tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-392948798026927922024-03-12T18:12:46.644-07:00Carousel ReviewsCarouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-56403167415202352952019-11-25T08:35:00.000-08:002019-11-25T08:35:56.105-08:00Reviews extra Autumn/Winter 2019<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Babies and toddlers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">B is
for Baby<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Written by Atinuke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Walker Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-1406371086<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The large format and bold colourful illustrations add to the pleasure
of this delightful book. Baby’s brother is getting ready to take a basket of
bananas to Baba’s bungalow. Set in Africa there are baboons, beads, beautiful
birds and butterflies as well as bumpy bicycle rides and baobab trees. A
refreshing and unusual approach to things beginning with ‘b’, lots to look for
and talk about, a real favourite with young readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Bev
Archer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Who’s
Hiding in the Woods?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Written and illustrated by Katherine McEwen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Nosy Crow (in collaboration with the National Trust)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-1788001410<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The book begins with “It’s a busy spring morning in the woods!
There are animals hiding everywhere.” From there the journey covers the
creatures you might typically find in woodland during the different seasons and
at different times of day. The pictures offer lots to talk about and the many
flaps on each page are lifted to reveal a woodland creature such as mice, bees
or deer. When children are ready there is also information on the flaps “Mice
nibble on nuts and berries” helping to develop an understanding and what clues
to look for on a walk in the woods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bev Archer<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Arty, the first artist in space<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written & illustrated by
William Bee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pavilion £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1843654124<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Arty Farty is a Frog, but not just
any frog, he is a frog artist and the first frog to be sent into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favourite pages is the one of the
famous artists who have declined the invitation to go into space and we are
left with their pictures and their initials. We can’t move on with this book
until we have worked out who they are, genius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This quite unique story kept me laughing throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The illustrations are exceptional in themselves
and I love the fact that the arts and science are once again in competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Grimaldi, Arty’s agent, just wants the
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want a sequel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The Great Dog Bottom
Swap </span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Written by Peter Bently</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Illustrated by Mei
Matsuoka</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Andersen Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ISBN: 978-1842709887</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I am delighted that the
10-year anniversary provides the opportunity for new generations to encounter
this book which answers the question – why do dogs smell each other’s bottoms?
It is the Dogs’ Summer Ball. The affair is so posh that each dog has to remove
its bottom before being allowed entry. Then there is an emergency, and the dogs
have to leave quickly, some without their bottoms. The book is hysterically
funny. The text is easy to read, and the rhyme helps create pace. Illustrations
match and enhance the story. My favourites pictures are the dogs queuing at the
hall, the feast table, the poodles clearing the food, and the dancing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A brilliant favourite. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Brenda Marshall</span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leyla<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Galia Bernstein<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Abrams<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1419735431<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Leyla
is a small, very engaging young baboon with a mother, father, nine aunts and
twenty-three cousins. ‘And that’s too many,’ she thinks. This family troop is
captured amusingly in extremely expressive illustrations. They are always busy,
fussy and noisy, even she is trying to take a nap. Leyla sets off boldly,
determined to be alone, but finds that there is no one to kiss you better when
you hurt yourself, and a self – obsessed lizard is not the most communicative
company. How Leyla learns to deal with her life and to celebrate its warmth and
inclusiveness is artfully conveyed in a minimum of words, much of the story
conveyed in the fresh, unexpectedly varied and funny pictures. Lovely to share,
to find pictures for feelings and to begin reading oneself. Warmly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tina
Massey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Meet the
Penguins<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
and Illustrated by Mike Brownlow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">OUP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-0192768674<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Two
penguins arrive looking for a new friend to play with them but are turned away
by everyone they meet. Will they ever find someone to join in with the fun?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you’re expecting a formulaic rhyming scheme as per Brownlow’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ten Little</i> series, you won’t find it
here. In a departure from his bestselling series, he has created an open-ended
story that encourages discussion about friendship, sharing and being kind, as
well as having engaging, funny pictures to delight the very youngest readers.
This combination makes <i>Meet the Penguins</i> perfect for sharing a story
time with siblings of different ages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rebecca
Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stella and the Wishing Star</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Suzanne Chiew<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated by Rosie Butcher</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Little Tiger Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1788810968</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stella, a cute little rabbit with long
floppy ears, rescues a fallen star from the branches of an oak tree and sets
off for home hoping the star will henceforth make all her wishes come true. As
she cycles along, she meets other animals who need help, so kind-hearted Stella
asks her wonderful star to solve their various problems. Little by little the
star’s power is diminished until there is only enough stardust left for one
last wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This magical story is perfect
for bedtime reading. The illustrations cover each page with warm, comforting
nighttime colours and the textured star twinkles reassuringly, even though,
with the skillful use of cutout shapes, it gradually gets smaller. Stella is
generous and unselfish throughout, even when it is clear the magic won’t last
much longer and she hasn’t yet made a wish of her own. Kindness really can be
its own reward.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Worry Box<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Suzanne Chiew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated by Sean Julian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Little Tiger<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1848698307<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A lovely gentle story that leaves
me wondering how many children will use the idea of putting their worries into
a box rather than allowing those worries to stop them taking part in life’s
adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soft, almost tactile
illustrations give a feeling of warmth and support to the activities that the
small bears and their rabbit friends undertake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suzanne has managed to show that even the boldest have their worries and
friends can help them overcome them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Green Giant<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
& illustrated by Katie Cottle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pavilion
Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1843654001<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Bea
and her sausage dog Iris are staying in the country with Bea’s Grandad. When
Iris chases a cat and Bea follows, she discovers an abandoned greenhouse in the
next-door garden – and meets the Green Giant! But what will happen when she has
to return to the city? Elegant design, clear language and charming
illustrations make this a touching and timely story, and one that will provoke
interesting conversations about green living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tessa
Strickland<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Big Stink<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written & illustrated by Lucy
Freegard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pavilion £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1843654131<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Charlie
is a very obsessed Mouse who wants cheese that he cannot afford but feels he
must have. He wants to steal a cheese sculpture, ‘The Stinker’ by Auguste
Rodent. Lucy leads us through a step by step account of how Charlie plans this
heist and how it could all go terribly wrong. Linking cheese to the art world
and famous paintings and artists could be a great way to introduce young people
to the world of art. From Rita the cat detective, to the bear security guards,
you are kept in suspense about what will happen to Charlie and his obsession.
Read it and find out.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dare<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Lorna Gutierrez<br />
Illustrated by Polly Noakes <br />
Tiny Owl<br />
ISBN: 978-1910328422<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dare
to dream, dare to aspire. Dare to trust, dare to inspire.” <br />
This is a book about empowerment, having the courage to be different, and
daring to be true to yourself. Bright freestyle bold images fill the pages with
movement whilst the text is simple but powerful. This book could be used to
reassure a young child lacking in self-confidence or as a starting point for
discussions about each statement, all of which send powerful messages. The
characters shown are culturally diverse whilst the illustrations reflect and
add to the text which is in a range of fonts for interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Barbara
Band<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Loved to Bits<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Teresa Heapy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Katie Cleminson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">David
Fickling Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1910989333<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a beautiful story with gorgeous chalky illustrations about a boy’s love for
Stripy Ted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their imaginative adventures
are told through rhyme and snapshot drawings - their sailings on rafts, their
travels on camels – during which time Ted steadily loses bits of himself –
ears, eyes, paws … until he is just a head and body. But their friendship and
the love behind it continues even more strongly. This is an utterly charming
tale, with lots of opportunities to talk about imaginative adventures, what
friendship means and how real love doesn’t falter. A joy to read for adults and
children, this is one to return to again and again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 297.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Julia
Wills.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">When a Dragon Comes to Stay<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Written by Caryl Hart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 9781-78800197<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">‘A dragon knows she must play fair/and wait her
turn and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">always</b> share’. Here be a
dragon with a difference – an adorable, smiley girl dragon who is almost always
well behaved. When she gets tired, she just needs a good cuddle to restore her
spirits. Warm, witty and perfect for reading aloud, this picture book is an enchanting
way to coax small dragons into having good manners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tessa Strickland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alphonse,
There’s Mud on the Ceiling<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
and illustrated by Daisy Hirst<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Walker
Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1406374759<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
third title in the Alphonse and Natalie series, the two very friendly monster
siblings want nothing more than to have a camping adventure, but how can they
do that when they live in a seventh floor flat? With bold pictures and text,
Alphonse and Natalie’s adventures are adorably relatable and gently humourous,
and many parents will be able to relate to the dad in the story too. It’s
guaranteed that young readers will especially love shouting SHFLUMP along with
the monsters’ mishaps!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rebecca
Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Big
Cat</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written & illustrated by Emma
Lazell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pavilion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1843654018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
I started this book, I was already thinking about ‘The Tiger who came for Tea’
and there it was in the illustrations. I am a self-confessed ‘cat person’ but
this book is for everybody as there are so many interesting things hidden in
the pictures. The change in text, the very orange colours and the humour that
is evident throughout, make this book an instant favourite of mine and also of
everybody I have shared it with. Would Grandma have taken in the lost tiger if
she had known that he was in fact a Tiger and not a cat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly think she would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 143.25pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Doodle Cat Wears a Cape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Kat Patrick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated by Lauren Farrell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scribble<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1911617891<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even if you have amazing
superpowers, will they help when your best friend is not feeling very
good?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lauren’s use of primary colours
helps to enhance this story and adds to the simplicity of a tale that shows
that one of the best superpowers is love and empathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all would like to wear a cape and be able
to do superhuman things, but Cat shows us that sometimes being human is ‘super’
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lovely story from Kat
Patrick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what my superpower is?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here Comes Stinkbug!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written & illustrated by Tohby
Riddle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Allen and Unwin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1911631163<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stinkbug does as his name suggests,
he stinks. But this doesn’t always go down well with his insect friends. This
very amusing story suggests that it is not always a good idea to go against
your nature and in Stinkbug’s case, not particularly safe. The characterisation
in the pictures is delightful and the comical spider had my young friends
roaring with laughter. A joy to read with little people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b>Somebody Swallowed Stanley<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sarah Roberts<i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Hannah Peck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978–1407195100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stanley
is no ordinary jellyfish, with his too straight orange and white stripes and
too few tentacles. In fact, Stanley, isn’t a jellyfish at all – he’s a plastic
bag, swept into the sea. As he floats along, he encounters a number of sea
creatures, and something terrible happens each time. Somebody swallows Stanley!
Luckily, each time, they are able to cough and splutter, to set Stanley free
until a small boy on a beach finds a better use for a plastic bag. With the
current awareness of the perils of plastic pollution in our oceans, this
entertaining picture book conveys its message with a light touch. The
colourful, naturalistic illustrations will appeal to young children, and the
story, with its repeated refrains, invites discussion of the issue. A timely
book by an author who is an expert in animal behaviour and a passionate
conservationist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Through the Eyes of Us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Written by Jon Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Illustrated by Hannah Rounding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Graffeg<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-1912654803<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">A sequel to <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Through the Eyes of Me</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
published in 2017, this is another beautifully observed picture book following
a day in the life of children on the autism spectrum. The first book in the
series was written by the author when his 4-year old daughter Kya was first
diagnosed with severe autism. In this book, Kya starts school and makes a best
friend Martha, who is also on the autistic spectrum, but they are both very
different in the way they behave and approach things. A book that has been
written with so much love this is a joyous celebration of friendship but also
gives a real insight into the life of a child with autism and her family.
Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated, it’s</span> a book that could
be used very effectively with children and adults to help them learn about
autism and to understand that no two children on the autism spectrum are the
same. It also includes a very good list of useful links and resources. <i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annie
Everall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Pawed Piper<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Michelle Robinson <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Chinlun Lee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1406368604<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
book opens with a huge spread of ‘Lost Cat’ posters to explore. How are so many
missing, you wonder? The small girl at the heart of the book really wants a cat
to cuddle. (Unmentioned in the text, but mum and dad are clearly pictured
looking after a small baby.) She calls gran for advice, discovering that her
cat Hector loves catnip, cardboard boxes and:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Helping
to read the newspaper.’ She equips her bedroom with all of these, goes to sleep
and (ED – see SIXTY SEVEN) wakes to find that Hector has brought 67 friends!
Lovely, playful, cuddly cats which she adores, but, taking Hector home, she
realises that ‘her’ cats are other people’s beloved, missing pets. Returning
them all, she finds that the one hiding in her sock drawer has had kittens, and
the little one won’t leave. (ED See NOT EVER at end.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
mistily, beautifully illustrated book about longing, needing love and realising
that what is someone else’s can never truly be yours. A deceptively simple book
with a clear message and a really happy ending. Super to share and discuss with
very first readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: black;">Tina
Massey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brian
the Brave<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Paul Stewart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Jane Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Otter-Barry
Books £11.99</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1910959404</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brian
is just a normal woolly sheep with a white coat and curly horns. During the
book he encounters lots of different kinds of sheep - all different colours,
sizes and horns, or lack of them. There is a lot of petty squabbling about not
playing with black sheep if you are white; not being friendly with sheep with
horns if you have none or even different eye colours. This makes Brian very
sad, but in true satisfying picture book style, he saves the day as they all
rally together in a crisis. It is a lovely story about differences, acceptance
and the importance of teamwork. The illustrations are vibrant and bold with
comical sheep expressions.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingrid
Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Willbee
the Bumblebee<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Craig Smith and Maureen Thomson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Katz Cowley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1407196619<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a lovely story about friendship and kindness, full of humour and exquisitely
illustrated by Katz Cowley. Willbee, going about his daily business in the
garden, snags his black and yellow jersey, which frays and unravels. It’s the
jersey his mum knitted him. He is horrified to find it’s all gone, and he is
exposing his bottom! Luckily, he has a couple of friends who can rescue him in
his dilemma. There’s lots of fun in the pictures, giving adult and children
lots to talk about. The spider’s bookcase, in particular, is a delight.
Celebrating friendship and nature, this is a book that children will love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Julia
Wills.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Malala’s
Magic Pencil<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Malala Yousafzai<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Kerascoët<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Puffin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1241322574<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is Malala’s autobiographical story in a beautiful picture book format,
exquisitely illustrated. Malala’s optimism and determination to realise dreams
stems from her ability to marvel at magic, see wonder in simplicity and her
deep innate desire to eradicate differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The magic pencil of childhood cannot transform adult reality, so she
substitutes wishes for hard work and thus develops a voice so strong that
attempts to silence it add only to its strength and power. Nobel Peace Prize
Winner Malala extols “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change
the world.” And this truly beautiful picture book edition facilitates the ever
wider spread of her special story and optimism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gill
Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 143.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Only One of Me: A Love Letter from Dad<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Only One of Me: A Love Letter from Mum<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Lisa Wells & Michelle Robinson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Illustrated by Tim Budgen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Graffeg<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-1912654635<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>978-1912654642<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">No Longer Alone</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Joseph Coelho<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Illustrated by Robyn Wilson -Owen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Egmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-405291293<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Mum’s Jumper</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Written and Illustrated by Jayde Perkin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Book Island <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 9781911496137<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">It can be very difficult for adults to help
children deal with grief and come to terms with the death of a loved one. Books
can play a huge role in helping but it’s not always easy to find them. These
four books all deal with this topic in a thoughtful, sensitive and child
friendly way. Suitable for children aged 2- 9, they explore a child’s feelings,
how they cope in different ways after a loss and how a child uses her mums
jumper after she’s gone. They also ask others in the life of a child to step in
and help them to go forward following a loss and throughout their lives. All
are lovingly illustrated in very different styles and between the four titles
they provide some very effective stories as well as tools for those who need
them. Lisa Wells, the author of Only One of Me, wrote the books when she was
given a terminal cancer diagnosis so that she could leave behind her a legacy
of love, laughter and joy for her two daughters. Sadly, she lost her battle in
August, but the strength of her words will live on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 324pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 36pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Reading with Confidence <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Little Dolphin Rescue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Rachel Delahaye<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stripes Publishing
Ltd<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1788950732<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Fliss just adores animals and will do anything to save them. It is not
surprising then that she often finds herself magically whisked away to
different parts of the world so that she can help to save wild animals in
danger. In her latest adventure, a school swimming lesson takes an unexpected
turn when Fliss suddenly finds herself in the Indian Ocean looking at an actual
coral reef, when seconds before she was admiring the new mural in the swimming
pool. She quickly discovers that she is there to help a young dolphin who is
caught up in discarded fishing nets. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little
Dolphin Rescue</i> is the second is the delightful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Animal Rescue</i> series, which is ideal for young environmentalists.
Fliss’ adventures will delight young readers who may also aspire to protect
wildlife, and parents sharing this book with their children may use it as an
opportunity to introduce them to conservation issues. These concerns are
discussed during the storyline, and are at an age appropriate level. The stories
contain mild peril which will excite readers as they cheer on Fliss in her bid
to help her beloved animal friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jane
Hall <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
Funny Life of Teachers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Written by
James Campbell <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Illustrated
by Rob Jones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Bloomsbury
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ISBN: 978-1408898246<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The second
in this series of mostly inaccurate ‘non-fiction’, Campbell and Jones seek to
demystify that most mysterious of creatures – the teacher. Filled with all the
thing you ever wondered about teachers, as well as why you should always carry
an emergency banana with you, this book is essential reading for anyone who has
ever come into contact with a teacher. Disclaimer: may not actually be
essential reading. Completely ridiculous, mostly factually incorrect but always
hilarious, The Funny Life of Teachers is perfect for any fans of comic strip
style novels and would be excellent for reluctant readers. The non-linear way
of reading the book, via signposts throughout, is reminiscent of choose your
own adventure books, though there is no winning or losing, just lots of laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Rebecca Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
Race to Hornswaggle Rock<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Written by
Ruth Quayle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Illustrated
by Philip Davenport<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Andersen
Press <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ISBN: 978-1783448289<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">With a
name like McScurvy these larger than life characters can only be pirates, no
matter what their age. Vic and Bert should really be at school and their little
sister Maud is ‘a menace’ despite being only three years old. The race to
Hornswaggle Rock that takes place every four years is vital to win the
Treasurescope that will give them access to treasure maps pointing towards
hidden pirate treasure. With their ‘landlubber’ friends Arabella and George the
children are determined to win the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do they win?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will Pedro the
Parrot find love? A rattling good yarn with sharks, cheating, treasure and
sabres. Fabulous illustrations and a quirky layout add to this books’ charm,
guaranteed to encourage younger readers to keep going until the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Sue Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Information Books <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sea – A World Beneath the Waves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Patricia Hegarty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Little Tiger<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1788813129<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A charming peep-through picture
book that takes us beneath the waves. <span style="color: black;">Hypnotic scenes
introduce us to a wide range of sea life including sponges, grasses, sea
horses, dolphins, lionfish humpback whales and a manatee. Teckentrup uses
colour sensitively to recreate the different moods of sea life. I particularly
like the nighttime scene where jellyfish, eels and manta ray create light, the
sparkling colourful scene of tropical fish swimming in formation and the grey
shadow created by</span> the great white shark.<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> Die-cuts and the recurring clown fish link the scenes</span>.
S<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">inuous lyrical rhyming text
suggests the ebb and flow of ocean life. The book closes with an important
message about keeping the seas clean and clear and protecting the fragile
habitat. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gem of a book. (4+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brenda
Marshall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How
to be a Butterfly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Laura Knowles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Catell Ronca<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Words
& Pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1-78603-883-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is an information book with a difference as it presents the life cycle of a
butterfly in picture book format with a chatty, informal text that addresses
young readers directly and includes them in the discussion on what it takes to
be a butterfly. The accompanying illustrations are stunning and fill each
bright, white double page spread with vividly coloured selections of butterfly
species, soaring, landing on branches, feeding, hiding, all intricately
detailed, anatomically correct and labelled with their Latin names. Young
nature lovers will find fascinating details of butterfly body parts, behaviour
and life cycle to pore over in this eye-catching and attractive book. The text
is simple enough for very young children to share and the illustrations are
complex enough to enable older enthusiasts to hone their identification skills
and revisit many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concluding
message that there are twenty thousand ways to be a butterfly effectively
places the wonders of diversity right in front of young readers’ eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(5+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue Roe<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Planet Earth was New<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by James Gladstone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Katherine Diement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wayland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1526308986<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This book takes a complex subject, the
evolution of the earth, and presents it in a clear picture book format. The language
used is simple with short sentences. Information is clearly expressed on an
appropriate level. I liked the repetition of “millions and millions and
millions of years” as young children will enjoy joining in, and it stresses the
vast timescale involved. We are shown the Earth millions of years ago and how
it <span style="background: white; color: #181818;">has changed over time from
molten rock to the formation of oceans to the evolution of living things.
Gladstone reminds us that, “human life is a speck in time in the history of old
Earth”. The </span>illustrations complement the prose and are epic and
mysterious.<span style="background: white; color: #181818;"> At the back of the
book the </span>“Look Again” section contains smaller reprints of the pictures
and extra information for more advanced readers. The glossary and website list
are useful. An awe-inspiring book that will encourage discussion and further
research. (6+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Spectacular Journey into Space</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written by Kevin Pettman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carlton Books <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ISBN: 978-1783124268<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
popularity of space books for children has exploded since the 50th anniversary
of the Moon Landing. This title takes a different approach, allowing readers to
collect their own planets, moons, spacecraft and satellites, by press-out
cardboard sections. The cut-outs will no doubt keep young enthusiasts occupied,
but the book itself provides a fascinating look at the solar system and beyond.
From the Hubble telescope which scans the darkest reaches of the universe and
captures amazing pictures of exploding stars and distant galaxies, to the
wonder of the international space station and the extraordinary space probes
that journey deep into space and collect data on extra-terrestrial worlds. With
something new to be discovered on every page, this is a must read for all space
buffs.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(7+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Astrophysics for Young People in a
Hurry <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written by Neil deGrasse Tyson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Norton Young Readers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ISBN: 978-0393356502<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
mysteries of the cosmos are unravelled for younger people in this fun-packed
adaptation of <i>Astrophysics for People in a Hurry</i>, by celebrated
astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. This accessible, lucid and often witty
account will serve as a fascinating introduction to a complex subject. The
story of the universe after all, concerns us all and offers a sobering
perspective on the self-importance of our own little lives. As the author
concludes, “The day our knowledge of the cosmos ceases to expand, we risk
falling back to the childish view that the universe revolves around us”'
Complete with glossary and full colour illustrations, this book would make a
valuable addition to any school library. (7+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Little Book of Trees<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Caz Buckingham &
Andrea Pinnington<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fine Feather press Ltd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1908489388<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wonderful
photographs and an alphabetical order make this a really useful and beautiful
book to have around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is small enough
to go on family travels and walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
covers the most common trees that you will see in Britain and Europe giving you
the added bonus of showing the wildlife and plants that are commonly associated
with these trees. The small ‘factfile’ boxes make the information really easy
to digest and to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A user-friendly
Glossary and Index make this a wonderful guide for all of the family. (7+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ocean:
Secrets of the Deep<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Sabrina Weiss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Giulia De Amicis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
on Earth Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1999968052<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Covering
the majority of our world, the vast expanse of the oceans provide many of the
elements to sustain life, including food from the fish and other animals as
well as much of the oxygen we breathe, which is generated by microscopic
organisms and also forms the base of nearly all ocean food chains. As seawater
absorbs the heat from the sun and the currents carry it across the world,
weather patterns and climate are driven by the ocean. But it is also a world
about which we still have much to discover. Using a mix of diagrams, maps,
illustrations and infographics, this is an informative and comprehensive
exploration of life above and below the waves. The author begins with some of
the myths and legends of unusual creatures told by sailors through the ages,
before inviting the reader to take a journey to the deep, through the different
zones of the ocean, then on to explore the huge range of marine habitats around
the world, from beach rock pools to salt marshes, kelp forests, coral reefs and
undersea mountain ranges. Examples of some of the incredible variety of species
which inhabit these are described, including the largest creature on Earth, the
blue whale. Other aspects which are covered include migration, camouflage,
animal co-operation and how to protect marine environments. This is a book to
be recommended to young nature enthusiasts. Its clear layout is enhanced by
stylised but accurate illustrations which are accompanied by detailed captions.
(7+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 63.0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jayne
Gould<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Biographic
Tesla<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Brian Clegg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Matt Carr & Robin Shields<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ammonite
Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1781453537<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Biographic
books allow readers an amazingly fresh and fascinating way to find out about
great inventors and thinkers. By taking topics in turn, rather than run chronologically
through either the subject’s life or creations, the series, and this book,
continues to surprise and delight. Laid out in bold snapshots across the pages,
we find out about Tesla’s world, his childhood, his working with Edison and,
intriguingly, his quirkier sorts of behaviour, such as filling his hotel rooms
with flocks of pigeons. Complicated concepts are drawn out and made accessible,
timelines, diagrams and mind-boggling facts add to the excitement of finding
out about this man’s remarkable achievements and the real life of the
individual behind them. As an adult I found this a wonderful read and will be
looking out for more in the Biographic series. I am sure that older children
will find this book, and series, equally irresistible. (9+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Julia
Wills.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Moving
On <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Me
and MR P: Joe’s New World<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Maria Farrer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Daniel Rieley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oxford
University Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-0192766533<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An
absolutely enchanting story about friendship, resilience and acceptance. Joe’s
father gets a new job, so they have to move, not just to another town but
another country. Joe’s not happy about this. He’s disabled, in a wheelchair,
and knows it’s going to be hard to start at another school and make new
friends, especially ones who appreciate his bad jokes. Then Mister P, a large
polar bear, turns up at the airport wearing a label with Joe’s name on it.
There’s nothing the family can do other than take him home … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mister
P is definitely the star of this book. He’s funny and seems to understand
exactly what Joe is thinking and feeling; a real friend in time of need. There
are lots of interesting fonts used throughout as well as plenty of delightful
drawings. As the tag line says, “there are times when only a polar bear will
do”. This is book 4 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Barbara
Band<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Chester
Parsons is <u>Not</u> a Gorilla<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Martyn Ford<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Faber
and Faber<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
<span style="color: #333333;">978-0571332236<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
budding child actor, Chester Parsons visits a hypnotherapist in a bid to
overcome stage fright, he accidently discovers that he can jump into the minds
of others. Encouraged by his sister, Chester agrees to take part in a reality
TV programme showcasing his talent. But the show’s gimmickry goes awry when
Chester mind-jumps a mountain gorilla, only to find that his own body has
vanished, and he can’t jump back. Trapped inside the gorilla, Chester embarks
on a quest to recover his own stolen body. This is an entertaining,
contemporary fantasy story which moves along quickly and is brimming with mystery,
unexpected action and enjoyable eccentricity. Sinister elements give a whiff of
danger, but these never quash the underlying humour. Chester is a funny and
unswervingly optimistic narrator, despite his circumstances, but equally
entertaining are the characters he mind-jumps. Particularly enjoyable are the
moments when Chester talks in the voices of the creatures he’s inhabiting and
tries to resist behaving in gorilla or rat-like ways! This is a story which
will appeal to children who like comedy adventures and offers a light-hearted
look at what make us who we are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anne
Walker<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Garden of Lost Secrets<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></i></span></i></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by A.M. Howell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1474959551<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A.M. Howell’s debut novel set in
1916 evokes immediate empathy as protagonist Clara is sent from Kent to stay
with The Gilberts whose forbidding frostiness is quite unfathomable given that
they are her actual paternal aunt and uncle, yet she must address them as ‘Mrs’
and ‘Mr’ Gilbert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Clara wrestles with
her own secret as well as trying tentatively to forge a role that will keep her
mentally and physically active so that her stay may become more bearable, she
becomes ever more deeply involved in the mysteries of the household and of The
Earl’s estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is the room locked?
Why does her Aunt behave so strangely? Who is the mysterious boy to be seen at
night? And why is someone stealing fruit from The Earl’s greenhouses? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This historical mystery adventure
is ideal for children 10+, with secrets galore for brave Clara to unravel with
her new friend Will. There are lots of plot twists as the adventure progresses,
which will keep young readers guessing. Clara is a great role model with an
intense desire to do right and look after those she cares for. At the same
time, she acknowledges her fear and doubts, but follows her instincts in
pursuit of justice. The supporting characters are also well drawn;
specifically, Clara’s aunt whose emotions are so conflicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is reminiscent of children’s
classics and offers an insight into life during the early 20<sup>th</sup>
century. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An
absorbing story of mystery, heartache and consequence amidst the sobering,
far-reaching effects of The First World War, this is highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gill
Roberts & Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To Night
Owl from Dogfish<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Egmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1405294836<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Shy,
serious Avery and loud, adventurous Bett have absolutely nothing in common.
That is, until their dads start dating, prompting the beginning of a series of
email exchanges that blossom into a friendship that neither girl ever saw
coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Told
through alternating emails, this cowritten pre-teen novel is a warm, funny book
about friendship, family and facing your fears. Though reminiscent of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Parent Trap</i> with the girls cooking
up crazy schemes to push apart or throw together their dads, the relationship
between Avery and Bett, and those around them, is beautiful to see develop and
the girls are both instantly likeable and relatable. The organic blossoming of
their friendship is brilliantly crafted by the two authors and completely
believable. A perfect summer read, especially for those transitioning from
primary to high school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rebecca
Watts</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Girl who Thought her Mother was a Mermaid</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Tania Unsworth</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated by Helen Crawford-White</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zephyr<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 eB (PB<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">ISBN: 978-1788541688 </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A beautifully written story of magical
realism with well portrayed characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a story about family, love and loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stella loses her mum at a young age, but she
has bequeathed her a strange necklace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The “word of the sea” her mum had said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Stella is frightened of the water, has never been to the
seaside and yet she is obsessed, in her dreams, by the ocean. Stella believes
her mum was once a mermaid from her dreams and the drawings her mum has left
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody can give Stella any answers
because her Dad is still grieving, and her Gran has early dementia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stella confides in her friend, but when she
also leaves, Stella decides she must be brave and find out the truth for
herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lovely story of adventure,
love and hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Super
Sons: The Polar Shield Project<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Ridley Pearson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Illustrated
by Ile Gonzalez<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DC
Ink<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1401286392<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Set
in a future alternative world where climate change has led to flooding and
chaos, we are introduced to the sons of Batman and Superman. With their fathers
off trying to reverse global warming, it is up to the two of them to uncover
who is behind the attacks on the flood defences. However, they aren’t exactly
friends so have to learn to work together. Plus, there’s the mysterious
Candace, is she friend or foe? Is she trying to help them or is she spying on
them for the enemy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
novel introduces the reader to the alternative city of Columbria on the
continent of Landis. Presented in traditional graphic novel format with the majority
of the text being in speech bubbles, it is action-packed with the illustrations
both adding to the storyline and moving it quickly along. A great book for
younger fans of the superheroes; the story continues in Book 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Barbara
Band<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teens<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
Middler<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Written by
Kirsty Applebaum<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ISBN:
978-1788003452<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">A
dystopian novel set in a world where your role is determined by your placement
within the family. Fennis Wick is isolated and protected from the dangerous and
deceitful Wanderers by the boundaries, beyond which no-one ventures. All
first-borns are sent away when they 14 years old to fight in the Quiet War to
keep everyone else safe; until that time, they are treated as special, given
new clothes and treats, and don't have to do any chores. Maggie is a
"middler" - a middle child - who resents this. She's fed up with
nobody taking any notice of her, not winning anything, and not having a voice.
Then she befriends Una, a Wanderer, and starts questioning the things she's
been told. This is a book that pulls you in from the start. The story is told
by Maggie and her voice is authentic, her frustrations real. There is an
underlying sense of menace, of something happening beneath the surface but
never quite touched upon. It is a story about deceitfulness, about adults using
children for their own gains but also about friendship, family and the strength
to overcome your fears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Barbara Band<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">More
Mature</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Internment<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Samira Ahmed</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Atom<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£7.99</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-0349003344</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is one of the most compelling,
powerful and chilling novels I have read for ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is set in a horrifying near future in the
USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layla Amin and her family have been
registered as American Muslims and now the president has declared that “Muslims
are now a threat to America”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
taken to an internment camp for Muslim American citizens in the middle of the
dusty, hot desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layla’s parents try
to blend in for fear of punishment and reprisals, but Layla and her friends are
determined to fight for freedom and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What ensues is gruesome, upsetting and hard hitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a thought provoking read as it could so
easily become reality.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingrid
Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dread
Nation <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written by Justina Ireland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Titan Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1789090871<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This thrilling reimagining of a
significant time in American history has been hailed as a YA triumph in the
States. The War of Independence has been put on hold, with opposing sides
joining forces to fight a common enemy – the undead. For the slave community
however, not much has changed; the safety of wealthy white families still
depends on their hard work. 17-year-old Jane McKeen is training to become an
Attendant, trained in both etiquette and battle to protect wealthy white women.
However, as the ‘Shamblers’ threaten US civilisation, Jane becomes caught in a
fight for life against some powerful enemies, and they are not always dead!
Although this original YA adventure has zombies, much of it is based on
historical fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set in the era of
slavery, there are unpleasant acts and language which some readers may find
difficult. However, Jane is a great role model for young teens; strong and intelligent
with a wry sense of humour. She does not let her status stop her trying to do
what she thinks is right. Told from Jane’s point of view the plot is fast paced
and exhilarating, and her relationships with her friends, and enemies, are well
constructed. A great read. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jane
Hall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Under
the Moon: A Catwoman Tale<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Lauren Myracle<br />
Illustrated by Isaac Goodhart<br />
DC Ink<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
ISBN: 978-1401285913<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is the story of Selina Kyle before she became Catwoman. For fifteen years,
Selina has put up with both physical and emotional abuse from her mother’s
boyfriends and decides she has no choice but to leave home. With nowhere to go,
she meets up with a group of street-kids and finds some sort of peace and
belonging in their group. But, unbeknown to Selina, they are planning a heist –
at the home of Bruce Wayne, one of Selina’s few friends when she was at school.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DC
Ink have mixed a YA story with superhero comic book characters. The blue
monochromatic artwork is extremely effective adding a lot more detail to the
story, and the characters are complex and diverse, but some serious issues are
raised within the novel including domestic violence, self-harm, animal cruelty,
homophobia, homelessness and cults. This is definitely a novel for more mature
readers as it also contains graphic violence and swearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Barbara
Band</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The New
Boy<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></span></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Paula Rawsthorne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1407180267<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jack,
the new boy at college, seems way too good to be true. He’s rich, funny,
incredible handsome… What’s the downside? When he turns his attention to Zoe,
she soon puts any misgivings to one side and falls for his charm, just like
everyone else. That is, until alarm bells begin to ring so loudly Zoe can no
longer ignore them and she ends up involved in something much weirder and more
sinister than she could imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Paula
Rawsthorne has produced another gripping thriller with a hint of sci-fi. As any
reader of hers will have come to expect, this is another real page turner that
is both a suspenseful, twist driven drama and a thought-provoking exploration
of autonomy, identity and todays expanding influencer culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Rebecca
Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Birthday<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Meredith Russo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Usborne
Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1474967419<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During
a freak snowstorm two boys are born in the same hospital on the same day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although socially very different, their
families forge strong ties and Morgan and Eric develop a deep and intuitive friendship.
The events of the book take place over six birthdays, beginning as the boys
enter their teens. By this time, Morgan’s mother has died, though her latent
presence is still felt through the birthday messages she created for him. As
the time frame unfolds and each birthday takes place, Eric and Morgan’s
friendship is tested and develops in ways neither of them could have foreseen. Birthday
is a courageous and thoughtful exploration of teenage mental health and gender
identity issues. Author Meredith Russo skilfully evokes the stifling atmosphere
and ingrained prejudices of the rundown American town which provides the
context for her characters’ struggles. Eric and Morgan are sympathetically
portrayed young people gradually coming to understand and embrace who they are
and what they mean to one another. The novel contains some hard-hitting events,
in particular an attempted suicide, but although the characters’ journeys are
psychologically and emotionally tough, the book resolves with optimism and joy.
This a thought provoking and satisfying YA read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anne
Walker<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
Girl Called Shameless<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Written
by Laura Steven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Electric
Monkey <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ISBN:
978-1405288620<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Izzy
is still a girl to be reckoned with and this adventure is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her ‘Bitches Bite Back’ movement where she
attempts to get state laws changed to tackle revenge porn is a force that is on
the move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can Lizzy deal with this
movement that she has started, or will her own personal issues cause
problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slut shaming is out there and
not just in America where this novel is set. This book has caused me to look
very hard at what being judgmental actually means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The backlash for the young people involved in
these issues goes beyond their friendship groups and in Izzy’s case becomes a
major news item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Main protagonists are
18 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some very believable
characters that you warm to as the plot unravels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sue
Bussey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-66639516170403123032019-04-26T03:17:00.001-07:002019-04-26T03:55:19.304-07:00<h3>
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><b>Reviews extra – Spring 2019</b></span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 0, 7); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #fb0007; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Picture Books</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Sonam and the Silence</b></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Eddie Ayres, illustrated by Ronak Taher </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Allen and Unwin £11.99</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN: 978-1760634872 </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"> Sonam lives with her family in Kabul. When she reaches seven, she has to cover her hair and work in the market. All the noise there is too much for her. Running away from this, Sonam follows a sound she hears and finds an old man making music. Music, which is forbidden by the Taliban. He gives her own instrument, a rubab. Music helps her overcome her fears and block out the sounds of fighting. But this feeling is taken away when her brother discovers her humming. How will Sonam regain those feelings of joy and recapture her own music in a world where music is forbidden? <i>Sonam and the Silence</i> is a powerful story about courage and the power of music. Rooted in truth, it explores the devastating effects of depriving people of creative forms of expression and the joy and beauty they bring. The author's note at the end of the story explores this and asks the reader to think how it would be to live without something so precious, encouraging empathy. The story allows the reader to consider the lives of others, their cultures and traditions and to be grateful for the freedoms they have to express themselves. Beautifully written, the language used is lyrical and evocative, reminding the reader of the power of music. The illustrations are wonderful, full of soft tones with splashes of vibrant colour. The cover and pages are beautifully textured, making the book a delight to touch as well as look at. This is a story for readers of all ages. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"> <i>Sue Wisher</i></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece</b>,</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Tracey Corderoy, </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Illustrated by Steven Lenton</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Nosy Crow £6.99</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN: 978-0857639752</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Paris is the setting for this lively picture book and its rhyming adventure story. It’s one of a series of stories of Shifty and Sam, reformed robber dogs who have taken up baking instead of thieving. Here they are commissioned to bake a masterpiece of confectionery for an art gallery show and end up witnessing the theft of a painting. Lively illustrations take us through the fast-paced story. Cartoon like characters are painted in bold colours against pale backgrounds of the Paris cityscape and the art gallery interior. There are lively jokes in the background too – the portraits in the gallery are doggy versions of famous paintings, including ‘The pug with the pearl earring’. After a chase involving road and river, the two dogs catch up with the thief and bring him to justice. The expressions on the animals are wonderfully evocative of their moods, and the text bounces along with real rhythm and a great sense of fun and dramatic tension. This is a very successful picture book which is recommended for children aged 3 – 6, both as a read-aloud and for independent enjoyment of the pictures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Liz Dubber</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>A Dog with Nice Ears</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written and Illustrated by Lauren Child </span><br />
Orchard Books £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 9781408346143 </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Lola is absolutely desperate for a dog, but there’s something not quite right when Charlie asks her to describe her perfect pet. It seems that her ideal dog sounds suspiciously like… a rabbit! Packed with all the charm and wit that you’d expect from any Lauren Child book, <i>A</i> <i>Dog with Nice Ears</i> is entertaining, funny and especially perfect for those who can laugh along knowingly at how Charlie handles his younger sister. Child’s characteristic humour shines through in this new addition to the series. It is an absolute delight to read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> <i>Rebecca Watt</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Everybody’s Welcome</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Patricia Hegarty </span><br />
Illustrated by Greg Abbott<br />
Caterpillar Books £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1848577459 </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This gorgeous book is about a little mouse who wants to build somewhere to live, and in doing so, meets lots of other creatures who all need somewhere to live too. The kind-hearted mouse asks everybody to stick together and build a house that they can all live in. With its lovely illustrations and clever changes of page sizes, this is a wonderful book for reading together, for talking about how the various animals and people, have much more in common than differences. An empathetic read, with plenty of opportunity for discussion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i> Julia Wills.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>What Does the Crocodile Say?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Eva Montanari </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Book Island £10.99 </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN 978-1911496113</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A delightful book about a little crocodile who is not looking forward to nursery. We follow him through his first day. The crocodile encounters many new sounds and noises, and the onomatopoeia invites audience participation. This makes the book great fun and diminishes the crocodile’s fears. Soon he is reunited with his mum and is keen to go to nursery tomorrow. There are lessons here about being apprehensive of the unknown and realising that school can be daunting, but new experiences and friendships can also be fun. The pencil illustrations are charming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Brenda Marshall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Worzel says hello! Will you be my friend?</b> </span><br />
Written by Catherine Pickles<br />
Illustrated by Chantal Bourgonje<br />
Hubble and Hattie £6.99</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN 978-1787111608</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In this excellent book, Catherine uses her Lurcher, Worzel, to show children how to behave around dogs so everyone is happy and safe. The book gives an insight into how dogs think and feel. Children are encouraged to observe, to respect boundaries, and to interpret the world from Worzel’s point of view. Patience and trust are needed for a positive relationship. The language is simple, and the gentle rhythm of the text makes it fun to read aloud. Beautiful, delicate illustrations enhance the text. A delightful and important picture storybook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Brenda Marshall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Truth About Old People</b></span><br />
Written and illustrated by Elina Ellis<br />
Two Hoots £11.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1509882267</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">An extremely funny look at ‘old people’ through the eyes of a child whose grandparents are ‘old’.<b> </b>Old people are supposed to be not much fun, slow, clumsy, not bendy and scared of new things. They don’t dance, don’t care for romance, are quiet and not at all adventurous. The illustrations that just burst from the pages, show exactly the opposite and lead the child to reflect that the truth is, that old people are in fact AMAZING! This is going to be a big hit with children and adults alike. It challenges our perceptions of age in a delightful, warm and humorous way. Elina Ellis is the winner of the 2018 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Award and the 2017 Macmillan Prixe for Illustration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Annie Everall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Hey, Who’s in the Loo? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written and illustrated by Harmen van Straaten</span><br />
Translated by Laura Wilkinson<br />
Red Robin Books £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1908762289</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What do you do if you need the loo, but the door is locked? What do you do when not only you, but a lot of others too, also need the loo? With witty, energetic and expressive illustrations, Dutch writer and illustrator Harmen van Straaten introduces a succession of increasingly desperate animals, all of them about to burst. At last, they hear the gurgle of the loo being flushed. Phew! Laura Wilkinson’s sprightly rhyming translation is terrific, as is the graphic design of this hilarious picture book. Do you want to know who <i>is</i> in the loo? Well, you had better buy the book! You will definitely laugh out loud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Tessa Strickland</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Time for Bed, Miyuki </b></span><br />
Written by Roxane Marie Galliez <br />
Illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh<br />
Princeton Architectural Press £12.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1616897055</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Miyuki’s grandfather tries desperately to get his grand-daughter to go to sleep, while finding himself drawn into her desire to prepare for the coming of the Dragonfly Queen. Miyuki cannot go to bed because there is just too much to do. She must make sure that everything is ready for the arrival of her royal guest who is visiting their garden in the morning. That means making a canopy with a poppy, watering the vegetable garden, gathering the snails, covering the cat, dancing the last dance and having a bath. The old man and the girl dance on mushrooms, ride on snails and carefully complete each task as the sun slowly hides to make way for the moon. Eventually she feels tired enough to sleep but remembers that her grandfather hasn’t read her a bedtime story. This charming picture book is a perfect combination of lyrical prose and beautifully imagined, delicate, pastel coloured illustrations. A clever twist at the end adds another layer of meaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Richard Monte</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Best Sound in the World </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written and Illustrated by Cindy Wume </span><br />
Lincoln Children’s Books £11.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1786031693</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What is the most beautiful sound in the world? Roy the lion is determined to find out. He plays the violin and wants to be a famous musician, so he decides to bottle noises. His friend Jemmy, the lemur, tries to help, but she is distracting. When Roy tries to play the sounds on his violin none of them sound beautiful enough, so he decides to travel the world in search of this illusive treasure. He collects raindrops in the forest and the twitter of the birds in the mountains. He listens to the wind in the desert and the tide at the seaside. But the more he travels the more difficult it becomes to find what he is looking for. When Roy returns home, he finds a sound which, although it might not be the most beautiful, is certainly the best sound in the world. This charming story with its sketchy colourful illustrations shows us that sometimes the things we search the world for, are right there beside us all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Richard Monte</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Pooka Party </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written and Illustrated by Shona Shirley Macdonald</span><br />
O’Brien Press £13.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1788490009</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The Pooka, a strange shapeshifting creature bearing an uncanny resemblance to a goat, lives alone in the mountains. Fixing things, painting, singing, dancing and gardening keep it busy, until one day it discovers how lonely it really is. The Pooka invites all fellow beings to a huge party. The cakes are baked, and the decorations go up. Everyone comes, even the goblins, but when they steal all the cake a great cake battle ensues. This zany story with its magical, ethereal illustrations conjures up a world on the edge of the earth, in a place where the moon keeps the peace. Original and captivating, this is a story which will captivate young imaginations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Richard Monte</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Three Little Monkeys </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Quentin Blake</span><br />
Illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark<br />
Harper Collins £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-0008164485</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This delightful combination of skilful, text and colourful illustrations tells the story of Hilda Snubbs who adores her pets. Instead of the usual cat or dog, Hilda has three very mischievous monkeys who take great delight in making a mess of her beautiful home. The richly detailed illustrations accompany the humour of the clever text and show just how three naughty monkeys can create havoc when they are bored. Eventually, Hilda loses her patience with them all, but discovers that perhaps a quiet tidy house isn’t quite as lovely as it might seem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Louise Stothard</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>What Can a Citizen Do?</b></span><br />
Written by Dave Eggers<br />
Illustrated by Shawn Harris<br />
Chronicle Books £12.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1-452173139</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“What in the world can a citizen do? Who can a citizen be? A citizen is just like you. A citizen can plant a tree.” Dynamic, direct and straight-shooting, this picture book is a clarion call to children from every walk of life. It doesn’t matter who or where or what you are, the message is clear: ‘A citizen is what you do’. Eye-catching collage illustrations by Shawn Harris help to deliver an empowering message for youngsters and plenty of talking points both for teachers and families. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> <i>Tessa Strickland</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>First Steps</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Up the Mountain</b></span><br />
Written and Illustrated by Marianne Dubuc<b> </b><br />
Book Island £11.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1911496090</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Mrs Badger takes a walk up the mountain every Sunday, just like clockwork. One day she is joined by a young friend and so begins a friendship that will move through the seasons, exploring the passage of time. A gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book, with understated text and a subtle humour that will certainly bring smiles to the reader. It shows a blossoming friendship between a young boy and an elderly woman. <i>Up the Mountain</i> contains an important message about caring for older people and finding friendships in unlikely places. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Rebecca Watts</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I Really want that Unicorn</b></span><br />
Written and illustrated by Fabi Santiago<br />
Hachette Children’s £12.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1408336908</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tapping into the current trend for anything ‘unicorn’, this bold and bright offering tells the tale of a number of animals, all desperate to win a competition whose prize is a ‘Mellow Yellow Unicorn’. The characters prepare for the competition by baking a rainbow cake, making a magic castle and other challenges. Finally, the big day arrives. There is fierce competition between the key protagonists and some spectacular creations, which will delight young readers. Tension builds as they wait for the winner to be announced, and the surprising outcome of the competition leads to another surprising outcome for the characters, who realise that friendship is the most important thing of all. Generous use of bold colour and black line brings the characters to life and will engage the eyes of young readers.</span></div>
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<i>Lucy Russell</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Reading with Confidence</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Star Friends Night Shade</b></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>Written by Linda Chapman<br />
Illustrated by Lucy Fleming<br />
Little Tiger £5.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1847159472<i> </i></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Star Friends Night Shade,</i> is the fifth book in this series about Maia and her friends, who meet the Star Animals and enter a world of magical adventures. About three months have passed since the girls prevented Auntie Mabel from using dark magic, but more evil is heading to Westcombe. Whilst playing in the woods, they notice that the flowers are shrivelling and dying. Then the adults start behaving strangely and the girls realise they will have to use all their Star Magic skills to defeat this new dark magic threat. Perfect for children looking for a longer independent read, the <i>Star Friends</i> stories are well written adventures which will appeal to those who love animals and enjoy a touch of magic. Friendship is important in these stories and each girl in the group has their strengths, enabling them to work as a team to defeat the Shades. The book is illustrated with lovely black and white images throughout the story as full pages and inserted into the body of the text. These are delightful and support the text perfectly, engaging the reader. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Sue Wilsher</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Bee Boy: Attack of the Zombees </b></span><br />
Written and illustrated by Tony De Saulles<br />
OUP £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-0192763891</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Bee Boy is just that – half bee and half boy. This hugely imaginative tale is full of action and dilemma from start to finish, with parallels to sinister present-day practices i.e. chemicals used in farming which affect honey production. Here, Bee Boy is Melvin Meadly, who uncovers the ‘zombees’ and the actions of Sir Crispin Crump. He is ultimately responsible for the strange and dangerous yellow sickness bug which affects all who consume the honey sourced from his hives and chemically treated crops. Humour, action, font and fabulous predominantly yellow illustrations will ensure De Saulles’ creation is a resounding success and that <i>Bee Boy</i> becomes a firm favourite! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Gill Roberts</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Moving On</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Tomi</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Eithne Massey</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">O’Brien Press £8.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN: 978-1847179753</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is the true holocaust survival story of Tomi Reichental, a Slovakian boy from a small village, who at nine years old was transported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. It is not an easy read, but nor is it an impossible one for young readers to take on. Eithne Massey, a children’s author, who is steeped in Irish legend and history, tells Tomi’s story with a gentle, lyrical quality. She lets the authentic voice of young Tomi shine through as he witnesses things he cannot understand or process. The book does not flinch from recording the awful truths of Tomi’s experience but doesn’t pile on the horror, either. The story is the thing, and the reader is left to picture the scene or - shy away from it. The final pages of the book, and a powerful foreword from Tomi himself, now an old man, reassuringly confirm that he is alive and well, and successfully rebuilt his life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Yvonne Coppard</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Splash</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Charli Howard</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Nosy Crow £6.99 </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN 978-1788001700</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Swimming is Molly’s great love. She is good at it and, as she is tall with strong limbs, everyone says she is built for swimming stardom. But Molly is in year 6 and all her friends seem to be dainty and petite. They are becoming interested in clothes and boys and looking forward to moving on to secondary school. Her best friend Chloe declares that swimming is just not cool, so Molly decides she will have to keep her swimming practice a secret to avoid Chloe’s displeasure. This debut novel, from model and body positivity ambassador Charli Howard, strongly promotes the message that there is not just one perfect body shape. Young people, boys as well as girls, should celebrate their individuality and their disparate skills and qualities. It also points out that we all have issues to face, even Molly’s friend, the pretty and super-cool (but sometimes very nasty) Chloe, is coping with family problems. There simply cannot be too many stories like this one, encouraging young people to be positive and to have the courage to be themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Jan Lennon</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Younger Teen Reads</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Imposters</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Scott Westerfeld</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Scholastic £7.99 </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN: 978-1407188225</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Frey and Rafi are the identical twin daughters of the ruler of the city of Shreve. Everyone in the city knows and loves Rafi. She is beautiful and has great charm. In contrast, nobody knows that Frey even exists, and she has been kept hidden and taught to fight and kill. She is her sister’s constant body guard and her stand-in when things get dangerous. Frey is expendable. Thus, when a neighbouring city demand a hostage until a deal between the two cities is completed, Frey is sent in Rafi’s place. Col, the rival city’s heir, starts to get close to Rafi/Frey and then the problems really begin, and the action hots up even further. This is the first book in a new series that revisits the futuristic world of the ‘Uglies’ series. Everything has moved on a few years, so all the characters are new, although Tally Youngblood is definitely not forgotten. This is an action-packed adventure story with a teenage romance, some sci fi and even political intrigue mixed in. There is also a real cliff hanger ending, so readers will be waiting for the next in the series to appear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Jan Lennon</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>What Girls Are Made of </b></span><br />
Written by Elana K. Arnold<br />
Andersen £7.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1783447718<b> </b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Set in a bland town in contemporary California, this far-from-bland novel follows Nina’s coming of age as she tries to make sense of her first sexual relationship and the grief that follows when it falls apart. Although the setting is precise, the narrative artfully embraces far more than a ‘first love’ boy-girl drama. It also tracks the mother-daughter relationship and the objectification of women in the Renaissance art of Catholic Italy, as Nina tries to make sense of what she is feeling and who she is becoming. No wonder this brilliant, brave and often poetic piece of writing was shortlisted in the US for the National Book Award. “The basket was heavy”, Nina says of the laundry basket her mother passes her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Tessa Strickland</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Kerb Stain Boys</b></span><br />
Written by Alex Wheatle Barrington Stoke £7.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1781128091 </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Terror wants to impress tough-girl Caldonia. Briggy gets drawn into his best mates plans to rob a Post Office. Neither being criminal masterminds, they get swept up in Caldonia’s enthusiasm and soon it’s hard for any of them to back down from what seems like an increasingly bad idea. After spray painting some toy guns to look real, they find themselves outside the Post Office not wanting to lose face. The writing bounces off the page with real swagger and verve, backed up with an inventive use of language that feels fresh and authentic, as well as infinitely readable and enjoyable. <i>Kerb Stain Boys</i> looks at the issue of belonging and the difference between defining yourself by where you live and defining yourself by how you choose to live your life. This theme naturally develops into an exploration of learning to trust who you really are and to stop pretending to be who you’re not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Benjamin Scott</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Information Books</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Peek and Seek</b></span><br />
Written by Violet Peto<br />
Illustrated by Charlotte Milner<br />
DK £9.99<br />
ISBN 978-0241313046</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A charming board book for young children. Each double-page spread is about different creatures including birds, monkeys, wolves, ants, fish and rabbits. The interactive element of the book engages children, with flaps to lift, things to find and fold over pages, as well as animal facts to learn. Attractive artwork enhances the book’s appeal, especially the silvery sardines in the coral reef, and the pack of wolves in the forest. A delightful introduction to animals for young children, which encourages close observation and counting. (3+) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Brenda Marshall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Wonders of the World</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Isabel Otter and Margaux Carpenter.</span><br />
360 Degrees £14.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1848577251 </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This colourful hardback, with bold illustrations, contains board pages which share information about both Ancient and Modern Wonders of the World. The pages need to be board to carry flaps, a wheel and a pop-up which add to the sense of discovery for a young reader and means that this book needs to be saved for when a child is careful enough to manipulate the flaps with damaging them. The emphasis is on facts as opposed to stories, so I now know that the word ‘mausoleum’ comes from King Mausolus, who was buried in a magnificent above ground tomb in Halicarnassus in 353 BC. The final double-page spread chooses seven natural wonders for a short write up of their own, which could encourage readers to go elsewhere to find out more information. Overall, a book that will be appreciated by any fact loving child who can enjoy searching the page for flaps, then prising them up to discover a wealth of information. (7+) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Annalise Taylor</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Clue is in the Poo</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Andy Seed</span><br />
Illustrated by Claire Almon<br />
QED £12.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1784935733</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A guide to encouraging children to become nature detectives, who can track different kinds of wildlife from the clues they leave behind – their poo and footprints. It also explores animal and bird homes, eggs, skills, fur and feathers. Double-page spreads are also interspersed with fun quizzes and information on for instance things that are dangerous to track. The very subject matter of this book is one that is definitely going to appeal to children, particularly boys. When it comes wrapped up in the humour of poet and fun fact king, Andy Seed, it is going to prove irresistible (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Annie Everall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Everyday Journeys of Ordinary Things </b></span><br />
Written by Libby Deutsch<br />
Illustrated by Valpuri Kertulla<br />
Ivy Kids £12.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1782406358<b> </b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The book starts from the premise of 15 minutes of ordinary things, a child getting up and starting the day. It goes on to explain how all the ordinary things and services we are surrounded by every day, have made extraordinary journeys to reach us. Through colourful double-page spreads, the rest of the book explores some of them, answering questions that children ask, such as, How does the post reach me?, Where do clothes come from?, Where does water in the tap come from?, Where does my luggage go when I catch a plane?, What happens when I flush? and, How does the internet work? I really liked this, as it has taken a fresh approach and presented a lot of information, in a readable and accessible way. It is a clever idea and will really encourage children and adults to think about the objects and services that we take for granted. Its quirkiness will have a lot of appeal and the book will be useful in schools, libraries and as gifts for individual children (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Annie Everall</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Planetarium </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Raman Prinja</span><br />
Illustrated by Chris Wormell<br />
Big Picture Press £20<br />
ISBN: 978-1787411679</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">On the cover of the Planetarium is a ticket to a museum of astronomy that’s thankfully always open. Dividing the heavens into seven galleries, Planetarium takes readers on a journey from how we look into space, how our solar system is organised, and all the way through to where our universe might be going. A UCL Professor of Astrophysics, Prinja delivers precise, articulate explanations that are brought to life by woodblock-style illustrations of richly-coloured stars and planets. The authors, or self-styled ‘curators,’ never fail to bring clarity to each topic. A good example is the map of our place in the universe, which makes the vastness of the universe easier to grasp, while still clearly locating earth, not just within the Solar System and the Milky Way but including the larger Laniakea Supercluster and beyond. This easy to read and exciting glimpse of the stars is delivered in a handsome, over-sized, hardback book printed on thick, crisp paper, that gives the subject both gravity and beauty. Perfect to share with inquisitive young minds at home or in the classroom. (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Benjamin Scott</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Lift the Flap Engineering </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written by Rose Hall </span><br />
Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove<br />
Usborne £12.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1474943659</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Engineering is a vast field which is fundamental in shaping the modern world. The nature and complexity of the subject often makes it difficult for young children to grasp. This excellent book, published to coincide with the 2018 Year of Engineering, sets out to explain what engineering is and what engineers do, in a way which is accessible to primary school readers. Aerospace Engineers, Electronic and Software Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Robotics Engineers, Civil Engineers, Biomedical and Structural Engineers, are all covered. The diagrams of space rockets, bicycles, robots and bridges are clearly annotated, and flaps add to the excitement of discovering more about each category. An activity booklet and internet links are provided for anyone who wants to explore the subject further. (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Richard Monte</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Cook’s Cook </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Written and Illustrated by Gavin Bishop</span><br />
Gecko Press £11.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1776572045 </div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Everyone’s heard of Captain Cook and his journey to the South Pacific, but what of John Thompson, the one-handed cook who also sailed on Cook’s ship, HMS Endeavour. This was a dangerous voyage of exploration to observe the transit of Venus and search for the great unknown continent of Terra Australis. On board were famous men like Joseph Banks the Naturalist, John Green the Astronomer and the Artist, Alexander Buchan. The Gentlemen and the Servants had to be fed and it was the cook’s job to keep them satisfied. Full of interesting facts about the voyage, set out with detailed illustrations of fauna, flora and geographical locations, this book is the perfect introduction to the Endeavour’s passage. But it’s the cook’s meals which steal the show. As well as the traditional fare of Pease Porridge for breakfast and Roast Beef for dinner, there were other more exotic dishes. Imagine eating Seared Sharks, Albatross, Dog and Breadfruit Stew or Stingray Soup. Perhaps the most amazing thing of all was that these meals were prepared by a man with one hand. (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Richard Monte</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>100 screen-free ways to beat boredom</b></span><br />
Written by Kris Hirschmann</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">QED £9.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ISBN: 978-1784932640</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A lovely book for any family striving to beat off the zombie syndrome that starts to settle when too many hours have been spent with eyes glued to screens or ears clamped by headphones.<i> </i>It’s also great for long journeys, holidays and gloomy, boring days when the Internet is down, and your head is a grey, fuzzy wasteland of mega-boredom. Rediscover the joy of connecting with flesh and blood humans and having fun without the need for Wi-Fi or a charger. Note to parents and carers; this means you, too! (10+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Yvonne Coppard</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Race to the Frozen North</b></span><br />
Written by Catherine Johnson<br />
Barrington Stoke £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1781128404</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Matthew Henson was one of the first people to stand at the North Pole, as part of an expedition which achieved this feat in 1909. However, his part in this remarkable achievement was not publicly recognised until 1937, despite every other member of the team being given a medal by the American government after their return. And the sole reason, one which has seen other notable people air-brushed from history, was the colour of his skin. In this riveting account, Catherine Johnson brings to life Matthew’s voice as he recounts his adventures and the prejudice which meant that, despite his capabilities, the only jobs he could find when back at home were as a messenger or parking cars. At the age of eleven, fleeing a violent stepmother, Matthew heads to Washington DC, then to Baltimore, where he is taken on as crew on a trading ship. Sailing the world and seeing far-flung places allows him to acquire an impressive range of skills, from learning languages to carpentry. He goes on to be part of the advance team preparing for the building of the Panama Canal before taking part in numerous Arctic expeditions led by Robert Peary, over a period of nineteen years. He built a mutually respectful bond with the Inuit and learnt new skills from them. Matthew’s place in history is now assured and this book is a great introduction, which I am sure will encourage readers to find out more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Jayne Gould</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2019 Nature Month-by-Month </b></span><br />
A Children’s Almanac<br />
Nosy Crow / National Trust £9.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1788003991</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This book does exactly what it says on the tin. Month by month, it takes young readers through 2019, giving them all kinds of indoor and outdoor projects along the way and cleverly interweaving significant festivals and activities from different cultures. It even includes the phases of the moon for each month. Always grounded in the turning seasons of the northern hemisphere, <i>Nature Month by Month</i><b><i> </i></b>offers constant companionship and is an absolute delight to dip in and out of. Every page is full of allure, guaranteeing that any child lucky enough to have a copy will learn all kinds of good stuff almost without noticing. Delightful illustrations and page layouts, rounded corners and high production values make this an almanac to treasure. (7+)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Tessa Strickland</i></span></div>
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Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-69830891698162865742018-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:002018-10-31T09:18:19.555-07:00Extra reviews Autumn/Winter 2018
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #5f497a; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></span></span></u></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This Zoo is Not for
You<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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Written and illustrated by Ross Collins<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
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ISBN: 978-1788002523<o:p></o:p></div>
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When a platypus arrives at the zoo the animals take it in turns
to interview him. Sadly, they all, from the panda to the flamingo, the elephant
and the monkey, find something wrong. The platypus doesn’t eat bamboo, can’t do
monkey tricks and isn’t as elegant as a flamingo. The bright, bold splashes of
colour are just right for this amusing tale of misunderstanding. The poor
platypus has come to the zoo with a quite different intention, but all is
resolved by the end and the animals learn not to judge or jump to conclusions.
