140521161X Night Pirates One night, young Tom is awoken by noises outside his house. He peeps out of the window and what should he see but PIRATES. And stranger still - they're GIRL PIRATES stealing the front of his house! Tom joins their pirate adventure across the high seas to an island where some rather lazy and silly grown-up pirates are guarding their treasure. But not very successfully. Tom and the girl-pirates make a surprise attack and are soon off on the seas once more with the treasure!
019279101X Winnie And The Midnight Dragon It's just after midnight. Winnie has gone to bed and is snoring peacefully when Wilbur is woken by a strange noise. He goes downstairs to investigate and, to his horror, discovers a baby dragon squeezing through his cat-flap! Wilbur is not impressed by the scaly visitor, especially when it starts chasing him around Winnie's house. But the baby dragon just wants to play and, in his exuberance, manages to topple a grandfather clock and knock over a suit of armour. All the clattering wakes Winnie and she's not happy about a baby dragon in her house, either. After all, there are puffs of smoke coming out of his nose and he might start a fire. So Winnie uses a little magic to turn the smoke into ... a cloud of butterflies. This makes Wilbur feel better, he loves chasing butterflies! So now Winnie has a baby dragon and a cat who just want to play whereas she just wants to sleep! Winnie decides she's had enough of babysitting a dragon and goes onto the roof to look for his mother. But how will she catch the attention of a mother dragon flying past? By magicking a full moon over her house! So with mother and baby dragon reunited, Winnie and Wilbur can finally settle down for an overdue good night's sleep.
0140569359 Stomp, Chomp, Big Roars! Here Come The Dinosaurs This is the way we stomp our feet, Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! This is the way we like to eat, Chomp! Chomp! Chomp! Stomp! Chomp! Big Roars, Here come the dinosaurs! This is a brilliant third action rhymes book from the perfect duo of Kaye Umansky and Nick Sharratt. Following on from "Tickle my Nose" and "Wiggle My Toes", this book focusses on the perennial favourites, dinosaurs, and boasts a whole host of brand new interactive fun rhymes about all sorts of things. Illustrated with Nick Sharratt's superbly vibrant and fantastic dinosaur characters, this will soon become a most popular book.
1405219289 Flat Stanley Stanley is just a normal healthy boy, but since a large notice-board fell on him, he’s been only half an inch thick. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary problem. One night, a giant pinboard falls on top of him leaving him completely flat. At first, Stanley enjoys the benefits of his strange predicament - it can be fun going in out of rooms simply by sliding under the door. And it's a hoot being posted to your friends in California for a holiday. But it's not always easy being different, and, once the novelty begins to wear off, Stanley wishes he could be just like everybody else again. But how will he ever fill out?
0007143362 A Very Proper Fox This is a warm and humorous story about being true to yourself, from the highly-regarded author-illustrator of "Billy Tibbles Moves Out"! Frankie, the Fox loves baked beans and dancing, but Naughty Rabbit says that proper foxes don't jig about! Proper foxes catch chicken. So Frankie steals down the lane to the chicken's house. He licks his lips, he flexes his claws, he growls like a proper fox, low and mean. 'I'm coming to get you!' But instead of a big, fat chicken, Frankie finds a big fat mess that he can't help tidying. Will Frankie ever be a proper fox?
067088278X Each peach pear plum A poem on each spread gives the clue as to what is hiding in the picture opposite. Many well-known nursery characters are included so that young children can follow the rhymes and enjoy this board book.
0670871761 Peepo This work follows a baby through the day. A series of holes peeping through to the next page leads the young child on to the next stage of the day, giving a hint of what is to come.
0141380772 Baby's catalogue Looks at the lives of five families through the course of a day, and night, and shows a range of baby parphernalia that will be instantly recognizable to babies and toddlers. Ages 0-5.
0333712781 Dear Zoo A brand new audio production of this classic Campbell title, first published 21 years ago. A letter to the zoo asking for a pet results in a succession being dispatched - all of them containing highly unsuitable pets. All, of course, except the last one.
0241003008 The very hungry caterpillar This picture book is in a mini-board book format, complete with cutouts and collage illustrations.
0141380977 Harry and the bucketful of dinosaurs Harry finds some dusty plastic dinosaurs in Nan's attic. He cleans them, finds out their names and takes them everywhere - until, one day, the dinosaurs get lost! The lost property man gets a surprise when Harry proves the dinosaurs are his by calling them to him.
0744549183 Guess how much I love you Shortlisted for the 1994 Kurt Maschler Award and the Children's Illustrated Book of the Year Award, this is the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, who discover that love is not an easy thing to measure.
See all Reviews
0241141036 The Snowman The classic boardbook edition of the now famous Christmas tale. James builds a snowman in the garden and wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life. He shows the Snowman his house, and in return the Snowman takes him on a magical journey.
0370324463 Rosie's walk MINI TREASURES - delightful mini picture books to treasure forever. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Rosie was a busy, fat, comfortable hen, and one day she decided to go for a walk. But Rosie didn't know she was being followed by a wicked fox. Unwittingly she led him into one disaster after another, and got back home safely.
See all Reviews
0141380594 Meg and Mog A boardbook edition of the original "Meg and Mog" story in which Meg goes to a spell party and accidentally turns her friends into mice!
1841481386 Creepy Crawly Calypso Jump and jive with this jolly band of insects to the creepy crawly calypso beat! From spiders to fireflies, butterflies to centipedes, Debbie Harter's humorous illustrations perfectly match the Caribbean spirit of this jaunty rhyming text, which introduces children to cardinal and ordinal numbers - and takes them straight into the marvellous world of mini-beasts!
184121101X Commotion in the ocean Using simple rhymes the author conjures up poetic images of the ocean and its creatures in this sequel to the "Rumble in the Jungle" poetry book. Pictures complement the text.
0140568859 Hedgehog howdedo A little girl wanders round her winter garden looking at all the hedgehogs hibernating in its many different corners. This book is both a simple counting book and an introduction to the impact of the seasons on animals and winter hibernation.
1844284816 Where's my teddy? Little Eddy loses his toy bear and has to go looking for him in the dark, horrible woods - where he's in for a gigantic surprise.
0744523230 We're going on a bear hunt Follow the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of the bear. What a surprise awaits in the cave on the other side of the dark forest.
1860396607 Rumble in the jungle There's a rumble in the jungle, let's go and see who we can find ... The ravenous rhino
Is big, strong and tough,
But his skin is all baggy and flappy,
Which means that there's plenty
Of room for his lunch,
And that makes him terribly happy.
See the animals of the jungle roar, munch and slither their way through this noisy collection of poems from the hilarious Purple Ronnie bestselling poet Giles Andreae --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
See all Reviews
1405020482 Sharing a shell The tiny hermit crab loves his new shell. He doesn't want to share it -- not with a blobby purple anenome and a tickly bristleworm. But life in the rock pool proves tougher than Crab thinks, and soon he finds he needs his new housemates in this rollicking story of sea, shells and friendship.
0192791400 Doing the animal bop A lively, noisy, funny text that encourages very young children to walk and talk like the animals - including waddling like a penguin, stomping like a rhino and jiving and jiggling and jumping and wiggling to the monkey bop! It is hugely entertaining with plenty of scope for interaction and play.
0007146930 One snowy night Reformatted edition of this core Percy title with a contemporary new cover design and an added poster. Percy the Park Keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter's night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them find a warm place to sleep for the night. Percy's hut is nice and warm but Percy discovers that if you invite one animal in you'll have to invite them all in and his hut is only small -- it's certainly going to be a squash!
009992790X Dogger Winner of the 1977 Kate Greenaway Medal and the 1980 Dutch Silver Pencil Award, this is the story of Dave and his beloved Dogger and how Dogger was lost and finally found again. The author also wrote "Helpers", "Moving Molly", "Sally's Secret" and "Up and Up".
0340565640 Kipper Kipper clears out his basket but finds it uncomfortable. He goes in search of a confortable way to sleep only to be lead back to his trusty old blanket and basket.
See all Reviews
000717134X Mog the forgetful cat New cover, new format reissue of this story about everyone's favourite family cat, Mog. Mog always seems to be in trouble for her forgetfulness!but one night it comes in very handy!
0099697203 Elmer Elmer is not like the rest of the elephants in the jungle, he's a multi-coloured patchwork elephant! In this story, Elmer discovers that his friends laugh at him, not because he's different but because he's the most happy-go-lucky and ever-so-appealing, loveable elephant in the world!
0333631986 Peace at last Mr Bear is tired and goes to bed - but can he get to sleep? "Snore, snore" went Mrs Bear, "Tick-tock, tick-tock" went the clock. Mr Bear desperately tries to get some sleep, around the house, in the garden and even in the car. This new edition contains two new pieces of artwork.
0007215991 The tiger who came to tea This classic story of Sophie and her extraordinary tea-time guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published over 30 years ago. Now a new generation will enjoy this beautiful reformatted edition! The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! This modern classic picture book is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again. All artwork has been re-originated and a fresh design approach has been used for this reformatted edition.
0552545104 Pumpkin soup A lively story about friendship and sharing from winner of the Kate Greenaway Award, Helen Cooper.
See all Reviews
0744583888 Can't you sleep little bear? Board Little Bear can't sleep. He is frightened of the dark, even with the biggest lantern of them all at his bedside. But Big Bear finds an ingenious way to reassure him. So Big Bear takes him out and shows him the moon and the stars - and Little Bear then falls asleep.
0746066619 Moving house This series helps young children, in a friendly and amusing way, to understand situations they may find themselves in for the first time. Ages 2+.
0746066597 Going To The Dentist This series helps young children, in a friendly and amusing way, to understand situations they may find themselves in for the first time. Ages 2+.
0746066643 Going To The Doctor This series helps young children, in a friendly and amusing way, to understand situations they may find themselves in for the first time. Ages 2+.
0099404672 Eat your peas It was dinner time again and Daisy just knew what her mum was going to say, even before she said it. "Eat your peas," said Mum. Daisy looked down at the little green balls that were ganging up on her plate. "I don't like peas." said Daisy. And so the battle of wills begins. What does Mum have to promise to get Daisy to eat her peas? An extra pudding, a chocolate factory or a space rocket with double retro laser blammers? But whatever Mum offers, it doesn't change the fact that Daisy just can't stomach those gross green peas. So Daisy comes up with an idea which will turn the tables and make someone else suffer.
0140555269 Princess Smartypants replaces I will not never ever eat a tomato Princess Smartypants does not want to get married. She enjoys being a Ms. Because she is very pretty and rich, all the princes want to marry her. This fairy-tale-with-a-difference describes how Smartypants fights to preserve her independence.
0552548332 Pants A hilarious collaboration about underwear by Giles Andreae and Nick Sharratt.
See all Reviews
1844284573 Some dogs do All dogs walk and jump and run, but dogs don't fly - it can't be done, can it? Jez Alborough's uplifting tale is for anyone who has ever believed that miracles really do happen.
1405210443 Aaaarrgghh spider! All Spider wants is to be a family pet. But the family whose house he lives in are terrified of him. Whenever he tries to show them what a great pet he would make, they simply cry, 'Aaaarrgghh, Spider!'. Themes of tolerance and misunderstanding make key discussion points for children in this book.
0007206224 Russell the sheep A quirky bedtime story, introducing endearing insomniac, Russell the Sheep. Sometimes Russell the Sheep is just a little bit out of step with the rest of flock. All the sheep are falling asleep - except Russell. He's tried everything...but he's still wide awake. What's a sheep to do?
0007140150 Ooops! Preston Pig is walking through the woods to take his granny a basket of food. 'Hmm...red hood, basket of food, granny's house? That reminds me of a story, but which one?' says Mister Wolf. Can the cunning Mister Wolf catch Preston this time, or will the little pig outwit him again...?
185430898X Yummy yummy food for my tummy George and Jess live on their own little islands in the middle of a huge ocean. They really want to meet up and share yummy milkshakes and cake but there's one big problem - sharks. Will George and Jess manage to outwit the greedy sharks and make it across the water to be together?
1841483222 Bear In Sunshine replaces Bear In A Square Bear introduces various types of weather in this book. Young readers are invited to anticipate Bear's fun activities according to each new day. The simple rhyming text promotes early language development.
0140567860 One to Ten And Back Again A wonderful and unique look at counting and friendship. This very simple picture book is about two friends, Sue and Nick, who like very different things but are still best friends. They introduce us to all their favourite things from one boy called Nick and one girl called Sue to ten cakes for tea, and then all the way back down to one yellow moon shining in the night sky. The artwork is stunning with each artist contributing alternate pages in their own inimitable style. The deceptively simple text is perfect for children learning to read.
0744593204 We've all got bellybuttons "We've got ears, and so do you. We can pull them. Can you?" We've got hands for clapping, like monkeys, feet for kicking, like zebras, and lots more too. But best of all - we've all got bellybuttons for tickle-tickling! Young children will love following the actions of these little animals and their families to discover all the wonderful ways their bodies can move!
184089329X Eating All over the world children celebrate and this book, which is one of a series, looks at how children take care of themselves. Using photographs and short texts, it aims to give beginner readers and pre-school children a glimpse of peoples' lives world over.
1405308451 Watch me grow: kitten I start life as a tiny kitten, but how do I become a cat? Turn the pages and watch me grow. A fantastic introduction to life cycles to share with your child. Have fun following the progress of the adorable kitten from her birth and playtime, until she grows up into independence. Entertaining and colourful boxes invite further reading and will encourage your child to learn about animal behaviour. Supports the Foundation level of the National Curriculum.
0753410761 Animal babies on the farm This fabulous series introduces children by habitat to a variety of adorable animal babies. Each baby is introduced on one spread and on the next we find out who is its mother or father. In this way, children learn to identify animal babies and their parents. This simple, questioning approach helps young children engage with growth, change and families. Animal Babies on the Farm shows seven young mammals - pigs, ducks, cows, horses, chickens, goats and geese. From the placid presence of a cud-chewing cow to the scratching and pecking of a mother hen, the charming images and lively text will engage and delight young children.
075340351X Roaring rockets In Roaring Rockets, a trio of animal astrona uts invite children to come along with them on a trip to the moon - making learning about space travel more fun than eve r before. '
0744575842 Flora McDonnell's ABC An alphabet book featuring colourful pictures of favourite things from A to Z. It provides an easy and enjoyable way for young children to learn. Eacg letter of the alphabet appears in upper and lower case.
0140567879 Faster faster nice and slow This is a third title in this superb series by award-winning best friends, Sue Heap and Nick Sharratt. Here is the perfect way to learn about opposites. Whether it's a quiet cat and a noisy dog, a freezing cold or a hot and sunny day or a super fast leopard and a family of slowly-slow snails, Sue and Nick introduce all sorts of opposites in an engaging and memorable way.
0744599725 Noah's Ark A classic picture book of the biblical tale, from the creator of "Maisy". "Then the animals came, two by two...two by two...into the ark..." There have been numerous picture-book versions of the "Old Testament" tale of Noah and his ark, but none as simply told and boldly illustrated for young children, as this rainbow-filled version by Lucy Cousins.
From the Publisher
Reviews!
"A boldly colourful retelling of this well-known Bible story which is eminently suitable for the youngest of children." - CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR "Filled with a rainbow of bold, eye-catching illustrations which leap from the pages." - PRACTICAL PARENTING --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
1405301619 Watch Me Grow: Frog This is an introduction to the ciricle of life, with picture and accessible text. Children should be fascinated by the steps in the life-cycle of the frog, from meeting and mating, to seeing a tadpoled gills disappear to form lungs.
0744570360 You're all my favourites BOARD This book presents an enchanting family story by the creators of "Guess How Much I Love You". Mummy and Daddy Bear tell their three baby bears that they are the most wonderful bears in all the whole wide world. But even the best-loved baby bears can worry: what if Mummy and Daddy love the other two baby bears more, because they have patches, or are boys, or are bigger...Do Mummy and Daddy Bear have a favourite? This work presents a delightful board book version of this appealing tale of the love between parents and their children. It comes from the bestselling creators of the picture book phenomenon "Guess How Much I Love You", which has sold more than fifteen million copies worldwide.
1844287823 Full, full, full of love Every Sunday, Jay Jay and his family, uncles and aunties, cousins and friends all come for Sunday dinner at Grannie's. And what a feast they have! There's plenty, plenty for everybody, and plenty of love to go around too!
0552546941 Tell me what it's like to be big A gorgeous sequel to the best-selling TELL ME SOMETHING HAPPY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP
See all Reviews
0552546313 A Pipkin Of Pepper A heart-warming tale about getting lost starring Cat, Squirrel and Duck from the much-loved Pumpkin Soup.
Synopsis
Something was bubbling in the old white cabin. What is in the cooking pot? Pumpkin Soup, made by a Cat, a Squirrel and a Duck, waiting just for a pipkin of salt, to make it the best you have ever tasted ...But the salt jar smashes and there is none left for the Pumpkin Soup! Cat, Squirrel and Duck must go to the city to buy some more. Duck has the habit of wandering off but promises not to get lost. But not everything goes as planned...Fans of "Pumpkin Soup" will be delighted by this sequel with its warm and vibrant illustrations.
See all Reviews
0552527068 The bear under the stairs MINI TREASURES: delightful mini picture books to treasure forever. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
A story of a small boy who is afraid of an imaginary bear which he's convinced is living in the cupboard under the stairs. By the author/illustrator of "Kit and the Magic Kite".
See all Reviews
1904442528 Wanda's first day Which school for Wanda? It's Wanda's first day at school. She has no idea what it will be like. So imagine her surprise when she realises all the other pupils are fairies - especially as Wanda is a little witch! Wanda wonders if she's in the wrong place. Which school should she be at? But by the end of the day, she's enjoyed herself so much that Wanda realises that it doesn't matter that she's different - and that she does things a little wildly! A delicious starting school story with a difference.
0552546305 Tatty Ratty A wonderfully inventive and heart-warming story, starring a brave and adventurous rabbit from the award-winning Helen Cooper.
See all Reviews
0007161948 What shall we do Blue Kangaroo? The fourth title in this popular series about Lily and her loveable toy, Blue KangarooLily and Blue Kangaroo are the best of friends and when Lily doesn't know what to do next she often asks, 'What shall we do, Blue Kangaroo?' But Blue Kangaroo doesn't always know, so he says nothing. But one day, in a crisis, Blue Kangaroo has to work out what to do all by himself...
0590199188 Home before dark When Lily drops Teddy in the park one rainy day, he gets left behind. It''s not easy being a little lost teddy, cold and far from home. But Lily can''t go to bed without him. Teddy must get home before dark.'
1405201770 The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Plop, the Baby Barn Owl, is like every Barn Owl there ever was, except for one thing - he is afraid of the dark. "Dark is nasty" he says and so he won't go hunting with his parents. Mrs Barn Owl sends him down from his nest-hole to ask about the dark and he meets a little boy waiting for the fireworks to begin, an old lady, a scout out camping, a girl who tells him about Father Christmas, a man with a telescope and a black cat who takes him exploring. He realizes that through these encounters that dark is super after all.
0099451395 Dippy's Sleepover A reassuring story for children who are tackling sleeping over at a friend’s house for the first time. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
Dippy is really excited when he's invited to sleep at Spike Triceratops' house on Friday. They'll watch Scarysaurs Go Wild and eat popfern and...but there's one problem - Dippy wets the bed. "Lots of podlets wet the bed," Mrs Diplodocus reassures him. But Dippy doesn't want Spike to find out so he tries all sorts of things to be dry by Friday - going to the toilet just before turning out the light, not having a drink of water before going to sleep - but each night poor Dippy still has watery dreams. Can he be dry by Friday?
See all Reviews
0747565627 Tickle tickle In this board book a father and his child pay a tickling game. Suitable for babies' hands, this book can be read aloud and shared with your child.
1854308629 Smiley Shark Smiley Shark may be the biggest fish in the ocean but he's also the friendliest and the funniest - and by far the smiliest. So why won't the other fish let him join in their games? Soon Smiley doesn't feel much like smiling any more. Until a great big shark smile is all it takes to save the day!
0007184093 Lettice the birthday rabbit Lettice is the little rabbit with big dreams! Lettice Rabbit is having a lovely time at a birthday picnic. But then it starts to rain. The party is going to be ruined...unless Lettice knows a truly magical place, where birthday wishes can come true?
1844284794 My friend bear Eddy and the Bear are both feeling sad. They both wish they had a friend to talk to. All they've got are their teddies, and teddies can't talk. Or can they?
0007155182 Secret Path Reformatted edition of this core Percy title with a contemporary new cover design. Includes wonderful fold-out poster. It's a beautiful spring morning and a perfect opportunity for Percy to trim the overgrown maze. The animals decide to have some fun hiding on the stone lion in the middle of the maze, to surprise Percy. But the suprise is on them when they fall asleep and Percy, finding them, hides behind the statue and pretends his voice is the lion's telling them to wake up. Percy has unravelled some string through the maze to help him find the way out but the squirrel, thinking he is helping, has wound the string into a ball. Help Percy and his friends find the way out of the park, guiding them through the fold-out maze at the back of the book.
074453660X Farmer Duck "Farmer Duck" is an amusing fable. Martin Waddell's awards include the Smarties Book Prize for "Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?", and "Farmer Duck", the Emil/Kurt Maschler Award for "The Park in the Dark" and the Best Books for Babies Award for "Rosies Babies". His other books include "The Big Big Sea", "Owl Babies", "Let's Go Home Little Bear", "John Joe and the Hen" and the "Little Dracula" books. Helen Oxenbury won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1979, and her books include "Animal Allsorts" and "Curious Creatures". She has three times been Highly Commended for the Kate Greenaway Medal, and three times won the Smarties Book Prize, for "Farmer Duck, "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" and "So Much".
See all Reviews
1844284972 The ravenous beast The ravenous beast is hungry; he's hungry, hungry, hungry. But is he the hungriest animal of all? "Nonsense smonsense," scoff the other animals, and "Hokum Pokum!" But they want to watch out or the ravenous beast might just gobble 'em up and swallow 'em down! Niamh Sharkey's unmistakable style and stylish palette create a beautiful book that's almost good enough to eat!
0340626860 Lullabyhullaballoo A picture book for small children that is suitable as a bedtime story.
About the Author
Mick Inkpen is now one of the top-selling picture book artists and writers in the world. The Kipper and Wibbly Pig stories have sold millions worldwide. He is the winner of the British Book Award for the best illustrated book, for Lullabyhullabaloo, and the Children's Book Award for Threadbear. Kipper won a BAFTA for best animated children's film in 1998.
1844226832 Head shoulders kneesand toes Every rhyme in these fun playbooks comes with a special set of actions to encourage dance, play and coordination.
1405021667 Wriggle and roar A wonderful rhyme book full of action and noise - guaranteed to make kids love poetry! Whenever I'm tired of being me I swing around like a chimpanzee. Are you tired of being you? Here's a whole bookful of things you can do! There are rhymes to make you wriggle and giggle, shrug and sigh, snap like a crocodile and slither like a snake. Julia Donaldson's verse jumps off the page and Nick Sharratt's snazzy illustrations add to the fun.
1843626519 Ten in the den Deep in the den, ten sleepy animals snuggle down for the night. But how can they sleep when fidgety Little Mouse can't get comfortable? This bedtime book features baby animals, a simple counting element, and is based upon a children's favourite nursery rhyme.
014056263X Tickle My Nose replaces Engines Engines A lively text of new action rhymes, from mischievous monkeys, huggable panda bears and playful kitties to rhymes about playtime, food and clothing. With bright, fresh illustrations giving the book a contemporary feel, it aims to give parents and children hours of shared pleasure.
0859530183 There was an old lady who swallowed a fly Since they were first published thirty years ago, the Classic Books-with-Holes have become known and loved world-wide, with sales into the millions. This special board book edition shares the charm and fascination of the originals and is suitable for the smallest hands.
Ingenious die-cut holes bring much-loved nursery rhymes to life, and Pam Adams's illustrations lend humour and vibrancy to the proceedings. --This text refers to the Board book edition.
Excerpted from There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams. Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
"There was an old lady that swallowed a spider, that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled inside her. She swallowed the spider to catch the fly. I don't know why she swallowed a fly. Perhaps she'll die." --This text refers to the Board book edition.
1843624176 Fairytale secrets Can you guess what all your favourite fairy tale characters get up to when no one is looking? Turn the flap on each page you'll discover the most extraordinary secrets! Ages 3-6.
0333962184 Jack and the beanstalk As Jack scurried down the beanstalk, the hen squawked anxiously, "If that giant gets his hands on us, he'll eat us for his tea!" Find out what happens to Jack with the lift-the-flap surprises. Also in this series: "Cinderella", "The Three Little Pigs", and "Little Red Riding Hood".
1405004355 Goldilocks The house was still and quiet For the owners had gone out. "Oh, goody!" giggled Goldilocks, "Now I can snoop about!" A traditional fairy tale, retold in witty contemporary verse. With hilarious illustrations and flaps to lift on every page, this book will entertain and amuse readers of all ages.
1405004371 The three Billy Goats gruff Fairy tales have never been so funky! "Oh, please let me cross," said the middle-sized goat But the troll only snapped, "What's your hurry?" With some herbs and some spices and served up with rice, You would make a delicious goat curry!" A traditional fairy tale, retold in witty contemporary verse. With hilarious illustrations and flaps to lift on every page, this book will entertain and amuse readers of all ages.
0333965337 Cinderella Cinderella's sisters were such a rotten pair, She did all the housework, They never did their share. A funny retelling of the classic fariy tale with lift-the-flap surprises. Also in this series: The Three Little Pigs Little Red Riding Hood Jack and the Beanstalk Goldilocks
0099432331 The Pea and The Princess replaces Once upon a time A delightful, garden-fresh take on this traditional tale.
Synopsis
Once upon a time there was an enchanting fairytale about a prince who was looking for a real princess to be his bride. The only way to tell whether the many princesses who applied for the post were really royal, legend had it, was to see if they would be able to feel a tiny little pea through dozens of luxurious mattresses as they slept. Only the princess who emerged the next morning complaining of the extreme discomfort in which she had passed the night, could possibly be good enough to be the prince's bride ...All well and enchanting, but has anyone stopped to think about how all this might have felt for the pea in question? No. So here, for the first time, straight from the pea, is the truth about this much-loved, oft-repeated fairytale.
See all Reviews
033378104X Nursery Rhymes Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does you garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells, And pretty maids all in a row. A delightful collection of traditional nursery rhymes, beautifully illustrated by award-winning Lucy Cousins.
0333720016 Monkey puzzle Can Butterfly help Little Monkey find his mum? Yes, but only after a lot of trial and error as Butterfly misunderstands Monkey's descriptions and leads him to all kinds of unsuitable animals.
1405004770 A Squash and a squeeze A little old lady thinks her house is a squash and a squeeze but, with the advice of a wise old man and the help of a few farmyard animals, she soon discovers that it's not as small as she thought. The very first book from the award-winning creators of The Gruffalo, first reissued in hardback to great acclaim in 2003 as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Julia and Axel's collaboration.
0333710932 The Gruffalo A rhyming story of a mouse and a monster. Little mouse goes for a walk in a dangerous forest. To scare off his enemies, he invents tales of a fantastical creature called the Gruffalo. Imagine his surprise when he meets the real Gruffalo!
1405020466 The Gruffalo's Child One dark night the Gruffalo's child disobeys her father's warnings and ventures out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist ...does he?
140503470X Charlie Cook's Favourite Book Charlie Cook is reading a book about a pirate captain, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading about a knight, who is reading about a frog...From kings and queens to aliens and ghosts, there's something for everyone in Charlie's amazing book! Entertaining and original - another winner from the best picture book team in the world.
033398224X The Snail And The Whale One tiny snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of a whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail who saves the day.
0439950643 Ketchup On Your Cornflakes A great reissuing of a perennially popular split-page book inviting children to howl with laughter at the fantastic and fantastical food concoctions they create. Do you like ketchup on your cornflakes? Tying in with Nick Sharratt's position as official illustrator for World Book Day 2006, this larger format edition, with its best cover yet, will ensure Ketchup's continuing longevity.
0590191594 Cheese And Tomato Spider In the style of the author's "Don't Put Your Finger in the Jelly, Nelly" and "I Went to the Zoopermarket", this book introduces such oddities as a fish on wheels and exploding grannies.
0439950635 I Went To The Zoopermarket A great reissuing of this lift-the-flap book from the endlessly popular author/illustrator, Nick Sharratt. Come and shop at the zoopermarket, where the food is not all it seems. Tying in with Nick Sharratt's position as official illustrator for World Book Day 2006, this larger format edition, with its best cover yet, will ensure Zoopermarket's continuing longevity.
0439950627 Don't Put Your Finger In The Jelly, Nelly A great reissuing of a classic children's die-cut picture book to tie in with Nick Sharratt's position as official illustrator for World Book Day 2006. Don't put your finger in the jelly, Nelly. You might upset a jellyphant. With a larger format and the best covers yet, this reissue will ensure the continuing longevity of Jelly, Nelly.
0439950929 Ouch! I Need A Plaster Have you ever bashed your nose? Have you scraped you knee? Have you tubbed your toe? Then this story is just for you! Come and meet Paul, Greg and Jacinta who all know how to say, 'Ouch! I Need a Plaster!' Sure to make everything better, "Ouch!" is a fun counting book for all tree-climbers, budding doctors and tomboys everywhere.
0141311525 The enormous crocodile This crocodile has an enormous appetite and boasts that he is going to eat a nice juicy child for lunch. Fortunately for the children, the other animals in the jungle see through the crocodile's cunning disguises.
0141311274 The giraffe the pelly and me The giraffe with an infinitely expandable neck, the pelican with a magical retractable beak, and the dancing monkey are among Roald Dahl's most popular characters. Together with Billy, a small boy with a dream, they team up to make the most amazing ladderless window-cleaning company ever invented.
0141311290 The magic finger The story of an unusual little girl who has magical powers. When someone makes her angry, she zaps a punishment on them with her magic flashing finger! This edtion also has an author biography.
0141311282 Fantastic Mr Fox Boggis, Bunce and Bean are just about the nastiest and meanest three farmers you could meet, and they hate Mr Fox. They are determined to get him. They lie in wait outside his hole, each one crouching behind a tree with his gun loaded, ready to shoot, starve or dig him out. Mr Fox has other plans.
0141311339 Esio Trot A shy man, Mr Hoppy has only the courage for polite conversation with Mrs Silver, as she tends her pet tortoise Alfie, on the balcony below. But, when he learns that her dearest wish is for Alfie to grow bigger, he hatches a plan involving a giant pair of metal claws and 140 tortoises.
From the Back Cover
Mr Hoppy, a retired bachelor, harbours a secret passion for his neighbour, the lovely Mrs Silver. Unfortunately she lavishes all her affection on another... Alfie, her pet tortoise. Mr Hoppy's wildly ingenious plot to defeat his rival and win the love of his lady will delight and amaze, involving, as it does a cryptic riddle and no fewer than a hundred and forty tortoises, large and small. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
1844281272 The finger eater Long ago, in the cold lands of the North, there lived a troll named Ulf who had a very bad habit - he liked to eat fingers! Many, many men, women and children had found their hands a finger short thanks to the razor-sharp teeth of the Finger-eater. And who knows how many more might have suffered the same fate if it hadn't been for the actions of a resolute girl called Gudrun!
0141312955 Dinosaur School Basil Brontosaurus is teased at playchool - all the other dinosaurs call him stupid, but his mother tells him he is special because he has two brains - one in his head and one in his back. Basil is so pleased that he starts to throw his weight around, until he meets a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
0141318457 Dinosaur Trouble 'T. rex! T. rex! Run!' The terrible Tyrannosaurus rex is scaring all the dinosaur families that live on the Great Plain. Nosy, the little pterodactyl, and his great friend Banty, the apatosaurus, agree that T. rex has got to be stopped. But how? Luckily Nosy has a plan ...
0141312939 Blessu Blessu is a very small elephant who suffers from dreadful hay fever - and although he is small he has a very large sneeze. Blessu does not grow very fast except for one part of him - his trunk - and the sneezing doesn't help one bit.
0141312971 Dumpling Dachshunds are supposed to be long and sausage-shaped, not short and plump like a dumpling. Dumpling wishes she could grow a long, elegant body like her two brothers. But when a witch's cat grants her wish, she becomes the longest dog ever!
055252820X Happy Mouseday Another delightful story from the master of animal fiction, dick King Smith.
Synopsis
Pete wants a pet mouse more than anything else in the world. Every Saturday - his "mouseday" - he asks his parents for one, and each time the answer is "No". But who's going to know if he secretly keeps a mouse in his tree-house?
See all Reviews
0141312149 Fat Lawrence Lawrence is a very fat cat. Well, he does manage to eat four meals a day. But even Lawrence begins to think a cat can be just too fat. What can he do?
014130264X Poppet Poppet is an elephant. When he is born, his mother warns him against mice because they run up elephants' trunks. Poppet spends time asking various creatures if they are mice. Then one of them says yes. However, Momo persuades Poppet that this is an old wives' tale and they soon become friends.
0746045441 Tadpoles and frogs This non-fiction series aims to encourage children to access the wonder of the world around them. The books have two reading levels, with a simple sentence on each page for beginners, and more complex information for more confident readers. In this text illustrations show how a tadpole develops.
0746047061 How flowers grow This exploration of how flowers grow is part of a series introducing children to the wonder of the world around them. It has two reading levels, with a simple sentence on each page for beginners, accompanied by more complex information which can be read as the child's confidence grows.
0099438747 Billy's bucket A funny, imaginative birthday story from the creator of the award-winning Eat Your Peas
Synopsis
A funny, imaginative birthday story from the creator of the award-winning "Eat Your Peas". Billy wants only one thing for his birthday. Not a computer game, not new trainers, not a new bike, but a bucket. Inside it, he can see all kinds of magnificent sea creatures. Billy's bucket is special. 'You must never ever borrow my bucket!" he warns his Mum and Dad. But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he's in for a big surprise!
See all Reviews
0099451085 Biscuit bear A delicious new treat from the brilliant Mini Grey, creator of Egg Drop and The Pea and the Princess.
Synopsis
This work presents a delicious new treat from the brilliant Mini Grey, creator of "Egg Drop" and "The Pea and the Princess". When Horace bakes a biscuit in the shape of a bear, little does he know that his edible treat is going to turn into Biscuit Bear! For in the middle of the night, when all is quiet, that is exactly what happens, and Biscuit Bear decides that it is time he made some friends of his own. So, with flour, sugar and butter, he does just that. In fact, he makes a whole circus of friends and the fun begins.
See all Reviews
0552546275 Crispin the pig who has it all Crispin the pig has everything he wants, or so he thinks ...
See all Reviews
0007150369 Lost and Found From the rising star of children's picture books comes the magical tale of friendship and loneliness, a boy, and a penguin. There once was a boy and one day a penguin arrives on his doorstep. The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. But no one seems to be missing a penguin. So the boy decides to take the penguin home himself, and they set out in his row boat on a journey to the South Pole. But when they get there, the boy discovers that maybe home wasn't what the penguin was looking for after all!
0007120184 The Whisperer A story of two rival inner-city cat gangs; the Gingers and the Black and Whites, as told by a watchful rat narrator. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
An edgy new picture book from the renowned creator of Percy the Park Keeper. Featuring an exciting new style of illustration and a thought-provoking plot, this stunning picture book is set to become a firm favourite. Two gangs of cats live in a scrap yard on the edge of the city. When they're not eating or sleeping, they're fighting, and that's just how The Whisperer likes it. He's a rat, and if he can keep the cats going after each other, they'll leave him and his kind alone. But just maybe, things in the scrap yard are about to change for the better. Or as The Whisperer sees it!for the worse!
