Age 10 plus:
Cloudburst
Wilbur Smith with Chris Wakling
HEAD OFF to the rainforest with a daring teenage boy as the
master of adventure, Wilbur Smith, delivers his first all-action series for
middle-grade readers. Cloudburst is the first thrilling book in the Jack Courtney
Adventure series and stars the youngest member of the world-famous Courtney
family which has been at the centre of 87-year-old Smith’s novels since 1964,
chronicling their lives from the 1660s through to the 20th century.
The series, co-written with author Chris Wakling, was
inspired after Smith saw the action being taken by young people in the battle
against climate change and this first, fantastic rainforest adventure asks
questions about conservation as well as addressing the timeless themes of love,
betrayal and family which are the hallmarks of his novels.
 |
| ON TOP FORM: Wilbur Smith |
Fourteen-year-old Jack Courtney has lived in the UK his
whole life. But this summer his parents are travelling to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo for an environmental conference on gorillas, and they
have promised to take Jack and his friends with them. When his parents go missing in the rainforest, abducted by
mercenaries, nobody seems to have any answers. Jack is pretty sure that it has
got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Along with his friends
Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. Standing in
his way is a member of his own family… Caleb Courtney. There are western
gorillas, forest elephants and hippos. But there are also bandits, mercenaries
and poachers. The three friends will need their wits about them if they are not
only to save Jack's parents, but their own lives too.
Smith and Wakling are on top form as they bring young
readers an exciting and powerful story brimming with fast-paced action,
unexpected twists and turns, an extraordinary backdrop and a cast of
inspirational characters. A Wilbur Smith classic for a new generation…
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £6.99)
Age 10 plus:
Bloom
Nicola Skinner
MANY of the new crop of children’s books like to convey
important messages to young children… but few can achieve the sheer originality
and entertainment value of Nicola Skinner’s glorious debut novel, Bloom.
Climate change and preserving the green spaces on our
precious planet are always high on the list of contemporary concerns and
Skinner has these topics well and truly nailed in a fun-filled adventure story
that can only be described as blooming wonderful! Harsh realities and out-of-this world magic, darkness and
light, laughter and tears jostle comfortably together in this perfectly
imagined tale of a girl who sows the seeds of a better future in the most
surprising and unexpected way.
Sorrel Fallowfield lives at Cheery Cottage with her single
mum but in all honesty, their home is anything but cheery. In fact, it exudes a
gloomy glumness, a grumpy grimness and a grimy greyness that seeps into
everything… even mum. Sorrel can’t fix all the things in the house that are broken
so instead, she has decided to be ‘good at being good’ to make her mum smile
and to make the broken feeling leave her mum, even if it’s only for a while.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
And Sorrel is so good at being good that teachers come to her
when they need help remembering the school rules… and there are lots of them at
Grittysnit School. Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them,
until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a
tree in her back yard.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an
almost unstoppable urge to plant the seeds in some very unusual places… and
completely failing to win her school’s competition to find The Most Obedient
Child of the School. And all that’s before flowers start growing out of her
head…
Skinner, who was inspired to write this charming book after
a visit to an overgrown country garden, delivers an enchanting, lyrical story
starring a lovable young girl with a funny, feisty narrative voice that cannot
fail to win hearts and minds. Sorrel’s amazing story is wacky and wonderfully weird but
out of it grow subtle reminders about caring for the environment, guarding our
wild places, and standing up to authority, however hard that might seem when
you are a child. Exquisitely written and powerfully imagined, Bloom will add meaning
and colour to any child’s life…
(HarperCollins Children’s Books, paperback, £6.99)
Age 7 plus:
Scribble Witch: Notes in Class
Inky Willis
ARE you looking for a really funny, really clever book to
keep your youngsters giggling from first page to last? Well, search no more, here’s the answer… a marvellous and
magical new series starring a girl and her secret scribble witch from exciting
new author and illustrator Inky Willis.
