Search results for ""Author Sam Usher""

The third title in a new quartet of enchanting picture books in which a boy and his beloved grandad discover the wonder of the natural world.The third title in this enchanting follow-up quartet to Sam Usher's acclaimed seasonal books, featuring Boy and Grandad who now encounter a variety of animals - and learn valuable lessons about the natural world. LOST sees the two of them setting off to search for a lost dog. Their snowy adventure takes them all the way to the Arctic, where they find the dog with her new friends - a pack of huskies!

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Sam wants to go out but it's pouring with rain, so he and Grandpa decide to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Grandpa gets on with his important paperwork. Grandpa seems to have a VERY important letter to write. Then that very important letter has to be posted, despite the rain and floods. As they finally go outside, Sam and Grandpa have a magical adventure. Rain is the follow-up to the acclaimed Snow; and is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather.

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It's a warm summer's day, so Boy and his grandad pack up their provisions and head for the seaside.There's so much to do, from exploring rock pools to building a magnificent sandcastle. But their day takes a different turn when they go for a swim and find a baby seal caught up in a net. Its rescue leads Boy and Grandad on a thrilling underwater adventure!All the excitement of a day at the beach is captured with Sam Usher's stunning illustrations in this classic book, the fourth in a highly collectable series, following on from WILD, FREE and LOST.

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The second title in a quartet of imaginative picture books in which a boy and his beloved granddad discover the wonder of the natural worldA boy and his granddad are taking care of someone’s cat for the day. The boy does lots of reading up about what cats like, but this cat doesn’t seem to like anything! And then it runs off into the wild, leading them to a jungle adventure of their own.

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Celebrate 10 wonderful years of Sam Usher's SEASONS quartet with this beautiful anniversary edition.Follow Grandad and Boy as they embark on an incredible adventure through the seasons - frolicking in the winter snow; splashing in the spring rain; basking in the summer sun; and soaring through the sky before gliding back down to earth during an epic autumn storm.This beautiful anniversary edition combines all four books in Sam Usher's Seasons saga into one charming treasury, featuring exclusive rough artwork and a special foreword from Sam himself.Perfect for gifting to grandchildren and loved ones, celebrate a decade of foot-hopping family fun with this delightful new edition.

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It's blowing up a storm, and a boy and his grandad decide it's the perfect weather for kite-flying. There's just one problem - first they have to find the kite. Their search brings up lots of wonderful memories of previous adventures together, but when they finally make it outside, their adventure really takes off!

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It's the hottest day of the year, the perfect day for a boy and his grandad to set off on an adventure - and the perfect day to share a picnic with pirates!

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The ground is covered in snow and one little boy can't WAIT to get outside and play. But his grandad is taking SO LONG to get ready . . . When they finally leave the house, they have a very surprising adventure! A beautiful mini hardback gift edition of Sam Usher's bestselling SNOW, complete with glittering cover finish.

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Grandad and Boy look after a cat for a friend. Boy does lots of reading up about what cats like, but the cat is having none of it. And then it runs off into the wild, leading Grandad and Boy into a wild jungle fantasy adventure of their own.The second title in Sam Usher's new quartet of books where a boy and his grandad explore the natural world.

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The first in a new quartet of enchanting picture books where a boy and his beloved grandad discover the wonder of the natural worldWhen a boy and his grandad take care of a little bird, the boy wants to keep it, but Grandad knows it must return to its natural habitat in the wild, where it can spread its wings and be free. And so begins an exhilarating journey into the mountains to return the bird to where it belongs.

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Boy and Grandad take care of a little bird. When it gets better, Grandad puts it outside, but it keeps hopping back into the house, following Boy wherever he goes. Boy wonders what kind of bird it is. An eagle? An ostrich? A bird of paradise, perhaps? He wants to keep it, but Grandad says it must return to its natural habitat in the wild where it can spread its wings and be free. And so begins an exhilarating journey into the rainforest!The first in a new quartet of enchanting picture books where a boy and his beloved grandad discover the wonder of the natural world.

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Sam wants to go out but it's pouring with rain, so he and Grandpa decide to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Grandpa gets on with his important paperwork. Grandpa seems to have a VERY important letter to write. Then that very important letter has to be posted, despite the rain and floods. As they finally go outside, Sam and Grandpa have a magical adventure. Rain is the follow-up to the acclaimed Snow; and is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather.

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Boy and Grandad find themselves on an old steamship that takes them on an incredible adventure around the world.

