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The Story Shop: Blast Off!
Everything in Puddletown is normal except for one most unusual shop…The Story Shop. Shop owner Wilbur and his assistant Fred sell adventures and they have all of the plots, props, settings, clothes and characters you could ever want. When a feisty and demanding Mouse walks through the door, an out-of-this-world space adventure is just the ticket. But as Mouse eats his way into trouble, risks his tail and causes chaos with his meddling, will adventure end in disaster…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure Themes: Humour, animals, space, STEM 'a word about books' says…”Exploding with fun, humour and the power of imagination, these three highly illustrated mini-adventures in one little package are an absolute delight."
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The Super Adventures of Ollie & Bea: It's Owl Good
Ollie is an owl with a sight problem. Bea is a plain old bunny with ridiculously large feet. It appears that all the other animals have a super-power except them. Squirrel has super-speed, Otter is a super-swimmer, Deer is super-stealthy and Chameleon is a super show-off. Can the two new friends, with the help of the other animals, discover what makes them great or will Bea be hopping mad and Ollie in a f-owl mood…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Humour, animals, friendship 'a word about books' says…”Hopefully Ollie and Bea will be hop, hop, hopping their way into the hands of lots of young readers. This owl-some read is an absolute hoot!"
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Superdad's Day Off
Everything in Stanley’s life is normal. His house, his sister, his mum, his dog…everything except his dad. His dad is a superhero. When dad and son try and spend some time together, Stanley finds himself having to take desperate actions to stop his dad from having to go to work…
Page Count: 104
Genre: Adventure Themes: Superheroes, relationships, family, humour, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."An enjoyable and lively read about a special relationship between father and son. This delightful little chapter book is big on humour, big on adventure and big on heroes.”
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Surviving the Wild #1: Star the Elephant
Star loves spending time with the herd but when their food supply runs out it is time for the family to split up and go their own ways. The search for food is hard going and swimming across wild waters is tiring. Separated from his mum and aunt, life only gets harder for little Star. Lost and alone in a big and dangerous world and with humans everywhere he looks, he knows he must keep running. But how long can one elephant run for until he runs into trouble…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Animals, nature, conservation, everyday life, true story 'a word about books' says..."Beautifully illustrated and very enjoyable to read, Remy Lai does a superb job of highlighting some of the challenges that wild elephants face."
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Surviving the Wild #2: Rainbow the Koala
Rainbow’s mum has taught him all he needs to know to survive in the wild and the time has now come for Rainbow to go and find his own place to call home. But Rainbow is scared! There are dangers on the ground, finding the right tree is tricky, kookaburra keeps making fun of him and a pesky bird takes his fur for a nest. There are bigger threats too. The sun has scorched the ground, the water has dried up and Rainbow must face his greatest test. Surviving a bushfire…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Animals, nature, conservation, everyday life, true story 'a word about books' says..."Raw, honest and emotionally-charged, this tale based on the true events of koalas battling the Australian bushfires is both drama-filled and exciting."
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Tea Party Parade
All the children in class one are excited. It’s their turn to take part in the Children’s Parade and their parade is going to be one that is good enough to eat. Costumes have been made and the playground is covered with tasty treats that are just waiting to be worn. All that’s needed now is for Mr. Flack to blow his whistle. Let’s get this party started…
Page Count: 80
Genre: Everyday life Themes: School, humour, food, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says..."Acclaimed author and illustrator, Nick Sharratt, adds another delightful read to the early chapter book series produced by the brilliant Barrington Stoke. Tea Party Parade is a bright and vibrant story of fun times and plenty of delicious cakes."
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Teacup House: Meet the Twitches
Upset at having to move home, Stevie's spirits are lifted by a gift from Nanny Blue - a beautiful teacup shaped house that is home to four adorable rabbits. These are no ordinary rabbits though, when the prying eyes of humans are not around they magically come to life and have the most amazing of adventures...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Animals, magic, moving home, family 'a word about books' says..."A beautiful story that embraces an emotional everyday situation and adds in a big dose of magical adventure. Will delight and charm young readers, particularly those who love rabbits. You’ll be hopping mad if you miss out on this most pleasing of stories."
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Tiger Troubles
All the animals are slowly dropping off to sleep in the jungle. All except one that is. Sloth Bear is very much not sleepy and is in fact very, very bored. Surely there must be someone in the jungle who is awake and will play with Sloth Bear? But throwing a guava at Porcupine in an attempt to wake him up has unintended consequences and soon all of the animals find themselves in danger of being eaten by the very hungry Little Tiger…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals, friendship, bedtime 'a word about books' says..."Bursting with energy and humour, Tiger Troubles is a delightful addition to the Bloomsbury Young Readers series and is sure to delight young animal lovers."
