Search results for ""Chicken House Ltd""

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The third and final edge-of-your-seat 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 'Vi Spy: Licence to Chill is brilliant – knockabout, laugh-a-minute, heartfelt fun' ROSS MONTGOMERY 'Wildly hilarious' THE GUARDIAN Vi has tried to save the Earth before … and failed. Now, her world faces a terrible threat: her Gran is seriously ill. Time is not on their side. And with the world's number one enemy laughing at them from space, Vi and her family blast off on an adventure that is truly out of this world ... IT'S PURE GOLD! The third and final book in a brilliant middle-grade comedy adventure series; book 1, Vi Spy: Licence to Chill, 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

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A brand new, funny and quirky story based on E.A. Wyke-Smith's classic, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, featuring wonderful illustrations from Melissa Castrillón! PRAISE FOR THE HALLOWEEDS: 'A highly entertaining mix of mystery, adventure and gory detail' DAILY EXPRESS 'Imaginations will soar as Veronica Cossanteli ... brings us a brilliant chiller-thriller story just made for dark autumn nights' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST Pip and Flora are running away from the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children when they discover the Marvellous Land of Snergs. Here they befriend forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo. He will lead them home – if they can decide where home really is, and if Gorbo can remember how to get there. • Widely recognised as the inspiration for The Hobbit, a forgotten classic from 1927 is updated and brought beautifully back to life by acclaimed children’s writer Veronica Cossanteli, supported by the family of the original author, E. A. Wyke-Smith. • Gorgeous cover and interior illustrations by Melissa Castrillon.

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A thrilling Gothic tale from the author of Our Castle by the Sea, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'Told in deft and luminous language, The Ghost of Gosswater is storytelling at its very best.' Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of THE GIRL OF INK & STARS 'Family secrets, a ghost girl and a forbidding manor house that goes up in smoke ... You can't help rooting for Agatha in this spooky, addictive tale of friendship and family.' THE TIMES 'Eerie, shimmering, unputdownable' HILARY MCKAY, winner of the Costa Book Award The Lake District, 1899 The Earl is dead and cruel Cousin Clarence has inherited everything. Twelve-year-old Lady Agatha Asquith is cast out of Gosswater Hall to live in a tiny, tumbledown cottage with a stranger who claims to be her father. Aggie is determined to discover her real identity, but she is not alone on her quest for the truth. On the last day of the year, when the clock strikes midnight, a mysterious girl of light creeps through the crack in time; she will not rest until the dark, terrible secrets of the past have been revealed ... The third novel by acclaimed bestselling author Lucy Strange, author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood and Our Castle by the Sea A thrilling gothic adventure for young readers aged 9 and up – perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Frances Hardinge Follows strong-willed heroine Agatha Gosswater as she untangles the dark mystery of her own past, with the backdrop of the eerie Gosswater Lake

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A dazzling mystery from the bestselling author of the Mysterious Benedict Society, now a major TV series on Disney+! 'A timeless fantasy ... a stretching and satisfying read' THE GUARDIAN 'Full of great excitement and wonderful invention' THE NEW YORK TIMES 'This captivating page-turner, with layers of secrecy and intrigue, is a compelling read' BOOKTRUST When Reuben discovers an old pocket watch, he soon realizes it holds an incredible power: it can turn you invisible for fifteen minutes. He can't resist the lure of disappearance: for a time, he can vanish from the despotic regime of New Umbra. But the watch's power is even more extraordinary than he imagines. Soon, he's on the run from New Umbra's ruler, The Smoke, who's determined to possess it for himself ... A dazzling new story from Trenton Lee Stewart, author of the New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series – now on Disney+ Fantastical elements and a truly original setting form the backdrop for this twisty-turny mystery Includes quirky interiors illustrations

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Arianwyn is back for one final adventure in the third Apprentice Witch book - Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones! Praise for book 1: 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE '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 The war is over and Arianwyn has discovered the secret of the quiet glyphs, but her troubles are far from over. Her day-to-day work as Lull's witch is tricky enough: winter has set in, bringing bad weather, ice imps and befuddling Yule traditions. But when Arianwyn's grandmother is abducted by the traitor on the Council, our witch faces her greatest challenge yet. What really makes a witch come true? Our lovable heroine is about to find out ... A bewitching series 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!

