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A World Book Day Illustrator 2019
Steven Lenton hails from Cheshire and now works from his studio in Soho, London creating an array of charming characters for his picture books. Best known for illustrating the bestselling Shifty McGifty series written by Tracey Corderoy, Steven has illustrated many lovely book as well as writing and illustrating his own stories. Follow him on Instagram.
Read a Q&A with him here.
‘One day, we found an octopus/ had come to live on top of us.’ Those are the opening lines of this glorious picture book – how could you not want to know what happens next? The octopus itself is unmissable – huge and an eye-catching fluorescent orange colour – slightly non-plussed looking perched atop of a very neat little house. Some of the neighbours are not too welcoming, calling the fire brigade to try and force it off, fortunately with little success because once the children of the house and their friends start playing with the octopus, barriers are broken and the advantages of having an eight-legged chum become clear. Illustrator Steven Lenton rises brilliantly to all the challenges set by Peter Bently’s ingenious rhymes depicting the various ways in which the octopus helps around the house – often eight different activities at a time, plus one very special octo-tastic Christmas tree. Making friends has never been so much fun and it all comes to a wonderfully octopussy conclusion too. Fabulous!
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure.
It's the latest Brilliant Blockbuster from best-selling Baddiel! A non-stop thrill-ride adventure that will have readers young and old racing to the finishing line. The Taylor Turbochaser is a road-trip rollercoaster... with a twist. At its heart is the unforgettable Amy Taylor. Amy loves cars, and dreams of being a driver. But there's a major catch: her slow old wheelchair with its broken wheel. When Amy finally gets a new electric one, it's exciting... at first. But standard engines only have so much power. And that's where Rahul comes in - Amy's best friend and genius inventor. Soon Rahul turns a wheelchair into... a supercar! And so the Taylor Turbochaser is born. But when it all goes suddenly wrong Amy is going to have to hit the road - and drive...
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | May 2019 Book of the Month | No matter how exciting, zany and surprising the action, you can always be sure that Frank Cottrell-Boyce will build his stories on real human emotions, and that’s as true of this brilliantly funny, original and touching novel as of any of its predecessors. Alfie ‘swerves’ both school and the Limb Lab, where he should be going to learn how to control his state-of-the-art new hand, by hanging out at the airport. But everything changes when, through various happy accidents, he finds an enormous robot called Eric in Lost Property. Eric holds the Allen key to the book’s mysteries, both a generations-old legend, and the secrets that Archie is keeping from the reader and himself. Beautifully told and full of characters readers will love, this book will have you laughing out loud one minute, in tears the next. Robot Eric, unfailingly polite, kind and helpful and trying to explain himself through misremembered jokes is an iron man for our time. Unmissable. Once readers have finished this, point them in the direction of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s other books including The Astounding Broccoli Boy and books by Ross Welford. Peter Brown’s story The Wild Robot is another great automaton adventure. **Head over to our LoveReading4KidsLoves Channel to find out more about Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Author of the Month.
From the million-copy bestselling author of THE PARENT AGENCY and BIRTHDAY BOY comes a wildly entertaining wish-fulfilment adventure that asks the question: what would happen if the strictest head teacher swapped bodies with the naughtiest kid in school? Strictest head naughtiest boy = chaos. Bracket Wood is about to be visited by the school inspectors. But there's one big problem: Ryan Ward. The maestro of practical jokes, Ryan has played so many tricks that in the end the Head Teacher just walks out. And then the new Head Teacher, Mr Carter, arrives. A man so strict even the teachers are scared of him. So imagine his surprise - and Ryan's - when they swap bodies. Now Ryan is Head Teacher - and his mortal enemy is one of his pupils. It's every naughty kid's dream! But soon Bracket Wood School is in a total mess - and only its worst ever pupil can fix it...
There’s monster-sized fun for readers to be had at the Nothing To See Here Hotel – after all, it is the world’s number one holiday destination for magical creatures. In the company of the proprietors’ son, the irrepressible Frankie Banister (who is part troll by the way), we get best seats for the action which here concerns the return of Frankie’s great-great-great-grandfather Abraham, as a ghost. You’d think great-great-great-granny Regurgita would be happy to see her husband back, but nothing goes as you’d expect in these stories, and maybe everyone should be a bit suspicious of Abraham. Adventures don’t come more extraordinary or more enjoyable than these, and any readers with a taste for fast-moving, fabulously funny illustrated tales should book in asap.
Laika and her fellow street dogs are being trained up for the greatest adventure in history - a trip to the moon! But Laika can't wait to see the stars - so she hatches a plan with her friends to get her there all on her own . . . Join Laika and friends in The Great Rocket Robbery by Carnegie Medal-winning author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton - final destination: adventure!