See all Reviews
1844285227 Baby Brains Say hello to the world's brainiest baby! Meet the extraordinary Baby Brains. He reads the paper, mends the car and works as a doctor at the hospital. He's so clever that some scientists ask him to go on their next space mission. And that's when Baby Brains shows that in one way at least he's like every other baby in the world: he wants his mummy!;Smarties Book Prize Winner (Silver Medal) Simon James has created a memorable picture book, as bright and engaging as its extraordinary young hero.;The companion title, "Baby Brains Superstar", is out now!
0140569901 Pigs Might Fly This is a fast-paced adventure, inspired by the traditional story of "The Three Little Pigs", in which the brave trio attempt to outwit the Big Bad Wolf for the second time, this time by winning the 'Pie in the Sky Air Race'. Each pig builds a plane, out of straw, sticks and ...not bricks, but metal. In a fit of frustration, the wolf leaps out of his plane and onto the back of the pigs' plane, just at the moment that the cleverest pig is testing out the rocket booster. The wolf shoots off into the great blue yonder, and the pigs shoot over the finishing line.
0744598273 Max replaces Buffy Winner of the 2000 Smarties Prize Gold Medal. It's not easy being the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt. Max has a cape and a mask, but he doesn't fly. His parents can't understand it. It seems that Max is just an ordinary boy, until finally, to save a falling baby bird, Max discovers he can fly! He'll be a small hero, doing small deeds. "The world needs more of those," says his mum. A funny and touching tale about little Max, the reluctant superhero. Bob Graham has three times won the Australian Children's Book of the Year Award, in addition to the Smarties Book Prize Gold and Silver Awards and the Kate Greenaway Medal.
0099408791 Mr Gumpy's outing One day, Mr Gumpy decides to take a trip along the river in his boat, but the children, the rabbit, the cat, the pig and a whole host of friends decide to join him. Everyone's having a lovely time until the animals start kicking, bleating and kicking, and the boat starts to rock.
1854306413 The crunching munching caterpillar Caterpillar longs to be able to fly. He enview Bumblebee his wings, and he wishes he could soar through the air like a bird. But all he can do is crunch and munch his way through a blackberry bush. When Butterfly comes along she smiles a secret smile because she knows something Caterpillar doesn't!
0743461517 Click clack moo cows that type When Farmer Brown starts to receive typed notes from his cows demanding electric blankets, his problems are only just beginning...Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo. But the problems really begin when the cows start leaving Farmer Brown notes. First it was electric blankets...where will it end? And when the animals don't get what they want they go on strike, of course! Doreen Cronin's unusual text and Betsy Lewin's quirky illustrations make this a hilarious story.
1844285316 Fairytale News replaces Suddenly! Paperboy encounters favourite nursery-story characters in this book with pull-out newspaper! EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Big Bad Wolf steals granny's clothing! Golden-haired girl caught napping in three bears' cottage! Boy makes fortune out of magic beans! Find out all the latest news from Fairyland in Fairytale News. On sale now!
0140545867 It was a dark and stormy night Antonio, a small boy who has been kidnapped by brigands, passes the dark and stormy night in their cave weaving for them incredible stories for their own exploits and through this actually solves his own problem of how to escape.
0192792008 Winnie At The Seaside Winnie decides she needs a seaside break, so she and Wilbur zoom off to the coast. Winnie makes a beeline for the sea to cool down. Wilbur makes a beeline for anywhere other than the sea-he hates water, and can't bear getting wet. Winnie is having so much fun in the water that she doesn't notice her broomstick being washed out to sea. She waves her magic wand in an attempt to get the broomstick back but it doesn't really go according to plan. The mix of magic and mayhem that
follows involves a surfer and a whale and, predictably, it's poor Wilbur who gets the worst of things . . . In this paperback with audio CD edition, children can listen to the story with accompanying fun music and sound effects that really transport listeners to the seaside! --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Winnie decides she needs a seaside break, so she and Wilbur zoom off to the coast. Winnie makes a beeline for the sea to cool down. Wilbur makes a beeline for anywhere other than the sea - he hates water, and can't bear getting wet. Winnie is having so much fun in the water that she doesn't notice her broomstick being washed out to sea. She waves her magic wand in an attempt to get the broomstick back but it doesn't really go according to plan. The mix of magic and mayhem that follows involves a surfer and a whale and, predictably, it's poor Wilbur who gets the worst of things...
See all Reviews
0749658630 When I was young 'When I Was Young' is an introduction to history for young children. A child asks his grandmother what she did when she was young, and in this mode we are taken back through time with each generation asking the same question.
0749656867 Splish splash splosh Wonderwise is a series of prize-winning non-fiction picture books with lively narrative text. They introduce basic concepts in a lively and unusual way. This title takes readers on an adventure through the water cycle. For ages 5-7 years.
0749656875 Yum, Yum! 'Wonderwise' is a well-written, illustrated series designed to introduce children to key topics and concepts in an entertaining and unusual way. 'Yum-Yum!' is a book about munching and slurping and being part of the food chain.
0749656883 Tick-Tock 'Wonderwise' is a well-written, illustrated series designed to introduce children to key topics and concepts in an entertaining and unusual way. 'Tick-Tock' takes us on a counting journey from counting heartbeats to measuring time with clocks and calendars.
0750236817 Recycle Interactive and informative picture books, introducing children to basic moral values in a simple entertaining way.
Synopsis
Amy spots her teacher, Mr Jones, putting a box of bottles and newspapers outside his house. He explains that he's leaving them to be taken away to be recycled. He tells his class at school about it and takes them to a recycling plant to show them how it works, what sort of things they can recycle and to explain why it's important. This text satisfies the National Curriculum for geography at Key Stage 1 where pupils are required to recognize how the environment may be improved and sustained. Designed for parents and teachers to use with children, this text can be used as a basis for conversation. Notes for parents and teachers at the back of this text suggest activities based on the topic, and links to the revised curriculum.
See all Reviews
0750236892 Save Water Interactive and informative picture books, introducing children to basic moral values in a simple and entertaining way.
Synopsis
Part of a series of informative texts for five to seven year olds, this volume introduces children to basic moral values and explains the importance of conserving water, a scarce and valuable resource.
See all Reviews
0750236833 Protect Nature Interactive and informative picture books, introducing children to basic moral values in a simple entertaining way.
Synopsis
One day a little boy goes on a school trip and they have a picnic in a wood. The class start misbehaving - throwing litter, breaking branches, picking flowers, swatting bees - and the teacher explains to them why they need to look after nature. She shows them the consequences of picking wild flowers and leaving litter around, and continues by telling them the ways they can help protect the environment. An interactive picture book, this text satisfies the National Curriculum for geography at Key Stage 1 where pupils are required to recognize how the environmnet may be improved and sustained. This text teaches the consequences of picking wild flowers, and how to protect the environment. Designed for parents and teachers to use with children, this text can be used as a basis for conversation. Notes for parents and teachers at the back suggest activities based on the topic, and links to the revised curriculum.
See all Reviews
0750024976 A seed in need A delightful introduction to the life cycle of plants for young children
Synopsis
Follow a tiny sunflower seed on its amazing life cycle, germinating from a seed, becoming a sunflower and shedding its own seeds.
See all Reviews
1844287424 Tigress replaces Fly traps! Plants that bite back A lyrical account of a mother tiger and her cubs. Moving smooth as a river, her stripy coat bright as fire, mother tiger runs then vanishes in the tall grass. With plate-sized paws and a pink nose the size of your fist, she hunts and swims, cares for her cubs and teaches them all her tiger tricks.
1406301701 T-Rex replaces Caterpillar Butterfly Take a trip to the Dinosaur Exhibition with a young boy and his granddad and learn about the greatest carnosaur of all - Tyrannosaurus Rex.
0744562708 Think Of An Eel replaces Bears in the forest A non-fiction picture book about the lifestory of an eel written from a very personal viewpoint, mixing fact with feelings, encouraging children to think, feel and imagine as they learn.
0744582210 The emperor's egg The Emperor penguin is the only large animal to remain on the Antarctic mainland throughout its bitterly inhospitable winter. Once the female has laid her egg, she heads back to the sea, leaving the male to incubate it. This is his story.
0140503013 Burglar Bill Everything in Burglar Bill's life is stolen. One night he steals a box with holes in the lid, only to discover he has stolen a baby. One night, Bill is disturbed by another burglar - Burglar Betty. She is the mother of the baby. Bill and Betty decide to reform, live honest lives and get married!
See all Reviews
0590556436 Lighthousekeeper's picnic Mrs Grinling is the best cook in the whole world. But when she puts on a delicious spread for the village picnic, Mr Grinling wishes he hadn't eaten so much.
0099400421 Mr Magnolia 'A completely wonderful dotty rhyme 'Sunday Times' --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Mr Magnolia has many things including an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot, some very fat owls that are learning to hoot, a big purple dinosaur who's a magnificent brute, two sisters who play on a flute, and a swimming pool. But, he only has one boot. Then one day a mysterious parcel arrives.
See all Reviews
0140505318 Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's dairy This bestselling story has now been brilliantly adapted for audio CD and there are two readings - the first is a straight reading with music and the second has a 'special sound' to indicate where to turn the page as you read along. Hairy Maclary goes off for a walk with a few of his friends - and comes up against a nasty surprise, in the shape of the cat Scarface Claw, who chases the dogs away.
0744531675 Owl babies Illustrated by Patrick Benson
On a tree in the woods, three owl babies sit and think and wait for their Owl Mother to come home --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
See all Reviews
0552545953 Snow Dragon A beautifully illustrated, mystical tale of fire dragons, snow dragons and a small boy who is caught between the two.
Synopsis
When the power-crazy Most Royal of Fire Dragons decides he wants to rule not only his own hot southern kingdom but also the icy wastes of the Snow Dragon's northern territory, catastrophe occurs.
See all Reviews
0140565841 Cops and robbers The robbers of London town plan a desperate crime on Christmas Eve - to steal all the toys they can lay their hands on! Fortunately, the robbers meet their match in brave Officer Pugh who leaps into action and arrests the villains - all except Grandma Swagg who manages to get away.
0099451573 Mrs Pepperpot Learns To Swim A classic Mrs Pepperpot story, specially abridged, in a beautifully illustrated picture book format.
Synopsis
Mrs Pepperpot has a problem - a huge problem - she shrinks! And when she shrinks she finds herself in all sorts of trouble. Mrs Pepperpot is determined to practise her swimming, so when all the village children go for a picnic in the mountains, she goes to the pool in the wood. But disaster strikes - just as Mrs Pepperpot jumps into the water she shrinks! Now the pool seems as big as an ocean. Luckily, there's a friendly frog nearby to rescue her and give her swimming lessons.
See all Reviews
0333964438 The magic paintbrush As Shen plays and draws pictures in the sand, a mysterious man gives her a magic paintbrush. She paints, fish, pots and ladders and watches them come to life for the poor people in her village. But when the emperor hears of this, how can Shen outwit his greedy plans?
0552550337 An African Princess A striking story about a mixed race girl discovering her roots.
Synopsis
A striking story about a mixed race girl discovering her roots. Lyra is told that she is an African princess, just like her aunts and cousins. But when she tells her school friends, they don't believe her. It is only when she flies to the vibrant Caribbean to visit her Taunte May that she discovers her own history. Then she can walk tall and say, 'I'm Lyra, I'm an African princess. Can you see?'
See all Reviews
074459815X Handa's hen Handa is searching for her grandma's black hen, Mondi. Every morning, she feeds Mondi her breakfast, but this morning Mondi hasn't come for her food. So Handa and her friend Akeyo begin to hunt for Mondi. While searching, they find all sorts of other animals.
0744536340 Handa's surprise Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend, Akeyo. But as she walks, carrying the basket on her head, various creatures steal her fruits. A monkey takes the banana, an ostrich the guava, a zebra the orange, an elephant the mango, a giraffe the pineapple, an antelope the avocado and a parrot the passion fruit. Handa walks on, wondering which of the fruits her friend will like best, oblivious to the fact that her basket is now empty. But then, behind her, a goat charges into a tangerine tree and fills Handa's basket with the fruit. "Hello, Akeyo," she greets her friend. "I've brought you a surprise." But when she lifts off her basket, it's Handa who gets the biggest surprise. Akeyo, meanwhile, is delighted, because tangerines are her favourite fruit! Eileen Browne also created "Through My Window" which was shortlisted for the Smarties Book Prize (1986), "No Problem", "Tick Tock" and "Where's my Bus?".
0333653122 Fruits How much fruit do you think one small girl can manage to eat in one day? In the case of the narrator of this counting poem, the answer is "a lot"! Count from one to ten and learn the names of some Caribbean fruits, and find out what happens after eating a cocktail of mangoes, bananas and more.
0333741498 We're going on a lion hunt 'We're going on a lion hunt.We're going to catch a big one." Through the long grass, the swamp and the lake, two girls decide to go and hunt a lion - they're not scared!
0713668806 If the world were a village Aiming to provoke thought and elicit questions, this book explains facts about the world's population simply. Instead of unimaginable billions, it presents the whole world as a village of just 100 people. We find out that 22 speak a Chinese dialect and that 17 can't read or write. This book includes guidance on teaching activities for use in the classroom and includes notes for parents and teachers as well as extra teachning activities.
0749653663 Oh George! 'Reading Corner' is a series which offers a range of fun books with bright illustrations for children starting to read on their own.
074965368X Where Are my Shoes? 'Reading Corner' is a series which offers a range of fun books with bright illustrations for children starting to read on their own.
0749657758 The Fox and the Stork The traditional Aesop's fable is revisited and told simply to make it more accessible for this younger age group.
074965774X Jumping Josie Josie the frog just loves to jump. But her high leaps get her into trouble when she finds herself stranded in the wrong garden! Will she ever make it back to her friends?
0749657723 Make Way For The Queen! A humorous tale of misunderstanding. When Ant sees the Queen's party coming, he gets everyone very excited. But the Queen isn't quite who they expected!
0749657774 My Birthday Party A fun non-fiction text recounting the story of Maddie's birthday party.
0552546046 Corgi Pups: Chocolate Monster A brilliant beginner reader's tale of a girl who keeps losing things - and the Chocolate Monster who helps her get them back.
Synopsis
Every time Lucy loses something her mother loses her temper. But things can't just vanish into thin air. Then Lucy finds a strange little monster under her bed. It's him! He's taken all her things and won't give them back. Until she discovers that he might just swap them for - chocolate!
See all Reviews
0552529761 Corgi Pups: Ghost Teacher No teacher can control Class 3 - Until the Ghost Teacher pays them a visit...
Synopsis
A young boy who yearns to be singled out for praise at school, gets his chance when a ghost teacher helps him produce his best ever school project. The book is designed for new readers just embarking on real books.
See all Reviews
0552545295 Corgi Pups: Monster Storyteller An exciting and funny adventure from the award-winning author of THE DINOSAUR'S PACKED LUNCH.
Synopsis
One morning at school, Natalie is feeling bored - until a tiny monster waves at her from a plant on the classroom window sill. The monster whizzes her off in his mini flying saucer for some monster fun. Now Natalie really has some monster stories to tell.
See all Reviews
0552528188 Corgi Pups: Dinosaur's Packed Lunch Another humourous and touching tale from everybody's favourite author, bestsellr Jacqueline Wilson.
Synopsis
On a school trip to the dinosaurs in the museum, everyone in the class has a packed lunch, everyone that is except Dinah. But then a friendly iguanodon decides to help, and soon Dinah has a very special packed lunch and a huge suprise.
See all Reviews
0552546631 Corgi Pups: The Troublesome Tooth Fairy The entertaining story of a trainee tooth fairy from popular writer, comedian and broadcaster, Sandi Toksvig.
Synopsis
When Jessica loses her first tooth, Granny tells her to watch out for a trainee tooth fairy. That little creature might look the part in her purple and silver outfit but she's not too sure of her job. As Granny knows, the tooth fairy has been known to whisk away more that just the lost tooth.
See all Reviews
0141302909 CYP: Dragon Ride Jilly, really, really wants a dragon so she asks for one for her birthday. None of her family take her seriously, but Mr Pink at the magic shop does and he helps her get the pet dragon she has been wishing for. Soon all Jilly's dreams come true on her very own dragon ride.
0140384669 CYP: The Witch's Dog Wilfred wants to be a witch's dog. His friends don't think he can as witches don't usually have dogs as pets. But Wilfred applies to be a witch's pet anyway and Weenie the witch gives him a chance. Wilfred helps Weenie with her flying and her spells and ends up as "Witch's Pet of the Year".
0439994543 CYH Tales From Whispery Wood: Flying Friends When Bat arrives in Whispery Wood he quickly makes friends with Owl. Squirrel is very jealous. The other animals start making fun of Bat's squeaky voice and his long ears. Soon Bat feels unwelcome. But when Squirrel gets trapped under a fallen tree, it's Bat who comes to the rescue.
0439994551 CYH Tales From Whispery Wood: Mole's Useful Day IN
0439978106 CYH Fat Alphie: Fat Alphie The Famous Fat Alphie wants to be famous, like his cousin, Skinny Jinny, the explorer. There must be something he can turn his paw to besides eating...but what?
0439994616 CYH Fat Alphie: Fat Alphie In Love Fat Alphie is on a health drive to try to attract the attention of lovely Lola. He and Charlie embark on a number of hilarious exercise attempts, including a fishing trip with disastrous consequences.
0439994462 CYH Sherlock Hound: Case Of The Howling Armour IN
0439981026 CYH Sherlock Hound: Giant Gulping Bluebells Sherlock Hound, famous dog detective, and Dr WhatsUp Wombat at your service. Any mystery solved! Someone's stolen Gertrude Greenfingers's giant bluebells...and some VIPs are disappearing inside them! Can Sherlock Hound find the bulging blossoms and capture the cunning culprit?
0439994470 CYH Sherlock Hound: Disappearing Necklace A famous Egyptian necklace (rumoured to have magical powers) has been stolen. The villain behind the theft is none other than Professor Ha-Ha. But can Sherlock and Dr Whatsup stop him before he works out how to harness the necklace's magical powers and turn himself invisible?
0439977746 CYH: Creepy Crawlies Talent Contest replaces Fiendish Footprints Doug the Slug is bored, bored, bored - he wants an adventure. And luckily his favourite TV show has just what he needs - a Talent Contest! But when Doug gets to the TV studio he discovers that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be...
1858818249 Horrid Henry And The Mummy's Curse 5th audio book in the successful Horrid Henry series.
'read with psychopathic grace by Miranda Richardson. Be warned: when listening to previous Horrid Henry tape last summer, we laughed so hard we crashed the car' Independent on Sunday
Unabridged, so you can read along. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
See all Reviews
1858813719 Horrid Henry And The Tooth Fairy Four stories about Horrid Henry, inwhich he tries to trick the tooth fairy, has Moody Margaret to stay and sends her packing, makes teachers run sreaming from school, and wrecks a wedding.
Synopsis
Four stories about Horrid Henry, inwhich he tries to trick the tooth fairy, has Moody Margaret to stay and sends her packing, makes teachers run sreaming from school, and wrecks a wedding.
See all Reviews
1858818257 Horrid Henry's Revenge The eighth title in the fantastically successful Horrid Henry series
See all Reviews
1858810701 Horrid Henry The riotous stories of Henry and his little brother Peter.
Synopsis
The riotous stories of Henry and his little brother Peter.
See all Reviews
185881572X Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick For the first time in audio Francesca Simon’s Horrid Henry stories read by Miranda Richardson --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Reviews
1858816505 Horrid Henry's Haunted House More hilarious stories read by the fabulous Miranda Richardson.
'Miranda Richardson's Henry is appropriately loud, rough and tough. The production uses sound effects and funky trancey dance music...' - Guardian
Unabridged so you can read along.
Hugely popular, over 500,000 audio copies sold in various formats. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Synopsis
Horrid Henry gets into a battle with his brother, Perfect Peter, over what TV show to watch; goes on TV himself; discovers where X marks the spot so he can cheat in the hidden treasure competition; and spends the night in a house he's assured is haunted. It's business as usual for the tiny terror!
See all Reviews
1858813530 Horrid Henry's Nits When Horrid Henry gets nits, and his little brother Peter Perfect doesn't, he makes sure that everyone esle gets them too. After that, he can turn his attention to sabotaging the school trip, ruining his parents' dinner party, and terrorizing Peter.
Synopsis
When Horrid Henry gets nits, and his little brother Peter Perfect doesn't, he makes sure that everyone esle gets them too. After that, he can turn his attention to sabotaging the school trip, ruining his parents' dinner party, and terrorizing Peter.
See all Reviews
0140369317 Diary of a killer cat Brandy was in big trouble - on Monday he killed a bird, on Tuesday a mouse and on Wednesday he dragged a dead rabbit through the catflap. This caused pandemonium for Ellie and her parents as it was their neighbour's pet rabbit, Thumper.
140520060X Bill's new frock Bill wakes up one day as a girl, and is horrified to be sent to school in a frilly pink frock with fiddly shell buttons. There he finds life suddenly very different. The bully whistles at him, instead of kicking him, he can't be picked to lift a table - not being a 'big strong boy' - his work's supposed to be ultra neat and he's being cast as Lovely Rapunzel, who in any case never gets to say anything! By the time he gets home the impractical frock is covered in mud and - thank goodness - Bill will never have to wear it again!
0141303182 Roll over Roly Rupert spends the day with his Great Aunt Ada, along with his unruly puppy, Roly. Great Aunt Ada is determined to teach them some manners and get them to clean her house. Worse than Great Aunt Ada, is her parrot, Gordan, who bosses Rupert and Roly around as they clean.
1405200618 How to write really badly Chester Howard can't believe it! He's been to all sorts of schools as his mother's jobs moved round the world, but never anywhere as awful as Walbottle Manor (Mixed). Everyone's so horribly nice, recommending him for blackboard duty, playing little skipping games at break. It's just awful. And Chester just has to get to work on the boy sitting next to him, Joe Gardener. He knows he's clever - Joe can build incredible models - but he can't get to grips with his school work and his desk is a mess beyond belief. Miss Tate's 'How to...' projects supply Chester with an opportunity, and he starts Joe on a subversive project 'How to Write Really Badly'. For once, instead of battling through work he just doesn't begin to understand, this is something at which Joe excels. And Chester has his own project - he makes sure Joe's amazing technical abilities get a class award, and creates a book where Joe can mark off every one of the 1646 days he has left of school, before he can be free to do the things he's really good at.
1405201843 The angel of Nitshill Road Penny, Mark and Marigold are miserable. Penny is rather plump, Mark's compared with a Martian and Marigold can't speak to anyone - thanks to relentless bullying from Barry Hunter. Then Celeste arrives and things begin to change. Watering the plants, polishing her desk - her whims infuriate Mr Faraway, but the classroom looks better already. Celeste atrocious at maths - she doesn't mind about it a bit, but it gives Marigold hope knowing she's not bottom of the class any more. Barry tries to bully Penny at break, but Celeste stands up for her, saying that she could lose weight any time - Penny's shocked that Celeste mentions her size, but it makes her realise things need to change. When Barry calls Mark weird, Celeste laughs in his face, asking if anyone would possibly want to be normal, if to be normal is to be like Barry. The next day, Celeste arrives with a book and a gold pen, and each and every last horrible word or taunt is entered in the book, with witnesses. The children begin to take control of what's happening to them and Mark just makes a joke of it when Barry puts a cardboard box on his head. When Celeste has to leave, she gives the book to Mr Faraway who is first astonished, and then realises he too was silent about what was going on. Celeste steps out, but not before astonishing everyone by leaving the gold pen with Barry Hunter.
1844289400 Nag Club Boggle hats are the latest craze. Everybody at school wants one - but only Lola has one. So she decides to form a club to show the other children how best to nag their parents into buying them one. Tactics range from the Huffy Nag to the Blazing Tantrum. However, the children soon discover that the best way of all is to just be pleasant and say please - or even to earn some money and buy one for themselves! Anne Fine has won the Smarties Book Prize, the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and, twice, the Carnegie Medal. She has twice been voted Children's Author of the Year and her book "Madame Doubtfire" was turned into a Hollywood film, "Mrs Doubtfire". Anne lives in County Durham.
0744582946 The Haunting Of Pip Parker Lots of children find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve, usually because they are excited about the presents that Father Christmas is going to bring. But Pip Parker is not excited, she's scared. Every night for a week she's been lying awake watching the horrible skull shape gleaming from her bedroom wall. What is it? Why is it haunting him? When will it go away? The answer turns out to be reassuringly simple - the shape is caused by the light from the landing passing through the keyhole and casting a "skull" shadow on the wall.
0141317191 The Return Of The Killer Cat The killer cat is back - and he's dangerous!Tuffy can't wait for Ellie and the family to go away on holiday. A week of freedom lies ahead - if only he can get away from the catsitter. But everything goes wrong when Tuffy is catapulted into the arms of horrid, sweet-as-pie Melanie. Melanie has always longed for a lovely, cuddly ickle pussykins. And, with the promise of cream, fresh fish and escape from the catsitter, Tuffy loses all his dignity. Dressed up in baby-clothes and pampered like a pussycat, has the killer cat really gone for good?
0141312505 Notso Hotso Suddenly Anthony the dog can do nothing but scratch. Everyone finds this disgusting - including Anthony - and soon it's time for a visit to the vet. Anthony has a skin problem and must have all his fur shaved off except that on his head and his tail! He knows he will look ridiculous, he knows everyone will laugh at him and that's notso hotso! But instead everyone thinks he's a lion and so he is treated with respect.
0141316020 The Hodgeheg The hedgehog family of Number 5A long to reach the park across the road, but the traffic is so busy it is impossible to cross in safety. Young Max had noticed that humans are able to cross the road quite easily so, as he points out to his Pa one evening, why couldn't they?
0141316039 The Invisible dog The story of a girl who tries to satisfy her yearning for a dog by introducing an imaginary Great Dane called Henry to the house. Her wish comes true and she is allowed a real Henry - but there's more than a hint that old Mrs Garrow, with her cackling laugh and black cat, may have been involved.
0141316004 The sheep pig When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the local fair, Mrs Hogget thinks of fattening it up for the freezer. But the old sheepdog, Fly, takes him under her wing and starts to train him up as a sheep-pig, whose methods of getting the sheep to do what he wants are rather unconventional.
0552554294 All because of Jackson In this tale from the master of animal stories Jackson the unusual rabbit stows away on a ship and sails off in search of adventure…
Synopsis
'I want to sail the seas,' said Jackson. 'I want to see the world.' Jackson is a very unusual rabbit - a rabbit with a dream. He spends his days watching the tall sailing-ships coming and going. He longs to go to sea too. So one day - with his girlfriend, Bunny - Jackson stows away on the Atlanta and sails off in search of a new life.
See all Reviews
0744566800 Aristotle Aristotle is a bold little cat who is always getting himself into danger. He lives with a good witch called Bella Donna who thinks he'll make a proper witch's cat one day - if he can live long enough. Like all cats, Aristotle has nine lives - and he needs every single one of them.
0744583292 Lady Lollipop Lollipop is no ordinary pig. According to her young owner Johnny Skinner, she's the cleverest pig in the whole kingdom. When people stare into Lollipop's bright, intelligent eyes, it seems to change them for the better. But will Lollipop win over spoilt Princess Penelope - and the King and Queen?
0552550442 The Catlady Another wonderful animal story from the bestselling Dick King-Smith, involving cats, reincarnation and a very eccentric old lady!
Synopsis
Muriel lives alone with lots and lots and lots of cats. But Muriel's cats are no ordinary cats - they were once people she knew, now reincarnated in feline form. Muriel shares her house with various (deceased!) members of her family, and one rather special cat - the late Queen Victoria. An unusual tale of animal madness!
See all Reviews
0552554332 The Guard Dog A hilarious book about a delightful puppy from the ever-popular Dick King-Smith
Synopsis
There are six puppies in the pet shop window; five posh pedigree puppies, and a scruffy little mongrel with a grand ambition - to be a guard dog. The other pups laugh at him. How can such a small, scruffy dog possibly expect to be bought to guard a home? His bark is the most horrible, earsplitting racket they have ever heard! Will the poor little guard dog be doomed to a lonely life in the Dogs' Home - or worse?
See all Reviews
0141302577 Harry's Mad Harry's disgusted to discover that he has inherited a parrot. But when the parrot arrives, Harry discovers that it is very unusual parrot indeed. Not only does Madison talk, but he has a penchant for strawberry shortcake. Harry and Madison soon become friends.
0552554367 Funny Frank The adventures of Frank, a chicken who desperately wants to be a duck.
Synopsis
"I've got a chicken that wants to be a duck!" Frank is a funny chick. Unlike all his brothers and sisters, he doesn't want to peck around at anything and everything in the dust. No, Frank wants to dabble about in the lovely duckpond, splashing himself with water. Most of all, he wants to learn to swim. Can Jemima, the farmer's daughter, find a way to help Frank? And if Frank can swim like a duck, what will happen when he grows up to be a cockerel?
See all Reviews
0552554316 Titus Rules OK! A warm, affectionate of a little corgi pup with a very special owner - the Queen! From the master of animal tales.
Synopsis
Titus is a young corgi puppy, growing up in Windsor Castle. There is lots he must learn - how to sit upright and beg for a custard cream biscuit, how to ask nicely to go outside, and how not to trip up Prince Philip. Soon he becomes a favourite of the Queen. She even breaks a lifetime rule - and lets him sleep on her bed at night! And it is because of Titus that Her Majesty finally does something very surprising ...
See all Reviews
0552554324 Horse Pie A touching animal tale from a much loved author.
Synopsis
Captain, Ladybird and Herbert - two Shire horses and a Suffolk Punch - are not pleased when Jenny, a retired seaside donkey, arrives at the Old Horses' Home. It's supposed to be a home for horses, and they don't want to share their field with a common little donkey. Then rustlers are spotted in the area: thieves who like nothing better than to steal horses and ship them abroad - to be made into horse pie! Can Jenny and her friends save the huge heavy horses?
See all Reviews
014131723X The hundred mile an hour dog Trevor's mum has offered him GBP30 to walk the dog every day of the holidays. But Streaker is no ordinary dog, she's a rocket on four legs with a woof attached. Trevor's sure there must be a way to control her and Tina, his best friend, knows about training dogs. Their attempts involving such things as a pair of roller skates, a mobile phone and a bicycle, always lead to trouble. Horrid Charlie Smugg bets Trevor he can't train Streaker before the end of the holidays. But Trevor and Tina constructa dream plan and Charlie has to eat his words.
0141318430 The return of the 100 mile an hour dog When Streaker knocks the beautiful Melinda Boffington-Orr into the mud, Trevor is told to train his dog by her father, the local Police Superintendent. Then the dreadful Charlie Smugg bets Trevor that Streaker can't beat his Alsatians in the agility test at the local dog show. If Trevor loses, it's a bath in the terrible horse trough again. Of course, Tina will help, but how on earth are they going to train Streaker in time?
0140389792 Dinosaur Pox Jodie hates her life and her looks, but when she wakes up one morning as a stegosaurus it's even worse. Trying to cope with school is impossible and when her parents take her to the doctor, Jodie is kidnapped by the consultant, Mr Pinkerton-Smeer, who plans to exploit her and make his fortune.
0140387161 Viking at School Sigurd is a 10th century Viking stuck in the 20th century. He lives with his friends the Ellis family in a seaside hotel and leaves a trail of mayhem behind him wherever he goes. When Zoe and Tim Ellis take Sigurd to school a series of funny disasters follow.
0140383905 My Granny's great escape Nicholas's granny is in love with the elderly Hell's Angel from next door. Everyone thinks it's great - except for Nicholas's dad. He does everything he can to stop the romance, but Granny has a few tricks - and a few getaway vehicles - up her sleeve.
014131978X My Brother's Famous Bottom A fourth book about Nicholas and his family. Now that the twins (Cheese and Tomato) have been born, the family needs to earn more money. Dad starts to grow his own vegetables and keep a goat for milking - with disastrous results in exploding yoghurt. Then the twins audition for a nappy advert. They cause chaos, but when Cheese's bottom accidentally gets on the News programme, he's given the advertising job and the family's money problems are over.
0141313749 Krazy Kow Saves The world Jamie's idea is chosen by the school for a project to make people think about the environment. He plans a cartoon film about a superhero and eco-warrior, Krazy Kow, who flies around the world preventing disasters and foiling the plans of the Dark Contaminator. Jamie struggles to make the film his way but the resulting chaos - abseiling cows and fake blood everywhere - causes it to be cancelled. Krazy Kow is killed off but Jamie has learnt a lot about people and has already moved on to his next film project.
0141306858 I'M Telling You, They're Aliens! Rob worries about everything, from being bitten by snakes to dinosaurs waiting round corners. So when the Vorks move in across the road, Rob is convinced that they're aliens and that he has to save the world. The only person who can help is Marsha, who may be weird but is interested in astronomy.
0140375724 The Indoor Pirates The indoor pirates are fierce, lawless bandits, but they have one fatal weakness - they all hate the sea. Confined to number 25 Dolphin Street, they are determined to keep pirating, and their search for treasure leads them to some very unlikely places.
0141310537 My Mum's Going To Explode Ten-year-old Nicholas is embarrassed by his Mum's pregnancy and worried about losing his status as an only child. Then - horrors! - Mum finds out she's expecting twins! Granny and Lancelot's lives are also turned upside down as they have to move out to make room for the babies. What with their house-hunting, Dad practising nappy changing and finding out - with the help of a water-filled balloon - what it's like to walk round with a bump, time goes by. Soon Mum is in labour and Dad's car won't start - luckily there's a pizza delivery van ready to come to the rescue!
0141304952 Pandemonium At School Dullandon Primary School runs strictly by the headmaster's timetable, until the day a supply teacher, Miss Pandemonium, arrives. Soon, she has everyone doing amazing things, but the headmaster is none too pleased.
1843620162 Ruby the red fairy Ages 5-7.
1843620189 Saffron the yellow fairy Ages 5-7.
1843620197 Fern the green fairy Ages 5-7.
1843620200 Sky the blue fairy Ages 5-7.
1843620219 Inky the indigo fairy Ages 5-7.
1843620227 Heather the violet fairy Ages 5-7.
0330410121 The mum hunt Esmie is a twelve-year-old girl with big plans for her lonely-hearts dad. A funny, touching family story. Esmie's mum died when she was a baby, and she's been brought up single-handedly by her policeman dad. Esmie knows her dad is lonely. He works incredibly long hours, and seems to be married to his job. But Esmie is sure that there's room for love in his life. So, with the help of her au pair Juliette and a lonely-hearts ad, she sets out to find the perfect partner for her dad...
0440866545 Fergus Crane A fantastic adventure from the authors of the bestselling Edge Chronicles.
Synopsis
FERGUS CRANE! YOU ARE IN GREAT DANGER! I AM SENDING HELP. Signed T. C., your long-lost Uncle Theo Fergus Crane has an almost ordinary life - having lessons taught by rather odd teachers on the school ship Betty Jeanne, helping his mother in the bakery. But then a mysterious flying box appears at the window of his waterfront home - and Fergus is plunged headlong into an exciting adventure! The box is followed by a winged mechanical horse that whisks him off to meet his long-lost uncle and his penguin helpers, Finn, Bill and Jackson. Fergus finds out that his teachers are not quite what they seem - they're actually pirates! Can Fergus and his winged horse save his schoolmates from the far-off Fire Island? And who else will he find there...?
See all Reviews
0744589959 The man who wore all his clothes One morning Mr Gaskitt puts on all his clothes, Mrs Gaskitt picks up a robber in her taxi, Gus and Gloria have trouble with a teacher. Horace the cat goes to a friend's house to watch TV and the car radio gets things wrong. But then what happens? And why does Mr. Gaskitt wear all his clothes? Find out in this action-packed, fun-filled day in the life of the Gaskitt family.
