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Find out moreBen Mantle studied animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, graduating in 2003. He later joined the crew working on Tim Burton’s ‘Corpse Bride’ in 2005. Ben also worked as Head of Animation in a Brighton based studio and his recent titles include Busy Bug Book and the runaway smash in the US Five Little Pumpkins. He has also recently worked on a BAFTA nominated CBeebies website.
Melding modern day derring-do with classic-style whodunnit mystery and local history, Mark Dawson’s The Case of the Smuggler's Curse (the first in The After-School Detective Club series) comes recommended as a contemporary alternative to Enid Blyton. Co-written with Allan Boroughs and featuring lively illustrations by Ben Mantle, this character-driven story will keep adventure fans enthralled from start to finish. Meet Lucy (brave, loyal and athletic), Max (geeky genius with a wicked sense of humour), Joe (intrepid, funny, and prone to stretching the truth) and Charlie (fearless, fierce and devoted to her dog, Sherlock). Four friends whose everyday lives are sent a-spinning when they spot a spectral figure brandishing a lantern on Southwold Beach during the depths of winter. Before they know it, the gang find themselves embroiled in a perilous smuggling plot, and in trouble with the police. With lots of dialogue keeping the story moving (and readers keen to turn those pages), the writing is both evocative and engagingly clear, and the book’s not short on laughs either.
A feel-good, rhyming picture book, with a positive message about being the hero of your own story! Wolf loves reading. There's just one problem. The more he reads, the more he starts to realize something. . . Every book has a hero; the heroes are handsome, tough and strong; and most importantly, the heroes are never, ever wolves. But when a giant comes stomping into the library one day, can Wolf find the courage to speak up? Because maybe heroes don't have to be handsome, tough and strong. Maybe true heroes are kind and brave - just like Wolf! A Hero Called Wolf is an uplifting story set in a magical fairytale world. From Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle, the creators of Little Red Reading Hood, and The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book.
The final book in the epic and bestselling children's fantasy series that will make you believe in magic ... Perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, Michelle Harrison's A Pinch of Magic, as well as classic children's fantasy adventures, Narnia and Jumanji. Rose and Arthur are back in Roar, on a voyage that takes them further than they've ever been before: beyond The End. It's an amazing adventure - full of secrets, surprises and fairies with fangs - but then a mysterious storm changes everything. Shipwrecked on a strange island, they make a shocking discovery ... Could this be the end of Roar? Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. The Land of Roar series is Jenny's debut for readers of 8-12. Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. Ben has illustrated a number of children's books and is the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! . Ben lives and works in Brighton.
The first in a new children's fantasy adventure series, full of imagination, humour and heart, and with echoes of Peter Pan, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Neverending Story and Jumanji. The Land of Roar is perfect for children aged 8 to 12, and can sit on their bookshelf next to Nevermoor, Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon. Readers can bring their fantasy world to life and meet dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more in this beautifully illustrated children's book. Believing is just the beginning . . . When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad's attic. Roar was filled with things they loved - dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and adventure - as well as things that scared them (including a very creepy scarecrow. . .) Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar . . . real?
The story of Little Red Riding Hood gets an inventive, original reworking in this lively picture book. Little Red Reading Hood is never happier than with her nose in a book – and that’s not a typo, Reading is definitely this little girl’s middle name. Taking a book back to the library she runs into the Big Bad Wolf and, ignoring her mother’s warning to stay on the path, lets him persuade her to stop and read for a bit. He meanwhile dashes ahead to the library and ties up the librarian. Red is set to end up as a tasty snack until she suggests to the wolf that he rewrite the ending of this particular story. Written in cheerful verse and splendidly illustrated by Ben Mantle, this celebration of stories and the imagination is great fun to read aloud and perfect for sharing.
Today is a BIG day for little Train ... he's going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time! Taking its place beside the classic The Little Engine That Could, young readers will share Little Train's trepidation and excitement in this uplifting and extraordinary read-aloud adventure, and rejoice in the gorgeously atmospheric artwork of illustrator Ben Mantle.
The Circus under the Sea introduces ‘soft’ pronunciation of c and g, as well as the combinations wh, ph and the final y sound. The objective of the 15 books in the Very First Reading series is to enthuse your child through rhyme to learn and to enjoy the art of reading and to read with confidence and enthusiasm, which in turn will result in reading becoming a lifetime’s pleasure. Each book builds on material from the previous ones and together with the rhyming stories there are some superb illustrations in a range of different styles. You can also purchase all 15 in one boxed set together with a Parents’ Guide to the series. This series is ideal to compliment learning to read as the child starts school or even beforehand to give them a head start before they actually start school. View all the titles in the Very First Reading series - click here.
