Search results for ""Author Ben Mantle""

A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences.Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it’s not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they’re not THAT different after all… At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

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A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences.Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it’s not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they’re not THAT different after all… At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!

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Will the Dinostars get their planets back from those pesky pirates?

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A feel-good, rhyming picture book, with a positive message about being the hero of your own story!Wolf loves reading. There's just one problem. The more he reads, the more he starts to realize something. . . Every book has a hero; the heroes are handsome, tough and strong; and most importantly, the heroes are never, ever wolves.But when a giant comes stomping into the library one day, can Wolf find the courage to speak up? Because maybe heroes don't have to be handsome, tough and strong. Maybe true heroes are kind and brave – just like Wolf!A Hero Called Wolf is an uplifting story set in a magical fairytale world. From Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle, the creators of Little Red Reading Hood, and The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book.

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A feel-good, rhyming picture book, with a positive message about being the hero of your own story!Wolf loves reading. There's just one problem. The more he reads, the more he starts to realize something. . . Every book has a hero; the heroes are handsome, tough and strong; and most importantly, the heroes are never, ever wolves.But when a giant comes stomping into the library one day, can Wolf find the courage to speak up? Because maybe heroes don't have to be handsome, tough and strong. Maybe true heroes are kind and brave – just like Wolf!A Hero Called Wolf is an uplifting story set in a magical fairytale world. From Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle, the creators of Little Red Reading Hood, and The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book.

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The second in a series of gripping adventure stories for readers 8+, perfect for fans of Enid Blyton.The friends can't believe their luck when they get the chance to stay in a castle for their Easter holidays.The castle is everything they had hoped for, with a moat and an ancient burial mound that gives it an air of mystery. But things are not what they seem and a treacherous discovery in the grounds reveals a 300-year-old treasure map.The race is on. The After-School Detective Club is in pursuit of Ragnar's gold – a hoard of treasure said to have been buried by a Viking warrior and guarded by his demon hound... that is, unless someone else gets there first.

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From a brand-new picture book duo, this is a striking and unique story perfect for little people interested in climate awareness and looking after nature. McDarkly lives quietly all on his own, growing orchids in his dank swamp, until one day his peace is disturbed by an arrogant king who wants to turn the swamp into a roller-skate park. McDarkly has ten days to prove that the swamp isn't damp and dark, but an enchanted world. Can he do it, or will he risk losing his home forever?

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A delightful story book with a wind-up ladybird toy and four different tracks to follow through the garden. Wind up the ladybird, place her on the tracks and watch the busy bug as she speeds back home through the garden, passing flowers, vegetables and other insects. The simple story, colourful illustrations, winding tracks and speedy ladybird will give children lots to spot and talk about. A toy and a book combined, this makes a wonderful gift that children will want to play with again and again.

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The fourth in a series of gripping adventure stories, perfect for fans of Enid Blyton.Things in Southwold get off to a bad start! Max has to do extra lessons while Charlie has been roped into helping with the decorating. Meanwhile Lucy loses an important race to a new girl in her school, Miranda Fitchwitherington, who seems to enjoy being as mean as possible to Lucy and the rest of the gang.And there is more bad news – when the gang meet Captain Tom, walking his own dog, Pugly, he tells them about an outbreak of pet thefts in the area. When they meet a lady looking for her lost dog, their worst fears are realised – there are dognappers on the loose in Southwold!

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This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship, and a large number of malfunctioning robot pets.'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferBoot was once a toy robot, but it has come a long way since it was scrapped and woke back up with only two-and-a-half glitchy memories. When Boot catches sight of a robot pet it used to know - Mr Piggles - our hero and pals follow it to a beautiful green square in the city of skyscrapers. Here they find not just real nature, but also a haven for broken and rejected pets. They also meet the children who look after the pets, and for whom this green space is a sanctuary too. But Boot is distracted by its emotions, swinging from happy to sad ... maybe Boot is broken? Can it work out what is wrong, with the help of its friends? Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot, BIG adventure and The Rusty Rescue.

