No catches, no fine print just unconditional book loving for your children with their favourites saved to their own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop plus lots lots more...
Find out moreChris Mould went to art school at the age of 16 straight from school. During this time, he did various jobs from delivering papers to washing up and cooking in a kitchen. He realised quite soon that he wanted to illustrate as a full time career and that proved a good choice! He has won the Nottingham Children's Book Award and been commended for the Sheffield. He loves his work and likes to write and draw the kind of books that he would have liked to have on his shelf as a boy. He is married with two children and lives in Yorkshire.
Find Chris Mould on instagram.
Matt Haigh invents a brand new Christmas story in his tale of how a weedy little boy called Nikolas became the jolly bearded figure we know as Father Christmas. It’s one of the many achievements of his book that readers will want to hold it the truth. Nikolas and his father are poor – Nikolas has only ever had two presents, and one of them was a turnip – but he still understands that happiness is more important than money. This is proved when his father heads off on a money-making expedition to find Elfhelm, the village of the elves, leaving Nikolas with his nasty aunt. Nikolas follows his father and thereby meets elves, becomes magic, befriends the reindeer Blitzen, acquires the trademark red hat, and renews his determination to spread joy and good will to all. It’s a wonderful adventure, exciting, often very funny though not without its darker moments, and never sentimental.
October 2021 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month October 2021 | When Boastful Brandon brags that he can count to 10 Million no-one believes him. It sounds absolutely impossible. But once Brandon has started, nothing is going to stop him! He counts all through school – and gets into trouble for doing so. Even when he is sent to the furious head teacher who has never seen such disobedience, he doesn’t stop counting. He counts at home, through meals and all through the night. Soon, his extraordinary feat becomes a money making sensation…Award-winning author Melvin Burgess creates a vivid adventure out of an absurd situation and pokes gentle fun at all kinds of rules as he does so.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2020 | Ted Hughes’s strange, compelling, fairy-tale adventure feels more relevant today than it ever has. This new edition is illustrated by Chris Mould and his Iron Man is spectacular – huge, awe-inspiring, but also vulnerable and expressive. Mould captures all the humour of Hughes’s story as well as the mystery, and he is equal to the big themes the story presents, creating unforgettable images for this unforgettable fable. This is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages, and every child should know this story.
May 2020 Book of the Month | Scary and warm- hearted, this is an action-packed adventure with a great cast of characters and some rocket fuel of magic and mystery. Orphaned when his mother dies, Leander is saved from starvation by the mysterious Madame Pinchbeck. Pinchbeck, a medium who claims she can talk to the dead, offers Leander the chance to speak to his mother if he joins her and sells her his locket. Hungry, cold and afraid, Leander agrees. Frighteningly soon Pinchbeck has terrifying power over Leander who swiftly discovers that he is not the first child that Pinchbeck has ‘stolen’: Charlotte and Felix have both been prisoners for years. Pinchbeck uses them in her dishonest performances as a medium and controls them with magic that enables her to make them vanish into their cabinets when they displease her. Will Charlotte, Felix and Leander ever be able to escape from evil Pinchbeck? With an atmospheric Victorian setting, the twists and turns of this drama unravel at an excitingly fast pace.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2020 | Ted Hughes’s strange, compelling, fairy-tale adventure feels more relevant today than it ever has. This new edition is illustrated by Chris Mould and his Iron Man is spectacular – huge, awe-inspiring, but also vulnerable and expressive. Mould captures all the humour of Hughes’s story as well as the mystery, and he is equal to the big themes the story presents, creating unforgettable images for this unforgettable fable. This is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages, and every child should know this story.
The Truth Pixie is an enchanting, rhyming story that will delight younger readers - with words by the bestselling mastermind Matt Haig and pictures by the inky genius Chris Mould.