The expressions of the animals are cleverly conveyed in this enjoyable story
and the simple rhyming text works well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Station Mouse<o:p></o:p></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
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Written and illustrated by Meg McLaren<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anderson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
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ISBN: 978-1783445639<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maurice is a most conscientious station mouse and is careful
to follow the rules - taking care not to be seen and staying in during the
daytime. He is in charge of lost property and the bold and detailed
illustrations show the wonderful plethora of belongings the passengers leave
behind. Maurice wonders whether they miss their possessions until the day when
he just cannot help himself and returns a very special lost item to a little
boy. It seems that some rules can be changed for the better. The simple text is
just right, and the illustrations deserve detailed examination as they add to
and extend the tale. A delightful story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Cook and the King<o:p></o:p></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
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Written by Julia Donaldson<o:p></o:p></div>
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Illustrated by David Roberts<o:p></o:p></div>
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Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
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ISBN: 978-1509813773<o:p></o:p></div>
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“There once was a very hungry king / Who needed a cook like
anything”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kings have a lot of kingly
things to do, so they can’t be expected to spend time rustling up their own
meals. Still, finding a skilled cook is not all that easy if you know a thing
or two about food. Enter Wobbly Bob. He seems to be a complete novice and he is
scared, scared, scared, in the way that many of us are when we’re faced with a
new challenge. However, the King senses Bob’s potential and shows him what to
do - modelling both courage and culinary prowess along the way. Like everything
from Julia Donaldson, this story is a joy to read aloud. As for the peerless
David Roberts, his illustrations cast a comedic spell that holds all the best
ingredients in perfect balance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Cook
and the King<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></i>is everything you
could wish for in a picture book - it’s clever, it’s accessible, it’s
instructive and it’s very good fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tessa Strickland<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Great Bunny Bakes<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></b></b></b><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Written and illustrated by
Ellie Snowdon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Simon & Schuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">ISBN: 978-1471166341<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Wolf absolutely lives to
bake. When he gets a flyer through the door advertising A Great Bunny Bake-Off,
he soon decides to undertake an ingenious feat of deception and take part in
the competition himself! What could go wrong?! An extremely entertaining read
and the illustrations, with their simple colour palette, are hilarious, adding
a very funny extra dimension to the story. The animals are absolutely adorable
(Though you need to watch out for one particularly bad bunny!) and the extra
little asides and details are a real treat for both adults and children alike. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Great Bunny Bakes</i> is an absolute treat
for anyone who enjoys a spot of baking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Becca Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Rosa Draws<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Written and illustrated by Jordan
Wray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">words & pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">ISBN: 978-1910277492<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">As the title suggests, Rosa loves
to draw. Her colourful imagination bursts out through her drawings, sprawling
energetically across pages. From a bear eating a hat, to a giraffe stealing a
teapot, young readers will be captivated by Rosa’s imaginative creations. But
when Rosa loses her train of thought, will she be able to find it again? As the
fantastical story reaches a peak, the reader holds her breath to see what will
happen to Rosa’s ‘canvas’; but no fear, it turns out her mum loves to draw too!
Dynamic drawings leap off the pages and the rhyming text bounces the reader
through the story. A delightful read for pre-schoolers and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fixer the Robot</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by John Kelly<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Faber & Faber<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0571336371<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Meet Fixer, a helpful, generous, brave, little space robot
who sets out daily to repair other robots working on the planet’s surface. As
Fixer does his rounds he is able to help Dug with his broken spade, Bull with
his flat battery and Gertie with her smashed gearbox. It’s a satisfying day’s
work, but when Fixer heads back to base, disaster suddenly strikes and Fixer
himself is left helpless. Will his robot friends realise what’s happened and be
able to help in time? John Kelly’s space world is imagined through fabulous
colour illustrations packed with energy and expression, which give
individuality to his robot characters. The story’s bouncing rhythm and rhyme,
an abundance of quirky details and the use of dynamic lettering at moments of
tension, all combine with the bold pictures to make this book great fun to look
at and read aloud. A wonderful combination of action, rhyme and robots; this
book is a warm-hearted story of friends helping one another in need and valuing
their different strengths. I hope we’ll see more of Fixer – he’s my tip for a
hit character!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anne Walker<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Audrey the Amazing Inventor<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written by
Rachel Valentine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by Katie Weymouth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">words and
pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN:
978-1910277584<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Audrey is
full of curiosity about how things work, and when she decides she wants to be
an inventor, she starts to practice by inventing some amazing machines.
Unfortunately, they are not completely successful and her father and her pet
cat suffer the consequences. When her automatic cat shampoo machine
malfunctions she is mortified and almost gives up. But Dad comforts her saying
that inventions are not disasters if she learns from her mistakes. Audrey plans
her next invention very carefully and it turns out remarkably well, apart from
one final rather amusing detail. Fortunately, Dad can see the funny side and
the cat is pleased too, so all ends well. There are lots of visual details in
this colourful picture book and children will enjoy studying the inventions and
their comic results. Adults may need to add a bit more interpretation than the
text offers, but this would make a good read-aloud story for individuals or for
groups of children. Two of the illustrations require turning the book through
90 degrees which makes for added interest. It might even prompt some children
to try out some zany inventions of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ruby’s Worry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written and
illustrated by Tom Percival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Bloomsbury<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN: 978-
1408892152<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ruby is a
happy child living in what looks like a tropical paradise. But, when a small
worry grows close to her, it gradually gets bigger and bigger until it consumes
all her thoughts. It seems Ruby’s happy days are behind her forever. Then one
day she meets a small boy at the park, who also has a worry, and realises that
other people have their worries too. When she asks him to talk about his worry,
a strange thing happens – it gets smaller! Before long Ruby has shared her
worry too and both of them find their worries have disappeared. A muted palette
of soft blues and yellow makes this story very easy on the eye. The simply
drawn characters are full of life and expression and the quiet but growing
scribble that denotes the worry is a looming presence that conveys the pressure
of a simple anxiety very convincingly. Above all this book promotes a very
useful message - that talking about our worries is one of the best ways to deal
with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sorrel and the
Sleepover<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Corrinne Averiss<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Susan Varley<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Anderson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783446124<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The soft and delicate illustrations of this simple tale
describe special friends, Sorrel and Sage, who are alike in every way. They
enjoy the same games, sing the same songs and have the same stripe on their
tails. But when Sorrel goes to stay at Sage’s home she realises that not
everything is the same and makes excuses so that Sage doesn’t discover how
Sorrel’s home is very different to hers. But the friends soon discover that
differences don’t matter at all when you are best friends. A delightful story
to be enjoyed many times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Supertato: Veggies in the Valley of Doom<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">Written and illustrated by
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">Simon & Schuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">ISBN: 978-1471171703<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">When Supertato and his
friends begin a game of hide and seek, little do they know it will soon become
the greatest treasure hunt ever! Soon, things start to go horribly wrong, and
Supertato and the veggies find themselves in a spot of bother. Who can they
possibly call on to help? Another great addition to this funny series by Sue
Hendra and Paul Linnet. Bright and bold illustrations are sure to catch the eye
of any little one and the cheeky vegetables will definitely get some delighted
laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Becca Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Quick, Barney, Run!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Pip Jones<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Laura Hughes<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Faber & Faber<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0571327522<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wholly delightful! Barney’s big sister takes him on an
adventure on one of those days to which everyone can relate when the rain is
pouring, Daddy is fast asleep, Mummy is working and everything is so boring.
So, they jump in a cardboard box and magic away to an under stairs jungle and
go on to meet a tufty-furred gibbon, a colourful bird and a tiger which proves
so tempting to poke with a stick … that they return home very quickly! The
clever rhymes and fabulously imaginative fun illustrations add to the totally
magical, exciting experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This,
together with other titles involving Ruby Roo, will be a firm favourite.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p><b>What Does an
Anteater Eat?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and
illustrated by Ross Collins<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN:
978-1788002646<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Anteater is not
very clever and he is hungry. But, he can’t remember what an anteater really
eats, so he sets off through the jungle to find out. Sloth is too lazy to
answer, Toucan thinks it could be watermelon, Crocodile hasn’t got any idea,
but then he’s too busy eating, and Leopard is unable to offer any advice as he
lounges on a tree wondering how good an anteater might taste. Eventually
Anteater stumbles on an ants’ nest under a banana plant and when they all run
for their lives he suddenly remembers what he is supposed to eat. The matter of
fact humour and gently amusing illustrations give the reader the perfect
opportunity to have a good old laugh at Anteater’s expense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Steve, Terror of the Seas</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Written and illustrated by Megan Brewis</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">OUP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ISBN: 978-0192766854</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Steve is not a scary looking fish in any way. He’s
actually quite small and friendly looking, but all the other sea creatures, and
even the people swimming in the sea, flee in terror as he approaches. Steve
shows us other sea creatures, like puffer fish, viperfish and blob fish, all of
which are much more frightening than he is, so it’s all a mystery! Or is it?
Look very carefully on each wonderful double-page spread for the clue is always
there. Thankfully, Steve has a very good, and extremely large, friend called
George and George isn’t the least bit afraid of him. This simple and
delightfully amusing story also illustrates the symbiotic relationship between
a pilot fish and a shark and the last spread shows the ways in which Steve and
George look after each other. Symbiosis is not a word any toddler needs to
worry about, but the idea of friends looking out for each other is
heartwarming.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Jan Lennon</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Long
Dog<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by James Davies<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Templar<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1787411098</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Long Dog is just that – a very long dog and his small owner
loves him. Sometimes the boy’s parents think Long Dog’s length is becoming a
problem but the child thinks he is perfect. However, when his friends start
saying Long Dog is different and making fun of him, Long Dog and his owner feel
sad. It isn’t until all the other dogs fall down a hole and it is Long Dog to
the rescue that everyone realises it is good to be different sometimes and Long
Dog has skills no one else does. A delightful picture book, full of humour but
with a subtle, positive message about celebrating difference. Simple style
illustrations in red and yellow fit really well with the story and the end
boards, featuring Long Dog in all his glory, are a nice addition to the book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little Owls First Day<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Debi Gliori<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Alison Brown<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1408892213</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
It is a big day for Little Owl - his first day at school,
but he would rather have a small day at home with Mummy & Baby Owl, doing
all the things they usually do together. All day he is thinking about them,
whilst he learns to build a sandcastle, helps with storytime and best of all,
makes a new friend, who helps him to realise that maybe big days can be fun
after all. Simple style and language combine with bright, colourful
illustrations, making this fun to read aloud or alone. A lovely, reassuring
story for children who are about to start nursery or school and who might be
anxious about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There’s Room for Everyone<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Anahita Teymorian<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Tiny Owl<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1910328361</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A small child reflects on how there is enough room in the
house for all his toys and his family, enough room in the sky for all the stars
and the moon, enough room in the garden for all the birds and in the library
for all the books. When he grows up and becomes a sailor, he realises that
there is enough room in the sea for the all the fish and enough room in the
world for all the animals. Why then is it that people are the only ones
fighting for space and even going to war for it? He thinks that if only people
were kinder to each other, they would understand that there is room enough for
everyone. A beautiful picture book with a powerful, yet gently told, message and
one that is particularly important in the current climate of fear, conflict,
the displacement of people and the resulting refugee crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iranian author/illustrator Anahita
Teymorian’s stunning illustrations are rich in colour and quirky in style,
working well together with her text to get the message across within an
enjoyable story, that can be used very effectively to discuss these issues with
children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Audrey the Amazing
Inventor<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Rachel Valentine<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Katie Weymouth<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
words & pictures<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1910277584</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Audrey wants to be an inventor, but her inventions don’t
seem to be as successful as she planned and she starts to lose heart. Her dad
and her pet, Happy Cat, tell her that all the famous inventors had lots of
inventions that didn’t work at first and that she should keep persevering. So,
she decides to try again. A fun, humorous story with a lively, engaging text
and bright colourful illustrations. A strong, feisty heroine with big dreams
and a positive underpinning message about going for your dreams and persevering
to achieve your goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You’re Safe with Me<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Chitra Soundar<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Poonam Mistry<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Lantana<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1911373292<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
It is bedtime for the baby animals but, when the night turns
dark and stormy, they are fearful and cannot sleep. Only Mama Elephant is able
to soothe them, explaining why the stormy winds blow, the thunder roars and the
lightning flashes, and reassuring them with her gentle words, “You’re safe with
me.” As well as being an author, Chitra Soundar is an accomplished storyteller
and her skills as a storyteller are very much evident in the way that the book
has been written and reads aloud. The illustrations which reflect the nature
and folklore of traditional Indian art are stunning and their interpretation of
the lyrical text mesmerises the reader. The design of the book and the
production quality is excellent. It is a book that shouts out to be shared and
read aloud - an ideal book for bedtime book and one that children and their
parents will want to return to again and again. A wonderful addition to our
collection of multi-cultural stories and one that deserves to be widely
promoted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b>Square<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Written by Mac Barnett<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Illustrated by Jon Klassen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ISBN: 978-1406378658<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Every day Square pushes stone blocks to the top of a hill. Circle mistakes
one of the blocks as a self-portrait and asks Square to make a sculpture of
her. Square works desperately on the commissions and creates a ring of rubble.
He falls asleep in the rain. Next morning Circle sees her reflection in the
pool of rainwater that accumulated overnight and declares Square a genius. The
book ends with the question, "But was he really?" This is an
exceptionally clever book that teaches very young children about shapes, and,
simultaneously, raises philosophical questions about art, misunderstandings and
perceptions. Square is unimaginative and insecure, and Circle is artistic and
suave. There is plenty of wry humour in Jon Klassen’s artwork, especially in
the picture of an exhausted Square toppling over with a twig dangling from his
head. Highly recommended. </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 101.25pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Brenda
Marshall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333;">Goat’s Coat<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Written
by Tom Percival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Illustrated
by Christine Pym<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Bloomsbury<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333;">ISBN:
978-1408881019<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Goat’s Coat</span></i><span style="color: #333333; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> is an enchanting new picture book which is sure to delight readers of
all ages with its message of kindness and friendship. Alfonzo is thrilled with
his new coat - it’s bright, colourful and warm. As Alfonzo is skipping along
filled with happiness, he comes across creature after creature that needs his
help, and, little by little, his coat disappears as he uses it to assist his
friends. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goat’s Coat</i> is the ideal way
to introduce young readers to the concept that being kind and helping others
can bring more happiness than mere possessions. Children will fall in love with
Alfonzo as he selflessly shares his beloved coat with his friends in need. The
brightly coloured illustrations are charming and add fun to the delightful
tale, as we follow Alfonzo’s continuing generosity. There is also much going on
in the background for children to enjoy. The story is told in rhyming couplets,
which makes it fun to share and read aloud. At a time when there appears to be
a focus on instant gratification, such a generous and heart-warming story is to
be celebrated.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Held in Love<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Dawn Casey<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Oamul Lu<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Frances Lincoln<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1786030672<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A most unusual, special book that is heartfelt, meditative
and sincere. The cover is attractive with the title picked out in gold. The
text is a mother’s blessing, conveying the love between parent and child. The
language is gentle, warm and evocative with rhyme and repetition that would read
well aloud. The illustrations and colour palette are peaceful and soothing. A
truly loving, intimate book with a timeless global message. It would be an
ideal gift for new parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda Marshall<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sophie Johnson: Unicorn Expert<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Morag Hood<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Ella Okstad<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Simon & Schuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1471145629<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Sophie is a unicorn expert. She has 17 of them, and the illustrations show
that Sophie can transform most things into unicorns by adding horns made from
cardboard or a toothbrush. Sophie enjoys teaching them about magic, hunting for
food, and the danger of balloons. She is so absorbed with looking after them
that she does not notice when a real unicorn joins the group. This is a
charming story of a little girl who is happy and totally absorbed in her
fantasy world. Text and illustration are well matched. The rainbow colours in
the unicorn’s mane and throughout the book are entrancing. The illustrations
capture the character of the animals, and the mess and creativity of a young child’s
life. Great fun, and highly recommended.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div align="right" style="text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda
Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Just Ate My Friend<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Heidi McKinnon<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Allen & Unwin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1760634353<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A monster has just eaten his friend and now he is very
unhappy and lonely. So, he goes looking for a new friend. Eventually, another
monster chooses him as his friend. All seems well until … The ending is
excellent and will make you laugh out loud. This book works well as a humorous
adventure story, and there are underlying messages about being a friend,
keeping and losing friends, impulsivity, self-control, worry and sadness. The
illustrations are strong with bright colours and white font. A clever book that
will be enjoyed by young children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Society of
Distinguished Lemmings<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Julie Colombet<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Templar<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1787410541<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Deep in their burrow, The Society of Distinguished Lemmings
lead a very busy life, enjoying a varied social calendar bound by a strict set
of rules. From musical accomplishments to fine dining, they strive to be
distinguished in everything they do. But Bertie decides that there is far too
much noise and ventures outside, where he encounters a bear, which despite its
size and lack of distinguished accomplishments, is friendly. Bertie soon learns
that there is more to life than being distinguished – you can have fun doing
different things. And although the other lemmings don’t agree initially, they
change their minds when the bear rescues them from a rather wet and dangerous
situation. With quirky, expressive illustrations this is a delightful
exploration of accepting difference and making friends, perfect for sharing.
There is much to discover in the detailed pictures, especially in those
depicting the burrow, and each of the multitude of lemmings has an opinion to
express!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Dragonsitter’s
Surprise<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Josh Lacey<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Garry Parsons<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783446230<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A delightful addition to the series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dragonsitter’s Surprise</i> sees Edward dealing with an egg that
his Uncle Morton gave him as a birthday present. The egg is supposedly dead,
but soon starts rattling and cracking before erupting into something bright and
fluffy with claws. It turns out to be the Yellow Phoenix, known to experts as
the terror of dragons. Chaos soon ensues as the dragons fly in to protect
Edward, though their ‘deposits’ on the patio and Mum’s news are both equally
startling. The book ends with a lovely surprise. Lavishly illustrated by Garry
Parsons, this funny and heart-warming book will be a huge success with fans of
the series and those coming new to it alike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Wills.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Knight Who Said
“NO!”<o:p></o:p></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Lucy Rowland<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Kate Hindley<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978- 1788002080<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Ned was a Knight - the most amenable Knight ever. Whatever
anyone asks him to do, he always says, “Yes”. Every evening, a fierce dragon
flies over the town and Ned is told to go inside and, as always, he says,
“Yes”. However, one evening, Ned stayed outside to watch the dragon, and
something happened inside him. He heard the dragon groan and sigh and felt
sorry for her. To everyone’s surprise, Ned started to use the word “No”, and so
the story unfolds and it includes the unhappy dragon. A delightful book -
funny, well written and illustrated, with good rhyming text and amusing
pictures. A pleasure to read and I am sure children will really enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mascot!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Alan MacDonald<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by David Roberts<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Stripes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847158116<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
I think the title probably sums up the main character. He is
mucky and scruffy and always in trouble! Part of the Dirty Bertie series, this
book contains 3 stories about Bertie - his character, the trouble he gets into
and the way that he generally manages to wriggle free. They are all enormous
fun to read, moving at a fast pace, mainly because Bertie moves at a fast pace
and is always up to something different. I would really recommend this book, as
it describes the chaotic situations that Bertie gets himself into and children
can empathise with Bertie, whilst appreciating and enjoying the stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Oh Me, Oh My, A PIE!<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Jan Fearnley<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1788001038<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Grandma Bear has made a pie and has left it on a shelf to
cool. A fox passes by and steals it, but, he is only the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i> thief. As runs away with his prize, a whole group of other
animals are waiting to steal it, each in their turn. Miraculously, it finds its
way back to Grandma Bear and she kindly offers to share it with them all. But,
sadly, it doesn’t really work out as the animals have a problem with the idea
of sharing. This is a really enchanting book, with a good story, humorous illustrations
and a lively rhyming text. I am sure all children will love it, either to read
alone or share with others. This story offers a brilliant opportunity to talk
about the concept of sharing. Strongly recommended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luna and the Moon Rabbit<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Camille Whitcher<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Scribblers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1912233250<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Luna and her granny are looking at the moon. Granny is
telling her about the Moon Rabbit, who loves rice cakes. So, having placed a
very tempting rice cake on the windowsill, Luna waits. The Moon Rabbit arrives
and off they go on a wonderful adventure. A lovely story - very gentle and
charming. The relationship between Luna and the Rabbit is perfect, and at the
end of her adventure, he leaves her fast asleep with her own toy white rabbit.
Was this all a dream, or did it really happen? The story, the text and the
illustrations are all delightful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<span style="color: #0070c0;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for young children
</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Reading Confidently<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Shawn and Bill and the Almost Entirely Unplanned Adventure<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Written by A.
L. Kennedy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Illustrated
by Gemma Correll<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1406360493</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This story opens with Badger Bill trapped in a dirty, smelly
sack. Bill, with a group of four elegant llamas, have been captured by two
extremely villainous sisters. Bill is to fight three very nasty dogs, and the
llamas will be baked into pies. Thank goodness for tall, lanky, kindly,
eccentric Uncle Shawn, who doesn’t wear socks because he had given half his
last pair to a young squirrel who wanted to play at camping and use it as a
sleeping bag. Uncle Shawn loves dancing, jokes, multi-coloured caravans, having
adventures and happy endings. Unexpected ideas and lots of amusing
illustrations combine to make this the funniest, kindest, sort of book to read,
and then keep under the pillow and dream happily by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Uncle Shawn and Bill and the Pajimminy–Crimminy Unusual Adventure<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Written by A.
L. Kennedy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Illustrated
by Gemma Correll<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ISBN:
978-1406360509<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Just as life is going well for Badger Bill, Uncle Shawn and
all their friends, a new doctor appears in the village, noting down all that’s
unusual. Unusualness is very suspect, probably criminal, and Uncle Shawn is to
be locked up until he can be cured and the unusualness driven out of him. Uncle
Shawn needs rescuing and his best friend, Badger Bill, is determined to help,
along with four arguing llamas, a pirate girl and lots of spiders. There are
lots of happily ridiculous adventures, the quietly determined Shawn tap dancing
to Old MacDonald, despite the threats hanging over him, much to the confusion
of his captor. Throughout, there is the strongest possible approval for what
is, or who is, different, unique or unusual - that is what makes us all
special, the author proves, and what a consoling message that is for all
children. Much fun, laugh-out-loud events and illustrations, with chapter
headings to lead you on, this is a book with kindness at its heart. Unmissable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Akissi:
Tales of Mischief<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written by Marguerite Abouet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Illustrated by Mathieu Sapin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flying Eye<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ISBN: 978-1911171478<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For a small girl, Akissi bursts onto the page larger than
life. She’s bold, adventurous and precocious, but, at the same time, vulnerable
and innocent - all the perfect ingredients for creating her own kind of
mischief. Told in a traditional comic style, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Akissi: Tales of Mischief</i> is packed with amusing episodes from
adopting a mouse as a teddy to discovering the problem with telling tales.
Often funny and poignant, these tales reveal stark contrasts with modern
western life, like dealing with tapeworms or the terror of having to go outside
for a ‘pee’ at night. Based on the Ivory Coast childhood of Abouet, Akissi’s
adventures will resonate with a range of young readers, opening a window on a
different time, place and culture and yet also sharing some familiar problems,
emotions and characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Benjamin
Scott<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span class="a-size-large"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dino Wars: Rise of the Raptors<o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by <span class="a-size-medium">Dan Metcalf<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="a-size-medium">Illustrated
by Aaron Blecha</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Maverick Arts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1848863194<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dino Wars: Rise of the
Raptors</i> is the first in an exciting new adventure series for young
confident readers. Set in the year 3142, the world is ruled by the genetically
engineered dinosaurs who won the Dino Wars. However, humans and dinosaurs live
in harmony in the secluded city of Bastion. Here, Adam Caine, his sister Chloe
and best friend Dag, a tech-savvy Iguanodon, discover that an old biological
weapon has been activated which will destroy all dinosaur life. The group of
young friends set out on the adventure of a lifetime to save the world. This is
a fun action-packed tale that younger readers will enjoy. There is gentle peril
as our young heroes undertake their quest, with evil dinosaurs to battle, as
well as peace-loving dinos who help the youngsters on their way. Children will
enjoy learning the names of the different dinosaurs as they follow the intrepid
team on their journey. The squabbles between Adam and his sister Chloe will be
familiar to children with siblings, and the way all the children and dinosaurs work
together to get results sends a positive message. The comic black and white
cartoon illustrations throughout, bring the book to life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Ade’s Amazing
Ade-Ventures: Battle of the Cyborg Cat</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Written by Ade Adepitan</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Illustrated by David M. Buisán</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Studio<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ISBN: 978-1787413252</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Ade Adepitan is a wheelchair basketball star and
Paralympian. Young readers interested in sport will have seen him as a
presenter and sports commentator during the Olympics and Paralympics. The story
is based on the time during the 1980s when Ade moved to London from Nigeria. It
was difficult for a young child to assimilate into English society and school,
without the added problem facing Ade. He had contracted polio as a baby and, as
a result, wore a calliper on his left leg. The story is funny and well-written
with black and white illustrations. It gives a good insight into many of the
problems and cultural differences Ade had to face.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Secret of the Night Train<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written by
Sylvia Bishop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by Marco Guadalupi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1407184401<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eleven year
old Max (short for Maximilienne) is stifled by the lack of stimulation in her
conventional Parisian home, so when the chance comes to travel to Istanbul
without her family, she is determined to make the most of it. The journey turns
out to be an adventure in detection as she and her eccentric companion, a
detective nun, find themselves on the trail of a jewel thief. Max uses the
quest to bury her anxiety about being so far from home, and grows in confidence
as she travels, even when separated from her chaperone, before reaching a
satisfying and rather surprising conclusion. A very readable story told with
humour and a light imaginative touch. While some of the characters appear like
comic book stereotypes, they are none the less real enough in the context of
this very lively story. The style and presentation are so positive that the
reader is happy to suspend belief to enjoy the far-fetched adventure. As Max
travels by train across Europe, we share her suspicions and concerns and admire
her detection skills and bravery. This is an easy to read and fast moving
adventure story which should be enjoyed by young confident readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries: The Vanishing Dragon</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Written by Robert J. Harris</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Kelpies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ISBN: 978-1782504832</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Even the great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a 13 year
old schoolboy once, and it’s easy to believe that he was every bit as clever as
the fictionalised Artie in this story. We are in Victorian Edinburgh for this,
their second adventure - Artie and his pal, Ham, are engaged to investigate the
series of strange events interrupting the rehearsals of Professor John Henry
Anderson’s magic show and threatening to spoil the great magician’s comeback performance.
When a huge dragon, the centrepiece of the whole show, impossibly disappears
from a locked room, Artie needs to think even harder and it becomes clear that
something else altogether is going on. The story is a glorious mash-up of known
facts about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, like his difficult early home life and his
interest in the supernatural, and other historical events, along with a great
helping of fun. There are flamboyant characters, clues and false leads, moments
of hold-your-breath excitement and a clever plot that will keep readers turning
the pages. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Gravediggers' Club</i>,
the first adventure in the series was reviews in issue 65.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Knights and the
Best Quest<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kaye Umansky<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Barrington Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1781127674<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The Knights of the Drop Leaf Table decide it is time for
them to go on a quest and King Artie and Queen Gwinny agree to present the
winning knight, the one who achieves the most points, with a silver goblet. Sir
Percy draws up the rules: 10 points for killing a dragon and stealing its
treasure, 9 points for rescuing a damsel in distress, 8 points for finding a
sword in a stone, 7 for finding one in a lake, down to 1 point for finding a
lost cat. The cook prepares each knight with a sandwich pack as they all set
off. But, like all good Arthurian quests, things don’t go exactly to plan! A
hilarious twist on the King Arthur stories and full of the wacky humour and
wordplay that Kaye Umansky brings to her stories, making them so irresistible
to children. Part of the Barrington Stoke <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Super
Readable</i> stories, it has a dyslexia friendly layout, typeface and paper.
Hopefully, this is the first in an ongoing series and we will see more
adventures of these daft knights.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Riddle of the Runes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written by
Janina Ramirez<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by David Wyatt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">OUP<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>£<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN: 978-0192766335<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Art
historian and TV presenter Dr Janina Ramirez has written her first children’s
book and it’s a rollercoaster ride of suspense and adventure set in the world
of the Vikings. Her heroine is Alva, a twelve year old girl who proves herself to
be a brave and stalwart shield maiden, determined to discover the message
behind a series of runes carved on a mysterious bone box. The runes lead her
and her wolf, Fenrir, together with her Uncle Magnus and mother Brianna, to
another box, a Christian treasure containing the bones of an Anglo-Saxon saint,
stolen in the Viking raids on Lindisfarne. This is a gripping and fast-moving
story set in a fictional Viking village. The author’s deep knowledge of the
period and expertise with Viking runes make the whole an authentic historical
experience and bring the period very much to life. Yet, Alva’s feelings are
those of a girl of any age and are wholly relevant to readers of today. As the
plot develops, Alva’s emotions and motives are explored, making for a
thoughtful read alongside the action. David Wyatt’s atmospheric illustrations
reflect and enhance the story. This is a rewarding, yet accessible, adventure
story for confident readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: black;"> </span></span></b></b></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: black;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></span></b></span></b><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
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<strong>The Rose Muddle Mysteries: The Secret Ruby</strong></div>
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Written by Imogen White<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1474927307<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the second book in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Rose Muddle Mysteries</i> series but can easily be read as a
standalone. Rose Muddle is a feisty and dynamic heroine who with her friend,
Rui, attempts to return a ruby to its rightful owner, even though they are up
against magic, danger and powerful enemies. The characterisation is terrific,
and the book evokes the early 1900s wonderfully. I must confess to having loved
the first book in this series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Amber
Pendant</i>, and was delighted to continue Rose’s adventures. A sure-fire hit,
filled with twists, turns and sparkling originality. Highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Wills.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Skylarks’ War<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div>
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Written by Hilary McKay<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1509894949<o:p></o:p></div>
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Clarrie and her older brother, Peter, live, for their summer
holidays, with their grandparents in Cornwall, along with their amazing cousin,
Rupert. Between these times, their life is very restricted by their dour,
remote father. Peter is sent to boarding school but Carrie is left at home with
only the barest minimum of an unstimulating education. When the war begins,
life changes - Rupert joins the army and life is reduced to worrying about him
and his friends who have also volunteered, and about how to get enough food,
and coal to heat the house and cook with. However, despite all the worries and
shortages caused by the war, life changes for the better for Clarrie and Peter
- it becomes more positive and challenging. This is a wonderful, well written
story about life before and during the war - both the upsides and the
downsides. A very difficult book to put down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<u><o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Wild Folk<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Written by Sylvia V. Linsteadt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ISBN:</span><span style="color: #333333;"> 978-1474934985<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Magical, mythical and sweepingly
magnificent, this is a new fable for modern times. On the island of Farallone,
an environmental disaster has struck. There is division between City and
Country - the two groups of humans are separated, each believing the other to
be the enemy. When Tin, a City boy, and Comfrey, a Country girl, meet events
are set in motion. They encounter challenge, secrecy and danger as they uncover
the depths of the land’s disaster. Will they be able to defeat the sinister
forces at work and enable restoration before it is too late? Sylvia Linstead’s
prose is lyrical as she paints a powerful picture of the land and its
inhabitants. Familiar mythical ingredients of menacing enemies, perilous
journeys and impossible challenges, achieved only with the assistance of
surprising creatures, weave a complex and luscious web of narrative. The two
protagonists are appealing characters with believable flaws, and readers will warm
to their courage and honesty. Compelling and highly recommended, this first
volume in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stargold Chronicles</i> has
a satisfying conclusion which will make readers eager for the next, due for
publication in 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: black;">Clownfish</span></span><o:p></o:p></b></span></b></span></b></span></b><br />
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Written by Alan Durant<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN:<span style="background: white;">
978-1406374629</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ever since Dak's dad died,
everything has been difficult to deal with. While Mum continues to struggle in
her own way, cutting herself off from the world, Dak decides to seek solace in
his and Dad's favourite place - the local aquarium. Whilst there, Dak begins to
deal with his grief in a most unusual way. A quirky look at dealing with loss,
told in an offbeat, yet sensitive, way. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Clownfish
</i>will appeal to fans of Ross Welford and Lara Williamson. Dak is a likeable
protagonist, and his burgeoning friendship with the feisty Violet is funny and
charming. A gentle approach to a serious subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Becca Watts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The List of Real Things<o:p></o:p></span></b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">by Sarah
Moore Fitzgerald<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Orion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN:
978-1444014815<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grace’s
parents have died and she lives with her little sister, Bee, their uncle,
Freddy, and his father, Grandad Patrick. The girls are grieving, but Freddy
tries to ignore the past and focus on providing them with a happy childhood.
Meanwhile Grace worries constantly about Bee’s vivid imagination. When Patrick
dies, Bee’s grief comes spilling out. The magical realism reinforces the point
that real life and fantasy can sometimes be confused. What emerges is the
importance of the grieving process in order to accept the death of our loved
ones. The reality of school and its friendship groups helps to balance the
focus on the girls’ feelings which dominates the story at home. We identify
closely with Grace as she seeks to contain Bee’s wilder imaginings, and when
Grace realises that she needs help as much as Bee does, cleverly, we feel the
same sense of personal insight. Overall this is a very well written book about
a difficult subject, and a great read too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A Good Day for Climbing Trees<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written by
Jaco Jacobs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by Jim Tierney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Translated
by Kobus Geldenhuys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Rock the
Boat<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1786073174<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Marnus is
the middle of three brothers, and often feels invisible to his parents. It’s
the Christmas holidays in South Africa and as usual he feels trapped between being
bullied by his older brother and being financially exploited by his younger
one. Then Leila turns up on the doorstep with a petition to save a tree. Marnus
quickly becomes drawn into her campaign and ends up with a starring role.
Sadly, the tree cannot be saved, but Marnus certainly emerges stronger and more
confident from the experience. This is a simple short story about friendship,
direct action, and the value of taking a stand. The text reads smoothly, the
characters are lightly drawn and the plot quite slight, in this pleasing read
which explores some interesting issues of friendship and trust as well as
cross-generational understanding. The campaign to save the tree ends in failure
but there’s a much more realistic outcome which celebrates some of the lessons
learned along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No Fixed Address<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Susin Nielsen<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Anderson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783447213<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Felix wants to live a normal life but he and his mother,
Astrid, live in a van and are continually on the move. Astrid promises that it
is only temporary until she finds a job, but Felix knows that she is good at
bending the truth. As he settles in at a new school, Felix is tired of hiding
the reality from his new friends and struggling with the difficulties of van
life. Written with honesty and humour, we warm to this redoubtable young man as
he comes up with an ambitious plan to change their fortunes. Of course, events
don’t turn out exactly as Felix had planned, but, thankfully, their friends
come to the rescue and Felix and Astrid have the chance to make a new life for
themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Darkness of Dragons<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by S. A. Patrick<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1474945677<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The first in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Songs
of Magic</i> series, this exciting story takes the tale of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pied Piper of Hamelin </i>and mixes it with dragons, music and
three unlikely heroes, creating an unusual adventure. Patch is an apprentice
piper who has been imprisoned for playing a forbidden tune. In a world where
music has the power to control everything, not only rats, Patch discovers that
their songs are being used for good and ill. Helped to escape by Wren, a young
girl cursed by a sorcerer, and a fire-breathing dracogriff, Patch is determined
to thwart the plans of the evil Piper of Hamelyn. This fast-paced, skillfully
written, captivating adventure celebrates magic, bravery, ingenuity and the
strength of friendship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span class="a-size-large"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Indigo Island<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by <span class="a-size-medium">Susan Moore</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0857639585<span class="a-size-large"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span class="a-size-large"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indigo
Island</i> is the third book in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nat
Walker</i> trilogy by Susan Moore. In this final thrilling adventure Nat and
her faithful robot dragon, Fizz, are in San Francisco having followed clues
from her late parents. They are searching for the ancient sword, Gan Jiang. Nat
must find it before her nemesis, Lang Liu, who plans to use its power to
animate a robot army enabling him to take over the world. This is a fun and
exciting page turner that will have young readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in the future, Nat’s world resembles a computer game with hybrid robots,
robot pets, and travel by hover-board. There is plenty here to spark young
imaginations, especially those readers who are also gamers. There is action
throughout, with the two young heroes being brave in the face of peril. There
is enough backstory included to be able to read this third title in the series
as a stand-alone, but why would you with such a gripping trilogy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span class="a-size-large"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Messed-Up Life<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by <span class="a-size-medium">Susin Nielsen</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Anderson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1783445523<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Pre-teen Violet is not happy because her dad has left his family in
Vancouver to start a new life in L.A. with a younger wife and two new babies
and her mum seems to have very low standards when it comes to finding a new
partner. As an added irritant, Violet and her best friend, Phoebe, are
constantly being harassed by the ‘popular’ girls at school. Violet decides to
take things into her own hands, and she has the perfect man in mind for her Mum
- George Clooney. Violet’s letters to George Clooney and her attempts to thwart
her Mum’s potential love interests are comical. This is a funny book but with
the tender underlying story of a young girl struggling to accept her parents’
break up. Violet is a feisty girl - some of her escapades are inspired, but
they often land her in trouble, such as the cat poo trick, and tracking down
George Clooney. Definitely, an entertaining read. Many of the secondary
characters are well drawn and play a big role in Violet’s story. There is also
a guest appearance from a big Hollywood star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Book Case<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Dave Shelton<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
David Fickling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£10.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1910200544<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
After an unfortunate, unspecified incident at her old school
Daphne is offered a place at St Rita’s School for Spirited Girls, an exclusive
girl’s boarding school. She is given the task of helping in the school library,
a mysterious edifice that has very few books, a terrifying cat and a student
librarian, Emily Lime. What follows is a crime-mystery-comedy caper that is
totally bizarre and thoroughly entertaining - think St Trinian’s meets Fawlty
Towers and you’ll get the idea. Could this be the first in a new series of
Emily Lime mysteries?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Charlie Green and the
Knights of the Round Table<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Martyn Blunden<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Troubador<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1789010268<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Charlie Green is boy who knows all about time travel. When
an elderly museum guide tells him about a miscarriage of justice at the Court
of King Arthur at Camelot, Charlie decides to put it right. In fact, he wants
to travel back in time and actually stop it happening. He, and the group of
friends who go with him, meet all the main characters from Camelot - Arthur,
Guinevere, Lancelot, Galahad, Merlin and, of course, Morgana le Fay, plus a
host of other characters, both good and bad. Does he succeed? You will have to
read it to find out. It is a book of non-stop action, with a range of weird and
wonderful characters - even in those parts of the book that are set in modern
times. It is thoroughly enjoyable and will give huge pleasure to readers who
enjoy books with a historical slant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The Boy Who Hit Play<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Written by
Chloe Daykin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Faber &
Faber<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">ISBN:
978-0571326785<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Elvis Crampton Lucas was found on a bench at a zoo, taken
home in a Stetson hat and named after the first three vinyl records his
‘father’ picked off the shelf. On his twelfth birthday, Elvis decides to
discover who left him on that bench, and why. All he has is a scrap of
Norwegian newspaper, his ‘dad’ and his friend, Lloyd. Their journey to the
north of Norway is constantly shadowed and threatened by a seriously scary
tweed clad figure who is prepared to kill to prevent them reaching their
journey’s end. Lloyd, a seriously flaky, country and western eccentric, sells
all his possessions to fund the trip, but increasingly seems to be hiding
secrets himself. As unpredictable and menacing as a Sherlock Holmes story, but
with constant punctuations of humour, unexpectedly warm family feelings and a
precarious trust in the people they meet along the way. The ending is quite
unexpected, yet firmly sets in place the loose pieces of the jigsaw puzzle left
lying about earlier. Curious, unmissable and deeply satisfying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Across the Divide</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Written by Anne Booth</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Catnip<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ISBN: 978-1910611111</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The island of Lindisfarne may be beautiful and
magical, but it’s a very long way from Olivia’s home. She is spending the
school holiday with her dad because her mum has been arrested at a </span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">demonstration</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> against
the army base on the mainland. She really doesn’t want to be there as there are
issues to be dealt with back home. Many people in Olivia’s home town, and in
her school, have strong connections to the nearby army base and they aren’t
particularly tolerant of pacifism. With a peace-campaigner mother and a
grandfather who is a retired major, Olivia feels very torn. As she gets to know
her father better and as Lindisfarne starts to work its magic, she is able to
see her dilemma in a new light and she is helped by her rather surreal
friendship with a mysterious and quaintly old fashioned young man called
William. There are many examples of division in the book and Olivia’s situation
raises many questions about, among other things, the role of the army, the
accuracy of news reporting, and family loyalties. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Jan Lennon</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Splash<o:p></o:p></b></span></b></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Charli Howard<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Nosy Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1788001700<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Negotiating the last year of primary school and the
transition to secondary, with friendships in flux and the strong pressure to
conform, can be tricky for some children, as Charli Howard adroitly explores in
this novel. Molly lives with her grandparents, her mum having left when she was
small, and she dreams of becoming a champion swimmer. She is invited to train
with the local club, which means early starts and lots of practice. However, her
best friend Chloe, determined to be one of the “cool” girls at their new
school, decrees that Chloe should give up swimming – it is so not the thing to
do. And besides that she makes unkind comments about Molly’s size and shape.
But Molly is determined not to give up the sport she loves, which leads to
conflict, both within herself and with Chloe and other friends. Add in to the
mix the return of her mother which increases the turmoil Molly is feeling and a
tricky few months are in store. Learning to accept yourself as you are and
following your own dreams is the important message of this heartwarming book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Return to Rome<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Caroline Lawrence<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1510100336<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The advantage of setting novels in Roman times is that historians
know so much of the detail of daily life and its historical context. They know
the character of individual Emperors, the battles fought, the conquests and the
crimes committed by those who wanted to acquire and retain power. This all
provides enormous inspiration from which the author extracts the known people
and places and creates the stories of adventure and romance in this excellent
series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Roman Quests</i>. Bouda was
orphaned and grew up as a ‘cutpurse’ on the streets of Londinium. It is
believed that she was the granddaughter of Boudicca, most famous of the British
that resisted the Roman invasions. Having inherited that spirit, courage and
defiance, she is befriended by those from Rome that have every reason to want
to usurp the evil Emperor Domitian. The idea that a small group of young rebels
can find their way to Rome for the sole purpose of ‘removing’ the Emperor may
seem outrageous, but that is their quest. How they achieve their purpose is the
story that unfolds in this gripping tale of ancient times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trevor Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Will You Catch Me?<o:p></o:p></b></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jane Elson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hodder<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444927788<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Nell care for a small menagerie of animals and fish, plus an
assortment of bugs and beasts that she keeps in jam jars on her windowsill. But
she also cares for her alcoholic mum, and she’s tired - tired of trying to hide
it from everyone, tired of being bullied at school, tired of always worrying
about her mum and tired because she gets very little sleep. When a new teacher
starts teaching the class about King Charles ll and Nell Gwyn, she feels that
there are so many similarities that Nell Gwyn must be her honorary ancestor.
Chosen to play Nell Gwyn in the school pageant she starts to see visions of
Nell. The impact on her life is immense and leads her to hatch a plan to try to
change things. Written in the first person this is a moving story, depicting
the chaotic homelife of a child in a family with addiction. Jane Elson’s gift
is for making the reader walk in Nell’s shoes and really gain some understanding
of what a child in her situation could be going through. A thought-provoking
reading experience that also celebrates community and friendship, which
includes contact information for the National Association for the Children of
Alcoholics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aru
Shah and the End of Time<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Written by Roshani Chokshi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ISBN: 978-1407185798<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After lighting a cursed lamp in her mother’s museum, Aru
Shah is forced into an adventure that takes us into the amazing world of Hindu
mythology. Aru and her long-lost half-sister are the soul children of the gods,
reincarnated heroes who must save the world from the creature unleased from the
lamp. However, they must face many foes and challenges before they are equipped
to handle their nemesis. The writing crackles with wit and a fascinating array
of mythological places and creatures – all seen with a modern twist, from the
night bizarre to the wise-cracking pigeon who mentors the sisters. Roshani
Chokshi is doing for Hindu mythology what Rick Riordan has done for Greek
mythology, and it won’t be long before Aru Shah is as well-known as Percy
Jackson. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 120.85pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How to Bee<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Bren MacDibble<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Old Barn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1910646441<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Peony lives in a future, dystopian Australia where the gulf
between the rich and the poor has deepened and where small children are trained
to do the pollinating work of bees. This is a job to which Peony aspires, but
before she can get there, her mother drags her off to the city, against her
will, to earn money working in the house of one of the rich farm owners. There,
Peony befriends the daughter of the house and they are able to help each other
out of very different, but equally challenging, situations. Initially, I
thought that the story would focus on the new agricultural reality of this near
future, and on how Peony and her family survive. On one level it does address
this, but there is a lot more complexity as Peony has to accept the limitations
of her relationship with her mother and recognise the family that she truly
values. In that way it is speculative fiction that remains relatable for young
people right now and doesn’t lose sight of character development. Some tough
ideas but an ultimately hopeful message – both personally and environmentally.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise Taylor<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Beyond
the Odyssey<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Maz Evans<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chicken House<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">978-1910655993</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is the third book in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who Let the Gods Out?</i> series and things
are not improving for Eliot. He's in trouble at school and although his father
is now out of prison, this seems to be making things worse at home, rather than
better. With his mother’s health deteriorating and the Gods wreaking havoc,
trying to keep welfare officers at bay is becoming impossible. Maz Evans
cleverly combines mythology and mischief to create a riotous romp. In these
books, Greek mythology is brought to life with an introduction to many figures
from the ancient stories. The gods are shown as fallible and selfish, yet are
redeemed by moments of kindness and vulnerability. However, Elliot is also
facing some very real, serious issues; in the midst of all the humour, his role
as a young carer is sensitively portrayed with his love for his mother, his
anxiety and the realities of bearing great responsibility at such a young age
forming a poignant contrast. In addition to this, his father has been in
prison. These elements of the story are woven seamlessly into the plot,
creating a great read. Well worth reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sue Wilsher<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Optimists Die First<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Susin Nielsen<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783446223<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A sudden tragic bereavement leaves Petula in the grip of
overpowering anxiety. Her inability to deal with her grief and guilt has cost
her the support of her best friend and she is achingly lonely. Petula sees only
the darkest, most terrible possibilities in every situation. So, when Jacob
joins the school’s therapy group, she is horrified by his relentless optimism
and refusal to let his own devastating experience pull him under - at least on
the surface. This is a classic rom-com story of fizzing hormonal attraction
simmering beneath initial tension and repulsion. Jacob and Petula’s journey to
the inevitable happy ending is warm, humorous and sufficiently ‘twisty’ in the
telling to keep you reading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Orphan, Monster, Spy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Matt Killeen<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Usborne<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk523126518">ISBN: 978-1474942386<o:p></o:p></a></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk523126518;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The main character is all that the title claims - she has to
be in order to survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opening with a
horrific car crash which leaves her orphaned, this book holds the reader in its
grip from the very first page. Events unfold in Nazi Germany from August 1939,
which, though fictitious, are based on Matt Killeen’s extensive research. The
Captain is credible because British spies were in Germany then and because he is
depicted credibly as remote, abrupt, quick-thinking and ruthless with just
glimmers of humanity. Sarah is credible because we learn of her background, her
theatrical upbringing and because tenacity is a true human characteristic when
tested to the extreme. The allegiance of the two is successful because it is
unlikely and, at first, unwelcomed but for its provision of a shield. Matt
Killeen is a brilliant writer, skilled at measuring and mixing the dosage of
graphic detail, action and background information and timing its delivery so
that reading this is addictive, exhausting and terrifying. An astounding first
novel, the sequel to which will be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must</i>
next year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Goat</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Written by Anne Fleming<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Pushkin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">ISBN: 978-1782692140<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Kid goes to Manhattan for a while,
accompanying her mother who is performing in a new show. Having left behind her
beloved cat, she is predictably a little homesick, but soon she finds herself
looking after her uncle’s dog, named Cat. As she settles into life in New York,
visiting museums with her dad, she befriends Will. Together they set out to
find out whether there really is a goat living on the roof of the building, as
some people seem to think. But ‘Why a goat?’ and ‘How did it get there?’ are
just some of the many questions the reader needs answered. Narrated from the
viewpoints of a number of eccentric characters, including the goat, the story
unfolds, drawing the reader into a world where idiosyncrasies are the norm and
where a goat on a rooftop in a city can bring people together and heal the
deepest of wounds. Unique, tender and very funny, this quirky story is not to
be missed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: black;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Information
Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10 Reasons to Love a
Whale<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Catherine Barr<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Hanako Clulow<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Frances Lincoln<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1786030139<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
An attractive hardback book with a whale-shaped hole in the
cover. Text and illustration are well-matched. We are given ten reasons why we
should love whales, and five ways we can show that we love them. Interesting
information is presented in an accessible way, such as explaining a whale’s
heart is the size of a small car, and that a blue whale’s tongue is as heavy as
an elephant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The section on whales as
globetrotters has a clear coloured world map that helps us understand the
routes whales follow. The picture of the blue whale’s giant mouth is effective,
as is the krill cloud, and the fact that blue whales eat forty million krill
every day. An excellent book for children who want to learn more about the
natural world, and for promoting environmental awareness and conservation. (3+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Planet Awesome!<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stacy
McAnulty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by David Litchfield<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Faber &
Faber<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN:
978-0571345441</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A charming book in which the text is spoken by Planet Earth
herself. This creates an immediacy that makes the information accessible to
young children. Facts are clearly presented and fun to read. The illustrations
are amusing. Planet Earth introduces her siblings in the solar system, as well
as her friend, the moon, and then describes key moments in her first 4.54
billion years. The whole book has light touch, and is a perfect, introduction
to Planet Earth for young children. (4+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One Day on Our Blue Planet:
In the Ocean<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Ella Bailey<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Flying Eye<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1911171416<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The beauty of this books starts with the endpapers, showing
illustrations and the unusual names of such sea creatures as the coconut
octopus, the pineapplefish and the harlequin sweetlips. We follow the
bottlenose dolphin and its pod as they go on their travels through the Pacific
Ocean, encountering various other sea mammals and fish in the beautiful Great
Barrier Reef and beyond. Children can try and spot the creatures they have been
introduced to in the endpapers, throughout the book, which will lead to many
re-readings. With just enough basic facts and stunning illustrations, readers
will learn about life under the sea, which is a perfect introduction for those
studying the topic in school. Other titles in the same excellent series include
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the Rainforest</i>,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> In the Antarctic </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the Savannah</i>. (4+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicole Jordan<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Awesome Night Sky<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Written by
Kay Barnham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Illustrated
by Maddie Frost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Wayland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN:
978-1526305947<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This is one
of a series of topic books for young children. Bright colourful illustrations
illuminate the simple text which introduces the night sky, the solar system,
and a selection of objects found in space, including the Hubble telescope and
the International Space Station, as well as planets, comets and asteroids. The
text is direct and informative, with short sentences, and is set in a clear and
readable, slightly informal, font of a generous size. The pictures are clear
and full of activity as two children are shown exploring the subjects on each
page, accompanied by one interested dog! This is a very accessible and
informative introduction to the night sky, and includes additional reading and
guidance for extra activities, aimed at parents and teachers. This is a useful
book that would read aloud well and should stimulate an interest in astronomy.
(5+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dogs in Space<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Vix Southgate<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Iris Deppe<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wren & Rook<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1526360571<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
During the space race of the 1950s and early 1960s, America
and the Soviet Union were working on sending living creatures into orbit, to
pave the way for the first manned spaceflight. During this time, the Soviet
Union launched more than fifty dogs, which had to be a certain size to fit into
a spacecraft. These were often strays from the streets of Moscow and other
cities, specially selected for their size and temperament. Several of these
canine cosmonauts became celebrities, feted around the country, including the two
whose story is told in this book, Belka and Strelka. It features bold,
colourful illustrations in the style of Soviet propaganda children’s books,
with an engaging and informative text. It could be used as an exciting story in
its own right or as an introduction to a topic on space travel, with children
encouraged to carry out further research. Overall, this is a book I would
happily recommend. (6+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><u><span style="font-size: small;"></span></u></o:p></span></b> </h1>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">What on Earth?: Trees<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kevin Warwick<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Paulina Morgan<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
QED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1784939311<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A colourful, accessible information book, ideal for KS2
topics, that presents a lively mixture of facts and activities for children to
explore. Types of trees and leaves, their ages, folklore, photosynthesis and
the wildlife they support are just some of the topics covered in this book.
Lots of practical activities bring this topic to life with plenty of
illustration, colour and bite-size text throughout. It will provide a ready
supply of facts and lesson ideas for teachers too. Highly recommended. (6+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Wills.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What on Earth?: Robots<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jenny Fretland VanVoorst<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Paulina Morgan<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
QED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1784935603<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
A bright, inventive and informative book for KS2 that will
sit well with Design and Technology topics at school. Lively illustrations,
lots of practical activities and an accessible prose that taught me some things
I didn’t know about robots, too! There are plenty of creative activities for
children fuelling projects that will thrive on curiosity. Covering the history
of robots, their technology and uses and even some robot poetry, the practical
projects include making a robotic hand and robot costume. Huge fun! (6+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Wills.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beans to Chocolate<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sarah Ridley<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wayland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0778751298<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This book is the latest addition to Wayland’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where Food Comes From</i> series, which also
features <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bees to Honey</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blossom to Apple</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seeds to Bread</i>. Simple text and plenty
of bright photographs introduce early primary age children to the complex
process of cocoa production, transport and chocolate manufacture. Readers are
urged to buy Fairtrade chocolate and shown how paying producers a fair price
for their goods enables poor communities to improve their lives. Excellent
series. (7+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Explorers: BUGS!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Nick Forshaw<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by William Exley<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
What on Earth<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0995576605<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This book is an excellent introduction to the world of
insects. Readers accompany Agent Eagle, the Senior Librarian of the <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Eagle-Eyed Explorer Club, as he undertakes
his mission to produce a report on bugs. We look at the history of the
creatures, why they are so successful, bug scientists, fossils and</span> how
bugs support our environment today. There are beautiful illustrations by William
Exley and the pages are attractively designed. A special feature of the book is
a removable 1.8-metre-long timeline which features more than a hundred bugs
from 520 million years ago to the present day. There are quizzes <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">so readers can check their knowledge. </span>The
book is published in co-operation with the Natural History Museum. (<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">7+)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brenda Marshall <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Roald Dahl's James's
Giant Bug Book<br />
</b>Written by Barry Hutchinson<o:p></o:p></span></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Quentin Blake<br />
Puffin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0241322215<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This is a must-have for all Roald Dahl fans and also those
with a fascination for all that is minibeasts. Inspired by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James and the Giant Peach</i>, readers can learn all about the insects
that James got to know and love in the original story. Packed with facts about
the insects and lots of ideas such as how to make a bug hotel, this is the
perfect companion to the much-loved novel. The activities are well explained
with clear instructions and the facts about the insects are comprehensive
enough to capture the children’s imagination. With puzzles, an Insectopaedia
and fantastic drawings, this is ideal for young pupils learning about
minibeasts. (7+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicole Jordan<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emmeline Pankhurst<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Haydn Kaye<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Michael Cotton -Russell<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
David Fickling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1910989616<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Part of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First
Names</i> series of fun, lively and highly illustrated biographies that
introduces some truly amazing individuals who lived incredible lives, to an
audience of young readers. This tells the story of Emmeline Pankhurst, the
Suffragette Movement and the battle to win the vote for women. Written in a
very readable and accessible style and interspersed with humorous cartoon style
illustrations and some quotes from Emmeline Pankhurst, it packs in a great deal
of information and really gives a good feel for her life and times and the
journey to winning the vote. A good index supports its use as an information
book but the lovely approach and style of writing makes it a book that can just
be read as a story about this period. This will have real appeal for its
intended audience and I look forward to seeing future titles in the series.
(7+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Young, Gifted and
Black<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jamia Wilson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Andrea Pippins<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wide Eyed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1786030887<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
There is a noticeable lack of black characters in UK
children’s books, so this compilation of 52 famous black people is a timely
antidote. Nina Simone, the author of the song featured in the title, is one of
the many musicians included. There are also explorers (Matthew Henson),
humanitarians (Mary Seacole), novelists (Malorie Blackman) and, of course,
presidents (Barack Obama – here with his wife Michelle). Athletes and pop
singers also feature prominently. Lively illustrations and easy to read potted
biographies make this attractive book a fine addition to any primary school
library. (7+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Red Alert</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Written by Catherine Barr<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Illustrated by Anne Wilson</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Otter-Barry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ISBN: 978-1910959961</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Meet <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">15
endangered animals fighting to survive</span> who share our planet and are in
urgent need of our help if they are to survive. Readers choose a habitat, pick
an animal that lives there and then find the story about the dangers these
creatures face. Animals are hunted for their meat or their skins or their
scales, their living spaces are being polluted or demolished, and insecticides
and other chemicals are poisoning their food. Not all the animals featured are
sweet and appealing, but they still have a place in the ecosystem and we need
them. The book uses beautiful, double-page spreads, and colour illustrations
rather than photographs, which makes it accessible to a younger audience. A
fact box in each section details the kind and level of threat faced by each of
these endangered animals and a section at the end of book highlights ways in
which everyone can help to raise awareness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">7+)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moth<o:p></o:p></b></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Isabel Thomas<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Daniel Egnéus<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408889756<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Described as “An Evolution Story”, this title about the
peppered moth is an enriching visual and factual portrayal of how the
predominantly light speckled moths of the early 1800s, fifty years later,
became mainly charcoal-coloured, having had to adapt to a changing world of
steam trains, factories and pollution. Amazingly, it then adapted yet again, in
the mid twentieth century, as reduced air pollution laws meant that tree barks
became lighter once more. It really is an absolutely fascinating book with
marvellous illustrations which perfectly complement the also captivating text.
