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Alexander McCall Smith has written more than fifty books, including specialist academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children's books. But he is best known for his internationally acclaimed No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, published in the US in 2002 and 2003. The first installment, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, received two Booker Judge's Special Recommendations upon its U.K. publication in 1998, and in 2003 received The Saga Wit Award (commonly known as the "silver Booker" for authors over the age of 50). The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series now numbers a total of five books (he is working on the sixth) and has been optioned for feature film. The series has become an international bestseller, with more than 3.5 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.
McCall Smith was born in Zimbabwe (formerly called Southern Rhodesia) and was educated there and in Scotland. He became a law professor in Scotland, and it was in this role that he first returned to Africa to work in Botswana, where he helped to set up a new law school at the University of Botswana. He was for many years Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, and a visiting professor at a number of other universities elsewhere, including ones in Italy and the United States (where he has twice been visiting professor at SMU Law School in Dallas, Texas).
In addition to his university work, he was for four years the vice-chairman of the Human Genetics Commission of the UK, the chairman of the British Medical Journal Ethics Committee, and a member of the International Bioethics Commission of UNESCO.
Alexander McCall Smith currently lives in Edinburgh with his wife Elizabeth (an Edinburgh doctor), their two daughters Lucy and Emily, and their cat Gordon. His hobbies include playing wind instruments, and he is the co-founder of an amateur orchestra called "The Really Terrible Orchestra" in which he plays the bassoon and his wife plays the flute.
There’s all the fun of the circus in Alexander McCall Smith’s new series, and a satisfying bit of junior sleuthing. Young Billy, Fern and Joe are performers in their family circus, but there’s a bit of Sherlock Holmes about them too: as their friend Mr Birdcage points out, they’re clever, and they like helping people. So when they notice a sad boy in the audience and find out his granny has gone missing, they set about finding her, using some of their circus skills in the process. Readers will be delighted to know that the circus’s troupe of dog stars play a part as well. It’s a lovely story and as ever filled with the all-embracing sense of kindness and integrity that is characteristic of McCall Smith’s writing.
The Champions are poor but happy. Each of them - Mum, Alex and Grandpa Gus - has their own job and works hard. Mum is a sandwich maker, Gus mends cars, Max mows lawns and sometimes washes cars too, which is how he discovers that Grandpa Gus used to design and make them. The story of how Grandpa was cheated out of his business by the unscrupulous Grabber family, and how Max manages to make things right again, is told in this charming new story from Alexander McCall Smith. Funny, exciting and with a proper sense of decency and fair play this will definitely appeal to readers. Kate Hindley’s illustrations lively illustrations are an extra treat.
Twins Ben and Fee will be the envy of children everywhere: their school is a tall ship and alongside ordinary lessons they learn seamanship and how to sail. No surprise therefore that there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure, which in this latest episode actually takes place on land, although in Australia, the end point of their latest voyage. The action is pretty well non-stop, and in a satisfying sub-plot, some of the threats come from the actions of an unprincipled group of fellow-students. This is another thrilling adventure with an underlying message about fair-play and doing the right thing.
April 2018 Book of the Month | The Champions are poor but happy. Each of them - Mum, Alex and Grandpa Gus - has their own job and works hard. Mum is a sandwich maker, Gus mends cars, Max mows lawns and sometimes washes cars too, which is how he discovers that Grandpa Gus used to design and make them. The story of how Grandpa was cheated out of his business by the unscrupulous Grabber family, and how Max manages to make things right again, is told in this charming new story from Alexander McCall Smith. Funny, exciting and with a proper sense of decency and fair play this will definitely appeal to readers. Kate Hindley’s illustrations lively illustrations are an extra treat.
