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The 13-Storey Treehouse
The 13-storey treehouse is the home of Andy and Terry and it is quite a spectacular place. There’s so much to do in it, but right now Andy and Terry are meant to be writing a book and book publisher Mr. Big Nose is extremely unhappy that the book is late. When there’s so much fun to be had it is hard to sit down and do what you actually need to be doing. Can the boys focus their energies and minds to get their book written and to keep Mr. Big Nose happy…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Humour, friendship 'a word about books' says…"The 13-Storey Treehouse is all kinds of awesome fun and is the result of the imaginations of both author and illustrator running gloriously wild."
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The Adventures of Team POM: Squid Happens
Ruby, Agnes and Roberta are Team POM. Their first project is to become synchronised swim champions like the Diving Divas. Things are going badly until Cyd the squid appears. But the Diving Divas are up to no good and their shady looking bosses are determined to get their clutches on Cyd. Will Team POM sink or swim? And who will end up with squid ink on their face...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Graphic Novel Themes: Friendship, humour 'a word about books' says…”I’m not squidding you when I say that Isabel Roxas’ imagination is a wacky place to be and I want to join Team POM. This first in a new series of graphic novels is a fun one to dive into with its outrageous storyline and ridiculous sequence of events."
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Adventures on Trains #1: The Highland Falcon Thief
Hal Beckett doesn’t want to go on a train. But with his mum about to give birth he is accompanying his Uncle Nat for the farewell tour of the Highland Falcon. Trundling along the tracks becomes a lot more interesting when precious jewellery disappears. With Hal under suspicion, he and new friend Lenny need to gather evidence and identify the actual thief…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Travel, family, friendship, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”What Leonard and Sedgman deliver is a fast-paced, hilarious, nail-biting adventure-mystery ride around the UK aboard the Highland Falcon and all its grandeur. I strongly recommend children of 8+ buy a ticket and jump on board."
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Agent Weasel and the Fiendish Fox Gang
The United Woodlands residents are being terrorised and all evidence and paws point to the Fiendish Fox Gang. The FFG plan on ruining the autumn fair and squashing everyone and everything that’s there! Can Agent Weasel and his sidekick Doorkins stop the FFG’s evil deeds…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…”If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a terrible surprise…you’ll find badgers without furry bottoms, rabbits with itchy problems, voles without holes and some very naughty foxes.…a very funny animal caper full of mishaps, close shaves and a lot of thoughts about pudding.”
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Agent Zaiba Investigates #2: The Posion Plot
The whole community is excited for the Beckley School Summer Fete. But when Ms. Goremain, the new headteacher, is poisoned during the ultra competitive Bake-Off, Agent Zaiba must put her detective skills into action. The crime scene is a mess and there are many suspects who all have motive to harm Ms. Goremain. Someone is out for revenge and no-one is above suspicion…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: School, friendship, family, food, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”Agent Zaiba, my favourite British-Pakistani heroine is back and doing what she does best in a great little mystery read. Amateur sleuths will have great fun trying to piece together the clues and trying to unravel the mystery.”
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Agent Zaiba Investigates #3: The Haunted House
The Booker family are thrilled to have moved into Oakwood Manor, a house steeped in history, and Zaiba is delighted to have made friends with Mr & Mrs. Booker’s daughter, Olivia. The family are looking forward to having their new neighbours over for a house-warming but some strange occurrences are threatening to derail everything. Step-up Agent Zaiba to solve whether Oakwood Manor really is haunted or if there is another explanation for the strange happenings…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: Friendship, family, food, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”Another cracking read in the ‘Agent Zaiba Investigates’ series which has the perfect mix of spooky, suspense and mystery with a big helping of Pakistani culture."
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Alex Sparrow and the Really Big Stink
When wanna-be superhero Alex Sparrow finds himself with the superpower he has always wanted he can't believe it. And when the children at his school start acting weirdly he has the opportunity to be the superhero he has always dreamed of. Along with Jess and a goldfish called Bob, can Alex uncover the truth about the bizarre behaviour of the children at his school...
Page Count: 250
Genre: Science-fiction, adventure, mystery Themes: Humour, friendship, magic, school 'a word about books' says…"Jennifer Killick's debut book is sure to be a firm favourite with all readers. An evil teacher, brilliant and bonkers children, and a goldfish called Bob who doubles up as a secret agent; this is a wacky and wonderful read from start to finish."
