Many titles have full reviews and additional images that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
Dixie O'Day #2: and the Great Diamond Robbery
Dixie O’Day and his best friend Percy are off on holiday to one of the finest seaside hotels. They are looking forward to a relaxing and peaceful break but they are not the only ones visiting the hotel. Percy’s favourite pop-star, Peaches Miaow, is staying at the hotel too and when her fabulous diamond necklace disappears the duo are called into action to solve the mystery…
Page Count: 136
Genre: Adventure, crime, mystery Themes: Friendship, seaside, honesty 'a word about books' says…”Pack your suitcase for a thrilling seaside adventure that has plenty of glamour and glitz, secret passageways, some sneaky cat-burglars and a smashing duo that will be loved by young readers."
|
Dixie O'Day #3: and the Haunted House
In search of the simple life, friends Dixie O’Day and Percy are heading off camping. Everything is going well until a storm requires the duo to make a hasty escape and they have to seek accommodation elsewhere. A creepy looking old house isn’t what they had in mind but with a car out of petrol and feeling tired and weary they take their chances…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Friendship, ghosts, humour, fear 'a word about books' says…”The mother and daughter team of Shirely Hughes and Clara Vulliamy have done it again with camping, clever cows and creepy goings-on. A camping trip with Dixie O’Day and Percy is the perfect recipe for fun with just a few frights along the way."
|
Dog Diaries
Junior's life is pretty miserable in the pooch prison at Hills Village Dog Shelter, but then he gets chosen by an actual human and everything changes. He has himself a pet human and life has never been better. But life is never straightforward and an incident at the park threatens to put him back in pooch prison unless he can become the village’s most obedient dog…
Page Count: 208
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals, family, everyday life 'a word about books' says…”This is a laugh-out-loud read (that would have my tail wagging frantically if I had one) from the awesome Steven Butler and James Patterson. A paw-some start to a new series that is sure to be a hit with dog lovers."
|
Donut Feed the Squirrels
After burning their breakfast pancakes, Belly and Norma are stuck with boring chestnuts for breakfast. Or are they? The smell of donuts is in the air and that would be the perfect treat to satisfy a hungry squirrel. But the grumpy donut seller isn’t keen on trading donuts for chestnuts. Can they pull off the greatest heist of the century and get their paws on the delicious donuts...
Page Count: 112
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Animals, food, humour 'a word about books' says…”Think 'Mission Impossible' with squirrels. Yes it sounds bonkers but it is brilliantly bonkers and Donut Feed the Squirrels offers up a wonderfully tasty and sweet read for newly independent readers. I’m off to get me a chestnut flavoured donut."
|
Dread Cat
Everyone scarpers when Dread Cat is around because he was born to catch mice. Unfortunately he is terrible at this job so he turns over a new paw and vows to stop trying to catch mice - declaring his war on the mouse world over. Instead, he will provide an evening meal service of cheese to each mouse. But can Dread Cat be believed and is the mouse line getting shorter…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, honesty, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"A cautionary tale about lots of mice and one very conniving cat who is definitely not to be trusted. It is a rollickingly good cat-and-mouse chase that is fast-paced and filled with tension.”
|
Dream Team #1: Attack of the Heebie Jeebies
Erika is not happy. Her younger brother Randall is causing her all sorts of grief and she she can’t get either of her parents to play with her or listen to her. Taking her anger to bed leads to angry dreams and she finds herself in the Dreamscape heading towards an angermare. She will need the help of the Dream Team if she is to make it out of the Dreamscape alive…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, family, feelings 'a word about books' says…”It is exciting, it is imaginative, it is funny and it deals with real issues without being over the top about it. A great read for opening up conversations on different feelings, why we feel the way we do and what we can do to manage those feelings.”
|
Dream Team #2: A Case of the Jitters
Chanda Anand is having a tough time. Bullied and pushed around in the day-time, a Jitter is now invading her dreams and is threatening to replace her in her real life. With a head full of bad thoughts, her happy memories are fading fast and her confidence and self-belief has all but been eroded. Chanda needs help. Can the Dream Team overcome their toughest challenge yet…
Page Count: 200
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, family, feelings, school, bullying, monsters, mental health 'a word about books' says…”This is an action-packed fantasy adventure into the Dreamscape in which Percival deals with the very important issues of fear and anxiety. Great for sharing with younger children or for children of 7+ to read independently."
|
The Elephant
Ever since Olive’s mother died, her father hasn’t been the same, there's an elephant that follows him around that Olive desperately needs to send away. But how can somebody so small chase away something so big? With the help of best friend Arthur and her grandad, Olive has a plan. But will she be able to erase the grey from her family’s lives and replace it with colour…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, bereavement, feelings, school, mental health, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…”Sadness, in all its forms, is not picky about who it affects and as such it is essential that children have access to books like this that open up conversations and tackle issues around mental health, grief and depression."
|
Eliza Boom's Diary #1: My Explosive Adventure
When Eliza accidentally gifts a piece of ribbon containing her dad's top-secret spy information to Zoe, the school bully, she has a big problem. Can Eliza and Einstein (her pet dog) catch a spy, outwit the bully and retrieve the ribbon before it gets into the wrong hands?
