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The Boy Who Grew Dragons
When Tomas finds a strange plant at the bottom of his grandad’s garden it doesn’t seem anything out of the ordinary. But when the fruit from the tree hatches into a dragon he gets the fright of his life. Flicker is great fun to have around but is also a little bit fiery and very unpredictable. As more fruits appear on the tree, Tomas becomes a dragon-grower and everybody wants one...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, family, dragons, school 'a word about books' says…”A wonderfully entertaining read which I absolutely adored. Packed full of humour that kids and grown-ups will love, it had me laughing out loud and I read it with a smile ‘burnt’ onto my face."
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Buck 'N' Bronco Hit the Road
Unfortunately, the Happy Ranch theme park has seen better days and is set to be demolished leaving its resident mascots extremely upset, homeless and unemployed. With a Bronco Bus not-quite-full of laughing gas, a pocketful of Buck’s Bucks and a head full of dreams the rather naïve duo head out into the wider world to see what opportunities they can find...
Page Count: 80
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, friendship, humour, kindness, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"The antics of Buck and Bronco will ‘bring the happy’ to many a young reader as they laugh along at a pair who are out-of-touch with the times and very much out-of-luck."
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Buried Alive
It was a supposed to a nice family getaway to the Welsh coast but things are never straight forward for only-child Tim. Rather than spending his time enjoying the beach and building his dream sandcastle he finds himself trying to keep the peace between his best-friend Biscuits and his girlfriend Kelly, stopping his mum from embarrassing him at every opportunity and avoiding the two beach-bullies who are filling him with dread...
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure Themes: Bullying, friendship, seaside, feelings 'a word about books' says…"A brilliant seaside adventure that gently deals with the issues of friendship and bullying, and with characters that both children and parents will relate to."
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The Butterfly Lion
Africa. After Bertie's father shoots a lioness who is killing his cattle, her white lion cub is left orphaned and alone. Bertie is heartbroken and vows to protect the lion cub from the dangers of the wild and the two soon become inseparable. But Bertie's world comes crashing down when he is sent to boarding school in England and the cub is sold to a French circus. Will the two reunite...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure Themes: International, friendship, animals, war 'a word about books' says…"Michael Morpurgo tells another magical tale that journey's from the savannah of Africa to the countryside of England to the battlefields of France. It will pull at your heartstrings and the meaning of the butterfly lion will live long in the memory."
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Cakes In Space
Astra and her family are travelling to their new home on the planet Nova Mundi when their spaceship is attacked. The Poglites are on the hunt for treasure and the Nom-O-Tron 9000 is churning out killer cakes. If the Poglites don’t destroy the spaceship then the baked treats will. Can Astra and her new robot best-friend Pilbeam save the spaceship and everyone on board…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Science-fiction Themes: Humour, space 'a word about books' says…"Bursting with more cakes than your local bakery, dynamic duo Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntrye deliver a story that is brilliantly wacky, unbelievably imaginative and loaded with humour. This zany journey into space is a flight well worth taking."
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Charlie Changes into a Chicken
Nine-year-old Charlie McGuffin worries. What he does not need is another thing to worry about it but that is exactly what he gets...his eye starts twitching, a strange feeling courses through his body and he turns into an animal. Charlie has inherited a new power, the power to turn into animals. But why? Can Charlie and his friends uncover the mystery to Charlie’s new superpower…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Fantasy, humour Themes: School, animals, bullying, friendship, anxiety, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"A brilliant and funny read that introduces readers to the big ideas and emotions of anxiety and stress without these ever feeling overbearing. With Sam Copeland’s assured author voice throughout, the reader is in very good hands."
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The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List
The first of December and all is not well at Christmas HQ. There are far too many names on the Naughty List and if the balance isn't corrected then it could spell the end of Christmas and leave Santa jobless. With Santa having sworn the Christmas Oath and unable to interfere, it is up to the Christmasaurus to save the day. But will he be able to turn naughty children into nice ones…
Page Count: 432
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Christmas, bullying, friendship, family, dinosaurs, magic 'a word about books' says…"Bursting with magic, sparkle, festive-feels and some important life lessons, this is an absolute gem of a Christmas story. It is the perfect book for snuggling up with in the weeks leading up to Christmas."
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Claire: Justice Ninja
Are you sick of stepping in people’s discarded chewing gum? Tired of seeing people throw their litter onto the streets? Frustrated by inconsiderate neighbours? Annoyed by the school bully? Worry no more, the wrongs of the world are about to be righted. Disguised as herself, Claire, Justice Ninja: Ninja of Justice, is on the case and is determined to sort her neighbourhood out…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: School, animals, bullying, friendship, anxiety, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"Brilliant fun and will be well received by junior activists and children who are tired of seeing others getting away with their misbehaving. Wrong-doers be warned…justice is about to be served."
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CliffToppers #1: The Arrowhead Moor Adventure
Cousins Aiden, Chloe, Ava and Josh are excited for their first bike ride of the holidays; a day of picnicking, playing and exploring within the grounds of a stately home awaits. Things take an unexpected turn when the quartet uncover a jewel heist. Relying on pedal power, their own instincts and fuelled by delicious home-made scones, can they bring down the villains…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime Themes: Family, friendship, seaside 'a word about books' says…"Fleur Hitchcock is a super storyteller and she has created a delightful mystery read that is pacy and packed with danger, peril, excitement and nail-biting action that will keeps readers intrigued throughout."
