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Pip Jones is a freelance journalist. Squishy McFluff won the inaugural Greenhouse Funny Prize in 2012 and Pip is delighted to bring him to the page at Faber. She lives in East London with her partner, her two daughters and a real invisible cat. She writes a lot. She is the author of four other Squishsy McFluff books, several pitcure books (including Daddy's Sandwich and The Chocolate Monster) and her new series Piggy Handsome is coming out in summer 2017.
It’s a big day in junior inventor Izzy Gizmo’s house: a letter has arrived with an invitation to an Invention Convention. At first, Izzy is uncharacteristically unsure, pointing out that her machines don’t always work. Following a wonderfully robust response to that from her Grandpa - “Cobblers!” he shouts – they pack up her tools and set off for Technoff Isle in an extraordinarily wonderful, amphibious vehicle, designed by Izzy. The plot moves forward as energetically as Izzy’s contraption, with the young inventors challenged to an invention competition. Izzy seems to be in trouble when one of her competitors selfishly hoards all the materials available for herself, but there’s very little that Izzy can’t tackle with her limitless ingenuity and creativity. Picture book stars don’t come much more inspirational or resilient than young Izzy, but she’s thoroughly human too, not above getting frustrated or bad-tempered and often in need of encouragement from Grandpa and her friend Fixer the crow. The story is a joyful celebration of inventions and inventiveness with an excellent message for young readers. Pip Jones’ rhyming text and Sara Ogilvie’s action-packed illustrations match each other for wit and energy. This is a story guaranteed to fire the imagination, and let’s face it, the world needs more Izzy Gizmos. This review first appeared on Books for Keeps.
Beware! The cheeky chocolate monster is on the loose and he will stop at nothing to get the chocolate that he loves so much. In all sorts of disguises he will be round stealing chocolate from anyone foolish enough to let him. And worse still, the chocolate monster will always try to pin the blame onto someone else. Pip Jones and Laura Hughes have created a bubbly picture book on a chocolatey theme. ~ Julia Eccleshare
In a nutshell: Fluffy invisible friend conquers all at country fair There’s tension at the heart of this new Squishy McFluff story: Ava and her family are going to a country fair and she is determined that Squishy will win the Prettiest Pet competition. Mum, Dad, and maybe readers too, are concerned that the judges might not appreciate Squishy’s many qualities – he is invisible after all! Pip Jones’s stories are full of charm and a wonderful unforced humour that derives from Ava’s obliviousness to the chaos she so often causes, and her special friendship with Squishy. Written in sprightly verse, that demands to be read aloud, and illustrated with equally lively pictures by Ella Okstad, it’s another perfect book for emerging readers. Fans of Squishy will also like Alex T Smith’s stories of Claude, and Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy’s Dixie O’Day tales. ~ Andrea Reece
A trip to the seaside for everyone’s favourite invisible kitten nearly ends in disaster when poor Squishy is swept out to sea. Luckily Ava’s mum is persuaded to row to the rescue. Effortlessly charming, this story, the fifth in the series, feels as fresh and lively as the first. Pip Jones’s rhymes have a jaunty lilt and reading them is always a pleasure, for young and old alike. Ella Okstad’s illustrations are just as lively and catch the relationship between Ava and Squishy beautifully. A perfect book to bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books, and as welcome and delicious as an ice cream on a hot sunny day! ~ Andrea Reece
This series has so much appeal for young readers and it’s lovely to have a new Squishy story for Christmas. For those who aren’t in the know, Squishy McFluff is a kitten – an invisible one – and Ava’s best friend. They have lots of adventures and it seems that the harder they try to be good, the more mischief they cause: Christmas offers all sorts of opportunities for happy chaos. Ava can’t wait for Christmas Eve and when it finally comes, Father Christmas is there to meet her. He has a very special surprise too. Told in rhyme, fun to read and easy to recite, Pip Jones’s stories are lively and funny and she has a real child’s-eye view of the world. Ella Okstad’s illustrations in seasonal green and red add to the fun. ~ Andrea Reece
This is a brilliantly funny and charming picture book... Daddy, would you like a sandwich, with all your favourite things...? This book lets you join one little girl on her quest to make her father the perfect sandwich, whether he likes it or not...
