Age 9 plus
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet
Alexander Armstrong
and Tom Roberts
ANCIENT magic, soaraway fantasy, epic adventures and Indiana Jones-style treasure hunting! If that’s a mix that tickles your reading taste buds, then dive into Evenfall: The Golden Linnet and lap up a tale that will fuel your imagination and pull at your heartstrings. As the father of four sons, Alexander Armstrong – a familiar face and voice from television and radio – knows that sharing the joys of reading and stories is an important part of growing up. And after a childhood in the north-east of England, with its mystical history of the ancient North, he has finally created a truly magical series that has lived in his head for many years. Described by one critic as ‘Da Vinci Code for kids,’ this wild and wonderful first adventure in Armstrong’s dazzling debut series has a moving thread of realism at its core and stars a 13-year-old boy who has always believed himself to be ordinary until everything changes in the form of a destiny that is most definitely extraordinary.
Meet 12-year-old (soon to be 13) Sam whose life has been
overshadowed by the death of his mother in a car crash when he was five and his
father’s resulting depression and mental decline. But strange things happen and
Sam’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the
heart of a secret society called The Order of the Evening. It’s an organisation
that had long protected the world and now a powerful enemy is closing in,
destroying all in its path to find the Order’s hidden palace of Bellasis and
the source of its powerful magic. Only Sam can stop them... but first he must
bring the Order together again. The clock is ticking, dark forces are massing
and Sam must undertake perilous journeys, determine friend and foe, and
discover his true powers... because holds the future of the world in his hands. With Tom Roberts’ atmospheric and richly detailed black-and-white
illustrations setting the scene, a hero that everyone will take to their
hearts, and a story brimming with magic, intrigue, danger and glory, this is a
stunning opener to what promises to be every childhood fantasy fulfilled!
(Farshore, hardback, £14.99)
The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett
A YOUNG girl’s fight for survival in a treacherous natural
world is the spectacular stage set for a thrilling eco-themed gothic fantasy from
the creative pairing of Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of
The Lie Tree and Unraveller, and illustrator extraordinaire Emily Gravett who has twice won the Kate
Greenaway Medal. This is the superstar team that gripped us with the
unforgettable Island of Whispers, a deliciously dark fairy tale about
mortality, grief, kindness and fate, and once again they combine their talents
on a gripping adventure filled with pulsating action, emotional intensity and
the rawness of nature. The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green
and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling
Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the
Forest’s tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the
community’s precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she
develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, people whose
stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new
horizons. This rich and atmospheric story – lavishly illustrated throughout
with Gravett’s two-colour artwork – sweeps readers away on an unforgettable
journey to a dystopian world where humans are battling a malign and encroaching
natural world that is intent on their destruction. With messages that working together can save both nature and
humanity from extinction, and that looking to and accepting new ideas are vital
to survival, this is a thoughtful, exciting and resonant world-building
adventure that sends out a warning but also offers optimism for the future. A
top team on their best form!
(Two Hoots, hardback, £14.99)
Great Expectations: A Retelling
Tanya Landman
OFTEN described as Charles Dickens’ ‘most perfect novel,’
Great Expectations is a much-loved masterpiece of English literature and as
part of publisher Barrington Stoke’s Classic Retellings series, Carnegie
Medal-winning author Tanya Landman brings us this wonderfully accessible and
brilliantly realised version. Featuring all those favourite characters – orphan
Pip, gentle Joe Gargery, vengeful Miss Havisham and cold-hearted Estella –
Landman’s retelling captures all the spirit and atmosphere of the original in a
way that is easy to read for youngsters. Orphaned as a baby, Philip Pirrip,
known as Pip, is raised by his sister to live the simple life of a blacksmith’s
boy. But a chance encounter in a graveyard and a visit to long-ago abandoned
bride Miss Havisham’s ruined mansion set him on a different path. And when a
secret benefactor pays for him to become a gentleman, Pip’s life takes a
greatly unexpected turn... a turn full of dark events that will twist and bend
his life beyond recognition. Landman’s retelling is the perfect introduction to
Great Expectations... and an inspiration to discover more of master storyteller
Dickens’ whole raft of brilliant novels.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)
Space: From Sputnik to the International Space Station
Jan Van Der Veken
IF you fancy a trip to the Moon and beyond, then take your seat, buckle up tight and head for the stars! This beautifully illustrated, entertaining and informative history of space travel is the work of Belgian artist and designer Jan Van Der Veken and is filled with full-page spreads featuring the author’s signature retro-futurist drawings. Ideal for sparking young readers’ curiosity about all things related to space, this information-packed book chronicles human exploits beyond Earth. After introducing readers to the basics of every rocket, regardless of size or purpose, it delves into a wide variety of significant moments and concepts around the history of space exploration. Enjoy stories of Sputnik, the X-15 and the race to space, discover how we measure distance in the universe and what makes up an astronaut’s suit. Learn about the Saturn V launch vehicle, the Apollo 11 Moon landing, space shuttles and international space stations, the exploration of Mars, and the myths and facts about extra-terrestrial life. The ideal book to ignite a lifelong passion for the endless possibilities of the cosmos.
