture obsession!

Read more less

A magical, thrilling pirate adventure: fun, fantastical and totally unputdownable! '[A] magical tale of pirates, magic and high adventure!' DAN SMITH 'Non-stop adventure, loved all the magic lurking beneath the sea.' NICKI THORNTON Tiggy has always had the ocean in her blood - and lately, she's been dreaming of mermaids - but she's a high-born girl on the Isle of Fortune, forced to wear dresses, attend balls and (worst of all) comb her wild curls. But then the Pirate King strikes, wielding deadly turquoise magic, and Tiggy's younger brother is stolen - along with every boy on the island. Tiggy knows it is time to claim her destiny, take to the high seas and rescue the boys of Fortune ... A spellbinding, hugely exciting pirate adventure: fun, feminist, classic in feel and totally unputdownable. Perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean! Oli is co-founder and executive producer at Blue Zoo, a BAFTA-winning film animation company - bringing a brilliantly cinematic and visual feel to Antigua de Fortune.

Read more less

From Costa Award-shortlisted author Nicholas Bowling comes a tale of adventure, myth and music to make your heart sing ... 'Cast its spell over me from the first page ... it really is my perfect book.' Jasbinder Bilan, author of ASHA & THE SPIRIT BIRD 'Nicholas Bowling is a thrilling writer.' THE TELEGRAPH Oran lives on Little Drum, where music is everything. Every islander has a birth instrument and a life song - and the ancestors, called ghasts, linger to hear the music. But when the Duchess arrives from the mainland bringing orders of silence, she threatens the ghasts' existence, the very soul of the community. When Oran hears of a mythical instrument with the power to manipulate hearts, she brings her ghast best friend, Alick, on a quest to find it, play it, and change the Duchess's mind ... From the author of the Costa Children's Book Award-shortlisted In the Shadow of the Heroes comes a thrilling Celtic-inspired fantasy adventure. The adventure and magic of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust with a Hebridean-inspired fantasy setting and lovable characters reminiscent of Pixar’s Brave. A story about how music has the power to reveal, to inspire, and to bind people together.

Read more less

The second instalment in Emma Read's fun, fresh spider adventure series! PRAISE FOR MILTON THE MIGHTY: 'A charming and thoughtful read' THE SCOTSMAN Milton’s superstardom is stressing him out: the events, the glamour, the adoring fans! Secretly, Zoe, Audrey and Ralph think he’s turned into … well … a bit of a diva. So when Dad and Greta plan a trip to Hawaii, Zoe knows she has to take her best spider pals along for the ride: they all need a break. But with a live volcano, an endangered spider species, an unscrupulous entrepreneur and Milton’s ego to contend with, this is hardly a holiday … Follows lovable Milton and his friends as they travel to Hawaii to tackle the plight of the happy-face spiders. Themes of environment and conservation alongside fame, social media and anxiety – a positive feel-good read for kids aged 7+.

Read more less

A delightful story of friendship and caring for all creatures - perfect for fans of Dick King-Smith 'Packed full of fun, adventure and wacky humour' BOOKTRUST 'I was thoroughly charmed by this very funny debut about a managerie of "extinctly" unexpected creatures.' THE BOOKSELLER George loves to help out at hidden Wormestall farm, even though it's full of extinctly scary creatures, like the dodo in a dog bed and the dinosaurs in the duck pond. When Mortifer the giant basilisk goes missing, it's up to George to find him before wicked taxidermist Diamon Pye can add him to her stuffed animal collection ... A funny, exciting and anarchic debut for ages 7-11, now reissued with a gorgeous new cover. Delicious storytelling reminiscent of Dick King-Smith, Eva Ibbotson or Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmations. Themes of friendship and caring for all creatures, and starring an unlikely small boy hero.

