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Ellie and the Cat
Tired of being left with yet another different relative whilst her dad is away on a business trip, Ellie decides to be be as rude and as rotten as possible. But Grandma doesn't take kindly to naughty children and with a little bit of magic she is going to teach Ellie a lesson. Trapped in a cat's body, can Ellie prove that she can be good or will she be trapped as a cat forever…
Page Count: 80
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Animals, family, friendship, magic, diversity, BAME, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"From one of the UK’s top children’s authors comes a short, funny and fast-paced story with a gentle sprinkling of magic that is sure to get children thinking about their behavioural choices because no one wants to end being stuck as a cat."
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The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife
Scarlett Fife has some very BIG FEELINGS, so big that they sometimes just explode out of her. After an untimely incident at her aunt’s engagement party she must suffer ‘Mumishments’ and the threat of not being taken to Super Mega Awesome Sticky Fun World. But the more Scarlett tries to keep the anger in, the more it wants to come out…in the most explosive of ways...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Humour, everyday life Themes: Feelings, emotions, school, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Maz Evans delivers a laugh-out-loud read that is exploding with humour and all of the things that matter to children whilst at the same time exploring big emotions and necessary coping strategies."
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Fagin's Girl
When Joe walks out and mother dies, Ettie is alone and out on the streets of London. Her luck changes when she bumps into Joe. He wants to look after her but his boss has a strict boy-only policy. Disguised as a boy, Ettie loves her new life, unaware of Fagin’s criminal enterprise. But when she is forced to go pickpocketing, the truth and a mistake threaten to ruin everything...
Page Count: 88
Genre: Adventure Themes: Historical, family, personal & social issues, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"One of Charles Dickens’ most-loved villains gets a fresh outing in this fabulous Oliver Twist inspired tale. The thrilling, petty-crime filled adventure will have readers turning the pages quicker than Joe and the gang can pick the pockets of the rich."
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Fairy Tales Gone Bad: Zombierella
The Prince has arrived in Grimsville and is throwing a ball but Cinderella won't be going as there’s cleaning to be done. When Cinders suffers a tragic fall, life as she knows it is well and truly over and that’s when the Fairy of Death appears to offer some last moments of life. It looks like Cinderella will go to the ball after all, as…Zombierella! But will she find her happily ever after…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Fairy-tale, fantasy Themes: Humour, horror 'a word about books' says…"A dark, delicious and delightful twisted fairy-tale. If this is fairy-tales for the kids of today then I am definitely hungry for more, much like the prince is hungry for his next bride. Probably found in the restricted section of your local bookshop or library."
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The Famous Five Graphic Novel: Five on a Treasure Island
Dick, Julian and Anne are looking forward to spending their summer holiday with their cousin George - never call her Georgina - on Kirrin. Whilst exploring they uncover the whereabouts of some lost family treasure marked on an ancient map and are keen to find it. But they are not the only ones hunting treasure and some people will go to any lengths to get their hands on it…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, mystery Themes: Friendship, animals 'a word about books' says…"I grew up on Famous Five stories and was very excited to rejoin the gang and relive their adventures through graphic novels. I have so much love for these new books, it is my whole childhood wonderfully reimagined."
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The Famous Five Graphic Novel: Five Go Adventuring Again
The excitement of heading to Kirrin for the holidays is quickly dampened when the children find themselves having to do extra studying. But after discovering a hidden passageway and a coded message the children have their own project to work on. And when Uncle Quentin’s secret documents go missing the children are in a race against time to prove who Mr. Roland really is…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, mystery Themes: Friendship, animals 'a word about books' says…"Retaining everything that made Blyton’s books so enjoyable, Béja and Nataēl’s shortened, fast-paced versions of the original stories help bring Blyton’s classic tales into the twenty-first century and will capture an entirely new generation of readers."
