Age 7 plus
Shy and Mighty: Your Shyness is a Superpower
Nadia Finer and Sara Thielker
NADIA Finer knows what it’s like to struggle with shyness and that’s why she is embarking on a (softly-spoken) mission to help shy people be more ‘mighty.’ She runs the Mighty Mob, an online program which helps shy youngsters to feel braver, more able to speak up and join in, and more comfortable to be themselves. And now she is determined to convince children that their shyness is a ‘superpower’ with this brilliant, very readable book which comes packed with inclusive and colourful illustrations by Sara Thielke.
Although shyness is not a personality flaw, she tells us, it’s a complex
trait and means many kids struggle to speak up in class, get involved in
activities, make friends, put themselves forward, and compete. As a result they
can miss out on exciting opportunities, and are often overlooked, ignored, and
sidelined.
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Shy And Mighty offers an insightful way of looking at this emotive subject which will comfort and reassure shy children, and help them to overcome the aspects of their shyness that are holding them back, without pretending to be something they’re not. Featured in the pages of this heartwarming book is practical advice on how to take small steps to achieve your dreams, how to work with other people, and ways to get your views heard. Thielke’s bright, fun illustrations help to portray important topics like understanding body language and appearing more confident.
With activities, solutions, and coping strategies for children, Shy and
Mighty includes simple tools and suggestions to help them get more involved,
share their ideas, and make friends, whilst exploring the science behind
shyness in an accessible and easy-to-understand format. Brimming with inspirational ideas for parents, carers and teachers, this is
the ideal book to help children their inner voice and to take that giant leap
from being invisible to… invincible!
(DK Children, hardback, £12.99)
The Thief Who Sang Storms
Sophie Anderson and Joanna Lisowiec
SNUGGLE down into your favourite armchair for a fabulous, fantastical
journey into a dazzling world of magical birds, bravery, community and kindness
as Lake District author Sophie Anderson returns with a story just made for
spring nights. Inspired by the Slavic folk tales that inform so much of her work, this
exciting writer is bewitching us all with her sublime and lyrical storytelling,
a gift which allows her to sweep readers away to soaring, evocative landscapes
where magic, folklore and realism blend together in memorable mesmerising
adventures. And here she sweeps us away to the Island of Morovia, a place shaped like a
broken heart where humans live on one side of the island, and the alkonosts –
the bird-people – live on the other. But it wasn’t always this way. Linnet
wishes she could sing magic, like her father Nightingale, and bring the two
sides of her island together again. Her land has been divided by a terrible tragedy and Linnet has been banished
with her father to the deepest swamps, leaving behind her best friends, Hero
and Silver. So when her father is captured, Linnet must be brave and embark on
a treacherous journey. Through alligator pools and sinking sands, she finds new friends. Yet
without her singing magic, Linnet discovers something even more powerful…
something that could save her father and heal the broken heart of her island
once more. This enchanting fairy tale adventure, brought to vivid, vibrant life by the
atmospheric illustrations of Joanna Lisowiec, is filled with rich and
descriptive detail, nail-biting suspense, a pulsing sense of danger, and
important life lessons about grief, trust, love, and the healing power of
community and kindness. Set against a lush, breathtaking and fantastical ‘other’ world full of
mysticism and magic, this is a warm and heartfelt adventure, and just the sort
of book that makes youngsters want to read!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
Dread Wood
Jennifer Killick
IMAGINE a book that serves up all those super-spooky vibes that kids love, a
delicious dollop of black comedy and a bunch of spiky classmates with a murky
mystery to solve. If that menu tickles your tastebuds, then you’ll be dining
out on queen of chills-and-thrills Jennifer Killick’s brilliant new middle
grade series which delivers horror and humour in perfect harmony. Perfectly
pitched for middle grade readers, Dread Wood stars four youngsters facing the worst
school detention ever. When classmates (but not mate-mates) Hallie, Angelo,
Gustav and Naira are forced to come to school on a Saturday, they think things
can’t get much worse. But they’re wrong. Things are about to get seriously
scary. What has dragged their teacher underground? Why do the creepy caretakers
keeping humming the tune to Itsy Bitsy Spider? And what horrors lurk in the
shadows, getting stronger and meaner every minute? Cut off from help and in
danger each time they step out, the gang’s only hope is to work together. But
it’s no coincidence that they are all there on detention. Someone has been
watching and plotting and is out for revenge. Killick is a slick and sassy
storyteller… she knows just how far to take her heart-stopping tales of cool
comedy and scary horror as she pumps up the action and lets loose her rich
imagination. Be prepared to read this gigglesome chiller-thriller in one
sitting!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)
The Rewilders
Lindsay Littleson
THE wild is waiting in this thrilling adventure set in wonderful
countryside! Award-winning author and full-time primary teacher Lindsay
Littleson’s rural-themed, all-action story explores the concept of rewilding
and the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx in Scotland alongside issues around
peer pressure and bullying. Esme is annoyed and braced for boredom when she’s
sent to stay with her gran for the weekend… until she discovers a terrible
mistake. Cora, the abandoned kitten Gran found on the Rothiecraig Estate, is in
fact a wild lynx cub and she is growing fast! Suddenly, Esme find herself on a
dangerous mission to rewild Cora, with Callum Docherty, the school’s ‘bad boy,’
for company, and Shug, the worst guard dog in the world. The situation takes a
terrifying turn when the children pitch their tents on a bleak Highland moor
and hear wolves howling outside. There’s excitement all the way in this
fast-paced rewilding mission as Esme and Callum take on some important lessons
about friendship as they battle to protect and help Cora. The perfect read for
youngsters who love nature and a thrill-a-minute adventure!