Being an excellent i<span style="background: white;">ntroduction to Darwin’s
theories of natural selection and evolution for young children, n</span>o
school or library should be without it. (8+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Little Leonardo
da Vinci<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Catherine de Duve<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Kate’Art Editions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-2875750907<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Part of an excellent series examining the life and work of
great artists, this title takes an accessible and visually ravishing look at
Renaissance man extraordinaire, Leonardo da Vinci. Its 32 pages cover the time
in which he lived, contemporaries such as Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo,
and detailed examinations of some of his most famous inventions and paintings.
Did you know Leonardo was friends with Sandro Botticelli, creator of that
famous painting, The Birth of Venus? The two of them opened a tavern together,
but it closed after a few months, inspiring Leonardo to invent various cooking
machines and utensils. (8+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unlock Your
Imagination<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Peter Judson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Dorling Kindersley<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£16.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0241316597<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Designed to encourage children to be creative, to unlock
their imaginations and to keep their minds engaged, this contains 250 indoor
and outdoor activities to “ boredom busters”. They feature a range of
activities including, tag games, drawing games, writing a story, things to do
with a piece of paper, making a flick book, chilling out and many more. A good
double-page spread at the beginning of the book explains how the book works.
Each activity is numbered so children can keep track of the ones they have
done, a warning symbol lets children know this is an activity they need an
adult to help, a checklist outlines everything they will need before they start
and a padlock indicates when they need to unlock their own imagination and
creative ideas. Colourfully illustrated with clear instructions. The book also
has a pocket at the back which contains a double-sided board with counters and
press out dice to enable children to learn to play chess, checkers, draughts
and snakes and ladders. Children will really enjoy exploring the book and
taking part in the activities. Great for use by families and in classrooms.
(8+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">100 Screen-Free Ways
to Beat Boredom<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kris Hirschmann<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
QED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1784932640<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
The simple message behind this excellent book is, “Pocket
your smartphone, put away your tablet and unplug your games console.” It’s
packed with activity ideas and step-by-step projects for children to do at
home, outside and on car journey’s, without using their technology. From
origami puppets, rainbow bubble clouds and travel bingo to number plate
checklists, ‘Would you rather?’ and ‘Guess the song!’, it includes something
for everyone. Clear instructions, amusing and lively illustrations and a host
of great ideas that don’t need lots of special materials make this is a great
book for families, classrooms and libraries. (9+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Great Voyages</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Deborah
Patterson<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
British
Library<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN:
978-0712352857<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This book, containing
fascinating detail of 15 different adventures, charts an Age of Discovery and
Exploration, beginning with the travels of Marco Polo to China in 1271 and
ending with the space race to the Moon in 1969. Some are well known - Ferdinand
Magellan’s voyage to circumnavigate the earth and Charles Darwin’s study of the
natural history of the Galapagos Islands. Maria Sibylla Merian’s entomological
studies in the rainforests of South America, Zheng He, the greatest Chinese
explorer of his age and Gertrude Bell’s passion for Arab peoples and
archaeology, maybe less well known. Maps, charts, drawings and photographs,
illustrate the wonders and the excitement, along with the dangers, hardships
and exotic locations, that these intrepid men and women encountered on their
journeys. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(9+)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></b></b></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></b></b></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Katie<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Katie Thistleton<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1510102132<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
An ‘agony aunt’ style guide offering advice on real life
problems for young people and written by TV and radio presenter Katie
Thistleton, who is also a mental health campaigner and an ambassador for the
mental health charity Place2Be. 10-16 year olds were asked to email or write to
her anonymously about any problems they were having. They included, “I don’t
think my mum loves me as much as my sibling.”, “My stepdad calls me chunky as a
joke but it upsets me.”, “I think my dad might be racist because of the way he
speaks about other people.”, “I’m really struggling at school with the amount
of homework.”, “I’m worried about starting a new school.”, “I’m unhappy with
the way I look.” The question or concern is outlined and advice is given in a
warm, witty, practical way. The advice also includes exercises, ideas, tips and
quizzes. The book contains a useful list of other support organisations that
young people can turn to if needed. Overall, a really well-designed book that
will appeal, containing some thoughtful, excellent advice and written in a
style to which young people can easily relate. (10+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Making with Sound<o:p></o:p></b></b></b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Anna Claybourne<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wayland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1526305466<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Science Makers</i>
series aims to make science accessible by encouraging primary children to make
their own wonderful machines and devices. Clear step-by-step instructions show
the reader how to assemble their own musical instruments, communication
devices, and even a real working vinyl record player. Anna Claybourne also
includes potted biographies of famous sound scientists such as Thomas Edison,
Jean-Baptiste Biot, inventor of the speaking tube, and Delia Derbyshire who
created the unworldly sounds used in Ron Grainger’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dr Who</i> theme. Other titles in the series include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Making with Forces</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Making with Living Things</i>. (Family)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plantopedia<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Adrienne Barman<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Wide-Eyed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1786031389<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Adrienne Barman has produced something rare, if not unique,
in this beautifully produced sequel to her best-selling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creaturepedia</i>. This time she explores the plant world in a fresh,
new way that will entertain and inform the whole family. Bright, full colour
illustrations group plants into categories, some conventional (sand lovers,
garden vegetables), some not so (confused fruits, imposters). Bite-sized
snippets of text convey weird and wonderful facts. Think ‘picture book meets
botanical encyclopaedia with a handful of comedy thrown in’ - a beautiful
reference book for children and adults to share. (Family)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Yvonne Coppard</span></i></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-51382592079155745552018-06-27T06:06:00.001-07:002018-06-27T06:06:23.841-07:00Extra reviews! Summer 2018<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Lost Penguin</span><o:p></o:p></b></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Claire Freedman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Kate Hindley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simon & Schuster
£6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1471117343</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a densely illustrated, charming story featuring
Oliver and Ruby and their dog Patch. The three friends do everything together,
including going to the zoo. However, they discover that a little penguin has
gone missing and rush to tell their friend, a keeper called <st1:city w:st="on">Sandy</st1:city>, who asks them to help find him.
Throughout their search, the little penguin is hidden on each page and fun to
find but, when they finally find him, Oliver and Ruby fall out over who will
look after him. The way in which they repair their friendship and make sure the
baby penguin is safe again provides a superb discussion point for children to
consider what it means to share and to put others first. The central message of
the book, which is that home is where your friends are, is echoed as the little
penguin finds himself the centre of much loving attention at the zoo and in
Ruby, Oliver and Patch’s unbreakable bond. This is a book full of warmth,
wisdom and beautiful drawings.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 297.2pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Julia Wills<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The New Baby and Me!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Christine Kidney</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Hoda Haddadi</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tiny Owl £12.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: <span style="background: white;">978-1910328187<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">As five siblings wait for the
new arrival of their baby brother, they imagine who he will take after. Will he
be adventurous, academic or artistic? Will he be a scientist, a pirate or an
artist? Only one thing is for certain - the boys are in for quite a surprise!
Beautifully illustrated with charming collage effects, <i>The New Baby and Me! </i>slots in comfortably with the rise of feminist
texts across all ages. Whilst simple in both narrative and design, this is a
delightfully undemanding story. With ideas for art and collage activities
included to help prepare for the happy event, this is a perfect gift for any
family expecting a new arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="background: white;">Rebecca Watts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The First Egg Hunt<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Adam and Charlotte Guillain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Pippa Curnick</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Egmont £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1405286282</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This zany picture book tells how Easter Bunny and Easter
Chick are both responsible for delivering Easter eggs to all the other animals.
But chick is tired of rabbit getting all the credit. He decides to show
everyone that he has a crucial role too and tries to give out all the eggs by
himself. Unfortunately, he can’t cope alone and in a disastrous accident he
loses all the eggs in the forest, thus inadvertently inventing the very first
Easter Egg Hunt! The animals are delighted and want a hunt every year in
future. Bold and colourful illustrations match the slapstick humour of the
plot, making for a very satisfying and fun-filled story. Children will love the
rhythm of the rhyming text as well as the cartoon style and brightly detailed
drawings. The simple animal faces are expressive and give plenty of scope for
talking through chick’s feelings as he struggles with his emotions. A great story for sharing with children.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Carnivorous
Crocodile<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Jonnie
Wild</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by
Brita Granström</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Otter-Barry £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN:
978-1910959916</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you trick a
silly old croc when you are thirsty and he’s guarding a waterhole in the hot
sun? Perhaps, by telling him you are a beautiful pink flamingo that will give
him hiccups if he eats you. That’s what the animals in this quirky picture book
try after seeing how successful the flamingos are. The only problem is that
even the short-sighted crocodile can see that the elephants are grey and not
pink. The bright, colourful illustrations will have children laughing at the
expense of the greedy crocodile. Will he eventually realise that the waterhole
is for sharing? The author has been involved with forest conservation for
twenty years and royalties from the book will go to support The Udzungwa Forest
Project in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region>
protecting endangered African elephants and Colobus monkeys.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i>Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rainforest</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by Julia Groves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Child’s Play £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1846439353</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is refreshing to come across a picture book that makes a
virtue of restraint. With her debut title, Julia Graves combines a spare,
poetic text with compositions that draw you in skilfully and satisfyingly. High
quality matt paper acts as the perfect medium for a succession of stunning
compositions, each testifying to an exceptional talent for printmaking. I
particularly liked the way none of the rainforest animals are named until the
end of the book, where they are introduced with detailed supporting notes.
Looking forward to seeing what this artist does next.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Tessa Strickland<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">The Very Long Sleep</span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Written and illustrated by Polly Noakes</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Child’s Play £5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1786281289</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Fox is pleased to move into a new home in the forest with his
three friends, but little does he realise that when the first frosts appear
Bear, Chipmunk and Marmot will all fall into a long, deep sleep. Fox is lonely
and bored without them. He tries to wake his friends, but they sleep on.
Packages arrive for the sleeping animals, but nothing arrives for Fox. Poor Fox
is even more bewildered. This charming tale of a friendship that survives not
only the winter but also the different life-styles of the various animals,
gently introduces very young readers to the importance of tolerance when we
encounter differences. The theme of hibernation is also interesting as this is
an intriguing part of the lives of many animals. The colours in the
illustrations beautifully show the changing of the seasons in the forest and
the cosiness of the home where the animals are sleeping.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="Body" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Jan
Lennon</span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Charlie’s Magic
Carnival</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by Marit Törnqvist</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Floris £10.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1782504603</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an exuberant picture book. Prize-winning Dutch
author/illustrator Marit Törnqvist has given her imagination free rein with this
succession of spectacular scenes. Charlie can’t wait to go to the carnival, but
first, his rather fraught Mum needs to find his balloon and his party hat.
Charlie can hardly contain himself. What if the town is full of elephants
instead of cars? What if there’s a cake as big as the town square? What if …?
What if …? Every page brims over with glorious colours and an ever-increasing
cast of characters. With six gatefolds in this hardback book, the effect is
dazzling.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Tessa Strickland<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cake<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Written by Sue Hendra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Paul Linnet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Macmillan £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1509827435</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cover of this book is most attractive with silver
sparkles and glittering letters on a red background. Cake is excited about
being invited to a party because he has never been to one before. The reader
shares his anticipation as he tries out different outfits and takes pains to
find exactly the right hat. The party starts well, but events take a surprising
turn and Cake “gets a bad feeling”. There is much humour in the book and it is
a tribute to the glorious artwork that we feel the range of Cake’s emotions.
The story provides opportunities for discussion about a range of topics such as
anticipation, preparation, disappointment, misunderstandings and learning
experiences, but, first and foremost, the book is great fun. </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">The Wardrobe Monster</span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Written and illustrated by Bryony Thomson</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Old Barn £10.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1910646366</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Dora and her toys are very sleepy, but they really, really
don’t want to go to bed. The previous night they were kept awake by loud
banging sounds coming from inside the wardrobe. The noises start again as soon
as they get into bed, so Dora bravely decides to open the wardrobe door. Happily,
the huge monster that falls out isn’t scary at all, in fact he had been very
frightened by the noises he could hear outside the wardrobe, so they all become
friends and decide to be brave together. This debut story is absolutely
delightful. The illustrations perfectly complement the simple text as Dora and
her friends, the toys, have wonderfully expressive faces and body language.
Many children are scared of the dark and imagine there are monsters under the
bed or in the wardrobe, so this reassuring story with its assortment of
appealing characters may be just the book to banish bedtime fears.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Jan
Lennon</span></i><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b>Come All You Little
Persons<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by John Agard</div>
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Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle</div>
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Faber & Faber
£6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-0571324163</div>
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Dedicated by John Agard to “the Mi’kmaq people, for whom
there is a gateway between this world and the spirit world”, this is a truly
magical book of poetry with exquisite illustrations. All little persons are
kindly coaxed to “Just follow your heart-song when next it calls.” They are reassured that “Planet Earth has
room for the footsteps of all.”, and also that all little persons “From above
earth, from above sky, from below earth, from under water,” are accepted,
recognised and welcomed to join the wondrous dance of life and love. A gently
beautiful, magical experience!</div>
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<i>Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Hari and His Electric
Feet 104 pages<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Alexander McCall Smith</div>
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Illustrated by Sam Usher</div>
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<st1:city w:st="on">Barrington</st1:city>
Stoke £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1781127551</div>
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<i>Hari and His Electric
Feet </i>whisks its readers into the life of twelve-year-old Hari, an Indian
boy who earns his keep as a delivery boy at a nearby restaurant. Hari also
makes irresistible sweets, which win him the affection of many locals. One day,
when he stumbles across a film crew, he also finds out that he can dance. Not
only that, he has a talent for inspiring others to dance with him, and this
unique gift takes Hari on a series of hugely entertaining adventures. With his
trademark wit, deft characterisation and consummate flair for storytelling,
Alexander McCall Smith has conjured up a story that will have young readers
tapping their feet and laughing aloud at Hari’s antics. Thoughtful page layouts
and cheerful illustrations help to make this an accessible offer for emergent
readers.</div>
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<i>Tessa Strickland<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The Sorry Tale of Fox
and Bear 72 pages<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Margrete Lamond</div>
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Illustrated by Heather Vallance</div>
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Old Barn £12.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1910646434</div>
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This is a delightful story of trickery and friendship from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region>. Bear
recounts five tales of how his supposed best friend, Fox, manages to trick him
time and time again by stealing the fish he has just caught and pretending a
wasps’ nest is a bees’ nest full of honey. When Bear is encouraged by Hare and
Rooster to successfully get his own back on Fox he has mixed feelings and is
relieved when a remorseful Fox returns. The skilful, bold and atmospheric
charcoal illustrations add to this unusual, quirky, and occasionally dark,
tale.</div>
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<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for young children
</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Reading Confidently<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Star Tree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written and
illustrated by Catherine Hyde<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Frances
Lincoln £7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1847806734<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Catherine Hyde trained as a fine artist and has illustrated
highly acclaimed books by poet Carol Ann Duffy, Saviour Pirotta and Jackie
Morris. <i>The Star Tree</i> is itself a
work of art - its mysterious, dream-like, double-page spreads carrying the
story onward. It is Midsummer’s midnight as Mia makes her magical journey on
the Great White Owl’s back, Little Red Hare’s boat, Big White Bear’s balloon
and the Giant Stag’s shoulders to reach The Tree of Constellations. Here, she
picks one small star before flying homeward on the Great Goose’s shoulder. At
first, you may feel the illustrations outshine the text, but read it aloud and
the poetry reveals itself, like a long-told tale for bedtime. An unusual,
beautiful and memorable picture book for reading aloud and sharing, or for
confident young ones to read themselves. Warmly recommended.</div>
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<i>Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Detective Nosegoode
and the Museum Robbery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Marian Ortoń</div>
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Illustrated by Jerzy Flisak</div>
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Translated by Eliza Marciniak</div>
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Pushkin £7.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1782691594</div>
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This book contains three simple stories in one volume,
telling how Detective Nosegoode and his faithful dog Cody, analyse the evidence
and solve three mysterious crimes. Written in a gently humorous style, the
stories all take place in the town of <st1:city w:st="on">Ashworth</st1:city>,
and involve financial fraud, the theft of a painting, and pick-pocketing.
Detective Nosegoode has a relaxed, yet analytical, approach and uses his
observation of the available evidence to draw conclusions and identify the
guilty party in each case. The language is simple but never dull. The names of
the characters are funny and will amuse young readers, and they will probably
enjoy, even more, the chance to unravel the evidence with the detective, or
even to go back after the crime is solved and re-read the story to identify the
evidence that he was able to spot. The stories are short and illustrated with
funny line drawings that add to the humour.
Recommended for budding detective story fans! </div>
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<i>Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Ask Oscar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Alan MacDonald</div>
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Illustrated by Sarah Horne</div>
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Egmont £5.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1405287227</div>
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Sam has wanted a dog for ages, but his parents have always
said it isn’t “practical”, especially as money is tight. Dad’s crazy inventions
don’t always work and certainly don’t sell. So, when a dog arrives on the
doorstep, Sam thinks his dreams have come true. And this dog, called Oscar,
shows no sign of leaving. He also has a rather amazing secret, which certainly
proves to be useful when the town’s dogs are under threat from the mayor who is
determined to clean up the town before a visit from the Queen. With the help of
Dad’s latest machine, can Oscar and Sam save the day? The first in a new
series, this is a humorous and engaging tale, ideal for newly confident
readers. The quirky black and white illustrations add to the fun.</div>
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<i>Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The Travels of
Ermine: Trouble in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Jennifer Gray</div>
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Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli</div>
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Usborne £5.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1474927253</div>
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Ermine is a charming, well-mannered and very determined
young stoat who is travelling the world with a scrapbook to fill - first stop, <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>. Her
benefactor, a well-connected grand duchess, has arranged for her to stay with
the fabulously wealthy Michael S. Megabucks and his young son. Little does
Ermine know that a suitcase switch at the airport has made her a target for
robbers. The scene is set for an entertaining mayhem of botched attempts at
dastardly deeds by the bumbling robbers and near-catastrophes accidentally
averted by Ermine. The black and white comic-book illustrations suit the text
well and there is more information about Ermine’s travels and a scrapbook
activity at the back of the book. Where will she travel to next?</div>
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<i>Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Thimble <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> Havoc<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Jon Blake</div>
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Illustrated by Martin Chatterton</div>
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Firefly £5.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1910080665</div>
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Another story about Jams, his mum, his dad, and his best
friend, who just happens to be a monkey called Thimble. Thimble seems to
attract all sorts of trouble, creating hilarious situations for the family,
particularly for Jams’ dad who is somewhat less than enamoured and tolerant of
Thimble’s behaviour. In this story, the family do a holiday house swap with a
family in <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>.
They find themselves staying in a very swanky house and Jams’ mum is looking
forward to a week of sun, sand and relaxation. However, the discovery by Jam of
a speedboat, a drill, some dynamite and a burglar outfit leads to a whole heap
of trouble. Written in short episodic chapters full of the off-the-wall, wacky
humour that children just love. Witty one liners, plays on words, cringeworthy
incidents, ludicrous situations and comical misunderstanding will have readers
laughing out loud at the silliness of it all. Family relationships and dynamics
are well-drawn, with characters having the very human foibles that can be found
in many families. The earlier title in the series, <i>Thimble Monkey Superstar</i>, which was shortlisted for the 2017 Laugh
Out Loud Award, explains that Jams is disabled with cerebral palsy. This, the
second title in the series, is sure to be as popular as the first.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Bee Boy: Clash of the
Killer <st1:place w:st="on">Queens</st1:place><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written and illustrated by Tony De Saulles</div>
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OUP £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-0192763877</div>
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Melvin Meadly keeps a beehive on the roof of the tower block
where he lives with his mum. He is having a hard time at school, with the
school bully and some of his classmates thinking it is fun to taunt him with
chants of “Bee Boy” once they find out he keeps bees. However, one day, he
discovers he has the power to become a bee and finds himself defending his
hive. Will his hive survive; will he be able to stand up to the bully and will
he be able to go on living both as a boy and a bee? Whoever would have thought
that a book that gives so much factual information about bees and their
lifestyle could be wrapped up so successfully in a story that children will
enjoy and want to read. The story is clever and witty, the language is
accessible and the characters feel very real, reflecting people within the
communities that we know. Children will love the humour and the comic style of
illustrations which are all drawn in the colour of the bee - black and yellow.
This is the first in the series. The second title <i>Bee Boy: Attack of the Zombees</i> is due to be published in August.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Iguana Boy Saves the
World with a Triple Cheese Pizza<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by James Bishop</div>
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Illustrated by Rikin Parekh</div>
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Hodder £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1444939347</div>
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Nine-year-old Dylan Spencer desperately wants to be a superhero
with a cool superpower. His brother can control the weather and his sister has
laser eyes and can roast a chicken in thirty seconds. Dylan is the butt of his
siblings jokes and is endlessly teased for having no superpower. Then, one day,
he discovers he has got a superpower – he can speak to, and hear, his brother’s
iguana and then learns to speak to all iguanas. When the evil super villain, Platypus
Kid, has a deadly fiendish plan to rule the world by neutralising all the superheroes,
it is up to Iguana Boy, his team of iguanas and a triple cheese pizza to find a
way to save the world. A hilarious first title in a new series that children
are just going to love. Fast paces, witty one liners, recurring jokes about
cats stuck in trees and whether superheroes will save them or not and a
glorious collection of human and superhero characters make this a delight to
read. Full of the off the wall humour that always appeals to children. Rikin
Parekh’s small cartoon-style illustrations and double-page comic strips work
brilliantly and add a richness and humour to Jason Bishop’s text. The second
book in the series will be published in September.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>The Rainmaker Danced<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by John Agard</div>
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Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura</div>
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Hodder £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1444932607</div>
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A new collection of poetry from multi-award-winning and
well-loved poet, John Agard, is always something to savour and this one doesn’t
disappoint. Forty-one poems explore a range of themes from science and nature
to identity and conflict. As with all of John Agard’s poetry, some challenge
the reader to think and others make the reader laugh out loud. These poems are full
of lyrical language, word play and word trickery that children will really
enjoy. Satoshi Kitamura’s illustrations perfectly and cleverly support the
poetic text.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Secret of the Stones<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Tony Bradman</div>
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<st1:city w:st="on">Barrington</st1:city>
Stoke £5.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1781127544</div>
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With the dyslexia friendly format and content that we would
expect from this publisher, <i>Secret of the
Stones</i> offers a story of bloodshed and revenge tempered with the kindness
of strangers. Set during the transition from Stone Age to Bronze Age, Maglos
lives with his father, a High Chief, at <st1:place w:st="on">Stonehenge</st1:place>.
Unexpectedly, when the annual midsummer blood sacrifice is about to take place,
Maglos’ uncle steps forward, kills Maglos’ father and takes power for himself.
Maglos is rescued by strangers, who he discovers are metal workers. Travelling
with them for some years he learns their trade and is cared for by two
brothers, but never loses his desire to depose his uncle. In time, he returns
home and, perhaps because of the kindness shown to him, shows mercy, exiling
his uncle rather than killing him as planned. The historical period is brought
alive by details of hunting, ceremonies and the magic of metal work, completely
new to this Stone Age boy. However, the historical information never gets in the
way of the action moving forward. Suitable both for reluctant readers and those
wanting a fully rounded story delivered in a short format.</div>
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<i>Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Defenders: Pitch
Invasion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Tom Palmer</div>
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Illustrated by David Shephard<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:city w:st="on">Barrington</st1:city>
Stoke £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1781127315</div>
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Tom Palmer has an excellent reputation for producing writing
that stimulates reluctant readers and this book, the final volume in the <i>Defenders</i> trilogy, does not disappoint.
The two previous titles are <i>Dark Arena</i>
and <i>Killing Ground</i>. The defenders are
Seth and his friend, Nadiya. Seth is in <st1:city w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:city>,
where he is haunted by severed heads at the entrance to an Iron Age hill-fort,
whilst Nadiya says ancient people put the heads there to scare away strangers.
He worries about his mother who is hoping for the ‘all clear’ after cancer
treatment. He meets two football mad brothers from <st1:city w:st="on">Aleppo</st1:city> who are refugees and hears their
story. The Iron Age and present day collide and Seth acts courageously to
defend oppressed people.<b> </b>The layout,
language, short paragraphs, typeface and fast-paced plot make the story
appealing.<b> </b>There is an interesting
mix of history, the present day, horror, ghosts, football, refugees, bravery,
empathy and compassion. Highly recommended. Check out the accompanying writing
tips, posters and colouring sheets available on Tom’s website - <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="http://tompalmer.co.uk/defenders/pitch-invasion"><span style="color: #0070c0;">http://tompalmer.co.uk/defenders/pitch-invasion</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i>Brenda Marshall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Ice</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Sea</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Pirates<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Frida Nilsson</div>
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Translated by Peter Graves</div>
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Gecko £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1776571451</div>
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When her sister is kidnapped by pirates and taken to work in
Captain Whitehead's mines, Siri braves everything to go and rescue her. Leaving
her father behind, she sets off, facing many perils and making many friends
along the way. This is a story about the worst and best of human nature. At
times the cruelties of others and their attempts to justify their actions make
for uncomfortable reading, but Siri's optimism and determination to succeed in
her quest shine through. Her desire to put right the wrong she feels she has
done compels her to valiantly pursue her quest to its conclusion, offering much
to discuss. The substantial story is full of interesting and diverse characters
and there are many beautiful, descriptive passages making this a rich,
compelling read for those looking for a satisfying challenge.</div>
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<i>Sue Wilsher<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Ruby McCracken: Tragic Without Magic<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Elizabeth Ezra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kelpies £6.99<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1782504467</div>
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Hopefully, this is the first of many books featuring the
pre-teen witch. Ruby loves her witchy life in <span lang="EN-US">Hexadonia, </span>playing in the school
cockroach team and eating such delicious snacks as <span lang="EN-US">dried wasps and candied gnats</span>, but then
her life falls apart. Her parents move the family to the Ordinary World, where
Ruby has no friends and even worse, no magic. Ruby is picked on by the <i>popular</i> girls, struggles at her new
school, and has trouble getting used to the boring <i>ord </i>food, but then it seems she is given the opportunity to get
back her magic. Ruby’s debut adventure is a fun book with laugh-out-loud
moments. At the same time though, the tale is written with real understanding
of everyday issues facing children, who can empathise with Ruby feeling lost in
her new school, missing her friends and longing to be back in her old life.
Ruby tells her own story and her dry humour will instantly endear her to
readers. This 2016 Kelpie’s prize-winner is a real magical book.</div>
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<i>Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Cloak of Feathers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written by Nigel
Quinlan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Orion £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1444014181<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brian Nolan lives in
Knockmealldown, on a cheap housing estate built beside a polluted lake whose
stench would indeed threaten to knock you down. Every hundred years, this small
town celebrates the Great Festival to which the fairies, called Good Folk, are
invited. But, this year, they are furious at the desecration of <i>their</i> lake. Brian’s parents are held by
a cruel spell and the whole town is threatened by a cursed, choking,
fast-growing weed which resist all attempts to destroy it. Brian, together with
his friends Helen and Derek, must use all their courage, cunning and sense of
humour to rescue the Folk Princess and defeat her evil captor. The game in
question is the legendary Irish hurling, a kind of earthbound Quidditch, and
what a fast moving, murderous contest it proves. Will the skill, nerve and
quick wits, tested on both sides, restore the centuries old harmony? A most
unusual combination of matter-of-fact-style woven in with Irish myth and
legend, a very modern concern for our environment and three heroes who are very
ordinary, bored local children without much money or entertainment. Fast
moving, funny and very entertaining.</div>
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<i>Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Make Me Awesome!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Ben Davis</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Mike Lowery</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OUP £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-0192747969</div>
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This story is all about Freddie’s pathetically painstaking
pursuit of <i>awesomeness</i> as he strives
relentlessly to support his family who are about to be made homeless. Also,
hilarious and hugely entertaining in respect of Chuck’s <i>awesome</i> ego, baloney and bravado, “<span style="background: white;">My
name is Chuck Willard and I can make you AWESOME, just like me!” Freddie desperately
wants to go from zero to hero and so he joins Chuck’s <i>Make Me Awesome</i> online programme. He then embarks on various
schemes to make himself <i>awesome</i>,
thinking he is safe in the knowledge that Chuck is always there, giving him
plenty of personal help.</span> However, it is Nilesh who is the voice of
reason and, together with Freddie’s father, they both come up trumps and are
Freddie’s ultimately best role models of steadfast <i>awesomeness</i> after all. Heavy
Metal Steve, super dogs Mittens and Keith, The Losers’ Club and even the Headteacher,
all help in making this a fun, reassuring and heart-warming tale. Classic Ben Davis!</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Gill Roberts <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Children of
Castle Rock<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Natasha Farrant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Faber & Faber
£6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-0571323562</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city>’s
home is sold, and she is sent to a boarding school in the Scottish Highlands
run by very eccentric teachers. There, she meets a variety of youngsters
blessed with different talents, receives a mysterious parcel, her Dad goes
missing and, suddenly, she is in the middle of an exciting, rollicking
adventure story. The varied and attractive characters are handled with
sensitivity as they use the best of their skills to face the challenges and dangers
that meet them. <st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city>
learns to be brave and to trust her new friends and, most importantly, comes to
realise that stories don’t have to be just in your head but can be lived too.
This is a good old-fashioned adventure story for our modern times.</div>
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<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hounds
and Hauntings 248 pages 8-12 years</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Janine Beacham</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Little,
Brown £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1510201323</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
is the third title in which Rose Raventhorpe and her fellow secret guardians of
the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Yorke</st1:place></st1:city>
find themselves with a mystery to solve.
Moll the Pocket has been found dead in one of the city’s dark alleyways
and it is widely believed that the Barghest, a fierce, mythical hound, said to
haunt the alleyways, is responsible. Rose is not convinced, so along with her
friend, Orpheus, her butler, Heddsworth, and the other secret guardians she
sets out to find the truth. This is an exciting story combining lots of madcap
action and a hint of the supernatural interwoven with interesting historical
detail and the beginnings of the railways. There are clues and red herrings,
some entertaining sword fighting and a large cast of eccentric characters.
There are also comic moments courtesy of the group of butlers who are guardians
of the city but like to tidy up as they go. Although the book works well as a
stand-alone story, readers may well find themselves compelled to seek out the
earlier books in the <i>Rose Raventhorpe
Investigates</i> series while waiting for the next title to appear.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="Body" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>My Side of the
Diamond<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Sally Gardner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hot Key £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1471406430</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Narrated from multiple perspectives, <i>My Side of the Diamond</i> is told in flashback as our characters
recall different facets of a story that slowly reveals itself throughout the course
of the book. At its core are aliens who have been sent to earth to learn about
love and how, in many ways, that mission goes awry However, the science fiction
element is not overbearing, and, in many ways, this is more a story about
relationships of all kinds – from friendships across the class divide to more
intimate connections. Jazmin Little, our main narrator, struggles to trust
others or believe in her own worth, but as she faces a series of terrifying
events with her privileged friend Becky and Becky’s half-brother, Alex, she
opens up and begins to value both others and herself. Jazmin’s voice is
authentic and reflective as she examines her motives for events that happened
many years earlier. With pencil illustrations scattered throughout, engaging
narrators and constant action, this novel is a good recommendation for the less
keen reader. The plot is difficult to recount but keeps the reader intrigued
throughout.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Outwalkers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Written by Fiona Shaw</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
David Fickling £10.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1788450003</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Outwalkers</i> is the
first YA novel from Fiona Shaw, and what a debut it is. Set in a dystopian
future, newly orphaned Jake is on the run from his <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Home</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
along with his dog, Jet. He is tracked because of the chip that everyone now
has in their neck but is saved from re-capture by a gang of Outwalkers,
children living outside of the new society. After proving himself, Jake joins
the gang and they set out on the dangerous journey to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Scotland</st1:country-region>, the
other side of the heavily guarded New Wall, in search of a better and freer
life. <i>Outwalkers</i> is a thrilling,
timely and often disturbing novel. Fiona Shaw’s vision of this future <st1:country-region w:st="on">England</st1:country-region> under
an all-controlling government is powerful and evocative. She does not shy away
from the horrors that such a world would bring. The characterisation is strong,
with the protagonists on both sides dedicated to their chosen path. Jake
especially is believable and sympathetic and his relationship with Jet is
intensely moving. The plot is tense and gripping, having readers on the edge of
their seats to the very end. </div>
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<i>Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Young Adults<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>No Shame<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Anne Cassidy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hot Key £7.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1471406782</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seventeen-year-old Stacey Woods was raped, and so she
decided to prosecute her rapist. She is now Girl X, having to deal with the
ordeal of a trial and trying to avoid being <i>outed</i>
so that the rest of her school don’t find out what happened to her. This
becomes more difficult when the media picks up on the fact that the flat in
which she was raped belongs to a relative of a Cabinet Minister. This is the
sequel to <i>No Virgin</i> which tells the
story from the rapist perspective. In <i>No
Shame</i>, the story continues from Stacey’s perspective, telling the story of
her decision to prosecute, the legal processes, the trial and its impact on the
victim and her family. An extremely hard-hitting novel but without being
gratuitous or sensational, which, because of its subject matter, is definitely
aimed at older teenagers. The characters are well drawn, the tension of the
trial, the possible outcomes and the impact of it on Stacey’s life and future
is so powerfully written. It takes the reader through a gamut of emotions and
feelings – despair, anxiety and anger at a system that can treat rape victims
in this way. Sensitively handled, it is a book that doesn’t pull any punches,
raises many questions, is raw, painfully honest and offer opportunities for
discussion. Both <i>No Shame </i>and <i>No </i>Virgin deal with a subject matter
that is often shied away from, but, given all the sexual abuse issues that have
been arising in recent times, these are both extremely important books.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Information
Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Meet the Ancient
Egyptians<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by James Davies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big Picture £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1787410367</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a bright and cheery cover, this book is just the right
size for younger hands. The pages are attractively laid out, with text
presented in the form of labels, speech bubbles, and short paragraphs
complemented by cartoon-style, colour illustrations, making it very accessible
for the younger reader. There is thorough coverage of all aspects of daily life
and death in ancient <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>,
with chapters including food and drink, medicine, the afterlife and
mummification. The latter chapters cover the work of archaeologists including
Howard Carter, and there is brief coverage of the demise of Ancient Egypt and
information about modern-day <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>.
An attractive and accessible book for younger readers on this popular and
fascinating topic. <i>Meet the Ancient
Romans</i> is also available, and equally fascinating. (6+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Destination:
Planet Earth<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Jo
Nelson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Tom
Clohosy Cole</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wide Eyed £12.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN:
978-1786030610</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a trip around Planet Earth in this full colour guide to
one of the solar system's most amazing destinations. Fly to the poles, and the
equator, explore the atmosphere and find out how weather influences climate,
find out how ecosystems and biomes work, sail over rivers and seas, discover
how mountains and volcanoes are formed. This fact-filled travelogue even shows
you how Earth’s most notorious inhabitants are polluting the planet and what
they now intend to do about it. An informative read which will introduce young
readers to a host of geographical and geological issues. Complete with a
double-sided poster which will look good on any child’s bedroom wall. (7+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i>Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1>
<b> </b></h1>
<h1>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">How to Grow and Eat Monster Vegetables</span><o:p></o:p></b></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by M. P. Robertson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
from you to me
£12.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1907860027</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an inventive and comical book. The pen and ink and
watercolour drawings are gorgeous, and there are jokes and wit aplenty. I loved
the creativity of this book, from the Grumpkin Patch to the Turn ‘N’ Nips - not
to mention the Sluggapotamus. There are visual jokes and lots of word play
together with recipes that luckily swap ingredients, such as dragon’s eggs, for
more available ones like chicken’s eggs. This book is a great deal of fun and
absolutely brims with fun and the fantastical. A delight! At the same time,
carrying the important message that vegetables and fun to grow and delicious to
eat. (8+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Julia Wills<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Story of Life: A
First Book of Evolution<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Catherine Barr and Steve Williams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Amy Husband</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frances Lincoln
£6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1786033420</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Catherine Barr and Steve Williams’ lively book takes us from
oceans of lava and meteoroid showers to the present day. It considers the
impact of humans on our planet, Earth, warning that, “with or without us, our
planet will spin through space for billions of years to come”. Amy Husband’s
entertaining illustrations illuminate the well-trodden path from first cells and
dinosaurs, through mass extinction and the rise of the mammals, to the
emergence of the hairy, child-bearing bipeds that currently dominate the world.
Having been carefully researched, this account of the development of life on
Earth is very accessible and easy to follow. I was delighted to find out that
magnolias were blossoming in meadows alongside the dinosaurs. (8+)</div>
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<i>Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h1>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Tallest Tower, Smallest Star<o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Kate Baker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Page Tsou</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big Picture £14.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1783708451</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Subtitled <i>A Pictorial
Compendium of Comparisons</i>, this is a beautiful book! The Victorian-style
illustrations and muted colour palette used are the first things that seize
your attention, closely followed by the sort of comparisons - biggest,
smallest, fastest, strongest - between creatures and places that is guaranteed
to delight children, and adults too! Can you imagine a shark that was thirteen metres
long or a snake that could swallow a crocodile whole? Or the fastest non-space
aircraft of all time that whizzes along at 7,270 kph? Every page of this book
is filled with magic, with startling facts and amazing discoveries. A book to
spend hours poring over, whatever your age. Thoroughly recommended. (9+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Julia Wills<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>50 Things You Should
Know About Vikings<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Philip Parker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quarto £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1682971956</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only 50? There are <i>hundreds</i>
of things to know about the Vikings in this excellent introduction. Absolutely
jammed with information, illustrations and photographs this late-primary/early
secondary primer takes us through three centuries, from the first Viking raids
on Lindisfarne to the age of Erik Evergood and Magnus Barelegs. A final section
looks at the Viking contribution to European culture, from everyday English
words like bread and eggs, to the Nazis’ sinister glorification of the Nordic
warrior. Look out for other titles in this very extensive series including <i>Football, Wild Weather, The Human Body,
Inventions, The Environment, Prehistoric Britain, Music, The Tudors, The Second
World War.</i> (9+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Paul Dowswell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Habitats</span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Jon Richards and Ed Simkins</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Wayland £12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1526303554</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Part of the <i>Science in infographics</i> series, this book is very visual and
informative, full of facts presented in an interesting way. Using icons,
graphics and pictograms, infographics visualises information in a whole new
way. <span style="background: white;">Marvel at the creatures that live in the
depth of the deepest oceans, read about our huge grasslands, and discover how
living things survive. </span>Colourful illustrations and bold text make this a
worthwhile information book. There are several books in this series, including <i>Light and Sound, Forces, </i>and<i> Living Things</i>, all presented in the
same format, and they would make a valuable addition for any school library or
interested reader. (10+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid
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<b>A Muslim Life<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Cath Senker</div>
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Franklin Watts
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ISBN: 978-1445157993</div>
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An introduction and overview of the basic beliefs and
practices of Islam, with full colour pictures of different cultural and social
contexts around the world. It may attract some criticism for showing an
idealised Muslim life – no mention of extremism, no attempt to comment on what
children may be picking up from the News. But all religions are a set of
aspirations rather than certainties, and, like all ideals, they are open to
misinterpretation and corruption. I hope this book will be celebrated in homes
and schools for showing the faith that is lived so positively by the majority
of its followers. It may help parents and teachers to discuss the use and abuse
of faith and to combat the fear and prejudice that many children are imbibing
from the media and their community. Part of the <i>Following a Faith</i> series, which includes titles relating to other
faith lives such as being a Christian, a Hindu, or a Jew. (10+)</div>
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<i>Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-26875717928942524602018-03-16T09:22:00.004-07:002018-03-16T09:22:41.326-07:00Reviews Extra Spring 2018<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Picture Books for young children</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mouse House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written and illustrated by John Burningham</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jonathan Cape £11.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-0857551771</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Burningham is a masterly picture book creator. His apparently artless lines, containing only softly shaded images, draw your attention while his words point your thinking. A family live in this house - a father, a mother, a boy and a girl. They believe it to be theirs, but, while they sleep, mice come out to play. Cheerful images show umbrella-holding parachuting mice, footballing mice and a family as caring and happy as the human one. When mother sees a mouse, she protectively lifts one leg and holds close her skirt in a very human response. Father, though, calls a mouse-catcher as the children leave a warning note for their mouse friends. The moving, wordless illustration of the mouse exodus reminds you of wartime photographs of evacuees or families being transported to concentration camps. It makes you unexpectedly ashamed of the adults’ lack of empathy. Later, the children welcome the chance to make playthings for their mouse friends until autumn sees them leave once more, though an unexpected ending gives hope for the future. A warm, wise and beautiful book from an expert in his field. Highly recommended.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Tina Massey</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fred</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Mick Inkpen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by Chloe Inkpen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hodder £6.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1444929539</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fred was introduced to young readers in a previous title, I Will Love You Anyway, so you may already be a fan of this adorable little puppy. Having mastered a few of the basics, such as Fetch, Sit and Stay, Fred’s education continues as he struggles to master what the word Fred actually means. It’s a simple idea, beautifully executed. If you love dogs and appreciate comical, rhyming text beautifully complementing expertly crafted, endearing illustrations, you’ll love this. Another masterpiece from this very talented father and daughter partnership.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yvonne Coppard</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His Royal Tinyness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by David Roberts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walker £12.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1406324662</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This “terrible true story” is told by Princess Marianna, a little girl who lives happily in a wonderful land where there is always time for stories and there is always room on a mother’s lap. She feels like a princess, but, everything changes when another very small person arrives in the kingdom/family and demands everyone’s full-time attention. The whole kingdom/family has obviously fallen under some enchantment. Our beautiful and talented princess feels usurped and cruelly mistreated, but all attempts to win back her former position in the kingdom/family fail and the new very small person remains, just as noisy and smelly and regally attention-seeking as ever. A change of approach is needed. This absolutely delightful story, with its hilarious colour illustrations, demonstrates the problems that can occur when parents decide that one child is not enough. Any family that has more than one child will recognise this situation, but thankfully, princesses usually manage to live happily ever after.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jan Lennon</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hibernation Hotel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by John Kelly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by Laura Brenlla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little Tiger £11.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1848696754</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter is on its way, so Bear settles down for a cosy hibernation. However, he soon gets very annoyed by the stinks, sounds and general squashedness, all caused by his fellow animal friends. With that in mind, he books himself into a hotel for the winter, but soon finds that what he thought he wanted isn’t as brilliant as he had anticipated. Gorgeous illustrations really set off this laugh-out-loud story of friendship. Sneaky animals, hidden along the way, add a lovely layer to this funny and interactive story. Perfect for children who regularly find excuses not to go to sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Rebecca Watts</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Great Gran Plan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Elli Woollard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by Steven Lenton</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Macmillan £6.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1447254799</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When he realises that he can't get to the little pig, who is safe in his brick house, the hungry bad wolf turns his attention to Plan B, “Gobble Red Riding Hood's Gran - nice and hot.” On discovering this, Pig sets off to save the day. Fabulously funny, this lovely story links Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs in a brilliant new tale. Told using carefully chosen vocabulary, the rhyming text is ideal for reading aloud with plenty of opportunities for children to join in as they become familiar with the story. The illustrations are an absolute joy. Full of little details and plenty of references to other traditional tales, they will be enjoyed again and again. With little jokes, like a family picture of the little pigs playing piggy-in-the-middle, PIG E as the little pig's number plate, the naked Emperor leaving The Emporium of New Clothes and fairy-powered street lamps, each spread has so much to explore and discover. Brilliant fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sue Wilsher</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Titles for readers Moving On from Primary to High School</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fox Friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Michael Morpurgo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barrington Stokes £5.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1781127506</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this unflinching short story, Michael Morpurgo tackles the difficult relationship between people and foxes in the countryside. Clare sees the beauty in the creatures, while her livestock-farming father sees the foxes as pests and believes that the only good fox is a dead fox. When Clare finds an orphaned cub after the fox-hunt has passed, she decides to secretly raise him on her own and names him Larry. He grows stronger and bigger until Clare knows the day has come to set him free. When the story ends tragically for Larry, was Clare’s kindness towards the fox cub appropriate or worth it? Fox Friend makes a useful starting point for a range of topics for parents and teachers. At the back, Michael Morpurgo shares how his own farm inspired the story and how thousands of children have benefited from the Farms for City Children scheme.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Benjamin Scott</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Titles for Young Teenage Readers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he Beast is an Animal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Peternelle van Arsdale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon & Schuster £7.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1471160455</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The land of Byd is haunted by an evil presence. The Beast is the subject of an old rhyme, which is used to warn children of the dangers of wandering out at night. But when death comes to the village where Alys lives, it is two mysterious twin sisters, the soul eaters, who are the cause, and not the Beast. Seven-year-old Alys is left an orphan and, through the kindness of a stranger, makes her way to the next village to begin a new life. But it turns out to be more prison than sanctuary. This is a complicated story. Alys is an unusual child who appears to have special powers and some kind of unexplained connection to the twin sisters - something which she fears, yet cannot resist. We watch her grow almost to adulthood, when the story quickens to a final crisis. Alys’ character is well developed and she earns our sympathy. The plot develops at a steady pace until the climax, when it seems to career out of control. However, a resolution is eventually reached, and so ends a good read which should be enjoyed by fantasy fans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Liz Dubber</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Titles for More Mature Young Adults</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everybody Hurts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Joanna Nadin and Anthony McGowan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atom £6.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-0349002910</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a dual narrative story which works really well. It all starts in a hospital canteen where Matt and Sophia first meet and a spark of attraction between them is ignited. Sophia is an outpatient in remission from cancer, Matt is an opportunist looking for a girl to seduce. They are from completely different backgrounds, face opposition from friends and family and struggle with their feelings for each other. This is a story of teenage love with all of its angst, torments and intense feelings. The characters are interesting, including the supporting ones like Jango with his bullying tactics and his well-hidden heart of gold. The writing is excellent, and the storyline is funny and moving, if a bit cheesy at times, but in a nice way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ingrid Fox</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Information Titles</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Great Big Body Book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Mary Hoffman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by Ros Asquith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frances Lincoln £8.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1847806871</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our bodies are all basically the same, but, at the same time, each body is unique. This fun and informative book reassures children, in very simple language, that there is no such thing as normal and that we are all amazing. We see that our bodies are constantly changing either through illness, injury or just through the inevitable ageing process. Puberty, gender-identity and death are all included in an age appropriate manner. The entertaining watercolour illustrations reflect the diversity of the world in which we live. Some people are larger than others, everyone has differently coloured skin and some have special needs, but we all need to take care of our bodies in the same way. This is a superb introduction to a young child’s knowledge of themselves, and the people around them, and parents and teachers will find it a useful tool for opening discussions with older children too. (4+)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jan Lennon</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Focus: Cities</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Libby Walden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">360 Degrees £15.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1848575912</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children are invited to explore ten famous cities around the world in this strikingly large book. Ten different illustrators have each taken a city, including London, Tokyo, Sydney and Moscow, to depict in their own way, using colours which reflect the climate and building materials. Each opening introduces the city, with an introduction, an overview of iconic buildings and two fold-out pages. Under these large flaps can be found snippets of information about famous sights, historical happenings, culture and customs. Containing quite a variety of details, including the quirky and unusual, this a very appealing book, ideal for dipping into, as well as providing a source for research. (5+)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jayne Gould</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Reasons to Love a Turtle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Catherine Barr</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrated by Hanako Clulow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frances Lincoln £9.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1847809407</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This delightful book, with its cut out front cover, systematically and successfully sets out to persuade young readers that turtles are indeed special creatures worthy of respect and protection. Ten main facts are explored about their journeys between feeding and nesting places, how they save sand dunes, cry real tears, have different shaped jaws and beautiful shells, make homes for other sea creatures, can hold their breath for hours, grow very slowly living long and are as ancient as the dinosaurs. All information is beautifully illustrated and labelled appropriately to maximise clarification and interest. Published in association with the Natural History Museum in London, this book embodies creativity and fact. It could be aptly placed in both non-fiction and picture book sections of a library. Look out for the other titles in the same series which also give us ten reasons to love such creatures as the whale, the bear and the elephant. (6+)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Gill Roberts</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Story of You</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Anna Claybourne</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wayland £9.99</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN: 978-1526300263</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Story of You is an excellent overview of DNA and human consciousness. We are all the same, but different and unique. The opening spread begins “Wherever you go, whatever you do, one thing always stays the same - you’re you! As long as you live, you’ll be inside your body, looking out at the world, with your own thoughts and ideas, likes and dislikes, feelings, hopes and dreams.” Different sections of the book, entitled Your Body, Your Mind, Your Personality and Your Family Tree are bound to intrigue any bright inquisitive child. The science behind all these concepts is very complex but Anna Claybourne’s text manages to make them accessible and interesting for young readers. (9+)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Paul Dowswell</i></span>carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-82185848682211407282017-10-30T10:02:00.002-07:002017-10-30T10:02:37.132-07:00Reviews Extra Autumn/Winter 2017<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Rockabye Pirate<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Timothy Knapman</div>
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Illustrated by <st1:city w:st="on">Ada</st1:city>
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<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1408849392</div>
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When night falls it is time for all sleepy little pirates to
go to bed, for loot-filled lullabies and dreams of buried treasure. Mummy
Pirate rounds up all those fearsome seafarers as they tie up their ships for
the night, have their supper and a bath, cuddle up for a story and then snuggle
under their Jolly Roger duvets. With its gentle rhymes and entertaining
pictures in subdued colours this is a lovely bedtime story for all young
buccaneers.</div>
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<i>Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><b style="text-align: justify;">The Nut Stayed Shut</b></div>
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Written and illustrated by Mike Henson</div>
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Templar £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1783706938</div>
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Have you ever had a nut you couldn’t crack? Rodney, the
champion ‘kung fu’ style nut-cracker, clearly has never met such a stubborn nut
before. He tries everything - from hammers to rhinoceros poo, an elephant, and
even TNT - but nothing works. His fury is reflected in the text and the
illustrations, and he eventually is forced to give up his efforts. However, it
seems that if you wait long enough, the nut will crack by itself. The bold
illustrations in this picture book reflect Rodney’s frustration at the nut’s
refusal to crack. Young children will enjoy the story but be warned - with
repeated efforts to bash the nut with the increasingly crazy tools Rodney tries
to use, this is more likely to provoke rowdy play than encourage conversation,
questions or quietness. Adults are advised not to save this one for bedtime! </div>
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<i>Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Written by Brett McKee</div>
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Illustrated by David McKee</div>
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Andersen £11.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1783445349</div>
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This rhyming tale has an unusual twist as the brave knight,
Sir Ned, heads to the woods to vanquish the Nasties who are making the King ill
with their terrible noise, and frightening the villagers too. Ned is offered
some unexpected help on the way from a witch, a wolf and a troll, but soon
learns<span style="color: red;"> </span>who to trust when they reach the Nasties’
hidden cave. Warm, rich illustrations accompany the amusing, often
laugh-out-loud, story which celebrates how noise can be turned into lovely,
powerful sound and the ending is delightfully unexpected.</div>
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<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Adventures of Hermes, God of Thieves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written by Murielle
Szac<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Translated by Mika
Provata-Carlone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pushkin £7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1782691303<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia, is born walking, talking and
questioning the world. As he explores <st1:place w:st="on">Olympus</st1:place>,
home of the ancient Greek gods, his adventures reveal their nature and lives.
He learns of the powers of Zeus, the nature of his brother Apollo and how to
survive in <st1:place w:st="on">Olympus</st1:place>. We learn how each god came
into being, the loves, jealousies and powers they possess and how Hermes needs
to tread carefully to avoid their anger and be useful to them. Writing of
exceptional clarity and quality explores the stories of Pandora, Prometheus,
Persephone, Jason, Medea and all those vaguely remembered characters, both
memorably and startlingly. Written in short, clearly headed chapters, these strange
and wonderful tales will resonate with Harry Potter and other fantasy fans who
wonder, “What was a centaur?” Extraordinary stories from a publisher offering
the best of children’s writing from a range of cultures.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How to Stage a
Catastrophe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Rebecca Donnelly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Curious Fox £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1782025986</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This entertaining story is about a group of friends who
desperately want to save their ramshackle theatre from closing down. Sidney
Camazzola has ambitions to be the director of the Juicebox Children’s Theatre
when he grows up, but the on-going financial crisis it is in, means it could be
gone long before then. Working together with his best friend Folly, an aspiring
businessman, as well as members of his family and other friends involved with
the theatre, they come up with a plan to save the Juicebox. But, as any
director can tell you, not everything happens according to the script. Despite
on-stage disasters, misunderstandings and a possible crime being committed, <st1:city w:st="on">Sidney</st1:city>’s enthusiasm
remains undiminished as he takes the reader through three acts and an
intermission. </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b></div>
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<div class="Body">
<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Rook</span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Anthony McGowan</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">
Stoke £7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1781127230</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">The first chapter is told from the perspective of the young
rook. He is flying free with his friends until caught and hurt by a sparrow
hawk. Kenny, who has special needs, rescues ‘Rookee’ and despite the scepticism
of his brother, Nicky, is determined to keep the young bird alive. Nicky has
greater things to worry about - bullying at school, low self-esteem and a
burgeoning crush on a girl. <i>Rook</i> is
the last in the trilogy from Anthony McGowan, following <i>Brock</i> and <i>Pike</i>. Each
story deals with the difficulties and problems that Nicky and Kenny have to
face as teenagers growing up in a confusing world. As with all Barrington Stoke
books these three short novels are written on cream paper, with clear typeface and
short chapters. The stories are unusual, full of feeling and the characters
will resonate with the reader.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="Body" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid
Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And Then We Ran</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Katy Cannon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stripes £7.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1847157997</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Megan and Elliott have been best friends most of their lives
but the death of Megan’s sister, in a reckless accident that rocked their small
seaside community, has created a gulf between them. Now, they are both trying
to escape the weight of this history and the shadows cast by their families.
When Meg realises that an inheritance, held in trust for her, can be claimed
early if she marries, a crazy plan is born – elopement to <st1:place w:st="on">Gretna
Green</st1:place>. Her proposal to Elliott is business-like - a marriage of
convenience. But life has very few clean, simple decisions, as Megan and
Elliott are about to discover, on a journey that is not purely geographical. A
really engaging, romantic story that also explores the teenage struggle for
freedom, identity and belonging.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Guggenheim
Mystery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Robin Stevens</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Puffin £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-0141377025</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on an idea by Siobhan Dowd, this sequel to her <i>The London Eye Mystery</i> has been
carefully and skilfully created by Robin Stevens. It continues the adventures
of Ted Spark and his sister, Kat, when they visit their cousin, Salim, who has
moved to <st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place>
with his mum. Robin Stevens is a successful, award-winning mystery writer and
she uses her expertise to take on the legacy and challenge of the late Siobhan
Dowd and the three words of the title she left behind. Aunt Gloria has a new job
as curator of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Guggenheim</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place> and, on the day
the youngsters visit, a famous painting is stolen. There are no obvious clues,
and the police are puzzled. Ted has what he calls, “a funny brain which works
on a different operating system to other people’s”, and he is good at noticing
things and seeing patterns and connections. Robin Stevens has sensitively recreated
the various individual aspects of Siobhan Dowd’s attractive characters and
captured the atmosphere and excitement of <st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place> very successfully.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Young Adults</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Red Abbey
Chronicles: Maresi<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Maria Turtschaninoff</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Translated by A.A. Prime</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pushkin £7.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1782690924</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This haunting story is a compelling read and resonates long
after the last page has been read. Maresi’s family send her to live with the
sisterhood at The Red Abbey, on a remote island populated by women. Each has
their role to play, but the delights and rewards of learning are far more
important to Maresi. The descriptions of life on the island, harvesting
mussels, dyeing fabric, and the daily rituals are detailed, and the characters
of the sisters and novices varied and attractive. Several are seeking refuge
and when the mysterious, silent and scarred Jai joins them, Maresi knows she
has a harsh story she is not telling. Jai gradually settles into the rhythm of
life at the abbey, but the threat to them all is not far away. When tragedy
strikes, the women use all their resourcefulness and strength to save their
family. But it is Maresi’s determination to take all she has learnt at the
abbey back to her homeland that is remarkable, and will be the source of a new
story. </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Information
Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where Will I Live?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Rosemary McCarney</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Internationalist
£9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1772600285</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A timely antidote to our hate-filled tabloids, reminding
young readers that the ‘swarms’ and ‘cockroaches’ they may have seen in their
family newspapers and on TV are actually real people, just like them. This book
will help to realise that they are fleeing from terrifying events and
circumstances that we in the West can barely imagine. One large picture per
page and simple text make this book an accessible, easy read. One hopes it will
inspire empathy, and possibly a desire to help, in its young readers. (6+)</div>
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul
Dowswell<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Crazy about Cats</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by Owen
Davey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Flying Eye £12.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1911171164<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The third title in a series by
this talented author/illustrator, following <i>Mad
about Monkeys</i>, and <i>Smart about Sharks</i>,
is just packed full of valuable information about big cats. Unusually for a
non-fiction title, there are no photographs in this book, instead pages are
filled with dynamic illustrations which are slick, with clean lines and a feel
of mid-century style about them. The genius here is that despite the intense
stylization, the illustrations remain true to the natural form and features of
the animals and landscapes depicted in the book. The book is beautifully produced
on thick matt paper, making the whole piece a work of art. The text features
general topics expected by a reader such as camouflage, adaptations and
feeding, as well as introducing the reader to less well-known species and
exploring the relationship between big cats and humans. There is some technical
and scientific language used which, along with the level of detail, makes this
a book for young confident readers. (8+)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Music</st1:placename></st1:place><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Meurig and Rachel Bowen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Daniel Frost</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wide Eyed £14.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1847808608</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In just 40 lessons, this ambitious and comprehensive book
goes from discussing types of music - from A Capella to zydeco - to composing
and sharing music with others. With a faculty of expert musicians to guide and
teach the reader, Term 1 explores types of music and how they’re made,
including lots of non-Western instruments and styles, while Term 2 teaches the
building blocks of music from rhythm, notes and harmony to musical notation and
direction. Finally, Term 3 helps readers think about creating music in
different ways, from creating a kitchen orchestra to learning and performing
with different instruments. Sounds daunting, but each lesson is bite-sized,
colourfully illustrated and includes an easy to perform activity to further
understanding. Some lessons come with online musical resources. <i>The School of Music</i> is a valuable
resource for children learning to sing or play an instrument. For children who
don’t think they are musical, the authors leave the reader in no doubt that
anyone can create music - it just takes patience and practice. 9+</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Teenage Guide to
Friends<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Nicola Morgan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Walker</st1:city> £7.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1406369779</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fans of <i>The Teenage
Guide to Stress </i>and <i>Blame My Brain</i>
will welcome this latest title from Nicola Morgan. As with her previous books,
this one addresses the teenage reader in a warm, wise and direct tone. The
purpose of the book is to reassure young people that any difficulties they are
experiencing in the area of friendship are not abnormal and will not last for
ever, whilst also giving them practical suggestions for how to improve their
situation. Nicola Morgan also explores specific topics such as online
friendships, negative or toxic friendships and how to manage peer pressure. The
emphasis is always on good information, balanced advice and reassurance. By
explaining some different personality types and considering the kinds of things
that might be preoccupying others, she is both encouraging the reader to
reflect upon their own personality traits as well as think about how others
might be feeling. There is an excellent Further Reading section at the end of
the book that encourages readers to extend their reading and learning, and
notes the importance of being discerning about sources and having a balanced
approach to online research. Highly recommended. (13+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-6296944872661196282017-07-04T09:46:00.002-07:002017-07-04T09:46:37.968-07:00Another 12 great reviews! See issue 65 for over 100 more :) <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Solomon and Mortimer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Macmillan £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1509830459</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Solomon and Mortimer are two
bored crocodiles. They decide it would be fun to play a trick on Hippo, while
he is wallowing in the water. They will surprise him, make him jump and create
a big splash in the water to make them laugh. But they find that Hippo is smart
and neatly turns the tables on them making everyone laugh. Another joyful
picture book form this well-loved Kate Greenaway medal-winning author/illustrator.