(Prestel, hardback, £19.99 each)
Insectarium
Emily Carter and Dave Goulson
CREEPY-CRAWL your way into the latest instalment of the
brilliant Welcome to the Museum series and explore the fascinating world of
insects! Simply step inside the pages of this fact-packed book to enjoy the
experience of a museum from the comfort of your own home. This stunning tour
showcases an incredible collection of insects of every shape and colour from
around the world, enabling readers to wander through curated exhibits on every
page, all accompanied by an informative text. In this eye-catching new visit,
presented in the form of a large, high-quality book packed with amazing
pictures and facts, we discover that insects are essential for life as we know
it. There are at least one million species of insects, together making up over
80 per cent of all living species on Earth. Around 10,000 new species of
insects are discovered every year. Learn about the secret world thriving right
underneath your feet, discover how insects evolved into what they are today,
how they work together and how they defend themselves. Explore the rooms of
Insectarium and meet the beautiful demoiselle and the gigantic goliath beetle.
Learn why these small creatures have such a huge impact on the world around us
and why we should be protecting them. Intricately detailed artwork by award-winning
British designer Emily Carter combines with an expert text by award-winning
author and University of Sussex professor David Goulson. A must-have for all budding
entomologists and nature lovers.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £25)
Oh What a Knight!
Maz Evans
AFTER the runaway success of her Who Let the Gods Out? books
– which took young readers to new heights of all-round entertaining
storytelling – Maz Evans is back with the third and final book of her brilliant
Gods Squad spin-off series which has included Oh Maya Gods! and Oh Mummy Mia! The stars of
these adventures set in Ancient Egypt are Vesper – the football-mad, bossy and a
teensy bit grumpy daughter of Elliot Hooper, the original hero of Who Let the
Gods Out? – and Constellation Virgo’s son, Aster, who is super-smart, a bit
nervous and with a secret all of his own. In their final hilarious adventure, Vesper
and Aster need Excalibur to save the day. At the top of Glastonbury Tor, they
find an elevator down to the enchanted realm of Camelot where King Arthur has
been waiting for this day. The elderly king and his loyal knights snap to
attention because at last they have a quest. But Excalibur will only serve its
chosen master. What would anyone do with such power? Evans once more lets loose
her prodigious imagination as our two heroes tackle a whole host of demonic
enemies. Packed full of real mythology from the ancient world, outrageously
funny antics, and spine-tingling danger, this is a spectacular final chapter
for the team of unforgettable and ungodly adventurers!
(Chicken House, paperback, £7.99)
The Detective Society Presents: The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book
Robin Stevens
ENJOY a time-flipping, book-flipping sleuthing test fest in
the pages of a brilliant puzzle book from Robin Stevens, creator of the
award-winning Murder Most Unladylike detective series, starring Daisy Wells and
Hazel Wong, and the new Ministry of Unladylike Activity. Could you too be a
detective, do you love puzzles and mysteries and do you see patterns where no
one else does? The Detective Society Presents: The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book puts
your problem-solving to the test as you work alongside characters from Stevens’
bestselling books. From codebreaking with Hazel, to logic and reasoning with
Daisy, and problem-solving with Beanie and Kitty, test your sleuthing skills
with pages of playful puzzles and riveting riddles... before using what you’ve
learned to crack a brand new case! Stevens’ imagination works at full throttle
in this ideal gift book which features a fabulous flip-book design and offers over
100 engrossing puzzles. Fiendishly good!