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Fantastic Mr. Fox
Farm owners Boggis, Bunce and Bean are tired of Mr. Fox helping himself to their chicken, ducks, geese and turkeys whenever he likes. They are so furious that they have decided to come up with a plan to get rid of Mr. Fox and his family forever. But Mr. Fox has a plan of his own and it’s going to take more than three dim-witted, angry farmers to outsmart this fantastic fox...
Page Count: 81
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, food, humour 'a word about books' says…"This is one of my favourite Roald Dhal stories. A read full of wit, funny limericks and a fantastic fox. I loved reading this book as a child and I’m happy to say that I enjoyed reading it just as much as an adult. A timeless classic."
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The Firework-Maker's Daughter
Lila dreams of being a Firework-Maker like her father. But before Crackle Dragons, Leaping Monkeys, Golden Sneezes and Java Lights, Lila must make a perilous journey to the grotto of the fire-fiend to collect the magic ingredient. Bold, brave and not knowing about the secret protection that is needed, Lila is running towards danger and her actions could have devastating consequences. Can her friend Chaluk and the King’s elephant Hamlet reach her in time...
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: International, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…”Fizzes and pops with excitement, humour and suspense. A fantastic adventure that crackles and sparkles as bright as the fireworks that Lila dreams of making.”
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Fortunately, the Milk
It should have been straight forward. Mum has had to go away for work and dad has been left to run the house and look after the kids. But with no milk in the house dad heads off to the shop, gets zapped aboard an alien spaceship and finds himself in a space continuum. Will dad ever make it back with the milk and if he does, will the children believe his story…
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, science-fiction Themes: Humour, family, dinosaurs, pirates 'a word about books' says…"A superb introduction to the science-fiction genre as Neil Gaiman’s wild imagination collides with Chris Riddell’s fantastical illustrations in an action-packed story that you need to read to believe."
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Free Lance and the Lake of Skulls
Following a difficult jousting season and a couple of unfortunate incidents at summer tournaments, Lance and his steed, Jed, find themselves in the Badlands in search of 'work'. The Badlands isn't a place for outsiders. When a Lord offers Lance a job with rich rewards, he thinks how hard can it be and heads off in search of the ancient Lake of Skulls and a cursed crown...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Humour, magic 'a word about books' says…"Dangerous quests, scheming locals, terrifying hags, bar room brawls and brave knight Free Lance. The humorous and nail-biting action makes for a compelling read and is complimented with brilliantly gruesome illustrations by Chris Riddell."
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The Genius Aged 8 1/4
Adults are not always great at solving problems, just ask Alfie Popple. Sometimes it takes the eyes and brains of a child to seperate the sensible from the silly. Luckily, Mr & Mrs Popple have given birth to a son, Squeaky Squawker Redface Slurp Bottom (aka Alfie) and he might just be the answer to the many problems in the town of Underpants. But can Alfie save his school, fix problematic policing, prevent a war and continue his own learning…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Humour Themes: Growing-up, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Expert writer of humorous books for kids, Jeremy Strong, tells a very silly story with some very silly adults and fortunately a boy with plenty of common sense."
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The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
Chaya has a habit of stealing things to help those in need. But a daring theft of the royal elephant and Queen's jewels has put herself, her best friend and her family in terrible danger. Trouble is brewing and with no idea what else to do an escape into the jungle is the only option. But for how long can Chaya, her friends and an elephant stay out of the clutches of the authorities? And can the thief convince the people that she is in fact the heroine that they really need...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, thriller Themes: International, friendship, growing-up, animals, human rights, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”This story of a modern day Robin Hood is wonderful. A rip-roaring and friendship-filled adventure deep into the heart of the fabulous island of Serendib"
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Good Dog McTavish
The Peachey household is in chaos. When fluffy bundle of joy McTavish arrives at his new home he finds a messy house and a family in disarray. With the household falling apart it is up to McTavish to save the day. With the best interests of the family at heart, he embarks on his own rescue mission. But will his paw-fect plans be enough to get his adopted family back in order…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Humour, everyday life Themes: Animals, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”With lovely messages about appreciating family members who do lots of tasks around the home and the importance of helping out, it will be a read that will be well received by both children and their parents. Everyone will be wanting a McTavish!"