(Pokey Hat, paperback, £7.99)
Dino Knights: Invasion
Jeff Norton and Jeff Crosby
PICK two favourite themes – dangerous dinosaurs and daring knights – blend
them together, and what do you have? Dino Knights, of course! In the second
book of his fabulous, action-packed chapter book series, Jeff Norton transports
youngsters to a thrilling medieval land where dinosaurs still roam and brave
knights ride into adventures on the back of roaring dinosaurs. Norton, loved
for his stories which create compelling characters, awesome escapades and
immersive worlds, is on his best form in this new tale starring Dino Knight
Henry Fairchild who races into action on the back of a T-rex. When the
Highlanders of Brecklan are attacked and kidnapped by their ruthless
neighbours, the Dino Knights are torn between avenging Ellie’s Highlander
family or protecting Brecklan which is now under threat. Ellie and Henry risk everything
and disobey orders to go to the rescue, but in doing so they make a powerful
new ally who will help them save Brecklan. With Jeff Crosby’s atmospheric black
and white illustrations to bring Norton’s world-building to vivid life, a
gallery of amazing characters, a map, playful heraldic chapter headings and a
dinosaur field guide, this exciting story of bravery, loyalty, friendship and
family is perfect for all fearless young adventurers.
(Scallywag Press, paperback, £6.99)
The Story Shop: Blast Off!
Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal
YOUNG adventurers eager for some thrills, chills – and easy reading – need
look no further than the Story Shop! This fresh and funny new series from
Shifty McGifty author Tracey Corderoy and children’s illustrator Tony Neal is
just the job for new and emerging readers. Looking for adventure and want to be
a hero? Then step inside the Story Shop! It’s full of plots, costumes and
characters galore, and shopkeepers Wilbur and Fred are ready and waiting to
find every customer their perfect adventure. When a daredevil mouse visits the
shop, Wilbur and Fred have just the thing… an out-of-this-world space mission!
Join Space Mouse as he nibbles his way into trouble on the Moon, bets his tail
on a game of Tiddlywonks with Phoebe Fairplay, and causes chaos on Planet Cog
with his over-the-top inventions. With an action-packed story to enjoy, and
Neal’s vibrant illustrations bringing all the fun to life, the Story Shop is
guaranteed to be on every youngster’s shopping list!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £5.99)
Elephant Island
Leo Timmers
WILL a shipwrecked elephant ever find his way home again? Get ready to laugh
at the lines and marvel at the stunning illustrations as award-winning Belgian
author and illustrator Leo Timmers works his special magic on another stellar
picture book which inspires youngsters to build on teamwork… and have fun in
the process! Caught in a storm, Arnold the elephant washes up on a tiny island.
And although many animals come along to try to rescue him, each of their broken
vessels provides new materials for another intricate construction. Wheels and
pulleys create a Ferris wheel, an elevator, a waffle maker, and soon there is a
whole community, enough space for everyone and Elephant Island has turned into
a fun park city! As with all of Leo Timmers' picture books, there are many
layers of discovery to enjoy, rather like a building game on a page. Each new
building creates a wonderful fun park, packed with mechanical details and
showcasing the busy animals working together. With the quirky story translated
by James Brown, Timmers’ trademark richly detailed illustrations with their
stunning use of colour and atmospheric light and shade, and humour on every
page, this is the ideal picture book to inspire imagination and creativity in
young readers.
(Gecko Press, hardback, £11.99)
The Young Designers
Paul Smith and Sam Usher
COMEDY is all the fashion in the second inventive and beautifully creative
picture book from international fashion designer Sir Paul Smith and star
illustrator Sam Usher. This exciting and artistic duo have stitched together a
new title in their Adventures of Moose and Mr Brown series featuring cleverly
produced, laugh-out-loud stories of friendship, animals, design, and finding
inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Smith is renowned for his creative
spirit and these delightful and beautifully produced and illustrated books star
a cast of curious and charming characters, inspired by toys that Smith has owned
for many years. In this sparkling new adventure, there are some inquisitive
visitors to Mr Brown’s fashion studio. It’s a group of small, young animals who
all want to learn how to be a designer. Moose is put in charge of the little
ones and chaos ensues… from Skunk creating a stink in the lift to Elephant
spilling juice all over a pristine white coat. Luckily Moose knows how to keep
the youngsters entertained and how to inspire them… so will it all come good in
the end? Usher’s vibrant, colourful and characterful illustrations capture all
the exuberance and spirit of adventure that mark out Smith’s captivating story
about the joys of kindness and friendship, and the power that comes from using
your creative talents.Tailor-made for your own young designers!