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The first title in a new quartet from Sam Usher featuring the much-loved Boy and Grandad. This time they use their resourcefulness to mend, recycle and re-use to create a variety of favourite vehicles which take them on exciting adventures around the world - and beyond! ZOOM! sees them blasting off into space in their homemade rocket to mend a broken module and rescue two stranded astronauts. A delightful family read, exploring creativity, celebrating recycling and deftly introducing subtle science and engineering facts - all the while following the enduring and heart-warming Boy-Grandad relationship.

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Every child loves a snow day - no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for his Grandad. Trying to hurry him up, Sam tells Grandad all the other kids have gone to the park... and all the local dogs... and all the zoo animals! Only when they finally arrive does Grandad see Sam was telling the truth - and both of them get stuck in having fun on their snow day!

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The Christmas story and what follows: the fleeing of Jesus, Mary and Joseph from Herod's soldiers to Egypt. This is a book with timeless crossover appeal and a message that couldn't be more relevant.

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Told in gentle rhyming verse, this beautiful non-fiction picture book follows the story of a herd of African elephants as they journey across the parched savannah in search for a water hole. The matriarch tells of all the sounds of the savannah, and how the landscape has changed over the years. Still, she remembers where to find water, just as her mother did before her.Accompanying non-fiction pages at the end of the book include information on African elephants, their family structure and migration patterns, as well as the challenges of climate change, habitat loss and illegal poaching, and what we as readers can do to help.

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This delightful rhyming picture book follows a family as they explore London, one of the world's most famous capital cities!Come! Board the London Bus and see the London sights with us. At any time, hop off, explore! Then climb back on, and ride some more… As a family of four spend a day exploring London, fun, child-friendly poems introduce readers to our wonderful capital city, and all its secrets. Well-known landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye, plus inescapable features like rain and taking tea, all get Patty Toht's witty treatment. Non-fiction facts provide more information about the poetry subjects, while rising star Sam Usher brings them to life with his signature style and humour. This gorgeous celebration of London will be loved by both tourists and those who call the city home.

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Told in gentle rhyming verse, this beautiful non-fiction picture book follows the story of a heard of African elephants as they journey across the parched savannah in search for a water hole. The matriarch tells of all the sounds of the savannah, and how the landscape has changed over the years. Still, she remembers where to find water, just as her mother did before her.Accompanying non-fiction pages at the end of the book include information on African elephants, their family structure and migration patterns, as well as the challenges of climate change, habitat loss and illegal poaching, and what we as readers can do to help.

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Children’s literature legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with illustration star Sam Usher for a rollicking countryside adventure story, now in a Little Gems edition for more parents and children to share together. The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind – anything for a quiet life. But then the children and Mutt the dog come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 5+

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There were three men and two women . . . One had half a face. One had iron legs. The others all had one or both arms missing. There were pincers and claws and guns instead. And you could hear them ticking. Ticking all the time.When Sheba the wolfgirl learns that her old friend Sister Moon is being held prisoner by the Spider and its gang of mechanical villains, the Carnival immediately launch a daring rescue mission to Paris. Along with Pyewacket the witch's imp and catlike Inji, Sheba joins forces with Moon's son Remy, a boy who can bend shadows to his will.Deep underground in the catacombs of Paris there is a map, which they must find to trade for Moon's freedom. But who is this mysterious Spider? And why is she so desperate for an old map? With the city under siege from Prussian invaders and the Spider's henchmen on their trail, the Carnival will need to use all their powers to save their friend . . .

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Aditi the cat is loved by her little girl, but her owner is heartbroken when she disappears! Will she be found? This beautifully illustrated rhyming story will be loved by children and parents alike.I love my cat That shiny black fur That tiny white ring that goes right round the tip of her tail I think it means she might be magic!A little girl loves her cat, from the tip of her tail to the way she opens doors and even has taught herself to drink from the tap! But one day, the cat tries to nibble at her toast and she won't stop, and then she digs her claws in, and then they both fall over… and the little girl shouts, 'Out!'She is heartbroken when the cat doesn't come home for dinner. But after a week of the cat being missing, finally she returns. This beautifully illustrated title has lyrical rhyming text from award-winning children's poet and author Simon Mole which will brings the narrative to life. This is the follow-up to I Love My Bike and is the second in a picture-book series based on first experiences and the magic in the everyday.