In a nutshell: anarchic fun and adventure in Bitterly Bay Spangles McNasty is one of those children’s book characters readers just love to hate. He’s irredeemably horrible – indeed, he prides himself on his nastiness – and his sidekick Sausage-face Pete is no nicer. In this new escapade, the two are plotting to steal the star exhibit from the Bitterly Bay museum’s new pirate exhibition, a diamond encrusted pirate hat. As fans of the series will know, Spangles is highly likely to be hoist by the petard of his own greed and ineptitude, while young Freddie Taylor is wise to his tricks too and there to frustrate them. It’s all good, disgusting fun, inventive, surprising and full of the wordplay and zany humour that delights readers. ~ Andrea Reece Perfect for fans of Mr Gum readers who enjoy the adventures of Spangles McNasty will also like William Sutcliffe’s Circus of Thieves books.
A brilliantly funny odd couples comedy from one of our very funniest authors for children. The Primms and the Weirds are totally different: fish-eating, hedge-trimming, neighbourhood-watching, the Primms are as strait-laced as they come, while the Weirds are just, well, weird! Mum is a stunt woman, dad’s an inventor, Gran is very, very small and just what is making all the thumping sounds in the attic? Despite their differences, when the Weirds move in next door, Pinch Primm becomes friends with Ott Weird, and their adventures make wonderfully comic reading. There are three different stories, each is short, very funny and with a momentum that keeps the pages turning right until the end. Packed with treats, including Chris Mould’s black and white illustrations. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Count Dracula’s heir should have the best life in the world! Set to inherit a huge castle, a grand title and the fame of being the greatest vampire in the world, Wilfred should have had a great future ahead of him. But there is nothing about being a vampire that Wilfred likes. Above all, he hates blood! He’d far rather drink some nice fresh milk from a cow. Something seems to have gone very badly wrong. Luckily, Wilfred meets Smirk and the twists in this entertaining mystery are unravelled. ~ Julia Eccleshare Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
November 2017 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month October 2017 Matt Haig’s romping adventure breathes fresh life into everything Christmasy. It is a bustling story full of delightful surprises and some wonderful dollops of magic. Orphaned Amelia, the feisty heroine of The Girl Who Saved Christmas is back for a new adventure in the magical town of Elfelm – a place unknown on human maps. Now adopted by the newly married Father Christmas and Mary Christmas Amelia’s life is a far cry from her sad life in the world of humans. But being the only human in an Elf world, especially one where it is always Christmas, has its disadvantages. Christmas songs can get boring; toy- making tests are a new kind of torture. However, when Christmas is under attack from the jealous Easter bunnies, Amelia is the first to fight back and save the day. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for October 2017 A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin The Land of Neverendings by Kate Saunders The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell Pax by Sara Pennypacker and Jon Klassen Egyptomania by Emma Giuliani and Carole Saturno Father Christmas and Me by Matt Haig The Greatest Magician in the World by Matt Edmondson
Matt Haigh follows his best-selling A Boy Called Christmas with another festive treat, a brand new story of Father Christmas, his elf and reindeer friends, that is full of magic and has an evergreen message for one and all. Father Christmas is faced with all sorts of problems to overcome if the world’s children are going to get their presents, and a lot depends on little Amelia Wishart, the girl whose belief in him used to be so strong it could generate magic. Two adventures unfold, one set in Elfhelm, one in Victorian England, both allowing lots of opportunities for excitement, and laughs too, and held together with the all-encompassing magic of hope. Chris Mould deserves special mention for his glorious illustrations of trolls and villainous humans. One for the Christmas wish list.
The title says it all! Set in a gloriously depicted fairy-tale landscape this clever picture book has lots of fun with a situation that all parents and children will understand. Prince Freddie is enjoying a day off relaxing with a comic and a jug of refreshing lemonade when he gets the call to save the castle from a dragon. He immediately leaps onto his horse, Sir Rushington but – oh dear – maybe drinking all that lemonade wasn’t such a good idea. He desperately needs to go for a pee, but everything conspires against him and he has to keep his legs crossed until they arrive at the castle when … you’ll have to read it yourself! ~ Andrea Reece The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “Every parent has been there . . . You’ve just left the house (usually about to start a long motorway journey) when a small person says, “I need a pee!” It ALWAYS happens. Everyone can identify with Prince Freddie – AND Sir Rushington – in this pant-wettingly funny tale. Just make sure you have a pee before reading the book!”