February 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: joyful story of a boy and his dancing feet Hari lives in a biggish city in India with his sister and aunt. He’s always cheerful and enjoys helping support them all delivering tiffin boxes for the nearby take-away and running his own sweet-making business. He spends some of the proceeds on tickets to the cinema and particularly likes musicals. When he accidentally stumbles onto a real film set, his special talent is suddenly revealed: when Hari dances, everyone has to join in. It makes him a local celebrity then, with the help of his friend Mr Ram, Hari uses his gift to spread happiness further afield. The story is as tempting and delicious as Hari’s coconut barfi, and its engaging narrator will have readers almost convinced it’s a true story; the world would certainly be a better place if it was. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+. Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Alexander McCall Smith has taken the ever-popular set up for a proper children’s story – group of plucky kids, no parents – and added to the scope for adventure tenfold by setting it on a tall ship. Twins Ben and Fee have grown up on a submarine because their parents are marine scientists. Now, nearly 13, it’s time they went to school and they are enrolled at a very unusual one: the School Ship Tobermory. They’ve only just begun to learn the ropes when they and their new friends spot some suspicious activity on board another ship supposedly being used in a film. The story is great fun, with some real suspense, and the descriptions of life afloat make it sound very tempting indeed: readers will agree with Ben when he decides that there’s nothing better than being at sea with friends, the empty sky above you and the wind in your hair. ~ Andrea Reece
Alexander McCall Smith gives the boarding school story a refreshing nautical makeover in this second dashing adventure for twins Ben and Fee. The twins attend School Ship Tobermory, a boarding school on a boat in Tobermory harbour. Having uncovered a hidden secret on another boat, the Albatross, on their arrival at the school, the twins are looking forward to enjoying some more relaxed school days. But the everyday school routine is soon disrupted and the twins and their school friends are off on another adventure involving present-day pirates and an island in the Caribbean. A lively adventure with an unusual setting.~ Julia Eccleshare
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2017 Freddie Mole is just an ordinary boy who never imagines that he will do anything brave. He certainly never dreams that he would be brave enough to become a lion tamer. But then, he didn’t know just what Ripper, Growler, Roarer and Prowler, the four lions in the circus would be like or how many tricks there are in any big-top performance. Freddie’s circus-life journey from floor-sweeping assistant to circus owner through roles as a trapeze artist and lion tamer are all quietly achieved largely by little more than being a thoroughly decent boy. With no magic and not much mystery to propel it, Freddie Mole’s whole-lifetime-adventure is nonetheless a charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for March 2017 Jellicle Cats by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins William Bee's Wonderful World of Trucks by William Bee The Story of the Dancing Frog by Quentin Blake George's Marvellous Experiments inspired by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake My Name is Victoria by Lucy Worsley Many Moons by Remi Courgeon Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexanda McCall Smith Black Cats and Butlers by Janine Beacham Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Precious Ramotswe’s career as a detective began when she was just nine, long before she set up the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Her early adventures are described in this lovely series for young readers. Precious really likes the new girl in her class but realises there’s some mystery in her life. She’s correct: Nancy has lost her mother. Precious agrees to help find her, though she knows that’s a big responsibility. Following clues takes the two little girls out into the countryside and some scary adventures before Nancy is successfully reunited with her family. Imbued with the warmth and charm that characterise McCall Smith’s writing this is perfectly pitched for young readers. The story is irresistible and McCall’s descriptions of Botswana so vivid that readers will feel they’ve been there. ~ Andrea Reece One of our Books of the Year 2015
A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child The story of a little girl who literally has a spring in her step (in her knees to be precise) this is a particularly good story for parents and children to share. No matter the age of the reader, they’ll appreciate the thrill of being as springy as Jane, enjoy all of her adventures, and be equally excited when her special gift allows her to do something heroic. The story is full of incident and provides lots for discussion. Part of Barrington Stoke’s Picture Squirrels series it’s accessible to all readers, including those – child or adult – with dyslexia, as special features from choice of font to layout and syntax, all completely unobtrusive, make it an easy read as well as fun one. ~ Andrea Reece Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading. On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with their children too.”
Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month August 2016 Alexander McCall Smith gives the boarding school story a refreshing nautical makeover in this second dashing adventure for twins Ben and Fee. The twins attend School Ship Tobermory, a boarding school on a boat in Tobermory harbour. Having uncovered a hidden secret on another boat, the Albatross, on their arrival at the school, the twins are looking forward to enjoying some more relaxed school days. But the everyday school routine is soon disrupted and the twins and their school friends are off on another adventure involving present-day pirates and an island in the Caribbean. A lively adventure with an unusual setting.~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for August 2016 The Other Alice by Michelle Harrison Pugly Solves a Crime by Pamela Butchart Good Night, Everyone by Chris Haughton Dotty Detective and the Great Pawprint Puzzle by Clara Vulliamy The Sands of Shark Island by Alexander McCall Smith Return by Aaron Becker Super Gran by Forrest Wilson Oi Dog! by Kes and Claire Gray
