Age 8 plus
Hooked: Learning to Fish
Al Brown and Hope McConnell
YOU can never be too young – or too old – to take up a rod
and learn how to fish! And who better to deliver that first inspirational
‘lesson’ for any would-be anglers than Al Brown, a well-known New Zealand chef
and fisherman, much loved for his Auckland restaurants Depot and Federal Delicatessen, his Best Ugly bagel
shops, and his bestselling books Eat Up: Bach Edition, Go Fish and Stoked. So whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up
a stream with a fly rod or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there is a fishnet
full of handy information inside this colourful book packed with the
eye-catching illustrations of Hope McConnell. Learn how to tie knots, bait
hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch. Brown has a lifelong love of
fishing and Hooked includes ten of his most-loved fish recipes, some of them his
Depot restaurant classics. Fishing, youngsters learn, is a terrific outdoors experience
that is challenging but also super exciting… and the learning never ends as
your knowledge builds with each adventure and every time you head out. Hooked
is the perfect ‘catch’ for anglers of every age!
(Allen & Unwin Children’s Books, paperback, £14.99)
The Not-So Great Escape
Emma Green
IF a funny but moving story about laughter, coming to terms
with loss, courage – and alpacas – tickles your reading fancy this January,
then dive into a simply adorable children’s debut novel from proud alpaca owner
Emma Green. Covering eternal themes like friendship, family, grief and
therapy, Green explores the brick wall of uncertainty and unhappiness that has
torn apart 12-year-old Hedley’s family life since his mum died in a car crash a
year ago and he was propelled into therapy sessions. Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night
that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden at the residential
therapy activities centre steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road
trip that he did NOT sign up for… a trip that involves an accidental robbery, a
night in a haunted wood… and becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit. As the chaos
builds, Hedley finds he isn’t just running from the police, he’s also running
from the truth. And as his world comes crashing down, will Hedley play it safe,
or take his biggest risk yet? Guaranteed to make you cry as well as laugh, The Not-So
Great Escape is a very special debut which blends mischief, mayhem and
fast-paced drama with some piercing emotional insights into family, friendship,
coping with the death of a loved one, and finding the courage to keep on living
and loving.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
Magpie Girl
Rowan Foxwood
DISCOVER a magical firebird that grants wishes, a girl
dreaming of freedom, and an epic rescue mission in a fantastical world-building
adventure from Rowan Foxwood whose writing is inspired by her love of
mythology, fairy tales and folklore. A born storyteller, Foxwood brings us
Magpie Girl, a beautiful and inventive reimagining of the phoenix and Baby Yaga
myths, with added exhilarating themes of wanderlust, belonging and memory. Beware the firebird who grants wishes... they come at a
terrible price. Lavender Wild is a magpie girl… she grows feathers, talks to
birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village,
she wishes for freedom. So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone
missing on the deadly firebird’s mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set
out with him on a rescue mission. Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches,
Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive… because the firebird
is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames. A glorious melting pot of worldwide mythologies and fairy
tales, this unforgettable and magical adventure is the perfect fantasy escape
route from the chill winds of January!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
Eve Wersocki-Morris and Honie Beam
GANGSTERS, gals, hoodlums and heists... welcome to the
second book of a rip-roaring middle grade series set in the shadowy streets of
1950s London and teeming with madcap escapades and the unlikeliest heroes!