Framed was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.' and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal | Framed has been chosen as a favourite book by our Guest Editors Philip Ardargh and Joanna Nadin. Philip Ardagh: Reviewing children's books for a national newspaper on a fairly regular basis means that I have to read a goodly number of books I might never otherwise have made the time to do. Stumbling upon books such as Framed is one of the perks of the job. I could tell you that it's about the redemptive power of art but I'm not absolutely sure how to spell 'redemptive' and, anyway, what it's really about is a boy and his dad... and families, and what makes them tick, stop ticking and then tick again. Frank Cottrell Boyce is a craftsman. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Joanna Nadin: Frank Cottrell Boyce writes boys with humour, irony and compassion. Although best known for Millions, it is his second novel, Framed, that I go back to time and time again: the laugh-out-loud funny and try-not-to-cry story of nine-year-old Dylan Hughes, man of the house, boss of the failing family business, and the only boy left in Manod.
Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie Medal 2008 | Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different.
Winner of the 2004 CILIP Carnegie Medal | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month March 2019 | When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story | This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | Longlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award | With all the invention, originality and insight that is typical of his writing for children, Frank Cottrell Boyce takes the sad story of Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, and uses it as inspiration for a story about the importance of home. As ever, it’s both brilliantly funny and extraordinarily moving. Prez is living with a temporary foster family when he opens the door to Sputnik. Prez sees an alien – in a kilt – everyone else sees a dog. Over the course of the summer Prez and Sputnik have some amazing adventures and break a lot of laws, including some of the laws of physics, but in the process they save the world, and reunite Prez with his grandfather. As wild as a cartoon strip, this wonderful story pinpoints all the best things about life on Earth. No-one writes like Frank Cottrell Boyce, and readers who enjoy this will also love his books Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy. Jamie Thomson’s Dark Lord books are also very funny, and just as good on human nature as is My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons.
October 2018 Book of the Month | | The Nothing to See Here Hotel offers a 5 star reading experience for youngsters, hilarious but still exciting adventures, a fabulous setting and a cast of totally eccentric but utterly lovable characters. The hotel you see is not for humans, but magical creatures – a scenario offering all sorts of possibilities, exploited brilliantly by writer Steven Butler and illustrator Steven Lenton. In this second book, preparations for the annual Trogmanay celebrations are threatened, first by the arrival of a family of yetis (in magical snowstorm), then by something that seems a lot less friendly. Can Frankie, son of the owners and our hero, sort things out before the Trollidays are ruined? No matter how much snow and ice the yetis bring, reading this provides a real sense of warmth, and everyone will want to be part of the hotel’s community.
From the million-copy bestselling author of THE PARENT AGENCY and BIRTHDAY BOY comes a wildly entertaining wish-fulfilment adventure that asks the question: what would happen if the strictest head teacher swapped bodies with the naughtiest kid in school? Strictest head naughtiest boy = chaos. Bracket Wood is about to be visited by the school inspectors. But there's one big problem: Ryan Ward. The maestro of practical jokes, Ryan has played so many tricks that in the end the Head Teacher just walks out. And then the new Head Teacher, Mr Carter, arrives. A man so strict even the teachers are scared of him. So imagine his surprise - and Ryan's - when they swap bodies. Now Ryan is Head Teacher - and his mortal enemy is one of his pupils. It's every naughty kid's dream! But soon Bracket Wood School is in a total mess - and only its worst ever pupil can fix it...
March 2018 Book of the Month | Any young reader who enjoys funny, surprising, brilliantly inventive stories should check into The Nothing to See Here Hotel IMMEDIATELY. They’ll be welcomed by Frankie Banister, son of the owners and great-great-great-grandson of troll legend Regurgita Glump, who still lives on the hotel’s top floor. Frankie does a great job introducing the hotel and its bizarre assortment of magical guests and staff, including chef Nancy, the giant Orkney Brittle-Back spider, and Ooof the ogre doorman. The story takes off with the arrival of goblin prince Grogbah and his enormous entourage. He’s a very difficult guest, and is Granny right when she decides he’s up to something sneakerish? The plot zips along like the best-oiled luggage trolley and Butler and Lenton make readers feel completely at home in the extraordinary world they’ve created. A 5* reading experience and the first in a new series to boot. Children of 7 to 9 are being really well-served by authors at the moment, and those who enjoy this book will also love the Amelia Fang series and Kaye Umansky’s Witch for a Week. Books in The Nothing To See Here Hotel Series: 1. The Nothing To See Here Hotel 2. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yeti 3. Sea-ing in Believing 4. Fiend of the Seven Sewers
