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Tony Ross has illustrated over 800 books, which are published all over the world. Dr Xargle's Book of Earth Tiggers was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and Tadpole's Promise won the Silver Medal in the Smarties Prize 2003. He was the British choice for the Andersen Medal 2004. The Nanny Goat's Kid was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010. He lives on the Welsh border.
Born in 1938 in Wandsworth, South London, Tony Ross never though about a career in art, but says he fell into it after his dream of being a cowboy disintegrated when a letter he wrote to John Wayne was never replied to.
After Liverpool College of Art, Tony became an art director at an Advertising Agency but after a particularly bad day in the office he gave up his job to go into teaching at Manchester Polytechnic.
His first book was published in 1976 and as well as his own, he has illustrated over 1000 books for authors such as Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Paula Danziger and Michael Palin, which are published all over the world. His series of books written with Jeanne Willis featuring the extra terrestrial teacher, Dr Xargle, has established a huge following of fans. As has his fantastic and fun illustrations in the Horrid Henry series. A TV adaptation of his much-loved Little Princess series is currently showing on Channel 5’s Milkshake.
Author photo © Mark Guest @ The Bookseller
April 2022 Book of the Month | Rigatoni the cat loves pasta. Linguini, penne, fusilli, he loves it all. He loves pasta in soup, lasagne, with tomato sauce. He even has a special pasta miaow, ‘Pastaaaaaaaa!’ But when his owners go away, neighbour George is left in charge, and he feeds Rigatoni ordinary cat food. It won’t do and Rigatoni sets out on a hunt for pasta, eventually finding his way to Paolo and Pieta’s Italian café. Michael Rosen knows just what makes young children laugh and the story is deliciously silly. It's also perfect for readers just beginning to read on their own with short chapters, even shorter sentences, lots of repetition and brilliant illustrations by Tony Ross. A very tasty tale.
Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots - and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day... 1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there's one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot... Join David Walliams on this action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family!
The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - an extraordinarily brilliant and rollicking mystery adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross, and the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny. Ben is getting used to life without his beloved granny. She was a cabbage enthusiast, a Scrabble partner... and an international jewel thief known as The Black Cat. Now, only the memory of their extraordinary adventure to steal the Crown Jewels lives on. Then something inexplicable happens. World-famous treasures are stolen in the dead of night and the clues point to none other than The Black Cat? But that's impossible...? Expect the unexpected in this wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud adventure, which will have readers on the edge of their seats as they join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat. This first ever sequel from David Walliams will delight new fans, as well as the millions of readers that have loved Gangsta Granny.
The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying - especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur. When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on... something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a 'Monsterfication Machine'. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster. There seems to be no escape - but for Larker, nothing is impossible...
Good morning, class. Today we are going to learn about Earth Family. The latest in the Dr Xargle series! Learn all about Earth Families with Dr Xargle, our friendly alien teacher: brothers are Bothers, sisters are Sulkers, and the number of family members is always larger than the number of chairs at Christmas dinner...
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month May 2021 | Award-winning Jeanne Willis perfectly captures a little girl’s excitement and fear as she works up to taking her first solo bike ride. She knows the freedom and exhilaration it will bring but a part of her remains almost too scared to try. Her daddy is reassuring and encouraging and full of good advice about bumps in the road that goes far beyond just the difficulties of bike riding! At last, with daddy to keep her steady she is off! And she is flying! Now it is daddy who is worried…Will his little girl every come back now she’s got this taste of freedom? Tony Ross’s illustrations match the moments of exhilaration and anxiety perfectly making this a joyful celebration of the importance of letting go that will strike a chord for parents and children alike. Daddy, Don't Let Go was originally published in 2012.
You can always trust Tony Ross to teach little ones a useful lesson with loads of humour and the perfect level of cheekiness. The grown-ups keep telling the Little Princess to wash her hands – after she’s been playing in the mud, after she’s used her potty, and after she’s sneezed, but why, she asks. The maid explains, gleefully and very vividly, and you can guarantee the Little Princess will never not wash her hands again. She still gets the last word, and the last laugh though! Full of Ross's brilliant touches of characterisation and silliness, this will be a hit with toddlers and parents alike.
The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Meet the Meeks! Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn't enough. She wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a FING, there's only one problem... What is a FING? Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter happy, even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the mysterious Monsterpedia. Their desperate quest leads to the depths of the jungliest jungle where the rarest creatures can be found. But will they ever find a FING? An explosively funny, totally surreal Tall Story about two perfectly nice parents and their unbelievably monstrous daughter from the phenomenal bestselling author David Walliams.
February 2021 Book of the Month | Old Macdonald had a phone, e-i-e-i-o. Very useful it is too, helping him get organised and run the farm. But then he drops it in the lake, and when ordering a replacement, accidentally buys 100. The animals all take one, and chaos ensues. They are all so busy on their phones – here a tweet, there a chat – that nothing gets done and Old Macdonald has no milk, or eggs to sell. Fortunately, he finds a solution, and everyone lives happily – a chat-chat here, and a selfie there, but not all day – that seems fair! It’s another clever, very funny cautionary tale for our online times from the brilliant duo of Willis and Ross. The rhymes make it bliss to read aloud, and the illustrations are a spritely delight. Funny, clever and we can all learn from it – what more could you ask? Smiley face. Look out too for the other books in this fabulous series, Chicken Clicking, Troll Stinks and #Goldilocks.
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Get up to mischief with Horrid Henry in this brilliant bind up of his best holiday themed stories! Keep busy in the school holidays with Horrid Henry! This book contains six of Henry's most horrible holiday stories, plus lots of fun jokes and activity pages to keep Horrid Henry fans of all ages entertained for hours. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month January 2021 | Global best-selling author/ illustrator Tony Ross’s I Want My Potty! celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with a new edition of a classic title. Launching the now much-loved Little Princess series, the hugely enjoyable I Want My Potty! is the perfect introduction to the sometimes tricky subject of toilet training. When the very determined eponymous heroine decides that ““Nappies are YUUECH! There must be sometime better” the Royal household set about providing a number of suitable potties. The Little Princess has strong and not always favourable views about the Royal potty but gradually she gets the hang of it! Timeless fun for all toddlers and their parents.
Fly into a fiery and fantastical future with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams, in an epic adventure of myth and legend, good and evil, and one small boy who must save the world… Illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross! It is 2120 and London is in ruins. The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace – but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters. And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself… and the entire city. In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet!
Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots - and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day... 1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there's one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot... Join David Walliams on this action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family!
This is a wonderfully silly, wonderfully funny picture book from the absolute master of the genre, Tony Ross. Mr Wolf is a tricky character, more than a match for his neighbours, a flock of sheep who – ulp! – provide most of his meals. They are shockingly easy to trick though: apparently you can fool some of the people all of the time. Even so, Mr Wolf comes to the sort of end he deserves, and it’s entirely his own fault. Giggles guaranteed on every page, and as always Ross tells his tale with visual and verbal flourish.
12-year-old striker Macbeth has a promising talent on the field. He also has a burning desire to become captain of Shotfield football team, and he is prepared to do whatever it takes. Macbeth's hard-hearted mother also pushes him to succeed - getting ahead to get spotted by academy scouts, even if it means dirty tricks. So when the whistle blows for the big game, fair is foul and fouls are definitely fair!
Eric is stressed out! A new baby in the family is bad enough - but this baby is seriously weird. He soon discovers why. His crazy Auntie Rose has sent a present from South America which has incredible powers. But how can Eric get hold of it before the baby goes too far?
Are you ready to meet the worst parents ever? Sure, some parents are embarrassing – but they’re NOTHING on this lot. These ten tales of the world’s most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter. Pinch your nose for Peter Pong, the man with the stinkiest feet in the world… jump out of the way of Harriet Hurry, the fastest mum on two wheels… watch out for Monty Monopolize, the dad who takes all his kids’ toys… and oh no, it’s Supermum! Brandishing a toilet brush, a mop and a very bad homemade outfit…
The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH... This little island is home to a large number of horrible grown-ups. The school, the local park, the toy shop and even the island's ice-cream van are all run by awful adults who like nothing more than making children miserable. And the island is owned by the most awful one of all - Aunt Greta Greed! Something needs to be done about them. But who could be brave enough? Meet Ned - an extraordinary boy with a special power. SLIMEPOWER!
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | | Jeanne Willis is a latter-day Hilaire Belloc creating cautionary tales for modern youth that are both hilarious and full of sensible advice. Desperate to win more ‘likes’ for her posts, Goldilocks is driven to find ever more daring activities to share, which is why she takes a selfie breaking in to the bears’ cottage, and - #pipinghot! – one of her eating their porridge. It all ends in tears of course, and community service, but what’s worse for Goldilocks is that her posts are there forever, depicting her as a horrid porridge thief and leading to the moral: ‘So please, think twice before you send!’ Tony Ross’s illustrations, sharp and full of life and wit, are the perfect complement to the rhyme. Brilliance all round!
From No. 1 bestselling children's author, David Walliams comes his biggest and most epic adventure yet! Illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross. This is the story of a ten-year-old orphan and a 10,000-year-old mammoth... Read all about it! Read all about it! ICE MONSTER FOUND IN ARCTIC! When Elsie, an orphan on the streets of Victorian London, hears about the mysterious Ice Monster - a woolly mammoth found at the North Pole - she's determined to discover more... A chance encounter brings Elsie face to face with the creature, and sparks the adventure of a lifetime - from London to the heart of the Arctic! Heroes come in all different shapes and sizes in David Walliams' biggest and most epic adventure yet!
Young Eric’s world is changing – his mum is about to marry his teacher, aka The Bodge, and alarmingly Auntie Rosie has sent a special present from South America. Eric has had some unusual experiences with his auntie’s gifts in the past and is very alarmed about this one, particularly when he discovers what the present - a fertility symbol – actually is! His efforts to find and dispose of it lead to typically comic and unforeseen circumstances, and everyone breathes a sigh of relief when his mum finally gets to walk down the aisle. These stories are perfect for newly confident readers who will completely get the fact that they know more than Eric about what’s going on, and will find so much to make them laugh too.
Fly into a fiery and fantastical future with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams, in an epic adventure of myth and legend, good and evil, and one small boy who must save the world... Illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross! is 2120 and London is in ruins. The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace - but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters. And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself... and the entire city. In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet!
This is a wonderfully silly, wonderfully funny picture book from the absolute master of the genre, Tony Ross. Mr Wolf is a tricky character, more than a match for his neighbours, a flock of sheep who – ulp! – provide most of his meals. They are shockingly easy to trick though: apparently you can fool some of the people all of the time. Even so, Mr Wolf comes to the sort of end he deserves, and it’s entirely his own fault. Giggles guaranteed on every page, and as always Ross tells his tale with visual and verbal flourish.
Millions of young readers have loved the World's Worst Children tales - now they will revel in this delightfully dreadful collection of the most gruesome grown-ups ever: The World's Worst Teachers. From the phenomenally bestselling David Walliams and illustrated in glorious colour by the artistic genius, Tony Ross. Think your teachers are bad? Wait till you meet this lot. These ten tales of the world's most splendidly sinister teachers will have you running for the school gates. Dr Dread teaches science and is half man, half monster... Watch out for the ghastly Miss Seethe. She is ALWAYS furious - and she's on a detention rampage. And as for Mr Phobe, he's a teacher with a real difference. He is bone-shakingly terrified of... children! Millions of children have loved the World's Worst Children - now they will revel in this delightfully dreadful collection of the most gruesome grown-ups ever, The World's Worst Teachers. Brought to you by number one bestselling author, David Walliams, with every story illustrated in glorious colour by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
Millions of young readers have loved the World's Worst Children tales - now they will revel in this delightfully dreadful collection of the most gruesome grown-ups ever: The World's Worst Teachers. From the phenomenally bestselling David Walliams and illustrated in glorious colour by the artistic genius, Tony Ross. Think your teachers are bad? Wait till you meet this lot. These ten tales of the world's most splendidly sinister teachers will have you running for the school gates. Dr Dread teaches science and is half man, half monster... Watch out for the ghastly Miss Seethe. She is ALWAYS furious - and she's on a detention rampage. And as for Phobe, he's a teacher with a real difference. He is bone-shakingly terrified of... children! Millions of children have loved the World's Worst Children - now they will revel in this delightfully dreadful collection of the most gruesome grown-ups ever, The World's Worst Teachers. Brought to you by number one bestselling author, David Walliams, with every story illustrated in glorious colour by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
We’re used to the Little Princess behaving badly, but this new story shows a different side to her, and is surprisingly tender. She’s proud of her dad, the king, but still wishes he could do things the other dads in the palace can, and, for example, teach her to ride and cook, and swim. Her maid takes it upon herself to instruct her little mistress in these things, but things don’t go well. Feeling fed up and a failure, there’s only one person the Little Princess wants, only one person who can make her smile again … The illustrations have the boundless energy that is the hallmark of Tony Ross, but are also full of warmth and affection.
Eric’s aunty has a history of finding really unusual presents, and the latest is a stone that can apparently make wishes come true. In the best tradition of stories about things that grant wishes, Eric’s caught out and ends up accidentally wishing for the thing he really wants – a dad. As it slowly dawns on Eric that his headmaster Mr Hodgett, aka The Bodge, is a possible candidate he panics – wouldn’t you? But perhaps the stone knows what it’s doing after all … Barbara Mitchelhill cleverly weaves magic into everyday life and equally skilfully mixes zany humour with touching, real emotions and there’s a great deal of story packed into this little book. Illustrations by Tony Ross are typically lively, Eric and his friends wonderfully loose-limbed and scruffy.