0744583322 Pirate diary This text provides a rollicking historical account of a young pirate's life.
0141318848 Spy Dog Lara, or GM451 as she is known by the government, is a highly trained special agent, bred by the British Secret Service for use on dangerous missions around the world. But her last mission went wrong and now she is being hunted down by an evil drugs baron, Mr Big. Lara must go undercover as a normal dog, 'choose' a family to look after her and await her retrieval by the Secret Service. But can she keep her true identity a secret? Can she thwart the plans of Mr Big? And can she bear to return to government service, after weeks of cosy domestic bliss? After an exciting struggle, Mr. Big is captured and Lara finds a way to stay with her family. But her spying days aren't over completely...
From the Author
I am keen to visit schools to talk about writing in general and Spy Dog in particular. I am more than happy to bring Lara (the dog in the story) so the children can compare the literary character with the real life mutt.
If your school would like to arrange a visit please contact me at andy@artofbrilliance.co.uk
0141320575 Wanted! The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog Streaker, the fastest dog in the world, is in trouble again! This time she's stealing food and Trevor, her hapless owner, has no idea why. But the police are on her trail and this time they've been joined by a ruthless dogcatcher. WANTED posters are going up all round the town - how long can Streaker stay out of the dog pound? This is the third very funny adventure about the Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog.
0330439383 Fairy Gold Lucy can't believe her eyes when she wakes in the night to find Goldie and Bonnie - two tooth fairies - on her pillow. The fairies tell Lucy that their job is to collect children's teeth, replace them with fake ones - and make a potion that creates golden Goodness. But there is trouble in fairyland. A selfish sprite wants all the Goodness for herself instead of sprinkling it around the world. With the help of the Tooth Fairy Queen, can Lucy and her new friends stop the thieving fairy - before the gold has all gone?
0192753843 Here Be Monsters Welcome to Ratbridge. But beware - for there is skulduggery afoot. Arthur has fallen foul of the appalling Snatcher and is trapped alone in the town, with no way home. Meanwhile Snatcher and his men are working tirelessly in secret on a fiendish and dastardly plan to take over Ratbridge - and the world. With the help of Willbury Nibble QC, some friendly boxtrolls and cabbage-heads, Marjorie the frustrated inventor, and the rats and pirates from the Ratbridge Nautical Laundry,
can Arthur thwart Snatcher's evil plans - and find his way home?
Illustrated throughout with hundreds of the author's incredible black and white drawings, this unmissable debut novel was published to huge acclaim in September 2005 and looks certain to become a new classic for readers of all ages.
See all Reviews
0552547832 The monster crisp guzzler A hilarious tale of a very unusual teacher from award-winning author Malorie Blackman
Synopsis
At her new school, Mira discovers she has a very unusual teacher, a teacher who turns into a real-life dragon when she eats crisps! This comes in very handy when the class run into trouble on a school trip to the seaside...Ages 8+.
See all Reviews
0744582970 Cup Final Kid replaces Space race Herbic Bazooka may be small, fat and only eight, with crummy old glasses, but he plays football like they do in Brazil. So when the Hottenham Totspurs' star striker is injured just before the FA Cup Final, who better to take his place than Herbie? It's a close-run thing and the opposition try their best to bash Herbie out of the match, but our bespectacled hero comes out on top in the end, as the Totspurs snatch an unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat. Take your seats, please, for some amazing football action!
074457868X Ernie & The Fishface Gang replaces Little Stupendo The honour of class P6 is at stake when Ernie Flack and his friend Peanut Jackson take on Fishface Duggan and his gang from P7. Will Ernie's plan succeed? See who comes out on top in this lively school story with lots of illustrations.
0141303352 Mr Majeika and the school trip More amazing adventures with Mr Majeika, the ex-wizard turned teacher, and his class at St Barty's School, including a trip down a magic river, saving St Barty's from the wrecking ball, and work experience for Class Three.
0140348344 Mr Majeika And The School Book Week This is one of a series of books featuring the popular character of Mr Majeika. When St Barty's School have their bookweek, Mr Majeika magically brings to life the characters from the pages of each book and, after a chaotic struggle, manages to get them back into their books.
0141314508 The Worst Witch Mildred Hubble was a trainee witch at Miss Cackle's Academy, and she was making an awful mess of it. She couldn't even ride a broomstick without crashing it and she was always getting her spells wrong. But she managed to get by until she turned Ethel, the teacher's pet, into her deadly enemy.
184428638X The Owl Tree The owl tree is not like any tree Joe has ever seen. It's huge and leafy and shivers at times like a person; it even seems to speak. Granny Diamond once saw an owl perched among its branches and she has loved the tree ever since. It means the world to her. But her neighbour, Mr Rock, wants to cut it down. Why does he dislike the owl tree so much? Does the tree have a secret to tell Joe? And how can he, a boy too scared even to climb the tree, be the one to save it?
1844286320 The Stone Mouse When Elly and her family come to look after aunt's house, she sees at once that Stone Mouse is special, but her brother Ted says he's just a dirty old pebble. But then Ted is angry with everyone and everything - and as Stone Mouse soon discovers, that means trouble.
0552549088 Spud Funny story, amusingly told from Spud the dog's point of view.
Synopsis
Funny story, amusingly told from Spud the dog's point of view. Spud is a scruffy dog with a big heart - and an even bigger belly. He loves scrounging in dustbins, scaring cats and, of course scoffing as much food as he can find. But what Spud loves more than anything in the world is his owner, Mrs Piffey, and she loves him. But one day Spud overhears Mrs Piffey talking about a mysterious "turkey" and she suddenly starts wearing dark glasses and strange things called "bikinis". Then she disappears...Poor Spud does his best to find her - while being kept in check by Mrs Cats-Home. And of course Mrs Piffey is soon back with a tan - and big box ofTurkish delight!
See all Reviews
1405204176 Flat Stanley Stanley is just a normal healthy boy, but since a large notice-board fell on him, he’s been only half an inch thick. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Flat Stanley Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning to find a notice-board has dropped on him in the night, leaving him happy and healthy, but only half an inch thick. It's a little unusual, but he finds he can fly like a kite, be sent on holiday through the post and can use his special new skills to catch some art thieves. Still, he's glad when his brother Arthur thinks to use the bicycle pump to inflate him back to his normal shape.
0340911093 Mo Mo is no ordinary mobile phone. She can’t make calls, play games, and worst of all, switch off. However she can tell the future... and there’s danger ahead. A fast and funny tale in which the mobile phone does all the talking.
See all Reviews
0006751970 Harry The Poisonous Centipede A delightfully squirmy story starring Harry the Poisonous Centipede in a scary world of flying swoopers, furry biters and the dreaded Hoo-Mins! With wonderful humour and brilliant illustrations, this is the perfect book for wriggly young readers. "It's a Hoo-Min!" crackled George. "Walking on its hairy-biter feet!" But now it was Harry who felt brave. "Come on! Let's peep at it!" They crawled the rest of the way up the tunnel towards the light. Harry is a poisonous centipede but he's not very brave. Still, he is the star of this seriously squirmy story. Harry likes to eat things that wriggle and crackle, and things that are juicy and munchy! But there are some things that a poisonous centipede must never try to eat - dangerous things like flying swoopers, belly wrigglers, furry biters and the most dangerous of all! Hoo-Mins! Harry and George's adventures up to the world of Hoo-Mins sparkle with fun and will be a delightfully squirmy experience for all young readers.
0340893044 How To Speak Dragonese Long ago in a fierce and frosty land, there lived a small and lonely Viking and his name was Hiccup. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
See all Reviews
1405217316 Spud Goes Green Spud's not Superman, but he wants to save the planet!Spud is an easygoing chap who's taken on a tricky New Year resolution. It's 1st January and he's decided to go green - and this is his diary to prove it! The year starts well: he learns to grow food, recycle rubbish, and look after wildlife. It all seems to be going according to plan...With the help of Adi and some friends, Spud is determined to give it all he's got, no matter what goes wrong!
0140319964 Woof! When ten-year-old Eric Banks is suddenly transformed into a playful Norfolk terrier, he must discover the reasons for the change and adapt to life as a dog.
1405210206 Fillet and the mob Fillet the cat leads a dull life. But when she jets off to Rome, and meets boss cat Maximus and his mob, she's in for more cat-tastic adventure than she ever dreamed possible
0439968550 Animal Poems Another brilliant poetry collection compiled by Jennifer Curry and packed full of poems from some of the best-loved children's poets, including Grace Nichols, John Agard, Tony Mitton and Eleanor Farjeon. It's animal magic!
0439951747 Dinosaur Poems It's dino madness: scary ones, silly ones, T-rexes in dresses and Velociraptors in raptures! Find out if Pterodacty's make good pets and meet the magical Diphlohocuspocus! This is a Jurassic-tastic poetry collection with enough thrills and spills to bring you to the edge of extinction...
0439968801 Disgusting Poems A snotty, slimy, sick-inducing selection of the most disgusting poems ever written. Paul Cookson has collected verse old and new about the most tasteless and revolting things you can imagine. Stinky socks, crusty cowpats, burps and bogies - this anthology has them all, and more!
0439993520 Family Poems Anothe fantastic poetry anthology from Jennifer Curry. Family poems is an often funny, sometimes sad, quirky collection of poems about families from some of the best known children's poets, including Michael Rosen, Jack Prelutsky and Kit Wright. It also includes poetry written by kids themselves. There's every relative you can think of and kisses galore; there's babies and grannies and uncles and aunties, stroppy sisters and bratty brothers. And every poem accompanied by Sarah Nayler's unique and hilarious illustrations - this poetry collection will entertain the whole family.
0439978076 Funny Poems Snigger at the shocking spelling test! Titter at Auntie's bald boyfriend (quietly)! Chortle at the bewildered wildebeest! Guffaw at the falling-apart granny and laugh your head off (or your socks) at the silly shopping trip...!
0439977614 Magic Poems Another magical poetry collection from anthologist Jennifer Curry including work by well-known poets such as Tony Mitton, Judith Nicholls and John Foster. This entrancing anthology will magic you away to a world of unicorns and dragons, giants and princes. Take a broomstick ride with a witch, meet Merlin the wizard . let these poems cast a spell on you!
0439993598 Pet Poems In this crazy collection of poetry inspired by pets of all shapes and sizes, you're sure to find something to make you laugh. Whether furry, feathered of frightening there's experiences with all kinds of creatures in this anthology and,you never know, you might discover some helpful hints. Like, where to find a lost hamster, what to call your new puppy, how to tell the difference between a budgie and a bird of prey (hmm, one's a lot bigger and has sharper talons).
0439959721 School Poems Another fantastic poetry collection compiled by Jennifer Curry and packed full of poems from some of the best-loved children's poets, including Grace Nichols, Benjamin Zephaniah, Tony Mitton and Wes Magee. And Sarah Nayler's brilliant black and white illustrations on every page help bring the littlest limerick to life!
0439959810 Silly Poems A ridiculously rib-tickling selection of the silliest poems ever written. Paul Cookson has compiled a collection of verse old and new, which will have you clutching your sides and gagging for more...
043997805X Spooky Poems Fasten your seatbelt, take a deep breath, hold tight-and we're off-aboard the haunted ghost train for the spooky ride of a lifetime! Meet your doom in the Castle of Gloom! Swallow a barbecued bat! Brave the cool ghouls at the Ghost Party! smell the skelington's wellingtons! Dangle those cobwebs, rattle those bones and dare to enter Jennifer Curry's spine-tingling brilliant spooky poetry collection!
140630204X I Believe In Unicorns Tomas hates school, hates books and hates stories. Forced to visit the library, he stops to listen to magical tales that the Unicorn Lady spins. These tales draw him in and are about to change the course of his life for ever...Set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, "I Believe in Unicorns" explores the power of stories to transform lives. Produced in association with the Unicorn Theatre, the first purpose-built professional theatre for children in the UK, located on London's South Bank.
0006751032 The butterfly lion The story of a young boy who rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African bush. They remain inseparable until Bertie has to go away to boarding school and the lion is sold to a circus. Years later they are reunited, until the lion gently dies of old age.
From the Author
The Butterfly Lion grew from several magical roots: The memories of a small boy who tried to run away from school a long time ago; a book about a pride of white lions discovered by Chris McBride; a chance meeting in a lift with Virginia McKenna, actress and champion of lions and all creatures born free; a true story of a soldier of the First World War who rescued some circus animals in France from certain death; and the sighting from a train of a white horse carved out on a chalky hillside near Westbury in Wiltshire.
To Chris McBride, Virigina McKenna and Gina Pollinger - many many thanks. And to you the reader - enjoy it! Michael Morpurgo (FEB 1996)
See all Reviews
0006745113 Dancing bear A gentle and deeply moving story of a young girl and her bear, told with great charm by a master storyteller. High in the mountains, in a tiny village, an abandoned bear cub is adopted by a lonely orphan child. Soon they are inseparable, beloved by the whole village -- safe, until the arrival of a glamorous film crew who need a dancing bear...
See all Reviews
0007131046 Cool! Michael Morpurgo's inspiring new story of Robbie, a boy in a coma -- victim of a car accident. Locked inside his own head, able to hear but not move or speak, Robbie tries to keep himself from slipping ever deeper into unconsciousness. Robbie, football fan and animal lover, runs after his dog Lucky one day when he chases a cat and is hit by a car. Unconscious, Robbie lies in hospital, unable to speak, move or eat. But he can hear; he is aware, even though his family and friends don't know this. Inside his head, we hear Robbie's thoughts; on his Mum and sister, why his parents are separated. His friends and family try desperately to reach him -- even Zola, his favourite Chelsea footballer, comes to see him. And still Robbie can't 'wake up'. Until one day, against hospital rules, Dad brings Lucky into the hospital. Can Lucky bring Robbie back to life?
See all Reviews
0749746939 why the whales came 'You keep away from the Birdman,' warned Gracie's father. 'Keep well clear of him, you hear me now?' But Gracie and her friend Daniel discover the Birdman isn't mad or dangerous as everyone says. Yet he does warn them to stay away from the abandoned Samson Island - he says it's cursed. And when the children are stranded on Samson by fog, Gracie returns to hear tragic news. Could the Birdman be right? The curse that struck Samson is about to strike again on Bryher, and the inhabitants seem only to be welcoming it with their greed and hatred. Together Birdman and the children stop them killing the narhwals, and turn the whales back out to sea. We know the curse is truly lifted when Gracie's father, who had been missing presumed dead after a battle, returns to the village
1405201894 Nine lives of Montezuma Michael Morpurgo's yarn about the dangerous, exciting life of a farmyard cat from fiery kitten to tired old Tom. Age group 8+.
0440864186 Tom's sausage lion No one believes Tom when he says he has seen a lion strolling through the orchard with a string of sausages dangling from its mouth. No one, that is, except Clare, the cleverest girl in Tom's class. Why does Clare believe him? Because she knows something about Tom's story that no one else does.
0749746890 The war of jenkins ear Toby Jenkins, a quiet, homesick boy, always hates going back to his boarding school at the start of term. This term he forms a friendship with a new boy, Simon Christopher, who confides a great secret in him. Simon tells Toby he is the next Jesus and Toby becomes his first disciple. Whether Simon is who he says or not, he instils in his friends a belief in themselves and they find life suddenly begins to go their way. Then things start to turn ugly. There has always been rivalry between the 'toffs' at school and the 'oiks' in the village, and this escalates into open fighting. Simon and his disciples vow to end the violence, and finally succeed, but at a terrible price. In powerful closing scenes, Simon's claim to be Christ is discovered by the staff, he is expelled and the group is humiliated before their school. In a sudden final twist, we learn just as Simon Christopher leaves that a girl he couldn't seem to heal has just begun to get better.
0007182465 The amazing story of Adolphus tips A heart-warming tale of courage and warmth, set against the backdrop of the Second World War, about an abandoned village, a lifelong friendship and one very adventurous cat! 'Classic Morpurgo brilliance' - Publishing News. "Something's up. Something big too, very big. At school, in the village, whoever you meet, it's all anyone talks about. It's like a sudden curse has come down on us all. It makes me wonder if we'll ever see the sun again." It's 1943, and Lily Tregenze lives on a farm, in the idyllic seaside village of Slapton. Apart from her father being away, and the 'townie' evacuees at school, her life is scarcely touched by the war. Until one day, Lily and her family, along with 3000 other villagers, are told to move out of their homes - lock, stock and barrel. Soon, the whole area is out of bounds, as the Allied forces practise their landings for D-day, preparing to invade France. But Tips, Lily's adored cat, has other ideas - barbed wire and keep-out signs mean nothing to her, nor does the danger of guns and bombs. Frantic to find her, Lily makes friends with two young American soldiers, who promise to help her. But will she ever see her cat again? Lily decides to cross the wire into the danger zone to look for Tips herself! Now, many years later, as Michael is reading his Grandma Lily's diary, he learns about 'The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips' - and wonders how one adventurous cat could still affect their lives sixty years later.
1405226684 King of cloud forests Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, former Children's Laureate and multi-award winner. This is a fresh reissue of a much-loved story with a beautiful new cover. Escaping from China as the Japanese invade, Ashley and Uncle Sung embark on a perilous journey across the Himalayas. Then Ashley finds himself alone in the hostile mountains, battling for his life. He is just about to give up all hope, when he has a mysterious and terrifying encounter.
1405209305 Wreck of the zanzibar Michael travels to Scilly for his Great Aunt Laura's funeral and inherits her diary, which reveals the moving story of her childhood, the great storms and the discovery of Zanzibar.
0749746912 The ghost of grania O'Malley 'Up there it's like you belong, like you're part of something that's been going on for thousands of years. It's special, real special, a living, breathing thing. You cut the top off Big Hill and you'd be killing it for sure.' There is gold in the Big Hill on Clare Island. It would make many of the islanders rich. But to claim it would mean destroying the hill for ever. Jessie Parsons and her American cousin, Jack, can't bear this to happen. The Big Hill is the heart of the island, special, beautiful, the perfect place. Can they save it before it's too late? Not on their own, maybe. But they have a secret ally...the ghost of Grania O'Malley.
0007134746 Mr Skip Set in Dublin where horses run wild in the fields near the tower blocks, Jackie watches the boys on the estate ride their horses and she longs to own her own horse. All Jackie has is her Gran's old donkey Barnaby, who is a stubborn as...a mule! One day, whilst rummaging in an old skip, Jackie finds a broken garden gnome whom she restores back to his former glory and gives to her Mum for her birthday. Much to her astonishment, Mr Skip talks to Jackie! Because she gave him a new lease of life, he is going to help make her dreams come true. Her wish is, of course, for her donkey to 'run like a racehorse'. Jackie challenges the boys to a race and, at first, Barnaby just refused to move. Then, she whispers the magic words into his ear - 'Do it for Mister Skip' and Barnaby tears away and wins the race. Fame and...almost fortune...come Jackie's way, with TV appearances, a film-deal and a promised million 'smackaroos'. But can Barnaby, the Superdonk, win the Irish Derby? Can Mister Skip work his magic till the very end?
About the Author
Michael Morpurgo is the author of over sixty books for children, including the prize-winning Butterfly Lion. He lives in Devon with his wife, Clare. Together they established Farms for City Children and were awarded the MBE in recognition of their services to youth through this organisation. He has also been made the Children's Laureate for 2003 - 2005.
1405204923 The Sleeping Sword Bun Bendle introduces us to his very first story, called The Sleeping Sword, written after he suddenly became blind. Nothing's been the same since Bun dived off a quay and hit his head on a rock. What he can't bear to tell anyone is that as well as his sight, the accident seems to have wiped out parts of his memory. In despair, he contemplates suicide, but the love of his great friend Anna saves him. His friends petition for him to be able to stay on his home island of Bryher in the Scilly Isles, and not be sent away to school. Calling his father in for tea one day, Bun falls through a cavity under the field. His father's tractor rumbling towards him just manages to stop, inches away. The cavity is a tomb, containing an ancient and beautiful sword and shield. Bun is immediately drawn to them, and as he holds the sword, Bedivere, a knight of the Round Table appears and commands him to take it to King Arthur. Taking Anna on his quest, Bun finds a galleon waiting at the quay to them to the king. Bun suddenly remembers their meeting before, told in Arthur, High King of Britain, and Arthur stands before them, a warrior reunited with his shield and his sword, Excalibur. Arthur reveals his purpose; Bun must drive Excalibur back into the stone until it is time for the king to come again. Bun and Anna return to Bryher on the ghost ship, hardly believing what has happened around them. The next morning Bun wakes to find his sight restored, the sword and shield safely in the cavity in the field and Anna totally unaware of the previous night's events. So Bun concludes his story, proud to have written such a long one, and Anna loves it. Bun strolls off to the field towards his father's tractor, and suddenly falls down a cavity. The tractor is rumbling towards him... and he knows everything he's dreamt is about to come true.
0749746718 My Friend Walter Bess Throckmorton meets an old man at a family reunion who tells her that Sir Walter Raleigh is one of her ancestors. Curious to see where he was imprisoned, she visits the Bloody Tower and finds that the old man was none other than Sir Walter himself! The mischievous old ghost sets about restoring the family's fortune, while all the time Bess has to try to keep the presence of a ghost in the house a secret. Sir Walter comes up with his own scheme to steal the orb from the Crown Jewels to help raise money for the farm. But the orb goes missing from hiding place and the family find they have to move out of the farm. At the last minute. Walter finds a brilliant way they can 'find' the orb and the family can finally move into the Sir Walter's old lands and to another farm they will love.
0440865794 Best friends A delightfully entertaining and touching story from a superstar author
Synopsis
Gemma and Alice, born on the same day, have been devoted best friends ever since. Despite Gemma's larger-than-life personality and Alice's quieter, calmer character, the two are inseparable - until that is Alice has to move house, all the way to Scotland. Gemma is utterly distraught, particularly at the thought that Alice might find a new best friend. Is there anything Gem's brothers, or perhaps her grandad, can do to help? Established fans, especially male readers, will be delighted to re-encounter the flamboyant Biscuits, co-star of Buried Alive! and Cliffhanger. A charming, funny and touching story will be adored by all Wilson fans from 7 upwards.
See all Reviews
0385608373 Candy Floss Another brilliantly evocative portrait of modern life from the mega bestselling Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
044086643X Clean Break Another superb novel for readers of 8+ from a multi-million-selling author.
See all Reviews
0552547964 Dustbin Baby April knows she was found in a dustbin fourteen years ago as a new-born baby. And now she's fairly happily settled with her foster mother, Marion. But she's desperate to recall what happened in the intervening years, and to see if she can find out where she really came from in the first place. A highly moving but very accessible novel, in Jacqueline Wilson's unique, acclaimed and adored style.
See all Reviews
0440865786 Midnight A wonderful tale of family and fairies from the phenomenally successful Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
0440865085 Secrets Related TitlesThe Quigleys at Large
See all Reviews
0552547093 Sleepovers Another bestseller from Jacqueline Wilson, for younger readers
See all Reviews
0440863244 The Bed And Breakfast Star A lively tale by the award-winning author of "The Suitcase Kid". Elsa does her best to cheer up her family by telling jokes, but no one seems to laugh much any more - not since they lost their lovely house and had to move into a bed and breakfast hotel.
See all Reviews
044086416X The cat mummy Another superb bestseller for 7- to 11-year-olds from Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
0440862795 The story of Tracy Beaker Tracy Beaker lives in a Home, but she'd like to live in a home (without the capital) - an award-winning title.
See all Reviews
0440864801 The worry website A wonderful collection of linked short stories by our bestselling author.
See all Reviews
0440863694 Dare Game Tracy Beaker returns in a new absorbing tale from award-winning and bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson
See all Reviews
0141311355 James and the giant peach James's aunts call him names, beat and starve him and make his life a misery. If only his parents hadn't been eaten by an escaped rhinoceros, he wouldn't be in this mess. But one day he meets a man who gives him a bag of magic crocodile tongues and so begins the adventure of his dreams.
0141311436 Charlie and the great glass elevator Mr Wonka might be a genius with chocolate, but Charlie and his family don't trust his flying one bit. Especially when the thing he's flying is a glass elevator and it's zooming out of control. But life is never dull with Mr Wonka as he gets them into all kinds of terrible scrapes.
0141311347 George's marvellous medicine Classic Dahl in an enticing, collectable new format. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
When George's parents are away for the day, he's tempted to do something about his tyrannical grandmother. "Something" means going round the house collecting all kinds of horrible ingredients that will make up a magic potion to make her disappear. But instead of disappearing, she gets bigger.
See all Reviews
014131138X The Twits Classic Dahl in an enticing, collectable new format. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Reviews
0141311371 The BFG The BFG is a big, friendly giant who spirits a child out of bed one dark night. Fortunately, this giant really is friendly, but his countrymen in the land of giants are inveterate child-eaters. Can the child enlist the aid of his kidnapper in stopping the nightly massacre?
0141311320 Danny champion of the world A revised edition of the story of Danny and his father who outwit their greedy, rich neighbour, Mr Victor Hazell.
0141311363 Matilda Five-year old Matilda longs for her parents to be good and loving and understanding, but they are none of these things. They are perfectly horrid to her. Matilda invents a game of punishing them each time they treat her badly and she soon discovers she has supernatural powers.
0140568247 Revolting Rhymes A collection of comic and often gory versions of popular fairy tales. Meet Cinderella, a young woman who wants to marry a nice ordinary man; and Goldilocks, that house-breaker who gobbles up your porridge and then breaks up the Chippendale.
0552551643 Hacker A page-turner of a novel from the award-winning Malorie Blackman.
Synopsis
When Vicky's father is arrested, accused of stealing over a million pounds from the bank where he works, she is determined to prove his innocence. But how? There's only one way - to attempt to break into the bank's computer files. Even if Vicky is the best hacker in the world, will she find the real thief before they find her?
See all Reviews
055255166X Pig heart boy A powerful novel about an experimental operation from the award-winning Malorie Blackman.
See all Reviews
0552551651 Thief! A gripping futuristic novel about friendship, trust and the importance of forgiveness.
Synopsis
Lydia's last thought before darkness closed over her mind was that the strange, swirling storm had trapped her. Fleeing onto the moors when she is unfairly accused of being a thief an extraordinary storm suddenly whirls twelve-year-old Lydia into the future - a computer-dominated future where her home town is ruled by a cruel tyrant.
See all Reviews
0330446231 Tell me no lies Gemma longs for her lost mother, taking comfort from the cuttings in her scrapbook; pictures of mothers who loved their children come what may. Mike is new to the area; a boy with a terrible secret to hide, a secret about his missing mother. Gemma and Mike are two kids hurt by their past and now inextricably linked. Their effect on each other's lives will be explosive.
0440866154 Cloud Busting A lyrical story, written in verse that celebrates friendship and individuality from the award-winning author of NOUGHTS AND CROSSES.
Synopsis
Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey...Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives for ever. An uplifting tale that truly sings out.
See all Reviews
0552551686 Antidote 'A gripping techno-thriller' Independent on Sunday
Synopsis
It's a normal Friday evening for Elliot - until the police knock on the door and tell him his mum's in serious trouble! A security video clearly shows her breaking into a giant pharmaceutical company on behalf of the environmental action group A. N. T. I. D. O. T. E. Elliot can hardly believe it. His mum's a secretary, isn't she? Not a SPY!
See all Reviews
0552551678 Dangerous Reality A nailbiting thriller from award-winning Malorie Blackman
See all Reviews
0440863074 Operation Gadgetman Beans calls her dad 'Gadgetman' because of the weird and wonderful gadgets he comes up with - everything from exploding biscuits to Spy Kits. But when Gadgetman accidentally invents a device that could be used to steal millions of pounds, the wrong people find out and Gadgetman is kidnapped!With the help of her friends - and her special Gadgetman Spy Kit - Beans is determined to track down the kidnappers and rescue her dad. But can she find Gadgetman before he is forced to hand over the details of his invention...?
0751320749 Ancient Egypt Be an eyewitness to the unbelievable riches of the pharoah's court and to everything Egyptian, from amazing jewels to tools and from toys to immortal mummies. See the mummies of priests and kings; find out why even cats and dogs were mummified; and discover how hieroglyphics were diciphered.
0751347388 Ancient Greece This Eyewitness guide to the Ancient Greek world provides information on the mythical heroes and gods as well as the temples and statues still surviving today.
075134737X Ancient Rome This Eyewitness guide focuses on Ancient Rome, from the lives of emperors and soliders on the battlefield to gladiators pitted against animals in bloody arenas in Rome. Find out why Roman baths were so popular and see how "sea battles" were staged in the Colosseum.
1405302984 World War 1 From the terrible trenches to the triumph of democracy, readers can learn about the historic and world-changing events of World War I. Useful for project work, the book contains a glossary and websites plus reference pages.
1405303026 World War2 From doodlebugs to D-Day, readers can learn about the historic and world-changing events of the World War II. Dramatic new photographs and illustrations bring history vividly to life, taking readers to the heart of the action. Useful for project work, the book contains a glossary and websites plus reference pages.
1405300930 Shakespeare Did you know that special effects were used in Shakespeare's plays including ghosts that came up through trapdoors in the stage? Full of facts like this, this guide helps you to discover the life and times of Shakespeare, from his birth in Stratford-upon-Avon to theatre life in 16th century London.
0751364800 Victorians This is a resource for young readers who want to learn all about the Victorian way of life, from clothing, to eating habits, to medicine. Discover facts such as the number of hours servants were expected to work per day and how much they were paid over the year.
0751347396 Vikings Be an eyewitness to the world of the Vikings, from their religious beliefs to how Viking women applied for divorce or what was the typical menu at a feast.
0751347477 Medieval Life Be an eyewitness to medieval life whether you are interested in the life of peasants and priests or the life of soldiers and kings. See which musical instruments were played; find out about medieval arts and crafts; and discover what happened during the Inquisition.
1405314931 Aztecs Become an eyewitness to the story of an incredible civilisation that dominated Central America for hundreds of years. This title helps you discover the rites of passage every warrior had to face, the special medicines used to cure illnesses, and the rituals for human sacrifice! Easily accessible for projects and general reference, this spectacular and informative guide will bring the history of the Aztecs to life.
0439992257 Barmy British Empire Giving you the brutal facts about how Britannia ruled the waves - from infamous antics in India to dreadful deeds down under. Read about savage slavers, rotten rebels and nasty natives, go for victory with Queen Victoria's quick eastern quiz, and meet the horrid heroes of the British Empire.
0590558250 Blitzed Brits This is history with the nasty bits left in. What really happened to Dad's army? Want to know how to make a rude noise with a gas mask? This book provides spiffing slang, foul food facts about rotten rationing, and the terrible facts about London's bloodthirsty blackout murderer.
0590112546 Even more terrible Tudors Takes you back for another look at the mad Tudor monarchs and their suffering subjects, who just could not help losing their heads. Read on for information about the good times and the gory from the great goose fairs to the painful punishments and trickery of the ruthless royal family.
0590113208 Frightful First World War The details of the dreadful war that affected everyone, from peace-loving protesters to the suffering soldiers. There are ropey rhymes and sad songs, rotten rules and sinister superstitions. Here is the horror and the hardships of World War I, which lasted for four years.
059019772X Gorgeous Georgians This text describes the people who lived in Georgian times, from lords and ladies with personal hygiene problems to the poor. Find out about: horrible highway men; raging revolutions; plundering pirates; guys who wore wigs and makeup; and schoolchildren who went to war with their teachers.
0590134825 Slimy Stuarts This history book describes the more gruesome side of the Stuart period. It tells why some Stuarts ate toads, snails and fleas, which king picked his nose and never washed his hands, and who wore fish on their feet. Facts about the revolting Roundheads and ghastly Guy Fawkes are given.
0590552902 Terrible Tudors This single cassette edition of Horrible Histories: The Terrible Tudors is read by the author, Terry Deary. It has a running time of 55 minutes. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
Synopsis
History with the nasty bits left in. Grizzly details of Tudor life from horrendous beheadings to mysterious murders and cruel kings and queens. History has never been so horrible! For 9-12 year olds.
See all Reviews
0590195697 Angry Aztecs Find out about powerful priests, weird warriors, and the cunning Conquistadors, in this book which provides the foulest facts about Motecuhzoma, Cuahtemoc and other Angry Aztecs whose idea of fun was ripping out human hearts. Part of a series of books about history with the nasty bits left in!
0590552899 Awesome Egyptians History with the nasty bits left in. Awful information about phabulous Pharoahs, mean mummies, revolting recipes for 3000 year old sweets, and more. History has never been so horrible! For 9-12 year olds.
0439953960 Awful Egyptians Terry Deary returns to one of the most popular of the Horrible Histories topics and reveals more disgusting details about the awesome ancients, their groovy gods, potty pyramids and of course, their mad mummies. Readers can find out how a hunted hippo got his own back on a phoul pharaoh and discover the truth about the cool queen Cleo and the curse of Tutankhaumun. There's also a top ten of phunny pharaohs, a mad mummies quiz and lots of foul facts about the messy mistakes the Egyptians made before becoming mummy-making experts. History has never been so horrible!
059013972X Cut-Throat Celts The ghastly truth about the wild warrior race who weren't afraid to fight the Romans. The book includes stories about suffering saints, gruesome games for Celtic kids, and the dreadful Druids with their strange sacrifices and terrible trials.
0590132474 Groovy Greeks "The Groovy Greeks" is full of fab facts about the hip and happening Greeks - who hung out all over 2000 years ago. This book tells you who had the world's first flushing toilet and why dedicated doctors tasted their patients' ear wax.
0439996066 Incredible Incas The Incan Empire ruled 12 million people but was conquered by 260 Spanish invaders - and a few germs. Find out about chilling child sacrifices, Incan golden temples, and why Llamas wore earrings and drank beer.
0590139002 Measly Middle Ages Terry Deary and Martin Brown’s brilliant books about the nastiest periods in history have now – with the help of some astounding actors – been transformed into a series of audio extravaganzas. Featuring new, extra material not found anywhere in the books, these sound spectaculars are just as thrilling and spilling, funny and fast as their printed counterparts. Horrible Histories are guaranteed to bring you history with the nasty bits left in!
Following on from the Radio Collection versions of The Terrible Tudors, The Vile Victorians, The Woeful Second World War and the Rotten Romans, this latest volume – The Measly Middles Ages – is released in tandem with The Vicious Vikings.
2003 marks the 10th anniversary of the first book publication of Horrible Histories. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
Synopsis
This history book offers the chance to read about the wild women, mad monks, naughty knights and crackers kings and queens of the Middle Ages.
0590554670 Rotten Romans Terry Deary and Martin Brown’s brilliant books about the nastiest periods in history have now – with the help of some astounding actors – been transformed into a series of audio extravaganzas. Featuring new, extra material not found anywhere in the books, these sound spectaculars are just as thrilling and spilling, funny and fast as their printed counterparts. Horrible Histories are guaranteed to bring you history with the nasty bits left in!
The Rotten Romans features beastly battles, deadly doctoring and marvellous myths – and you can even find out how to tell the future using a dead chicken! It’s packed with quizzes, sketches, music and jokes, as well as mini-dramas and real life re-enactments – telling you the kind of foul facts which just aren’t available from a classroom education!
2003 is the 10th Anniversary of the publication of Horrible Histories. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
Synopsis
Follows life for folks in Roman Britain from Nero to Boudicca and includes a look at gory games, rotten recipes, and loads of frightening facts.
0439982375 Ruthless Romans "Ruthless Romans" reveals the grim truth behind the greatest empire of all time - from the terrible twins who founded Rome to the evil emperors who made murder into a sport. Read on for the gory details about the cruel Colosseum and the people and animals who were massacred there.
0590658891 Savage Stone Age Read on for incredible information on nasty Neanderthals, awesome archaeologists and curious cave paintings. Find out about the truth of Stonehenge and what suffering scientists do with Stone Age poo.
0439012716 Smashing Saxons "The Smashing Saxons" tells the terrible truth about the pillaging people who bashed the Brits but got nobbled by the Normans, including who got cow pats as Christmas presents or why wearing a pig on your head was lucky. Read on for foul facts on disgusting diseases and ghastly graves.