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Cloud Busting
Class Bully Sam can not stand the new boy at school. Davey is smelly, his nose is snotty, his clothes have holes in, he is weird, a bit of a dork and uses the phrase 'fizzy feet'. A near death accident brings the duo together and an unlikely secret friendship forms when Davey helps Sam see the world and life in a different way. Then a terrible incident changes everything...
Page Count: 176
Genre: Verse Themes: School, bullying, fear, friendship, feelings 'a word about books' says…"A valuable lesson on friendship and being true to who you really are. Some lessons in life are learnt the hard way and this read is the epitome of appreciating what you have as all too often we don't appreciate what we have until it is gone."
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Cookie! and the Most Annoying Boy in the World
Cookie’s life is falling apart and despite getting pooped on by a pigeon she is not having any luck. Her best friend Keziah is leaving and the new boy is a right pain. He buys the cat she wants, sits in the seat next to her, and ruins her debut appearance on TV. And his parents have only gone and bought the house next door! Can Cookie stop her life from crumbling and make a new friend…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Humour, everyday life Themes: Friendship, science, BAME, diversity 'a word about books' says…”A silly, laugh-out-loud fall off your chair read - best not read in quiet reading time at school. Any book that references one of my favourite ‘science experiments' is onto a winner with me - who doesn’t love mentos and fizzy drink!”
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Cookie! and the Most Annoying Girl in the World
You’d think after stealing her ‘Save the Planet’ birthday party idea that Cookie would not want anything to do with Suzie Ahsby. But when Cookie gets tickets to the Aliana Tiny concert, Suzie somehow manages to befriend her and to make matters worse Cookie loses her best mates Jake and Keziah. Can Cookie come up with a plan to save not only the planet but her friendships…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Humour, everyday life Themes: Friendship, school, environment, BAME, diversity 'a word about books' says…”Konnie Huq understands what makes children tick and delivers an absolutely hilarious, laugh-till-your-belly-hurts story of LOL’s, BFF’s, NBFF’s, fears, multiculturalism and the importance of looking after the planet."
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The Creakers
Something strange is going on in Whiffington Town...all the grown-ups have disappeared. Lucy is determined to find out what has happened but her investigations are going nowhere until she spots some eyes lurking under her bed. Monsters. Under the bed. Every child’s worst nightmare. And these monsters, The Creakers, might know something about the disappearing adults…
Page Count: 368
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, monsters, magic 'a word about books' says…”Slightly scary, often funny and definitely magical, The Creakers is a fun-filled fantasy adventure that will have everyone taking an extra long look under the bed before bedtime to check that there are no monsters hiding in the dark."
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Cyborg Cat and the Night Spider
Ade loves playing football; he is so good in goal his cat-like skills have earned him the nickname 'Cyborg Cat’. When threatening graffiti starts appearing in the neighbourhood following an unfortunate school incident, no-one can work out exactly what is going on. What’s more, the graffiti is really affecting Ade. Dealing with a weird alternate dimension and things going wrong in his actual life, Ade needs the Parsons Road Gang to uncover the mystery of the Night Spider…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Humour, disability, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”Medal-winning Paralympian Ade Adepitan weaves fiction with fact in a thrilling narrative that is big on heart, friendship, fun and is full of can-do-attitude."
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Dave Pigeon
Friends Dave and Skipper like nothing more than munching on a croissant. All their dreams have come true when they meet a lady with a basket full of baked treats. There's an endless supply of sandwiches, biscuits and cakes to be had inside the lady's house but there's a problem...Mean Cat. Not a duo to easily be put off, the friends hatch a plan. But can bird brains outwit crafty cat...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Humour Themes: Crime, animals 'a word about books' says…"The perfect comedy read with messages about friendship and bravery, and proof that pigeons will just about go to any lengths to get their beaks on a baked treat. Make sure your biscuits are hidden away or you might find Dave with his beak in them."
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Daydreams and Jellybeans
Get excited about poetry with this fabulous collection of verse and prose. Featuring poems on nature, natural wonders, people, food, long lost jellybeans, the thoughts of a football, maths problems, daydreams, the words of a teacher and much, much more. There really is something for everyone to enjoy...
Page Count: 64
Genre: Poetry Themes: Nature, animals, natural wonders, school, food 'a word about books' says…"Poetry is a wonderful way to get kids excited about words and language and Daydreams and Jellybeans is a glorious collection of poems that just demand to be read out loud. Joyous, imaginative, and most of all, a great deal of fun."
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Desirable
Nobody wants to hang out with loser George. Not Tiny Biggs from the Warhammer club. Even his grandad makes fun of him and his status as a social reject. On his birthday, George receives a hand-me-down birthday present from his grandad and everything changes. An out-of-date bottle of aftershave from the past holds the key to a more popular future...
