The Paris Daughter

Kristin Harmel

THE family lives of two American women – who form a close friendship in pre-war Paris after they both give birth to baby girls – are cruelly torn apart forever when the Nazis march into the city in the summer of 1940.

In a relationship ‘cemented by war,’ they had always pledged to be ‘each other’s family’ but a danger greater than they could ever have imagined is lurking on the horizon and no one is safe.

Kristin Harmel (pictured below) is the bestselling American author of over a dozen novels, including The Book of Lost Names and The Winemaker's Wife, and her wartime stories of love and loss have brought her an army of fans. And there won’t be a dry eye in the house when readers turn the pages of this heart-wrenching and gripping tale of two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation. 

Moving from wartime Paris to 1960s New York, The Paris Daughter is Harmel’s most powerful novel yet… a story about mothers and daughters, the way loss can transform, and the hard road to starting again in the face of impossible odds. 

In September of 1939, two pregnant young American women, Elise LeClair and Juliette Foulon, become close friends on the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne in Paris. 

Although the shadow of war is creeping across Europe, neither sculptress Elise, who is married to celebrated French artist Olivier LeClair, and Juliette, whose husband Paul Foulon owns the quaint bookshop, Librairie des Rêves, suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change. But after the Nazis occupy Paris, the warning bells sound from their friend, Ruth Levy, a Jewish widow with two young children, who knows beyond doubt that ‘the Germans are coming for all of us, no matter what the newspapers say.’ And when her reckless, Communist husband is arrested by the Nazis, Elise also becomes a target. In desperation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life... her young daughter Mathilde, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl Lucie.

In later years, with the war finally ending, Elise returns to reunite with Mathilde, only to find the bookshop reduced to rubble and Juliette nowhere to be found. What happened to her daughter in those last, terrible moments? Juliette has seemingly vanished without a trace, taking all the answers with her. Elise’s desperate search leads her to New York – and to Juliette – one final, fateful time.

Harmel truly tugs at our heartstrings in this exquisitely told tale of love, survival, courage, and the sheer strength of a mother’s love in the face of one of the cruellest and most far-reaching wars in history. Although Elise and Juliette are the central figures in this exploration of the excruciatingly difficult choices that have to be made during wartime, there are other selfless characters – like Jewish mother Ruth  – whose sacrifices are painful beyond comprehension.

But with her trademark emotional empathy, and insight into the upheaval and aftermath of separation and conflict, Harmel also tempers the darkness of her story with the shining light of hope, love, healing and new beginnings. With its extensive research, rich period detail and psychological acumen, The Paris Daughter is an unmissable reading treat.
(Welbeck, trade paperback, £13.99) 

A Chateau Under Siege

Martin Walker

WHEN a man taking part in the dramatic re-enactment of a 14^th century battle in the historic French town of Sarlat is almost killed, the local chief of police finds himself caught up in a dangerous conspiracy reaching far beyond this idyllic corner of the Dordogne.

The considerable sleuthing talents of Lieutenant Bruno Courrèges are tested to the limit again in the sixteenth book of Martin Walker’s enchanting, French-flavoured series which stars an astute, epicurean detective with a taste for food, vin rouge… and crime.

Lovers of clever mysteries, social and political history, stunning scenery, excellent cuisine, and the very best of French wines, have enjoyed sharing the past fifteen years with the smart, likeable Bruno in Walker’s (pictured below) exceptionally entertaining novels. A prize-winning historian and journalist who spends most of his time in the Périgord region – the lush, gastronomic heartland of France – Walker has mastered the fine art of harnessing intriguing murder mysteries with paeans to his adopted country’s rich history, landscape, food and culture to dish up stories with an addictive brand of Gallic charm.

And at the heart of these witty, wonderful novels is the laidback Bruno, a bon viveur with a brain as discerning as his palate… a man who can crack crime in the fictional settlement of St Denis whilst cracking open a bottle of the best Château Bélingard.

In his new mystery, we meet Bruno at THE event of the Périgord tourist season... a re-enactment of the liberation of the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat from the English in 1370. But it all goes wrong when the man playing the part of the famous French general, Bertrand du Guesclin, receives serious stab wounds in the heat of the action.

The immediate question for Bruno is was this stabbing an accident... or a deliberate act? And the stakes rise when Bruno learns that the victim, Brice Kerquelin, is a computer expert running Frenchelon, the secret French electronic intelligence base nearby, after being recruited from a brilliant career in Silicon Valley. In fact, Kerquelin’s old Silicon Valley colleagues have been invited to stay at the luxurious local château of Rouffillac as Kerquelin’s guests to enjoy the Sarlat show, and they will now need extra protection. But, as Bruno investigates, he discovers that Kerquelin’s wound was faked, that he is alive and well, and secretly negotiating a massive deal to build a semi-conductor industry in France. What Bruno doesn’t expect is the emergence of a whole new and dangerous player... a player who is determined to nip the important deal in the bud, and poses a threat to the town Bruno polices, and the people he protects.

Walker’s richly descriptive and captivating series shows no sign of flagging as we meet up again with Bruno and his warm and sociable milieu, and follow an intriguing case which takes the wily detective from the beauty of Périgord into the dark heart of a looming war in Ukraine, the schemes of a bunch of rogue Russians, and the ever-present threat from China. But this being gourmet Bruno, he also has time to serve up some sumptuous Périgordian meals, whether that’s an exquisitely simple but tasty dish of devilled eggs or a mouthwatering French-style concoction of chicken tarragon with rice.

And it is this eclectic mix which has turned Walker’s amiable detective into the culinary crime king of rural France as these must-read, atmospheric and wonderfully complex whodunits magically morph into wish-you-were-here feasts accompanied by plentiful side-helpings of crime and intrigue. Murder mysteries with a quintessentially French dressing…
(Quercus, hardback, £22)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A secret world, footballing fun and tasty adventures

Open the hidden door to a magic world, join a girl who discovers she has a talent for football, get cooking with a book of vegetarian recipes from around the world, and uncover the amazing truth about sharks in a sunshine collection of books

Age 8 plus
Greenwild: The World
Behind The Door
Pari Thomson and Elisa Paganelli

IMAGINE opening a door hidden among some giant leaves at Kew Gardens in London and falling into a secret world where the wilderness is alive... and magic is real. Welcome to Greenwild, the fabulous debut novel of Pari Thomson, editorial director for picture books at Bloomsbury Children’s Books, whose aim was to write ‘a loveletter to the beauty of the natural world’ and ended up with a thrilling eco-adventure series which has all the hallmarks of a Harry Potter-style classic. Brimming with Elisa Paganelli’s stunning illustrations, an alluring brand of botanical wizardry, and starring an intrepid young girl desperately trying to track down her missing journalist mum, this spellbinding tale of magic and mystery is breathtaking in the sheer power of its world building, characterisation and imaginative storytelling.    

Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown is on the run from her strict boarding school. Her journalist mother has been keeping big, glittering secrets, and now she has vanished. Daisy knows it’s up to her to find Ma but someone is hunting her across London, someone who is determined to stop her from discovering the truth. So when Daisy flees to safety through a mysterious hidden doorway at Kew Gardens, she can barely believe her eyes... she has stepped out of the city and into another world. This is the Greenwild. Bursting with magic and full of amazing natural wonders like roses the size of dinner plates and giant lilypads that ferry passengers across lakes, it seems too astonishing to be true. But not only is this land of green magic real, it holds the key to finding Daisy’s mother. And someone wants to destroy both Greenwild and her own world too. Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk with animals, and Napoleon, a cat with an attitude, to uncover the truth about who she really is. Only then can she channel the magical power that will change her whole world... and save the Greenwild itself.

Thomson’s astonishing botanical garden is a fantastical creation, a natural haven where botanists tend to the gardens and care deeply for the natural world. It’s also a place where the natural world is wild and strange, and includes everything from Whishoggs, whose ruby seeds can grant a single wish, to Larder trees, which produce any fruit, nut or vegetable you desire. And hidden inside this unforgettable adventure story are concerns about the future of our forests and oceans, and a joyful celebration of the magic, beauty and excitement that is out there in the wild if we only take the time to pause, enjoy it, and value it. Written in Thomson’s elegant, descriptive prose, and with an addictive sense of adventure, fantasy and fun, Greenwild is an exceptional debut and the first of what promises to be a trilogy to savour.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 9 plus
Finding Her Feet
Eve Ainsworth and Luna Valentine

A GIRL who always feels like ‘an outsider’ at school, and then discovers that her talent for football could be the key to finally fitting in, is the star of an inspirational new book from award-winning author Eve Ainsworth who often puts soccer at the heart of her stories. Ainsworth has often used the exciting history of  Lancashire’s real-life Dick, Kerr Ladies FC – the team of ordinary factory girls from Preston who made footballing history during the First World War – in her books and these plucky young women are once more used as inspiration in this compelling, contemporary tale. Lily always feels a little bit left out. Shy and anxious, she finds school really hard, particularly as most of the other girls all seem so confident. Most of the time, Lily wishes that she could just disappear but during a game of football, Lily’s PE teacher Mr Allen spots her natural talent and invites her to join the local girls’ team where she starts to make friends with some of the other players. Finally, she thinks she’s found a place where she fits in, but will a vicious argument with one of her team-mates put all her progress in jeopardy? Ideal to tie in with the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year, and published in Barrington Stoke’s dyslexia-friendly format, this sensitively told story, beautifully illustrated by Luna Valentine, is peppered with fascinating football facts as Lily navigates the challenges of anxiety and friendships. The perfect read for young football fans... and to help build confidence in any shy youngster.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Tales From Beyond the Rainbow
Pete Jordi Wood

CORNISH author, illustrator and LGBTQ+ folklore researcher Pete Jordi Wood has combed through generations of history to gather together ten captivating stories of adventure and resilience celebrating LGBTQ+ characters. Tales From Beyond the Rainbow is published as an illustrated collection of queer classics for the first time, bringing to colourful life the fairy tales that history forgot (or concealed), and delivering positive messages for readers young and old. Each story is illustrated by an artist who shares heritage with the culture from which the stories were born, and includes Anshika Khullar, Ez Silva, Harry Woodgate, Jenn So, Mario Hounkanrin, Nontira Kigle, Sasha Staicu, Sophia Watts, Xin Tang and Zat Vornik. These are tales in which gender is fluid and where queer stories can have a happy ending. From the humble sailor who finds his handsome prince to the transgender market girl who becomes queen, and from Europe to Asia via the African savannah, Wood’s unforgettable collection is as much a celebration of queer history as ten epic stories. A fabulous addition to the world of make believe from the ‘fairy tale detective’ who has dedicated himself to the academic study of queer folk tales, myths and legends.
(Puffin Classics, hardback, £11.99)

Age 8 plus
Aubrey and the Terrible Spiders
Horatio Clare

STORYTELLER supreme Horatio Clare makes a welcome return with the third book in his outstanding Aubrey series which explores just how much is expected from children in this era of conflict and climate change. Clare won the Branford Boase Award for his first novel, Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot, and his second book, Aubrey and the Terrible Ladybirds, was longlisted for the Carnegie and the UKLA book awards. This thrilling new adventure opens just as the animals start rebelling. Aubrey is stung by a very polite wasp and he realises there is something weird going on in the valley below Rushing Wood. And as he’s the only boy he knows of who can talk with animals, he is determined to find out what. With help from his friends Ariadne the house spider, Silvio the silverfish and Lupo the Huskey pup, the young warrior sets out to find the Terrible Spiders and their genius creator Big B and, just maybe, save the world. With the superbly atmospheric illustrations of Jane Matthews and an all-action story that blends drama with humour and topical environmental themes, this is a book brimming with imagination, far-reaching ideas and an addictive sense of youthful passion and enthusiasm.
(Firefly Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure
Sai Pathmanathan and Lucia Vinti