From Squishy McFluff author Pip Jones and bright new talent Laura Hughes, this is a brilliantly funny and charming picture book perfect for ages 3+ and for Fathers' Day gifts.
A mischievous story featuring Ava and her imaginary cat Squishy - this is the fourth in the Squisky McFluff series. Told in full colour throughout, this is the perfect stepping stone from picture books to older fiction and to inspire young children to develop their storytelling skills through using their imagination. February 2015 Book of the Month
August 2014 Book of the Month A second helping of deliciously funny adventures for Ava and her invisible cat Squishy McFluff. Ava is not looking forward to a trip to the supermarket with her mum as shopping is no fun. But luckily, Squishy McFluff is there too and nothing is ever dull if Squishy McFluff is around! All the high jinks are wittily captured in the fun-to-read rhyming text and in Ella’s Okstad’s witty illustrations...
February 2014 Debut of the Month From unravelling jumpers to filling boots with newts, from unlucky spills to jungles in the bathroom, Ava and Squishy are inseparable. But Squishy is not impressing everyone and his behaviour is getting worse – will he learn to behave before he has to leave for good? The jaunty rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and Ella Okstad's gorgeously cuddly illustrations will help little ones read by themselves for the first time. Bright new talent Pip Jones gives a hilarious, quirky twist to everyday experiences for readers aged 5+.
Meet Izzy Gizmo - a fabulously feisty new character from Pip Jones (Squishy McFluff, Daddy's Sandwich) brought to life with exuberant and detailed illustrations from the bestselling illustrator of The Detective Dog, Sara Ogilvie. Izzy and Fixer are back for more machine mayhem... While their fellow contestants at the Invention Convention are intent on making shiny new things using old power, can Izzy and Fixer build a recycling machine fuelled by nature... AND win the coveted Genius Guild badge along the way? A joyful celebration of the magic of make-do-and-mend from the creators of the much-loved Izzy Gizmo. PRAISE FOR IZZY GIZMO: 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
Meet Izzy Gizmo - a fabulously feisty new character from Pip Jones (Squishy McFluff, Daddy's Sandwich) brought to life with exuberant and detailed illustrations from the bestselling illustrator of The Detective Dog, Sara Ogilvie. Izzy and Fixer are back for more machine mayhem... While their fellow contestants at the Invention Convention are intent on making shiny new things using old power, can Izzy and Fixer build a recycling machine fuelled by nature... AND win the coveted Genius Guild badge along the way? A joyful celebration of the magic of make-do-and-mend from the creators of the much-loved Izzy Gizmo. PRAISE FOR IZZY GIZMO: 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
Everyone's favourite inventor is now available in board book format! Izzy Gizmo, a girl who LOVED to invent, carried her tool bag wherever she went in case she discovered a thing to be mended, or a gadget to tweak to make to make it more splendid. Izabelle Gizmo just loves to invent, but her inventions never seem to work the way she wants them to. And that makes her really CROSS! When she finds a crow with a broken wing she just has to help. But will she be able to put her frustrations to one side and help her new friend to fly again? Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Prize 2017, this empowering book is perfect for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. 'If you're looking for a new book with a determined, strong female role model then this is for you' Being a Mummy blog 'This was such a fun book. We need more books with girl inventors!' Twirling Book Princess blog 'This exuberantly riotous story... blends the fun of rhyme with the touching friendship between a charismatic crow and a never-say-die young inventor'Lancashire Evening Post 'A lovely story of ingenuity and determination' Parents in Touch 'I doubt many will fail to fall for Izzy and her mechanical mind. Pip Jones' rhyming narrative is a cracker to read aloud and Sara Ogilvie's imagination must be almost as fertile as young Izzy's... A real riot.' Red Reading Hub blog 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
Lila and Barney are helping Queen Cassie to prepare for the Whispering Wood Waltz but they can't believe their eyes when they find a large, miserable dragon sitting on their flowerbeds! Can Lila find a way to cheer up Dot the dragon and still be home in time for the waltz? Lila Scamp and the Dragon's Wish is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years
How has fashion changed throughout history? What did the Victorians wear? Why did everyone have to mend clothes in war times, rather than buy new ones? In this book, children jump into a time machine to find out what we wore! What We Wore is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years
Gus loves the hedgehog in his nan's garden - but what happens to Huffkin in the winter? This beautiful fiction story was written by Pip Jones. Gus loves the hedgehog in his nan's garden - but what happens to Huffkin in the winter? This beautiful fiction story was written by Pip Jones. Blue/Band 4 offers longer, repeated patterns with sequential events and integrated literary and natural language. Non-fiction uses signs, labels and diagrams. This book focuses on adjacent consonants with long vowel phonemes. Pages 14 and 15 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall. Reading notes within the book provide practical support for reading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of all the sounds and words that the book will cover.