Leading the charge through all the exhilarating villainy is fearless young
crook Clem Fatale, the simply delightful creation of exciting author Eve
Wersocki-Morris whose debut mystery novel, The Bird Singers, has been nominated
for multiple awards. In her rollicking new outing in the summer of 1951, feisty
Clem, the youngest crook in the city, and her best friend Gilbert are going to
see their favourite musical double act, the Wade Sisters, perform at the London
Palladium! But one half of the duo – Betty Wade – disappears. Her sister Judy
hires Clem and Gilbert to find Betty and soon the pair are pulled into the dark
side of the theatre scene, and into the orbit of a notorious criminal
mastermind. It’s a race against time – and the gangsters of London – to get
Betty back to the theatre. Will Clem be able to stage the rescue of a lifetime? Brimming with the characterful illustrations of Honie Beam,
who is based in South Carolina, this high-octane and wonderfully theatrical adventure
delivers fun, adventure, mystery, pulsating action and a brilliantly imagined
cast of characters, from fast-talking dames and creepy crooks to lovable good
guys. Add on a sparkling dialogue and a brilliantly imagined Fifties backdrop,
and you have a series that is stealing every reader’s heart!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
Terrible Traitors (Horrible Histories)
Terry Deary and Martin Brown
THERE have always been traitors… people who are willing to
switch sides, let down a friend and betray their country. Nothing could ever
make YOU become a traitor, though… or could it? Master of making history fun,
Terry Deary, teams up with his talented Horrible Histories cartoonist team-mate
Martin Brown to tell the tales of fifty brutal betrayals across history. Terrible Traitors is a horrible compendium of the worst
traitors in history. Were they really all bad? You must decide. So why do
people turn traitor? Sometimes they do it for love, often because of their
beliefs, maybe out of pride, perhaps even greed… and sometimes just for fun. Did
you know that the oldest story in the world is about the traitor Enkidu who
dared to rise up against King Gilgamesh? You might already know about Caesar
and his unfaithful senators, but have you heard about Walter Tirel, the Norman
knight who went out hunting with King William the Conqueror? Well, only one man
returned. Walter claimed it was an accident, but he had a pretty good track
record with his aim... Fully illustrated throughout and packed with horrible
stories (with all the horribly hilarious bits included of course), Deary’s
priceless wit, Brown’s perfectly pitched illustrations and a fresh take on the
classic Horrible Histories style, this history of traitors has never been so
winningly horrible and so hilariously entertaining!
(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)
Stitch Head
Guy Bass and Pete Williamson
HE'S not quite Frankenstein’s monster
but Stitch Head, a mad professor’s forgotten creation, certainly has adventure
stories all sewn up! Who can forget the freakishly funny tales of award-winning
author Guy Bass’ not-so-scary little monster who was brought to ‘almost-life’
by illustrator Pete Williamson… and is now coming to UK cinemas in
February. So share all the guffaws, giggles and
deliciously dark fun of Bass’ Stitch Head and his madcap world in this film
tie-in edition of Bass’ first book which takes centre stage in the new film. Deep
in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, eccentric Professor Erasmus
created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued,
filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was
long forgotten. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door,
promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture
beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake? Stitch’s funny, accessible, fast-paced
adventures are perfect for reluctant readers who like their stories to be
visually appealing and the action to unfold at breakneck speed. Brimming with
atmosphere, excitement, captivating characters and chaotic humour, Stitch Head
is simply packed with monstrous fun… no surprise then that our little monster has
movie stardom all stitched up!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
Donut Squad: Make a Mess!
Neill Cameron
SWEET or savoury? Donut or bagel? Who will be victorious? Comics genius Neill Cameron is back with the second crazy caper in his delicious new graphic novels series... and there’s a ‘hole’ lot of fun to enjoy! Any youngsters who like silliness and donuts are gobbling up these perfectly baked and addictively moreish stories starring the totally bonkers Donut Squad which includes Sprinkles, the leader, Jammyboi who spreads stickiness everywhere, Dadnut and Lil' Timmy who explain obscure facts, and Spronky who is bizarrely unconventional! But don’t mention the arch-nemeses of the donuts... the bagels who are constantly plotting the Donut Squad’s doom! In this new madcap adventure, the bagels are lying low and the Donut Squad are enjoying making their own malarkey. They’re off camping… and hiding from bears! Anxiety Donut is on an adventure where what happens next is up to YOU! And Lil Timmy learns the Meaning of Life… so you can too! But the bagels can’t be held back for long… their plan is about to be unleashed to kick the Donut Squad out of their own book. Will the Donuts be able to stop them?
