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Sarah Horne grew up in snowy Derbyshire, UK, with some goats and a brother. She studied illustration at Falmouth College of Art and Kingston University. Alongside working on some very funny children's titles, Sarah has also worked on commissions for the Guardian, the Sunday Times, Kew Gardens, Sesame Street and for IKEA as their Children's Illustrator in Residence. She now draws, paints, writes and giggles from underneath a pile of paper at her studio in London.
Fizzlebert Stump’s Circus is back for a second riotous show during which everything can – and does – go terribly wrong. The new act features the very, very hairy Barboozul family which includes Wystan, the bearded son. Fizzlebert - his mum is a clown and dad is a strongman - is used to oddities but he has never come across a bearded boy. Will the two become friends? Many strange things happen at the Circus before anything as obvious as that happens in a delightfully chaotic and imaginative romp. This is Fizzlebert Stump’s second adventure - which began with Fizzlebert Stump The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (and Joined the Library).
A hero with a difference! Fizzlebert Stump wants to make changes to his life. Bored with life in the circus, he is determined to run away and join…the Library! How Fizzlebert sets out to achieve his goal and gets kidnapped by some unlikely villains for his audacity is a riotous romp which will be loved by all fans of Mr Gum! In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Fizzlebert Stump the Boy who ran away from the Circus (and joined the Library) a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Scroll down to read their reviews...
This little volume is just the right size to fit into a pocket or backpack and it’s well worth young readers keeping it to hand at all times as it’s packed with advice on ways to be more green. Chapters include ‘Do You Live in a Green House?’, ‘Shopping for the Planet’ and ‘Stop Polluting the Planet’ and after describing the impact of the ways of life we all take for granted, they list things we can easily do to make a difference. These ‘over to you’ sections are practical, do-able and empowering. There’s a list of websites to visit at the end to find out more, as well as Planet Pledges to sign – one for the reader, one for the reader’s family. Accessible, informative and positive, this is a great book for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and highly recommended.
The first book in a hilarious new series for fans of Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Charlie McGuffin has an incredible secret . . . He can change into animals. All sorts of animals: a flea, a pigeon, even a rhino. Trouble is, he can't decide when - it only happens when he gets worried. And right now, Charlie has quite a lot to worry about: * His brother (who is in hospital) * His parents (who are panicking about it) * And the school bully (who has Charlie in his sights) And even though every kid wants a superhero power, Charlie isn't keen on changing into a chicken in the middle of the school play. So with the help of his three best friends, Charlie needs to find a way of dealing with his crazy new power - and fast!
August 2018 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month August 2018 | Oscar the talking dog is back for a wittily entertaining third adventure with his friend and owner Sam. Oscar’s problem is the very big white cat who suddenly arrives to live next door; Oscar hates all cats but he hates Carmen especially because she sits in all his favourite places. Sam is more worried that there’s a thief on the loose and his mother’s ring has gone missing. Is there a connection between Oscar and Sam’s worries? And can they help the police solve the mystery? With lots of twists and turns along the way Oscar and Sam play a key role in this fun adventure. - Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for August 2018 Once Upon A Wild Wood by Chris Riddell Oscar and the CATastrophe by Sarah Horne Run Wild by Gill Lewis Peril in Paris (Taylor & Rose: Secret Agents) by Katherine Woodfine The Garden of Hope by Isabel Otter
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Everybody knows what they think about bullies, but this story might make them think again. Jason Banks is king of the school, not because he’s clever or popular but because he’s a bully and everyone is afraid of him. Then a new girl joins the class. Millie is small and pale, and doesn’t seem to be scared of anything. She knows a way to give Jason a taste of his own medicine but she knows too what he really needs to change. This funny, clever and entertaining story will get readers thinking and talking. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+.
In a nutshell: llama football stars called up for England at the World Cup | Llamas United took the footballing (and book) world by storm in their first adventure, and will win more readers still with their second. Real llamas, they are brilliant footballers, thanks to having eaten the ashes of one of the world’s best players, and their manager young Tim Gravy is determined to take them to the World Cup. And let’s face it, the England national team could do with a shake up! There are some hurdles to overcome, ensuring the llamas and human players bond for example, working out just what is upsetting Tim’s friend and team trainer Cairo, not to mention portions of poisoned lasagne, but it all comes to a climax – doesn’t it always? – with England versus Germany in the final. Wonderfully silly, completely engaging and with top class footballing action, this is one for football fans everywhere. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: unforgettable Christmas with mini-dragons It’s Christmas and Eric is going to have an exciting day: he’s woken up early by Pan, the mini-dragon who lives in his sock-drawer, and they discover that Pan’s parents have arrived unexpectedly to spend Christmas with their son, so that makes three mini-dragons in the house… Then, thanks to trouble at the airport (which might just have something to do with the dragons), Eric’s friends and neighbours arrive for Christmas too, including the thoroughly awful Toby. Anything could happen, and probably will. The action is fast, funny but firmly rooted in family life and friendship, while Sarah Horne’s illustrations of dragons and humans alike catch the tone perfectly. This series will keep the ho-ho-ho going long after Christmas. ~ Andrea Reece One to recommend to fans of Guy Bass and Josh Lacey’s Dragonsitter series.
May 2017 Debut of the Month | There aren’t enough good football books and this is definitely a good one even though it’s also very silly. Tim and his family move to the country when his dad decides to become a farmer. Unfortunately farming is harder than it looks, and things don’t go at all well. Bankruptcy is looming when Tim persuades his dad to take in a pack of llamas. For various unlikely reasons, the llamas turn out to be footballing geniuses, the Ronaldos and Messis of the animal world, and are soon competing at a very high level. Silly, and as satisfying as stories of unlikely champions always are, the book is also full of quality descriptions of the footballing action as Llama United progress up the league. As always, Sarah Horne’s inky illustrations add to the fun. Supporters of Llama United will also enjoy The Mighty Dynamo by Kieran Crowley.
It’s the early 18th century and young Thomas is on board a merchant ship with his parents sailing for the Caribbean. He’s convinced that life as pirate would be more exciting though, and that swashbuckling is in his blood. His chance comes when the ship is captured by the dastardly Captain Morgan. Thomas stows away and when he emerges he’s recruited into the pirate crew. Despite his confidence however, he turns out to be a really dreadful pirate. His mishaps and misadventures prove both funny and exciting, while there’s lots of genuine information about pirates and pirate life slipped in, particularly in special ‘Get Real’ boxes. Sarah Horne’s inky illustrations add to the atmosphere and this delivers as fact and fiction. Readers would also enjoy Philip Ardagh’s new Secret Diary series, which begins with The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge Medieval Knight in Training. ~ Andrea Reece
Nature lovers of all ages will find lots to laugh at in this totally nutty book which contains hundreds of jokes based on the British countryside and its wildlife. To give you a flavour of what to expect: why don’t owls go courting in the rain? It’s too wet to woo. Geddit? As well as the jokes there are lots of strange and unusual facts about the animals around us all illustrated in typically inky and vibrant style by Sarah Horne. Lots of fun to dip into wherever you are, but this could be just the thing to take on a country walk or journey to the seaside. ~ Andrea Reece The Editor at Nosy Crow says “For anyone that loves being outdoors, or even anyone that just enjoys a good chuckle, this is the book to get you laughing. Ned the Nature Nut’s terrific compilation of jokes will have children roaring with laughter!”
