Age 8 plus
Mysteries at Sea:
Peril on the Atlantic
A.M. Howell
A MYSTERY at sea, a race against time, and life-changing discoveries make for a thrilling, sea-salted adventure on the ocean wave in the first book of twisting, turning and heart-pounding new series from A.M. Howell, one of middle grade’s most exciting authors. Inspired by her own childhood travels on the ocean waves, including crossing the equator, sailing the Atlantic several times, and inching through the Panama Canal, Howell sets sail in fine fashion with these gripping adventures which unravel mysteries aboard ships crossing the globe in the 1930s.
In July of 1936, as the Queen Mary sets sail across the
Atlantic, Alice can’t wait for the summer of adventure that lies ahead. She’s
excited to explore the huge ship, with its shops, animals and even celebrities
on board but, as Alice’s sailor father focuses on winning a prestigious race,
she witnesses a shocking attack. Alice and her new friend Sonny start to
uncover a dark plot to sabotage the race, and as they investigate gold bars,
anonymous notes and lost silk gloves, secrets in their own lives come to the
surface. While fog threatens the boat’s journey, and dangerous enemies show
themselves, Alice and Sonny are in their own race to solve all the mysteries
unfolding. But what they discover might change both their lives forever...
Set against the alluring backdrop of life at sea, and
featuring real ships, historical figures and events, Howell brings the history
of the period to vivid life in a wind-lashed story brimming with atmosphere,
authentic detail and derring-do. With sparkling artwork by Marco Guadalupi, secrets and
sabotage, a captivating cast of characters, and Howell’s gift for breathless,
fast-paced action, youngsters will be looking forward to the next port of call
for this dazzling new nautical adventure series.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
The After School Crime Club
Hayley Webster
AFTER working as a teacher in secondary and primary schools,
author and editor Hayley Webster knows a thing or two about how a child’s mind
works, and how life can sometimes feel like a confusing mountain to climb. Determined to use her writing to help others make sense of
the world around them, when it so often doesn't make sense, and after the
success of her moving book, Luna Rae Is Not Alone, Webster returns with another
wise, warm, inspirational and uplifting story. Willow has always felt like an outsider at school, but she
and her Nanna (they spent more hours together at Nanna’s house than Willow did
at home) were so alike that she never felt alone. But now what Willow always
dreaded has happened. Nanna is gone and Willow is adrift. Nanna used to tease
her but it was a gentle kind of teasing, the sort that comes with love and
affection, not the mean, trickster, ‘get-everyone-in-class-to-laugh-at-you kind.’
So when a group of girls offer her friendship in exchange for ‘fun’ stealing
dares, Willow feels she can’t say no. But as the dares escalate and the
pressure on her builds, she has to ask herself... how far will she go to fit in,
and is it worth the mounting cost? The After School Crime Club is a clever, entertaining and
reassuring story which explores what it feels like to ‘lose’ yourself at a
difficult juncture of life. Full of hope, empathy and truth, and starring a
young heroine with relatable problems, Webster’s delightful book celebrates the
joy of discovering that you’re perfect just as you are.