Julia Eccleshare's Debut of the Month, April 2016 Freddie Mole is just an ordinary boy who never imagines that he will do anything brave. He certainly never dreams that he would be brave enough to become a lion tamer. But then, he didn’t know just what Ripper, Growler, Roarer and Prowler, the four lions in the circus would be like or how many tricks there are in any big-top performance. Freddie’s circus-life journey from floor-sweeping assistant to circus owner through roles as a trapeze artist and lion tamer are all quietly achieved largely by little more than being a thoroughly decent boy. With no magic and not much mystery to propel it, Freddie Mole’s whole-lifetime-adventure is nonetheless a charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for April 2016 Eliza Rose by Lucy Worsley Tidy by Emily Gravett Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexander McCall Smith Slug Needs a Hug by Jeanne Willis There's a Moose on the Loose by Lucy Feather Nature's Day: Out and About by Kay Maguire
One of our Books of the Year 2015 Alexander McCall Smith has taken the ever-popular set up for a proper children’s story – group of plucky kids, no parents – and added to the scope for adventure tenfold by setting it on a tall ship. Twins Ben and Fee have grown up on a submarine because their parents are marine scientists. Now, nearly 13, it’s time they went to school and they are enrolled at a very unusual one: the School Ship Tobermory. They’ve only just begun to learn the ropes when they and their new friends spot some suspicious activity on board another ship supposedly being used in a film. The story is great fun, with some real suspense, and the descriptions of life afloat make it sound very tempting indeed: readers will agree with Ben when he decides that there’s nothing better than being at sea with friends, the empty sky above you and the wind in your hair. ~ Andrea Reece
There are two stories in this attractive little book, both involving food, animals and independent adventuring, a great combination for children! The Popcorn Pirates takes place in the Caribbean where a group of children single-handedly take on the pirates who have stolen their islands’ popcorn harvest. Their method of overpowering the pirate is particularly ingenious! In The Bubblegum Tree another set of children head for the forests of India to help their favourite local factory owner save the special bubblegum trees from loggers. Alexander McCall Smith is an expert storyteller and these are really satisfying and enjoyable stories. Kate Hindley’s pictures catch the tone perfectly. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 Precious Ramotswe’s career as a detective began when she was just nine, long before she set up the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Her early adventures are described in this lovely series for young readers. Precious really likes the new girl in her class but realises there’s some mystery in her life. She’s correct: Nancy has lost her mother. Precious agrees to help find her, though she knows that’s a big responsibility. Following clues takes the two little girls out into the countryside and some scary adventures before Nancy is successfully reunited with her family. Imbued with the warmth and charm that characterise McCall Smith’s writing this is perfectly pitched for young readers. The story is irresistible and McCall’s descriptions of Botswana so vivid that readers will feel they’ve been there. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 5-8 They always say a man's best friend is his dog and in this beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. When Timo brings home an injured dog he cares for it as if his life depends on it and eventually he persuades his mother that he can keep it. Animal stories are always realy favourites' for kids but this one will stick long in the memory of those who read it. It's written by the international bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith who is probably best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels. About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith tells a charming detective story for children as Precious, even while still a young girl, shows early signs of curiousity and a determination to find things out. When two new children arrive in school Precious looks after them and soon finds out they have an amazing secret.
Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies' Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here, in this delightful, new, enchanting tale for children, we see how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we all know and love!
Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies' Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here, in this delightful, new, enchanting tale for children, we see how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we all know and love! Find out as Alexander McCall Smith tells the story of in another adventure featuring Precious Ramotswe.
Best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith tells a charming detective story for children as Precious, even while still a young girl, shows early signs of curiousity and a determination to find things out. When two new children arrive in school Precious looks after them and soon finds out they have an amazing secret.
If you're a fan of Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Detective Agency series or know someone who is then do take a look at this delightful and enchanting children's tale telling how the young Precious Ramotswe became the No. 1 Detective she is today.
If you're a fan of Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Detective Agency series or know someone who is then do take a look at this delightful and enchanting children's tale telling how the young Precious Ramotswe became the No. 1 Detective she is today. Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies' Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here we find out just who has been stealing her schoolfriends' snacks and how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we all know and love as she solves her first case! Kids aged 8 to 108 will love it!
A fascinating insight into African wildlife. In this new story about Akimbo, a young boy growing up on a game reserve, he learns all about baboons and discovers some of the dangers that surround them. For more African adventures by the same author see Akimbo And The Snakes.
A visit to a snake park! Akimbo is used to all kinds of wildlife as his father works in an African game reserve, but a visit to a snake park is something very special. Taken by his Uncle, Akimbo sets off on an exciting and dangerous mission to find the elusive green mamba. Full of atmosphere- and a great introduction to different kinds of snakes! There are even some brilliant snake facts that kids will love as a little extra in the book as well. Fascinating. For the lastest Akimbo adventure be sure to check out Akimbo and the Baboons.