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The Tindims of Rubbish Island
Skittle and friends are Tindims and they live on Rubbish Island. They collect things from the ocean that the Long Legs (they’re humans) have thrown away. Everyone is excited when they find a piece of treasure but things go wrong when Ethel B Dina is blown out to sea. A daring rescue mission begins and it will need the help of some special fishy friends if it is to be a success…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Environment, recycling 'a word about books' says…”This book has lots that will appeal to young readers. I love the matter-of-fact chapter titles, the illustrations, and the songs and verse that feature throughout are engaging and catchy, "Plastic bottles Long Legs please, they're not meant to float in seas.""
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The Tortoise's Gift: A Tale from Zambia
When the rain stops falling in Zambia, all the animals quickly became very hungry and thirsty. Old Rabbit has heard stories about the most incredible tree that can grow every type of fruit even when the rains stops. The tree could solve everything but no one can remember the name of it. A far-off mountain may hold the answer but after a few failed trips to it and with all seeming lost, little tortoise steps up and all hope rests on his shell and a slow and steady journey…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Folktale Themes: Animals, community, persistence 'a word about books' says…”A lovely story with the important message that you don’t have to be the fastest, the bravest, the biggest or the strongest to be the hero."
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The Truth Pixie
It is always good to tell the truth but sometimes telling the truth is the hardest thing of all. And what happens when telling the truth lands you in all sorts of trouble. Well, this is exactly the predicament that the Truth Pixie finds herself in…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Life lesson, empathy, feelings, diversity, friendship 'a word about books' says…”A read with messages about loving who you are and understanding that sadness comes and goes. I hope the Truth Pixie helps readers to see that even when things seem bad they will get better, or that things are good, even if they seem bad right now.”
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The Truth Pixie Goes to School
The Truth Pixie’s friend Aada has had a bad year. Her gran has died, her dad has lost his job, she has had to move to a different town and has started at a new school. All Aada wants is an easy life. All she wants is friends at her new school and to fit in and to be accepted, but to get what she wants she may have to pretend to be someone that she isn’t and give up her one true friend…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Life lesson, school, friendship, differences, bullying, empathy, feelings 'a word about books' says…”This splendid little read packs some big messages, is thought-provoking and provides lots of opportunities for interesting and pertinent discussions. The take-away message…be who you are, being yourself is more than enough.”
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What Zola did on Monday
Zola, her mum and her Nonna Rose are coming to terms with the loss of Nonno Nino. Nonna finds some comfort in gardening but Zola doesn't see the attraction to plants and seeds. Will a gardening project at school, some special seeds and a very naughty dog help Zola to see the importance of gardening to her Nonna...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, loss, bereavement, friendship, environment, school, community 'a word about books' says…”The first in a new series for newly independent and emerging readers, these sweet stories tell of the everyday adventures of Zola Angelica. The many lovely illustrations make the read inviting and not text heavy for a first chapter book."
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What Zola did on Tuesday
Zola is trying hard to be more responsible and to make the right choices and her trouble-free life is going well until her inquisitive nature gets the better of her. Zola would love to meet the new neighbours but can’t think of a way to get the families together. But sometimes the unexpected happens and events happen that not even the best plans could have foreseen...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, multicultural, friendship, community, empathy, kindness 'a word about books' says…”A wonderful celebration of family, friendship and community. The story is filled with warmth, charm and gentle humour. Zola is such a loveable and relatable character who loves adventures but cannot help getting into a little spot of bother."
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What Zola did on Wednesday
When next-door-neighbour Leo’s mum brings her work home with her Zola's curiosity is aroused. Taking a sneaky peak into the neighbours garden, she is relieved to find a fluffy non-criminal. Police dog Vesper is a hero sniffer dog who is an expert at sniffing out the truth and when a turtle disappears Vesper is called into action and Zola has a very busy Wednesday...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, friendship, community, animals, life lesson, multicultural 'a word about books' says…”Another charming and delightful read in the ‘What Zola did on...’ series. This Zola adventure highlights the importance of community and how simple projects and activities can bring people from all backgrounds together."
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What Zola did on Thursday
It’s Thursday and Zola and her friends are practising playing their musical instruments. Not everyone is a fan of the children’s music though, especially cranky neighbour Mr. Walton. But Mr. Walton has a musical gift of his own and when the children need help with a musical performance for the school fete, they find that help comes from the most unlikely of people…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, friendship, community, music, life lesson, multicultural 'a word about books' says…”Melina Marchetta continues her charm offensive with another delightful read. Like the other titles in the series, the story is full of warmth, fun times and gentle humour."
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A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones
There's always something going on in the busy and exciting life of Lemonade Jones. Will classroom rules and problem classmates lead to trouble at a new school? Is her amazing animal birthday party heading for disaster? What will happen when her mum gets stage-fright at the school fete? Whatever the occasion, the loveable Lemonade Jones is sure to whip up a storm...
Page Count: 160
Genre: Everyday life Themes: School, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"Lemonade Jones fizzes with a wonderfully infectious zest for life and these three short stories of the non-stop trials and tribulations of life as a young child will be as well received by readers as a glass of homemade lemonade on a warm summer’s day!"