Page Count: 130
Genre: Humour Themes: Science, family, friendship, school 'a word about books' says…”Written in the form of diary entries with jokes and doodles, this is an action-packed adventure full of scientific inventions, mystery, things that go ‘BOOM’ and bags of humour.”
|
Eliza Boom's Diary #2: My Fizz-Tastic Investigation
When a new neighbour moves in next door something doesn’t seem right to Eliza. The neighbour has a weird dog, has changed her garden fence and Eliza can hear strange sounds. Then objects disappear from Eliza’s house. Can Eliza unravel the mystery of the new neighbour?
Page Count: 128
Genre: Humour Themes: Science, family 'a word about books' says…”Eliza Boom is back for her second adventure and this time it’s full of fizz-tastic potions, strange goings-on and bags of humour. It is refreshing to read a book where the central character is a young girl who is passionate about Science and inventing.”
|
Elvis the Squirrel
There’s nothing better than a free breakfast is there? And Elvis and Chuck have spotted one on a bird table. But the two squirrels are not the only ones on the hunt for breakfast, Ronnie the Raven is on the hunt too. And when Chuck gets squirrel-napped by Ronnie, Elvis is forced to postpone his breakfast plans and must instead save his friend from becoming Ronnie’s morning snack…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, food, humour, teamwork 'a word about books' says…”A funny story that will amuse and entertain young readers, particularly animal lovers."
|
Fabio The World's Greatest Flamingo Detective: The Case of the Missing Hippo
When talent show judge Daphne the hippo catches a cold Fabio reluctantly steps in to take her place. Fabio has his suspicions that the judging panel might be up to no good. And when Julia the singing hippo disappears mid-act, Fabio finds himself relieved from his talent-sporting duties and instead dealing with something he is much more comfortable with, searching for the truth…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Mystery Themes: Humour, animals 'a word about books' says…"Fabio Flamingo is fabulous fun and will brighten up the day of any reader. The wearing of sunglasses is definitely encouraged and I strongly advise pouring yourself a nice glass of pink lemonade to enjoy whilst reading."
|
Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish
After a right royal wishing mishap, the Queen banishes Grant the Genie and his not-so-magic-lamp from Genie World for good. Landing on Earth with a bump, a lonely Grant finds a friend in Teeny, a not-so-teeny lost dog. When the pair are kidnapped by the quirky Lavinia Lavender and trapped in her very purple home, it is just the beginning of their problems…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, friendship, animals, humour 'a word about books' says…"Perfectly pitched for children who are gaining confidence in reading longer stories, this is a cracking little chapter book and Lenton’s brilliant story and lively illustrations guarantee giggles from start to finish. A whole load of genie-themed fun!"
|
The Ghost in Annie's Room
Emma and her family are excited to be on holiday and staying with Great Aunt Win in her cottage by the sea. Despite some ghostly talk from her brother Joe, Emma is happy to sleep in the attic room that used to belong to cousin Annie. But when bedtime comes and the lights are off Emma becomes uneasy and begins to wonder if she really is alone in the attic. Can she uncover the mystery of the ghost in Annie’s room…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Mystery, ghost Themes: Family, seaside, fear, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Oooh, this is a lovely little atmospheric read with all the traits of a typical ghost story with just a few gentle frights for young readers."
|
Ginger Green is Absolutely MAD for Birthdays! (Mostly)
Ginger Green is turning eight years old and to celebrate she is having a big princess themed birthday party. Together with her best friend Lottie, Ginger Green has planned the perfect party. But when crazy Maisy and no-pants Penny start behaving badly at the party will Ginger Green be able to summon up her princess powers to save the party from disaster…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Friendship, family, humour, forgiveness 'a word about books' says…"Birthday parties never quite go as they should even when you have the best laid out plans. Luckily, Ginger Green is able to make the best of any situation and there is nothing that cannot be resolved with a slice of bare bottom smarty-pants cake."
|
Ginger Green, Playdate Queen: The Clever Friend
Ginger Green is brimming with excitement as she is heading over to Meagan’s house for a playdate. When she arrives she is surprised to find no games or a TV. That’s ok though as Ginger Green has lots of ideas for things to do. But what happens when Meagan doesn’t want to do any of them? Can Ginger Green, Playdate Queen, come up with a solution to the playdate problem…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Friendship 'a word about books' says…"A sweet and heart-warming story all about friendship and being kind. Ginger Green expertly and sensitively navigates a playdate situation that will be completely relatable to young readers."
