Age 8 plus
The Neverland Thieves
Katie and Kevin Tsang
TAKE the second star to the right and carry straight on to Neverland for a daring, dazzling and delightful Peter Pan spin-off adventure from award-winning husband and wife authors Katie and Kevin Tsang. Published in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital charity – to whom JM Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan in 1929 – this thrilling tale of friendship, belief and magic brings an extra sprinkling of fairy dust to the wonderful world of Neverland. Tom Skywood has been a patient at Great Ormond Street Hospital for nearly three months and he still doesn’t know how long his treatment will last. He finds it difficult to take an interest in anything but when his best friend, Felix, comes to visit, exciting and mysterious things start to happen. Gold dust suddenly appears, music plays and the stone creatures in the chapel magically come to life. Soon Tom, Felix and their new friend Daisy, the doctor’s daughter, are flown to the magical world of Neverland. Adventures lie ahead with mermaids, pirates and the Lost Boys and Lost Girls. But trouble is afoot in this magical place and soon the three friends find themselves blamed for a series of thefts. To clear their names, they are going to have to take on the villainous Beekeeper or be branded as the Neverland Thieves forever… it’s time to take back the magic!
Tingling with magic and wonder, The Neverland Thieves
features familiar favourites from Barrie’s original Peter Pan story as well as
a new cast of Lost Boys and Lost Girls, new mermaids, new fairies, Captain
Hook’s granddaughter... and some dragons, of course! With hope and heart
threaded through every page of this glorious adventure, it’s good to know that
the book’s royalties will help the hospital charity fund groundbreaking
research, medical equipment, child-centred medical facilities, and support
services for seriously ill children and their families. Publishers Simon &
Schuster are also making a donation to the charity for every print copy of the
book sold in the UK.
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)
Agatha Harkness: Fall of the Coven
Sara Shepard
WHEN Agatha Harkness finds herself yanked out of her
mysterious past and plopped in a modern-day high school, the race is on to find
the key to saving her coven… all while discovering first love and battling an
ancient foe! Sara Shepard, bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, returns
with a new story featuring the Marvel witch Agatha Harkness as seen in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe TV show Agatha All Along. Agatha is a powerful witch stuck living amongst an
untalented group of witches in 1690s Salem, Massachusetts. But that’s OK
because the dreary coven meetings and fake herbal potions will all be worth it
once she finally gets her hands on one of the most magical artefacts in
existence… the Darkhold, a book of extraordinary power. But just as it’s within
her grasp, disaster strikes the coven! Agatha is about to reluctantly save the
day when she is rebuffed by the nosy, stuck-up Martha. Now, thanks to the
interference, Martha, Agatha and the Darkhold have been unceremoniously dropped
in one of the most terrifying locations a witch has ever encountered… a
modern-day high school. Armed with just her smarts and her spells, Agatha
embarks on a quest to recover the Darkhold and an incognito Martha. Along the
way, she encounters a meddlesome crow, a potential first crush, and a new
coven. She almost starts to feel like she has found her home… until Martha
returns from the shadows and this time with dire consequences. Packed with
powerful witchcraft, deadly rivalries and young love, this is the perfect read
for fans of dark tales with an irresistible romantic twist.
(Studio Press,
paperback, £8.99)
The Trouble with Magic
Amy Wilson and Eric Deschamps
‘Magic is the tiny seed deep inside everyone… but it
doesn’t
always grow into something good.’
PREPARE to be spellbound by the first book of
a rich and evocative magical fantasy series from Carnegie-nominated author Amy
Wilson. Brought to rich and vibrant life by Eric Deschamps' black and white
illustrations, this is a dazzling evocation of an enthralling other-world, full
of storytelling perfection in all its rich and atmospheric drama. When Fray’s hidden magic is revealed, he is forced back to
Hexton… the magical town from which his family were banished because his
parents committed an unspeakable betrayal. With no one to trust and nowhere to
turn, Fray must face people who see his very name as a curse, others who
believe he might be the solution they’ve been searching for, and those
desperate to get their hands on his mysterious Croxometer – one of the most
powerful magical objects to ever exist which was left by his grumpy grandfather
Old Skeg. And with the very essence of Hexton in danger, can Fray – who has a
whole load of magic in his veins – live up to his legacy while also finding the
place where he belongs? Wilson’s imagination moves into overdrive, sweeping us
away to a world of spine-tingling magic, menace and self-discovery as Fray battles
to uncover past secrets and step out of the shadows and into the light. A
magical adventure with the power to thrill!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)
The Animal Queendom:
A Celebration of Nature's Fearless Females
Catherine Blackledge
and Kasia Bogdańska
WELCOME to the animal queendom, home to the world’s most
amazing wildlife! Fact-checked and written by non-fiction author and former
science journalist Catherine Blackledge, with advice from the University of
Cambridge, this magnificent book celebrates the incredible members of the
queendom – female animals that deserve their turn in the scientific spotlight
after being overlooked or underestimated. From murderous mammals and
record-breaking birds to spectacular snakes and self-cloning insects, readers
can enjoy unearthing something new about a familiar species or be totally
surprised by an animal they have never heard of! Explore thirty-seven spreads
that break through stereotypes, spotlight biodiversity and encourage children
to see the wonder of all kinds of female creatures. With Blackledge’s fascinating,
accessible text, Polish illustrator Kasia Bogdańska’s amazingly detailed full-colour
artwork on every page, a glossary and index to help animal enthusiasts navigate
the book and expand their vocabulary, and a stunning tactile cover, this impressive
and inspiring gift book allows youngsters to discover for themselves the
incredible female wildlife that helps shape our planet.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £16.99)
Cinnamon Crumb, Baking Detective: The Great Cake Caper
Harry Woodgate
AWARD-WINNING author and illustrator Harry Woodgate whips up
a storm of secrets and sabotage in the first ‘course’ of a simply delicious new
detective series which puts baking mysteries at the heart of the reading menu.
