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Mellybean #1: Mellybean and the Giant Monster
When a game of hide-the-shoe takes an unexpected turn, Mellybean finds herself tumbling into a kingdom ruled by a greedy king who's desperate to catch a monster. Torn between wanting to help the monster and return home, Melly takes on a mission where she will need to play the game of her life to save the kingdom and avoid being locked up in the dungeons forever more…
Page Count: 208
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure, fantasy Themes: Animals, bravery, friendship, teamwork 'a word about books' says…”Mellybean and the Giant Monster is a delightful addition to the selection of graphic novels for lower middle grade readers. Author Mike White takes inspiration from his own pets to deliver an all action fantasy adventure with bags of humour and heart."
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Mermaids Rock: The Coral Kingdom
Welcome to Mermaids Rock, a shallow-water coral reef that is home to lots of mermaid families. Its newest residents, Marina, her father Tarak Silverfin, and her pet seahorse Sami are thrilled to be there. Marina is looking forward to making new friends and exploring the ocean whilst her father is excited to carry on his scientific research. When Marina and her friends find that one of the coral caves is badly damaged they are determined to uncover what has been going on…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Friendship, environment, nature, ocean, mystery 'a word about books' says…”This series of stories will really appeal to children who are keen to help clean up the oceans and protect the sea creatures. Mer-vellous and fin-tastic!"
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Milton the Mighty
Not everyone shares Zoe’s passion for creepy crawlies. And when Zoe’s dad learns that a deadly new species of spider is residing in their home, Milton’s life is imminent danger. Milton is convinced that it is just a big misunderstanding but with the BugKILL lady intent on ending all of spider-kind can Milton and his mates tell the truth about spiders before it's too late...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Humour Themes: Friendship, animals, nature, fear, bullying, family, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…”Swing over Spiderman, there’s a new spider-hero in town and his name is Milton the Mighty. He might not wear a suit and he may only be the size of a Polo mint but he has plenty of spider-powers. This is all kinds of creepy crawly fun!"
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Edward Tulane was not your average rabbit. He was incredibly loved by his young owner Abilene but was too self-centred and vain to reciprocate her love. When disaster happens on a family vacation and Edward is lost on the ocean bed, a journey of self-discovery begins as he discovers it is one thing to be loved but is an even bigger thing to love...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Adventure Themes: Self-discovery, loss, love, feelings, emotions, bereavement, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"A moving story that will have the tears falling on to the pages as readers are swept along by Edward’s adventures and his journey of self-discovery and ultimately learning to love."
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Monster Hunting for Beginners
Monster hunting is not for everyone but after bringing down an ogre, Jack is recruited as the latest in a storied line of monster hunters. With trouble brewing in King’s Nooze, Jack and Stoop, a two-hundred-year-old troll, head off to Cornwall to put a stop to havoc-causing ogres. Equipped with a catapult, his wits and a sense of adventure, will Jack be the hero the villagers need…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Fantasy, adventure, humour Themes: Monsters, family 'a word about books' says…”Ian Mark’s debut children’s fantasy bursts with adventure, revels in silliness and features a whole lot of monsters (that are mostly causing chaos). Reading about monsters has never been so much fun. Perfect for apprentice monster hunters!"
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A Most Peculiar Toy Factory
Hoggle’s Happy Toys in Cherryville has fallen into a state of disrepair. The factory has been empty ever since the terrible events of five years ago. Marmaduke Jaron Hoggle is reopening the factory. Tess would rather have nothing to do with it but with a family farm to save, she and her siblings turn up for work and it doesn't take long for the factory to start revealing it's secrets...
Page Count: 120
Genre: Fantasy, horror, thriller Themes: Mystery, family, friendship, monsters, magic, fear, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…”I love a creepy mystery and this is a thrilling macabre read that is not for the faint-hearted or those that scare easily. Alex Bell’s first book for Barrington Stoke is full of tension, suspense, magic and deliciously dark humour."