As her fans know, what the Little Princess wants, the Little Princess usually gets, and in this story she wants a bunny. After promising faithfully that she will look after it properly, she’s allowed to choose a rabbit from the pet shop, a white one she calls Chalky. But lovely as he is, it isn’t long before new excitements distract the Little Princess and poor Chalky is forgotten. In fact things end happily for him, and for the Little Princess – at least after her daddy has consoled her – though there’s one final twist in the tale. As ever, Tony Ross captures every one of the Little Princess’s volatile moods and emotions brilliantly and the story will have children and adults laughing.
The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Meet the Meeks! Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn't enough. She wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a FING, there's only one problem... What is a FING? Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter happy, even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the mysterious Monsterpedia. Their desperate quest leads to the depths of the jungliest jungle where the rarest creatures can be found. But will they ever find a FING? An explosively funny, totally surreal Tall Story about two perfectly nice parents and their unbelievably monstrous daughter from the phenomenal bestselling author David Walliams.
It's all about boys and their dads in David Walliams' new bestseller for children. Frank adores his dad and wants to be just like him. But when Gilbert gets mixed up with the thoroughly nasty Mr Big and his henchmen, the sublimely nicknamed Fingers and Thumbs, it's up to Frank to act like a grown up and sort things out. Gilbert is a champion stock-car racer and the book features some terrifically exciting and funny car chases. There's a wonderful cast of eccentric and lovable characters too, I especially liked Auntie Flip who meets her soulmate in the endearing Reverend Judith. The relationship between Frank and his dad is full of tenderness and when after myriad adventure and challenges they reach their happy ever after, we leave them enjoying a 'huggle', part hug, part cuddle, their own special embrace.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | | Jeanne Willis is a latter-day Hilaire Belloc creating cautionary tales for modern youth that are both hilarious and full of sensible advice. Desperate to win more ‘likes’ for her posts, Goldilocks is driven to find ever more daring activities to share, which is why she takes a selfie breaking in to the bears’ cottage, and - #pipinghot! – one of her eating their porridge. It all ends in tears of course, and community service, but what’s worse for Goldilocks is that her posts are there forever, depicting her as a horrid porridge thief and leading to the moral: ‘So please, think twice before you send!’ Tony Ross’s illustrations, sharp and full of life and wit, are the perfect complement to the rhyme. Brilliance all round!
The brilliant follow-up to David Walliams' bestseller The World's Worst Children! Ten more stories about a brand new gang of hilariously horrible kids from everyone's favourite children's author, illustrated in glorious full colour by Tony Ross.
There’s lots of adventure and laughs-a-plenty in this little story, which mixes magic into a tale of everyday school life. Eric is horrified to learn that if he doesn’t do well in a forthcoming test he’ll miss the football County Cup – and he’s the star player. Fortunately, the arrival of a special present from his aunty changes everything – a sweater knitted from Andes sheep wool it’s apparently got magical powers and will boost his brain. And it does – so much in fact that Eric is branded a genius and wins a place in a very different competition, Junior Brain of the Year. If only he can cope with the sweater’s terrible pong long enough to compete … Illustrations by the inimitable Tony Ross add to the fun and this will set all young readers chuckling.
This is the story of a ten-year-old orphan and a 10,000-year-old mammoth... Read all about it! Read all about it! ICE MONSTER FOUND IN ARCTIC! When Elsie, an orphan on the streets of Victorian London, hears about the mysterious Ice Monster - a woolly mammoth found at the North Pole - she's determined to discover more... A chance encounter brings Elsie face to face with the creature, and sparks the adventure of a lifetime - from London to the heart of the Arctic! Heroes come in all different shapes and sizes in David Walliams' biggest and most epic adventure yet!
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month November 2018 | Everyone who has ever had a pet will love this funny and charming story about a little boy and the hamster he gets for Christmas. Leo needs cheering up and, with Christmas coming, he takes the opportunity to ask for the one thing that he thinks will make him happy: a pet hamster. Luckily, Dad has Father Christmas’s number on his phone so Leo can order it direct – and get some help from spell-check! But when the hamster comes Leo can see that his new pet is not altogether happy. Hampstead the Hamster needs a present too!
It might be the middle of summer, but the Little Princess demands SNOW. Lots of festive fun with our feisty princess and perfect for toddlers and parents to share together particuarly as children will learn they can't always have everything they want. When the Queen goes on a trip and sends back a photo of her feeding some penguins, Little Princess decides she wants snow too. The whole palace tries all kind of things - from sandmen instead of snowmen to mudballs instead of snowballs. But this little royal won't be satisfied until she gets what she wants... and sometimes not even then!
We’re used to the Little Princess behaving badly, but this new story shows a different side to her, and is surprisingly tender. She’s proud of her dad, the king, but still wishes he could do things the other dads in the palace can, and, for example, teach her to ride and cook, and swim. Her maid takes it upon herself to instruct her little mistress in these things, but things don’t go well. Feeling fed up and a failure, there’s only one person the Little Princess wants, only one person who can make her smile again … The illustrations have the boundless energy that is the hallmark of Tony Ross, but are also full of warmth and affection.
Miss Charlotte - the new coach of a children's football team - has some odd methods to prepare them for the big match. She decides to teach them to lose! And to have fun. Incredibly, it seems to work, as the kid who was always useless on the pitch suddenly scores a screamer in practice. But will their hopes of victory be dashed when the ambitious star player decides to join the other team?
How many uses can there be for a book? Humour and wit in every page make this a fun read with an important message.
In a nutshell: comic mishaps and triumphs of a schoolboy detective | A sign in his local library catches the eye of schoolboy detective Damian Drooth: it offers a weekend at Disneyland Paris for the winners of a ‘mega quiz’. Damian rounds up his gang and sets them to work, first of all to raise the £10 entrance fee, and then to swot up in readiness. He’s understandably furious when the quiz turns out to be a scam, but quickly cheers up at the prospect of tracking down the conman. With echoes of Horrid Henry and Just William, Damian is a terrific character, determined, confident, and totally unfazed by adult disapproval. This series will have children and adults alike chuckling and is perfect for newly independent readers.
In a nutshell: comic mishaps and triumphs of a schoolboy detective | Damian Drooth, self-proclaimed boy detective, is off with his mum to Green Park Holiday Village. Mum is standing in for the chef, who’s ill, and Damian can have a holiday – or at least that’s what Mum suggests. Fat chance! As soon as he hears that kids’ bikes are going missing, Damian is on the case and determined to track down the culprit, no matter what. As ever, he causes complete chaos without even really trying, but manages too to apprehend the thief. It’s another funny, satisfying story in an excellent series and is absolutely perfect for newly independent readers.
The spirit of Roald Dahl lives on in David Walliams, and Dahl’s influence is clear to see in The Midnight Gang. Tom is sure that even Matron’s warped tyranny and the general misery of the Lord Funt Hospital (surely very top of any NHS ‘improvement needed list’) is preferable to the torments he endures at his horrible posh school, and he’s even more determined to stay on the wards when he comes across the Midnight Gang, who secretly roam the hospital corridors at night making dreams come true! This will be another deserved hit with children: it’s funny, exciting, and the pages turn as smoothly as the wheels on the best-oiled hospital trolley. What’s more, Walliams explores favourite themes, particularly the exhilarating and liberating power of the imagination, and its ability to utterly transform lives, of young and old alike. A tonic!
In a nutshell: comic triumphs and mishaps of a schoolboy detective Schoolboy super-sleuth Damian Drooth is back with a new case: someone is selling forged tickets outside his local football ground and Damian is determined to track down the culprit. He’s ably assisted by his trainees Winston, Tod and Harry and despite their protestations that they don’t need girls to help, Annabelle Harrington-Smythe plays a part too. After a bit of breaking and entering and accidental arson, all works out successfully for Damian. His narrative is action-packed and wonderfully comic and the stories are great fun for children ready to read on their own. With echoes of Horrid Henry and Just William, and illustrations by Tony Ross, these books will definitely be the number one boy detective series in many homes. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: comic triumphs and mishaps of a schoolboy detective | Self-proclaimed supersleuth Damian Drooth has a new case: someone’s sprayed graffiti on the toilet walls and the whole school will be punished if the culprit isn’t caught. It’s a particularly difficult case but using all his observational and detecting skills Damian solves it, though only after causing chaos in the DIY store and being accused himself. Damian is a terrific little character, smart, funny, blind to his own faults and a magnet for trouble. Full of illustrations by Tony Ross these stories are super-satisfying for newly independent readers.
David Walliams has his finger firmly on the funny bone of the nation’s youth, and little children will love this story of school turned upside-down by an unexpected visitor. It’s bring-your-pet-to-school day, and a host of animals are ushered into the playground. By far the most unusual, brought in by Miranda, a girl who loves to be different, is a python! High jinks follow, wonderfully illustrated by Tony Ross, an artist who excels at depicting children behaving wildly, until the headmistress Miss Bloat puts her foot down. Whether that’s a sensible thing to do with a python will be revealed. Containing just the right amount of anarchy and warmth and speaking directly to its readers, this is set to become a huge favourite. ~ Andrea Reece Message from David Walliams: “It was a joy working with Tony Ross on this new picture book, which I hope will amuse my young readers at bedtime.” ***There are 4 fun 'There's a Snake in My School' activity pages to download too!
In a nutshell: comic triumphs and mishaps of school boy super-sleuth Damian Drooth’s life changes when he comes across a book called A Hundred Ways to Catch a Criminal. Overnight he is transformed from – in his words – ‘bored brat’ and ‘droopy drop-out’ to school boy super-sleuth. His first attempts at crime solving are not entirely successful to put it mildly, but then he gets the chance to lend the police a hand in a real life kidnapping. The mix of perfectly observed ordinary boy behaviour (a la Horrid Henry) and zany far-fetched adventure make these stories hugely satisfying and enjoyable. Packed full of illustrations by Tony Ross they’re great for children happy to read on their own, but read aloud wonderfully too: adults will find much to amuse them in Damian’s wry comments and moments of self-awareness. Great fun! ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: comic triumphs and mishaps of school boy super-sleuth Damian Drooth is a crime-buster extraordinaire, an ace detective; at least he is in his own imagination. Despite what his mother says, he’s determined to find crimes to solve and bones up by studying the detectives described in his favourite comic books. Laughs come in the gaps between what really happens, and what Damian thinks is happening while young readers will completely understand his propensity for getting into trouble or causing chaos. There’s something of Horrid Henry or even Just William about Damian and the story, with its Tony Ross illustrations, ends in triumph for our junior super-sleuth – he actually manages to catch a crook - despite his outrageously bad behaviour. Great fun for children to read on their own and for adults to read out loud. ~ Andrea Reece
December 2017 Book of the Month The fifth hilarious story from Number One bestselling picture book duo, David Walliams and Tony Ross, for children aged 3 and up. An outrageously funny picture book with an incredibly heartwarming message about celebrating difference - in all its forms. Lovereading Comment to follow.
November 2017 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: a comic crime caper to delight dads and lads It's all about boys and their dads in David Walliams' new bestseller for children. Frank adores his dad and wants to be just like him. But when Gilbert gets mixed up with the thoroughly nasty Mr Big and his henchmen, the sublimely nicknamed Fingers and Thumbs, it's up to Frank to act like a grown up and sort things out. Gilbert is a champion stock-car racer and the book features some terrifically exciting and funny car chases. There's a wonderful cast of eccentric and lovable characters too, I especially liked Auntie Flip who meets her soulmate in the endearing Reverend Judith. The relationship between Frank and his dad is full of tenderness and when after myriad adventure and challenges they reach their happy ever after, we leave them enjoying a 'huggle', part hug, part cuddle, their own special embrace. ~ Andrea Reece
November 2017 Book of the Month It might be the middle of summer, but the Little Princess demands SNOW. Lots of festive fun with our feisty princess and perfect for toddlers and parents to share together particuarly as children will learn they can't always have everything they want.
It’s hard to know what will make children laugh most in this tale of a short-sighted T-Rex – will it be the description of him going out in his sister’s knickers and his granny’s vest, or the bit where he accidentally washes his face in the toilet? Jeanne Willis’s rhyming text is typically boisterous, and Tony Ross manages to make the hapless T-Rex both ridiculous and imposing. It finishes with the kind of shock-ending that is this pair’s speciality, one which after a moment’s stunned silence will have children roaring with laughter again. ~ Andrea Reece
A day devoted to stuffing your face with sweets and playing horrid tricks: Horrid Henry and Hallowe’en are made for one another! There are six stories in this collection, each one a tribute to Henry’s ability to cause trouble, upset Perfect Peter, and somehow, despite his parents’ best efforts, come out on top. There are extra treats too – spooky jokes and a section of puzzles, games, activities, even a gruesome recipe, just the thing for putting the Henry into Hallowe’en. ~ Andrea Reece
A whole new direction for Tony Ross's bestselling Little Princess. Princess Rosie makes an unexpected new friend - but what mischief will they get up to?