0439996090 Stormin Normans This title contains fascinating facts about Bill the Conquerer and his bully boys who battled at Hastings, stormed around Europe and joined the Crusades. There are tales of limb-chopping, terribly tortured saints and you can find out what "really" happened in 1066.
0590557092 Vicious Vikings Packed with frightening facts about the vile Viking invaders and their Saxon enemies, this book takes a look at history - with the nasty bits left in.
0590554662 Vile Victorians This single cassette edition of Horrible Histories: The Vile Victorians is read by the author, Terry Deary. It has a running time of 1 hour. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
Synopsis
Provides readers with the vile truth about the Victorian era - including when the first public loo was flushed, who had a gruesome glass eye for every occasion as well as a gruesome guide to causes of death during this era.
See all Reviews
0439977401 Villainous Victorians Terry revisits one of the best-selling subjects on the list, and gives us more of the grim truth about the nasty nineteenth century.
0439011221 Woeful Second World War Terry Deary and Martin Brown’s brilliant books about the nastiest periods in history have now – with the help of some astounding actors – been transformed into a series of audio extravaganzas. Featuring new, extra material not found anywhere in the books, these sound spectaculars are just as thrilling and spilling, funny and fast as their printed counterparts. Horrible Histories are guaranteed to bring you history with the nasty bits left in!
So, if you want to hear the dreadful truth about Dad’s Army, or how sweet rationing drove a teacher to steal from his pupils, or what happened when an elephant got loose in the blackout, the full foul facts about life on the home front are laid out before your ears. It’s packed with quizzes, sketches and jokes, as well as mini-dramas and real life re-enactments – telling you the kind of foul facts which just aren’t available from a classroom education!
2003 is the 10th Anniversary of the publication of Horrible Histories. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
Synopsis
"The Woeful Second World War" presents the dire details of a war that affected almost everyone - from old men joining the Dad's Army to the 12 year olds defending Berlin to the bitter end. Find out who made a meal of maggots, or which soldiers were so smelly their enemies could sniff them out.
0439963648 HorSci: Angry Animals Science with the squishy bits left in! Take a walk on the wild side with "Angry Animals". Dare you discover: who made false teeth for an elephant? where you can find dragons with bad breath? which scientist ate a poisonous snake for dinner? If you think you can stomach the sick side of Science, then read on as we go on the hunt for the cruellest creature of them all. Get to grips with gruesome grizzly bears, wolf down some facts about, er, wolves and snap up some savage shark stories. With fantastic fact files, quirky quizzes and crazy cartoons, "Angry Animals" is a book to sink your teeth into! Science has never been so horrible!
0439955815 HorSci: Measly Medicine This is a romp through the history of healthcare, hosted by the inimitable Dr Grimgrave. It includes chapters on ancient medicine - Stone Age trepanning, Chinese medicine, Romans, Greeks: the dodgy diagnostics of the Middle Ages; the bloody operations before anaesthetics and hygiene were implemented; Florence Nightingale's nursing revolution and development of public; health; Life-saving surgery available today, including plastic surgery and transplants; and modern miracles - new drugs and treatment.
0590558072 HorSci:Blood,Bones & Body Bits This is a look at the nasty side of science. It examines such grim facts as where food goes after it is eaten, what happens when a boil bursts, why dead people need a haircut, and which animals live on our eyelashes. The book covers the secrets of strange scientists, and how to diagnose deadly diseases. There are fact files, quizzes and teacher tests.
0439981069 HorSci:Body Owners Handbook The Body Owner's Handbook is the guide you simply can't live without. You'll discover a range of fantastic features you did't even know you had, including: . an auto-repair function . a built-in cooling system . top-of-the range sensory equipment . rear gas and waste disposal. So you think you can stomach the sick side of science? This mad manual shows you how to get the best from your body machine. Get the lowdown on the pluses of pus, the vitals of vomit and the science of snot. With trouble-shooting tips, terrific tests and curious quizzes, The Body Owner's Handbook is bursting with info! Science has never been so horrible!
0590113194 HorSci:Bulging Brains Discover why ice-cream gives you a headache, how chopping your brain in half needn't be fatal, and whether girls or boys are the real masterminds in this book about grey matter. Fact files, quizzes, teacher tests and cartoons are included.
See all Reviews
059019125X HorSci:Chemical Chaos The chance to find out about some extraordinary experiments that went horribly wrong, and discover the secrets of some very strange scientists. The book includes fact files, quizzes, teacher tests and cartoons, and provides the opportunity to try some chemistry at home.
0439013682 HorSci:Deadly Diseases Science with the squishy bits left in! Deadly Diseases will leave you squirming for more! Are you dying to discover...which dedicated nurse drank diarrhoea? how maggots can help get rid of germs? why a scientist used eyeballs as food for bacteria? If you think you can stomach the sick side of Science, then read on to find out about all kinds of illnesses from the common cold to cruel cholera, why ancient doctors thought nasty pongs caused disease and what happens to your body when it comes under attack. With fantastic fact files and curious quizzes, teacher tests and crazy cartoons, Deadly Diseases is crammed with info! Science has never been so horrible!
0590198092 HorSci:Disgusting Digestion If you think you can stomach the sick side of science, then read on as this book dishes up the dirt on your innards. Find out which part of your digestive system has absolutely no use at all and how vitamins stop your hair falling out. Also includes fact files, curious quizzes and teacher tests.
0590542826 HorSci:Evolve or Die This reference book is filled with weird and wonderful facts about survival and extinction. Go back millions of years to find out about insects as big as birds and fish with teeth, why you could be related to a chimp, and which incredible creatures are still being discovered.
0590197118 HorSci:Fatal Forces Why do your ears stop you falling off your bike? How could a little bit of gravity make you lose your head? What can make your fillings explode? Find out in this book which is full of horrible scientific facts, quirky quizzes, teacher tests and crazy cartoons.
0439973627 HorSci:Fearsome Fight...Flight Science with the squishy bits left in| The Fearsome Fight for Flight will send you sky-high| Are you in a flap to discover: * who put a parachute on a puppy? * why scientists fire dead birds from cannon? * what happened to the world's first flying sheep? If you think you can stomach the sick side of Science, then read on as we go plane crazy. Laugh at some seriously silly flying stunts, find out which scientist was blown up in a balloon, and learn how to build a world-beating plane. With fantastic fact files, quirky quizzes and crazy cartoons The Fearsome Fight for Flight is a real high-flier| Science has never been so horrible|
0439011248 HorSci:Frightening Light This is science with the squishy bits left in! "Frightening Light" explains how eclipses turn day into night, why rattlesnakes can still find a person in the dark and why legs seem to bend under water. It includes fantastic fact files, curious quizzes, teacher tests and crazy cartoons.
0439992575 HorSci:Killer Energy Killer Energy will be the 23rd Horrible Science title and brings together a number of strong science themes-heat and cold, nuclear power, recycling and how the human body powers itself-making this is an excellent classroom book as well as a popular playground read. There are the usual gory details, such as why going to the loo in space can freeze your pee and which liguid chemical is used to preserve pets. Plus you can find out how your body turns stodgy school dinners into energy, why steaming manure can warm you up and how to build your own geothermal power station. With strikingly different cover and a mass of information, Killer Energy proves that Horrible Science still has a lot of powerful material for turning young stomachs.
0439995019 HorSci:Microscopic Monsters Packed with facts about the tiny world of microbes - viruses, bacteria, amoebas, they're all here, as well as many other diminutive creepy-crawlies. Read the diary of a dust mite, get up close and personal with bacteria and find out what it takes to be a micro surgeon.
0590191268 HorSci:Nasty Nature This is a look at the nasty side of nature. Find out: which is the nastiest animal in the world; why vultures have bald heads; what kind of frog lives in the toilet; and how vampire bats suck blood. Contains fact files and quizzes, teacher tests and cartoons.
0439973619 HorSci:Painful Poison Science with the squishy bits left in| Painful Poison will dish up a deadly dose| Are you brave enough to discover: * how to turn your brother or sister into a zombie slave? * why you are breathing in poison right now? * what is the secret of the vomit goblet? If you think you can stomach the sick side of Science, then read on as we get wise to the wicked world of killer chemicals. Track down vile villains as a poison detective, meet snakes, spiders and other poison pets and discover the dreadful details of the Gruesome Guide. With fantastic fact files, quirky quizzes and crazy cartoons, Painful Poison is reading to die for| Science has never been so horrible| The complete lowdown on this fascinating and diverse subject. A Gruesome Guide to Poison will cover everything from plants and creatures that use poison for attack and defence to poisons that are affecting our planet such as car pollution, radiation and the result of burning off fossil fuels. With lost lab notes, and terrible tales, like the Victorian arsenic murders and the story about the Arctic survivors who were poisoned by eating polar bear livers, this is perfect subject matter for Horrible Science
0439012724 HorSci:Shocking Electricity Are you buzzing to discover how an electric eel can give you a nasty shock?; why electricity keeps your heart beating?; or which scientist gave electric shocks to his eyeballs? Using fact files and quizzes, teacher tests and cartoons, discover the shocking facts about electricity.
0590198106 HorSci:Sounds Dreadful If you think that you can stomach the sick side of science, then read on as the world of rumbling resonance, shocking sound waves and sonic boom gets a sound check. Find out how sound waves make your ear drums tremble and why listening to church bells might give you a nose bleed!
0439978661 HorSci:Space Stars Slimy Alien Science with the squishy bits left in| Space, Stars and Slimy Aliens is off on another planet| Are you spaced-out to discover: which astronomers killed people? why space makes the guts explode? what the moon smells like? If you think you can stomach the sick side of Science, then read on as we blast into outer space. Zoom around the planets with Oddblob the alien, find out which galaxies eat each other and see if you've got what it takes to be a staggering stargazer. With fantastic fact files, quirky quizzes and crazy cartoons Space, Stars and Slimy Aliens is out of this world| Science has never been so horrible|
0439982278 HorSci:Terrible Truth... Time The Terrible Truth about Time will get your ticker racing! Don't wait a minute longer to discover: -What happens if you go too close to a black hole? -How do flies tell the time? -Why the years pass more quickly as you get older? If you think you can stomach the sick side of science, then read on as we clock up some terrible time secrets. Find out who was killed for changing the calendar, make your own crazy clock, meet the tortured time geniuses and check out your chances of a time-travel trip. With fantastic fact files and quirky quizzes and crazy cartoons, The Terrible Truth about Time is seconds to none!
0590558080 HorSci:Ugly Bugs This is a look at the foul side of science. It examines grim families of bugs, what slugs do with their slime, why flies throw up in tea, and how insects drink human blood. There are facts, teacher tests and quizzes.
0590198114 HorSci:Vicious Veg If you think you can stomach the sick side of science, read on as we dig up the dirt on the world of plants. Find out when a fruit is really a vegetable, how plants keep us from suffocating and what stops trees from falling over. The book includes fact files, quirky quizzes and teacher tests.
0439999499 HorGeog:Bloomin' Rainforests Enter the exotic world of lush and steamy rainforests. Fern acts as our guide, conquering her fear of heights and spiders to introduce the reader to the world's tallest trees, stinkiest plants and hairiest insects. Lots of horrible information, as well as a balanced look at ecological issues.
0439014816 HorGeog:Desperate Deserts Geography with the gritty bits left in! Does geography grind you down? fed up with miserable maps, rotten rock piles and despicable data? Wave goodbye to boring geography lessons as you step onto the scorching sands of Desperate Deserts...Shudder! as you're forced to drink camel pee to stay alive. Gasp! as a single sand dune on the move buries whole villages. Scream! when you come face to face with a deadly rattlesnake. Marvel! at the brave desert explorer who trekked to Timbuktu. And if that's not desperate enough for you...find out about the desert where it snows, how to make a tasty pudding from camel milk and why cactus juice could be a deadly drink. Have you got what it takes to survive? It's earth-shatteringly exciting! Geography has never been so horrible!
0439997127 HorGeog:Earth Shattering Quake This is the sixth title in the Horrible Geography series. Discover how to predict earthquakes, how scientists prepare for them and what really goes on under the Earth's crust when an earthquake hits in. Included are activities, quizzes, cartoons and Syd the seismologist as our trusty guide.
0439998735 HorGeog:Freaky Peaks Freaky Peaks takes you on a thrilling mountain tour from Everest to Kilimanjaro. Read about the intrepid explorers who conquered the world's highest mountains and try to spot the mysterious Yeti. Discover how mountains are formed and follow a giant glacier as it carves out a path down a mountain. It's earth-shatteringly exciting!
0439963974 HorGeog:Cracking Coasts Geography with the gritty bits left in! Wave goodbye to boring geography lessons as you clamber up some Cracking Coasts...Marvel! at the ginormous Giant's Causeway. Scream! as you surf an awesome reef breaker. Shiver! with fear as you take a trip to the spooky Skeleton Coast. And if that's not cracking enough for you ...visit an eerie lighthouse where the light suddenly went out and go sailing with ...a snail. It's earth-shatteringly exciting. Geography has never been so horrible!
0590543741 HorGeog:Odious Oceans A guide to oceans with the gritty bits left in! Read the reporter's guide to the seabed; uncover the details of the Titanic's last day; see if you're nautical enough to join the Navy; shudder at ships lost in the Bermuda Triangle; and tremble over modern-day pirates who terrorize the seas.
0439997208 HorGeog:Perishing Poles Wave goodbye to boring geography lessons as you venture into the chilly world of "Perishing Poles", with huge icebergs, hungry polar bears and frostbite to challenge intrepid explorers.
0439013631 HorGeog:Raging Rivers IN
0439011213 HorGeog:Stormy Weather Read about the frozen turtles falling out of the sky, the man struck by lightning seven times who survived, the weather-watchers flying straight into the eye of a hurricane. Or read the weather safety manual, learn how to build a storm shelter or pick up survival tips on a tornado tour.
059054375X HorGeog:Violent Volcanoes A guide to volcanoes with the gritty bits left in! Read the diaries of volcano survivors; get clued-up with the spotter's guide to eruptions; plan an explosive holiday with the volcano vacation guide; marvel at red-hot volcanic rocks the size of cars; and tremble before boiling hot geysers.
0439978688 HorGeog:Wild Islands Geography with the gritty bits left in! Does geography grind you down? Fed up with miserable maps, rotten rock piles and crazy contour lines? Wave goodbye to boring geography lessons as you are cast away on the far-flung shores of Wild Islands... *Marvel! as a brand-new island pops up from the sea. *Gasp! at the hot-tempered island that blew its top. *Choke! on the smell of an island dragon's foul breath. And if that's not wild enough for you ... discover where to find coconuts with magical powers, try to crack the case of the missing island and read the remarkable story of a real-life Robinson Crusoe. It's earth-shatteringly exciting! Geography has never been so horrible!
0439963966 HorGeog:Monster Lakes There's more to lakes than meets the eye, as "Monster Lakes" reveals...In tried and tested "Horrible Geography" fashion the reader is taken through the physical geography of the different ways lakes form (whether it's from volcanos, plate movement, glaciers or the classic 'oxbow' lakes) and where they occur, to chapters on unique lake wildlife, like flamingoes who are specially adapted to feed on algae. Turning to the human side of things, the book takes a look at lake explorers and their adventures, like Speke, who stumbled across Lake Victoria while looking for the Nile and modern adventurers - many of whom are after lake monsters like Nessie using high-tech sonar equipment. Plus of course there's info about why lakes are in danger - either of being drained dry for drinking water, or polluted by sewage and industrial waste, and what we can do to save them.
1844280926 Stormbreaker When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his world turned upside down. Forcibly recruited into MI6, Alex has to take part in gruelling SAS training exercises. Then, armed with his own special set of secret gadgets, he's off on his first mission to Cornwall, where Middle-Eastern multi-billionaire Herod Sayle is producing his state-of-the-art Stormbreaker computers. Sayle has offered to give one free to every school in the country - but there's more to the gift than meets the eye.
1844280934 Point Blanc Investigations into the "accidental" deaths of two of the world's most powerful men have revealed just one link: both had a son attending Point Blanc Academy - an exclusive school for rebellious rich kids, run by the sinister Dr Grief and set high on an isolated mountain peak in the French Alps. Armed only with a false ID and a new collection of brilliantly disguised gadgets, Alex must infiltrate the academy as a pupil and establish the truth about what is really happening there.
1844280950 Eagle Strike Reluctant MI6 agent Alex Rider is relaxing in the south of France until a sudden, ruthless attack on his hosts plunges him back into a world of violence and mystery - and this time, MI6 don't want to know. Alex is determined to track down his friends' attackers, even if he must do it alone. But it's a path that leads to a long-buried secret - and a discovery more terrible than anything he could have imagined.
0744570514 Scorpia The fifth revelation-packed mission in the Alex Rider series! Still reeling from the terrible discovery he has made about his father, teenage MI6 superspy, Alex Rider, is determined to find out more. Travelling to Italy, he manages to infiltrate the glamorous world of Claudia Rothman, beautiful society hostess and member of the international criminal organization, Scorpia. She reveals that Alex's father was murdered by MI6, in an operation masterminded by Head of Special Operations, Mrs Jones. Shocked and angry, Alex faces a choice: to continue to work with the British security services, or to become an agent for Scorpia - and get revenge. "Scorpia" was a no. 1 bestsller, and the Alex Rider series has sold over 1 million copies in the UK alone!
0744583241 Ark Angel From Cornwall to Cuba, Venice to France, Alex Rider has travelled far and wide as a spy for MI6, facing danger and death at every turn. But in his last mission, fighting the criminal organization, Scorpia, Alex appeared to have finally met his match. In the thrilling sequel to "Scorpia", find out the answer to the question on everyone's lips - "Will Alex Rider live to fight another day?"
1844286193 The Power Of Five: Raven's Gate A sinister story of the supernatural; first of five in a thrilling new series by this number-one best-selling author. Matt has always known he has unusual powers. Raised in foster care, he is sent to Yorkshire on a rehabilitation programme, only to find himself in the midst of sinister goings-on. Matt investigates and uncovers a terrible secret - eight guardians are protecting the world from the evil ones, beings banished long ago by five children. But devil worshippers want to let the evil ones back in. As the story reaches its climax, it looks like Matt has succeeded in stopping them...or has he? Major marketing campaign with 6-sheet advertising to launch this gripping new series. Guaranteed publicity coverage - including radio and TV interviews.
0744590663 The Blurred Man "My name is Carter," he said at last. He spoke with an American accent. "Joe Carter. I've just got in from Chicago. And I've got a problem." The man in the photo is so blurry it's impossible to make out what he really looks like. And that was before he was run over by a steamroller! His name was Lenny Smile and he ran a children's charity called Dream Time, financed by millionaire author Joe Carter. Now Carter wants to know just what happened to Smile - and to the money. Unfortunately for him, he's hired the Diamond Brothers - Tim, the world's worst private detective, and his wise-cracking younger brother Nick - to solve the mystery!
0744590396 The French Confection "Tim," I asked. "What's the French for 'murder'?" Tim shrugged. "Why do you want to know?" "I don't know." I stepped onto the escalator and let it carry me down. "I've just got a feeling it's something we're going to need." When the hard-up Diamond brothers, Tim and Nick, win a weekend for two in Paris, it looks as if their luck is taking a turn for the better. But looks can be deceptive. No sooner have they arrived in the French capital than the brothers are up to their necks in danger. There's a nasty smell in the air and it's not the cheese. If Nick and Tim aren't careful, their dream holiday could end up being a nightmare from which they'll never wake up...
0744590388 I Know What You Did Last Wednesday "It's not fair. I do my homework. I clean my teeth twice a day. Why does everyone want to kill me?" It's a dangerous life being the younger brother of the world's worst private detective, but Nick Diamond's survived...so far. He's due a holiday, so he should be happy when an invitation arrives for his brother Tim inviting him to a school reunion on a remote Scottish island and offering to pay him [pound]1,000 for the pleasure. But Nick's got a bad feeling and it's not indigestion. And when he meets their fellow guests, the feeling only gets worse - especially when they start dying in ever more bizarre ways! Could it be the Diamond Brothers' days are numbered?
1844285731 Groosham Grange/Return To Groosham Grange Two ghoulish chillers from an award-winning author - in one fang-tastic volume! David quickly discovers that his new school, Groosham Grange, is a very weird place indeed. New pupils sign their names in blood; the French teacher disappears every full moon and the assistant headmaster keeps something very chilling in his room...And that's just the first year. In his second year, David is on a course to win the Unholy Grail - but something is trying to stop him from winning...This bind-up combines "Groosham Grange", the Lancashire Children's Book of the Year, with its gripping sequel, "The Return to Groosham Grange.";From the author of the two-million selling Alex Rider series!
0141312122 Artemis Fowl Twelve-year-old villain, Artemis Fowl, is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he's taking on more than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance Unit). For a start, leprechaun technology is more advanced than our own. Add to that the fact that Holly is a true heroine and that her senior officer Commander Root will stop at nothing to get her back and you've got the mother of all sieges brewing!
See all Reviews
0141321326 AF and the arctic incident Someone has been supplying Class A illegal human power sources to the goblins. Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit is sure that her arch-enemy, thirteen-year-old Artemis Fowl, is responsible. But is he? Artemis has his own problems to deal with: his father is being held to ransom and only a miracle will save him. Maybe this time a brilliant plan just won't be enough. Maybe this time Artemis needs help...
0141321318 AF and the eternity code Thirteen-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has constructed a supercomputer from stolen fairy technology. In the wrong hands it could be fatal for humans and fairies alike. But no need to worry, Artemis has a brilliant plan. He's not going to use the computer; he's just going to show it to a ruthless American businessman with Mafia connections. His bodyguard, Butler, will be with him. What could possibly go wrong...?
0141315490 AF and the opal deception Evil pixie, Opal Koboi, is back and she's more dangerous than ever. This time she doesn't just want power over the fairy People - this time she wants the humans too. Captain Holly Short is the only fairy with a hope of stopping her, but as Holly knows, it takes one genius criminal mastermind to fight another. But the 14-year-old genius that Holly is thinking of doesn't even remember that fairies exist. How is she going to convince Artemis Fowl to help her stop Opal? Gold usually does the trick, and this time is should be no different. Or is Artemis changing?
0141382686 Artemis Fowl And The Lost Colony Ten millennia ago, the fairy people were defeated in a great battle with mankind, forcing them to move underground. Only the 8th family of fairies remained undefeated: the demons. But now one demon has discovered the secrets of the fairy world, and if humans get hold of this information, the fairies are in big trouble. Only one person can prevent this disaster - teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl.
0141317086 The legend of spud murphy Will has four brothers and it's chaos in his house! If he's not being teased by his big brother Marty, he has to deal with the terrible, three-headed bundle of cuteness that is his three younger brothers. Even worse, his mother has the brilliant idea of packing Will and Marty off to the library during the holidays. She just doesn't understand! Not only is the library no fun, it's also the habitat of the legendary librarian Spud Murphy. If you put a foot wrong, it's rumoured she will use her dreaded gas-powered spud gun and you don't want that just ask Ugly Frank how he got his nickname! Eventually Will and Marty discover a love of books and that Mrs Murphy isn't so bad after all!
0141381302 The Legend Of Captain Crow's Teeth Will and his brothers are on holiday in a cramped caravan on the wild Irish coast. All the boys love ghost stories, but one dark night Will's older brother, Marty, tells the bloodcurdling tale of the cutthroat pirate, Captain Crow. Will is scared. From that night on, everything starts to go wrong for Will. He is embarrassed, by a girl, at the local youth disco - The Sprat's Jig - and Marty convinces him that the ghost of the evil Captain Crow is out to get him. But Marty's tricks backfire, and for once Will has the last laugh.
0192754602 Secret Of The Sirens When Connie is sent to live with her aunt, she knows it's going to be one more place where she doesn't fit in. But soon she realises how wrong she is. The seaside town is full of adults and children who have strange links to creatures. It's the heart of the secret Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures, a group of people sworn to ensure that mythical beasts are kept safe. Normally the creatures and their chosen humans work in harmony. But something abnormal is happening here. The Sirens, who for generations have kept their deadly song to themselves, are once again luring humans to their deaths. It doesn't take long for Connie to realise that the victims are oil workers. The Sirens are fed-up with their seas being polluted, but should the Society protect the Sirens or the oil industry? Connie doesn't think she has a role to play, until it becomes clear that she's a Universal - the first person in over a century who can communicate with every type of beast on earth and in the air. Her power is immense. It corrupted the previous Universal...and now he's back. And he'll use any means he can - from violence to the terrifying Storm Giants - to turn Connie to the dark side.
1904442838 Inkspell 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 forever. 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. But can Meggie, Farid and Fenoglio 'write' the wrongs of a charmed world about to be fought over by rival princes and rebels?
0192719939 Measle And The Mallockee Measle's mum and dad have been kidnapped! It's up to Measle to save them...but that's a difficult thing to do when you've been left holding the baby, literally. Because Mum's last words to Measle were that he should look after Matilda, his little sister. Babies are bad enough at the best of times. But this one is special. She's a mallockee - a magical being with power unseen for over a thousand years. She just doesn't know it yet. And neither does Measle. The weaselly wrathmonks do though. And they will do anything to get their hands on her. Can Measle stop them, save Matilda and rescue his parents? Sometimes it's tough being ten!
0330441086 Dragon Keeper Ping is a slave in a little-used royal palace on the edge of the Emperor's kingdom. Her tyrannic master is a cruel drunkard who neglects his duties as Imperial Dragonkeeper and under his watch the Emperor's dragons have dwindled from a magnificent dozen to a miserable two. When one dragon dies, only the ancient and wise Long Danzi remains. His fate seems sealed - until Ping comes to his rescue in a moment of startling bravery that reveals her destiny as a Dragonkeeper. Pursued by the Emperor's forces and an evil dragon hunter, Ping, Danzi, and a rat called Hua, set off on a remarkable journey across the kingdom. Bound for the Ocean, they carry a mesmerising, beautiful dragon stone that must be protected at any cost. Surviving dangers of all kinds - a shape-shifting necromancer, and a ritual sacrifice among them - the trio finally arrive at Ocean, Danzi's final place of rest. But as her dragon-friend leaves Ping forever, the dragon stone reveals its spectacular secret...
0552552119 Eldest The fantastic sequel to the UK and US number one bestseller and publishing phenomenon, ERAGON. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Reviews
0330398016 The secret of platform 13 Under Platform13 at Kings Cross Station there is a secret door that leads to a magical island...It appears only once every nine years. And when it opens, four mysterious figures step into the streets of London. A wizard, an ogre, a fey and a young hag have come to find the prince of their kingdom, stolen as a baby nine years before. But the prince has become a horrible rich boy called Raymond Trottle who doesn't understand magic and is determined not to be rescued. 'This kind of fun will never fail to delight.' Philip Pullman
0330434659 The Beasts Of Clawstone Castle When Madlyn and Rollo are sent to staying at ancient Clawstone Castle, they soon fall in love with the house and its eccentric, penniless inhabitants. There's grumpy, limping Uncle George, mousey Miss Emily, and reclusive Cousin Howard who hardly ever leaves his library. But, the children are especially enchanted by the Cattle of Clawstone Park - rare and beautiful beasts, as white as snow and as wild as wolves. No one knows where they came from, but the owners of Clawstone have always protected them. So, as the castle crumbles away, Madlyn and Rollo devise a money-raising scheme. With the help of a gang of ghosts - including The Bloodstained Bride, an aristocrat whose heart is constantly being gnawed by a rat, Mr Smith the one-eyed skeleton, and a pair of dancing phantom feet - they turn Clawstone into a genuine haunted house! But, as the money rolls in, a ruthless plotter is close to carrying out his sinister ambition, a plan that could threaten the very existence of the fabled Beasts of Clawstone Castle...
0330398261 Dial A Ghost The Wilkinson family, who became ghosts when a bomb dropped on their house in 1943, badly need a new home. But there is a horrible mix-up at the agency that specialises in matching ghosts to suitable homes, and they are sent to Fulton Hall, where the ghastly Fulton and Frieda Snodde-Brittle have asked for a ghost that will frighten their nephew Oliver to death...A craxy, hilarious adventure filled with eccentric spirits and even more bizarre human characters.
0330372629 Monster Mission Attack of the Killer Aunt's scream the headlines Aunt Plague Menaces City! Three children have been dramatically kidnapped by some mysterious, mad aunts. But Myrtle. Coral and Etta are far from killers - they need the children for a special mission. The secret island where they live is a sanctuary for magical creatures - mermaids, selkies, the amazing boobrie bird and even the great Kraken himself, and the kidnapped children help to care for them. But the Island of Monsters has become the target of some dangerous villains who want to turn it into a theme park.
0330397990 Not Just A Witch Heckie is determined not to be just a witch. With the help of local wizards and a little boy, she sets about putting the world to rights. But then she falls under the spell of smarming, charming Mr Knapsack and all her good work is nearly undone.
0330398288 The Great Ghost Rescue The ghosts of Craggyford Castle have been happy for 500 years - but outside, the world is changing. Soon there will nothing left of their old haunts, so Humphrey the Horrible, the Hag, and Gliding Kilt enlist the help of a very special little boy called Rick to help them find a new home. Ages 8+.
0330398423 The Haunting Of Hiram Twelve year old orphan, Alex MacBuff, doesn't want to sell his beloved home, Carra Castle. But it is falling to pieces and he can't afford to keep it. American millionaire, Hiram C. Hopgood, offers to buy it on condition that there are no ghosts - and Alex can't refuse. Problem is, Carra Castle is full of ghosts! There's Krok the hairy Viking warrior, mad Miss Spinks, a vampire with no teeth and a hell-hound called Cyril. Will Alex be able to stop them haunting Hiram? A barmy, brilliantly funny, supernatural adventure from the ever-popular Eva Ibbotson.
0330398008 Which Witch? Arriman the Awful, Wizard of the North, is tired of being the most evil wizard in the world. He decides he must get married and produce a son to take over from him. His wife must be an enchantress of the darkest powers, and witches galore enter his spell-casting competition. Belladonna has no chance. She's not even hideous, flowers spring up on her pillow as she sleeps, and bats nest happily in her hair. She longs to be a fiendish hag and win the competition - but how? An outstandingly clever and funny children's novel that was runner-up for the Carnegie Medal.
0552552097 Eragon A thrilling and evocative fantasy from a new master of the genre, Christopher Paolini.
Synopsis
When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands - 'A winner - tip of the hat to young master Paolini' Anne McCaffrey, author of The Dragonriders of Pern series'A compelling and action-filled adventure . . . a galloping good example of its genre' Daily Telegraph'This book is an achievement. Readers . . . will be transported' Sunday Times' A portrayal of true affection between boy and dragon - Paolini writes like someone gripped by his own story' Guardian'A stirring fantasy of epic proportions' The Bookseller
See all Reviews
1904442218 Inkheart Mo, a gentle bookbinder with an extraordinary secret, and his daughter Meggie love books, yet he has not read aloud to her since her mother disappeared years ago. After a mysterious stranger visits them, Mo tells Meggie they must go into hiding. But why? - and from whom?
1905294204 The Divide Felix is not your usual hero. Though brave and intelligent, he suffers from a rare illness. His parents take him on the holiday of a lifetime to Costa Rica, where they visit the Continental Divide, the special point where the waters that feed into the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans separate. There, Felix faints - and something extraordinary happens. He wakes up in an amazing back-to-front world where mythical creatures are real and humans are imaginary! Luckily, he's taken under the wing of Ironclaw, an enormous, maths-loving Brazzle who together with Betony, a mischievous tangle-girl, sets out to help Felix find a magical cure and the way back home.
0141312807 Triss A thrilling story of Triss, a young squirrelmaid. She escapes a life of misery as a servant to the tyranical ruling ferret family in Riftgard and sets off to find her way to the Abbey of Redwall. Parallel runs the tale of two young scamps, the hare Bescarum and the badger Sagaxus, who leave the Fortress of Salamandastron and set off on board ship in search of adventure. The third storyline is about the inhabitants of the Abbey and a threat to their safety. This leads to a frightening and ultimately very satisfying climax as the three threads of the story come together.
0749748885 Midnight for Charlie Bone Since his father died, Charlie Bone has lived with his mother and her mother, in the house of his other grandmother, Grandma Bone. Looking at a picture of a couple with a baby and a cat, he suddenly discovers he can hear their voices. Although he tries to hide his new gift, Grandma Bone's scary sisters soon find out, and determine to send him to Bloor's Academy. Mr Onimous appears, and tell Charlie he must find the baby from the photograph, lost inside Bloor's. The mystery deepens when Charlie tries to return the picture to its rightful owner, a bookseller who gives him a heavy box, saying only that it was once swapped for a child. Charlie quickly finds life at Bloor's pretty tough, with its strict rules and the malevolent head boy, Manfred, set against him. He meets someone else with a gift, Gabriel Silk, who can pick up people's feeling from their clothes. Charlie asks about his father's tie, and Gabriel surprises him by saying his father is lost, not dead. Mr Onimous' cats have been involved in a mysterious fire at the school, and more frightening than that, Manfred's sinister gift is to be able to hypnotise people. Exploring at the weekend with new friends Olivia and Billy, Charlie overhears a conversation between Dr Bloor and Manfred. They discover the cats are eight hundred years old, and that Bloor and Manfred are keeping a girl under hypnosis. Charlie realises the girl from the photograph must be Emilia Moon and manages to awaken her using the box. The hypnotism cannot be proved to the authorities and the children will have to return next term, once more under the power of Dr Bloor.
1905294212 The Thief Lord Two orphaned children are on the run, hiding among the crumbling canals and misty alleyways of the city. Befriended by a gang of street children and their mysterious leader, the Thief Lord, they shelter in an old, disused cinema. On their trail is a bungling detective, obsessed with disguises and the health of his pet tortoises. But a greater threat to the boys' new-found freedom is something from a forgotten past - a beautiful magical treasure with the power to spin time itself.
1904442609 The Cry Of The Icemark When her father dies in battle, fourteen-year-old Thirrin becomes Queen of the Icemark, determined to defend her tiny kingdom from the most terrible invasion her nation has ever known. This is the epic story of how she rallies her country and finds some extraordinary new allies: Vampires, Wolf-folk, giant Snow Leopards - and most precious of all, her friend Oskan, Witch's Son.
0007159072 The Saint Of Dragons It's not every day you wake up and find you're a dragonhunter but in this exciting debut novel that's exactly what happens to Simon St. George...Simon St. George meets his long lost father after supposing him dead, only to be informed that he is a descendant of St George the Dragon Slayer and it is his duty to inherit this role himself. For there are dragons in today's society and the world should be rid of their evil once and for all! Trouble is, they are disguised as humans in positions of power!. Exciting fantasy adventure with generous lashings of snarky humour.
0552547328 The Last Of The Sky Pirates A new title in the bestselling Edge Chronicles - a dramatic and extraordinarily exuberant fantasy adventure filled with colourful and imaginative characters and illustrated with exquisite detail.
Synopsis
Rook Barkwater lives in the network of sewer-chambers beneath Undertown, the bustling main city of the Edgeworld. He dreams of becoming a librarian knight - one of those sent out to explore the mysteries of their world. Somewhere out there lie the secrets of the past - including the lost floating city of Sanctaphrax - and, maybe, hope for a future free from the fear of tyranny. When his chance comes, Rook grabs it! Breaking all the rules, he sets out on a journey to the Free Glades and beyond. His luck and determination lead him from one peril to another until, buried in the heart of the Deepwoods, Rook encounters a mysterious character - the last sky pirate - and is thrust into a bold adventure that dares to challenge the might of the dread Guardians of the Night...
See all Reviews
0552551449 A Hat Full Of Sky Eleven-year-old Tiffany Aching wants to be a real witch. But a real witch doesn't casually step out of her body, leaving it empty. Tiffany does - and there's something just waiting for a handy body to take over. Something ancient and horrible, which can't die. Now Tiffany's got to learn to be a real witch really quickly, with the help of arch-witch Mistress Weatherwax and the truly amazing Miss Level. Oh, yes. And the Nac Mac Feegle - the rowdlest, toughest, smelliest bunch of fairles ever to be thrown out of Fairyland for being drunk at two in the afternoon. They'll fight anything-
0552549053 Wee Free Men A riotous, wise, and gripping junior Discworld novel from the Carnegie Medal-winning author and acknowledged master of comic fantasy.