The second in a series of gripping adventure stories, perfect for fans of Enid Blyton. The friends can't believe their luck when they get the chance to stay in a castle for their Easter holidays. The castle is everything they had hoped for, with a moat and an ancient burial mound that gives it an air of mystery. But things are not what they seem and a treacherous discovery in the grounds reveals a 300-year-old treasure map. The race is on. The After-School Detective Club is in pursuit of Ragnar's gold - a hoard of treasure said to have been buried by a Viking warrior and guarded by his demon hound... that is, unless someone else gets there first.
Watch out! Hold onto your tails! The bunnies are back. And this time they're in ... a BOAT! The bunnies are back! And this time, they've commandeered a BOAT! Watch out, Sunnytown beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy. They whoosh past the sail-boats, and zoooom across the sand, then it's up on to the jetty where silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti! But watch out, oh no, where are the bunnies off to now? To the airport, across the tarmac ... it's bunnies on the PLANE. Here we go again...
A feel-good, rhyming picture book, with a positive message about being the hero of your own story! Wolf loves reading. There's just one problem. The more he reads, the more he starts to realize something. . . Every book has a hero; the heroes are handsome, tough and strong; and most importantly, the heroes are never, ever wolves. But when a giant comes stomping into the library one day, can Wolf find the courage to speak up? Because maybe heroes don't have to be handsome, tough and strong. Maybe true heroes are kind and brave - just like Wolf! A Hero Called Wolf is an uplifting story set in a magical fairytale world. From Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle, the creators of Little Red Reading Hood, and The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book.
A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences. Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it's not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they're not THAT different after all... At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!
A hilarious, light-hearted fable about seeing past our differences. Frog is a frog. And Toad is a toad. They are totally different from each other. So when a fly mistakes Frog and Toad for two FROGS, it's not long before things get a bit fruity... Luckily, a too-close call with a snappy alligator makes Frog and Toad join forces to see that they're not THAT different after all... At heart, a laugh-out-loud journey about togetherness, putting differences aside and realizing that friends don't need to be just like you, but they come in all shapes and sizes!
This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship, and a large number of malfunctioning robot pets. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin Colfer Boot was once a toy robot, but it has come a long way since it was scrapped and woke back up with only two-and-a-half glitchy memories. When Boot catches sight of a robot pet it used to know - Mr Piggles - our hero and pals follow it to a beautiful green square in the city of skyscrapers. Here they find not just real nature, but also a haven for broken and rejected pets. They also meet the children who look after the pets, and for whom this green space is a sanctuary too. But Boot is distracted by its emotions, swinging from happy to sad ... maybe Boot is broken? Can it work out what is wrong, with the help of its friends? Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot, BIG adventure and The Rusty Rescue.
A wonderfully witty take on a much-loved fairy tale, The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Book celebrates the magic of reading and storytelling, and being kind to others. When Ben's mum gets distracted halfway through his bedtime story, he decides to finish the tale himself. There's only one problem - he can't quite read yet. To Ben's surprise, the three little pigs come knocking on the door, and the big bad wolf isn't far behind ... But this time, will the story have a different ending? A playful rhyming story by Lucy Rowland, with hilarious illustrations from Ben Mantle.
For fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken, this is the third hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure. With illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life, this is a thrill-ride of an adventure story, stuffed with fun, friendship, and a large number of malfunctioning robot pets. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin Colfer Boot was once a toy robot, but it has come a long way since it was scrapped and woke back up with only two-and-a-half glitchy memories. When Boot catches sight of a robot pet it used to know - Mr Piggles - our hero and pals follow it to a beautiful green square in the city of skyscrapers. Here they find not just real nature, but also a haven for broken and rejected pets. They also meet the children who look after the pets, and for whom this green space is a sanctuary too. But Boot is distracted by its emotions, swinging from happy to sad ... maybe Boot is broken? Can it work out what is wrong, with the help of its friends? Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Have you read the first BOOT story, shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award?
From a brand-new picture book duo, this is a striking and unique story perfect for little people interested in climate awareness and looking after nature. McDarkly lives quietly all on his own, growing orchids in his dank swamp, until one day his peace is disturbed by an arrogant king who wants to turn the swamp into a roller-skate park. McDarkly has ten days to prove that the swamp isn't damp and dark, but an enchanted world. Can he do it, or will he risk losing his home forever?