When Harriet turns nine, her father says, “Your aunts would like to hear about that!†Harriet had no idea that she had any aunts and suddenly she finds that she has five. Five aunts, all interesting, talented and, above all, very surprising. Harriet Bean is a delightful character and her aunts are simply amazing! The first in a charming mini-series. The series continues with Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats and The Cow Girl Aunt of Harriet Bean.
This has huge appeal and great fun. Harriet and her aunts undertake some serious detection in the world of horseracing. But have they taken on more than they can handle? McCall Smith portrays his characters quite brilliantly. This series of books starts with The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean and continues with The Cow Girl Aunt of Harriet Bean.
Having found her five aunts Harriet heads off on an adventure with two of them to catch some cattle thieves. Brilliant detection and a whole load of fun on the way and larger than life characters in the form of Harriet and her aunts. This series of books starts with The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean and continues with Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats.
5-7 years. This entertaining and nicely-told easy reader tells the story of the joke machine which Jeffrey discovers hidden away in Mr Prendergast’s junk shop where he works on a Saturday morning. Broken when he finds it, Jeffrey is determined to make it work again and soon it is turning out jokes, much to the delight of everyone. Everyone, that is, except the gloomy Mr Jenkinson. How Jeffrey gets the last laugh is wholly satisfying. (7+)
The School Ship Tobermory and its intrepid young crew are back in Hebridean waters. When a violent storm blows them off course to a remote island, they discover a fisherman's journal written a hundred years ago which tells of a mysterious shipwreck crammed with treasure. But without a precise location, where do they start looking? An extraordinary chance encounter gives them a valuable clue. Before long, Ben, Fee and their friends realize they are not the only ones searching for the lost wreck and must face a ruthless and determined adversary who will stop at nothing to seize the prize.
There’s all the fun of the circus in Alexander McCall Smith’s new series, and a satisfying bit of junior sleuthing. Young Billy, Fern and Joe are performers in their family circus, but there’s a bit of Sherlock Holmes about them too: as their friend Mr Birdcage points out, they’re clever, and they like helping people. So when they notice a sad boy in the audience and find out his granny has gone missing, they set about finding her, using some of their circus skills in the process. Readers will be delighted to know that the circus’s troupe of dog stars play a part as well. It’s a lovely story and as ever filled with the all-embracing sense of kindness and integrity that is characteristic of McCall Smith’s writing.
The Champions are poor but happy. Each of them - Mum, Alex and Grandpa Gus - has their own job and works hard. Mum is a sandwich maker, Gus mends cars, Max mows lawns and sometimes washes cars too, which is how he discovers that Grandpa Gus used to design and make them. The story of how Grandpa was cheated out of his business by the unscrupulous Grabber family, and how Max manages to make things right again, is told in this charming new story from Alexander McCall Smith. Funny, exciting and with a proper sense of decency and fair play this will definitely appeal to readers. Kate Hindley’s illustrations lively illustrations are an extra treat.
April 2018 Book of the Month | The Champions are poor but happy. Each of them - Mum, Alex and Grandpa Gus - has their own job and works hard. Mum is a sandwich maker, Gus mends cars, Max mows lawns and sometimes washes cars too, which is how he discovers that Grandpa Gus used to design and make them. The story of how Grandpa was cheated out of his business by the unscrupulous Grabber family, and how Max manages to make things right again, is told in this charming new story from Alexander McCall Smith. Funny, exciting and with a proper sense of decency and fair play this will definitely appeal to readers. Kate Hindley’s illustrations lively illustrations are an extra treat.
Twins Ben and Fee will be the envy of children everywhere: their school is a tall ship and alongside ordinary lessons they learn seamanship and how to sail. No surprise therefore that there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure, which in this latest episode actually takes place on land, although in Australia, the end point of their latest voyage. The action is pretty well non-stop, and in a satisfying sub-plot, some of the threats come from the actions of an unprincipled group of fellow-students. This is another thrilling adventure with an underlying message about fair-play and doing the right thing.