In a nutshell : daring puppy heroes Gill Lewis’s little stories of the doggy students of the Puppy Academy have much to recommend them. Each story stars a different dog tasked with learning a rescue skill, but generally facing a personal challenge too. Murphy, a Leonberger pup, is big and strong, used to being admired by the other puppies. He’s determined to do best at water rescue training and finds it hard to cope when tiny Rodrigo, the Mexican hairless dog, proves to be a natural in the water. Murphy has to swallow his pride, along with quite a lot of sea water, before he feels at ease with himself again. It’s a fun and reassuring story and gently delivers a message about the right way to behave. Holly Webb also writes gentle animal stories for young readers. ~ Andrea Reece
From the Psammead to the Cat in the Hat, there’s a long tradition in children’s books of young protagonists befriending a magical creature whose lack of knowledge of, or lack of respect for how things work leads to all sorts of adventures. Here Eric finds himself looking after Pan, a Mini-Dragon, and though it’s fun, it’s not always easy. Pan insists on going to school in Eric’s backpack, but won’t stay hidden, then Eric’s nasty neighbour Toby dragon-naps him to take in for his school’s show-and-tell. The second in a new series this is action packed and lots of fun with some great comic touches – the description of Toby’s posh school uniform for example. Sarah Horne’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the lively text. ~ Andrea Reece
February 2016 Debut of the Month Dragons come in all shapes and sizes in children’s stories, but the one that Eric finds in a box of beansprouts is small, friendly and lots of fun. Pan is a mini-dragon, lost en route from China to Mexico, but soon happily settled in Eric’s sock drawer. Cue lots of opportunities for fun and games, including run-ins with both the cat and Eric’s greedy, spoiled next-door neighbour. Tom Nicholl has a relaxed but lively writing style that makes this very readable, and very funny too. Sarah Horne’s equally lively illustrations – mini-dragon burping the alphabet for example – make it even more accessible. If misbehaving dragons light your fire, try the equally funny Dragonsitter series by Josh Lacey. ~ Andrea Reece A Piece of Passion from editor, Emma Young There's a Dragon in My Dinner! is the first in a new young fiction series which is guaranteed to delight readers. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of a very naughty but very endearing pet dragon the size of a spring roll arriving in their takeaway? Talk about livening things up! Pan the Mini-Dragon likes chatting (a lot), setting fire to his own farts and snacking hungrily on dirty laundry, and it is impossible to know what he is plotting at any given time. Poor Eric – his human owner – must keep Pan a secret while covering up the trail of destruction he leaves in his wake. Tom Nicoll’s warm, hilarious text is complemented perfectly by Sarah Horne’s energetic and characterful illustrations and I predict that children across the land will be left examining their dinners to see if they can find a Mini-Dragon of their own! Commenting on the inspiration for Pan the Mini-Dragon, Tom said: “I’ve always been drawn to stories about unusual friendships and a miniature dragon who can talk and light his own trumps is, by anyone’s definition, an unusual friend to have. I always enjoyed the ‘Little Vampire’ books growing up, for example, where you had a normal kid constantly struggling to keep a friendship going with someone from a completely different world. I’ve tried to capture that aspect in this series, except with considerably more dragon-based flatulence.”
February 2016 Debut of the Month Dragons come in all shapes and sizes in children’s stories, but the one that Eric finds in a box of beansprouts is small, friendly and lots of fun. Pan is a mini-dragon, lost en route from China to Mexico, but soon happily settled in Eric’s sock drawer. Cue lots of opportunities for fun and games, including run-ins with both the cat and Eric’s greedy, spoiled next-door neighbour. Tom Nicholl has a relaxed but lively writing style that makes this very readable, and very funny too. Sarah Horne’s equally lively illustrations – mini-dragon burping the alphabet for example – make it even more accessible. If misbehaving dragons light your fire, try the equally funny Dragonsitter series by Josh Lacey. ~ Andrea Reece A Piece of Passion from editor, Emma Young There's a Dragon in My Dinner! is the first in a new young fiction series which is guaranteed to delight readers. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of a very naughty but very endearing pet dragon the size of a spring roll arriving in their takeaway? Talk about livening things up! Pan the Mini-Dragon likes chatting (a lot), setting fire to his own farts and snacking hungrily on dirty laundry, and it is impossible to know what he is plotting at any given time. Poor Eric – his human owner – must keep Pan a secret while covering up the trail of destruction he leaves in his wake. Tom Nicoll’s warm, hilarious text is complemented perfectly by Sarah Horne’s energetic and characterful illustrations and I predict that children across the land will be left examining their dinners to see if they can find a Mini-Dragon of their own! Commenting on the inspiration for Pan the Mini-Dragon, Tom said: “I’ve always been drawn to stories about unusual friendships and a miniature dragon who can talk and light his own trumps is, by anyone’s definition, an unusual friend to have. I always enjoyed the ‘Little Vampire’ books growing up, for example, where you had a normal kid constantly struggling to keep a friendship going with someone from a completely different world. I’ve tried to capture that aspect in this series, except with considerably more dragon-based flatulence.”
Jeremy Strong knows just how to pitch a story to junior readers and the three different adventures in this collection have all his hallmarks: exaggerated characters; bags of slapstick; fast, furious storytelling that still leaves children with something to think about. Pudding Lane Primary, as explained in the first story, is the proud owner of a pet ostrich, Iris aka Mad Iris. Iris is prone to get up close with things she likes (telephones, children) and doesn’t like (Pudding Lane’s football rivals, unpleasant school inspectors) and opportunities for fun are all explored! At the same time, Strong describes a budding KS2 romance, comments on today’s over-anxious parenting, and has a go at current teaching dogma. Sarah Horne’s illustrations catch the method in the madness and this is a star addition to Barrington Stoke’s excellent Conkers series. ~ Andrea Reece The Conkers imprint has quickly and successfully established itself: offering the very best authors and illustrators, all heavily illustrated throughout, in a range of gorgeous formats.
