Small Acts of Resistance

Anita Frank

‘Sometimes in life, the greater courage is in realising the right thing is not always the best thing to do and altering your course accordingly.’

AS war rages across Northern France in May of 1915, brave soldiers put their lives on the line for king and country… but not all battles are fought on the frontline and sometimes courage, determination and the smallest acts of resistance can be found far from the front, and in the most unexpected places.

Anita Frank (pictured below) – who impressed both readers and critics with her stunning, award-winning debut, The Lost Ones, and followed up that success story with two more piercingly insightful novels, The Return and The Good Liars – sweeps us away to a small farmhouse in a rural French village where one all-female family must make impossible choices in their own perilous battle to save one young British airman’s life. Written in Frank’s impeccable, descriptive prose, delivering piercing insights into a tumultuous period of history, and tingling with the atmospherics that have become a hallmark of her novels, Small Acts of Resistance is a truly heart-rending and ultimately life-affirming story which explores love, loyalty, family relationships, fighting for survival, and heroism in all its different guises.

When his aircraft crash lands in Northern France in May of 1915, British airman Lieutenant Henry Farrier finds himself stranded behind enemy lines. He is not sure how long he can survive hiding out in woodland and has little choice but to try to set off on a dangerous course to the Dutch border.

What he hadn’t reckoned on was being discovered by schoolgirl Élodie who takes him back to the small farmhouse she shares with her older sister Marie and their grandmother Claudette Vaux who offers to hide him in a secret wall cavity that had once been used by her late husband when was smuggling tobacco over the border.

‘You won’t be the first person to be hidden within our walls,’ she tells Henry. ‘Not one of them has been found yet.’ From now on, Henry’s survival will depend on the courage and compassion of Claudette and her granddaughters, but Marie is far from happy with the plan, fearing that they will be shot by the Germans if Henry is discovered.

With their village already suffering under Occupation, and much of their food purloined by the enemy, Marie knows sheltering Henry will be immensely difficult and place the family in grave danger. And that peril only increases when two German officers – one a ruthless military man and the other a regimental doctor – are unexpectedly billeted with them.

Forced to live cheek by jowl with their occupiers, it takes all the besieged family’s cunning to keep Henry’s presence a secret but as the shadow of war spreads, loves awakens, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. But then love is put to the test and everyone’s loyalty is called into question… the fall-out from the choices they must now make will be felt long after the war is over.

Frank works her special storytelling magic on this gripping and emotionally charged tale, set behind the military lines and yet teeming with the same tensions and daily dangers faced by soldiers waging a brutal war in the trenches and airmen patrolling the shadowy skies of Northern France. At the centre of the story is the resolute matriarch Claudette who refused to abandon her home in the terrifying days when the Germans first advanced and has since then never once listened to her more cautious elder granddaughter’s pleas to leave, stoutly declaring that ‘no barbarian will drive me off my property.’

A tale of excruciating choices, loyalties tested to extremes, and the powerful bonds of family and friendship, Small Acts of Remembrance explores the experiences, emotional turmoil and claustrophobic intensity of a small group of people caught up in a the ever-increasing vortex of a deadly secret. But love – both romantic and familial – blossoms amidst the hiding and conniving, and we observe how the quiet courage, determination and resilience of Claudette and her granddaughters – who risk everything to help Henry – is no less heroic than the actions of soldiers on the nearby battlefield.

With each character exquisitely drawn, and Frank’s piercing psychological insight guiding us deep into the daily perils of hiding a wanted man in plain sight, this is a tale of humanity at its best and worst, and another unforgettable journey alongside an author at the top of her game.
(HQ, hardback, £20)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Sparkling Christmas titles with lots for your tots

The run-up to Christmas just got an extra glitter and glow with a magical selection of board books, picture books, activity books and gift books for the family’s youngest readers

Age 3 plus
The Boy Who Grew Dragons:
A Christmas Delivery
Andy Shepherd
and Sarah Warburton

ANDY Shepherd, author of the best-selling The Boy Who Grew Dragons series, works her special brand of magic on a fabulously festive picture book starring her two much-loved characters, Tomas and Lolli. Perfectly created for a younger audience, and with gorgeous colour illustrations by the talented Sarah Warburton, A Christmas Delivery really does deliver on charm, warmth, humour and heart. Tomas and Lolli love Christmas and they’re not the only ones! Their dragons love Christmas too but they have a habit of getting into trouble. When a brand-new snow dragon hatches on Christmas Eve, she unleashes a flurry of snow that transforms their dragon-growing garden into a winter wonderland. It's all fun and snowball fights to start with... but there’s one BIG downside. There’s now SO much snow that they won’t be able to deliver the Christmas presents in time! Can Tomas, Lolli, Grandad and the dragons work together to save Christmas? Shepherd’s writing has a special Christmas sparkle in this cosy, chaotic and winter-warming adventure which celebrates family, friendship and the joys of togetherness.
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Tashi: 30th Anniversary Edition
Anna Fienberg, Barbara Fienberg
and Kim Gamble