TURN cooking and baking into an exciting – and challenging – adventure with this ingenious book of vegetarian recipes from around the world. Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure – a fun, interactive and highly imaginative cookbook – has been written by Dr Sai Pathmanathan who has over 20 years of experience in science education, and lavishly and colourfully illustrated by London-based artist Lucia Vinti. With each simple recipe using only six ingredients, children are empowered to choose and experiment with cooking and join in the fun as they tackle tasty recipes from countries as diverse as Mexico, Persia, India, the Middle East and even Ancient Greece. And whether its cupcakes and churros or paratha and pide, youngsters can choose each ingredient in an interactive game and then see which recipes they can create. Perfect for beginner cooks to start their cooking adventure. Add on the bonus of fascinating fun facts for each recipe, lots of top tips and Vinti’s stylish illustrations and you have the perfect gift for children who love food and all budding cooks and chefs!
(Faber Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong!
Dr Nick Crumpton and Gavin Scott

IF you thought that sharks are all giant, cold-blooded creatures that enjoy eating humans, then you’d better think again! Shark fans will quickly become shark experts with this informative, inventive and BIG-sized book which uncovers the truth about sharks and aims to set the record straight. So forget what you thought was true because zoologist Dr Nick Crumpton is here to help readers dig out the real facts about sharks. From terrifying teeth to brilliant brain power, Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong! is full of awesome underwater revelations about sharks which are actually hugely important to the seas of today as they clean the ocean of disease, inspire human inventions, and even help fight climate change. With a fascinating, friendly, easy-to-understand text by Crumpton, and Gavin Scott’s richly detailed and colourful artwork on every page, this hardback gift book comes complete with a stunningly tactile cover and is ideal for all young nature lovers. So even if you suffer from an acute case of galeophobia (that’s fear of sharks!), take a deep breath and get ready to come face-to-face not with a group of dreadful monsters but some of the most interesting, most sophisticated – and most misunderstood – animals in the oceans. Also available in this series are Everything You Know About Dinosaurs is Wrong! and Everything You Know About Minibeasts is Wrong!
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Star Cat: A Turnip in Time
James Turner and Yasmin Sheikh

FASTEN your seatbelts and travel through the universe with the craziest spaceship crew this side of the moon! Illustrator, cartoonist and comic writer James Turner, and Yasmin Sheikh, an artist from the Netherlands, return with the second book of their wild, wacky and wonderful graphic novel series. The Star Cat comic strip adventures – packed full of full of high jinks and hilarity – were originally published in The Phoenix comic and as a graphic novel in 2014, but have now been completely redrawn in a new chunky, easy-to-read format. In the deepest depths of space, there is only one crew brave enough to take on the universe’s most dangerous villains... unfortunately, they aren’t available for this book so you’ll have to make do with the crew of the Star Cat! Join Captain Spaceington and his team as they blunder across the universe getting into all sorts of madcap escapades. From the space slugs wreaking havoc at the Space Prettiest Flower competition, to the flativerse where everything is two-dimensional (top tip: you can only enter the flativerse when flattened by a giant mallet), you’ll discover that life on board the SS Star Cat is never dull! Expect light years of laughter, a galaxy of giggles and a cabin full of cosmic comedy as you enjoy a space adventure like no other!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 7 plus
Indiana Bones and the Invisible City
Harry Heape and Rebecca Bagley

GET ready for more wits, courage, and snacks-a-plenty as Indiana Bones returns to solve another twisting, turning adventure! Halifax-based author and comedy maestro Harry Heape and illustrator Rebecca Bagley are on top form for their new adventure starring shaggy, magical talking pooch Indiana Bones and his number one side-pal Aisha Ghatak. With the detective dog’s fiendish fondness for fish fingers, and Aisha’s ‘black belt’ in archaeology and general all-round cleverness, this daring duo are well ‘plaiced’ to tackle any ‘fishy’ mystery involving ancient history. As the slithery Serpent reveals his plan to plunge the world into peril, our hairy hero and Aisha are in a race against time to unravel the clues to stop him. Not even six million skeletons and an invisible enemy can stop these brave badgers! Or can they? Because Indiana’s mind is on something else... and unless his friends can help, they will all end up in very deep water. This delightfully dogtastic detective escapade – brimming with laughter, big-hearted adventures and vibrant illustrations – proves that Heape and Bagley are currently one of the best author and illustrator teams in children’s middle grade fiction. A shaggy dog story for all the family to enjoy!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Matilda Meets The Universe
Dom Conlon and Heidi Cannon

MEET a science-mad girl who wants you to know everything about her planet, her solar system, her galaxy, her UNIVERSE! If you haven’t already met Matilda in her first book, Meet Matilda, Rocket Builder, then now is the perfect time to climb aboard as she launches a thrilling mission to discover how likely it is that life exists on other planets. Matilda is the brainchild of poet and author Dom Conlon and her enthusiasm for space and science is just too good to miss. So, if you want to make contact with aliens, join marvellous Matilda who, with the help of her friends and family, is learning all she can about her favourite topics. What was the Big Bang, how does the universe expand, how are stars and planets formed? Along the way Matilda discovers the electromagnetic spectrum, the speed of light, and some all-important snacks! Filled with facts, fun, Heidi Cannon’s fabulous illustrations, and written in a chatty, notebook style to make complex subjects like physics, history and language more accessible and easy to understand, Matilda’s enthusiasm and adventures are the perfect inspiration for your own little scientists.
(UCLan Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Adventuremice: Mermouse Mystery
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

YOUNGSTERS love these meeces to pieces! The dream team of author Philip Reeve and illustrator Sarah McIntyre pool their talents for the second book in a simply delightful early reader series which has all the fun of TV hit Paw Patrol, and the charm and whimsy of classics like The Wind in the Willows. With its focus on fun, friendship and kindness, Adventuremice features Pedro, a timid little mouse who has proved himself to be brave enough to join the heroic team who protect the Mouse Islands from danger. And here we find Pedro getting used to the thrilling life of the Adventuremice. But one stormy night, he finds something he’s only ever dreamed of seeing... a real, live mermouse! The little mermouse is lost, and Pedro and the Adventuremice need to get him safely home. They must summon all their bravery and brilliance, plunge into the depths of the ocean and find the mysterious Mermouse City. It won’t be straightforward, but it will be another exciting, friend-filled adventure for Pedro and the team! Reeve’s lively, heartwarming and fun-filled storytelling delivers all those ingredients that children love – immersive adventures, lovable heroes, reassuring friendships, exciting action and plenty of smiles – and all brought to vibrant, colourful life by McIntyre’s exquisitely characterful illustrations. A whiskery favourite with mouse lovers of every age!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Peggy Little Legs
Pip Jones and Paula Bowles

