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The Christmas Pine is based on a true story. It celebrates a special tradition that stretches back over seventy years. Every year, the Mayor of Oslo in Norway presents the British people with a spectacular Christmas tree. The tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, and a thank you for the UK's support during World War II. Each year, the UK Poetry Society asks a poet to write a poem to welcome the tree. Julia Donaldson originally wrote The Christmas Pine to celebrate the 2020 Christmas tree. The poem was performed by London schoolchildren, and displayed in Trafalgar Square. Gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations by Victoria Sandoy whisk you from frozen forests to the sparkling city square in a beautiful, moving story of festivity and hope. Great for Ages 3-6. ISBN 9780702318009 -
The irresistible story of Robin Robin and her adopted mouse family is the perfect Christmas treat from the creators of the Christmas-themed film, Robin Robin, created by Aardman for Netflix. This picture book version of the story, beautifully illustrated by Briony May Smith, is perfect for sharing with young children. The mouse family all love Robin, and she is so keen to fit in, she pulls her feathers into ears... but nothing can make a noisy, rather clumsy, bird good at sneaking crumbs for the family without disturbing the dreaded cat! Robin Robin is a warm and funny story to win the hearts of families everywhere. Great for Ages 3-6. ISBN 9781529071375 -
The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – an extraordinarily brilliant and rollicking mystery adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross, and the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny. Ben is getting used to life without his beloved granny. She was a cabbage enthusiast, a Scrabble partner… and an international jewel thief known as The Black Cat. Now, only the memory of their extraordinary adventure to steal the Crown Jewels lives on. Then something inexplicable happens. World-famous treasures are stolen in the dead of night and the clues point to none other than The Black Cat? But that’s impossible…? Expect the unexpected in this wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud adventure, which will have readers on the edge of their seats as they join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat. This first ever sequel from David Walliams will delight new fans, as well as the millions of readers that have loved Gangsta Granny. Great for Ages 9-12 ISBN 9780008581404 -
Return to the spellbinding world of Cordelia Hatmaker in this soaring magical sequel to The Hatmakers. Ever since Cordelia discovered the hidden map in her father's precious telescope, she's been searching the streets of London by starlight and trying to uncover its secrets. She's sure that her missing father is out there somewhere, and that if she follows his map, she'll finally discover the truth about his disappearance. She never expects to stumble upon a secret society of Mapmakers - or to learn that magic isn't limited to the few Maker families, but is instead is all around, if you just know where to look... But danger is lurking around every corner, and Cordelia must convince the rival Maker families to work together for once - not only to bring her father home, but to save the very essence of magic itself... A gorgeous adventure from exceptional new storytelling talent, Tamzin Merchant, featuring beautiful illustrations by Paola Escobar. ISBN 9780241426340 -
Ed and his sister Roo are faced with the most boring half-term holiday in history: five days spent in the company of their elderly neighbour, Miss Filey, and her ancient, smelly cat. But when they find a box of birthday candles in a cupboard in Miss Filey's house, their world is changed completely. Because these are no ordinary candles and every single one of them comes with a wish. There's only one problem: some of those wishes actually belong to someone else . . . From the bestselling author of Wed Wabbit, Wished is a hilarious misadventure about how the biggest wishes can come true, in the most unexpected ways. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781788452038 -
The hilarious and deeply moving diary novel from bestselling author Alex Barclay - this might just be the funniest book ever to make you cry your eyes out.This is the diary of me, Ellery Brown, aged fifteen and a half. I'm supposed to use it to record my feelings about my mum, since she died. So why do I keep thinking about who my dad might be, instead? I have so much STUFF to think about - including a whole new life in Ireland. So why can I not stop thinking about my DAD? Especially because it it so weird to think about someone you don't know. Like, literally, I have NO IDEA who my dad is.My best friend Meg has narrowed it down to three authors my mum knew. (She was an author too.) But they're not just in different countries; they're on different CONTINENTS. Which means fake IDs, passports, plane tickets, and somehow getting away from my self-obsessed grandmother . . .One thing's for sure: this year is going to be INTERESTING. Great for Teens & Young Adults. ISBN 9780008295202 -
From the author of October, October comes a life-affirming story about blended families and learning to find room in your heart for new life and new love. Tom is still quiet and timid, even though his dad has been gone for nearly two years now. Zofia is the opposite. Inside her there's a raging storm that makes her want to fight the whole world until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is for scaredy-cat Tom to get out of her life. Tom hates loud, unpredictable Zofia just as much, but he's moving into Zofia's house. Because his mum and Zofia's dad are in love ... and they're having a baby. Tom and Zofia both wish the stupid baby had never happened. But then Tom's mum gets ill, and it begins to look horribly like their wish might come true ... A story of learning to trust, trying to let go and diving into the unknown with hope in your heart. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781526622983 -
Based on the much-loved film, fly away on a magical journey to the enchanting land of the Snowman - now celebrating its 40th anniversary! After the snow settles on a cold winter's day, a little boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life! Together they fly through the night sky on a breathtaking and magical journey, until the sun comes up and it's time to go home... This edition of the classic tale from Raymond Briggs features stunningly rendered new artwork based on the 1982 film, alongside beautifully written story narration. Great for Ages 3-7. ISBN 9780241597804 -
Meet Alex Neptune, the boy with the power of the ocean in his hands - a brand-new hero for fans of Percy Jackson and Dragon Realm! For as long as Alex Neptune can remember, the ocean has been trying to kill him. So he's not too happy when a bunch of sea creatures drag him to the abandoned aquarium on the hill, where an imprisoned water dragon needs his help. But how can he say no to a magical myth? Recruiting his tech-genius best friend Zoey, legend-lover Anil, a sharp-shooting octopus, four acrobatic otters and a thieving seagull, Alex plots a heist to break the dragon out. And suddenly discovers the power of the ocean at his fingertips... "A wonderfully pacy adventure full of imagination and jeopardy." Jasbinder Bilan. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781474999236 -