A deliciously, wonderful read that highlights how courage, team work and a little bit of sparkle can help you overcome any difficulties. One day one her way to school Martha unwittingly releases a ghoul trapped inside a gate and meets a rather grumpy (but fabulously dressed) witch in a ditch. As the ghoul escapes and the witch runs off leaving warnings of impending doom, Martha is left scared but excited. A real, actual ghoul in Cherry Hillsbottom! But things become rather worrisome when the ghoul chases Martha and her friend Jack home from school. It isn’t long before the ghoul is causing havoc in Cherry Hillsbottom and it’s up to Martha to sort out the mess and come up with a daring plan to trap the ghastly ghoul back in the gate. But will her plan work or will the villagers believe that it’s just Martha causing more Mayhem? The magic and feel within Joanne’s writing rather reminded me of Roald Dahl. Martha is a super character with a slightly eccentric and loveable Professor Gramps who has the best pet names for her. And to top it all there are ‘paranormal polka-dot pants’! The start of what promises to be a fantastically exciting series for young readers. Books in The Martha Mayhem Series: 1. Martha Mayhem and the Witch from the Ditch 2. Martha Mayhem Goes Nuts! 3. Martha Mayhem and the Barmy Birthday
The brilliant follow-up to David Walliams' bestseller The World's Worst Children! Ten more stories about a brand new gang of hilariously horrible kids from everyone's favourite children's author, illustrated in glorious full colour by Tony Ross.
May 2017 Debut of the Month | Young readers will gallop through Clare Balding’s utterly delightful book – in fact, they’ll be smiling from the very first sentence. Steeped in farm and family life and full of fascinating details from the world of horse racing too, it’s the rags to riches story of Charlie who buys the racehorse no-one else wants and goes on to enter him in the Derby. With a terrific cast of characters, animal and human, it’s a properly heart-warming story. Noble Warrior isn’t the only one to prove what he’s made of thanks to the support of those who believe in him; Charlie too finds the confidence to ignore her brothers’ taunts about her thighs, and even persuades them to work as part of her team. Heaven in a feed-bucket for pony-mad readers, this will win everyone’s heart! To read about more determined, lively pony-mad heroines see the Jinny series by Patricia Leitch, Olivia Tuffin’s Palomino Pony books and the One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John, or classic National Velvet by Enid Bagnold.
As all little children know, there’s great fun to be had in jumping out and shouting ‘Boo!’. The little polar bear star of David Walliams’s new picture book likes nothing more than to surprise his neighbours in this way, though his mother keeps warning him that he wouldn’t like it if someone did it to him. As the animals prepare for the arrival of a documentary film crew, the little cub has a field day, and even catches out the distinguished wildlife expert mid-presentation to camera. It’s lots of fun and young readers will love shouting ‘Boo!’ along with the little bear. The inimitable Tony Ross makes the cub adorable and naughty at the same time and his nude sunbathing walrus is sublime. ~ Andrea Reece
April 2017 Book of the Month | The Little Princess, star of Tony Ross’s much loved series, is growing up and she’s just as much of a character as she ever was. Now that she’s not so little her family and the court will have to start calling her by her real name – the problem is it’s so awful that no-one dare tell her what it is. But this little girl knows just how to sort things out to her own satisfaction and works out a happy solution. By any name the Little Princess will fascinate readers as she stomps and shouts her way around her castle and Tony Ross continues to revel in her shockingly bad behaviour, his colour illustrations fizzing with her energy. ~ Andrea Reece
The Little Princess, star of Tony Ross’s much loved series, is growing up and she’s just as much of a character as she ever was. She’s playing happily in the garden with her teddy bear Gilbert when she sees her friend Ollie approaching. Uh-oh, he can’t know she still plays with teddies so poor Gilbert is plonked in the nearest rose bush. Gilbert goes on to have a whole series of adventures before fate returns him to his owner, who has long since admitted even to Ollie that she needs her teddy back. This is the Little Princess in unusually benign mode and a lovely story about friendship, tolerance and owning up to mistakes. With illustrations in full colour throughout by Tony Ross it’s a good to look at as it is to read. ~ Andrea Reece
The Little Princess, star of Tony Ross’s much loved series, is growing up and she’s just as much of a character as she ever was. She’s playing happily in the garden with her teddy bear Gilbert when she sees her friend Ollie approaching. Uh-oh, he can’t know she still plays with teddies so poor Gilbert is plonked in the nearest rose bush. Gilbert goes on to have a whole series of adventures before fate returns him to his owner, who has long since admitted even to Ollie that she needs her teddy back. This is the Little Princess in unusually benign mode and a lovely story about friendship, tolerance and owning up to mistakes. With illustrations in full colour throughout by Tony Ross it’s a good to look at as it is to read. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 7+ Reading Age 7 | Fact and fiction are cleverly combined in this space travel adventure story. It’s 2075 and young Billy is setting off for a trip into space with his grandad on his restored spaceship. And what a time they have, passing all the planets from Mercury to Pluto before returning home, navigating their way through an asteroid belt on the way. Each short chapter is full of information about the galaxy, and packed with illustrations by Tony Ross too. Lots to learn, and lots of fun to be had while publisher Barrington Stoke makes sure that this is a book that is particularly easy to read. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+ 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.
There’s no doubt that this will be at the top of the bestseller lists, at least until Christmas and probably well beyond. In a relatively short time David Walliams has built up a huge following, and it’s easy to see why. Like Dahl, Walliams fills his stories with villainous adults, appealing child protagonists, dark humour, and crazy situations, mixing it all into compelling stories. This story concerns Jack and his grandpa, a former WWII RAF ace, now in the throes of dementia and convinced it’s 1940 (the book is actually set in 1983). ‘Everyone else always saw Grandpa’s condition as a problem,’ says the narrator, ‘For Jack, the way his grandfather’s mind worked was nothing short of magical.’ The adventure they have is magical indeed, involving a Colditz style breakout from an old people’s home, confrontations with various dastardly adults, and a glorious getaway in a Spitfire! Great fun, it’s very moving too, the description of Jack’s relationship with his grandfather very nicely done. The illustrations by Tony Ross – without doubt one of the greatest illustrators for children ever – are superb. A book that deserves its place at the top of the charts. ~ Andrea Reece
With her cheery, distinctive voice and passion for bagels, little dog Shnipp is a very jolly character and certain to be a real favourite with young readers. Running away one day on impulse she’s taken in by Bessie the Bagel Lady; then, when the foxes tell her just how much she’s missed by her owners, she decides just as impulsively to run back home. The story bowls along as merrily as Shnipp at full stretch, full of humour and sprinkled with black and white illustrations by Tony Ross. Great fun for solo reading and for sharing at bedtime too. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | November 2016 Book of the Month | | The spirit of Roald Dahl lives on in David Walliams, and Dahl’s influence is clear to see in The Midnight Gang. Tom is sure that even Matron’s warped tyranny and the general misery of the Lord Funt Hospital (surely very top of any NHS ‘improvement needed list’) is preferable to the torments he endures at his horrible posh school, and he’s even more determined to stay on the wards when he comes across the Midnight Gang, who secretly roam the hospital corridors at night making dreams come true! This will be another deserved hit with children: it’s funny, exciting, and the pages turn as smoothly as the wheels on the best-oiled hospital trolley. What’s more, Walliams explores favourite themes, particularly the exhilarating and liberating power of the imagination, and its ability to utterly transform lives, of young and old alike. A tonic!
The latest in in a wonderful series of cautionary tales for modern children from this super-talented duo, Troll Stinks is very funny and also delivers an important message on how not to behave. Two young billy goats have great fun with a mobile phone, taking silly selfies and leaving daft messages for friends. Then they decide to teach the troll under the bridge a lesson and send it some nasty texts. When they go to the troll’s cave though, instead of a big bad troll, they find a tiny one, frightened by their cyberbullying. It’s as witty as Belloc and as much fun to read aloud, and children will absolutely understand the moral of the story too. Brilliant! ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | October 2016 Book of the Month David Walliams has his finger firmly on the funny bone of the nation’s youth, and little children will love this story of school turned upside-down by an unexpected visitor. It’s bring-your-pet-to-school day, and a host of animals are ushered into the playground. By far the most unusual, brought in by Miranda, a girl who loves to be different, is a python! High jinks follow, wonderfully illustrated by Tony Ross, an artist who excels at depicting children behaving wildly, until the headmistress Miss Bloat puts her foot down. Whether that’s a sensible thing to do with a python will be revealed. Containing just the right amount of anarchy and warmth and speaking directly to its readers, this is set to become a huge favourite. ~ Andrea Reece Message from David Walliams: “It was a joy working with Tony Ross on this new picture book, which I hope will amuse my young readers at bedtime.” ***There are 4 fun 'There's a Snake in My School' activity pages to download too!
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | October 2016 MEGA Debut of the Month | In a nutshell: follow your dreams | Young readers will gallop through Clare Balding’s utterly delightful book – in fact, they’ll be smiling from the very first sentence. Steeped in farm and family life and full of fascinating details from the world of horse racing too, it’s the rags to riches story of Charlie who buys the racehorse no-one else wants and goes on to enter him in the Derby. With a terrific cast of characters, animal and human, it’s a properly heart-warming story. Noble Warrior isn’t the only one to prove what he’s made of thanks to the support of those who believe in him; Charlie too finds the confidence to ignore her brothers’ taunts about her thighs, and even persuades them to work as part of her team. Heaven in a feed-bucket for pony-mad readers, this will win everyone’s heart!To read about more determined, lively pony-mad heroines see the Jinny series by Patricia Leitch, Olivia Tuffin’s Palomino Pony books and the One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John, or classic National Velvet by Enid Bagnold. ~ Andrea Reece
No-one draws naughty children quite as well as Tony Ross, so it’s probably no surprise that his very first picture book was the story of Goldilocks. First published over 40 years ago this has now been reissued by Andersen Press in a lovely new hardback edition. It features lots of familiar Tony Ross touches: Goldilocks has a thick mass of unruly blonde hair and stomps around the bears’ house in jeans and trainers with such energy that you can almost hear the walls rattle. The bears themselves are wonderful characters, particularly the furious father bear. A wonderfully lively retelling distinguished by evidence of Tony Ross’s particular genius. ~ Andrea Reece
After all these years the Little Princess still rules the palace and its inhabitants – including the queen, the admiral and the prime minister. The king is away and she wants a bedtime story, but none of the grown-ups’ stories match her daddy’s (though the gardener’s tale of the carrot who was afraid of the dark sounds good). When she gets that look – perfectly depicted by Tony Ross in facial expression and body language – the maid is called, as she so often is. She takes the Little Princess to the library, full of course of brilliant stories, even the one that daddy always tells and, to her surprise, the Little Princess can read it all by herself. Tony Ross’s understanding of children is as acute as ever, and children and parents will love this. ~ Andrea Reece
Just the right size for little hands, this board book provides a perfect first introduction to a much-loved fairy tale and sturdy side tabs cleverly tell the story in short-hand via images of a bowl of porridge, a chair, a bed, baby bear crying and Goldilocks. In jeans and boots Goldilocks is a thoroughly modern heroine while the bears are stylishly fogeyish in tweeds and fur, their anger at the cheeky little girl both funny and satisfyingly scary. As ever, Tony Ross’s illustrations are full of vigour and character and this is sure to be a favourite and the free audio version, available via a QR code, is an added bonus. ~ Andrea Reece
Jack, his mother and their cow Clover are real characters in Tony Ross’s typically lively version of this much-loved fairy tale. Told in just five scenes, it’s full of drama and a wonderful sense of scale too – the beanstalk is clearly huge, and the giant falls from the top at full speed, the illustration catching him just before he hits the ground with what will certainly be a most satisfying thump! Tony Ross fills every book he creates with wit and invention and this sturdy board book is a perfect introduction to the story. A free audio version, available via a QR code, is an added bonus. ~ Andrea Reece
Best-selling picture book author/ illustrator duo capture the pitfalls of presents and the joy of them too! Boa’s really looking forward to his birthday and especially to all the presents his friends will bring. But every gift turns out to be completely wrong! Orang-utan brings him a piano but Boa has no fingers! Monkey brings him a pair of sunglasses but Boa has no ears or nose so they keep slipping off. Just when Boa is despairing of getting a single present he likes he gets an amazing surprise. ~ Julia Eccleshare You can rely on this picture book team for surprises and laughter, whether they’re exploring human failings or some innocuous aspect of everyday life. Here the giving and receiving of presents comes under the Willis Ross spotlight. The animals are bringing birthday presents for Boa but none of them seem to have given any thought at all as to what Boa might actually like. As he unwraps a series of presents totally unsuitable for snakes, including a piano, a hairbrush and a football, his disappointment seems funnier and funnier, until dung beetle tops it all with a present of … you can probably guess. A final clever twist leaves everyone smiling on the last page. ~ Andrea Reece
With a suitable companion to the celebratory 150th anniversary edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this title captures the humour and nonsense of the original story. It is suitable for younger readers.