A LITTLE sausage dog is faced with tall order at puppy school in a terrific ‘tail’ from Pip Jones, the award-winning author of Izzy Gizzmo. Peggy Little Legs – featuring the adorable adventures of a dainty dachshund – is the latest super-readable Little Gem from innovative publisher Barrington Stoke… and it comes from the top team of Jones and talented illustrator Paula Bowles. Peggy the sausage dog feels really sad when she finds she’s too small to really compete with the other dogs at puppy school. Her little legs and long body make it hard for her to jump high or run very fast. But when one of her school friends has a dangerous fall, it’s Peggy who comes to the rescue, proving that everyone has strengths of their own and that heroes come in all different sizes! The Little Gems series brings together leading authors and illustrators, and a host of clever design and finishing techniques, like dyslexia-friendly fonts, to create easy-to-read, first chapter books in a chunky format ideal for little hands, and with some extra reading, jokes and activity fun inside the covers. And this heartwarming, inspirational adventure – brimming with Jones’ enchanting storytelling and Bowles’ vibrant illustrations – is a doggie treat for all the family.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £6.99)

Age 5 plus
Magic Faces: Superhero Mega Mission
Esi Merleh and Abeeha Tariq

OPEN the box of magic face paints and discover the adventure that’s waiting for you! Author Esi Merleh and illustrator Abeeha Tariq return with the second super adventure in their Magic Faces series which sees two playful youngsters and their dog transformed into an assortment of thrilling characters. ‘Fairy world or superheroes: which one will you choose? In each a race to find the prize, Will you win or lose?’ The magic face paints have transformed Austin, Alanna and sausage dog Ozzy into superheroes! When two supervillains, Foul Prune and Brains, swoop into the busy City Museum in a flying machine, they steal a priceless gem and Austin and Alanna narrowly escape being hit with their Freeze Ray. Alanna Storm and Austin Steel must track down the supervillains, return the gem and save the museum before their time in this superhero world runs out! Fun is the keyword for this joyful series which puts Merleh’s imaginative storytelling, giggles and a big dose of magic at centre stage. Add on Tariq’s rich and colourful illustrations and you have a series that is destined to run and run.
(UCLan Publishing, paperback, £6.99)

Age 4 plus
Wise About My Body
Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan

YOUR body never stops working... even when you’re fast asleep! Help open up the wonders of the human body to young children with this perfectly pitched, child-friendly, illustrated guide from iconic children’s publisher Ladybird. With beautiful, vibrant illustrations by Russian-born artist Ekaterina Trukhan throughout, Wise About My Body covers a wide variety of topics relating to the human body, Find out what it can do, how it works and how you can look after it. From pumping blood to breathing in, this bright, factual and fascinating book is the ideal way to talk about the body with young children. There is also information on disabilities, differences and consent, topics that are being discussed at school at an earlier age. Each spread is themed to allow for a dip-in, dip-out reading experience, with information written in conversational, bite-sized chunks. With easy-to-understand explanations and illustrations that inform as well as entertain, Wise About My Body offers curious children a clear introduction to the human body and helps them understand just what an amazing machine it is!
(Ladybird, hardback, £9.99)

Age 4 plus
Welcome to Our Table
Laura Mucha, Ed Smith and Harriet Lynas

BON appétit, delizioso, oishii, svadishta! Whichever way you look at it and however it is pronounced, food is something we all love and can share. So tuck into this delightful and delicious book which celebrates what children eat all around the world. Welcome to Our Table is written by husband and wife team – bestselling poet and author Laura Mucha, and acclaimed cookbook author Ed Smith – and comes lavishly illustrated by award-winning illustrator Harriet Lynas. From pasta to passionfruit, baguettes to biryani, ramen to rambutan, and smelly cheeses to pastries and puddings, there are so many different dishes and delicacies all around the world. And in this this fascinating exploration, young children can learn all about what people in other countries eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as where our food comes from, and the stories, cultures and traditions behind what we eat. Brimming with Lynas’s engaging, colourful artwork, this unique, heartwarming and inclusive book teaches children understanding, empathy and respect for different experiences, cultures and tradition. A mouthwatering adventure full of delectable discoveries that is perfect for inspiring a lifelong love of food, its versatility and its fantastic flavours.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £14.99)

Age 3 plus
An Adventure for Lia and Lion
Al Rodin

EXCITING new author and illustrator Al Rodin certainly makes a splash with his second glorious picture book for younger readers. An Adventure for Lia and Lion – a tale of friendship and sharing – plays out amidst sensational design, wise words and an unforgettable riot of colour and texture. Lia is off to the meadow on an adventure, and she would like a pet to take with her. In another corner of the meadow is Lion who is also looking for an adventure, and for a pet of his own. Lia is determined that her pet will enjoy adventures on her terms, and Lion has his own ideas, dreams and adventures to find when it comes to a pet. So what will happen when they meet? Rodin – whose striking debut picture book Little Echo won much critical acclaim – explores what true friendship means, the nature of play, conflict and compromise, and gently reveals how much richer life is when you work out how to share it. Using a rich palette of vivid colours and combining oil paint with inks, watercolours, acrylics and pencils, Rodin paints a spectacular canvas for a story that speaks loudly about accepting difference and learning to love each other for who we really are.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Supertato: Mean Green Time Machine
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet

HE’S mean, he’s green and he’s got a time machine! Yes, Supertato, the chunky superhero who is always there when the chips are down, is on the boil again in a new, laugh-out-loud mini adventure. This wacky calorie-consuming caper amongst fridges, friends and foes has been cooked up once more by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, the much-loved, award-winning husband-and-wife team whose books have sold over 1.6 million copies. And if you’ve ever wondered how Supertato got his superpowers, here is the chance to travel back in time and find out in the thrilling new adventure in this super bestselling series! It’s night-time in the supermarket, and the veggies are trying desperately not to laugh at Supertato’s baby photos. Supertato looks super cute, but just as he’s telling Carrot that he hasn’t always been super, a certain mean, green character overhears him. If only Evil Pea could have got rid of Supertato before he had his superpowers but that would mean he would need a time machine... wouldn’t it? Big, bold and bright illustrations help this funny, fast-moving vegetable romp boil over as the spud with superpowers embarks on an explosive time-travelling journey full of thrills, spills, superpowered fun and a-peeling baby veggies. One taste of Supertato will have little ones hungry for more!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £7.99)

The Stolen Crown

Carol McGrath

BEING a pawn in the game of kings would seem to be a princess’s fate but the widowed Empress Matilda – a granddaughter of the mighty William the Conqueror – has other ideas.