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)
Bob vs the Trousers of Doom
Andy Jones and Robin Boyden
IF laughs on every page, gruesome robot gorillas, and seriously
stinky farts tickle your reading taste buds, then prepare to be blown away as
you head for the future with Bob, an accidental time traveller who is tasked
with saving the world! Bob vs the Trousers of Doom is the second book of a
brilliant action-packed series – perfect for reluctant readers – and comes from
exciting Lollies Award shortlisted author Andy Jones. Packed with adventure, humour and excitement,
and illustrated throughout by the ultra-creative Robin Boyden, there’s fun all
the way to the future and back. Artificial Intelligence is threatening to take over the
world, and our last hope is a 12-year-old boy called Bob. He should be doing
his homework but instead he’s bouncing in and out of the year 2049... and life
in the future seriously stinks! When Bob’s science class experiment goes wrong,
he causes a global aroma-virus pandemic... also known as the farting flu. The
grumpy school inspector has his eye on Bob and detention looms. But Bob has got
bigger problems. He must face robot gorillas, an evil computer and giant patrol
insects to save the world from a very farty future! Hold your noses for a
hilarious adventure to the year 2049 and back! Jumping forward in time proves to be just the starting point
for this brilliantly entertaining series as Jones lets loose his imagination on
madcap escapades cleverly created for young readers who like long laughs and
short chapters. Fizzing with energy, comedy and some important real-life
issues, Bob’s time-travelling adventures are so good that they promise to run far
into the future!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)
Mega Robo Bros: Carnival Crisis
Neill Cameron
BRACE yourself for another rocket-powered graphic novel
adventure courtesy of David Fickling Books’ highly popular The Phoenix Presents
series… and comic books creator Neill Cameron. Part of an amazing all-colour story strip series, Carnival
Crisis is the sixth book in a republished version of Mega Robo Bros, but now fully
remastered and adapted into a new chunky format with lots of extra bonus
content. Packed with all-action fun, exhilarating drama and comedy, these
supercharged tales of two robot brothers fighting evil enemies will delight
young readers and help to encourage a love of books and good storytelling. So travel to London in the future and meet Alex and Freddy who
are just like any other brothers. They are always squabbling and forever
finding new ways to drive their adoptive parents crazy. There’s only one
difference... they are also the most powerful robots on Earth. In this epic story, Alex and Freddy face their greatest
danger yet... the return of their most terrifying enemy, a robotic malware
virus causing robots to rebel against humanity, and a growing anti-robot
protest movement. It’s a lot for two robot brothers to cope with. But when the
robot malware strikes during the carnival, the danger dial shoots up to the
max! Will Alex and Freddy be able to resist... and save the day? With big explosions, family drama, electrifying high stakes
and two madcap brothers saving the day, these superhero thrillers guarantee
laughs on every page and are ideal for your own young techno wizards!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)
Stupendous Sports:Cracking Cricket
Robin Bennett and Matt Cherry
ONE of the ‘whackiest’ games on Planet Earth, and (probably)
invented by bored shepherds to pass the time, cricket has bounced its way to
become the second most popular sport in the world. There are an estimated 60 million players worldwide today and
although the sport’s roots lie in 16th century England, a game in
Aleppo in Syria was written about in 1676, and the first ever international
match was played between the US and Canada in New York in 1844. In the third book in a series of fantastic chapter books featuring
Stupendous Sports – from award-winning independent children’s and YA publisher,
Firefly Press – the spotlight here is firmly on cricket with jokes, cartoons, fun
facts, a glossary of key cricket words, and information on famous cricketers
bringing the game to life. The aim of the series is to teach kids about sports, but
with a light touch that highlights the spirit of the game as well as the rules.
Alongside the books, there is the added bonus of the Stupendous Sports website
(www.stupendoussports.com) which promotes the fun side of sports for children,
with giveaways, special offers and guest appearances from sporting stars. In Cracking Cricket, written by Robin Bennett and
illustrated by Matt Cherry, the foreword is by former England cricketer Simon
Jones who tells youngsters that cricket is a game that can be played by anyone
and helps develop critical thinking, concentration, discipline and courage. So if you want to know how to bowl a googly or discover why
there’s a place on the pitch called ‘Cow Corner,’ stun your pals with a reverse
sweep, or be a stats Jedi, then this book is your perfect match!