Ten wickedly funny and wonderfully surreal stories of truly terrible children show best-selling David Walliams’s amazing gift for spinning entertaining stories. Contained in a handsome edition and illustrated in colour throughout by Tony Ross, the worst children who are featured include Dribbling Drew, Peter Picker, Miss Petula Perpetual-Motion, Grubby Gertrude and Nigel Nit-Boy. Each child has an obvious revolting characteristic and each of their stories is hugely disgusting, richly inventive and cheeringly anarchic. Walliams has created a unique take on the classic cautionary tale. ~ Julia Eccleshare A message from David - “I loved writing this collection of stories, as I let my imagination run completely wild. There is a huge emphasis on surreal humour in this book. I hope children around the world will enjoy it, even the most reluctant reader.” A Piece of Passion from Ann-Janine Murtagh, HarperCollins Children’s Books Executive Publisher, “Children love surprises, and what a brilliant surprise to have a new and unexpected book from their hero: author David Walliams! A wonderfully Walliams twist on the classic cautionary tale, this is David’s very first short story collection and demonstrates just what a genius storyteller he is, with every story fizzing with the power of his unique and incredible imagination. And, for the first time, we will publish Walliams’ fiction in glorious colour with illustrations blazing throughout by Tony Ross. These stories are a joy and will have children everywhere reading all summer long. Only David Walliams could deliver such a wonderful book as such a terrific surprise.” Books in The World's Worst Children Series: 1. The World's Worst Children 2. The World's Worst Children 2 3. The World's Worst Children 3
Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award In Chicken Clicking this gifted duo created a marvellous cautionary tale for our time. Now they deliver another important lesson for today’s impressionable youth. Appearance is everything to Lucinda Belinda Melinda McCool , the most beautiful girl in the whole of the school. It’s her aim to make the world a more beautiful place and no-one she meets escapes her censure, or her instructions on ways to improve their appearance. Until sadly she meets a monster and learns to her cost … well, you can probably guess! This is a brilliant piece of comic verse, wonderfully illustrated by Tony Ross, and should be recited to and by children up and down the country for their delight and edification. Superb! ~ Andrea Reece
As all little children know, there’s great fun to be had in jumping out and shouting ‘Boo!’. The little polar bear star of David Walliams’s new picture book likes nothing more than to surprise his neighbours in this way, though his mother keeps warning him that he wouldn’t like it if someone did it to him. As the animals prepare for the arrival of a documentary film crew, the little cub has a field day, and even catches out the distinguished wildlife expert mid-presentation to camera. It’s lots of fun and young readers will love shouting ‘Boo!’ along with the little bear. The inimitable Tony Ross makes the cub adorable and naughty at the same time and his nude sunbathing walrus is sublime. ~ Andrea Reece This book and CD edition comes with audio hilariously read by the author himself. Warning: very silly sound-effects included!
A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month, April 2016 Best-selling Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross have created many fabulous picture books together. Here, the weedy and whiny little slug is just longing for a hug! How can he make his mum give him one? All the animals he asks give him tips. A furrier and fluffier look, trotters and a tail, horns and a moustache, a pair of wings, and any number of noses. Will all of those tempt the slimy slug’s mum to give him a hug? Tony Ross’s hilarious illustrations of the misguided slug match Jeanne Willis’s ebullient rhyming text perfectly. ~ 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
After all these years the Little Princess still rules the palace and its inhabitants – including the queen, the admiral and the prime minister. The king is away and she wants a bedtime story, but none of the grown-ups’ stories match her daddy’s (though the gardener’s tale of the carrot who was afraid of the dark sounds good). When she gets that look – perfectly depicted by Tony Ross in facial expression and body language – the maid is called, as she so often is. She takes the Little Princess to the library, full of course of brilliant stories, even the one that daddy always tells and, to her surprise, the Little Princess can read it all by herself. Tony Ross’s understanding of children is as acute as ever, and children and parents will love this. ~ Andrea Reece
Everyone knows the feeling: there are some days and some situations, when only Mum will do. The Little Princess has had a bad day – she spilled water on her best ever painting, banged her knee on the see-saw and imagined a monster under her bed. Those famous tonsils are much on view and with each calamity the shout rings out, ‘I want my mum!’ A sleepover with a friend turns out to be unexpected fun, and gives everyone at the palace some much-needed peace and quiet, except the poor queen who misses her little girl. It’s a typically astute story of family life, filled with Tony Ross’s brilliant touches of characterisation and silliness. Perfect for Mother’s Day, but a treat for every day. ~ Andrea Reece
One of our Books of the Year 2015 As all little children know, there’s great fun to be had in jumping out and shouting ‘Boo!’. The little polar bear star of David Walliams’s new picture book likes nothing more than to surprise his neighbours in this way, though his mother keeps warning him that he wouldn’t like it if someone did it to him. As the animals prepare for the arrival of a documentary film crew, the little cub has a field day, and even catches out the distinguished wildlife expert mid-presentation to camera. It’s lots of fun and young readers will love shouting ‘Boo!’ along with the little bear. The inimitable Tony Ross makes the cub adorable and naughty at the same time and his nude sunbathing walrus is sublime. ~ Andrea Reece HarperCollins Children's Books Executive Publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh said, "David Walliams brings his storytelling magic to the picture book market once again this Christmas. His deliciously funny new tale features a small polar bear who is all set to be a big hit with his growing number of younger fans. Tony Ross' joyful illustrations are the perfect partner – full of his inimitable mischief and fun! The Bear Who Went Boo! affirms that David Walliams is now a major force in picture books alongside his phenomenal fiction. It is sure to be a smash hit and supercharge the picture book market this Christmas"
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - October 2015 Book of the Month There’s no doubt that this will be at the top of the bestseller lists, at least until Christmas and probably well beyond. In a relatively short time David Walliams has built up a huge following, and it’s easy to see why. Like Dahl, Walliams fills his stories with villainous adults, appealing child protagonists, dark humour, and crazy situations, mixing it all into compelling stories. This story concerns Jack and his grandpa, a former WWII RAF ace, now in the throes of dementia and convinced it’s 1940 (the book is actually set in 1983). ‘Everyone else always saw Grandpa’s condition as a problem,’ says the narrator, ‘For Jack, the way his grandfather’s mind worked was nothing short of magical.’ The adventure they have is magical indeed, involving a Colditz style breakout from an old people’s home, confrontations with various dastardly adults, and a glorious getaway in a Spitfire! Great fun, it’s very moving too, the description of Jack’s relationship with his grandfather very nicely done. The illustrations by Tony Ross – without doubt one of the greatest illustrators for children ever – are superb. A book that deserves its place at the top of the charts. ~ Andrea Reece
September 2015 Debut of the Month Did you know that there’s a Bath Monster waiting to slurp up your dirty bath water? If you didn’t, you do now! Tony Ross brings the Bath Monster to gloriously grubby life in his new picture book, written by Colin Boyd. From the very first page, in which Mum casually dangles a freshly washed Jackson upside down over his bath, to the ending, which reveals that the Bath Monster and Jackson may have much more in common than Mum would hope, this is a Ross tour de force, illustrations brim-full of energy, originality and wit. Bath Monsters are certain to become part of bathtime rituals for families up and down the country as a result of this sparkling story! ~ Andrea Reece
Age 7+. Twenty six fabulously funny modern cautionary tales are wittily illustrated by Tony Ross in this vivid and entertaining collection. The sticky ends of the title bring delightful surprises to verses about the truly disgusting nature of school dinners, the fate of Felicity Finch, a little girl who likes to pinch, or Icy Clare who delights in going everywhere in her underwear. Perfect for reading aloud, the richly imagined and brilliantly illustrated retribution that befalls such characters will delight all who hear these verses. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty and incredibly strong and has the most amazing adventures! Here's a chance to read three books about Pippi in one volume - Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes Aboard and Pippi in the South Seas. Everything's fun with Pippi around! This edition is illustrated throughout with black and white line drawings by bestselling artist, Tony Ross.
It might be 70 years since the first Pippi Longstocking story was published, but they haven’t dated in the slightest, in fact Lindgren’s stories of the nine year old free spirit living completely free of adult supervision are if anything even more appealing to today’s young readers. Pippi is bold, confident and can do whatever she wants, but she’s kind-hearted too: no wonder she’s remained such a favourite with children. There are three stories in this chunky volume, each new story and chapter introduced with a typically lively Tony Ross illustration and is a great way to introduce Pippi to the next generation of fans. ~ Andrea Reece
The Little Princess, star of Tony Ross’s much loved series, is growing up and she’s just as much of a character as she ever was. She’s playing happily in the garden with her teddy bear Gilbert when she sees her friend Ollie approaching. Uh-oh, he can’t know she still plays with teddies so poor Gilbert is plonked in the nearest rose bush. Gilbert goes on to have a whole series of adventures before fate returns him to his owner, who has long since admitted even to Ollie that she needs her teddy back. This is the Little Princess in unusually benign mode and a lovely story about friendship, tolerance and owning up to mistakes. With illustrations in full colour throughout by Tony Ross it’s a good to look at as it is to read. ~ Andrea Reece
The Little Princess, star of Tony Ross’s much loved series, is growing up and she’s just as much of a character as she ever was. She’s playing happily in the garden with her teddy bear Gilbert when she sees her friend Ollie approaching. Uh-oh, he can’t know she still plays with teddies so poor Gilbert is plonked in the nearest rose bush. Gilbert goes on to have a whole series of adventures before fate returns him to his owner, who has long since admitted even to Ollie that she needs her teddy back. This is the Little Princess in unusually benign mode and a lovely story about friendship, tolerance and owning up to mistakes. With illustrations in full colour throughout by Tony Ross it’s a good to look at as it is to read. ~ Andrea Reece
Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month, August 2015 Best-selling David Walliams and Tony Ross have teamed up for a great hippo space adventure. Sheila is a hippo with BIG ideas. Specifically, she is determined to be the first hippo on the Moon. But Hercules Waldorf-Franklin 111 is also determined to be the first hippo on the Moon. And he is a very rich hippo indeed. Who is going to win the great space-race that follows? Several hilarious space-antics later the winner is declared and spce travel will never seem quite the same again! ~ Julia Eccleshare
The final collection of four brand new utterly horrid stories in which Horrid Henry triumphantly reveals his guide to perfect parents, reads an interesting book about a really naughty boy, and conjures up the cannibal's curse to deal with his enemies and small, annoying brother. Horrid Henry is illustrated by Tony Ross, who also illustrates David Walliams' children's books, as well as his own picture books. Read by Miranda Richardson
The final collection of four brand new utterly horrid stories in which Horrid Henry triumphantly reveals his guide to perfect parents, reads an interesting book about a really naughty boy, and conjures up the cannibal's curse to deal with his enemies and small, annoying brother. Horrid Henry is illustrated by Tony Ross, who also illustrates David Walliams' children's books, as well as his own picture books. Read by Miranda Richardson
The final collection of four brand new utterly horrid stories; Horrid Henry's Bake-Off sees Henry and Margaret go head-to-head in a hotly contested baking competition, Henry triumphantly reveals his top tips in Horrid Henry's Extra Horrid Guide to Perfect Parents, he reads an interesting book about Evil Evie, a really naughty girl not too dissimilar to himself in Horrid Henry's Bad Book, and conjures up an ancient cannibal's curse to deal with his enemies and small, annoying brother in Horrid Henry's Cannibal Curse. Horrid Henry is illustrated by Tony Ross, who also illustrates David Walliams' children's books, as well as his own picture books.
This is the perfect story of Alice to share with younger readers. Tony Ross has done a great job in the retelling for a younger audience and the book is full of his delightfully humourous illustrations too. Building a love of Alice, Wonderland and madcap adventures at a young age will ensure a life long love of this classic story that is as fresh as it was 150 years ago on first publication.
A recommendation from our Guest Editor, Lauren Child MBE | Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Be sure to check out the lovely hardback gift edition of this title from Oxford University Press. Books in The Pippi Longstocking Series: 1. Pippi Longstocking 2. Pippi Longstocking Goes Aboard 3. Pippi Longstocking in the South Seas
A recommendation from our Guest Editor, Lauren Child MBE | Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Be sure to check out the lovely hardback gift edition of this title from Oxford University Press. Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty, and has the most amazing adventures. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
A recommendation from our Guest Editor, Lauren Child MBE | Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty, and has the most amazing adventures. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by best-selling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by best-selling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
One of three delightful stories featuring the irrepressible Pippi Longstocking. Spot-on for both boys and for girls for reading aloud and for reading alone and this edition is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories. Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages.
One of three delightful stories featuring the irrepressible Pippi Longstocking. Spot-on for both boys and for girls for reading aloud and for reading alone and this edition is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories. Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages.
This lovely collection of favourite bedtime nursery rhymes with charming, lively illustrations from Tony Ross to accompany each rhyme is a wonderful book to share. There is also a QR code so readers can enjoy listening to a free audio recording of the rhymes as they read along.
Best selling author and TV star David Walliams has a gift for great jokes. There’s a ring at the door and Sam finds an elephant demanding admittance. Sam does not want the outsize intruder in his house but it turns out that in signing up to adopt an elephant he has agreed to that elephant living with him! Feeding, washing, and entertaining his new house guest is a nightmare. When the doorbell rings again Sam finds his nightmare has just got worse! ~ Julia Eccleshare A Piece of Passion from Ann-Janine Murtagh, HarperCollins Children’s Books Publisher The Slightly Annoying Elephant has all the hallmarks of David's phenomenal success with a text that is bursting with fun and laughter. His creative partnership with the inimitable Tony Ross blossoms into glorious technicolor in a book where words and pictures dance off the page. Families everywhere love David Walliams - and loyal fans of his novels will be delighted to discover that there is now the perfect book to share with younger brothers and sisters.
A big, bad puzzle book - 64 pages of wordsearches, mazes, jokes and more, featuring everyone's favourite naughty little boy, Horrid Henry.