(Puffin, paperback, £9.99)
Age 8 plus
The Beast and the Bethany: The Final Feast
Jack Meggitt-Phillips and Isabelle Follath
Except... it seems her father did NOT die at all. Augustus returns to
Bethany’s life, begging for her help to clear his name and show him how to live
a life that is free from crime. As the action barrels towards celebrations for
Ebenezer’s 513th birthday, Ebenezer, Miss Muddle and Bethany’s not-boyfriend Geoffrey
have to figure out Augustus’s true motives for coming back into Bethany’s life.
Can they show Bethany the true meaning of family before it’s too late? Wordsmith Meggitt-Phillips has a ball with this madcap
adventure which delivers everything a discerning young reader desires… an
extraordinary heroine to shout for, a beast who needs to be less beastly,
laugh-out-loud antics, themes of family, and some moments of unexpected
tenderness. With terrific twists all the way to the final countdown, and
Follath’s brilliant gallery of black and white illustrations which put extra
life and energy into the story, this is the perfect ending to a delightful and
dazzling series for all the family to enjoy.
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)
Age 8 plus
Knight Sir Louis and the Cauldron of Chaos
The Brothers McLeod
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)
Nina Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver
Sarah Bowie
HANDS UP if you want another Nina Peanut adventure? Fans of
the one and only megastar mystery-solver Nina will be racing to get to grips
with her outrageous new antics as Irish writer and illustrator Sarah Bowie
makes a welcome return with her fabulous full-colour illustrated series. Nina
Peanut: Mega Mystery Solver is the second outing for everyone’s favourite
naughty schoolgirl who is now planning to be a creative genius, ghost hunter
extraordinaire and top choice for class captain! Guess who is a ghost and is
living right here in the school? It's Lady Deborah from Nina’s history lesson,
and she is stuck in her own shoe. Brian and Nina are filming their
investigations to find out what she's doing there and how they can set her
free. Nina is also battling Megan Dunne to become class captain, As she says,
‘Vote for me, because who is more of a ghost expert than I am? Answer: hardly
anyone!’ With fun, laughter and mega mishaps all the way, and themes of
friendship/frenemies, big dreams, and brilliant pets, there’s never a dull
moment when Nina is on the case!
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)
Badgers Are GO!
Susannah Lloyd and Nici Gregory
SNOUTS UP! It’s time to save the world... Youngsters won’t
need any badgering into reading when they turn the pages of this delightfully
silly tale about a bunch of batty badgers on a fun-filled secret mission.
Written by Susannah Lloyd, Badgers Are GO! is her first chapter book and it’s
pleasing to report that there are laughs, giggles and sniggers to enjoy every
step of the way with the inimitable and lovable Lulu Whifferton-Rear who just loves
to mind her own badgery business. But when she discovers that important humans
are actually BOPs (Badger Operated Persons), she is thrust into the world of
the Rumpington Academy of Badgering. There, her catastrophic training leads to
the most dramatic of first missions... save the world! Full of wit, warmth,
mischief and mayhem – and packed full of Nici Gregory’s anarchic illustrations
– this perfectly pitched, high-octane adventure, featuring badgers, cheese and
tomato sandwiches, is guaranteed to hit the mark with young readers. Add on
messages about staying true to yourself and how ‘too much welly’ might just be
the perfect amount, and you have the ideal all-round entertainment!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £7.99)
Age 7 plus
Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park
Helen Peters and Isobel Lundie
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)
History’s Most Epic Fibs!