In a nutshell: a roller-coaster ride of zany anarchic fun | Spangles McNasty is an absolute rotter, the sort of menace happiest when eating cold chips from bins, shouting at babies, and farting in the library – preferably all at the same time. He is therefore the perfect hero for this kind of anarchic adventure and for readers who revel in descriptions of bad, bad behaviour. In this latest outing, the surprise inheritance of a roller-coaster sparks Spangle’s latest get-filthy-rich quick plans. As ever he has his pungent friend Sausage-face Pete to help, and young Freddie Taylor to stop him in his tracks. With its zany plot, eccentric characters and inventive word-play this is as much fun as a ride on a roller-coaster. Perfect for fans of Mr Gum, readers who enjoy the adventures of Spangles McNasty will also like William Sutcliffe’s Circus of Thieves books. ~ Andrea Reece
Get into the Spirit of Christmas! | In a nutshell: a Christmas story for one and all! | Matt Haigh invents a brand new Christmas story in his tale of how a weedy little boy called Nikolas became the jolly bearded figure we know as Father Christmas. It’s one of the many achievements of his book that readers will want to hold it the truth. Nikolas and his father are poor – Nikolas has only ever had two presents, and one of them was a turnip – but he still understands that happiness is more important than money. This is proved when his father heads off on a money-making expedition to find Elfhelm, the village of the elves, leaving Nikolas with his nasty aunt. Nikolas follows his father and thereby meets elves, becomes magic, befriends the reindeer Blitzen, acquires the trademark red hat, and renews his determination to spread joy and good will to all. It’s a wonderful adventure, exciting, often very funny though not without its darker moments, and never sentimental.
Get into the Spirit of Christmas! | In a nutshell: Christmas magic and ho-ho-hope | Matt Haigh follows his best-selling A Boy Called Christmas with another festive treat, a brand new story of Father Christmas, his elf and reindeer friends, that is full of magic and has an evergreen message for one and all. Father Christmas is faced with all sorts of problems to overcome if the world’s children are going to get their presents, and a lot depends on little Amelia Wishart, the girl whose belief in him used to be so strong it could generate magic. Two adventures unfold, one set in Elfhelm, one in Victorian England, both allowing lots of opportunities for excitement, and laughs too, and held together with the all-encompassing magic of hope. Chris Mould deserves special mention for his glorious illustrations of trolls and villainous humans. One for the Christmas wish list. ~ Andrea Reece
To the canon of disgusting, disreputable villains loved by children – the Twits, Mr Gum, Armitage Shanks – can now be added Spangles McNasty and his sidekick Sausage-face Pete. To give you an idea of how nasty Spangles is, his ideal day would include collecting (ie stealing) something spangly from an old lady in a library, whilst eating cold chips, farting, pulling a face and shouting all at the same time. Spangles plans to steal all the goldfish in the town of Bitterly Bay because he thinks they’re made of real gold, but he’s reckoned without young Freddie Taylor. With its zany plot, an abundance of the fanciful imagery and word play that young readers love, and highly eccentric cast of characters, this is unadulterated fun! Perfect for fans of Mr Gum, readers who enjoy the adventures of Spangles McNasty will also like William Sutcliffe’s Circus of Thieves books. ~ Andrea Reece
Interest Age 7-12 Reading Age 7 Clever telling keeps this story spooky and surprising. Chapter one and Robbie and Gareth are local celebrities being interviewed by local TV. But why? A story of ghostly goings on in the local woods, bravery plus a bit of playground humiliation is revealed leading up to a surprise twist in the tale as we learn just what was making those creepy night-time howling noises and why the boys are in the spotlight. Part of Barrington Stoke’s 4U2Read series, this has been edited to a reading age of seven, but the boys’ adventure makes for really satisfying reading for children aged 8 to 12, and they are a very likeable, believable couple of rascals. ~ 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.