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If you enjoyed Bunnies on a Bus then you're going to LOVE this, because – hold onto your tails! – the bunnies are BACK! And this time they're in ... a BOAT!It's time for another wild bunny-tastic adventure! And this time, the bunnies have commandeered a BOAT! All across Sunnytown Beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy. They whoosh past the sail-boats, and zoooom across the sand, then it's up on to the jetty where silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti! But, oh no, where are the bunnies off to now? To the airport, across the tarmac ... it's bunnies on the PLANE. Here we go again...

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Even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day . . . What's the matter with Dick the Duck? He's usually so kind and friendly! But today Dick got out on The Wrong Side of Bed. He feels humpy and grumpy, cranky and cross. Can anyone help cheer him up? Luckily Dick's friends rally round and shower him with kindness, and Dick is soon back to his usual delightful self! This magnificently funny rhyming story shows that even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day. (And that's totally okay!) Children will adore this hilarious rhyming story by the much-loved author of the PONGWIFFY books Kaye Umansky is one of the funniest children's writers around. This brilliant rhyming story is a joy to read aloud, and has echoes of Dr Seuss Ben Mantle's superb colourful illustrations bring every character to life. Each page is packed with fabulous, funny details Full of warmth and humour, Dick the Delightful Duck shows even the youngest children that it's okay not to be okay, and how they can be a good friend

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Even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day . . . What's the matter with Dick the Duck? He's usually so kind and friendly! But today Dick got out on The Wrong Side of Bed. He feels humpy and grumpy, cranky and cross. Can anyone help cheer him up? Luckily Dick's friends rally round and shower him with kindness, and Dick is soon back to his usual delightful self! This magnificently funny rhyming story shows that even the most delightful ducks can have a bad day. (And that's totally okay!) Children will adore this hilarious rhyming story by the much-loved author of the PONGWIFFY books Kaye Umansky is one of the funniest children's writers around. This brilliant rhyming story is a joy to read aloud, and has echoes of Dr Seuss Ben Mantle's superb colourful illustrations bring every character to life. Each page is packed with fabulous, funny details Full of warmth and humour, Dick the Delightful Duck shows even the youngest children that it's okay not to be okay, and how they can be a good friend

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A magical, captivating picture book about the power of love between a son and his father Tom and his dad are good at making things. Their inventions start out simple, but they quickly become bigger, faster, crazier - and they almost always involve wheels. But then Dad loses his job, and everything changes. Sadness clouds the house like a winter sky. That is, until Tom comes up with a brilliant plan that takes their amazing vehicle inventions and creates something astounding - something the world has never seen before . . . An emotionally charged and highly imaginative book that explores themes of love and support between children and their parents but is also great fun, with incredible inventions, crazy contraptions and a wonderfully inspiring pioneering spirit at its heart.

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The final book in the epic and bestselling children’s fantasy series that will make you believe in magic … Perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, Michelle Harrison's A Pinch of Magic, as well as classic children's fantasy adventures, Narnia and Jumanji. Rose and Arthur are back in Roar, on a voyage that takes them further than they’ve ever been before: beyond The End. It’s an amazing adventure – full of secrets, surprises and fairies with fangs – but then a mysterious storm changes everything. Shipwrecked on a strange island, they make a shocking discovery … Could this be the end of Roar? Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. The Land of Roar series is Jenny’s debut for readers of 8-12. Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books and is the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! . Ben lives and works in Brighton.

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A hilarious story full of noises and naughtiness. A sure-fire Christmas cracker of a book! “Oh, dearie me!” said Rudey. Now I’ve done a windy pop!This is a bit embarrassing. I’ll do my best to stop.” Rudey has eaten too many sprouts and the explosive effect is smelt all around the world as he Santa delivery presents on Christmas Eve… The other reindeer have laughed so much, they’re out of puff. How ever will they get the sleigh back home? A naughty, noisy, rip-roaring story, full of hilarious phrases that children will love!

