Many titles have full reviews that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
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Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals
Polly Pecorino is a rescuer of animals. She is able to talk to them too! Whilst helping her Uncle Stan out at the Happy Days Zoo, she uncovers that the zoo’s despicable owners, Mr and Mrs. Snell have stolen a bear cub from the woods in order to make money. Polly is determined to reunite the terrified cub with its parents. But no-one ever dares to enter Wild Bear Woods...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, friendship 'a word about books' says…"With beautiful storytelling that promotes kindness and compassion towards all living creatures and featuring some truly gorgeous illustrations, Polly Pecorino is utterly delightful. Chichester Clark’s debut children’s novel is sure to become a future classic."
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Princess BMX
Princess Ava hates her boring and rule-filled life in the kingdom of Biscotti and would much rather spend her days in Camden, London. But Ava is not the only one using the portal to travel between the two worlds. A dark sorceress is out for revenge and the kingdom of Biscotti is in terrible danger. Can Ava and new best friend Ethan use their BMX skills to save the day...
Page Count: 304
Genre: Fairy-tale, adventure, fantasy Themes: Humour, mystery, animals, family, friendship, monsters 'a word about books' says…"Basting flips the traditional fairy-tale on its head and delivers a fresh and original twist on the typical princess narrative filled with thrills, spills, rule-breaking and plenty of bunny hops, ollies, tail whips and bar spins. A totally 'rad' read."
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The Puffin Portal
Grace Griffin is now a fully fledged Griffin Warden and uses a magical map to fight crime across Moreland. Recently, there has been a spate of calls to do with thefts of small items and the sighting of a bird at each crime scene. Grace is sure that the crimes are connected in some way but when the clues lead to a remote island she finds herself with a whole new mystery to solve…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, science-fiction Themes: Magic, family, friendship, STEM, dyslexia friendly 'a word about books' says…"Hardy’s writing is like a warm-hug that completely envelops you and transports you, or more accurately, teleports you, into the most wonderful of adventures. Exciting, heartfelt and a great deal of fun, The Puffin Portal is in an absolute treat!"
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Rainbow Grey #1
Coming soon...
Page Count: 304
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, magic, nature 'a word about books' says…”Coming soon..."
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Rainbow Grey #2: Eye of the Storm
Ten-year-old Rainbow (Ray) Grey is slowly but surely learning to master her weather-weaving powers. Unfortunately, Ray is at the stage where things have a habit of going wrong and when all of the cloud creatures in The Weatherlands start disappearing the obvious explanation is to blame her. Ray suspects dark magic and is sure that the worst ROGUE in history is to blame. Can she stop storm-maker Tornadia Twist from destroying her world, cloud magic and planet Earth…
Page Count: 304
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, magic, nature 'a word about books' says…”Bursts with energy and colour, excitement and peril, imagination and fun. Rainbow Grey shines as strongly as the brightest and sparkliest of rainbows!"
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The Royal Rabbits of London
The Royal Rabbits have a proud history of protecting the Royal Family. After Shylo overhears the evil Ratzis, the enemies of the Royal Family, plotting a dastardly plot against the Queen from which they hope to make squllions of pounds he desperately needs the Royal Rabbits help. Can the runt of the litter convince them that the Queen is in danger and become a big, brave buck...
Page Count: 203
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, family, self-esteem, bullying, bravery, fear, self-discovery 'a word about books' says…”Funny, charming and with beautiful illustrations, Shylo and the Royal Rabbits of London will capture the hearts and minds of young readers. What are you waiting for...hop hop hop along into an adventure with Shylo and his new pals."
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Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid of Ghosts
After THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT THAT SHALL NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN at the Space Museum, Sam Wu sets out to shake off the name Scaredy-Cat-Sam and prove to the school bully and his friends that he is the bravest…by any means possible. He has lots of great ideas too, from buying a deadly pet to catching a terrifying ghost. With his favourite TV show Space Blasters and Captain Jane and Spaceman Jack to guide him, what could possibly go wrong...