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Goodfellows
In a very English part of England live the Goodfellows whose not so exciting lives take an unexpected turn when a meal in a pizza restaurant results in the family winning an all expenses paid trip to New York. But no sooner have they gotten off the plane than they mistakenly identify themselves as ‘goodfellas’ and are soon up to their necks in crime and danger…
Page Count: 104
Genre: Adventure, crime, humour Themes: Family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”Bursting with laugh-out-loud fun and hilarious hijinks, Tom McLaughlin's brilliant comedy crime caper is an absolute blast. Lively chapters and lots of brilliant illustrations are guaranteed to keep readers hooked."
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The Great Dream Robbery
When Maya's sleep expert father invented a special device that allows you to slip into other people’s dreams he did not expect his villainous boss to trap him in a nightmare. It's time to assemble the Dream Bandits. But can they take down Lilith, shake-off General Pheare, defeat a crack squad of security goons, stop a dastardly plan and bring Professor Dexter back…
Page Count: 416
Genre: Science-fiction, fantasy, adventure Themes: Friendship, family, humour 'a word about books' says…”Part science-fiction, part mission impossible, part mystery, and a great deal of fun. The plot revels in silliness and prides itself on being utterly bizarre and riotously outlandish, no-one does story-telling this ridiculous better than James and Smith."
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The Great (Food) Bank Heist
Nelson loves visiting the food bank. When he and the other children begin to notice that the food bank shelves have less food on them than usual, everyone is concerned. Rumours of thieves are talked about at breakfast club but surely this can not be happening. Are the donations becoming fewer or is there another reason? Nelson and his friends are determined to solve the mystery…
Page Count: 104
Genre: Everyday life, mystery, crime Themes: Friendship, family, personal & social issues, school, food, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”Inspired by Marcus Rashford’s incredible efforts around children and food-poverty, Raúf deals with the very real and important issues that families face and wraps them into a heart-warming story that all children and adults should read."
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The Griffin Gate
Grace Griffin is desperate to be a Griffin warden and to carry out her own missions like her mother and brother, but at thirteen years old she is still two years away from being old enough. When the map starts flashing and Grace is the only one in the room, she takes the opportunity to prove to everyone that she is old enough and skilled enough to be a warden. But Grace finds herself in a strange village and on a mission that could see her entire family destroyed…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, science-fiction Themes: Magic, family, bravery, STEM, monsters, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”Retaining her trademark steampunk style, Vashti Hardy serves up the perfect adventure story as she invites readers of 8+ to teleport into a magical new world."
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Grimwood
Fox cubs Ted and Nancy have had to leave their home in the Big City after Ted accidentally bites the tail off the meanest cat in town. Heading to Grimwood to lie low they are met with a thieving eagle, an aggressive rabbit and rowdy badgers. Grimwood is weird, Princess Buttons is hot on their tail and Ted and Nancy need help from their new animal friends if they are to survive...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Humour, adventure Themes: Animals, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…”Lots of books try to be funny, some may invoke a smile, sometimes the odd laugh but I cannot think of many that will bring as many giggles and laughter-tears as Grimwood, it is pure enjoyment and riotously good fun. I absolutely LOVE it."
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Hilda and the Troll
Following a night of camping out in the rain, Hilda heads off up the hill to explore and to do some drawings of the rocks. After drawing a troll rock - that is rumoured to take the form of a powerful and fierce troll at night - Hilda and her fluffy friend, Twig, fall asleep. Waking up to a setting sun, caught in a blizzard and with no troll rock in sight, Hilda knows she just has to get home…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, fantasy Themes: Myths & legends, monsters 'a word about books' says…”Everything about this read is weird and wonderful - Hilda, her surroundings, the strange and mythical characters. The first in a series of graphic novels by Luke Pearson is a great fantasy adventure."