The odd is the ordinary at Alistair Grim’s Odditorium, a peculiar building located somewhere in the streets of Victorian London and which teems with magic. Grubb (no first name, two b’s), twelve years old or thereabouts, orphan chimney sweep, arrives at the Odditorium by accident hidden in Mr Grim’s trunk, but settles in very well, quickly making friends with its assorted magical inhabitants. When his new home is threatened by the wicked Prince Nightshade, of course he lines up with the defenders. The action is pretty much non-stop and the fight scenes that follow are terrific. Funaro’s story fizzes with invention and the world he has invented with its extraordinary Potteresque cast of characters will delight children looking for stories that take readers far away from the everyday. ~ Andrea Reece Alma Books is an independent publisher mainly in the field of contempory fiction and classics. Around 40% of their titles are from English-language originals while the rest are translations from French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and other languages. Alma Books have just launched a series of children's and young-adult titles, and promise a selection of great international authors and new talent. Their launch titles include - Alistair Grim's Odditorium by Gregory FunaroGabriel-Ernest and Other Tales by Saki Madame Tussaud's Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble Stones for My Father by Trilby Kent The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui The Selfish Giant and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde The Complete Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Hideous monsters, an ill-assorted band of comrades, life-or-death situations, and the odd magic item – who doesn’t love a quest story? Benjamin Blank and his friends Paradise Little and Wesley Chant are off to battle the Shark-Headed Bear-Thing terrorising their area – some of them with more enthusiasm than others. Can they defeat the monster? Will they discover unexpected reserves of strength and heroism? Will a portal into another world open and send a boiled egg travelling fast enough to break the sound barrier? You betcha! Barry Hutchinson packs a satisfying story, and some very funny situation comedy, into just 224 pages, amply illustrated with Chris Mould’s appealing and expressive illustrations. An absurdist adventure that will be gobbled up by kids! ~ Andrea Reece Kirsty from Nosy Crow says: "One minute you're laughing, the next your hair's standing on end. A brilliant mixture of the comic and the completely terrifying – something for everyone, in fact!" Books in The Benjamin Blank Series: 1. The Shark-Headed Bear-Thing 2. The Swivel-Eyed Ogre-Thing 3. The Moon-Faced Ghoul-Thing
A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child Best-selling Michael Rosen teams up with the brilliant illustrator Chris Mould in this scary story with a witty twist. Wolf Man is on the loose. He is ripping up paving stones and biting huge chunks out of trees. He is terrorising everyone – even the chief of police. Wolf Man goes right up to the Police Chief’s front door. What will happen when he opens it? Publisher Barrington Stoke was inspired to create the Picture Squirrel Books titles after meeting a man with dyslexia at a book event. “We were approached by a gentleman who told us that it broke his heart that he couldn’t read to his child because of his dyslexia,” M.D. Mairi Kidd told The Bookseller. “So we talked to Michael Morpurgo, who we were already working with on low text books [textbooks that use a limited number of words]." The layout of picture books can be difficult for adults with dyslexia as the language and typeface are often very varied, the text can be cut into small chunks or is sometimes spun around a picture, which can make a book tricky if you don’t have good reading skills. Barrington Stoke worked with the authors and illustrators to ensure that the books are suitable for dyslexic readers and thereby helping more families grow a love of reading. On the Picture Squirrels...Michael Morpurgo says: “I was immediately taken with the idea of the Picture Squirrel books, a picture book list that dyslexic parents and less confident readers can read with theirchildren too.”