Read more less

The second adventure in Maz Evans's laugh-out-loud funny Vi Spy series! PRAISE FOR THE SERIES: 'Twists, turns, spies and surprises. What more do you want? Tears? Laughter? Maz Evans delivers them all.' FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE 'Wildly hilarious' THE GUARDIAN Vi is failing at top spy school Rimmington Hall – even though the school motto is ‘Failure is Not an Option’. To make it worse, nearly-stepbrother Russell Sprout is an A* student. Worst of all, Vi’s shadowy nemesis Umbra is still at large. Can Vi unveil the arch-villain before she gets expelled and her parents ground her for ever? She’ll need the help of old friends and new, including 9-year-old super-hacker Missy Fit and BFF Tamina, who aims to save the world in a different way … The second book in a brilliant middle-grade comedy adventure series; follows book 1, Vi Spy: Licence to Chill, which was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards in 2021. From the bestselling author of the Who Let the Gods Out? series; book 1 shortlisted for the Waterstones Book Prize 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

Read more less

Paddington meets Mary Poppins in this modern-day family adventure from writer and illustrator Sarah Horne! 'Adorable fun!' SARAH MCINTYRE 'An upbeat read full of lively illustrations.' THE MIRROR NEWSPAPER 'Panda at the Door explores a family break-up with sensitivity at heart' BIG ISSUE NORTH Pudding the Panda makes everyone smile at Edinburgh Zoo. But what would make her truly happy is a family to take care of - like her heroine, Mary Poppins. Meanwhile, Callum is having a hard time at home. His parents keep arguing, his sister is annoying and his ninth birthday gift is a certificate for an 'adopted' panda when all he wanted was Lego. Then by a twist of fate, the unbelievable happens and the two come together on Callum's front doorstep. Get ready for pandamonium ... The first in a new series, fully illustrated by author Sarah Horne (bestselling illustrator of Charlie Changes into a Chicken). A modern-day family adventure: Paddington Bear meets Mary Poppins. Explores themes of childhood anxiety, family break-up, bullying, friendship and love.

Read more less

Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones in the first spellbinding APPRENTICE WITCH book! 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE 'A charming tale of magic, bravery and friendship, reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones.' GUARDIAN 'The Apprentice Witch is entirely more charming, adventurous, and full of heart than a book has any right to be.' TRENTON LEE STEWART 'A delightful, witty and vivid story' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE Arianwyn fluffs her witch’s assessment. Awarded the dull bronze disc of an apprentice – to the glee of her arch-rival, Gimma – she’s sent to protect the remote, dreary town of Lull. But her new life is far from boring. Turns out Gimma is the pompous mayor’s favourite niece – and worse, she opens a magical rift in the nearby forest. As Arianwyn struggles with her spells, it’s soon clear there’s much more than her pride at stake … A bewitching debut set in a world of domestic magic – a refreshingly small-world fantasy perfect for readers aged 9 and up. A spellbinding read, tapping into important themes of overcoming failure and building self-esteem. Filled with thrills, pesky magical conundrums, outlandish creatures and an enchanted forest, yet retains its warm soul and earthy charm!

Read more less

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

Read more less

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.

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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.

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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.

Read more less

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!

Read more less

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

Read more less

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.

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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!

Read more less

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!

Read more less

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

Read more less

From the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize - comes a breathtaking magical adventure ... Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku. Her destiny is not to die young! Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in at her new school. One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined with giant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadows and scattered sea shells. And in the fading light, she meets a girl called Enilo. They become friends – the best of friends. Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery ... The second novel by Times/Chicken House Competition-winning Efua Traore, author of critically acclaimed Children of the Quicksands A beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in the author’s native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology A story about the power of female friendship over fear and superstition 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 '[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH 'Traore's storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' THE TIMES

Read more less

Jenny's felt broken for a long time. Luc has his own issues - youwould too if your family ruled Hell. When they meet at a party,sparks fly. She sees a handsome devil. He sees a lost soul. Bothsense trouble. But it will take a journey to the very depths of theunderworld to bring a girl and a demon together . . .