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Mr Bambuckle's Remarkables
After Miss Schlump falls in love with a helicopter pilot and moves to Switzerland, class 12B at Blue Valley School find themselves needing a new teacher. Replacement teacher Mr Bambuckle is nothing like they have seen before. He wears a dazzling blue suit, rides a unicycle, cooks breakfast at the front of the class and has a very unique approach to learning. Sometimes change is good and school is never going to be the same again for Mr Bambuckle’s remarkables…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…”Mr Bambuckle is the teacher many children would love to have; he’s entertaining and makes learning fun, all to the frustration of grumpy principal Mr Sternblast."
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My Weirder-est School: Dr. Snow Has Got to Go!
The STEM scores at Ella Mentry School are bad, like really bad. In an effort to improve things, science teacher, Mr. Docker, has called in the services of world-famous scientist, Dr. Melvin Snow. Dr. Snow is meant to be there to help the children but is the mad scientist really interested in kids science experiments or is he like all mad professors, trying to take over the world…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Humour Themes: School, friendship, STEM 'a word about books' says…”The first of a new series provides plenty of laughs. Gutman will get readers excited about STEM in a read bubbling with cool science experiments, likeable kids and a very mad professor. I’m off to try and make electricity out of lemons."
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Noodle the Doodle
Noodle is not the best behaved member of Mr. Reed’s class but everyone loves him as he whizzes and sniffs and wees his way through the school day. Everyone is excited when Mr. Reed announces that a day of learning in the classroom will be replaced with a day at the beach. Of course, Noodle will be coming too. But will Noodle be able to contain his excitement…
Page Count: 88
Genre: Everyday life Themes: School, friendship, animals, humour, seaside, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Fun, fur and friendship! Noodle the Doodle and the children of Wigley Primary School serve up plenty of tail-wagging laughs both in the classroom and at the beach. An ideal read for struggling and reluctant readers."
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Noodle the Doodle Steals the Show
There is a new arrival at Wigley Primary. At first, Samir is quiet and shy, but with a little help from Noodle he soon settles in. When Mr. Reed tells the children they are going to put on a talent show to raise money for charity, almost everyone is excited to take part. Samir however is unsure what his talent is or whether he wants to join in. Perhaps Noodle can help out…
Page Count: 88
Genre: Everyday life Themes: School, friendship, animals, humour, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Anything is paw-sible when you have a confident canine by your side and Noodle and co deliver a brilliant performance that is all expertly directed by Meres and packed with fantastic illustrations by Katy Halford. Another tail-wagging success."
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The Nothing to See Here Hotel
The Nothing to See Here Hotel, a secret getaway for magical creatures. Frankie is thrilled when a Goblin messenger arrives at the hotel with a very important message. Prince Grogbah is arriving at the hotel tomorrow and there's much to be done. When the Prince arrives his behaviour is anything but princely and he is a demanding nasty little snot bag with a naughty little secret...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Fantasy, humour Themes: Family, food, magic, everyday life 'a word about books' says…"The Nothing to See Here Hotel is all kinds of fun and will have readers keenly seeking out the other books in the series. So, pack your bags and head to The Nothing to See Here Hotel, where drama, fun and gross laughs are guaranteed."
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Oliver and the Seawigs
Ten-year-old Oliver Crisp has only ever known a life of adventures and globe-trotting so he is thrilled when his explorer-parents decide to return to their home in Deepwater Bay. But Oliver’s dreams of a ‘normal’ life are short-lived as his parents who have gone off to the explore the surrounding islands fail to return and Oliver finds himself on his own exploring adventure...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Adventure Themes: Humour, family, friendship, monsters, seaside 'a word about books' says…"Kidnapping, shipwrecks, a hairstyling contest, an island with low self-esteem, mischievous monkeys, a sea with a sarcastic personality and a journey to the Hallowed Shallows all make for a delightful ocean adventure."
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Operation Gadgetman
Nothing interesting ever happens in Cleevesdon with the exception of the odd explosion coming from the shed in Mr. Conran’s garden. Beans loves the inventions that her dad, aka Gadetman, comes up with. But when his latest money-stealing device attracts the attention of some very dangerous people, Gadgetman is kidnapped. Equipped with Spy Kit, Beans, helped by her friends, sets out to find the kidnappers, rescue her dad and stop the device falling into the wrong hands...