With a list of ingredients that includes three charismatic friends, large
helpings of magic, a liberal sprinkling of fun, and Woodgate’s brilliantly
detailed black and white illustrations on almost every page, this is the
tastiest crime romp you will find this autumn. Meet Cinnamon Crumb. In the town of Marzipan, home to bakers
of near-magical talent, Cinnamon burns toast. Yes, she’s definitely not a baker…
but she IS about to become a baking detective because all is not sweet between
Marzipan’s two rival superstar bakers, Victoria Sponge and Madeleine Macaron.
They will stop at nothing to win the coveted Twelve Tier Crown at the Great
Cake Carnival… even sabotage is not off the menu. So when Victoria sets
Cinnamon a mission to spy on Maddie, Cinnamon reluctantly agrees. But when
Maddie asks Cinnamon to spy on Victoria too... well, Cinnamon is in a situation
stickier than sticky toffee pudding. Youngsters will love getting their teeth into this
irresistibly entertaining mystery which dishes up fast-paced adventures and a
truly delicious cast of vibrant characters, proving that double agents and
lashings of double cream really do make for a perfectly baked new series!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £8.99)
Age 7 plus
Secrets of the Museum: Solar System
Joalda Morancy and Kelsey Oseid
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £14.99 each)
Star Kitties: Forest Kitty and the Monster Surprise!
Laura Ellen Anderson
RETURN to the magical world where stars are grown and
forever friends are made in the second book of a cute and cuddly two-colour,
highly-illustrated young fiction series from best-selling author and
illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson. Stars of the show are the lovable, magical Star
Kitties, the cutest cats ever, and they get up to all sorts of fun adventures
and mischief in Whiskery Paw with their best human friend Tabitha Flair. Tabitha
just loves exploring the magical Mew Forest with Flora the Forest Kitty. But
today strange things are happening in the woods… the starflowers are being
squashed, something has been pouncing on passers-by, and precious plants are
being plundered! Is a creepy creature lurking in Whiskery Paw? It’s up to
Tabitha and Flora to set a trap to catch the mystery monster… but they are in
for a very cute surprise! With each book strikingly illustrated, the Star
Kitties series is just purrfect for cat lovers and readers looking for a first
chapter book filled with adventure, friendship and feline antics. Get ready to
join in the furry fun!
(Farshore, paperback, £7.99)
Little Minotaur
Gaia Alessi
IMAGINE if we knew the infamous Minotaur from Greek mythology as a boy instead of a monster? Welcome to Little Minotaur, a stunning picture book retelling of the half-man, half-beast Minotaur legend by Gaia Alessi, an author and illustrator whose artwork aims to offer an unexpected outlook on the world. And this dazzling tale about finding your voice, belonging, bravery and family is certain to catch the imagination of any child who has ever felt they are ‘different.’ The popular Greek myth is the brutal tale of a half-man, half-beast trapped in a maze underneath the palace on the island of Crete in ancient Greece. But this story is not about a monster. Instead, it focuses on the Minotaur as a boy… a little minotaur named Asterion.
This minotaur is a
gentle child who is happy amongst the birds and out in nature. With his bull
head, he struggles to speak but is supported always by the love of his sister,
Ariadne, and his mother, Queen Pasiphaë. He can communicate in his own
particular way and find the right word when he needs to. But as Asterion grows
bigger and taller, and rumours on Crete begin to swirl around him about what he
is and what he can do, he must fight against prejudice and shame to find his
place in the world. And he will learn that he is not a terrifying beast at all
but a misunderstood boy called Asterion, deserving of love. And maybe he can
rewrite his own ending… Alessi’s vivid and colourful illustrations put light
and life into the minotaur’s tumultuous journey to find a place he can truly
call home and kin he can call his own. A beautiful retelling full of heart and
compassion.