FOR thirty years, a little adventurer called Tashi has been delighting young children all over the world. And now this special, bumper anniversary edition of the classic series, written by Australian mother and daughter team Barbara and Anna Fienberg, and illustrated by another Australian, Kim Gamble, is once more spreading the magic of Tashi. Our little hero is as brave as he is clever, and he tells fabulous stories. Tashi escaped from a war lord in a faraway place and flew in on the back of a swan and wished he could find a friend just like Jack. In this, the first book of his daring adventures, Tashi tells Jack about the time he tricked the last dragon of all. There are two bonus short stories and the out-of-print classic Tashi and the Wicked Magician to enjoy in this beautiful gift book, plus never-before-seen illustrations from Gamble’s sketchbooks. Ideal for reading aloud, or for early readers to tackle themselves, and with themes of friendship, family, magic, dragons and courage, Tashi is on a mission to win over a whole new generation of fans!
(Allen & Unwin, hardback, £12.99)

Age 5 plus
Where’s Stitch? Limited Christmas Edition

CAN you spot Stitch? Don’t miss out on all the fun packed inside Disney’s simply marvellous Limited Christmas Edition of the Lilo & Stitch search-and-find activity book featuring a brand new Christmas-themed scene! Brought to life by stunning, full-colour original illustrations, this updated Where's Stitch? activity book is available for a limited time only. Look for Lilo’s mischievous alien pet in jam-packed scenes from the beaches of Kaua’I to the Galactic Federation and back. And can you spot Stitch, Lilo and their 'Ohana friends amongst the Christmas festivities? Ideal for Marvel and Disney fans young and old, this beautifully created search-and-find book guarantees hours of entertainment!
(Studio Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta
Alex Milway

JOIN Anna and her lovable animal friends for the fantastic fifth adventure in screenwriter and author Alex Milway’s heartwarming Hotel Flamingo series which has captured the imaginations of scores of young children. Welcome to the snowiest hotel in town! Winter has arrived at Hotel Flamingo, the snow is falling heavily and while it’s usually a quiet time of year for Anna and her animal hotel, this year is shaping up a little differently. The hotel is full of guests taking part in the Winter White-out Games, from penguins to polar bears to snowboarding rabbits. On top of this, long-term hotel resident Mrs Turpington is preparing for her winter hibernation along with her fellow hibernating animals, and is expecting a party to be held for them. But can it go ahead when Hotel Flamingo is snowed in? Anna and her team will have to pull out all the stops to host the most magical frosty fiesta that Animal Boulevard has ever seen! Maybe less sun doesn’t mean less fun after all! Ideal as a first chapter book for new readers and full of Milway’s vibrant two-tone illustrations, this wild and wonderful, snow-sprinkled story is a perfect ‘warm-up’ for the Christmas season!
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Spin a Story
Written by Mara Alperin and various authors and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa

SPIN, choose and discover! This gorgeously illustrated non-fiction adventure children’s gift book puts youngsters in charge of storytime with the simple twirl of a spinner. Enjoy true tales told in wonderful ways… and a new adventure each time you open the colourful Spin a Story. Twirl the spinner on the cover to land on one of four categories… Explore, Wonder, Laugh and Ooh! Pick a true tale within that category then read and relish a real-life tale. Then spin again to choose your next adventure. Land on green and choose from one of the Explore tales which includes red crab migration on Christmas Island and the best place to holiday in space. Spin to yellow for Wonder and be amazed by polar lights, coral reefs, and more. Twirl to orange for Laugh and have a giggle over the dinosaur riddle, discover how to tell a funny joke and find out about weird uses of wee. Then turn to blue for Ooh! And find surprising tales about slime, robots, talking plants, rocks that play music, and the reasons why kids are better than grown-ups. When you’re in charge, it’s double the fun!
(Red Shed, hardback, £14.99)

Age 4 plus
Fairy Shopping
Sally Gardner

YOUNG hearts will be stolen by this timeless, enchanting and heartwarming tale about shopping with the fairies in Silverbell Street, a beautifully detailed and nostalgic world. Fairy Shopping is a classic picture book from Costa and Carnegie-winning author and illustrator Sally Gardner and has been updated and modernised for a new generation of young readers. In Silverbell Street the shops are always open… if you believe in fairies. You can buy a cloak of invisibility or magic lamp, an umbrella that will transport you to the stars, eat flying fairy cakes at the Foxglove Restaurant, or join the fairies as they try on sparkly new dancing shoes and ball gowns. Familiar giants, fairies and witches will encourage children to find characters hidden in the illustrations. The perfect gift book for all lovers of fairyland!
(Zephyr, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
To Activate Space Portal Lift Here
Antoinette Portis

BEWARE! This book is an interstellar portal… and the aliens inside want to get to know you! Young imaginations will be taking flight when they open the pages of author and illustrator Antoinette Portis’s delightfully interactive picture book which lets children immerse themselves in all the drama of an alien encounter. So before you lift the cover, be sure you’re ready to meet Zrk and Blrg. They’re not so different from you… but to them, you’re the alien! After their initial shock at seeing you through the portal, they are eager to see what kind of teeth you have, compare home planets, and maybe team up for a prank. You met as aliens but by the time the portal closes, maybe you’ll be friends. Budding galactic explorers will love this fresh and playful book which is packed with Portis’s bright lines and bold colours, all paired perfectly with humour that also offers a subtle message about the concepts of ‘strangeness’ and acceptance. Whether for bedtime or circle time, this is a portal you’ll want to open!
(Scallywag Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 4 plus
Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas
Jory John and Pete Oswald

