Many titles have full reviews that can be accessed by clicking on the book covers.
Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape
Toto and Silver have swapped the olive groves of Puglia, Italy, for a pampered life of luxury in Camden, London. When they meet the rather dapper looking Catface he takes them on a night of sight-seeing. Then news of an escaped King Cobra reaches them. Toto and Silver find themselves up to their whiskers in trouble and will need all of Toto's expert ninja skills to survive the night...
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure Themes: Animals, disability 'a word about books' says…"Join these two loveable cats on a fast-paced adventure with danger, humour and bags of action. Toto is brilliant - a real super-hero cat; she turns a disability into a superpower and her bravery helps her overcome all sorts of adversity."
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The Travels of Ermine: The Big London Treasure Hunt
It’s the school holidays and Minty Lambchop is incredibly excited that a special visitor is coming to stay. Ermine the stoat is looking forward to exploring London, seeing all of the famous sights and taking photos for her scrapbook. And there’s a mystery to solve too…can Ermine and Minty find a precious ruby from the Queen’s crown that has been missing since Tudor times…
Page Count: 176
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Animals, friendship, family, humour 'a word about books' says…"The best of British is packed into this sweet adventure story with garden parties, boat trips down the Thames, historical London landmarks and of course, fish and chips. Absolutely delightful."
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The Unforgotten Coat
When Julie is appointed as a ‘Good Guide’ by the two strange new boys at her school she is filled with excitement and curiosity. The boys are as mysterious as the land that they come from and Julie is desperate to know more about them. But her search for answers and truths places the boys firmly in the eyes of the demon that they are so desperately trying to avoid…
Page Count: 112
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Friendship, immigration, humour, social issues, human rights 'a word about books' says…”Inspired by upsetting real events, Cottrell-Boyce brings the wonders and magic of Mongolia to the streets of Bootle, Liverpool, in this moving, powerful and poignant story that explores illegal immigration and the strains it places on children.”
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Varjak Paw
Unlike the rest of his family, Varjak Paw longs for adventures outside of the Contessa's house. When the Contessa dies and a sinister looking man with two big, black cats turns up, Varjak senses something is wrong. Sharing his concerns, The Elder Paw sends Varjak into the Outside world in search of a solution. But does Varjak have what it takes to survive in a gritty world of cat-gangs, dangerous metal machines, growling dogs and mysterious Vanishings…
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, mystery Themes: Animals, bullying, family 'a word about books' says…"S. F. Said delivers a cracking adventure, some big life lessons and cat martial-arts in a brilliantly told and action-packed animal story."
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Vi Spy: Licence to Chill
Valentine Day descends from a long line of spies and she is hopeful of becoming one too. When Vi’s supposedly dead dad, Robert, turns up and gatecrashes Easter’s wedding to Vi’s teacher Mr. Sprout, Vi learns that not only is she half super-spy but also half super-villain. Robert claims to have stopped his villainous ways but when a dastardly plot is uncovered, it is up to Vi to save her family, stop an evil overlord, earn a place at spy school and hopefully save the world…
Page Count: 336
Genre: Adventure, thriller, humour Themes: Family, friendship, bullying, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…"Bags of humour, action-packed scenes and full of heart, Vi Spy is super cool, super fun and I absolutely loved it!"
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Violet and the Pearl of the Orient
Violet is not impressed with the new neighbours. Count and Countess Du Plicitous and their daughter Isabella are rude, arrogant and love to show-off. When a valuable jewel is stolen from the loveable Dee Dee, Violet is sure that the Count knows something about it. But with little proof and surrounded by adults that don’t listen to children, will she be able to uncover the truth…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Mystery, crime Themes: Family, friendship 'a word about books' says…"A beautifully presented and intriguing who-done-it mystery that is perfectly pitched for those readers who are just beginning their sleuthing careers. It is great fun joining Violet as she goes about her detective work trying to figure out what happened."
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Vlad the Drac
Siblings Judy and Paul are not enjoying the family holiday in Romania until they discover a tiny vampire hiding underneath a rock. Taking it home with them does not seem like a good idea but the little vampire is very convincing. But vampires left alone all day become bored very quickly and Judy and Paul are soon to find out just how much chaos their new friend can cause…
Page Count: 120
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Humour, family 'a word about books' says…"Finding a weird little creature and then keeping it as a secret pet is the kind of thing that lots of children dream about but after meeting Vlad the Drac perhaps children will think twice about keeping secret creatures in their sock drawer."