As heir to the throne of King Henry I, the 26-year-old is prepared to stand up to England’s most powerful men who believe women are not fit to rule, and fight for the royal destiny that she knows is rightfully hers.

Carol McGrath (pictured below), author of the acclaimed She-Wolves Trilogy, became fascinated by the strong women who were silenced by male-written records while completing a history degree, and was inspired to start exploring their lives. The result is a swathe of timely and refreshingly feminist retellings of some high-profile women of the past in enthralling novels feted for their intricacy, depth of research and powerful stories. And in this new historical odyssey, the Northern Irish author shines a spotlight on Matilda, the feisty widow of the Holy Roman Emperor who was thrust into first place in the line of English succession when her brother William drowned in a voyage across the Channel in 1120.

After some years of prevarication, the king declared that, should he die without a male heir, she was to be his rightful successor but what he didn’t reckon on was that not only would his barons and bishops rebel against his decision, but that Matilda’s cousin Stephen would make his own male claim to the throne and set in motion a turbulent period of medieval history which became known as the Anarchy.

When her brother died in a tragic accident on the Narrow Sea, Matilda (known as Maud) became the only legitimate child of Henry I. In 1127, now aged 26 and the childless widow of the Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich V, she is only too ready to one day rule England and Normandy.

But despite her father persuading his powerful barons to pledge allegiance to her, she is well aware that the ‘upstart abbots and vain, competing nobles’ do not like an independent woman and the headstrong Maud, who still regards herself as an empress and ranked higher even than a queen, is determined that they will submit to her firm hand once she is crowned. In her favour, Maud has three loyal supporters... her illegitimate half-brother Robert of Gloucester, her handsome childhood friend Brien Fitz Count whose warmth and care gives her the courage she needs, and Alice, the mummer and musician whose ‘clever way with herbs’ help to heal and ease discontent.

In the meantime, Henry arranges a strategically beneficial marriage for Maud to the 15-year-old Geoffrey of Anjou, a handsome but callow youth who makes a less than auspicious start to their married life. But when Henry dies, the country is plunged into instant chaos as her cousin Stephen of Blois – married to the icy heiress Matilda of Boulogne – claims the crown and forces Maud to race across England, evading capture as she goes, until she can win back the throne. The Anarchy has begun...

For centuries, Matilda’s strength, pride, fierce independence and single-mindedness have been labelled as unnatural and unwomanly but, by rescuing her from the jaws of male-dominated histories, McGrath has given this remarkable star of the Anarchy period the perfect stage on which to prove her impressive credentials. And by intertwining the complex and compelling Matilda’s action-packed and emotionally-charged story with that of a fictional young woman who becomes her close friend and ally, we see the dramatic course of the would-be queen’s life unfold from a double, and fascinating, perspective.

In her inimitable style, McGrath also fills the rollercoaster journey through almost twenty years of political and social upheaval with the rich and authentic period detail – whether that’s at court or away from the royal milieu – which her avid readers have come to admire. Packed with romance, real history, a cast of superbly imagined characters, and a thrilling account of some of the early years of the famous Plantagenet dynasty, The Stolen Crown is an entertaining tour-de-force. 
(Headline Accent, paperback, £10.99)

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

Lucinda Riley
and Harry Whittaker

IT must have been with some trepidation – but also much pride – that Harry Whittaker took up the mantle and the metaphorical pen of his famous author mum Lucinda Riley to write the final chapter of her groundbreaking Seven Sisters series.

When Riley (pictured below) tragically died from cancer two years ago, she left behind a dazzling legacy of novels which culminated in the outstanding, but sadly unfinished, saga of a family of sisters, each separately adopted by a mysterious Swiss billionaire, and each with their own heritage story linked to remarkable people and events from the past.

The seven timeslip books – inspired by the star cluster, the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades – became a bestselling, international phenomenon, transporting readers from the pedestrian realities of everyday life to worlds past and present, and on wild adventures in locations as diverse and exciting as colourful Rio de Janeiro, icy Norway, the Red Centre of Australia, the gypsy caves of Granada, Spain, and Happy Valley in Kenya.

The Missing Sister – published only weeks after the author died and which finally revealed the much-anticipated tale of the previously unknown sister, Merope – had always been planned as the series swansong but Riley had already decided that one last epic chapter was needed... the unveiling of the true identity of the girls’ father, known to them as Pa Salt. And fortunately for avid fans of the series, Riley had also mapped out – and written – pivotal sections of the entire, incredible story of the Seven Sisters some years ago when a Hollywood TV studio optioned the books for a multi-season series. It was a plot outline which she shared with her son, who had closely followed and absorbed the series, and during her final illness, she entrusted him to finish her work in case the unthinkable happened. And what an emotional, intensely personal and intellectual challenge that must have turned out to be for Whittaker (pictured below).

But the result is Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, a stunning 764-page, time-travelling journey of revelations and surprises which weaves together the intricate web of story threads from the previous seven books and delivers a satisfying, unforgettable and often tearjerking closure to Riley’s epic odyssey.

It was a unique and ambitious storytelling feat which began eight years ago when Riley introduced us to the fascinating, adopted D’Aplièse sisters, based on the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades, with legend saying that the mythological siblings were all unique and strong females.

The childhood home of the six girls (one of the sisters had always been missing) is Atlantis, a fabulous, secluded castle on the shores of Lake Geneva and when Pa Salt dies under strange circumstances and is clandestinely buried at sea, the girls are each handed a tantalising clue to their true heritage by the family

The Secret Shore

Liz Fenwick

WHEN your home nestles near Frenchman’s Creek – the enchanting cove on Cornwall’s Helford River made famous by renowned novelist Daphne du Maurier – then inspiration for your own writing cannot ever be far away.