DON'T miss a tasty wedge of Christmas fun with the latest adventure in bestselling author and illustrator team Jory John and Pete Oswald’s deliciously inventive Food Group picture book series. Starring the dynamic duo’s ever-popular character the Big Cheese, this colourful, foiled gift book includes a tear sheet of twelve holiday cards to keep little hands busy in the run-up to the big day. Every December, the Big Cheese hosts a gigantic jamboree with flashy decorations, sparkling outfits, extravagant gifts, ear-bursting music and jaw-dropping entertainment. It’s the Number One party in town and it can’t be beaten! But this holiday season, just hours before the festivities, disaster strikes and with no back-up plan in place, Big Cheese must call in a big favour to help save the big day. But will Christmas still be Christmas if it’s not quite so grand? In classic style, John and Oswald serve up a feast of life lessons in a Christmas-themed story that is hilarious, charming… and thought-provoking. So get ready for giggles galore as youngsters gorge on the antics of a Big Cheese who finally finds himself brought down to size!
(HarperCollins, hardback, £12.99)

Age 4 plus
The Humble Pie
Jory John and Pete Oswald

AND enjoy more food for thought as Jory John and Pete Oswald dish up more of their clever and comical life lessons in The Humble Pie, another of their tasty romps in the Food Group series. The Humble Pie likes to give others the spotlight. Aw, shucks, they deserve it! But when he’s paired with his best friend, Jake the Cake, for a school project, he soon realises that staying in the shadows isn’t always as sweet as pie. Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new pie pal discovers that letting your voice be heard always takes the cake! Empowering, witty and packed full of wisdom, this super slice of home truths shows youngsters that it’s possible to be humble… and still show the world who you are and what you can do!
(HarperCollins, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
Can You Spot? Wintertime
Kirsteen Robson and Gareth Lucas

TEST your spotting skills with this interactive search book featuring winter scenes with snowboarding squirrels and ice skating penguins. Find a snowboarding squirrel, a fox on a gift box and a slipper-skating penguin then look for the little white mouse hiding in every scene. 

The pages are packed with all kinds of animals and objects to spot, match and count. A simple text and picture prompts the searches and there are plenty more delightful details to find and talk about. A wintertime fun book… and the perfect warm-up for Christmas!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £5.99)

Age 3 plus
The Little Prince Jigsaw Book
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Louise Greig and Sarah Massini

FIRST published in France in 1943, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tender and magical fable about love, friendship and adventure would become a classic across the world. The Little Prince was written by Saint-Exupéry while he was exiled in the United States from occupied France and just a year later, he disappeared over the Mediterranean while flying a reconnaissance mission for his French air squadron. The charming story, which features an extraordinary space-traveller on a journey through the stars, has been adapted as both a picture book, and now an illustrated jigsaw book, for a new generation of young readers by award-winning poet Louise Greig and critically acclaimed illustrator Sarah Massini. The six 12-piece jigsaw puzzles – which are embedded in the pages and can be played with time and time again – bring iconic scenes from the story to life and will enchant and entertain young readers.
(Farshore, board book, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
The Street Where Santa Lives
Harriet Howe and Julia Christians

EXCITING new writing talent Harriet Howe, and German illustrator Julia Christians, celebrate the joy of community and the magic of Christmas with a picture book that is guaranteed to touch the heart of every reader. When an old man moves in next door, everyone is too busy to notice, except one little girl. He’s got a white beard and a round tummy, and is very handy at repairing toys in his workshop… he must be Santa Claus! When the old man becomes unwell, the little girl hatches a plan to rally the whole street together to look after Santa. But will he be better in time for Christmas Eve? This playful, festive story sensitively explores the theme of looking out for the elderly, especially during the holiday season. With Christians’ beautiful, cosy illustrations and Howe’s gently humorous text, this heartwarming Christmas tale of imagination, kindness and wonder has all the hallmarks of a contemporary classic and will be treasured by all the family.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Sparkly Santa Sticker Book
Alice Beecham and Kathrin Fehrl

PUT sparkle into your children’s advent season with this super Santa sticker book. Join Santa as he prepares for the big night, checks his list, loads up his sleigh with the help of his elves, and flies all around the world with his trusty reindeer to deliver all the presents. And along the way, add a little magic to the enchanting scenes with over 160 sparkly stickers. Christmas magic at your fingertips! (Usborne Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
The Littlest Christmas Tree
Jane Chapman

BIG bear hugs all round in this gorgeous Christmas picture book from star author and illustrator Jane Chapman who works her special (and adorable!) magic on a cosy and cuddly tale with family love and subtle environmental messages at its warm heart. It’s almost Christmas, and all the animals are out in the wood to pick the perfect tree. ‘Ours is little, just like me!’ beams Cubby. Carefully, she and Daddy dig up the tree, put it in a pot and take it home. Cubby quickly grows very attached to Little Tree. She sings it songs and reads it stories, and on Christmas Day there’s one last present... a bright red ribbon to go round Little Tree’s pot. But when Christmas is over, and Little Tree has to go outside, Cubby is so sad! Luckily, Daddy has the perfect solution... Little Tree will live right outside in the garden until next winter, when the Christmas magic can start all over again. Chapman’s beautiful illustrations add extra charm and piquancy to her inspirational story which celebrates the joys that come from the natural world and the important lessons that can be found in everyday family life.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Santa Story Jigsaw Book
Sam Taplin and Violeta Dabija

BRING the magical story of Santa’s Christmas Eve to life with this inventive board book featuring three nine-piece jigsaws. Follow Santa and his exciting list of jobs as he gets ready for the most magical night of the year. 