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Arianwyn is back for another thrilling adventure in the second APPRENTICE WITCH book - Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones! Praise for book 1: 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE '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 During an eventful holiday in Kingsport, Arianwyn is recruited for an important mission: to retrieve the Book of Quiet Glyphs from its hiding place in the Great Wood. But as she returns home to Lull, feyling refugees gather outside the town walls and hex plagues the forest. As tensions lead to fall-outs with her friends, town squabbles and magical mishaps, Arianwyn faces a sobering truth: she alone can find the Book, and wield its secrets ... A bewitching series 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!

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A rip-roaring historical adventure set at the time of the Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot – winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award! ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY England, 1605: 12-year-old Tom must save his father from hanging. He falls in with a mysterious stranger – the Falcon – who promises to help him in exchange for his service. But on the long journey to London, Tom discovers the Falcon’s true mission – and a plot to blow up Parliament with barrels of black powder. Tom faces a terrible decision: secure his father’s release, or stop the assassination of the king … A rip-roaring, action-packed life-and-death quest, packed with history and adventure Set at the time of the Gunpowder Plot and featuring Guy Fawkes – perfect for Bonfire Night and beyond Ideal for readers aged nine and up Check out more historical adventures by Ally Sherrick: THE BURIED CROWN, VITA AND THE GLADIATOR and THE QUEEN'S FOOL

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The critically-acclaimed first novel from historical fiction star Lucy Strange - a perfect gift for readers aged 9 and up. CHOSEN AS ONE OF AMAZON.COM'S BEST MIDDLE-GRADE BOOKS OF 2017 CHOSEN IN THE TELEGRAPH'S TOP 10 BOOKS OF 2016 'Perfect in so many ways.' EMMA CARROLL 'Tender, funny, devastating and just about word perfect.' NATASHA FARRANT, winner of the Costa Book Award 'Outstanding' THE BOOKSELLER 1919. Mama is ill. Father has taken a job abroad. Nanny Jane is too busy to pay any attention to Henrietta and the things she sees – or thinks she sees – in the shadows of their new home, Hope House. All alone, with only stories for company, Henry discovers that Hope House is full of strange secrets: a forgotten attic, ghostly figures, mysterious firelight that flickers in the trees beyond the garden. One night she ventures into the darkness of Nightingale Wood. What she finds there will change her whole world ... A beautifully told debut with a classic feel, incorporating themes of family, loss and childhood loneliness. Ideal for fans of Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay. A perfect gift for readers aged 9 and up.

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The spectacular finale to the BATTLE OF THE BEETLES series – perfect for fans of Roald Dahl! 'Truly great storytelling.' MICHAEL MORPURGO on BEETLE BOY 'I predict Beetle-mania' THE TIMES on BEETLE BOY 'Roald Dahl meets 101 Dalmatians in a rollicking ride, full of adventure with vivid characters' EXPRESS on BEETLE BOY From a secret Biome in the jungle, Lucretia Cutter plans to wreak wickedness on the world unless Darkus, Virginia and Bertolt can find a way to stop her. If they fail, she'll mass an army of giant Frankenstein beetles – and the planet will never be the same again. Humanity is under siege. The future depends on three children and their beetles ... The third and final book in MG Leonard's acclaimed trilogy, which began with Beetle Boy and Beetle Queen! Featuring exotic beetles, a daring quest, a mixture of bold male and female characters and a truly venomous villain The story follows Darkus, Bertolt and Virginia – and their beetle pals – as they investigate the wicked ‘Beetle Queen’ Lucretia From the author of the Adventure on Trains series, co-written with Sam Sedgman