(Walker Books, hardback, £14.99)
Age 4 plus
The Search for Our Cosmic Neighbours
Chloe Savage
(Walker Books, paperback, £8.99)
Grizzly
Hervé Le Goff
IS swimming too wet, a nap too boring, and are blackberries
too prickly? Find out as we follow Grizzly the bear who doesn’t feel like doing
anything in a humorous and heartwarming picture book from French author and
illustrator Hervé Le Goff. It's the perfect day for a stroll, thinks
Raccoon, but this morning, his best friend Grizzly who is finding everything
too much… well, grrr, except for grumbling! Youngsters will love joining in the
fun as the exuberant racoon and his grumbly best friend spend a day in nature,
going swimming, eating berries, napping in the shade and, best of all,
complaining! Grizzly might growl and grumble at everything Racoon suggests but,
in the end, there’s nothing he loves more than spending time with his best
friend. Packed with comedy and Le Goff’s adorably bold and endearing
illustrations, this relatable tale of grumpiness is sure to put a smile on even
the grouchiest of little ones!
(Post Wave Children’s books, hardback, £12.99)
BANG!
Sam Usher
‘When I woke up this
morning, I was excited… it was
egg, chips and peas for lunch.’
JOIN a little
boy and his Grandad on a thrilling expedition to return a dragon egg to its
nest in BANG! the final book of author and illustrator Sam Usher’s Adventures
with Grandad Transport Quartet, starring his much-loved Boy and Grandad double
act. In their new wild and wonderful adventure, Boy and Grandad are busy in the
garden collecting the eggs, picking the peas and digging up potatoes for their
special lunch when they accidentally dig up a dragon’s egg. It’s going to be a
dangerous mission… can they brave a bubbling pool of lava, spiky stalagmites
and deep, dark caves to return it to its nest in one piece? Fortunately, Boy
has just the plan to get it there… Once again, Boy and Grandad’s skills are put
to the test as the pair recycle and reuse everyday items to create incredible
inventions and ingenious new forms of transport. Usher’s warm-hearted, original and inspirational stories
celebrate the special bond between children and their grandparents, and the
power of imagination and invention. With themes of creativity, resourcefulness
and shared adventures, and some subtle science facts, Usher’s quirky and
charming story is complemented by a palette of gloriously funny watercolour
illustrations which add extra character and texture to the enchanting and
life-affirming adventure.
(Templar Publishing, paperback, £7.99)
Robber Rabbit
Lucy Rowland and
Alessandro Montagnana
MEET a rabbit who simply WON’T share! Learning to share is
one of life’s earliest social lessons so introduce your tiny tots to this cute
and cautionary tale from award-winning author Lucy Rowland and illustrator Alessandro
Montagnana about a Rabbit who turns robber and discovers that being kind and
considerate is much more fun. When all the forest food gets blown next to
Rabbit’s tree, he takes it all for himself and protects it at all costs… after
all, it fell by his tree! And he even builds a tall wall to protect it. But
then the other animals start to go hungry, and Rabbit begins to wonder if he
did the right thing. After all, if you’re able... you don’t build tall walls,
but a much longer table. Rowland’s delightfully funny and heartwarming rhyming picture
book story is perfect to read aloud with little ones while Montagnana’s
stunning illustrations bring Rabbit and the woodland creatures to life in a glorious
autumnal palette of colours. With important messages about the rewards of
sharing and a fabulous fold-out finale to enjoy, this is the ideal book for
home, nursery and school.
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)
No Way! I'll Stay!
Donna David and Dao Linh
SEASONS come and go… and sometimes it’s hard to accept that
change is inevitable. Little ones will love laughing along with a stubborn little
bird who refuses to migrate in an adorably imagined picture book from
‘seasoned’ author Donna David and debut-picture book illustrator Dao Linh. When
the trees of Farley Forest turn red and golden, the animals know that it’s time
to prepare for the colder months. Bear eat lots of food to be ready for the
big, winter sleep, Fox grows a longer, thicker coat, and Bird gets ready to
leave. But what’s this? ‘No way!’ says Bird. ‘I will do no such thing. I'll
stay right here!’ Bird is quite stuck in his ways and so might need a bit of
convincing to leave his home. Can Bear show Bird that he should embrace the
change that the new season brings? David’s story is packed full of cheeky fun,
important messages about being brave and embracing change, and fascinating
facts about migration, all brought to life by Linh’s bold and colourful
illustrations. The perfect pre-school package for talking about change…
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)
The Home That Beaver Built
Christine Pym
SHARING isn’t always easy for a little beaver who wants a
home ALL to herself! Youngsters will adore author and illustrator Christine
Pym’s gorgeously illustrated picture book starring a reluctant beaver learning
to share. When Beaver builds a new home, it’s perfect. It’s calm, quiet, and
best of all… it’s just for her. She doesn’t have to share a thing! But soon a
chatty Frog decides Beaver’s dam is the perfect home for HIM too… and then an
otter, and some geese. As more and more animals join the dam, can Beaver find a
way to welcome them, or will she and the dam finally… BURST? With themes of
learning to accept others, this is the perfect story for little ones who are
struggling to share, and learn that beavers’ dams create vital habitats for
many animals. Once built, other animals move into the dam, just like the story!
With adorable illustrations and awash in vital life lessons, this an ideal
picture book for home, nursery and school.
(Scholastic, paperback, £7.99)
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