See all Reviews
055255104X Johnny and the bomb The third title in a terrific fantasy series starring Johnny Maxwell, reissued in B format.
From the Back Cover
It's May 21 1941, thought Johnny. It's war.
Johnny Maxwell and his friends have to do something when they find Mrs Tachyon, the local bag lady, semi-conscious in an alley ... as long as it's not the kiss of live.
But there's more to Mrs Tachyon than a squeaky trolley and a bunch of dubious black bags. Somehow she holds the key to different times, different eras - including the Blackbury Blitz in 1041. Suddenly now isn't the safe place Johnny once thought it was as he finds himself caught up more and more with then ...
Smarties Prize, Silver Medal winner
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and The Children's Book Award
'Enormously entertaining and contains more wry observations than you could shake a Heinkel at' Daily Telegraph
From the author of the phenomenally successful Discworld series and The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, which won the 2001 Carnegie Medal.
See all Reviews
1405221496 The Diamond of Drury Lane Set in 1790's Covent Garden this book whisks you back to a bygone era. The narrator's colourful slang and confident I-will-tell-you-how-it-really-is, makes the story sparkle off the page. It is the tale of Cat Royal, an orphan who lives at the back of the real-life theatre in Drury Lane. It contains a wonderful colourful cast of characters - awkward actors, on stage, and off, barrow boys in the grimy marketplace, street gangs fighting for territory...and it's packed with local colour and authentic detail. And of course there is the diamond mystery. What more could you want?
0689872631 Vampirates: Demons of the ocean Conor and Grace are twins, recently orphaned after their widowed father's death. Rather than being adopted by the town's busy-bodies, they decide to set sail for new pastures in their father's last single possession, his sailing boat. But a vicious storm sees their boat capsize and the twins are separated. Two mysterious ships sail to their rescue - each picking up one twin before disappearing into the mist. Conor wakes to find himself on a pirate ship and is soon being trained up with a cutlass. Meanwhile Grace finds herself locked in a darkened room, as the vampirates wait for night to fall and their feasting to begin...Determined to find each other, yet intrigued by their new shipmates, the twins are about to embark on the biggest adventure of their life...
074754459X Holes Stanley Yelnat's family has a history of bad luck going back generations, so he is not surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to Camp Green Lake Detention Centre. Nor is he very surprised when he is told that his daily labour is to dig a hole and report anything that he finds inside. This title is the companion volume to 'Holes'.
0746068409 Snatched! This is an astounding, action-packed adventure tale of mystery and kidnapping, with an unforgettable cast of heroes, villains, thieves and all the stars of the circus. Left for dead in a lion's cage, baby Daniel is adopted by Hubble, owner of a traveling circus. Twelve years later, his carefree life as a bareback rider is shattered by vivid premonitions. When Josie joins the circus, Daniel realizes that his visions are coming true, but he still cannot stop the terrible fire that he had foreseen. In the aftermath he is snatched away - taken to London, gagged and bound, and he must find a way to escape. But could the city be the place to finally discover the truth behind his birth?
1904442420 Gregor And The Rats Of Underland When eleven year-old Gregor follows his little sister down a laundry chute, he hurtles into a dark, dirty Underland, deep beneath the New York City. There, humans live uneasily alongside giant spiders, vast cockroaches, huge bats and some appalling rats, but their fragile peace is about to fall apart. Gregor wants no part in the conflict between these shadowy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy reveals a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realises it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life.
184270527X Grk And The Pelotti Gang An exciting energetic new story for young readers involving ruthless Brazilian bank robbers, helicopters, and a dashing, brave little dog called Grk.
See all Reviews
009945663X The Wolves Of Willoughby Chase This story takes place in l832 - in a period of English History that never happened. Good King James III is on the throne and the country is ravaged by wolves which have migrated through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel. When Sylvia and Bonnie (both orphans) fall into the hands of evil Miss Slighcarp, they must use all their wits to escape unscathed - for the governess is more cruel and merciless than the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase. 'A wild and evocative fantasy, stylishly told, with a tremendous romantic appeal. ' Observer.
0140363823 The Last Polar Bears Grandfather has gone to the Arctic in search of the last polar bears, with his constant companion, Roo - a dog with a mind of her own. His chief piece of equipment for this expedition is a golf club, although the golf bag also proves very useful for carrying provisions and wounded penguins.
0747560293 Ruby Holler Tiller and Sairy live a quiet life in Ruby Holler, their children have long since left home and they are happy with their routines. Until one day they each decide they want to undertake a big adventure and they need companions to accompany them. And now it gets exciting because they adopt two children from the local orphanage and form an unlikely foursome for the children can not believe they are really 'wanted' and Tiller and Sairy have to deal with some pretty unconventional behaviour on the part of the children. A wonderful, whimsical and magical story that combines quirky action and adventure with the important themes of family and loyalty and learning to belong.
0552546933 The amazing Maurice and his educated rodents A marvellously eccentric fantasy tale for young readers - set in the Discworld universe.
See all Reviews
0141319135 Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief The gods of Olympus are alive in the 21st Century. They still fall in love with mortals and have children who might become great heroes, but most of these children meet horrible fates at the hands of monsters by the age of twelve. Only a few learn the truth of their identity and make it to Half Blood Hill, a Long Island summer camp dedicated to training young demigods. Such is the revelation that launches young Percy Jackson on a quest to help his real father, Poseidon, avert a war among the gods. With the help of Grover the satyr and Annabeth the daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction - Zeus' master bolt. Along the way, they face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop them. Most of all, Percy must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.
0440866561 The Runner A breathtaking, prize-winning novel for younger readers by a rising star of children's books
See all Reviews
033043425X Framed Dylan is the only boy living in the tiny Welsh town of Manod. His parents run the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel garage - and when he's not trying to persuade his sisters to play football, Dylan is in charge of the petrol log. And, that means he gets to keep track of everyone coming in and out of Manod - what car they drive, what they're called, even their favourite flavour of crisps. But, when a mysterious convoy of lorries trundles up the misty mountainside towards an old, disused mine, even Dylan is confounded. Who are these people - and what have they got to hide? This is a story inspired by a press cutting describing how, during WWII, the treasured contents of London's National Gallery were stored in Welsh slate mines. Once a month, a morale-boosting masterpiece would be unveiled in the village and then returned to London for viewing. This is a funny and touching exploration of how Art - its beauty and its value - touches the life of one little boy and his big family in a very small town.
0330415034 Boy2Girl Is he a girl? Is she a boy? Sam's brilliant disguise takes comic literature to new heights. Matthew Burton's life has been fine until his American cousin crashlands into it. Sam was only ever a distant rumour, a hippy kid who travels around the States with his wacky mother. Now he's an orphan, dumped suddenly on the Burtons' doorstep. According to Sam, everything in England sucks, and pretty soon he's making trouble for Matthew and his friends. They want revenge - and Operation Samantha is born. For Sam - small, long-haired and blond - is the perfect secret weapon in the war at school between the boys and a gang of snooty girls. And when Sam sets about rewriting the rules for how boys and girls behave, he discovers an entirely new side to his personality. Soon it's not only Sam that is changing...BOY2GIRL is one of the funniest comic novels you will ever read. A classic cross-dressing comedy like Some Like It Hot, set in a contemporary school.
0440863821 Dream Master Delightfully funny timeslip tale from a Carnegie Medal winning author
Synopsis
Cy is about to wake up from a terrific dream about the Ancient Egypt, but finds that he can re-enter his dream world. But the Dream Master isn't used to boys who want to break all the rules. Cy moves back and forth in time and finds that dream life and real life become ingeniously intertwined. Tied in with National Curriculum.
See all Reviews
0140301968 Stig of the dump First published in 1962, this is the story of a boy who finds a Stone-Age cave-dweller living in a rubbish dump, and the adventures they subsequently find themselves on.
014036451X The Borrowers The Borrowers lived in the secret places of quiet old houses; behind the mantelpiece, inside the harpsichord, under the kitchen clock. They owned nothing, borrowed everything, and thought human beings were invented just for their use. Until one of the Borrowers made friends with a human.
0006747213 The Enchanted Horse It's Christmas, but Irina's family don't have enough money to buy her the present she wants. Then Irina sees the wooden horse in the junk shop window and all she wants is to take it home with her. Irina is ad and lonely and he knows that the little horse is lonely too. But what Irina doesn't know is that this dusty little horse with the tattered mane is really an enchanted horsewho comes to life and takes Irina on magical journeys. Children's Choice for the Smarties Book Prize
0141316365 The Pig Scrolls Gryllus is the hero of The Pig Scrolls. Gryllus is a pig. Well, not strictly speaking a pig. He's a man who got turned into a pig. More specifically, he was one of Odysseus's crew (you remember Odysseus - big bloke, hero, all round clever clogs) and the whole crew got turned into pigs by Circe, a witch, but Gryllus never got turned back. So Gryllus is a pig who can talk which, as you can imagine, causes a bit of a stir in Ancient Greece. Anyway...two of the gods have had a bet, the world as we know it is in danger, the only one who can save everyone is a smartypants talking pig. Oh dear ...
0746060289 A Spell Behind Bars replaces A turn in the grave The second of three spectaculous Misadventures, set in the magical and darkly hilarious world of Danny Cloke, a fabulous new character. This strikingly original series is fast, furious, bizarre, bedazzling and laugh-out-loud funny! Synopsis Danny's real-life wicked stepmother is back, and this time she's even meaner than before. She places a Zero Hex on Danny, making him act in the most shameful and embarrassing ways: revealing his underwear in public and cavorting about like a giddy goat. Even worse, the Hex threatens to destroy everyone Danny loves and give him a spell behind bars. In order to save his friends and family, and himself, Danny has to battle with the terrifying Hobblegobs from the spirit world of Gloom, as well as S.L.A.Y. (Society of Librarians Against Youth). Danny needs all the wild magical help he can get from his best friends, Imogen and the ghostly Cyril Spectre.
0747583218 Ruby Rogers is a waste of space Ruby Rogers is about to turn ten. She wants to be a gangster, when she grows up. She also wants nothing more than a tree house for her birthday. The problem is, there aren't any trees in her garden, and her family laughs off the idea. Ruby's furious, but then life takes a turn for the better when, through her best friend Yasmin, she meets Holly Helvellyn, a super-cool Gothic girl who's friends with Yasmin's older sister. It turns out Holly rather fancies Ruby's older brother Joe - the brooding artist in the sixth-form, who has a strange habit of talking in newspaper headlines. One day Holly asks Ruby to steal something from Joe's bedroom for a joke, setting off a chain of events that culminate in some very unexpected but pleasant surprises.
1846162270 Ryan's Brain This eighth Jiggy McCue story sees Jiggy and his pals, Angie and Pete, as usual, in trouble. This time, they are under threat from the brain of Bryan Ryan, one of their classmates. Bryan's Brain is out of control and threatening to take over the world! And only Jiggy, Pete and Angie, the 'Three Musketeers', can stop it. One for All and All for Lunch!
1841217565 Maggot Pie There is a tradition in Jiggy's hometown by which the night before a boy's first day at school his father takes him to the Piddle Pool near the old quarry. Boys pee in the pool for a lucky school life. But Jiggy's dad never took him...and now Jiggy wants to change his run of bad luck. One night, mid-piddle, something happens - and a genie rises out of the water. Will Jiggy's luck be reversed...or will it just get worse?!
0330431919 Tins Fergal is a self-confessed nerd with an eccentric hobby: tin collecting. He likes the lucky dip aspect of buying tins that have their labels missing - after all, you never know what might be inside. It's Fergal's idea of living dangerously. That is, until the day he innocently opens up a tin to find...a bloodied human finger. Everyone thinks it's a joke. But not Fergal - and when his next tin discovery is a note with the word 'Help' scribbled on it, he feels compelled to track down the factory responsible for these mysterious and macabre products. Fergal might be hungry to play detective, but has he opened a can of worms...? This Dahl-esque black comedy will have readers squirming on the edge of their seats. Funny, frightening and totally gross - Alex Shearer taps into the repulsive-but-appealing tradition of urban myths that are perennial playground fodder.
1843628791 Neville The Devil This sixth Jiggy McCue story sees the return of a character who first appeared in 'The Killer Underpants', namely Neville the Devil. Neville is part of the Little Devils network, and his reappearance in Jiggy's life brings chaos and confusion to young Jiggy and his friends Pete and Angie.
0140380604 Jennifer's Diary Jennifer has a diary, Iolanthe doesn't. But what Iolanthe does have is a vivid imagination and a gift for writing stories. So when Iolanthe sees Jennifer's empty pages she cannot help herself - they are waiting for tales much more exciting than her friend's records of shop visits and weather.
0140361472 Flour babies When the annual school science fair comes round, Mr Cartwright's class don't get the soap factory, or the maggot farm, or the exploding custard tins. They get the flour babies - sweet little bags of flour that must be treated gently. Anne Fine's novel "Goggle-Eyes" won the Carnegie Medal.
0440867312 Charm School A witty and funny look at the beauty business for children. From one of today’s top children’s authors, multi-awardwinning Anne Fine
See all Reviews
0440866308 Frozen Billy Two children are drawn into helping with a ventriloquist’s act in this creepy Victorian tale from multi-award-winning author Anne Fine
See all Reviews
0140340718 Goggle Eyes Winner of the Carnegie Medal 1990 and "The Guardian" Children's Fiction Award 1990, this book is about Kitty, who hates her mother's boyfriend. Yet when he leaves, she finds she misses him. Anne Fine has also written "Madame Doubtfire", short-listed for the Young Observer Teenage Fiction Prize.
0140306897 Carrie's War Evacuated from London to Wales during World War II, Carrie and her brother are sent to live with the very strict Mr Evans. In trying to heal the breach between Mr Evans and his estranged sister, Carrie does the worst thing she ever did in her life.
0007190425 Tiger Tiger A swashbuckling tale set in Ancient Rome. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
"Tiger, Tiger" is a hugely powerful and epic novel set against the dazzling backdrop of ancient Rome. This compelling and uplifting story about friendship, brotherhood and battling against the odds will grip all who read it. Her heart was throbbing behind her ribs. A real, live tiger? But that was impossible! Of all the beasts brought from far-off countries the tiger was the most formidable. There could be no one bold enough to introduce one into Caesar's palace! Two tiger cubs are snatched from their native jungle and shipped to Rome. On arrival at this strange land crowded with noisy "two-legs" they are cruelly separated. One cub becomes the princess's pampered and adored house pet. The other, fiercer, cub is trained to become the star performer in Caesar's bloodthirsty circus. Princess Aurelia detests her father's brutal "sport", but must keep her feelings secret - no one dares criticise the almighty Caesar! The only person she can confide in is the slave Julius, her tiger's keeper. But such a friendship is equally forbidden: should the Emperor find out, his anger would be terrible and the punishment severe. But friendship and love cannot be dictated, and neither tiger nor man is destined for a life in chains. In a world dominated by Caesar's will, all must fight for freedom...
0749701366 I Am David The story of a young boy's journey through Europe after escaping from the camp where he had lived all his life. Sea, mountains and flowers, the colours of Italy, the taste of fruit, people laughing and smiling, all are new to David. And David learns that his polite manner, his haunted eyes and his thin features are strange to other people.
0140315411 Goodnight Mr Tom Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the country as Britain stands on the brink of World War II. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of old Tom Oakley - but his-new found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother back in London.
0439997410 My Story: The Blitz It's 1940. Edie Benson lives in a little house in Lewisham, London, with her family. Little does she know when she starts writing her diary that the summer is going to become one of air-raid sirens, bombs, and lead to the evacuation of herself and her brother to Wales - away from everything she knows and loves.
0439959381 My Story: U-Boat Hunter Sixteen-year-old Peter Rogers is training to be a Royal Navy officer in 1939 when he hears that his father's ship has been torpedoed off the coast of Ireland. The survivors, including his father, have been captured by a German U-boat crew and treated cruelly - some of them are shot dead. In 1940 Peter joins an escort fleet in the North Atlantic where British convoys are suffering horrific losses from enemy U-boats. We share in the trials and tribulations of his duties, including the constant tension, the bitter cold, mountainous seas - and the moment when he and his father's captor come face to face...
0141307994 King Of Shadows Nat is a young actor who has travelled from America to rehearse and perform as Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream". As the rehearsals intensify, Nat's health begins to fail and soon the rest of the cast are horrifed to hear that he has been rushed to hospital, suffering from the Bubonic Plague.
140520110X Kezzie During the 1930s depression in Scotland, Kezzie and her young sister Lucy are orphaned following their father's death in a pit accident. Left to live with their grandfather, they manage to survive on the little work he and Kezzie can find. But life turns sour when Lucy goes missing and is taken up by an adoption agency who send her to Canada. Without hesitation Kezzie sets off to find her little sister, and after a frantic countrywide search discovers Lucy working for an uncaring couple. Having been badly treated, she is weak and seriously ill. Kezzie bravely snatches her young charge back and with the help of a local doctor and his wife nurses her to a full recovery, before making the decision to settle for life in Canada or Scotland.
0330397850 The Machine Gunners 'Some bright kid's got a gun and 2000 rounds of live ammo. And that gun's no peashooter. It'll go through a brick wall at a quarter of a mile.' Chas McGill has the second-best collection of war souvenirs in Garmouth, and he desperately wants it to be the best. When he stumbles across the remains of a German bomber crashed in the woods - its shiny, black machine-gun still intact - he grabs his chance. Soon he's masterminding his own war effort with dangerous and unexpected results...'...not just the best book so far written for children about the Second World War, but also a metaphor for now.' Aidan Chambers, Times Literary Supplement
033039861X Blitzcat She made her way down the cliff, and on to the beach. At the edge of the waves, she stopped, shaking her wet paws. She knew that somewhere ahead was her person, but far, far away. She miaowed plaintively; stood staring at the moving blur of uncrossable sea. She led the way to safety, out of the blazing hell of blitzed Coventry. People touched her for luck; feared her as an omen of disaster. Wherever she went, she changed lives...From her beginning to her end she never wavered. She was the Blitzcat. "Westall's writing has always been strong and vivid but he has rarely written as confidently as this." Times Literary Supplement
0751347485 Bird Be an eyewitness to the breathtaking moment when a chick hatches from its egg, the growth of young birds in their nest and how birds camouflage themselves, fly, hunt and feed. Find out why wings are different shape and sizes and discover which are the world's biggest, smallest and fastest birds.
140530295X Human Body Be an eyewitness to the amazing world of your body - from the incredible framework of the skeleton to the millions of tiny cells that make your body work. See the network of nerves inside your head, discover how muscles help us to move, and find out how X-rays work.
0751364827 Insect This is a resource for young readers learning about insects. Discover facts such as why some insects shed their skins and the secrets behind unusual camouflage techniques.
0751364762 Mammal Did you know that when two bull hippos yawn at each other, they aren't actually tired, but displaying territorial ownership? This book sets out to explore the world of the mammals - what they look like, their body structure, evolution, breeding, habits and behaviours, and in doing so it should hopefully cast some light on our place in their world. This title is a comprehensive guide to the natural world of mammals. It covers everything, from answering the question "what separates us from other groups of species - birds, fish, spiders and insects" to the evolution of mammals over the last 200 million years.
0751364835 Plant This title is a resource for young readers learning about all aspects of plants, from how the wind can affect a plant's shape to the different stages of germination. Discover facts such as how the earliest "plants" were so small dozens could have fitted on a pinhead.
0751364789 Pond & River In this text, see tiny molluscs grasping a stone, or find out how quickly a water snail grows by counting the water rings on its shell. From beneath the surface of the water to the surrounding plant and animal life, this is a guide to the natural world of the pond and river.
0751347426 Rock & Mineral Be an eyewitness to the world's rocks and minerals from stalactites as old as the dinosaurs to priceless nuggets of gold and silver. See how the first paints were made from crushed rocks; find out about rocks from outer space; and discover what earth is made of and how its rocks were formed.
1405305487 Tree Did you know that a single seed can cross an ocean? Or what happens when a leaf dies? Learn about the different varieties of the world's trees, from the tiny acorn to forest giants of California. Everything you need to know about anything to do with trees and great for project work.
0440863767 The Scarecrow And The Servant A brilliantly funny and moving tale of friendship from the multi-award winning, highly acclaimed Philip Pullman.
Synopsis
This is a wonderful new tale of two friends: a scarecrow made of straw and turnip, and his servant, a clever little boy named Jack. Their journey of discovery takes them into hilarious situations and terrifying dangers, but Jack's common sense always saves the day. This fantastic story of friendship and love is the first book for younger readers from Philip Pullman since "I Was A Rat", and his first full-length book since "The Amber Spyglass".
See all Reviews
0440866405 The Firework-Maker's Daughter An oriental adventure, bursting with excitement and humour, reissued in a new paperback edition with new illustrations.
See all Reviews
0440866391 I Was A Rat! An intriguing and exciting tale about a rat who turned into a little boy and couldn't change back again, reissued in a new paperback edition.
Synopsis
When a small boy turns up on Bob and Joan's doorstep unable to say much except 'I was a rat', the kindly couple adopt him. It seems strange but Bob reads about odder things every day in his newspaper. To them, the sunny little chap is Roger, and he's trying hard to adapt to human life. But when he gets lost and ends up on the run, other people, egged on by their newspapers, are quick to see him as the Monster, a rodent fiend who could terrorise the town. Only a friend in a very high place could save Roger from the authorities who are determined to exterminate him- Cleverly weaving elements of the Cinderella story into a subtle parody of modern times, master storyteller Philip Pullman has created a gallery of fascinating characters from the virtuous to the villainous, in a book which will grip every reader who picks it up.
See all Reviews
0440866383 Clockwork A classic Philip Pullman tale, reissued in a stunning new format.
See all Reviews
0552548855 Count Karlstein A glorious Transylvanian spoof - spooky, witty and melodramatic!
Synopsis
No one in the village of Karlstein dares to leave their homes on All Souls' Eve - the night Zamiel the Demon Huntsman comes to claim his prey. But the evil Count Karlstein has struck a terrible bargain with Zamiel, and so the lives of his two young nieces, Lucy and Charlotte, are in danger. Their only hope lies with Hildi, a castle maidservant, and her fearless brother Peter. Can they save the girls from their dreadful fate? Only one thing is certain - the Demon Huntsman will not return to his dark wood unsatisfied! A deliciously terrifying and wickedly funny Gothic tale, Count Karlstein is the first-ever children's book by Philip Pullman, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Fiction Award and two Smarties Awards. Originally published in 1982, this new edition of Count Karlstein is a treat no Pullman fan should miss.
See all Reviews
0439951658 Ally's World:01 Past...NE Meet the Love children: oh-so-perfect Linn, airy-fairy Rowan, animal-obsessed Tor - and Ally, trying to have a normal life somewhere in the middle of it all. Which isn't easy when you live in a house that's a cross between an animal hospital and something out of the television programme 'Changing Rooms'. And then there's school and the small matter of the forgotten history project and the obnoxious new girl that - oh joy! - Ally's been nominated to look after. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks...The first in the Ally's world series.
0439951666 Ally's World:02 Dates...NE Ally's feeling inadequate. Her only romantic experience amounts to a burping-in-mouth scenario with Keith Brownlow, but Kyra's only been in Crouch End two seconds and she's got herself a boyfriend! Even Ally's dad seems to be 'dating' - has he forgotten all about her mum? Still, Ally's not sure what's more worrying: not having a boyfriend, or being invited on a double date with Kyra, Ricardo and Ricardo's mystery mate..
0439951674 Ally's World:03 Butterflies NE Ally's worried about the family finances. Her big sister Linn has found herself a Saturday job, but Ally's too young to work..unless she's a wee bit economical with the truth and braves the mad wig lady in the cardshop down the road. And talking of mad, what's going on with Rowan? If everyone's so broke, where does all her sparkly new stuff come from - the Shopping Fairy?
0439951682 Ally's World:04 Friends...NE Ally seems to have developed a siamese twin: Sandie! Suddenly Sandie's got the same hairstyle as her, the same outfit and same bedroom decor. Talk about Attack of the Clones... As if that wasn't enough, Ally also has the Nightmare School Project to worry about. Until inspiration strikes and the Raspberry Pink Windowsill Bird Table is born..
0439951836 Ally's World: 05 Boys NE There are days when Ally just doesn't "get" the male species. Take Billy, her so-called best mate, who's being even more annoying than usual - so how come she's having slushy love-type feelings for him? And then, there's little brother Tor, and his habit of asking embarrassing questions ("Ally, where do baby mice come from?"). But right now, Ally's got more pressing concerns - like how to get rid of her love handles.
0439951844 Ally's World: 06 Sisters NE Welcome to my World. It's weird but kind of wonderful...Ally knows Linn finds her chaotic family a bit ...exasperating. Super efficient Linn with her super tidy room and super perfect hair sometime doesn't seem like a Love Child at all. But when Linn falls for Q, lead singer in Chazza's band, all her sensible, self-controlled ways go to pieces. Everyone else can see Q's a creep - but does Ally have the courage to burst Linn's heart-shaped bubble?
0552551317 Girls in love Jacqueline Wilson's acclaimed insight and humour focuses on three girls coping with their early teens. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
See all Reviews
0552551325 Girls under pressure This is the second of three books about teenage girls from author Jacqueline Wilson. Ellie, Nadine and Magda are best friends. They are in Year Nine, and their lives are dominated by boys.
About the Author
Jacqueline Wilson:
JACQUELINE WILSON is an extremely well-known and hugely popular author. THE ILLUSTRATED MUM was chosen as British Children's Book of the Year in 1999 and was winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award 2000. Jacqueline has won the prestigious Smarties Prize and the Children's Book Award for DOUBLE ACT, which was also highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. Jacqueline was awarded an OBE in 2002.
* 'A brilliant young writer of wit and subtlety' THE TIMES
* 'Hugely popular with seven to ten year olds: she should be prescribed for all cases of reading reluctance' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
* 'Has a rare gift for writing lightly and amusingly about emtional issues' BOOKSELLER
0552551333 Girls out late Nine o'clock. That's when I have to be home. Dad thinks it's not safe any later. But then the most amazing things happen. Out with my best friends, gorgeous Magda and super-cool Nadine, I meet a boy. And it's "me" he's interested in. But will he stay interested in a girl who has to be home by nine?
About the Author
Jacqueline Wilson:
JACQUELINE WILSON is an extremely well-known and hugely popular author. THE ILLUSTRATED MUM was chosen as British Children's Book of the Year in 1999 and was winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award 2000. Jacqueline has won the prestigious Smarties Prize and the Children's Book Award for DOUBLE ACT, which was also highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. Jacqueline was awarded an OBE in 2002.
* 'A brilliant young writer of wit and subtlety' THE TIMES
* 'Hugely popular with seven to ten year olds: she should be prescribed for all cases of reading reluctance' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
* 'Has a rare gift for writing lightly and amusingly about emtional issues' BOOKSELLER
0552547115 Girls in tears A fourth instalment in the highly popular GIRLS series for older readers, from bestseller Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
0440864151 Vicky Angel A superb story about a girl grieving for her best friend, from the inimitable pen of mega-selling author, Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
0440863686 The Illustrated Mum A powerful novel of two sisters who have to cope with living in a very dysfunctional household where their tattoo-crazy mum has real difficulties in coping
See all Reviews
0552547123 Lola Rose When Jayni, her mum and little brother have to run away from her abusive father, it starts off as a big adventure. They slip out at night, go up to London by train and stay in a hotel. They even make up false identities to protect their secret and Jayni becomes the glamorous-sounding Lola Rose. But when the money runs out and reality bites, is it still a game they should play? Another brilliantly crafted story of real family life from the prize-winning, children's favourite, Jacqueline Wilson.
See all Reviews
0590660543 Northern Lights In this first part of the "Dark Materials" trilogy, Lyra's friend Roger disappears. She and her daemon, Pantalaimon, determine to find him. Their quest leads them to the bleak splendour of the North where a team of scientists are conducting unspeakably horrible experiments.
0590112899 The subtle knife The second book in the "Dark Materials" trilogy. Will is 12 years old and he's just killed a man. Determined to discover the truth about his father's disappearance, he steps through a window into another world. There, he meets a girl called Lyra who, like himself, is on a mission.
043999358X The amber spyglass Lyra lies sleeping in a cave near a rainbow, drugged into unconsciousness by her mother, Mrs Coulter, whose love for her daughter closely rivals her own ruthless ambition. Now, the latter threatens to overcome the former, as she strives to prevent the events which are dependent on the decisions Lyra is fated to make. Meanwhile, Will-scarred and traumatised after his last, fatal meeting with his father-seeks blindly for her, with only two of Lord Asriel's angels as companions on his dangerous search. The two are fated to meet once more, however, and begin their most treacherous journey. For Lyra owes a great debt, and she must repay it-she must rescue her friend from the Land of the Dead. Neither are prepared for the terrible sacrifice they must endure, or for the universal consequences of their actions. Lyra and Will must play their part in the war between the worlds and heaven...
0439977789 Ruby In The Smoke A gripping mystery from an incedibly talented author. Sally Lockhart is living quietly in London with her obnoxious cousin, after her father's tragic death at sea. But the peaceful, if hateful, existence is about to end. Sally's father left her a message, and deciphering it will lead her into a world of danger and excitement such as she's never known...
0439977800 Tiger In The Well A terrifying thriller set in Victorian London. Sally Lockhart is content - her business is thriving, she has a comfortable house, and her adored baby daughter Harriet. But her life is about to change - or rather someone has already changed it. Sally's history has been altered, and her child is suddenly no longer hers. To save Harriet, Sally must abandon her comfortable existence and hide - until it's time to fight back.
0439977819 Shadow In The North A fast-paced thriller set in the underworld of Victorian London. A financial disaster for one of her clients leads Sally Lockhart into the the depths of a dangerous mystery. Who is financier Axel Bellmann? What is behind the mysterious bad luck that's hit the Anglo-Baltic shipping line? And why is Bellmann so keen to stop Sally digging into his affairs...
0439977797 Tin Princess Sally Lockhart's friend and partner-in-adventure Jim Taylor has just solved a mystery. For years he's been searching for Adelaide, the little girl enslaved by toothless crone Mrs Holland in The Ruby in the Smoke. And now he's found her - just as she's about to become a princess. Crown Princess of Razkavia, to be exact, and a princess in danger. Her future husband is desperate to protect his bride, and employs Jim as their bodyguard - Razkavia's quaint little streets are full of danger.
0140307990 The dark is rising It's mid-winter's Eve, the day before Will's 11th birthday. But there is an atmosphere of fear in the familiar countryside around him. And why does Mr Dawson the farmer give him an iron talisman, as if for protection?
0439963958 The haunting of Alaizabal Cray A dark fantasy set in a parallel London stalked by demons...London has survived war and plague only to face a new horror - the Wych Kin. All kinds of demons lurk in the labyrinth of the Old Quarter, and it is the task of wych-hunters such as Thaniel Fox to keep them at bay. Then one night he rescues a young woman who has lost her memory: the beautiful and vulnerable Alaizabel Cray. But Alaizabel is nursing a dark secret, one that even she does not understand, a secret that could unleash the most terrible evil of all...
1405219769 The Looking Glass Wars Alyss, born in Wonderland, is destined to be a warrior queen. After a bloody coup topples the Heart regime, Alyss is exiled to another world entirely, where she is adopted into a new family, renamed Alice and befriended by Lewis Carroll. At age 20 she returns to Wonderland to battle Redd and lead Wonderland into its next golden age of imagination.
0007193203 Lord Loss From the international multI-million selling author DARREN SHAN comes a new character, a new scenario, a new set of horrors. LORD LOSS will be devoured by avid Shansters and tingle the spines of many new fans. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Synopsis
From the international multi-million selling author Darren Shan comes a new character, a new scenario, a new set of horrors now in paperback. "Lord Loss" will be devoured by avid Shansters and tingle the spines of many new fans. "The door feels red hot, as though a fire is burning behind it. I press an ear to the wood - but there's no crackle. No smoke. Just deep, heavy breathing! And a curious dripping sound. My hand's on the door knob. Inside the room, somebody giggles - low, throaty, sadistic. There's a ripping sound, followed by snaps and crunches. My hand turns. The door opens. Hell is revealed." When Grubbs Grady first encounters Lord Loss and his evil minions, he learns three things: the world is vicious, magic is possible, demons are real. He thinks that he will never again witness such a terrible night of death and darkness! He is wrong.
See all Reviews
0439977347 Predator's Gold Fleeing from an Anti-Tractionist sect, the Green Storm, Tom and Hester are left drifting in the frozen Ice Wastes, slowly dying of cold after the Jenny Haniver's engines have failed. They are saved at the last minute, finding Anchorage, a once-beautiful ice city that has fallen on hard times. Crippled by plague, there are barely fifty souls on Anchorage now, and the teenage margravine has made a desperate choice. They are heading for America, the Dead Continent...
0439977177 Looking For JJ A gripping and emotionally searing novel from a talented author, Looking for JJ explores the circumstances and motives behind the murder of a child - by her friend. Six years later, JJ has now been released, and has a new identity. But is there any way that she can lead a "normal" life?
1416901353 Century Mercy and her sister Charity have never questioned their daily routine, each day unfolding exactly as the next. They live at night, sleep during the day and see their widowed father only rarely - their house shrouded in perpetual winter. Then one day, Mercy is woken to find a snowdrop on her pillow. A sign of spring, a subtle hint at a possible different future. A chance meeting with the mysterious Claudius sets her to questioning everything she has ever known - not least the truth behind her mother's death. Bit by bit Mercy traces her parents' story through the past, travelling back to see herself as a young child, silent witness to the dramatic events Claudius himself plays an enormous part in - only when she has pieced together the truth can her world begin to move on.
0439954789 Montmorency Fleeing across a roof on a dark night in Victorian London, a thief crashes through a skylight to almost certain death. But a young doctor reconstructs his shattered body, and unwittingly provides him with the key to a new existence. On his release from prison he begins to lead a double life, becoming both the respectable, wealthy Montmorency and his degenerate servant, Scarper. Meanwhile, the police are baffled by a wave of mysterious thefts...But Montmorency must be on his guard at every moment. The smallest mistake could reveal his secret and destroy both his lives.
0007150075 Private Peaceful Innocence and love, courage and cowardice. A stunning, moving novel from Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Reviews
0099456761 The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time A fantastically unusual detective story written from the perspective of an autistic boy.
Synopsis
Christopher is 15 and lives in Swindon with his father. He has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. He is obsessed with maths, science and Sherlock Holmes but finds it hard to understand other people. When he discovers a dead dog on a neighbour's lawn he decides to solve the mystery and write a detective thriller about it. As in all good detective stories, however, the more he unearths, the deeper the mystery gets - for both Christopher and the rest of his family.
See all Reviews
0439979439 Mortal Engines Tom and Hester have been thrown together. Truly-thrown out of a city on wheels that's left them stranded and starving in the middle of nowhere while it hares off after its prey. Hester is desperate for revenge, and Tom is only desperate to get back on board his beloved London. This is a stunning literary debut from Philip Reeve. A novel that defies easy categorisation, it is a gripping adventure story set in an inspired fantasy world, where moving cities trawl the globe. Peopled with convincing and utterly likeable characters, this story is a magical and unique read.