|
The Gingerbread Star
Grey worm Hetty wishes she had a little glow of light in her body like the glow worms who light up the forest. Then she would be able to light her way through the woods, find lost things in dark places and best of all, read late into the night. Her parents have told her it is impossible but Hetty is convinced there must be someone out there who can help her…
Page Count: 104
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Animals, magic, food, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"An adorable little adventure story about one little worm who is desperate to glow. Sprinkled with fantasy and magic and set in a place where the impossible is possible, readers will find much to like as Hetty goes about trying to get her wish."
|
The Goblin Princess #1: Smoky the Dragon Baby
Matty, the Goblin Princess, lives in a world that expects her to be messy, unclean, unruly and to fear the sparkly forest fairies but she prefers a tidy room, clean clothes and good personal hygiene. When Sparks, the dragon, gives birth to a dragon pup Matty is desperate to keep him. But the new dragon pup is much too well-behaved and if she can't un-tame it it will have to go...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Family, dragons 'a word about books' says…"We all know parents like nothing more than a tidy bedroom and children who are polite, clean and well-behaved. Well, the Goblin Princess lives in a world where everything is topsy-turvy and it makes for a very funny story where naughtiness is expected."
|
The Goblin Princess #2: The Grand Goblin Ball
The goblin royal family are incredibly busy preparing the Goblin Castle for the Grand Goblin Ball. Dust has been spread, cobwebs hung and everything has been coated in a wonderful layer of grime. Upset at not being invited, the hobgoblins are busy preparing too…preparing to ruin the royal party! The fairies have warned the Goblin Princess that the hobgoblins are up to no good but can she, the fairies and sprightly frog of Mystery and Magic, Dave, save the day…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Family, dragons, food 'a word about books' says…"Mess up your hair, put on your tattiest dress (or suit), grab your sticky green invitation and join a party like no other. Delightfully disgusting!"
|
Grandpa was an Astronaut
Sherman loves spending time outside on the beach that he lives next to. He likes looking at things, particularly the moon. His Grandpa used to be an astronaut and a day with Grandpa is always a day well spent. Especially when they build a spaceship and head to the Moon…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure Themes: Family, relationships, everyday life, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"A charming read full of adventure, excitement and the thrill of venturing into space. It perfectly captures the special relationship between child and grandparent.”
|
Granny's Little Monsters
For Zac and his cousin Essie, Saturdays mean a day with Granny Mo. The cousins have been helping Granny Mo find the perfect pet but none are quite right. It looks as if Granny Mo will never find a suitable pet until a trip to the riverbank for a spot of mudlarking uncovers a very strange little creature and pet hunting becomes the least of the problems…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Everyday life, humour Themes: Family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Mischief, mayhem and family fun are in abundance in this monstrously fun read from Karen McCombie. I smiled throughout as I read Granny’s Little Monsters, it reminded me of all the fond memories I have of good times with my own grannies."
|
Hampstead the Hamster
There’s one Christmas present that Leo wants more than anything else…a pet hamster. And on Christmas morning he is delighted to see his wish has come true. But his new pet looks completely down in the dumps. Can Leo come up with a way to lift the hamster’s spirits?
Page Count: 80
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals, family, Christmas 'a word about books' says…”A heart-warming and happy Christmassy read that shows the joy that is found in both giving and receiving presents. Particularly suited to any child who has ever wanted a pet.”
|
Henry Heckelbeck Gets a Dragon
When Ms. Mizzle tasks the children with a special project, Henry is excited about what he might choose. But then he unknowingly brings his toy dragon to life and the next day, when he goes to show his best friend Dudley what he has chosen, the dragon is not there, just a scorched hole in the bag that looks strangely like the work of a very much alive fire-breathing dragon…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Fantasy, humour Themes: Magic, family, friendship, school 'a word about books' says…”A toy dragon that comes alive...this is the kind of thing that I’m sure lots of children would thoroughly like to happen. A fun read that combines fantasy and magic with the everyday experiences of school and home."
|
Horace & Harriet Take on the Town
Commander Horatio is tired of life on his pillar in Princes Park and sets out to find a better home. But a lot has changed in the world in 387 and a half years. Luckily, Horace has found a noble ally in Harriet who is more than happy to help him find a new place to call home. If only she could get Horace to stop causing trouble and stop him from wanting to invade places...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure Themes: Historical, humour, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"Horace & Harriet is a side-splitting adventure and readers will delight in Horace’s misadventures and the chaos he brings to Harriet’s life. A read that is brilliant fun and a great introduction to the world of chapter books.”
|