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure, mystery, crime Themes: Humour, friendship, bravery, problem solving 'a word about books' says…"Kaboom turns to kidnap in a terrifically thrilling mystery packed with excitement and suspense. I absolutely loved it!”
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Ottoline and the Yellow Cat
Mistress of Disguise, Ottoline Brown, and her partner in sleuthing, Mr Munroe, love figuring out puzzles and devising clever plans. There is nothing they cannot solve. When Big City falls victim to a spate of high-society dog-nappings and a string of jewel thefts, Ottoline and Mr Munroe go undercover in a bid to expose a clever scam thought up by the cunning and clever Yellow Cat…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: Animals, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Incredibly fun and delicisiouly weird as master-of-storytelling Chris Riddell invites us into a fantastical fantasy world of card-playing-talking-lap-dogs, a cat-burglar, a Norwegian bog monster and a bear hibernating in the laundry. A glorious tale."
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Pawcasso
Meet Pawcasso, an adorable dog who does his family’s grocery shopping. When Jo spots the basket-carrying dog on the first day of the summer holidays she cannot believe her eyes. Keen to learn the truth about the cool canine, Jo follows. But when she is mistaken for the dog’s owner by some children, she finds herself hiding the truth. After all, what’s the worst that can happen…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure Themes: Animals, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"Just like Pawcasso, Lai’s book is one big bundle of joy and everyone will be wanting a Pawcasso of their own, if you don’t have one already. Pawcasso is sure to brighten the day of anyone who reads this adorable graphic novel. A tail-wagging success!"
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Pea, Bee, & Jay #1: Stuck Together
Pea loves to roll. So when he is challenged to roll further than any other fruit or vegetable has rolled before he is totally up for proving himself. But when a storm hits, Pea finds himself lost in the wilderness and in a whole world of trouble. With the help of some new friends, a Blue Jay who cannot fly and a Queen Bee who avoids responsibility, can Pea find his way back home…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel, adventure Themes: Humour, animals, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Perfectly suited to those children who enjoyed the Narwhal and Jelly series and are ready to move on to something that is slightly more challenging. This very en-jay-able read is fun, fresh and definitely brings the hap-pea."
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Pea, Bee, & Jay #2: Wannabees
Queen of the hive, Bee, is tired and bored of having to look after the hive. All she really wants is to be having fun with her friends, Jay and Pea. Neglecting her duties though has disastrous consequences as rebel bee, Lenny, stages a royal coup and takes over the hive. Lenny is up to no good but can Bee and her friends prove it or is Lenny set to ‘bee’ the new Queen…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Graphic novel Themes: Humour, animals, responsibility, friendship 'a word about books' says…"The second in a new series of bee-rilliant graphic novels that young readers will be making a beeline for. Children will ‘bee’ thoroughly delighted by this engaging and amusing tale of friendship, responsibility and bees behaving badly."
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The Peculiar Thing with the Pea
Pete loves playing football, reading comics and throwing stones in the moat. The last thing he has on his mind is finding his perfect princess. Despite his protests, his mother is set on finding him a fabulous princess who dances, is smart and most importantly…rich. Will Princess Patricia of Plethora, the daughter of the King who tops the Royal Rich List, prove to be marriage material...
Page Count: 72
Genre: Fairy-tale Themes: Humour, family, friendship, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, The Princess and the Pea, gets a twenty-first century makeover from the fabulous Kaye Umansky. Loads of laughs, loads of fun and a clever and witty child getting the better of an adult. I loved it!"
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PESTS
Stix and his Grandma live comfortably behind the washing machine in the kitchen of Flat 3, Peewit Mansions. Grandma has strict rules for surviving as a mouse in the mans world and Stix usually follows them, at least when Grandma is awake that is. But one night everything changes when he ventures out on his own. When the mans are away…the PESTS will play...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Humour, adventure Themes: Animals, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"PESTS is a brilliant read. Full of twists and turns, there is danger, excitement, mayhem and poo jokes and it all adds up to non-stop laugh-out-loud reading. Living by the rules may keep you safe but breaking the rules is a lot more fun..."