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HiLo #1: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth
In Berke County, DJ has a pretty boring life. That is until a strange boy crashes to Earth wearing nothing but silver underwear. HiLo has no idea who is, where he is from and why he suddenly fell to Earth. Frightening flashbacks suggest that trouble is looming and it will be up to HiLo, along with the help of his new best friends, to save Earth from being destroyed forever…
Page Count: 208
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, fantasy, science-fiction Themes: Friendship, monsters, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”Has everything a good science-fiction read should have - superpowers, other worlds, portals, a crazy villain and his robotic army threatening to destroy planet Earth and an unlikely hero and his new best friends that are required to save the day."
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Horror Heights #1: The Slime
Eleven-year-old Connie is the ‘Queen of Slime’. When a trip to the supermarket to pick up new slime is cancelled, she has to get creative. But Connie doesn’t create slime, she creates a living thing that rapidly evolves into something far bigger. Soon her life, her friends lives and the whole of Horror Heights could be in danger if she cannot put a stop to her new creation, Big Yikes...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Horror Themes: Friendship, monsters, school, humour 'a word about books' says…”Unlike Connie, who doesn’t quite have the correct ingredients to make home-made slime, Bec Hill has all the right components for the perfect comedy-horror. Slimy and gooey, exciting and freaky, kids will love this creep-tastic slime-fest!"
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The House at the Edge of Magic
When Nine steals a small trinket to keep Pockets off her case, she could not have predicted the events that would follow. Knocking the tiny knocker on the front door causes the tiny trinket to grow to an impossibly large higgledy-piggledy house. This magical house is under a terrible curse and the inhabitants that are prisoners inside its walls are hoping Nine can save them...
Page Count: 240
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Magic, friendship, monsters, humour 'a word about books' says…”Amy Sparkes lets her imagination run wild in a story that is all kinds of magical fun and all manner of surprises, mischief and mayhem await those who step inside."
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The House of Clouds
Tabby has little time for her grandad and his ridiculous stories; they are far-fetched, silly and most definitely made-up. But there is something about the most wonderfully impossible of stories that maybe, just maybe, has an ounce of truth to it. The one about the lady who lived in the house on the headland and carved the most amazing things out of clouds…
Page Count: 104
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Family, loss, grief, imagination, seaside, friendship, family, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”Lisa Thompson is a wonderful story-teller and this one tugs at every single one of the heart strings. It will leave readers gently weeping and desperately wanting to hug all of their important relatives, particularly story-telling grandparents."
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I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree
Dive into a wonderful collection of poems, riddles, rhymes and limericks that celebrate and explore nature, animals, plants, weather and the seasons. With poems to make you laugh, poems to get your tongue in a twist, poems that make you think, poems to make you question, beautiful poems and more sombre poems. This really is a collection that has something for everyone...
Page Count: 336
Genre: Poetry Themes: Nature, animals, environment, seasons, weather 'a word about books' says..."A wonderfully curated and beautifully presented collection of three-hundred-and-sixty-six individual hugs to the natural world."
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I Lost My Granny in the Supermarket
All Harry has to do is look after his granny, Mini, for the day and it should be simple enough; new outfit, hair-dressers, lunch and be at the Caught Short awards ceremony at four-thirty. Mini though has very different ideas and is up for a day of mayhem and mischief and quickly escapes Harry's granny-sitting. Will Harry be able to catch up with her and get her to the awards on time…
Page Count: 320
Genre: Adventure, humour Themes: Family, animals 'a word about books' says..."Can somebody please pass me a needle and thread so I can sow my split sides back together again. I honestly cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard at a book. I Lost My Granny in the Supermarket is brilliantly bonkers and revels in silliness."
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