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It's the end of chocolate - forever! At least, until Jelly can solve the mystery of the great chocoplot ... 'With an excellent cast of characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and witty and sharp observations, this is a great choice for fans of Dahl and Walliams.' THE GUARDIAN 'A funny choccy caper that will have you laughing out loud!' WRD MAGAZINE 'This wonderful Roald Dahlian adventure presents an assortment box of hilarious and eccentric characters that will be devoured by little chocolate lovers everywhere.' SOUTH WALES EVENING POST Jelly and her family live in Chompton-on-de-Lyte, where everyone loves a Chocablocka bar or two - so when the end of chocolate is announced, she can't believe it. Determined to investigate, Jelly and her gran follow a trail of clues to a posh chocolate shop and its owner, the pompous Garibaldi Chocolati. Gari's suspiciously smug, despite his failing business and yucky chocolate. Is it really the chocopocalypse, or is there a chocoplot afoot? An exciting, laugh-out-loud funny adventure for children aged 7 and up Readers will relish the terrifying premise: what if all chocolate was to disappear? Features illustrations by Lalalimola Stars a truly ghastly villain – think evil mastermind meets Willy Wonka! – and a down-to-earth heroine with a sidekick grandma

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When Finn and Milo find an egg buried in ice, a 65-million-year-oldmicroraptor is brought back from extinction. But wicked scientistswill do anything to get their hands on the boys' new friend...

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The extraordinary sequel to The Balloon Thief: an epic journey into a world of shadows and trickery where the stakes are even higher ... After the epic battle of The Balloon Thief, Khadija, Jacob and Darian are heroes. But then Khadija learns that her sister, Talia, has been kidnapped and taken to the jinn realm of Al-Ghaib. Khadija and Darian go to her rescue. But Darian is strangely changed since the battle that cost him his heart. Khadija will need all her wits about her if she's to outfox her sister's captor - and perhaps, save the boy she loves . . . The fiery sequel to the celebrated YA fantasy romance The Balloon Thief A dual narrative split between Khadija’s magical quest to rescue her sister, and Jacob’s embroilment in a political mystery Full of ancient djinn, epic adventure and heartrending romance Explores love, politics, equality and racism in a highly original South Asian-inspired fantasy world PRAISE FOR THE BALLOON THIEF: 'An exhilarating adventure' OBSERVER 'Highly relevant yet utterly original' LAUREN JAMES 'A thrilling fantasy' IRISH EXAMINER

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A heart-in-mouth YA horror-thriller, perfect for teen fans of The Haunting of Hill House ... Iris is obsessed with star YouTube ghost hunting duo, Zach and Lucas, who disappeared at an undisclosed location several months ago. Iris – who heads up her own unsuccessful channel with co-hosts Byron and his girlfriend Molly – has been searching for the location ever since. When they stumble across long-abandoned Thornhanger House, the trio set aside their toxic love triangle to explore, and find Zach and Lucas’s abandoned equipment inside … complete with their last day of filming. As they watch the footage, a horrifying truth emerges: whatever came for Zach and Lucas is coming for them too … A horror/thriller with a fresh angle by Lisa Richardson, a mesmerizing new voice for YA readers The Haunting of Hill House meets the The Blair Witch Project with a social media spin and breathtaking twists Spooky found footage, chilling ghost stories, serious jump scares, a love triangle, and a girl so obsessed by fame she’ll put herself and her friends in danger – this is unmissable ‘With echoes of The Blair Witch Project, this spine-chilling volume from an exciting fresh voice in YA horror brims with tales of danger, love triangles and fatal obsessions.’ WATERSTONES

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A magical, wondrous novel by the author of The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy – about a boy who longs to swim, and a town with a mysterious past ... 'A hilarious and warm-hearted mystery set in a secretive seaside town, Son of the Sea had me hooked!' JENNIFER BELL, AUTHOR OF LEGENDARIUM 'A splashing success, frothing with adventure. This beautiful book is a witty, warm-hearted, web-toed delight.' SAM SEDGMAN, AUTHOR OF THE ADVENTURES ON TRAINS SERIES HIS FEET WERE THE FIRST CLUE ... Casper dreams of swimming the Channel. Surely, he was born to use his webbed toes ... Instead, he's strictly forbidden to go near water. When his parents have an unlucky accident, Casper is sent to stay with a grandmother he's never met - where he discovers his special tie to the sea ... From the acclaimed author of The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy – winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition Chairman's Choice Award Packed full of magical realism, humour, LGBTQ+ representation and a message of acceptance Perfect for readers aged 9 and up