Read more less

Part road-trip drama, part comedy and part romance, This is Not the End packs a huge pop-culture punch with a twist - perfect for fans of Adam Silvera! 'Road-trip drama meets comedy and romance' BIG ISSUE NORTH Ever since the sudden deaths of his parents, seventeen-year-old Hugh has developed a serious preoccupation with endings – and things get a little complicated when he meets Olivia Moon, a high-school outcast who can’t die. But if he wants to learn more about her impossible power, he’ll have to drive Olivia to New York and help retrieve a stolen crate of her most treasured possessions. As his feelings for Olivia grow, Hugh embarks on a road trip he’ll never forget. Can she help him to accept that unsatisfying, messy endings are just a part of life? An unforgettable contemporary YA debut with a unique twist Follows two teens trying to figure out their own stories Perfect for fans of TikTok hits such as Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End

Read more less

Set in a world where plants talk, friendship is hard-won and adventure is around the bend of every river ... 'Townsend has crafted an uncannily rich and tactile atmosphere, grounding the reader in the setting so successfully that I could almost feel the river mist settling in my hair.' SARAH DRIVER 'Just finished this breathless marvel and there's so much to love about it. Wild and imaginative storytelling, it introduces us to talking oaks, poisonous rock and a central character with a lot to prove.' FLEUR HITCHCOCK Orla has lived on her own since Ma died, with only her beloved garden for company. When sickness comes and nature is blamed, Orla knows she must find a cure. Armed with her mother's book of plants and remedies, she steals away on a river boat with two other stowaways, Idris and Ariana. Soon the trio must navigate the rapids of the Inkwater to a poisonous place from which they may never return ... The debut novel from an astonishingly talented new writer A wild rapids-ride of a story, suffused at every turn with authentic details of the natural world A gorgeous gifty book: a flapped paperback with illustration by Marie-Alice Harel.

Read more less

From the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author of Our Castle by the Sea comes a gorgeously gothic story, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Frances Hardinge ... 'My book of the year. This is storytelling so secure and shining that you can almost feel the glow.' HILARY MCKAY, COSTA BOOK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE SKYLARK'S WAR 'I absolutely love this book ... Lucy Strange is a wonderful, accomplished writer whose books stay with you long after you have finished reading.' NATASHA FARRANT, COSTA BOOK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF VOYAGE OF THE SPARROWHAWK 'One of my favourite children's books of all time.' MICHELLE HARRISON, AUTHOR OF A PINCH OF MAGIC Life is hard for Willa, Grace and Freya, and their three younger sisters. Six motherless girls working a farm, living in fear of their cruel father and the superstition that obsesses him - The Curse of Six Daughters. With the arrival of the mysterious Full Moon Fayre, there's a chance for the eldest girls to steal a moment's fun, but the day the fayre moves on, Grace vanishes. Willa goes after her, following a trail that leads into the dangerous Lost Marsh, where it is said a will-o'-the-wisp lures lost souls into the dark waters of the mire. If Willa is to survive and reunite her family, she will need to unravel the secrets her father has kept hidden, and face her own deepest fears ... The spellbinding new novel from Lucy Strange, author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood, The Ghost of Gosswater and the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Our Castle by the Sea Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll, Frances Hardinge and Sophie Anderson Combines dreamy magical realism with a thrilling mystery MORE PRAISE FOR SISTERS OF THE LOST MARSH: 'The makings of a middle-grade Gothic classic' THE SUNDAY TIMES 'Spellbinding and utterly atmospheric' THE I 'Not only is the writing beautiful, but the book is a work of art' IRISH EXAMINER 'Beautifully written, mysterious and atmospheric ... perfect autumn reading' KATHERINE WOODFINE

Read more less

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children meets Lord of the Flies in the exciting debut from Angharad Walker. 'A mesmerising other-worldly story that got deep under my skin – I couldn’t put it down.' JASBINDER BILAN, author of Asha & the Spirit Bird 'Dark, tense and intoxicating ... Seriously exciting.' LUCY STRANGE, author of The Ghost of Gosswater A new boy arrives at the Ash House. He can't remember his name - or why he's been sent there. Given the name Sol, and troubled by a mystery pain that no medicine can cure, he joins the gang of children living in the shadows of the secretive house. Soon, however, there's more for him to face: the darkness that descends with the arrival of the Doctor ... A timeless, multi-layered debut for ages 10+; perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, and Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Truly unique and original storytelling, with touches of magical realism and dystopia. Features stunning artwork by Olia Muza.