February 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: joyful story of a boy and his dancing feet Hari lives in a biggish city in India with his sister and aunt. He’s always cheerful and enjoys helping support them all delivering tiffin boxes for the nearby take-away and running his own sweet-making business. He spends some of the proceeds on tickets to the cinema and particularly likes musicals. When he accidentally stumbles onto a real film set, his special talent is suddenly revealed: when Hari dances, everyone has to join in. It makes him a local celebrity then, with the help of his friend Mr Ram, Hari uses his gift to spread happiness further afield. The story is as tempting and delicious as Hari’s coconut barfi, and its engaging narrator will have readers almost convinced it’s a true story; the world would certainly be a better place if it was. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+. Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Alexander McCall Smith has taken the ever-popular set up for a proper children’s story – group of plucky kids, no parents – and added to the scope for adventure tenfold by setting it on a tall ship. Twins Ben and Fee have grown up on a submarine because their parents are marine scientists. Now, nearly 13, it’s time they went to school and they are enrolled at a very unusual one: the School Ship Tobermory. They’ve only just begun to learn the ropes when they and their new friends spot some suspicious activity on board another ship supposedly being used in a film. The story is great fun, with some real suspense, and the descriptions of life afloat make it sound very tempting indeed: readers will agree with Ben when he decides that there’s nothing better than being at sea with friends, the empty sky above you and the wind in your hair. ~ Andrea Reece
Alexander McCall Smith gives the boarding school story a refreshing nautical makeover in this second dashing adventure for twins Ben and Fee. The twins attend School Ship Tobermory, a boarding school on a boat in Tobermory harbour. Having uncovered a hidden secret on another boat, the Albatross, on their arrival at the school, the twins are looking forward to enjoying some more relaxed school days. But the everyday school routine is soon disrupted and the twins and their school friends are off on another adventure involving present-day pirates and an island in the Caribbean. A lively adventure with an unusual setting.~ Julia Eccleshare
Imagine going to school on a boat! The rip-roaring excitement continues in the second volume of thisadventure-mystery series set on the high seas, from the author of the beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency!Ben and Fee MacTavish and their schoolmates on board the School Ship Tobermory are headed thousands of miles from their base in Mull to a small island in the Caribbean. They will learn extraordinary details about Captain Macbeth's past and come face to face with modern-day pirates. The students and crew aboard the Tobermory will have to band together and use their wits to escape harm and overcome the evil pirates.
THE PERFECT HAMBURGER by the bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith is a wonderfully entertaining story, ideal for young readers. Joe has just created the yummiest, juiciest, most delicious hamburger ever - and his friend Mr Borthwick wants to sell it in his hamburger shop to try and win back customers from the new fast-food place across the road. But there's a problem - Joe has completely forgotten the recipe... A pinch of this, a touch of that and a spoonful of something else...the race is on for Joe to remember!
The author of the beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency draws from his own sailing experience to deliver this rip-roaring adventure on the high seas. The first volume in a middle-grade adventure-mystery series perfect for boys and girls!Ben and Fee MacTavish are twins who've been homeschooled on a submarine. Now they're heading to the School Ship Tobermory. This is no ordinary schoolit's a sailing ship where kids from around the world train to be sailors and learn about all things nautical. Come aboard as the kids set sail for their first adventure.Ben and Fee make friends as they adjust to life aboard the Tobermory. When a film crew arrives on a nearby ship, the Albatross, Ben is one of the lucky kids chosen as a movie extra. But after a day's filming, his suspicions are aroused. Are the director and crew really shooting a film? Or are they protecting a secret on the lower decks of the Albatross? Ben, Fee, and their friends set out to investigate. Are they prepared for what they might find?From the Hardcover edition.
Precious Ramotswe’s career as a detective began when she was just nine, long before she set up the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Her early adventures are described in this lovely series for young readers. Precious really likes the new girl in her class but realises there’s some mystery in her life. She’s correct: Nancy has lost her mother. Precious agrees to help find her, though she knows that’s a big responsibility. Following clues takes the two little girls out into the countryside and some scary adventures before Nancy is successfully reunited with her family. Imbued with the warmth and charm that characterise McCall Smith’s writing this is perfectly pitched for young readers. The story is irresistible and McCall’s descriptions of Botswana so vivid that readers will feel they’ve been there. ~ Andrea Reece One of our Books of the Year 2015
An irresistible bind-up edition of two infectiously entertaining adventure mysteries, Spaghetti Tangle and Teacher Trouble, from the bestselling author of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith, and with amazing illustrations by Kate Hindley throughout. Spaghetti Tangle John and Nicky would give anything in the world for a bowl of chips or a piece of chocolate cake, but they live with their strange aunty and she won't let them eat anything that's not raw! One day they sneek out and slurp down a plate piled high with spaghetti. Now they want more ... Lucky for them, there's a competition to visit the spaghetti factory and eat as much as you like. What will aunty say? Teacher Trouble It's Jenny's first day at a new school and she looks very grown-up - her mum has made sure of it. But when she arrives at the school, she looks so smart that the rest of her class think she is their new teacher! Soon Jenny finds herself in all sorts of tricky situations. How long will it be before Jenny is found out? And what will happen then?