The magical new book in the bestselling middle-grade fantasy adventure series, The Land of Roar. A series that celebrates the power of imagination and finding the greatest adventures in the most ordinary of places - perfect for children aged 8, 9, 10 and upwards, and fans of Narnia, Jumanji and How to Train Your Dragon. Featuring breathtaking illustrations throughout by Ben Mantle and stunning fold-out cover artwork. Twins Arthur and Rose can't wait to go back to Roar, the fantasy world they get to through their grandad's attic. Roar is a land of dragons, mermaids, unicorns, ninja wizards and where anything they can imagine can be real. But when they return there's no time for exploring, because a message arrives from their scarecrow enemy, Crowky. WHAT'S IN THE BOX? The Box would always contain the things that scared the twins most - and if Crowky gets hold of it, Roar could be in more danger than ever. Soon they find themselves on another thrilling adventure, accompanied by old friends and new faces and seeing parts of Roar they'd almost forgotten. But will they get to the box before Crowky does? And if it opens, what will they see? Praise for The Land of Roar: 'This funny, captivating story is filled with the painful pangs of growing up and the transporting qualities of imagination' Guardian Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply. Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering funny and inspiring talks and workshops. When Jenny isn't thinking about stories or writing stories, she enjoys living by the seaside, cycling and running over the South Downs. The Land of Roar series is Jenny's middle-grade debut. Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Ben has illustrated a number of children's books including Rudey's Windy Christmas (HarperCollins) and Callum's Incredible Construction Kit (Egmont) which won the 2013 Bishop's Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! published by Macmillan Children's Books. Ben lives and works in Brighton.
Watch out! Move out of the way! Hold onto your tails! There are ... BUNNIES ON THE BUS! And they aren't stopping for ANYONE! The bunnies have taken over the bus and they're on a wild ride across the streets of Sunnytown! They whizz past the bus stop, swerve around corners and zoom over crossings on a non-stop roller coaster adventure! There are bunnies on the roof! Bunnies in the aisle! DO sit down, bunnies, or you'll end up in a pile! Eventually, they come to a stop ... at the train station. And what's that they've spotted? A TRAIN! Uh-oh, here we go again... A hilarious romp of a book, with a fantastic read-aloud rhyming text and spectacular illustrations.
Welcome to the farm! Join Old Macdonald as he visits his animals in this lively edition of the well-loved rhyme, with entertaining illustrations by Ben Mantle throughout. Includes a QR code to scan to listen or sing along to the tune.
This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure, full of fun, friendship and a warehouse full of bouncy castles. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin Colfer Toy robot Boot has come a long way since it woke up in a scrapyard with only two and a half glitchy memories. It has a home with its robot pals in an abandoned amusement arcade, and has discovered what true happiness is - although it's still not sure why humans are so leaky and weird ... But when Boot and the gang stumble upon Rusty, an old, broken robot, forgotten in the back of a testing lab, it's time to spring into action. Boot knows there's something special about Rusty - but can they free the old robot and help it find its purpose? Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. Read more of Boot's adventures - shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award - including Boot: small robot: BIG adventure and The Creaky Creatures.
Watch out! Move out of the way! Hold onto your tails! There are ... BUNNIES ON THE BUS! And they aren't stopping for ANYONE! The bunnies have taken over the bus and they're on a wild ride across the streets of Sunnytown! They whizz past the bus stop, swerve around corners and zoom over crossings on a non-stop roller coaster adventure! There are bunnies on the roof! Bunnies in the aisle! DO sit down, bunnies, or you'll end up in a pile! Eventually, they come to a stop ... at the train station. And what's that they've spotted? A TRAIN! Uh-oh, here we go again... A hilarious romp of a book, with a fantastic read-aloud rhyming text and spectacular illustrations.
It's tough being a vampire when you're more giggles and glitter than beastly and bitter. But will Dracula Boy dare to follow his heart and live life in technicolour? Full of spooks and sparkles, Dracula Spectacular is a heart-warming story about learning to be brave, kind and above all, proud to be yourself. A sensational picture book, written in bouncy rhyme by Lucy Rowland and illustrated with wit and warmth by Ben Mantle, the creative duo behind Little Red Reading Hood. Perfect for bedtime reading!
*Shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Book Award* This is a thrill-ride of an adventure, with illustrations by Ben Mantle bringing Boot's world to life. Fans of Toy Story and Charlie Changes into a Chicken will love this hilarious, warm-hearted story about a small robot on a big adventure: full of fun, friendship ... and Boot's quest to find out why humans are so leaky and weird. 'Fast, funny and furious. These are definitely my favourite robots.' Eoin Colfer When toy robot, Boot, wakes up at a scrapyard, it has no idea how it got there and why it isn't with its owner, Beth. It only has two and a half glitchy memories, but it knows it was loved, which means something important to humans. Boot soon realises its emotions make it different to other robots, who just function and don't think. Boot is scared but tries to be brave, which is hard when its screen keeps showing a wobbly, worried face. Luckily Boot meets Noke and Red - other 'advanced' robots who have learned to survive in secret. With new friends by its side, Boot is determined to find Beth and the gang set off on a dangerous adventure. Everything Boot thought it knew about the world is changing, and things aren't as simple as it remembers . . . Illustrated throughout in glorious black and white by the award-winning Ben Mantle, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and hope. It will take you by surprise and make you think about the world around you. Read more of Boot's adventures in The Rusty Rescue and The Creaky Creatures!
A story which introduces a brand-new GAME ... a game all little monkeys, tortoises and anteaters will want to play! Down in the jungle, three best friends - Monkey, Tortoise and Anteater - are playing silly games together. After Stick Splash, Scary Monsters and Silly Dancing, they spy Little Crocodile and his big crocodile mum in the swamp. Do they want to play a new game, Little Crocodile asks ... a DARING game. KISS THE CROCODILE! Who will be brave enough to steal a peck from the 'sleeping' croc, with his big tail, pointy teeth and sharp claws? MWAH! Brimming over with the thrill of friendship and play, this hilarious new story from the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise demands to be re-enacted, and is the perfect match for the animated, visually-rich artwork of Ben Mantle, illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back.
Little Train is going out on the track, all by himself, for the very first time! But before he goes, his mummy and daddy remind him: When it's time to come home, no matter how far you are, just follow the track all the way back, where we'll be waiting. So Little Train heads off into the unknown with a clickety-clack... But, when night falls and the track runs out, will he remember what to do? Taking its place beside the classic The Little Engine That Could, young readers will share Little Train's trepidation and excitement in this uplifting and extraordinary read-aloud adventure, and rejoice in the gorgeously atmospheric artwork of illustrator Ben Mantle.
A magical, captivating picture book about the power of love between a son and his father Tom and his dad are good at making things. Their inventions start out simple, but they quickly become bigger, faster, crazier - and they almost always involve wheels. But then Dad loses his job, and everything changes. Sadness clouds the house like a winter sky. That is, until Tom comes up with a brilliant plan that takes their amazing vehicle inventions and creates something astounding - something the world has never seen before . . . An emotionally charged and highly imaginative book that explores themes of love and support between children and their parents but is also great fun, with incredible inventions, crazy contraptions and a wonderfully inspiring pioneering spirit at its heart.
Roll into Halloween with this wickedly funny rhyming book! Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. The first one said, My, it's getting late! The second one said, There are witches in the air! The third one said, Good folk, beware! Five little pumpkins are sitting quietly on a gate until... night falls and they are joined by a cast of creepy characters - witches, spiders, bats, frogs and ghosts - all determined to cause plenty of Halloween mischief. What a terrific treat!
A beautifully illustrated, paperback picture book edition of this well-known and much-loved sing-a-long story. The story of farmer Macdonald and the multitude of noisy animals who live on his farm, quacking, mooing and neighing all day long! Perfect for young children who can follow the story as it is read and join in for the E-I-E-I-O.
A hilarious story full of noises and naughtiness. A sure-fire Christmas cracker of a book! Oh, dearie me! said Rudey. Now I've done a windy pop! This is a bit embarrassing. I'll do my best to stop. Rudey has eaten too many sprouts and the explosive effect is smelt all around the world as he Santa delivery presents on Christmas Eve... The other reindeer have laughed so much, they're out of puff. How ever will they get the sleigh back home? A naughty, noisy, rip-roaring story, full of hilarious phrases that children will love!
'Beware, beware the deep dark woods.' But Jack doesn't listen... how will he ever get home? Part of the award-winning Usborne Very First Reading series specially developed in consultation with literacy experts to help children learn to read. Designed for a child to read together with an adult, allowing the child to gradually take a greater share of the story in each book to achieve confident, independent reading. Features superb illustrations to accompany the rhyming story. Followed by fun puzzles to test comprehension and provide further practice. Includes guidance notes for parents and teachers, with further extensive support on the Usborne Quicklinks Website.
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