As always, the story is great and the illustrations work so perfectly with the
text, offering additional dimensions and humour seen only through the pictures.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Captain McGrew Wants
You for His Crew!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Mark Sperring</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Ed Eaves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1408871034</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you think a pirate’s life is for you? Yes, then set sail
with Captain McGrew. But, maybe you’ll find pirating isn’t all it’s cracked up
to be. Told in humorous verse with engaging illustrations to match, Captain
McGrew’s greedy, demanding ways make for a lively and entertaining read. As the
story develops, it soon becomes apparent that working for him will not be all
sun, sea and piracy. In fact, piracy may in fact be a lot of hard work. Mark
Sperring and Ed Eaves have teamed up to create a fun story with a surprising
conclusion. Best polish up those pirate accents! </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Rebecca Watts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Donkey Benjamin<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Hans Limmer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Lennart Osbeck</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Translated by Elke Wakefield</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1925228489</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Pig Paulina <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Hans Limmer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by David Crossley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Translated by Elke Wakefield</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1925228496</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scribe UK £10.99
each</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These two charming books show how a family, living in a
Mediterranean island village, find and then adopt two lost farm creatures, a
baby donkey and a baby pig. The story of
how each is discovered is described in simple text on each page, and is
illustrated by delightful black and white photographs. The donkey is discovered
on the beach by toddler, Susi, and her father. Photographs document how they bring
the donkey home and how Susi befriends and feeds him until they become firm
friends and playmates. The second book tells a similar story about a pig, found
a few years later, this time by Susi’s younger sister, Angelika, by this time
herself a toddler. The piglet is
wandering near the village tied up in a sack, and Angelika brings him home and
cares for him until his owner finds him and wants him back to take to the
butcher. She runs away with the pig to a nearby cave, and, fortunately, by the
time they are found, the pig has been reprieved. Two delightful stories about
young children’s relationships with animals.
The village setting will be very unfamiliar to most children and
illustrate a way of life now even rarer than when these were first published.
Nevertheless, both stories would make good read-alouds for young children and
parents.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Babar’s Guide to Paris<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written and illustrated by Laurent de Brunhoff</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abrams £11.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1419722899</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Babar, the elephant, has a daughter called Isabelle and she is
going to Paris. As it is his favourite city, one he has visited many times, he
tells her about some of the places to visit and how to make the most of the
experience. From drinking coffee at a pavement café, to what to wear and taking
the Metro to see the sights, the essence of Parisian life is captured in this
genial guidebook for young travellers. Families planning a visit could use this
as a starting point of what to expect, though I suspect the streets and public
spaces are today a little more crowded than depicted here. A good companion to
other books such as Salvatore Robbino’s <i>A
Walk in Paris. </i>Laurent de Brunhoff continues to build on his father’s work
by creating new adventures for the much-loved Babar, using the same distinctive
style and palette.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Jayne Gould<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All About Ella<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Sally Nicholls</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Hannah Coulson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barrington Stoke
£6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1781125335</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ella’s teacher has been reading the poem <i>Monday’s Child is Fair of Face</i> to the
class. Ella wants to know what day of the week she was born on, so that she
will know what kind of child she is. But Ella’s older brother is very sick and
her family’s attention is focused on him. No-one seems to know what day she was
born on and Ella is feeling that no-one cares about her. However, through the
course of a week, she comes to learn more about herself and to understand that
there is more to a person than just the day of the week they were born on.
Another title in the Barrington Stoke <i>Little
Gems</i> series. These titles are all of a very high standard and written by
some of the best authors writing for children today. This one explores family
relationships in a way that gets its message across to a young reader very
well. The books in this series, and indeed all those on Barrington Stokes’ list
as a whole, are designed to be dyslexia-friendly and to encourage children to
discover the joys of reading. </div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Tilt<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Mary Hoffman</div>
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Barrington Stoke
£6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1781125656</div>
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The story is set in Pisa, 1299. Netta’s father is a
successful architect, commissioned to identify why Pisa’s famous tower is
leaning and how it can be corrected. Netta is his only surviving child. She has
inherited his passion for architecture, and his talents, but in thirteenth
century male-dominated Italy being a girl is enough to seal her expected
destiny. The mystery of ‘The Leaning Tower’ and Netta’s determination to
persuade her father to take her talents seriously combine to weave a pacey, informative
tale. Mary Hoffman’s love of Italy and her trademark commitment to female
characters, especially who neither submit nor surrender, shine through.</div>
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<i>Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>The Last Thing You
Said<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Sara Biren</div>
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Abrams £10.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1419723049</div>
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Set in a small town in the USA, this is a story of the
impact of a death on the lives of people within that community. Lucy and Trixie
have been best friends from a very young age. Lucy has also been in love with
Trixie’s brother, Ben, for as long as she can remember and his feelings for her
are mutual although neither has talked to each other about this. But then, last
summer, their lives changed in an instant. Trixie and Lucy’s brother go
swimming while Ben and Lucy are flirting with each other, and about to shyly
admit their feelings for one another, when tragedy strikes. Trixie has a heart
attack and she dies in the water. Following her death, his pain and grief
causes Ben to verbally lash out at Lucy and fracture their friendship and
burgeoning relationship. As the one year anniversary of her death approaches,
both are still in love with each other but have drifted apart to protect
themselves from the pain and grief they are still feeling. A well-written story
which explores the pain of grief and loss and the power of first love. Gently
told, characters develop realistically and are well rounded. The description is
excellent, capturing the feel and sense of a tightly knit family within a
small-town community.</div>
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<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Take the Key and Lock
Her Up</b></div>
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Written by Ally Carter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orchard £6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1408334409</div>
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“When the screams come, I can’t be sure that I’m not
dreaming.” Ally Carter certainly knows how to start a story, and her fiercely
independent, indomitable, if troubled, hero Grace will appeal to lots of teens
seeking a role model as well as providing a thoroughly good read. In this third
of the <i>Embassy Row</i> series, Grace
uncovers much about her birth and the family secrets which will put her in
opposition to a powerful secret society and threaten her life. She must move
rapidly to protect her brother and her family from a state whose existence is
threatened by them, which believes that their deaths will preserve the status
quo and even peace in Europe. Grace makes rapid decisions, even when they are
wrong, takes no nonsense from anyone and strikes out for what she believes in,
supported by a group of friends and a love interest, Alexei. (He says and does
little, but is, obviously, gorgeous.) There are many twists and turns to the
story, together with engaging characters and a political surprise to explain
past mysteries. A satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, warmly recommended for
young adults.</div>
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<i>Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Young Adults<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>The Edge of Everything<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Jeff Giles</div>
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Bloomsbury £7.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1408869079</div>
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This intriguing novel is a mixture of fantasy, adventure,
mystery and romance, with attractive characters and a haunting, evocative
landscape. During a blizzard at their remote home in the mountains of Montana,
Zoe is left with her demanding, but endearing, younger brother. Against her mother’s
instructions, she allows Jonah to play outside with the dogs despite the
freezing temperatures. When Zoe realises that Jonah has disappeared, and goes
to search for him, she discovers there are even worse dangers in the snow and
ice awaiting them. The descriptions of the storm and its repercussions are raw,
as is the cruelty of the man hiding in the storm. When help comes, their
rescuer is beyond Zoe’s imagining and has a tough story of his own to tell. The
search for the truth about the underlying mystery of the death of Zoe’s father
whilst caving becomes the catalyst for the seemingly improbable romance between
Zoe and the mysterious X. This is the first in a series so there is more to
come in this fantasy story as the reader becomes involved in the various
characters and the mystery of X’s background. Whilst harsh at times and
certainly a story for older readers, both Zoe and X find compassion, love and
support in the most unlikely places.</div>
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<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Information
Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b>Our Special World: My
Friends<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Liz Lennon</div>
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Franklin Watts
£10.99</div>
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ISBN 978-1445148991</div>
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This is a wonderfully inclusive depiction of children and
their friends. It looks at making friends, feelings, having fun together and
sharing. It also asks questions throughout, giving the child an opportunity to
think about their own behaviour and attitudes. The photos are clear and up-to-date
being multicultural and inclusive throughout. The text gives lots of simple
advice for children, to both reassure them and also help them enhance their own
experiences of friendship. This title is perfect for sharing with younger
children who are having to deal with making friends for the first time. (3 to 5
yrs)</div>
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<i>Nicole Jordan<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Mad About Art<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Written by Judith Heneghan</div>
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Wayland £8.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-0750294539</div>
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This title is the perfect addition to the bookshelves of any
art lover. With comprehensive advice and top tips on technique from real experts,
this is sure to help budding artists improve their art skills. The text covers
still life, light and shade, perspective, drawing people and using colour,
along with information on different art movements such as Surrealism. There is
a quiz at the end to check learning and a good glossary to help the reader
clarify some of the more difficult terms. The presentation is clear, colourful
and bright, with excellent illustrations and photographs. (8 to 11 yrs)</div>
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<i>Nicole Jordan<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-42376035666408269142017-03-25T12:36:00.004-07:002017-03-25T12:36:34.911-07:00<span style="color: red;"><b>Picture Books for young children</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
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Prince of Pants<br />
Written by Alan MacDonald<br />
Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre<br />
Scholastic £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1407158440<br />
<br />
Prince Pip has a drawerful of underpants. He loves them all and each day must decide which pair to wear. On his birthday, the decision seems even harder, because when he goes to the drawer, it is completely empty. Crisis! Pip races around the castle asking everyone he meets if they have seen his pants, but no-one has seen them. Pip is not having a good birthday at all. As he wanders back to his room, he opens a door and the mystery is solved. He has found all his pants, plus a lovely surprise. This is a lovely, very brightly illustrated story. The text is lively and spaced out around the pages. There is a plot that will appeal to young readers and a very satisfactory ending.<br />
Pat Thompson<br />
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Super Stan<br />
Written by Matt Robertson<br />
Orchard £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1408337295<br />
<br />
Having a younger sibling can be a little difficult sometimes, but for Jack it is even more so. His little brother is a superhero and everyone thinks Super Stan is amazing! He can run faster, throw further, jump higher and fly. Whenever Jack does something, Stan does it better and Jack is getting a little fed up. Even his birthday trip to the zoo is overshadowed by Stan, until something happens and only a big brother can help. Sharp-eyed young readers will spot the problem and perhaps offer their own thoughts on how Stan’s beloved teddy can be rescued. Lively, expressive pictures convey the humour and action of the story, whilst also capturing Jack’s feelings about his brother’s actions. With their roles reversed, the issues are resolved and the pair become super brothers. It can also provide an opportunity to talk about relationships and feelings about brothers and sisters, as well as being great fun.<br />
Jayne Gould<br />
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First Steps in reading for young children<br />
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Footpath Flowers<br />
Written by JonArno Lawson<br />
Illustrated by Sydney Smith<br />
Walker £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1406365672<br />
<br />
It is a delight to come across a picture book without words, which is so successful. The illustrations are initially limited to shades of black and grey with a splash of red of the little girl’s coat but steadily grow in colour as she collects the wild flowers she discovers on her walk through the city with her distracted father. There are full-page spreads alongside blocks of movement as the story walks through the pages. The cityscape is cleverly portrayed from the youngster’s viewpoint as she collects bright flowers along the way, together with other splashes of colour in an otherwise drab landscape. The skilful lines portray emotion from sadness to delight as they near home. As they walk, the little girl shares the flowers she collects and spreads the joy of the treasures she has found. This is such a clever and effective picture book with so much to explore and enjoy.<br />
Louise Stothard<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Titles for the young child just beginning to Read Alone</span></b><br />
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Yours Sincerely, Giraffe Written by Megumi Iwasa<br />
Illustrated by Jun Takabatake<br />
Gecko £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1927271872<br />
<br />
Giraffe is really, really bored. To alleviate this boredom, he decides to write a letter and to have it delivered to the first person over the horizon. So, begins a lovely exchange between Giraffe and Penguin, two very different animals who have never met, much less know what the other looks like. The characters are instantly loveable, and the simple illustrations are a gorgeous accompaniment to this tale of friendship, understanding and being different. Already a hit in its native Japan, Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is a quirky, warmly funny read that will delight readers growing in confidence, though it is likely they will want to share Giraffe’s adventures with others, rather than reading alone.<br />
Rebecca Watts<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for the Confident Reader in Primary School</b></span><br />
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The Wild Swans<br />
Written by Hans Christian Anderson<br />
Translated by Misha Hoekstra<br />
Illustrated by Helen Crawford-White<br />
Pushkin £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1782691228<br />
<br />
One of Hans Christian Andersen’s less well-known tales has been stylishly presented in a slim volume, also containing the short story The Nightingale. The Wild Swans is a sombre tale of a princess whose eleven brothers have been turned into swans by a wicked stepmother. Elisa will not rest until she can undo the curse that has been placed upon them. The story proceeds at a fast pace, and is happily resolved after pain, trial, risk and mystery have played their part. As she strives to release her brothers from their tragic circumstances, we are given a window into Elisa’s mind - her sadness and her struggles. Beautiful whole page black-and-white illustrations appear throughout the book and there is also a separate story colouring book available. The translated text reads smoothly, and is suitable for a young confident reader.<br />
Lucy Russell<br />
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The Great Fire Dogs<br />
Written by Megan Rix<br />
Puffin £5.99<br />
ISBN: 978-0141365268<br />
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The story starts when George, an apprentice in the kitchen of Charles II’s palace, comes across a puppy who has escaped from the market on the frozen river Thames. George reckons he could grow into a perfect turnspit dog, and takes him back to the palace. It is 1666 and London is slowly recovering from the terrible plague of the year before. The little dog soon settles in and becomes firm friends with the king’s own lapdog, a King Charles Spaniel called Tiger Lily. As we follow George’s life in the kitchen, and his visits through London to his grandmother and thirteen-year-old sister, Annie, we gain a convincing insight into the hurly-burly of the busy city, and a strong sense of what it must have been like to live at that time. Later, the two dogs go missing in the city, and the Great Fire breaks out. They have a terrifying time trying to escape the inferno before being reunited with George. This is both a charming animal adventure and an exciting well-paced story with plenty of historical content. A delightful read which could be enjoyed again and again.<br />
Liz Dubber<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for readers Moving On from Primary to High School</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
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The Power of Dark<br />
Written by Robin Jarvis<br />
Egmont £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1405280235<br />
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Set in Whitby, this is a tale of revenge for an act that took place centuries previously. The two warring spirits from the past begin to take over the lives of the two children who are the hero and heroine of the story. One of the spirits is determined to destroy the town in revenge for what happened all that time ago. The story encompasses not only the two children and their malign spirits, but strange elf-like creatures who live in caves under the sea, as well as the resident Whitby witch. From the very first page, the story moves along at an incredible speed - the pace never slackening until the outcome of the feud and the desire for revenge is finally settled. This excellent book has a good story that is well told as well as a host of odd, and some frightening, characters. An exciting story with a very unexpected ending.<br />
Pat Thompson<br />
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The Girl with No Nose<br />
Written by Georgina Byng<br />
Illustrated by Gary Blythe<br />
Barrington Stoke £7.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1781125694<br />
<br />
This must be the only story inspired by a Victorian false nose in a London museum. The illustrations by award-winning Gary Blythe avoid peep show freakishness and present instead a beautiful young girl whose lack of a nose is the least of her. At the circus, a kindly clown suggests that she needs something like his red nose, and soon her parents gift her a china nose attached to a pair of spectacles. Despite her difficulties, she accepts others with problems as friends, helping them to see that the qualities they do have are more important than the ones they lack. She finds fun and love in her life just as she shares it with others. A lovely story showing the transformative powers of kindness and empathy. As ever, Barrington Stoke present it in grey scale, double-spaced print on cream paper to help dyslexics and others who need help with reading. Only eighty pages long but designed to be read and reread.<br />
Tina Massey<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for Young Teenage Readers</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
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Blade and Bone<br />
Written by Catherine Johnson<br />
Walker £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1406341874<br />
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In this thrilling new chapter in the life of young surgeon, Ezra McAdam, our hero has left London to meet up with his friend, the feisty Loveday Finch, in Paris. This is not as simple as it sounds as Paris is in the grip of revolution and is a very dangerous place. Ezra and Loveday’s aim is to help the young prince Mahmoud reach safety in Constantinople, but danger is everywhere and it is hard to know who can be trusted. Ezra, who is fascinated by any advances in medicine and surgery, is almost sidetracked by the macabre research being undertaken by Renaud, a French surgeon who is trying to reanimate the bodies that have been to the guillotine, but the safety of Loveday and Mahmoud remain his priority. There is plenty of wonderful historical detail with some quite gruesome information about early surgical practices and research. Although this book is a sequel to Sawbones it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone story. It is an exciting adventure, with great characters, taking place in a turbulent time.<br />
Jan Lennon<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Information Titles</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
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Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary<br />
Original text by Roald Dahl<br />
Illustrations by Quentin Blake<br />
Compiled by Susan Rennie<br />
OUP £14.99<br />
ISBN: 978-0192736451<br />
<br />
This attractive, well set out dictionary is a superb celebration of words, whether familiar or of Roald Dahl’s wonderfully inventive creation. The explanations and definitions are clear and are accompanied by examples of how they are used in Dahl’s texts - adding depth and meaning as well as encouraging the reading of the original stories themselves. This dictionary can be used in several ways - learning the straight forward definitions of meaning, discovering exciting examples of how words can be invented, inspiring the reader to create new words of their own, or just dipping into and enjoying Roald Dahl’s inventive sense of humour. Quentin Blake’s accompanying illustrations provide a dash of humour, colouring and livening up the text.<br />
(6+)<br />
Louise Stothard<br />
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23 Ways to be an Eco Hero<br />
Written by Isabel Thomas<br />
Illustrated by Chris Andrews<br />
QED £8.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1784933418<br />
<br />
This hands-on activity book for budding eco-heroes is packed full of exciting ways to help save the world from environmental damage. Each project is classified as to whether it is suitable for indoors or outdoors. Wildlife warriors are invited to plant trees, build ponds and make bird tables. Those without gardens can still take a full part as waste zappers or green machines, by making bins from cardboard and plastic, growing salads and herbs from waste food, or fashioning bags from an old pair of jeans. This is a great book designed to encourage children to reuse and recycle by getting them involved in twenty-three exciting activities. With adult supervision clearly marked and a list of websites to further interest in environmental issues, it is sure to provide hours of fun with a very worthwhile result. (8+)<br />
Richard Monte<br />
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What on Earth? Water<br />
ISBN: 978-1784935542<br />
What on Earth? Wind<br />
ISBN: 978-1784935535<br />
Written by Isabel Thomas<br />
Illustrated by Paulina Morgan<br />
QED £8.99 each<br />
<br />
Lively, flowing text and colourful illustrations introduce older primary school children to the everyday wonders of wind and water. Water, the book tells us, is the only substance in the world that can be solid, liquid and gas at normal temperatures. Easy-to-follow experiments show you how to make an iceberg, and even a cloud in the glass jar. Essential science subjects are covered too, such as the water cycle and why water is so important to your body. The book about wind tells us from where this natural phenomenon comes, then goes on to look at how mankind has harnessed the wind for sailing ships and in wind turbines, and how we use the wind for sport. It even discusses wind on other planets. Informative and interesting. (9+)<br />
Paul Dowswellcarouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-2074106084037197062016-11-12T13:09:00.006-08:002016-11-12T13:09:40.479-08:00<span style="color: red;"><b>Picture Books for young children</b></span><br />
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It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop<br />
Written and illustrated by Andy Goodman<br />
Princeton Architectural Press £9.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1616894801<br />
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On the first page we see the silhouette of a child on a swing in a tree and as she swings she listens to the sounds of the world around her. Each double-page spread thereafter shows us, with clear, simple illustrations and muted colours, the things that she can hear. We start off with small sounds like bees humming and kites fluttering, but the sounds get louder, and the few words of text get bigger, as we move through the book. Who can tell where her imagination takes over from what she can actually hear? The illustrations are deceptive in their simplicity and there is gentle humour throughout. In everyday life we are constantly surrounded by sounds and this attractive book encourages the reader to take a moment to stop and really listen.<br />
Jan Lennon<br />
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Draw It! Colour It! Creatures<br />
Macmillan £10.00<br />
ISBN: 978-1447290704<br />
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A fantastic collaboration of over forty top children's book illustrators including our current Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell. Each illustrator has designed at least one double-page spread, using their own style, to be coloured in, or added to by the child, giving them the opportunity to let their own imagination and creativity fly free. Some of the illustrators, such as Sarah McIntyre, choose to give instructions on how to draw something. But others leave it completely to the child to choose what to draw - on Poly Bernatene's empty plate, for example, or in Birgitta Sif’s skilfully drawn and rather fetching pair of shoes. This is a marvellous drawing activity book for children of all ages and abilities, which gives children the chance to create their own characters or to use their own level of visual literacy to interpret the clues given by the illustrators. A wonderful book.<br />
Nicole Jordan<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>First Steps in reading for young children</b></span><br />
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Bilal’s Brilliant Bee<br />
Written by Michael Rosen<br />
Illustrated by Tony Ross<br />
Andersen £5.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1783443956<br />
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Bilal is very good at anything that involves the use of his wonderful imagination, but when it comes to answering factual questions his memory lets him down. He dreads the weekly test in school as he always does badly and the other pupils laugh at him. Help arrives in the form of a bee called Bumble, who appears in his bedroom one night, and it seems that suddenly all his worries are over. Bumble has no imagination, but is very good at answering questions and so, with the bee’s help, Bilal sails through the school tests. Bilal’s granny is so impressed with his newly-discovered knowledge that she encourages him to appear on a TV quiz show where she hopes he will win all the prizes. As you would expect from the brilliant Michael Rosen this story is great fun. There are lots of laughs as Bilal and Bumble quiz their way towards the final question and it almost goes without saying that Tony Ross’s brilliantly comic illustrations make us laugh even more. This is a real treat for new readers - particularly those who find tests difficult.<br />
Jan Lennon<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for the young child just beginning to Read Alone</b></span><br />
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Tortoise vs Hare: The Rematch<br />
Written by Preston Rutt<br />
Illustrated by Ben Redlich<br />
Bravo £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1857338140<br />
<br />
This is such a fabulous book. It is written almost like a TV sports programme - the contestants are introduced, their training programmes are revealed, they are interviewed before the race and the live race is broadcast. It is brilliant! The participants are Hare, a lean, mean running machine, and Tortoise - well, he’s a tortoise. No competition, you may think? The text moves at a very fast pace, just as a race commentary would. Different sized fonts show the rising excitement, or even hysteria, of the commentator, Jonny Fox. The very bright and very busy illustrations are wonderful. Children will love this book. The whole presentation is funny and fast from beginning to end. Hopefully, children will want to read the original Aesop fable, either before or after, to see what happened in the original race - this is a rematch after all.<br />
Patricia Thompson<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for the Confident Reader in Primary School</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Fridays with the Wizards<br />
Written by Jessica Day George<br />
Bloomsbury £5.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1408858417<br />
<br />
Fourth in the Castle Glower series. Princess Celie and her family are back safely from the Glorious Arkower and the problems which had beset them are, at last, over. They are now protected by two dozen beautiful, magical griffins, for which they have to care. All should be well, but the evil magician, Arkwright, architect of all their previous wars, has escaped the dungeons and is hiding somewhere within the castle. Celie is on high alert, determined to search all the secret passageways, behind every tapestry and beneath every trapdoor. As if that is not enough to deal with, her engaged sister, Lilah, and Prince Lulath are mooning sloppily over each other and Celie is feeling more than a bit cross and left out, as wedding preparations loom large in the castle. A lively, fast moving tale full of interesting characters and delightful magical creatures. You may be sure that it will end happily, but you will also be swept along finding out how. A pacy, positive read for confident young readers.<br />
Tina Massey<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for readers Moving On from Primary to High School</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Ten<br />
Written by Shamini Flint<br />
Allen & Unwin £5.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1743366455<br />
<br />
This story is narrated by Maya, a ten-year-old Indian girl. She lives in Malaysia with her Indian mother and white father. The marriage is unhappy and Maya paints a convincing picture of personal and racial tensions both at home and at school – we have a sense of the difficulties of being both mixed race and part of a minority community. The story is set in 1986 against the background of the World Cup tournament, but the main focus is a very convincing family story with a young girl trying to follow her passion for football. Maya gradually recruits her school friends to create a football team, and eventually they are able to play in a local tournament. But while football is going well, Maya’s family is falling apart. Dad decides to leave them and return to England. The story takes Maya to England too, and a final unsuccessful attempt to persuade her father back home. There are no particularly happy endings here, but strong characters, excellent pace and balance, and Maya’s sense of optimism and determination pervades the book and makes it a very positive read.<br />
Liz Dubber<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Never Evers<br />
Written by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison<br />
Chicken House £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1910002360<br />
<br />
The co-authors hilariously capture the emotional intensity of a school skiing trip, as an all boys’ school and an all girls’ school collide on and off the slopes in a series of misunderstanding and thwarted attempts at love. Shamed by her return to her old school after having been kicked out of ballet school, Mouse finds herself lying to new friends and hated by her old ones. Jack and his mates have made a promise to get their first kiss before the end of their trip, but nothing can prepare Jack for being the doppelgänger of a French teen popstar filming a video near their ski resort. With the unhelpful advice of their friends, Mouse and Jack find their path full of unexpected twists. Like a professional snowboarder, the writing balances a cracking pace and humour, whilst keeping innocent romance burning and, at the same time, deals effectively with a large cast of true-to-life characters. Bound to be a hit.<br />
Benjamin Scott<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for Young Teenage Readers</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl<br />
Written by Melissa Keil<br />
Stripes £6.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1847156839<br />
<br />
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl is a tale of comic books, apple strudel, love and the end of the world. Seventeen-year-old Alba loves her life in her quiet home town of Eden Valley. She has her whole life in front of her, hopefully pursuing a career in writing comic books, and she has her friends and family around her. But then an internet physic predicts the end of the world, announcing that the only place to survive the apocalypse is Eden Valley. As the town is besieged by those wanting to escape Armageddon, Alba realises she needs to start making decisions about her future - assuming she still has one. This is an original and quirky coming-of-age story. Alba is a likable and fun heroine, refreshingly happy and confident, at a time when many YA books are filled with doubt-filled girls, making her a good role model for teens. The possible end-of-the-world plot is interspersed with pop culture references and embarrassing parents, making it a fun read. It also has common teen worries such as leaving college and making your way in the world, along with burgeoning relationships. An enjoyable, romantic, doomsday comedy.<br />
Jane Hall<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eden Summer<br />
Written by Liz Flanagan<br />
David Fickling £10.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1910989074<br />
<br />
Jess has had a traumatic year, but one September morning, just as the pain is receding and a kind of happiness is returning, she gets another shock. Eden, her best friend, goes missing. Has she run away or has she been kidnapped? Is she even still alive? The police are talking to people and searching the area, but Jess knows she cannot leave it to others to find out what has happened to her friend and she spends the day revisiting their favourite places in the West Yorkshire countryside. As she searches she relives the events of the summer and, as the hours pass, we start to understand that Eden had pain of her own. There is real tension as the hours pass and Jess’s frustration, at not being able to help her friend, grows. Teenage years are the time when we feel things, even trivial things, most deeply, but the events in Eden’s and Jess’ lives are far from trivial and they each need to find a way of accepting the painful past and moving forward. Their friendship has never been more important. A stunning debut novel.<br />
Jan Lennon<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Titles for More Mature readers</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
The Girl in the Blue Coat<br />
Written by Monica Hesse<br />
Macmillan £7.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1447295013<br />
<br />
Set in war-torn, Nazis-occupied Amsterdam in 1943, this is an incredibly powerful story about a young Jewish girl who goes missing from a secret room in a house where she has been hiding. Hanneke spends her days secretly finding and delivering black market goods to customers who are more than willing to pay for them. By doing this she is making a small act of rebellion against a regime that has overtaken her country and which was responsible for the death of the boy she loved. When she is initially asked to find the missing girl, she is reluctant to do so. However, she finds herself drawn into Mirjam’s story, becoming active, not only in the search for her, but in the bigger picture of the rescue of Jewish children from the journey to the concentration camps. She begins working with the resistance and finding courage that she never knew she had within her. The plot twists and turns, building the tension in the narrative and allowing the characters, particularly Hanneke, to develop and grow through their experiences. The historical detail is extremely accurate, and the section on Historical Accuracy included at the back of the book that highlights the real context of the story is extremely useful. Beautifully written, it is an unforgettable, coming-of-age story of bravery, grief and love in the most difficult, heart-wrenching times and demonstrates the lengths that some people will go to in order to help others.<br />
Annie Everall<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Information Titles</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tutankhamun’s Tomb<br />
Written by Jen Green<br />
QED £14.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1784933821<br />
<br />
This is an absolutely wonderful book. Not only does it describe the discovery of the tomb, but it has pages devoted to Egyptian life in general, particularly their burial customs. Each double-page spread explains the significance of the beautiful items found in the tomb, why they are there and how they relate to the Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. Each page includes an extract of Howard Carter's diary from when he first arrived in Egypt in 1891 until 1931 when the tomb had been cleared and all the items moved to Cairo Museum. It is a beautifully presented book and, using pop-ups and pull-tabs, represents an interactive journey through the tomb. On a practical level, on each page, there are several small blocks of text, interspersed with drawings. There is also a contents and an index page. This is a lovely book, not only for a child who already has an interest in the subject, but also for one who knows very little about Tutankhamun. (7+)<br />
Patricia Thompson<br />
<br />
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Children’s Animals Atlas<br />
Written by Barbara Taylor<br />
Illustrated by Katrin Wiehle<br />
QED £9.99<br />
ISBN: 978-1784932916<br />
<br />
Subtitled An interactive and fun way to explore the animal world - and that is exactly what it is. The world is divided into thirteen regions, rather than the usual continents, and each region is marked with country borders and the main geographical features. Pictures of the animals that live in that region are added and the pages are colourful and appealing. The fun and interactive parts of book are contained in a pocket attached to the inside of the front cover and there we find a poster, a huge number of animal stickers, postcards and a spotters’ guide that includes a quiz and even more amazing animal facts. This is a great introduction to maps and atlases and it offers an entertaining way to start learning about wildlife habitats, but it also has great potential for use in a learning environment as the suggested activities could be expanded to be used with more than one child. (5+)<br />
Jan Lennoncarouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-36560576416288329052016-05-11T12:29:00.001-07:002016-05-11T12:29:34.387-07:00New Reviews - May 2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> for young children</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Don’t Pick Your
Nose, Pinocchio!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Steve
Smallman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Neil
Price</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
QED £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN:
978-1784931223</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book is one of
a series which takes well-known stories and gives them a health and hygiene
twist. Pinocchio is a naughty wooden puppet who just can’t stop picking his
nose. This has disastrous consequences one day when his finger is stuffed up a
nostril and he lies to his father, Geppeto, who has asked him if he is picking
his ‘snout’. Pinocchio’s arm shoots off across the room leaving his poor old
father to patch it up. When Mr Cricket unwittingly jumps on to the puppet’s
finger and finds himself thrust up the wooden ‘hooter’, it all becomes a bit
too much. Mr Cricket convinces him to ‘kick’ the nasty habit and the good fairy
turns Pinocchio into a real boy, and they, as everyone knows, never pick their
noses! The story is completely nonsensical, but great fun, and bound to get a
few laughs from any naughty nose-pickers. Other titles in the series include <i>Rapunzel,
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rapunzel</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Wash</st1:state></st1:place>
your Hair</i> and <i>Stinky Jack and the Beanstalk</i>.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i>Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>School Bus Saves the
Day<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Peter Bently</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Louise Conway</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
QED £9.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1784930264</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The school bus arrives to take a class of hedgehog children,
and their teacher Mr Hodges, to the city to see the sights and the carnival. Bright and bold illustrations show us the big
yellow bus and the class of hedgehogs enjoying the trip, and having a great
view of the carnival parade from the bus windows. But the carnival king and queen are stranded
as their float has broken down. The school bus comes to the rescue much to
everyone’s delight. At the end we get a clear illustration of the bus, labelled
with all its accessories, followed by a few pictures of other kinds of buses. This
is a great story for reading aloud and sharing. The pictures are bold enough to
be used in a group situation, and the story is a good length – short enough for
a quick bedtime story, but also with plenty of scope for embellishment and
discussion when time allows. Full colour
pages alternate with smaller coloured illustrations within a generous wide
border, and the text is well placed for readability, even on the full colour
pages. Part of the <i>Busy Wheels</i> series, this is an ideal read aloud for young children,
and for bus fans!</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i>Liz
Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Prince and the
Porker<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Peter Bently</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by David Roberts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andersen £11.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1783441082</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pignatius is passing the palace when he spots ten fresh buns
cooling on a tray, and decides to eat one. However, before he realises, he has
eaten all ten and then decides to sneak into the palace to see if there are any
more. When the cook chases him he hides in a bedroom and dresses up in the
clothes he finds there. When he gets spotted, to his amazement, they think he is
the prince, as he looks just like him. He decides to make the most of this.
When the real prince turns up, Pignatius thinks the games is up, but the Prince
can see there are great advantages to having someone who can stand in for him
at times – like when Aunt Alice comes to visit each week. Peter Bently’s witty
and lively rhyme combine with David Roberts’ hilarious illustrations to create
a veritable feast of a story. The endpapers, featuring soldiers standing
proudly at the beginning and then all of a tumble at the end of the book, also
add to the humour of the book, and the richness of the language makes this
ideal for reading aloud.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chu’s First Day at
School<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Neil Gaiman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Adam Rex</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1408847046</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Children have all kinds of anxieties on their first day at
school. <st1:place w:st="on">Chu</st1:place> is worried that the other pupils
won’t like him. Of course, it all turns out fine for him and he goes home very
happily. This is a lovely, funny book that highlights, and deals with,
children’s anxieties about their first day school. <st1:place w:st="on">Chu</st1:place>,
the panda, feels all the things that children often feel. The text is clear
well laid out and the illustrations are colourful, clear and wonderfully
expressive. This is an excellent book for sharing and discussing, especially
with children who are about to start school.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lucy’s Magic Snow
Globe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Anne Booth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Sophy Williams</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OUP £4.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-0 192743312</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucy is really looking forward to having her grandmother
stay with the family over Christmas, but now extra guests are coming, and Lucy
isn’t sure she likes the idea. However, all thoughts of tiresome extra visitors
fly out of the window when Lucy finds an injured baby rabbit on the edge of a
nearby football field. Gran, who runs an
animal sanctuary, confirms that the rabbit needs time to recover from his
injuries and regain his strength, and Lucy is sure she can care for him. The
arrival of the visitors, plus a little Christmas magic from Lucy’s snow globe,
brings Lucy’s adventure to a satisfying conclusion. Thoughtful readers will understand, as Lucy
finally does, that unexpected developments can often be for the best.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Marianne Adey<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prince
Frog Face<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Kaye Umansky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Ben Whitehouse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Stoke £5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1781124437<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In
this hilarious retelling of the well-known frog prince story, arrogant and
totally selfish Prince Valentine is auditioning for a girlfriend but he is not
having very much luck. None of the candidates meet his ultra-high standards.
Mrs Sagacity, an old woman who has wandered into the palace gardens, tries to
offer some advice on how to behave around young ladies, but, he will not
listen. He is quite rude to her and consequently gets changed into an arrogant and
selfish frog at the bottom of a well. The laughs continue as he tries to get
out of the well and back home. And, in this story, it is not a kiss that
returns our hero to his normal princely state. Kaye Umansky’s wicked sense of
humour, Ben Whitehouse’s illustrations and the tried and tested Barrington
Stoke format make a winning combination. There are also other similar
retellings of well-known stories in the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Truffle Mouse</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Holly Webb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by Hannah Whitty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scholastic £5.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1407144863</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alice’s Mum and Dad are separated and live in different
houses. She is feeling anxious about Dad’s girlfriend, Tara, and <st1:place w:st="on">Tara</st1:place>’s daughter, Tilly, who are moving in. Will Tilly take
her place? Meanwhile at Mum’s house, she is finally allowed to choose a
hamster, but once at the pet shop, her eye is caught by a chocolate coloured
mouse, that soon comes home with Alice and Mum. Mum is not keen on mice, which
makes Alice worried about how Truffle will be when she is away at school and at
Dad’s - especially as her mother has a cat. So, <st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city> hatches a plan to take Truffle with her. The reading level of this short novel means
that children can get a sense of independence and achievement as they work
their way through the chapters. It is good to have a story for a younger age
group which considers how children feel about living between two homes and the
challenges that can bring. Framing these themes in an adventure with a new pet
means that this book never becomes bogged down in ‘issues’, but rather moves
along at a good pace. We follow <st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city>
to a happy ending, showing how families can rearrange themselves in a way that
can include everyone, even little brown mice.</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alice-Miranda Shines Bright<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Jacqueline Harvey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Red Fox £6.99<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1849418614<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone who hasn’t already met the
diminutive delights of Alice-Miranda is in for a treat. The tiny
boarding-school girl is faced with the mysterious and sudden disappearance of
Reginald Parker, a man in his third year of a coma and to whom Alice-Miranda
had been reading. While searching for him on her horse, she and Millie discover
gold. They promise to keep it secret in order to prevent a gold-rush destroying
the countryside, but nothing stops the Mayor from finding out and making his
own plans. In this reprint, multiple threads twist and turn to keep the reader
guessing until the very end, knowing, somehow, Alice-Miranda will make sure
everything turns out for the best. Almost too-good to be true, Alice-Miranda’s
warmth and thoughtful approach to life is pure escapist fun, perfect after a
long, tiring day at school, or to share before bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b><b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Look
into my Eyes</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Lauren Child</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">HarperCollins £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0007334070</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
is a reprint of the first title in the popular series featuring Ruby Redfort, an
American teenager who is brilliant at cracking codes. Spectrum, a top secret intelligence agency,
recruit Ruby to be a desk agent but she is not to tell anyone. Ruby finds it hard to keep the secret from
her best friend, Clancy, who is becoming suspicious of the family's new butler,
who is really Ruby's new bodyguard.
Meanwhile, there is a plot to steal a valuable Buddha from a local bank
and Ruby and Clancy strive to crack the thieves' code. There are many different
layers in this book and young people will enjoy cracking the codes along with
Ruby, whilst feeling the tension as danger threatens Ruby's life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="Body" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Mad Apprentice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Django Wexler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corgi £6.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-0552568685</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this stunning sequel to <i>The Forbidden Library</i>, Alice, is still learning her craft. Set
magical and dangerous tasks by her ancient and powerful Reader, she must use
all her wits, and test her courage to the limits, to defeat the increasingly
aggressive and unpredictable monsters she encounters, so absorbing to herself
the powers of the creatures she masters. <st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city>
is commanded, along with other Readers’ apprentices, to bring back, dead or
alive, the rogue apprentice, Jacob, who has, unthinkably, murdered his Reader
master. This unenviable task involves Alice, the natural leader of the group,
in a horrendous, rolling sequence of battles against nightmarish monsters
within a black, boundless labyrinth which constantly changes its configuration.
As the terrifying battles rage on, <st1:city w:st="on">Alice</st1:city>
must protect and manage her apprentice group, using every ounce of her will and
intellect to summon up creatures and situations to defeat her enemies and so get
closer to discovering what caused her father’s death. Heart-stopping, vivid,
complex, intelligent and questioning, this novel would make a brilliant film.
Young teenage readers will welcome the occasional quiet, reflective stretches
in order to unclench their stomach muscles and exhale!</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14.0pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Demon
Road</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Derek Landy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">HarperCollins </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica;">£</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">14.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0008140816</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
512 page novel, the first in a new trilogy, has a cover which will immediately
draw the reader in. It is packed with terrifying action, witty dialogue, undead
serial killers, vampires, killer cars and demons. Amber is sixteen years old, a
normal American teenager, albeit with weird parents, until the day she is attacked
by two youths outside the diner. Her parents and their friends reveal
themselves to be what they really are and Amber is forced to go on the run -
away from the very people she thought loved and cared for her. The opening
sentence of the book sets the scene, " Twelve hours before Amber Lamont's
parents tried to kill her..."</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The book is fast
and scary but will be enjoyed by all teenagers and fans of Derek Landy. This is real horror story, a </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">head
under the duvet</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> storyline, with the sequel out next
year.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="Body" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14.0pt;">Information
Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How Many Greeks Can You Fit Inside a Horse?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Chris Mitchell</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Blake £5.99</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1784186548</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A talking T-Rex, Dr Dino, might not be the obvious choice to
explore “bizarre stories of ridiculous gods”, but this disbelieving dinosaur
narrator does cleverly present a funny and engaging collection of international
myths and legends. The legends are told within the context of their national
identity, from the legend of St. George for the English to how the Maori
explained the birth of <st1:country-region w:st="on">New
Zealand</st1:country-region>. Some tales are quite gruesome, like
the skinless horse-man of Orkney, while others are fascinating, like why the
Aztecs believed they were helping the gods with their human sacrifices. This
superb and short overview of a wide range of cultural beliefs and stories will
kick start the imagination of young readers. Part of the <i>Dr Dino’s Learnatorium </i>series that includes more scientific topics,
such as <i>Do Astronauts Wee in Space?</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(8+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Will’s Words<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Written by Jane Sutcliffe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Illustrated by John Shelley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlesbridge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISBN: 978-1580896382</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This lavishly illustrated
information picture book provides a distinctive and entertaining approach to
introducing Shakespeare to a young audience.
Each double page spread is deployed to both conjure up the atmosphere of
<st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place> theatre
-going in Shakespeare’s time as well as examining well known words and phrases
whose origin can be discovered in his plays. The left hand side of each page
cleverly incorporates the expressions into the description of an aspect of life
at the Globe theatre, while the right hand side contains scrolls which explain
the terms and locates them in the plays. Amongst the varied colourful phrases
included are, “Eaten out of house and home”, “Wild-goose chase” and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>“cold-blooded”. However it is the intricate and wonderfully
observed illustrations that set this book apart. Readers of all ages will
delight in the various depictions of theatre goers at the Globe and the
birds-eye view of <st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place>.
A lovely title to have on your shelves. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(8+)</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i>Elaine Chant<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-46368709879988348582015-10-29T10:11:00.001-07:002015-10-29T10:11:03.983-07:00New reviews. Autumn/Winter 2015. 100s more in issue 61!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kipper’s Beach Ball<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Mick Inkpen</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hodder (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444924022</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
First published in 2003, this new
edition forms part of Kipper’s 25 year celebrations. The story sees Kipper
finding something colourful and wrinkly in his cornflakes, but he has no idea
what it is. He goes round to Tiger’s house to share his excitement. Tiger has
already collected the other toys in the series so decides it must be the ball,
but it doesn’t look or behave like a ball - then the adventure starts. Mick
Inkpen manages to portray all the emotions from excitement to disappointment to
optimism on the faces of Kipper and Tiger – another triumph.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bev Archer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fish is Fish<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Leo Lionni</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783441570</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Originally published in 1970,
this simple story of friendship and being true to oneself will still appeal to
young readers and listeners. The illustrations are reminiscent of a subdued
Eric Carle, with what appear to be pencil and crayon drawings evoking the world
of Fish and Tadpole, with rubbings creating textured backdrops. Of course,
tadpoles don’t stay tadpoles for long and soon Fish’s friend has transformed
and left the pond to see the world. Fish is confused at first, and then alone.
But, Frog returns to share his adventures with his friend. Children will enjoy
seeing how Fish pictures the creatures that Frog tells him about - birds, cows
and humans - all variations of fish in Fish’s mind. Fish’s attempt to leave the
pond, his rescue by Frog and his return to his own habitat, help him appreciate
the beauty of the world he lives in. The story also shows readers the
difference between fish and amphibians, and something of the process of
metamorphosis.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">The Princess and
the Pony<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Written and illustrated by Kate Beaton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Walker</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">ISBN: 978-1406365382<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">In the kingdom of warriors Princess
Pinecone, by far the smallest, craves a warrior horse for her birthday. For
previous birthdays she has received cosy sweaters so, in an attempt to indulge
her warrior ambitions, her somewhat unimaginative parents, buy her a horse. It
is, however, not the horse of her dreams but a squat, sausage of a pony with divergent
eyes. When put through its warrior paces in preparation for the great battle,
it fails on all necessary equine skills. Then, in the midst of battle, the
mighty Otto the Awful, bearing down on pony and princess, is stopped in his
tracks by the pony’s cuddly, heart-melting adorability and cuteness. Instantly
hostilities are subdued as the warriors queue to pet and stroke the little
steed. Cuddly sides now exposed, all are eager to embrace the changed corporate
identity and each warrior wears one of the surplus sweaters from the princess’s
birthday store. Kate Beaton’s comic-style talents are well exemplified in this
unusual book that glories in the art of eloquent gesture and facial expression.
In addition to the intrinsic humour, readers also learn that victory can come
in unexpected and benign ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catriona Nicholson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lottie and Dottie Sow
Sunflowers<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Claire Burgess</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Marijke Van Veldhoven</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444014693 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A welcome addition to this
popular series of Early Readers, Lottie and Dottie decide to enter the
Sunflower Competition and we follow their journey from seed to flower, with a
few hiccups along the way. With handy advice at the end on growing your own
sunflower (and keeping off the snails!), this is an appealing title. Full
colour illustrations on every page guide the reader through the story,
providing support for reading and enhancing the story by adding emotion and
detail. Text is appropriate for the audience and accessible with plenty of
dialogue. With lots to talk about when sharing with an adult, this is a useful
title for classroom book boxes and libraries. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tin<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Chris Judge</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783441631</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Tin’s Mum asks him to look after
his little sister, Nickel, for the afternoon. Just as he is enjoying his comic
book for a few minutes, he notices that Nickel is at the top of a tree, chasing
a balloon. An exciting adventure unfolds as Nickel tries to rescue his sister.
Detailed, colourful illustrations make this Irish import a real pleasure to
share with a young audience.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Enchanted Wood<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Enid Blyton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Mark Beech</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Egmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1405276658</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The children are excited to be
moving from the town to the countryside. As they explore their new home they
are amazed to discover an enchanted wood and a magic tree near their house.
This leads them into many adventures as they meet the weird and wonderful folk
who live there and visit new lands at the top of the tree. The 1940 edition I
read as a child had a single colour plate at the front and line drawings
throughout, very different from this brightly coloured, much illustrated new
deluxe gift edition. Some changes have been made to the text to update the
story. Jo, Bessie and Fanny are now Joe, Beth and Frannie, Dame Slap is now
Dame Snap and Joe now makes sandwiches instead of just bringing in radishes
from the garden. There are also three additional chapters about the children’s
adventures in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Land</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Toys</st1:placename></st1:place>. None of these
changes, however, can alter the imaginative characters, the exciting lands and
adventures contained in this book. I enjoyed it every bit as much this time, as
the many times I read it as a child.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sue Wilsher<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Rats of
Meadowsweet Farm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Dick King-Smith</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Victor Ambrus</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barrington</st1:place></st1:city>
Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1781124178</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Farmer Green is a bit of a
slapdash farmer. His farm is pretty mucky, especially the huge muck heap in the
middle of the yard. As muck heaps go, it was truly magnificent. The happiest
animals on the farm are the rats, for they love the muck heap and they also
love the fact that Farmer Green never, ever, puts his grain or his seeds or his
animal feed into metal bins. The rats chew their way into the sacks and eat and
eat as much as they want. The chief rat, known as Ripper the King Rat, runs his
rat empire with no interference at all from Farmer Green, until one day Farmer
Green kills some of his best workers. Ripper is not pleased and plots his
revenge! The battle for Meadowsweet Farm is hard, but, who wins? Read the book
and see! It is a humorous book, but the humour is quite dark at times. Very
enjoyable.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wilf the Mighty
Worrier Saves the World<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Georgia Pritchett</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Jamie Littler</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Quercus (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1848668614<sub><o:p></o:p></sub></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Wilf spends his life worrying about
so many things; his list of things to worry about is pretty long. However, when
a new neighbour called Alan arrives he has even more to worry him. Alan tells
him that he is the most evil man on earth and his intention is to destroy the
world, with the help of his side-kick, Kevin Phillips and his robot, Mark III.
Can Wilf stop him or should he just hide under the bed and worry? This is a
wonderful book, very funny and very fast moving.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where I Belong<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Tara White </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Tradewind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.95</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1896580777</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Carrie is constantly questioning
her identity and her feeling that something isn’t right. Adopted as a young
child, she has never felt that she belongs and, tormented by recurring dreams,
she is sure someone close to her is in danger. Then she meets Tommy, the boy
from her dreams, and everything changes. Although quite short, this is a
powerful story about a girl who feels she does not fit in, but has the courage
to find her roots and, ultimately, come to accept both worlds. Set in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, details
of Mohawk life, traditions and beliefs are successfully conveyed, particularly
through the character of Gramma, depicting a strong culture and sense of
community. Although set against the backdrop of real events, racism and
cultural tension are secondary to the sense of belonging and self-discovery.
Gramma’s dignity and her words, “Keep your head up, Carrie. Be proud of who you
are.” speak volumes. The reader is left full of hope for Carrie’s future; one
in which she manages to be part of both cultures and both families.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sue Wilsher<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Dumb Chocolate Eyes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Written by
Kevin Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Illustrated by
Emma Shoard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">ISBN:
978-1781124512<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">This novella describes an imperfect friendship between two
boys, basically bored with each other, but unwilling to make the effort to find
anyone more compatible. One of them, Pete Cassidy, decides to trap some
invading rats in his huge, unkempt garden. The other, who tells this story,
goes along with the plan only to recoil in disgust when it all goes wrong.
Illustrated in splashy water-colours, this very short story still manages to
create a strong atmosphere, with Pete Cassidy’s large, untidy house having
something in common with the rats’ nests he was out to destroy. With never a
word wasted, and a typically Kevin Brooks bleak ending, this story stays in the
mind long after it is finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Nicholas Tucker </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Year It All Ended<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kirsty Murray</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Allen & Unwin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1743319413</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
It is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Adelaide</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>,
and four sisters and their family celebrate the end of WW1. It is also Tiney’s
seventeenth birthday. The town bells are ringing and everyone is rejoicing that
they have peace at last. They can look forward to the return of their friends,
sons, brothers and husbands, as Armistice is celebrated. But, as the months
pass, and the girls face new challenges, embarking on different journeys, they
also have to face the truth that many of their menfolk will not be returning
from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Tiney is determined to go to <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> and see
for herself where her brother and friends lost their lives. Her sister, Nette,
is learning about being a wife and mother and struggling to make a new life
with her soldier husband. Meanwhile, Minna leaves to find independence, and
artistic Thea has tragedy of her own with which to contend. The sisters are
strong, different characters and roundly portrayed, whilst the atmosphere of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region> in
1918 is colourful and interesting. This is an entertaining novel and each
girl’s story is engaging.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-74729274950173709852015-06-23T03:46:00.000-07:002015-06-23T03:46:04.241-07:00New reviews - June 2015
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>This is
My Rock<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written and illustrated by
David Lucas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Flying Eye<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1909263505<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Little
Goat feels proud. He is on top of the rock and he certainly doesn’t plan to
share being there with the smaller goats, or the other animals that come
climbing his way, or the birds that fly to it. But as the sun goes down he
begins to have second thoughts. Bold and stylish illustrations, with very
little text, make this book perfect to share with a young audience. A story
about sharing, friendship and loneliness, with plenty to talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="normal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Wish I’d Been Born
a Unicorn<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Rachel Lyon</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Andrea Ringli</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Maverick Arts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1848861176</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A delightful story about the true
nature of friendship. Mucky is a muddy, grubby horse, and he feels very sad and
left out when the other horses don’t want to play with him because he is so
smelly. But, clever owl steps in and hatches a plan. With the assistance of
some cows and a frog, and using milk to paint Mucky white and a shell for a
horn, he is transformed overnight into a beautiful unicorn. But, it starts to
rain! Only then does Mucky discover that his true friends really don’t mind what
he looks like, but care more about how he feels, which the wise owl had already
tried to tell him. Using fresh colours and boldly drawn figures, with
wonderfully expressive eyes, the story is illustrated sympathetically A lovely
book to share with toddlers and preschoolers alike.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Scarecrows’
Wedding<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Julia Donaldson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Alison Green<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 9781-407144412</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
An endearing tale of perseverance,
collaboration and loyalty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Scarecrows’ Wedding</i> is the latest offering from the dream team that brought
us such contemporary classics as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Gruffalo</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stick</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Room on the Broom</i>. Bursting with all the warmth and chara<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>cter we have come to expect from Axel Scheffler’s
illustrations, the story follows two scarecrows, deeply in love as they prepare
for their wedding, with the help of various animals around the farm, including,
rather eccentrically, a crab. Tension builds as the bridegroom to be, Harry
O’Hay, sets off to find some flowers for the bouquet, leaving his bride, Betty
O’Barley, waiting back at the farm. Harry’s journey takes longer than expected
and a new, somewhat swaggering scarecrow, Reginald Rake, tries to take his
place. Will Betty be wooed by Reginald’s charms? Will Harry make it back to claim
his beloved bride? My three year old took great delight in the clever and witty
rhymes that keep the compelling story bouncing along, and both of us enjoyed
the satisfaction of a happy and romantic ending.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rowan Stanfield<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rita’s Rhino<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Tony Ross</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783440252</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Rita wants a pet, but her Mum
refuses to get her one. So, Rita decides to go and get one for herself, from
the Zoo. She decides on a rhinoceros. But keeping a pet rhino secret isn’t an
easy thing to do and taking care of him proves to be a lot harder than she
anticipated. Tony Ross excels at blending the absurd with the normality of the
everyday and, as usual, it works really well. The idea of Rita sneaking a rhino
unnoticed out of the zoo, covered up with a small hat and coat to hide him from
observant eyes, is deliciously funny. The joys and difficulties of owning a pet
are explored in a fresh and original way. Full of wit, the illustrations work well
with the text, adding additional humour to the tale and providing a story which
children will love to read and adults will love to share with them. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Witch Dog<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Margaret Mahy</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Sam Usher</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444011340</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Question: How does a witch cope
if she is allergic to cats? Answer: Get a dog! Mrs. Rose has trained to
be a witch, having just finished her course at night school. Now that she
is fully qualified she can attend the Witches’ Dance and take her newly found
dog, Nightshade, with her. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the dance, the
cats and owls owned by the other witches were not at all pleased to see a dog
arrive. However Nightshade has an unexpected talent. This is a very unusual
book. The idea that anybody’s Mum can go to night school and become a
witch is quite a strange starting point for a story. It is a lovely book, with
a strong storyline and is fun to read. The text is clear and the illustrations
are very amusing and perfectly match the text. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Asterix and the Picts<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Written by Jean-Yves Ferri<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Illustrated by Didier Conrad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Orion (eB) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">ISBN: 978-1444011692<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">As a
child reader I devoured the Asterix graphic novels/comic books and they helped
me gain reading confidence and stamina. Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad take
on the mantle from Goscinny and Uderzo in this the thirty-fifth adventure for
Asterix and Obelix. This time, our favourite Gauls are off to Caledonia, the
land of the Picts; what we now recognise as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region>. After being washed up
frozen on the shores of <st1:place w:st="on">Gaul</st1:place>, MacAroon needs
help to return home and rescue his beloved. With magic potion, plenty of eating
and drinking, and a little help from the Loch Ness monster, Asterix and Obelix
help defeat the Roman threat in Scotland and put a stop to the evil
machinations of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MacCabees tribe.
Aside from the expressive and often funny illustrations, the accompanying text
is filled with the trademark combination of puns, humour and satire. This is
another excellent adventure that will stand repeated readings and, I hope, make
more lifelong readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Benjamin Scott <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Misadventures of
Sweetie Pie<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783441884</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A feisty hamster determines to
behave well when picked up in a pet shop so that he can go off to wherever all
the other hamsters in his cage have disappeared to over the weeks. Hoping for
adventure and excitement, he is in many ways disappointed as he is passed from
one small child to another and variously mistreated or ignored. Humans do not
come off well in this story, as no-one manages to care effectively for the
hamster who is always, of course, in a cage of one sort of another. The
illustrations are dynamic and often from an interesting point of view. Children
having this book read to them will be able to get a real sense of the
indignities and dangers that Sweetie Pie is put through by his various owners
and will be relieved with the very satisfying ending.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
Puffin (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
ISBN: 978-0141354217</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
Ninth in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wimpy
Kid</i> series, this latest ‘diary’ offers the winning blend of conversational,
reader-engaging narrative and amusingly eloquent graphics that has ensured Jeff
Kinney’s place at the top of the popularity list for children’s writers. In
this story of guaranteed mayhem, Mom Heffley, inspired by her magazine <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Family Frolic</i>, decides the family needs
a ‘bonding’ adventure. Greg, the Wimpy Kid, whose sole wish is to relax at home
after a hard summer term, once again finds himself with zero control of his
life as the regular cast, Mum, Dad, Roderick, Greg and Manny prepare for the
ultimate road trip that will give them ‘authentic’ family experiences. The
writer’s ability to tell many incidental stories within the much longer
overarching story is a skill that keeps readers wanting more. The book is
packed with episodes of silly comedy, pandemonium and nightmarish situations,
like lost credit cards, lost keys and a rammed car. Playing a key role in the
drama is a temporarily adopted pig and an unscrupulous family of fellow
travellers. Plot driven, fast-paced and hugely entertaining for children, this
will be another winner for its author.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catriona Nicholson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Snow Leopard<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written and illustrated by Jackie Morris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Frances Lincoln<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£4.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1847805478<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Rarely does such a beautifully illustrated
picture book offer such a lyrical text, making the reader feel part of a
creation myth of immense style and authenticity. Since time’s beginning the
snow leopard has sung life into the stars, sun and moon. Weaving songs to
protect them, safe in her hidden Himalayan valley, she knows that time’s
passing requires her to find her successor as Mergichan singer. Below in the
valley, a girl child dreams her song even as soldiers enter it, seeking gold
and slaves: “High in the sacred mountains the sacred cat walked alone, cloaked
in her shadow- dappled fur. Crisp snow sparkled in icy stars beneath her huge
paws, and all the while she sang. Down in the valley the Child slept, and in
her dream she heard the ghost cat’s secret music, and saw the shadows of her
dappled coat.” The child learns from the snow leopard the protective songs of
the earth, its creatures, its weather, its space, until the day when the
leopard leaps off into the stars and the child, become now a full grown snow
leopard, begins her own, new song. This mini-edition is a tiny wonder, fifteen
centimetres by eleven, which should become beloved by all who own it.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Julius Zebra: Rumble
with the Romans<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Gary Northfield</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city>
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1406354928</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A slice of Roman history, as told
by a zebra. Friendship, loyalty and courage among trainee gladiators, including
a lion, a giraffe and a warthog. Sounds bonkers? It is, completely and utterly,
bonkers, but in a very entertaining way. It’s easy enough to spot the
difference between actual historical facts and the author’s manic imagination. The
handy Latin glossary at the back, with an explanation of how Roman numerals
work, will help young readers to impress, or perhaps mystify, their friends.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blue Moon Day<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Anne Fine</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Corgi (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0552571883</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Short stories set in a particular
framework. Once in a blue moon, Sam needs a day off school but today, when she
fakes a stomach ache, Mum has to go to work. Sam finds herself waiting in Mum’s
car while she makes her welfare visits with just a book of short stories called
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Away from Home</i> - and here they are.
Sam thinks she might enjoy boarding school but the characters in the stories
have mixed experiences. What about being in an institution for young offenders?
Or what about going to a main stream school if you are blind? And there is a
very ‘Anne Fine story’ about a girl who goes to a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Convent</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place>
who explains to the staff, politely, that God doesn’t exist. Between each story
Sam talks to her mother so we get two stories: Sam’s and the book of school
stories. We also discover why Sam needs that ‘once in a blue moon’ day and how
she realises something about her mother which reassures her. Both threads give
us a good read with some meat on it.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Children who Stayed Behind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Bruce Carter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated by C. Walter Hodges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Vintage Classics (R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1784870225<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This adventure story was
originally published in 1958 and the writing, the illustrations and the plot
all reflect that fact. Bruce Carter, who incidentally is the father of writers
Deborah Moggach and Sarah Garland, imagines what might have happened if, during
the Second World War, Brighton had been evacuated due to an actual German land
invasion and two families of children had somehow been left behind in the
deserted town. The two families in question are the Hartfords and the Foulshams
and they are sworn enemies, so some major battles have to be fought before they
all unite to help two injured airmen. In fiction anything is possible, so these
children are able to have amazing adventures without a parent in sight. They
get to do all the things other children can only dream of doing, like driving
an armoured car, having free rein on Brighton pier, getting an old steam train
moving again and eating baked beans for every meal - and through all of this
there is a white rabbit called Kensington to be rescued. It’s all great fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Marsh Road</st1:address></st1:street>
Mysteries: Diamonds and Daggers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Elen Caldecott</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 9781-4088-47527</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
First in a new series of
detective mysteries, it introduces us to five friends, each from a different
cultural background, who join forces to solve crime. When Piotr’s Dad is
accused of the theft of a diamond necklace at the theatre where he works as a
security guard, Dad’s first reaction is to return to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Poland</st1:place></st1:country-region> taking his family with him.