This pocket sized little quiz book is just the thing for taking on a journey, for a rainy day, or for popping into a stocking. It contains more than 50 different quizzes testing knowledge of all sorts of areas, from history to science, and even football (e.g. Which country’s international team has won the World Cup the most times?*) Everyone loves a quiz and each of these is virtually guaranteed to contain a question that will catch you out. ~ Andrea Reece (*Brazil – 5 times).
Interest Age 5-8 Best-selling author Cornelia Funke has created five great seaside mini-adventures which capture all the delights of a holiday in Sandy Cove. Mia, Joe, Anna, Tom and Ben all have quite different kinds of adventures – some real and some imaginary – as they enjoy their days on the beach. About the Little Gems series: Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - A Dyslexia Friendly Picture Book for Parent and Child With wit and brio this picture book captures the all-too-familiar horror of a nit infestation. A bouncy rhyming text spares no detail of the revolting behaviour of nits themselves and of the millions of little lice they lay in unsuspecting children’s hair. Within the story, the life cycle of nits and their lousy offspring, the varied and frequently extreme ways of getting rid of them and the only possible redeeming feature of having them are cleverly revealed. With a rhyming text that trips off the tongue, this laugh-out-loud picture book is perfect for all the family with an easy-read font. You may know more about nits than you want by the end of the book! 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.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Itch Scritch Scratch a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'It was a joy not to have to struggle through a book! Elliot says thank you for helping him read proper books and so does his Mummy!' Elliot Bateman and his mummy. Scroll down to read more ...
Fans of Horrid Henry will love these frighteningly good books, perfect for engaging young readers. Horror Holdiay is the fifth book in this scarily sensational Monstrous Maud series. Maud Montague is so excited about going on holiday with her friend Wilf the werewolf and his family. But a dangerous monster lurks in the forest of the campsite. Can Maud and Wilf solve the mystery of the Beast of Oddington?
The sixth book in A. B. Saddlewick's terrifyingly terrific Monstrous Maud series. Fans of Horrid Henry will love these frighteningly good books, perfect for engaging young readers. If Maud canʼt find a talent for the show, everyone will find out she isnʼt a monster and is really a human girl. Will her cover be blown and will she have to leave Rotwood? Find out what happens to Maud and Quentin at the talent show in this monstrously good adventure!
The third book in the scarily sensational Monstrous Maud series, a Working Partners project.
The fourth book in the terrifyingly terrific Monstrous Maud series. Fans of Horrid Henry will love these frighteningly good books, perfect for engaging young readers.
Read on CBeebies 2 May at 6.50pm 2 May 2013 All fans of ice cream and jelly will love this story of the secret of making a jelly wobble. The Princess loves all kinds of jelly and she loves the biggest and wobbliest kind the best. One day, the palace cook produces a beautiful and huge red jelly. The only problem is, it doesn’t wobble! The Princess offers a reward to anyone who can make the jelly wobble. There are loads of suggestions none of which work until, luckily, a little boy comes up with a brilliant suggestion. Can anyone guess what it is? With quirky illustrations, this will appeal to adults and children! The very funny story with an eccentric main character is perfect for both boys and girls.
Maud Montague loves her new school, Rotwood. But she'll only be allowed to stay if she can convince her terrifying teacher she's a real monster. Will she prove she's top of fright class or will she get sent back to her boring old normal school, Primrose Towers? Big Fright is the first in the scarily sensational Monstrous Maud series. Fans of Horrid Henry will love these frighteningly good books, perfect for engaging young readers.Click here to see the other books in the series!
A jungle of man-eating plants has spread across the playing fields of Rotwood, forcing the school to hold its sports day at Primrose Towers instead. With the monsters of Rotwood and the girls of Primrose Towers going head to head, who will triumph? The second in the scarily sensational Monstrous Maud series. Fans of Horrid Henry will love these frighteningly good books, perfect for engaging young readers.Click here to see the other books in the series!
Foulpest returns - our unlikely hero in the form of an ogre! Welcome back to Wally’s world - a hilarious offering of ogre uncles, evil weevils and more! My Uncle Foulpest: Dinosaur Disaster is the hilarious second instalment in the series by Timothy Knapman. Bringing more mad-cap adventures from Wally and Foulpest - an ogre with the best intentions who never quite gets it right! - young readers will giggle with glee. With adorable and hilarious illustrations by Sarah Horne, this is a surefire winner for young fans of humour, with two stories in one brilliant package.
5+. With over 500 questions covering every corner of the animal kingdom, this title presents a mix of topics ranging from dancing bees to the colour of a giraffe's tongue. It features a variety of question types to keep you on your toes, including multiple choice, true or false, odd one out, and what am I?
Wally just wants to be an ordinary, normal boy living an ordinary, normal life - then his uncle Foulpest comes to look after him. Foulpest is an ogre, and he has other ideas. Foulpest means well, but he just can't help causing chaos - whether it's accidentally sending Miss Nutkin through the roof at the school parents' evening or employing some very dubious elves to clean up their house in time for a sleepover...
This is a terrific Cautionary Tale for mischievous kids demonstrating as it does that perhaps life’s not so great when spent solely in the pursuit of vileness And when two of the pupils of the University of Vile discover that helping each other is better than being vile to each other, they’re banned from the school and end up being very much happier at The Ancient School of Manners. With rhyming text for parents to read and shorter snippets on every page for the child to join in, this is a great book to read together from 3+ and for kids to enjoy alone when they’re a little older.
'Freewheeling frivolity' - Financial Times 'Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.' Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus. His mum's a clown, his best friend is a bearded boy, and he sticks his head in a lion's mouth every night. Other than that, he's pretty normal. When Fish the sea lion goes missing Fizzlebert tracks down the runaway beast to an Aquarium, which has problems of its own. Fish (not Fish the sea lion, fish. Keep up.) are going missing, and the Admiral blames the circus. Can Fizzlebert solve the mystery, avoid an over-enthusiastic crocodile, and find his friend? The story of a boy, a lion, a sea lion, fish (but fewer than there used to be), a possible pirate, a temperamental cook and a very surprising octopus.
Perfect for fans of Mr Gum and Roald Dahl, this highly successful and widely praised series featuring a boy, a circus and a lot of silliness is now available in a bright new package. 'Freewheeling frivolity' - Financial Times 'Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.' Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus and it's the great Circus of Circuses competition, but Fizzlebert Stump has no act. He's no longer the Boy Who Puts His Head In The Lion's Mouth (the lion retired) and putting his head in a crocodile's mouth instead didn't work out for some reason. Can Fizz find a new act in time? A story of circus rivalry, learning who you really are, and the problem of oddly shaped vegetables. Brilliantly bonkers and perfect for fans of Mr Gum and Lemony Snicket.