Page Count: 224
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Ghosts, humour, bullying, family, friendship, diversity, BAME, school 'a word about books' says…”Unashamedly over the top and joyfully exaggerated! I challenge any child to not be laughing their socks off as they join Sam Wu on his quest for bravery.”
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Saving Winslow
Louie has a chequered history when it comes to looking after small creatures. They have a habit of dying or escaping when they’re in his care. So when his father comes home with a mini donkey that is on his last legs, everyone fears the worst. But Louie immediately feels a special connection with the donkey (who he calls Winslow) and he makes it his mission to keep this donkey alive…
Page Count: 160
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Animals, family, friendship, feelings 'a word about books' says…”A heart-warming tale that explores the emotional lives of children. Proof you should never give-up, even though it is hard hoping for the best when everyone expects the worst.”
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Scribble Witch #1: Notes in Class
Monday. Molly’s world has just crumbled as best friend Chloe has told her that she is starting at a new school tomorrow. The worst Monday ever becomes slightly better when magical paper witch Notes hops out of the pencil pot. Notes might be the helping of magic that Molly needs to keep Chloe in her life but there’s a fine line between magic and mischief as Molly is about to discover…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Humour Themes: Friendship, magic, school, feelings 'a word about books' says…”I love this book! It is a thoroughly delightful read and one that is as fun and crazy as its cover would suggest. Filled with magic and mayhem, Scribble Witch had me smiling and laughing all the way till the end.”
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Scribble Witch #2: Magical Muddles
Molly is having a tough time. Her best friend Chloe has moved school, is making new friends and Molly has been forced to enter a spelling competition just because Chloe has. Things are looking bleak…a friendship seemingly ruined, a spelling competition in front of the parents and paper witch Notes is getting mixed up in all kinds of magical muddles. Will anything go right for Molly…
Page Count: 240
Genre: Humour Themes: Friendship, magic, school, feelings 'a word about books' says…”My favourite ‘paper witch who lives in a pen pot’ is back to cause more chaos in the classroom. Filled with magic and mayhem, mishaps, muddles and misunderstandings, this is a hilarious and very enjoyable read."
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The Seriously Extraordinary Diary of Pig
Pig loves living on the farm with the famers, Mr & Mrs. Sandal, and his friends Cow and Duck. After a game of hide-and-seek goes wrong and results in quite severe damage to the farmhouse, the guilty animal trio are determined to make amends at the country fair. But then Cow gets kidnapped and if not rescued soon Ivanna Hertchew is going to turn Cow into a leather bag...
Page Count: 208
Genre: Adventure Themes: Humour, animals, diary, friendship 'a word about books' says…"The Diary of Pig series are superbly silly stories that will have readers laughing-out-loud from start to finish. Brilliant characters, a funny narrative and plenty of fart and poo jokes will have children racing through the pages."
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Skeleton Keys: The Unimaginary Friend
Ten-year-old Ben Bunsen lives on Grundy Island with his mum and dad. He has a friend but it only exists in his mind. When the figment of his imagination comes to life a series of unbelievable events unfold and he will have to deal with a girl full of resentment, a pirate on an unstoppable quest, a confused mum, a dad with a hidden secret and a body of bones with keys for fingers…
Page Count: 224
Genre: Horror, fantasy Themes: Friendship, humour, monsters 'a word about books' says…"For a lot of children an imaginary friend is part of childhood and is very handy to have around and take the blame for unfortunate incidents. Readers will be revelling in this read and will be left wishing that their imaginings could become unimaginary."
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Skunk and Badger
Badger lives a quiet and peaceful life in his aunt's brownstone house. Life is routine, simple and safe - a breakfast of cold cereal and milk is followed by Important Rock Work. When Skunk arrives on Badger’s doorstep he turns Badger’s world upside-down. Skunk is energetic, noisy, loves cooking tasty breakfasts and hangs out with chickens, none of which is good news for Badger. And when an incident with a stoat pushes Badger over the edge he decides that Skunk must go…
Page Count: 136
Genre: Humour Themes: Animals, friendship, relationships, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"An adorable read centred around the friendship of two animals who are the complete opposite. Skunk and Badger are well-worth spending time with."
