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The Arrival
Everyday, people all over the world leave everything they have ever known behind in search of a new and better life. Some move through choice, others are forced to move. Often met with hostility, and struggling to understand their new surroundings, it is a test that challenges the resolve and resilience of anyone who journey's to a new place. This is their collective story...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Everyday life, life lesson Themes: Family, immigration, moving home, diversity, BAME 'a word about books' says…”Master illustrator Shaun Tan has produced an outstanding book that perfectly portrays the challenges that immigrants face. Anyone who has moved to a new place will relate to the journey, those who have not, need to understand the journey."
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Aviary Wonders Inc.
With human activity the planet has rapidly been destroyed. Habitats have disappeared and species have declined in number, some eradicated completely. To compensate the loss, Aviary Wonders Inc. have been making mechanical birds since 2031. The company offers bird lovers the chance to authentically recreate the birds that have become extinct. What will you create...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Birds, nature, environment, humour, natural world, life lesson 'a word about books' says…”It is dark and sobering yet humorous and light-hearted. The idea of creating a bird from the multitude of fabulous parts is at once exciting and you cannot help being drawn in, but the truth is that this may be a reality that is not all that far away."
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The Barnabus Project
In a world where pets are made to be perfect, Barnabus - a half mouse, half elephant, finds himself encased in a class jar labelled 'FAIL' and put on a shelf with all the other failed projects. Barnabus dreams of the world above the laboratory and when faced with the threat of being recycled by the green rubber suits, he and his friends make a daring bid for freedom…
Page Count: 72
Genre: Science-fiction, adventure Themes: Diversity, courage, resilience, team-work, hopes, dreams 'a word about books' says…”A lovely adventure story with big and important messages at its heart. You don’t have to be perfect to fit in, being yourself is more than enough."
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Because
It only takes a moment to change a life. After an expected evening out at a concert hall, a young girl's life is changed forever. The orchestra's powerful music stuck a chord within her, and so begins a lifetime of learning and discovery on a path which leads to the grand stage...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Everyday life Themes: The arts, music, dreams, community 'a word about books' says…“Have you ever listened to a song or a piece of music that has changed your life? ‘Because’ is a celebration of the arts, particularly the beauty and wondrous nature of music, and how it can inspire everyone, especially young children."
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Can I Build Another Me?
How good would it be if you could build another you that could do all the boring parts of life?When a young boy tries to get a robot to be his clone he discovers that teaching it all about himself is a lot more complicated than he ever could have imagined...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Identity, self-awareness 'a word about books' says…”A quirky, inventive and philosophical look at one's self. It will really make you stop and think about how well you really know you!"
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Captain Rosalie
The year is 1917 and war is rife across Europe. Rosalie’s father is fighting, her mother works in the munitions factory and Rosalie is on a mission to learn to read. When her mother receives a blue letter everything changes and Rosalie will uncover some horrible truths…
Page Count: 64
Genre: Historical Themes: Family, friendship, school, war, feelings, emotions 'a word about books' says..."I have not seen or read anything like this before about World War I. This book demands the attention of every child studying war.”
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A Cat Called Waverley
Born in a park, Waverley the cat is loved by everybody and he has lots of friends that he visits daily. His best friend though is Donald. Life is perfect until Donald has to go away to fight in the war. At Edinburgh Station, Waverley waits. And waits. And waits. Years go by but Waverley refuses to give up. He knows that home is where Donald is. But will the two ever be reunited…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Historical, everyday life Themes: Animals, homelessness, war, personal & social issues 'a word about books' says..." Told and illustrated with sympathy, understanding and empathy it opens up conversations about homelessness, PTSD and war. Poignant, moving and powerful."
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Cicada
For seventeen long years, Cicada has been working in the same office block entering data for the humans. An overlooked and overworked small cog in the large corporate machine, Cicada works without thanks, without recognition, without promotion, and being looked down upon by his colleagues. Today is his last day and something extraordinary is about to happen…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy, life lesson Themes: Bullying, discrimination, racism, inequality, everyday life 'a word about books' says..."Wow. Shaun Tan has done it again with another simple, almost wordless picture book that is hard-hitting and thought-provoking. A powerful story that is sure to spark all sorts of conversations by readers both young and old."