This jam-packed series is the brainchild of comic powerhouse,
The Phoenix, and features all the characters from the comic strip that fans
know and love. Full of crazy humour and mouthwatering full-colour illustrations
that will keep readers going back for seconds, the book also helps budding
artists to create awesome characters just like the Donut Squad with a whole
section of how-to-draw tutorials from Cameron. Add on links to The Phoenix
comic club website where you can find draw-along videos, free printable
material and top tips from tons of creators, and you have the perfect
oven-baked series for all donut-loving mischief-makers!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)
Reggie Rabbit and the Metro Mice
Swapna Reddy and Becka Moor
HE might be small, but Reggie Rabbit, Detective, will keep
the big city safe! Welcome back to the wonderful world of Reggie and his
family, friends and detective partner Pipsquark the parakeet in the fourth book of a simply delightful
series that blends illustrated fiction with a graphic novel. Reggie Rabbit is
the dazzling creation of New Zealand-based author Swapna Reddy and Manchester
illustrator Becka Moor, and is set in an alluring Gotham-like animal city. In
his new adventure, Reggie wants to be a big-shot detective in Bearburgh City,
just like his hero, Detective Fox. He has successfully exposed another Masque
plot and word is getting out about the crime-solving rabbit and his parakeet
partner. But Reggie’s mum and dad want him to be safe, and expect him to live
in Little Critter forever, working on the family vegetable stall. What’s a
rabbit to do? Then one day, a small shy mouse called Mo reaches out to the pair
for help… his home, the warren-like metro tunnels underneath Bearburgh, is
under threat. Cracks are appearing in the structure of the metro where the
mouse community live. Reggie and Pipsquark want to help the Metro Mice but do
the Metro Mice want them? Reddy – who also writes as Swapna Haddow – has a
happy knack of always delivering stories filled with warm friendships, madcap
adventures and lots of laughs. Add on Moor’s fun-filled illustrations,
influenced by crime noir and vintage comics, and you have an early reading,
all-round winner!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)
Guardians of the New Moon:
The Year of the Tiger
Eric Huang and Phùng Nguyên Quang
THE top team of London-based podcaster, writer and lecturer Eric
Huang and Vietnamese illustrator Phùng Nguyên Quang bound back with their fun
and fabulously full-throttle illustrated series which blends adventure with
folklore and legends. Huang has always been fascinated by legends, lore and
magical creatures, and has pledged that every book in this superb Guardians of
the New Moon series will feature an epic adventure about friendship,
celebrating differences, and loving your authentic self. In this third outing, we discover the Heavenly Palace is in
uproar! Biao the tiger has gone missing and there’s no Year of the Tiger
without her. Black-and-white cat Miaow and nine-tailed fox Ming, a spirited and
fiery shapeshifter, are sent to find her… but bringing her back might just be
their most difficult mission yet. Focused and stubborn, Biao hasn’t got time
for silly things like the lunar new year. The forest she calls home is dying
and she’s determined to save it. But she can’t do it alone and her hot temper
keeps getting in the way of finding friends. With time running out, can the
Guardians help Biao save her home – and the Year of the Tiger – before it’s too
late? With a menagerie of magical creatures, fantastical lands to
discover and Quang’s richly detailed illustrations, these delightfully
light-hearted and easy-to-read adventures are sure to fascinate and inspire
young readers while introducing the lunar new year and other fascinating East
Asian traditions and folklore.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)
The Home That Love Built
Jessica Meserve
‘This is the wind that whipped and whirled. This is the
lightning that zipped and zapped. This is the thunder that bombarded and
blasted. And these are the animals... all soggy and sad.’
CHILDREN and adults alike will adore the rich, poetic
language and the empowering message of resilience which is the building block
of this moving and endearing story from author and illustrator Jessica Meserve
who finds inspiration and happiness in the great outdoors. When a terrible storm tears through the forest, everything seems
lost. Trees are toppled, nests, nooks and burrows are destroyed and the animals
are left with nothing but ruins. But then, a new home begins to grow… not an
ordinary home, but one built from the efforts of every single animal in the
forest. A home, made not just of twigs and leaves, but of kindness, courage,
and love. Told in a rhythmic, cumulative style and paired with
breathtaking illustrations, The Home That Love Built is a powerful celebration
of friendship, teamwork and rebuilding after loss. Ideal for classrooms
exploring big emotions like fear of change, sadness and grief, it is also a
gentle, comforting story for bedtime snuggles, reminding children that even in
their hardest moments, they are part of a community and held by those who love
them.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)
Mr Norton’s New Hat
Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert
YOU have to take your hat off to Mr Norton! Author Huw Lewis
Jones and Virginia-based illustrator Corey Egbert have fun with this addictive
picture book romp which offers a captivating reading experience and is perfect
for sharing together, again and again! One Monday morning, Horace Norton had
something of a surprise… a mouse had made a house in his hat! On Tuesday, there
are birds in his bicycle basket… and on Wednesday, a squirrel asleep in his
shoe! What will Mr Norton do when, as the week progresses, the animals take
over his bathroom, his bed… and even his beard?! With a text that repeats and
builds with each new animal and a story that ends with a peace offering from
the animals and new friends for the lonely Mr Norton, this celebration of
kindness, brought to life by Egbert’s stylish and timeless illustrations, is
set to be a new classic!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)
Very Special You
Emma Dodd
‘Your smile is the best smile, your laugh is just right. You were made for kisses and cuddling tight.'