There are two stories by Jan Mark in this hugely attractive little book in Barrington Stoke’s new Conkers series, both set in Medieval England. The Abbot of Canterbury needs the help of a poor shepherd boy to solve puzzles set by wicked King John if he’s to avoid execution, while in Robin Hood All at Sea, Robin leaves Greenwood to be a fisherman. He doesn’t find it easy, and the other fisherman are decidedly unimpressed, until they run into some pirates and Robin can show off his talents for shooting and wealth distribution. Though set in the past these stories have the freshness of everyday living about them, and Tony Ross’s illustrations add to the excitement. Barrington Stoke produce books specifically for reluctant or dyslexic readers. This is longer than most of their books, and they’ve included lots of jolly extras including fun facts and quizzes to tempt reluctant readers into longer stories. ~ Andrea Reece Part of the Conkers series from Barrington Stoke, aimed at readers aged 6 to 9, for a wide range of readers and abilities. Each Conker title combines a story with lots of extras such as riddles, quizzes and fun facts.
It is now virtually impossible to review David Walliams’ and Tony Ross’ picturebook collaborations because, quite frankly, the superlatives are all used up. The Queen’s Orang-Utan mashes together (not literally) the queen and an orang-utan in a book that is outrageously funny. It could not delight or rollick more, or go any further over the top: it is a total triumph. Once again the pairing of words and illustrations is perfect. Tony Ross’s pictures capture the energy of the text and the ideas, while emphasising also the friendly connection of the characters. Children will love it, parents will love it – there’s simply nothing more to say. Except that the proceeds go to Comic Relief. ~ Andrea Reece ***A brilliant audio version has also been created by David along with Miranda Hart and Rob Brydon – a starry collaboration which combines to create a highly comic rendition of the tale. On the eve of Red Nose Day – 12th March 2015 – the book will also be published as a special limited edition hardback with the CD of the audio included. Comic Relief CEO Kevin Cahill, said, “David has been such a brilliant supporter of Comic Relief for such a long time. He’s clearly taken the easy way out this time by writing a book rather than swimming the Channel! We are eternally in his debt for his wonderful ongoing support.”
Chosen as one of the Top Ten Best New Books for Children 2015 by Andrea Reece - One of our Books of the Year 2014 | Award-winning Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross go to the heart of a modern predicament in this cautionary tale about a young chick who hops into the farmer’s house and starts exploring the delights of the internet. There’s one-click shopping – a hive of bees, a motorbike, a diamond watch and 100 handbags. The farmer blames his wife – where has it all come from? And the chick didn’t stop. Soon, there are scooters for the sheep, skates for the pigs, a car for the cows and a boat for the hens. And, most exciting of all, there is meeting a new friend! But just who will that friend turn out to be?
This welcome reissue of a favourite tale from A-list picture book creators Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross takes a typically sideways and comic look at family life and pet ownership. Little Rex the dog is desperate to get a pet person for his birthday, but his parents and relations are dead against it: ‘it’ll ruin the furniture’ says mum, draped on an elegant chaise longue; ‘they are impossible to train’ barks Auntie Sheba, resplendent in tweed suit and feathered trilby. Indeed, when Rex finds a little ginger person in the park, he quickly realises there’s a lot of truth in the grown-ups’ warnings! As ever author and artist interact to great effect, Tony Ross’s visual jokes the perfect complement to Jeanne Willis’s witty text. ~ Andrea Reece
This gift book of 10 stories is the culmination of celebrations for the 20th anniversary year for Horrid Henry, the nation's favourite naughty little boy. Horrid Henry is a character loved by boys and girls in equal measure and this is a perfect gift for a new generation of kids just beginning to read confidently alone and also great fun for adults and older siblings to share with youngsters aged 5+.
Christmas gives Horrid Henry every opportunity to behave as badly as possible. First there are all the wrong presents – gloves, a dictionary and a pen, pencil and ruler set. Yuck – they are all a disappointment. There’s no sign of the Zapatron Hip Hop Dinosaur or Terminator Gladiator fighting kit which is what he really wanted. But there is still Christmas lunch to look forward to...what could possibly go wrong?
A bumper book of Horrid Henry! Four Horrid Henry titles are bound together in this handsome volume. The stories include Horrid Henry Meets the Queen which gives the collection its title and also Horrid Henry’s Thank You Letter, Horrid Henry’s Sports Day and Moody Margaret’s School. Whether it is meeting the Queen, surviving sports day or avoiding playing with Moody Margaret, Horrid Henry is at his troublesome best on all occasion. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Shortlisted for The Bookseller's Book of the Year - One of our Books of the Year 2014 - One of the Lovereading4kids Readers' Choice Books of the Year 2014 Best-selling David Walliams is back on top form with Awful Auntie. Stella Saxby is the unfortunate owner of the awful auntie! Throughout her life, the dreadful aunt Alberta has squandered the family fortunes. Following the death of Stella’s parents, Alberta is determined to get her hands on the enormous Saxby Hall. Resourceful Stella is determined to stop her aunt and she charges through every adversity thrown in her way to do so. Pairing up with a resident ghostly chimney boy turns out to be the key to resolving a family mystery too. ~ Julia Eccleshare
There are spooky surprises in store for Horrid Henry and Stuck-Up Steve in this special Halloween Early Reader. Early Readers from Orion Children's Books are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Each one is full colour throughout with big bold illustrations on every page.
November 2014 Book of the Month Best-selling illustrator Tony Ross has gathered together 24 of the most popular stories about Christmas to make a celebratory volume of the time of year. The 24 stories are designed as a countdown to Christmas – one for every night capturing the different kinds of excitement and how it is reflected in verse and prose. Tony Ross’s own feelings of seasonal joy underpin the choices and fuel this beautiful and moving collection with a personal touch.
Welcome to the weird and wonderful, hilarious and horrid guide to everything a Horrid Henry fan has ever wanted to know about … GHOSTS! Terrify your family and amaze your friends with your nasty new knowledge on not just horrid henry but also about horrid ghosts!
Shortlisted for Children’s Book Award 2016, Books for Younger Readers category Best-selling Francesca Simon tells four terrific new stories about the worst behaved boy in the world. Children everywhere will sympathise with Henry in the title story as he tries to circumvent his parents’ healthy eating regime by swamping everything with ketchup. And they will love how he gets his own back when they introduce a substitute pure version! In other stories, how Henry and his equally horrible friend Rude Ralph outwit the mean babysitter and, how Henry avoids looking after the chicken he is so frightened of, are equally entertaining. ~ Julia Eccleshare
One of our Books of the Year 2014 - June 2014 Book of the Month | Award-winning Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross go to the heart of a modern predicament in this cautionary tale about a young chick who hops into the farmer’s house and starts exploring the delights of the internet. There’s one-click shopping – a hive of bees, a motorbike, a diamond watch and 100 handbags. The farmer blames his wife – where has it all come from? And the chick didn’t stop. Soon, there are scooters for the sheep, skates for the pigs, a car for the cows and a boat for the hens. And, most exciting of all, there is meeting a new friend! But just who will that friend turn out to be?
Introducing Horrid Henry, the boy who throws food, snatches, pushes and, above all, HATES his younger brother Perfect Pete. In a special twentieth anniversary edition, the very first four stories about Henry and his sweet-natured little brother Perfect Pete introduce what has become one of the most famous and successful sibling duos. Henry’s behaviour at home, at his dancing class, with his friend Moody Margaret and on holiday is always outrageous as he follows his own logic about why he should do all the very bad things that he does. Tony Ross’s illustrations bring the richly varied cast of characters vividly to life. Books in The Horrid Henry Series: 1. Horrid Henry 2. Horrid Henry and the Secret Club 3. Horrid Henry Tricking the Tooth Fairy 4. Horrid Henry Nits Nits Nits! 5. Horrid Henry Get Rich Quick 6. Horrid Henry and The Haunted House7. Horrid Henry and The Mummy’s Curse8. Horrid Henry Perfect Revenge 9. Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter 10. Horrid Henry’s Stinkbomb 11. Horrid Henry’s Underpants 12. Horrid Henry Meets the Queen13. Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine 14. Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend 15. Horrid Henry’s Christmas Cracker 16. Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman 17. Horrid Henry Robs the Bank 18. Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead 19. Horrid Henry Rocks 20. Horrid Henry and the Zombie Vampire 21. Horrid Henry’s Monster Movie 22. Horrid Henry’s Nightmare 23. Horrid Henry’s Krazy Ketchup24. Horrid Henry’s Cannibal Curse 25. Horrid Henry Up, Up and Away
Packed with freaky facts and random trivia, this is the perfect guide to everything you ever wanted to know (and lots of things you might never have wanted to know) about the world of sport - Horrid Henry style!
Packed with freaky facts and random trivia, this is the perfect guide to everything you ever wanted to know (and lots of things you might never have wanted to know) about the world of sport - Horrid Henry style!
Henry goes to a very Horrid wedding in this hilarious, utterly wicked and totally brilliant story. Early Readers from Orion Children's Books are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Each one is full colour throughout with big bold illustrations on every page.
Horrid Henry is back with this bumper 3-in-1 collection of his favourite wicked, rude and totally brilliant jokes to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Horrid Henry.
Best-selling picture book author/ illustrator duo capture the pitfalls of presents and the joy of them too! Boa’s really looking forward to his birthday and especially to all the presents his friends will bring. But every gift turns out to be completely wrong! Orang-utan brings him a piano but Boa has no fingers! Monkey brings him a pair of sunglasses but Boa has no ears or nose so they keep slipping off. Just when Boa is despairing of getting a single present he likes he gets an amazing surprise.
One of our Books of the Year 2013 - November 2013 Book of the Month Best selling author and TV star David Walliams has a gift for great jokes. There’s a ring at the door and Sam finds an elephant demanding admittance. Sam does not want the outsize intruder in his house but it turns out that in signing up to adopt an elephant he has agreed to that elephant living with him! Feeding, washing, and entertaining his new house guest is a nightmare. When the doorbell rings again Sam finds his nightmare has just got worse! A Piece of Passion from Ann-Janine Murtagh, HarperCollins Children’s Books Publisher The Slightly Annoying Elephant has all the hallmarks of David's phenomenal success with a text that is bursting with fun and laughter. His creative partnership with the inimitable Tony Ross blossoms into glorious technicolor in a book where words and pictures dance off the page. Families everywhere love David Walliams - and loyal fans of his novels will be delighted to discover that there is now the perfect book to share with younger brothers and sisters."
The whole Kingdom is very excited - there's going to be a new royal baby! This is a charming story that captures the joy and excitement of a new baby (whether they're royal or not!). Set in a timeless kingdom, this is an irreverently funny and heart-warming story. A Piece of Passion from the Commissioning Editor My name is Peter Marley and I am a commissioning editor for children’s picture books at Oxford University Press. It is my job to find new talent and to work with authors and illustrators to create books that children and parents will love. The Royal Baby is a picture book that captures the excitement leading up to the arrival of a new baby. It is a very happy time, and, naturally, there is often a lot of fun speculation about what the baby will be like: will it be a boy or girl, tall or short, dark or fair, sporty or musical. What I love about this story is that it captures that excitement in a really funny way and then offers children a lovely, reassuring message – which is that they will be loved and cherished no matter what they are like.
Horrid Henry finds he is not as fearless as he thought in the title story in this collection. And, to make matters worse, Perfect Pete is much less easily frightened. Four shocking new tales about the unchanging Horrid Henry.
An engaging and amusing tale about overcoming fear from an award-winning team.
Category Winner of The Red House Children’s Book Award 2013 & Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012. Following in the footsteps of the great Roald Dahl, David Walliams has shown in his previous titles including Mr Stink that he knows how to make his readers laugh! Ben’s granny is really boring; staying with her is a nightmare of eating cabbage, playing Scrabble and being treated like a baby. But then he discovers something rather AMAZING about his dull old gran; she has a biscuit tin full of jewellery including the biggest and most sparkling diamond he has ever seen. Life with a gangsta gran is quite a different thing and soon Ben is off on a wild and hilarious adventure. STOP PRESS! We are giving away tickets to see Gangsta Granny at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London! Scroll down to enter!
A side-splitting look at a topic every child knows and giggles about - noisy bottoms! - cheeky, quirky and outrageous humour from this bestselling team. Boys in particular will love this but beware parents they may decide to wallow around with the piggies too!
Horrid Henry loves getting Christmas presents but he’s not so keen on giving them. That’s because, he hasn’t got them to give! However, Henry comes up with a very clever plan firmly based on the principle, it’s the thought that counts....After all, no one actually said he had to buy them, did they?
Four best-selling Horrid Henry stories, each richly illustrated by Tony Ross, are gathered up in this bumper volume making a perfect gift book. The chaos of Horrid Henry’s birthday party; the shock of Horrid Henry’s underpants – as supplied by forgetful Great Aunt Greta; what happens when Horrid Henry has nits and what Horrid Henry has to do to shine at football. In each, Henry reveals yet another aspect of his horrid behaviour.
Short chapters and colour illustrations bring a favourite Horrid Henry story to life for newly confident readers with full colour illustrations from the fabulous Tony Ross on every page!. This pack contains a paperback and an unabridged CD.
Winner of The English Association 2013 (Fiction 4-7) September 2012 Book of the Month. This best-selling author/illustrator team have come up with a cracker of a story told with flair and invention. Poor hippopotamus has a spotamus on her bottomus…How on earth can it be cured? Everyone has a view and many try to get rid of it but, the spot is stuck fast. What on earth can it be? Excellent jokes abound in both the words and the pictures of this delightful book.