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A rip-roaring Roman mystery from Historical Association Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick. PRAISE FOR BLACK POWDER - WINNER OF THE HISTORIAL ASSOCIATION YOUNG QUILLS AWARD: ' ... a wonderfully explosive adventure set in the turbulent year of the gunpowder plot in Black Powder with impossibly divided loyalties.' JULIA GOLDING, AUTHOR OF THE DIAMOND OF DRURY LANE 'With its constant reversals and twists and turns, Tom's story is almost as complex as the pliot and counter-plot of the Gunpowder Treason itself ... The writing is lively and the pace never flags.' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY Vita longs to write the plays that she steals off to watch - but as the daughter of a high-born Roman, her only future is marriage. When her father is murdered, everything changes. She escapes with her life - only to end up a slave, sharing a cell with a fierce gladiator, Brea, and her wolf. But when Vita and Brea discover they have a common enemy, they know they must stand together for truth and justice ... A rip-roaring adventure set in Roman London from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick Vita, nicknamed 'Little Owl' by her father, is an unlikely hero – but when her father is murdered she has to uncover the truth, even if it means finding unlikely friends Themes of deceit, storytelling and fighting justice

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A spellbinding new fantasy novel from the author of The Apprentice Witch series - perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli and Diana Wynne Jones. 'A cosy, magical adventure which touches on the problems associated with fast fashion.' THE BOOKSELLER 'Enchanting' THE WEEK JUNIOR Hen dreams of joining the family spell-tailor business, making magical homemade outfits. But the shop is struggling, thanks to the cheap clothing factory that has opened nearby. Stumbling upon a stitch - one that can sew memories into seams - Hen thinks he has the answer that will save them. Instead, he's shocked to be banned from sowing forever. What is going on? And can he unravel the mystery before it's too late? Combines James Nicol’s trademark cosy fantasy with an enchanting mystery – perfect for readers 8 and up Explores the real magic of clothes as Hen, a spell tailor’s apprentice, struggles to master his family craft – and discovers a new kind of stitch in the process A warm hug of a book – one to curl up with in your favourite old jumper!

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A fantastic Tudor adventure from Historical Association Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick. 'A compulsive read ... I love Ally's writing, she really has a way of making history come alive!' CELIA REES 'Having read Ally Sherrick’s previous work, the author can’t put a foot wrong in my opinion, and this Tudor tale is her best yet.' BARBARA HENDERSON 'The Queen's Fool is a gripping, page-turning adventure' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST Cat Sparrow is on the road. She's following her sister, Meg, who was torn from their convent home and sent to London. But Cat isn't like other people – she thinks differently – and for a girl like her the world holds many perils. Luckily she befriends a young actor, Jacques, and together they follow Meg's trail to a wondrous place called the Field of Cloth of Gold. But here, they discover that the kingdoms of England and France are both in terrible danger ... Ally Sherrick weaves fact and fiction together to create a rip-roaring historical adventure set in the court of Henry VIII Told with real heart and warmth, THE QUEEN'S FOOL explores historical attitudes towards people with learning disabilities, the importance of sisterly bonds, and using your talents to forge your own destiny. Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay Brilliant for KS2 readers - and teachers! - studying the Tudors at school

