Age 9 plus
The Wonder Brothers
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
and Steven Lenton
THERE'S always a buzz of excitement in the air when a new Frank Cottrell-Boyce book hits the shelves and the award-winning author certainly delivers a hilariously ‘tall tale’ with this rip-roaring adventure starring Lancashire’s very own Blackpool Tower! Cottrell-Boyce – who lives by the sea in Liverpool and on a clear day can see the tower from the end of his road – unleashes his vast imagination (and more than a little sleight of hand) on a joyous comedy caper in which the world-famous tower does a marvellously magical vanishing act. Brilliantly illustrated throughout by his partner in trickery, Steven Lenton, The Wonder Brothers is a gorgeous, glitter-coated celebration of family, friendship and the sheer, unparalleled exuberance of the world of showbiz.
‘Maybe you don’t believe me. Maybe you don’t believe in
magic. I bet you will by the time you’ve heard what happened to us.’ Cousins
Middy and Nathan love magic... that’s the on-stage, cape-swirling,
bunny-out-of-a-hat kind. Together, they form a magic act called The Wonder
Brothers. For Middy, it’s all about patience and practice. She uses magic
skills to help her out of tricky situations. Nathan, on the other hand, is a
show-off and a total danger magnet. He loves nothing more than creating
spectacles to dazzle and impress his audiences. So when the famous Blackpool
Tower dramatically vanishes on the night of the Grand Lights Switch-On, showman
Nathan announces live on TV that they will magic it back home. Soon Middy,
Nathan, their big cousin Brodie and a massive rabbit called Queenie set out on
a mission to retrieve the 500ft tower. But with a stick of rock, a spangly cape, and
a bit of misdirection, they end up lost in Las Vegas, home of Perplexion, the
Master of Mystery and the world’s greatest magician. Can Middy and Nathan do
the impossible and bring back the much-loved Blackpool Tower?
Storytelling magician Cottrell-Boyce casts his own very
special spell over this delicious helping of exhilarating seaside adventure
which comes with the author’s traditionally big slice of warm-hearted humour,
magical mystery and fun-filled drama. Featuring Lenton’s brilliantly vibrant illustrations and a
glossary of magic words and phrases, and full of tricks, twists and devilish deceptions,
the delightful Nathan and Middy double act will keep readers guessing, gasping and
giggling right through to the fantastic final act. A towering new adventure from the ‘wonder boys’ of
children’s books!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)
The Song that Sings Us
Nicola Davies
WHEN you care physically about the wild world with the
passion of award-winning author, TV presenter and zoologist Nicola Davies, then
putting pen to paper is always going to result in powerful words and far-reaching
ideas. So get ready to be knocked for six by The Song that Sings Us,
the stunning novel that was nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing
and is now being published in a beautiful paperback edition, complete with the
internal illustrations of Jackie Morris who shares Davies’ passion for the wild
world and a belief in active hope. With its cast of beautifully drawn characters and visionary,
poetic storytelling, this epic environmental adventure is set in a threatened
land filled with fantastical forests, icy landscapes, wild beauty, danger...
and animals that can communicate with humans. And when animals talk, it’s time humans listened... Harlon
has been raised to protect her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno, and their
outlawed power of communicating with animals. But when the sinister Automators
attack their mountain home they must flee for their lives. Xeno is kidnapped,
and Harlon and Ash are separated. In a thrilling and dangerous adventure, they
must all journey alone through the ice fields, forests and oceans of Rumyc to
try to rescue each other and fulfil a mysterious promise about a lost island
made to their mother. Davies’ lyrical paean to our own threatened planet packs in so
much more than a thrilling, chilling tale full of action, suspense, danger...
and animals with a timely and resonant warning. This is an author who pushes her imagination into overdrive
to speak loudly, clearly and poetically to readers not just about the magic to
be found in the natural world and the imperative need for its protection, but
also the seeds of hope that are daily being planted to halt the work of Earth’s
destroyers. Exhilarating, gripping, magnificent and ultimately
uplifting, The Song that Sings Us is a modern classic you won’t want to miss.