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This touching children's book is a heartfelt and heartwarming tribute to the people who worked hard to keep us safe and keep society going during the global pandemic, from Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. Tatenda says thank you every day, wherever he can. Thank you to Mum and Dad for making breakfast, thank you to the post lady for delivering his favourite comic, thank you to his teacher for marking his work and thank you to the shop assistant stacking shelves. But lately, it seems no one can hear his thank yous: their heads are too foggy with worry. So Tatenda decides to say his biggest 'Thank you' ever. He stands on tiptoe, brings his arms down like a huge rainbow… and this time, his thank you helps the whole community feel better! This beautiful story from an award-winning author and illustrator team was inspired by the coronavirus pandemic and the NHS Thursday clap and helps to show children how they can celebrate the key workers in their lives. By buying a copy of this book you are making a donation of 3% of the retail price to Groundwork, a charity that helps some of the UK's most disadvantaged communities deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The first figure raises his crossbow, tilting his head to pinpoint the exact position of the thing in the bushes. It has stopped running now, and is muttering something. Some kind of prayer, a call for its mother, its father: anyone who might help it.Something sinister is going on in the stinking slums of London. Sideshow acts are going missing . . . men wearing animal masks and eye goggles are hunting them down and killing them for sport. But who are this fiendish Hunters' Club? And what is the reason for their cruel game?Sheba the wolfgirl and Pyewacket the witch's imp know all about life in a sideshow. But now they are the Carnival, private investigators working to help unusual people like them. Teaming up with new recruits half-cat Inji, her extraordinary brother, the armadillo-like Sil and Glyph the psychic, it's a race against time . . . to track down the mask-wearing villains, before anyone else comes to harm!

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A wonderfully murky, carnivalesque world of intrigue, unexpected friendships and mysteries solved.Sheba the wolf girl joins an unusual troupe of performers that includes Pyewacket, a witch's imp; Gigantus the giant and Sister Moon, a knife thrower. For the first time in her life she feels she might make true friends, and learn a real stage craft. But soon that's not all she has to think about . . .Children are being sucked into the Thames and there have been strange sightings of a mechanical monster. The carnival troupe know first-hand that looks only tell half a story - they become determined to find these forgotten children. Perhaps they will unravel the mystery that has defied even the law!Illustrated with black and white artwork from superstar illustrator, Sam Usher, and the first in a brand new series!'Thrilling, original, full of zest and wit.' The London Times'An atmospheric and exciting read.' BookTrust'A page-turning adventure.' The Daily Mirror

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A timeless tale of courage, resistance and friendship, The Umbrella Mouse is a heart-stopping adventure drawing on the true stories of animals caught in the conflict of WWII, winner of the 2019 Sainsbury's Book Prize for Fiction and selected for Waterstones Book of the Month. 1944, and London is under attack. Young mouse Pip Hanway's safe and quiet world is turned upside down when her home, umbrella shop James Smith & Sons, is destroyed by a bomb. Orphaned and alone, she must begin a perilous quest to find a new home. But the only way to get there is by joining Noah’s Ark, a secret gang of animals fighting with the resistance in France, operating beneath the feet of the human soldiers. Danger is everywhere and as the enemy closes in, Pip must risk everything to save her new friends.Beautifully illustrated by Sam Usher, Anna Fargher's debut novel takes you on an incredible journey through a war that reaches even the smallest of creatures.'An ambitious and wonderfully well-achieved first novel' Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse.'A spellbinding tale of bravery and hope, where courage is found in the smallest of heroes' Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk.

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Roll up! Roll up! For the second exciting instalment in The Big-Top Mysteries series, packed with all the fun of the circus and an intriguing new mystery to be solved … Roll up! Roll up! A new season is about to begin at the Shortbread family's circus! The big-top is ready and everyone is excited to get started. But as the shows begin chief clown Mr Birdcage is in a bit of a pickle – none of his hilarious props seem to be working! When budding detectives Billy, Fern and Joe get on the case to investigate, they soon discover that the props have been tampered with! But who would want to sabotage Mr Birdcage and why?

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Roll up! Roll up! The Shortbread Family Circus is in town! Introducing the first tale in The Big Top Mysteries, an exciting new series from Alexander McCall Smith and illustrator Sam Usher. Billy, Fern and Joe Shortbread are the stars of their family circus, but they also have another talent … they're experts at solving mysteries! When their circus moves into a new town they soon make friends with a young boy named Tom. But Tom can't enjoy the circus because his granny has disappeared and he's worried he'll never see her again. With the help of their astonishing circus skills can the Shortbread circus stars crack the clues and find Tom's granny? A brilliant McCall Smith adventure story, brimming with wit, wisdom and larger than life characters.

