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Molly Rogers to the Rescue
Molly Rogers and her mother, Barbarous Bertha, protect the Purple Shell Islands. When Captain Firebeard and his band of pirates begin destroying Monkey Skull Island in search of buried treasure, it is up to Molly to come to the rescue. Can Molly’s Marvellous plan save the day?
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure Themes: Pirates, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Ahoy there! All aboard for a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. This is a cracking little read with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Great for emerging readers with short chapters and plenty of colourful illustrations. ”
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Monster Busters
Wherever Rosa and Ivan go monsters are never far away. Be it the funfair, the school, a school trip, the duo seem to attract monster mayhem. Luckily, Rosa and Ivan are ‘Monster Busters’…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Horror Themes: Friendship, monsters, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."Cornelia Funke is a brilliant writer of children’s books and Monster Busters is a wild and thrilling adventure filled with monsters, mayhem and just the right amount of frights.”
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Mortimer Keene #1: Attack of the Slime
Mortimer Keene’s school is under attack. Not from humans or aliens or giant invading bugs, something far worse…slime! It is invading uncontrollably and has taken over the classrooms, the playground, the staffroom, the sports field, even the loos. Where will it go next and who is responsible for the this slimy situation…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Monsters, school, rhyme, humour 'a word about books' says..."The exploits of Mortimer Keene and his madcap and out of control plans is such a fun read. Oozing with gloopy slime and rib-tickling rhymes this is sure to go down a storm."
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Mortimer Keene #6: The Beast of the Bay
No one believes the legend of a sea monster that lurks in Darkwater Bay. But when the monster rises from the deep and begins wrapping its tentacles around school children and teachers who are visiting on a fossil-hunting trip the monster is definitely real. There is only one person who is needed at a time like this…Mortimer Keene and his flying machine to the rescue, hopefully…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Monsters, seaside, school, rhyme, humour 'a word about books' says..."Rhyming stories are a really accessible way for newly independent readers to enjoy longer and more challenging books. Mortimer Keene serves up fast-paced action and plenty of humour in his latest adventure. Great fun!"
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Mr. Penguin #1: Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
When Professional Adventurer Mr. Penguin receives a phone call about some missing treasure he is more than happy to help. Equipped with his magnifying glass, his hat, his satchel and his packed lunch of a fish-finger sandwich he heads out to do some adventuring. But 'professional adventuring' is not quite as he imagined, especially when everything is not quite as it seems…
Page Count: 208
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime Themes: Humour, animals, friendship 'a word about books' says..."Mr. Penguin has got his flippers all in a flap in the first in a new series of books from the brilliant Alex T. Smith. This is a cracking little adventure story full of laugh-out-loud moments, missing treasure and a fish-finger sandwich.”
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Mr. Penguin #4: Mr. Penguin and the Tomb of Doom
After solving lots of mysteries, Mr. Penguin is taking a well-earned break. But no sooner has he settled into his hotel room, a stranger arrives with terrible news. Edith has gone missing. It’s all aboard the Pyramid Express for a trip to The Valley of Peril. Will Mr. Penguin find his friend? Can he complete three impossible tasks? And will he make it back in time for a fish-finger sandwich…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime Themes: Humour, animals, friendship 'a word about books' says..."Comedic moments and slapstick humour are what Mr. Penguin specialises in and a chapter doesn’t go by when the the hapless fella hasn’t inadvertently bumped into somebody, something, fallen over or generally made things a whole lot worse."
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Mr Tiger Betsy and the Blue Moon
On an island left off the map of the world live Betsy, her ice-cream maker father, her mermaid mother and a princess that is trapped in the body of a toad. With the help of Mr. Tiger and the tiny Gongalongs, Betsy and her family set sail on an adventure to save the bewitched princess and to free an island’s inhabitants from a cruel giantess. But will they be able to save the day…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, friendship, magic, seaside, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."Lots of wishes, lots of ice-cream and a quest of the like that children could only dream of are sure to enchant and delight. Magic, bravery and imagination run freely in this tale where logic is left firmly at the door as nothing is impossible."
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My Funny Family
Nine-year-old Mattie Butterfield is a bit of a worrier which is hardly surprising because when you have a big crazy family like hers there is always something to worry about. Will the seeds at school grow? Will her parents get divorced like Lucinda's? Why doesn't Grandma like them? Do they have enough food? And Mattie’s biggest worry of all, why has mum been to the doctor…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Humour, family, feelings, anxiety 'a word about books' says..."Often funny, occasionally serious and sometimes a little bit sad (much like real life is), My Funny Family perfectly captures the highs and lows of family life, especially when you’re a child trying to making sense of the adults around you."