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Sky Pirates #1: Echo Quickthorn and the Great Beyond
Eleven-year-old Echo has lived a life of privilege in the castle of Lockfort. She has been told that nothing exists outside the city, only the sparse lands of the Barren. But when a professor appears in an airship at her window in the middle of the night he opens her eyes to a world full of possibilities and she joins him on an epic adventure and journey of discovery into the unknown...
Page Count: 352
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"A cracking steampunk adventure story of sky pirates, a royal stowaway, dangerous escapes, stolen treasures, maps of far off lands, beautiful insects, mechanical objects and the occasional lie. Alex English's debut is a thoroughly enjoyable read."
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Sky Pirates #2: The Dragon's Gold
Echo is desperate to become a true sky pirate. When her mum, Lil, is summoned to a meeting of the Seven Skies Alliance, Echo is presented with the perfect opportunity. Legendary treasure lies deep in the heart of a dragon’s lair and the first sky pirate crew to find it will rule over the Seven Skies. But does Echo have what it takes to find the treasure before the rival pirate clans…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"Bags of excitement and full of friendship and heart. This fast-paced, swashbuckling story is a fresh and original pirate adventure that will have readers wanting to fly away to uncharted lands in their own airship. Loved it!"
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The Snow Sister
Pearl Granger and her family haven't made a fuss about Christmas since Pearl's sister Agnes died. When it snows, Pearl makes a person out of snow. A snow sister. It won't bring Agnes back but it helps her feel a little less alone. When an important letter arrives regarding the last will of a relative, Pa and Ma are convinced their fortunes are about to change forever...
Page Count: 112
Genre: Adventure, historical Themes: Family, winter, Christmas, loss 'a word about books' says…"A charming winter story set in Victorian England with festive spirit, kindness and the hope of better times. Most importantly, a reminder that money is not the only way to bring riches to your life, having a family is the most important thing."
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A Speed Bump and Slingshot Misadventure #1: Night of the Living Shadows
Today is an important day for best friends Speed Bump and Slingshot. It is the day that they will earn their Scavenger Badge and graduate from Bird Scouts to Eagle Scouts. But acquiring items at the mall is anything but straight forward. With lock-ins to negotiate and an inadvertent bird-napping, do Speed Bump and Slingshot really have what it takes to graduate to Eagle Scouts…
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure, humour Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…"If you like birds and want a read that is big on humour and comedy then read this. Plenty of feathers in a flap in this wickedly funny madcap adventure."
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A Speed Bump and Slingshot Misadventure #2: Night of the Living Worms
Speed Bump is frustrated. Frustrated with his funny shaped body, frustrated that he cannot fly fast, that he cannot wake up early and that he cannot beat his brother Early Bird to catch the worm. In search of an early worm, Speed Bump and his best friend Slingshot head out into the night where they not only uncover a field of terrifying nightcrawlers but a terrible plan...
Page Count: 144
Genre: Adventure, humour Themes: Animals 'a word about books' says…"A ridiculously funny read that will have readers hooked from the start. Brilliantly bonkers bird-brained fun!"
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Spy Penguins
Jackson and Quigley want nothing more than to join the FBI. But their latest invention attracts the attention of the agency for all the wrong reasons and the head of the organisation is seriously unimpressed. When the two friends learn of some fishy goings-on at the local aquarium they are determined to show the FBI that they have what it takes to become secret agents…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, crime, mystery Themes: Animals, humour, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…"Sam Hay delivers a fast-paced and highly entertaining mystery read and readers will love joining Jackson and Quigley on their crime fighting escapades. This is one flippin’ cool read that is fin-tastic fun!"