Packed with charming details to spot, each snowy double-page scene also houses a jigsaw which can be taken out for little children to complete. The finished puzzles can then be slotted snugly back into the book for safekeeping. The perfect way to shape up for Christmas!
(Usborne Publishing, board book, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
The Gruffalo’s Child Activity Book
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

IF you go down to the deep dark wood… you’re in for some Gruffalo fun! Little ones will love meeting up with all their favourite characters, from the fearless Gruffalo’s Child to the mysterious Big Bad Mouse, in this special festive sticker book with activities that are perfect for pre-school children. This magical Christmas activity book contains over 100 stickers and for every copy purchased, 50p is donated by Macmillan Children’s Books to the National Literacy Trust. Featuring games and puzzles, colouring, spot the difference, and search-and-find, the activities have been carefully designed for children aged three and over, making it the perfect Christmas gift for all Gruffalo fans.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
I Did See a Yeti!
Alex Willmore

IF you enjoyed the delicious slapstick humour and gigglesome twist in Alex Willmore’s I Did See a Mammoth! winner of the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024, this hilarious snow-sprinkled follow-up will have you giggling from start to finish! Readers can expect the unexpected when a young Antarctic explorer, who is supposed to be studying a family of (distinctly unextinct) mammoths, discovers a group of… yetis?! There are tall yetis, short yetis, cool yetis, yetis in sandals, and even a band of musical yetis. But will anyone believe it? I mean, would YOU? If you thought the wonderful I Did See a Mammoth! was off-the-scale funny, then you ain’t seen nothing yeti…
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
The Magical Orchestra
Lauren Crisp and Ella Hobbis

‘Shhh – listen! Can you hear something? Could it be…?’
‘Just what is going on?’ ‘It’s the world-famous forest orchestra!’ 

EXPLORE the magic of a classical orchestra with this beautiful picture book, which come complete with twenty marvellous musical instrument sounds. Deep in the forest, magical notes float on the air! A wise hare and a curious little rabbit are bounding through the forest when they discover an orchestra... its players are an array of magnificent woodland creatures. The musicians are warming up for a very special performance, and it’s going to be a night to remember. Listen in on rehearsals by pressing the sound buttons on every spread and discover the wonders of a classical orchestra. This interactive first introduction to the orchestra, beautifully illustrated by the talented Ella Hobbis, encourages both interactive learning and musical development. Perfect for little musicians and woodland animal lovers!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £16.99)

Age 2 plus
Noisy Christmas
My First Touch and Feel Sound Book

HERE'S a bold and colourful touch-and-feel sound book that will bring all the joy of Christmas for babies, toddlers... and their parents! Enjoy watching little faces light up when they press the sounds button on every page in this interactive, chunky board book, packed with the exciting scenes and symbols of Christmas. Ring the bell, press the star on the Christmas tree, give Santa’s sleigh a push, and rub the teddy bear’s tummy to wish everyone a merry Christmas! Perfectly created to improve hand-eye co-ordination, encourage speech and inspire a love of reading, the book is ideal for sharing and helping your child to explore the wonder of Christmas.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £14.99)

Age 2 plus
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Brian Wildsmith

FIRST published in 1972, acclaimed illustrator Brian Wildmith’s classic picture book featuring the much-loved Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, has been republished in this beautiful paperback edition. 

The festive favourite, with a stunning cover design, is made truly magical in the masterful hands of the legendary Wildsmith. With gorgeous artwork to accompany the words of one of our best-loved songs, this is a wonderful festive treat to share with youngsters and deserves a spot under every Christmas tree.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Slide and Peek Santa
Hector Dexet

CAN you guess what Christmas gifts Santa has brought for the animals? Pull the tabs to help unwrap the presents with this festive board book which includes easy-to-use sliders, perfectly created for little hands to reveal the surprises on every page. Santa has been busier than ever this year and has loaded his sleigh with presents for all the animals. Reveal the perfect gifts he has brought with a pull-tab on every page… cosy socks for the spider, snug pyjamas for the crocodile, a speedy sled for the penguin and a charming hat for the ladybird! But did he forget anyone? French author and illustrator Hector Dexet’s captivating artwork is guaranteed to win the hearts of readers young… and not so young!
(Post Wave, board book, £7.99)