Athena Kugblenu and Nicole Miles
IF you think you know everything about history, then you’ll
think again when you discover the truth behind some of the world’s biggest
historical whoppers! Join comedian, podcaster and writer on CBBC's Horrible
Histories Athena Kugblenu as she debunks history’s most epic fibs, revealing
the truth behind famous tales and the facts behind the fake news. History is
full of brave knights, fearsome queens, legendary explorers and epic stories
passed down through the ages. But how much of these tales from history is true
and how much is just an epic fib? From harmless porkies that were just a bit of
fun, to untruths with huge consequences, Kugblenu reckons it's time to
separate fact from fiction. Whether it’s revealing that Vikings never wore
horned helmets or that Egyptian queen Cleopatra wasn’t actually Egyptian,
to how much we really know about what people looked like in the past, this book
digs deep into history. With Nicole Miles’ dynamic illustrations putting extra
energy into the facts and fibs, History's Most Epic Fibs! shows that when it
comes to history, things aren't always what they seem!
(Wren & Rook, paperback, £9.99)
Gigantosaurus – Searching
for Spinosaurus
Cyber Group Studios
JOIN four little dinos as they as they try to make an
unlikely friend... and discover it might be a tall order! There are pages of action-packed
fun to enjoy with dinosaur pals Bill, Rocky, Mazu and Tiny in a super new
cautionary tale. This heartwarming and roaringly good new adventure comes packed
with dinosaur love and is based on the Gigantosaurus TV series which is
developed by Paris-based Cyber Group Studios from characters created by
Scottish-born author and illustrator Jonny Duddle. When a new, big dino stomps
into town, the dinos are determined to make him their new friend. Spinosaurus
is the largest, fiercest dinosaur of all... he’s bigger than Giganto and twice
as terrifying, but is he just as friendly? As the four dinos learn more about
the mysterious new guy, Bill questions just how safe they really are. Should
the dinos trust this giant stranger or listen to their friend’s warning and
stay away? It’s no surprise that Duddle’s award-winning picture book Gigantosaurus
has been a global hit with the TV series launching in America on Disney Junior
in 2019 and in the UK in 2020 on Tiny POP. So follow the dinos on this adorable
and joyful adventure and watch out for more Gigantosaurus fun!
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £6.99)
Ava and the Acorn
Lu Fraser and Paddy Donnelly
WHERE you think there’s an end, there’s always a beginning...
Love, loss and the circle of life come under the watchful eye of gifted writer
Lu Fraser in a moving and tender rhyming picture book about ends and new
beginnings. Fraser, who has a natural empathy with the fears and foibles of
little ones, turns on her storytelling warmth and magic for this tale about a
little girl whose grandad uses an old oak tree to explain the natural rhythm of
birth, life and death. ‘All the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved –
are not gone, When they're held in your heart, a small part still lives on...’
Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill
where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful
memories to treasure and share... from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers
to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn’s soft glow. But as
the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad’s health...
Brought to life by Irish artist Paddy Donnelly’s colourful, emotive and
atmospheric illustrations, there is a reassuring sense of love, growth and
warmth on every page of this enchanting picture book as we witness Ava’s
special relationship with her grandad and the hope that lies in the changing of
the seasons and nature’s renewal. Ageless, timeless and stunningly beautiful...
(Hodder Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Age 2 plus
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
(Alison Green Books, hardback, £12.99)
Follow Your Heart
Emma Dodd
‘Though you are young, you are brave and strong.
When you
follow your heart, you cannot go wrong.'
READERS young and old will fall in
love with another beautiful and heartfelt book from award-winning author and
illustrator Emma Dodd which celebrates growing up, learning to trust your
instincts and believing in yourself. ‘Follow your heart and soon you will see
it will always take you where you're meant to be.’ A little dolphin is taught
by its parent that however big and wide the world can feel, your heart will
show you which path to choose. Dodd spreads a golden glow over a book that
works its magic through a stunning foiled cover and pages, an inspirational
rhyming story, and a gallery of beautiful, emotive illustrations. Exquisitely
created and brimming with love, Follow Your Heart is written with a large
helping of warmth and wisdom, and makes the perfect gift for any time of year.
(Templar Publishing, hardback, £7.99)
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