With her vibrant, unique voice, and amazing illustrations to
match, Willis brings us a wonderful style of storytelling featuring a variety
of narrative devices – including notes, speech bubbles, outrageous spellings
and lots of doodles – which are guaranteed to engage the most reluctant young
readers.
When Molly Mills’ best friend Chloe announces that she is moving to a new school, a blue Wednesday becomes the Worst Wednesday Ever. That is until some unexpected magic brightens up Molly’s day. Notes, a tiny paper witch who has been lurking in a pen pot, springs to life… and into action! Some of the things Notes does are absolutely NOT helpful and get Molly into trouble with her grouchbag teacher Mr Stilton who likes stinky coffee and spelling tests. But it’s surprising what one tiny witch, armed with nothing more than a pencil, can achieve before the bell for home time rings...
The hilarious double-act of Molly and Notes – ably assisted
by charming Chloe and stinky Mr Stilton – is set to become a firm favourite
with mischievous children who cannot help but fall for this enchanting blend of
magic and mayhem!
(Hodder Children’s Books, paperback, £6.99)
Age 7 plus:
Autism and Me
Haia Ironside and Ellie O’Shea
AS families, organisations and caregivers get ready to mark World
Autism Awareness Day on Thursday April 2, here’s the perfect book to explain
just what it means to be autistic. Autism and Me is the latest title in the Mindful Kids series
published by Studio Press which has proved invaluable to young people in our
busy, pressured world where feelings of anxiety, stress and anger have become
increasingly prevalent.
Written for young people with autism – but also a useful
learning tool for people of any age who are interested in learning and understanding
autism – readers are encouraged to express their emotions through creative
activities.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
There are pages to colour, games to play and lots of ideas to think and talk about. Some ideas might also be useful to practise outside of the book in real life, everyday situations. Readers can also share this book with others, especially as some of the questions such as ‘What is autism?’ are just too big to be answered alone. As well as a useful glossary, there is a section for parents and caregivers with expert tips and suggested resources for finding further information.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
There are pages to colour, games to play and lots of ideas to think and talk about. Some ideas might also be useful to practise outside of the book in real life, everyday situations. Readers can also share this book with others, especially as some of the questions such as ‘What is autism?’ are just too big to be answered alone. As well as a useful glossary, there is a section for parents and caregivers with expert tips and suggested resources for finding further information.
Written by Haia Ironside, who has a Masters degree in Autism
Studies and extensive experience working with autistic children, Autism and Me is
designed to be accessible to autistic people with an uncluttered, clean and
friendly layout. The bright, colourful format also features the charming
illustrations of Ellie O’Shea, which will keep young readers entertained and
focused as they work through the book. A helping hand in the campaign to understand autism…
(Studio Press, paperback, £9.99)
Age 7 plus:
Eco Rangers: Wildfire Rescue
Candice Lemon-Scott and Aśka
DO you fancy exciting adventures with two young animal fans
who meet amazing animals, solve mysteries, and get down to earth with nature? Meet Ebony and Jay, two dynamic eco rangers with a love for
wildlife and a nose for trouble, in an action-packed series starring two best
friends who rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife, and help out at
their local conservation centre.
Fun and feisty, the two youngsters love helping others and
looking after the environment , and in each story, they meet new animal
friends, solve mysteries and learn more about nature. Eco Rangers is the imaginative creation of writer Candice
Lemon-Scott, an Australian author and trained wildlife carer whose quirky
style, fast-paced narrative and originality has a special appeal for reluctant readers.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
In their new adventure – a topical story about the dangers
of bushfires – there has been a devastating wild fire in the bushland and Eco
Rangers Ebony and Jay are doing their best to find injured animals. As they
rescue a cute little possum with burned paws, they also discover that some
people have been camping in the area devastated by the fire. What were they
doing there? This is a mystery only the Eco Rangers can solve!
Packed with the spirit of adventure and important
environmental messages about caring for our endangered world, and with vibrant
artwork by children’s book illustrator Aśka, these books are ideal reading for
animal lovers and young eco warriors from every corner of the planet.
(New Frontier Publishing, paperback, £5.99)
Age 6 plus:
Dirty Bertie: Trouble!