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A boy. A drone. And the danger below ... ' ... a gripping adventure, with all the right ingredients. Local bullies, sinister villains, high-speed chases, terrorism plans, explosive weaponry, missing evidence and dramatic escapes.' BOOKTRUST 'Filled with mystery, adventure and plenty of action, this book has lots of twists and turns and I didn't know what was going to happen next.' BIG ISSUE NORTH Ever since the accident, Tom's struggled with his mobility. But he has a secret escape: Skylark, his drone - through this technology, he can fly above his Lake District home, exploring his world from a totally different perspective. But when he stumbles upon a terrorist plot, he knows no one will believe him. Maggie and Joel, a sister and brother on holiday in his aunts cottage, are the only ones who can help ... but can they stop the plot in time? Shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Childrens Fiction Competition 2017. A confident and exciting debut novel about friendship, bravery, terrorism and technology. Swallows and Amazons for a thoroughly modern readership.

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A powerful and devastating YA novel about the redemptive power of truth and healing. 'An important book and a very impressive, ultimately hopeful, treatment of mental illness.' KIRKUS, STARRED REVIEW Tamar is admitted to Lime Grove, a psychiatric hospital for teenagers, where she's asked endless questions. Will you tell us what happened? How do you feel, on a scale of one to ten? But there's one question Tamar can't – won't – answer: What happened to her friend Iris? A uniquely powerful, devastating novel of friendship, fragility and guilt. Stunningly literary YA about one girl’s mental illness and the redemptive power of truth and healing. A shocking, moving and sometimes darkly funny depiction of life on a psychiatric ward, drawn from the true experience of the author.

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From the acclaimed author of THE EXTINCTS comes a quirky, creepy, laugh-out-loud mystery full of carniverous plants and missing fingers! Orphaned Dan’s new home is a crumbling castle. Here, horrible Aunt Grusilla reigns supreme, tending to her mysterious graveyard garden. But why are Aunt Grusilla and her curious servants each missing a finger – and what are the hungry ‘cabbages’ in the greenhouse? As Dan struggles to solve the mystery, he encounters a chilling question: what’s the price of everlasting life? THE HALLOWEEDS is a brilliant blend of laugh-out-loud funny, a little bit creepy and a twisty-turny mystery which will leave readers guessing right up to the exciting conclusion. Features themes of ecology, immortality and growing up. Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket or David Walliams!

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From acclaimed writer Dan Smith – author of My Friend the Enemy, Nisha's War and Big Game, now a major motion picture starring Samuel L. Jackson – comes BOY X, a thrilling, no-holds-barred action survival series. 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 Kidnapped and drugged, Ash wakes up on a remote tropical island. His mum – a genetic scientist – has been imprisoned and infected with a deadly virus. Where is he, and what’s he doing there? He sets out to cross the jungle to find out and rescue his mother. Soon he realizes he’s quicker and sharper than before. But there’s something else ... why are theanimals watching him, and how can he use the jungle to his advantage? A real-life survival adventure set on a jungle island. The start of a new no-holds-barred action survival series: Bear Grylls meets The Maze Runner. From the award-winning author of acclaimed WW2 adventure novels My Friend the Enemy and My Brother’s Secret. Dan Smith’s most recent project, Big Game, is the novelisation of the hit movie starring Samuel L. Jackson – sold so far in 23 territories worldwide.

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Robbie is born to be evil, or so he thinks - but how do you become the head of an evil dynasty when you're ... nice? 'A very funny fantasy quest with an amazingly evil queen.' RICHARD PICKARD, author of THE PECULIAR TALE OF TENTACLE BOY 'It's funny and clever with a strong message of friendship and family at its core. I loved it.' CLAIRE FAYRES, author of THE VOYAGE TO MAGICAL NORTH Robbie is heir to the evilest dynasty in the world: the Sinistevils. He can't wait to pledge his heart to the menacing power of the family Sceptre and embark on his bloodthirsty future. The thing is, Robbie is ... well ... hopelessly nice! Life in this royal family is about to get horribly complicated ... Tender, wise and often hilarious; the perfect read for fans of Despicable Me and Descendants, with a fairytale twist! Robbie is born to be evil, but he simply can't help his relentless optimism and belief in the goodness of others - his story is one of forging your own path and accepting your true self Longlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition

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