A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child The story of a little girl who literally has a spring in her step (in her knees to be precise) this is a particularly good story for parents and children to share. No matter the age of the reader, they’ll appreciate the thrill of being as springy as Jane, enjoy all of her adventures, and be equally excited when her special gift allows her to do something heroic. The story is full of incident and provides lots for discussion. Part of Barrington Stoke’s Picture Squirrels series it’s accessible to all readers, including those – child or adult – with dyslexia, as special features from choice of font to layout and syntax, all completely unobtrusive, make it an easy read as well as fun one. ~ Andrea Reece Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading. On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with their children too.”
Julia Eccleshare's Debut of the Month, April 2016 Freddie Mole is just an ordinary boy who never imagines that he will do anything brave. He certainly never dreams that he would be brave enough to become a lion tamer. But then, he didn’t know just what Ripper, Growler, Roarer and Prowler, the four lions in the circus would be like or how many tricks there are in any big-top performance. Freddie’s circus-life journey from floor-sweeping assistant to circus owner through roles as a trapeze artist and lion tamer are all quietly achieved largely by little more than being a thoroughly decent boy. With no magic and not much mystery to propel it, Freddie Mole’s whole-lifetime-adventure is nonetheless a charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for April 2016 Eliza Rose by Lucy Worsley Tidy by Emily Gravett Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexander McCall Smith Slug Needs a Hug by Jeanne Willis There's a Moose on the Loose by Lucy Feather Nature's Day: Out and About by Kay Maguire
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2017 Freddie Mole is just an ordinary boy who never imagines that he will do anything brave. He certainly never dreams that he would be brave enough to become a lion tamer. But then, he didn’t know just what Ripper, Growler, Roarer and Prowler, the four lions in the circus would be like or how many tricks there are in any big-top performance. Freddie’s circus-life journey from floor-sweeping assistant to circus owner through roles as a trapeze artist and lion tamer are all quietly achieved largely by little more than being a thoroughly decent boy. With no magic and not much mystery to propel it, Freddie Mole’s whole-lifetime-adventure is nonetheless a charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for March 2017 Jellicle Cats by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins William Bee's Wonderful World of Trucks by William Bee The Story of the Dancing Frog by Quentin Blake George's Marvellous Experiments inspired by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake My Name is Victoria by Lucy Worsley Many Moons by Remi Courgeon Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer by Alexanda McCall Smith Black Cats and Butlers by Janine Beacham Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
There are two stories in this attractive little book, both involving food, animals and independent adventuring, a great combination for children! The Popcorn Pirates takes place in the Caribbean where a group of children single-handedly take on the pirates who have stolen their islands’ popcorn harvest. Their method of overpowering the pirate is particularly ingenious! In The Bubblegum Tree another set of children head for the forests of India to help their favourite local factory owner save the special bubblegum trees from loggers. Alexander McCall Smith is an expert storyteller and these are really satisfying and enjoyable stories. Kate Hindley’s pictures catch the tone perfectly. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 Precious Ramotswe’s career as a detective began when she was just nine, long before she set up the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Her early adventures are described in this lovely series for young readers. Precious really likes the new girl in her class but realises there’s some mystery in her life. She’s correct: Nancy has lost her mother. Precious agrees to help find her, though she knows that’s a big responsibility. Following clues takes the two little girls out into the countryside and some scary adventures before Nancy is successfully reunited with her family. Imbued with the warmth and charm that characterise McCall Smith’s writing this is perfectly pitched for young readers. The story is irresistible and McCall’s descriptions of Botswana so vivid that readers will feel they’ve been there. ~ Andrea Reece
Three classic adventure tales from the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, now together in paperback for the first time. Imagine living in the heart of Africa. Imagine living in a place where the sun rises every morning over blue mountains. Akimbo and his parents live on the edge of an African game reserve. It's his father's task to protect the thousands of amazing animals who make it their home, and wildlife-loving Akimbo dreams of helping him. In these three adventures, Akimbo protects elephants from poachers, saves a lion cub from a trap, and rescues a man from a crocodile! This 3-in-1 collection contains Akimbo and the Elephants, Akimbo and the Lions and Akimbo and the Crocodile Man. Fans of The Jungle Book and the Just So Stories will love these stories of wild animals and thrilling adventures. Alexander McCall Smith grew up in Zimbabwe and then moved to Scotland. He was a professor of Medical Law and has written almost 100 books, including the well-loved and bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. He lives in Edinburgh. Illustrator Peter Bailey has worked with some of Britain's best-known authors and poets, including Allan Ahlberg, Dick King-Smith, Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman.