Piotr doesn’t want to leave his new home and friends, and so. determined to
prove his Dad’s innocence and stay in <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Marsh
Road</st1:address></st1:street>, he leads the search for the thief. This is a
fast-moving whodunit with engaging characters, an urban Famous Five with whom
my young reviewers identified as they eliminated one suspect after another till
they finally tracked down the villain in a satisfying climax.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Young Bond: Shoot to
Kill<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Steve Cole</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Doubleday (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857533739<u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Following Charlie Higson’s
successful series of five <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Young Bond</i>
novels, Steve Cole takes up the challenge of further developing the amazing youth
that will become James Bond. So strongly established is the Ian Fleming
character that there is little need to stray from that which is known and loved
in the original novels. What was required of Steve Cole were believable
characters, particularly the villains, and a plot to match. He has succeeded in
spades. Despite looking for a quiet time in a new school away from ‘nasties’ at
Eton, James finds himself right up to his neck in torture, corruption, murder
and megalomania. Flying the Atlantic on an airship he arrives in <st1:city w:st="on">L.A.</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:city> and is
instantly targeted by <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>
gangster and a crazed film producer. The level of violence is perhaps more like
later Bond Films than anything Ian Fleming might have written. However, the
reader today is of this time and things have changed considerably over the past
decades. The formula of high living, memorable villains, action and suspense is
all here. This is a read to be enjoyed by everyone that loves a Bond adventure,
which means millions of fans worldwide will love to pick up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shoot To Kill</i>.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trevor Thompson<u><o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Department 19: Zero Hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Will Hill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-0007505845<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This absolutely amazing read, the
fourth in the series, will have your heart thudding, your skin creeping and
your brain on high alert. Vampirism is growing all over the world and vampires are
expected to outnumber ordinary humans within ten years. The vile and
overwhelmingly powerful Dracula is converting more and more humans to powerful
super vampires by his bite, creating awful creatures which are immensely
strong, fly at impossible speeds and are utterly pitiless. Members of
Department 19 are desperately struggling to combat the rising tide of menace, which,
inflated by social media sites, is also causing witch-hunts for suspected
vampires and worldwide terror. Matt Browning goes to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>, seeking a cure for
vampirism, whilst Jamie Carpenter and his girl, Larissa, enter the deep forests
of eastern Europe in search of an ancient, dangerous but potentially powerful,
ally. In a plot as complex as Le Carre’s, with locations as wide-ranging as
Bond’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skyfall</i>, the young people and
their allies take to the skies, tunnels and darkest forests to engage in battles
which are bloody, horror-filled, intense and incredibly fast-paced, leaving the
reader serially exhausted. Well written, convincing, with unpredictable
characters and a climax like the 1812 Overture on speed, with flights and
completely unexpected twists, this is a tremendous achievement.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Boys Don’t Knit<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1471401473</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An English Boy in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1471401497</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by T. S. Easton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hot Key (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Somehow Ben Fletcher attracts
trouble like a magnet, even if he never means to. His heart is in the right
place but things always manage to go wrong for him, usually as a result of his
friends. After an unfortunate incident with a lollipop lady, a stolen bottle of
Martini from a Waitrose supermarket and a harsh judge, he very nearly gets sent
to a Young Offenders Unit. To avoid this he has to agree to give something back
to the community and develop his sense of social alignment, take up a hobby and
stay on the straight and narrow. Because the hot teacher from his school runs
the Knitting Group, one of the hobby options open to him, he opts for this, but,
as usual, things don’t quite go to plan. He discovers that he has a real talent
for knitting and that he loves it. Balancing his successful journey towards the
Knit Fair competition finals with the need to avoid his dad and his mates
uncovering his secret and bringing eternal humiliation down on his head creates
a hilarious and very readable story. In the sequel, his knitting journey
continues as he is invited to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New
York</st1:place></st1:state> for media interviews and to take part in another
knitting competition, but, yet again, his plans go awry. His idea is to use the
trip for a romantic few days away with his girlfriend, Megan, but when she
mysteriously pulls out, he ends up forced to take his mate, Gex, a ‘wannabe
gangsta’ and all-round liability. He quickly finds that his magnetism for
trouble follows him across the ocean. Written in diary form, both novels are
well written, witty and with laugh-out-loud humour. Characters are well
developed and there is something achingly vulnerable about Ben. Being a
knitter, really added to my enjoyment of the story and my appreciation of the
humour. The knitting references and analogies are spot on. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Boys Don’t Knit</i> was on the Carnegie nomination list. Both novels
are excellent and reminded me of Adrian Mole. They will have great appeal to
teenage boys and girls alike.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 277.35pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Black Dove, White Raven<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 277.35pt;">
Written by Elizabeth Wein</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Electric Monkey (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1405271363</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Elizabeth Wein has an admirable
talent of taking fascinating characters and events which seem improbable and,
through skilful writing, weaves them into an exciting, thrilling adventure. The
fact that it is all based on real places, people and events makes the story all
the more incredible as well as captivating and haunting. Emilia and Teo’s
remarkable mothers are pilots, lovers, single parents and one is black, the
other white. When Teo’s Mother Delia is tragically killed in an accident Rhoda
takes the children to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ethiopia</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
the birthplace of Teo’s father. The descriptions of their new life on a coffee
farm are as rich and colourful as the people who become their friends. An
impending Italian invasion becomes a real threat to their small community and,
although they try to keep out of trouble, they are soon embroiled in the
conflict. Emilia uses all her ingenuity and flair, facing incredible odds to
survive and unite her family. The realities of an unfair, unjust and unequal
war are not spared in this engrossing and sometimes harrowing story but
throughout the bonds of love and loyalty triumph across race, culture, colour
and gender. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Door That Led To
Where<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sally Gardner</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hot Key (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: <span style="color: black;">978-1471401084<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">This is
a perfect fusion of time travel, murder mystery and historical novel. A. J.
Flynn has failed all but one of his GCSE’s yet, despite this, he manages to get
a job in a law firm. His mother is worse than useless and his mates, Leon and
Slim, have similarly tough lives. But his life really starts to get complicated
when he finds a key, with his name and date of birth on it, in the archives at
work. When he manages to find the door that the key belongs to, he is compelled
to go through it and discovers a very different <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> of 1830. From then on he ends up in a
world of suspected murder and extreme danger, on both sides of the door. Which
side of the door will he choose to stay in? An intriguing mystery with twists
and turns and a clever mix of contemporary and historical. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Nicole Jordan<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Rainey Royal<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Dylan Landis</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Soho</st1:place>
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£17.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1616954529</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i>Rainey Royal</i> is the debut
novel from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>
author, Dylan Landis. It follows ten years of Rainey’s life; opening with her
at age fourteen, living with her irresponsible father, Howard, a jazz musician,
along with several of his musical acolytes. Rainey’s life is dysfunctional,
with her frequently taking on the adult role in the father/daughter
relationship. She relies on her friends, Tina and Leah, for support, but the
thing that keeps her going is her desire to be an artist. She spends hours
creating beautiful elaborate quilts from deceased people’s belongings. This
very mature novel is very dark at times, for example, the friendship between
Rainey and Gordy, her father’s best friend, and few of the characters are
likable. Rainey herself has several negative traits, nevertheless you admire
her strength and determination to achieve her ambition and escape from her
father’s negative influence. Dylan Landis’ style of writing is distinctly
staccato, as though the book is one of Rainey’s quilts, with episodes of her
life stitched together to make a whole. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Jane Hall</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #7030a0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-8933743660225565122015-03-25T14:15:00.002-07:002015-03-25T14:15:11.625-07:00Extra reviews for Issue 59
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mungo Monkey Goes to
School<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Lydia Monk</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Egmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1405269094</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Crammed with lift-up flaps, this
slight, but cheerful, picture book follows the hero of the title plus his
friends on their journey to school. The classroom project today is to find out
about bugs, otherwise known, at least in the country, as insects. Some vigorous
sketching follows until it is time to play and finally return home.
Illustrations throughout are bright and friendly and the minimal accompanying
story is particularly suitable for infants at the very early stages of
understanding. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicholas Tucker<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written and illustrated by Jenni
Desmond<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Walker</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ISBN: 978-1406347500<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Zebra
loves his two best friends, Elephant and Bird. They enjoy laughing and playing
games together, but, one day, the other two get cross because Zebra is too
bouncy and too fast. They say he makes them dizzy. Zebra is heartbroken even
though a new friend, Giraffe, is kind to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can he find a way to patch things up with Elephant and Bird?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expressive illustrations with a gentle humour
of their own make this simple story about coping with the stresses within a
friendship group an excellent choice for younger readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Standard" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rex Wrecks It<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Ben Clanton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Candlewick<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN 978-1406358230</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Three little toy friends like to
build things out of bricks, but their friend, Rex the dinosaur, just likes
knocking them down. Everyone is sad, including Rex, who is sorry, but a bright
idea from Gizmo, the robot, means they all find out that working (and wrecking)
together is much more fun. This lovely warm message of friendship and togetherness
in the face of a familiar problem will be of great encouragement to boisterous
toddlers and help them begin to understand their world. A great book for
sharing with lots of scope for young readers to expend energy and noise as they
join in the repeated text. Dynamic and bold illustrations have plenty of colour
and movement, and the clear facial expressions will help young readers
understand how the toys feel at different points in the story. Highly
recommended.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On the day you were
born<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Margaret Wild</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Ron Brooks</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Allen & Unwin <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1741147544</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A father recounts to his child
what happened when they went outside together for the very first time on the
day the baby was born. We do not see the father or the child, but the images of
that first day are portrayed in glorious, full colour illustrations and text
that is written in soft, gentle prose, conveying the awe and quiet moments of
shared joy that accompany the birth of a much-wanted child.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Not-So-Perfect Penguin<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Steve
Smallman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
QED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1781711347</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Not-So-Perfect Penguin</i> is an engaging way for parents to
introduce children to the impact of different types of behaviour. Percy is a
fun-loving penguin. His peers are all serious and sensible, whereas Percy likes
to have fun: sliding on his tummy rather than waddling along like the others,
jumping and splashing rather than swimming peacefully. The other penguins are
constantly moaning and telling him off, but, when Percy disappears one day, the
group realise how much they miss him. Children will love Steve Smallman’s
gorgeous illustrations of the cute penguins in the latest book in the
‘Storytime’ series. As with the other books in this collection, the colourful
full-page illustrations and heart-warming story are subtly combined with a more
serious message: here, being aware of the consequences of your actions, as
sometimes what you think is just fun can cause upset and worry for others. The
final page of the book contains suggested questions for parents to use to
generate discussion with their children about behaviour. This is a gentle, but
fun story with an important message sensitively told. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Greedy Rainbow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Susan Chandler<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Sanja Rescek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">QED<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1781715765<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The natural world is full of glorious colours
and they are there for everyone to enjoy. In this charming story for very young
book lovers a tiny rainbow gobbles up all the colour from the forest and as it
grows bigger and bigger the forest gets greyer and greyer. Eventually all the
colour has gone from the rainforest leaving the animals and plants completely
grey and very sad. Once the rainbow realises that it has been selfish, that the
forest is no longer beautiful and that it has made everyone unhappy it starts
to cry and the colours pour back into the forest. But, amusingly, things aren’t
quite as they were before. Lots of books for small children are about colour,
but this beautifully illustrated story also highlights the importance and pleasure
of sharing. The book includes a page of suggested discussion points for
teachers and parents, just in case a teacher or a parent finds it tricky to
talk about the book and its theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Selkie Girl<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Retold by Janis Mackay</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Kelpies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1782501305</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A beautiful retelling of a
traditional Scottish tale for a young audience. Fergus lives with his father, a
poor fisherman. and spends his lonely days beachcombing. One day he finds a
wonderful treasure - a seal skin. Fergus does not realise he has taken a Selkie
girl’s skin, without which she cannot return to the sea and to her mother. Once
she reveals herself, they become firm friends, playing and catching fish.
Fergus longs for her to remain with him, but the Selkie girl must return to the
sea. A poignant parting ensues, but the Selkie girl continues to watch over
Fergus from the sea, and increases the catch of fish, improving the fortunes
and happiness of the whole village. Stunning watercolour illustrations fill the
pages, echoing the tenderness of the story, and drawing the reader into the
beautiful Scottish coastal landscape. Every word of the text has been carefully
chosen: Janis Mackay works as a storyteller as well as an author and her talent
is clear. A superb book.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Maisie Hitchins: The
Case of the Secret Tunnel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Holly Webb</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Marion Lindsay</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Stripes (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847154361</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Holly Webb's Victorian detective
series is perfect for those younger readers who are starting to build their
reading confidence. In this fifth mystery in the series, Maisie and her dog
Eddie are on the case of the suspicious lodger who has just moved into her
Gran's house. Something is just not right about Mr Grange, as he says that he
works for a biscuit factory but when Maisie questions him about his favourite
biscuit, his answer shows that he must be lying! Not only that but there are
other strange occurrences involving missing laundry from washing lines, stolen
paintings and very odd behaviour in the London Underground. Can Maisie find the
link between these crimes and solve the mystery herself or will she end up in
too deep when she realises there are serious criminals at work? Maisie is an
endearing, confident character and the lovely illustrations work beautifully
well with the plot, helping the reader to notice the clues along the way.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicole Jordan<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Willy’s Stories<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
Written & illustrated by
Anthony Browne</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1406351613</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt; text-align: justify;">
Thirty years
after the publication of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Willy the Wimp</i>
Anthony Browne pays tribute to the writers and illustrators who have inspired
his own work over the years by enabling his iconic hero to enter the fictional
worlds of ten classic stories and play a role. The compelling shine of the book
jacket draws the reader through marbled end papers and into Willy’s
frontispiece smile. He holds a book, bearing the title <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Willy’s Stories</i>, the cover of which replicates the familiar
fair-isle pattern of his jersey. This motif is used to highlight the initial
letter of each verso text page. That sense of pattern that characterises
Anthony Browne’s work amply fulfils reader expectations in this book. Each
adventure begins with Willy going ‘through the door’ into his story world. Each
places Willy in some kind of confrontation or challenge before inviting young readers
to play the game of ‘What happens next?’. Each of the illustrated recto plates
has some visual reference to books whether they form the trunk of a Crusoe
tree, fly as gulls, become a <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kansas</st1:place></st1:state>
home or construct Rapunzel’s tower. Every Anthony Browne hallmark is here:
anthropomorphic woodlands, Magritte skies, gloriously incongruous
transformations. A triumph of a Willy-celebration!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 155.0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catriona Nicholson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Vanishing of
Billy Buckle<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sally Gardner</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by David Roberts</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444003741</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Another fabulous story about the
Fairy Detective Agency, who appeared in the books <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Operation Bunny</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Three
Pickled Herrings</i>. The Giant, Billy Buckle has disappeared. He went away for
the weekend, leaving his six year old daughter, Primrose, in the safe-keeping
of the Agency. However, Billy did not reappear and Emily and Co were not only
concerned about him, but were also anxious because Primrose was growing very
fast indeed, so much so that she was threatening to shoot through the roof. The
search for Billy leads the team to the seaside and involves them in the theft
of a diamond, a murder and a talent show! The pace is fast and furious and the
plot quite complex, making for gripping reading. There is never a dull moment -
the next crisis is just around the corner!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nightmares! 368<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Jason Segel and
Kirsten Miller</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Doubleday (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-085753555</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nightmares!</i> The debut novel from actor Jason Segel, of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Muppet Movie</i>, and Kirsten Miller is
actually a dream to read. Charlie Laird’s widowed father has recently remarried
and Charlie hates his new stepmother. Not only because he resents her trying to
take his Mum’s place, but because they have moved into her house - a huge
purple mansion at the edge of town. Since moving there Charlie has had
nightmares, and now the nightmares are beginning to invade his waking life too.
It is up to Charlie to stop them before they take over forever. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nightmares!</i> is an impressive start to a
proposed trilogy, although it does read as a stand-alone novel too. The
nightmares in the book may be familiar to young readers - fear of the dark and
worries about exams. At times, the story is quite scary, especially President Fear
and his goblin followers. The scares are balanced though by some lighter
moments with other Netherworld characters, such as gorgons and clowns, who
believe that they are there “to help children face their fears” and that once
they have achieved this, the nightmares will retire to Dreamworld. This
exciting fantasy adventure is ideal for confident readers.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mutant</b></st1:placename><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></b></st1:place><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Steve Feasey</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place>
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1408843031</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i>Mutant City</i>, the first of
a thrilling new adventure series, is ideal for young fans of the X-Men. It
begins with the destruction of a secret experimental facility, and the covert
escape of its five residents - children created with super-powers. Jump forward
thirteen years and the world is divided between the privileged ‘pure’ and the
abused ‘mutants’. The existence of the mutant children has been discovered by
President Melk – their creator, and the battle begins between those who want to
keep the children safe, and those who want to use their powers for their own
benefit. This action packed tale moves along at a swift pace, but never at the
expense of the plot or character development. Although aimed at a young teen
audience, the premise is quite dark: mutant children created to be used and
disposed of by the rich and powerful. The chapters focus on different
characters so the reader gradually gets to know each one a little more. Rush
and Brick are the main focus of this book and their relationship is strong and
loyal. No doubt other characters will be developed more in future books.
President Melk is pure evil. A thrilling read.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Opal
Plumstead<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Jacqueline Wilson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Nick Sharratt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Doubleday
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12 .99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0857531094<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">There are always legions of fans waiting avidly
for the next Jacqueline Wilson novel and here comes number 100! We are taken
back to 1913. Women are starting to demand the right to vote, trade unions are
gaining power in the work place and World War One is not far away. Initially,
Opal is not aware of any of this. She is busy coming top in everything at
school and hoping to go on to university, but these dreams are shattered when
her father is jailed for embezzlement and she has to leave school and start
work at the sweet factory. Here she learns, among many other things, that
bullying is not confined to the schoolyard and that the class system still
holds firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opal’s family find it a
struggle to make ends meet and retain their standard of living, but Opal is an
intelligent and spirited young lady who is determined to make the best of the
situation. Jacqueline Wilson uses her usual deceptively light touch to tackle
some weighty topics and make them accessible to her young teen readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Piper<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Danny Weston<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Andersen
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1783440511<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">In this wonderfully dramatic story supernatural
forces are at work on Romney March. At the beginning of World War II Peter and
Daisy are evacuated from Dagenham to a remote farmhouse inhabited by an elderly
gentleman, his invalid daughter and their devoted housekeeper. The marshland around
the house is treacherous as paths are difficult to follow so the children are
told not to go out alone. Each night they hear music that Daisy feels compelled
to follow, but inexplicably their new guardians claim not to hear it. On a rare
trip away from the house Peter hears the story of the piper and his thirst for
revenge. He realises that his sister is in great danger and there is very
little time to prevent yet another tragedy happening on the marsh. Danny
Weston’s debut novel is an exciting and atmospheric tale with ghostly dancers
and mysterious music interwoven with real locations and historical events.
There is also an ancient curse and a cast of strangely remote adult characters
living in an eerie isolated house, so this has all the ingredients of an
enjoyably scary read. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Skulduggery Pleasant: Armageddon Outta Here<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Derek Landy</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£14.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0007559534</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Armageddon Outta Here</i> (even Derek Landy admits he can’t believe
they let him use this title) is not for those new to the world of Skulduggery
Pleasant, but is a must read for those legions of fans eagerly awaiting the
final book in the series. It is a collection of short stories previously
available from websites, bonuses previously in earlier titles, the World Book
Day novella <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The End of the World, </i>some
new short stories, plus a sneak peak at that final book<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Dying of the Light</i>. The book opens with a story set in1861 in
South Dakota and follows The Dead Men pursuing a character that fans will know
well. This warns the reader that this is no ordinary Skulduggery book. It leaps
across the years telling tales of adventures between the novels, but a useful
timeline helps place the tales in context. My personal favourite is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get thee Behind Me, Bubba Moon</i>, a ghost
story that would not be out of place in a Stephen King collection. My advice,
if you are a fan don’t miss this book, if not get this book and the first
Skulduggery Pleasant book and join in the fun.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trevor Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Buffalo Soldier<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Tanya Landman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Walker (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1406314595</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This book, of very wide ranging
themes, basically tells the story of a young female slave, liberated by the
American Civil War, who pretends to be a boy and joins the army. This may seem
an unlikely scenario, but it is actually based on a true story. Alongside this
basic plot, the book explores in some depth, the treatment of freed slaves, the
pursuit of the Native American population and the management of the problems
that they allegedly create. It also exposes in some detail the role of the
Army, the Government, and the corrupt Indian agents in the treatment of the
various tribal groups. It does not make for comfortable reading, but, it is
brilliantly written! The text is a narrative by Charlotte/Charley and the book
is impossible to put down. The reader can sense her feelings of fear for
herself, her growing pity for the Native Americans, and her pleasure and
affection for her horse and the other members of her troop, who are all black
and freed slaves. There is also a sense of her growing belief that nothing will
ever change and that the freedom that all slaves dream about is just a word
meaning absolutely nothing. I would very strongly recommend this book.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Convent<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Maureen McCarthy</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Allen & Unwin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1743361184</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The huge Abbotsford Convent
community, where a closed order of nuns runs a school, an orphanage and one of
the now notorious Magdalene Laundries, touched the lives of four generations of
women in the same family. Sadie has her young daughter, Ellen, taken from her
when, without any warning or court involvement, she is declared to be an unfit
mother. Ellen grows up in the convent and eventually marries and has a daughter
of her own, Cecilia. While Cecilia willingly enters the order as a nun, she
leaves the order and gives birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she gives up
for adoption. Peach, the last link in the family chain, has a student job at
the café – in the now-converted Convent building. The nuns have long gone but
the memories remain. The stories of the four young women play out and
intertwine in an absorbing, convincing portrayal of the journey each of them
must make as she struggles to escape from her past. It is a poignant read, all
the more so for being based on Maureen McCarthy’s own family history.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Killing Sound<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Paul Southern</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Chicken House (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1909489080</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is the story of Jodie, who
at the age of three years witnessed the terrible scene of her parents’ murder.
She has suppressed the memory for years, but now something has awoken the past.
In this horrifying story of the paranormal, Jodie and her friends confront a terrifying
enemy, unleashing monstrous forces with disastrous consequences. The story
unfolds slowly as Jodie first finds, and then tries to experiment with, her
scientist father’s old equipment. He was in the process of testing his theories
to explain the paranormal with ultrasound, working in the bowels of the London
underground. But his work was cut short by a ghastly explosion and double
murder. This is an exciting story, with a strong plot, as we can believe in
Jodie and her motivation for seeking the truth. As the plot becomes
increasingly violent we begin to suspect that Jodie may, unwittingly, be part
of the problem. The final episode is disturbing and leaves a familiar question
to be answered – should teenage horror novels steer towards a happy or at least
hopeful ending, or not? Not recommended for the faint-hearted! </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Out of Control</span></b><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Sarah Alderson</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Simon & Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1471115752</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Liva, who has recently moved to
New York to start a new life, is with the police giving a statement for a crime
she has witnessed. Whilst there, she meets Jay, who has been arrested for car
theft. Armed men break into the police station killing as they go, but,
together, Jay and Liva manage to escape. Liva gradually comes to realise that
she is the target and not just a witness. This book is exciting, fast paced and
a real page-turner. The tension is palpable and the chase through the streets
and subways of New York is like watching a film. There are unexpected twists to
the story and a teenage romance which all adds to its appeal.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="Body" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Ingrid
Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adaptation<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Malinda Lo</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Hodder (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1444917949</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Malinda Lo skilfully intertwines
sci-fi and romance in this, her new teen novel. Across North America flocks of
birds are flying into planes, killing thousands in the resultant crashes.
Fearing terrorism, the US government cancels all flights. Reese and David are
stranded in Arizona following a debating competition, and on their drive home
to San Francisco a bird crashes into their windscreen causing their car to flip
over. When they awake twenty-seven days later in a military hospital, no one
will tell them where they are or what has happened to them. All the two know is
that they are subtly different from before the crash. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adaptation</i> is perfect for fans of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The X-Files</i>. Lo has gathered all the key features to enthral young
teens in a love triangle between Reese, David and the mysterious Amber,
thrilling conspiracy theories and aliens. The main characters are well depicted
in shy Reese, wary of romance due to her parents’ failed marriage, and geeky
best friend Julian, thrilled by Reese’s extra-terrestrial adventures. While
waiting for the sequel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inheritance, </i>fans
can enjoy the accompanying eBook novella<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
Natural Selection. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #7030a0;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-27480204004198077072014-11-23T15:27:00.004-08:002014-11-23T15:27:38.183-08:00Extra reviews - Issue 58 Winter 2014
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those Magnificent
Sheep in their Flying Machine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Peter Bently</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by David Roberts</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849396349</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is delightfully silly book;
a rhyming account of what happens when a flock of sheep hi-jack an
old-fashioned bi-plane. There’s lots of alliteration and repetition which adds
to the fun. The story moves at a very fast pace as the sheep in the yellow
bi-plane circuit the globe, calling in at <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tibet</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> and the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region> in a
spiffing adventure. Useful for the classroom as the story links to the history
and geography syllabi and topics like ‘Transport’. The colourful illustrations
perfectly match the text, conveying not only the pace, excitement and silliness,
but also the varied landscape together with the personalities and emotions of
the runaway sheep and the mystified chaps on the ground. It’s a very funny <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tour de force</i>. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where Are You Banana?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sofie Laguna</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Craig Smith</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Allen &Unwin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1743361627</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This story sensitively evokes the
all-consuming panic and anguish experienced when a family pet goes missing. Told
in the first person by Banana’s young master who has now started school, Banana
is a dachshund-resembling dog who is very much a part of the family, going
everywhere the family goes and chewing Mum’s shoes, Dad’s work helmet and the
twins’ toys when circumstances mean there’s no option but to leave him behind.
Unfortunately, he’s banned from Aunt Cecelia’s for chasing Penelope, the big
red hen, and it’s when he is left in the garden with a new bone, that he digs
his way out, disappears and the frantic search begins. This is a heart-warming
story, beautifully illustrated, to which all dog owners can relate!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Superfrog and the Big
Stink<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written & illustrated by Michael Foreman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:city>
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1783440306</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In inimitable, painterly style Michael
Foreman tells the tale of Frank, the superfrog, not only in words but in the
symbolic use of his water colour palette: from fresh green colour-washed fields
and the blue lily-fringed river, where Frank, the superfrog, sits quietly
reading, through the murky smokiness of an industrial, decaying landscape that
needs Frank’s attention, to the opulent interior hues of the city’s tallest
building and finally the consoling splendour of a rainbow. Frank is
supercharged and can travel great distances, literally under his own steam: his
fuel is his own body gas. Reminiscent of the Pied Piper in his colourful
clothes and his ability to summon children to follow his lead, Frank’s mission
is to rid the town of its<span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"> </span>invasive
pollution and to expose the way in which local maladministration has brought
this situation about. There’s much to talk about here in terms of caring for
our world and much to amuse young readers as Frank propels himself, at will, by
discharging gas from his remarkable bum.<span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catriona Nicholson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Dawn Chorus<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Suzanne Barton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408839218</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Peep wakes one morning to the
sound of beautiful singing. He discovers that the music is coming from the
birds in the ‘Dawn Chorus’ and he wants to be able to sing with them. They
agree to audition him the next morning, but he oversleeps and misses it.
Determined not to oversleep the next time, he stays awake all night only to
find he’s too tired to sing. Sadly, he realises that he doesn’t fit in with the
Dawn Chorus until a new friend tells him the reason and shows him the right
time for him to sing. A delightful story about fitting in and finding your own
place in the world. Gentle illustrations capture the feel of the story
perfectly and use the space on the page very cleverly. This new author/illustrator
is definitely one to watch.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Football Star<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Mina Javaherbin</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Renato Alarcão</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1406357219</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by an Iranian author and
illustrated by a Brazilian artist, this highly topical picture book follows the
fortunes of a scratch football team made up of youngsters living in poverty
near the sea in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Paulo hopes to be a professional football star so that his mother will not have
to work long hours. He takes care of his younger sister, Maria, as she teaches
him to read and he, in return, teaches her football tactics. Everyone smiles as
Paulo assembles his team after a hard day out fishing and finally allows Maria
to share in the game too. Lavish water-colour illustrations quickly and
effectively establish the atmosphere of a small town where no-one is rich but
life is still lived to the full. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicholas Tucker<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young
child just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Frankenstein
Teacher<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Tony Bradman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Peter Kavanagh</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Corgi (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 9780552568999</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The Doctor, in his science lab,
creates a living creature - Mr Frankenstein - who loves children and
desperately wants to become a teacher. When he qualifies he goes to his first
school to teach 3F, but his reception is unexpected. The children are stunned
at this new, huge, ugly and very scary teacher and soon Mr Frankenstein decides
to leave because no-one likes him. Circumstances change and before the end of
the story Mr Frankenstein is happily back in the classroom. The illustrations
are excellent, there is a good use of rhyming words and onomatopoeia and the
story is funny. “Colour First Readers are perfect for beginner readers and all
the text has been checked and approved by a reading specialist. It is the ideal
size, length and level for children beginning to read.”, so says the publisher!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b>Super-Saver Mouse<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Sandi Toksvig</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by George
Hollingworth</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Corgi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0552568944</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">This fun book is part of a</span> new series of
books ideal for new readers – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Colour
First Readers</i>. At the moment there are twenty books to choose from, all
written by familiar and well-loved children’s authors such as Sandi Toksvig,
Jacqueline Wilson and Paul Stewart. Each book is an entertaining tale which
will keep young readers entertained, thus encouraging a love of reading. For
instance <i>Super-Saver Mouse</i> tells the exciting story of Boris, a very
brave young mouse, who has to stop a tube-train after his friend has an
accident on the track. As well as being a thrilling read, this book will help
children learn both how anyone can be a friend, regardless of how different
they are, and, how the littlest person can make a big difference. All the books
have big bold illustrations on each page to help support developing readers;
either by giving visual prompts for difficult words, or by encouraging
conversation with sharing adults about what is happening. At the back of each
book is an invaluable guide for adults on how to best support their young
reader, along with activities for children so that they gain further enjoyment
from the book. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Charlie Merrick’s
Misfits in Fouls, Friends and Football<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Dave Cousins</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
OUP (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0192736598</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This book was written to coincide
with the 2014 Football World Cup and will appeal to all football-mad young
people. It is full of amusing illustrations, comic strips, football trivia, match
reports, true facts and funny doodles. Charlie loves football and when he isn’t
playing the game he is doodling kits and game formations. This is his first
season as captain of North Star Galaxy Under 12s and he discovers there is an
opportunity for youth teams to play in exhibition matches at the World Cup
Tournament. Charlie wants to enter his team but there is a problem – all the
best players have left to join another team. However, Charlie is determined and
the story evolves in the lead up to the warm-up match at the World Cup. Will North
Star Galaxy make it to the Under 12s tournament?</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Flora and Ulysses:
The Illuminated Adventures<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kate DiCamillo<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by K.G. Campbell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1406345186</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Winner of the 2014 Newbery Medal,
this is a characteristically quirky book from an acclaimed writer. The opening
pages, in black and white graphic novel format, focus on the spectacular
features of the Ulysses super-suction vacuum cleaner that is given to
middle-aged poetry-loving Tootie Tickham by her loving husband. So powerful is
the cleaner that when Tootie is persuaded to take it outside into her backyard
an unfortunate visiting squirrel is sucked into its depths. Next door lives
Flora Belle Buckman who, from her bedroom, sees the tragedy unfolding. Inspired
by the deeds of her comic book hero, she rushes to the aid of the stunned
squirrel. Needless to stay the creature is rescued, given the name of Ulysses
and, born anew, assumes superhero powers and strength of comic book magnitude.
Those heightened superhero moments when Ulysses writes poetry, flies and
performs in unbelievable ways are signified by the use of the graphic format.
But the author is not only concerned with writing a funny novel: the growth of
love and loyalty between Flora and Ulysses is a touching thread woven into the
narrative and Kate DiCamillo skilfully unsettles the novel’s comic dimension by
gently exposing fragile human relationships that need attention.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catriona Nicholson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Forbidden Library<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Django Wexler</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Doubleday (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857532879</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alice</st1:place></st1:city> lives alone with her father and late
one night hears him having an argument with a fairy - a horrible beast with
warts and needle-like teeth. It is threatening her father, insisting he accepts
a mysterious offer, or else. Very shortly after this, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alice</st1:place></st1:city>’s father is lost at sea and she is sent
to live with a mysterious uncle, Geryon, of whom she has never heard. Her life
becomes even stranger when she discovers a huge library owned by Geryon, which
she is not supposed to enter. Once she starts exploring she discovers the magic
within the library’s books which suck her into their internal worlds, helping
her to unravel the story behind the mysterious fairy and the disappearance of
her father. A refreshing plunge into the world of fairy and magic that
successfully immerses the reader alongside <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alice</st1:place></st1:city> in fighting dark forces and evil
characters. A thoroughly entertaining novel. I really enjoyed the plot
structure and the character development. Django Wexler has succeeded in
creating a highly likeable heroine in a magical world that will continue to
reward its readers for many years to come. I can’t wait for the sequel.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annie Everall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b>The Boy in the Porch<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sharon Creech</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849397728</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Once again Sharon Creech has
created a wonderfully whimsical story about ordinary people whose lives are
touched by the extraordinary. A young couple wake one day to find a strange boy
curled up on the chair on the front porch. A simple note says his name is Jacob
and asks them to look after him. He seems happy to be with them but doesn’t
speak – simply taps messages. Their lives are transformed as they care for the
boy who makes himself at home at the farm befriending the animals, painting
bright pictures and learning to play the guitar. The simplicity of this story
adds to the moving portrayal of what makes a family and how unconditional love
binds people together. The young couple are concerned to do what is best for
Jacob and try to find his family, but when he is eventually claimed they are
bereft. A friend suggests that as they created such a happy family with Jacob
they should continue to foster children and over the years a succession of
youngsters cross their porch and enrich their lives in many ways. Jacob had
taught them well and years later they are rewarded.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Chronicles of Narmo<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Caitlin Moran<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Corgi
(R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0552570664<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">There are plenty of teenager readers who want to
be writers (good for them!) and this is the book to show them how it is done.
These young readers are unlikely to be followers of Caitlin Moran’s column in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Times</i>, but they are sure to love this
laugh-out-loud debut novel that she wrote when she was just fifteen years old.
The highly entertaining story is based on the author’s own family life at the
time and it follows the chaotic Narmo family of Wolverhampton through one whole
year, when, among other things, the parents decide to home-educate their
children, go on holiday to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and attend a family wedding. The closely observed episodes of family life are
interspersed with delightful little scenes of pure fantasy, for example, a
conversation between two gargoyles on the outside of a church. Caitlin Moran
was obviously a brilliant writer from the day she was born and she has the eye
to spot the humour in everyday situations. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pigeon Summer</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Ann Turnbull</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Walker (R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>978-1406352498</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
First published in 1992, this is
a welcome reprint of the first in this trilogy about a <st1:place w:st="on">Shropshire</st1:place>
mining family in the 1930s. Despite the poverty and struggle of her family’s
life, Mary takes on the mantel of racing her father’s pigeons when he has to
leave home to look for work. Mary’s ability to focus on the pigeons, and the
possibility of winning a major race, lifts her above the anxieties of daily
life. Family relationships are portrayed with a realistic combination of
affection and frustration, and readers will be drawn into Mary’s world with
sympathy and understanding, as well as a whiff of excitement as the race draws
near. Warm, sensitive and unsentimental, this book will be enjoyed for its
sense of a time and place, different from today’s, and for the direct
straightforwardness of Mary’s character as she acts, not to change her life,
but to live it to the full. Further titles in the trilogy take up the stories
of different characters in the community and are also currently available: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No Friend of Mine</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Room for a Stranger</i>.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b>Running Girl<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Simon Mason</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
David Fickling (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857560582</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Every so often there is an
anti-hero who you can’t help but secretly love or admire and Simon Mason’s new
character, Garvie Smith, certainly fits the bill. He is intelligent, attractive
and very capable, but bored and cannot see the point of getting good grades.
His teachers despair and his mother warns him about drinking too much and
smoking ‘that stuff’ with his friends, threatening to take him back to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Barbados</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Whilst Garvie declares that nothing ever happens, D.I. Singh is investigating
the murder of Garvie’s ex-girlfriend, Amy, the running girl of the title. Garvie
becomes intrigued by the mystery surrounding Amy’s death and is impatient when
the police ask what he considers to be the wrong questions and make incorrect
assumptions. This exciting and intriguing mystery story has many unexpected
twists and turns. It is fascinating to follow the deductions of a clever mind
as clues and inconsistencies eventually lead to the truth. The characters are
interesting and credible, but, best of all, Simon Mason has created a new hero
and I hope Garvie Smith will soon return with a new mystery to solve.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b>Life after Theft<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Aprilynne Pike</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0007515974</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This hilarious story of a teenage
boy finding his way at a new school and in a new neighbourhood, has an unusual
twist. Jeff and his family have come into some money and moved to wealthy <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>. On his very
first day at school Jeff almost falls over the most gorgeous girl lying in the
hallway. The most disturbing aspect of this unexpected sight is that he is the
only one who can see her. Kimberlee is a ghost, but is delighted that Jeff can
see her and confesses to having been a kleptomaniac. She can only move on once
everything she has stolen is returned. As Jeff reluctantly gets involved in
this ambitious plan he discovers that there is more to Kimberlee’s past than
she is letting on. Also, he discovers that returning stolen goods is far more
difficult than he thought. Add to that the ever constant presence of an
annoying ghost at your shoulder and you have all the ingredients of a farcical
adventure. But, there is a deeper layer too, as the truth behind Kim’s death is
revealed and Jeff realises that wealth doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. An
entertaining and thought provoking read.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i>Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bet Your Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Jane Casey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Corgi
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0552566049<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jess Tennant first appeared in the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How to Fall </i>when she arrived in Port
Sentinel and immediately became involved in a quest to find out why her cousin
died. In this second book Jess finds herself, reluctantly, investigating a
violent incident when Seb Dawson is taken to hospital fighting for his life,
apparently the victim of a hit-and-run accident. However, Jess isn’t convinced.
She soon discovers that Seb may not be the clean-cut, nice guy that everyone
thinks he is and that there are some very nasty games being played by the
teenage population in her new home town. But this is more than just a dark and
intriguing thriller, as Jess has her own personal problems to deal with. The
events of last summer have made it hard for her to make friends and her
fledgling romance with Will is being discouraged by Will’s policeman father. He
has his own reasons for not wanting Jess in his son’s life or in his
investigations. The teenage characters, even the unpleasant ones, are realistic
and convincing and the plot twists and turns as it moves towards its dramatic
conclusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jan Lennon</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b>Stars<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written by Antony
Lishak</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Acorn (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN:
978-1909122680</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Antony
Lishak’s compelling novel about the plight of Polish Jews after Hitler’s
bombing of Warsaw, follows the story of two boys, Stefan and Marcus, as they
come to terms with the abhorrent changes that Nazism brings to the country.
Stefan, a privileged Pole, son of the director of the Warsaw Zoo, is Marcus’s
best friend and there is nothing extraordinary in that, until the Nazi’s arrive
and being friends with a Jew is strictly forbidden. This is a subject which has
been well documented and a plethora of books like Gleiztman’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Once, Then, Now </i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> After</i> have dealt with similar issues for children. Antony Lishak’s
account is unusual as it is set around Warsaw Zoo and in particular its
depiction of Jan Zabinski, Poland’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘Oscar Schindler’, whose bravery and courage in finding ways of
outwitting the Nazis saved hundreds of Polish Jews by sheltering them in empty
animal cages. The author spent eight years writing and researching this book.
The gripping storyline, and occasional touches of black humour, leave a
harrowing impression of one of humanity’s darkest periods of history.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Children of the
New Forest<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Frederick Marrayat</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hesperus (R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£8.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1843914877</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A very handsomely presented
edition of a book first published in 1847, when far fewer titles were available
for children and this was a staple of juvenile fiction. Will this story of four
orphaned children learning to fend for themselves in the New Forest during the
political chaos of the English Civil War still appeal to current young readers?
There will certainly be some who will enjoy its quiet, old-fashioned charms,
for there are many pleasures to be found following the travails of the Beverley
children whose Cavalier father has been killed in battle and whose home has
been burnt to the ground by Roundheads. The account of their education in a
simple life of hunting and farming is fascinating and the twists and turns of
the plot as they try to survive the turmoil of war are gripping. True, there
are some long-winded passages and the phraseology is occasionally a little
archaic, but a story of children overcoming odds is always enthralling. On top
of all this, there is a quality that young readers may relish, since it is
often missing in contemporary fiction - a feeling of comfort and reassurance
and steadfastness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take Back the Skies<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Lucy Saxon</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408847657</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The totalitarian world this story
describes – a society of privileged government officials oppressing a
population with lies about external threats from warring neighbours – is reminiscent
of 1984. However Lucy Saxon spices it up with the additional nastiness of appalling
experiments on children to produce a mechanical master race. The nemesis of
this vile regime is Catherine Hunter, the daughter of one of the leaders of the
government, whose father plans to marry her to someone she dislikes. Escaping
from his clutches, disguised as a boy, she teams up with some smugglers on a
skyship and learns that everything she has been taught by the regime is a lie.
She launches a revolution. The action is fast and furious, Catherine is an
appealing heroine and her relationship with a boy on board the skyship provides
comedy, growing romance and tragedy. It’s a winning formula!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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Written by Non Pratt</div>
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Walker (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
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ISBN: 978-1406347692</div>
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Hannah is fifteen, and enjoying
experimenting with sex. Fletch is her boyfriend, loud and funny, yet probably
not for keeps. Tyrone is Marcy’s boyfriend, exuding sexual attraction. Aaron is
new to the school and has a secret to hide. When Hannah falls pregnant, the
identity of the father is a mystery. Meanwhile, Aaron decides to take on the
huge responsibility of claiming fatherhood and supporting Hannah. Using frank
colloquial language, this novel depicts a group of teenagers coping with the
realities of growing up, puberty and developing sexual experience. The diary
format, related by Hannah and Aaron in turn, involves the reader closely in
their lives and we see their dilemmas and concerns from their viewpoints. Apart
from an understanding granny, the adults fade into the background and offer
very little practical help, and so it is the teenagers themselves who have to
deal with their own problems. This is a heady mix of sexuality and
promiscuousness, crude jokes, foul language and teenage banter, but older
teenagers will appreciate a book which tells life as it sometimes is. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11956877400523916143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-83415311471508343312014-06-20T13:25:00.003-07:002014-06-20T13:25:54.109-07:00Titles for More Mature readers Picture Me Gone <br />
Written by Meg Rosoff <br />
Penguin (eB) £12.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0141344034 <br />
Meg Rosoff has once more produced a compelling tale that is powerful and haunting. Though brief, it is beautifully written. Mila and her father are in America trying to find his best friend, Matthew, who has gone missing, leaving his wife and baby son. Mila has always been very perceptive, often seeing things that busy grown-ups miss, and she soon realises that there is more to Matthew’s disappearance than meets the eye. As more of his hidden life comes to light, Mila begins to despair of, and for, adults. As the story progresses, more secrets are uncovered and the tension builds. Matthew’s disappearance weighs heavily on each of the characters for different reasons, and Mila is both puzzled and disappointed by their actions. Meg Rosoff has given us credible characters, both flawed and vulnerable. They may not have in-depth back stories, but you know as much as you need to. In Honey, she has written the most believable portrayal of a dog I have ever read. The conclusion is completely satisfying with no huge reveals or shocks, just an ideal resolution to this very understated story. Highly recommended! <br />
Jane Hall <br />
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Sad Monsters <br />
Written by Frank Lesser <br />
Souvenir Press (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0285642324 <br />
The innocent illustration of a cute monster on the cover of Sad Monsters belies the adult humour inside, within stories that are often laugh-out-loud funny. US satirist Frank Lesser has taken all the monsters one would expect, i.e. vampires, zombies, and werewolves, but shows us sides of them we never knew existed. Godzilla wonders if there is more to life than destroying cities, when really he prefers to stay at home and watch M*A*S*H! The forty, short, monster tales in the book are not designed to be read in one sitting. If kept as a ‘dip-in’ book, then each separate tale will entertain. While some of the stories are innocent, many of the monsters have adult issues, such as searching for a job, body image, and sexual relationships. There is no actual ‘adult language’, but there are frequent allusions to mature themes which younger children will not understand, and could cause embarrassment for any parent asked to explain. Great subversive fun for older teens! <br />
Jane Hall <br />
<br />
<br />
Small Damages <br />
Written by Beth Kephart <br />
Philomel (eB) £10.87 <br />
ISBN: 978-0142426418 <br />
This mature and lyrically written story is perfectly flavoured with the tastes, sights and sounds of Spain. Beth Kephart writes with a simple but elegant intensity that matches the mood of the story. Still grieving for her father and coping with her mum’s new career, Kenzie throws both her and her boyfriend’s futures into doubt when she becomes pregnant. So that no-one in their home town will find out about the baby, Kenzie’s mother sends her daughter to stay with friends in Spain who organise an adoption. However, present-day issues mingle with tales of Spain’s tortured past and Kenzie is not the only person facing difficult truths under a blistering Spanish sun. Under the wings of Esteban, the house cook, Kenzie glimpses what love means and learns where her heart wants her to be. This thoughtful and endearing story will enthral many readers, particularly those looking to read something emotionally substantial and well written. <br />
Benjamin Scott <br />
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The Cuckoo’s Daughter <br />
Written by Griselda Gifford <br />
Country Books £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1906789879 <br />
This historical novel is based on a true story set at the end of the eighteenth century, which gives rare insight into growing up in a farming family long before cars, central heating, mobile phones or any phones at all, when babies were delivered at home, there was no NHS and Forster’s Education Act was still seventy years away. Based on the author’s great-great grandmother, Louisa, born illegitimately, is reared by the Edsir family, and, although she loves them dearly, she knows, from an early age, that she is fostered, “Your mother was like the cuckoo, leaving you in a stranger’s nest” says the fairground gypsy who also warns, “You’ll be needing strength and courage to go with your love.”At sixteen, Louisa is no nearer to knowing the truth of her origin and can only guess, thanks to the expensive presents she is singled out to receive. But, if she’s not even to know the truth about her parents, why should she accept an arranged marriage? She must summon the courage of which the gypsy spoke, and she does! This story, well researched and credibly written, really is a rare treat. <br />
Gill Roberts <br />
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Little White Lies <br />
Written by Katie Dale <br />
Simon & Schuster (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0857071439 <br />
Lou’s cousin has been attacked and left in a coma. The publicity surrounding the assault, and her uncle’s imprisonment for the manslaughter of the boy believed to have attacked her cousin, has driven her to create a new identity. With her new name, a new life at university and a web of white lies she hopes to stop even her closest friends finding out the truth. When Lou meets the tall, dark, handsome Christian her determination to keep herself detached is seriously challenged. But it seems that Christian has his own secrets, and the reader is taken on a ride of twisting truths, identities and allegiances with many dangerous and sinister turns. Then Lou’s cousin dies, vigilantes begin looking for the other teenage boy thought to be involved in the assault and we realise that Christian’s secrets are serious indeed. Almost no-one in this thriller is who they seem, and, as the action becomes increasingly dramatic, we are lead closer and closer to the truth about what really happened to Lou’s cousin. This is a gripping read for older teenagers, full of conflicting loyalties, startling revelations and unexpected resolutions. <br />
Stella Maden <br />
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Yellow Cake <br />
Written by Margo Lanagan <br />
David Fickling (R) (eB) £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1849921114 <br />
Lanagan is a superb author of short stories who takes ownership of the English language and twists and turns it with inventiveness. Words are invented and repurposed to build a sense of authenticity in the many and varied worlds which she creates. These are imaginatively challenging tales. The reader can’t simply sit back and let the story wash over them, understanding requires active engagement. This is not to say that Lanagan’s prose is dense, far from it! Lanagan’s style is to catapult us straight into a world which we learn about gradually as we read on. The writing is often casual and conversational, but with a sense that every word has been meticulously chosen and placed. Settings range from a fresh retelling of the Rapunzel story to a childrens’ dare that affects a whole town. An illuminating postscript notes the inspiration behind each story. This book is suitable for older readers and those interested in the craft of writing. <br />
Annalise Taylor <br />
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Half Bad <br />
Written by Sally Green <br />
Penguin (eB) £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0141350868 <br />
From the very first page this book had me hooked. It is exciting, innovative, tense and completely unputdownable. Half Bad is the first novel from Sally Green but I can see it becoming a cult book amongst young adults, similar to The Twilight series. Nathan is a half witch – half black (bad) and half white (good). He needs to find his father, Mercury, a dangerous Black Witch, before his seventeenth birthday in order to ascertain his future. Nathan is illiterate but has amazing self-healing powers which prove to be very useful. He reacts to the phases of the moon and finds sleeping indoors traumatic. His symptoms are increasing as his seventeenth birthday draws nearer and his search for his father is relentless and beset by danger and trauma. Mercury is wanted by all the white Witches as he is a ruthless killer with amazing powers so Nathan’s movements are closely guarded. The last page is a cliff hanger so hopefully more will follow. Somehow, despite the whole fantasy angle, this book is credible and one not to be missed. <br />
Ingrid Fox <br />
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Cruel Summer <br />
Written by James Dawson <br />
Indigo (eB) £8.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1780621081 <br />
This thriller is set in a seaside villa in Spain, where a group of school friends have met up a year after leaving school. Things are overshadowed by the memory of Janey, a close friend, who died on the night of last year’s School Leavers’ Ball. Was it suicide, or was it murder? As the friends settle in, past memories and suspicions surface, eventually leading to another death. The holiday soon becomes a nightmare with several murders, a terrible and stark climax, and only a slight glimpse of a possible happier future for two of the friends. This is thrilling read, which takes us through a series of clever plot twists and turns to keep us guessing. The characterisation is very good as we really do believe in these people, which helps to sustain the suspense. The writing flows easily and confidently, and the dialogue is handled well. The whole story moves along at a good pace. A good page-turner! <br />
Liz Dubber <br />
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The House of Scorpion <br />
Written by Nancy Farmer <br />
Simon & Schuster (R) (eB) £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1471118319 <br />
Matt is the clone of 142 year old Matteo Alacron, Lord of a country called Opium, where he is a drug lord. Unlike other clones who are imbedded with a computer chip to make them “ejits”, Matt is highly intelligent and given private tutoring. However, many still treat him as an animal and during his life he encounters hatred and is mistreated. Although futuristic, this novel echoes some of the problems in the world today – slavery, human rights, drug use, immigration and crime. It is well-written, thought-provoking and an interesting concept. <br />
Ingrid Fox <br />
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Forbidden Friends <br />
Written by Anne-Marie Conway <br />
Usborne (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1409561903 <br />
Lizzie and Bee both have issues within their respective families. They meet on holiday and feel like they have always known each other and that they were meant to be best friends forever. But, there are dark secrets hidden in both families and the girls instinctively know it somehow links to their fathers’ disappearance. When their friendship is discovered and they are told they can’t see each other again, the girls are determined to find answers to their questions, to give each other strength and to make sure their friendship survives. This is a thoughtful, well-written novel, which captures the readers’ interest from the start. Narrated through the voices of Bee and Lizzie, the characters are well-drawn, family dynamics are realistically portrayed and the atmosphere emotionally charged. The plot is carefully constructed, balancing the darker threads of the secrets awaiting discovery with the love and warmth of the girls’ friendship. It’s a story of grief, love, loss and family tragedy but above all it’s a story of the power of friendship. <br />
Annie Everall Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-50770295505908617382014-06-20T13:24:00.004-07:002014-06-20T13:24:36.928-07:00Titles for Young Teenage Readers The Drowning <br />
Written by Rachel Ward <br />
Chicken House (eB) £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1908435361 <br />
Rob is dead, drowned in a lake. His girlfriend, Neisha, and his younger brother, Carl, were rescued from the water. Why did Rob drown? Carl is in mental collapse but tries to piece together the moments of drowning in the lake and the events that led up to it. Episodes of hallucinatory flashback verge on the supernatural. Is he suffering from trauma or is he really hearing his dead brother speaking to him? He becomes more and more convinced that he killed his brother out of jealousy over Neisha. Gradually, it emerges that Rob was a violent boy who terrorised his girlfriend, including on that day at the lake. Was Carl saving her from Rob, and even if he was, would that justify him killing his brother? Carl is tormented by these questions and by the dreadful visions every time he is near water. This is a powerful novel which deals with grief and guilt as well as sibling jealousy and rivalry. <br />
Nigel Hinton <br />
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Angel Fever <br />
Written by L. A. Weatherly <br />
Usborne (eB) £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1409522393 <br />
Angel Fever is the gripping conclusion to the Angel trilogy. As the Angel Killers train new recruits, their enemy, the angel Raziel, seems to be one step ahead of them. Willow will never understand the risk Alex needs to take to save his own kind, and is left betrayed and grieving, thinking that Alex is dead. But if Alex can return to Willow from the Angel’s own world, will she trust him enough to do what she needs to do to defeat the angels? Angel Fever hurtles towards an exciting climax, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. L. A. Weatherly explores the nature of true love, jealousy and revenge, as well as asking whether we can recognise the harm in things that on the surface seem to bring joy, together with the benefits of things that also cause us pain. <br />
Benjamin Scott <br />
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Gabriel’s Clock <br />
Written by Hilton Pashley <br />
Andersen (eB) £12.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1849395786 <br />
Jonathan is half-angel, half-demon: the only one of his kind in the universe and the demons want to harness his powers for their own purposes. The boy ends up in the gentle village of Hobbes End where the battle for good and evil is played out. The village itself, built by the angel Gabriel, is home to a motley collection of eccentric characters including two rather pompous gargoyles and a talking cat. The plot creaks away as Jonathan lets loose his Hulk-like anger and fights off brass dragons and the hideous arch-demon Belial, in an attempt to save the village and the fate of his friends and parents. There’s plenty of tea-drinking and references to cricket giving a quaint ‘English village’ feel to this unusual and inventive fantasy. <br />
Richard Monte <br />
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The Boy on the Porch <br />
Written by Sharon Creech <br />
Andersen (eB) £9.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1849397728 <br />
Carnegie Medal Winner Sharon Creech tempts readers in from the very first page with an intriguing set of events. A boy is found on the porch of John and Marta’s farmstead, but they have no idea who he is, or how he came to be there. He is unable to speak, and a note in his pocket says he will be collected “when we can”. For John and Marta, childless themselves, so begins a journey together of love, loss, and rich blessing. Description and dialogue draw the reader deeper into their world, willing the story to end well, discovering plenty of surprises along the way. This is a story to warm the heart, and to encourage the reader to ask challenging moral questions about taking life’s good fortunes as they come. The unfussy, but tender, portrayal of John and Marta’s growing love for the boy, their tussle with moral dilemma and the way they cope with changes will leave readers feeling hopeful, lifted and optimistic. <br />
Lucy Russell <br />
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Hidden Among Us <br />
Written by Katy Moran <br />
Walker Books (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1406324211 <br />
All her life Lissy has been frustrated by a very over-protective mother. But there are secrets within her family, secrets that link back to when they were living in the village of Hopesay Edge, secrets that she knows nothing about but that put her life in danger. Lissy discovers that she is a link between the mortal world and the world of an ancient elven race that lives hidden among us and the battle for Lissy’s life and soul has begun. The plot is complex and the story is narrated through the voices of the five main protagonists. As there is a lot happening in the story, the different chapters for the voices works very well. This is a sophisticated novel which perfectly blends magic and reality and weaves a darkly gothic supernatural thriller with a modern contemporary family story. The writing is excellent with the tension continually tightening, leaving the reader breathless and completely engrossed. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
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Trouble <br />
Written by Non Pratt <br />
Walker (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1406347692 <br />
This book could be seen as an exposé of teenage life today with boyfriends, sex, bullying and that ever-shifting combination of friends, allies and enemies. There are two main protagonists in the book: Aaron, new to the school, with some kind of mystery in his background, and Hannah, fourteen years old and pregnant. New boy, Aaron, offers to take responsibility for the child. Why would he do this? Perhaps his reasons are linked to one of the two underlying plotlines within the book. Of these, one concerns the true father of Hannah’s child and the other is the mysterious secret that Aaron is carrying with him: both of which are eventually revealed. The book will probably strike a chord with many teenagers but could make uncomfortable reading for their parents. <br />
Patricia Thompson <br />
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Trouble <br />
Written by Bali Rai <br />
Tamarind (R) (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1848531208 <br />
Subtitled Two Tales from Devana High, this volume combines two previously published short novels, set in the highly charged atmosphere of a contemporary city high school, which bring the story up-to-date. Both show everyday life and pressures in school as seen by two members of the same friendship group. In the first, Grace is the narrator, and the plot revolves around a scam to avoid late (and spoiled) lunch sittings, and at the same time miss ten minutes of lesson time. In the second, Dean does some entrepreneurial selling in school, gets himself into problems, and has to avoid serious interference from a vindictive school bully. The school and its pupils are as diverse as we would expect from an inner-city school, providing an excellently drawn setting for the stories. Even stronger are the relationships between the group of friends, which emerge from brisk and lively current dialogue and realistically drawn ways of behaving. These are well-crafted stories, about everyday people in everyday settings facing familiar problems and challenges. Younger teenagers from diverse backgrounds will readily identify with the well-drawn characters and the situations in which they find themselves. Thoroughly recommended! <br />
Liz Dubber <br />
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Far Far Away <br />
Written by Tom McNeal <br />
Jonathan Cape (eB) £12.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0857551269 <br />
In this beautifully crafted, multi-layered story, Jeremy has an invisible, but constant, companion in the form of the ghost of the storyteller, Jacob Grimm, of fairy-tale fame. Trapped in the restless world between death and the hereafter, Jacob knows that his mission is to protect Jeremy from impending danger. But who, what and from where this danger will come is not known to him. It is Jacob’s voice that carries us through the story, with his quaint, old-fashioned take on modern life. The tale becomes very dark in places, full of suspense and terror as children disappear, one by one, from the village and are never seen again. This is no happy-happy land, where you can be sure everything will turn out fine in the end, for this a Grimm world of subversion and unpredictability. Jacob’s watchful presence, as he longs for release from the world that conflicts with his enduring love for the child he protects, stays with you beyond the pages of the book. <br />