Find out all about different types of trees around the world in this fact-filled non-fiction book. Find out all about different types of trees around the world in this fact-filled non-fiction book. Blue/Band 4 offers longer, repeated patterns with sequential events and integrated literary and natural language. Non-fiction uses signs, labels and diagrams. This book focuses on adjacent consonants with long vowel phonemes. Pages 14 and 15 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall. Reading notes within the book provide practical support for reading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of all the sounds and words that the book will cover.
A day out with Squishy could never be boring! When Squishy and Ava go on a trip to London, they can't resist the chance to explore the palace, but when they accidentally find the Queen, will she be able to see how wonderful Squishy is?
A day out with Squishy could never be boring! When Squishy and Ava go on a trip to London, they can't resist the chance to explore the palace, but when they accidentally find the Queen, will she be able to see how wonderful Squishy is?
Mummy's going away for three whole days! She's bound to miss home very much, so Ruby Roo decides to pack a suitcase with all the things she knows Mummy loves best. Uh-oh. Mummy's in for a wicked surprise! Join Ruby Roo and Barney Boo in the latest picture book sensation from Pip Jones - the funniest voice in young fiction today - and rising star illustrator, Laura Hughes.
Sometimes we can feel sad, angry or lonely. In this non-fiction book, children learn how they can address these different emotions and how to be there when a friend needs help or comfort. Be a Good Friend is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years
In this non-fiction information book, that also acts as a quiz, children learn about healthy foods. Can they spot all the healthy snacks? Spot the Snacks! is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years
It's raining, it's pouring. And Daddy is snoring. Mummy is working. Oh, EVERYTHING'S BORING. What can Ruby Roo do on a rainy day? Use her imagination! This jaunty, thrilling rhyming text sees these two intrepid explorers jet off to the jungle in their cardboard seaplane, and swing through the exotic pot plant canopy . . . encountering some strangely familiar characters on their way! Packed with humour, colour and adventure - and with tons of 'clues' for children to spot - this is the latest picture book sensation from Pip Jones and superstar illustrator, Laura Hughes.
Piggy Handsome is a very confident guinea pig with a hugely inflated ego - he hails from a long line of very famous guinea pigs. But sadly Handsome STILL hasn't achieved world renown. Well, now he has a new plan to get his name on the telly - he'll be someone's hero! When pushing Jeff Budgie off a roof and 'saving' him fails spectacularly, Handsome is at his wits' end. Little does he know, however, that the dastardly Dixons have escaped prison and are seeking revenge for their capture. What's more, Dan and Dolly's ghastly greed has led them to kidnapping, and now someone really DOES need saving! Can Piggy Handsome save the day for real? And will it earn him the fame he so desperately desires?
Piggy Handsome is a very confident guinea pig with a hugely inflated ego - he hails from a long line of very famous guinea pigs. But sadly Handsome STILL hasn't achieved world renown. Well, now he has a new plan to get his name on the telly - he'll be someone's hero! When pushing Jeff Budgie off a roof and 'saving' him fails spectacularly, Handsome is at his wits' end. Little does he know, however, that the dastardly Dixons have escaped prison and are seeking revenge for their capture. What's more, Dan and Dolly's ghastly greed has led them to kidnapping, and now someone really DOES need saving! Can Piggy Handsome save the day for real? And will it earn him the fame he so desperately desires?
