Age 9 plus
Jed Greenleaf
Kieran Larwood and David Wyatt
A BATTLE for power in a magical kingdom becomes an unforgettable adventure in a thrilling standalone novel from master storyteller Kieran Larwood whose imagination is as boundless as the epic worlds he creates. With intriguing references to folklore, and real English history unearthed from the brief Tudor reign of doomed Lady Jane Grey, Larwood’s love affair with nature shines through every dark and delightful corner of this atmospheric story which is filled with fantastical characters and brought to life by the richly detailed illustrations of David Wyatt.
Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly
controlled by Lord Cromwell, and strange magic is afoot as six power-hungry Guilds
all compete to rule alongside the queen. But hidden plots and secret schemes
make the contest unfair and the strongest guilds are about to wipe out the
weakest. Although the Leaf Guild is the weakest of them all, no one has
reckoned with young orphan Jed Greenleaf who has been adopted by the guild and
found to have the extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered
over with bark. He just needs to learn how to harness that power before he is
thrown into battle for his guild’s survival. Could he be the hero that the Leaf
Guild needs to win at the Punchbowl tournament? It just might be that this year
Jed can turn over a new leaf in the history books, and bring glory to the
decaying guild and peace to Albion.
The top team of Larwood and Wyatt – creators of the hugely
popular The World of Podkin One-Ear rabbit world series – work their magic
again on this spectacular blend of fantasy and realism as we follow Jed’s blossoming
from bullied worrier to fearless warrior. It’s a truly breathtaking adventure, filled with magical oak
forests, dastardly villains and sparkling dryads, and starring a hero who –
against all odds – finds the courage and determination to right wrongs, fight evil,
and win battles. A fabulous feast of fantasy!
(Faber Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Tales from Beyond the Stars: A Collection of Classic Science Fiction Stories
Adam Roberts and Evangeline Gallagher
INSPIRE the imaginations of young sci-fi fans with this
dazzling anthology of classic science fiction stories, cleverly retold to make
them accessible to children, and brought to life by rich and colourful artwork. Long before humans ventured into outer space, writers spun
stories of what might lie in the unknown worlds beyond our planet and
speculated about the future. Journey into the mysteries of the universe with striking
retellings of seven classic science fiction stories and marvel at the boundless
imagination of classic sci-fi writers like H.G. Wells and Mary Shelley. From tales of space exploration to time travellers and alien
invaders, this striking anthology – written by award-winning British novelist
Adam Roberts and spectacularly illustrated by Baltimore artist Evangeline
Gallagher, is the perfect introduction to the world of science fiction. Tales from Beyond the Stars includes The Star by H.G. Wells,
Micromegas by Voltaire, The Last Man by Mary Shelley, From the Earth to the
Moon by Jules Verne, Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The War of the Worlds
by H.G. Wells and Buck Rogers: Armageddon 2419 AD by Philip Francis Nowlan.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £20)
Disney Modern Classics: Lilo & Stitch
Sally Morgan
RELIVE the magic of the Academy Award-nominated Lilo &
Stitch with this beautiful hardback gift book featuring an eye-catching foiled
cover and a captivating retelling of the animated film. A family favourite,
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch is one of the best-loved films of contemporary times
and now you can discover the paintings, sketches and concept art from the
original Walt Disney Animation Studio artists. Also featured is a foreword by
Fox F. Carney, Manager, Research at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library,
and when readers turn to the back of the book, they can learn more about the
artists who worked on this iconic animated film. Disney’s forty-second animated
feature film, Lilo & Stitch was released in 2002 and has gone on to become
a huge commercial success. A dazzling deluxe gift book that will be treasured
by Lilo & Stitch fans of all ages.