A detective in the wild. Precious Ramotswe gets a very special treat. She gets a trip to visit her Aunty Bee at a safari camp. On her first day in camp, a new lion arrives. But this is no average lion: Teddy is an actor-lion who came with a film crew. When Teddy escapes, Precious and her resourceful new friend Khumo decide to use their detective skills to help track him. They will brave the wilds of the bushand its hippos and crocodilesas they try to find where Teddy has gone.
Interest Age 5-8 They always say a man's best friend is his dog and in this beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. When Timo brings home an injured dog he cares for it as if his life depends on it and eventually he persuades his mother that he can keep it. Animal stories are always realy favourites' for kids but this one will stick long in the memory of those who read it. It's written by the international bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith who is probably best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels. About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
Precious wants to be a detective when she grows up. She is always practicing at being a detective by asking questions and finding out about other people's lives. There are two new students in her class, a girl called Teb and a boy called Pontsho. She learns that they are brother and sister, andeven more excitingthat Pontsho has a clever pet meerkat named Kosi. One day, Teb and Pontsho's family's cow disappears. Precious helps them look for clues to find the cow. But getting the cow back home will require some quick thinking and help from an unexpected source.
Itchy Coo and Black & White Publishing are delighted to present a new case for the young Precious Ramotswe, translated into Scots for the very first time. Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here, in this delightful, new, enchanting tale for children, we see how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we know and love. In The Mischief at Meerkat Brae , Precious befriends a new boy to her school called Pontsho and his sister Teb, and when she goes to their home for the first time, she discovers that they have an unusual pet, a very clever meerkat called Kosi. Then, when Pontsho and Teb become very upset when their cow goes missing, Precious decides to use her detective skills to solve the mystery but soon finds that all is not quite as simple as it seems on Meerkat Brae...
Best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith tells a charming detective story for children as Precious, even while still a young girl, shows early signs of curiousity and a determination to find things out. When two new children arrive in school Precious looks after them and soon finds out they have an amazing secret.
THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY - Young Readers Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the basis of the HBO TV show, and its proprietor Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, and good humornot to mention help from her loyal assistant, Grace Makutsi, and the occasional cup of tea. Have you ever said to yourself, Wouldn't it be nice to be a detective?This is the story of an African girl who says just that. Her name is Precious.When a piece of cake goes missing from her classroom, a traditionally built young boy is tagged as the culprit. Precious, however, is not convinced. She sets out to find the real thief. Along the way she learns that your first guess isn't always right. She also learns how to be a detective.From the Trade Paperback edition.
If you're a fan of Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Detective Agency series or know someone who is then do take a look at this delightful and enchanting children's tale telling how the young Precious Ramotswe became the No. 1 Detective she is today. Well before Precious Ramotswe founded her Number One Ladies' Detective Agency, as an eight-year-old girl she was already solving mysteries. Here we find out just who has been stealing her schoolfriends' snacks and how the young Precious became the crafty and intuitive private investigator we all know and love as she solves her first case! Kids aged 8 to 108 will love it!
'World First' a brand new story from Alexander McCall Smith that is now available in paperback! A world first from Itchy Coo, this is a brand new book for younger readers, telling the story of the girlhood adventures of Precious Ramotswe, founder of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Written by one of the world's favourite authors, Alexander McCall Smith, and translated into Scots by award winning author, James Robertson, this story will not be available in any other language until 2011. The Scots is simple and accessible, and a glossary will be provided for those not familiar with Scots words.
Includes brilliant baboon facts! Akimbo loves his life in Africa and the animals that live there. In this newest Akimbo story, a lady comes to study the baboons in the game reserve where Akimbo's father is the head ranger. Akimbo is keen to help and find out all he can about baboons - and in so doing comes closer to a much more dangerous animal
A fascinating insight into African wildlife. In this new story about Akimbo, a young boy growing up on a game reserve, he learns all about baboons and discovers some of the dangers that surround them. For more African adventures by the same author see Akimbo And The Snakes.
No matter how hard Annie tries, she just cannot do even the simplest sums. It's so embarrassing! When she goes to the shops, she can't work out how much money to hand the shopkeeper, and she always gets 0 for her maths homework. That is, until Annie goes to sleep with a calculator under her pillow, and something very strange happens. Overnight, Annie becomes a maths maestro capable of solving problems so fast it takes people's breath away. It impresses one world-renowned maths genius so much that he decides to put Annie's powers to the ultimate test. Will Annie be up to the mathematical challenge, or will she be at sixes and sevens and end up back at square one? Prepare yourself for this brain-teasing adventure ...