Age one plus
Reindeer, Reindeer What Can You See?
Dee Costello and Pintachan

LITTLE ones will be flying high when they get their hands – and eyes – on this lift-the-flap, mirror board book starring Santa’s trusty reindeer. Reindeer! Reindeer! What can you see? Under the tree, who could it be? Lift the chunky flaps to help the cute reindeer discover who and what is hiding underneath and reveal a polar bear, a cheeky elf, a snowman and Santa himself! With a mirror surprise under the final flap, and the colourful illustrations of Spanish artist Pintachan, this super seek-and-find book is perfect for sharing with the very youngest readers at Christmas.
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)

Age from birth
Jingle Bells Sound Book
Sam Taplin and Federica Iossa

LITTLE children will enjoy hearing all the different Christmas sounds and tunes as they press the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. From Jingle Bells and Ding Dong Merrily On High to Deck the Halls and Happy New Year, there are joyful sounds on every page. Featuring Santa, Christmas carols and lots of festive fun, Usborne’s magical sound book invites young readers to step into a snowy landscape where all the animals are getting ready for the big day. On each double-page spread there is a classic carol or song to hear, as well as a festive sound effect. From Santa soaring into the night sky to a brass band playing Christmas tunes, this book is a perfect way for the family’s very youngest members to relish all the excitement and magic of the season.
(Usborne Publishing, board book, £12.99)

The Winter Ball

Anton Du Beke

THE fear of bombing raids and enemy invasions have haunted the streets of wartime London throughout the long months of 1942 but, as the winter cold arrives and Christmas season approaches, the danger lies closer to home closer… and at the city’s prestigious Buckingham Hotel, a traitor is on manoeuvres.

Put on your dancing shoes, polish up the sequins, and glide seamlessly into the glitz and glamour of Mayfair as the dark shadows of conflict once again fall over the luxury hotel which has become the much-loved stage for Strictly Come Dancing royalty and all-round entertainer Anton Du Beke’s richly nostalgic novel series.

The king of dance – and now king of romance – Du Beke (pictured below) returns to sweep us off our feet and waltz us back in time to the upstairs and downstairs dramas of the residents and staff of the Buckingham Hotel in wartime, and the mystery, romance, perils and personalities that have made this series such a winner with readers. The Winter Ball is our eighth trip back in time to the music and magic of the Buckingham’s magnificent Grand Ballroom where dreams and dilemmas are part of everyday life, and where the war is proving the catalyst for changes, some totally unexpected and some – like the arrival of the American forces – exciting.

As the snow falls on Berkeley Square in December, the staff at the Buckingham are busy preparing for the arrival of American soldiers. Raymond de Guise, known to all as King of the Ballroom, is rallying the performers for the upcoming Winter Ball, with a familiar face returning to surprise the guests.

As rumours circulate that the Royal Party will be in attendance on the night, tensions begin to rise on and off the dancefloor as shocking secrets are revealed. Raymond has always been a keeper of secrets, most especially his own. But what his friends and family don’t know is that he has returned from the frontline to the ballroom to feed inside information from high society to the British government.

And as the festive season approaches, he is given his most dangerous assignment yet… welcoming three American officials into his home with the knowledge that one of them is a traitor. As the Christmas baubles glitter, he must discover who has treachery in his heart before it is too late. Will Raymond be able to protect his home and his country… or will this be the time he finally loses what he loves the most?

The Winter Ball delivers the same heady mix of real social and British history with a story full of nostalgia, suspense, romance and perilous espionage as Raymond dices with danger while the

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Turning turtle, dead good reads and some spooky thrills

Meet a brave turtle who turns the tide to save her brother, dive into a brilliant new series of quick and easy thrillers for seriously struggling readers, escape to the Land of Fairy Tales and help Cinderella find her magic slipper, and enjoy the last wild and wacky adventure in a much-loved comedy series with an eclectic selection of new children’s books

Age 3 plus
The Turtle Who
Turned the Tide
Rachel Bright and Jim Field

BIG, bold and beautiful illustrations blend with an exquisite rhyming story full of heart, honour, bravery and happy endings in a spectacular, large format picture book from the inspired pairing of talented wordsmith and illustrator Rachel Bright and award-winning illustrator, character designer and animation director Jim Field. The Turtle Who Turned the Tide is part of The World of Rachel Bright & Jim Field, a global bestselling series which includes nine brilliant books. On a midnight-black beach, it's time for a GRAND HATCHING. A rowdy crowd of animal onlookers have gathered to see which baby turtle will win the great race to safety in the sea. But when Tula’s little brother loses his way, this baby turtle faces a difficult choice… will she choose to win the race or will she turn back to rescue Tiny, her brother? And will the other animals stay on the sidelines, or will Tula’s bravery inspire them to join the rescue mission? In a heartfelt story celebrating adventure, bravery and one baby turtle who changes her world for good, Bright and Field show youngsters how we ALL have the power to change things for the better… no matter what the odds!
(Orchard Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 11 plus
Killer
Tanya Landman and Alessandro Valdrighi

OLDER children and reluctant teens, who are seriously struggling with their reading, will love getting their hands on two titles in a superb new series of quick, gripping and age-appropriate books which fill a crucial gap for EAL (English as an additional language) learners. Particularly suitable for readers aged eleven plus with a reading age of six, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, the stories feature short, sharp plots and accessible language, and are designed to build confidence in independent reading, In Killer, written by award-winning author Tanya Landman and illustrated by Alessandro Valdrighi, the courage of a loyal dog is tragically mistaken for violence. 