Charlie the chicken has had a taste of chocolate. Now she's on a mission to make sure chocolate is all she ever eats! Oxford Reading Tree All Stars is an engaging chapter fiction series which combines age-appropriate content with imaginative stories, perfect for inspiring and stretching able infants. The series develops comprehension skills and provides a wide variety of fiction topics and styles, alongside illustrations that aid understanding. All the books in this series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book - one which will develop their reading skills and fuel their love of reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
Six captivating and engaging stories with clear phonics progression, ideal for children who are developing early reading skills. Read about Buzz's dream of going into space in his big, red bucket, join Fang as he faces his fear of the dentist, and find out what happens when some meerkats discover an umbrellaa| With a variety of stunning artwork styles and six funny, heart-warming and exciting stories, this collection has something for everyone! The stories have been specially written to support and develop your child's early reading skills as they practise using letters and sounds to read simple words and short sentences. Activities after every story make reading fun and reinforce comprehension. Each collection also features tips for parents to help you support your child's developing reading skills. 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. Read with Oxford Stage 2 equates to Oxford Levels 2 and 3 used in schools. For more information about the Read with Oxford Stages, as well as practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress, go to readwithoxford.com. Let's get them flying!
Named as a Best Book to Look Out for in 2020 by Waterstones! The third hilarious adventure for Charlie McGuffin, the boy who changes into animals when he gets nervous. Charlie McGuffin is an actual superhero. He's gained control over his wacky ability to change into animals - he's even able to use it to turn the tables on school bully Dylan. But there are some things Charlie can't control, like the arguments his parents keep having (which are making him more worried than ever) or the mysterious animal disappearances spreading through town (which might be connected to Charlie himself). Can Charlie unravel the mystery of the pet-nappings before his biggest secret is revealed to the world...? Praise for Charlie Changes into a Chicken: 'This is a really funny book!' Alice, age 8 'My body couldn't help but shake with laughter' Maren, age 10 'Belly-busting hilarity' The Guardian 'Laugh-out-loud funny' The Mail on Sunday 'Cleverly daft storytelling at its very, very best' Maz Evans, author of Who Let The Gods Out? 'The best kind of silly' The Observer 'Full of heart and humour, wit and wisdom' Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs 'Wonderfully heart-warming and absolutely hilarious' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island Charlie Changes into a Chicken has been: Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize! Longlisted for the Brandford Boase Award! Longlisted for the Blue Peter Award! The Guardian and The Telegraph's Book of the Year!
It's Ella's first day at her new school and that can only mean one thing: making new friends. But the challenge is even tougher than Ella thought, as the girls in her class just don't seem interested in her. When she stumbles across the book 'Five Ways to Make a Friend' in the library, it's like all her prayers have been answered. With five excellent ideas up her sleeve, Ella will be friends with the girls in no time ... Right? But what if things don't quite work out as planned? And what if the friend Ella really needs has been there all along? A touching tale of friendship, understanding and finding the confidence to be yourself. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 7+
A Waterstones Paperback of the Year! What happens when you feel stressed? Maybe you start sweating, or your heart beats faster. When Charlie McGuffin gets stressed, something a little bit different happens: he turns into an animal! Unfortunately, things are getting quite stressful for Charlie: - His dad's business is in real trouble - He might have to move in with his Aunt Brenda and her seventeen cats (and wooden leg) - And it's getting harder and harder to control his powers Luckily, Charlie's best friends Flora, Wogan and Mohsen are on hand to help. If they can break into the fortress-like offices of Van Der Gruyne Industries and recover the McGuffins' stolen gold, maybe Charlie won't have to move away after all. Can Charlie's friends help him master his powers once and for all, or will he end up stuck as a pigeon forever? Praise for Charlie Changes into a Chicken: 'This is a really funny book!' Alice, age 8 'My body couldn't help but shake with laughter' Maren, age 10 'Belly-busting hilarity' The Guardian 'Laugh-out-loud funny' The Mail on Sunday 'The modern masterpiece . . . this savvy, comic tale ticks every box' The Daily Telegraph 'Cleverly daft storytelling at its very, very best' Maz Evans, author of Who Let The Gods Out? 'The best kind of silly' The Observer 'Full of heart and humour, wit and wisdom' Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs 'Wonderfully heart-warming and absolutely hilarious' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island Charlie Changes into a Chicken has been: Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize! Longlisted for the Brandford Boase Award! Longlisted for the Blue Peter Award! The Guardian and The Telegraph's Book of the Year!
Jasmine can't help speaking in rhyme and it's quite inconvenient to rhyme all the time. When she gets to school she finds that it's worse. The whole of her class can only speak in verse! Books with short chapters are a great way for children who are reading independently to extend reading stamina and progress to the next step of their reading journey. This Read with Oxford Stage 6 book has rhyming verses, 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!
The night Dot and Ryan take a sneaky Halloween visit to a condemned tower, they discover more than they bargained for when they catch a glimpse of an endangered species of bat. It's clear that the bat colony and the tower need to be saved, but Dot and Ryan were never meant to be there and it's not going to be easy to get the grown-ups on side ... Can they find a way to stop the demolition and save the bats before it's too late? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+
In this egg-stra-ordinary chapter book, Charlie the chicken has a taste for chocolate. Now she wants more and more - but how can she get it? Books with short chapters are a great way for children who are reading independently to extend reading stamina and progress to the next step of their reading journey. This Read with Oxford Stage 6 book has short chapters, an engaging story and humorous 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 fabulously illustrated look at our place in the world - from the room we are in right out to the universe In I Am Here, Where Are You? Ollie tells the reader where he is. Using this simple premise, Ollie starts off in the room in his house, then zooms out from this location to his road, his town, county, country, continent, planet, solar system, galaxy and finally universe. For readers aged four and up, I Am Here, Where Are You? follows the simple structure of This is the House that Jack Built . Photographs and gorgeous artwork by the super-funky Sarah Horne combine to give children a sense of their place in the world by zooming out from their own location. It provides a springboard for discussion of the reader's location and explores concepts of cultural diversity, extended family, time zones and conservation of the planet we all share. Finally, it invites the reader to practise writing their own address, finishing at The Universe. The book provides great support for the geography curriculum at key stages 1 and 2.