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Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day
Not all magic powers are useful or even that exciting, just ask Willow Moss. Willow doesn't think much of her ability to find lost things until Moreg Vaine, the most feared witch in Starfell, comes asking for help. Last Tuesday has disappeared and no one can remember anything. Now everyone is depending on Willow to bring Tuesday back, if she doesn't the world might end...
Page Count: 304
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, mystery Themes: Growing-up, friendship, magic, humour 'a word about books' says…”A delightful read and I loved everything about it. Full of fast-paced action, colourful characters, magical places, plenty of humour and a cracking yet unsuspecting heroine in Willow. “Magic is like life - it’s what you do with it that counts.”"
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Stitch Head
Fulbert Freakfinder’s circus of weird wonders isn’t the only thing trying to frighten the townsfolk of Grubbers Nubbin. In Castle Grotteskew, a mad professor is hard at work bringing almost life to his next monstrous creation. When Freakfinder disobeys the only rule of Castle Grotteskew…”No Visitors”, Stitch Head’s worse fears are realised and the castle's secret is under threat...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Horror Themes: Monsters, friendship 'a word about books' says…"Monsters, madness, mayhem, angry mobs and potions; this is Frankenstein for younger readers. It is dark, creepy, and freakishly good fun, and the scary illustrations by Pete Williamson are frighteningly good."
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Super Cats #1
When news travels to Tagg’s family from Stoke Mewington that super cats are disappearing, his parents are determined to find out what is happening to their friends. Under strict orders to stay safe at home, Tagg, along with Sugarfoot, secretly sets off on his own spy mission and soon finds himself uncovering a dangerous plot. But do he and Sugarfoot have what it takes to solve the mystery and prevent a cat-astrophe from happening…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Adventure, crime, mystery Themes: Animals, humour, friendship, family 'a word about books' says…”Super Cats is purr-fect for readers who want their animal stories with plenty of action and cats up to their whiskers in crime."
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Super Cats #2: Super Cats v Maximus Fang
Despite being a novice agent and not acing his latest training exercise, Tagg is thrust into superhero action when a plot to free dangerous cat-villain, Maximus Fang, from Cat’s End Prison emerges. Along with his best friend Sugarfoot, he must infiltrate an evil squad of hit-cats led by the unscrupulous Hamish and foil a plan that threatens the existence of every cat and human...
Page Count: 160
Genre: Adventure, crime, mystery Themes: Animals, humour, friendship, bullying 'a word about books' says…”I’m more of a dog-lover myself but I could be converted to cats if I could find one with the superpowers that these bunch of marvellous moggies possess. Fantastic feline fun aplenty in this crime caper where a cat-astrophe is never far away."
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A Super Weird Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner
Melvin Pebbles is far from thrilled to be leaving his friends behind and moving from Hokum City to Donut Island, a round city with a hole in the middle. Then he meets Rhubarb Plonsky who is full of excitement and is into solving mysteries. Unfortunately, not much happens in Donut that needs solving. But when The Donut Diner start handing out Donut Hole Monsters they have a strange effect on their owners and suddenly there is a mystery that is perhaps worth solving…
Page Count: 272
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Humour, friendship, school, moving home 'a word about books' says…”A wacky and weird mystery with a pacy plot full of Smith’s trade-mark zany humour. Easy to read and will hold the attention of the most reluctant of readers.”
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Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas
Blanche despises Christmas. There is little to enjoy from under the bridge she calls home and she can not wait for the dreaded day to pass - counting down the seconds until it will be over for another year. But one Christmas Eve would change everything when a mysterious old woman gives her a red bauble and sets in motion the most magical of Christmas adventures...
Page Count: 320
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Christmas, friendship, magic, humour 'a word about books' says…”A Christmas cracker and is a great twist on the traditional origins of Santa Claus. It comes with Christmas spirit by the bucketload, a lot of mince pies and is everything a Christmas book should be…fabulous, festive and fun."
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