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Nappy the Pirate Baby
It’s a lazy life abroad the Salty Herring where Captain Sprat and his crew enjoy eating biscuits, reading, playing Noughts and Bones and knitting. Life is grand until…”MAA-WAAAH! What on earth is that noise? Is it a whale, a ghost, a sea monster? No…it be a baby! A pirate ship be no place for a little un but the crew are sure that they can turn their hand to parenting. But are they up to the task or will they be having to walk the plank…
Page Count: 80
Genre: Adventure Themes: Humour, pirates, family, friendship, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."A delightfully silly and funny story about family and friendship that is a far cry from your typical pirate narrative."
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A Narwhal and Jelly Book: Happy Narwhalidays
Narwhal is very excited. Jelly is just really cold. Christmas is here and that means the arrival of the merry mermicorn. Jelly is of course unsure about the existence of such a thing. When a present arrives with Jelly’s name on it he is convinced it must be from Narwhal and so sets out to find the perfect present for his friend. Can Jelly find the present that his best friend deserves…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, humour, animals, Christmas 'a word about books' says…”Packed full of festive cheer; the goodwill spirit of the merry mermicorn, carolling (or should I say corralling) sea creatures, presents and waffles. Delightful and funny and sure to be a hit with young readers."
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A Narwhal and Jelly Book: Narwhal - Unicorn of the Sea
When Narwhal meets Jellyfish neither is sure if the other is real. Jellyfish looks nothing like a fish although it does look a lot like a jelly and Narwhal has a big horn on its head. Are they both imagining each other? Soon a friendship blossoms and amazing adventures await…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, humour, animals 'a word about books' says…”Presented as a comic strip, the book is a wacky and wonderful read about the tales of two underwater friends. A very funny read that includes messages on friendship and the power of imagination.”
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The Naughtiest Pixie #1: The Naughtiest Pixie in Disguise
More than anything Jenifry Star wants a friend, her one-hundred-year-old grandmother and her even older aunts are not the best of playmates. The delightful visits of Kipsy-cat and Robyn Red are welcomed but they don’t offer the same kind of fun a human friend could. School is the perfect place to meet lots of little humans but is a pixie at school such a good idea...
Page Count: 144
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Friendship, family, school 'a word about books' says…”Fun, fashion and plenty of pixie magic all star in this enjoyable read about an adorable little pixie and her desire to have some friends. This first in a new series is absolutely delightful!"
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The Naughtiest Unicorn
Mira dreams of going to Unicorn School but when she gets there it isn’t quite how she imagined. Her unicorn, Dave, is a nightmare and there is no end to the trouble he can get her into. When danger presents itself in the unicorn world, can Mira and Dave save the day?
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, animals, humour, inclusive, diversity, BAME, magic 'a word about books' says…”Sparkles with as much warmth and charm as the glitter on the unicorns horns. A humorous tale about friendship and never giving up with plenty of glitter, rainbows and unicorn poo.”
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The Naughtiest Unicorn at Sports Day
It’s time for the second term at Unicorn School and with her sister’s words ringing in her ears, Mira is determined to prove that her ‘Unicorn BFF’ Dave is not the “naughtiest, rubbishest unicorn in the world.” But weird things are happening and if Mira and Dave stand any chance of wining a medal and going on The Mystery Quest they need to work out what is going on and fast…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, animals, humour, inclusive, diversity, BAME, magic 'a word about books' says…”This is the second book in the The Naughtiest Unicorn series and makes for another very enjoyable read. There is plenty of mystery as the strange goings-on unfold and this raises issues of trust between Mira and her sister, Rani."
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Nellie Choc Ice and the Plastic Island
When Macaroni Penguin, Nellie Choc-Ice, finds herself floating in the Arctic far from her South Pole home she hitches a ride with Captain Beardy-Beard on his submarine. But things don’t quite go to plan when they become trapped by a huge plastic island. And they’re not the only ones that are stuck. Can Nellie untangle everyone and come up with a plan to clean up the ocean…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure Themes: Environment, animals, life lesson, ocean, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”A great little read and one that introduces young children to a very important topic. It provides lots of opportunities for discussions about protecting the oceans and the animals that call them home and our responsibility to try to use less plastic."
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Nelson #1: Pumpkins and Aliens
When his grandma catches on to his food disappearing antics, Nelson finds himself forced to eat pumpkin with very surprising consequences. Pumpkins make Nelson super strong. And when a group of aliens that Nelson invented for a class talk actually turn up and invade his school, he will need all of his pumpkin-power to save the school and its teachers from being eaten…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Humour Themes: Family, friendship, food, school, monsters 'a word about books' says…”Vegetables, superpowers, likeable characters and slimy purple aliens on a mission to get brunch make for a disgusting, gross-out read that children will love. The fast-paced action is wildly over the top and is a great deal of fun."
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Nelson #2: Broccoli and Spies
Nelson Hunter hates everything about vegetables but when he eats them he gets superpowers. Unlike Nelson, his Grandma loves them and is a keen grower of her own vegetables. Somebody has been stealing her prize-winning pumpkins and she has a broccoli-eating plan for Nelson. Can Nelson's vegetable-induced superpower and a Grandma with a very big secret catch the culprit...