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. This is non-stop comedy involving twin boys who discover that when they reach 12 and a half they have the most extraordinary talents, but using their powers without causing chaos all around could be more difficult. You’ll laugh-out-loud, in fact you may even cry with laughter so be prepared. Rest assured you’ll be hooked from page one. Author Michael Lawrence and illustrator Chris Mould are both hugely respected and liked in the children’s book world. Be sure to check out other titles by this author, including The Killer Underpants and Jiggy McCue: Kid Swap. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ On the day before their sister’s thirteenth birthday strangely magical things start to happen around twins Brin and Arlo. Where has the magic come from and why? After some hilarious adventures, Brin and Arlo discover a family secret that has been kept very well hidden by their parents! Who knows what they will grow up to be? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. It is printed on cream paper, which is proven to be more restful on the eye. The font is specially designed to encourage a smooth and easy read. There are frequent page breaks, short, headed chapters and illustrations on almost every page.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Count Dracula’s heir should have the best life in the world! Set to inherit a huge castle, a grand title and the fame of being the greatest vampire in the world, Wilfred should have had a great future ahead of him. But there is nothing about being a vampire that Wilfred likes. Above all, he hates blood! He’d far rather drink some nice fresh milk from a cow. Something seems to have gone very badly wrong. Luckily, Wilfred meets Smirk and the twists in this entertaining mystery are unravelled. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ A school story in which strange and often hilarious things happen. Lon is sent away to his father’s old boarding school with a view to stop him being quite such a monster. Dr Ffelix Ffurter’s School for Young Monsters has had great experience of changing boys like Lon around…But how will Lon like it? This topsy- turvy school story will make ordinary school days seem very dull! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Interest Age 9-12 Reading Age 8+ The Weirds are a most unusual family in every way; mum is a stunt woman, dad is a scientist with a habit of blowing big things up and gran is just a little bit magical. And then there are the children…Three hilarious stories about the very unusual things the Weird’s get up and how they affect everyone around them – especially the Primms who have the misfortune to live next door. Meet the Weirds is the first in a trilogy - the second is Wildly Weird and the third is Weird Happenings - and there are extracts available for all three!
Some double-crossing wizards have locked up Measle's mum and dad. So now it's just Measle, his baby sister, and his little dog Tinker and they're up against just about everybody. And when everybody's after you, you need somewhere to hide. Caltrop Castle may look safe enough with its huge bolted doors to keep the lurking horrors out. But what if the lurking horrors are already inside? Poor Measle, even the castle itself is out to get him...This is the third instalment of the fantastic Measle Stubbs Adventures.
Wolfman is on the loose and he is raging and rampaging through town like a terror! Lamp-posts have been ripped up, paving slabs chewed - even the Army has gone into hiding! A hilarious and brilliantly accessible short story with a reading age of 6, designed to help severely struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
They are sneaky. They are stealthy. They are cunning... They're the CROOKS! Isabelle Crook is a very good little girl, who would never dream of breaking the law. Her family, on the other hand, are the stealthiest, most cunning burglars around! Can Isabelle ever feel like one of the gang - a true Crook - while staying true to herself? Irreverent and adventurous, this picture book comedy sees everyone tip-toeing about at night, and is brought to life by Chris Mould's expressive, gloriously detailed illustrations.
NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . . Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent. With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould.
BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE You are about to read THE TRUE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin...
The first magical book in Matt Haig's festive series - now a major new film! BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE You are about to read the TRUE STORY of Father Christmas. If you believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin . . .
THE EPIC ADVENTURE OF A TEENY-TINY HERO Miika just wants to belong. Living with elves and trolls and pixies can make a mouse feel like the odd one out. When he makes friends with a fellow mouse, Miika thinks his problems are over. But really, his quest is just beginning . . . A Mouse Called Miika is the story of a small mouse finding his place in a big world. A tale of friendship, cheese, robbery and the magical power of being yourself.