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An Alien in the Jam Factory
Jam inventor Scooter McLay wishes he had someone to share all of his jam-tastic creations with. Enter Fizzbee, a lively and fun-filled orange alien who brings with her mischief, mayhem and her own inventing talents. Daffy Dodgy is desperate for Scooter's secret recipes and with the jam factory and its secrets under threat, will Scooter and Fizzbee be able to stop the robbery…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Crime, humour Themes: Food, disability 'a word about books' says…"With elements of Home Alone, Mission Impossible and Honey I Shrunk the Kids this is a brilliantly funny read that I devoured in one sitting - much like I would devour many of Scooter’s delicious sounding jams although I’d avoid the Brussels Sprout one."
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All to Play For
Football-loving Lewis is delighted when his talent is spotted by Ash, the head of Ace Academy, but there’s a problem. Mum doesn’t have enough money to buy the kit and even if she did there’s no way she would let him play, she has been anti-football ever since the game resulted in family tragedy. Lewis has a chance to fulfil his dreams but in doing so he may break his mum’s heart…
Page Count: 88
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Sport, football, family, friendship, poverty, grief, loss, BAME, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Ainsworth finds the back of the net in a stirring and emotive read about following your dreams when the odds are stacked against you. With the action on the pitch as tense and as nail-biting as the action off it, football mad kids are going to love it."
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Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball
It is time for the annual Barbaric Ball hosted by Amelia’s parents. She hates the ball but is hoping that this year’s might be better as at least another child will be there. Unfortunately, Prince Tangine is utterly horrid. He is rude, demanding and only cares about himself. When he decides to take Squashy, Amelia’s beloved pet pumpkin, a daring rescue mission is needed to get it back...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Humour, friendship, family, school 'a word about books' says…”Ghastly, ghoulish and brilliant fun. The perfect balance of fun and fright and full of awesome alliterative phrases. You’ll be munching on flabbergasting falafels, being chased by the Gremlin Guards and then it’ll be time for your Repugnant Recipes lesson."
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Anisha, Accidental Detective #1
Anisha’s Aunty Bindi is dramatic at the best of times and with her wedding day looming she is being quite the drama-bride. Of course, the wrong flowers and a spot on her nose are not helping calm her down. Then Anisha receives a note saying that the groom, Uncle Tony, has been kidnapped and won’t be released unless the wedding is cancelled. It’s up to Anisha, accidental detective, and best friend Milo to save the wedding…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: Humour, friendship, family, BAME, diversity 'a word about books' says…”A brilliantly funny fast-paced read filled with love, family, food and a lobster desperately trying to avoid being turned into a curry. A guaranteed hit."
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Anisha, Accidental Detective #2: School's Cancelled
Anisha is thrilled when she and her friends are selected to represent the school at the National Schools Science Fair. They have the coolest experiment and it might even be good enough to win them a trip to the national space centre. But someone is out to stop them and a foam-plosion lands the friends in all kinds of trouble. Can Anisha solve who is behind the science sabotage…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: School, humour, friendship, family, BAME, diversity, bullying, science 'a word about books' says…”I loved the first Anisha, Accidental Detective story and was hoping for another hilarious encounter with Anisha and her brilliantly bonkers family. Serena Patel did not disappoint. Patel makes science totally cool in another brilliantly bonkers read."
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Ariki and the Island of Wonders
When Ariki sneaks out of her Star Walker lesson for an adventure on the ocean with friend Ipo and pet pig Bad Boy she is unaware of the storm she is sailing into. Swept away by the wild seas, the trio find themselves shipwrecked on an island that they have never been to before. The island is beautiful but another island dweller reveals a darker and dangerous side to island life…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, environment 'a word about books' says…”Author Nicola Davies is a champion of nature and looking after wildlife and her passion shines through in this thrilling adventure story. A lovely read for nature-loving children and for those who care about animals and the environment.”
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Ash Boy: A CinderFella Story
Life has been grim for Cinder Ashok since his mother died and his father chose to marry Mrs. Karim. He spends his days doing endless chores and has to put up with the constant bullying from his two new step-brothers. Desperate for a chance to escape his current life and with the help of his fairy godfather, he enters the Grand Quintain Contest with the winner to receive a favour from Princess Betony. But does CinderFella have what it takes to go from zero to hero…
Page Count: 72
Genre: Fairy-tale Themes: Humour, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”A very amusing and entertaining read that whilst mimicking the plot of the original story, all feels original and fresh and will appeal to both boys and girls."