'D'you - er - have you seen her before?''Yes. I know who she is.''But, Grinstead, this painting is seventy years old - probably nearer eighty! You're not being serious - I mean... What do you mean?' On a dark winter's night in 1970, Horley and Grinstead huddle for warmth in the Senior Common Room of a college in Oxford. Conversation turns to the two impressive works of art that Horley has recently added to his collection. What the two men don't know is that these pieces are connected in mysterious and improbable ways; and they are about to be caught in the cross-fire of a story which has travelled time and worlds. Great for Teens and Young Adults. ISBN 9780241475256 -
A stylishly illustrated edition of the classic Christmas poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C.Moore - an essential festive favourite transformed by spectacularly talented debut illustrator Stacey Thomas. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house... Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Perfect for sharing with little ones, nothing captures the Christmas spirit better than Clement C. Moore's much-loved poem. With Stacey Thomas's lavish illustrations, this new edition of the traditional poem is an essential advent read for Christmas lovers young and old. Great for Ages 0-6. ISBN 9781529011135 -
In this stunning ninth book in the New York Times bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie and her friends discover the true meaning of power - and evil. Sophie Foster changed the game. Now she's facing impossible choices: When to act. When to trust. When to let go. Her friends are divided and scattered, and the Black Swan wants Sophie to focus on their projects. But her instincts are leading her somewhere else. Stellarlune - and the mysterious Elysian - might be the key to everything. But finding truth in the Lost Cities always requires sacrifice. And as the Neverseen's plans sharpen into terrifying focus, it appears that everyone has miscalculated. The Lost Cities' greatest lie could destroy everything. And in the battle that follows, only one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781471189531 -
Trey Anderson is popular and handsome, and he works at his family's beloved Black-owned bookshop, Wonderland. Ariel Spencer is quirky, creative, and in need of a holiday temp job to cover her tuition for The Artists' Studio. An opening at Wonderland is the answer... and the start of a hate-to-love journey for Trey and Ariel. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of shutting down, can they get over their differences and team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline? 'I devoured this delicious YA rom-com. A treat to read any time of year.' Katherine Webber, author of Twin Crowns. 'A dazzling love letter to bookshops, and the power of community.' Adiba Jaigirdar, author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating. Great for Teens. ISBN 9781398516878 -
One of the best things you can do for yourself is imagine a world where you can reach your full potential. The more you picture that, the easier it becomes to make that dream happen. The Marcus Rashford You Are a Champion Action Planner is an interactive guide that will show you how to become a champion in anything you put your mind to! Marcus has inspired millions of children around the world in his empowering and bestselling guide for life, You Are a Champion - now, he's created a fun and engaging action planner packed with positive activities, brilliant advice and inspiring challenges that will help you reach your full potential. Marcus has once again teamed up with performance psychologist Katie Warriner and journalist Carl Anka, his collaborators on the award-winning book You Are a Champion, to help you achieve your dreams. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781035014040 -
The Spy Ninjas are going viral in their first original graphic novel! The Spy Ninjas finally have the upper hand! Chad and Vy have discovered a super secret project Zorgo base. It's filled with gadgets, gizmos and some serious technology. Chad and Vy just have to show some of this to the other Spy Ninjas. They bring a VR headset home with them, but it's more than meets the eye. Chad and Vy try on the headset and get sucked into a virtual world! This can't be good. Complete with digital bosses, exploding food and wacky characters. With amazing full-colour art, this original graphic novel is perfect for readers searching for a whirlwind adventure! Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781338814613 -
Read the brand-new story about everyone's favourite spooky sweethearts, Jack and Sally Skellington, in this official The Nightmare Before Christmas book. Jack and Sally are truly meant to be... or are they? Newly crowned, Sally is thrown into the role of Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with royal duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is swap her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a new cage. When Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town, she unknowingly sets a chain of sinister events in motion, putting herself, and the future of Halloween Town, in jeopardy. Can Sally discover how to be true to herself and save Halloween Town, or will her future turn into her worst nightmare? Written by New York Times' bestselling author, Shea Ernshaw, this book is perfect for fans of the film, Disney Twisted Tales and Wranglestone. Great for Teens. ISBN 9781800784536 -
A gripping thriller for readers who like danger and mystery and chills and spills from the comfort of their sofas... "Just the right level of intrigue and jeopardy" - The Times. When Lucas and Ruby find an abandoned trunk covered in snow, Lucas says there's bound to be a body inside. Ruby laughs but what if he's right? Nervously she starts to open it, and immediately wishes she hadn't. From that moment on, they're drawn into a thrilling mystery, one that they have to solve before the falling snow smothers all trace of wrongdoing... Great for Ages 10-13. ISBN 9781839945908 -
There is nothing more dangerous than magic... Eleven-year-old Erskin is used to danger; she lives in the shadow of Mountainfell, a place of wild creatures and dangerous magic. When the most powerful and deadly creature of all - the fearsome cloud dragon - snatches Erskin's sister away, Erskin must face her greatest fear and journey onto the mountain to bring her back. A terrible power is stirring, and it is up to Erskin to save both her family and her home. "A glorious, heart-warming, magical adventure!" Lucy Strange, author of Sisters of the Lost Marsh. "A fantastical, perilous adventure, full of intrigue and self-discovery." Amy Wilson, author of A Girl Called Owl. Great for Ages 9-12. ISBN 9781529503296