Can a scrawny caveman turn a giant woolly mammoth into delicious pie? Both sides gather their friends as they square up for a major confrontation. Who do you think will win? Jeanne Willis’s rhyming text charts the plotting and planning before the battle while Tony Ross’s illustrations brilliantly capture the greedy cave men and their formidable foes.
Sports day and Horrid Henry are a deadly combination! Henry hates sports day because he always looses and Perfect Pete always wins! But this year, Henry is determined that things will be different! How Henry sabotages everything he can and ends up triumphant in the egg and spoon race is a classic.
Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty and incredibly strong and has the most amazing adventures! Here's a chance to read three books about Pippi in one volume - Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes Aboard and Pippi in the South Seas. Everything's fun with Pippi around! This edition is illustrated throughout with black and white line drawings by bestselling artist, Tony Ross.
It might be 70 years since the first Pippi Longstocking story was published, but they haven’t dated in the slightest, in fact Lindgren’s stories of the nine year old free spirit living completely free of adult supervision are if anything even more appealing to today’s young readers. Pippi is bold, confident and can do whatever she wants, but she’s kind-hearted too: no wonder she’s remained such a favourite with children. There are three stories in this chunky volume, each new story and chapter introduced with a typically lively Tony Ross illustration and is a great way to introduce Pippi to the next generation of fans. ~ Andrea Reece
Bob is a bear with a difference! He tries to everything he’s been taught before he goes out to be with a family but although he shows them his exercises, tries to be cuddly and does some reading, nothing seem to attract their attention. The he does something really special…How Bob bursts into pieces and entertains his new family will delight all the readers of the story too!
This is a magical picture book from what you could call the dream team of Jeanne Willis (who writes the words) and Tony Ross (who creates the illustrations). Caterpillar Dreams celebrates the life of two curly caterpillars who dream of all the things they will do when they become butterflies. Autumn comes, and they settle down to sleep, eager to wake up and have their dream realised. But Nature of course has a different dream, a different plan for them...
June 2012 Book of the Month. Horrid Henry loves scary movies! The problem is Perfect Pete hates them. And so do mum and dad. How will Henry ever get to see The Vampire Zombie Werewolf ? As ever, in this story and in the other three in this rip roaring collection, Horrid Henry does everything he can to get what he wants but things don’t turn out just as he had expected…. Click here and here for some fun Horrid Henry activity sheets.
For all Horrid Henry fans here's the perfect book to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Bestselling Horrid Henry celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in his own special way… When Perfect Pete is asked to greet the Queen and present her with a bunch of flowers on the day she visits their school, Horrid Henry is furious. Why can’t he meet the Queen? He has an important question to ask her! Can Henry find a way of meeting the queen? As ever, with just a little bit of exceptionally bad behaviour, Henry nearly gets exactly what he wants.
September 2012 Book of the Month. Its message is one to treasure. Mayfly lives for only one day. Is she sad? No, everything about that one day is to be celebrated. Mayfly sees buds burst open, she sees babies being born; she feels breezes blowing and she dances to the music of the universe. When her one day comes to an end, Mayfly gives thanks for the wonder of it all. A book of celebration for all to share.
One of three delightful stories featuring the irrepressible Pippi Longstocking. Spot-on for both boys and for girls for reading aloud and for reading alone and this edition is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories. Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages.
One of three delightful stories featuring the irrepressible Pippi Longstocking. Spot-on for both boys and for girls for reading aloud and for reading alone and this edition is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories. Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages.
In the middle of a wood there is a chick who will not fly. Not I! she cries to Mother Owl and Father Owl. She flaps, she flips, she flops and hops back into the nest. Time passes and seasons change, but still she refuses to fly. Will she ever learn to let go and soar up into the open sky?
Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by best-selling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Pippi Longstocking has been in print continuously since first publication, making Pippi one of the most popular children's characters ever. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by best-selling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Be sure to check out the lovely hardback gift edition of this title from Oxford University Press. Books in The Pippi Longstocking Series: 1. Pippi Longstocking 2. Pippi Longstocking Goes Aboard 3. Pippi Longstocking in the South Seas
Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Be sure to check out the lovely hardback gift edition of this title from Oxford University Press. Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty, and has the most amazing adventures. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Not to be missed, this is a newly translated edition of this classic story about a wonderful little girl. Pippi Longstocking is nine years old; she lives alone with a horse and a monkey and spends her days having wonderfully imaginative adventures with her friends. Once hooked on Pippi, readers will find she’s a character that will never be forgotten. Perfect for children just setting out on the wonderful experience of reading alone. Pippi Longstocking is as popular as ever, with dedicated fans all over the world. She's funny, feisty, and has the most amazing adventures. Over 145 million copies of Astrid Lindgren's books have been sold worldwide in 91 languages. Spot-on for boys and for girls, and for reading aloud or for reading alone, this book is illustrated throughout by bestselling artist, Tony Ross, who also illustrated the Horrid Henry series and the Little Princess stories.
Enjoy some jokes from the irrepressible Horrid Henry with his most totally brilliant, fiendishly funny, utterly wicked joke book yet! Why did aliens have difficulty drinking tea? Because of the flying saucers! What do dinosaurs put on their chips? Tomatosaurus! Which King had a noisy bottom? Richard the Lion-Fart!
Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books have words and colour pictures on every page. This wicked and naughty story of Henry together with the funny pictures and lively design make it hugely appealing to both boys and girls. Perfect for children from 5-7. ... And from the author, Francesca Simon: 'I hope these beautiful new editions of my stories will welcome the next generation to the joy of books.'
Packed with freaky facts and random trivia, this is the perfect guide to everything you ever wanted to know (and lots of things you might never have wanted to know) about the world of sport - Horrid Henry style!
Packed with freaky facts and random trivia, this is the perfect guide to everything you ever wanted to know (and lots of things you might never have wanted to know) about the world of sport - Horrid Henry style!
Horrid Henry is bored and fed up because he has been naughty yet again so he's been banned from doing all sorts of things he likes doing. This is the perfect time for Henry to think of something really naughty to do. Great for reading aloud and sharing with children, these Early Reader chapter books have a great story with bright and funny colour illustrations on every page to make them even more appealing. They’re perfect for children from 5-7. ... And a note from the author Francesca Simon: 'I hope these beautiful new editions of my stories will welcome the next generation to the joy of books.'
Horrid Henry is MAD about dinosaurs – although not always for very good reasons! Enjoy sharing his enthusiasm for the Tyranosaurus Rex or Velociraptor and the rest. Stuffed full of facts, this is a must have for all Horrid Henry fans and everyone who is mad about dinosaurs.
Horrid Henry is looking forward to the school play. He’s sure he will star in it. But, when he discovers that Miss Battle-Axe has only given him a part with one line to say, he has to take desperate measures. How Horrid Henry takes matters into his own hands in order to get what he wants out of the school play will entertain all early readers.
Best-selling Horrid Henry has never been one to conform so it is not a surprise that his A-Z is full of typically entertaining and unusual entries. Starting with Abominable Snowman and ending with Zombie Vampires it acts as a guide book to the world of Horrid Henry picking out some of the things that have delighted, amused and infuriated Horrid Henry’s many eager readers. Fun to browse through and full of useful cross-references which will encourage and reward further delving. Competition News: You could win an original portrait of yourself with Horrid Henry drawn by Tony Ross, who has recently been awarded his gold Blue Peter badge! There are 20 gizmos in the book hidden in the double page spreads – you need to locate all 20. See www.horridhenry.co.uk for details - click here.
Ideal as a gift, this edition includes ten popular stories about Horrid Henry and his brother Perfect Pete including favourites such as Horrid Henry and the TV Remote as well as an extract from his diary, a list of Henry’s Horrid bedtime thoughts and fact file of Henry’s Top Triumphs – each one more dastardly than the one before.
Who better to go trick or treating with than the wicked but brilliant Henry? Henry can't wait to go out but then he discovers his brother perfect Peter, dressed as a fluffy pink bunny is coming too. This title is one of a number of titles in an 'Early Reader' series that introduces children to chapter books - perfect for those kids who are still enjoying picture storybooks but who want a bit more text alongside lots of full colour illustrations throughout. To view many other titles featuring Horrid Henry and non Horrid Henry titles in this Early Reader series click here.
For the cover alone, this is a must-have! Bad boy Horrid Henry is back as the star in four new exciting stories in which, as ever, he torments his brother Perfect Pete and drives his misguided parents to the brink…How Horrid Henry, with a scowl on his face and a torch in his hand, faces up to the Zombie Vampire is vividly captured in the strikingly embossed cover.
The seven stories in this collection are robustly and entertainingly re-told by popular illustrator Tony Ross who adds richly to the joy of the tales through his hallmark illustrations. Some such as Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast and The Musicians of Bremen are very familiar but it is a delight to be introduced to some new gems such as The Headley Kow. Beautifully published, the book is perfect for every home. The LoveReading Comment: The perfect companion to My Favourite Nursery Rhymes and My First Nursery Stories, Ross’s third magical collection is guaranteed to enchant. This humorous and imaginative collection of classic fairy tales is ideal for reading aloud to young children and it consists of seven easy-to-read stories with hilariously detailed accompanying illustrations. The fairytales include Beauty and the Beast, Fairy Gifts, Prince Hyacinth and the Dear Little Princess, Rumpelstiltskin, Sweet Porridge, The Hedley Kow and The Musicians of Bremen. 'If you want your children to be bright, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be brilliant, read them even more fairy tales.' - Albert Einstein
Age 7+. Twenty six fabulously funny modern cautionary tales are wittily illustrated by Tony Ross in this vivid and entertaining collection. The sticky ends of the title bring delightful surprises to verses about the truly disgusting nature of school dinners, the fate of Felicity Finch, a little girl who likes to pinch, or Icy Clare who delights in going everywhere in her underwear. Perfect for reading aloud, the richly imagined and brilliantly illustrated retribution that befalls such characters will delight all who hear these verses.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 7+. Fabulous twist on the Robin Hood story from Carnegie Medal winner Jan Mark. Robin Hood's not content with being No. 1 Most Wanted man in Sherwood. So he decides to become a fisherman! But soon realises it won't be as easy as he thought - How will the famous Robin Hood cope with pirates, sea sickness and grumpy sailors? Fun comedy.
In this laugh-out-loud funny book, Dr Xargle is instructing his class of small fellow aliens on the nature and habits of the earth creatures known to us as cats. It's brilliant with parents and children enjoying it in equal measure.
As with every Horrid Henry title there's action and adventure on every page and here Moody Margaret, temporarily at least gets the upper hand but as with everything involving horrid Henry the result is full of wickedness and brilliance.
Everybody’s favourite bad boy, Henry is back with vengeance in this bumper volume of three of the funniest and best-loved books. Here Henry tangles with the Abominable Snowman, gets involved with bank robbery and sets about waking the dead…As ever, Tony Ross’s illustrations perfectly capture Henry’s scheming ways.
Utterly wicked and totally brilliant. Henry will do anything to stop this car journey - he wants to be at Ralph's birthday party instead! More hilarious Henry escapades - especially for younger readers. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
How Horrid Henry is almost tricked into reading not just one but many books is a great story with a surprising twist at the end. Henry’s attitude to books may well be shared by many emerging readers who will revel in Henry’s trademark subversive tactics. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
Great gags from everyone’s favourite bad boy. Horrid Henry invited his gang – loyal readers – to send in their best jokes. The result is a suitably hilarious collection perfect for all Henry’s fans and definitely NOT for their parents.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. Horrid Henry fans will delight in their favourite bad boy’s book of disgusting facts. The way Horrid Henry looks at things, much about the body is pretty disgusting so, from ear wax through snoring to the highest jumping animal in the world, Horrid Henry gives his original take on the unusual and weird things about bodies. And for some extra Horrid Henry fun, you can download three nit-infested activity sheets free from Readers Guide on the right hand side of this page.
A prize winning title, this introduces Susan who loves to swing, dance, swim, ride do all the things other children do. In fact, she’s no different from any other little girl except that, as the final spread shows, she gets about in a wheel chair. The vigour and active text is perfectly supported by Tony Ross’s warm hearted illustrations.
Great story coupled with Tony Ross' trademark illustrations in full colour on every page make this the perfect book to get both boys and girls enjoying the reading experience both on their own and with a member of the family. Horrid Henry is as ever up to his usual tricks and creating havoc wherever he goes as well as coming up with the most absurd idea; this time it's to make himself rich! There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
How Horrid Henry rampages through Christmas may strike a painful chord with many adults! Horrid Henry has strong views about Christmas with which most young readers will entirely agree… “Christmas! Presents! Presents! Presents! Chocolate! Presents!” reads his list of what should happen on the big day. The cunning things Henry does to survive Christmas – including some sneaky tricks to get the right presents and some useful tips such as “How to avoid spending money on other people’s presents” – are crammed into this stocking filler.