(Firefly Press, paperback, £6.99)
Carrie and the Roller Boots
Lisa Thompson and Jess Rose
THE rewards of friendship take centre stage (literally!) in
an enchanting story from the top author/illustrator team who stole hearts with
their perfectly pitched first joint venture, Sidney Makes a Wish. And this new
adventure featuring Sidney and his best pal Carrie delivers the same
heartwarming blend of fun, fears, and the ups and downs of friendship. Sidney
is planning to show off his tap-dancing skills during Friday Fun Time at school
and Carrie wants to join in. She plans an amazing routine where Sidney will
dance and she will roller-skate. But there’s one big problem… Carrie has never
roller-skated before. Will the performance end in disaster or will their
friendship help them to dazzle the audience? Carrie and the Roller Boots is the
latest book in the super-readable Little Gems series which brings together
leading authors and illustrators, and a host of clever design and finishing
techniques to create easy-to-read, first chapter books in a small format ideal
for little hands, and with some extra reading, jokes and activity fun inside
the covers. Award-winning children’s author Thompson brings her powerful and
empathetic storytelling skills to this beautiful, inspirational tale about
discovering your talents, being yourself, and not being afraid to ask friends
for help. Perfectly matched with Rose’s emotive and child-friendly
illustrations, this sensitively created adventure is ideal encouragement for
young readers to celebrate and enjoy their own close friendships.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £6.99)
Max & Chaffy: The Great Cupcake Mystery
Jamie Smart
IF you’re searching for a book that pleases the eye and
keeps your little ones on their toes, Chaffy could be just the special kind of
‘beast’ to stretch them to the limit! But don’t be alarmed... because Chaffy is a fluffy, white
and lovable little creature who sports only one-and-a-half ears, has a habit of
getting lost and is joint star of Max and Chaffy, a heartwarming, interactive graphic
novel series from much-loved author and illustrator Jamie Smart. Smart, the genius behind the bestselling Bunny vs Monkey
comic books series, works his special magic on these gorgeous books for younger
readers, filling them with his trademark blend of fun, friendship and the
biggest, brightest and boldest illustrations. Max and Chaffy, who live in a lighthouse on Animal Island,
are excited to go to Chief Constable Moose’s surprise birthday party. But the
birthday cake has gone missing! Max and Chaffy need to find the clues and solve
the mystery so the party can go ahead... and you can help them! Smart brings his zany wit and joyful charm to this
ultra-cute and cuddly story which lets children actively join in the fun of
searching and finding, celebrates the joy that comes from having a best friend,
and shows that there’s a place for everyone. Full of charm and fun, these
beautiful books are perfectly pitched for children who are just starting to
read independently.
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus
Mrs Owl’s Forest School: The Very Big Den
Ruth Symons, Seb Braun and Lizzie Noble
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
Age 3 plus
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble
Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)
Pick a Story: A Superhero Mermaid Dragon Adventure
Sarah Coyle and Adam Walker-Parker
DECISIONS, decisions, decisions! Being given a choice can be
scary and for some youngsters, it can be terrifying. But making choices and
decisions are an inevitable part of life so make it fun – and not too easy! –
with this sparkling new interactive children’s illustrated picture book series
where YOU choose the story. Author Sarah Coyle and illustrator Adam
Walker-Parker have fun and challenge little ones to start making decisions and
enjoy the bigger picture with these super ‘pick your own’ whirlwind adventures.
And in this third empowering and laugh-out-loud interactive story, youngsters discover
not one, but three fun-filled worlds featuring three childhood favourites... dragons,
mermaids and superheroes. Davy is on his way to school to show his teacher the amazing
picture he has drawn for Show and Tell. It’s probably the best thing he has
ever drawn, ever ever ever. But all of a sudden, the picture has disappeared.
Davy needs your help to find it! Has the picture been taken by dragons, pinched
by mermaids, or has it been pilfered by a superhero? It’s up to you to decide! With
a different story guaranteed every time the book is read, and twists and turns,
hilarious characters and decisions to make on every page, this is the ideal
book to inspire a lifelong love of reading. So what are you waiting for? Come
on in and join the fun!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)
Age 3 plus
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
M.N. Tahl and Mark Chambers
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
Ollie’s Birthday Surprise
Nicola Killen
A LITTLE girl’s birthday turns into one big adventure in a
magical animal odyssey that is perfect for little ones who would love to get in
on the act! Author and illustrator Nicola Killen is back to bewitch and beguile
us with a playful new story in her warm and wonderful Ollie series which has
captured the hearts of readers young… and not-so-young! It’s Ollie’s birthday and she is feeling
excited so when a bunch of colourful balloons float past her window and into
the magical woods, she can’t help but follow. But where could they be headed
and what surprises lie in store? Join Ollie and her magical friends on a
birthday adventure she’ll never forget in this enchanting picture book with its
joyful messages about playing, sharing and friendship, intriguing cut-outs for
little ones to peep through and explore, enticing foiled illustrations in an
eye-catching palette of colours, and a simple but magical story with a big,
warm heart. Love, celebration and adventure for the young... and the young at
heart!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £7.99)
Nooo! Not the Dentist!