When the prince and his lady go out hunting, they leave their baby in the care of their faithful wolfhound Gelert, the royal dog of Welsh folklore. But when they return, their baby is missing and a horrific attack has taken place. What has happened and who will pay the price?

Also in the series is The Day Death Died, once again written by Landman, and illustrated by Cinthya Alvarez. Here we meet Jack who gives Death a taste of his own medicine but then finds he is unprepared for life in a world where nothing dies. Jack’s mum is ill and he is devastated when Death arrives to take her away. Jack doesn’t want to let her go so he fights back and drives Death away. But what consequences will there be when Death is banished from the world? Entertainment for readers of all abilities!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £6.99 each)

Age 9 plus
Escape from the Castle of Illusions
Alex Bell and Beatriz Castro

PREPARE for more thrills and spills with the third book in the deliciously spooky Train of Dark Wonders adventure series from popular author Alex Bell whose writing is exciting and full of imaginative world-building. Could this be the end of the line for the Train of Dark Wonders? Trouble is brewing at the Odditorium where the gateway to the Land of Fairy Tales is about to open. And, as Bess knows only too well, fairy tales are nothing like the ones from the storybooks. Queen Cinderella wants her stolen magic slipper back and nothing will get in her way. It soon becomes clear that Bess’s only choice is to travel to the Land of Fairy Tales and face Cinderella. With her friends by her side, she is determined to finish what her grandfather started by venturing to the queen’s legendary castle of illusions. But as Bess and her friends fall victim to a series of sneaky tricks and enchantments, time is running out in their quest to find their happily ever after. And there's a chance they may never escape unless they defeat the evil fairy-tale queen once and for all... Brought to life by the atmospheric illustrations of Beatriz Castro, this fabulous fairy tale romp, with a warm heart and an addictive sense of fun, is the perfect blend of joy and jeopardy… and will appeal to all young adventurers!
(Rock the Boat, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Flember: The Golden Heart
Jamie Smart

IF your youngsters like laugh-out-loud comedy, lots of madcap action and a poignant reminder of how important friendships are, then gift them the final, fantastic book in extraordinarily talented illustrator and author Jamie Smart’s brilliantly entertaining Flember illustrated debut novel series. Packed with all the outrageously comical, addictive and high-energy action we have come to expect from Smart’s work, this series has a warm heart and certainly hits the mark with middle grade readers. Flember Island is in grave danger, at the mercy of the evil lola and her sinister plans. The only hope is talented young inventor Dev and his lovable giant red robot bear Boja. Can they bring the magic flow of flember back to the island? Has Dev got the tools to restore peace to every inhabitant’s life? The answers lie in this thrilling conclusion to this wild, wacky and thought-provoking series! The bestselling creator of the Bunny vs Monkey books, Smart has proved to be a comic genius and there are plenty of snorts, sniggers, ooh and aahs to enjoy on every page of this thrilling conclusion to a wild and wacky series which celebrates friendship, creativity, invention and loyalty in the most delightful and eccentric way!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Tomorrow’s Ghost
Tanya Landman

CAN a young girl race back in time to save a girl from the past who haunts her dreams? Carnegie Medal-winning author Tanya Landman is on her very best storytelling form in this chilling and atmospheric adventure which features ghostly goings-on between two timelines and a girl tasked with rewriting the future. In 1976, twelve-year-old Anna is staying with her great aunt Em in the countryside but, bored and lonely away from her friends for the summer, she finds herself dreaming about a girl from 1919… a neglected and lonely girl called Etty who is living in a mansion with an austere and unloving grandfather. As Anna’s dreams grow more vivid, she realises that Etty is in grave danger and is calling out to her… and that she must cross time to save her from an untimely death. With a twisting, turning plot, themes of loneliness, fear, friendship and hope, and lots of authentic historical detail, this poignant tale is another stunning winner from Landman.
(Walker Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Bronte Tempestra and the Vanishing Kingdom
Bex Hogan and Hannah McCaffery

A PLUCKY girl is not afraid to show the knights just how brave a princess can be! Enjoy a feminist twist on the traditional tales of brave knights and trembling princesses in the last book of a fun-filled fantasy quest series from author Bex Hogan and illustrator Hannah McCaffery. The delightful and daring Bronte Tempestra is an unforgettable heroine, the first ever princess to train as a knight, and here we join her for her final adventure at Sir Sebastian’s School for Squires! When Bronte hears that the Sun Beam has been stolen from her friend Ellie’s kingdom, she feels certain that the Weather Witch is to blame. Will the realm’s knights step forward and stop her once and for all? Or is it going to be up to Bronte to set things right again? But when a sneaky midnight quest to the Vanishing Kingdom goes seriously wrong, Bronte finds herself far from Sir Sebastian’s School and with little clue about how she is even going to get home. Fortunately, Bronte has made herself some friends in high places, and together they just might be able to find their way back and save the day! Tradition is well and truly turned on its head in this funny, all-action romp, packed with secrets, sorcery and sabotage, and the quirkiest creatures you’re ever likely to meet. Add on McCaffery’s imaginative illustrations bringing Bronte’s exciting fantasy world to life, it’s a glorious gallop from start to finishing line of a fantastic action-packed series.
(Piccadilly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Beastopia
Chrissie Sains and Jenny Taylor