A brilliantly funny new series from Dirty Bertie author, Alan MacDonald, featuring a pig on a bike, a Poopomatic, and a talking dog! Meet Oscar. He's no ordinary dog . . . Sam has wanted a dog for AGES, so when Oscar turns up on this doorstep he can't believe his luck. And when he finds out that Oscar's secret he can't believe his ears! Oscar thinks humans are silly and rather badly trained - but when the freedom of the town's dogs is under threat, Oscar's about to discover that a dog's best friend is his boy. Alan MacDonald is the author of many books for children, including the bestselling Dirty Bertie series, which he worked on with award-winning illustrator David Roberts. His series Troll Trouble (Bloomsbury) has been optioned for film by Twentieth Century Fox, and Alan has also published picture book The Prince of Pants (Scholastic) with the illustrator Sarah McIntyre. When not busy with books, Alan writes for children's TV series such as Horrid Henry, The Tweenies, Boo! and Fimbles. Sarah Horne has illustrated many hilarious children's books, including Llama United by Scott Allen (Pan Macmillan) the Fizzlebert Stump series by A.F. Harrold (Bloomsbury), the Guinea Pigs Online series by Amanda Swift and Jennifer Grey (Quercus) and Michael Rosen's Laugh Out Loud Joke Book (Scholastic). Sarah grew up in Derbyshire and now lives in London.
A lighthearted, silly rhyming tale of a rhino whose manners are just not what they should be! When Rhino escapes from the zoo to a farm he leaves a trail of havoc and devastation behind. And when the poor farm animals end up taking the blame for missing food, clothes and toys, they decide Sidney needs to learn a thing or two about manners! Caryl Hart is the bestselling author of How to Grow a Dinosaur, How to Catch a Dragon and How to Save a Superhero, among others. 'Should earn its place in the classroom, library shelves or at home.' School Librarian
Sam decides to cook a big dinner for his mum. He adds lots of different ingredients, from butter to pepper to coffee! Will it make a delicious meal? Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations and develop their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustrators broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. This story is one of six titles at Oxford Level 3, which are phonically decodable with some extra high-interest words to expand children's vocabularies and enrich the stories. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every reader to the right book.
Sam has a huge backpack full of everything he needs for a camping trip. But what will he do when a storm comes? Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations and develop their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustrators broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. This story is one of six titles at Oxford Level 1+, which are phonically decodable with some extra high-interest words to expand children's vocabularies and enrich the stories. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every reader to the right book.
A little boy and a young monster accidentally switch schools on their first day, with hilarious results. At the School for Nice Boys and Girls, the monster is surprised to learn he must sit still, be quiet, and wait in line. Meanwhile, at Monster School, the bewildered boy finds himself launching a custard pie attack, counting bogies and sharing nasty smells. The child and the monster play by each other's rules, at first bewildered, soon horrified - and eventually getting into the swing of things. This madcap picture book is perfect for little monsters everywhere!
Sneaky Animals is an engaging non-fiction reader that will help make learning to read fun and interesting. Get ready to discover the animals who don't play by the rules! Warning: contains rotters and plotters, hooligans, con artists, assassins and more! Who do you think is the naughtiest animal? The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features favourite topics, well-loved authors and classic characters so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging books independently. Varied sentences Detailed illustrations to enjoy Contains a glossary and index More technical language A rich range of vocabulary Higher word count All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band level: Gold More level 3 non-fiction reading ladder books to collect: A day in the life of Triceratops, A day in the life of T. rex, Senses, Romans and The Water Cycle. For more information about the series and advice on supporting children's reading, see our reading ladder page here Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of books for children and adults including the astonishing Dead or Alive, the creepy Book of Bad Things and the brain mangling Think Again and Eye Benders. He is passionate that books should entertain, inform and amaze whenever possible. A contributor to Encyclopedia Britannica, Clive's books have won School Library Association, PBS, Smithsonian and Times Educational Supplement, as well as the prestigious Royal Society Young People's Book Prize. Sarah Horne lives in London, and has illustrated many children's books including Monster House, The Sesame Seade Mysteries and Guinea Pigs Online. Continuously drawing from a young age, Sarah's strength is in her draftsmanship and line work, she loves colour and one of the real joys of her illustration work is adding the extra humour in the detail. Sarah likes to travel, loves music, she doesn't care for mice and loves a good cup of coffee.
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reaading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Marvin loves going on his adventures with his grandad - escaping from hairy yetis, taking daytrips to Mars, and hunting ferocious tigers - all without leaving the house. Marvin thinks his grandad is the bravest person he's ever met; he even has a medal from the war to prove it. And, more than anything else, Marvin wants to be brave too. But when Grandad must go on his final adventure alone, Marvin finds he has to be braver than he's ever been before. Until he discovers that Grandad has left behind a very special surprise just for him . . . A touching and poignant Early Reader story, perfect for children coming to terms with grief for the first time.
A friendly, reassuring positive guide for boys as they approach puberty, explaining the changes that will happen to their bodies as they grow up and how these changes might make them feel. Covering everything from body hair and vocal changes to mood swings and self-esteem, puberty and parenting expert Phil Wilkinson addresses any worries that boys might have relating to what is 'normal'. He reassures readers and boosts their confidence, encouraging them to feel positive about the changes they will experience as they go through puberty. The book also includes lifestyle advice on topics like healthy eating and exercise, as well as information on how puberty affects girls. Topics covered: What is puberty? Your puberty timeline How do hormones work? The height and weight race A deeper voice Spotty skin Hair, hair, everywhere The art of shaving Sweat, smells and personal hygiene Changes down below More changes down below New feelings Sex explained Making babies Keeping your confidence up Mood swings Managing your feelings Healthy eating The power of exercise Privacy and your body Puberty for girls Girls have worries, too
A friendly, reassuring and positive guide for girls as they approach puberty, explaining the changes that will happen to their bodies as they grow up and how these changes might make them feel. Covering everything from periods and breast development to body hair and personal hygiene, puberty and parenting expert Anita Naik addresses any worries that girls may have relating to what is 'normal'. She reassures readers and boosts their confidence, encouraging them to feel positive about the changes they will experience as they go through puberty. The book also includes lifestyle advice on topics like healthy eating and exercise, and information on how puberty affects boys. Topics covered: What is puberty? Your puberty timeline Breasts and bras Same age, different stage Skin changes Sweat, smells and personal hygiene Hair in new places Down there What are periods? The practical side of periods Coping with periods Sex explained Making babies New feelings Managing your moods Healthy eating The power of exercise Self-esteem and body image Privacy and your body Puberty for boys Boys have worries, too
From the creators of the hugely popular Kids' Book of Crosswords 1 and Kids' Book of Wordsearches 1, this new addition to the series has over 150 puzzles to complete. Addictive, fun and conveniently compact, this book of crosswords will provide hours of entertainment. From bestselling brain-training and puzzle book author Gareth Moore, The Kids' Book of Crosswords 2 will test word power and keep boredom at bay. The Kids' Book of Crosswords 2 is part of a colour-coded set of crosswords and wordsearches, bound to keep kids occupied for hours at a time. Also available in the Buster Puzzle Book series: 9781780554419 The Kids' Book of Crosswords 1 9781780554402 The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 1 9781780554341 The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 2 9781780555003 The Kids' Book of Mazes 1 9781780555027 The Kids' Book of Mazes 2 9781780555010 The Kids' Book of Sudoku 1 9781780555034 The Kids' Book of Sudoku 2 9781780555058 The Kids' Book of Dot to Dot 1 9781780555041 The Kids' Book of Puzzles 1
Animal Survivors is an engaging non-fiction reader that will help make learning to read fun and interesting. Are you ready to discover the extraordinary ways that creatures can survive? Meet the incredible survivors of the animal world including some heroic pets, frauds and fakers, long-living legends and sneaky tricksters. The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features favourite topics, well-loved authors and classic characters so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging books independently. Varied sentences Detailed illustrations to enjoy Contains a glossary and index More technical language A rich range of vocabulary Higher word count All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band level: Gold More level 3 non-fiction reading ladder books to collect: A day in the life of Triceratops, A day in the life of T. rex, Senses, Romans and The Water Cycle. For more information about the series and advice on supporting children's reading, see our reading ladder page here Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of books for children and adults including the astonishing Dead or Alive, the creepy Book of Bad Things and the brain mangling Think Again and Eye Benders. He is passionate that books should entertain, inform and amaze whenever possible. A contributor to Encyclopedia Britannica, Clive's books have won School Library Association, PBS, Smithsonian and Times Educational Supplement, as well as the prestigious Royal Society Young People's Book Prize. Sarah Horne lives in London, and has illustrated many children's books including Monster House, The Sesame Seade Mysteries and the Guinea Pigs Online series. Continuously drawing from a young age, Sarah's strength is in her draftsmanship and line work, she loves colour and one of the real joys of her illustration work is adding the extra humour in the detail. Sarah likes to travel, loves music, she doesn't care for mice and loves a good cup of coffee.