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The first in a new children’s fantasy adventure series, full of imagination, humour and heart, and with echoes of Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Neverending Story and Jumanji. The Land of Roar is perfect for children aged 8 to 12, and can sit on their bookshelf next to Nevermoor, Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon. Readers can bring their fantasy world to life and meet dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more in this beautifully illustrated children’s book. Believing is just the beginning … When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad’s attic. Roar was filled with things they loved – dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and adventure – as well as things that scared them (including a very creepy scarecrow…) Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar … real? 'This funny, captivating story is filled with the painful pangs of growing up and the transporting qualities of imagination' Guardian 'A vividly imagined adventure, […] full of heart, humour and a terrifying villain' Fiona Noble, The Bookseller ‘This is proof, not that it’s needed, that Jenny McLachlan is a writer of enormous heart and versatility. I’m a really big fan’ Phil Earle, award-winning author of Being Billy and co-author of Get Me Out of Here! with Andy McNab ‘Roar is an exhilarating, hilarious, vividly drawn tribute to the power of the childhood imagination, the love of family and the magic we risk losing as we grow up. If you plan to visit one new place in 2019, make it Roar’ Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress trilogy Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. When Jenny isn’t thinking about stories or writing stories, she enjoys living by the seaside, cycling and running over the South Downs. The Land of Roar is Jenny’s middle-grade debut. Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books including Rudey’s Windy Christmas (HarperCollins) and Callum’s Incredible Construction Kit (Egmont) which won the 2013 Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! published by Macmillan Children’s Books. Ben lives and works in Brighton.

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Watch out! Move out of the way! Hold onto your tails! There are ... BUNNIES ON THE BUS! And they aren't stopping for ANYONE!The bunnies have taken over the bus and they're on a wild ride across the streets of Sunnytown! They whizz past the bus stop, swerve around corners and zoom over crossings on a non-stop roller coaster adventure! There are bunnies on the roof! Bunnies in the aisle! DO sit down, bunnies, or you’ll end up in a pile! Eventually, they come to a stop ... at the train station. And what's that they've spotted? A TRAIN! Uh-oh, here we go again… A hilarious romp of a book, with a fantastic read-aloud rhyming text and spectacular illustrations.

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A wonderfully witty take on a much-loved fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book celebrates the magic of reading and storytelling, and being kind to others.When Ben's mum gets distracted halfway through his bedtime story, he decides to finish the tale himself. There's only one problem – he can't quite read yet. To Ben's surprise, the three little pigs come knocking on the door, and the big bad wolf isn't far behind ... But this time, will the story have a different ending?A playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland, with hilarious illustrations from Ben Mantle.

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The magical new book in the bestselling middle-grade fantasy adventure series, The Land of Roar. A series that celebrates the power of imagination and finding the greatest adventures in the most ordinary of places – perfect for children aged 8, 9, 10 and upwards, and fans of Narnia, Jumanji and How to Train Your Dragon. Featuring breathtaking illustrations throughout by Ben Mantle and stunning fold-out cover artwork. Twins Arthur and Rose can’t wait to go back to Roar, the fantasy world they get to through their grandad’s attic. Roar is a land of dragons, mermaids, unicorns, ninja wizards and where anything they can imagine can be real. But when they return there’s no time for exploring, because a message arrives from their scarecrow enemy, Crowky. WHAT’S IN THE BOX? The Box would always contain the things that scared the twins most – and if Crowky gets hold of it, Roar could be in more danger than ever. Soon they find themselves on another thrilling adventure, accompanied by old friends and new faces and seeing parts of Roar they'd almost forgotten. But will they get to the box before Crowky does? And if it opens, what will they see? Praise for The Land of Roar: 'This funny, captivating story is filled with the painful pangs of growing up and the transporting qualities of imagination' Guardian Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. When Jenny isn’t thinking about stories or writing stories, she enjoys living by the seaside, cycling and running over the South Downs. The Land of Roar series is Jenny’s middle-grade debut. Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben has illustrated a number of children’s books including Rudey’s Windy Christmas (HarperCollins) and Callum’s Incredible Construction Kit (Egmont) which won the 2013 Bishop’s Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! published by Macmillan Children’s Books. Ben lives and works in Brighton.