MAGICAL creatures exist… you just need to know where to look for them! Can twelve-year-old Anna race back in time to save a girl from the past who haunts her dreams? Carnegie Medal-winning author Tanya Landman is on her very best storytelling form in this chilling and atmospheric adventure which features ghostly goings-on between two timelines and a girl tasked with rewriting the future. In 1976, Anna is staying with her great aunt Em in the countryside but, bored and lonely away from her friends for the summer, she finds herself dreaming about a girl from 1919… a neglected and lonely girl called Etty who is living in a mansion with an austere and unloving grandfather. As Anna’s dreams grow more vivid, she realises that Etty is in grave danger and is calling out to her… and that she must cross time to save her from an untimely death. With a twisting, turning plot, themes of loneliness, fear, friendship and hope, and lots of authentic historical detail, this poignant tale is another stunning winner from Landman.

(Walker Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
The Island Vet:
The Winter Snow Goose
Gill Lewis and Irina Avgustinovich

A NEW school and a new island home far away from the big city have transformed Tia’s life... and when your mum is a vet anything can happen! Acclaimed, award-winning children’s author and former vet Gill Lewis works her special brand of animal magic on this inspirational illustrated Island Vet series which follows Tia and her mother’s exciting life on Gull Haven Island. In this fourth conservation-themed adventure, autumn turns to winter on the island and a snow goose crash-lands during a storm. Tia and her friend Nat jump to the rescue but the arrival of the rare goose heralds the start of a very harsh winter for the Haven Islanders. They have to deal with long power cuts and when the boats can’t make it over from the mainland, they start to run out of food and other supplies. In this dark time, Tia and Nat find a creative way to bring the islanders together in a celebration of light and community which will help see them through to the better days ahead. Teamed with the beautifully emotive illustrations of Irina Avgustinovich, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, this heartwarming and inspirational series is ideal for young animal lovers and is sure to delight readers of every age.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
Woodland Explorers Club:
Fujiko and the Fox
Ewa Jozefkowicz and Gillian Flint  

AS the nation’s woodlands shed their autumn colours, discover the wonders of nature and some of the ways we can protect the natural world in the new Forest School adventure from Waterstones Prize shortlisted author Ewa Jozefkowicz. Brimming with friendship, adventure and learning through nature, this inspirational series – packed with Gillian Flint’s fun illustrations – features the Woodland Explorers who solve mysteries and protect the animals of Willow Wish Woods. Frost sparkles on the trees of Willow Wish Woods but since breaking her arm in a cycling accident, music-loving Fujiko feels lost and is missing playing her violin. And then she discovers that something strange is going on with the sounds she hears in the woods. Instead of tweeting birds and rustling leaves, she keeps hearing tyre screeches and sirens. When the Woodland Explorers find a fox living in the woods, Fujiko discovers they have a special connection. Featuring anxiety and panic attacks, and the importance of friends, this new adventure shows how fireworks, foxes, the nurturing and empathetic power of nature and an autumn festival all play a part in Fujiko’s recovery from her accident. With magic, mystery, forest school fun, a whole natural world to explore, and the added bonus of fascinating facts and woodland activities to enjoy, youngsters will be pulling on their wellies and heading for the great outdoors!
(Zephyr, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
SuperQuesters: Mission: Rainforest Magic
Paul Ian Cross and Katarina Gasko

SET sail on an exciting adventure in a unique interactive story that will need your brainpower to help solve a mystery... and save the day! SuperQuesters: Mission: Rainforest Magic is the second magical adventure in the brilliantly brainy SuperQuesters first chapter book series which aims to fire up imaginations and inspire scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technology experts of the future. Best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea are excited about camping in Bea's auntie's garden. They have their magical Questland amulets and are ready for adventure! Suddenly they spot a guinea pig, Popcorn, hiding in the bushes and they can see that she is very sick. They rush her to Auntie Bumble’s vet surgery, Pawsome Pets. While waiting for news of Popcorn, the best friends’ amulets light up and they are magically whisked away to Questland. 

Transformed into the SuperQuesters – Lillicorn, Leo Zoom and Bea Bumble – with superpowers, they find themselves on a raft rushing down a raging river. They are rescued by Jamac, the talking jaguar, who explains that they have been summoned to Questland to find a cure for his friend, Puddle Waddle the capybara who has fallen mysteriously ill. Can the SuperQuesters combine science and the magic of the rainforest to save their new friend? With the help of Dew Dancer, the sprite, and Beas new robot, the SuperQuesters must use their STEM skills, teamwork, problem solving and a sprinkling of magic to solve riddles and puzzles to save Puddle Waddle. This exciting new adventure story – written by Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by Katarina Gasko – is embedded with real-life fun facts, puzzles, STEM activities and experiments to try at home or school, with the added bonus of a map and glossary. Expertly designed to support the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 and develop children’s STEM skills in fun and creative new ways, this is the perfect book for youngsters eager to discover their multi-tasking, inner superhero!
(QuestFriendz, paperback, £6.99)

Age 4 plus
When I Feel Lonely
Britta Teckentrup

‘I am by myself. I am on my own. I live in a world where I’m all alone.’ 

