Age 8 plus
How To Save Your Granny From a Runaway Train
Swapna Haddow
and Jess Bradley
WITH the best will in the world, and using science as a
guide, could anyone save their granny from a runaway train? The answer lies in
the covers of this fun and infinitely fascinating book… and it might not be
what you were expecting! Swapna Haddow – award-winning author of over thirty books
for young readers including the Dave Pigeon and Bad Panda series – explores a
bunch of ridiculous (and not-so-ridiculous) dilemmas and comes up with
solutions from the astonishing world of physics that will have youngsters gasping
and giggling. So brace yourself and discover how to trick a shark, lift a
jumbo jet, escape from a deserted island, rescue grandad from a volcano, scare
off an alien invasion and even get a fart machine out of your classroom as
Haddow and award-winning illustrator Jess Bradley work their child-friendly magic
on topics such as friction, electromagnets, gravity, fulcrum, reflection and
air resistance. With consultancy from teacher and science specialist Jules
Pottle, Bradley’s funny and engaging illustrations adding extra humour and
vibrancy to the graphic novel style presentation, and easy-to-follow
experiments which let children test out the science themselves, How To Save
Your Granny From a Runaway Train is the perfect way to make learning a hands-on
adventure... and to keep holiday boredom at bay. And rest assured that no grannies were harmed in the making
of this book!
(Red Shed, paperback, £10.99, published on July 31)
Crow Children
James Dixon
‘Our souls are in our stories, little fragments in every
one,
and the crows keep them for us when we’re gone.’
THE death of a loved one is one of the hardest trials every
human must face in their lifetime, a theme that is explored with empathy, power
and beauty in a moving novel from Glasgow-based novelist, poet and playwright
James Dixon. Harnessing both the natural world and a seductive thread of dark
fantasy, Dixon brings us an atmospheric and memorable story starring a 13-year-old
girl struggling to come to terms with both the death of her father and a move away
to her mother’s childhood town. Following the sudden and unexpected death of Ava’s father,
her mother decides they need a complete reset and a return to her roots in the
town of Crawford on the edge of the woods where Ava’s Pop and Nana still live.
Ava is far from thrilled at starting again though she is happy to be united with her grandparents, particularly her
Nana whose stories are legendary. But Nana’s memories are fading quickly and
Ava is devastated to once again be faced with loss. Dustin Marr is a troubled,
older student at Ava’s new school and he seems to have a strange connection
with the woods, particularly the crows who circle the edge of town. Dustin
thinks he knows how to bring back Nana’s memories. The crows wield power, he
says, the messengers between the world of the living and the dead, but when the
crows offer to return her beloved Nana’s memories, Ava must decide whether she
will pay their price and exchange a soul for a soul. Though-provoking and inspirational, Dixon’s tale of a teen
searching for meaning in a time of emotional turmoil is beautifully written and
full of wise reflection, clever symbolism and warm reassurance for any
youngster facing their own pains of loss and grief.
(Guppy Books, paperback, £7.99)
The Great Green Island
Becky Colvin
DISCOVER a small island with a BIG secret in an enchanting
and inspiring debut picture book from Becky Colvin, winner of the prestigious
Macmillan Prize for Illustration in 2023. Combining stunning, richly detailed
and atmospheric illustration with magical storytelling, The Great Green Island
is a modern fable full of verbal and visual delights. Star of the show is adventurous
Ali, a nature-loving girl with a mystery to solve on an island that is much
more than it seems. Because this small island holds a big secret… a magical
secret in the shape of a Great Green Crocodile! Ali lives with her Dad on a
beautiful island with a busy fishing village. So busy in fact that, no matter
how hard she tries, Ali can never persuade anyone to stop what they are doing
and come exploring with her. That is until the morning everyone wakes to find
ALL the fish have disappeared. Every. Last. One. Who – or what – could have
taken them? Weaving together mystery, adventure and a resonant celebration of
the wonders of the wild world, Colvin’s mini-masterpiece reminds us all to stop
and experience the amazing world around us… and to admire it together!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)
Crocodile, Crocodile, What Sharp Teeth You Have!
Illustrated by Malgorzata Detner
MEET a crocodile that crawls, swims and snaps in a playful
pop-up board book that will leave little ones open-mouthed with amazement! Crocodile,
Crocodile, What Sharp Teeth You Have! is the new title in Campbell Books’
entertaining Peep & Pop series which lets toddlers get up close with some
well-known creatures from the natural world. Play along with the scaly
crocodile as she makes a star appearance in five pop-ups, brought to life by
the vibrant illustrations of Polish artist Malgorzata Detner. Perfect for
encouraging pretend play with your young child while providing some fascinating
and fun animal facts. Also in the series are Tiger, Tiger, What Stripy Fur You
Have!, Monkey, Monkey, What A Curly Tail You Have! and Elephant, Elephant, What
Big Ears You Have!
(Campbell Books, board book, £7.99)
I Love You Every Colour
Caryl Lewis and Jill Calder
CELEBRATE love in all its forms – from personal and family
relationships to the natural world and planet Earth, with the explosion of
colour and beauty in a stunning picture book from award-winning duo, author Caryl
Lewis and illustrator Jill Calder. The perfect gift for everyone you love, I Love You Every
Colour is brimming with love for every season and every mood. From bright, blood-red sunrises to
jewel-studded purples and lush, rich greens, this book encourages young readers
to expand their imaginations. Each stunning painting packs an emotional punch
and is filled with details that little ones will want to explore. Lewis, a multi-award-winning Welsh novelist, children’s
writer, playwright and screenwriter, was inspired to write the lyrical
narrative by the ‘Poets of Nobility’ in Wales who were hired as court poets
between 1284 and 1600 and in particular, a breathtaking poem written in the 15th
century by Lewis Glyn Cothi after the death of his son. Perfectly paired with
Calder’s bold, painterly artwork, this special book is one you will want to
give to anyone and everyone that you hold dear.
(Two Hoots, hardback, £12.99)
Hello Sun! & Hello Fish!
Sharon King-Chai
COLOUR, reflection, fun and learning! This gorgeous Mirror Magic board book series for babies and toddlers – from talented designer and illustrator Sharon King-Chai – comes complete with a unique illustrated mirror landscape format. Babies and toddlers will love finding the high-contrast colourful creatures and bold shapes on every reflective page of two new titles, Hello Sun! and Hello Fish!, which have the signature printed mirror right through to a high quality mirror on the final spread in which little readers can see themselves.
(Two Hoots, board books, £8.99 each, published July 31)
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