(Firefly Press, paperback, £9.99)
The Housetrap
Emma Read
ENJOY having your spine tingled and your brain cells well
and truly tested in a breathless, and timeless haunted house adventure which
puts you at the centre of solving a dark mystery! Emma Read, whose debut novel Milton the Mighty was
shortlisted for the 2017 Bath Children’s Novel Award and was selected by The
Times as one of its Best Children’s Books of 2019, returns with an exciting, edge-of-your-seat
caper packed full of thrills, chills and puzzles. Amity has run off into the forbidden Badwell Woods where
children disappear. Her brother Claude, and friends Deliah and Sam, go after
her, only to discover Amity’s scarf dangling near a mysterious mansion in the
trees. Has she gone inside? They enter, not expecting to find a three
storey-building with NO stairs and a party laid out when there’s nobody else
around. In fact, the inside has frozen in the 1930s and an invitation promises
a devious party game. Only when the front door locks behind them do they realise
it’s a housetrap and they’ve been caught. Not long after they find a terrified
Amity, who was hiding from ‘ghosts,’ the floor beneath their feet starts to
twist and turn. The rooms are changing places. The house has rearranged itself
like a giant Rubik’s cube. To escape, they must solve the puzzle... and the
century-old mystery of a girl who disappeared. With its thrill-a-minute twist on traditional haunted house
adventures, The Housetrap is a wonderfully creepy and enthralling experience
from start to finish as readers work their way through puzzles that involve
teamwork and logic versus instinct whilst enjoying the vibes of a story full of
friendship thrills, heart and atmosphere. When the door closes, the game begins!
(Chicken House Books, paperback, £7.99)
Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King
Hannah Durkan
HEAD for the sky again as New Writing North Winner Hannah
Durkan returns with the high-flying sequel to her exhilarating, middle grade
fantasy adventure Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale. Filled with intrigue, drama, danger, and set in a stunningly
imagined dystopian world in which explorers, inventors, mighty sky whales and
other wondrous creatures do battle above the clouds, these books deliver all
those exciting ingredients that children love. At the centre of all the action is Zeina Starborn who has
escaped the smog-filled city of Ravenport after winning the chance to visit the
famous Willoughby Whale Hotel, a ginormous structure built on the back of a
flying whale. It was there she met Jackson, spoiled heir to the Willoughby
fortune, and together they formed not just a friendship but a plan to foil a
dastardly plot. In this new adventure, Zeina and Jackson are on the run. They
know the truth about the rich Aboves and their cruel treatment of the sky
whales, and have been working with a group of rebels to free as many whales as
possible. When they are invited to an ice palace by a potential ally, the new
Emerald King, it seems like things might change for the better. But something
isn’t quite right, and Zeina and Jackson find themselves going up against new
enemies and familiar foes in the adventure of a lifetime. Durkan’s hugely imaginative world-building skills have
created the irresistible backdrop to these gripping adventures which feature
resonant eco themes, the most amazing creatures, gadgets galore, fearless young
heroes, and warm friendships. Don’t miss the ride!
(Orion Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)
Secret Beast Club: The Dragons
of Emerald Yard
Robin Birch and Jobe Anderson
JOIN the club and find the magic in the second book of an
exciting and inclusive series created by Jasmine Richards, founder of Storymix
fiction studio, and Robin Birch, pen name of writer Rachael Davis. Brimming
with all those ingredients that children love – adventure, friendship and an
amazing array of magical creatures – Secret Beast Club is an all-round winner. Aisha
and Jayden both have the rare ability of ‘magic sight’ and are official members
of the Secret Beast Club, a centuries-old secret group headed up by a ghost
named Pablo Fanque and which protects mythological creatures. And in their
thrilling new mission, a dragon is on the loose in Birmingham and about to
cause havoc... unless the Secret Beast Club can track him down. But with a
dragon hunter also on the trail, it’s a race against time to find the dragon
and get him to safety! Inspired by the real life story of Pablo Fanque – the
first Black circus owner – and featuring fun facts about the magical creatures
within each story, this warm and enchanting series is guaranteed to cast a
spell over adventure-loving youngsters!