Alan MacDonald and David Roberts
AND now for something truly hair-raising, foul-smelling and
revoltingly wonderful… the brilliant new muck-propelled adventure starring the
one and only Dirty Bertie!
Dirty Bertie, the cringe-making creation of writer Alan
MacDonald and illustrator David Roberts, is the boy with nose-pickingly
disgusting habits who just can’t help getting involved in comic chaos, and has
proved to be one of the most enduringly popular and entertaining story book
anti-heroes for younger readers. With comic chaos and madcap schemes, these
highly-illustrated stories are perfect for new readers.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Join Bertie here as he
concocts a magic potion for Miss Boot to make her forget the dreaded maths
test, finds himself at Know-All Nick’s house for the worst sleepover ever, and
unexpectedly wins out over the school bully. There are three fully illustrated stories in each book and
in these latest hilariously horrid adventures, we join bad, bold Bertie as he
concocts a magic potion for Miss Boot to make her forget the dreaded maths
test, finds himself at Know-All Nick’s house for the worst sleepover ever, and
unexpectedly wins out over the school bully.
With each action-packed, fun-filled story split into
chapters with wickedly funny illustrations on almost every spread, Dirty Bertie
is ideal for reluctant readers in need of some laugh-out-loud antics, confident
young readers to enjoy by themselves, or simply to share with (secretly
amused!) parents.
(Stripes, paperback, £5.99)
Age 6 plus:
The Story Puppy
Holly Webb and Sophy Williams
MUCH-LOVED author Holly Webb is back to enchant her young
readers with the incredible 45th heartwarming adventure in her
adorable and hugely popular Animal Stories series which has sold hundreds of
thousands of copies since the first book hit the shelves in 2006.
Webb is one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and
has written over 100 books for children, including the Animal Stories, My
Naughty Little Puppy and a sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic 1911
book, The Secret Garden.
In this new book we meet Jack who is having a hard time at
school because he can’t read as well as the other children. One day, he visits
the animal shelter with his sister and notices a nervous puppy called Daisy. He
sits next to her while practising his reading. Jack keeps visiting Daisy at the
shelter and as she gets more confident, Jack thinks she is ready to be adopted.
But when another family takes an interest in Daisy, Jack is worried that he
will lose his friend forever...
Sophy Williams provides the gorgeous black and white illustrations
for this beautifully created and gentle series which has captured the hearts of
every animal-loving child. And don’t forget to look out for the free app on App
Store and Google Play. It’s jam-packed with exciting activities from fantastic
games and puzzles to creative colouring and sticker fun.
Perfect for children just starting to read alone, youngsters
who love to share a book with mum or dad, and any child who can’t resist the
sheer magic of animals.
(Stripes, paperback, £5.99)
Age 3 plus:
Unicorn Club
Suzy Senior and Leire Martín
SUZY Senior, author of the entertaining picture book
Octopants, swims back into view with a new story starring a club just made for
unicorns. Amy is starting a unicorn fan club – with cupcakes and
painting and prizes to win. The only problem is that her street is empty and
none of her friends have turned up. But, hang on a minute... is that a unicorn
up in the treehouse? It’s not just one, it’s a whole herd of them!
It’s time
for some magic, so come and join in! This galloping, giggling story is perfect
for young unicorn fans.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Senior’s bright, beautiful and heartwarming adventures of a
little girl who thought her hopes of starting a unicorn club were dashed until
the arrival of a host of colourful unicorns is sure to win the hearts of young
readers. Spanish illustrator Leire Martín’s dazzling and
multi-coloured illustrations bring energy and charisma to a tale which
encapsulates the joy and excitement of meeting new friends and enjoying new
experiences. From the horns of a dilemma to a magical unicorn adventure!