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Wigglesbottom Primary #1: The Toilet Ghost
There’s lots going on in Miss. Riley’s year two class and not all of it is good. In fact much of it is rather frightening. Is the Toilet Ghost the reason that Gavin Ross has come back to class dripping wet? Can Miles McKay’s shoe really tell the future? And has the opening of Bobby Henderson’s mysterious Show and Tell box released an ancient curse that is causing a lot of unwanted itching? These mysteries need to be solved and quickly. Can class 2R come up with the answers…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Crammed with fun, silliness and awesome kids these are the kind of stories that ensure children are reading for pleasure and will get kids ‘hooked on books’."
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Wigglesbottom Primary #2: The Shark in the Pool
Could the children at Wigglesbottom Primary be in trouble? Joel is sure that he has been the victim of a shark attack at the swimming pool. Are dangers lurking in the deep? The children are digging up more than just vegetables in the school garden. Have they really discovered dinosaur bones? And where is Jayden, did the PE parachute actually make him disappear? The children are terrified but can the teachers uncover the truth and put worried little minds at ease…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Immensely enjoyable, fizzing with fun, fast-paced and laugh-out-loud moments galore. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. Wigglesbottom Primary is an absolute blast!"
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Wigglesbottom Primary #3: The Magic Hamster
Strange things are happening to the children in Miss Riley’s class and no one knows why. Could new class pet Ravioli the hamster be hypnotising the children and causing them to act weird? Has swallowing a fly caused Evie to slowly turn into a frog? And is Theo talking bizarrely and beeping a lot because he is actually a robot? What on earth is going on and can 2R put a stop to it…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Wigglesbottom Primary is quite possibly the funnest primary school on the planet. At the very least, class 2R are the class that every child would want to be in. Miss Riley's class serve up LOL’s aplenty as they try to solve these ‘real-life’ mysteries."
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Wigglesbottom Primary #4: Super Dog
Life is never dull at Wigglesbottom Primary School and today is no exception. Out on the playground, there’s a magical dog on the loose that has an incredible disappearing act and the power to heal. In the canteen, the dodgy mash potato is causing a great deal of confusion. And out on the sports field, Susie is using her own very special egg, that might have an alien inside, for the egg and spoon race. Teacher Miss Riley has her work cut out to solve these shenanigans…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"All kids will wish they went to a school that is as bizarre and as weirdly fun as Wigglesbottom Primary. Another delicious serving of school-based fun"
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Wigglesbottom Primary #5: The Classroom Cat
It’s never boring in Miss. Riley’s class. A cat has leapt in through the window and perched itself on Miss. R’s desk. Is classroom cat trying to warn the children about the dangerous fish for lunch? Out on the playground, will a puddle crisp give one of the children a life-threatening illness? And is an extra child on a class trip the cause of some strange events? Class 2R are going to find out...
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, animals, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Delightfully silly and full of fun and childish antics, Pamela Butchart’s three short stories in under one-hundred pages with fabulous two-tone illustrations by Becka Moor guarantee giggles. These hilarious classroom hijinks score top marks from me!"
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Wigglesbottom Primary #6: Break-time Bunnies
Get ready for more mayhem in class 2R. The cause of the chaos…rabbits (who may or may not be planning to invade the school) have taken over the Grassy Bit outside 2R’s classroom window, a mysterious man arrives at school and is causing Miss. Riley to do some bizarre hand-dancing, and a terrifying music teacher may actually be a witch. Every day is different at primary school...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, animals, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Pamela Butchart is one of the best writers of laugh-out-loud children's fiction. Here, she perfectly captures the everyday occurrences at primary school and how the imagination of children turns the mundane into incredible and wacky stories.”
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Wigglesbottom Primary #7: Dino Chick
There’s lots happening for class 2R at Wigglesbottom Primay School. In the classroom, there’s a mysterious coloured egg that a dinosaur could hatch out of at any moment. A new girl with a big secret has joined the class and needs showing around school. And if they don’t bake lots and lots of cupcakes then the parts of the school may close. What are 2R going to do? Have a lot of fun…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, mystery, animals, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"Like cheese and pineapple, Pamela Butchart and funny are words that go perfectly together and this seventh title in the series is another hilarious read. If you’re looking for laugh-out-loud early chapter books, this series is a very good place to start."
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The Worries #1: Sohal Finds a Friend
Sohal has a lot to worry about - the dark, the school bully, mutant alien sheep, not having any friends - whatever it is, Sohal worries about it. Drawing his worries helps, but when they come to life as little monsters in his room he is faced with his biggest worry yet, especially as they want to go to school. Can Sohal survive the day at school, take control of his worries and make a friend…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Feelings, fear, anxiety, school, friendship, mental health, humour, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…"Jion Sheibani provides the perfect platform for opening up conversations about worries and anxieties with children. Not only is the story a great deal of fun, it delivers the positive messages that children need."
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