(Studio Press, hardback, £14.99)
Disney Dreamlight Valley
The Official Guide
Stephanie Milton
GET creative with this colourful and invaluable official
companion to the bestselling Disney Dreamlight Valley game which is a hybrid
between a life-sim and an adventure game. It follows players as they decide to
spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and return to their
old rural home, falling asleep in their old backyard play area and entering a
dream world as their memories of childhood return. The game is rich with quests, exploration and engaging
activities featuring Disney and Pixar friends, both old and new, and this guide
is packed with information and tips to help players progress and make the most
of their Valley. Learn how to gather resources, earn Star Coins and Dreamlight,
work on your friendships, complete mysterious quests and get creative to build
a magical Valley for everyone to enjoy. Section One explains everything you need to know about the
Valley, its inhabitants, its resources and its secrets, and will show you where
to look for rare resources, how to make meals, which gifts will earn you the
most friendship points, tried and tested methods for befriending critters and
the best ways to earn Star Coins. Section Two is where the fun really begins... it’s full of
inspiration to help players landscape, design and decorate their Valley, as
well as interior design ideas for the home, and instructions on how to use the
Touch of Magic creative tool for clothing and furniture customisation. Including
behind-the-scenes details from the game developers, and information about the
paid expansion, A Rift In Time, this is the must-have guide for Dreamlight
Valley fans.
(Studio Press, paperback, £10.99)
Disney Stitch: ´Ohana Means
Family: Musings on Everyday Life
Denise Shimabukuro
FIND comfort and calm on a journey of discovery with this
beautiful book written by author Denise Shimabukuro who was inspired by
cherished memories of a childhood spent in Hawai´i. With themes of friendship,
family and togetherness, and with Disney film characters Stitch, Lilo and Nani at
the centre of these musings on everyday life, the book celebrates being wrapped
by the Aloha Spirit that unites all those living in the islands as one ´ohana. Sharp
and sweet as only life can be, Lilo and Stitch’s messages hit hearts with the plainest
of truths... let the simple things that really matter be the bond that unites
us all. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations of Stitch, Lilo, Nani and their
extended, one-of-a-kind ´Ohana, the book journey invites readers to find hope,
calm and reassurance within each page. And it’s through the characters’ various
attitudes and feelings that readers learn to rediscover the little things in
life, the true relationships, the caring for others and the moments you can
treasure and remember forever. The perfect gift for your loved ones.
(Studio Press, hardback, £9.99)
From The Heart
Samantha Sweeney and Ella Bailey
‘This book is jam-packed full of love – a treasure for us two. It shows how much you mean to me... a gift from me to you!’
HEARTS will be
melting at this season of giving with an adorable novelty picture book just
made for your loved ones from the top team of author Samantha Sweeney and illustrator
Ella Bailey. With flaps to write under and pockets to store precious memories,
photos and keepsakes, From The Heart can be personalised to create a unique
keepsake for special family members or friends. Every page contains interactive
elements such as decorative flaps, photo frames and envelopes where you can
express your love to make a unique and treasured gift. Bailey’s cute,
eye-catching illustrations blend perfectly with Sweeney’s lyrical, rhyming text
to convey universal themes of love, friendship and shared memories all within
one utterly heartwarming book. The
heartfelt gift of love!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £14.99)
Above and Below: Dusk till Dawn
Harriet Evans and Nic Jones
DISCOVER the wonders of nature at night in a spectacular
lift-the-flap book full of colour, learning and fun. Young imaginations will be
filled with enchantment and curiosity as they travel through the pages of this
innovative and entertaining book from inventive publisher Little Tiger Press. Above
and Below: Dusk till Dawn offers a stimulating approach to presenting facts and
with colourful illustration full of split-page flaps to lift and amazing facts
to discover. Journey from the woods at dusk to the lofty Himalayan Mountains
and the sweltering deserts, and learn all about the natural world which thrives
after the sun goes down. With its gently informative format, the book is full
of fascinating facts about the animals and plants which exist in all kinds of
climates and habitats, while the split pages allow readers to explore each
landscape in a uniquely immersive way. See which night-time wildlife can be
found in the open and which stay hidden within their shadowy habitats. Full of
Harriet Evans’ bite-sized facts and all brought to vivid life by the
enchanting, muted tones of Nic Jones’ beautiful illustrations, this is an
exciting and child-friendly way to let youngsters see the world of wildlife at
night, and the perfect book for bedtime reading.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
I’ll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile
Kathryn Cristaldi and Kristyna Litten
‘I will love you till forever and forever and more, till my love shakes the jungle with a lion-size ROAR, as night blankets the forest near a soothing waterfall and the chimpanzees sleep in trees, two hundred feet tall….’