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Baby Aliens Got My Teacher
Izzy and her friends are confused when their class teacher starts acting strange. Miss. Jones, who usually shouts and makes them do Maths, is being nice, letting them watch films, is handing out treats and giving them all pet names. She’s even wearing make-up and actually smiling. There's only one logical explanation, Miss. Jones has been taken over by aliens and they could be next...
Page Count: 176
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship 'a word about books' says…”With its conversational tone, quirky characters and very relatable scenarios, primary school children of all ages will love joining Izzy and her mates in this fast-paced, laugh-till-your-belly hurts read."
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The Bad Guys: Episode 1
Despite lengthy rap sheets, Mr. Wolf is convinced that he and his wise-guy associates - Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha and Mr. Shark - are just misunderstood. And the time has come to prove it to everyone. Rather than creating trouble, they are going to be on the lookout for it. But are these bad guys up to carrying out good deeds and making the world a better place…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Humour Themes: Adventure, crime, animals 'a word about books' says…”This brilliant early chapter book makes for an absolutely hilarious read that is packed full of sharp one-liners, witty comments and shady looking characters. Mr. Wolf and his 'hungry' mates are one gang that readers will definitely want to join!"
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Barb the Brave
Barb is a Bezerker, and in the land of Bailiwick her tribe do battle to protect themselves against terrible beasts. Being young, Barb is normally kept well away from the action but when the evil Witch Head tricks and captures her band of Bezerkers she is the only one able to escape, taking with her the legendary Shadow Blade. With yeti Porkchop by her side and with the power of the sword, Barb sets out to rescue her tribe and stop Witch Head taking over the land…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure Themes: Monsters, humour 'a word about books' says…”Loaded with action and bags of humour this gross-out adventurous quest stars a fabulous heroine who not only loves to fight but shows kindness and compassion."
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Be Nice to Aunt Emma
Tansy dreads the visits of Aunt Emma. As per usual, within minutes of arriving Aunt Emma has made unkind remarks about Tansy’s appearance, made fun of her for playing baby games and has rudely remarked on the smell of pet dog Cleo. When Dad has to head out to fix a work problem and needs Mum to drive him, it leaves Tansy and Aunt Emma all alone. Dad has instructed Tansy to, “be nice to Aunt Emma,” but surely it won’t help, will it…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Humour, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"A very funny family drama. Readers will delight in the action that plays out in witty remarks, playful banter, snarky comments and plenty of sarcasm."
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The Beast and the Bethany
Ebeneezer Tweezer is approaching his 512th birthday. A secret beast hidden in his attic keeps him looking young with a magical potion that it vomits up in return for a special ‘feed’. Now the Beast has just made its most demanding request yet…a delicious small child. Orphan Bethany finds herself as the Beast’s next tasty meal but she is not your average little girl…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Monsters, humour, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Jack Meggitt-Phillips’ debut read is cracking original story-telling. It makes for a ‘mouth-wateringly’ good read and I devoured it in one very tasty go, much like the Beast eats his ‘food’. It is a book that readers will be sure to gobble up, bon appétit!"
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Bill's New Frock
When Bill Simpson wakes up to find he is a girl his day surely can not get any worse. But things quickly worsen when his mum sends him off to school wearing a delightful pink dress. The school day is far from usual for Bill as he discovers that things are not quite the same for girls, in fact they are very, very different...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Fantasy Themes: School, stereotypes, humour, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"A classic piece of children's literature from the brilliant Anne Fine. This laugh-out-loud read really makes you think about how boys and girls are treated differently and will surely lead to lots of discussions about gender stereotypes."
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Blossom
Blossom has grown up in a house surrounded by plants that have come from the flower market stall that her beloved grandparents, Tutu and Pops used to run. The stall has been passed onto Blossom’s parents but when once it brought happiness and joy it is now causing everything to go wrong. Can Blossom plant the seeds of change to save her family and the flower business…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Family, loss, nature, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"The lyrical tale that Dockrill tells is perfect. Just like beautiful flowers bloom from the tiniest seeds, she has scattered the seeds of hope, accepting change, the power of community and the healing power of nature that are all in full bloom by the end."
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Boot: Small Robot Big Adventure
Boot has no idea how he has ended up in the junkyard but he does know that he needs to escape and quickly. His very limited memories can recall a girl called Beth, his owner. But with a scrambled communication system and his only lead being a sign with an orange background and a sideways white triangle shape on it, Boot’s hopes of finding Beth look very slim indeed…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, science-fiction Themes: Humour, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Shane Hegarty writes with a great awareness of his young audience. This delightful and heart-warming read will have readers hooked from the beginning and the fast-paced action will keep them glued to the pages."
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