Yvonne Coppard <br />
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The Seeing <br />
Written by Diana Hendry <br />
Corgi (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552565691 <br />
This is a disturbing story set in the 1950s, in a small seaside town where Lizzie becomes fascinated by Natalie, a new arrival to her school. Natalie lives in poverty with her mother and her little brother, Philip, whom Natalie claims has second sight. Soon Lizzie is drawn in to Natalie’s campaign to oust ‘Left–Over Nazis’ whom she believes are masquerading as ordinary citizens. The plotline becomes extremely sinister as they hound several elderly people out of their homes, and when Natalie sets fire to the caravan of local beach artist, Hugo, there are ghastly consequences. This is a complex story in which the legacy of the war, together with the fate of the Jews under Hitler, has a strong influence over the characters and their actions. The historic setting is well managed and the characterisation is excellent, with even the minor characters playing their part in the totality of the plot. However, this is an emotionally demanding read, suiting confident readers who can cope with a strong psychological charge as well as a tragic ending. <br />
Liz Dubber <br />
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The Messengers <br />
Written by Edward Hogan <br />
Walker Books (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1406337181 <br />
As if it wasn’t bad enough being sent to live with her aunt and uncle, away from her mum, her friends and her beloved brother, Frances now realises her blackouts are getting more frequent. She has no explanation for these episodes until she finds herself drawn to Peter, an older man who explains that she, like him, is a messenger, but the messages they convey are not ones that anyone would want to receive. During their blackouts messengers glimpse the moment and circumstances of someone’s death and their task is to convey this image to the poor soul who is about to die. If they fail to do this there are dire consequences for those close to them in their own lives. The interesting question is this: if you can glimpse a moment of the future, can you or should you try to change it? Inevitably a lot of deaths do occur, but Frances’ emotional journey is our prime concern as she tries to accept this grim new aspect of her life and also tries to find out what has happened to her brother. At first, this appears to be a rather complex and unpromising plotline for teenage readers, but the haunting prose and strong characters make this an original and thrilling read. <br />
Jan Lennon <br />
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Deadlands <br />
Written by Lily Herne <br />
Much-in-Little (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978–1472100900 <br />
The first in a trilogy, this novel is set in a post apocalyptic South Africa. The suburbs of Cape Town have become zombie infested Deadlands, and the human survivors are protected by The Guardians, sinister shrouded figures. In return for this protection five teenagers are selected and then handed over to them and no-one knows what happens to the teenagers afterwards. When people die, their bodies are dumped in the Deadlands as food for the zombies. When Lele is chosen to be handed over to the Guardians she decides to be mistress of her own fate and to take her chances in the Deadlands. Alone and unable to return home she meets up with the Mall Rats, a group of teenage rebels. Together they uncover the truth about the Guardians and learn how to destroy the zombies. Fast paced, a cleverly constructed plot which twists and turns, with well-drawn and likeable characters, this is a cut above the average zombiefest. It is cleverly done, offering a fresh approach on this theme, full of horror, humour and a touch of romance, but with an interesting perspective on anti-capitalism and current political situations. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
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The Keeper <br />
Written by Darragh Martin <br />
Little Island £9.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1908195845 <br />
Oisin lives an ordinary sort of life, feuding with his older brother and holidaying with his Gran. But, when he comes across an intriguing little book that seems to exert a strange power, Oisin finds himself suddenly drawn into a mysterious and frightening supernatural world where he is known as The Keeper of the Book of Magic. His little sister is kidnapped, and Oisin and his brother must somehow overcome their differences and work together to free her, but in a world where they have no idea which of the people who step forward to help them can be trusted. There’s a good strong plot, with nods to various traditions: the evil queen, the noble quest, the ordinary child with extraordinary gifts, the mighty battle and above all, a ripping good yarn. The glossary of Irish words and guide to the pronunciation of the characters’ names at the back will, I think, be helpful. This is a great first children’s book from an author to watch out for. <br />
Yvonne Coppard <br />
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Shadowlark <br />
Written by Meagan Spooner <br />
Corgi (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552565578 <br />
Shadowlark, second in the Skylark trilogy, is even more powerful than the first. Lark escapes from the flesh-eating ‘Empty Ones of the Iron Wood’ only to be captured and imprisoned in a claustrophobic underground city. Powerful magic protects it, for which its inhabitants pay a terrible price. Lark may use her own strange powers to protect and defend, but only by leaching others’ magic and risking their lives. She has useful friends in Tansy, who helps her escape, Nix, the flying robot and Oren, half ‘Empty One’ himself, who loves her and needs her magic to keep him human. Lark gathers resistance around her, but in the end must face the rulers at the heart of the city alone to reveal its secrets and prevent further deaths. Lark must learn who to trust, how to judge herself and others, how to exercise power and responsibility and how to cope with the burden of others’ expectations. A surprisingly reflective, powerful book: complex, fast moving, thoughtful! <br />
Tina Massey <br />
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The Prey <br />
Written by Andrew Fukuda <br />
Simon & Schuster (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0857075451 <br />
This is the second book in The Hunt trilogy. Not having read the first in the series, I was, nonetheless, quickly caught up by this intense and violent saga in which a few remaining humans (hepers) are the prey of the marauding flesh-eaters (duskers), who have taken over the world. The young hero, Gene, and a small band of other hepers are pursued across land and water. They are in search of The Scientist, Gene’s father, who may hold the secret to survival. They come across the Mission; a community which they gradually find out is not as friendly or safe as they hoped. The story doesn’t flag for one second and the reader is whirled along through scene after scene of unremitting threat as the hepers just, but only just, manage to stay ahead of an appalling death at the hands and fangs of the duskers. Lovers of stories with a high quotient of gruesome horror and relentless tension will be waiting impatiently for the third and final instalment. <br />
Nigel Hinton <br />
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Rebecca Rocks <br />
Written by Anna Carey <br />
O’Brien Press (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1847175649 <br />
This is the third story about Rebecca Rafferty and her band, Hey Dollface, but you don’t need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. The summer holidays are fast approaching and the girls plan to advance their rock star ambitions by going to a summer camp for would-be performers of all kinds. Rebecca uses her diary to record the exciting events of that summer as the band is introduced to new techniques in music-making. They enter a competition with other bands from the area and begin new friendships and relationships, as well as making a lot of fudge! From time to time Rebecca worries about her boyfriend-less status, but she is genuinely delighted for her friend, Cass, to begin a close relationship with another girl. There are some very funny moments especially when Rebecca tries to improve her song-writing abilities with the aid of a rhyming dictionary. The girls have great fun even though some rather unpleasant boys, in another band, begin bullying them about their relationships, and threaten to spoil everything. <br />
Jan Lennon <br />
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Weirdos vs. Quimboids <br />
Written by Natasha Desborough <br />
Catnip £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1846471711 <br />
Teenage angst is ever the stuff of books for young adults. It’s all rather different from Little Women or Anne of Green Gables nowadays, though with frankness replacing discretion in both the style and content. There is a useful debate to be had about whether writers are appealing to the lowest common denominator or whether they are, at long last, being allowed to write fearlessly about how teenagers really behave and talk. Centred round the perennial fears and hopes of how to fit in and how to be liked and loved, this is a comedy of embarrassment. Blossom Uxley-Michaels, aka Bumface, and her best friend, known as Poohead, suffer all kinds of humiliating disasters along the way including regular bursts of acne, and things like wayward flying sanitary towels. Bumface and Poohead have a band called Camel Toe. Through their musical success with the band and as school DJs, and the intervention of some professional musicians, they finally achieve the social acceptance they have craved. I laughed a lot! <br />
Nigel Hinton <br />
<br />
<br />
Shadows <br />
Written by Paula Weston <br />
Indigo (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1780621586 <br />
Every night Gaby Winters has the same nightmare; she is killing demons alongside a strange, but very attractive, young man. She thinks that the dreams result from her twin brother being killed in the same car crash that left her critically injured. However, when Gaby meets the man from her dreams, and he claims to be her brother’s best friend, she finds herself caught up in a supernatural battle. Despite the fantasy elements, the core of the story is Gaby’s immense sadness following the death of her twin. Sensitive and moving passages describe Gaby trying to come to terms with her loss. It is heartening to see that the female characters in Shadows are confident and able, rather than cowering victims. The frequent use of the ‘F word’ would suggest that it is aimed at older teens. <br />
Jane Hall <br />
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<br />
Close Your Pretty Eyes <br />
Written by Sally Nicholls <br />
Scholastic (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1407124322 <br />
This gripping, but sometimes harrowing, story begins as Olivia arrives at her sixteenth home. Our strong-willed, eleven-year-old narrator has been in care since she was five years old, and family after family has rejected her. She is angry, violent and destructive. Although she makes it very hard for anyone to get close to her, she really hopes the Ivey family, in their lovely old farmhouse, will give her the love and stability she craves. Unfortunately, Olivia’s already troubled life encounters yet another problem. A former resident of this old house, Amelia Dyer, a Victorian baby farmer, may well have been hanged for mass murder in 1896, but her spirit lives on in her old home and is intent on driving Olivia away. As she narrates the story of her life and her previous homes and we start to understand her pain and anger, Olivia tries to convince us that her appalling behaviour is totally justified; however, this is definitely a case of love the child, but not her actions. The novel is well-researched and shows a deep understanding of the lives of fostered children and foster carers. <br />
Jan Lennon <br />
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Hold Your Breath <br />
Written by Caroline Green <br />
Piccadilly (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1848121706 <br />
This book has everything – it is a thriller with many twists and turns, contains romance and has a little of the supernatural. Tara has the unusual psychic gift of being able to find ‘missing’ objects and people. In the past this has got her into trouble with the result of her family having to move house and change schools. Now a classmate, albeit not a very nice one, has gone missing and Tara fights hard against her psychic ability. She knows something is wrong, has disturbing visions of her whereabouts, but desperately tries to ignore it and just be normal. This leads to more trouble for Tara with a thrilling and tense result. The writing is very descriptive, the characters are realistic and the pace is fast and furious. The tension and the excitement make the novel unputdownable! <br />
Ingrid Fox Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-22363161839881625552014-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:002014-06-20T13:23:14.261-07:00Titles for readers Moving On from Primary to High School Frost Hollow Hall <br />
Written by Emma Carroll <br />
Faber & Faber (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0571295449 <br />
A slight case of trespass at Frost Hollow Hall, leads Tilly Higgins to be skating on a not fully frozen lake, with the inevitable result that she falls through the thin ice. However, she is saved by a mysterious benevolent spirit. Tilly is convinced that this is the spirit of Kit, the son of the house, who drowned in that same lake in the same circumstances. Tilly also recognises that he is a very troubled ghost. She manages to get a job at the hall and becomes aware of another spirit, also troubled, but this one is malevolent. Although just a maid, Tilly manages to convince Kit’s mother, the mistress of the house, about her experiences and a séance is arranged. The results are surprising! This is an interesting ghost story for young readers as it is not too scary, but never lets the reader’s interest waver, with just enough mysterious happenings to satisfy. <br />
Patricia Thompson <br />
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The Wells Bequest <br />
Written by Polly Shulman <br />
OUP (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0192793119 <br />
This is the second title to centre on the New York Circulating Material Repository, a multi-level library for objects rather than books. Whereas the earlier title, The Grimm Legacy, was concerned with fairytale objects, the items in this volume are all connected to science fiction. When Leo’s science teacher suggests that he heads to the Repository to research his Science Fair project, Leo has no idea what kind of adventure he is embarking upon. Not only does he meet a great girl, Jaya, and get a part-time job at the fascinating Repository, he also gets the opportunity to explore his original, apparently impossible, project idea, time travel. Full of clever connections with existing stories by authors such as H.G.Wells and Jules Verne, along with thought-provoking conundrums about the nature of time and reality, this is a stimulating story for imaginative readers. <br />
Annalise Taylor<br />
<br />
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The Lost Journals of Benjamin Tooth <br />
Written by Mackenzie Crook <br />
Faber & Faber (eB) £9.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0571295586 <br />
The actor Mackenzie Crook has written a truly off-beat, whimsical and quirky novel unlike anything else around. No werewolves, vampires or wizards here. Not even a hero in the usual sense, for Benjamin Tooth is a self-opinionated young chap who declares his genius to all and sundry and who has few attractive qualities. He despises his mother and makes sardonic comments about almost everyone he meets. The one person he likes is a girl whom he misjudges and who wisely marries someone else. By the end, he has become so obsessed with his desire for greatness that he has hardly any humanity left and is a fanatical recluse, dressed as a deer and eating grass. However, such strange behaviour has led him to discover the existence of what he hesitates to call ‘fairies’ but prefers to call ‘sprites’. The strange story is told in journal form with Benjamin recounting his strange meetings with eccentric characters and giving idiosyncratic details about his life including his bizarre meals, “Dined today of pig’s ankles and blancmange” and his mother’s illnesses, “Mother abed with Yellowing of the Elbow”. It is intriguing, funny and absolutely one of its kind. <br />
Nigel Hinton <br />
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Monkey Nuts: The Diamond Egg of Wonders <br />
Written by Robin and Lawrence Etherington <br />
David Fickling (R) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1849921695 <br />
The Diamond Egg of Wonders is the first book in the Monkey Nuts series and the debut graphic novel from The Etherington Brothers. It stars a crime fighting duo, the like of which we have never seen before. Sid, the monkey, and Rivet, the robot, make up the intrepid team that live on the Isla De Monstera. In their first adventure, the unlikely heroes have to uncover the truth behind a mysterious signal that makes the locals of the island fly into an uncontrollable rage. As if that wasn’t enough, they also have to track down the eponymous ‘Diamond Egg of Wonders’. I have rarely read anything that is so simultaneously exciting and amusing. The characters are hilarious and it is not often that a mystery is solved by a tap-dancing monkey and a coffee-producing robot. The illustrations are extraordinary with each panel containing much detail, immersing the reader completely. This book has everything that could be hoped for: action, adventure, humour and a sarcastic talking coconut. <br />
Davy Hall <br />
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A Home for Teasel <br />
Written by Margi McAllister <br />
Scholastic £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1407131061 <br />
This book will excite and delight all young pony-loving girls. It has the right amount of equine descriptions, including the grooming and mucking out, together with mystery, hope and friendship. Reminiscent of Lauren Brooke and K. M. Peyton, this will definitely be a winner. Gwen longs for a pony of her own but her family cannot afford one. She takes on various part-time jobs in order to supplement her ‘pony fund’ as one day she is determined to have her own pony. Her family does not understand her obsession and she is teased and mocked by her siblings and parents. Then, Gwen is asked to help an elderly lady who can no longer do her own shopping and it is with great surprise and delight when she discovers Teasel, who also needs looking after. Gwen’s whole life changes as she and Teasel develop an unbelievable bond but when the old lady is taken into a home, Gwen and Teasel’s relationship is threatened. Teasel is moved to new stables and Gwen must find a way to see her again. The result is an adventure for both of them with a satisfying result. <br />
Ingrid Fox <br />
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Jinx: The Wizards Apprentice <br />
Written by Sage Blackwood <br />
Quercus (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1780872476 <br />
The reader meets Jinx, a young boy, just as his wicked stepfather is ready to abandon him in the dark wood of Urwald, a dangerous place where people who step off the True Path rarely return. Jinx is saved by a wizard when a group of trolls turn up. The wizard, Simon Magus, shields Jinx from the trolls using his magic but his stepfather is not so lucky! Thus begins Jinx’s adventures, growing up as a wizard’s apprentice. We see the world through the eyes of Jinx and, as he meets the diverse cast of characters, including the forest itself, we get to know him as a character and become engrossed with how his journey will end. It’s an entertaining fantasy with a great storyline, and more adventures will appear in future titles. Sage Blackwood has a good eye for capturing the nature and relationships between characters, often in a very humorous way. The story and adventures keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next and putting Jinx at the heart of the story makes the cast of characters and the forest of Urwald very believable. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
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Tilly’s Promise <br />
Written by Linda Newbery <br />
Barrington Stoke £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1781122938 <br />
Here is a quick-read that powerfully conveys the reality of what happened in World War I. Linda Newbery has written brilliant longer novels for teens about this war and this is a clever distillation. When Tilly’s sweetheart, Harry, joins up he promises to look after her brother, Georgie, whose mind is much younger than his body. Tilly makes a promise too. Neither can hope to keep the promises made when they do not understand the realities of war, but they soon learn. The worst horrors are hinted at, and this lack of sensationalism leaves room for the reader’s imagination. Readers identify with the characters and experience their pain. Tilly and Harry survive the war so there is a happy ending of sorts, but they are older, wiser and deeply sad about the losses of others they have loved. Published by the dyslexia-friendly Barrington Stoke, this will appeal to teens struggling with reading but also to other readers too. <br />
Julia Jarman Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-27154006656020870932014-06-20T13:22:00.000-07:002014-06-20T13:22:09.641-07:00Titles for the Confident Reader in Primary School The Forever Whale <br />
Written by Sarah Lean <br />
Illustrated by Gary Blythe <br />
HarperCollins (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-000751222 5 <br />
This story of ten-year-old Hannah’s devotion to a grandfather suffering from Alzheimer’s may be too intense for some, as the ‘grandad’ in question is referred to on almost every page. But for those with the patience this thoughtful, well-written story raises major themes like the nature of memory and how best to deal with loss. These are then handed back to readers as part of an ancient mystery that young Hannah takes it upon herself to solve. Lovingly supported by her fifteen-year-old sister, Jodie, plus two caring parents, both Hannah and reader end on a positive note of understanding. Author of the previously best-selling A Dog Called Homeless, Sarah Lean is an author to watch. <br />
Nicholas Tucker <br />
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Stan Stinky <br />
Written and illustrated by Hannah Shaw <br />
Scholastic £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1407136240 <br />
Stan Stinky is a very bored sewer. Instead of being able to spend the summer surfing the storm drains of the Bahamas, he has to stay in the boring sewer he’s lived in all his life. Even worse is the fact that his mum is making him work aboard his crazy uncle’s boat. But when his Uncle Ratts and his sidekick, Roachy, disappear, Stan finds himself on a big adventure to rescue them. This is the first in a new series by a favourite author/illustrator. It’s sharp, witty and full of the kind of toilet humour that young readers just love. Hannah Shaw’s illustrations work very well with her text, giving visual clues to what is about to happen and supporting the narrative really well. This is going to be a very popular series. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
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Vile Visitors <br />
Written by Diana Wynne Jones <br />
Illustrated by Marion Lindsay <br />
HarperCollins (eB) £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0007501595 <br />
Two previously published stories brought together in a new edition from the consistently brilliant Diana Wynne Jones. In Who Got Rid of Angus Flint? three children are outraged by the antics of their father’s friend when he comes to stay with the family after his wife has left him. Totally demanding and utterly self-absorbed, Angus Flint’s tyranny over family life threatens to overwhelm them all. But then, the children step up to the plate and, with the help of some magical furniture, restore peace and harmony to their home by turning the tables, and the chairs, the piano and the carpet, on their unwelcome intruder. In Chair Person it is furniture that becomes the enemy for another family, when an old discarded armchair comes to life and refuses to be ignored. He, like Angus Flint, selfishly demands total attention and causes mayhem wherever he goes. Once again, it is the children of the family who have to step up to the rescue, with a little magical help. The illustrations are expressive and the stories are funny and well-paced, with just the right mix of magic and reality to appeal to a wide audience. <br />
Yvonne Coppard <br />
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Rona Long-Teeth <br />
Retold by Fran Parnell <br />
Illustrated by Sophie Fatus <br />
Barefoot £4.83 <br />
ISBN: 978-1846869082 <br />
Sensitive readers - beware! This reworking of a somewhat grisly folk tale from Tahiti certainly earns its place in this Monster Series for early readers. Kind and helpful, Hina, is unaware that her loving mother, Rona, turns evil when darkness falls and has a nightly habit of eating the neighbours. However, Hina’s secret love, Monoi, falls victim to Rona’s hungry rage. Hina must turn to the village chief to help defeat her mother and save Monoi. This simple, but involving, tale evokes a fairy tale’s triumph of good magic over unambiguous evil with bright, accessible illustrations. Rona’s loving mother/secret cannibal persona may disturb some young booklovers but this exciting story will suit children with an appetite for the macabre. <br />
Megan Stanfield <br />
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Jazz and Bo’s Story <br />
Written by Sarah Hawkins <br />
Illustrated by Artful Doodlers <br />
Puzzle illustrations by Jason Chapman <br />
Red Fox (eB) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1782951803 <br />
The inspiration for Jazz and Bo’s Story is the real life dog and cat that lived at Battersea Dog and Cats Home. There are many books in this series which have instant appeal to animal-loving youngsters. Abi is looking forward to Christmas and asks Santa for a kitten. Her brother, Harry, thinks dogs are more interesting, but his Mum and Stepdad think two pets will be disruptive. Abi is taken to Battersea Dog and Cats Home to choose her kitten but the result is unexpected and heartwarming. The outcome is satisfying and will please the young readers. The story is illustrated with pleasant line drawings which aptly complement the text. There are tips at the end of the book on how to care for a pet along with animal-related jokes, puzzles and recipes. It is easy to read and will be enjoyed by emerging readers. <br />
Ingrid Fox <br />
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The Great Gold Robbery <br />
Written by Jo Nesbø <br />
Simon & Schuster £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1471117381 <br />
The fourth title in this Doctor Procter’s Fart Powder series of madcap adventure stories sees our hero, Nilly, and heroine, Lisa, unite again with Doctor Proctor to solve the mystery of the theft of the entire gold reserves of Norway. When the reader finds out that this consists of only one gold bar, we have an indication of the seriousness of this escapade. With their wits about them and a host of crazy gadgets invented by the illustrious Doctor Proctor, they encounter the deadly Crunch brothers and their terrifying chief, Mama Crunch. Can Nilly and Lisa save the day? Well of course they can, but readers will enjoy the crazy and amusing ways in which they manage it. Fast-paced and full of action, with black and white line drawings scattered throughout adding humour. <br />
Lucy Russell <br />
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Maisie Hitchens: The Case of the Stolen Sixpence <br />
Written by Holly Webb <br />
Illustrated by Marion Lindsay <br />
Stripes £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1847153715 <br />
Maisie Hitchins longs to be a world-famous detective like Gilbert Carrington. She is positive that out on the streets of Victorian London, there are lots of mysteries for her to solve, if only she could find the time to investigate, but she’s always too busy running errands for her grandmother. However, one day she rescues an abandoned puppy and he leads her to her first case, when the butcher’s boy, George, is wrongly accused of stealing a sixpence. Great to see a strong and feisty little girl as the central character! The story is fun and fast-paced. The text is supported by lovely black and white illustrations by Marion Lindsay and text and illustrations together give a real feel of Victorian London. First in the series, there are now three other titles and the fifth title will be published in May. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
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Atticus Claw Lends a Paw <br />
Written by Jennifer Gray <br />
Faber & Faber (eB) £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0571284474 <br />
The cat is back! Once again Atticus Claw is called to battle with his old enemies, Zenia Klob, Ginger Biscuit and the Magpies. This time, however, the story is mainly set in a more exotic location. An ancient Egyptian book is stolen from the British Museum and Atticus and his friends from Atticus Claw Settles a Score, set off to find it. On the way, Atticus discovers something strange about himself and his ancestry. The story moves along at a furious pace as the team move from one crisis to another. There is plenty of mystery, action, humour and magic, which are all guaranteed to appeal to the reader. <br />
Patricia Thompson <br />
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The Warrior Sheep Go Jurassic <br />
Written by Christine & Christopher Russell <br />
Jelly Pie (eB) £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1405267182 <br />
The five sheep known as the Warriors, visit the Isle of Wight in this crazy adventure about a stolen dinosaur egg. Sandy Bay Dinosaur Museum website advertises the egg before the director realises his mistake in publicising its whereabouts. At least two criminals spot an opportunity to steal it, and a young museum employee is tempted to do the same. The sheep escape from their field to try and track down the egg and prevent both the fulfilment of an ancient sheep prophecy, and the recreation of dinosaurs that would terrorise the country. The adventure involves a hilarious chase as the sheep trample most of the entries in the Sandy Bay Grand Sandcastle Competition and continue day after day to try to intercept the handover between the young egg stealer and her accomplice. Finally, things come to a head at the Ventnor Carnival. This is a fast-paced, humorous adventure story told with skill and enthusiasm. The plot is scarcely credible but a strong storyline and effective dialogue and characterisation suspend the reader’s disbelief, creating an entertaining read. <br />
Liz Dubber <br />
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My Brilliant Life and Other Disasters <br />
Written by Catherine Wilkins <br />
Illustrated by Sarah Horne <br />
Nosy Crow (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0857631596 <br />
Jess is glad when she is doing the wild life project with her best friend, Natalie, but other parts of her life unravel when she has an argument over her prize cartoon. When her good friend, Lewis tells her she is being arrogant about her own drawings, should she listen? Unexpected developments in this richly comic novel lead to a satisfying end. Expressive illustrations add to the fun. <br />
Marianne Adey <br />
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The Story of Gulliver <br />
Written by Jonathan Coe <br />
Illustrated by Sara Oddi <br />
Pushkin £14.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1782690191 <br />
The aim of Pushkin Books is to keep classic stories alive by getting popular modern writers to abbreviate and reinvent them. Good quality paper, bold typography and atmospheric illustrations make the stories accessible in these handsome editions. Well written, they retain the strengths of the originals, without trivialising plot, character or themes. First published in 1771 Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels soon became a book for children. Child appeal in the form of giants and little people was there from the start and in many children’s editions the satire on society was down-played, but not in this version. Why are people so poor that they starve, and rich people have more than they need? Why do people make weapons not just to defend themselves but destroy others? These important questions, so relevant today, are posed in a graphic re-telling that includes Gulliver peeing on a fire to save the diminutive Lilliputians and being banished for his efforts. The Lilliputians are petty and small-minded as well as small-bodied. There’s much to appeal to children here, especially those who like to ponder big questions. <br />
Julia Jarman Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-56162539639984093932014-06-20T13:21:00.001-07:002014-06-20T13:21:08.746-07:00Titles for the young child just beginning to Read Alone The Girl with a Brave Heart <br />
Written by Rita Jahanforuz <br />
Illustrated by Vali Mintzi <br />
Barefoot Books £10.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1846869280 <br />
When Shiraz’s father dies her stepmother insists she does the housework because they cannot afford a maid. One day, when the young girl has finished all her cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing, she retires to the balcony to knit from a ball of wool left by her late mother. But a gust of wind blows the red ball off the balcony into a neighbour’s courtyard garden. The house is owned by an eccentric old woman who sets Shiraz three tasks which she must complete before getting her ball of wool back. The moral is subtly woven into the text, of this Cinderella-like tale from the Middle-East, which pits the good brave-hearted Shiraz against her greedier stepsister. The colourful artwork, with splashes of Hockney and Matisse, perfectly captures the spirit of this wise tale. <br />
Richard Monte <br />
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Weasels <br />
Written by Elys Dolan <br />
Nosy Crow £10.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0857631992 <br />
Gloriously subversive and laugh-out-loud funny, Weasels has clearly been designed with adults’ humour in mind as much as kids’. Fuelled by coffee and biscuits, the weasels to which the title refers are secretly planning to take over the world, from an underground bunker reminiscent of something you might find in a Bond film, or Thunderbirds, but with the dynamics of a typical British office. Each weasel has its own unique personality and quirks, which come to light as their control room encounters difficulties, and a solution must be found. The Machine for World Domination is just the sort of thing kids would enjoy making themselves out of cardboard boxes and tin foil, and the incredible detail on every spread is veritable fuel for the young imagination. After every option has been explored, including, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”, a rather sheepish lone weasel is seen holding the machine’s plug (needless to say, not in its socket), exclaiming “oops”. A well-rounded universe with splendidly slapstick inhabitants, this is a truly enjoyable book that will stand up to repeated outings. <br />
Rowan Stanfield <br />
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Fortunately, the Milk... <br />
Written by Neil Gaiman <br />
Illustrated by Chris Riddell <br />
Bloomsbury (eB) £10.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1408841761 <br />
It all began when they ran out of milk. Dad went out to get some and ran into some very grumpy, globby green aliens, and that was only the beginning. Pirates, angry volcano gods, lisping vampires and singing dinosaurs add to the challenges he faces. The balance between lively text and fantastic illustrations makes this book an excellent choice for any new reader who enjoys real adventure. <br />
Marianne Adey <br />
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The Case of the Phantom Cat <br />
Written by Holly Webb <br />
Illustrated by Marion Lindsay <br />
Stripes £5.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1847153821 <br />
In this third mystery for Maisie Hitchins, the Victorian maid, she gets the chance to accompany a friend to a house in the country. Before they have even seen the house they have heard rumours that it is haunted. The objects that go missing, strange smells, strange noises and a ghostly cat eventually cause the servants to walk out in fear. Maisie is used to working hard in the boarding house her Grandmother runs but cooking and cleaning is a novelty for her well-off friend Alice. Maisie is determined to prove that there is no such thing as ghosts and point-by-point she does just that, with Alice‘s help. This series is perfect for those who have been reading alone for a while but are perhaps not quite ready to move onto longer books. The illustrations throughout help bring the story to life, especially the scene setting cutaway of Maisie’s house at the beginning. Puzzles and quizzes at the back allow readers to do some detecting of their own. <br />
Annalise Taylor <br />
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Dick King-Smith titles <br />
These four books have all been reprinted giving a fresh feel to some old favourites. Dick King-Smith is the master of stories about animals and these books are still as humorous and entertaining as they were when first published. They are all illustrated by different artists in black and white line drawings and they have vibrant, appealing cover designs by Garry Parsons. The soft paperbacks are small with large text making them ideal for small hands reading their first chapter books. There are several other titles in the series. <br />
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Omnibombulator <br />
Written by Dick King-Smith <br />
Illustrated by Jim and Peter Kavanagh <br />
Young Corgi (R) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552567404 <br />
In Omnibombulator we meet a very small beetle who feels so insignificant that his parents give him a long name. He searches for recognition but is ignored by birds and insects until the day he meets his match – another tiny beetle, a female one, which is perfect. <br />
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E.S.P. <br />
Written by Dick King-Smith <br />
Illustrated by Peter Wingham <br />
Young Corgi (R) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552567367 <br />
A smelly old tramp discovers that Eric Stanley Pigeon has a very unusual talent and so dreams of using it to win his fortune on the horses. The relationship between the two develops into a strong bond but will E.S.P fulfill the tramp’s dreams? <br />
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Connie and Rollo <br />
Written by Dick King-Smith <br />
Illustrated by Judy Brown <br />
Young Corgi (R) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552567381 <br />
Connie and Rollo are two books in one. Connie astounds everyone when, as a baby, she begins to speak and perform amazing mathematical calculations. Her parents are delighted with her talent and intend to harness it but things soon go astray and Connie becomes precocious and unbearable. Rollo is a little boy who, as he learns to speak, everything is said in rhyme. We follow Rollo’s life through rhyme in the story right to the end! <br />
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Billy the Bird <br />
Written by Dick King-Smith <br />
Illustrated by John Eastwood <br />
Young Corgi (R) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0552567374 <br />
Billy is the baby brother of Mary and he can fly! Mary confides in her cat and guinea pig when she discovers Billy’s amazing ability, but decides not to tell her parents. Billy flies every month when there is a full moon and manages to escape recognition although there are a few near misses, until the lunar eclipse, when everything changes. <br />
Ingrid Fox <br />
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Mondays at Monster School <br />
Written by Ruth Louise Symes <br />
Illustrated by Rosie Reeve <br />
Orion (R) (eB) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1444008524 <br />
Fred is about to join his brother and sisters at Monster School but he is very apprehensive and not sure he wants to go. His Mum tries to reassure him by telling him all the exciting and horrible things he will be doing. However, Fred’s anxieties are soon squashed when he has to reassure his friend, Ted, who is also scared. The two little monsters have a great day and cannot wait to return on Tuesday. The story is one of the Early Readers range aimed at young readers just starting to move on from picture books to reading books. There are excellent illustrations to complement the text which has plenty of repetition and high frequency words. <br />
Ingrid Fox Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-90490409276722591962014-06-20T13:19:00.007-07:002014-06-20T13:19:55.796-07:00First Steps in reading for young children Do You Speak English, Moon? <br />
Written by Francesca Simon <br />
Illustrated by Ben Court <br />
Orion £9.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1444001556 <br />
Confronting the loneliness of his room in those quiet moments before sleep, a boy begins a one-sided conversation with the kindly looking moon outside his window. Horrid Henry author, Francesca Simon, takes readers on a reflective stroll through the boy’s imaginings as he finds company and reassurance at a time of day many children find worrying. Ben Court’s vibrant full-page illustrations bring to life helter-skelter ice creams, mermaids, pirates and friendly constellations with brilliant colour and energy. Gentle and comforting – a bedtime favourite in the making! <br />
Megan Stanfield <br />
<br />
<br />
Puss Jekyll Cat Hyde <br />
Written by Joyce Dunbar <br />
Illustrated by Jill Barton <br />
Frances Lincoln £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1847804921 <br />
Sitting here, looking at our sweet, velvety, black cat, sprawled on a chair, waving his legs in the air, I wonder, “Can he really be a ferocious hunter in disguise?”. Well, yes, the evidence has been deposited at the bottom of the stairs on many occasions! This is the theme of Puss Jekyll Cat Hyde, a lovely book. The illustrations are wonderfully observed and focus on the cat itself with no distractions. The different aspects of cat behaviour are caught to perfection. The beauty of the language is a delight with great rhythm and rhyme. For young readers it can be shared, re-told, discussed and can be enjoyed at that simple level. With older children, the dichotomy of the nature of the domestic cat can be discussed, but it is the richness of the language that older children will enjoy and that will hopefully stimulate their own use of language, both written and spoken. <br />
Patricia Thompson<br />
<br />
<br />
Troll and the Oliver <br />
Written and illustrated by Adam Stower <br />
Templar £10.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1848773523 <br />
Every day Oliver goes shopping and every day a turquoise troll with green eyes and a gap-toothed grin tries, haplessly, to catch him. Oliver is really glad about this and over hills and bridges, through woods and fields, he sings his song of triumph. The forlorn and very hungry troll returns to munch sticks and stones. At last, he successfully works out how to catch the over-confident little boy, but with unexpected results, for Oliver finishes up making cakes for the troll to prevent him menacing small children ... and there’s a clear and detailed troll cupcake recipe for everyone to share. A lively, funny, amusingly illustrated book which young children will love ... and using the recipe may enhance their reading skills too. <br />
Tina Massey <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Elephantantrum <br />
Written by Gillian Shields <br />
Illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs <br />
Hodder (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1444904017 <br />
Ellie is a child used to getting her own way, because if she doesn’t she has a massive tantrum. She has everything she wants but it is never enough. She decides she wants a real elephant and throws a major strop until her father gives in and gets one for her. However, she soon learns that elephants have minds of their own, as they won’t be bossed around and also they have a singular way of teaching small children about manners, behaviour and friendship. This is a delightfully quirky story with whimsical illustrations that are gentle, but full of humour, and that really support and enhance the text very well. Suitable for both reading aloud and sharing together, this provides a good moral lesson for children wrapped up in a laugh-out-loud story. <br />
Annie Everall <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Captain Brainpower and the Mighty Mean Machine <br />
Written and illustrated by Sam Lloyd <br />
HarperCollins (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0007324781 <br />
From the quirky imagination that gave us Mr Pusskins and Dr Miaow comes another enjoyably offbeat picture book for young readers. With more than a passing resemblance to Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, the story’s central character has a pleasing familiarity that will draw the reader in, and his mouse companion is instantly loveable. There are maps and detailed spreads, ideal for little fingers to trace and explore, as we follow the two friends on their nail-biting adventure into the rubbish dump and across the path of its dogged oppressor, the Mighty Mean Machine. The text is cleverly designed to form part of the visual storytelling, and contains pleasingly childish rhymes, as well as brilliant words like ‘Bamboozled’ that will ignite giggles and encourage participation. Perhaps the most pleasing thing about this book is that it values intelligence and innovation as superpowers and encourages children to consider the act of thinking as a worthwhile exercise with which great feats can be accomplished. <br />
Rowan Stanfield <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mr Wuffles! <br />
Written and illustrated by David Wiesner <br />
Andersen £11.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1849397803 <br />
Two worlds collide in this inventive picture book from Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner. Mr Wuffles is a black cat uninterested in playing with balls of rubber bands or clockwork mice because an alien spaceship has crash landed in the hall! As the aliens leave the safety of the control room to seek help, they are confronted by a huge black monster with sharp claws, which chases them underneath the radiator. Through a crack they discover a room. On the floor are a coin, a pencil, matches, some string and a few toys. The walls are decorated with pictures of the cat’s struggles with the insects that live there, like prehistoric art on a cave wall. Soon the aliens make friends with the ants and the ladybirds, but, will they be able to find a way of getting back passed Mr Wuffles and back to their spaceship to make the necessary repairs? It requires great skill to tell a story without using any words and still captivate the attention of the reader, but Wiesner’s masterpiece, with its new perspective on the world, is sure to appeal to older children. <br />
Richard Monte <br />
<br />
<br />
Wild <br />
Written and illustrated by Emily Hughes <br />
Flying Eye £11.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1909263086 <br />
Finding a baby, the forest creatures look after her; Bird teaching her to speak, Bear how to eat, Fox how to play, “And she understood, and was happy”. There is a warmth, exquisite beauty and fine detail to the artwork, but its mood changes when the humans arrive. The sky blackens and all is sharper and more austere. Once rescued, she is taken in by a famous psychiatrist and his family, where even the family dog and cat appear disenchanted, if not completely unhappy, and the lady of the house is not only formidable but blatantly terrifying. Eventually, enough is enough and it is the baby, now a toddler, who leads the dog and the cat to a happier existence. “Everyone remembered how she left, and all knew it was right. Because you cannot tame something so happily wild…” A very special book with stunning artwork! Note the inclusion of a copy of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. <br />
Gill Roberts <br />
<br />
<br />
The Magical Life of Mr. Renny <br />
Written and illustrated by Leo Timmers <br />
Translated by Bill Nagelkerke <br />
Gecko £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1877467899 <br />
This talented Belgian author brings his experience as a successful comic-strip artist into this lavishly illustrated story. Its hero, the dog artist, Mr. Renny, discovers that he can turn his paintings into reality, starting with a single apple, depicted Magritte-style against a green background, and finishing with a brand new mansion. Each illustration piles one surreal image on another, with various fantastical animals watching on as Mr. Renny finally decides he would like to return all his paintings to their original form. Totally original and unique, this picture book benefits from any amount of re-reading, each one discovering yet more artful detail, previously unnoticed. <br />
Nicholas Tucker <br />
<br />
<br />
I am a Woolly Hat <br />
Written by Salma Koraytem <br />
Retold by Vivian French <br />
Illustrated by Betania Zacarias <br />
Orion (eB) £4.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1444008449 <br />
This tale has a simple, straightforward, but very interesting, text. The attractive illustrations have the texture of crayons, in warm autumn hues, and are set at unusual angles, giving the reader glimpses of Basma and her family life. Basma is a little girl who poses the deceptively simple question, “What is love?” and speculates about the answer. She wonders whether love has a shape like a long elephant’s trunk, or thin spaghetti, or does it have a colour like the blue summer sky? She asks her Mum who replies that love is like the clothes we wear in winter which keep us warm. Basma does not understand but as she goes to ask each of her family in turn what they think love is, she finds the answer herself in their actions, and understands just what her Mum means. This is such a special little book with a lasting message and illustrations to treasure and just right for a first reader to share. <br />
Louise Stothard <br />
<br />
<br />
When I Grow Up… <br />
Written and illustrated by Patrick George <br />
PatrickGeorge £8.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-1908473103 <br />
This is a lovely sharing picture book introducing children to the different jobs that people do and to promote thought as to what they would like to be when they grow up. As good as any dressing-up box, it encourages children to dream about becoming anything they like and perhaps to aspire to great things! So simple and yet so clever! Young children will enjoy turning the transparent pages which each transform a child into a pilot, a zoo-keeper, an astronaut, an artist or a superhero. There are also plenty of opportunities to talk about the different jobs that people do in your family. What other jobs can they think of? My young daughter particularly liked the pirate page! Perhaps we have an aspiring pirate on our hands! <br />
Louise Mundford <br />
<br />
<br />
I Miss My Pet <br />
Written by Pat Thomas <br />
Illustrated by Lesley Harker <br />
Wayland £7.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0750280112 <br />
Here is a picture book about the death of pets, designed to be read in a family or school setting to provide comfort and a means of discussion at the time of a pet’s death. The text is straightforward, honest and sensitive. It explains that while we all would like our pets to be with us forever, it is natural and inevitable that they eventually die. These matter of fact explanations are occasionally enhanced by ‘What about you?’ questions directed at the reader and providing a useful prompt for discussion about the issues raised by the text and pictures. The illustrations are colourful and clear, portraying a range of families with their pets in various situations: being played with, in illness, at the vet, in death or being remembered. At the back of the book is some useful guidance for adults on how to use the book with children, with ideas for classroom activity as well as very reassuring words about various ways in which children might react to the death of a much-loved pet. This is a well-designed and well-written book which should provide helpful to families and teachers at difficult times. <br />
Liz Dubber <br />
<br />
<br />
Love Monster & the Perfect Present <br />
Written and illustrated by Rachel Bright <br />
HarperCollins (eB) £6.99 <br />
ISBN: 978-0007487912 <br />
Most parents, and indeed grandparents, will have found themselves navigating the minefield of children’s materialistic demands and expectations around events like birthdays and Christmas. We want our kids to feel valued and special, but to also appreciate the sentiment behind the gift as much as the actual gift that gets unwrapped. A genuinely moving story of love between two monsters, Love Monster & the Perfect Present advocates a more meaningful and heartfelt approach to such ritualistic giving, stressing the importance of the thought behind the gift, and the love with which it is given. After realising that his few pennies and buttons won’t get him any of the “shinyful” things from Planet Present, Love Monster makes his own gift to give his special monster friend on Present Day, concluding that “the perfect present doesn’t have to cost the earth to mean the world”. Because it is told in such a colourful, humorous and visually engaging way, the message is never preachy or overly worthy. The apparent secular nature of Present Day and the ambiguous gender of Love Monster’s special someone makes for an inclusive read that could be appreciated by all cultures and family set-ups. <br />
Rowan Stanfield <br />
<br />
<br />
Two Trickster Tales from Russia <br />
Retold by Sophie Masson <br />
Illustrated by David Allan <br />
Christmas Press £10.79 <br />
ISBN: 978-0992283803 <br />
Christmas Press is a new venture featuring traditional tales from around the world, presented by well-known authors. These high-spirited stories from Russia, retold in a lively manner by celebrated Australian author Sophie Masson, are the perfect way to keep young readers entertained. There is a delightful mischievousness about a little girl outwitting a bear by hiding in a basket of pies and a clever cat and thrush who save their less astute rooster friend from the jaws of a cunning old fox. The two tales have elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Aesop’s Fables about them, while the bright colourful illustrations by David Allan, have an old-fashioned charm which complements this beautifully produced book. Each edition comes complete with an audio CD, making them good teaching aids for the classroom. <br />
Richard Monte Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-67110562150390752532014-06-20T13:18:00.001-07:002014-06-20T13:18:08.853-07:00Picture Books for young children
Books Always Everywhere <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Jane Blatt <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Sarah Massini <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nosy Crow £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857630896 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
It is impossible to resist a book with a title like this! The funny,
imaginative illustrations explore the meanings behind the rhyming descriptions
of the many kinds of books there are to explore. ‘Book Big’ is elephant-sized ,
‘Book Wide’ is as wide as a crocodile, ‘Book Tall’ is as high as a giraffe, and
everywhere babies and toddlers crawl, jump, dance and discover what you can do
with books, and how they can move you. There are lots of creatures and people
to find, with a tiny mouse hiding in every scene, and a surprising amount of
words to discover in the tiny books displayed. Much gentle fun to share and
explore up to four, or more! Lovely to read and reread! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Tina Massey <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Just Right <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Birdie Black <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nosy Crow £9.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857630308 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This wonderful picture book conveys, in such a lovely way, the delight of
finding just the right present for someone you love and the pleasure of giving.
It is Christmas Eve and as the King wanders around the market he spies a bolt
of bright red cloth which will be just right for a cloak for the Princess. When
the sewing maids have finished there are some scraps of cloth left over which
the King instructs be left outside the back door. Jenny, the kitchen maid,
spots the bright bundle and takes it home to make a jacket for her mother.
Again, there are scraps left over and they are found by Badger, who resolves to
make a hat for his <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pa.</st1:place></st1:state>
And so the roll of bright red cloth makes presents for many others, as well as
the Princess, and each is ‘Just Right’. The feel-good factor of this story is
so well complemented by the bright and warm colours of the illustrations and
the texture and depth of the art work. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Stothard <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Two Nests <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Laurence Anholt <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Jim Coplestone <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Frances Lincoln £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-847804969 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Laurence Anholt’s rhythmical sing-song rhyme is perfectly complemented by
Jim Coplestone’s quirky and fun illustrations. We witness the tale of Betty,
Paul and the new little Baby Bird, happy in their nest, through the seasons,
during good times and bad. But, Betty and Paul fall out and Paul decides to
build a new nest. This is a clever and truly wonderful example of making sad
situations positive and dealing with family separation. Instead of losing his
dad, Baby Bird now has two homes, both full of love. This is a gentle tale with
a fabulous balance of fun and realism to which many children can relate. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Gill Roberts <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Just Right for Two <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Tracey Corderoy <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nosy Crow £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857631763 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Dog packs his suitcase with carefully selected special things and settles
down to watch the moon rise. He has everything he needs. When he wakes up the
next morning, he finds Mouse snuggled alongside him. Dog is perturbed for he
does not want to share his day or show off his treasures. Reluctantly, he
agrees to let Mouse take a peep inside his case and plays a game of
hide-and-seek with him before Mouse goes on his way. Left alone, Dog begins to
feel that life with his treasures is not quite enough for him anymore.
Something is missing, but what is it? Dog learns the value of making friends
and sharing experiences in this beautifully produced book. Rosalind Beardshaw’s
Dog is adorable. You will want to reach into the pages and cuddle him. The
balance of subtle colours and bold drawing in the illustrations, and the clear
and accessible narrative, make this a lovely book to share with a young child. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Yvonne Coppard <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Princess Penelope and the Runaway Kitten <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Alison Murray <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nosy Crow £9.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857632319 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This is variation on the classic tale of a runaway animal, who is trailing
something behind them for the chasers to follow. In this case, it is a runaway
kitten, tangled in sparkly pink wool, being chased by Princess Penelope. The
illustrations are clear and humorous and children will have fun tracing the
kitten’s route by following the trail of pink wool. The text is clear and
well-placed on each page and the rhymes are delightful. This is a lovely book
to share or read alone. The story flows at a great pace as if the reader, as
well as the princess, is trying to catch up with the kitten <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Patricia Thompson <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
How to Lose a Lemur <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Pavilion £5.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1843652502 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The small boy in this lavishly illustrated picture book objects to the group
of assorted lemurs determined to follow him wherever he goes. He desperately
tries to lose them by such methods as hiding up a tree, sailing off in a boat,
climbing mountains, taking trains and even hot-air balloons, but without
success. Rather than losing the lemurs he becomes lost himself! Who will help
him find his way home? Big pictures, splashy water-colours and a subtle wit
make sure that his attempts at escape and final reconciliation remain highly
entertaining throughout. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nicholas Tucker <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
One day a small boy is eating his ice cream cone and minding his own
business when a lemur appears. The lemur and his friends follow the boy through
the park, on to a train, on to a boat and even on to a hot air balloon. The boy
can’t seem to avoid those pesky lemurs, but suddenly he realises that he is
lost. Who can help him now? Large, realistic illustrations and spare, short
sentences make this book perfect for reading to young children. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Marianne Adey <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Where's Tim's Ted? It's Time for Bed! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Ian Whybrow <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Russell Ayto <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
HarperCollins (R) (eB) £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0007509560 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Tim’s search for Ted at bedtime leads him on an adventure around his
grandparents’ farm. With his shiny red boots and trusted torch, Tim visits the
animals one by one to help in his search for the lost teddy bear. Finally, Ted
is found in the pigsty mistaken for a piglet! While the other animals’
enthusiasm and excitement get in the way, Tim calmly talks to a confused Mrs
Pig. Tim and Ted are helped back into bed by their animal friends and are sound
asleep before his grandparents miss them. With simple rhymes and an
irresistible story, this is a perfect and popular bedtime story. The
illustrations are as fresh and quirky as they were over fifteen years ago,
adding humour and a touch of mayhem to a story that children will pore over.
They will also give adult readers plenty of enjoyment during repeated readings.
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Benjamin Scott <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Penguin on <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Salina Yoon <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> (eB) £5.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1408839072 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
In Penguin on <st1:place w:st="on">Holiday</st1:place> the similarities and
differences between hot and cold climates are explored. Penguin travels to the
beach for a holiday and discovers that it is very different to the climate he
is used to. He cannot sledge or ski at the beach, but Penguin soon finds out
that he can still make friends. Penguin makes a friend in crab and they have
lots of fun together. Crab returns to Penguin’s home and both friends realise
that it is not where you go on holiday, but who you spend it with, that is
important. This story will promote a lot of discussion about friendship,
places, holidays and climates. The illustrations are simple, and yet comical in
places. A lovely story for sharing! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Billy the Goat’s Big Breakfast <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written & illustrated by Jez Alborough <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Doubleday (eB) £11.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857530363 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nat the Cat has invited her friends, Billy the Goat and Hugo the Hare, to
breakfast. Billy is early and has to wait while Nat goes out. Unfortunately,
his hunger gets the better of him and he drinks all the juice and then eats a
big mouthful of raw bread dough before the others join him. Hugo arrives to
find Billy feeling embarrassed, with a very unsettled tummy! In the end Billy
has to admit his mistake and his tummy settles down as they sit down to enjoy
breakfast together. The story ends with a song, complete with words and music.
This is a very funny book which children will enjoy. Jez Alborough captures the
animals’ human-like expressions perfectly and the sight of Billy’s expanding
tummy and the description of its noises will have children laughing out loud.
The vibrancy of the illustrations will enable children to ‘read’ the story
themselves without the words. However, the text works very well too, even
without the pictures, as it is presented in rhyming couplets which provide a
bouncy rhythm carrying the story along with a varied vocabulary. A very
successful humorous storybook! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Liz Dubber <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The Hundred Decker Bus <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Mike Smith <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Macmillan £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0230754584 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Every day the bus driver follows the same routine to get to his bus and
every day the same people get on his bus at the same stop, but nobody seems
very happy. Until one day when he sees a new road and decides to take the bus
down this different route. Suddenly, he and his passengers find themselves
embarking on wonderful new adventures. More and more decks have to be built
onto the bus to accommodate all the new people who want to join the happy
passengers. This exuberant story, with bright, vibrant illustrations, full of
fun and humour, has the added surprise of a fantastic giant fold-out page at
the end. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Annie Everall <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We’re Going on a Picnic! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Pat Hutchins <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Red Fox (R) £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1782950226 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This is the wonderful sequel to the fabulous Rosie’s Walk, which has been an
admired children’s classic for over forty years. With the same level of
repetition and the same well-loved characters, this story will not disappoint.
Hen, Duck and Goose decide that it is the perfect day for a picnic and so they
collect fruit and pack their picnic basket. They set off, singing, looking for
the perfect spot to enjoy their picnic, but, whilst searching, their picnic
basket gets lighter and lighter and is finally completely empty! Where has all
the food gone? The illustrations are bright and traditional and the story is
interesting and lively. Young children will enjoy sharing and joining in with
the predictive text. Another delightful story that will be returned to again
and again! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
A Mammoth in the Fridge <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Michaël Escoffier <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Matthieu Maudet <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Gecko £11.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1877579141 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
What do you do when you find a mammoth in the fridge? Call the fire brigade
of course! But what if the mammoth escapes and hides at the top of the tree?
Elsa has the solution! This delightful picture book, with a restricted and
effective colour palette of blue and yellow and a splash of red for the fire
engine, is quirky and fun with a twist at the end. The pages are uncluttered
and the line drawings are wonderfully atmospheric, complementing the simple and
carefully chosen text. Readers will enjoy returning to the beginning once they
know the secret at the end! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Stothard <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Wizard’s Whisper <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and Illustrated by Kristina Stephenson <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Egmont £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1405254007 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The popular Sir Charlie Stinky Socks is back for another adventure. In this
tale, a mysterious wizard arrives and sends Sir Charlie on a mission to collect
a “little black sack, tied with a silver string”. Charlie eagerly accepts the
quest, promising not to look inside until he returns. His journey takes him
past ogres, scallywags and an old witch, but none are a match for Sir Charlie
and his trusted travelling companions and so the journey continues until the
challenge is completed, with a fantastic surprise ending. This book will
delight both new readers of Sir Charlie’s tales and his established fans. The
perils and their resolutions are gentle enough for any young child, with
illustrations sympathetic to very young readers, and nothing too scary. The
story is beautifully presented, with text laid out in a variety of ways,
including the use of different fonts. The pages are colourful and appealing and
there is also a bonus of some very large flaps to lift as the reader explores
with Sir Charlie. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Lucy Russell <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Twinkle, Twinkle, Squiglet Pig <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Joyce Dunbar <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Tim Hopgood <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Egmont £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1405257558 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Piglet Squid is a happy smiley fish, who wishes all the miserable fish
around him, would cheer up and smile too. He decides to go in search of
something that will make his fishy friends happy. He embarks upon an adventure
in which he meets fish much bigger than himself, and succeeds in making them
laugh, although not in the way he expected. He eventually happens across
something so big and wonderful, and very smiley, that he can’t wait to get back
to his friends to tell them about it. Children’s favourite, Joyce Dunbar, has
written a lovely tale of wanting to share happiness with friends to make them
happy too. Award-winning illustrator, Tim Hopwood, has created an atmospheric
sea-world, with bright colourful fish in the gloom of a deep blue sea. This is
a delightful book children will want to read time after time. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Jane Hall <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Herman’s Letter <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Tom Percival <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> (eB) £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1408836750 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Herman, the bear, and Henry, the raccoon, are best friends who do everything
together and life is perfect, until Henry has to move away and each is
devastated. They pledge to remain best friends for ever and to write every day,
but Herman misses Henry so very much that it becomes harder and harder to
write. Then, he receives an urgent plea from Henry. He finally puts pen to
paper only to be thwarted by the closure of the Post Office for winter. In a
flash of inspiration, he decides to deliver his letter personally, but it is a
hazardous journey. This is the story of true, lasting friendship, as well as a
fantastically resourceful postal service. The lift-the-flap letters and
full-page illustrations ensure its immediacy and warmth. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Gill Roberts <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Spells-A-Popping! Granny’s Shopping! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Tracey Corderoy <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Joe Berger <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Nosy Crow £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0857632210 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Everybody is different and ‘wow’ is this Granny different? Her pointy black
hat and the liberal use of her wand do give the game away a little, although
the word ‘witch’ is never actually used. When Granny and grand-daughter go
shopping, it’s quite an experience. Waving her wand, Granny creates chaos in
the supermarket, but it is very funny chaos, such as when the runner beans
start to run! However, Granny’s tricks prove very useful when an attempted
robbery takes place. The pictures are very detailed and there are lots for
children to talk about. The text is lively and full of rhyme. This is a lovely
book, very funny, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and developing
ideas. Shopping with a young child may never be the same again! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Patricia Thompson <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Dragon Loves Penguin <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Debi Gliori <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1408839492 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This book is a story within a story, told by a Mummy Penguin to her little
one, Bib, about a dragon who finds an abandoned egg which hatches into a
penguin. The dragon needs an egg and the egg needs a mummy. The egg hatches but
has feathers, is small and fluffy, and is not at all dragon-like – in fact more
like a penguin. The relationship between Mummy Dragon and Baby Penguin is
moving and she is fiercely protective of her funny baby. The baby penguin is
teased by the other dragons for not being the same and she desperately tries to
do ‘dragon’ things, but to no avail. However, the baby penguin proves to be an
excellent friend and in the end saves all their lives. This heartwarming story
is beautifully illustrated by Debi Gliori, with a new style of painting. The
facial expressions are magical. A lovely story to read and share again and
again! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Ingrid Fox <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Spider <st1:place w:st="on">Sandwich</st1:place> <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Claire Freedman <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Sue Hendra <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<st1:place w:st="on">Bloomsbury</st1:place> (eB) £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1408839157 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This is a rhyming tale about Max, the monster, and his disgusting appetite –
gloopy, glucky, yucky, mucky! He will feast on almost anything repulsive and
revolting, and every mealtime is a real fright. However, there is one thing Max
will never eat! This story will make young children, and their parents, squirm
whilst laughing and giggling. It will also encourage talk about food likes and
dislikes and children will compare their appetites to that of the monster.
Children will want this read to them over and over again! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Penguins Can’t Fly <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Richard Byrne <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Andersen £10.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1849395137 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hudson</st1:place></st1:city>, the
penguin, is a very lonely penguin. His feelings of isolation and hopelessness
are truly heartrending when his determined efforts to fly, like the other
birds, cannot help but fail and the gulls, and even his closest friend,
Gregory, make fun. However, when Gregory dives for fish and doesn’t immediately
resurface, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hudson</st1:place></st1:city>
comes to the rescue: his instinctive selflessness ultimately displaying that
every creature’s strengths have their own value. This is a lovely story about
learning to understand and appreciate those who are different and realising
they are no less special. Subtitled “Two friends become true friends”, this
picture book is genuinely uplifting, very touching, wonderfully illustrated and
the children loved it! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Gill Roberts <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Wibbly Pig Picks a Pet <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Mick Inkpen <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Hodder £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1444908213 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Here is the latest enjoyable tale featuring this well-loved children’s
character and his friends. Big Pig’s sister’s friend is getting a new pet and
Wibbly Pig suspects that it will be an ordinary boring one! He talks to Scruffy
Pig about the more exciting, exotic types of pets that you could own. But,
predictably, their suspicions are correct and she brings home a rabbit. Both
pigs are very disappointed as it is not as exciting as a giraffe or a dolphin!
However, they gradually change their minds as they come to realise that a pet
rabbit can be lots of fun too. This is a lovely story to share with little ones
and provides the perfect opportunity to talk about the different types of pets
there are. It also promotes discussion about what pets need and about the
responsibilities they bring with them. Another success from this celebrated
award-winning author/illustrator! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Z is for Moose <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Kelly L. Bingham <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Andersen £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1849397810 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This is an alphabet picture book with a difference. Zebra decides to make an
alphabet book, thinking everyone will cooperate, and all is well until Moose
gets impatient and takes over the letter D. Moose’s interference has chaotic
results as he tries to squeeze into one letter after another. When Zebra
chooses ‘Mouse’ for the letter M, Moose begins to realise that all is lost. Or
is it? Large, humorous illustrations add to the fun of sharing this book. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Marianne Adey <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Pepe takes a Tumble <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Kes Gray <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Mary McQuillan <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Hodder (eB) £11.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1444900316 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This is the sixth in the Get Well Friends series of titles, which tell of a
variety of animal characters all of whom end up having an accident or being
poorly and having to visit Nurse Nibbles at the hospital. In this story Pepe
decides it’s time he acted like a big grown-up dog and did things like the big
dogs do, like weeing up trees, chasing rabbits and sniffing other dogs’
bottoms. However, following a tumble he ends up, as expected, having to visit
Nurse Nibbles at the hospital. Simple stories and language, with very colourful
attractive illustrations, really bring the characters to life. There is also a
range of toys available to accompany the books as well as a dedicated website,
www.getwellfriends.com. Other books and toys have been produced to also support
the work of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Great</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Ormond</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Street</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Hospital</st1:placetype></st1:place> <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Annie Everall <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Who’s For Dinner? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Claire Freedman <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Nick East <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Little Tiger £5.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1848954885 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The City Fox is ready for his dinner and decides to visit a farm in the
country. However, the animals are prepared for his arrival and have a cunning
plan. They trick the fox by pretending to be different animals, which foxes are
not supposed to eat. This story plays around with the concept of the food chain
and each animals place within it. It’s a comical tale, with crazy, energetic
illustrations, that children will love to laugh along with. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Too Small for My Big Bed <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written by Amber Stewart <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Illustrated by Layn Marlow <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
OUP (eB) £6.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-0192758415 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Subtitled Sleep tight in your own bed tonight!, this is a lovely tale about
a little tiger cub and his mum. The time has come for Piper, the baby tiger, to
sleep, all night, in his own big bed. Mummy reassures him and helps him to
realise that she will never be far away. This is a story that can be used by
parents who are helping their own children through sleep transitions. Children
will love the bright, bold illustrations and will copy the tiger’s idea of
counting to 10. This is a perfect tale for all tiger loving toddlers! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Bob and Rob <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Written and illustrated by Sue Pickford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Frances Lincoln £11.99 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
ISBN: 978-1847803436 <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Bob, the dog, is a good-hearted, kind dog who dreams of being a pet in a
normal, ordinary family, instead of being the pet of a burglar. He doesn’t like
doing bad and unkind things and tries to keep his burgling owner on the
straight and narrow. An unexpected opportunity then arises for his dreams to become
a reality. But will he take it? We loved reading Bob’s perspective and may even
want to give him a home by the end of it too! This hilarious story, with wacky,
comic illustrations, will make you chuckle from beginning to end. Enjoy! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Louise Mundford <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-6268562761894619442014-03-11T14:18:00.002-07:002014-03-11T14:18:24.361-07:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ernest &
Celestine: The Picnic<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Gabrielle Vincent and Sam Alexander</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Catnip (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1846471674</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
These reissues are appearing as
the film, which the first book inspired, is gathering accolades. A close look
at this story shows how the pages are set as a continuing picture story which
must lend itself well to film. There may be one line of text to four pictures
showing a sequence, as when Ernest has to tell Celestine it is too wet to
picnic. With the book, the child can talk their way through the sequence. The
story is simple. A picnic is planned but the weather on the great day is
dreadful. Long suffering Ernest cannot bear to disappoint little Celestine so
they go anyway. In private woodland they encounter the irate landowner who is
won over by the charming pair and he invites them to tea in the chateau.