LOVE shines out from every page of this lyrical and lovely picture book
from the creative pairing of author Kathryn Cristaldi and illustrator Kristyna
Litten who brought young readers I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home. With
its tender tone, gentle humour and bold and colourful illustrations, this story
of unconditional love is the perfect cosy and comforting bedtime read... and
destined to become a favourite with both adults and children.
(HarperCollins360, hardback, £12.99)
The Swallow Who Stayed
Philip Giordano and Arielle Aaronson
TAKE flight with a swallow who goes against the flock with
this beautiful and emotive picture book which celebrates friendship through the
four season and is the work of Tokyo-based illustrator and animator Philip
Giordano. Translated by Arielle Aaronson, The Swallow Who Stayed stars a
swallow called Iris who decides to chart her own path and makes friends along
the way. Iris, a curious swallow, asked the other birds: ‘What happens to the
forest when we leave?’ But nobody knows the answer because no swallow had ever
stayed long enough to see. And when it’s time for the swallows to fly South for
the winter, Iris, who has always wondered what the winter is like, decides to
stay. One by one, the leaves fall from the trees and the cold begins to settle.
Soon an icy wind blows and big snowflakes tumble from the sky. Maybe staying
for the winter was a mistake… until everything changes when Iris stumbles into
the home of a squirrel. Giordano’s colourful, geometric artwork perfectly
captures the changing seasons and the different skyscapes of morning and at
night throughout the year in this heartfelt story which explores the unexpected
surprises that can happen when we dare to do something different, and
celebrates a friendship that lasts from winter to spring.
(Greystone Kids, hardback, £12.99)
Fifi & Friends: The Super Car Race
Tamara Ecclestone Rutland and Amy Zhing
AN exciting new series celebrating girls and motorsports in
a Formula 1 inspired debut picture book series by TV personality and
mother-of-two Tamara Ecclestone Rutland, daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, the
former chief executive of the Formula One Group. While everyone loves the idea
of a race, Tamara is passionate about teaching the younger generation how
everyone should be treated with love and respect no matter their background,
ability, gender or hobby. Fifi is a little girl who LOVES nothing more than tinkering
about in her go-kart, whether it's fitting a new engine, inflating the tyres or
painting it a shiny new pink. With a Super Car Race in the afternoon, Fifi's
knowledge is soon put to the test! Can she help her friends before it's too
late? Join Fifi & Friends as they whizz around the track and discover what
friendship is all about. An action and fun-packed picture book that stars a cast of
relatable children, with typically different likes and dislikes, and champions
curiosity and determination.
(New Frontier Publishing, hardback, £12.99)
The Duck Who Came for Dinner
Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dredemy
YOUNGSTERS will love getting their teeth into the fifth
tasty picture book in Steve Smallman and Joëlle Dreidemy’s heartwarming and
hilarious The Lamb Who Came for Dinner series. The Duck Who Came for Dinner
sizzles with Smallman’s wit and warmth and French illustrator Dreidemy’s
striking and characterful artwork as we meet up again with Wolf, Hotpot the
lamb and their pet crocodile Omelette one windy day when a little duck blows
into Wolf’s backyard. Wolf and Hotpot call her Apple, and together they nurse her
wonky wing back to health. But though she may be small, Apple is one plucky
duck and it’s not long before she is flying to their rescue when Hotpot’s
kite-flying adventure turns sky high. Smallman’s clever, comical and cautionary
tale encourages young readers to challenge stereotypes and expectation and look
beyond the surface. The perfect book to share with your own special family and
friends!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
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