Read more less

The third magical murder mystery in the bestselling Seth Seppi series, which started with The Last Chance Hotel – perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Robin Stevens! 'This mystery is a worthy prizewinner ... a jolly, atmospheric mystery.' THE TIMES on book 1 'Thornton, like [Agatha] Christie, can turn murder into a thoroughly comforting bedtime read.' THE TELEGRAPH on book 1 'All kinds of fun' THE OBSERVER on book 1 '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 and echoes of ancient sorcery.' BOOKTRUST on book 1 Seth and his talking cat Nightshade arrive in the magical town of Gramichee to gain an apprenticeship: he's finally read to qualify as a magician. But he soon discovers that the existing apprentices are under attack at the town's Scrumdiddlyumptious Café, which is far more deadly than it is delightful. Seth's got his hands full, as usual. Can he pass his exams, discover who's murdering the apprentices, and stop them before they strike again? A thrilling magical murder mystery for young readers! The third book in the Seth Seppi Mysteries series, following The Last Chance Hotel and The Bad Luck Lighthouse Readers will love guessing whodunnit with the novel’s fantastic ensemble cast, grounded by the brilliantly relatable Seth and his magical cat, Nightshade Nightshade the cat becomes the star of her very own adventure in the first book Nicki Thornton's new series, The Howling Hag Mystery!

Read more less

A stunning YA romantasy inspired by Greek mythology by the acclaimed author of The Fandom duology. 'Gorgeous and deeply heartfelt' BEA FITZGERALD 'This book has it all' ALEXANDRA CHRISTO 'A triumph of a book' ANN SEI LIN In the citadel of Appollis, the Gods bestow single gifts on a chosen few. Icari has always known she's a Healer, while her twin sister, Sephie, is cast as an Embalmer, despite showing early promise as an Alchemist - a secret the sisters keep to themselves for possessing two skills is punishable by death. While Sephie learns how to wrap the dead, Icari eases the suffering of others, including a charismatic enemy prisoner called Caszeil. And it's to Caszeil that Icari turns when demons rise up from the Underworld and kidnap her sister. With his help, perhaps she can rescue Sephie. Even if this means growing wings - and flying in the face of the devil himself . . . A thrilling YA fantasy adventure romance inspired by Greek mythology From the acclaimed author of The Fandom duology (as Anna Day) A tale of love, sisterhood, magic and the triumph of life and truth over death Set in a gorgeous desert world of Oases and citadels MORE PRAISE FOR THE GIRL WHO GREW WINGS: 'I was completely swept away' KATHERINE CORR 'Captured my heart from the start and never let go' BEX HOGAN 'Clever, angry, ferociously feminist' LAURA WOOD 'Sublime, evocative, and full of twists and turns' NATALI SIMMONDS 'Kept me guessing throughout' BEN OLIVER

Read more less

The first novel in the magical White Fox series - a beautifully illustrated tale of a young fox and a magical moonstone. '[A] delight, full of peril, friendship and mysticism' FINANCIAL TIMES A young white fox called Dilah returns home to find his mother gravely injured. Before she dies, she tells him about a treasure with the power to make animals human. The clues to its location are contained in a moonstone buried beneath their den – but wicked blue foxes seek the treasure too, and Dilah must race to find it first. Along the way, he meets all sorts of other creatures: a friendly seal, an ancient tortoise and a fierce leopard – but can he stay one step ahead? The first book in the White Fox series Themes of conservation, nature, civilisation and what it really means to be human Translated by the award-winning Jennifer Feeley, with gorgeous black-and-white line illustrations by acclaimed Chinese artist Viola Wang Continue the adventure with book 2, White Fox in the Forest

Read more less