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With an authentic Indian backdrop, this is a feel-good story of young kids chasing big dreams that shimmers with all of Alexander McCall Smith’s trademark optimism and joy – an outlook on life that makes him one of the world’s best-loved storytellers. Hari is a dreamer with an unusual talent. He spends the few coins he earns washing cars on cinema trips to watch (and learn from) his beloved Bollywood films. Then one day Hari's gloriously fancy footwork is spotted by Mr Ram, a man on a mission to resolve conflicts near and far. Hari so entrances everyone with his magical dancing that soon he is travelling all over the world and his electric feet bring harmony to all who see him dance. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+

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The classic story of finding fun on the farm from the nation’s favourite storyteller, gorgeously re-illustrated by Sam Usher. From Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a classic story of one small boy, and one very lucky duck… Sam is a city boy through and through – and isn’t looking forward to his school trip to Nethercott Farm at all. But busy days of farm work, animals and learning all about nature weave their magic – and when Sam finds a duck about to be dinner, he is determined to save him. But how? This warm and magical story is gloriously brought to life by the incredible illustrative talent of Sam Usher, and is set on the real-life Nethercott Farm – a member of Farms for City Children – the charity that offers urban children from all over the country the chance to live and work together on a real farm and experience the magic of the English countryside.

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A breathtaking story of bravery, friendship and fighting for what you believe in, Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Anna Fargher's bestselling and award-winning The Umbrella Mouse, based on the true stories of the heroic animals caught in the conflict of WWII.Young mouse Pip Hanway is in France as she continues fighting for the French Resistance group Noah's Ark: a secret gang of animals operating beneath the feet of human soldiers, whose aim is to liberate France and secure the victory of the Allies. Determined to reach her ancestral home of the Umbrella Museum in Italy, Pip hopes she can find long-lost family and a home. But as Pip makes the perilous journey through occupied territory, she soon realizes that danger comes from all sides and that the enemy is all around, and she does everything she can to fight for her friends. Beautifully illustrated by Sam Usher, Pip will take you on an incredible journey through a war that reaches even the smallest of creatures.

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Capture the magic of winters past with this stunning gift for all the family by bestselling author Emma Carroll, and award-winning illustrator, Sam Usher.'A magical adventure to melt the frostiest of hearts' Ben Miller. It’s Christmastime, and searching for magic, Maya finds herself transported back two hundred years to the banks of the frozen river Thames. A boy called Eddie shows Maya the bustle of the glittering frost fair, filled with music, sweet stalls and thrilling rides. Is this all a dream, or can Maya bring a piece of the beautiful frost fair home with her after all . . . ? A winter story of freedom and family, from the award-winning Emma Carroll, with stunning full colour illustrations by Sam Usher, A Night at the Frost Fair is a classic to treasure on the family bookshelf this Christmas and for years to come.

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I Love My Bike tells the story of a girl's first experience with her bike, and is filled with beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming message of perseverance.There’s a flame on the frame and I love how it feels from my head to my heels when my feet push the pedals and the pedals turn the wheels. I love my bike. I Love My Bike is a picture book about a daughter learning to ride a bike with the help of her father. It’s also about that exhilarating feeling you get when you succeed at something for the first time as a child. And, most importantly, it’s about learning that when you fall off, the best thing to do is get back on again! The story is told through wonderful watercolours from critically acclaimed artist Sam Usher, with words from children's poet Simon Mole. Celebrating both family relationships and being outdoors, this is the perfect read for families everywhere.

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The Kingdom of Izzambard is in trouble. Big trouble. Griselda, the Master Clockmaker, has stopped time and released her mechanical birds to spread chaos and misery. They spy on anyone who might believe in the old ways of magic and laughter and the whole kingdom lives in fear. Brother and sister, Leo and Ella Leggit are clever enough and brave enough to stop Griselda and her birds - they just don't know it yet. But when a magical train puffs into their lives, driven by the mysterious Bartholomew Buckle, all that changes . . . Will Leo and Ella be able to bring magic back to Izzambard once again and get home in time for fish fingers? Hop on board The Secret Railway to find out!

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Children's book legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with amazing illustration newcomer Sam Usher for an adorable story with counting activities for parents and children to share. This has the makings of another Morpurgo classic. The frogs always beat the toads at long jump but the toads don't mind – anything for a quiet life. But then the children – and Mutt the dog – come in search of some good jumpers, and the toads see an opportunity to get their own back. Soon the poor frogs have been gathered up and put in an ice-cream tub, and they're hopping mad!Children's book legend Michael Morpurgo teams up with amazing illustration newcomer Sam Usher for an adorable story with counting activities for parents and children to share. This has the makings of another Morpurgo classic.

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