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Piggy Handsome
Piggy Handsome just has to be famous and if he isn't then he will change his name. He is the 19th generation of ‘Handsomes’ and all those before him have become famous for one reason or another. Achieving fame shouldn’t be too difficult, especially with the help of his able compatriot Jeff Budgie…all Piggy Handsome needs to do is become the World Chip Chomping Champion…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure Themes: Friendship, animals, humour, crime 'a word about books' says…"Piggy Handsome is a laugh-out-loud read about an arrogant, short-tempered and rather dapper looking guinea pig and his quest to be a star. Children with pets will absolutely love this book and it is sure to be a hit with even the most reluctant of readers.”
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Pizazz #1
Pizazz is feeling far from super. Despite her superpowers she is struggling to fit in at her new school and she can not rid herself of her habit of messing things up. When the local park next to her school comes under threat from the bulldozers perhaps there is a chance to show everyone how super she really is. After all, she is used to saving the planet on an almost daily basis...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Humour Themes: Family, friendship, bullying, school 'a word about books' says…"Pizazz is Sophy Henn’s first book in a brand new series and it is fresh, funky and bags of fun. Pizazz is the perfectly imperfect female superhero that children’s books need and I cannot wait for her next adventure."
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Pizazz #2: Pizazz vs the New Kid
There’s a new superhero in town and Pizazz is determined help her settle in. But when Jett picks Serena over her to show her around the school, Pizazz finds herself as the outcast yet again and rather than superheroes sticking together, Serena wants to pit them against each other, EYE ROLL. Can Pizazz deal with the constant ridiculing from Serena, compete in a battle of the supers and continue to save the world? No-one ever said being a superhero was easy…
Page Count: 208
Genre: Humour Themes: Family, friendship, bullying, school, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"Brilliantly written and featuring comic strips, funky fonts and plenty of illustrations, this is another smashing read from the superhero that is Sophy Henn."
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Planet Omar #1: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Omar is having a tough time; his cousin thinks they might get kicked out of the country, he has moved house and his new neighbour Mrs. Rogers can't stand the smell of his mum's cooking, and he has to start a new school. Life is not going well but at least Eid is soon and that means food and gifts. All Omar needs to do is stay out of trouble and in the good books of mum and dad...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Humour Themes: Diversity, BAME, family, everyday life, bullying, food, school, religion & spirituality 'a word about books' says…"A brilliant read featuring a Muslim family as the main characters. Omar is like any other child - he loves playing, he argues with his siblings, he knows when he needs to be in his parent’s good-books and just wants to have fun!"
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Planet Omar #2: Unexpected Super Spy
Omar is happy at school and is looking forward to spending his savings on a Laser Nerf Blaster. But when the mosque that he and his family regularly visit is in danger of closing down, Omar decides that his money needs to go towards saving it. The only problem is that he is a few thousand pounds short. Can Omar and his friends raise the funds needed to save the mosque...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Humour, mystery, crime Themes: Diversity, BAME, family, everyday life, friendship 'a word about books' says…”Another brilliant read from Zanib Mian that has all of the drama and hilarity of everyday family life. The book captures the trials and tribulations of being a child perfectly and shows that regardless of race and religion children are all very much alike.”
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Planet Omar #3: Incredible Rescue Mission
When Omar returns to school after the holidays he is devastated to find that his class teacher Mrs. Hutchinson has been replaced by Mrs. Crankshaw. Omar is sure that a lesson before the holidays on the universe and the possibility of aliens must have upset the extra-terrestrial beings and they have now kidnapped the best teacher ever. Has she really been abducted…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Humour, mystery Themes: Diversity, BAME, family, everyday life, school, friendship 'a word about books' says…"The perfect read for children with big imaginations and who like getting up to all manner of mischief. As Omar’s dad says, “It’s hard to be good, especially when no-one is watching!”"
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