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The Dam
Before the dam was built the valley was full of life. Farmsteads and houses dotted the landscape and musicians filled the rooms with their song. But the village has long since been abandoned and now the dam is almost complete. But before the waters come, father and daughter venture into the valley to say a fond farewell and to once more fill the valley with the sounds of song...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Historical Themes: Environment, family, music 'a word about books' says..."More philosophical than story but a worthwhile read for older children and will provide opportunity for discussion around the issues of man versus nature."
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Diamonds
Mama is heading out for the night with Uncle Winston. She is dressed up and ready to go and as she adds the final sparkling touches to her appearance, little Carolina has some questions that need answering. Are the diamond earrings expensive? Where did the diamonds come from? And if housekeeper Amina comes from a land littered in diamonds then why is she not rich…
Page Count: 36
Genre: Everyday life, life lesson Themes: Politics, human rights 'a word about books' says..."Raw, honest and pulls no punches, diamonds may not be so shiny and sort-after after reading this. Powerful, powerful stuff."
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A Different Pond
Early in the morning, before the sun has risen and dark has given way to day, a father and son head out on a fishing trip to a small pond in Minneapolis. But this is no ordinary fishing trip, it is not for pleasure, it is for survival. At the pond, father and son bond over stories and the father recalls his memories of a different pond, the pond back home, the pond in Vietnam...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday Life Themes: Immigration, refugees, international, family, home 'a word about books' says…”An utterly absorbing and moving book filled with emotion and an all too real struggle. Bao Phi’s melodic prose combined with Thi Bui’s evocative illustrations present a beautiful and gentle portrayal of just one part of the immigrant experience."
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Duck, Death and the Tulip
There's something creeping up on duck and it's not something pleasant. A creepy robed figure with a skull for a head and who is the bearer of a tulip has come for duck. But duck isn't ready to die just yet and it would be rather good if death moved on and did not wait around. Death is going nowhere though and as time passes the most unlikely of friendship forms...
Page Count: 38
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Death, bereavement 'a word about books' says…”A simple, moving and ultimately heart-warming story about the inevitability of life and death. The book allows for comforting, sensitive and gentle conversations on the subject of death, grief and loss."
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Everest
In 1953 two ordinary people achieved the extraordinary. Everest is the incredible true story of two men who climbed a mountain and in doing so became famous around the world. The intrepid duo navigated deadly ice crevasses, survived freezing temperatures, battled ferocious winds and avoided falling rocks on their way to the top. This is their story...
Page Count: 64
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative Themes: Journeys, survival, life story, international 'a word about books' says…"Exciting, thrilling and fully captures the dangers that Hillary and Norgay faced. Even though this is recounting a historical event, I found times when I was gripping the book as hard as those mountaineers would have been gripping the ice and rock."
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Flight
In the middle of the night a family flee their home. The darkness is illuminated by the burning fires of fallen bombs and the rumbling of tanks breaks the silence. Walking with only the stars to guide them and their faith to keep their hopes up, the family face the most difficult of journeys. Will they make it before their limited resources and energy run out…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Immigration, refugees, family 'a word about books' says…”A moving, powerful and poignant story that portrays the terrible reality that many refugees face. Sure to leave a lasting impression on all those who read it."
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Flight for Freedom: The Wetzel Family's Daring Escape from East Germany
Germany was once divided by a huge wall that stretched over nine hundred miles. It was built of concrete and steel and was heavily guarded, it was impenetrable and there was no way anyone was crossing it. Tired of living on the East side, two brave families formulated a dangerous plan to cross the wall and to reach the West side in the hope of a better life and a brighter future...
Page Count: 56
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative Themes: War, life story, family, bravery, politics, international 'a word about books' says…"This has all the ingredients of a war-time thriller. It is a wonderful historical retelling about two brave, resourceful and determined families who achieved the impossible when the odds were stacked firmly against them."
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The Giant and the Sea
On the shore of the sea stood a giant who watched over the water. Down below the giant, on the shore, there was a girl who would sing as she happily played on the sand. The giant never spoke, until one day she would speak some very important words. But when the girl takes the words to the town people they don’t want to listen and that is a very big mistake…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Life lesson, environment 'a word about books' says…"A strikingly illustrated book with an incredibly relevant message. Powerful, moving and important with so many things to love about it, The Giant and the Sea will leave readers of all ages with much to ponder long after the last page has been turned."