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The first in a series of gripping adventure stories for readers 8+, perfect for fans of Enid Blyton.Lucy, Max, Charlie and Joe aren't looking for new friends – they have too many of their own problems to worry about. But when the four of them, and Charlie's faithful dog, Sherlock, spot a phantom figure on Southwold beach one winter's night, they are thrown together to unravel a mystery that none of them expected.The deeper they dig, the bigger the adventure becomes – motorboats and tracking devices, bedroom breakouts and daring sea rescues are all in a day's work for the After-School Detective Club. But when their investigations lead them into trouble with the police, there is only one thing left to do – they must go undercover for a final showdown with a ruthless gang of smugglers who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

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Whilst leaving footpaths should never be done, Straying from stories is all sorts of fun!Little Red Reading Hood loves reading books and making up stories of her own. When she meets a cunning wolf while on her way to the library, he convinces her to stray from the path and read for a little while. But hasn’t she read this in a story before? Perhaps it’s time she came up with a new ending . . . This is a contemporary and fun take on the classic fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, created by an incredible picture book partnership. With a playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle's entertaining illustrations, Little Red Reading Hood will inspire children, and adults, about the magic of books and reading.

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The third in a series of gripping adventure stories, perfect for fans of Enid Blyton. Max is distraught when he receives a letter from the school telling him he has to go on a weekend of cycling and camping for the Duke of Wellington awards scheme. But things vastly improve when his friends agree to come with him.It isn't long before they find adventure – or adventure finds them... They make a friend called Byron and set up camp in a forest near to his home. But that night they wake to see strange lights and a fierce wind blowing through the trees. Moments later Byron arrives, running and screaming that 'they' are after him. When the gang follow him, they find his rucksack but no sign of the boy. It looks like Byron has been abducted by a UFO! But surely that's not possible... is it?

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*Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award* This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship ... and Boot's quest to find out why humans are so leaky and weird. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferWhen toy robot, Boot, wakes up at a scrapyard, it has no idea how it got there and why it isn't with its owner, Beth. It only has two and a half glitchy memories, but it knows it was loved, which means something important to humans. Boot soon realises its emotions make it different to other robots, who just function and don't think. Boot is scared but tries to be brave, which is hard when its screen keeps showing a wobbly, worried face. Luckily Boot meets Noke and Red - other 'advanced' robots who have learned to survive in secret.With new friends by its side, Boot is determined to find Beth and the gang set off on a dangerous adventure. Everything Boot thought it knew about the world is changing, and things aren't as simple as it remembers . . .Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. It will take you by surprise and make you think about the world around you. Read more of Boot's adventures in The Rusty Rescue and The Creaky Creatures!

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Watch out! Hold onto your tails! The bunnies are back. And this time they're in ... a BOAT!The bunnies are back! And this time, they've commandeered a BOAT! Watch out, Sunnytown beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy. They whoosh past the sail-boats, and zoooom across the sand, then it's up on to the jetty where silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti! But watch out, oh no, where are the bunnies off to now? To the airport, across the tarmac ... it's bunnies on the PLANE. Here we go again...

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This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure, full of fun, friendship and a warehouse full of bouncy castles.'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin ColferToy robot Boot has come a long way since it woke up in a scrapyard with only two and a half glitchy memories. It has a home with its robot pals in an abandoned amusement arcade, and has discovered what true happiness is - although it's still not sure why humans are so leaky and weird ... But when Boot and the gang stumble upon Rusty, an old, broken robot, forgotten in the back of a testing lab, it's time to spring into action. Boot knows there's something special about Rusty - but can they free the old robot and help it find its purpose?Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot: BIG adventure and The Creaky Creatures.

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The seventh book in a thrilling, magical, and action-packed new fantasy series, illustrated throughout and perfect for 7-9 year olds!In the land of Draconis, there are no dragons.Once, there were. Once, humans and dragons were friends, and created the great city of Rivven together.But then came the Dragon Storm, and the dragons retreated from the world of humans.To the men and women of Draconis, they became legends and myth.When dragonseer, Connor, and his dragon, Lightspirit, solve an impossible puzzle, they are taken immediately to the palace. There they meet someone who needs their help to stop the Dragon Storm, and save Draconis from a terrible war!But something isn't adding up ... and not everyone can be trusted. Can Connor and Lightspirit work out who's really behind the Dragon Storm before it's too late?An exciting new fantasy series from the highly acclaimed author of Orion Lost, brilliantly illustrated throughout, and perfect for fans of Beast Quest and Dragon Mountain.

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