From the creators of the hugely popular The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 1 kids can pit their wits against over 150 wordsearches in this new edition to the bestselling brain-training and puzzle book series. Portable, addictive and satisfying, The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 2 will provide children with hours of fun and help develop their vocabularies. The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 2 is part of a colour-coded set of crosswords and wordsearches, bound to keep kids occupied for hours at a time. Also available in the Buster Puzzle Book series: 9781780554402 The Kids' Book of Wordsearches 1 9781780554419 The Kids' Book of Crosswords 1 9781780554334 The Kids' Book of Crosswords 2 9781780555003 The Kids' Book of Mazes 1 9781780555027 The Kids' Book of Mazes 2 9781780555010 The Kids' Book of Sudoku 1 9781780555034 The Kids' Book of Sudoku 2 9781780555058 The Kids' Book of Dot to Dot 1 9781780555041 The Kids' Book of Puzzles 1
This creative book explains how to transform tasty, healthy ingredients into super snacks! Follow footballer Ted and his coach as they make their snacks. Fun fact boxes explain the benefits of the foods they choose, and a photographic summary will inspire readers to make their own snack. Oxford Reading Tree inFact is a compelling non-fiction series that aims to engage children in reading for pleasure as powerfully as fiction does. The series includes 36 titles which are all phonically decodable, with some high-interest topic words to develop vocabulary and impart knowledge. The imaginative approach and variety of intriguing topics mean there are books to interest every child. The books are carefully levelled, making it easy to match every reader to the right book.
Is this is final hurrah for Fizzlebert Stump? Have the circus performers taken their final bow? Find out in the final book in this hilarious series that is perfect for fans of Mr Gum. When the ringmaster sells Fizz's circus to the mysterious Mr Pinkbottle, disaster strikes! All the acts who aren't fired are forced to work in his supermarket. Not an easy task at all if your only skill is plate-spinning or being a trapeze artist, or indeed a sea lion! Will the ex-circus performers adjust to their new lives as shop assistants, or will Fizz find a way to save them all?
Book three in a hilarious new series featuring one boy and a little dragon with an oversized appetite for adventure. Pan is missing his parents in China and is delighted when Eric helps him to speak to them over the internet. But his joy turns to despair when his parents announce that they are sending his aunt and uncle to bring him home. Travelling through the sewer system, Pan's relatives show up in Eric's house via his toilet ... and they're not going back without him! Perfect for fans of Jeremy Strong and Compton Valance, with hilarious illustrations from Sarah Horne, illustrator of Sam Copeland's CHARLIE CHANGES INTO A CHICKEN.
When the biggest egg finally hatches, Mother Duck is in for a surprise. This duckling does not look like the others, but she loves him anyway. The large, ugly duckling is teased until he runs away and spends winter all alone, But then the spring arrives and he can hardly recognise himself... A beautifully illustrated retelling of this favourite traditional story. Must Know Stories includes favourite tales, celebrating the diversity of our literary heritage. Level 2 stories are told in chapters in under 1000 words.
Packed full of hysterical hysteria, you'll lose your head laughing with this National Trust joke book This hysterical, historical joke book is full of hilarious jokes and witty illustrations based on characters that children will recognise throughout history. Featuring kings and queens, Romans, Victorians, pirates and more, Harry the History Hound's terrific compilation of jokes will have children roaring with laughter!
First came the phenomenal bestselling Mixed up Fairy Tales with sales over 100,000 copies to date, and now comes More Mixed up Fairy Tales! This ingenious split-page, spiral bound book lets you create your own hilarious versions of the most-loved rhymes. What would happen if the Pied Piper grew long hair and flew away with a yellow brick road? The total number of mix ups is 1728 combinations! Includes: The Pied Piper, The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, Rumpstiltskin, The Gingerbread Man, Robin Hood, Thumbelina, Hansel and Gretel and The Frog Prince. Praise for Mixed Up Fairy Tales: 'Variations enough for plenty of delightfully silly combinations.' - Guardian
Collins Arabic Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 3 to 11. The series is structured with reference to the learning progression of Arabic at nursery and primary schools researched especially for Collins. This carefully graded approach allows children to build up their reading knowledge of Arabic step by step. Level 10 books include characters that express emotions and stories with more events. Non-fiction titles introduce terms that might be new to many children. Level 10 books continue to use single spacing and more high-frequency words appear without vowel markings to help the students get used to the traditional norms of printed Arabic. 'I want a pet! I want a pet! I hope I like the pet I get!' But when a boy goes to the Strange Pet Shop to find a companion, there's no knowing what he'll find there. This rollicking rhyming story is accompanied by wonderfully wacky illustrations of the most bizarre pets you could ever hope to meet! At the end of the story is a poster advertising the Strange Pet Shop, which is ideal of further discussion and recapping of the book in children's own words.