Meet Izzy Gizmo - a fabulously feisty new character from Pip Jones (Squishy McFluff; Daddy's Sandwich) brought brilliantly to life with exuberant and detailed illustrations from the best-selling illustrator of TheDetective Dog, Sara Ogilvie. Izzy Gizmo, a girl who LOVED to invent, carried her tool bag wherever she went in case she discovered a thing to be mended, or a gadget to tweak to make to make it more splendid. Izabelle Gizmo just loves to invent, but her inventions never seem to work the way she wants them to. And that makes her really CROSS! When she finds a crow with a broken wing she just has to help. But will she be able to put her frustrations to one side and help her new friend to fly again? Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Prize 2017, this empowering book is perfect for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. 'If you're looking for a new book with a determined, strong female role model then this is for you' Being a Mummy blog 'This was such a fun book. We need more books with girl inventors!' Twirling Book Princess blog 'This exuberantly riotous story... blends the fun of rhyme with the touching friendship between a charismatic crow and a never-say-die young inventor'Lancashire Evening Post 'A lovely story of ingenuity and determination' Parents in Touch 'I doubt many will fail to fall for Izzy and her mechanical mind. Pip Jones' rhyming narrative is a cracker to read aloud and Sara Ogilvie's imagination must be almost as fertile as young Izzy's... A real riot.' Red Reading Hub blog 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
Meet Izzy Gizmo - a fabulously feisty new character from Pip Jones (Squishy McFluff; Daddy's Sandwich) brought brilliantly to life with exuberant and detailed illustrations from the best-selling illustrator of TheDetective Dog, Sara Ogilvie. Izzy Gizmo, a girl who LOVED to invent, carried her tool bag wherever she went in case she discovered a thing to be mended, or a gadget to tweak to make to make it more splendid. Izabelle Gizmo just loves to invent, but her inventions never seem to work the way she wants them to. And that makes her really CROSS! When she finds a crow with a broken wing she just has to help. But will she be able to put her frustrations to one side and help her new friend to fly again? Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Prize 2017, this empowering book is perfect for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. 'If you're looking for a new book with a determined, strong female role model then this is for you' Being a Mummy blog 'This was such a fun book. We need more books with girl inventors!' Twirling Book Princess blog 'This exuberantly riotous story... blends the fun of rhyme with the touching friendship between a charismatic crow and a never-say-die young inventor'Lancashire Evening Post 'A lovely story of ingenuity and determination' Parents in Touch 'I doubt many will fail to fall for Izzy and her mechanical mind. Pip Jones' rhyming narrative is a cracker to read aloud and Sara Ogilvie's imagination must be almost as fertile as young Izzy's... A real riot.' Red Reading Hub blog 'Jones's loping, engaging rhymes and Ogilvie's vivacious images evoke both inspiration and frustration' The Guardian
'Jeffry, I'm no mere guinea pig! I'm a Handsome. And Handsomes have always been famous. I simply cannot be the only Handsome in history to not be famous.' Piggy Handsome is a very confident Guinea pig with a hugely inflated ego - he hails from a long line of very famous Guinea pigs. But sadly Handsome hasn't yet achieved world renown. With the help of gruff-talking Jeffry the budgie and the inadvertent efforts of two dastardly villains Dan and Dolly Dixon, Handsome might realise his dream, get in the papers and save the day - without even realising. All in one day trip to the seaside!
Piggy Handsome is a very confident Guinea pig with a hugely inflated ego - he hails from a long line of very famous Guinea pigs. But sadly Handsome hasn't yet achieved world renown. With the help of gruff talking Jeffry the budgie and the inadvertent efforts of two dastardly villains Dick and Dolly, Handsome might realise his dream, get in the papers and save the day - without even realising. All in one day trip to the seaside!
Daddy, would you like a sandwich, with all your favourite things . . . ? Join one little girl on her quest to make her father the perfect sandwich, whether he likes it or not . . . You're in for a wicked surprise! From Squishy McFluff author Pip Jones and bright new talent Laura Hughes, this is a brilliantly funny board book perfect for ages 1+.