0192754319 Ivy The only beautiful thing in Ivy's drab life is her glorious red hair. At a young age, her locks made her the target of Carroty Kate, a 'skinner'. She recruited Ivy to help her coax wealthy children away from their nannies so that she could strip them of their clothes - clothes worth a fortune in the markets of Petticoat Lane. It is years before Ivy escapes and finds her way back to her in-laws. Once there, she finds respite in laudanum. But before she can settle into a stupor and forget the terrible things she has done, Ivy is spotted by a wealthy pre-Raphaelite painter. Oscar Fosdick needs a muse (until now he has had to use his domineering mother as a model, something not conducive to producing his best work, he finds). To him, Ivy is perfect, a stunner. Realising quickly that this painter has more money than sense, Ivy's in-laws order her to sit for him, and to do anything else he demands. But not everyone is happy. Oscar's mother is determined to get rid of Ivy. Oscar's famous neighbour is determined to paint her. Carroty Kate is determined to find her, and Ivy herself is determined to escape...
0439951046 Beast In the depths of a reservoir lives a monstrous creature. Its existence is unknown to anyone except the teenage boy who feeds it. Six years ago it was a vicious little baby. Now it has grown huge, and its rusting cage can't hold it much longer...Stephen is a boy with many secrets, and the Beast is the biggest. His life in foster care, always bad, is getting worse, and he's in trouble with the police. All the odds are against him finding a decent place in the world, but his efforts to free himself of the Beast make him a hero that readers will never forget.
1844286207 Evil Star After his experiences at Raven's Gate, fourteen-year-old Matt Freeman thinks his days of battling evil are over. But soon he is pulled into another horrifying adventure when he discovers a second gate exists. Matt and his friend Richard travel to Peru and, assisted by a secret organization known as the Nexus, follow a series of clues to the gate's whereabouts. But there is a traitor in the Nexus...Richard is kidnapped. Matt manages to escape with the help of Pablo, a local boy. The pair travel to the Nazca desert and Matt realizes the horrifying truth - the Nazca lines are the second gate and it is about to open. But this time, will he have the strength to prevent it?
0007175078 Sir Thursday Get ready for more brilliant page-turning fantasy from master, Garth Nix. On the fourth day, there was war! Pick up with Arthur Penhaligon as his Keys to the Kingdom adventures continue in the mysterious House. Following their adventures in the Border Sea, Arthur and Leaf head for home. But only Leaf gets through the Front Door. Arthur is blocked because someone - or something - has assumed his identity and is taking over his life. Before Arthur can take action, he is drafted by Sir Thursday and forced to join the Glorious Army of the Architect. The Army has its headquarters in the Great Maze, a defensive area of the House. Half of the Maze has already been dissolved by Nothing, and hordes of Nithlings emerge regularly to attack the rest. If the Nithling invasion can overcome the Army and the Great Maze, the House will be lost and the whole universe with it. While Leaf tries to banish Arthur's doppelganger on earth, Arthur must survive his basic training, avoid getting posted to the Front and work out how he can free Part Four of the Will and gain the Fourth Key from Sir Thursday. If the latest, strongest and most dangerous Nithling offensive doesn't break through first!
038560940X The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas A story of innocence existing within the most terrible evil, this is the fictional tale of two young boys caught up in events entirely beyond their control.
Synopsis
This work was set in Berlin, 1942. When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But, Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than what meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.
See all Reviews
1405223286 Skin Donnie: 'I think back on things that happened. And I think about how if you were to tell stories about us, about our family, you might raise up your eyebrows and you might say, 'Well, no wonder.' I bet you think you could pinpoint where it started for her. It's easy to think that, when you can look back as something as a whole. But when you're living it, day by day, it's like you're in the belly of something and you can't see its whole shape from the inside.' Our summer by the lake was perfect. Then we came home. And that's when it all started to go wrong. 'SKIN is Donnie's story. It was Donnie who came first, when I was remembering an acneriddled classmate in high school who, despite being ostracized and discounted, seemed to have a pretty amazing life outside of school. I remembered seeing this kid with his friends, his girlfriend, his band, and I began to think about why this kid had had no problem opting out of the school cool chain to find his happiness somewhere else. He just didn't seem to care what the kids at school thought of him. When I was a kid, on the other hand, I cared a whole lot. A distance had spread between me and my junior high friends, and as high school began, I found myself adrift. Of course, now, it's obvious that everyone feels adrift at some point in high school, but at the time, the pain was very real for me, and there was no friend I could flop down beside on the couch and say, "I'm so lonely!" and be reassured.'
0340773855 Clay This is another lyrical, gripping read from the multiaward winner, David Almond. With fascination, Davie and his friend Geordie watch the arrival of a new boy, Stephen Rose, in their town. He seems to have come from nowhere, and when he arrives to live with his distant aunt, the local 'loony', 'Crazy Mary', no one envies his new home. But perhaps, he's the answer to Davie and Geordie's prayers - a secret weapon in their war against the monstrous Mouldy and his gang? Intrigued, Davie and Geordie befriend Stephen. But they are heading innocently down a path that brings with it a monster of an entirely unexpected nature. Their encounter with the mysterious Stephen is as incredible as it is menacing, and as the true story of Stephen's past slowly emerges, Davie's life is changed forever.
0439963931 Infernal Devices Anchorage has become a static settlement on the shores of the Dead Continent, and its inhabitants have been living peacefully for sixteen years. But now trouble is approaching - in a limpet sub, and fast. The Lost Boys are back, and they'll do anything to get what they want. Tom and Hester's daughter Wren is their eager dupe, bored and desperate for adventure. When the theft of the mysterious Tin Book of Anchorage goes wrong, Wren is snatched away in the limpet, who knows where. Tom and Hester set off to rescue her, but this is the end of their quiet life on Anchorage. The journey will stir up old needs, old secrets - and send them back into perilous waters...
0141318600 Blood Fever File Note: Strictly Confidential - Authorised Personnel Only. Subject: James Bond. Description: Age 13. Dark hair; blue eyes; tall for age; surprisingly strong; fluent French, good German. Essential components: A Mediterranean mystery. One kidnapped girl - feisty, blond, superfit Amy Goodenough, sister of James' best friend Mark. One villainous pirate - Zoltan Magyr. Mysterious Latin-speaking men lurking near Eton. One fast car.
068987264X So Below: Key To The City In a bid to escape from a mysterious pursuer, Yoshi takes refuge below the streets of London - and finds a world away from our own. Here, in this sprawling, multi-layered network of tunnels, panic rooms, vaults, catacombs and lost waterways, he discovers his own vital part in a mission to tap into ancient forces underpinning the capital.
0330431900 The Hunted In a future world where people live to be 150, humans have paid the price for their longer lives - the cost being their fertility. Children have become a commodity: they are bought and sold, won and lost, and worst of all, are hunted by the 'kiddernappers' keen to make a quick buck on a big sale. When Deet wins Tarrin in a card game he rents him out to childless couples. They pay for Tarrin to play in their houses, and they pretend he's their child for an hour or two. But as Tarrin gets older, Deet is keen to secure his future and his interest in 'The Peter Pan' operation grows. By having 'The Peter Pan', Tarrin would stay a boy for ever. He would grow old inside the body of a young boy. While Tarrin faces a difficult dilemma, someone is watching him. Someone who has plans of his own.
0007210922 The Quantum Prophecy This title is part of a superhero adventure series that gives ordinary boys extraordinary powers! Comic-book style adventure meets fast paced action in this thrilling new series, starting with "The Quantum Prophecy". "The Quantum Prophecy", first in "The New Heroes" trilogy, takes place ten years after a great battle in which all the world's superheroes and supervillains disappeared. Nobody knows what happened to Titan, Energy, Paragon and their evil adversaries, but when 13-year-old Colin Wagner and his best friend Danny begin to develop strange powers, they realise that a new age of superhumans might be just beginning. Where will they go? Who can they trust? Above all, how will Colin and Danny use their new-found powers - for good or evil? Find out in this brilliant new series, an innovative and exciting reworking of the superhero genre.
0140362517 Stone Cold Winner of the 1994 Carnegie Medal. Link, 17 years old and driven from his parental home, has drifted to London, jobless and friendless. He meets Deb, a homeless girl, who gives him some meaning in life. He doesn't realize that Deb is a journalist hunting a serial killer who preys on the homeless.
033039892X The Stolen 'A cracking plot...a thrilling unexpected twist' Sunday Telegraph Life's a game - and someone's cheating...Meredith is a new girl at school. An orphan, living with her elderly granny. She must be lonely - or so Carly thinks, trying to be nice. But sometimes nice doesn't work. Sometimes people are worse than you could ever imagine. And Meredith has a secret - a story Carly can hardly begin to believe. About a girl with no future and someone else's past. A vicious old lady who refuses to die. A young life stolen. For Meredith is not Meredith at all...
See all Reviews
0141320478 The Tulip Touch This is the story of a strange and disturbing friendship seen through the eyes of Natalie as she gets to know Tulip Pierce, a delinquent girl most others go out of their way to avoid. Nobody wants Tulip in their gang. She bunks off school, is rude to the teachers and makes herself unpopular with her classmates by telling awful lies. But none of this matters to Natalie who finds Tulip's behaviour exciting and dangerous. At first she doesn't care that other people are upset by Tulip's bizarre games but as the games become increasingly dangerous and sinister, Natalie realises that Tulip is going too far. Way too far...Tulip becomes even more destructive and after a row with Natalie she commits a terrible crime. This is a compelling story in which Anne Fine explores the dark side of a friendship bordering on obsession, and sensitively depicts one girl's gradual decline into hostility and violence.
184428946X So Much To Tell You Scarred, literally, by her past, Marina has withdrawn into silence. Then, at her new boarding school, she is set the task of writing a diary by her English teacher, and finds a way of expressing her thoughts and feelings and of exploring the traumatic events that have caused her distress. Through Marina's diary we gain an insight into life on her dormitory, and her difficult relationship with her father, who injured her in an angry moment. Eventually, Marina makes tentative friendships and, in a moving denouement, is reconciled with her father.
0747570639 A Gathering Light When Mattie is given the letters by a guest at the hotel in which she has a summer job she thinks that the giver is simply upset. But the next day when the woman is found drowned in Big Moose Lake Mattie has to decide if she will read the letters, or burn them as the woman requested. But Mattie has problems enough of her own as she is growing up and trying to decide on her future. Her desire to be a writer and her dreams of life outside the small rural community in which she has always lived are beginning to overwhelm her. Will Mattie make it away from home? Will she leave the family and boyfriend who both love and smother her? Will she be like her friend and settle to married life or like her other friend and mentor the poet Ms Wilcox. Slowly the two stories merge to one amazing conclusion as Mattie finds the courage to make very important decisions. Set in 1906 and built around the real life murder of a young woman in a popular holiday resort this novel is touching, surprising, moving and compelling.
See all Reviews
033039830X The Bailey Game Even if she doesn't believe in the ghost of Michael Bailey, Alex Lewis is still haunted by the memory of the terrifying incident that took place two years ago, and by the fact that she too played the vicious game which led to it - the Bailey Game. And all it takes for the game to start again is the arrival of a new girl, Lauren Price, who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the class. Alex is suddenly confronted with some difficult decisions, but ultimately her friendship with Lauren and her memory of the unstoppable Bailey Game, demand that this time she opts out of the game and faces the perils of being on the outside...
0439950589 Does My Head Look Big In This? Don't panic - I'm Islamic. Amal is a 16-year-old Melbourne teen with all the usual obsessions about boys, chocolate and Cosmo magazine. She's also a Muslim, struggling to honor the Islamic faith in a society that doesn't understand it. The story of her decision to "shawl up" and its attendant anxieties (like how much eyeliner to wear) is funny, surprising and touching by turns.
0439950953 Troy The most famous war in history is brought to life through the eyes of two sisters. Marpessa is gifted with God-sight, Xanthe has the healing touch. But then, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, decides to play with their hearts...and contrives for them to fall in love with the same young warrior.
033041528X Across The Nightingale Floor In his black-walled fortress at Inuyama, the murderous warlord, lida Sadamu, surveys his famous nightingale floor. Constructed with exquisite skill, it sings at the tread of each human foot. No assassin can cross it unheard. Brought up in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people, Takeo has learned only the ways of peace. Why, then, does he possess the deadly skills that make him so valuable to the sinister Tribe? These supernatural powers will lead him to his violent destiny within the walls of Inuyama - and to an impossible longing for a girl who can never be his. His journey is one of revenge and treachery, honour and loyalty, beauty and magic, and the passion of first love.
0747575827 Eliza Rose Eliza is ousted by her new stepmother from her family and finally makes her way to London - only to be thrown straight into prison for stealing a mouthful of bread. At this point Eliza's life takes some remarkable twists as she learns to survive the sordid prison life, and is rescued by a woman she has never met before pretending to be her aunt - but for what exactly? - and befriends Nell Gwynn who introduces her to the courtly intrigue, politics and glamour of the court of King Charles. And then Eliza finds out about her true background.
From the Back Cover
In this book you will find WICKED POEMS from John Hegley, Jackie Kay, Benjamin Zephaniah, Carol Ann Duffy, Brian Patten, Wendy Cope, CHarles Causley, Michaels Rosen, Roger McGough and many more ... --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Reviews
0192791575 The Merrybegot This is the story of Nell who lives with her grandmother, the local cunning woman and healer, in a west country village in the seventeenth century. When one of the minister's daughters falls pregnant, she and her sister attempt to conceal it by accusing Nell of putting a curse on them. The witchfinder general, Matthew Hopkins, is called in and in an atmosphere of fear, the local villagers turn nasty and Nell's grandmother falls victim to their hatred. Nell is all alone, and in great danger.
0141304871 Chinese Cinderella The story of a Chinese woman and how she suffered appalling emotional deprivation and rejection by her family as a child growing up in China and Hong Kong. She tells of the consequences in her adult life, above which she rose to make a happy marriage and become a successful doctor in the USA.
1405212829 Coram Boy Otis takes babies and money off desperate mothers, promising to deliver them to the Coram Foundling Hospital in London. Instead, he murders them and buries them by the roadside, to the helpless horror of his mentally ill son, Mish. When Melissa, beloved of Alexander Ashbrook and daughter of his governess becomes pregnant by him, her mother arranges for the Otis to take the child, telling Melissa it was stillborn. Alexander, not knowing Melissa's condition, has fled his home for a career in music. But Mish manages to save Melissa's baby, Aaron, and he grows up with Toby, the son of an African slave, inseparable friends. Toby is a plaything at the house of rich Mr Gaddarn, who is, in fact, Otis. When Mish sees Aaron and Alexander together, and realises the family link, he takes Aaron and Toby to Otis, who rejects them. A way must be found to rescue them, but a great friend must die before the family can be reunited.
000713763X When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit Suppose your country began to change. Suppose that without your noticing, it became dangerous for some people to live in Germany any longer. Suppose you found, to your complete surprise, that your own father was one of those people. That is what happened to Anna in 1933. She was nine years old when it began, too busy with her schoolwork and toboganning to take much notice of political posters, but out of them glared the face of Adolf Hitler, the man who would soon change the whole of Europe - starting with her own small life. Anna suddenly found things moving too fast for her to understand. One day, her father was unaccountably missing. Then she herself and her brother Max were being rushed by their mother, in alarming secrecy, away from everything they knew - home and schoolmates and well-loved toys - right out of Germany...
0007122721 Hitler's Daughter The bombs were falling, the smoke was rising from the concentration camps, but all Hitler's daughter knew was lessons with Fraulein Gelber, the hedgehogs she rescued from the cold and infrequent visits from her beloved Duffi, her father. Was it just a story? Did Hitler's daughter rally exist? If you were Hitler's daughter, would it all be your fault? Could you still love your own father if he had done what Hitler did? Mark, a contemporary child, starts to question his own beliefs as he listens to the story that Anna weaves. A wonderfully sensitive and gripping time-slip novel that will sit well with When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit; Number the Stars and Big Tom. WW2 is a major historical topic studied in in UK primary and secondary schools, but this novel also deals with questions children so often ask of the 'What if?' variety.
014131950X How The Hangman Lost His Heart From Katie Grant, the author of "Blood Red Horse" and "Green Jasper", comes the recipe for the perfect historical read: feisty heroine Alice de Granville; traitorous (but charming) relative Uncle Frank (deceased); and valiant men none other than Uncle Frank's executioner, Dan Skinslicer, and Captain Hew French of the King's Dragoons. Add Alice's heartfelt certainty that Uncle Frank's remains must be safely returned to Hartslove, a headlong flight on horseback, disguises, the ever-gossipy London mob and the devastating effect of Alice's blue eyes, for a brilliantly funny, exciting adventure. You won't want it to end!
0746062109 FYT: Surprise Visitors This is one of a series of stories featuring Poppy and Sam, their dog Rusty, Curly the pig and Woolly the sheep, as they go about their lives on Apple Tree Farm.
0746062133 FYT: The New Pony This is one of a series of stories featuring Poppy and Sam, their dog Rusty, Curly the pig and Woolly the sheep, as they go about their lives on Apple Tree Farm.
0746061951 FYT: The Snow Storm It's snowing on Apple Tree Farm and Poppy, Sam and Ted take hay to feed the sheep. But where is Woolly? Sam finds Woolly, and Poppy rides back to the farm with a baby lamb. Farmyard Tales are gently humorous stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Ages 5+.
0746060467 FYT: Pig Gets Stuck Farmyard Tales are delightful stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Each story has a simple text to encourage young children to read themselves, and a longer text that children enjoy listening to - and a duck to find on each page. Ages 3+.
0746061943 Tractor In Trouble Farmer Dray and Dolly the cart horse are needed to help Ted rescue his tractor on a windy winter's day. Farmyard Tales are humorous stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Each story has a simple text to encourage young children to read themselves, and a longer text that children enjoy listening to. Ages 5+.
074606196X FYT: The Grumpy Goat Poppy and Sam have lots of clever ideas - but they can't coax Gertie out of her pen until Rusty comes to the rescue. But why does Gertie want to stay in her pen? Farmyard Tales are gently humorous stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Ages 5+.
0746062095 Market Day This is one of a series of stories featuring Poppy and Sam, their dog Rusty, Curly the pig and Woolly the sheep, as they go about their lives on Apple Tree Farm.
0746060483 FYT: Naughty Sheep, The Farmyard Tales are delightful stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Each story has a simple text to encourage young children to read themselves, and a longer text that children enjoy listening to - and a duck to find on each page. Ages 3+.
074606201X Old Steam Train The new Farmyard Tale story find favourite characters, Poppy and Sam, discovering the newly restored Apple Tree station and its steam train. Ages 5-7.
0746060513 Hungry Donkey Farmyard Tales are delightful stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm. Each story has a simple text to encourage young children to read themselves, and a longer text that children enjoy listening to - and a duck to find on each page. Ages 3+.
1856972224 Castles had moats Taking as its starting point a child's natural desire to understand the world, this series is designed to entertain and inform. This book focuses on castles and their history, and each spread investigates a specific theme or topic, with answers to questions, plus additional snippets of information.
1856973123 Pyramids were built Colour artwork and cartoons illustrate a title from the question and answer series I WONDER WHY, with unusual facts, information and amusing anecdotes, in an exploration of all aspects of the ancient Egyptians and the way they lived.
0753401673 Greeks built temples Designed to amuse and intrigue the young reader, this book combines high-quality artwork and lively cartoons with fun facts and simple analogies to provide an introduction to the world of the ancient Greeks.
0753401487 Romans wore togas Designed to amuse and intrigue the young reader, this book combines high-quality artwork and lively cartoons with fun facts and simple analogies to provide an introduction to the world of the ancient Romans.
1856973115 Spiders spin webs Colour artwork and cartoons illustrate another title from the question and answer series I WONDER WHY, with unusual facts and information about all sorts of creepy crawlies from spiders to scorpions. Suitable for National Curriculum Science Key Stage 1/2.
1856971031 My tummy rumbles Children are fascinated by the world around them, and "why" is a favourite word. This series takes as its starting point this natural desire to understand the world, and then feeds it with text and illustrations designed both to entertain and to inform. This book focuses on the human body, and each spread contains one, two or three questions which investigate a specific theme or topic. Alongside are additional snippets of relevant information.
1856972283 Soap makes bubbles Children are fascinated by the world around them, and "why" is a favourite word. This series takes as its starting point this natural desire to understand the world, and then feeds it with text and illustrations designed both to entertain and to inform. This book focuses on science in everyday life and covers topics such as why soap makes bubbles, why a teaspoon gets hot when you stir cocoa, and why grass is green.
1856973131 The sea is salty A further title from the question and answer series I WONDER WHY, with colour artwork and cartoons, an examination of the physical geography of seashores, islands and oceans, the animals that live in the oceans and human exploration of deep water, with unusual facts and analogies.
1856971015 Camels have humps Taking as its starting point a child's natural desire to understand the world, this is a series designed to entertain and to inform. This book focuses on the animal world, and each spread investigates a specific theme or topic, with answers to questions, plus additional snippets of information.
0753409356 Volcanoes blow their tops This title answers all sorts of questions that children ask about natural disasters such as volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes and extreme weather from hailstorms to cyclones.
0140312420 Miss Brick the builder's baby One of several comic stories for 6-8 year olds based on the card game 'Happy Families', this story features Miss Brick the builders' daughter.
0140378790 Ms Cliff the climber This is the story of the ups and downs, and tangles, in the life of Clara Cliff who marries, has children, divorces, remarries and has more children, with more than the usual quota of family fun and adventures.
0140312439 Miss Lather's laundry Designed for use at home and in school, each book in this series introduces the learner reader to the adventures of a different family.
0140312455 Mr Tick the Teacher One of several comic stories for 6-8 year olds based on the card game 'Happy Families', this story features Mr Tick the teacher.
0140312463 Master Money the millionaire Designed for use at home and in school, each book in this series introduces the learner reader to the adventures of a different family.
0140312382 Mrs Plug the Plumber One of several comic stories for 6-8 year olds based on the card game 'Happy Families', this story features Mrs Plug the plumber.
0140312366 Mr Biff the boxer One of several comic stories for 6-8 year olds based on the card game 'Happy Families', this story features Mr Biff the boxer.
0140312447 Mr Buzz the beeman One of several; comic stories for 6-8 year olds based on the card game 'Happy Families', this story features Mr Buzz the bee man.
0140312374 Mr Cosmo the conjuror Designed for use at home and in school, each book in this series introduces the learner reader to the adventures of a different family.
0140323473 Mrs Jolly's joke shop Designed for use at home and in school, each book in this series introduces the learner reader to the adventures of a different family.
0744510155 Bear's birthday First published in 1985, in three sections: a bear has a noisy birthday party; a little man has a big hat; and a door is opened to a monstrous surprise.
0744510147 Make a face First published in 1985 , in three sections: there is a big, fat frog to meet, a whole sum of boys is to be added up, and someone gets a jumbo-sized leg-up.
014054514X Brother Eagle, sister sky Nearly 150 years ago, Chief Seattle, a respected and peaceful leader of one of the Northwest Indian Nations, delivered a message to the government in Washington who wanted to buy his people's land. He believed that all life on earth, and the earth itself, is sacred.
0749656921 The River OP. Replace with What if? This highly illustrated text takes a look at recycling, using the example of a bottle left on a beach.
0711210764 The pebble in my pocket Where do pebbles come from? How were they made? This book tells the story of a pebble, from its origins in a fiery volcano 480 million years ago to a busy, modern landscape. Readers follow the processes of rock formation and erosion that create new pebbles all over the world.
0711213194 The zoo in the sky Featuring constellations named after animals, birds and fishes, this text introduces young children to a "zoo" in the sky. Sky maps and an information spread on the night sky, stars and galaxies are also included.
1860078540 What can I see? Garden These books give young children a selection of things to spot and find, then build on these discoveries by answering all those tricky questions toddlers and pre-schoolers have about the world around them. The first page presents the reader with nine things to find in its natural habitat. Target Age Group: 4+ years. Cross Curriculum Key Stage 1.
0749748931 Night Monkey Day Monkey Trying to play together allows Day Monkey and Night Monkey to each see how the other views the world.
0744578760 The hidden forest Looking for his lost fish trap, Ben thinks he sees something dark moving under the water. Is it a creature or only his imagination? Diving into the sea with his friend Sophie, he is amazed to discover a wonderful hidden world - and the rich variety of creatures that live there.
074964785X Seasons turning Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, award-winning author/illustrators of many of the Wonderwise titles, have created an exciting new collection of young non-fiction books that are perfect for children just beginning to read. Each book explores a particular area of learning with a simple narrative text and beautiful illustrations which, where appropriate, are labelled or given very simple captions. This differentiated text gently introduces readers to some of the methods of extracting information from a non-fiction book, but still enables them to read the book as a story - or simply look at the pictures. Each book has a list of contents, further information and a glossary/index. Seasons Turning takes you through the year and the different sensations each season brings.
0099400863 Tortuga Heavy with eggs, a small tortoise finds herself washed up on a remote island after a storm. Disaster strikes when a flock of seagulls steal the precious eggs and so she sets off in search of another mate. The whole island is explored and it seems that she is the only creature of her kind left in the world. Then one day, she sees a whole scramble of baby tortoises coming towards her! Not all her eggs have been lost!
0099408538 Hoppameleon When the world is still quite young, there was a sleepy, slurpy swamp. And in it swam a very odd-looking creature...As he makes his way in the world, this very odd-looking creature, with a long sticky tongue, who can hunt like a chameleon and sing like a parrot, isn't quite sure who or what he is. Nor is anyone else. But he does know that he wants to find a friend who is just like himself. An enchanting tale from the winner of the Children's Book Award.
075340530X Are you a ladybird? This introduction to the world of the ladybird aims to bring this familiar, small creature sympathetically to life. Young children should be fascinated by this tiny life found just outside their back door.
0753406675 Are you a Butterfly? This introduction to the world of the butterfly aims to bring this familiar, small creature sympathetically to life. Young children should be fascinated by this tiny life found just outside their back door.
014055713X The story of a woolly jumper OP. Replaced with the tiny tiny seed When the tiny seed is blown away from its parent plant, it travels a very long way. When it lands on fertile earth, the tiny seed grows and grows and grows - becoming the tallest, biggest flower for miles around. Then one day the wind blows and thousands of new tiny seeds begin their own journey.
0749658665 The birdwatchers OP. Replaced with the story of a storm Wonderwise is a series designed to introduce children to key topics and concepts in an entertaining and unusual way. "Wild and Free" is an introduction to wildlife conservation for very young children, with simple text and illustrations.
1842703390 The lion in the long grass A lioness hides her cub in the long grass while she goes hunting. But the tall grasses are perilously insufficient defence against a circling pack of jackals and an old male lion feels honour bound to step in to do some babysitting. When Old Lion is chall
0711207577 Curious clownfish Clownfish lives in a pool with Anemone, cleaning her tentacles in return for protection. But when Clownfish decides to explore and meets Dragonfish and Eel, she discovers just how dangerous a coral pool can be. Adrienne Kennaway is the winner of the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award.
0140388435 Only a show Each member of Anna's class has to do a show. Anna can't think of a thing to do, but when she accidentally knocks Scruff, her rabbit puppet, out of her schoolbag, everyone becomes excited at the prospect of a rabbit show. So Anna takes Scruff to the front of the class and hopes for the best.
014130684X Ghost Train Amateur ghostbusters Cosmo Jones and his friend Mr Pringle are in for a surprise when they are called in to investigate spooky goings on in the Webster family's living room.
0141310308 Robodog Gary and Sue long to have a dog, but they can't because their father is allergic to dog fur. Mum builds Chip the robot dog, who wants to be just like Rex, the thoroughbred dog next door. Rex's snooty owners laugh at Chip, but Gary and Sue love him just the way he is.
0141315431 The lonely puppy Millie, the Bing family's dog, is very lonely in the house by herself all day. The Bings are always busy and Millie wonders where they go to every morning. She is determined to find out and, now that she is so thin because she has been too lonely to eat her biscuits, she discovers that she can get out through the cat flap. She looks behind the compost heap, outside the garden and even Somewhere Else, but instead of finding the Bings she gets lost. Millie is rescued by a little boy called Billy and soon has two homes - a daytime one and a night-time one and is never lonely again.
0141315954 The birthday bash Patagonia Clatterbottom, the headteacher of Pirate School, is having a birthday. She takes the children to shop for a party and they are ambushed by the children of the School for Young Highwaypersons who take all the food. But Master Skittershins, the dancing master, secretly trains them in high kicks, etc and they go back to fight-dance the highwaypersons. They get the party food back and all ends happily when the highwaypersons turn up at the ship - but this time to join in the party.
0141312696 Just a bit of wind It's the first day at Pirate School for Ziggy, Smudge, Carkella and Flo and they have lots of new things to contend with. Their headteacher is the scary Patagonia Clasterbotton and they have to take lessons include walking the plank and hand-to-hand fighting. When out on the pirate ship a storm blows up, resulting in the children having to rescue Patagonia when she's swept overboard, and they learn that really Patagonia is not so scary after all!
0140384790 Ballet magic Jess doesn't think she is going to like ballet - snooty Primrose Pettifer loves it and she'd hate to be like her! But Jess's friend persuades her to go and as soon as she meets her teachers, the magical Miss Ethel and Miss Angelica Twirl, she realizes that ballet is more fun than she'd imagined.
0141317604 Where's that dog The third very funny story about the children at pirate school. The children hide a stray dog on board, while Patagonia Clatterbottom, the head teacher, is plagued by school inspectors, who are not impressed by the lessons. So, the children decide to sail the school away. The inspectors give chase, but the children fire on their boat and take it over - full marks for the lessons they have learnt about being pirates. And they're allowed to keep the dog!
0141312211 The witch's dog and the flying carpet An old magic carpet causes all sorts of trouble for Wilf, the Witch's Dog and his friends. Sly Cat and Tricky Toad don't help - they are back to their old sneaky ways. First some magic just sends Streaky flying into the air, then a magical carpet turns into a jungle complete with its very own tiger! Finally Wilf goes on a magical, but dangerous roller-coaster ride. It's a good job that Wilf is so clever - he puts everything right and even has a brilliant idea about what to do with the old flying carpet.
0141315628 A is for AAARGH! When Miss Snitchell arrives to take Class Three while their teacher is away, the class - the worst in the school - look forward to having fun with her. But as they do the alphabet with horrible words, Miss Snitchell restores order in a most surprising way.
0340877898 Hubert Horatio Hubert Horatio's parents are frightfully, frightfully rich and enjoy spending money. They enjoy it so much, soon they will have spent it all! It's up to Hubert Horatio, their genius son, to sort out the mess...Another fantastic, witty and incredibly original story from award-winning Lauren Child. Hubert Horatio or H for short is a genius at almost absolutely everything. His parents on the other hand aren't too good with money...and fritter away the family fortune. It's up to Hubert and his friend, Stanton Harcourt to sort out the mess.
0744530601 Dear Greenpeace Taking the form of letters between a small girl and Greenpeace, this book tells the story of a girl who finds a whale in her garden pond. Simon James has also written "My Friend Whale' and "Sally and the Limpet".
074456946X Mr William Shakespeare's plays Take your place in the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day to see seven of his best-loved plays brought vividly to life in Williams' accessible comic-strip versions, which include the bard's own dialogue and the rowdy remarks of the audience.
0140554335 The patchwork quilt Tanya finds her grandmother sitting by the window one day surrounded by pieces of material. Grandma has decided to make herself a patchwork quilt to replace the old one her mother made her. This story covers the progress of the quilt.
0140568077 Ben's magic telescope A nine-year-old boy lives on the ninth floor of a high-rise tower block in a large, grim city. He hates it, but one day he discovers a small silver telescope that enables him to see the beauty in the world around him - from market stalls to the surface of the moon.
0099253321 The Green Ship replaces Man on the moon When two children climb over the garden wall of the big house, they embark on a voyage of discovery. For this uncharted territory reveals a topiary ship, complete with a wheelhouse that looks rather like a garden shed. It isn't long before the shipowner comes across the stowaways, but their communal sense of adventure is destined to see them all through the eye of the storm!
0711215251 The Egg George knew something wasn't right when he found more than he had bargained for under his mother's favourite chicken...George takes the enormous egg inside and puts it in his room. There he reads stories to it until finally the egg begins to rumble and out pops a baby dragon. 'Mummy' it says. George takes it upon himself to teach the hatchling 'dragony' ways, including How to Defeat a Knight and Fire and How to Breathe it, until one night the dragon flies away to find its own kind. A touching tale full of warmth and humour, brought to life by M. P. Robertson's extraordinary watercolour illustrations.
0099456257 Wondergoal Michael Foreman tackles the world's favourite sport in his new book for football fans of all ages!
Synopsis
Like many children all over the world, a small boy dreams of winning the World Cup! But in the meantime, scoring the perfect, time-stopping goal would be just fine. And once you've done that, who knows what the future might hold? Michael Foreman has triumphed with this perfect picture book for everyone who's ever dreamed of realizing their goals!
See all Reviews
0006646271 Wombat Goes Walkabout replaces Spud goes green Wombat loves digging deep holes and thinking deep thoughts, but nobody thinks much of that until danger threatens the bush and the small wombat comes up with a great big idea...One day Wombat digs the deepest hole he's ever dug and crawls into the cool darkness to think. But when he climbs out again, he can't see his mother anywhere. He is all alone. As he wanders through the great outback looking for her, Wombat meets all kinds of wonderful creatures -- Kookaburra, Wallaby, Possum, Emu, Boy and Koala. None of them think very much of him, though. But when a fire sweeps through the bush, it is Wombat's skills which save the day, and afterwards everyone races off to find his mum and bring her back to him. AGE 4-8
1840116382 Guess Who's Coming To Dinner replaces My grandmother's clock A gluttonous pig and his good lady goose tell the story of what transpired the evening they were invited to dine at the mysterious Eatum Hall. This book was shortlisted for the 2005 Kate Greenaway Prize for illustration.
1841210781 I am not sleepy and I will not go to bed Charlie has this little sister Lola. Sometimes he has to try and get her to go to bed. This is a hard job because Lola likes to stay up late. Ages 3 and over.
1843623668 I am too absolutely small for school Although Lola agrees with her brother that it would be useful to learn how to write, read and count, she can't go to school because her invisible friend's too nervous to go. This title in the "Charlie and Lola" series deals sympathetically with children's fears surrounding the first day at school.
184121583x Clarice Bean that's me Clarice Bean is a funky new character with real girl power. All she wants is a bit of peace and quiet, away from her family whom many of us will recognise only too well.
0141500530 But excuse me that is my book Charlie and Lola, first seen in "I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato", are stars of the screen and page. A major animation acquisition for the BBC and first aired on prime time children's TV in October 2005, Charlie and Lola are racing towards superstardom! "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies" is Lola's absolute favourite book ever in the whole wide world. So naturally she is distraught when it's not at the library. Someone else has borrowed it! Charlie tries everything he can think of to placate her but nothing is ever going to beat "Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies". That is, until Charlie finds "Chimps and Chimpanzees", and then Lola has a new best book ever!
0141500522 We honestly can look after your dog Charlie and Lola, first seen in I Will Not Ever NEVER Eat a Tomato, are set to be stars of the screen and page. A major animation acquisition for the BBC and first airing on prime time children's TV in October 2005, Charlie and Lola are set for superstardom! Lola loves dogs. So when Charlie takes Lola and her friend Lotta to the park with his friend Marv and Marv's dog Sizzles, Lola is thrilled. Marv lets her and Lotta look after Sizzles on the promise that they don't let him off the lead. But Lola and Lotta are so over-excited that, of course, they let Sizzles go and then have a panicky search for him all round the park. Imagine their relief when Sizzles appears until he's followed by an identical dog. They know that Sizzles is extremely very clever and so can tell which dog is the right Sizzles - he's the one that he sits down when they tell him. Yet another crisis averted for Lola!