Throughout, the story is carried by the expression of the physical stance of
the characters which indicates their emotional state. It is rewarding to ‘read’
the illustrations with children and do look especially at the final page where
Celestine looks uncertainly at the newcomers as the text declares “the best
picnic ever!”</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p>B</o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ubble and Squeak<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by James Mayhew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Clara Vulliamy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Orchard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1408313664<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">James Mayhew is a superb illustrator of his own
books, but on this occasion his story is illustrated by the talented Clara
Vulliamy. This is the story of the unlikely friendship between Bubble, a
famous, circus-performing elephant and a little mouse that crept into the
circus one night looking for somewhere warm and dry. The little mouse is
enchanted by the colour and spectacle of the world he has entered and
particularly by Bubble and her breathtaking performance in the Pyramid of
Peril. He decides to stay, but there is drama ahead. This book is full of
joyful colour. The illustrations are bold and clear and the text fits in around
them. Circuses and performing animals might be rather out of fashion nowadays,
but this is a lovely story and the circus setting means that we can meet such
wonderful characters as Boris the Strongman and Umberto the Human Cannonball.
Small children will be captivated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We’re Going to Build
a Dam<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Gillian McClure</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Plaister<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0656510846</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Two boys and their dog go down to
the beach and decide to build a dam. They have to find a stream, not too wide,
not too fast, and then the fun begins. What will it take to hold back the water
– stones, driftwood and seaweed? Expressive, detailed illustrations catch the
drama of the afternoon. A perfect book for beach lovers.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<b>Bears, Bears,
Bears!<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written by Martin
Waddell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Illustrated by Lee
Wildish</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Hodder<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN:
978-1444906783</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
When
Ruby pins a sign to the trunk of a tree, 'Bears Wanted for Playing with Ruby',
she gets more than she bargained for, in this bright, colourful picture book
from Martin Waddell, creator of such classics as <i>Can't You Sleep Little Bear</i>
and <i>Owl Babies. </i>There's a delightful humour running throughout the book,
perfectly captured in Lee Wildish's jazzy, fun-filled illustrations. The bears
come teeming out of Bear Wood and descend upon Ruby's house for a Bear Party.
They raid the cupboards, sleep in her bed and occupy the toilet, the bath and
the shower. Enough is enough! Ruby's Bear (the one who responded to the sign
first) yells 'Bears Out!' and off they go, streaming from the house back into
Bear Wood, like a bunch of partygoers who have just gatecrashed a house party.
The moral of the story: one bear is more than enough, especially if you are
inviting them round your house!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The New Arrival<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
and illustrated by Vanya Nastanlieva<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Simply
Read Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1927018132<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This is Vanya Nastanlieva’s debut picture book
and both the story and the artwork are delightful. Sam, a very young hedgehog,
moves into a new home in the forest. He is completely alone so he devises a
plan to find some friends to play with and he writes some little notes that he
pins to the trees. Unfortunately a strong wind blows the notes away and the
lonely little hedgehog wonders if he will ever find some new playmates.
Unbeknown to him, the other animals have been watching him and they are all
very happy to welcome him into their woodland community. This heart-warming
little story is very simple and the wonderful illustrations have plenty of
details for small booklovers to spot. The wood is full of autumn colours and
endearing woodland creatures and the author/illustrator’s clever, but sparing,
use of speech bubbles ensures that we know Sam the hedgehog will not be lonely
for long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do Not Enter the
Monster Zoo</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Amy Sparkes</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Red Fox (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849416597</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A fast paced fun fantasy tale all
about a little boy who wins a prize. His prize is to be the keeper at the
Monster Zoo for the day. Quite unlike any zoo that you have seen, this zoo has
monsters of all colours, shapes and sizes! Children are encouraged to explore
intonation through bold typefaces, exclamation marks and pauses. Children will
enjoy the rhyming text and its layout as it is busy and different on every
page. The illustrations are exciting and imaginative and the use of bright
colours make the monsters almost jump out of the page. Children will enjoy
sharing this story and pointing at all of the different coloured monsters. How
many different coloured monsters are there? Which one is your favourite? This
story is perfect for all monster lovers!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Farmer’s Life for
Me</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jan Dobbins and Laura Huliska-Beith</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Sung by The Flannery Brothers</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Barefoot<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1846867903</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Experience a day on the farm
through rhyme and song. The repetitive rhyme and rhythm encourages your child
to join in with the story and predict what is going to happen next. Children
and adults alike will enjoy joining in with ‘1, 2, 3. It’s a farmer’s life for
me’. To put the story into context, the writers have included some factual
information about working farms and the food and animals that appear in the
story. This is lovely to share with the older children in your family and
promotes discussion about where food comes from. The illustrations are bright
and colourful and there are things to count on every page. This book is also
accompanied with a CD and the music to the song is included in the back of the
book so that your little one can enjoy the story in a variety of ways.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This Is Not My Hat<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Jon Klassen</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Walker Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN 978-1406343939</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Combining the sparsest of texts
and beautifully grave illustrations, this picture book charts the rise and fall
of the little fish’s hope that he can get away with stealing the big fish’s
hat. The little fish knows that stealing is wrong, but, as he says, the hat
suits him so much better than it does the big fish. Never mind, he’ll probably
be away before the big fish realises, no-one will see him escape, the crab
won’t give him away and he’ll hide undetected in the tall plants. Probably! The
climax of the story doesn’t even require words as we see the big fish swimming
out of the tall plants with a tiny hat perched on his head. The book is a
lovely morality story about the dangers of self-deluding thinking that takes
over when we’re in the grip of wanting something that’s not ours. It’s a
simple, striking and humorous tale which gently conveys all that children need
to know about not stealing.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mrs Vickers Knickers<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Kara Lebihan</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Deborah Allwright</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Egmont<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1405253956</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
While Mrs Vickers is pegging her
knickers on the line, a sudden gust of wind blows her favourite pair into the
sky and off they fly over the town. The bright pink spotty knickers have many
adventures as they try to find their way home, unwittingly causing chaos below
them. Minimal text in this lively and fun book makes it ideal for the very
young and the action flows well. The layout gives adults and children the
opportunity to elaborate on the story together by adding their own
conversations between those witnessing the flying underwear. The illustrations
by Deborah Allwright are colourful and very detailed, showing the pandemonium
caused by the flying knickers. The book is ideal for sharing with groups of
children who can have fun imagining additional disasters that could be caused
by the airborne undies. The book has a fun ending as it hints that Mrs Vickers’
other knickers may also be due their own adventures. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Am An Artist<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Marta Altés</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0230760400</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A big, colourful picture book but
one which deals with more sophisticated concepts than that suggests. The child
character sees himself as an artist but his mum is not always sympathetic. He
creates a “Multiple Self Portrait”. His mum just sees a broken mirror. “Where I
see the Loneliness of the Carrot, my mum sees An Unfinished Dinner.” As he
declares he is inspired by nature, colours, movement, textures, shapes”, we see
examples of these but also the chaos created in the house to achieve it - until
he, surely, Goes Too Far? We do not know but this would be an interesting
introduction for children who are just beginning to understand that art can be
interrogated.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b><b>Who Am I?</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written by Gervase
Phinn</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Illustrated by Tony
Ross</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN:
978-1849393195</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
An
egg hatches out in the sun and from it hops a strange little creature.
Determined to find out who he is, he sets off on a journey through the jungle
and asks the animals he meets there for advice. But the giraffe, the crocodile,
the elephant and the cheetah, have no idea who he is and are only firm in the
conviction that they know who they are. It's not long before we've worked out
the answer, but once we know its great fun watching Tony Ross' pictures
changing colour on each page. Gervais Phinn's humorous text leads the unlikely
hero through tall, green grass, into the trees and over the river, until he
arrives back home and finds himself in more familiar surroundings, side by side
with his brothers and sisters. A lovely, original tale, showing young readers
that it sometimes takes a while to find yourself in this big crazy world.<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ten Little Pirates<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Mike Brownlow</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Simon Rickerty</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orchard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408320037</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Being a pirate isn’t without its
perils in this clever and exciting counting story. One-by-one the little
pirates are swept overboard, swallowed by a giant squid or lured away by a
mermaid until only a single little pirate is left ‘sad and alone’. Thankfully,
his friends aren’t far behind him making for a satisfying and reassuring
ending. Mike Brownlow’s deceptively simple text has toddlers and adults joining
in to count the diminishing numbers of pirates and wondering what will befall
the next unlucky sailor. Simon Rickerty’s bold cartoon-like illustrations add a
dramatic punch to the fast moving rhythm of the story. With a mix of genders
and backgrounds among the pirates, this fun adventure is sure to be a favourite
read, while helping to reinforce their numeracy. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This engaging
rhyming and counting book will appeal to all young pirate lovers and teach them
a thing or two. Bold black lines and attractive splodges of colour catch the
eye and lots of humorous detail makes a careful perusal of the illustrations
very rewarding. The story has a conventional opening, ‘Ten little pirates
sailing out to sea . . .’ but the vigorous activity that ensues is matched by
equally vigorous language as one-by-one the pirates disappear and then happily
reappear. Is this a great piratical read-aloud? Arrrrrrrrrgh, it surely is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoHeader" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></i> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Yucky Mucky Manners<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Sam
Lloyd</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Orchard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1846169489</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yucky Mucky Manners</i> is a bold, lively book which will appeal to
children’s (and parents’!) mischievous side. As the book takes us through the
jungle we are introduced to a whole host of animals, none of whom unfortunately
appear to have any manners, as the gorilla is picking his nose, the crocodile
is burping and the parrot won’t stop talking. Sam Lloyd’s drawings are simple,
but perfectly suit this irreverent book. Each page is filled with
brightly-coloured, bold illustrations of each of the animals being bad
mannered. The picture of the ape’s ‘bare botty’ is particularly hilarious. Each
image is accompanied by silly rhyming verses describing how ill-mannered the
animals are. No doubt children will enjoy that their parents have to say the
rude words such as ‘bogey’, ‘pooped’ and ‘parp’! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yucky Mucky Manners </i>is a very funny book<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>which will, hopefully, help children to learn the important
difference between good and bad manners. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mabel and Me: Best of
Friends<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Mark Sperring</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Sarah Warburton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0007468362</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Mabel is best friends with Me, a
large white creature with pink, hairy legs and distinctly rodenty tail. Me is
supremely confident and loyal to Mabel, taking compliments for herself and
indignant for Mabel when insults are actually meant for Me! The language, the
sounds and the rhythms are warm and engaging. When Mabel tries to explain that
she thought Me strange, an explosion threatens, then Me remembers, “Oh Mabel,
you are my BESTEST, BESTEST friend because… you always say the CRAZIEST
things!” and they both laugh, and laugh, as best friends always do. An adorable
picture book about how to survive friendships, engagingly illustrated in soft
colours by Sarah Warburton.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mixed Up Nursery
Rhymes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Hilary Robinson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Liz Pichon </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hodder<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£11.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444904642</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Younger readers will take real
pleasure in creating their own versions of well-loved nursery rhymes by
flipping part of the page. Bright colours and clear images make this a great
book for sharing with a group. This welcome follow-up to Mixed Up Fairy Tales
will have broad appeal.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: maroon;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">First Steps</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in reading for young children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Perfect Present<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and Illustrated by Fiona Roberton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hodder<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444908954</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In the first book in this series,
Henry wants a dog as a pet but ends up with a duck that is given the
inappropriate name, Spot. It is Henry’s birthday and Spot thinks he has found
the perfect present for him – a fishing rod. The excitement builds as Henry
opens his other presents. He is just about to open Spot’s when another is
delivered – his grandparents have bought him a puppy. Henry is immediately
enraptured by this ‘perfect present’ and spends succeeding days playing with
the puppy until Spot decides he is now unwanted and leaves home. He sets off
into the dark rainy night and ends up in danger. The puppy finds him and the
fishing rod rescues him, so all ends happily as Henry declares Spot will always
be the perfect pet. The story, the characters and the simple illustrations
weave a gentle, warm, funny and engaging experience to share with a young
child. And there are incidental jokes in the illustrations which will probably
appeal more to the adult reader than the child, such as the shop window of the
angling store which offers “Cans of worms – Do Not Open”.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Panda</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Miriam Latimer</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Red Fox (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849416542</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
An enchanting story about
friendship and letter writing. Florence has moved house and is feeling lonely
as she does not have any friends. She soon starts writing to her neighbour and starts
receiving letters back. However, this neighbour is like no other! It is the
panda from the neighbouring zoo! The pair soon meet and discover that they like
doing different things. Flo likes hula-hooping whilst Panda likes to climb.
With the worry of a new school looming over her, Panda agrees to accompany Flo
on her first day. This opens new doors of friendship for Flo and boosts her
self-esteem and confidence. This is a story of many levels. Children will enjoy
looking at the letters in the text and develop their understanding of how they
are written. This story will also spark much discussion about friendships and
feelings surrounding starting a new school. What a lovely celebration of
friendship! </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dustbin Dad<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Peter Bently</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Russell Ayto</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Simon & Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£ 6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847388742</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The rhyming text of this quirky
picture book tells a humorous and cautionary tale. Dad has a huge appetite and
cannot bear to see left-over food on a plate so eats all unwanted food, whether
it is tasty or not. Mum calls him a dustbin on legs and despairs. One day Dad
mistakes some medication for the cat as soup and gobbles it up. It has a
strange effect on him and he turns into a giant cat. The illustrations are in
Russell Ayto’s classic style and have humorous detail and unusual twists and
turns as the reader interacts with the story. Dad causes havoc as a cat until
the potion wears off but not before he learns his lesson. The family too learn
to make sure they eat all the food on their plates!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look Back<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Trish Cooke </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Caroline Binch </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Papillote Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0957118720</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A picture book with a longer
text, in which Grannie tells a story from her childhood in Dominica, in the Caribbean.
It concerns the dreaded Ti Bolom who walks behind you, following you in the
darkness. Grannie never <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite</i> saw him
in the forest. Christopher, however, needs to know if he is being stalked by Ti
Bolom and makes his plans. Great illustrations of both the forest in Dominica
and of the people, demonstrating their character and emotions. As one always
hopes for in traditional stories of this kind, there is also plenty of
opportunity to join in.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the young child
just beginning to </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Read Alone</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Abandoned Kitten<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sue Mongredien</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Jon Davis</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1407133249</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Lily’s Mum works at an RSPCA
centre. One day, Mum brings home some abandoned kittens and Lily is thrilled to
be asked to look after them. She names them all and becomes very attached to
them as they are very tiny and need a lot of care in order to survive. However,
it is Meg, the Border Collie cross, who is the star of the show. She was
herself rescued by Lily’s Mum and proves to be the perfect mother-substitute
for the kittens. A gentle, heart-warming story based on a real life rescue
which will appeal to all young animal lovers. The end of the book is full of
facts about being an RSPCA worker and useful tips about looking after
kittens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Arthur and the Guard
Dog<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Johanne Mercier</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Translated by Daniel Hahn</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Clare Elsom</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Phoenix Yard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1907912191</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is the fourth adventure
about Arthur, aged seven who lives with his Grandparents and a duck. One day,
Arthur finds a big and hairy stray dog beside the lake. No-one in the
neighbourhood knows who he belongs to, so Arthur and his Grandad take him home.
But Grandma is not happy about having a dog in the house as well as the duck
and she needs convincing that he will be useful. Grandma enlists the help of
Cousin Eugene, who goes to university and knows things. Eugene decides to put
the loveable and lazy dog through a series of tests to see if he could be useful
as a guard dog, or even a rescue dog. Needless to say, as with most animals,
their plans go awry and it is touch and go whether the dog will persuade
Grandma of his usefulness. The text of this lively book is full of subtle
humour and is ideally accompanied by black and white illustrations full of
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b> </div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Killer Cat Runs
Away<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Anne Fine</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Doubleday (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857531964</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; tab-stops: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Anne Fine writes with energy and originality
in the persona of Tuffy the Killer Cat. ‘OK, OK. So twist my tail. I spat at
the stupid baby.’ Tuffy, though not a very cuddly cat, is in fact not good at
killing so when he leaves home in a huff, and a spit and a scratch, he is hard
pressed to find food. His mission is to find another home, but none of them
proves as congenial as the home he has left. He misses Ellie and Ellie misses
him. Of course they are re-united but not before a series of hilarious
adventures. Division into twenty-one short chapters, copious illustrations,
inventive language and sheer fun make this book hugely inviting to young
readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Monster and Chips<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by David O’Connell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0007497133</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Fuzzby’s Diner proves a useful
refuge when Joe is cornered by the local school bully, but to his surprise, the
owner is a monster, as are all the customers. Fuzzby is looking for help in the
restaurant, and after a zany interview, Joe gets the job. He soon settles in to
the role and enjoys some hilarious cooking adventures with his monster friends.
Finally, Joe saves the day when a cheating monster threatens to sabotage
Fuzzby’s creation in the Monsterchef competition. This is a bright and cheerful
read, with plenty of jokes and humour, and some interesting formatting to keep
readers engaged. The monsters are both funny and endearing, with basic
characterisation which supports the story and helps the reader to anticipate
the plot developments. As a result, readers are likely to feel absorbed in the
story and feel a sense of satisfaction at reading this simple chapter book. An
enjoyable and rewarding read. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wendy Quill is a
Crocodile’s Bottom<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Wendy Meddour</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Mina May</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
OUP (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN 978-0192794635 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Wendy Quill is a quirky,
confident girl, who deals with the ups and downs of life in a breezy manner.
She is very disappointed not to be picked for the part of Wendy in Peter Pan,
instead ending up as the rear of the crocodile when the costume does not fit.
Wendy really wants to be ‘a little bit famous’ in order that people will call
her by her real name, rather than her nickname of ‘wheezy bird’ and by the end
of the book she has inadvertently achieved this goal with her picture being
printed in the local paper. This book is packed full of style with doodles and
notes on every page, as well as some full-page black and white illustrations by
a talented young artist (the author’s 11 year old daughter) that add humour and
interest throughout, drawing the reader into the ups and downs of Wendy’s
world. Readers will enjoy her cheery commentary on family and friends and her
narration of life around her, while memorable moments such as Wendy’s rescue of
the escaped rat in the classroom are sure to lead to giggles and gasps of
amusement.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shrinking Violet is
Totally Famous<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Lou Kuenzler</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Kirsten Collier</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1407130064</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Shrinking Violet may be described
by some as a Mrs Pepperpot for the modern age, but there are some significant
differences between Violet and the classic character, not least the world she
inhabits, which in this tale, the third in the series, is one of TV celebrity,
polka dot pants and mobile phones. Violet needs to meet celebrity ‘explorer’
Stella Lightfoot to beg her to rescue her friend Mo’s café which is under
threat of closure as a result of chaos caused by Violet’s shrinking. There are
twists and turns aplenty, some inevitable with a main character who shrinks
when excited, but a surprising depth of plot develops towards the end as Violet
discovers that appearances can be deceptive. As she deals with her anger and
disappointment, Violet discovers that things sometimes have unforeseen
explanations and the reader may find themselves regretting the speed with which
they jump to conclusions! Pages are peppered with black and white line drawn
illustrations, and the text has been cleverly used to create effects with font
size, style, doodles and labels. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lucy Russell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Secret River<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Simon & Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£13.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1416911791</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A picture book for older children
and parents to enjoy. The story is about a little girl, Calpurnia, and her dog,
Buggy Horse, who set out on an adventure. Calpurnia’s father does not have
enough fish to sell at market so she finds a way to help him and his customers.
With assistance from the wisest person in the forest, Calpurnia finds a secret
river and uses pink paper flowers from her hair to catch more than enough
catfish to feed the whole swamp. When Calpurnia tries to return to the secret
river she is unable to find it and has to learn a very important lesson. It is
a story of living in a time of hardships and beautifully illustrated with rich,
lyrical language.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Layla, Queen of
Hearts<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Glenda Millard</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Stephen Michael King</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Phoenix Yard (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1907912252</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is a remarkable book about
families, love, loss and death, which establishes its thoughtful mood from the
very first paragraph. As the story unfolds, we learn that Senior Citizens’ Day
is looming and the children are invited to bring an old person to school. Nell
wants to introduce them to Miss Amelie, who, despite her frail condition, is
able to visit the school on Senior Citizens’ Day. Although she suffers from
dementia, she retains her older memories and keeps the children absorbed with
her stories. They learn she is still waiting for her sweetheart, John William,
who never returned from the war. However, she continues to decline and
eventually dies. Layla is left contemplating the nature of life and loss. This
is a moving story about family life, and how we come to terms with the death of
those we love. It interweaves the loss of several characters quite naturally,
and never talks down to the reader. It can be enjoyed at a variety of levels -
read aloud to younger children, a read alone for slightly older children, or
even used as a focus for discussion with teenagers. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Magic Ink<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Steve Cole</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Jim Field</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Simon & Schuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0857078704</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Stew is a twelve-year-old boy who
is a keen comic book fan, and even spends time writing and drawing comics about
his superhero alter-ego, Stupendous Man. When Stew’s grandfather, a
professional comic book artist, dies, he leaves his house and all of its
contents to Stew’s family. However, all is not as it seems, for when they move
in they discover a pig in a top hat running through the house! Stew enters the
attic that his grandfather had locked 20 years earlier and discovers magic ink:
anything he draws come to life! Steve Cole has delighted younger readers before
with his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Astrosaurs</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cows In Action</i> series and now, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Magic Ink</i>, he is once again on top form.
Steve Cole creates a host of interesting and funny characters that will have
readers helpless with laughter. This is particularly true of Posho, the pig
that dresses in a top hat and tails, can talk and loves to play practical
jokes. The story is accompanied by fantastic and humorous illustrations by Jim
Field, which helps to give the comic book feel. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Davy Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little Lost Hedgehog<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jill Hucklesby</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Jon Davies</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1407133218</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Aptly titled, this is indeed the
tale of a little, lost hedgehog, which is not only warmly related but based on
a real-life RSPCA rescue and informs about animal care as well as the work of
the RSPCA. Grace is a young girl from a nature loving family who adores the
outdoors, pet dog Barney and pet rabbits Bramble and Lulu. She is actively
involved in Pet Club at school. After feeding her own rabbits and giving them
extra hay one cold, rainy Saturday evening at the onset of winter she’s alerted
by a rustling sound which turns out to be Hedgie. He is quickly identified as a
very underweight hoglet by an official RSPCA officer. Hedgie’s progress is
thereafter closely monitored by the RSPCA and witnessed by Grace as well as her
class from school. This is one of four titles in a current series for the
RSPCA, proceeds of which help fund the charity to save animals’ lives and it’s
an altogether heart-warming and informative tale.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<b>Mysterious
Traveller<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written by Mal Peet
and Elspeth Graham</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Illustrated by P.J.
Lynch</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Walker<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN:
978-1406337075</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
This
haunting tale from Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham was inspired by the long and
difficult journeys that traders took through the deserts and mountains of
Africa on their way to sell salt and gold. They depended upon guides to lead
them across dangerous terrain. When Issa travels out on a donkey he is delayed
by a sandstorm and takes refuge in a cave where he finds a basket with a baby
in it. He takes the basket home and brings the child up as Mariama, teaching
her all he knows about the desert. Mariama learns to read, 'the maps made by
stars' and 'the stories told by stones'. When Issa's sight begins to fail she
becomes his eyes as they follow two strangers and a boy to the Bitter
Mountains, where destiny awaits them. The mystery and danger of the desert, is
reflected in the 'great brown rocks piled up like books that might belong to a
giant', and 'the big-bellied baobab trees (lifting) their branches and fingery
leaves into the air like a line of fat old ladies dancing.' There's more than a
touch of the Arabian Nights about the story and P J Lynch's sand-coloured
camels, gold mountains bathed in blue light and shroud-wrapped Bedouins, add to
the atmosphere.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goth Girl and the
Ghost of a Mouse<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Chris Riddell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0230759800</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Ada Goth sleeps in an eight
poster bed, tells time by a great uncle clock, but has no real friends until
she meets Ishmael, a ghostly mouse who needs her help. Together they must
convince her father that the evil Maltravers is up to no good and that having a
brave and talented daughter is reason enough to live again. This highly
imaginative and comical novel is full of expressive line drawings that add to
the fun.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Friend the Enemy<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Dan Smith</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Chicken House (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1908435811</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
It is the Second World War and 12
year old Peter lives near the coast of North East England with his mother.
German bombers are often overhead, dropping unused bombs as they head back to
Norway. One day Peter sees a plane crash near his home and glimpses a parachute
landing in distant woods. One who rushes to the crash site is Kim, a tomboyish
girl who has been evacuated from Newcastle. These two quickly become friends –
having in common a thirst for adventure and relatives away fighting in Africa.
Despite police and soldiers searching for the German parachutist, Kim and Peter
find him first. Initially, they are scared of him, then, feeling that it might
guarantee the safe return of their loved ones, they decide to help him. A
believable relationship develops between the children and the injured
parachutist, Erik. At the same time, Peter and Kim are drawn to each other,
especially when she helps him to face down the village bully. Dan Smith has
created sympathetic characters and the emotional and moral dilemmas they face
are framed by a tense, exciting and moving drama.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hagurosan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Darren Shan</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Zack McLaughlin</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Barrington Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1781122068</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This magical story from ancient,
timeless Japan is for all ages, and, for all readers. It is identified as
‘dyslexia friendly’, but you do not need to be dyslexic to enjoy it! This is a
truly special book which exudes undeniable magic, darkness and light, the
complex and the simple. Hagurosan is a little boy. Like all little boys, he
would prefer to play than take on an hour-long, uphill trek under a sizzling
sun. But, his simple goodness means that he obeys his mother and even when it
is totally understandable that the cake in his pocket is too tempting to remain
untouched, his purity prevails and his humility and simple goodness prompt him
to repent honestly and selflessly to the gods at the shrine when he eventually
arrives. His sincerity and selflessness are tested and further tested as his
wish is granted at the cost of spending the rest of his earthly life within the
shrine until his old man’s body slips away and his words are “softer than a
spring breeze”, audible only to the gods. Beautiful!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Monster Odyssey: The Eye
of Neptune<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Jon Mayhew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bloomsbury (eB) £6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1408826300<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Prince Dakkar has been sent by
his Indian father to Count Oginski to learn how to rule his people and to
defeat all enemies. Despite his own ego and the oddness of Oginski’s remote
castle, Dakkar learns how to fight, how to survive, and how to engineer and
steer a secret submersible craft being developed in Oginski’s hidden sea
cavern. In a page–turning, multifaceted adventure, reminding you of Jules Verne
and James Bond with a touch of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pirates of
the Caribbean</i>, Dakkar deals with sea monsters, pirates, Oginski’s evil
brother, Cryptos, intent on world domination, and Georgia, his rather cross
American ally. It is a very visual tale which may well make an animated film,
especially with the cataclysmic conclusion. A rip-roaring adventure for
confident readers, in a classic mould with modern twists. Highly recommended!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<strong>The Mysterious
Misadventures of Clemency Wrigglesworth<o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Julia Lee</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
OUP (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0192733672</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Clemency Wrigglesworth was born
and brought up in India. She was an only child leading a privileged life, until
her father and mother both die suddenly, leaving her orphaned and penniless.
She is a very practical child and decides she must make her way to England to
search for long-lost relatives. On the voyage she is looked after by Mrs
Potchard and when no-one is there to meet her she finds herself welcomed into
the home of Mrs Potchard’s family, the eccentric Marvels. When the mysterious
Miss Clawe drags Clemency away without giving her a chance to gather her
belongings, or say goodbye, the Marvels set out to find her. Will the Marvels find
her in time? There is a <span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fantastic and likeable cast of </span>madcap characters supporting <span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Clemency, whose
unconventional approach to the challenges life throws at her make her very
likeable. Th</span>e elaborate plot is great fun and makes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Mysterious Misadventures of Clemency Wrigglesworth</i> appeal to
fans of both Eva Ibbotson and Lemony Snicket.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gillian Macdonald<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">House of Secrets<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0007465835</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A breathless adventure, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">House of Secrets</i> is a family based
fantasy which takes the reader on spiralling journey of magic, danger and
suspense. The Walker children have just moved house, to a rambling old edifice
in a San Francisco suburb. But the house has a character of its own, seemingly
drawn from a previous resident, an author of fantasy adventure stories. When
the house itself starts to take the children on a series of wild adventures,
they quickly realise that the stories themselves have come to life. The
adventures that follow are laced with violence and terror, whilst the plot
moves at a breakneck pace throughout. Somehow the children cope, although their
survival at times seems doubtful. We warm to the children, share their hopes
and fears, feel with them the chill of death and believed bereavement, and
enjoy their relief at a happy outcome. The final chapters provide resolution,
as well as a strong hint of more adventures to come. A great story for young
fantasy fans who have developed some reading stamina.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unnatural Creatures<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Edited by Neil Gaiman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408845448</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Neil Gaiman throws the reader
into a menagerie of improbable or impossible creatures. He raids over a hundred
years worth of stories to furnish his collection of sixteen fantastical
creatures, from his own <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunbird</i> to
Edith Nesbit’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Cockatoucan</i>. Like
visiting a zoo, the reader will find their own favourite stories and creatures,
like the bizarre Inksplot in Graham Wilson’s nameless story and wasps that
practice cartography, to classic beasts like a misunderstood Griffin. Even
without the kudos of Neil Gaiman’s name on the cover, this is an accomplished
collection of rare specimens. Not every story will hit its mark, but each short
story is worth reading. Pre-teen, teenage and adult readers will find plenty to
entertain and expand their minds beyond the more popular of the paranormal
creatures. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Girl Who Fell
Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Catherynne M. Valente</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrations by Ana Juan</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Much-in-Little (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£9.99 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1780338446</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is the most wonderful sequel
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland</i>.
Nearly a year has passed since September returned home from Fairyland and she
has been desperate to go back ever since. When she finally does get there she
sees straight away that something is terribly wrong. The inhabitants of
Fairyland have been losing their shadows and their magic to the world of
Fairyland Below where there is someone new in charge. The new ruler is
Halloween, the Hollow Queen. She is September’s shadow. September realizes it
is her responsibility to travel down into the underworld, among the creatures
of ice and moonlight, to undo the damage done. She must save Fairyland from
becoming a dull place without magic. The densely detailed, rich, imaginative
prose is a joy to savour and get lost in, and, at the beginning of each
chapter, the characters are brought to life with drawings by artist Ana Juan.
An extraordinary modern fairytale of wondrous imagination, which can be enjoyed
on its own merits, whether or not you have read the prequel.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gillian Macdonald<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heart-shaped<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Siobhan Parkinson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Hodder (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1444903607</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heart-shaped</i> is a companion book to Parkinson’s earlier novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruised</i>. This moving tale starts with
Annie making a shock discovery which brings back distressing memories of a
similar event in her childhood. To help her come to terms with both events she
starts to visit a psychiatrist. As she talks to him Annie’s past and present
stories begin to reveal themselves to the reader. Annie’s is a very moving
story and, despite all the upsetting things that happen, a very positive one.
Written from Annie’s perspective, often through conversations with her main
confidents, her dry humour adds warmth even though some conversations are
upsetting. Annie’s thoughts are often chaotic, jumping from past to present
events, or referencing incidents in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruised</i>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heart-shaped</i> can be read as a
stand-alone, although having read the prequel will help. Eventually it all
comes together and, when the big reveal hits, it is very powerful. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heart-shaped</i> is a delightful;
heart-warming tale. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anthem for Jackson
Dawes<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Celia Bryce<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408827116</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Jackson is almost the first
person Megan meets when she arrives on the children’s cancer ward. He is larger
than life, with an energy and zest for life that belie his life-threatening
illness. Is it safe to make friends in a place like this when she has chemo
treatments ahead of her and, later, surgery? Little by little the outside world
seems to retreat as their relationship grows. Family pressures and friendship
issues add to Megan’s problems in the powerful coming-of-age novel.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Missing Me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Sophie McKenzie</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Simon & Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 9780857077264</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is a sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Girl, Missing </i>but fills in enough
back-story to work as a stand-alone novel. Madison’s unusual family setup is
further complicated when she discovers that her biological father was a sperm
donor. Madison decides to track the donor down and so plunges herself into a
world of half-truths and crime. This novel has a compelling first person
narrative voice that keeps you reading on. Events quickly unfold with little
pause for breath and no chance of boredom on the part of the reader. A wide
cast of characters are clearly defined and therefore easy for the reader to
keep track of. This book could be a good choice for teenagers looking for an
undemanding, but exciting, read.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise Taylor<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Boy Nobody<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Allen Zadoff</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orchard (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408327609</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Our hero is called Benjamin for
much of this book, but his name changes with each mission, because our hero is
a sixteen year old assassin, working for a shadowy governmental organization
called The Program. He has worked for them since he was 12, when his parents
were killed by another boy assassin trained by The Program. Zach is a good
killer – cold, calculating, mentally and physically strong – with an excellent
method for getting close to his targets: he befriends their children. So his
life is a lie, a subterfuge, as he ruthlessly adapts his life-story to his
needs. He is, as the title suggests, a nobody, a brainwashed killing machine.
But, when he finds himself attracted to the daughter of his current target,
things get complicated. Especially when it turns out that this time he is the
one being used and lied to. It’s a tough, relentless, fast-moving story and the
reader is dragged eagerly from one unpredictable event to the next. The short,
staccato, hardboiled style of the writing suits the narrative and adds to the
sense of breathless excitement. This is the first in a planned series and I’m
certain that there will be many readers waiting anxiously for the sequel.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Last Wild<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Piers Torday</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Quercus (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1780878300</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Twelve year old Kester Jaynes
begins his story in the first person, simply and factually describing his
bedroom, which is less a bedroom and more a cell, with its window tinted to
maintain constancy of temperature and minimise stimulus and with a door that is
locked shut being both electronically and manually controlled. Kester is mute
after his mother’s death and all students are forced to eat only a slimy pink
formula due to the disease in which his scientist father is somehow involved,
and with whom he hopes to be reunited one day. We discover, with Kester, that
he can communicate with animals. Kester realises the urgent need for a future
survival, common to all. Then begins a crucial journey, both fantastical and
terrifying, with amazing animal characters as well as feisty Polly. This is
inescapable reading; clever, scary, brave, sad, and funny … roll on April 2014 for
the sequel! </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Transcendence<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by C.J. Omololu</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408836910</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Put together an attractive young
man, coincidences, memories as clear as day, a talented young cellist and
events from the past and you have the ingredients for this unusual mystery and
love story. Nicole, known as Cole, meets Griffon who seems to know far more
about her than she can understand and the connection between them seems to go
further than usual girl-meets-boy attraction. Cole begins to have visions of
previous times and other peoples’ lives and she soon realises that she is
actually the person she remembers. Griffon helps her make sense of her new
powers and as she overcomes her natural scepticism, Cole discovers she has a
lot to learn. All too soon her life is in danger as the past returns to haunt
her in a very real way. The descriptions of the past lives that Cole
experiences are vivid and accurate and add a fascinating historical dimension
to this love story which twists and turns as the past interweaves with the
present.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Dead Jealous<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Sharon Jones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Orchard (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1408327548<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 3pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dead Jealous</i> is an original, highly
readable book which both fascinates and alarms. Teenager Poppy is at a pagan
festival in a densely wooded area, surrounded by New Agers, including her
mother and new stepfather, who believe in Tarot cards, handfasting ceremonies
and mystic visualising. Poppy’s interest in science is challenged by the
extraordinary events surrounding her, and then she discovers a friend, Sharon,
drowned in the lake. She is determined to prove that Sharon was murdered. You
suspect one character after another, as Poppy discovers lies, secrets and
manipulation around her, with danger threatening in the lightless woods. She
trusts Tariq, a hugely attractive and physical boy we know to be a drug dealer,
but is unsure of her stepfather, friend Bob and a local farmer. Throughout, her
best friend Michael tries to protect her, though his own girlfriend complicates
his and Poppy’s relationship. We know he is someone she can trust, but she
almost dies discovering it. A coming-of-age novel from a very talented writer
whose expert plotting and sure characterisation will draw readers in.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All the Truth That’s
in Me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Written by </span>Julie Berry<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Templar<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>£10.99<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">ISBN: </span>978-1848779143<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This is a haunting and poignant
tale, simply told by Judith as she recounts her strange story to Lucas, who she
has loved for ever and who may never hear her words, for Judith has no tongue
to give voice to the tragic events which shaped her. Steadily, Judith tells of
the past, remembers their childhood friendship and gradually the scraps of
information build the picture of who abducted her and where she has been for
the past two years. Her disappearance, and equally strange return, mystifies
the repressed and puritan society she lives in and her Mother cannot hide her
feelings of shame. With no tongue to tell the truth Judith suffers in silence
until she makes a friend who shows her a way forward. She is determined to
learn to read and write and find another way of communicating. This is a story
about the trials of a rural community working hard to survive and the dangers
of superstitions and rigid traditions. Above all it is a love story, a story of
heartache and steadfastness, hope and redemption. Julie Berry writes in short
chapters which add to the pace and suspense as the story unfolds. It is a
captivating, atmospheric read and the intrigue is maintained until the last
pages.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-15071409051632184422013-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:002013-11-15T09:24:25.565-08:00New Reviews - November 2013
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Christmas Titles<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Stick Man <o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Julia Donaldson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Axel Scheffler</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Scholastic (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1407130234</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Young children will be
immediately drawn to the embedded snow-dome on the festive cover of the new
edition of this picture book. Stick Man is an engaging character who is on an
exciting and sometimes perilous journey to be reunited with his stick family.
His adventures are beautifully realised in the colourful, animated illustrations,
and the rhyme and rhythmic repetition has established <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stick</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man</i> as a story to
be read aloud. The Christmas themed ending, with its warm final spread to
resolve the worries of the story, makes this a lovely seasonal gift.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elaine Chant<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Little Tomte’s
Christmas Wish<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Inkeri Karvonen</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Hannu Taina<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Floris<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1782500162</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
An outstanding book truly
reflecting the Christmas spirit. Little Tomte anxiously watches the seasons
until the snow begins to fall. He is feeling lonely all on his own and worries
that Christmas may never come. He has a great idea and, making a special wish,
begins to make lots of sweet-smelling candles to help his wish to come true.
Christmas arrives and so do all his friends! A magical tale, beautifully
illustrated – a perfect gift.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Val Bierman<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Penguin Pandemonium: Christmas Crackers<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Jeanne Willis</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Nathan Reed</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0007521944</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Part of the Awesome Animals
series, this is the fourth title concerning the wacky penguins at the City Zoo.
Christmas is coming and the penguins decide to celebrate in a big way with all
the trimmings. The witty, action-packed story is carried along by the cheery
black and white line drawings. A welcome stocking-filler.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Martin & Sinead Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Christmas Stories<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Michael Morpurgo</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Egmont (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1405268950</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Four very different Christmas
tales from the master story-teller, Michael Morpurgo. Three are reproductions
of earlier publications, complete with their original wonderful illustrations
by the renowned artists, Quentin Blake, Michael Foreman and Emma
Chichester-Clark. However, one has been specially written for this edition and
illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. A beautiful gift that will be treasured.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Martin & Sinead Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">The Great British Christmas Book<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Written
by Samantha Meredith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Scholastic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">ISBN:
978-1407137940<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">Packed
full of festive activities, games and stickers, focussing on <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, this book
should prove an ideal present to entertain after all the other presents have
lost their appeal. Clear and interesting page layouts offer intriguing invitations
to puzzles such as ‘Present Pickle’, ‘He’s Behind You’ and ‘Snowglobe Spots’. An
excellent stocking-filler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">David Chant<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Picture Books</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> for Young Children<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Let’s Talk About Big Beds
and Bedtime</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Stella Gurney</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Fiona Freund</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Campbell</st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0230764323</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This title is a great tool for
tackling a ‘trickier bit of toddlerhood’! This busy book follows Layla through
her bedtime routine and her first night in her ‘Big Girl Bed’. It supports the
transition and rite of passage that all toddlers go through when transferring
from a cot to a big bed. The combination of photographs and illustrations,
accompanied with different fonts and speech bubbles makes for an interesting
read. There are also many questions to engage your toddler and words of wisdom
from parents who have already made the transition with their toddlers. The book
provides some great ideas on how to get children involved, including buying a
new set of pyjamas before the big event!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b><u>Babies, Babies, Babies</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by
Catherine and Laurence Anholt</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Orchard Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1408314364</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A conversation starter for you
and your baby about all things baby! With its sections on animals, clothes,
food and more, this book acts almost as a picture dictionary for your little
one. It introduces new words, actions and adjectives that children will learn
and add to their already expanding vocabulary. Its labels and captions are
clear and the accompanying illustrations are timeless. Parents will have a
lovely time sharing this book with their children. This book is one that you
can read in sections and keep coming back to again and again.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b><u>Birthday Treasure</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Lara
Jones</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Campbell</st1:place></st1:city><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0230754034</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A brightly coloured and vibrant
story about a birthday adventure to the Mystery Jungle. It is Poppy Cat’s
birthday and her friends give her a treasure map. She follows it in search for
treasure but comes across the best treasure of all, a surprise party with all
of her friends. This adventure story is fun-packed and will really capture
children’s imaginations. The text is lively and almost jumps out at you from
the page. All of these elements make the text exciting to the young eye. There
are many animals in the story to talk about and it also has familiar stories
from the other Poppy Cat stories in the series.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><u>Up and Down <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN978-0007476824</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A story of friendship between a
little boy and a penguin. They do everything together until the penguin decides
that there is something he needs to do alone ….. fly! Penguin leaves without a
trace and the little boy goes in search for him, worrying about his friend. The
pair reunites when the penguin needs his friend the most ….. to catch him when
he is falling! This heartfelt story makes you consider your own friendships and
how, you too, can be a good friend.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Mundford<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Mabel and Me: Best of Friends<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Mark Sperring</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Sarah Warburton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
HarperCollins<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0007468355</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A delightful picture book with an
unpredictable and amusing storyline which is complemented by witty, animated
illustrations. Mabel and her best friend, Me, a mouse, set about discovering
the answer to “a hugely harrowing and diabolically difficult question” as to
why they are the best of friends. The story introduces two wonderfully
conceived characters – a famous French photographer and Senora Prima Ballerina,
who introduce some new and exciting words into the text. The fun effectively
conveys the true qualities of friendship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> David Chant<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Borka<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by John
Burningham</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Jonathan Cape (R)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£19.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0857550835</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Originally published in 1963 and
winner of The Kate Greenaway Medal in 1964, this timeless classic is
reinvigorated by being republished in a Collectors’ Edition to mark its 50<sup>th</sup>
Anniversary. It is amazing to think that this was John Burningham’s first
picture book and yet its engaging, heart-warming, humorous story and luscious,
bold artwork displayed his tremendous talent and acted as an indication of what
was to come. Sub-titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Adventures of
a Goose with No Feathers</i>, it tells the tale of a gosling named Borka who
hatched out in the marshes with a beak, wings and webbed feet just like her
brothers and sisters but with no feathers. Her mother knitted her a grey
woollen jersey to keep her warm but that did not stop the other goslings making
fun of her, nor did it help her to fly when all the other geese migrated south
for the winter. The story tells of how Borka coped with being left behind and
how she managed to make new friends and find a new home. This classic is not
only a delightful story but it also shows the reader that being different is
not a barrier to friendship and even love. This is a must-have for every young
child’s library.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sinead Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for the </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Confident Reader</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> in Primary School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Too Many Hats</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Hilda
Offen</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Troika<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0957301337</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
An engaging tale which sets a
fair pace as a princess, a cat and a large collection of hats come together in
a funny, confusing way. The rule is ‘No Pets Allowed’ at the palace where
Princess Paloma lives. So, when her secretly adopted cat, Hattie (Hat for
short), disappears, there’s quite a kafuffle as everyone is searching for the
lost Hat. Lavishly illustrated with amusing line drawings, this would be
perfect for a newly confident reader.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elaine Chant<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Witching Hour<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sara Grant</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Erica-Jane Waters</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444007770</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
It’s as Trix’s cat clock strikes
midnight and her tenth birthday draws to a close that, by the light of the
witching hour’s full moon, she makes her first sighting of a real witch. From
then on life isn’t the same and nothing is as it seems. Lulu, the funky
librarian, turns out to be even more amazing and lessons at school become
literally magical. Trix is ecstatic to have a cat and it’s even more special
that Jinx chose her over the spiteful Stella who wanted him for herself. Not
only is Stella a show-off but she uses her developing magical powers selfishly
and negatively. This is the first in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Magic
Trix</i> series which firmly establishes the characters and whets desire for
its sequel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Flying High</i> as well as for
future books chronicling the young witches’ development.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Maisie Hitchins: The
Case of the Vanishing Emerald<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Holly Webb</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Stripes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847153722</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In the second book of the series,
Maisie’s actress friend <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Miss Lane</st1:address></st1:street>
is worried. Sarah Massey, the leading lady, can’t find her precious emerald
necklace, an engagement gift from Lord Tarquin Fane. All Fane brides wear it on
their wedding day and a curse is set to bring ruin to the family if it is ever
lost. Worse still, Sarah becomes so anxious that she performs badly and snaps
at all the cast at the theatre, threatening her job. When her dresser breaks a
leg, slipping on greased stairs, Maisie takes over, determined to solve the
mystery. Maisie’s kindness and helpfulness make her allies at the theatre,
while her painstaking accumulation of evidence of a dirty tricks campaign
against Sarah builds satisfyingly. In the end, there’s a denouement worthy of
an Agatha Christie novel. A lovely series full of very human characters for sparky,
adventurous young readers.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Tattoo Fox<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Alasdair Hutton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Illustrated by Stref (Steven
White)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Luath (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1908373939</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Inspired by a real-life encounter
one dark night on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, this warm-hearted story is about
a young, wild fox searching for a new home, Befriended by a cat - the
unofficial mascot of the regiment - she settles into the rocks beneath the
castle. Young rabbits provided easy hunting opportunities and plenty of
tourists ensure lots of adventures whilst the famous Tattoo creates a dramatic
finale to the story.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jenny Blanch<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>My Super Sister
and the Birthday Party<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Gwyneth Rees</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Ella Okstad and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lydia</st1:place></st1:country-region> Monks</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0230767775</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Super Sister</i> is a lively novel with utterly
realistic family dynamics, but there is an equally convincing stream of
fantastic happenings, stemming from the super-powers possessed by some family
members. Emma, aged nine, is the sensible big sister, with Saffy being the
naughty young one. Both have the power to animate inanimate objects. Their
mother doesn’t have the power as it skips generations. When she sends the girls
to stay with Granny and learn how to hone and control their gift, a scary drama
ensues. There’s a lot of fun, too, as toys and other objects are brought to
life, but when Saffy disobeys Granny and animates the sinister doll,
Queenie-May, there’s real danger, and not just the spoiling of Grandpa’s
birthday party. Made reader-friendly with twelve chapters of large print and
plenty of jolly black and white drawings. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>City Farm: Emily
and Patch<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jessie Williams</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Curious Fox (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£4.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1782020202</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Emily is finding it difficult to
adjust after the death of her mother and the arrival of a new step-mother, so
she is introduced to the Harvest Hope project at the City Farm where children
with problems work them out while caring for the animals. Emily rebuffs the
other children’s attempts to include her, until an equally sad puppy arrives.
There is an element of adventure when Emily runs away and hides on the farm but
the main attraction of the story is the depiction of the farm animals, the life
of the farm and the interaction with the children. This is part of a series
where apparently every problem has an animal solution but the book is well-written
and will appeal to animal lovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Chris
Riddell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Macmillan (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0230759800</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
You certainly cannot judge this
book by its cover. The beautifully presented exterior of this book gives no
indication of the ludicrously hysterical illustrations of creatures and
monsters galore and the zany story within. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ada</st1:place></st1:city> lives with her comically insane father,
Lord Goth, in Ghastly-Gorm Hall. Together with her newly acquired friend,
Ishmael, the ghost of a mouse, her escapades are crazy and silly in the
extreme. Hilarious!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Martin Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Hobbit<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by J. R. R. Tolkein</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Jemima Catlin</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
HarperCollins (R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£20.00</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0007497904</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A new luxurious edition of the
classic, well-loved tale. Bilbo Baggins is enjoying the peace and quiet of his
comfortable home when he is persuaded by the wizard, Gandalf, and a band of
dwarves to accompany them on a dangerous adventure to steal a dragon’s
treasure. With coloured images on almost every page, along with the many
atmospheric full-page illustrations, this edition will be cherished by younger
and older readers alike.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Martin Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for readers </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Moving On</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> from Primary to High School<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">A Lily, A Rose<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Sally Nicholls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated by Sarah Dennis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1781121962<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Lady Elinor, at 14, loves chess,
riding, hawking and Dan, a young knight in training with her father. It’s a
heady, rose-tinted first love which sweeps her up and enhances her whole world.
But her father is coldly furious when he discovers them kissing, as Elinor must
marry for position. The prospective husband chosen by her father is 50, grey-haired,
limping but no-one’s fool. When Elinor defeats him soundly at chess and tells
him she won’t marry him, he mentions that his son Adam, 16, also plays, and much
better. Adam soon arrives; a tall, attractive and stylish young man who enjoys
chess, hunting and hawking too. He speaks several languages, is an avid reader
with an easy humour and eyes that warm to Elinor. Elinor is intrigued but
confused and Dan is furious. Can it be that she loves both of them? Beautifully
taut, spare writing which is very accessible but never at the cost of style or
subtlety. Sally Nicholls creates a very credible medieval society with problems
of the period and perennial ones too; especially the unexpected ferocity of
first love, which both overwhelms and threatens. Dyslexia friendly, but still a
book for anyone to enjoy. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Shadows of the Silver Screen<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Christopher Edge</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Nosy Crow (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0857630520</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Penny Tredwell, 13-year-old
heiress of the best-selling literary magazine “The Penny Dreadful”, returns in
her second adventure. This mysterious tale is set in 1900, at the beginning of
the era of silent films. Initially, Penny is excited and intrigued when a film
maker starts to film one of the Penny Dreadful’s best known and scariest
stories. However, as the malevolent past begins to influence filming, and fact
and fiction begin to blur, Penny finds herself caught up in one of her own
terrifying tales. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shadows of the Silver
Screen</i> is a thrilling read for pre-teens. This paranormal tale is full of
thrills and excitement, mystery and danger, all of which our heroine battles
with her bravery and intelligence. The descriptions are vivid, whether of
Victorian London or the excitement generated by the first glimpse of moving
pictures. Penny’s associate Montgomery Finch brings humour to the tale, while
sinister film-maker Mr Gold adds revenge and villainy. This thrilling and fun=filled
gothic tale is a must read for horror-loving tweenies. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>An Angel for May<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Melvin Burgess</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1849395342</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This original story uses the
common timeslip device, but, in a way, that heightens the emotional tone of the
novel. When he travels through an invisible portal to a World War II farm, Tam
encounters a makeshift family group that brook no nonsense but show a depth of
warmth, understanding and selflessness that Tam appreciates. The young girl,
May, orphaned and traumatised by the bombing, is cared for in an understanding
way by farmer, Mr Nutter, who in turn is helped by widowed Mrs Pickles. Few
questions are asked about Tam with his clothes of unfamiliar fabrics. Like May
before him he is simply accepted. He is expected to pull his weight on the farm
but welcome to stay. A homeless woman seems to exist between both times, but
only Tam can see her in both. Melvin Burgess is adept at telling a story
without over explaining or tying up too many loose ends. He trusts the reader’s
intelligence and in the process has created a vivid, touching story.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise Taylor<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Geekhood: Mission
Impossible<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Andy Robb</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Stripes (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847153647</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Here’s a book that announces its
credentials from the get-go. It is a book by a geek, about geeks and for geeks,
and everyone else who loves a clever, witty read. The story follows the
adventures of a group of four geeky teenage boys. It’s all here: Star Wars,
Lord of the Rings, Super Heroes, Dungeons and Dragons, and, most of all, Live
Action Role Play (LARPing). Archie is in love with Sarah, the most beautiful
girl in the world. However, she just wants to be friends. Enter Clare, a girl
who is also suffering from unrequited love. She hatches a plan for the two of
them to start a fake romance to makes their respective loves jealous.
Everything goes to plan, except Archie doesn’t really feel OK about lying to
Sarah and his best friends. Complications emerge as it becomes apparent that he
might not be the only one who has a crush on Sarah. With monsters, elves,
dwarves and wizards in the mix, what could go wrong? The story touches on many
quite serious topics such as the emergence of sexual feelings, bullying, family
break-up, reconstituted families, peer group rivalry. It does so lightly, but
with sympathy. Archie is a rather wise and very likeable narrator, and the book
ends with a heartening vision of friendships re-forged in the heat of
role-played battle.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Book of Doom<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Barry Hutchison</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0007440917</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Book of Doom</i> is the second in Barry Hutchison’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Afterworlds</i> series. Here we meet
fifteen-year-old Zac, who lives with his infirm grandfather. They survive by
Zac’s talent for stealing. However, these nefarious activities have brought him
to the attention of the Angel Gabriel. Heaven has lost the Book of Doom, which
contains everything there is to know. Gabriel is convinced that Satan has the
book, and makes Zac an offer he cannot refuse; to steal the book back to save
his grandfather’s life. Zac is accompanied by the permanently cheerful and
positive Angelo, a half angel, and half something else? This is a hilarious
adventure story with true baddies, and real heroes. There is great chemistry
between cool, loner Zac, and the innocent Star Wars loving Angelo who just
wants to help his new friend; their banter is hilarious. On their journey, they
encounter such unusual things as a Viking Conga at Valhalla, and an unsettling
nightclub in Limbo, as well as favourite characters from the first book. There
are plot twists throughout, but the one at the end is jaw-dropping, while also
making perfect sense. Highly recommended!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> Maleficent Seven<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Derek Landy</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
HarperCollins (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0007500925</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
At last, one of the most exciting
of Derek Landy’s characters gets her own story. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Maleficent Seven</i> is a one-off novel from the world of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skulduggery Pleasant</i>, starring the
wonderful Tanith Low. As faithful readers will already know, Tanith is now
officially one of the bad guys as she is possessed by a remnant. In this story,
she recruits a team of villains to find and steal the four God-killer weapons. However,
as these are the weapons that the Sanctuary needs to fight Darquesse when she
arrives, there is also a team of good guys hunting for them. There are familiar
characters to entertain readers, as well a few new ones. There are plenty of
Landy’s trademark action sequences, double crossing galore, hilarious banter
between the characters and a thrilling, intriguing storyline. The highlights of
the book, for me, were the flashbacks to Tanith’s childhood; a dark but
delightful insight into her mind. Hopefully, Landy may allow more favourite
characters their own adventures. Tanith Low is a new high in bad guys!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Itch Rocks<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Simon Mayo</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Doubleday (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857531322</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
In his time as a film reviewer,
Simon Mayo must have seen many high-octane action adventure movies and this
book is right out of that mould. The action is explosive and May certainly
knows how to keep that roaring along. His story is a sequel to his successful
book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch</i>, in which Itchingham
Lofte, a teenager fascinated by the Periodic Table, discovered Element 126,
some highly radioactive rocks. In the first book, he was pursued by sinister
forces desperate to get their hands on the rocks, and, in this book, the
sinister forces are still desperate to get their hands on the rocks! Despite
M15 agents giving him 24 hour protection, Itch is soon on the run and plunged
into all kinds of perilous situations which will keep readers on the edge of
their seats. The scenes of chase and carnage are very well done and there are
some stomach-churning descriptions of pain and injury to please the blood-thirsty.
Mayo’s many fans will be hoping that perhaps sinister forces will again be
pursuing our hero in a third book.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch Rocks</i> is the explosive sequel to Simon Mayo’s excellent debut
novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch</i>, and continues the story
of Itchingham Lofte and friends, and their protection of the valuable Element
126. Itch’s life seems to have returned to normal after the events of the last
book, but that soon changes. Itch learns that not only have MI5 Agents moved next
door in the hope that they will find out where he has hidden his valuable
discovery, but also a sinister group of villains are still relentlessly hunting
for the radioactive element and they won’t stop until they uncover where it is
hidden. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Itch Rocks</i> is a highly
enjoyable read for all children aged 10 years and above. It’s filled with
action and adventure on almost every page and will keep even the most reluctant
reader hooked to the very end. The author brings to life a group of dynamic
young protagonists and a group of sinister villains, led by the evil Dr.
Flowerdew, with their own nefarious agenda. Although a sequel, this is a great
read in its own right.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Davy Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Terra <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Mitch Benn</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Gollancz (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0575132085</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
A science fiction story with more
than a touch of humanity to its central theme. Abducted from earth as a baby,
Terra, now “eight orbits old”, is about to start school on the planet Fnrr.
Although excited by the prospect, Terra is still an outsider who is about to
discover how being different gives her a unique perspective on life. The lively
and distinctive narrative voice adds to the enjoyment of the tale.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elaine Chant<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">Young Teenage Readers</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Invisible Girl<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Kate Maryon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">HarperCollins
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0007466900<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Gabriella Midwinter hasn’t had an easy life. At
five years old, her abusive mother left, taking her older brother with her, but
Gabriella stayed to look after her dad. Now aged 12, her father marries again
to Amy, a woman who makes it clear that she doesn’t want Gabriella around. One
day, Gabriella comes home from school, to find all her belongings in a backpack
and a note from her dad, telling her that he and Amy have gone to live in Spain
and that she should get a train to Manchester and go live with her Mum, who she
hasn’t seen since she left. Suddenly, Gabriella slips through the cracks,
becoming invisible and finding herself vulnerable and living on the streets,
facing all the dangers and hardship that can bring. A carefully woven plot
sensitively handled and beautifully told. Gabriella is a really well drawn
character with whom the reader completely empathises. I was shocked at the
statistics that in the UK a child runs away every five minutes and that every
year there are 100,000 children under 16 living on the streets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Annie
Everall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Bone Dragon<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Alexia Casale</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Faber and Faber (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0571295616</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This strong story mixes fantasy
and real life in a captivating way. Evie has been living happily with her
loving adopted parents, Paul and Amy, for four years but it takes this long
before Evie tells them about her painful ribs – which they discover have been
broken. The physical sign of her troubled past mends and the pain eases but the
emotional baggage takes longer to resolve. Evie is given a fragment of her bone
and when Uncle Ben carves a tiny dragon for her it becomes more than just a
talisman. Evie returns to school, her girl friends have saved a desk for her
but Sonny Rawlins is as mean as ever. Ms Winter visits to help her catch up
with her school work and to give her a chance to talk. Gradually, Evie
rationalises her past – the weak mother who abandoned her and the grandparents
who hated her. When it comes to unresolved events and present fears, the bone
dragon comes to life at night and takes Evie on a journey of resolution and
revenge. The descriptions of their nocturnal journeys through the fens are
atmospheric and haunting. Evie’s story is heart-warming. The mystery of her
past is treated with delicacy and compassion and events are referred to rather
than explained which gives this book a haunting sensitivity. The characters are
strong and immensely likeable and Evie’s courage is to be admired. The themes
of this well-rounded story last well beyond the last page.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Castle Waiting<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and Illustrated by Linda Medley</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Fantagraphics (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£17.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1606996027</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Don't let the phrases graphic
novel or fairytale put you off. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Castle
Waiting</i> is an enthralling, beautifully crafted and unexpected delight. The
strong resemblance to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sleeping Beauty</i>
at the start is quickly subverted down a much more twisted and winding path to
something far more satisfying and enchanting. With the fairytale princess gone,
the castle becomes a refuge for an assortment of odd, but appealing,
characters, from the bird-man Rackham to the bearded nun Peace from the
Solicitine Order. Witty dialogue, subversive themes and shrewd nuns create a
compelling story brought to life by carefully drawn and detailed
black-and-white pictures. With meandering storylines, there are plenty of
challenges for growing readers and this handsome volume is going to be
treasured by many. I can't wait to read the next volume.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Last Wild<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Piers Torday</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Quercus (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1780878287</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Imagine a world where all the
animals are dead or culled because of a disease called ‘red-eye’. Imagine a
world where most of the land is forbidden territory and where the population is
confined to specific, regulated locations. Because there are no animals or
access to real food, the population can only eat manufactured food that all
looks the same but is given different flavours. Against this background there
is Kester, who is locked away in an institution for challenging children,
because he has lost the power of speech. However, Kester has the gift of
talking to the animals. He is rescued by a flock of pigeons and a swarm of
cockroaches and taken to a place where some animals still survive. Here, he is
given the task of finding his father who may have a cure for the ‘red-eye’. His
journey, in the company of a strange group of animals and one human, is fraught
with danger, betrayal and tragedy. The story is fast-paced as the group face
one crisis after another, trying to discover what has really happened to the
world. The truth is shocking and has some resonance today as it concerns the
manipulation of public opinion by business interests. Certainly it is very
thought provoking and should provide opportunities for discussion and for
developing a critical appraisal of what is happening in the world today.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Diary of a Mall
Girl<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Luisa Plaja</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Curious Fox (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1782020127</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Malls, best friends, boys,
snogging and texting ….. Hmmm! But wait, even post-teen reviewers can warm to
fifteen year old Molly who is dealing with teen life and still remaining
excellently Molly. The family live in the ‘affordable housing’ which is attached
to the new shopping mall. She is involved in the familiar game of intertwined
support and exploitation with her two best friends, a situation which is
complicated by the arrival of the cool and mysterious twins, Jasper and Jewel. The
introduction of the rock star family adds some glamour but the story is
underpinned by a warm family dynamic and the lively and engaging character of
Molly herself. Not as ‘pink’ as the title might suggest. Much more fun!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Through Dead Eyes<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Chris Priestley</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408811061</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Alex is in Amsterdam with his
father who is there to meet his Dutch publisher to discuss the possibility of a
TV documentary based on his book about World War II. Beautiful Angelien, the
daughter of the publisher, is asked to show Alex around the city. They visit an
antiques market where he buys a Japanese mask which seems to have supernatural
powers. Soon Alex is sucked into the strange story of a girl in 17<sup>th</sup>
Century Amsterdam called Hanna Van Kampen whose portrait, wearing the mask,
hangs in the Rijksmuseum. The spooky elements of the story are not particularly
creepy but the book’s real interest lies in Alex’s confused emotional life: his
fraught relationship with his father, the mixed signals he is getting from
Angelien, the bitterness he feels towards his absent mother, and the struggle with
his own rather dark recent history. There is, however, an excellent
supernatural frisson right at the end of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Seraphina<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Rachel Hartman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Corgi (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0552566001</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The beautifully illustrated cover
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seraphina</i> hints at the joys
awaiting the reader. In the Kingdom of Goredd humans and dragons live side by
side in fragile peace. When the Queen’s son is murdered, suspicion falls on the
dragons and the peace treaty is threatened. Seraphina, a court musician, gets
drawn into the murder investigation, due to her friendship with the dragons.