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Wed Wabbit
Ten year old Iphegenia (Fidge) is struggling to come to terms with the death of her father and the constant reminder of Wed Wabbit, younger sister Minnie’s favourite toy, is doing little to help ease the pain. After Fidge causes a terrible accident involving her sister she takes her actions out on Wed Wabbit. It isn’t long before Fidge finds herself falling down the ‘wabbit hole’ and into the bizarre land of the Wimbley Woos. The only way to escape, avoid the Blues and solve the clues…
Page Count: 250
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Humour, friendship, fear, magic, family, home, loss 'a word about books' says…"A laugh-out-loud read with important messages on recognising the uniqueness of others, celebrating differences and that love and a hug are sometimes enough."
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The Wild Robot
There is only one survivor when a cargo ship is sunk during a storm. Activated by a curious otter, ROZZUM unit 7134 is awoken to the world. Programmed to learn and survive, Roz is met with hostility by the island’s wild animals until she adopts a gosling. Gradually the island begins to feel like home but when Roz’s past catches up with her it threatens to ruin everything…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: STEM, nature, friendship, animals, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says…"A unique, at times strange, and an ultimately beautiful story of a robot trying to survive in the wild. Peter Brown combines artificial life and wild animals in a heart-warming tale that overflows with kindness, empathy and understanding."
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The Wild Way Home
Charlie Merriam has longed for a baby sibling but when his wish arrives on the eve of his 12th birthday his world comes crumbling down. His baby brother is born with a life-threatening heart condition. Struggling to cope with the situation he runs away to his sanctuary, Mandel Forest. But the forest is not like he remembers and he has somehow slipped back in time to the Stone Age...
Page Count: 256
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Friendship, family, illness, growing-up 'a word about books' says…"Sophie Kirtley’s debut is a wonderful adventure full of courage, heart and learning about the importance of family. There is excitement, peril, dangerous beasts and an angry caveman, and Kirtley’s writing will have readers racing through the pages."
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Witch Wars
Nine-year-old Tiga Whicabim has no idea that she is a witch until Fran the Fabulous Fairy whisks her down the sink pipes to the wonderful witch world of Ritzy City. Nominated to compete in reality TV competition Witch Wars, will Tiga have what it takes to win or will she be banished back to life with Miss Heks, eating cheese water and hanging out with slugs in the garden shed…
Page Count: 288
Genre: Fantasy, adventure Themes: Magic, friendship, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…"The first in a magical series of whimsical fantasy adventures from Sibéal Pounder is all kinds of witchy fun and readers will love joining Tiga, Fran and a host of other witches on a madcap adventure around Sinkville (the land below the pipes)."
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The Witches: The Graphic Novel
A recently orphaned boy learns of child-hating witches from his Grandmamma's fantastic stories. On a visit to the seaside, the boy finds himself in a hotel with the very witches he has been told to avoid. And when he learns of the Grand High Witch’s dastardly plan to rid the world of all children, the fate of children everywhere is at stake and it is up to him to save the day...
Page Count: 304
Genre: Graphic novel, fantasy, horror Themes: Magic, humour 'a word about books' says…"Retaining all of the dark humour, wit and frights of the original, Bagieu delivers a raucous fantasy adventure filled with hubble, bubble and a whole lot of trouble. This fresh and modern update of Dahl's classic will delight readers of graphic novels."
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You're a Bad Man Mr. Gum
Meet Mr. Gum, a deplorable man who hates everything and loves nothing more than being nasty and horrible. Strangely though, Mr. Gum does love his garden and he has the most loveliest garden in the whole of Lamonic Bibber. So when Jake the dog threatens the loveliness of Mr. Gum’s garden, Mr. Gum knows something must be done and he has the perfect plan…
Page Count: 192
Genre: Adventure Themes: Humour, friendship, animals 'a word about books' says…"A brilliant and sidesplittingly funny read from Andy Stanton. This wacky, random and completely bizarre read is the first in a new series of completely surreal and unpredictable adventures that is sure to appeal to young readers."
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