1405206586 Margarine and marbles - science One morning there is a Huge box in front of Tom's house. No one knows where it has come from, or what on earth is in it. It can't be pushed, it can't be pulled. How are they going to move it? It's up to Tom and his friends to think of a very clever solution that involves the whole town, and a very surprising ending! A mystery and a brain-teaser - including facts and activities to do with
1405217650 Snowshoe Hare - Geography Snowshoe the Arctic Hare is upset to learn he will turn white in the winter. Otter has told him that this means he will melt in the spring, like the snow. What is poor Snowshoe to do? Luckily, he has lots of good friends who think of a plan to save him. A fun tale about Arctic animals - with facts and activities linked to Weather Around the World, a Geography topic for Key Stage 1.
1405209771 Nick and the canal painter - Art Nick hates wearing his new specs - kids tease him and call him Bugface. But when he is magicked to seventeenth-century Venice, and meets the mysterious Canal Painter (Canaletto!) he realises just how amazing glasses can be! A wonderfully imaginative, inspiring, and colourful story about a little boy who creates his very own masterpiece! Plus really engaging and interactive facts about Venice, Canaletto, and painting.
1405205903 Franklin's bear - Science Benjamin Franklin, scientist and inventor, is hard at work on an exciting new invention. Bear has other things on his mind - like is rumbling tum! But the pantry door is locked, and the master has hung the key from a kite and is flying it in a stormy sky! When Jeramiah's store is struck by lightning and burns to the ground, Franklin is determined to help. He works out that lightning is made of electricity, but how can he stop this terrible thing happening again and protect the townsfolk? When a great storm threatens the church, Franklin has the answer and produces his newest invention - the lightning rod. But will this device conduct the electricity away safely and save building before it's too late?
1405201304 Fire Cat - History John's world is turned upside down when The Great Fire sweeps through London. After meeting his father's friend, Samuel Pepys, John starts a diary, recording everything he sees. When John's precious cat Sammy goes missing, he ventures bravely into the city to find him. Spotting a cat on a boat on the Thames, he rows onto the river alone and finds himself stranded. Luckily, the kindly Mr Pepys, comes to his rescue. By the time he gets home, Sammy is safely curled up on his bed with three new kittens! One of the kittens will be a present for Mr Pepys!
1405218940 Reluctant Rajput - Geography When Bhupinder's teacher tells him about the mighty warrior Rajputs, he is no longer bored. He wants to be a Rajput! That night Bhupinder falls asleep and wakes up in the middle of a battle! Can he help defend the Majestic Fort from the hordes of Moghuls? And how will he get back to his village? A thrilling tale full of heart-stopping moments - also including facts and activities to do with A Village in India, a Geography topic for key Stage 2.
140520978X Tara's treehouse - History Tara is bored. Staying in Gran's little flat isn't much fun. But when she sneaks into the garden, Tara has a wonderful surprise! She has her very own treehouse! And she also learns a lot about her gran's past, and how it feels to be an evacuee...A lyrical story about the past and the present. Plus really engaging and interactive facts and activities about evacuees.
1405200731 Speak up Spike! Spike is so shy he finds it hard to raise his voice above a whisper. Worst of all, he is still afraid of the dark! At school Mrs Pugh brings in shadow puppets of the Hindu Gods, Rama and Sita, and the monster Ravana. Spike is scared out of his wits! But when Mrs Pugh describes the brave hero Rama, and explains how shadows are made, Spike begins to feel stronger. By the time the class act out the Hindu legend with shadow puppets, Spike finds that his voice has grown bigger than his fears!
1405205881 Olaf's saga - History On the subject of Invasion and settlement in Viking times. Linked to National Curriculum Key Stage 2; A dramatic and touching story by Pippa Goodhart, well-loved author of Happy Sad, Catnapped, Fire Cat, Giny's Egg and Alon's story; Robin Lawrie's atmospheric illustrations bring Viking life vividly to life; Includes two pages of fantastic facts about Viking life; Learn to play a real Viking board game; Produced in consultation with series advisor, Kate Agnew
1844281310 Sophie hits six Small, but very determined, Sophie loves animals and is going to be a farmer when she grows up. In this book Sophie gets some new animals - including four kittens - finds a farming friend and enters the sporting arena!
1844281329 Sophie in the saddle Small, but very determined, Sophie loves animals and is going to be a farmer when she grows up. In this book she gets a dog that she calls "Puddle", makes friends with a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and has her first ride on a pony!
1844281353 Sophie's snail Small, but very determined, Sophie loves animals and is going to be a farmer when she grows up. Sophie's fond of most creatures - especially little ones like snails - but there's one she cannot stand: her prissy new neighbour Dawn!
1844281345 Sophie's lucky New-look reissues of the ever-popular series about the animal-loving Sophie. Small, but very determined, Sophie loves animals and is going to be a farmer when she grows up. Sophie would love to have a pony, but she doesn't think she'll ever be that lucky. She does get a lucky break, though, when Great Aunt Al invites her to Scotland!
1844281361 Sophie's Tom New-look reissues of the ever-popular series about the animal-loving Sophie. Small, but very determined, Sophie loves animals and is going to be a farmer when she grows up. On her fifth birthday, Sophie gets a model farm and lots of toy animals. What she wants most of all, though, is a real animal - a cat like Tom, for example.
0141307498 Friendly matches A collection of football poems covering many aspects of the game. They are written in a variety of styles - including sonnets and rhyming couplets.
1844289699 Star Striker Titch A fun football story by an award-winning author in this popular series for young readers. It's the school five-a-side World Cup. Titch has new boots and he's ready to score goals. But Bungo's the striker and he doesn't want tinies like Titch in his team. Will Bungo grab the World Cup glory - or will it be star striker Titch? With its simple, dynamic story-telling and line illustrations, this is ideal for children building their reading confidence.
0552547913 Wicked Day! An exciting Sports Day story from the author of Great Save! and many other titles for young readers.
Synopsis
What a wicked day! Join in all the fun and games of sports day. Bradley and his mates are out to make it a very special day. But why can't Jagdish take part? What's happened to the cup? And why does the school's grumpy old caretaker think it's a dog's life? On your marks get set - go!
See all Reviews
1858813697 Some You Win replaces Result! Both OP Theres me with my mind full of the beautiful game...and what are we really- a bunch of deadbeats... But Kev has a reputation to live up to and when he takes over as captain of the rough diamonds he pulls the team up from the bottom of the league,and makes them play to win...every match.
Synopsis
Theres me with my mind full of the beautiful game...and what are we really- a bunch of deadbeats...But Kev has a reputation to live up to and when he takes over as captain of the rough diamonds he pulls the team up from the bottom of the league,and makes them play to win...every match.
See all Reviews
0140380159 Justin and the demon drop kick Justin gets the blame when the football is kicked over the playground wall and a neigbour complains. Alone with the ball, the head can't resist kicking it and knocks Mr Branston's glasses off. Justin sees everything, but Mr Branston wants to know who is responsible. Will Justin get the blame again?
0753412446 Football Skills Football is the world's greatest game, played by billions of people around the globe. From the secrets of Pele's sublime skills to beating an offside trap, Football Skills is an inspirational and accessible guide that will help young footballers of all levels reach their full potential. The book covers four comprehensive areas. The introduction explains the details a budding player needs to understand before play starts, including stretching and kit, basic rules and codes of conduct. Stunning, computer-generated artworks and clear instructions then reveal the best way to control the ball, pass, tackle, cross, volley and shoot. A look at positioning and play shows how to open up a defence and how to achieve the best place in goal. Finally, the focus turns to set pieces and sheds light on how to sharpen up penalty-taking technique, bend free kicks and take corners with pace and accuracy. Engaging and exciting, this is an essential companion for anyone interested in becoming a formidable player of 'the beautiful game'.
0746058764 Starting Soccer This new edition has been revised to include innovative Internet links in this practical guide to soccer. It gives step-by-step advice in a helpful and clear format, teaching all the basics from tackling to dribbling. With detailed instructions and clear, full-colour illustrations and photographs, this book covers everything a beginner needs to know.
See all Reviews
0007105479 Billy the kid Billy was a champion soccer star, playing for Chelsea in the 1930s. But that was before war broke out...This tale is told through the voice of an 80 year-old man, who looks back on his life as Chelsea's champion striker until the outbreak of war in 1939 and on through his subsequent life. Ages 9+
0440864194 Troublemakers Grittily realistic football tale that includes racist hooligans as well as some terrific matchplay
Synopsis
Robbie is desperate to try out for the school football team. He's full of raw talent, skilful and agile, with terrific co-ordination - so why does everybody reckon he's got no chance? Then Robbie meets Chester, a professional player, and it could be the beginning of a new chance for both of them.
See all Reviews
0330436546 Give us a goal! This collection of football-themed poems reflects all the emotions of the 'beautiful game', from going to your first game to the anticipation of the start of the season.
140521421X Explorers wanted: Under the seaOP Fraught with danger, this book takes young explorers into the icy depths of the ocean, to search for sunken treasure in the wreck of the SS Desdemona. There are also decisions to be made, and quizzes, survival advice and stories of real-life explorers.
1405214244 Explorers wanted: In the jungleOP Here's your chance to read the mission notes from a real live Indiana Jones...Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to lead an expedition through the Amazon in search of the 'lost city', which locals say is haunted. Will you take up the challenge? - If anyone can help you survive out there, Chapman can...
0330397265 Just Stupid replaces 101 things you need to know (and some you don't) The third of four hilarious best-selling books which have taken Australia by storm. These books are bursting with practical jokes, great gags and terrific tricks. And when you get to the end, enjoy them all over again with the mayhem in the margins: there are right (and left) handed flicker pictures on every page, words of wisdom and crazy cartoons. Hours of hilarity for every reader. In this book: Andy and Danny boldly set out to show just how stupid two human beings can be - which is, of course, a vital and interesting fact, relevant to every day life.
140630171X Three cheers for inventors Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, this latest wonderful offering from Marcia Williams is full of her characteristic humour. Packed with cartoon-strip illustrations and short biographies, it looks at the discoveries of many famous - and not so famous - inventors from around the world, including Leonardo da Vinci, Antonio Meucci, Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird, Thomas Edison, James Watt and many of their predecessors. Three cheers for inventors!
0140342990 War Boy The award-winning illustrator of "Eric the Viking" and "Nicobobinus" looks back on his own wartime childhood, in this book which won the Kate Greenaway Medal 1990. His illustrations evoke the horror and beauty of blazing buildings and the comforts of childhood amid the shortages.
0140371397 War Game Examining the life of ordinary soldiers during World War I, this book recalls the heroism of the young soldiers and the spirit of sympathy that grew up between the two armies as they suffered on the front line. This is a story about friends who joined the army in the midst of World War I. This is a story about friends who joined the army in the midst of World War I. Their excitement and enthusiasm begins to dampen as they are faced by two enemies, the German soldiers and the appalling conditions in which they fought. Then one Christmas Day, one by one, soldiers cautiously emerged from their trenches. At first they exchanged gifts but then a football was produced and the two sides came together to play an historical game of football on No Man's Land. Michael Foreman recalls the heroism of the young soldiers, and the spirit of sympathy that grew up between the two armies as they suffered together on the front line. This book is the Grand Prix winner of the Smarties Prize.
0141311401 Boy A memoir of Roald Dahl's childhood containing some hilariously true stories, such as the great mouse plot of 1924, when an eight-year-old Dahl and his gobstopper-loving friends took a just revenge on the disgusting sweetshop owner Mrs Pratchett. Dahl also recounts the deaths of his father and his sister within the space of a few short weeks, the canings by headmasters and older schoolboys, the grisly methods of matron and the car ride which nearly cost the author his nose. There were glorious times too, with his big family at home in Wales, and the summer holidays spent on a remote island in Norway.
1845070852 The most magnificent mosque Visitors to the mosque at Cordoba are plagued by the tricks of three naughty boys: Rashid, who is Muslim, Samuel who is Jewish and Miguel who is Christian. One day, they go one step too far and as a punishment, they are forced to work in the mosque gardens, where they develop a deep sense of the building's beauty and significance. Many years later, when the Christian king threatens to demolish the Islamic Mezquita and build a church in its place, the three friends reunite to hatch a plan to save the great mosque...Ann Jungman's story demonstrates what can be achieved when people work together and don't waste energy hating each other.
0552548537 Dogspell replaces Harry the poisonous centipede A delightful story that will charm newly confident readers, and dog-lovers of all ages.
Synopsis
Daisy and Robina are desperate for a dog. They've tried everything and in desperation they sneak a book about magic out of their older sister's room and try to cast a spell. Later that day, to their great amazement and delight, a dog appears in their house. The curious-looking mutt resembles a cross between a poodle and an afghan hound and the girls love their 'afoodle' on sight. Dad, however, has a more prosaic explanation for the dog's appearance, and what it's doing in their house. But all the girls want to know is, can he stay? A sweet and funny story with delightful illustrations.
See all Reviews
0141315733 The Beak Speaks replaces Cool! Mark is concerned that his dad has too much to do since his mum left - looking after him and his sister Tammy, the house and his vet's practice. He advertises for a girlfriend for his dad and soon the surgery is full of eager women, including the beautiful, but evil, Divine and her ugly henchman, Jaundice. This pair of crooks are smuggling animals and need a vet to look after them. Mark's dad is a sucker for Divine, but just to make sure of his help, she kidnaps the children. Luckily Mark has made friends with one of the smuggled chimps, Arnold Teabag, who is a bit of an escape artist, and the chimp brings help. The story is told alternatively by Mark and the family's wise-cracking pet mynah bird!
0006755240 Wilkins Tooth Heather finds the mound when she tries to escape the hordes of tourists who invade the stately home where she lives. 'Wild Robert, I wish you were really under there!' she cries. 'You could come out and deal with the tourists!' All of a sudden, there is a smell like earth and strange spices. A voice says, 'Did somebody call?' Heather gets her wish, and nothing is ever the same again!
0007137729 Pants on fire! The second title about this magical extraterrestrial being as she helps children overcome their problems. Lilac Peabody is a small and shimmery as a dragon-fly -- an extraterrestrial busybody and friend to children who need her. Lilac Peabody empowers children to solve their own problems and then disappears once they have achieved their aims. This is the second of four short novels which all follow the same group of children within a school environment. Each novel centres on one of the children but it is Lilac's continuing presence that is the all-important link between the four children. It is to Lilac, that the children reveal their true vulnerable selves. Bella Bright comes from a family of travellers, a circus family. She helped Sam have a good birthday party in the first Lilac Peabody book, but she is very shy and gets bullied a lot, particularly by one of the bigger girls at school. Lilac helps Bella to stand up for herself and develop new confidence. By the end of this story she and Sam are firm friends.
0007141602 Spider McDrew Spider McDrew is a hopeless case - or so everyone says - but somehow he always manages to surprise everyone. Spider is slow and a dreamer, the sort of child who is always one step behind the rest of the class, but this doesn't mean he's stupid - far from it. Three gently humorous stories about this loveable character - his adventures at school. There'ss a football story, how he brings a cow into the playground for his pets project and how Spider stars in the school play. Bursting with character and originality, the author offers acutely perceptive snapshots of contemporary school life. Spider is a male version of Josie Smith, it could be said, though definitely rather more up to date!
0330415301 Princess Mirrorbelle Lovely, funny, young magical princess stories by a hugely successful writer. Ellen gets a big shock when her double appears out of the bathroom mirror. Only Mirror-Belle is a double with a difference! She is a princess, and a very mischievous one at that. Whether she's wreaking havoc in a department store, riding the ghost train at the fair or seeing off bullies in the playground, Princess Mirror-Belle is a princess with a purpose - to cause as much trouble as possible!
0330437291 Cosmo and the magic sneeze A funny feline adventure, starring Cosmo - the kitten whose sneeze gets him into a whole lot of trouble! Cosmo is delighted when he passes the special test and becomes a witch-cat, just like his father Mephisto. Now he will be able to ride on broomsticks and help Sybil the witch with her spells - and it's all because of his magic sneeze, the all-important ingredient for Sybil's cauldron. But Cosmo is one clever and curious kitty - and when scary Sybil starts cooking up a secret spell that produces golden statues his hackles are raised. Especially because the statues are in the shape of kittens...and look frighteningly ALIVE!
000710863X Tales of the dark forest: Goodknyght! Comedy fantasy series with a Pratchetteque/Carry On Blackadder twist, but written for children. A slightly more sophisticated read than the Lost Diaries, with a bit more edge. The Dark Forest is a world. Cities, towns and villages exist like islands in a green sea, while in the Forest itself live hermits, wizards and all manner of weird and wonderful creatures - some invented, some strangely familiar. The story of Will, swineherd and whipping boy to the ghastly Symon, who constantly reminds him of the awful time he's going to have when he accompanies Symon to Knyghtschool. Fate lends a hand, when Will instead finds himself on a quest with the mysterious Rune-master, to recover the lost treasure of the Dark Forest - a quest which is far more dangerous!
0007108648 Whizzard! Cities, towns and villages exist like islands in a green sea, while in the Dark Forest itself live hermits, wizards and all manner of creatures. Tym, apprentice to the local wizard, accidentally invents a new potion that causes them to move at incredible speeds - and with interesting side effects!
0006754805 Grimstone's ghost Twelve-year-old Cian has recently inherited his great-uncle's spooky manor house. On his first visit he senses a chill in the air, then sees an eerie blue glow from outside his bedroom window. Cian discovers that the house, and those within it, are under a terrible curse dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII of England. Because of his name, only he, Cian, has the power to lift it. He has to enlist the help of his younger, but fearless sister and together they overcome the power and the danger of an immovable force. Action-packed, this is a fast-moving and unputdownable thriller.
0007175019 The keys to the kingdom: Mister Monday Breathtaking new magical adventure series from the author of Sabriel.
See all Reviews
0007121539 Fruit and nut case Mandy Small has trouble writing so her teacher suggests that she tells her life story into a tape recorder. So begins Mandy's story of life with her loving but chaotic parents; the school bully Tracey Bigg; Old Misery Guts, the landlady and Nan, who doesn't approve of the way Mandy is brought up.
0330434535 The mum detective Esmie knows she wants to be a detective when she grows up - just like her dad. And now is the perfect time to start honing her investigative skills. First of all there's the mystery of Esmie's brother's girlfriend's mum (interestingly complicated!), who disappeared many years ago. Could she still be alive? Or could the body that turns up on the allotments be significant? Even more importantly, Esmie is worried that her dad still hasn't proposed to his girlfriend, Lizzie. After all, Esmie went to enough trouble to act as match-maker for them! Then Esmie discovers that something very strange is going on - Lizzie is having secret rendezvous with a mysterious man when she is supposed to be at work. What on earth is Lizzie's secret - and can Esmie find a way to make sure her new 'mum' and dad stay together forever?
0007154690 The ogre downstairs Diana Wynne Jones at her finest -- family feuds and chaos, magic with hilarious results and some of the most original ideas ever to appear between the covers of a book. Casper, Johnny and Gwinny get a big shock when their mother Sally marries the Ogre. He is large and stern and not at all interested in children. His first wife left him years before - and the children aren't in the least bit surprised, considering what the Ogre and his two sons, Douglas and Malcolm, are like. Now the five children and two adults are squashed under the same roof, it's not surprising tensions are running high. Then the Ogre brings home the Chemistry Sets - one for Malcolm and one for Johnny. That's when the fun begins, as each side of the family discovers that these are no ordinary chemistry sets...
0340881569 Harriet's Ghost Rich in atmosphere and tension, this is an original take on a contemporary ghost story, set in the intense and glamorous world of dance. Marianne is a talented ballet dancer, destined for great things. But her friend Harriet is worried about her: being skinny is common enough in ballet school, but Marianne seems to be making herself ill. Learning about Giuseppina, who danced the first Swanilda in Paris in the nineteenth century, Harriet is excited to be accompanying Marianne to dance at the Opera. But as Marianne grows weaker, Harriet sees another dancer waiting in the wings. Can it really be Giuseppina, reaching out from the past...?
0007137796 Hunters of the dusk Darren Shan, Mr Crepsley and Vancha Marsch, are the hunters of the dusk. Their quarry - the Vampaneze Lord. But friends old and new may stand in their way...THE SAGA OF DARREN SHAN BOOK 7 It is six years after Darren was made a Vampire Prince and following a grim prophesy made by Mr Tiny, the vampires know the ascension of the Vampaneze Lord is at hand. Mr Tiny warns the vampires that there will be only three opportunities for the Vampaneze Lord to be vanquished and only three vampires who may succeed: Vancha Marsch, Larten Crepsley...and Darren Shan. Leaving the enclave of Vampire Mountain, Harkat, Darren and Mr Crepsley are shadowed by a creature of the night, do battle with the vampaneze, meet the mysterious Evanna and pay a visit to some old friends at the Cirque Du Freak. But no friend can prevent the bloody trail of bodies -- the Vampaneze Lord may be more than a match for the hunters of the dusk.
Excerpted from Hunters of the Dusk by Darren Shan. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
It was another long, tiring night in the Hall of Princes. A vampire General called Staffen Irve was reporting to me and Paris Skyle. Paris was the oldest living vampire, with more than eight hundred years under his belt. He had flowing white hair, a long, grey beard, and had lost his right ear in a fight many decades ago.
Staffen Irve had been active in the field for three years, and had been giving us a quick rundown of his experiences in the War of the Scars, as it had come to be known (a reference to the scars on our fingertips, the common mark of a vampire or vampaneze). It was a strange war. There were no big battles and neither side used missile-firing weapons – vampires and vampaneze fight only with hand to hand weapons like swords, clubs and spears. The war was a series of isolated skirmishes, three or four vampires at a time pitting themselves against a similar number of vampaneze, fighting to the death.
"There was four of us ‘gainst three of them," Staffen Irve said, telling us about one of his more recent encounters . "But my lads was dry behind the tonsils, while the vampaneze was battle-hardy. I killed one of ‘em but the others got away, leaving two of my lads dead and the third with a useless."
"Have any of the vampaneze spoken of their Lord?" Paris asked.
"No, Sire. Those I take alive only laugh at my questions , even under torture."
In the six years that we’d been hunting for their Lord, there’d been no sign of him. We knew he hadn’t been blooded - various vampaneze had told us that he was learning their ways before becoming one of them – and the general opinion was that if we were to have any chance of thwarting Mr Tiny’s predictions, we had to find and kill their Lord before he assumed full control of the clan.
A cluster of Generals was waiting to speak with Paris. They moved forward as Staffen Irve departed, but I signalled them back. Picking up a mug of warm blood, I drank deeply, then wiped red stains from around his mouth with the back of his trembling hand – the responsibility of running the war council was taking its toll on the ancient vampire.
0007137818 Killers of the dawn The allies of the night prepare for the final, deadly confrontation. Darren and Mr Crepsley will get more than they bargained for when they come face to face with the Vampaneze Lord. Evolution according to Darren Shan: human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince. The Saga of Darren Shan book 9: Killers of the Dawn. Outnumbered, outsmarted and desperate, the hunters are on the run. Pursued by the vampaneze, vigilante mobs and the police, Darren Shan, the Vampire Prince, is public enemy Number One! With their enemies baying for blood, the vampires prepare for deadly confrontation. Is this the end for Darren and his allies?
Excerpted from The Saga of Darren Shan - Killers of the Dawn (The Saga of Darren Shan) by Darren Shan. Copyright © 2003. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER ONE
WE SCURRIED through the tunnels, Mr Crepsley leading the way, Vancha and I in the middle with our prisoners, Harkat bringing up the rear. We said as little as possible, and I cuffed Steve into silence whenever he started to speak - I wasn't in the mood to listen to his threats or insults.
I didn't have a watch, but I'd been ticking off the seconds inside my head. About ten minutes or so had passed by my reckoning. We'd moved out of the modern tunnels and were back in the warren of old, damp tunnels. There was still a long way to go - plenty of time for the vampaneze to run us down.
We came to a junction and Mr Crepsley took the left turn. Vancha started to follow him, then stopped. "Larten," he called him back. When Mr Crepsley returned, Vancha crouched low. He was almost invisible in the darkness of the tunnels. "We have to try and shake them off," he said. "If we make straight for the surface, they'll be upon us before we're halfway there."
"But we could lose ourselves if we detour," Mr Crepsley said. "We do not know this area. We might run into a dead end."
"Aye," Vancha sighed, "but it's a chance we'll have to take. I'll act as a decoy and go back the way we came. The rest of you try and find an alternative route out. I'll work my way back to you later, if the luck of the vampires is with me."
We rested a moment, then took the right tunnel and pressed on, Harkat now in charge of the vampet Vancha had kidnapped. We moved quickly but carefully, trying not to leave any signs that we'd passed this way. At the end of the tunnel, we branched off, again to the right. As we entered a fresh stretch of tunnel, Steve coughed loudly. Mr Crepsley was on him in a flash. "Do that again and you die!" he snapped, and I sensed the blade of his knife pressing against Steve's throat.
"It was a real cough - not a signal," Steve snarled in reply.
"It matters not!" Mr Crepsley hissed. "The next time, I will kill you."
000715920X Lord of the Shadows The eleventh part of the Saga of Darren Shan -- one boy's terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince. He will rule the night and destroy the world. Lord of the Shadows...coming soon. The Saga of Darren Shan book 11. Half a million copies sold of the Saga -- get your teeth into a bloody good book!
0007159218 Sons of destiny The twelfth part of the Saga of Darren Shan -- one boy's terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince. Showdown -- Darren finally faces his arch enemy, Steve Leopard. Can Darren trick destiny ...or is there a way out...? The final instalment, coming soon...900,000 copies sold of the Saga -- get your teeth into a bloody good book!
See all Reviews
0007159196 Lake of souls The tenth part of the Saga of Darren Shan – one boy’s terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince.
Synopsis
The tenth part of the Saga of Darren Shan -- one boy's terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince. Evolution according to Darren Shan: human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince. The Saga of Darren Shan book 10: The Lake of Souls. The war with the vampaneze was just the beginning. Now, Darren Shan's destiny takes an unexpected turn. What shocking discoveries will the Vampire Prince make at the Lake of Souls? Half a million copies sold of the Saga -- get your teeth into a bloody good book!
See all Reviews
0007114400 Trials of death TRIALS OF DEATH -- the fifth title in the compelling and chilling saga of Darren Shan -- but the second part in a new TRILOGY, following Darren's initiation into the vampire clan. THE SAGA OF DARREN SHAN BOOK 5 Compelled by his loyalty to Mr Crepsley, Darren Shan, the vampire's assistant, agrees to prove his worthiness to the vampire clan by undertaking a series of trials. Each Trial is set by the Vampire Princes to test agility, cunning and intelligence. Failure means death. Whilst their attention is focused on Darren, the vampire clan fail to notice that the vampaneze have infiltrated their mountain stronghold. Who is the traitor helping the vampaneze, and will Darren survive the trials to oust the vampire's greatest foes? Another atmospheric and terrifying tale from the author of Cirque Du Freak.
From the Author
Book 5 of The Saga Of Darren Shan. Five Trials -- five chances for Darren Shan to prove himself worthy of being a vampire -- five ways to die!
But while Darren struggles to complete and survive his perilous Trials, other forces are at work deep within Vampire Mountain. Their goal: to wipe the Princes and Generals from the face of the earth!! Darren is poised to uncover a shocking conspiracy -- but will he live long enough to spread the warning???
Trials Of Death is the middle book of the Vampire Mountain trilogy. Fast, fierce and furious, this is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted! The most action-packed entry in the series -- so far!!!
See all Reviews
0006755143 Tunnels of blood 'Fast paced and compelling, full of satisfying macabre touches -- Cirque du Freak explores the powerful fascination of the dangerous and unnatural and also, movingly, the obligations of friendship.' This is what J. K Rowling said about Book 1 of The Saga of Darren Shan. This is Book three in the chilling series by talented young author Darren Shan. When Mr Crepsley is called upon by the Vampire Generals, Darren and the snake-boy, Evra Von, leave the Cirque Du Freak and travel with him to the city. Whilst there, Darren meets Debbie and his life as a Vampire's Assistant fades into the background -- until corpes are found. Corpses drained of blood...Suspicious of Mr Crepsley's secretive bahaviour, Darren and Evra shadow him across the city and confront a creature of the night who may be the end of them all...Has Darren made a fatal mistake which will cost him the lives of those he cares for? And can he escape the lure of the Tunnels of Blood?
See all Reviews
0007114419 Vampire's mountain Vampire Mountain is the fourth title in the gut-wrenching saga of Darren Shan. Darren Shan and Mr Crepsley make a long and dangerous trek to the vampire's stronghold in the mountains. The trek is a test of skill and endurance one which sees Darren's vampire nature develop, and a new understanding of the mysterious blue-robed servants of the sinister Mr Tiny. Gavner Purl makes a welcome return when he joins Darren and Mr Crepsley, but they face more than the cold on their way to the vampire princes - the vampaneze have been there before them...Will Darren's meeting with the Vampire Princes restore is human nature, or turn him further towards the darkness...
From the Author
The Saga Of Darren Shan continues ...
Every 12 years, the Vampire Generals and Princes gather in a faraway mountain, for the Council of Vampires. This year, Darren Shan is going -- he might not be coming back ...
The road to Vampire Mountain is long and testing, but Mr Crepsley must present Darren to the Princes for their approval, and so the two leave the safety of the Cirque Du Freak and travel into the wilds, accompanied by a pair of Mr Tiny's Little People. They are joined along the way by an old friend, and some four-legged predators. If they survive the arduous trek to the mountain, Mr Crepsley will have to face the Princes and Generals and explain his reasons for blooding a child. If they prove unacceptable, the consequences for both Mr Crepsley and Darren could be dire ...
Set six years after Tunnels Of Blood, Book 4 of the Saga introduces many new characters; explains a lot about vampires, their history and ways; and also reveals the shocking truth about the mysterious Little People!
The story which starts in Book 4 continues in Book 5 (Trials Of Death) and concludes in Book 6 -- so be prepared for cliffhangers galore!
000713780X Allies of the night The quest for the Vampaneze Lord continues for the hunters of the dusk. Darren gets an unwelcome taste of reality when he is forced to go back to school and his past catches up with him. The saga of Darren Shan Book 8, maturing at one fifth the rate of a normal human, Darren has the looks of a fifteen year old, even though he is very much older. Vampire Prince and vampaneze killer he may be, but someone has shopped him to the authorities and it's time for Darren to go back to school. But school is not the only thing Darren has to come to terms with: faces from the past, the death of a clan member, a clash with a vampire hunter and blood-thirsty vampaneze mean Darren's past is catching up with him - fast. It's time for the allies of the night to join forces. The hunt is on...
Excerpted from The Saga of Darren Shan - Allies of the Night (The Saga of Darren Shan) by Darren Shan. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
OUR DAILY POST, SEPTEMBER 15
BLOODY NIGHTS OF DEATH
This once-sleepy city is under siege. In the space of six short months eleven people have been brutally murdered, their bodies drained of blood and dumped in various public places. Many more have vanished into the shadows of the night and might be lying beneath the streets, their lifeless bodies decomposing in the lonely dark.
Officials cannot account for the gruesome killing spree. They do not believe the murders to be the work of one man, but nor have they been able to link the crimes to any known criminals. In the largest single police operation in the city's history, most local gangs have been broken up, religious cult leaders arrested and the doors of secret orders and brotherhoods smashed down...to no effect at all!
CUSTOMARY BLUNTNESS
Chief Inspector of police, Alice Burgess, when queried about the lack of results, responded with her own brand of customary bluntness. "We've been working like dogs," she snapped "Everyone's on unpaid overtime. Nobody's shirking responsibility. We're patrolling the streets in force, arresting anyone who even looks suspicious. We've initiated a 7pm curfew for children, and have advised adults to remain indoors too. If you find someone who can do a better job, give me a call and I'll gladly step aside."
Comforting words - but nobody here is taking comfort from them. The people of this city are tired of promises and pledges. Nobody doubts the honest, hard-working efforts of the local police - or the army who have been called in to assist in the operation - but faith in their ability to bring an end to the crisis has hit an all-time low. Many are moving out of the city, staying with relatives or in hotels, until the killings cease.
"I have kids," Michael Corbett, the forty-six-year-old owner of a second-hand bookshop told us. "Running away doesn't make me feel proud, and it'll ruin my business, but the lives of my wife and children come first. The police can do no more now than they did thirteen years ago. We've just got to wait for this to blow over, like it did before. When it does, I'll return. In the mean time, I think anyone who stays is crazy."
HISTORY OF DEATH
When Mr Corbett spoke of the past, he was referring to a time, nearly thirteen years ago, when horror similarly visited this city. On that occasion, nine bodies were discovered by a pair of teenagers, butchered and drained as the recent eleven victims have been.
But those bodies were carefully hidden, and only unearthed long after death had occurred. Today's murderers - rather, tonight's, since each victim has been taken after sunset - are not bothering to hide the evidence of their foul deeds. It's as though they are proud of their cruelty, leaving the bodies where they know they will be found.
Many locals believe the city is cursed and has a history of death. "I've been expecting these killings for fifty years," said Dr Kevin Beisty, a local historian and expert on the occult. "Vampires visited here more than one hundred and fifty years ago, and the thing about vampires is, once they find a place they like - they always come back!"
DEMONS OF THE NIGHT
Vampires. If Dr Beisty’s was the only voice crying out against demons of the night, he could be dismissed as a crank. But many other people believe that we are suffering at the hands of vampires. They point to the fact that the attacks always occur at night, that the bodies have been drained of blood – seemingly without the aid of medical equipment – and, most tellingly, that although three of the victims were photographed by hidden security cameras when they were abducted, their attackers faces did not show up on film!
Chief Inspector Alice Burgess is dismissive of the vampire theory. "You think Count Dracula’s on the rampage?" she laughed contemptuously. "Don’t be ridiculous!" This is the twenty-first century. Warped, sick humans are behind all this. Don’t waste my time blaming bogeymen!"
0007115164 Vampire Prince This is the sixth title in the saga of Darren Shan - and the final part in a trilogy, following Darren's initiation into the vampire clan. Betrayed by Kurda and reeling from the brutal slaying of Gavner he is branded a traitor and hunted by the clan. Ages 10+.
From the Author
The Vampire Generals have been betrayed. Forces gathering in the darkness threaten to overwhelm Vampire Mountain and destroy the entire vampire clan. Only one person can stop them, a half-vampire called Darren Shan. But he has been sentenced to death and was last seen disappearing down a stream into the stomach of the mountain ...
The third, concluding part of the Vampire Mountain trilogy is a fast-paced, savage, blood-soaked novel. From the brutal opening chapters to the battle between the forces of the night, this is a book designed to grip from the start and squeeze to the finish. If you wish to ride the currents of fierce underground waters, hunt with wolves, and fight alongside an army of spiders -- then this is the book for you!
The Saga of Darren Shan. Not just a story, but a way of life -- and death ...
0330397257 Feeling sorry for Celia Elizabeth!!!! Look at this note!! Over here!!! On the Fridge!!!!!!!! Hope you're feeling better. If you're dead, ring me. I'm at an emergency meeting of the poetry club. I want to make you a special lemon souffle. The recipe is in the bottom draw - you're welcome to begin it anytime. (And see if you can think of a slogan for Raspberry-flavoured cat food) Love - your thoughtful and considerate Mum - PS: have you heard anything from Celia yet?
0006754848 Agent Angel: Winging It Meet Melanie Beeby! Mel is a trainee time-travelling angel. She's feisty, witty, streetwise and...dead! New-look cover for an angelic series rebirth! Melanie Beeby, just thirteen, has been permanently removed from the late 20th Century by a speeding joy rider. She is elevated to another place, where she attends the Angel Academy. When she is asked to join an elite trouble-shooting group, Angels Unlimited, she is sent on a trial mission to London during the Blitz to help save another young person. Mel breaks the only rule -- she materialises to a human -- yet still manages to come out top of the class! She is given her angel name -- Helix -- and comes up with her perfect teen outfit. 'To me this look says committed, it says now, it says ready for action. I mean, I'm an angel, so I should look divine, right?' Hilarious, fast-moving, other-worldly adventure!