AFTER her exploration of uncertainty, fear and bravery in enchanting picture book, When I Feel Brave, award-winning, German-born author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup gently explores the feeling of loneliness through the perspective of a young girl. Employing her trademark brand of wisdom, creativity and sensitivity, luminous, evocative collage illustrations and a beautifully rhymed text, this new book transports readers to a world where many children, and adults, are grappling with intense emotions. Providing a calm, compassionate and understanding voice, Teckentrup explores childhood loneliness and helps young readers to recognise and name their feelings. A young girl wanders through a dark and intimidating forest with her only companion, a lone wolf. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the intensity of the girl’s emotions and feelings of loneliness, instead offering an honest portrayal of how loneliness can feel like an all-encompassing shadow, but also showing that even in the darkest moments, there is the possibility of light and connection ahead. With the beautifully imagined narrative, and a gallery of stunning, atmospheric illustrations adding extra piquancy and power to the story, this is picture book perfection from a master of her arts.
(Prestel, hardback, £13.99)

Age 3 plus
The Bestest Big Brother, Ever
Ben Mantle

GROWING up with brothers and sisters is fun… but with the giggles come the inevitable fall-outs and rivalries. And learning how to cope with the good times and the bad times is all part of growing up. Writing from his own childhood experience, as well as being a dad to two little boys, star author and illustrator Ben Mantle captures all the little (and big) ups and downs, laughter, tears (and sometimes shouts!) of sibling relationships in this gorgeous picture book full of all-too-familiar situations, fun, frolics and timely lessons. Nano thinks Felix is the bestest big brother ever. He loves him but sometimes Felix gets annoyed and frustrated… he wants some SPACE, he's fed up of Nano following him around. Feeling hurt and sad after Felix bans him from the garden treehouse, Nano decides he can make his own fun. He doesn’t need anyone else. But when his game in the garden goes wrong and he ends up feeling even worse than he already did, there’s only one person who knows exactly how to cheer him up. Can you guess who that is? The recognisable difficulties of sibling relationships lie at the beating heart of Mantle’s warm and wise tale. Packed with stunning and entertaining illustrations, this is a picture perfect portrayal of tricky sibling dynamics and ideal for parents and teachers who want to teach youngsters about brother/sister relationships and how to resolve disagreements and conflicts themselves.
(Walker Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus
Our World: Iceland
Aevar Thor Benediktsson and Lóa Hlín Hjálmtýsdóttir

LITTLE ones are transported to faraway countries in three bright and colourful new board books in Barefoot Books’ educational Our World series for very young readers. 

In Our World: Iceland, youngsters spend a day in Iceland, eating hafragautur for breakfast, visiting a farm in the countryside, and driving past volcanoes and the northern lights. 

They can even learn words in Icelandic with pronunciation guides throughout the story. Icelandic author Aevar Thor Benediktsson and illustrator Lóa Hlín Hjálmtýsdóttir draw on their own lived experiences to create this beautiful, playful story which includes educational endnotes providing more insights into life in Iceland. In Our World: Canada, written by Florence Melanie and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff,  little ones can enjoy eating soft crepes with sticky maple syrup, play with an atimwak (dog) in the snow and cache-cache in the park, zip and zoom around the ice rink, and learn words in French and Cree with the help of pronunciation guides. 

And in Our World: Vietnam, written by Nhung Tran-Davies and illustrator Xuan Le, Youngsters are transported to Vietnam where they eat steaming hot xôi and cơm with soup and veggies, light incense for ông ngoại, and buy fresh fruit at the market. These delightful books offer real insights into the culture of a country and resonate with children all over the world. Bold artwork, a vibrant text and relatable topics make them appealing to the youngest readers as well as introducing basic vocabulary and pronunciation guides.
(Barefoot Books, board books, £7.99 each)

Age one plus
My Dinosaur Shoes
Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner and Danamarie Hosler

ROSCOE loves his puppy shoes… and he certainly doesn’t want to change them for a new pair of dinosaur shoes! Join brother and sister, Roscoe and Ivy, as Roscoe transitions to a new pair of shoes in their latest adventure in the delightful Roscoe & Ivy board book series. This clever and accessible series focuses on the daily life of a neurodivergent family and is the creation of neurodivergent author and illustrator team, Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner and Danamarie Hosler, who draw on their own lived experiences. Roscoe really, really loves his puppy shoes. They’re so soft! So comfy! So… PERFECT! When his puppy shoes get to be too small, it’s time for a new pair of dinosaur shoes. Dinosaur shoes?! Those shoes are different, and new things can be scary. It’s a good thing Roscoe’s gentle big sister Ivy knows how to help him get used to his new shoes. Helpful endnotes offer gentle guidance on introducing children to new things and explain how what feels like a small problem to one person can feel like a big problem to another person. The perfect fit for neurodivergent families!
(Barefoot Books, board book, £7.99)