However, she struggles with her desire to uncover the truth about the murder,
and her need to keep her own secrets hidden. Rachel Hartman has created an
amazing fantasy world in her stunning debut novel. Her descriptions are vivid,
creating clear visions of the places and people as you read. Her portrayal of
dragons as totally logical and unemotional creatures, able to transform into
human form is exquisite. Seraphina is a vibrant lead character, full of
self-doubt, but very brave and loyal. Written from her point of view, the
reader is privy to her, sometimes hilarious, thoughts. As well as being a tense
‘who-dunnit’, the book also has a very strong anti-discrimination message,
along with a hint of love. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seraphina</i>
is a beautiful book inside and out, and one of the best books I have read in a
long time. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Chasing the Dark<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sam Hepburn</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Chicken House (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1908435682</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The nightmare of his Mum’s death,
in a hit and run incident, keeps coming back to Joe, and it makes no sense. Who
would want to murder her, and what did her last words mean? But taking his dog
for a late-night walk begins a sequence of events which may lead him to
discover what really happened that night, and why. Unravelling this puzzle
takes Joe into a dangerous world of KGB operatives, blackmailers and murderers,
but he knows he can never rest until he learns the truth. Joe’s coming of age
under such stressful circumstances will appeal to thoughtful readers, while the
page-turning pace of the novel adds to its broad appeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Oathbreaker’s
Shadow<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Amy McCulloch</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Random House (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857531810</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The world portrayed in this
complex and absorbing novel is peopled by a rich variety of characters from
diverse cultures. Raim and his people are nomads, travelling the plains of
Darhan. As Raim nears his sixteenth year he is ready to join the Yun, the elite
guard of fighters. Khareh, the Crown Prince is his best friend and Raim looks
forward to promising to be his protector when Khareh becomes Khan. In this
society making a promise or oath is not done lightly. It is marked by a simple
knot around your wrist and if you break that promise you are not only scarred
for life but outlawed too. Raim has always worn a promise thread but has never
known what it represents. When Khareh persuades him to make his promise of
allegiance, to Raim’s horror, the knot bursts into flames and scars his wrist.
Raim has to flee for his life and escapes into the inhospitable desert where he
struggles to stay alive. He is found by the Alashan tribe, seasoned desert
dwellers who know the secrets of survival in a land without water. When they
discover that he is an oath-breaker they resolve to take him to Lazar, a place
of exile for all outlawed oathbreakers. The pace of the story as Raim
endeavours to find out the meaning of his promise thread is swift and exciting.
The characters are interesting and the ideas behind the different tribes
fascinating. As the beginning of a series it will be fascinating to see how the
adventures unfold in future titles.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Sun Catcher<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sheila Rance</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orion (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444006209</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Maia is an outsider in her
village. Her father weaves silk that sings a story but he is silent about their
past. It is when the Wulf Kin comes to hunt Maia down that her destiny as the
Sun Catcher is revealed. This densely written story will please fantasy fans,
reflecting so may of the elements they love: the outsider who discovers her
power, glamorous animal companions and a whole variety of human groups from
Amazon-like women to Scythian-like Eagle People who gallop with their eagles on
their wrists. The story strides on, full of colourful detail and the many
groups are well handled. Those who like a combination of adventure, magic and
animals, set against romantic backgrounds, will quickly become absorbed and
will be waiting for the second book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thomson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Savages<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Matt Whyman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hot Key (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1471400384</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Matt Whyman’s books are always
worth looking out for and this present novel is certainly something different.
Written with the very darkest of wit, it describes a close contemporary family
who every now and again feast on the human flesh provided for them following an
opportunistic murder. Details of their banquets may be too much for some
readers’ stomachs, sounding a bit like a run-through of Hannibal Lecter’s
favourite recipes. But for those who can stick it out there are plenty of
rewards as the author mocks both meat-eaters and vegetarians as the
cannibalistic family heads for its long overdue comeuppance. Readers must
decide for themselves whether in the end it was all worth it and why such a
talented author should have landed himself with such a very distasteful (sic)
plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nicholas Tucker <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Beyond<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Graham McNamee</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Hodder (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1444912784</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The rather ambiguous title of
this supernatural thriller does not really do justice to the taut, intriguing
and exciting story. Jane and Lexi are best friends but the bond between them is
more than sharing secrets and hanging out together. Lexi knows why Jane is
different from everyone else and why she is in danger – from herself. Her
parents consider her as accident-prone but Jane has faced the improbable fact
that it is her own shadow which literally drags her into harms way. Set in a
small town on Canada’s West Coast, the atmosphere of The Rain Coast adds to the
building tension. The latest incident was a very close call and since this
near-death experience Jane has been sleepwalking and catching glimpses of a
past life that was not her own. Lexi is determined to help her friend and to
see if there is a pattern to the events. When a landslide reveals the skeleton
of a young boy more details become clear and life for Jane spirals out of
control. The two girls are in a race against time to save not only Jane but
another youngster too. This well-written mystery keeps the reader guessing and
involved until the last page. The characters are interesting and well portrayed
from Lexi who sees life through a camera lens to Jane’s bewildered policeman
father and Ryan the potential love interest in her life – that is if she can
stay alive.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Infinite Sky<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by C. J. Flood</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Simon and Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0857078025</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Travellers are often in the
headlines! They arrive in either large groups or small, but for the majority of
local residents they are always bad news. Such is the case when a family group
settle on land on of Iris’ family farm. For Iris’ Dad, this is a second major
problem that he must cope with. Iris’ Mother has left, leaving Dad responsible
for Iris and her brother Sam, who has already gone “off the rails” and joined a
gang. Although Iris gets to know one of the travellers, the story progresses in
an almost predictable manner; and then, tragedy strikes. The book is immensely
enjoyable in a very sombre way. It explores the two themes of family breakdown
and the response of a community to the arrival of a group in their midst, a
group who do not share their lifestyle nor recognise the commonly accepted
rules of society. In this book, this latter group include both the travellers
and the local gang. It is an excellent book; the issues raised could be a
springboard for much thought and discussion.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Boy from
France<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Hilary Freeman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Piccadilly (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1848123014</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Part of the Camen Town Tales
series. French exchange students, some of them boys, cause a stir amongst Vix’s
classmates. Vix is a teenager who carries the great responsibility of caring
for her mother who suffers from a degenerative illness, but who is also very
reluctant to let the world know that her illness is incurable. Vix is allocated
one of the boy students and as well as having to deal<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with the jealousy of her classmates, she has
to keep not only the secret of her Mother’s illness, but also how much
responsibility for running the home falls on her shoulders. The necessary lies
and evasions of the truth that are needed to keep these secrets, very nearly
destroy the developing relationship between Vix and Xavier, the student. It
explores the relationships within groups of young people, with all their
different characters having an influence on the group dynamics. It also
explores the relationships within families and as such, it will strike a chord
with many readers.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patricia Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<b><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<b><u>A Face Like Glass</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written by Frances
Hardinge</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Macmillan (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN: 978-0330519700</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
The
muscles in a human face are capable of rendering a whole gamut of emotions
making it hard to lie. But imagine a world where expressions are learnt from
birth and worn on the face like masks. This is Caverna, Frances Hardinge’s
underground fantasy world, a dystopian city hidden in a network of tunnels
chiselled out of rock. Here, master craftsmen, the bourgeoisie, skilled at
creating rare treasures - miraculous cheeses, intoxicating perfumes and
dangerous wines - live at the expense of the drudges, the proletariat,
condemned to the darkness where they must work for the good of the community. Enter
Neverfell, a little girl with a face unlike anything seen below ground, with no
recollection of where she has come from, and a desire to break free of her
oppressors and escape to the overground. But she soon finds herself drawn into
a deadly game, which involves nothing less than a plot against the Grand
Steward, an omnipresent tyrant who rules over this ‘communist’ state. With its
rich, dense language and intricately mapped storyline, this is a challenging
read. Admirers of Frances Hardinge’s previous books will not be disappointed.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Hysteria<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Megan Miranda</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1408834848</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Mallory has killed her boyfriend,
allegedly in self-defence. However, she cannot remember what happened that
night, and has been plagued by horrifying nightmares ever since. To give
Mallory a fresh start, her parents send her away to boarding school.
Unfortunately, her reputation has preceded her and, when a student is found
dead, she once again finds herself a murder suspect. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hysteria</i> is a thrilling psychological read. Told from Mallory’s
perspective, with her vivid nightmares and possible hallucinations, you are
never entirely sure what is real and what she is imagining. Author Megan
Miranda makes effective use of flashbacks, slowly revealing to Mallory and the
reader what actually happened on that fateful night. The tension builds
constantly, as Mallory’s fear increases, at times becoming claustrophobic. Like
many teen books, this has friendship and romance at its heart, with Colleen
risking everything to prove her best friend’s innocence, and Reid believing in
Mallory when no one else would, including herself. A suspenseful edge of your
seat teen murder mystery, with a touch of romance. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Skylark<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Megan Spooner</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Corgi (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0552565561</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Lark has never seen the sky,
living in a post-apocalyptic Dome city whose energy field protects its citizens
from a despoiled, dangerous land outside with its shadow people, zombies and
cannibals. At sixteen, she is due to be Harvested, a coming of age ceremony
where her future will be decided for her – and unknown to her, her ‘magic’ will
be extracted to fuel the Dome. Lark’s agonisingly painful Harvesting causes
consternation in the ruling elite, as she is a Renewable, extremely rare, who
can replenish her own magic energy. Before she is harnessed to become a virtual
engine for the Dome, she escapes outside accompanied by a mechanical Pixie.
Pixies are secret police who spy on the Dome’s citizens, so can this one be
trusted? In the waste land Lark is shadowed, protected and fed by Oren on her
journey to the Iron Wood, where she hopes her brother and some answers may be found.
Much is revealed as we knit together revelations with unexplained events from
earlier in the story to build fuller understanding. Lark is a distinctive
heroine in a dark, despoiled future, which is full of danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A thoughtful read!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Finding Cherokee
Brown<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Siobhan Curham</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Electric Monkey (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1405260381</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
After her best friend moves away
and the bullying starts, Clare Weeks decides to write a novel to help her cope.
Following the advice of the irrefutable Agatha Dashwood’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So You Want to Write a Novel?</i> Clare sets off to create the heroine
she aspires to be. However, it's the arrival of a birthday card addressed to
Cherokee Brown that leads Clare to discover more about herself and her true
biological father, musician Steve. Rather than needing to step into a fictional
world, Clare discovers she's been Cherokee all along and that she has the
strength to stand up for herself. Although this is a tender portrait of a girl
finding her own identity and re-evaluating her relationship with her parents
(mum, dad and stepdad), it’s not without a bit of rock 'n' roll. There is an
emotional journey that will keep readers hooked until the very end and a
reassuring message that things really can get better. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></u></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">More Mature</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt;"> readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Shine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Candy Gourlay</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
David Fickling (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0385619202</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Forced to hide herself away from
the superstitious community of Mirasol, thirteen-year-old Rosa seeks solace
online. There she meets Anse195, and as their friendship moves from virtual to
reality Rosa discovers she is not the only one with something to hide... Not a
ghost story, but there are plenty of ghosts! Not a horror story, but some
readers may be horrified! This is an original, moving tale that combines myths
and ghosts into a contemporary setting that will make you laugh and cry.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jenny Blanch<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>If You Find Me<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Emily Murdoch</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Indigo (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1780621524</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Carey, and her young sister
Jenessa, live deep in the forest in a decrepit camper van with a drug-addicted,
abusive and neglectful mother. When she disappears, Carey has somehow to keep
herself and her sister alive. Then out of the blue, her estranged father shows
up and the girls are whisked out of the forest and transplanted into a life
they don’t understand. This debut novel is a gripping and mysterious tale,
confidently spun into a complex web as details of what Carey had to do to
survive in the forest are gradually revealed. It is a haunting but beautiful
narrative of how the human spirit can triumph against impossible odds.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Winter Damage<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Natasha Carthew</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Bloomsbury (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1408835838</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Society and the economy are
breaking down. Fourteen year old Ennor Carne lives in a broken-down trailer
with her dying father and young brother. A few days before Christmas, with a
snowstorm setting in, she decides to go in search of the mother who deserted
them years earlier. Little does she realise what faces her! When nothing can be
guaranteed friendship, loyalty and love are all that remain. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Martin Kromer<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Half Lives<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Sara Grant </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Indigo (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1780620381</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
After being sent to a never-used
nuclear waste storage facility in a top secret mountain bunker outside Los Vega
by her parents, Icie find herself living with three strangers, as the rest of
the world crumbles from a biological terror attack. Hundreds of years later,
Beckett is the Cheer Captain of this same small community of survivors who now
follow the strange faith of the Mountain and the Great I AM. Their stories,
though separated in time, are cleverly intertwined. This is a tightly written
and layered story which asks big questions about the nature of religion and
faith as well as the fate of our nuclear waste problem. Sara Grant has a
natural love of language, using it with great precision, but she also knows how
to have fun with it. The new religion of Forreal adapts and changes current
social-media and teen language to create something new and slightly surreal,
replacing “Amen” with “Whatever”, but ties the present and the future clearly
together. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Out of the Easy<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Ruta Sepetys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Puffin
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0141347332 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Between
Shades of Grey</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> was an excellent debut novel. This second title is completely
different and is a rattling good story. As the 1940s become the 1950s Josie,
the daughter of a brothel prostitute in one of the sleazier areas of New
Orleans, dreams of heading north to study at one of the country’s more
prestigious colleges. Her grades are good enough to be accepted but her
background is likely to be a problem. Josie has always been shamefully
neglected by her selfish mother, but the brothel madam, a shrewd business woman
called Willie Woodley, and the various other employees at the brothel, care for
her and are prepared to help her in her search for a better life, even though
they can’t understand why she would ever want to leave New Orleans. Inevitably
in a story set in a brothel there are many references to sex and violence, but
this is, at heart, an uplifting and engaging story about a girl’s ambition to
escape the sleaze and corruption of her surroundings and get an education.
There is a cast of colourful and lovable characters, as well as some more
sinister ones, and the lively New Orleans of the early 1950s is wonderfully
evoked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Dead to You<o:p></o:p></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Lisa McMann</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Scholastic (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1407137230</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Sixteen year old Ethan, abducted
at the age of seven, returns to his family. What should have been a joyous and
happy occasion turns sour when Ethan’s younger brother poses a serious
question. Ethan struggles to regain his formative memories and adapt to living
as part of a family again. The family struggle to adjust to having Ethan around
and desperately want everything to be “normal” but there are nine missing years
and Ethan cannot remember anything prior to his abduction. This book is a real
page-turner, full of drama, mystery and intrigue. The ending is abrupt and
unexpected but I was hooked until the last page.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Bunker Diary<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Kevin Brooks</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Penguin (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0141326122</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Linus, sixteen, is drugged and
abducted and wakes up in an old bunker underground. There are six bedrooms, a
kitchen, bathroom and a lift with hidden cameras and microphones in every room
– yes even the bathroom! Soon, he is joined by five more people – all from
completely different walks of life and varying ages. There is neither rhyme nor
reason why they have been taken and Linus records their coping mechanisms and
outcomes in diary form. How different people cope is interesting, bleak and
harrowing. It is very thought provoking – how would you cope in this situation?
This book is reminiscent of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Room</i> by
Emma Donaghue, but in some ways more disturbing. The concept is brutal and
chilling and Kevin Brooks delivers a dark and gritty read. This book will
easily cross over into adult fiction.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingrid Fox<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-11842273995241375482013-07-02T14:04:00.002-07:002013-07-02T14:04:19.455-07:00New Reviews - July 2013
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for
Younger Readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Meet the Weirds<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Kaye Umansky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Chris Mould<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1781120743<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is an excellent reprint of Kaye Umansky’s first story about Pinchton Primm and
the wonderfully strange family called the Weirds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Printed on cream paper with a carefully
chosen font and clear spacing, it has a ‘dyslexia friendly’ sticker on the
cover and has been tested by young readers. Pinchton leads a sedate and
organised life with his parents who only eat fish and a lot of radishes and are
very tidy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a new family moves in
next door Mrs Primm is dismayed to see the garden full of boxes and crates and
even more concerned to learn that Ott and Frankly’s mother is a stunt woman and
their father an inventor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pinchton meets
Ott over the garden hedge and is surprised by her strange clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is very persuasive and he finds himself
next door eating chips from newspaper, wedding cake and pink custard. But, when
he sees that his mother’s flowers have been picked, the gnomes’ fishing rods
have been broken and worse of all, the two goldfish are missing, Pinchton
begins to worry. The language is clear and unambiguous and is lively and
descriptive too, whilst the illustrations are full of detail and humour and
compliment the story well. The ending leaves the reader, and Pinchton, guessing
about many of the weird goings on next door but thankfully there are more
stories in the series to be enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Weird Happenings<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Kaye Umansky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Chris Mould<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1781120767<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">If
your friend next door has a mad inventor dad, a stunt woman mum and a grandma
who never stops cooking chips over an open fire in the kitchen they may be a
little unusual themselves. If their last name is Weird and their house is a
mess, they may not be the safest houseguests when your parents are away for the
day, especially if your parents like things ‘just so’ with not a speck of dirt
on the cream rugs. This is just the situation that Pinchton Primm finds himself
in. In no time there’s a pile of mud in the kitchen and a hole in the ceiling.
Kaye Umansky has years of experience writing funny stories for children. Here,
most of the humour is derived from the contrast between Pinchton’s rigid home
life and the relaxed attitudes of the Weirds. Chris Mould’s style of
illustration compliments the story perfectly as his line drawings add to the
eccentricities of the characters. Published as it is by Barrington Stoke, the
Weird series is printed in a dyslexia friendly font on buff paper with the text
well-spaced. Good fun for newly independent readers that can work their way
through the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Leave it to Eva<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Judi Curtin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">O’Brien
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1847173478<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Eva
wants to help everyone who might need her to sort out their lives. This book
recounts two, seemingly separate, stories about Eva and her efforts to help her
friends and their families. At the beginning, each story stands alone and flows
along with barely a pause for breath, but there is a tenuous link which becomes
clearer as the book progresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
very enjoyable book to read, but it also touches on issues that are very much
current in our society today; care of the disabled and separated families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Survival Squad: Night Riders<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Jonathan Rock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Red Fox
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1862309678<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Connor
and his friends are members of the Sixth Matfield Scout Troop’s Tiger patrol,
and they love adventures! This story is about their cycle trip to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wales</st1:place></st1:country-region> where
they camp overnight and get involved in foiling a gang of sheep rustlers. Although
this is one of a series, it stands alone as a simple adventure story for young
readers who are gaining confidence and can manage a book with proper chapters.
It is told with a racy and rather breathless style, which keeps up the interest
and constantly pushes the reader on to find out what happens next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The patrol is a mixed group of boys and
girls, each with a distinct character, and a contribution to make. Some are
more confident than others, but even Priya, who hasn’t ridden a bike before and
is nervous of sleeping under canvas, manages to rise to the occasion and
actually enjoys the adventure. This is a fun adventure story that will be
popular with children. Despite the simplicity of the plot, the language is rich
and varied without being too demanding, and the dialogue is well crafted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Snow Queen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Retold by
Sarah Lowes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Miss Clara<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Barefoot<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1846866616<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
beautiful book from the Independent Reading Series; one of the great
traditional tales of Hans Christian Anderson is retold here for confident
readers. Gerda’s best friend Kay is enticed away by the evil Snow Queen and
Gerda sets off across the world to find and reclaim him. Sarah Lowes rises to
the challenge of the inevitable constraints imposed by a scheme. Her style is
lyrical and understated, and she keeps the old-fashioned, storytelling tone of traditional
versions. French illustrator Miss Clara gives us beautiful pictures to match
the power of the text. The doll-like characters have the air of not quite
connecting with the sumptuous, vibrant warmth of their backgrounds – echoing,
perhaps, the tensions between the Snow Queen’s icy world and the warmth of
Gerda’s love. This is, all round, a lovely book to put into the hands of a
young reader, to take off into a quiet corner and be transported. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Watching Jimmy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Nancy Hartry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tundra (R)
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1770493605<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The
narrator of the story is Carolyn, whose friend Jimmy has been brain-damaged due
to an ‘accident’. Weekly visits of Jimmy’s Uncle Ted haunt Carolyn, as she
knows Ted’s secret and shares it with the reader at an early stage in the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually the truth emerges and
Uncle Ted is discredited. This is a great little story, set in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> shortly
after the Second World War, and filled with compassion and understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmy and his mother Jean are ordinary
people, down on their luck, while Carolyn is a loyal and faithful friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shows real bravery in confronting Ted’s
bullying behaviour. The story is well written with excellent characterisation
and strongly observed detail which brings the book to life. The style is
economical, yet vividly conveys the plot and moves it forward. Carolyn’s
original approach to problem solving is an object lesson in strength of
character and the whole book has a calm determination which echoes Carolyn’s
own attitude and behaviour. An enjoyable and thought-provoking read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">In Too Deep<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Tom Avery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Frances
Lincoln (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1847803894<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Too Much Trouble</i> follows
both Prince and his brother, Emmanuel, who together have escaped from danger in
the Democratic Republic of Congo and are trying to adapt to life in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> without
their parents. Kindly social workers and genial foster parents try to help the
boys adjust but nothing can replace a parent and there is relief and happiness
when their mother arrives in the country. They settle down with her and their
baby sister, Grace, but still miss their father who is now in impossible debt
to ruthless gangsters in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tanzania</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
The two boys come up with a plan to rescue him! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Long Jump High<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Malachy Doyle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Barrington</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Stoke<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1781121375<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This is a new ‘dyslexia friendly’ title from
Barrington Stoke and it is yet another book written with an Olympic theme. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete is a gifted young man. He can run, then
jump, then fly, but he has kept his astonishing jumping ability secret until
now. As the London Olympic Games approach, Pete dreams of being the youngest
ever athlete to win a gold medal, or even three, and so he starts to get
himself noticed at local athletic events and then at regional and national
level. Other more experienced athletes have their own dreams and, after years
of training, they are not about to let a young lad from nowhere spoil their
chances of glory. This short tale about sporting ambitions is easy to follow
and, if the Olympic theme isn’t already out of date, it may well appeal to
teenagers with dreams and ambitions of their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Graphic Shakespeare<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Retold
by Kathy McEvoy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Book
House<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1908973030<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
volume contains graphic versions of Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Romeo and
Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Story panels include excerpts of original
Shakespearean dialogue with accompanying captions to interpret the action.
These captions act almost as a translation, and helpful footnotes explain the
more challenging language. Each play has an illustrated cast list at the beginning.
All these factors combine to make these stories an accessible route into the
plays proper. All in all, this could prove to be a useful aid to students who
need help understanding Shakespeare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Task Force Delta: Rogue Predator<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Craig Simpson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Franklin
Watts (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1445106946<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
book is one of a series of four created around the fictional Task Force Delta,
a Special Operations force whose work involves counter-terrorism, hostage
rescues and other covert operations. We are introduced to the Delta Force crack
team, and their first high-risk mission to locate a stolen Predator drone
aircraft. Complicating the mission is the promise that Major Nathan Connor made
to his old Afghan friend Assif to protect his son in the event of his own
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assif is indeed now dead,
murdered for being seen to collaborate with the occupying <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> forces. This
book contains a mix of factual information on Special Forces, weapons and
tactics with a thrill-a-minute adventure story set in the current war in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
With its graphics and jargon-heavy dialogue, it will appeal to readers in
search of a short, exciting read. It covers the ground with spare efficiency,
and contains just about enough political complexity to avoid falling into the
trap of presenting the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
forces as the ‘goodies’ and the Afghans as the ‘baddies’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a good book to stir the enthusiasm of
those reluctant readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Titles for
Older Readers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Cat’s Cradle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Nick Green<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Strident<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>978-1905537884<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Cat Kin is an after-school club whose members possess ancient and peculiar
powers. In this third book, Tiffany is determined to stop the illegal trade in
big cat parts which threatens the survival of tigers worldwide. Ben doesn’t
want Tiffany to put herself into danger alone, but his parents have just got
back together and he does not want to put his family at risk, either. As Mrs
Powell, their teacher and mentor, is dead, Ben reluctantly joins Tiffany to
take on the followers of the ancient god Set, with the other club members
supporting. A dark and troubled tale ensues with action moving swiftly and threats
menacing the teens as those skilled in Pashki, the art of moving like a cat,
prowl the streets, warehouses and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">port</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">London</st1:placename></st1:place> in the form of
big cats themselves, the cats’ eyes description here oddly compelling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Operation Kick Butt<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Niki Daly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Hodder
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£4.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1444900934<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The
suggestion of community service, as part of a holiday project for school,
raises groans from Al and his friends, Sophie and Julian. However, at the
suggestion of Al’s grandmother, the trio volunteers to work at a local Care
Home, the Lady Buxom Home for Seniors, where Al’s Gran already teaches art. The
three arrive full of ideas and meet such a range of interesting and
idiosyncratic characters that they throw themselves whole-heartedly into the
task. However, all is not well at the Lady Buxom Home, with the main problem
being Mrs Black, the owner of the home. The dreadful Mrs Black is intent on
cutting care and food to the minimum and appears to be systematically robbing
the residents. Developing very strong attachments to the residents, the trio
decide, with the help of Gran and her very particular skills, to come to the
rescue. This fast moving and exciting book is a classic story of good
conquering evil. The reader becomes very involved with the characters and is
always willing for Al, Sophie and Julian to triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Wentworth Hall<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Abby Grahame<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Simon
& Schuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">IBSN:
978-0857079169<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
story is very reminiscent of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Downton
Abbey</i>, with all its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Upstairs and
Downstairs</i> characters and their very different, individual concerns. The
Darlington Family has lived at Wentworth Hall for generations, but money is
very short so Downstairs are thinking about job security and trying to make
plans for the future. Upstairs, however, have different problems: shortage of
money, trouble-making, but very rich, guests, relationships, children, and rich
potential marriage suitors. They also have their secrets which need to be
closely guarded, for, in addition, someone is writing an insider view of the
family, and although they are not named, it is clear which family is the
subject of the resultant gossip column. The book tackles such issues as the
impoverished gentry, illegitimacy, and the relationships between upstairs and down,
all happening at a time when the world is just about to be torn apart by a
World War.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Darwen Arkwright and the
Peregrine Pact<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by A. J. Hartley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Razorbill
(R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1595144812 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">On
reflection, Darwen’s new life was not what he expected! Following his parents’
death, Darwen Arkwright moves to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> with his aunt. He feels out
of place there, especially at his new school, but at least he has his two new
friends, Alexandra and Rich, who are also incongruous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Darwen is presented with a strange old
mirror by the mysterious Mr Peregrine, he quickly discovers that his gift is no
ordinary mirror, but a portal to Silbrica, a beautiful world full of enchanting
creatures. Darwen cannot resist the temptation, but every time he visits, Silbrica
changes and evil creatures gradually take over. Can the Peregrine Pact save the
day? A. J. Hartley’s first children’s book is a dark fantasy adventure story
that will enthral confident readers. Although a daunting 425 pages, the
constant excitement means that the story flies by and the three children have
the admirable traits of bravery, compassion and loyalty. The subject of loss is
handled well, with it adding to the children’s resolve to defeat evil.
Hartley’s imagination is in full flow with Grobblers and Dellfeys from
Silbrica, while some of <st1:place w:st="on">Hillside</st1:place>’s teachers
are not as they seem! Pre-teens will enjoy this thrilling adventure story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jane Hall<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Shiverton Hall<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Emerald Fennell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bloomsbury</span></st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN 978-1408827789<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Shiverton Hall, Emerald Fennell’s debut novel, is an
extremely likeable, well-written adventure story set in a creepy old school
where extremely odd things are happening. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When Arthur Bannister
unexpectedly receives a letter offering him a scholarship at the boarding
school Shiverton Hall, he feels he can’t turn it down, despite the fact he
really doesn’t want to go there. He </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">had had a
dreadful time at his previous school so going to Shiverton Hall would mean a
fresh start. What he doesn’t know is that Shiverton Hall is not an average
boarding school. When he gets there he does not see the nice welcoming place he
saw in the school prospectus but ‘a Gothic, turreted behemoth, all ridges and
spines and gargoyles.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">is a really
hair-raising place, full of surprises</span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> and he’s glad to
quickly make some friends, despite the fact that one of them, George, delights
in telling him stories about the schools</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> extremely</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">
gruesome history, which make him feel a bit spooked. Soon it’s not just
Georges’ stories that are making him feel scared. Something bad is happening
and Arthur seems to be at the centre of it. Shiverton Hall is g</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">reat</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> fun. A fast paced exciting school/ghost story with engaging
and credible characters. I hope there will be more from Emerald Fennell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Gillian Macdonald<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Time Riders: City of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Shadows</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Alex Scarrow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Puffin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-0141337074<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
outstanding episode of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time Riders</i>
sequence begins with the 9/11 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Twin</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place> catastrophe. Liam,
Maddy and Sal, are charged by the shadowy agency to prevent time travel
destroying history. They themselves are hunted by a remorseless cyborg team of
assassins from the future which utilises security services in order to track
them. The story moves expertly between Jack the Ripper’s <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
constantly juggling present, future and past while the reader is drawn into the
characters’ loyalties, puzzlements and moral dilemmas. When their nature is
revealed the bleak emptiness of their lives and problems of purpose and
existence become moving and utterly absorbing. When, if ever, is a human murder
justified, and how can they watch it happen, even if it could prevent future
catastrophe? Intriguing questions and very human social and moral dilemmas are
expertly handled by a master storyteller. Irresistible reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Song Hunter<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Sally Prue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">O.U.P.
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
987-0192757111<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">It
has long been the bane of youth that grown-ups don’t listen. Go back to the era
of living in caves with flint tools and it was just the same. No! It was even
worse! Dare to challenge the way it was always done and your very life was at
risk. Being the leader meant being obeyed. For Mica this situation was
intolerable. She could see that without change there could be no future for her
little community. Starvation would surely come during the coming winter. Her
problem was that she had ideas and wanted to try something different. She was
also becoming aware that there were other people close by; people that used
their voices to make melodic sounds and people that used their hands to create
tiny creatures in stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such practices
were totally alien to her own experience and yet she was memorised by the
possibilities of something different. Sally Prue imagines a world in which
imagination itself has no part. Why did the Neanderthal die out while Homo
Sapiens flourished? Adaptability and creativity were always the keys to
survival and, somehow, Mica instinctively knew this. In a world where there was
no scope for imagination, Sally Prue has created a story that fully utilizes imagination
to delve into a past so very long ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Trevor Thompson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Wolf Princess <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Cathryn Constable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Chicken
House (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1908435347<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
book promises to be an exciting read, with a cover design that suggests a snowy
Russian landscape together with prowling wolves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story revolves around Sophie, an orphan
who feels strangely drawn to join a school trip to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together with two school friends, she finds
herself in a remote Russian palace, home of a ‘princess’ who turns out to be
less than they thought. It’s March and the palace is still enfolded by the cold
snows of the Russian winter. The wolves of the surrounding forest are menacing
and as the plot unfolds, the violent history of the palace is reflected in a
modern twist that brings the story to an exciting climax. This is a great
setting for a romantic suspense thriller. The plot keeps up the suspense, and
the characters retain our interest through the story, which is likely to appeal
to readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Last Wild<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Piers Torday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Quercus
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1780878287<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Kester
is captive in a prison-like institution while outside a viral apocalypse has
apparently taken place. He finds it difficult to talk to humans but he
discovers that he can have conversations with a cockroach. Yes, a cockroach.
One day a whole army of cockroaches help him to escape from his cell. Outside
the ‘prison’ he is carried away by a huge flock of pigeons to where a small
band of creatures, led by a stag, seem to have avoided the virus which has
wiped out almost all animal life. They can all talk to him. Now, if the cynic
in you is saying “Oh come on now!” – don’t listen. This epic tale is enchanting
and totally captivating. The narrative rattles along from exciting crisis to
breathless crisis and Kester is a convincing young hero whose interaction with
the animals is so well handled that disbelief is totally suspended. I raced
headlong through the book, thirsting for the denouement, only to reach the last
tantalising line: “And I realise my story has only just begun”. It’s a story
which deserves to go on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>The Sun Catcher<o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Sheila Rance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Orion
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1444006209<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is young Maia to believe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is she the
Silk Weaver’s daughter, washed up with him to live a quiet life with the Cliff
Dwellers, or does her flame-red hair tell her that she belongs to a different
people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maia must overcome man fears and
challenges to find the answers she craves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Storm Catcher</i>
trilogy, this fast-paced, original tale, set in the <st1:place w:st="on">Far
East</st1:place> in a bygone age, will please all who love fantasy and high
adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Winter Shadows<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Margaret Buffie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tundra
(eB) £8.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1770493582<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is a fascinating book from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Teenage Cassandra’s mother has died and her father has now re-married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New wife Jean and daughter Daisy have moved
into Cass’s historic house in a small community in central <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The
house was part of the 19<sup>th</sup> century <st1:place w:st="on">Red River</st1:place>
settlement of the Hudson Bay Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s full of atmosphere, and one day Cass discovers a journal written in
1856 by a previous resident, seventeen year old Beatrice Alexander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatrice had also lost her mother, and her
father had remarried, and her future was uncertain. The story unfolds through
alternate chapters telling of Cass and Beatrice’s parallel lives, and their
growing awareness of each other as they occasionally time-slip between the
centuries. The historic episodes give a marvellous picture of life in a remote rural
colony with difficult communications and very different attitudes from today. The
story skilfully draws us into both households, showing family tensions and
problems as an array of well-drawn characters interact with each other in each
domestic setting and time. This carefully researched story illuminates the past
and demonstrates that while history changes, the human emotions that bind us
and our families, remain very much the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Clockwise to Titan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Elon Dann<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Hot
Key<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1471400957<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Mo
spends his life in the Institute trying to avoid a “squeeze”, but when Mo is
caught between the opposing demands of a guard and the inmates, he’s in a
squeeze with only one answer – escape. He takes with him the one thing of value
he has, his friendship with Moth who was imprisoned to silence his parent’s
political protests. The two boys, and Moth’s other friend Harete, devise a
daring escape over the barbwire to follow a line of pylons north to safety. As
their plans unravel, so does the truth about Mo’s involvement in the squeeze
that has them running for their lives. This is a smartly written survival
adventure that crackles with word-play, sharp characters and friendships tested
to the very end. Elon Dann balances the tension of escape with a careful
flashback structure that gives older readers a more satisfying read than a
conventional narrative. He also weaves many classical and storytelling
references that add further layers to the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Murder Notebooks: Killing Rachel<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Anne Cassidy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bloomsbury</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1408815519<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is a sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dead Time</i>, where the
story of Rose and Joshua and their missing parents began. They were briefly
step-brother and sister after their respective parents married, but family life
was brutally interrupted after their parent’s disappearance. As Katherine Smith
and Brendan Johnson were both serving police officers with the Cold Case Ops
Team, it seems that there disappearance may be linked with the case they were
working on. The official view is that they were killed by a hired assassin, but
Rose and Joshua believe that their parents are still alive, convinced that the
story of their disappearance is a smoke-screen for more sinister activities.
The story intertwines with the death by apparent suicide of Rachel, an old
friend-turned-enemy of Rose’s at the boarding school she attended after her
mother’s death. Solving the puzzle of Rachel’s death provides further clues to
their ongoing quest, and sets up for a further book in the series. This story
balances the overarching theme of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Murder Notebooks</i> with a look at the darker realms of friendship between
teenage girls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Forget Me Never<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Gina Blaxhill<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Macmillan
(eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1447208068<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">When
Sophie finds a memory stick belonging to her cousin in an old pair of jeans, it
brings back all the horror of Danielle’s suicide. Sophie and her best friend
Reece were visiting Danielle on the weekend she jumped from the balcony of her
flat, but, having seen her only minutes before the alleged suicide, Sophie has
never been able to convince herself that her cousin took her own life. This
pacey, exciting read for younger teens flirts with danger without ever getting
too serious. The romance between Sophie and Reece, including the adolescent
misunderstandings which have lead to a breach in their friendship, is nicely
drawn, and it’s good to have an intelligent and resourceful leading character
who lives in a cared-for environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Power of Five: Oblivion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Anthony Horowitz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Walker</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Books (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£16.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1844286232<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">My
initial response to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oblivion</i> was that
it was a huge piece of work with five key characters, each with their own story
to tell. At that point I had no idea that it was indeed written as five
separate books and that this was the conclusion to so much that had gone
before. Knowing nothing of the background I read it as a standalone and, as
such, it stood up brilliantly. Of course, questions came to mind about where it
all started and what were the origins of the evil ones and powers of the five.
How had the world fallen into such a mire of corruption? But, not knowing
didn’t really seem to matter as the adventure was immediately gripping, with
the horror, brutality, carnage and the fight against impossible odds all
holding together as a work of shocking darkness. Now that I know it is the
thrilling culmination of a much longer story I am intrigued to return and
discover the whole package. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Trevor Thompson<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ZOM-B Underground <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Darren Shan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Simon
& Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0857077561<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Darren
Shan’s 25 million sales worldwide testify to his appeal to horror-loving
teenagers. This, the second in a projected series of twelve, is a gore-fest
which should sate even the most rabid fan’s lust for blood. Heads are severed,
eyes are gouged, arteries spurt, flesh is burned, and intestines slurp onto the
floor. One of the less traumatic moments in one scene is reported thus – “Cathy
digs the head of her chainsaw into a man’s stomach and grinds it around. Blood
and guts spray everywhere….. He shudders and spasms like someone being
electrocuted.” In the middle of all the mayhem, though, Shan crafts our
intriguing heroine, Becky Smith, a zombie who has been ‘re-vitalised’ and needs
to eat people’s brains to stay alive (or dead!). Though she is literally
heartless she has a conscience and wrestles with moral dilemmas. Like all good
sci-fi/horror, the book deals with the big issues: what makes us human, what is
life worth? Add a dash of conspiracy theory involving mysterious controlling
mutants, and a terrifying monster called Mr Dowling and you have a recipe for
another very successful series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Nigel Hinton<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Hidden<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Marianne Curley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bloomsbury</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN
978-1408822623<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Told
in the first person by two characters in alternative chapters, this is a
complex and complicated storyline complemented by a simple structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of her unnatural strength and
hearing, her beauty, and her violet eyes, Ebony knows instinctively that she’s
different. Her confusion and anguish throughout the careful unravelling of her
real identity are very understandable when you realise she is a stolen angel,
hidden on Earth! Her friend Amber is a best friend in the true sense and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jordan</st1:place></st1:country-region>, also
human, holds important middle ground with a special role to play between the
two worlds because of his heightened spiritual awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great read which is full of action and is
beautifully imaginative throughout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There must be more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Gill Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Insignia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
S.J. Kincaid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Hot Key
Books (eB) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1471400001<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Tom
Raines is a 14 year old drifter and scammer who looks set to follow the
burnt-out career of his gambling-addicted father. However, his exceptional
skills in virtual reality game playing have brought him to the attention of the
state, and he is recruited to become a Combatant, one of a group of elite teen
soldiers who fight virtual wars in space. Set in a future but familiar earth,
the story follows Tom’s progress from raw recruit to graduating Top Gun. Its
set-piece descriptions of VR game playing will thrill aficionados of computer
games. The novel contains some entertaining comic scenes illustrating just what
happens when you let teenagers loose with the ability to infect each other’s
neural processors with viruses, but it also makes some telling and serious
political points. In this world, the Combatants rely partly on corporate
sponsors, and must make devilish deals with them. The ethics of wars fought in
space, virtually or otherwise, wars fought at the behest of governments who are
effectively corporations in thin disguise, wars fought by teenagers with
computer software which belongs to the military installed in their brains are
all issues raised in this satisfyingly complex read. There is a planned sequel,
and I look forward to finding out what the author makes of these darker, more
thought-provoking strands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Hanged Man Rises<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by
Sarah Naughton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Simon and
Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0857078643<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">A
serial killer known as the Wigman stalks an impoverished riverside community in
a murky part of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>.
His target is young children, and their deaths are gruesome. Titus Adams and
his young sister Hannah live with their drunken parents in the Wigman’s
stalking ground. Life is cruel enough, but when their home burns down and their
parents are killed, there is no place for Hannah to go except the dreaded
workhouse. Titus finds shelter and a job with Inspector Pilbury which will help
him secure Hannah’s release. Pilbury successfully apprehends the murderer and
Titus sees him hang. So why do the murders continue? This is a dark, dark tale
with many of the themes from which childhood nightmares are woven. The story
itself is well paced, carefully constructed and absorbing, with a real air of
suspense and characters that you find yourself rooting for. It was a book that,
once started, I did not want to put down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Yvonne Coppard<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Steampunk!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Edited by
Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Walker</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> Books (eB) £7.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1406341515<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Such
an exciting and varied anthology makes me wonder why more short story
collections aren’t aimed at Young Adults. With a varieties of length, style and
subject matter, older readers can explore exciting, relatively new genres as
well as discovering more about their own personal reading tastes: whether they
lean more towards the dark, with Libby Bray, the romantic, with Holly Black, or
the historical, with M. T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place></st1:city>. Cory Doctorow
tells the story of a care home for injured orphans where a revolt replaces an
oppressive guardian with a Clockwork Fagin and a co-operative business. Delia
Shema brings a world of deceit, debit and the latest mechanical automaton to a
sleepy Welsh village and a family ghost. Garth Nix delivers a short but punchy
story of assassinations. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steampunk!</i>
is a distinct, vibrant and rich selection of narratives which includes two
graphic artists as well as twelve authors. Any fantasy or science-fiction fan
will find this a rewarding and stimulating collection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Benjamin Scott<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39294879802692792.post-34498346171133341932013-03-15T09:50:00.003-07:002013-03-15T09:50:36.958-07:00New Reviews - March 2013
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Titles for Younger Children<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Little Princess
Story: I Didn’t Do It!<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and Illustrated by Tony Ross</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849394642</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
All is not well at the castle.
Someone has muddied the floors, stolen the chocolate cake, trampled the
radishes and sunk the Admiral’s toy boats. Guess who everyone thinks is to
blame? No matter how many times the Little Princess tries to explain that ‘I
didn’t do it’, no-one believes her. Finally, the real culprit unmasks himself,
and the Little Princess gets a share of the naughty spoils. Children will
clearly identify, rather strongly, with the injustice of being accused of
something you haven’t done by ill-informed grown-ups, and they will love the
big reveal at the end when we discover that the real villain is, of course, the
Little Princess’ equally naughty brother. Of course, it’s the brother who’s
really to blame! A great book for your own mischievous pre-schoolers!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b>Little Mouse's Big Secret</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Written and
illustrated by Éric Battut</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
Sterling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
ISBN:
978-1402794445 ISBN: 978-1402794445</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Little Mouse peeps though a hole in the jacket of this
beautifully understated picture book. Its plain, red cover and unpretentious
typeface, prepare us for what on the surface seems like a simple tale. A greedy
mouse finds an apple and decides to keep it secret from his friends by burying
it in the ground. But, the selfish mouse has overlooked one thing: if you plant
seeds in the ground, they grow into great big trees, and, trees produce fruit.
Little Mouse’s secret is out and he eventually realises it is more satisfying
to share with friends than store things up for himself. Battut’s miniature
watercolours of tiny animals, finely observed, will captivate readers, and his
carefully selected words will resonate with young and old. A timeless tale with
a universal message: sharing is better than hoarding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Richard Monte<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mr Zinger’s Hat</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cary</st1:place></st1:city>
Fagan</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Dusan Petričić </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Tundra Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1770492530</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Do stories grow out of hats?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And can a bouncing ball help the
process?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Balls and hats seemed to be
involved when Leo sat on a bench with old Mr. Zinger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leo really liked the story they made up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, he finds he can share another story
with his new friend, Sophie and the magic begins again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Canadian import is a pleasure from
beginning to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The Princess and the
Peas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Caryl Hart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated
by Sarah Warburton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Nosy
Crow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-0857631077<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Lily-Rose refuses to eat peas, even when her dad
disguises them in a multitude of ingenious ways, and so her doctor diagnoses
that she must be a princess. She leaves her home in the woods and goes to live
with the king and queen, who understand that princesses should never be made to
eat peas. However, life at the palace turns out to be less fun than Lily-Rose
had expected. There are far too many lessons in waving and shaking hands and
the food is awful, so she goes back to her dad in their home in the wood and
learns to like peas. There is so much to like in this book. The modern
reinvention of the well-loved fairytale is told in the form of rhyming
couplets, which flow beautifully with rhymes that are never too contrived. The
illustrations are large and colourful with plenty of intriguing detail for
young book lovers to seek out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Lennon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Elmer, Rose and Super El<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
and illustrated by David McKee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>978-1849394505<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">The herd of pink elephants are celebrating the
100<sup>th</sup> birthday of their oldest elephant, aptly named Old, at their
special clearing near the cliff top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, all their stomping and stamping causes an earthquake and poor
Old is left stranded on a pillar of rock. In fact, it’s the pink elephants and
certainly Super El who are responsible for the action in this story, although
Elmer can be relied upon for his characteristic optimism and words of wisdom.
Another Elmer classic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Gill
Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Three Pigs<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by David Wiesner</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849394055</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Note these pigs are not little,
and that is the first of several variations on the traditional tale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pigs fly away on a paper aeroplane and
have lots of adventures. They run into a nursery rhyme and they find a dragon
in danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rescue the dragon and
return home, but, there’s the Big Bad Wolf waiting. However, he comes to a traditional,
satisfying end. Children will love the way it veers away from the traditional
plot line and be delighted when they see the book deconstructed and torn apart
to be re-made as a paper aeroplane. The visuals are amazing with a lot of white
space waiting to be filled by the reader’s imagination. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Julia Jarman<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Olivia and the Fairy Princesses<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written and illustrated by Ian
Falconer</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Simon and Schuster (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0857078872</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Olivia wants to be original.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t want to be like all the other
piglets, who are obsessed with being fairy princesses at every party and dance
recital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can’t see why the
princesses always have to be pink and are never from other countries with
interesting costumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mother just
wants her to go to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that
Olivia will never be able to settle on a future career but eventually there is
a resolution which in her indomitable style is feisty, and fun for the reader.
Ian Falconer does not draw conventionally appealing characters but the
distinctive line drawings and restrained use of colour fit perfectly with
Olivia’s unique character and her mother’s no nonsense approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many contemporary picture books there is
as much, if not more, here for the parent as for the child, however, even
children meeting Olivia for the first time will be taken by her spirit and
individuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all little girls need
to know that there is more to life than being a fairy princess.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Annalise <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taylor</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Princess of <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">8<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Linas Alsenas</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Abrams<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0810989726</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Clearly drawn pictures set with
small blocks of text tell this illustrated story of a lonely princess living in
a contemporary American town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
princess is, of course, a regular small girl, but one who finds the rough and
tumble of the playground hard to cope with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In this story, our princess confronts her fears of playing with the
other children and makes a friend.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This book works well as a read
–aloud for individual children or for groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s plenty of scope for talking around the story. Why is this girl
is a princess, and why is she afraid of the other children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is the naughty Toad, and what does it
take to make a friend? There’s a great opportunity here to widen children’s
thinking about friendship and loneliness.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Belle and Boo and the
Goodnight Kiss <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Mandy Sutcliffe</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orchard books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408316108</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Belle and Boo, her rabbit, are
getting ready for bedtime after a busy day. As Belle and Boo go through their
usual bedtime routine, Boo decides to rebel as he creates noise and plays hide
and seek, until Belle finds him tucked up in her bed having forgotten his
goodnight kiss. Belle soon puts that right and everyone can settle down for the
night. This is an old-fashioned, delightful look at traditional bedtime
activities, told with economy and simplicity and balanced by delightful
illustrations. Parents will delight with children at the antics of Boo the
rabbit, as he thinks up the usual excuses for not getting ready for bed. The
illustrations are drawn clearly, using soft block colours against a creamy
yellow background which brings a warm glow to every page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The text is simple, warm and gentle, and
ideal for inducing that sleepy bedtime feeling for children who are lucky
enough to have this among their bedtime stories.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mammoth Pie<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Jeanne Willis</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Tony Ross</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1842707579</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
When Og the caveman sees a hairy
mammoth at the top of the hill, his mouth starts to water. It’s a long time
since he has enjoyed meat, so he resolves to catch the mammoth and make a pie.
Recognising that this is quite a difficult task, Og ropes in help from a series
of caveman friends, each of whom contributes something to the hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, catching a mammoth is harder than you
think, especially when the whole mammoth herd decides to charge! This is yet
another amusing story from this wonderful duo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The text works well as it appears on the page like free verse, not
exactly rhyming, but set out to encourage a rhythmic approach, with some happy
rhyming sections. There are lovely opportunities for playing with the words and
with the cavemen’s names. As always, the illustrations are full of humour and
can be used to talk about the technology available to early cave dwellers!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zoe and Beans: Hello
Oscar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written and illustrated by Chloe and Mick Inkpen</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£10.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0230763685</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Zoe and her best-friend, Beans,
are back for another quirky adventure. The discovery of a guinea pig in the
back garden heralds the arrival of a menagerie of pets ranging from another
guinea pig, a rabbit and a tortoise to a chameleon, parrot and duck! Where are
all the pets coming from? A friendly face in a hole under the garden fence
brings the answer. This lively and well-paced book with witty text and
illustrations that sparkle with energy and good humour reinforces the benefits
of inquisitiveness. Zoe is an independent and bright child, willing to rush to
“Google” in order to feed the chameleon – very delightful but also very modern.
</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Benjamin Scott <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Yoga Ogre<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Peter Bently</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Simon Rickerty</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Simon and Shuster<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1847389039</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
This picture book with blocks of
primary colours and bold shapes has a rhyming text which many children
enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ogden</st1:place></st1:city> the Ogre is very worried because his
pyjamas have grown far too short and tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people of the town suggest he takes up a sport to get fit and this
is the beginning of their troubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For,
of course, an Ogre is rather large and heavy and playing basketball was not a
good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ogden</st1:place></st1:city> doesn’t know his own strength and the
ball bounces off the church and the steeple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Football is just as dangerous as he flattens cars and lamp-posts and
hockey and golf prove to be equally disastrous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a last resort, the people suggest yoga, which was perhaps their
biggest mistake. This wonderfully amusing story of a very large and friendly
ogre and the long suffering townsfolk is a delight and will be enjoyed time and
time again.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Louise Stothard<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Titles for Younger Readers<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">More Seriously Silly
Stories!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written by Laurence Anholt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Illustrated by Arthur Robins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Orchard (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£4.99 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN: 978-1408324189<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Three newly recast traditional
tales here; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daft Jack and the Bean Stack</i>,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shampoozel</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eco</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wolf and the Three Pigs</i>.
Mix Monty Python with pure slapstick and you’re somewhere near the style of
these decidedly daft tales. Daft Jack and his mother lived under a cow. The cow
must go, as his mother is sick of milk, milk, milk, until they win a
competition and a juggernaut full of baked beans arrives. Jack stacks the beans
and climbing them, finds an angry, hungry giant who actually loves beans and
may even want to meet his widowed Mum. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shampoozel</i>
a hairdresser named Dan Druff sings naughty hair songs. Dan Druff and Tam O’Tei
solve their hairy problems, and Prince Garie Baldie rescues baby Shampoozel
ridiculously from her tower, regaining hair in the process. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eco Wolf and the Three Pigs</i> involves
engagingly hippy eco-warriors pitted against sinister black suited pigs.
Defeated in their plans to demolish homes and made to restore the valley, the
tale celebrates natural resources and wind energy. Ridiculously good fun!</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tina Massey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Atticus Claw Breaks the Law<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by Jennifer Gray</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Faber & Faber (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£5.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-0571284498</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
What else would you expect a cat
burglar to be other than a cat? Which is exactly what Atticus Grammaticus
Cattypus Claw is – a cat! Although quite happy with his life of crime, Atticus
accepts a commission from an unpleasant gang of magpies, to relieve all the
citizens of a small seaside town of all their jewellery. However, his cover
means that he has to live with the family of the policeman who, ultimately, and
successfully, investigates Atticus’ crimes. Our cat burglar becomes very fond
of his adopted family and decides that perhaps a life of crime is no longer for
him. The latter part of the story is concerned with his efforts to put right
all his misdeeds. This is a lovely book, with classic villains in the shape of
magpies and, of course, the villain turned hero, Atticus. Despite his crimes he
is a very appealing character, full of charm and a brilliant pet. The climax is
fast-moving and exciting, with a very satisfactory ending.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Titles for Older Readers<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Osbert the Avenger<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
Written by Christopher William Hill<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Orchard Books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£9.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408326350</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Welcome to Schwartzgarten, a
sinister city ruled over by The Institute, a private school that selects only
the brightest children from the city as its pupils and has a fearsome
reputation for the cruelty of its educational methods. The first of a series of
adventures, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tales from</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Schwartzgarten</i>, set in this unsettling
fictional world, this book is a darkly humorous, twisty-turny read. Osbert
Brinkhoff seems an unlikely candidate for heroism, but after he is expelled
from the Institute and his family financially ruined by the Institute’s
Principal, he sets out to avenge himself on his persecutors. Osbert uses his
intelligence and resourcefulness to engineer a series of satisfyingly fiendish
deaths for the Institute’s teaching staff. Professor Ingelbrod starves to death
after being tied to his bed with violin strings, while greedy Dr Zilbergeld
meets a sticky end at the strudel factory. Osbert seems to have developed quite
a taste for revenge, and the closing picture of him stalking his former love, Isabella
Myops, gives us the disturbing sense that Osbert might well have launched
himself into a life-long career in avenging. I look forward to meeting him
again in Schwartzgarten soon.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Call Down Thunder<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Daniel Finn</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Macmillan (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-0230738003</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
The story begins in a small fishing
village in a poor country, probably in Central or <st1:place w:st="on">South
America</st1:place>. Reve and his sister Mi were abandoned by their mother
five years earlier, and their father murdered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reve spends his time fishing, helping at his uncle’s cantina, and
watching out for his big sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mi is a
girl apart, living in an abandoned car on the edge of the village. She suffers
from epilepsy, and is developing a reputation as a visionary. Meanwhile, the
local drug baron is seeking revenge for a tip-off that interrupted his latest
exploit. The tension mounts and the children face a series of terrifying
experiences. Reve is a strong character within a strong and convincing story.
We witness drug running, extortion, and gangland violence through his young
eyes, and believe every minute. Realistic dialogue and short, but telling,
descriptions characterise this very readable novel. There is a varied array of
well drawn characters and the author always has the drama under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thoroughly recommended for confident pre-teen
readers.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Liz Dubber<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coraline<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Neil Gaiman</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Illustrated by Chris Riddell</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Bloomsbury (R) (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>£12.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1408818610</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Coraline has moved to a new flat
inside an old house just before school is to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her preoccupied parents hardly notice when
she disappears through a blocked-off door and enters a menacing, parallel
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first her ‘other’ mother and
father seemed kind, almost too kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
more Coraline explores her new house; full of rats, spiders and lost children,
the more she knows that she must use all her ingenuity and courage to
escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This modern fairy tale, with its
remarkable illustrations, is a compelling read. Now, reprinted to mark its 10<sup>th</sup>
anniversary, with new illustrations by Chris Riddell.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marianne Adey<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Apothecary</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Written by Maile Meloy</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
Andersen (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
ISBN: 978-1849395069</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Dealing with a little-visited era
in children’s literature, the book touches on the McCarthy trials when the
House Committee on Un-American Activities encouraged people to denounce
Communists and Communist sympathisers. As free-thinking liberals in the film
industry, Janie Scott’s parents come under suspicion, and this triggers the
family’s move from sunny <st1:city w:st="on">L.A.</st1:city> to drab and dreary
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>. The comparisons
between the warm, multi-coloured, appliance-filled world of California and the
pinched, drab, impoverished world of Britain in the early 1950s are painfully
drawn, though what post-war London has got going for it is the presence of
magic and magic-workers. Befriended by Benjamin Burrows, the son of the local
apothecary, Janie quickly finds herself embroiled in an escapade involving an
ancient book of spells and magical potions, spies and nuclear weapons. This
Cold War tale brings to life the era with its paranoia, sense of shifting
politics, and the idea of supernatural new weapons and defences. At heart this
is an old-fashioned adventure story, but the setting places magic in the
satisfyingly unusual context of the newly arrived atomic era and gives the
old-fashioned an interesting fresh twist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stella Maden<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Torn<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Written by David Massey</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Chicken House<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
ISBN: 978-1908435170</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
Set in Afghanistan, this novel
shows what many people would imagine is a true representation of life for the
British soldiers in the war zone, with the patrols, the road-side bombs, the
heat, the not knowing who is friend and who is enemy. For newly arrived army
medic, Elinor, it is a shock for which all her training had not truly prepared
her. The appearance, and the apparent shooting, of a young Afghan girl that
occurs on her very first patrol lead Elinor down a strange and dangerous path,
where secret special American forces are pursuing their own agenda. The book is
a real mixture of the shocking and the frustrating, with the very occasional
touch of humour. The reader never knows, nor can even begin to guess, what
might happen next. Once started, it is impossible to put this book down.</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pat Thompson<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Another Life<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Written
by Keren David<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Frances
Lincoln (eB)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>£6.99<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ISBN:
978-1847802866<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This final sequel to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When I was Joe</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Almost
True</i> is equally compelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
begins with Ty’s cousin, Archie, maintaining his silence when the headmaster
tries to investigate how drugs got into school, for to protest that he’s
innocent would spoil his chances of being expelled!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, once he’s successfully home in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> he’s set on never
again being sent away to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, Ty suddenly finds himself in a Young Offenders Institution and
the whole family is shaken. Gran’s death is doubly distressing as it appears
possibly premature through the stress of events, which in turn adds to Ty’s
emotional turmoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, Archie’s
physical resemblance to his cousin becomes an added complication when he tries
to unravel what really happened and who it is pursuing Ty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is soon deeply embroiled in the world of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>’s gangland where
feuds are long-standing, identities are confused, trusting is precarious and
consequences are potentially life-threatening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a seriously gripping story and the reader is left wanting still
more!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Gill
Roberts<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199141302528193969noreply@blogger.com0