Having found her five aunts Harriet heads off on an adventure with two of them to catch some cattle thieves. Brilliant detection and a whole load of fun on the way and larger than life characters in the form of Harriet and her aunts. This series of books starts with The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean and continues with Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats.
Max and Maddy are on the trail of a criminal who'll stop at nothing to sabotage Mr Helium's trans-American hot-air balloon race. The prize is a gold balloon worth one million and one dollars, and all the money raised by the race is to go towards the Home for Children Whose Parents Have Disappeared in Balloons - so there's a lot at stake! They take to the skies on board Mr Helium's very own balloon in order to catch the cheat. But will the detectives become victim to the dastardly villain's dangerous schemes and dirty tricks, or will they blow his plot sky-high?
5-7 years. This entertaining and nicely-told easy reader tells the story of the joke machine which Jeffrey discovers hidden away in Mr Prendergast’s junk shop where he works on a Saturday morning. Broken when he finds it, Jeffrey is determined to make it work again and soon it is turning out jokes, much to the delight of everyone. Everyone, that is, except the gloomy Mr Jenkinson. How Jeffrey gets the last laugh is wholly satisfying. (7+)
Patty lives with her Aunt Bat on a banana plantation in Jamaica. Unfortunately, as it's such a small plantation, they're having trouble keeping up with the competition, and Aunt Bat is worried they'll have to sell up. Patty needs to think of an idea to turn things around, and fast! Inspiration comes to her as she's digging into a chocolate banana special at her local ice-cream parlour. All she needs to do is invent a machine - a banana machine. Will Patty's mechanical wizardry help the plantation out of its crisis? Or, like the bananas, are her ideas round the bend?
Gordon is frustrated that Ted, the school bully, gets away with pushing people around - including Gordon! So when he spots an advertisement for Mr World's muscle machine, he's immediately curious and decides to send off for one. 'Don't be impatient' says the instruction booklet that comes with the machine. 'Muscles don't grow in one day. Take it bit by bit and you'll be surprised at what happens!' And indeed he is.In fact, Gordon's surprise, as well as his muscles, just keeps on growing!
John and Nicky have never eaten spaghetti and would give anything for the occasional bowl of chips or piece of chocolate cake. But they live with their rather strange and grumpy aunt who insists upon the most uncompromising of health food diets. When they decide to use some birthday money to go out for lunch, they experience the delights of spaghetti and decide that they simply have to have more. A competition offers them just such an opportunity, not to mention something of an adventure, which results in their mealtimes changing for good.
Billy, Nicola and Mr Gopal are off to India in a flying boat to solve a baffling mystery! The gum that comes from the wonderful bubblegum trees that grow in the Indian jungle has not been delivered for two months. Without this secret ingredient, there'll be no more Gopal's Best Pink Bubblegum, and even more importantly, no more Bubblegummies - the people who live in the trees and harvest the gum. It's not an easy mystery to solve - and soon the friends are involved in a bungee-jumping, tiger-trouncing, woodcutter-walloping, bubblegum-blowing adventure!
The inhabitants of the Popcorn Islands lead a peaceful and comfortable existence - that is, until pirates attack Captain Foster's ship on its way to America and steal half the popcorn harvest. So Lucy, Hermione and Sam offer to accompany the captain and his dog Biscuit on the next trip to keep a lookout for danger. But danger is exactly what they run into! Now the pirates aren't just after more popcorn ...they want new recruits too! Will three children - and one small dog - defeat the greediest gang of grub-guzzling pirates ever to sail the high seas? It's going to be an EXPLOSIVE adventure!
Adventure stories full of the sights, sounds and smells of Africa from best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith. When Akimbo is offered the chance to help tag baby crocodiles, he is very excited. John the Crocodile man wants to keep an eye on the latest batch of crocodiles, and Akimbo is keen to learn more about the dangerous creatures. Then John is attacked by an angry croc, and Akimbo has to use all his courage to save him! Alexander McCall Smith's animal stories have earned their place as truly classic children's stories.
Adventure stories full of the sights, sounds and smells of Africa from best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith. There's a hungry lion stealing cattle, and Akimbo's father has to catch it! But instead, he traps a cub. The cub won't survive for long without its mother. Can Akimbo help save it? Alexander McCall Smith's animal stories have earned their place as truly classic children's stories.
`That,' said Mr Borthwick, `was the best hamburger I've ever tasted!' Joe has just created the yummiest, juciest, most delicious hamburger ever - and his friend Mr Borthwick wants to sell it in his new hamburger shop. But there's a problem - Joe has completely forgotten the recipe and the shop is opening very soon. A pinch of this, a touch of that and a spoonful of something else...the race is on for Joe to remember!
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