But award-winning author Liz Fenwick (pictured below), dubbed queen of the contemporary Cornish novel, digs beyond the beauty of her local landscape to unearth a moving tale of danger, daring and romance starring the wartime map girls... those unsung female cartographers who played vital roles in land surveying, meteorology and intelligence.

Mapping was vital to secret operations on the coasts of both Cornwall and occupied Brittany, with extensive, pre-D Day small boat flotilla runs taking place in the Helford area, but the work of women from the Ordnance Survey Department was never officially rewarded in England or France, and has almost been lost. And so The Secret Shore is Fenwick’s tribute to the first female cartographers of the Second World War, and an unmissable opportunity to celebrate their achievements in helping to chart out a path to victory... all set against the alluring backdrop of the rugged Cornish coast.

In May of 1942, brilliant geographer and mapmaker, Dr Meredith (Merry) Tremayne has left her teaching post at Oxford University and become one of the Navy’s most skilled cartographers, working in the Admiralty in London under Commander Ian Fleming, the smooth-talking ‘fixer’ of the intelligence service.

As a 27-year-old woman noted for her beauty, Merry is a mystery to her male colleagues who can’t understand how she can devote her life to mapmaking knowing that as a female worker in a professional service, she is forbidden to marry. But Merry is all too aware that the lives of men fighting in faraway locations depend on her work in the War Office and, as a native of Cornwall and a fluent French and German speaker, her added skills are

Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown

Alison Weir

‘There would be a bloodbath if I died without an heir...’  

WHEN tall, handsome teenager King Henry VIII inherits the throne and heralds a new Golden Age in 1509, he is crowned with the words of his royal father ringing loudly in his ears. It’s a warning that the ambitious young king will carry with him down the years and echo through a turbulent reign in which the man once hailed as a saviour prince becomes a symbol of monarchical tyranny and spawns one of the most compelling and notorious slices of English history.

After the outstanding success of her groundbreaking Six Tudor Queens sequence of novels, author and historian Alison Weir returns with the second book of her thrilling Tudor Rose trilogy charting three generations of the Tudor dynasty.

It’s a fittingly spectacular and enthralling story which began with Elizabeth of York: The Last White Rose – the tumultuous tale of the first Tudor queen – and now moves into the author’s most ambitious project yet... the captivating and utterly compelling story of her brilliant, passionate and ruthless son Henry who changed England and the established Church forever.

Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown was always going to be Weir’s most challenging novel yet but after penning six books from the point of view of Henry’s six wives, this consummate author decided it was ‘time Henry VIII had a say in a novel all to himself.’ Written entirely from Henry’s viewpoint, Weir (pictured below) has employed her vast historical knowledge to filter the many political and religious controversies of the day and focus on both the man and the issues which exercised the early 16th century, and Henry in particular.

And it is through her in-depth research, spellbinding storytelling talents, gift for authenticity, and a tantalising slice of artistic licence, that we enjoy a stunning portrait of Henry as we have never before seen him... human, flawed, charismatic, dogged by what he sees as his failures, and now very much the star of his own story.

When his brother and Tudor heir, Prince Arthur, died aged fifteen in 1502, eleven-year-old second son, Prince Henry (Harry), suddenly had it all. Even though he had grown up dreaming of knights and chivalry, Harry was not born to rule and was always resentful of the future glory mapped out for his older brother.

Now he is the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne and betrothed to Katherine of Aragon, his brother’s enchanting Spanish widow, a woman he gave his heart to when he welcomed her to London and escorted her to her marriage to Arthur at St Paul’s Cathedral. Although five-and-a-half years older than Harry, Katherine seems to him to be ‘a princess out of a legend’ and will make a ‘perfect queen like his mother.’ The loss of his mother in childbirth when Harry was aged twelve hit him hard... he had loved, revered and adored her. She had been everything a queen should be... ‘beautiful, kind, fruitful, charitable, open-handed and devout’ and it was her Plantagenet blood that made him heir to the rightful royal line of England.

When Harry takes the throne, he already knows that treason, the most serious of crimes, must always be ‘punished harshly, for the example and terror of others.’ This was the one thing on

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: A magical comedy, staying safe online and ghostly goings-on

Get ready for comical chaos in a fantastic new fantasy adventure, discover the hazards that can await on the web, have your spine well and truly tingled by a thrilling ghost story, meet a girl hell-bent on saving the world and share fun with a traveller who accidentally swaps suitcases with a witch in a super collection of new children’s books

Age 9 plus
Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency
Chris Smith and Kenneth Anderson

PREPARE for mystery, magic and mayhem as bestselling author Chris Smith digs deep into his incredible imagination for a hilarious new fantasy adventure set in the great and unforgettable city of Meandermart. Billed as Cressida Cowell meets Robin Stevens with a dash of Pixar gold, Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is full of humour, adventure, marvellous magic and the kind of comical chaos that is guaranteed to have youngsters laughing out loud as every page turns. Taking starring role is strangely wonderful Clarity Jones, M.I. (that’s Magical Investigator to those who don’t yet know) and her Sherlock-esque motto is ‘Never, ever eliminate the impossible.’ Thus, when lonely orphan and newly appointed (accidental) apprentice detective Mutt gets a job at the leading detective agency at Meandermart, the easternmost city of the kingdom of Rillia, he’s not expecting to work with ex-princesses, snow gnoblins and the most notorious assassin of the White Hand Clan. Meandermart is a very peculiar place, with its castle set on a hill and its high walls overlooking the Truly Terrifying Forest which is packed with strange and frightening creatures like grabbits, umlauts and the deadly nyterra. And poor Mutt is also definitely not expecting to be thrown in at the deep end (with the help of ace detective Clarity Jones of course!) on the agency’s toughest and most dangerous job yet... the Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Jester. Packed with the perfectly matched, anarchic illustrations of Kenneth Anderson, Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is outrageously entertaining from start to finish with a cast of gorgeously grotesque characters and an exuberant, child-friendly plot brimming with adventure, mystery and an addictive sense of fun.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 13 plus
Clicks – How to Be Your Best Self Online
Natasha Devon