Stephanie Blake
A TRIP to the dentist has naughty schoolboy rabbit Simon
running for cover in a tale full of knockabout fun and reassuring messages from
Stephanie Blake. Nooo! Not the Dentist! is the hilarious new escapade starring Simon
the cheeky rabbit… the cuddly creature who won everyone’s heart in Poo Bum,
first book in Blake’s best-selling picture book series which has proved a big
hit all over the world. US-born Blake, who now lives in France, is the author
and illustrator of dozens of highly successfully children’s books. In this new
rabbit adventure, translated by Linda Burgess, Simon has a sore tooth so needs
to make his first trip to the dentist. The night before the appointment,
Simon’s friend Ferdinand makes the most of the chance to show he knows more.
Ferdinand uses all his imagination to describe the graphic horrors of the
dentist’s chair. ‘I will NEVER go to the dentist!’ yells Simon. But his mother
takes no notice and when Simon is eventually persuaded to get into the dentist’s
chair, insisting his name is ‘Poo Bum,’ he finds a remarkably patient dentist
and an experience he wasn’t expecting. And now he can get on the phone to
Ferdinand to explain it doesn’t hurt a bit... not if you’re a Super Rabbit! Blake’s
instantly recognisable bold and expressive illustrations will delight young
readers and the funny, charming story – which aims to ease toddler fears about
visiting a dentist and is useful for any daunting new experience – is guaranteed to strike a chord (and raise a
smile!) with both children and parents alike.
(Gecko Press, paperback, £7.99)
Age 2 plus
Amazing Animal Tales: Little Monkey & Tiny Tadpole
Anne Rooney, Caroline Rabei and Qu Lan
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99 each)
Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town
Richard Scarry
JOIN Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat and lots of other lovable animal
characters for a day of fun, discovery and adventure in a busy, busy town! The summer holidays are the ideal time to treat your
youngsters to a gorgeous, classic picture book written and illustrated by
American author and artist Richard Scarry, one of the founding fathers of
children’s illustration. Scarry, who died in 1994 aged 74, is unquestionably one of
the best-loved children’s authors of all time, writing more than 250 books
which have gone on to sell more than 150 million copies globally. Born in
Boston in 1919, he moved to Switzerland in 1968 and once wrote: ‘It’s a
precious thing to be communicating to children, helping them discover the gift
of language and thought.’ Scarry had a unique ability to see the world from a child’s
point of view and Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town is a shining example of his
inimitable and inspirational work which offers a special kind of gentle charm
on every beautifully created page. Visit the school, the farm, the post office, and many more
fun and exciting places in this classic book which allows young readers see how
all the different people in communities like their own go about a typical day. Filled with Scarry’s trademark humour, his richly detailed
and colourful pictures to study and enjoy, and hilarious antics to spot in every
spread, this busy, beautiful book is perfect for any child who wondered what
exactly adults get up to while they are at school!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £8.99)
Don’t Mix Up My Farm
Don’t Mix Up My Shark
Rosamund Lloyd and Spencer Wilson
LITTLE ones will be ducking, diving and spinning when they get their paws on two colourful and creative board books from Little Tiger Press. With chunky pages full of Spencer Wilson’s big, bold illustrations, these gorgeous mix-and-match books let babies and toddlers spin the wheel and find a tail for each of the colourful farm animals and sea creatures.
With five options to choose
from, and the fun of spinning the wheel, these eye-catching early years
activity books are guaranteed to be a hands-on winner!
(Little Tiger Press, board books, £7.99 each)
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