Going to school isn't very exciting, is it? Well for Fizzlebert Stump it's a whole new adventure! The next book in this hilarious series that is perfect for fans of Mr Gum. Fizzlebert Stump lives in a circus. He is usually found training to be a strongman or being taught history by a magician or playing football with a sea lion, but not today. After being lost in the woods and mistaken for a very rude girl, here he is, at the back of the class confusing the teacher. Will anyone believe Fizz is telling the truth? Can he find his way back to the circus? Or will he be forced to sit up straight and pay attention forever? A story of friendship, foolish grown-ups, mistaken identity and a very fortunate case of hay fever.
Pip the labrador puppy is learning the skills he needs to be an assistance dog for Kayla, a young girl in a wheelchair. He's desperate to have a human of his very own, but will Kayla want his help? And how will he ever get his Resist Temptation badge and become an assistance dog if he can't stop himself from chasing any ball that moves? Puppies to the rescue! From award-winning author Gill Lewis, Puppy Academy is a fun series introducing young readers to a team of plucky, irresistible puppies, learning their jobs as working dogs.
When the biggest egg finally hatches, Mother Duck is in for a surprise. This duckling does not look like the others, but she loves him anyway. The large, ugly duckling is teased until he runs away and spends winter all alone, But then the spring arrives and he can hardly recognise himself... A beautifully illustrated retelling of this favourite traditional story. Must Know Stories includes favourite tales, celebrating the diversity of our literary heritage. Level 2 stories are told in chapters in under 1000 words.
Anita can't help speaking in rhyme and it's quite inconvenient to rhyme all the time. When she gets to school she finds that it's worse. The whole of her class can only speak in verse! Oxford Reading Tree Story Sparks is an emotionally-engaging fiction series that will fire children's imaginations. These 36 original stories will get children thinking, and develop and deepen their comprehension skills. The variety of authors and illustration styles broadens children's reading experience, with something to appeal to every child. All the books in the series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book for them. They also contain inside cover notes, to enable parents and teachers to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
First came the phenomenal bestselling Mixed up Fairy Tales with sales over 100,000 copies to date, and now comes More Mixed up Fairy Tales! This ingenious split-page, spiral bound book lets you create your own hilarious versions of the most-loved rhymes. What would happen if the Pied Piper grew long hair and flew away with a yellow brick road? The total number of mix ups is 1728 combinations! Includes: The Pied Piper, The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio, Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, Rumpstiltskin, The Gingerbread Mab, Robin Hood, Thumbelina, Hansel and Gretel and The Frog Prince. Praise for Mixed Up Fairy Tales: 'Variations enough for plenty of delightfully silly combinations.' - Guardian
A handy paperback book containing a range of questions on an eclectic mix of topics. Perfect to share with friends and family, this pocket-sized book can be popped into a bag or suitcase for boredom-busting on long journeys.
A handy paperback book containing over 500 questions with an eclectic mix of topics ranging from dancing bees to the colour of a giraffe's tongue. Perfect for swatting up on the go and testing friends and family.
Bonnie baby or alien invader? Everyone loves Spike's baby brother, Ali. He's so cute even the school bullies want to babysit him. But Spike isn't so sure. Ali's poos are bright green and his soft, brown skin looks a little scaly. Yes, there's definitely something strange about Ali! And when Spike discovers a way to learn the truth, he begins to realise just how different his family really is...
A story of circus rivalry, learning who you really are, and the problem of oddly-shaped vegetables. Fizzlebert needs to reunite his friend the Bearded Boy with his long-lost parents, and find himself a new act. Luckily, the strongest girl in the world is there to help... Brilliantly bonkers and perfect for fans of Mr Gum and Lemony Snicket. Some of our readers were lucky enough to review the first and second Fizzlebert books - Freya Hudson, age 10 said - 'I have read both the Fizzlebert books. If you like funny, exciting and entertaining books, read about Fizzlebert Stump. The author keeps the reader gripped by the way he ends each chapter, making you want to read on to find out what happens next. Even my mum enjoyed this book and I had to keep telling her what was happening!' Click on the links to read more reviews for Fizzlebert Stump The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (and Joined the Library) and Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy.
Sesame Seade is suspicious. There's something fishy going on by the river: a case for a number one supersleuth! Sesame's parents insist that there are no pirates in Cambridge, but she's determined to prove them wrong ... Illustrated throughout with hilarious artwork by Sarah Horne, this series features a smart and sassy heroine with a unique take on life. Also in the series: SLEUTH ON SKATES and GARGOYLES GONE AWOL.
Fuzzy and Coco's owners are organising an Easter Fair at the Rescue Centre. They bring home a naughty little bunny called Binny in the hope that she will learn to behave. Then she can find a new owner at the fair. But Binny is determined to cause havoc in Middleton Crescent. Her antics lead to Eduardo's capture by the humans - and then he's taken to be adopted at the fair! Can Fuzzy and Coco rescue Eduardo and find a new home for Binny?
More adventures with Fizzlebert Stump. Can Fizzlebert solve the mystery of the missing sea lion, avoid an over-enthusiastic crocodile, and find his friend?
Mrs O' Grady was a naughty old lady, very short, rather cross and quite stout: while Mrs Maloney was taller and boney, and liked to give orders . And shout. They never washed dishes, they never baked pies - The list of things the two old ladies never did and how badly they behaved goes on and on. But then one day something changed both their lives forever - they became grans! A rollicking read with amazing illustrations by Sarah Horne which will delight grans as much as it tickles their grandchildren.
Mrs O' Grady was a naughty old lady, very short, rather cross and quite stout: while Mrs Maloney was taller and boney, and liked to give orders . And shout. They never washed dishes, they never baked pies - The list of things the two old ladies never did and how badly they behaved goes on and on. But then one day something changed both their lives forever - they became grans! A rollicking read with amazing illustrations by Sarah Horne which will delight grans as much as it tickles their grandchildren.
Armed with a pair of purple rollerskates and a brain with as many connections as there are stars in the universe, eleven-year-old Sesame Seade is more than qualified to be Cambridge's number one self-made supersleuth. All she needs now is a mission. So when a student ballerina and aspiring journalist vanishes into thin air, some serious sleuthing begins. Very much against her parents' wishes, but with help from her friends Toby and Gemma and a conspiratorial duck, Sesame slips into the wings and solves the mystery of the missing dancer. Illustrated throughout with hilarious artwork by Sarah Horne, this series features a smart and sassy heroine with a unique take on life. Also in the series: GARGOYLES GONE AWOL and SCAM ON THE CAM.