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)
Big Sky Mountain: The Sky Eagles
Alex Milway
DR DOLITTLE meets Dora the Explorer in the fourth and final
exhilarating book of an illustrated series which is the next best thing to
breathing in the scents of the great outdoors! Screenwriter and Hotel Flamingo author
Alex Milway inspires everyone to pull on their walking boots and join a little
girl called Rosa on Big Sky Mountain… a place in the wilderness that has a home
for everyone. Life never stays still for long on Big Sky Mountain. When Rosa
wakes one morning to find Grandma Nan missing, she must use all of her survival
skills to uncover her grandma’s whereabouts. With the help of the mountain
community, Rosa’s investigation leads her to the very summit of Big Sky
Mountain where a family of golden eagles are facing huge problems of their own.
Through helping the eagles, Rosa realises she really is at home on Big Sky
Mountain. There has been adventure with a capital A all the way through this action-packed
series... the author’s love letter to nature and the wild which was inspired by
his own childhood with his grandma in the Malvern Hills, and the woodland and
cabin he now owns in Kent. Filled with Milway’s vibrant two-tone illustrations
and wonderful animal characters, and exploring different natural environments
and habitats, these stories are ideal as a first chapter book for new readers
and offer a truly wild, wonderful and exciting experience for your own little
explorers!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)
Who’s Afraid of the Light?
Anna McGregor
THERE are creatures that live in the sea... and then there
are creatures that live in the deepest, darkest and scariest waters of the sea! The wonders of the ocean’s ‘midnight zone’ spring to
glorious, neon-coloured life in a spectacular picture book from Melbourne-based
author, illustrator and designer Anna McGregor. An award-winning creator, whose
aim is to give young readers modern, quirky, and conceptual stories with a warm
heart, McGregor sheds light, fascinating facts and her special brand of humour on
a story exploring some curious and colourful creatures of the deep. Fergus lives down in the deepest, darkest sea and is scared
of just one thing … the light! Fergus loves the dark... it’s good and safe.
Real monsters, he says, hide in the light and he knows that because he’s seen
them with his own two eyes. As for his identity, he doesn’t know which sea
creature he is but Fergus reckons he’s probably very cute! After hiding from a
parade of other strange creatures which use bioluminescence to find their way
in the dark, the spotlight finally falls on Fergus... and his true identity
will leave readers gasping! McGregor seamless blend of storytelling, facts and dazzling
illustrations is the perfect way to introduce little children to the wonders of
the vast and mysterious ‘midnight zone’ where no sunlight is able to penetrate. With its gallery of eye-catching illustrations to enjoy and
a ‘did you know?’ section providing intriguing ‘in-depth’ information, Who’s
Afraid of the Light? is both entertaining and educational.
(Scribble, hardback, £12.99)
Hello Me!
Dr Naira Wilson and Elisa Paganelli
BE yourself in the world and don’t give up! Teach youngsters
to love themselves – no matter who they are – with this inspirational and
reassuring picture book from clinical psychologist Dr Naira Wilson and
Italian-born illustrator Elisa Paganelli. Follow a young boy as he learns to
love and accept himself despite all his struggles and everyday conundrums. ‘Sometimes
I think my mind is like a house. Just like a house, I need to treat my mind
with love and care.’ Relatable characters and a gentle storyline introduce
little ones to the concept of mental health in an accessible and engaging way,
encouraging them to think about how to look after themselves and accept
themselves for who they are. Filled with childhood mental health specialist
Wilson’s warm, wise words, tips on how to foster a life-long sense of wellbeing,
and Paganelli’s beautifully emotive illustrations, Hello Me! is a stunning and
imaginatively created addition to libraries at school, home and nursery.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)
Rhinos Don’t Cry
Mark Grist and Chris Jevons
CRYING is brave! That’s the message that speaks volumes to
little ones in a clever and comical picture book from the top team of award-winning
poet and international battle rapper Mark Grist and artist, designer and
animator Chris Jevons. Starring a lovable little rhino, this upbeat, rhyming
story positively zings with energy and delivers messages about the importance
of showing your feelings. Milo’s a rhino... he likes to do all sorts of rhino-y
things. He likes writing and climbing and banister-sliding and mountain bike
riding, he paints and he sings. Milo just loves being a rhino, but there’s one
small problem... rhinos don't cry. At least that’s what Spike-O Mcree, his
movie-star hero, always says. But when Milo meets Spike-O face to face, he
finds out that not only is crying OK, it’s also very brave! With Grist’s catchy,
energetic, rhyming verse and Jevons’ bright, colourful and expressive artwork,
Rhinos Don’t Cry provides inspiration for both children and adults, and is the
first in a series of books from Bloomsbury highlighting the importance of
children expressing their feelings.