READERS young and old will fall in
love with another beautiful story in a heartfelt picture book series
celebrating the love between a parent and child from award-winning author and
illustrator Emma Dodd. A sheep revels in the wonder and uniqueness of her lamb
and is filled with love when they spend time with together. Dodd spreads a
golden glow over this charming book which works its magic through the stunning
gold-foiled cover and pages, an inspirational rhyming story, and a gallery of
emotive illustrations which impart uplifting messages about being an individual
and deserving your place in the world. Exquisitely created and brimming with
love, Very Special You 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)
Am I Yours?
Alex Latimer
WE all know that there are lots of little dinosaur fans… but
do they know which dinosaur is which? Youngsters will be stomping their way through this
colourful new edition of Am I Yours?, Alex Latimer’s dazzling and internationally
bestselling picture book. Talented author and illustrator Latimer, who is based
in Cape Town, South Africa, won hearts and minds with his much-loved rhyming
tale about identifying dinos and this new edition will delight the army of
young dinosaur enthusiasts. ‘Excuse me, please, but am I yours? I’m sure I am a
dinosaur’s!’ When an icy wind pushes an egg from its nest, five friendly
dinosaurs must get it home before dark. But who does the lost egg belong to,
and will they figure it out in time? The stunning artwork, a rhythmic, rhyming
story and the gentle introduction to a host of dinosaur species make this a
book to be truly treasured.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)
Baby on Board:
Submarine & Rocket
Ruth Symons and Seb Braun
GET your babies and toddlers on the go with two super interactive board books which put little ones in the driving seat! Baby on Board: Submarine and Baby on Board: Rocket are part of an adorable novelty slider series for young movers and shakers who will love getting their hands on the push, pull and slide tabs at the turn of every page. So climb aboard the baby sub, go beneath the waves and dive down to explore the deep!
(Templar Books, board books, £6.99 each)
Match the Colour
Ruth Symons and Susie Hammer
HERE'S an inventive board book that teaches more than just
first words! Match the Colour – written by Ruth Symons and illustrated in vivid
colours by Polish artist Susie Hammer – doubles up as a brilliant colour-sorter
in an ingenious design that lets toddlers place three chunky shapes into
matching slots. The brightly coloured circles – attached to the book with
equally colourful ribbons – create an engaging colour-sorting game on each
beautifully illustrated page with each slotting into cut-outs with satisfying
ease, and each completing a variety of images, from an ice cream cone to a
branch full of bugs. Matching the colours aids children in their fine motor
skills, hand-eye co-ordination and problem-solving skills, and each spread also
introduces popular first words, making this the ideal book to learn from while
having fun. A book perfectly shaped and designed for readers of the future!
(Templar Books, board book, £7.99)
I’m a Digger & I’m a Bunny
Ruth Symons and Matthew Scott
DIG, scoop, baa and bleat! Little hands will love exploring these dazzling, dinky shaped board books packed with their building vehicles and cute creatures. Featuring illustrator Matthew Scott’s bright colours and appealing faces, the adorable toy-like pages of I’m a Digger and I’m a Bunny are sure to hold the attention of the youngest babies while author Ruth Symons’ simple facts are perfect for toddlers.
And join in the fun as they meet a bouncing rabbit, a miaowing kitten and a neighing foal. Fun and learning at the turn of every sturdy page!
(Templar Books, board books, £6.99 each)
No comments:
Post a Comment