Best-selling illustrator Tony Ross brings zest to this original mixture of familiar favourites and less well-known stories. In all, he celebrates how the good triumph over the mean-spirited and how kindness outshines trickery while through his entertaining illustrations he adds a vigorous humour making popular stories such as The Musicians of Bremen and Beauty and the Beast particularly entertaining. The LoveReading Comment: The perfect companion to My Favourite Nursery Rhymes and My First Nursery Stories, Ross’s third magical collection is guaranteed to enchant. This humorous and imaginative collection of classic fairy tales is ideal for reading aloud to young children and it consists of seven easy-to-read stories with hilariously detailed accompanying illustrations. The fairytales included Beauty and the Beast, Fairy Gifts, Prince Hyacinth and the Dear Little Princess, Rumpelstiltskin, Sweet Porridge, The Hedley Kow and The Musicians of Bremen 'If you want your children to be bright, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be brilliant, read them even more fairy tales.' - Albert Einstein
Brand-new Early Reader edition of Francesca Simon's Spider School with new full-colour illustrations from Tony Ross. It's a funny and original story from the Horrid Henry team. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
A perfect holiday pack for kids of 5+ includes a copy of Horrid Henry, the very first book and featuring Henry and his brother perfect Pete. There’s also a terrific Puzzle Book that’s packed with brilliant puzzles – mazes, word searches, codes and crosswords but also set around the world of Horrid Henry and his friends and enemies! Finally, there’s a blow up beach ball to kick about.
Bumper pack, including Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend, as well as the Horrid Henry Joke Book and a pack of World Cup Snap cards featuring the flags of all the competing countries. Laugh along with Henry as he tries by any means necessary to win the class football match and defeat Moody Margaret; reads Perfect Peter's diary and improves it; goes clothes shopping with Mum and tries to make her buy him some Rootatoot trainers; and is horrified when his old enemy Bossy Bill turns up at school.
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Reading Together category A new collection of stories about Horrid Henry and his little brother, Perfect Pete. Henry is as determined as ever to get his own way and will stop at nothing to achieve his ends. Above all, he won’t let Perfect Pete stand in his way. How Henry and Pete continue their feuding adventures makes for more hilarious reading. A World Cup Selection. Click here to link back to a page featuring all of our World Cup Selections
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Best Book of the Decade. A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011. A brilliant story with football as the backdrop to the story about Horrid Henry, his little brother, Perfect Pete and of course not forgetting Moody Margaret. Henry is as determined as ever to get his own way and will stop at nothing to achieve his ends. Above all, he won’t let Perfect Pete or Moody Margaret stand in his way. How Henry and Pete continue their feuding adventures makes for more hilarious reading. This edition is an ‘Early reader’, so the text is interspersed with colour illustrations on every page. The Early Readers are perfect for parents to share with youngsters who are just beginning to enjoy chapter books rather than just picture books. There are lots of Early Reader titles to choose from that are great for sharing with your youngsters and for kids just starting out on the reading journey to read alone. Check out the extracts on the site as some of the titles are slightly more advanced than others - for example the Francesca Simon animal story titles set at Potters Barn are great to get started on whereas the Sally Gardner, Georgie Adams and Vivian French titles have a bit more text to each page. Each and every one of them though has full colour illustrations on every page.
Nominated for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2010. A wonderfully funny and touching story of friendship from the comic wordsmith Jeanne Willis and brilliantly brought to life with wacky and laugh-out-loud illustrations from Tony Ross.
This is a magical picture book from what you could call the dream team of Jeanne Willis (who writes the words) and Tony Ross (who creates the illustrations). Caterpillar Dreams celebrates the life of two curly caterpillars who dream of all the things they will do when they become butterflies. Autumn comes, and they settle down to sleep, eager to wake up and have their dream realised. But Nature of course has a different dream, a different plan for them...
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Join Henry in a bumper edition of mayhem with this mischievous collection of six of his naughtiest prank stories! Cause some classroom chaos with HORRID HENRY! This book contains six naughty prank stories about beating the FANGMANGLER, getting REVENGE on the Bogey Babysitter and one HORRIBLE weekend! Plus loads of fun activities and jokes to keep Horrid Henry fans busy. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
The hilarious children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross. WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH... This little island is home to a large number of HORRIBLE grown-ups who like nothing more than making children miserable. The most AWFUL one of all is Aunt Greta Greed who owns the whole island. Something needs to be done about them. But who could be brave enough? Meet Ned - an extraordinary boy with a special power. SLIMEPOWER!
A powerful and personal story from one of Britain's best-loved authors about his recovery from coronavirus. After being admitted to hospital in 2020 with coronavirus, Michael Rosen had to learn to walk again. With the support of doctors and nurses and a walking stick he names Sticky McStickstick , he manages to embark on the slow steps to recovery. This moving picture book from the former Children's Laureate, with illustrations from Tony Ross, tells a story of perseverance and hope, and is a testament to the importance of overcoming fear and learning to accept help.
From Number One bestselling picture book duo, David Walliams and Tony Ross, comes this ssssspectacularly funny picture book for children of 3 and up. Miranda loves to be different, and on Bring-your-pet-to-school Day she introduces everyone to her very DIFFERENT pet... Penelope the snake. Miss Bloat the headmistress doesn't think snakes should be allowed in school. But Penelope has other ideas... Introducing a spectacularly slithery new picture book packed with mischief and mayhem from two superstars!
February 2016 Book of the Month Best-selling David Walliams is back on top form with Awful Auntie. Stella Saxby is the unfortunate owner of the awful auntie! Throughout her life, the dreadful aunt Alberta has squandered the family fortunes. Following the death of Stella’s parents, Alberta is determined to get her hands on the enormous Saxby Hall. Resourceful Stella is determined to stop her aunt and she charges through every adversity thrown in her way to do so. Pairing up with a resident ghostly chimney boy turns out to be the key to resolving a family mystery too. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Millions of young readers have loved the World's Worst Children tales and revelled in the World's Worst Teachers with their delightfully dreadful deeds - now prepare for...THE WORLD'S WORST PARENTS! From the phenomenally bestselling David Walliams and illustrated in glorious colour by the artistic genius, Tony Ross. Are you ready to meet the worst parents ever? Sure, some parents are embarrassing - but they're NOTHING on this lot. These ten tales of the world's most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter. Pinch your nose for Peter Pong, the man with the stinkiest feet in the world... jump out of the way of Harriet Hurry, the fastest mum on two wheels... watch out for Monty Monopolize, the dad who takes all his kids' toys... and oh no, it's Supermum! Brandishing a toilet brush, a mop and a very bad homemade outfit...
From Number One bestselling author David Walliams comes a hilarious and heartwarming picture book, brilliantly illustrated by the artistic genius, Tony Ross. Up at the North Pole, a big furry polar bear is swimming, fishing and eating. But when she nods off and finds herself far from home, she thinks things can't get any worse. But they can... Much worse! An outrageously funny picture book with an incredibly heartwarming message about celebrating difference - in all its forms.
From Number One bestselling author David Walliams comes a hilarious and heartwarming picture book, brilliantly illustrated by the artistic genius, Tony Ross, and read by the author himself. This book and CD edition comes with audio read by the author himself! Up at the North Pole, a big furry polar bear is swimming, fishing and eating. But when she nods off and finds herself far from home, she thinks things can't get any worse. But they can... Much worse! An outrageously funny picture book with an incredibly heartwarming message about celebrating difference - in all its forms.
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Join Henry in a bumper edition of mayhem with this boredom-beating collection of six of his best rainy day stories! Beat boredom on a rainy day with HORRID HENRY! This book contains six deviously daring rainy day stories about a BRILLIANT invasion, a MAD professor and a sleepover GONE WRONG! Plus loads of fun activities and jokes to keep Horrid Henry fans entertained. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
Sing along to the tune of Old Macdonald had a Farm, and learn to put down your phone in this hilarious cautionary tale for a new generation of phone-users. Old Macdonald loves his phone: it helps him organise his farm. But when the animals each get one of their own, they are soon on their phones all day - Here a tweet, there a chat, WhatsApping the farm cat - and before they know it, no work is getting done! What can Old Macdonald do? From the award-winning partnership of Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross, the fourth in the series of picturebooks exploring online issues.
THREE hilarious and moving family novels from number one bestselling author, David Walliams. BAD DAD: Dads are fat and thin, tall and short. There are young dads and old dads, clever ones and stupid ones. There are silly ones and serious ones, loud ones and quiet ones. Of course, there are good dads, and bad dads . . . AWFUL AUNTIE: Stella Saxby is the sole heir to Saxby Hall. But awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl will stop at nothing to get it from her. Luckily, Stella has a secret - and slightly spooky - weapon up her sleeve . . . GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE: Many years ago Grandpa was a World War II flying ace. But when he is sent to old-folk's home Twilight Towers - run by sinister Matron Swine - it's up to Grandpa and his grandson, Jack, to plot a daring escape. Little do they know the wicked matron is on to them . . .
'Walliams balances high comedy with an emotional message' Daily Mail 'Walliams does comedy with profound, genuine heart' Guardian The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - an extraordinarily brilliant and rollicking mystery adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross, and the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny. Ben is getting used to life without his beloved granny. She was a cabbage enthusiast, a Scrabble partner... and an international jewel thief known as The Black Cat. Now, only the memory of their extraordinary adventure to steal the Crown Jewels lives on. Then something inexplicable happens. World-famous treasures are stolen in the dead of night and the clues point to none other than The Black Cat? But that's impossible...? Expect the unexpected in this wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud adventure, which will have readers on the edge of their seats as they join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat. This first ever sequel from David Walliams will delight new fans, as well as the millions of readers that have loved Gangsta Granny.
A powerful and personal story from one of Britain's best-loved authors about his recovery from coronavirus. After being admitted to hospital in 2020 with coronavirus, Michael Rosen had to learn to walk again. With the support of doctors and nurses and a walking stick he names Sticky McStickstick , he manages to embark on the slow steps to recovery. This moving picture book from the former Children's Laureate, with illustrations from Tony Ross, tells a story of perseverance and hope, and is a testament to the importance of overcoming fear and learning to accept help.
The brand-new HEARTWARMINGLY HILARIOUS children's picture book from NUMBER ONE bestselling David Walliams. Illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross. Meet Geronimo - the baby penguin who has one dream and one dream only - and that is to fly! But everyone knows penguins can't fly... or can they? With a little help from his dad and friends, baby Geronimo discovers that even the wildest of dreams can come true. A delightfully topsy-turvy book with an uplifting message about following your dreams - another blockbusting classic from David Walliams and Tony Ross! There are lots of funny pictures of penguins in this book, but please note any mention of 'free' penguins on the back cover is a joke and as such should be taken lightly.
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Join Henry in a bumper edition of mayhem with this completely wicked collection of six of his best school stories! Have a mischievous school year with Horrid Henry! This book contains six naughty school stories about a disastrous talent show, a brand new teacher and a nudie foodie! Plus loads of fun activities and jokes to keep Horrid Henry fans busy. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
Number One for fiendish fun! Banish boredom with Horrid Henry in this bumper activity book. Packed full of gruesome games, cool code breakers, rude jokes, mischievous mazes and much much more, this activity book has something for everyone. Find out how to make more pocket money, fool your family and start a food fight. Just make sure there aren't any tell-tale Perfect Peter's hanging around ...
The hilarious children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. On a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are revolting and the teachers are terrifying - especially the mysterious Science teacher Doctor Doktur. When Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd is going on... something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange spectacles, and a 'Monsterfication Machine'. And ultimately she finds herself face to face with a real life Megamonster. There seems to be no escape - but for Larker, nothing is impossible...
Sing your heart out with a whole choir of characters, in the showstopping new picture book from number one bestselling author David Walliams. illustrated by the artistic genius, Tony Ross, and read by the author himself in this spectacular book and CD edition! There's more than one star of the show... In fact, there's a whole choir of them! Warble the walrus LOVES to sing. Unfortunately, she is not very good at it! And when her atrocious warbling causes an avalanche, the other walruses leave her all alone. But when you SING like no-one is listening, SOMETIMES, they start to hear you... Hilariously read by David Walliams, this fantastically funny story now comes in this brilliant Book and CD edition. It's the perfect story for anyone who loves to laugh or sing, and this heartwarming and hilarious story from David Walliams is a delightfully wonderful warble about doing what makes you HAPPY, and being LOUD about it!
An entire world of hilariously horrible and delightfully dreadful children in one incredible box set! From the phenomenal number-one bestseller David Walliams, these cautionary tales are illustrated in glorious and gruesome colour by artistic genius, Tony Ross. THE WORLD'S WORST CHILDREN Are you ready to meet the World's Worst Children? Five beastly boys and five gruesome girls! Like Sofia Sofa - a TV super-fan so stuck to the sofa that she's turning into one! Or Dribbling Drew - a boy whose drool gets him into trouble on a school trip! And not forgetting Blubbering Bertha - a girl who bawls and tells terrible tales! THE WORLD'S WORST CHILDREN 2 Ready for more? The beastly boys and gruesome girls in this book are even ruder, even more disgusting and WORSE than you could ever imagine! The gruesome characters will make you snort with laughter and thank your lucky stars that you don't know anyone like Gruesome Griselda or Fussy Frankie in real life. It also features a special appearance from fan-favourite Raj! THE WORLD'S WORST CHILDREN 3 Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your bookshelf, 10 more horrendously hilarious stories about the absolute worst children ever! From ten-year old Hank and his endless pranks on his poor, long-suffering family, to Tandy and her titanic tantrums - this compendium of catastrophically horrid boys and girls is the perfect companion to books 1 and 2.