(Little Tiger, paperback, £6.99)
Age 2 plus:
What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside
Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
TWO of the best-known names in children’s books are on top
form in the fabulous follow-up to their hugely successful What the Ladybird
Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday,
joyously child-friendly books which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
With a cast of wonderful sea creatures, including a magical
mermaid and an adorable sea lion, and plenty of seaside fun, this new ladybird
adventure is another raucous, rhyming, ribald feast of fun and sea frolics from
the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Here we find the clever little ladybird flying off on a trip
to the seaside, but those two crafty crooks, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, are also
back and they are up to their wicked ways again. This time they are planning to
steal the mermaid’s long, luscious hair and sell it to a famous star… but
fortunately, the quiet, crime-busting, little ladybird and her seaside animal
friends have another cunning plan to stop the thieves and save the day!
Youngsters will love joining in the mischief, mayhem and
rhymes as the hapless thieves meet an aquatic team that is more than their
match. The book comes complete with a gorgeously glittery
eye-catching cover and there’s the added fun of spotting the sparkly ladybird
on every page. With slapstick action, sea-filled antics, and a sharp-toothed
shark, What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside is destined to become yet another
classic in the Donaldson and Monks collection.
(Macmillan, hardback, £12.99)
Age 2 plus:
Cook With Me: Bunny Makes Breakfast
Kathryn Smith and Sebastien Braun
ARE you ready for breakfast? Here’s the chance to help make your own with a tasty first
recipe book for curious little fingers… the first in an inventive new Cook with
Me series from Little Tiger Press. Help Little Bunny make a delicious meal with Big Bunny in a
gorgeous board book that features 35 flaps to lift, food to source, and a
delicious child-friendly recipe.
Peek inside kitchen cupboards, under bushes and into the henhouse as you help Little Bunny gather ingredients for a delicious surprise breakfast. Then discover the recipe at the back of the book to cook the yummy breakfast yourself.
Little ones are guaranteed a feast of fun as they help
Little Bunny to make a delicious breakfast, searching under the flaps for the
right ingredients, and at the same time learning about where our food comes
from and adopting healthy eating habits. And don’t forget to spot the ladybird
on every page. Read the story, find the ingredients and tuck into a tasty
meal!
(Little Tiger, board book, £7.99)
Age one plus:
Poppy and Sam and the Bunny: Finger Puppet Book
Sam Taplin and Simon Taylor-Kielty
POPPY and Sam of Apple Tree Farm are back for a spring
adventure which will have little ones hopping with joy! The Poppy and Sam books, written by the late Stephen
Cartwright, have been a family favourite for over 30 years and after relaunch
celebrations by children’s publisher Usborne last year, the bright and
colourful makeover for these evergreen stories has been winning the hearts of a
new generation of children.
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
Click HERE for Lancashire Post review
In this adorable finger puppet book, we join Poppy and Sam
as they follow their new friend the bunny around the farm. Toddlers will love
pushing their finger through the hole to bring the bunny to life and make
simple actions from sniffing the flowers to nibbling a carrot and snuggling
with other bunnies. Poppy and Sam and the Bunny is full of that special
child-appeal which has made the Poppy and Sam stories so popular, and there is
still the added fun of finding the hidden Little Yellow Duck on every page.
The new-look selection also includes the original artwork of
Stephen Cartwright as well as the
gorgeous illustrations of Simon
Taylor-Kielty, perfectly created to honour Stephen’s legacy.
Fun, laughter and learning in one beautiful book!
(Usborne, board book, £7.99)
Age one plus:
Where’s My Llama?
Kate McLelland and Becky Davies
WHERE'S my llama hiding? She was here a moment ago. Can you
find her? Help your curious little ones get interactive with this
sturdy touch-and-feel board book which comes loaded with fun, discovery, word
recognition development, and lots of visual and tactile appeal.
A tantalising trail of colourful hoofprints will lead children past a touch-and-feel giraffe, a fox with a cute tail, and a long-eared rabbit as we go in search of the woolly llama. With Kate McLelland’s bright, appealing illustrations, discoveries on each spread, and a surprise flap ending, this enchanting series is ideal for young children. The perfect sharing book for babies and toddlers finding their way in the big, wide world!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £6.99)
No comments:
Post a Comment