Page Count: 176
Genre: Crime, mystery, humour Themes: Family, food 'a word about books' says…”With a fun, engaging and action-packed story from start to finish, Nelson and his antics will grab the attention of many readers and might even get little reluctant vegetable-eaters scoffing their greens."
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The Nine Lives of Furry Purry Beancat: The Library Cat
Like most cats, Furry Purry Beancat loves a catnap. Unlike most cats, Furry Purry Beancat often wakes up in a whole new place in another one of her nine lives. After her latest snooze, the little fluff ball has woken up in her local library and there is trouble afoot. There are rumours that the library is going to be shut down. Will Furry Purry Beancat and her library friends be able to come up with a plan to save the books from the bulldozers…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, books 'a word about books' says…”With humour, fun, friendship, adventure and cunning plans at its heart, this is a cracking little story that really is the cat’s whiskers."
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Norman the Norman from Normandy
After Little Norman’s father is killed in battle by some Bretons, they chop his body up into three parts, bury it, and send Great Big Norman’s sword to Little Norman with a we are sorry letter. Norman sets off on a quest to visit the graves with his large sword and Truffle the not-so-wild boar…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Adventure Themes: Historical, humour, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."This delightful little chapter book is crammed full of silly humour and excellent extras in the form of Norman themed jokes and a ‘What kind of Norman soldier are you’ quiz.”
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Out for the Count
Hugo wants a gerbil but his dad is against the idea. His dad says it is cruel to keep a pet in a cage and to leave it alone. So, Hugo’s dad sets him a challenge. Experience life like a gerbil…Easy thinks Hugo. But being stuck in a room is more difficult than Hugo had imagined…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Family, home, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."Anne Fine is a brilliant writer of children’s books and this is a witty and clever book that is a touching look at the impatience of a child. Filled with messages on the beauty of imagination and the importance of empathy and seeing the bigger picture.”
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The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
When the sun sets, owls stir from their daytime slumber and ready themselves to swoop through the night sky hunting for food. All except one. Newly born Plop is the perfect little barn owl but Plop has one big owl problem, he is scared of the dark. Determined that her little Plop will not be a day bird and will learn to be a proper owl, Mrs. Barn Owl sends Plop out of their tree branch home and down into the world in search of answers to better understand the dark...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Fear, bravery, bedtime 'a word about books' says…"Comforting, charming and an utterly beautiful story. This timeless tale is still as relevant today as the day it was written and is the perfect bedtime read."
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Peanut, Butter, & Crackers #1: Puppy Problems
Crackers and Butter have the perfect life until their human comes home with a new addition…a puppy. Puppy Peanut is needy, noisy and knows absolutely nothing. Peanut thinks he has found his fur-ever home but is there room for one more resident? Crackers and Butter certainly don’t think so. They just need to show their human just what a problem the new puppy is…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Animals, humour, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Peanut, Butter, & Crackers is the first in a new series of graphic novels from author Paige Braddock who takes inspiration from her own pets and gives readers a warm-hearted and funny read. Will be a guaranteed hit with animal lovers."
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Perfectly Peculiar Pets
Loyal dogs, fluffy cats, cute hamsters, friendly guinea pigs, loving rabbits and happy fish all make for great pets. But how about a pet that is a little…different? What about a bison, a gorilla, a millipede, a quokka, an umbrellabird or a zebra? You won’t find them in the pet shop and they may drive the adults up the wall but sometimes a perfectly peculiar pet is just what you need…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Poetry Themes: Animals, humour 'a word about books' says…"Animals and rhyme are always a going to be a hit with children and in the hands of word juggler Elli Woollard children will be laughing their socks off. Full of fun, quirky illustrations and amazing animals there is sure to be a pet poem for every child."
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Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey
Determined to achieve something memorable, Pigsticks, accompanied by Harold the hamster, is going in search of where no pig has gone before…to the Ends of the Earth. Pigsticks is full of excitement, Harold is weighed down with a backpack full of Pigsticks’ belongings. When they run out of cake and are confronted by goats it looks like everything will end in disaster. Will they discover the Ends of the Earth? And more importantly, will they make it safely back home…
Page Count: 84
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, humour, friendship 'a word about books' says…"A silly and sweet story that delivers pure enjoyment. Budding adventurers will enjoy the exploits of this intrepid duo. Best enjoyed with a nice slice of cake."
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Pizza and Taco #1: Who's the Best?
Pizza and Taco are the absolute best of friends. They finish each other’s sentences and even have a special dance. When they cannot decide which of them is the best they have a vote but vote counting Pizza is a big Cheaty McCheato. Perhaps there’s more to being the best than votes. But can the two learn the true meaning of being the best…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Humour, friendship, food 'a word about books' says…"Pizza and Taco will be gobbled up young readers and will leave them hungry for more. I’m off to get a slice of pizza, or perhaps a taco. Oh I don’t know, it’s too hard to decide, maybe i’ll just have both."
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