SIX hugely hilarious and spectacularly moving novels from bestselling, critically acclaimed author David Walliams, in one INCREDIBLE box set! THE MIDNIGHT GANG: When Tom gets hit on the head by a cricket ball, he finds himself at Lord Funt Hospital, and is greeted by a terrifying-looking porter. Things go from bad to worse when he meets the wicked matron in charge of the children's ward... But Tom is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime! GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE: Many years ago Grandpa was a World War II flying ace. But when he is sent to old-folk's home Twilight Towers - run by sinister Matron Swine - it's up to Grandpa and his grandson, Jack, to plot a daring escape. Little do they know the wicked matron is on to them . . . AWFUL AUNTIE: Stella Saxby is the sole heir to Saxby Hall. But awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl will stop at nothing to get it from her. Luckily, Stella has a secret - and slightly spooky - weapon up her sleeve . . . DEMON DENTIST: Strange things were happening in the dead of night. When children put a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, they would wake to find something creepy in its place. Evil was at work. But who or what was behind it? RATBURGER: Can Zoe keep her beloved pet rat safe from the clutches of the dastardly Burt of Burt's Burgers? GANGSTA GRANNY: Ben's grandma is the boringest grandma ever: all she wants to do is to play Scrabble and eat cabbage soup. But there are two things Ben doesn't know about her: 1) She was once an international jewel thief. 2) All her life, she has been plotting to steal the crown jewels, and now she needs Ben's help. . .
Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots - and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day... 1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there's one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot... Join David Walliams on this action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family!
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Get ready for a bumper edition of mayhem with this totally awesome collection of six favourite Horrid Henry stories! Have a ghoulishly spooky halloween with Horrid Henry! This book contains six scary stories about things that go bump in the night, plus tons of fun jokes and activity pages to keep Horrid Henry fans of all ages entertained for hours. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
The HEARTWARMINGLY HILARIOUS children's picture book from NUMBER ONE bestselling David Walliams. Illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross, and read by the author himself in this spectacular book and CD edition! Meet Geronimo - the baby penguin who has one dream and one dream only - and that is to fly! But everyone knows penguins can't fly... or can they? With a little help from his dad and friends, baby Geronimo discovers that even the wildest of dreams can come true. A delightfully topsy-turvy book with an uplifting message about following your dreams - another blockbusting classic from David Walliams and Tony Ross! Hilariously read by David Walliams, this fantastically funny story now comes in this brilliant Book and CD edition. There are lots of funny pictures of penguins in this book, but please note any mention of 'free' penguins on the back cover is a joke and as such should be taken lightly.
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Get ready for a bumper edition of mayhem with this totally awesome collection of six favourite Horrid Henry stories! Spend your summer holidays with Horrid Henry! This book contains six favourite stories, plus lots of fun jokes and activity pages to keep Horrid Henry fans of all ages entertained for hours. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere.
Colin is small, even for a mouse. His mother refuses to let him play outside with his brothers and sisters unless he is wrapped in a big fluffy ball of cotton wool. But instead of keeping him safe, the cotton wool attracts the attention of every fierce creature imaginable - little boys, ducks, even foxes! After a day of being flung, pecked and chased, Colin returns home without his cotton wool, but feeling much BIGGER, and ready to tell his mother that he can look after himself.
'You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' The Young Pups don't want to visit Grandpa - he is so boring, and only ever wants to talk about the olden days. They don't believe Grandpa was ever young or fun, so Grandpa sets out to prove them wrong, and show them that there is life in the old dog yet!
The hilarious children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a fantastically funny tale illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF MULCH... This little island is home to a large number of horrible grown-ups. The school, the local park, the toy shop and even the island's ice-cream van are all run by awful adults who like nothing more than making children miserable. And the island is owned by the most awful one of all - Aunt Greta Greed! Something needs to be done about them. But who could be brave enough? Meet Ned - an extraordinary boy with a special power. SLIMEPOWER!
There never was a rabbit as bad as Big Bad Bun. Or so you'd think if you read the letter which he left on his bed after school one day...but it turns out Big Bad Bun (whose real name is actually Fluff) might not be as bad as he makes out. His school report aside, that is!
There was once a cow who was always miserable, and a lamb who tried to cheer her up. But the cow was impossible to cheer up! Even Father Christmas was too jolly for her. The poor lamb burst into tears himself, and wallowed in misery. Finally the cow started to miss him, and gave him the best birthday present ever - a great big grin!
Charlie's racehorse has certainly earned the name Noble Warrior: he won the Derby against all odds and bested a bunch of nasty kidnappers. But now Noddy is facing his greatest challenge yet . . . Charlie's best friend Polly is still recovering from an accident that left her almost paralysed. But Polly has a real talent with horses - and she and Charlie are determined not to let it go to waste. Can the two best friends find a way to make Polly's equestrian dreams come true, and forge a new path for the racehorse who wouldn't gallop?
Number One for Fiendish Fun! This full-colour Early Reader brings the utterly horrid and totally brilliant Horrid Henry series to a new generation of readers! Learn to read with Horrid Henry! Each Early Reader contains vibrant full-colour illustrations and age-appropriate text developed in conjunction with Early Years Reading Consultants. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure.
Sing your heart out with a whole choir of characters, in the showstopping new picture book from number one bestselling author David Walliams, illustrated by the artistic genius, Tony Ross! There's more than one star of the show... In fact, there's a whole choir of them! Warble the walrus LOVES to sing. Unfortunately, she is not very good at it! And when her atrocious warbling causes an avalanche, the other walruses leave her all alone. But when you SING like no-one is listening, SOMETIMES, they start to hear you... The perfect story for anyone who loves to laugh or sing, this brand-new story from David Walliams is a delightfully wonderful warble about doing what makes you HAPPY, and being LOUD about it!
Fly into a fiery and fantastical future with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams, in an epic adventure of myth and legend, good and evil, and one small boy who must save the world... Illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross! It is 2120 and London is in ruins. The young Prince Alfred has never known a life outside Buckingham Palace - but when strange goings-on breach its walls and stalk the corridors in the dead of night, he is thrust into a world of mystery, adventure and monsters. And when his mother, the Queen, is dragged away to the Tower of London, Alfred must screw up his courage and battle to save her, himself... and the entire city. In a future of myths and legends, join the bestselling David Walliams and venture forth into his most enthralling tale yet!
Stepping into the lower deck of Christopher Matthew's Triple-Decker Treat, we discover that not only can a Le Creuset casserole be very dangerous in the wrong hands, but so too can Pilates, open-air opera in evening dress, weekending in Wales with a pug, and pushing a trolley in Waitrose. Next deck up, we meet a menagerie of assorted dogs - among them a spaniel who was once a big star of TV commercials, a Camp Bastion war hero, an overweight pug with ambitions to be a sheepdog and a psychotic Great Dane called Cher Bebe. Finally, on the top deck, we negotiate the pleasures and pitfalls of romance in later years. Love is revealed in the most unlikely places, with the most unlikely people seeking it. Often very funny and always touching, these delightful and stirring verses about cast-iron cookware, rear-fixated puppies and late-flowering love are a celebration of everything life has to offer.
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Henry absolutely, positively HATES hiking...so when his parents force him on a family hike, he'll do whatever it takes to make it miserable for everyone else too... A hilarious and horrid Early Reader from bestselling author Francesca Simon, and illustrator Tony Ross.
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Get ready for a bumper edition of mayhem with this totally awesome collection of six favourite Horrid Henry stories! An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everwhere.
Penguin presents the audio CD edition of The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance written and read by Clare Balding. Charlie's racehorse has certainly earned the name Noble Warrior: he won the Derby against all odds and bested a bunch of nasty kidnappers. But now Noddy is facing his greatest challenge yet . . . Charlie's best friend Polly is still recovering from an accident that left her almost paralysed. But Polly has a real talent with horses - and she and Charlie are determined not to let it go to waste. Can the two best friends find a way to make Polly's equestrian dreams come true, and forge a new path for the racehorse who wouldn't gallop?
Number One for Fiendish Fun! Get ready for a bumper edition of mayhem with this totally awesome collection of six favourite Horrid Henry stories! Spend your summer holidays with Horrid Henry! This book contains six favourite stories and tons of fun jokes and activity pages to keep Horrid Henry fans of all ages entertained for hours. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everwhere.
A touching, heartfelt picture book, this is the perfect gift for celebrating any of life's big moments. To fetch! To play! To wag tails all day! When a young puppy needs reassurance, a wise dog is there to offer canine tips for living life to the fullest. For fans of Dr. Seuss's Oh The Places You'll Go Michael Rosen is the king of silliness, but he's also known for The Sad Book, an intensely personal, profound work Tony Ross is one of the bestselling illustrators working today, with his David Walliams collaborations as well as his own successful series
Eric's spots are multiplying! It seems his problem might be solved when his Auntie Rose sends Mum some magic face cream from South America. Dare he use it? Eric decides to take the risk and tries out the pimple potion. But he soon discovers there are some very unexpected side effects...
Number One for Fiendish Fun! This full-colour Early Reader brings the utterly horrid and totally brilliant Horrid Henry series to a new generation of readers! Learn to read with Horrid Henry! Each Early Reader contains vibrant full-colour illustrations and age-appropriate text developed in conjunction with Early Years Reading Consultants. An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure.
Funny, short illustrated stories about Horrid Henry - up to his usual chaotic and madcap adventure, involing essays on the Tudors and the school play amongst others!
A book is not just a book. It can be so many things; a hat or a a building block, a flower press or a fly-swatter! But books are so much more than that. They can make you feel, they can take you anywhere, they can make you laugh and can teach you anything you want to know. 'Rhyming books don't get better than Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross' Not Just A Book' The i Paper 'Celebrates creativity and imagination... Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross are the ideal combination for any picture book' Scotsman
The jaw-achingly funny children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Meet the Meeks! Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn't enough. She wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a FING, there's only one problem... What is a FING? Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter happy, even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the mysterious Monsterpedia. Their desperate quest leads to the depths of the jungliest jungle where the rarest creatures can be found. But will they ever find a FING? An explosively funny, totally surreal Tall Story about two perfectly nice parents and their unbelievably monstrous daughter from the phenomenal bestselling author David Walliams.
A second, action-packed Secret Seven adventure by prize-winning author Pamela Butchart, brilliantly illustrated by Tony Ross. The Secret Seven are excited to be chosen as extras in a local play, but during the opening performances things go seriously wrong. Could someone be trying to sabotage the production? The cast and crew are adamant that a theatre ghost must be causing the mysterious accidents, but the Seven aren't convinced. It's up to the gang and their spaniel Scamper to find out who is really behind the mischief - and why! Set in the same world and time as the original stories by Enid Blyton, both Mystery of the Skull and this fantastic new book satisfyingly extend the series for fans old and new. Both stories are brought to life by Tony Ross's brilliant illustrations throughout. Join the Secret Seven for more mystery, excitement, friendship and FUN than ever before! Read all 15 stories in the original Secret Seven series ... Also look out for Secret Seven Brain Games - a fun and tricky puzzle book! * Enid Blyton (R), The Secret Seven (R) and Enid Blyton's signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner.
The brand-new HEARTWARMINGLY HILARIOUS children's picture book from NUMBER ONE bestselling David Walliams. Illustrated by artistic genius Tony Ross. Meet Geronimo - the baby penguin who has one dream and one dream only - and that is to fly! But everyone knows penguins can't fly... or can they? With a little help from his dad and friends, baby Geronimo discovers that even the wildest of dreams can come true. A delightfully topsy-turvy book with an uplifting message about following your dreams - another blockbusting classic from David Walliams and Tony Ross! There are lots of funny pictures of penguins in this book, but please note any mention of 'free' penguins on the back cover is a joke and as such should be taken lightly.
This Christmas, join Michael Rosen and Tony Ross with their unforgettable retelling of Charles Dickens' beloved classic. In a school theatrical production of A Christmas Carol , the boy who plays Scrooge is extra nervous because his very busy father is in the audience. However, it's likely his father won't stay for the duration, due to business. As always. Will the classic story's message of Christmas cheer and family love reach his father's distracted heart?
Meet the accident-prone T-Rex. First he loses his glasses, then he has one disaster after another: he can't tell his breakfast toast from a slipper, then he mistakes a prehistoric owl for his bath towel! A laugh-out-loud tale from legendary picture book duo Willis and Ross. Praise for Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross: Rhyming books don't get better than Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross The i Paper
This lavishly produced book is the perfect keepsake gift to treasure. Fully illustrated in colour throughout by acclaimed illustrator Tony Ross, The Nights Before Christmas has twenty-four classic festive tales, songs and stories to read throughout Advent or keep as a family Christmas anthology. There are festive extracts from much-loved books including A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame; yuletide poems ('A Visit from St. Nicholas') and carols ('Good King Wenceslas'), together with traditional tales from Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. This is the ultimate gift for Christmas.
What has mummies and monsters, bogey babysitters and demon dinner ladies? It can only be a Horrid Henry Halloween story collection! In fact, it's Henry's spookiest collection yet, filled with his most hilariously horrid and frighteningly funny adventures. Featuring: Horrid Henry and the Mummy's Curse Horrid Henry and the Demon Dinner Lady Horrid Henry and the Bogey Babysitter Horrid Henry Casts a Spell Horrid Henry and the Fangmangler Horrid Henry and the Monster Movie
Damian Drooth, the one-of-a-kind detective hero, is back. Criminals beware! Damian is fascinated when the new girl at school says that her grandparents' house is haunted. As the local specialist detective, it is up to Damian to solve the mystery! He agrees to spend a night in the house to see the ghostly figures for himself - but all is not what it seems . . . Packed with rib-tickling pictures from Tony Ross, this is perfect for newly confident young readers of 6 and up!