Page Count: 64
Genre: Humour Themes: School, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"This short and sweet read is a funny exploration of the real meaning of friendship and proof that being popular isn't all it is cracked up to be. Great for struggling and reluctant readers with short chapters and lively illustrations."
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Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel: An Op Alliance
Runt isn’t like the other villagers. Mining doesn’t interest him, farming carrots definitely doesn’t interest him, and trading carrots for emeralds, forget it. He wants to be a warrior and battle monsters. Tired of his boring life, he heads off on a journey where he meets Blurp, a zombie who also dreams of a different life. And together they head off on an awesome adventure…
Page Count: 96
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure Themes: Monsters, friendship, humour 'a word about books' says…"I fall into the bracket of, yes I know what Minecraft is, and, no I have never played it myself. That said, I had no problem getting to grips with the Minecraft universe and its characters in this lively graphic novel."
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Diary of an Accidental Witch #1
When Bea’s dad accidentally enrols her at the School of Extraordinary Arts, she finds herself amongst unusual classmates. Bea is convinced that she definitely does not belong at witch school but with the Halloween Ball getting ever closer, showing just the slightest bit of magical spark would be really useful. Will Bea be able to find her inner witch or is she just a perfect toadbrain…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Magic, school, friendship, humour, diary 'a word about books' says…"Hubble, bubble and a cauldron lot of light-hearted and laugh-out-loud trouble. Fizzing with fun and bursting with mischief, the diary of Bea Black makes for a fabulously warm-hearted and funny read. Perfect for fans of Amelia Fang and Witch Wars."
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Diary of an Accidental Witch #2: Flying High
Bea Black has settled into life in Little Spellshire and with the Grand Tournament and Winter Solstice quickly approaching everyone is excited. But then Ms. Sparks announces that the Grand Tournament will be replaced with an ordinary sports day against the local ordinary school, urgh. With magic not allowed, tensions mounting and everyone desperate to win, can Bea fly high...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Magic, school, friendship, humour, diary 'a word about books' says…"Brilliantly illustrated throughout, this is sure to be a hit with any young witches or wizards in training. Bea Black and her misadventures make for a cracking introduction to all things magical school related, it is an absolute treat!"
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Dog Man
A new crime fighter is in town…meet Dog Man. After Officer Knight and his canine police dog, Greg, are injured in an explosion both their lives hang precariously in the balance. With neither’s chances of survival looking good, life-changing surgery is needed and the police force soon has a new recruit that is about to deliver his own brand of justice...
Page Count: 240
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Humour, crime, animals 'a word about books' says…"From the creator of Captain Underpants comes a hilarious new series that will have readers howling with laughter. Dog Man and his crime fighting antics make for a great read that is sure to attract the attention of the most reluctant readers."
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Dotty Detective: Super Secret Agent
Dot has some big changes going on in her life. She has moved house and is starting a new school. When her new class teacher, Mr. Dickens, announces there will be a talent show, all the children are excited. But some children seem a little too keen to win and are up to no good. Can Dot and new best friend Beans expose the cheaters before the curtain rises and it’s showtime…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Mystery, everyday life Themes: School, family, friendship, bullying, moving home, humour 'a word about books' says…"Dotty Detective is absolutely delightful and is a lovely and gentle introduction to the mystery solving genre. Presented in the form of a diary, this accessible and engaging text is sure to delight any young super sleuth."
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Dragon Storm #1: Tomas and Ironskin
Tomas has always been told that dragons do not exist. Despite knowing this, he spends his days making dragonswords with his blacksmith father. When a stranger invites Tomas to join a secret Guild in the city of Rivven, Tomas learns he has a special power…the ability to conjure a dragon. While Tomas nurtures his talent and slowly bonds with Ironskin, danger is looming for his family back home and it falls upon dragonseer and dragon to prevent a terrible disaster…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, dragons, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Many children love a rollickingly good story featuring mythical creatures and this one is an absolute fire-cracker bursting with excitement and adventure."
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Dragon Storm #2: Cara and Silverthief
Orphan Cara has only ever known a life on the streets, relying on her wits and a guiding voice in her head to stay out of trouble. Rescued from a botched jewel heist by a stranger, she is amazed to learn that the voice in her head is actually a dragon, a dragon that she has the power to conjure. A new life awaits at the Dragonseers Guild but Silverthief isn’t convinced. A dangerous secret is buried deep below the Guild. Cara and Silverthief need help. But who can they trust…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, dragons, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"I really love these books, who wouldn’t want a best friend that is a dragon. Fast moving and full of excitement, another brilliant entry in the Dragon Storm series."
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Einstein the Penguin
Saturday. The Stewart's decide on a family outing to London Zoo. It isn’t the lions, the monkeys or the flamingoes that capture the attention of the family though, it is one small penguin who Mrs. Stewart insists is welcome at the family home whenever he likes. Now the penguin, complete with rucksack, has turned up on the doorstep and he has no intention of leaving anytime soon…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Mystery, adventure, humour Themes: Animals, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Family fun, plenty of penguin mischief, laugh-out-loud storytelling and the most endearing little character will have readers racing through the pages of Iona Rangeley’s debut as quickly as Einstein gobbles up fish (or a lasagne given half the chance)."
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