BREAKING NEWS: a chocolate monster is on the loose! Keep watch, and close all cupboard doors. No chocolate bar's secure. If left at large, The Chunk will turn up at YOUR house, for sure. And worse still this fiend will make sure you take the blame! Keep your eyes peeled and join in the hunt for The Chunk in this brilliant new picture book charmingly illustrated by rising star Laura Hughes.
Join Lila Scamp and her friends at Dooberry Dingle Fairy School as they learn how to use fairy magic! It will only take Lila one flick of her new magic wand to do all her chores ... but what happens when the magic runs out? Lily Scamp and the Magic Wand iis part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years
Uki and her family live near the North Pole and when winter comes, the sun goes away completely and doesn't return until the spring. How will Uki and her parents fill their days during the long polar nights? Find out in this enchanting, beautifully illustrated storybook. The Long Polar Night is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years
The North Pole and the South Pole are the coldest places on Earth. Many people think that the two poles must be very similar, but in this fascinating photographic non-fiction book, you will discover that they are actually quite different. North Pole, South Pole is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years
Squishy McFluff has been blow-dried and primped to perfection. He must win the Country Fair prettiest pet competition - and will if Ava has anything to do with it . . . But not everyone can see he's the winner. The Mayor seems to have a particular blindspot . . . That is until Ava and her invisible pet foil a dastardly robbery! Another joyful, hilarious, instant classic of a tale for five year olds and upwards, stunningly illustrated by Ella Okstad.
Ava danced round her room, Shouting: Hip hip hooray! It's holiday time! And we're going today! Ava is excited to be going on holiday to the seaside. But with Squishy McFluff, the mischievous invisible cat coming along things are bound to get very, very silly...
Ava and Squishy are back and this time their adorable chaos hits Christmas preparations for Mum, Dad, baby Roo, the local Christmas fete and much, much more . . . In her letter to Santa, Ava only has one wish. Will she get what her heart desires on Christmas day? Rising star Pip Jones continues to give her quirky twist to everyday experiences in this warm and humorous series. The jaunty rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud, and Ella Okstad's gorgeous, distinctive illustrations will help more confident readers learn to read by themselves for the first time.
Daddy, would you like a sandwich, with all your favourite things...? Join one little girl on her quest to make her father the perfect sandwich, whether he likes it or not... You're in for a wicked surprise! From Squishy McFluff author Pip Jones and bright new talent Laura Hughes, this is a brilliantly funny and charming picture book perfect for ages 3+ and for Fathers' Day gifts.
Oh yippee! Young Ava is very excited To see Nana Dot (who's rather short-sighted). Nan's fun! And she's funny! And if that's not enough, Can Ava's Mad Nana SEE Squishy McFluff? Ava and Squishy are up to their normal no-good when Dad whisks them off to Nana Dot's - Mum's got to go to the hospital to bring back Ava a baby sister! But Mad Nana Dot's lost her glasses so can't SEE Squishy McFluff . . . and a trip to the hairdresser's, the post office, the fishmonger all end in adorable disaster. Told in full colour throughout, this is the perfect stepping stone from picture books to older fiction.
Can you see him? My kitten? He has eyes big and round His miaow is so sweet (but it makes not a sound!) Imagine him quick! Have you imagined enough? Oh, good, you can see him! It's Squishy McFluff! When Mum drags Ava to the supermarket, her invisible cat Squishy McFluff can't resist coming along, with hilarious, chaotic and surprising results! Told in full colour throughout, this is the perfect stepping stone from picture books to older fiction.
'Can you see him? My kitten? Close your eyes tight His fur is so soft and all silvery white Imagine him quick! Have you imagined enough? Oh, good, you can see him! It's Squishy McFluff!' When Ava discovers an imaginary cat in the cabbage patch, she knows she's found a new best friend. Together, Ava and Squishy McFluff get up to all kinds of mischief . . . Told in full colour throughout, this is the perfect stepping stone from picture books to older fiction. Bright new talent Pip Jones gives a hilarious, quirky twist to everyday experiences for readers aged 5+.
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