Pull back the curtain and enter a world where mystery and magic take centre stage in a gloriously gothic adventure from Jenni Spangler, illustrated by Chris Mould. Twelve-year-old Tig works at Manchester's Theatre Royale, cleaning, selling tickets and doing anything else that is asked of her by her tyrannical boss, Mr Snell. Tig will do whatever it takes to get closer to her dream - to become a Stage Manager and spend her days inventing new ways to imagine and build the intricate machinery and props that bring the exciting productions to life! But when a strange new act - a talking machine - arrives at the Theatre Royale, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can't work out. It's as though it's alive somehow . . . And when the machine appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever. A Victorian adventure full of ghost, gadgets and shifty villains, from the critically-acclaimed Jenni Spangler, who's debut The Vanishing Trick, was selected as Waterstones Book of the Month. Praise for THE VANISHING TRICK: A thrilling, original, evocative and eerie tale - I adored it!' Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic 'A thrilling page-turner. Madame Pinchbeck is a gloriously Dickensian villain' Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song 'Ghosts, gadgets, likeable villains and unlikely heroes: The Vanishing Trick is a dark and dazzling adventure' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse 'A completely enthralling tale, oozing with atmosphere and originality' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island
NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . . Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent. With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould. 'Heartily recommend.' Just Imagine 'Never been so timely . . . simply striking illustrations.' Armadillo Magazine 'Atmospheric and deliciously macabre.' Lancashire Post 'Perfectly pitched.' WRD Magazine
Are you stuck in a holiday rut? Need a change from your usual two weeks in Boredom-on-Sea? Want to explore more far flung destinations but not sure where to start? Well look no further because Alfie Fleet's Guide to the Universe will show you the best and worst holiday destinations that are literally out of this world! Enjoy a flight around the bird-planet of Winspan, enjoy a cocktail on beautiful planet Blyssss, or rent a giant hollowed-out mushroom to sleep in on planet Nomefulch - the universe is yours for the taking. And if you're a thrill-seeking adventurer then head for Solstice and join the pirates on a cruise around the planet - but watch out for the hostile mermaids and the strange recluse who inhabits the Isle of Sheds . . . Alfie Fleet and the Professor are on a planet-hopping quest-keep up if you can! More than funny fiction - this story does for travel guides what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.
New school. New friends. Same old pixie. 'Don't try to be something You really are not. Your one true self Is the best thing you've got.' In this heartwarming adventure, the Truth Pixie and her human friend go to school, face a bully and learn the importance of friendship and being yourself. With words by the bestselling mastermind Matt Haig and pictures by the inky genius Chris Mould.
Bored of the same old routine? Longing for a bit of adventure in your life? Love living life on the edge? Then join Alfie Fleet and discover a whole universe of wonders (and things that are not so wonderful too, but we won't go into that now). From giant sand lobsters on planet Maureen and the Twang Bears of Mumsy, to the eerie (yet oddly quite boring) brains in jars on Brains-in-Jars World - there is something for everyone. And if danger's your thing you won't want to miss Outlandish, with its gold-hoarding dragon, take-your-life-in-your-hands cuisine, and welcoming locals who'll fire lightning bolts at you. Thrills and adventure await, just hop on board the slightly old and rusty moped of infinity! More than funny fiction - this story does for travel guides and maps what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.
Fasten your seat belts and get ready to zoom through the history of transport and discover incredible facts about all kinds of vehicles along the way. Every day, all over the world, people are busy travelling - short hops or great, long voyages, moving slowly and steadily or racing along at super-fast speeds. They make their trips in cars, trains, planes, ships and on bikes - and some people even blast off in rockets! Make your own amazing transport journeys as you explore timelines and discover the people and stories behind the machines that keep the world moving. Take a twist or turn and find out what happened when the Freedom 7 blasted into space, race your way through Japan at lightning speed on the awesomely fast bullet train, set sail on a Viking longship and let the wind carry you away in a hot-air balloon with the Montgolfier brothers. With wonderfully intricate illustrations from Chris Mould, Amazing Transport tells the story of some of science's most recognisable inventions in a way you've never seen before. Prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.