March 2013 Book of the Month Fizzlebert Stump’s Circus is back for a second riotous show during which everything can – and does – go terribly wrong. The new act features the very, very hairy Barboozul family which includes Wystan, the bearded son. Fizzlebert - his mum is a clown and dad is a strongman - is used to oddities but he has never come across a bearded boy. Will the two become friends? Many strange things happen at the Circus before anything as obvious as that happens in a delightfully chaotic and imaginative romp. This is Fizzlebert Stump’s second adventure - which began with Fizzlebert Stump The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (and Joined the Library)
Take a really wild rhyming adventure with these wacky and wonderful poems from TV presenter Michaela Strachan, perfect for readers aged 5 and up. From trying to out-spit a cobra to pulling out the tooth from a polar bear, join her on real-life animal rescues and daring challenges, plus some guessing games in this action-packed cavalcade of raucous read-aloud rhymes. The poems are accompanied by Sarah Horne's vivid illustrations and Michaela's own photos. Told in rhyme, which gives a fun twist to the tales. A bright and lively book. Well laid out with excellent photos and illustrations of the animals. - School Librarian
Milch and Mulch, the monster twins, can hear strange noises in their home. Mummy and Daddy monster say it's nothing - old houses creak and groan. But Milch and Mulch are determined to investigate. Will they be brave enough to get to the bottom of the mystery and find out what is lurking in the depths of the Monster House? A fabulous spooky adventure with pop-up house, press-out pieces, moving parts and hidden surprises.
When Jessica's best friend goes off with new-girl Amelia, Jessica is hurt but determined not to take it lying down. She has a plan, and a secret weapon - her felt-tips. The pen is mightier than the sword, after all, and having a sense of humour wins Jessica far more friends than she loses. A funny, wise story that will touch a nerve with everyone who reads it.
It's the end of summer and Vulgar is miserable. He has to go back to school, and school is one of the most un-Viking inventions ever. However, his gloom turns to excitement when he discovers that the famous Viking hunter, explorer and survival expert, Otto the Bone-Cruncher, has joined the school to teach hunting. Vulgar can't wait to get out into the wild! But, having been dragged into the high mountains above Blubber, Vulgar, Freya and Knut are forced to sleep on rocks, wash in freezing streams and eat raw slugs. Vulgar is also sure a Troll is following them! Life as a hunter isn't quite what Vulgar expected and suddenly school looks quite cool.
July 2012 Debut of the Month. A hero with a difference! Fizzlebert Stump wants to make changes to his life. Bored with life in the circus, he is determined to run away and join…the Library! How Fizzlebert sets out to achieve his goal and gets kidnapped by some unlikely villains for his audacity is a riotous romp which will be loved by all fans of Mr Gum! In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Fizzlebert Stump the Boy who ran away from the Circus (and joined the Library) a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Scroll down to read their reviews...
This is the second book in the Vulgar the Viking series, whose publication in June happily coincides with a similar-sounding sporting event taking place later on in the Summer. Vulgar is determined that this year, the village of Blubber won’t be clobbered in the Great Gulp Games by their competition from neighbouring Gulp, so he begins training in earnest with the help of all his friends. You certainly won’t find goat-hurdling or walrus-wrestling at the Olympics (and all the poorer they shall be for it, too). Kirsty Stansfield of publisher Nosy Crow says: "This is a great series for young readers with a thirst for adventure. Who hasn't felt trapped by everyday modern living? Especially when you're seven. The idea of being able to skip school and go out into the wilds, looking for thrills and spills and elk manure to juggle, your big, loveable hound for company - idyllic!"
Are you brave enough to find out what happens when a spoilt girl is spiteful to a giant hungry worm? Can you bear to watch a (very silly) boy poke an angry sleeping sea-monster? Do you dare to discover why should you never, ever steal milk from a Frid?* Beware: Naughty children always get their just deserts . . . Eva Ibbotson's Let Sleeping Sea-Monsters Lie contains five delightfully funny cautionary tales, with a foreword by Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo. *A dog-munching rock. Doesn't everyone know that?
Revolting – in the very best way – this is a rollickingly good adventure. Vulgar the Viking finds his home life in the town of Blubber exceptionally boring. If only things were like they used to be in the good old days of the Vikings when they went raiding and looting and plundering across the seas. Vulgar decides to take matters into his own hands and soon, with some help from his friends Knut and Freya, he’s off getting into some tight spots of a very Viking kind.
How many sounds do you hear in your day? Follow one boy as he fizzes, pops and crunches his way through his day in this fun non-fiction recount! * Children can recap and discuss all the different sounds from the book on pages 14-15. * Red B/Band 2B books offer simple but varied text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development and a satisfying conclusion. * Children can recap and discuss all the different sounds from the book on pages 14-15. * Curriculum links: Knowledge and Understanding of the World. * This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
This is a bright and appealing new addition to the inspiring Very First Reading series, specially developed for young children who are just beginning to learn to read. Learning numbers is a vital early step to literacy. To aid learning, 123 utilises an inventive rhyming system, such as 'one sun', 'two shoes' all the way up to twenty. Superb artwork by world-class illustrators make each page a treat.
A bright and appealing book to help children associate letter-sounds with pictures and learn their ABCs. Each letter is illustrated with a large, colourful and humorous picture that will appeal to young children. Part of the award-winning Usborne Very First Reading series specially developed to help children learn to read.
Tom and Jerry meets Charlie and Lola in this brand-new comedy double act of a no-nonsense girl and a very contrary cat!It's the end of the summer holidays and Molly is worrying about starting her new school. Meanwhile, at Palace Von Volavon, Mimi has a strange itch. Something has to be done or else the palace will be completely infested with fleas! It's time for Molly and Mimi to face their fears - for Molly her first day at school, for Mimi a trip to the dreaded V.E.T.
Tom and Jerry meets Charlie and Lola in this brand new comedy double act of a girl and cat who love to hate one another!Molly is sure that life will be boring in the sleepy village of Fluffleton, where she has just moved with her parents. That's until she meets her snooty, snooby neighbours the Von Volavons, and their cat, Mimi. Mimi is a high-maintenance diva-in-training: not for her the moggy way of life - eating Whiskas and wearing a collar - instead preferring to dress up in outlandish costumes and demand the finest foods!
'I want a pet! I want a pet! I hope I like the pet I get!' When a boy goes to the Strange Pet Shop to find a pet, there's no knowing what he'll find there. He is very particular, and nothing at the Strange Pet Shop suits him until, at last the perfect pet comes bounding through the door! * Green/ Band 5 books offer early readers patterned language and varied characters. * Text type - A poem with predictable structure and patterned language. * At the end of the story is a poster advertising the Strange Pet Shop, which is ideal for further discussion and supporting further work outside the reading session. * Curriculum links - Citizenship: Animals and us. * This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.
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