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Girl from the Sea
The family who live in the cottage by the sea are unaware that they are being closely watched. The ghost of a girl that has emerged from the ocean leaves no trace but she studies the family’s every move. She longs to be a part of their life, to have a family, to belong. But who is she and why does the cottage by the sea mean so much to her…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Ghost Themes: Mystery, family, belonging, family, seaside 'a word about books' says…”I love a picture book like this. It is eerie, moving and beautiful. The limited text and evocative illustrations invite the reader in and then gently and quietly ask that they come to their own conclusions."
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The Good Son: A Story from the First World War, Told in Miniature
When the war started in 1914, young Frenchman Pierre signed up to serve his country in the belief that the war would be over by Christmas. But as Christmas came there was no end in sight. Longing to spend Christmas with his mother he headed home for two wonderful days. This was a decision that would have the most terrible of consequences...
Page Count: 104
Genre: Historical Themes: War, family, friendship 'a word about books' says…”Heart-breaking, harrowing and emotionally charged. This is a very special book that will deeply move any reader that has the opportunity to experience it."
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The House Held Up By Trees
A house-proud father spends his evenings tending to his lawn ensuring that the grass is kept free of seeds from the neighbours trees that his children love to explore. Eventually the time comes for the family to move on. And nature will be allowed to blossom once again...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Family, nature, environment 'a word about books' says…”The beauty and power of nature are expertly told through Ted Kooser's poetic prose and Jon Klassen's wonderful artwork."
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How to Live Forever
There is a library that has a copy of every book ever written yet there is an empty space on a shelf where one book is missing. Years ago, someone took the book and never returned it, hiding the library reference card away from prying eyes. But Peter has stumbled across the card and if he can locate the book he will discover the secret to immortality...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Adventure, fantasy Themes: Books, library, life, death 'a word about books' says…”Wow, this book certainly makes you think. The more you explore the book, the more you will find. Hidden in the wonderful artwork that fills the pages with a myriad of colours are puns and references that are delightful."
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I Go Quiet
Surrounded by a noisy world, a young girl is too timid and small to make a sound. She is filled with worry about how she should sound and how she should look when she speaks so she finds it easier to stay silent. In her silence she finds comfort in books. Books transport her to a world in which she belongs. And when her times comes to be heard, her voice will be clear and true...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Fantasy Themes: Books, stories, imagination, anxiety, loneliness 'a word about books' says…”I totally related to this book and only wish it had been around when I was a child. Addressing themes of anxiety and the difficulties of speaking up in a noisy world, I Go Quiet will resonate with any child who struggles to find their voice."
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I Talk Like a River
A boy wakes up in a world surrounded by sounds and words that he finds difficult to say. No one can see the letters and words that get stuck in his mouth. At school, it is easier to stay quiet than to talk. Then his father takes him to the river where he begins to make sense of his stutter...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Personal & social issues, growing-up, disability, school, family, empathy 'a word about books' says…”When you want children to understand something that they have not experienced themselves, you need a book that is clear, engaging, insightful and develops empathy and understanding. Scott and Smith are right on the mark with ‘I Talk Like a River’."
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The Island
The islanders never asked for the helpless, 'foreign' and naked stranger who appears washed up on the shore. Sending him back to sea would be the sensible option but that would lead to certain death so the islanders are forced to take him in. It isn't long before discontent, rumours and fear spread throughout the island and there seems to be only one thing to do...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Politics, human rights, social issues, refugees, asylum 'a word about books' says…”Powerful, hard-hitting and will divide opinion. It is a striking and frank look at how we sometimes treat others who are different to ourselves as the lines get blurred between a sense of duty, responsibility and obligation."
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The Journey
What is it like to have to leave everything you have ever known behind? When war comes, a mother and her two children set off on a perilous journey to find a new place to call home. Where they are going they do not know. Only it will be a place where they will be safe...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Everyday life Themes: Immigration, war, family, moving home, refugees, asylum 'a word about books' says…”Poignant, powerful and an essential read for children growing up in today’s world. Sanna expertly balances the fear of the unknown with the hope of a better life and helps children understand why refugees make the dangerous journeys that they do."
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The King Who Banned the Dark
On becoming King, the boy who grew up scared of the dark decides to use his power to convince the people of his kingdom that the dark needs banning. As the King’s plans come to fruition all is good…for a while. But it isn’t long before the people are not happy and soon revolution and revolt are in the air. Will the King see the light and can people power overcome politics…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Life lesson Themes: Politics, social issues, people 'a word about books' says…”Such a clever book that will appeal to readers of all ages. I particularly recommend it to older readers who can explore the politics, the dangers of ideologies, and the manipulation of people and the power of misinformation."
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