Let the battle for Christmas begin . . . Amelia lives in the magical town of Elfhelm, newly adopted by Father Christmas and Mary Christmas. When the very jealous Easter Bunny launches an attack to ruin Christmas, it's up to Amelia, her family and the elves to fight off the forces of evil. But can they keep Christmas alive?
Drusilla the Sand Witch is a friendly witch, but not when it comes to greedy Hagbag. In this magically funny story, Drusilla and her cat, Peg, must come up with a good spell to get rid of their unwanted visitor. Books with short chapters are a great way for children who are becoming independent readers to extend reading stamina and progress to the next step of their reading journey. This Read with Oxford Stage 5 book has short chapters, an engaging story and humorous colour illustrations. Tips for parents and fun after-reading activities help you to get the most out of the story. Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence. Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!
A hilarious tale of derring do and needing the loo from the brilliant Greg Gormley and Chris Mould! Prince Freddie is off to save a castle from a ferocious dragon, when he realises he really, REALLY needs a pee. But what with scary ogres, damsels in distress, and massive queues for the only toilet in the forest, it doesn't look like Freddie will ever get to go . . . So when the dragon blocks his path, and accidentally sets fire to the castle, things don't look too good. Luckily, Prince Freddie is able to have a pee AND put out the fire in one go! This funny, fast-paced story is a visual feast, perfect for any child aged 3-6 who loves fairy tales or has ever asked: Are we nearly there yet?
In an alternate 15th century, where dragons roam, sailing ships transform into submarines, and blacksmiths build steampunk robots, ten-year-old orphan Benjamin Blank battles monsters, rescues people in peril and discovers fantastic new lands, but never quite manages to get his homework handed in on time. In his third adventure, it's the Feast of Scarrabus, and Ben and his friends are out, stalking the dark streets, armed only with bags of sweets. But Ben doesn't play by the rules, and soon the Moon-Faced Ghoul-Thing is after him, dragging him into a dark realm from which there's no return... Or is there? An hilarious series from Barry Hutchison, perfect for fans of Beast Quest, and brilliantly illustrated by Chris Mould.
In an alternate 15th century, where dragons roam, sailing ships transform into submarines, and blacksmiths build steampunk robots, ten-year-old orphan Benjamin Blank battles monsters, rescues people in peril and discovers fantastic new lands, but never quite manages to get his homework handed in on time. In his second adventure, when local trolls start disappearing, Ben suspects foul play and sets off to solve the mystery. And that's how he meets the SWIVEL-EYED OGRE-THING. And gets a bit more fighting and danger than he'd bargained for... An hilarious series from Barry Hutchison, perfect for fans of Beast Quest, and brilliantly illustrated by Chris Mould.
Who's the grubbiest pirate on the high seas? Why, it's Captain Beastlie, me hearties! He is EXTREMELY dirty and pretty smelly too, and that is just the way he likes it. But as he eagerly counts down the days to his birthday, little does he know that his smart and shiny crew have a huge - and very soapy surprise - lined up for the big day.
Who's the grubbiest pirate on the high seas? Why, it's Captain Beastlie, me hearties! He is EXTREMELY dirty and pretty smelly too, and that is just the way he likes it. But as he eagerly counts down the days to his birthday, little does he know that his smart and shiny crew have a huge - and very soapy surprise - lined up for the big day.
A wickedly funny series featuring Mortimer: the small kid with big ideas! In this book, Mortimer covers his whole school in slime. With slimy facts and activities at the back, perfect for young readers. Mortimer Keene is full to bursting with madcap plans, and if it's trouble you're after, look no further! With laugh out loud illustrations, rollicking rhymes, and short chapters ideal for new readers, this first book sees Mortimer Keene and his slime machine on the attack! When slime upon slime attacks the school, a special task force of teachers set out to find Mortimer Keene and his slime machine at the source of the crime... Created by Chris Mould, illustrator of A Boy Called Christmas and Tim Healey. If you like Horrid Henry, you'll love Mortimer Keene.