(Pavilion Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)
The Girl Who Planted Trees
Caryl Hart and Anastasia Suvorova
MEET a little girl whose dream inspires a whole village to create something
amazing that will last forever! Award-winning author Caryl Hart harnesses the
words of Greta Thunberg, ‘No one is too small to make a difference,’ for this
uplifting and empowering picture book tale for our time. When a little girl's
grandad shows her a picture of what the great, grey mountain used to look like,
she can't wait to plant a new forest and for the animals to return. Although
the girl soon realises that growing trees isn’t easy, she doesn’t give up.
After many weeks, a little patch of green appears on the mountain and gives the
whole village hope. Then, one day, a terrible storm comes tearing up the
valley, destroying every single one of the girl’s saplings. Has all her hard
work been for nothing or has it inspired those around her to share her dream?
With Anastasia Suvorova’s beautiful, evocative artwork shining out from every
page and one girl’s imagination, determination and positivity motivating a
whole community to work together, this lyrical, hope-filled book will encourage
both children and adults to make their own small but vital contribution to creating
a better, more sustainable world. And as every Nosy Crow paperback picture book
comes with a free Stories Aloud audio recording, you can just scan the QR code
and listen along to the story!
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £12.99)
Shelly Hen Lays Eggs
Deborah Chancellor and Julia Groves
SET young feathers fluttering with the latest enlightening and entertaining
picture book in a series which helps children to understand where their food
comes from… and just how precious it is. Shelly Hen Lays Eggs is the third
title in a Follow My Food series from ever-inventive Scallywag Press which aims
to encourage children to appreciate the different sources of food and to become
environmentally aware of its origins.Written by experienced children’s author Deborah
Chancellor and colourfully brought to life by the illustrations of Julia
Groves, the book follows a little boy and his journey with Shelly Hen as she
takes a dust bath to shake off pesky mites, pecks the ground and searches for
food, hangs out with her flock, takes a nap in a shady place and lays a tasty
fresh egg. A simple quiz and fun facts at the end explain more about the life
of free range hens including the colour of their egg yolks, how they stay warm
at night in their coops, their activities outdoors to keep them healthy and
happy, how they ‘talk’ to each other with over twenty-four different sounds,
and details of their pecking order. Groves’ bright and stylish artwork helps to
underline the message that producing food and caring for animals is important
work, and that we must respect the animals and humans who help produce it… and
certainly not waste it! The perfect book to help explain the concept of
sustainability to your budding eco-warriors.
(Scallywag Press, hardback, £11.99)
All Around Bustletown: Nighttime
Rotraut Susanne Berner
NO matter what time of year, the inhabitants of Bustletown are busy working,
walking, playing, eating, making music, exercising, and shopping! Welcome to an
exciting picture book series, from award-winning German illustrator Rotraut
Susanne Berner, which has been published to wide acclaim in fifteen countries.
With richly detailed illustrations on every page, young readers can enjoy
exploring seven colourful spreads featuring Bustletown and its inhabitants and
create their own stories about all the things you can do after the sun sets.
Because even though it’s nighttime, the fun hasn’t stopped! Readers can peek
inside a multigenerational house, a farm, a railway station, a community
centre, a marketplace, a department store, and a park with a lake. Just as
Berner’s previous explorations of the town have brilliantly evoked the sights
and colours of the seasons, here she bathes the town in shimmering darkness
that throws evening activities into fascinating relief. Readers will return
again and again to the superbly detailed pages to discover everything that
takes place in Bustletown during the night… a burglar tries to break into the
dental office, the book shop features ‘books for a good night,’ fireworks explode
above the lake, and there’s a slumber party in the library. Fun to explore… and
the ideal way to encourage little ones to observe the world around them.
(Prestel, board book, £9.99)
Noah’s Seal
Layn Marlow
HERE'S the perfect bedtime read! Author and illustrator Layn Marlow works
her special magic on this gentle, thoughtful tale celebrating the power of the
imagination and the joyful spirit of adventure. Noah waits on the beach all day
for Nana’s boat to be ready so that they can go seal spotting. He waits and
waits, and eventually takes matters into his own hands, building his very own
seal out of sand. And it’s almost as good as the real thing! But it isn’t long
before a storm whips up and his sand seal is soon washed away. Nana packs up ready
to leave and Noah loses all hope that he will ever spot a real-life seal… until
something special happens! Marlow’s lyrical, inter-generational story explores
how nature can inspire our hopes and dreams through emotive words and a gallery
of beautiful and evocative artwork. Picture book perfection!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £6.99)
Sophie la girafe: Sophie Has Lunch and Sophie Goes to Sleep
Ruth Symons and Vulli
EVER since she was first produced in Paris in 1961, Sophie la girafe has been a worldwide success as the number one squeaky rubber teething toy. And now Sophie is stepping into the limelight again on the pages of a brand new series of baby board books.
(Templar Publishing, board books, £6.99 each)
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