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, paperback, £6.99)
The Truth About Yeticorns
Rachel Morrisroe and Ella Okstad
WHEN you get into trouble, blame a Yeticorn! A little girl’s
fibs come home to roost (in the shape of a giant green beast) in a funny,
cautionary tale from amazing new picture book talent Rachel Morrisroe and
bestselling Norwegian illustrator Ella Okstad. A Yeticorn is charging about on
the loose! Bea often tells little fibs when something goes wrong. Fairy-cats
wiped mud all over the floor, wild octoponies flooded the bathroom... and
lately, a humongous Yeticorn has been charging around, gobbling up her sister
Edie’s sweets and sneezing confetti everywhere. But one day, Bea wakes to find
that a Yeticorn REALLY has come to stay... and his whippy, trippy tail causes
all sorts of problems that she gets the blame for! Can Bea find the courage to
stop fibbing and finally tell the truth? Both heartwarming and hilarious,
Morrisroe’s rollicking, rhyming, read-aloud story about sibling friendship,
telling the truth, and the power of using your imagination for good, is brought
to life by Okstad’s glorious gallery of colourfully chaotic illustrations and
is guaranteed to capture the hearts of readers young and old.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)
What Can You See at the Zoo?
Kate Ware and María Perera
TAKE a walk through the zoo to discover cheeky monkeys, tall
giraffes and happy hippos in a clever peep-through board book with intriguing cut-out
pages that take you on a wild and wonderful journey! Toddlers will love peeping
through the cut-out pages to wander through the zoo and meet a whole host of colourful
animals, birds and sealife. With simple, bite-size, fun facts about colourful
animal and birds – from snuggling lovebirds and meerkats standing guard to
monkeys swinging through trees and penguins showing off their swimming skills –
little ones can look through the pages and follow a group of youngsters to the
zoo and on safari. With its sturdy board book pages, richly detailed, bright
and bold illustrations by María Perera, Kate Ware’s fascinating facts,
appealing peep-through pages and endless hidden details to spot, this is the
perfect introduction to the natural world, and an exciting way to discover the
joy of books and the fun of learning!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)
Keep Smiling
Floella Benjamin and Diane Ewen
A SMILE becomes a superpower in a beautiful and
inspirational picture book from actress, writer, producer and working peer Dame
Floella Benjamin and award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen. Benjamin, best known
as a presenter of the popular BBC children’s television programmes Play School
and Play Away, reveals that smiling is one of her ‘very favourite things’
because it sends outs all sorts of special messages, and this tale of positivity,
kindness and smiles certainly delivers that often elusive ‘sunshine’ effect. Vina's
Mum has always told her that a smile is the best gift you can give someone. And
as Vina loves smiling more than anything else, she gives the gift of her smile
to anyone who needs it. But on her first visit to her new school, Vina’s own
smile gets a bit... lost. She can’t find it under the slide, or on the climbing
frame. Then, a smile appears... in the most unexpected place! Keep Smiling –
brimming with the vibrant colours and charm of Ewen’s illustrations – is a
joyful, sensitive and heart-melting celebration of that most universal symbol
of hope, joy and positivity... a smile!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)
Ready Steady Potty!
Becky Davies and Rosalind Maroney
‘Potties are different ... They’re funny or noisy, majestic
or spotty. And each one is perfect for resting your bott-y.’
IF just the
thought of potty training your little one is sending you potty, find comfort
(and a few giggles!) in a cute and comical sounds book from the book boffins at
Little Tiger Press. Featuring six super sounds – from addictive baby laughter
to the ‘flush’ of a successful potty session – this clever board book offers
advice all the way whether that’s meeting the potty and learning about
handwashing or letting children choose their own pants. With a jolly rhyming
text, top tips for parents and carers throughout, and all the joy of the
press-button sounds, this fresh, fun and encouraging book is the perfect introduction
to potty training, and the perfect way to give reassurance about ‘accidents,’ celebrate
the successes... and get your child excited about using their potty!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £10.99)
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