0006754856 Agent Angel: Losing the plot The second title about Melanie Beeby, the time-travelling, trouble-shooting angel. She's feisty, witty, streetwise but definitely dead. She's sent on a mission to Shakespearean England to make sure England doesn't lose out on the man of the millennium! New-look cover for an angelic series rebirth! Mel has now passed her exams to become a full member of the Agency -- the specialist team of trouble-shooting, time-travelling angels. She's not always happy and often thinks about her life, and of her mother back down on earth. But when she, Lola -- her best-angel friend -- and Reuben are sent on a mission to Shakespearean England, she realises that she must be fully alert and on the ball, if England is not to miss out on the greatest play-writing talent the earth will ever come to know. A robust adventure for the angel team featuring pirates, smugglers, wicked 16th century plots and plenty of sweet words. Friendships are made and broken -- hearts too, in the second of these lively titles. AGE 10-12
185340876X Mates, dates and diamond destiny The eleventh in the incredibly popular Mates, Dates series Nesta has always dreamed of her future life as a glamorous film star. When she meets some seriously cute boys collecting for charity, she thinks, at first, that it's a cool way to meet the opposite sex. But as her eyes are opened to the plight of the world, she questions whether she wants to live life for herself or help others. Nesta gets thoroughly involved in her charity work, and manages to organise, with Izzie, Lucy and TJ's help, a charity fashion show. Will a new deeper Nesta emerge from all of this?
0439960878 My Funny Valentine Shaunna knows exactly the sort of boy she's looking for - someone smart, soulful and romantic, and 100% different to Boring Brian, her sister's fiance. So when she spots a broodingly handsome guy gazing at the stars she decides it must be fate. Amidst the chaos of wedding plans, mad relatives and even more maddening mates, Shaunna makes some surprising discoveries about life, love and the pursuit of romance...
0330436589 Amaryllis is back and this time she has a boyfriend! In this second volume of her journal, complete with wonderful illustrations by the girl herself, we learn a lot more about being a thirteen-year-old superstar with a strange family. Amaryllis's father has given away all his money, her older brother is in the final of a televised talent contest with his band GOB, and her younger brother is still a creep. But in the midst of the chaos lucky Amaryllis has her best friend, Xanthe, to discuss make up and fashion tips with, her gorgeous boyfriend, Tarquin, to hold hands with, and her wonderful cake-baking, speed-knitting grandmother, Nono, to keep her sane and cool.
0747571856 Life can be trying when your best friend is a goddess, you are a woeful underachiever, and Ben Jones won't even look your way. 'Girl 15' reveals the agony, ecstasy and embarrassment of being a teenager through Jess, 15 and charming, but most definitely insane.
014131611X "It was Star saved me from Big Mother. Saved the other kids too. Saved us all. I never said thanks to him. Thanks for getting us out. Never got time in the end."
Jez is living in care under the tyrannical control of Big Mother and with nothing to look forward to but bullying from the other boys. All he wants to do is move forward, to get out of the system, but when you have been marked as trouble people are reluctant to be your friend.
But Jez does make friends. At first with a kindred spirit in the care home and then with a girl at school. But his most important friend, the one who offers the advice that sometimes you have to do bad things to make good things happen, comes from the most unlikely of places…the stars.
In his astounding debut novel for Puffin, John Singleton seamlessly mixes the realms of dramatic realism and fantasy to create a book that while serious in its portrayal of living in care is ultimately one of hope and optimism. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
Jez Walker lives in care - in Lazarus House, an institution run with ferocious rigour by the terrifying Big Mother and by the bullies - Hodge, Maggot and Spaz - when her back is turned. He has no family of his own, a history of stealing cars, arson and petty crime; a bleak past and what looks like an even bleaker future. But Jez triumphs in the end, largely due to his growing friendship with Mags, a girl in his class, his old mate Macker - and the help of an imaginary dog called Star, who is born in the clouds one dark night, who becomes his guardian, friend and saviour, and shows him how imagination and friendship can triumph over evil.
0141314486 Fifteen year old Jeremiah feels good inside his own skin in his own Brooklyn neighbourhood, but is not so sure he fits in at the academy he attends until he meets Ellie. Their relationship begins to blossom, then, suddenly, Jeremiah is killed, for not stopping when the police called him back.
0007183143 New novel from the bestselling author of BIG MOUTH AND UGLY GIRL. To the outside world, Franky Pierson is a lucky girl with a charmed life. With a celebrity dad -- TV sports commentator, Reid Pierson -- and beautiful artist mother, living in a state-of-the-art designer home and wanting for nothing, their world could be described as perfect. And Franky could almost believe this is true -- after all, her father keeps on telling her that it is and she would never disagree with him. But in that case, why does is her mother spending time away from home? And how come her step-brother is barely speaking, and her little sister won't stop whining? Why are they all provoking dad in this way? Freaky Green Eyes knows the answers. Freaky Green Eyes is Franky's inner self. Only she dares to look at Franky's life and dare to suggest that all is not as it should be in the Pierson household. But is she strong enough to do anything about it -- before something really terrible happens? A really compelling and eye-opening novel that keeps you turning pages from beginning to end.
0007196857 An eleven-year-old boy discovers he has strange powers, and a future that holds mystery, adventure - and death! Bending his knees, Jimmy let go of the windowsill and slowly tipped backwards. Surely this is impossible, he thought, even as he could feel himself doing it. He pushed out with his legs and the thrust sent him flying backwards into the air! Then his fingers locked on to the cold wire of the fence, poised in a perfect handstand on the top. Who are the mysterious men chasing Jimmy across the city? Why are they after him? What are Jimmy's parents keeping from him and who can he trust? And how come he can suddenly do all this really cool stuff!? Find out in this electrifying debut novel from Joe Craig. Young, multitalented and brimming with ideas, this new HarperCollins author is destined to become a firm favourite with children everywhere.
0340860995 From award-winning author, Jan Mark, a compelling tale of how a family become unwittingly entangled in the turbulent lives of another. Clay delivers papers like the Wild West heroines she loves to watch on film with her Dad. Gran is more into B movie horror. It's a normal family of sorts - and then another 'normal' family moves into the street and things become decidedly weird. The Stranger Who Nearly destroyed My Life would be a good title for a film of what happened next...but would anyone dare to watch it?
0340883642 Toby is the orphaned nephew of the Theo Trentham, leader of a motley, down-at-heel troupe of actors touring Louisiana. They had hoped for great things in New Orleans during the Carnival. Instead a spiv has taken their money but booked them remote venues in the countryside. On Christmas Eve, the company straggle away from yet another seedy, unwelcoming town and are caught in a rainstorm. They shelter in a crumbling mansion named Illyria, occupied only by an enigmatic black woman, Marie LaRoche, and her mistress, a spirited Creole girl, Isabelle de Castelon. Toby falls desperately and instantly in love. But as Toby unravels the mysteries of Isabelle's origins, he begins to suspect something terrible will engulf them all. As the days gather pace towards the Mardi Gras festivities, magic, secrets, masks and disguises all come to a dangerous head.
0007218672 Brilliantly funny, teenage angst author Louise Rennison's first book about the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Now repackaged in a gorgeous new paperback and looking even fatter than ever. Louise is an international best-selling author and her books can't fail to make you laugh out loud. There are six things very wrong with my life: I have one of those under-the-skin spots that will never come to a head but lurk in a red way for the next two years; it is on my nose; I have a three-year-old sister who may have peed somewhere in my room; in fourteen days the summer hols will be over and then it will be back to Stalag 14 and Oberfuhrer Frau Simpson and her bunch of sadistic 'teachers'; I am very ugly and need to go into an ugly home; I went to a party dressed as a stuffed olive. Follow Georgia's hilarious antics as she tries to overcome the dilemma's that are weighing up against her, and muddle her way through teenage life and all that it entails: how to replace accidentally shaved-off eyebrows; how to cope with Angus, her small labrador-sized Scottish wildcat; her first kiss with Peter - afterwards known as Whelk Boy; annoying teachers; unsympathetic friends and family; and how to entice Robbie the Sex God! Phew - she's really got her work cut out!
0007183208 Brilliantly funny, teenage angst author Louise Rennison's fifth book about the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Louise will be a star on the HarperCollins teenage list. "11.20a.m. This is my fabulous life: the Sex God left for Whakatane last month and he has taken my heart with him. 11.25a.m. Not literally of course otherwise there would be a big hole in my nunga nungas. 11.28a.m. And also I would be dead. Which quite frankly would be a blessing in disguise. 12.00p.m. It is soooo boring being brokenhearted!"!but Georgia doesn't remain brokenhearted for long: frequent snogging extravaganzas with old flame, Dave the Laugh, and the arrival of jelloid-knee-inducing Italian stallion, Masimo, mean that Georgia has her work cut out to remain the composed sex-kitten that she aspires to be. Follow Georgia's hilarious antics as she desperately muddles her way through teenage life and all that it entails: make-up disasters, rapidly expanding nunga nungas, school - urgh, unsympathetic friends, highly embarrassing family (and pets) and, of course, BOYS.
0007183216 Hilariously funny, Louise Rennison's fabby sixth book on the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Now in gorgey new paperback and guaranteed to have the nation laughing their knickers off! "Come on, Jas, you do really want to know my plan, especially as it concerns you, my little hairy pally". "I'm not hairy". "Have it your own way, just don't go near any circuses". "Shut up. Go on then, tell me your plan". "OK, this is it: when I go to Hamburger-a-gogo land...you come with me! Do you see? We will be like Thelma and Louise!" "We're not called Thelma and Louise". "I know that, I'm just saying we will be Like Them!" "And we're not American. And neither of us can drive". "Oh dear God. Jas, your spaceship has arrived. Please get in". Laugh your knickers off at Georgia's tales from her trip to Hamburger-a-gogo land (the US) and her attempts to entice Masimo, the Italian stallion. Can Georgia become the composed sex-kitten she aspires to be!? Surely not.
0007218680 Brilliantly funny, teenage angst author Louise Rennison's second book about the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Now repackaged in a gorgeous new paperback and looking even fatter than ever. Louise is an international best-selling author and her books can't fail to make you laugh out loud. What is the matter with my life? Why is it so deeply unfab? It's a day and a half now since I snogged the Sex God! I think I have snog withdrawal. My lips keep puckering up! I tried snogging the back of my hand, but it's no good! It's been over a week. I wonder if it's my nose! I have a huge nose that means I have to live for ever in the ugly home.
0007218699 Brilliantly funny, Louise Rennison's fabby third book on the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Now in gorgey new paperback and guaranteed to have the nation laughing their knickers off! Jas said, "Well, what happened?" And I said, "Well, it was beyond marvy. We talked and snogged and then he made me a sandwich and we snogged and then he played me a record and then we snogged." "So it was like!" "Yeah! a snogging fest." "Sacre bleu!" Jas looked like she was thinking which is unusual and scary. I said, "But then this weird thing happened. He had his hands on my waist, standing behind me." "Oo-er!" "D-accord. Anyway, I turned round and he sort of leaped out of the way like two short leaping things." "Was he dancing?" "No! I think he was frightened of being knocked out by my nunga-nungas!" Then we both laughed like loons on loon tablets (i.e. a lot).
0007218702 Brilliantly funny, Louise Rennison's fabby fourth book on the confessions of crazy but lovable Georgia Nicolson. Now in gorgey new paperback and guaranteed to have the nation laughing their knickers off! Phoned Jas. "Jas?" "Oui." "Do you ever get the urge?" "Pardon?" "You know, to flow free and wild." She was thinking. "Well, sometimes, when Tom and I are alone in the house together..." "Yes..." "We flick each other with flannels." "Jas, you keep talking on the telephone and I will send out for help." "It's good fun...what you do is..." "Jas, Jas, guess what I am doing now?" "Are you dancing?" "Yes, I am, my strange little pal. But what am I dancing in?" "A bowl?" "Jas, don't be silly. Concentrate. Try to get the image of me flowing wild and free." "Are you dancing in...your PE knickers?" "Non...I am dancing in my nuddy-pants!!!" And we both laughed like loons on loon tablets.
0007222084 This is number one bestselling author Louise Rennison's seventh book of the confessions of crazy but loveable teenager, Georgia Nicolson. You'll laugh your knickers off! Why did I admit I wanted Masimo to be my proper boyfriend? Why? One minute he was snogging me, and then the next he was snogging Wet Lindsay, stick insect and drip. Perhaps I should tell him he can go out with her as well as me...But then I might snog him after she has snogged him, which would mean I have practically snogged her!!! I would rather snog my cat, Angus! He has certainly got nicer legs! Well, more of them anyway. Follow Georgia's hilarious antics as she desperately muddles her way through teenage life and all that it entails: make-up disasters, rapidly expanding nunga-nungas, school - urgh - unsympathetic friends, highly embarrassing family (and pets) and, of course, boys...
0440863414 An award-winning tale filled with chills and thrills, from top children's author Pete Johnson.
See all Reviews
0141317884 Based on real events, Secret Assault tells of the story of the capture of Pebble Island during the Falklands War, and the major British invasion which followed. Follow one soldier's journey and feel a part of an elite team as they strategically take out the Argentinian air bases, one by one, under deadly cross-fire. As with the Warpath series, Eldridge brings the action alive. The Bookseller says of the Warpath series, Stuffed with facts and specifications to delight the technically minded. Great for readers who like true stories.' Placed within an historical context, these part fact, part fiction adventures of the SAS also contain fascinating information such as maps and equipment used, and provides an informative summing up of actual events.
0753411946 Imagine a place where technology rules...where London is a slum and the North is a cultural capital...where from the age of five, The Authorities decide your future. In this fascinating parallel world, quick-thinking Luke Harding is the youngest Forensic Investigator ever, aged just 16. Luke and his right-hand robot, Malc, make a top forensic team. Together, they have the talent to crack any crime - and a good joke, too. Welcome to the thrilling world of Traces. Luke Harding's third thrilling case involves a series of mysterious murders where the victims seem to have only one thing in common - the same name, Emily Wonder. In the bitter cold of winter, the teenaged forensic investigator and his robotic assistant, Malc, investigate the crime scenes and struggle to identify the murder weapons used, as no traces have been left behind. When a fourth Emily Wonder, a young homeless girl, is reported missing, Luke and Malc rush back to the slums of London to try and save her from both the murderer - and a giant tidal wave that threatens to destroy the city.
0099482339 The tenth dramatic title in the gripping ALPHA FORCE series
Synopsis
Set in Scotland, Alpha Force are helping out on a survival outdoors adventure holiday programme for problem youngsters when they stumble across evidence of an illegal drugs laboratory, hidden high on the moors on the laird's land. High-speed chases with quad bikes and 4x4 vehicles across country along with survival skills like rafting, abseiling and hiking bring this l0th action-packed adventure to the UK with a dramatic storyline focusing on one of today's major problems - designer drugs and their manufacture.
See all Reviews
000714847X The sixth title in this thrilling adventure series about three teenagers tackling crime on the streets of London. A city-wide crime ring, a hidden and deadly enemy and a threat to every officer in the team: Danny, Alex and Maddie face their most challenging mission yet. A hidden enemy with a secret and deadly aim! While working on a drug-dealing case, Maddie Cooper is dismayed to be herself falsely accused of drug dealing and suspended from Police Investigation Command. Her team mates Danny and Alex are horrified and know how ridiculous the accusation is. They immediately get to work investigating who set Maddie up - and why! Meanwhile, a vicious computer virus is unleashed at headquarters - all the previous and vital computer files are destroyed. The team are now compromised and primed for the next attack! It seems someone is out to destroy PIC - and especially Maddie - at any cost. The Special Agents have got a serious fight on their hands.
1904233139 They can hack any computer, break any code, take out bad guys with SleepShot from two hundred metres, and vanish utterly without trace. The one thing Bond Team haven't got their heads round is, er, bonding. Jake and Ben want to kill each other, Jen thinks Lori is an airhead bimbo, and the only thing Eddie respects about Cally is her butt. All this is very bad news. Because if they don't get it together for their first term exams, if they can't defeat the infamous Stromfeld Program, then they can forget about ever graduating Spy High. And with a mind-wipe greeting all those who flunk out, we mean that quite literally. The SPY HIGH series continues with: 2.THE CHAOS CONNECTION (May '03), 3. THE SERPENT SCENARIO (Jul '03), 4. THE PARANOIA PLOT (Sep '03), 5. THE SOUL STEALERS (Nov '03), 6. THE ANNIHILATION AGENDA (Jan '04)
From the Publisher
Early quotes for SPY HIGH from the Atom Teen Reviewers Panel:
'I loved the Frankenstein Factory' - Lianne (13)
'I could not put this book down' - Douglas (12)
'Better than Stormbreaker' - Guy (12)
'Wicked!' - Ian (12)
'Brilliant story ... brilliant characters ... brilliant guns!' - Danny (13)
'When is the next book?!' - Will (11)
'Outstanding' - Nicholas (13)
'Genius!' - Sam (14)
0340894059 This is the terrifying first instalment of the Midnight Library collection, compiled from the darkest, most dusty shelves of Nick Shadow's bookroom...In this volume, we hear the story of the trainers with a mind of their own, the cautionary tale of Tim Barnett, who doesn't heed his grandmother's warnings and comes to a sticky end, and the scary account of the voices in Kate Openshaw's head...
0746062532 Maxwell Kane is feared and bullied because of his mental slowness and enormous size. But this is not the only cross he has to bear; Maxwell's father is in jail for murdering his mother. Kevin is smart, quirky and funny with insatiable curiosity and zest for life but he suffers from a rare genetic condition, which inhibits the growth of his body. Yet the combination of Kevin and Maxwell is formidable, when together they become Freak the Mighty.
0141318449 Based on Eric Schlosser's bestselling "Fast Food Nation", this is the shocking truth about the fast food industry - how it all began, its success, what fast food actually is, what goes on in the slaughterhouses, meatpacking factories and flavour labs, global advertising, merchandising in UK schools, mass production and the exploitation of young workers in the thousands of fast-food outlets throughout the world. It also takes a look at the effects on the environment and the highly topical issue of obesity. Meticulously researched, lively and informative, with first-hand accounts and quotes from children and young people, Eric Schlosser presents the facts in such a way that allows readers to make up their own minds about the incredible fast food phenomenon.
1841213667 Enter the strange and twisted world of Anthony Horowitz, and prepare for the fright of your life. Six books in total, with 2-3 stories in each. David's mobile seems to have a hotline to heaven...or hell. And Isabel is in for a nasty surprise next time she takes a bath. Ordinary objects or events, take unexpected and chilling twists in these fabulously scary stories.
1841213640 Enter the strange and twisted world of Anthony Horowitz, and prepare for the fright of your life. Six books in total, with 2-3 stories in each. David's mobile seems to have a hotline to heaven...or hell. And Isabel is in for a nasty surprise next time she takes a bath. Ordinary objects or events, take unexpected and chilling twists in these fabulously scary stories.
0747564620 'The moon was just a soft glow through the flimsy curtains in Kate's bedroom, but she feared even that intrusion. She pushed sweat-drenched hair from her eyes and turned on her bedside light. Looked round at the familiar things in the room. Told herself she was normal. Normal for now. But the images of the dream wouldn't change this time. The moon. The blood. The exultant wolf. That's going to be me, she thought, starting to shake. Whatever happens, that's what I'm going to become. Most of all, she feared the day that she would think those thoughts not with fear and guilt and shame - but with pride.' Kate's family is a family of a very particular type - a werewolf family. Her parents and brother are werewolves, and when Kate comes of age werewolf law dictates that she will become one too. But Kate is horrified at the fate that awaits her, and can feel none of the pride that strengthens her family in their werewolf state. For the time being she is able to avoid the issue of when she will become werewolf. Until, that is, her parents kidnap Tom Folan, on holiday with his parents, and destined to become Kate's mate...A tense, plot-twisting werewolf thriller that will have readers on th The first in 'The Wereling' trilogy.
0747565031 Tom and Kate have escaped Kate's werewolf mother and made it to New York. But it's not the safe haven they had hoped for. Something sinister is stalking the streets, preying on the vulnerable - people with no place to stay, no money, no one to ask for help, and before Tom and Kate can find the medicine man who can save Tom from his own werewolf instincts, it looks like they might be next on the menu. This is urban, gritty writing with action from the first page and a fright around every corner.
074756504X A museum in Chicago takes possession of a body remarkably preserved in a peat bog in Germany since the sixteenth century. The body is badly mutilated and the wounds point to careful torture and execution ...could the body be Peter Stubb, the first ever werewolf, executed for black magic and murder? Ages 14+.
0192753088 When Nick falls out with his mother's new boyfriend, he runs away, and soon meets a group of human statues, performing in the town centre. Nick finds he has a talent for this too, and is soon 'discovered' by the mysterious genius Antonin, and whisked away to a training centre for human statues. There, Nick's growing love for another performer, Swan, is set against his ambitions and fears as he realizes the darker side of what is going on at the centre. Philip Gross is a well-known poet for both adults and children, and has been shortlisted for the Whitbread Poetry Award. "Going for Stone" combines a wonderful literary novel with a strong undercurrent of real horror. This deals with issues, relevant to many young people, of falling under the sway of a cult, and of striving for perfection.
0192753835 A pack containing:
15 copies of the Rollercoasters Educational Edition of The Lastling by Philip Gross:
An imaginative and exciting book your student will not want to put down Supported by extensive teacher resources online, in print and on CD-ROM A theme that will appeal to both girls, boys and mixed ability classes 15 The Lastling Reading Guides to support the student in their study of the novel:
Provides essential background material for students, on the novel of the same title, including a letter to the student from the author of the novel, thematic activities, wider reading references and short reviews For use throughout the study of the novel For use as a 'way in' to aspects of the novel --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Synopsis
Paris is on a trek in the Himalayas with her uncle and her uncle's friends. On the way they come across a young Tibetan monk, Tahr, who reluctantly joins their party as his protector has died in an accident. As the trek progresses, Paris realizes the true reason for the journey - her uncle and his friends are a strange, gourmet dining club, dedicated to hunting down and eating the rarest possible animals. So when they discover a young yeti-like creature, who is very nearly human herself, Tahr convinces Paris that they have a duty to protect her, come what may. This work is dramatically told in a lyrical style by Philip Gross, a well-known poet for both adults and children.
See all Reviews
0571220460 Obadiah Demurral is a sorcerer who is seeking to control the highest power in the universe. He will stop at nothing. The only people in his way are Raphael, Kate, Thomas - and the mysterious Jacob Crane. Their tortured struggles lead them to a dramatic climax in the gothic church of St Mary's.
See all Reviews
0141314893 A freak storm transports Ben to a parallel world inhabited by vampires. He manages to escape to the woods where others like him (called ferals by the vampires) hide. As he begins to give up hope of ever getting home, Ben makes friends with Rachel, a vampire more human than some of the ferals who treat him with suspicion. Rachel takes Ben to her farm in an attempt to prove that she's not like the other vampires, but's that when he discovers a terrible secret. And why is the book called Piggies? That's the worst horror of all.
0141317310 Voices in my head. It's driving me mad. I'll have their tongues. That'll shut them up. Danny's father has been found guilty of a multiple murder - and Danny is terrified that he will turn out like his father. But was his father truly bad or a victim of something even darker? Danny gradually discovers that his family is being haunted by an evil little spirit: an incubus. And now it's haunting Danny. It broke his father, so what chance does Danny have? He has to be very strong and very careful.
1905117051 What's a healthy diet? Will it appeal to children? Althea looks into children's lunchboxes to show us which foods are good for us and why, and which should be for occasional eating only. We hear about Kate who is always tired, Rashida who can't eat nuts, Anna who doesn't like meat and Tony who'd rather have crisps. Written using current Health Education Authority guidelines, "Lunch Boxes" offers an upbeat look at food. Using humour and lively illustrations, it takes a refreshingly realistic look at eating and touches on a range of food issues including vegetarianism and food allergies.
0340634790 A bestselling picture book from award-winning author, Vivian French, with vibrant illustrations from Alison Bartlett.
Synopsis
Oliver won't eat anything except chips. But, when he goes to stay with his grandparents, Oliver has to strike a bargain. If he can find the potatoes in his grandfather's vegetable garden, Oliver can have chips. But he must eat all the other vegetables he finds during the hunt.
See all Reviews
0340704535 Oliver is off to stay with Grandpa, who grows his own vegetables. But Oliver doesn't eat vegetables - only chips! How will Grandpa persuade him into a week of healthy eating?
See all Reviews
0431151261 Each book in this new series explores an aspect of life that young readers will recognize. It explains how people around the world have needs and activities in common, and how these can be similar in different parts of the world. The books include: - Bright, full-colour photographs to support the text - Clear explanations of concepts in accessible text - Glossary, list of more books to read and index
0099724219 A collection of recipes based on food and drink featured in Roald Dahl's books. They include mudburgers, hot frogs, lickable wallpaper, stinkbugs' eggs and crispy wasp stings. Step-by-step instructions are accompanied by colour photographs and illustrations of every dish.
0431091439 Part of a series that introduces young people to the concept of health and safety, teaching them ways in which to look after themselves as they grow up. This text covers the importance of eating well.
1842993305 Sally and Keith have one thing in common - they are both fed up with who they are, so taking on new identities and becoming VIPs at this year's Rock Out festival seems an ideal escape from their everyday lives. When they meet, they like each other..but what will happen when Keith finds out Sally isn't a famous stylist and when Sally finds out that Keith, although Dead Holes' biggest fan, isn't actually their lead singer! A gripping funny and real romance.
1842992023 Finbar Black's day is turned upside down when a crazy, beautiful girl bursts into the house with a gun and a bag full of cash. Here we meet the Black family: four generations of schemers, liars, cheats and losers and, via a succession of twists and turns, we find out why she's there.
184299042X Part of the BARRINGTON STOKE RELUCTANT READERS series
Synopsis
This book is suitable for reluctant readers of 13-16 with a reading age of eight years. It is printed on cream paper, which is proven to be more restful on the eye. The font is specially designed to encourage a smooth and easy read. There are frequent page breaks, short, headed chapters and illustrations on almost every page. A wide range of specialists, including children themselves, have read and commented on the book prior to publication.
1842992945 Al and Amy set off on a camping trip and suddenly find themselves transported 50 years into the future - a dreadful future where a National Front-like party have taken over and there are no ethnic minorities left in Britain. Can they do anything to prevent this horrific vision coming true?.
1842991485 Mel can't believe she's going out with the gorgeous Ben. But when she starts receiving nasty text messages from the mysterious Gloria, she begins to have doubts about him. As the situation spirals out of control, things come to a head.
From the Author
This is a short, fast-moving, easy read. It's brilliant for reluctant readers - and if your first language isn't English. I based the plot on something that happened to my daughter: another girl stalked her boyfriend, sending texts and weaving fantasies. The confusion and lies almost split them up.
Texting has really changed the way teenagers relate to each other. You can be in contact the whole time, and that’s not always good. And as Mel discovers, texting can be very cruel ...
1842993577 When Johnny Delgado decided to become a private detective, it seemed like such a good idea at the time - gorgeous girls in need of help, wads of cash. But when you live in a council estate as rough as his, things soon become a little too interesting. He soon finds himself out of his depth and in big trouble. This is an electric read, crackling with attitude, adrenalin - and addictive to the last page.
1842991264 "You get used to the abuse. It becomes part of your life, like catching the bus". Jaspal and his family move to a village and, as the only Asian teenager around, he has a difficult time. But the racist attacks get increasingly violent and this shocking story ends in tragedy. This book is suitable for reluctant readers of 14 plus, with a reading age of eight years and above. It is printed on cream paper, which is proven to be more restful on the eye. The font is specially designed to encourage a smooth and easy read. There are frequent page breaks, short, headed chapters and illustrations on almost every page. A wide range of specialists, including children themselves, have read and commented on the book prior to publication.
From the Publisher
This book is suitable for reluctant readers of 13 to 16 with a reading age of 8
*It is printed on cream paper, which is proven to be more restful in the eye
*The font is specially designed to encourage a smooth and easy read
*There are frequent page breaks, short headed chapters and illustrations on almost every page
*A wide range of specialists, including children themselves, have read and commented on the book prior to publication
For more information please contact info@barringtonstoke.co.uk
1842991515 Spencer's mate Zac has decided he wants to be a real teenager and Spencer is disgusted. He's not interested in girls, skateboards or huge trainers! A hilarious and insightful story for teen boys aimed at reluctant readers.
1842993623 Four stories. Four people. Four lives. Cal - how far will he go to be part of Tully's gang? Joe - can he blag, cheat, and bluff his way to win the most important game of poker of his life? Ben - is this two timers luck about to run out? Kate - how will she cope with her father's illness? All brought together and changed forever by one book...An astonishingly original work, which stays with the reader long after they've turned the last page.
014131785X a ragdoll, a postcard from Marrakech, a rainbow-stripe hat, a dreamcatcher, a silver necklace with a pink stone in. Dizzy's mum left when she was small. But every year, on her birthday, something arrives in the post - a present or a card with her mum's loopy writing on. Dizzy has kept everything. But this year is different. This year's present is her mum, in person. Tanned and skinny with loads of earrings and a huge smile, Storm is a human whirlwind. She whisks Dizzy away for a summer that puts her whole world in a spin.
0141317841 Indie's mum loves the colour blue. Blue is the colour of her favourite things - bluebirds, bluebells, the sky. So much so that she named her children Indigo and Misty - shades of blue, special colours, magical colours. Indie loves her mum. But blue isn't always a happy colour - and there's a lot of sad stuff in her mum's life. And now suddenly she wants them to run away from their lovely house and leave Max - mum's fella - behind. Indie doesn't know why. Or where they're going. Or how to tell her friends. In a dingy old flat with a grumpy neighbour, no heating and only biscuits to eat, Indie begins to realise that her mum's got a secret - a reason she really needed to get away. Indie mustn't let her go near Max again - or something terrible will happen. A powerful, moving and tender book about love, family, domestic violence - and what it feels like to get the blues.
0141320214 Hannah and Joey have been best friends for ever. Joey's parents love rescuing things and making them beautiful - their house is full of things made from driftwood, old glass and shells from the beach. Which is why the scraggy kittens the girls find in a bin at school end up living there. And when Paul moves in as Joey's foster brother, everyone thinks that maybe he needs rescuing too. But nobody knows quite how badly. At first, it's great - Hannah's brother befriends Paul, and the four of them hang out together. But then things start to go wrong. Paul is being bullied. Subtly at first - but quickly it gets dangerous. People aren't like driftwood or abandoned kittens and Hannah doesn't know how to rescue him. Paul doesn't want to be rescued - but with help, he can find a way to save himself.
0141320222 Scarlett's not red like a sunset, she's red with rage. She cannot believe her mum's sunk so low as to pack her off to Ireland to stay with the dad who left them. Surely he's the reason for everything going wrong, her never being able to stay in a school, rules always just, somehow, seeming to get broken? Ha! They won't get round her so easily. But she hasn't reckoned the gorgeous Kian, and he might just find a way to change Scarlett's mind. There's a chance that - this time - things will be different...
1842363573 Leads children on a fantastic voyage through space, stopping off to look at beautiful planets, burning stars and state of the art aircraft.
1405217715 Introducing the world's first information superhero! Whenever disaster strikes, mild-mannered weatherman Cliff Thornhill and his dog Puddles are transformed into Captain Fact and Knowledge. Captain Fact knows pretty much everything about everything and, thanks to the ingenious Professor Miniscule, he has a different gadget for every adventure. You can count on our heroes to save the day, whatever the crisis! In their latest adventure, Captain Fact and Knowledge grapple with gladiators in Ancient Rome!
0750235985 An entertaining and informative book exploring the less appealing aspects of life in Victorian times.
See all Reviews
1842364006 'Bulletpoints' make reference browser-friendly. Each title presents the information in small, memorable text units dispensing with the need for ploughing through masses of text. There are ten bulletpoints per subject, giving the reader a good introduction to one of the many areas covered by each title.
0746067194 Now in a new format, and better value than ever before, these classic searches are sure to keep children entertained for hours on end. Each beautifully illustrated double-page features a brain-teasing picture puzzle. As well as providing hours of puzzle-solving fun, each book is packed with fascinating facts presented in short, easy-to-read captions.
0746058551 Be amazed by our extraordinary world and discover hundreds of startling facts about the natural world, prehistory and the animals around us in this colourful book. Packed with facts, lists and maps, this book also includes photographs, illustrations, extracts from news articles and recommended websites. In addition to being a helpful homework aid for curious children, adults should also love dipping into this treasure trove of fascinating information.
1405208678 The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the first book of their adventures.
1405208686 The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the second book of their adventures.
1405208694 The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the third book of their adventures.
1405215275 Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone, or mildew, you prabably prefer not to be damp. You might also prefer not to read this book, in which the Baudelaire siblings encounter an unpleasant amount of dampness as they descent into the depths of despair, underwater. In fact, the horrors they encounter are too numerous to list, and you wouldn't want me even to mention the worst of it, which includes mushrooms, a desperate search for something lost, a mechanical monster, a distressing message from a lost friend, and tap dancing. As a dedicated author who has pledged to keep recording the depressing story of the Baudelaires, I must continue to delve deep into the cavernous depths of the orphans' lives. You, on the other hand, may delve into some happier book in order to keep your eyes and your spirits from being dampened.
1405206128 Fleeing the village of VFD, after some time in the Deluxe cell for a murder they did not commit, the Baudelaires hide with the Volunteers Fighting Disease on their way to the Heimlich Hospital. Addressed by Babs, who can only be contacted through an intercom speaker on a desk, the orphans start work with the near-sighted Hal in the hospital library of records. Hal says he remembers a file in the records to do with the Snicket fires, but before the children can find it, Babs is suddenly replace by Mattathias - none other than Count Olaf - who plans to inspect every employee in the hospital. Staying late to find the file, the Baudelaires find a picture of their parents with Jacques Snicket, and another, partly obscured figure who may be a writer. But at that moment Esme Squalor arrives - Klaus and Sunny escape, but Violet is led to the operating theatre for a cranioectomy. Disguising themselves, Klaus and Sunny manage to rescue the unconscious Violet, but not before Esme has set fire to the library of records, adding arson to the false charges now facing the children. Chased through the now burning hospital, they make their escape, only to discover that the only way out is to hide in the trunk of Count Olaf's car - possibly the most dangerous place of all.
1405208708 The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the fourth book of their adventures.
1405210869 What would you do if you found yourself trapped in a runaway caravan hurtling down a precipitous mountain slope? Fourteen-year-old Violet, the oldest orphan of the three Baudelaires, decides to try to slow the velocity of the caravan with a drag-chute invention involving a viscous combination of blackstrap molasses, maple syrup, maraschino liqueur, peanut butter, etc. If plummeting to their death weren't scary enough, Violet and her brother Klaus have been separated from Sunny, their baby sister who is in a car headed in the opposite direction up the mountain with the "facinorous" Count Olaf, his "villainous and stylish" girlfriend Esme Squalor, and their creepy sidekicks. Do Violet and Klaus find Sunny on the mountain? How will they survive the treacherous, snow-covered peaks with not much more than a ukulele and a bread knife, especially in the face of the "organized, ill-tempered" snow gnats?
See all Reviews
1405208716 The three Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus and little Sunny, arrive at the Prufrock Preparatory School, only to be met by the unpleasant bully…
1405207523 Joining the Caligari Carnival, where people come to see lions and messy eating, the Baudelaire siblings' story involves a confusing map, an ambidextrous person, a wooden plank and Chabo the Wolf Baby. Fleeing once more, for the first time Violet and Klaus are separated from their sister Sunny.
Synopsis
The ninth in the Series of Unfortunate Events continuing the story of the Baudelaire orphans. Read by Tim Curry. This carnivorous work contains such a distressing story that consuming any of its contents would be far more stomach-turning than even the most imbalanced meal. Read if you dare!!!
1405208724 The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the sixth book of their adventures.
1405207345 The miserable lives of the Baudelaire orphans continue as they are relentlessly pursued by the evil Count Olaf.