BECOMING a teenager is an exciting time on the journey to growing up, and in the modern world that often means finally stepping into the worldwide web and discovering the hazards that can await unsuspecting youngsters. But the internet is awash with false information and various groups use social media platforms as a tool to influence the way we behave and what we believe so this could be the perfect time to help your teens navigate the digital world with the invaluable guidance of Natasha Devon, a writer, campaigner and broadcaster, who travels to schools and colleges throughout the UK and the world, delivering classes and conducting research with teenagers, teachers and parents on mental health, body image and social equality. There are three billion people online and each of those people has their own biases, agendas and issues, she tells us. It’s little wonder then that when young people use the internet for the first time and are bombarded with ‘hot takes’, calls to cancel ‘problematic’ individuals, trolls, fake news, and celebrity sales pitches, they are likely to find it overwhelming and confusing. Clicks – How to Be Your Best Self Online aims to change that. It will teach young people how to stay mindful of the internet’s challenges, see and evaluate all sides of an argument , spot fake news, recognise radicalisation attempts, explain their ‘take’ persuasively,  use the internet to campaign for a fairer world, seek mental health support, get the most out of their online role models, and show allyship to marginalised groups. Devon encourages readers to consider how tech manipulates and messes with minds and then offers tips and tricks that empower them to make conscious and informed decisions. With advice and opinions from leading experts throughout, plus entertaining anecdotes and commentary from the author, this is must-read, coming-of-age guide for all young people using social media.
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 9 plus
Jodie
Hilary McKay and Keith Robinson

PREPARE to have your spine well and truly tingled in this haunting and superbly atmospheric modern ghost story from multi-award-winning author Hilary McKay. Starring a girl on a school residential trip who finds herself trapped and alone on the salt marshes, and troubled by a haunting presence, there are chills galore for young mystery fans to enjoy. Jodie never wanted to come on the residential trip to the field centre. A loner at school, she’s forced into a dormitory with other girls from her class who don’t understand her and talk about her behind her back. Even though they’re not trying to be mean, Jodie feels excluded and miserable, and eventually escapes out on to the salt marshes in search of a little dog she can hear barking in the distance. But the salt marshes are dangerous and Jodie gets trapped by the incoming tide. Stuck in the sucking mud, will anyone even notice that she’s gone? And where is the little dog that keeps barking so mournfully? McKay is now one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors and has won countless accolades, and it’s easy to see why. Written with her trademark insight and lyricism, the story is set against a dazzlingly dark backdrop brought to life by Keith Robinson’s evocative illustrations. As we learn the reason for Jodie’s isolation, insecurity and loneliness, the hardships of her troubled home and family life are slowly uncovered, but McKay also gives us a redemptive, emotional and unexpected denouement, one that speaks loudly to youngsters about the power of hope and the importance of kindness and friendship.
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The Ministry of Unladylike Activity
Robin Stevens

WHO knew spying could be dead funny? Robin Stevens, the multi-award-winning author of the Murder Most Unladylike series, gathers up her murder-mystery loving fans and sweeps them away to wartime and into the life of a feisty ten-year-old girl who is hell-bent on saving the world. And with spills, thrills and laughter all the way, this all-action new series looks set to be an all-round, hands-down, dead-cert winner. In 1940, Britain is at war and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies. Enter May Wong (soon to be eleven)... she’s courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war so that she can go home to Hong Kong (and leave her annoying school, Deepdean, behind forever). May knows that she would make the perfect spy. After all, grown-ups always underestimate children like her. When May and her friend Eric (who is kind and sensible, and usually right about everything) are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. Masquerading as evacuees, they travel to Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family, and that includes snobby, dramatic Nuala. They suspect that one of the Vereys is passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, the Ministry will have to take them on. But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined. And then someone is murdered... California-born Stevens is the best thing since Agatha Christie when it comes to murder mysteries for young readers. Packed with a dazzling cast of goodies and baddies, rich in seductive period detail and exciting backdrops, and with a plotline that includes bags of intrigue, some deft detective work and a gang of the canniest kids in town, this series looks set to be another Robin Stevens classic.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
An Alien Stole My Planet
Pooja Puri and Allen Fatimaharan

TOP team Esha and Broccoli return with an amazing new invention… so what could possibly go wrong? Everything it seems! Welcome back to the wild, wacky and wonderful world of genius inventor extraordinaire Esha Verma, the hilarious creation of author Pooja Puri and her brilliant illustrator team-mate Allen Fatimaharan. In this all-action, laugh-out-loud third book in the A Dinosaur Ate My Sister series, which introduced readers to Esha, her snotty apprentice Broccoli and his secretly cunning pet tortoise, the trio are on an inter-galactic mission to stop an alien from stealing their planet. When Esha invents the Inviz-Whiz, a device designed to make the user invisible, she does not expect it to open a portal to outer space! And things go from bad to worse when Esha, Broccoli, Archibald and Broccoli’s annoying cousin Bean are immediately abducted by Goospa, an alien with an evil plan. With the help of a surly alien called Nix, Esha and the gang must race across the galaxy, navigate a Lava Marsh, fight vicious Ice Bats and prevent Bean getting into too much trouble. But can they stop Goospa’s plan before it’s too late? Puri and Fatimaharan work their special magic on this madcap adventure which also features a devious shape shifter and a deadly cobra. A hilarious chapter of accidents that no mischief-maker would want to miss!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Suitcase S(witch)
Aisha Bushby and Coralie Muce

THERE'S fun coming down the line and you wouldn’t want to miss the ride! The magic begins with a train journey in award-winning children’s author Aisha Bushby and illustrator Coralie Muce’s charming fantasy adventure which has a twist reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio known for its lovable characters and whimsical stories. When Zahra accidentally swaps suitcases with a witch, it’s the beginning of a whole series of magical mishaps. Her feet take on a dancing life of their own when she puts on a pair of enchanted boots (mortifying!), while her first flying adventure in a charmed cloak nearly ends in disaster... terrifying! But it’s not all bad. She learns a spell that can transform her dad’s worst cooking into a gourmet delight and makes a new best friend in the form of a talking cat. When she finds the witch again, will Zahra even want to get her own suitcase back? Packed with fun and fantasy, all brought to vibrant life by Muce’s beautiful artwork, and published in Barrington Stoke’s trademark dyslexia-friendly format, Suitcase S(witch) is top-class storytelling with an important message finding your confidence gently wrapped inside. Truly spellbinding!
(Barrington Stoke, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
The Worries: Leo Says Goodbye
Jion Sheibani