Age 7+. A deliciously macabre collection of cautionary poems in which gruesome and grisly children are taught the errors of their ways. McGough’s own poem ‘Cautionary Tales’ entertainingly describes the fate that befalls Josephine whose lack of application at school cause leads fairly directly to her rather nasty fate. Familiar and unfamiliar, including very old favourites such as Poor Old Lady which tells of the woman who inexplicably swallows a fly – and then the rest -, all heed caution. Wonderfully macabre illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Mould complete a completely original book of poetry.
New edition of a laugh-out-loud horror. Brin and Arlo are just two normal boys. Or so they think. But today is a very special day, and some strange things are about to happen. Well, weird things are bound to occur when there are young wizards about...Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
When Toby Jugg, Measle's nemesis, turns up on the school trip, Measle knows he's in danger. The school trip is supposed to be an adventure and a challenge - and now it is. Toby Jugg shoves Measle into a dark hole - the doompit, a door to all sorts of scary worlds. Measle must escape the jaws of a pack of werewolves, the pincers of some giant ants, the massive arms of the abominable snowman, and the petrifying stare of the gorgon. Oh, and rescue his schoolmates, find Iggy and Tinker, discover a way out and defeat Toby Jugg at the same time. Thank goodness Measle is one of the bravest boys around!
Everyone knows the childhood rhyme: One man went to mow, went to mow a meadow...well, this man takes his dog, Spot, who buries his bone - and then goes on to bury more and more outrageous items mostly borrowed bravely from the house of a nearby dog, until the dog finally retaliates and Spot has to find something else to bury...and it's just a step too far!!
Count Dracula is the greatest, scariest, meanest vampire of them all. So how come his son is the most rubbish vampire he's ever seen? Vampire? More like wimpire! Can Young Dracula show his father what he's made of? It's Lon's first day at his new school - the Dr Ffelix Ffurter School for Young Monsters! Terrifying creatures stalk the corridors - and that's just the teachers! Is Lon bad enough? He'll have to be on his worst behaviour...
This is a magical adventure story about an orphan called Measle who lives with his horrible guardian, Basil Tramplebone. Basil is a Wrathmonk - the worst kind of wizard - and when he finds Measle playing with his beloved train set he zaps him with an evil spell. Now Measle's only a few centimetres tall and trapped in the world of the train set. There's a hungry bat in the rafters waiting for nightfall to swoop down on Measle and there's an enormous cockroach after him, but Measle finds some friends in the train set and together they come up with a plan.
A magical adventure story about an orphan called Measle who lives with his horrible guardian, Basil Tramplebone. Basil is a Wrathmonk - the worst kind of wizard - and when he find Measle playing with his beloved train set he zaps him with an evil spell. Now Measle's only a few centimetres tall and trapped in the world of the train set. There's a hungry bat in the rafters waiting for nightfall to swoop down on Measle and there's an enormous cockroach after him, but Measle finds some friends in the train set and together they come up with a plan. Ian Ogilvy has written two adult books and this is his first book for children. He is best-known as an actor. As well as starring in The Saint for a number of years, he has also appeared in many other TV productions, films, and West End stage plays. Ian will be coming to the UK for the publication of Measle and Wrathmonk in June 2004. It contains quirky black and white illustrations by Chris Mould, which bring the story vividly to life.
Before Count Dracula became one of the greatest, most feared vampires of all time, he was just a young boy called Wilfred who didn't really feel like he belonged anywhere. Wilfred's dad, the old Count, doesn't think his son is up to the task of being a great vampire - he thinks Wilfred is a wimpire! Can Wilfred show his father what he is really made of? A must for all fans of the CBBC Young Dracula series. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
If this is your illustrator page then you can share your Facebook updates with your readers right here on LoveReading4Kids
Find out more