WHEN there is a death in the family, it’s not always easy for young children to understand the concept of bereavement and grief. So if you too are lost for words, guide youngsters through this emotional time with the fourth book in Jion Sheibani’s gentle and reassuring illustrated series which aims to help children talk about their different worries.    In this story we meet Leo who has always been a happy little boy but when his beloved Nana dies, he feels very sad and very worried. What if something happens to him, or his mum and dad? And what if he begins to forget Nana? Mum and Dad say Leo’s feelings are normal... but they don’t feel very normal to Leo. The last thing Leo thinks he needs is a bunch of fretful furry monsters causing chaos... it’s the Worries! But sometimes, Worries are good. Sometimes, they show us that our feelings might be sad and strange but by paying attention to them, they can help us heal. Leo Says Goodbye has been written with input from Winston’s Wish, a leading child bereavement charity and includes guides on talking to children about death, grief and living with loss as well as activities for children. Matched by her simple, child-focused artwork in a beautiful, two-colour format, Sheibani’s thoughtful text balances fun storytelling with a gently important message, making it ideal to read and share with bereaved youngsters.
(Puffin, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Dream Sticker Dress-Up:
Dogs & Puppies
Noodle Fuel and Lucy Zhang

SUMMER is almost here and it’s time to pick the perfect outfit for a day out in the sunshine with a host of cute puppies! Hours of hands-on fun are guaranteed with the new Dream Sticker Dress-Up book from Usborne Publishing whose various sticker doll series have proved popular with all little fashion lovers. And with over 200 stickers to enjoy, this delightfully dreamy sticker book is perfect for little animal lovers! Meet adorable puppies on every spread as you bring their world to life. From the park and the dog cafe to the vets and the dog groomer, there are so many fun settings to explore with your new fluffy friends. With lots of dolls and perfect pups to accessorise, and the vast array of stickers, children won’t be stuck for something to do with this beautiful activity book. And with so many reusable stickers to choose from, this is a paw-fect book that no young fashionista will want to miss!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 4 plus
I Am, You Are: Let’s Talk About Disability, Individuality and Empowerment
Ashley Harris Whaley, Ananya
Rao-Middleton and Hannah Wood

SOME people have disabilities you CAN see and others have disabilities you CAN’T see. Ashley Harris Whaley, a writer, speaker, speech-language pathologist and disability activist, has used her knowledge and experiences to bring youngsters a resonant book which aims to support children, parents, teachers and carers by explaining what disability is and why it should be celebrated. Diversity means we are all different and we can learn so much from each other’s differences. I Am, You Are is a powerful, practical book which helps children and adults have meaningful discussions about disability and ableism. Most importantly, it encourages children to feel empowered, to embrace individuality, to look out for one another and to celebrate disability as diversity. Fully-illustrated throughout by talented disability activist and advocacy campaigner Ananya Rao-Middleton, and children’s illustrator Hannah Wood, I Am, You Are is aimed at children aged four and above. Containing explanations on key words and concepts, written in child-friendly, accessible language, and with relatable examples, the book supports children’s understanding in building an anti-ableist stance from an early age, and is perfect to read at home or in classrooms to support children’s lifelong learning journey.
(Ladybird, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
More Peas Please!
Tom McLaughlin

IF you dream about your fussy little eater saying more peas please, then tuck into this tasty picture book and give the greens a chance to shine! Author and illustrator Tom McLaughlin gives vegetables centre stage in his funny, fantastical, action-packed picture book which aims to help despairing parents – who we know always have a lot on their plate – encourage their picky or reluctant young diners to eat up.  ‘I can’t eat peas!’ exclaims Milo. ‘They’re too GREEN! Greener than a stinky, swampy pond, greener than a giant dragon, greener than a fleet of space-sick aliens.’ It’s fair to say that Milo doesn't like peas but is it possible that his wise and inventive sister Molly could help him change his mind by showing him how cool they can be? McLaughlin’s gallery of bold, vibrant illustrations provides extra gusto to a clever, comical and hopefully enlightening story which is guaranteed to provide plenty of food for thought!
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Bugs
Patricia Hegarty and Britta Teckentrup

‘If you look down towards the ground, A world of
wildlife can be found. And now that spring is in the air,
New life is blooming everywhere.’ 

A COLOURFUL array of amazing bugs and minibeasts take starring roles in this striking peep-through book from children’s author Patricia Hegarty and award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup. Little ones will love turning the pages of this gorgeously produced book to watch the wonders of nature’s insect world unfold. Hegarty’s lyrical, rhyming text helps little ones to understand the magical activities and busy lives of creatures like caterpillars, ladybirds, moths and butterflies throughout the year while Teckentrup’s colourful and expressive artwork brings the teeniest, tiniest bugs to life. Don’t miss this visual and verbal trip to a wild and wonderful world of creepy crawlies!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
Wellington’s Big Day Out
Steve Small

LET your little ones learn how to think big in this irresistibly funny and heartwarming picture book from BAFTA-nominated animation director Steve Small. Guaranteed to win the hearts of elephant lovers – and little boys – everywhere, Wellington’s Big Day Out is a wonderfully whimsical tale about the all-too-familiar worries of growing up. When Wellington is given a new jacket exactly like Dad’s for his birthday, at first he’s delighted. But his delight turns to disappointment when he tries it on and it’s far too big. And what if, even worse, Wellington thinks, it’s not that the jacket is too big but that he’s too small? Well, Wellington’s dad has a plan, and on an exciting day out that takes in a ride on the bus, a super-size strawberry sundae, a toot on a tuba and a visit to his grandad, Wellington learns that he’s growing up exactly as fast as he should be… and just like his dad. Small’s colourful gallery of pictures is a joy to behold… both children and parents will feast on this beguiling blend of heart-melting illustrations and a story that reaches out far beyond the pages. Picture book perfection!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £7.99)