In a nutshell: lively, funny, well-told stories starring everyone’s favourite baker dogs Friends Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are complete opposites, not just in looks but in their characters too: Shifty is hard-working and organised, while Sam is always well-meaning but easily distracted (often by food). As such they make the perfect comedy duo and these little stories are both exciting and very funny. Each collection features three different adventures, including in this one a star appearance by Santa Paws, and they are just the thing for newly confident readers. Tracey Corderoy’s texts and Steve Lenton’s illustrations are brimful of fun and character and ‘the boys’ are deservedly favourites with readers. ~ Andrea Reece
The story of the wolf and the little pigs is a favourite with picture book creators and lends itself to retellings; here’s another highly entertaining twist on the tale. The Little Pig is very happy in his snug house in the words and when the wolf comes prowling around he sends him away with a flea in his ear. When he realises that Red Riding Hood’s granny is next on the wolf’s hit list though, he sets out to help. The story then takes a totally unexpected and very funny turn. Elli Woollard’s rhyming text is great for reading aloud and Steven Lenton’s wonderfully lively illustrations are full of humour. ~ Andrea Reece
In a nutshell: three funny stories perfect for reading aloud | Everyone’s favourite crime-solving, cake-baking dogs are back in a collection of three lively, self-contained stories which are perfect for just-becoming-confident readers and lovely to read aloud. Shifty and Sam enter the Rocky Road Race, help catch a jewel thief, and fall out with one another, though fortunately only temporarily. Tracey Corderoy’s story-telling voice is wonderfully warm and engaging and makes the adventures of ‘the boys’, as they’re often referred to, absolutely irresistible. Steve Lenton’s illustrations, many of them full page, are as funny and action-packed as the little stories and Shifty and Sam deserve a place on every young child’s bookshelf. ~ Andrea Reece The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “It’s brilliant to be back with Shifty and Sam, as they continue to solve mysteries, catch robbers and have a lot of fun!”
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story | Andrea Reeces's Pick of the Year 2015 This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today.
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, two lovable but mischievous robber dogs find out that crime doesn't pay! This is another funny, quirky story from the author of the successful Hubble Bubble series. Tracey's amusing and well-paced rhyme makes this a great book to read aloud and gives a good moral lesson of honesty being the best policy.
From million-copy bestselling author David Baddiel comes a laugh-out-loud and inspiring new adventure for all readers of 8 and up that is ahead of its time - 1,001 years ahead, to be precise... The year is 3020. Pip@256X#YY.3_7 is lonely and bored: she goes to virtual school on her G-Glasses, she only has a talking cat and parrot to hang out with, and she can't even leave her LivingSpace due to the extreme heat and floods outside. Until the day that Pip explores a glowing ring in a lab and finds herself in a warehouse, in 2019. Where she meets boy-inventor Rahul - who is also lonely and bored. Together, Rahul and Pip are no longer lonely. But they have a whole load of new problems, including hiding talking animals from Rahul's parents, and finding a way back to the future. Plus - just maybe - saving the world... Future Friend is a terrifically entertaining time-slip adventure that combines action, laugh-out-loud humour and the importance of friendship, in a story that asks the question - what would happen if your best friend came from the future?
Welcome to The Nothing to See Here Hotel! Book your stay now for this fabulously funny series full of mayhem, monsters and more than a little bit of magic by bestselling author Steven Butler and illustrated by Steven Lenton. Life is never dull for Frankie Banister and the weird and wonderful guests of The Nothing to See Here Hotel - the no.1 holiday destination for magicals! But when Frankie is kidnapped and dragged off to a secret cistern-city deep in the dookiest depths of the sewers, things get a whole lot weirder! What has Frankie done to offend the mysterious 'Boss'? Is he doomed to spend the rest of his life griping in the piping? Will he ever escape the dark and disgusterous dungeons? And what exactly is the gut-gurglingly named Poodly-Pipe? One thing's for sure, Frankie is going to have to outwit old enemies and rely on new friends if he ever wants to see his HONKHUMPTIOUS home again... PRAISE FOR THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL series: 'This book is so good you won't blunking believe it!' Tom Fletcher 'Hilariously funny and inventive, and I love the extraordinary creatures and the one thirty-sixth troll protagonist...' Cressida Cowell 'A rip-roaring, swashbuckling, amazerous magical adventure. Comedy Gold.' Francesca Simon 'This hotel gets five stars from me' Liz Pichon 'A splundishly swashbungling tale of trolls, goblins and other bonejangling creatures. Put on your wellies and plunge into the strangest hotel you will ever encounter. This is a hotel I hope I never find! Wonderfully, disgustingly funny.' Jeremy Strong 'What a fun hotel! Book me in immediately!' Kaye Umansky 'Exuberant story and witty illustrations, this is my kind of book!' Chris Riddell 'Giggles guaranteed' Nick Sharratt
It's the latest Brilliant Blockbuster from bestselling Baddiel! A non-stop thrill-ride adventure that will have readers young and old racing to the finishing line. The Taylor TurboChaser is a road-trip rollercoaster... with a twist. At its heart is the unforgettable Amy Taylor. Amy loves cars, and dreams of being a driver. But there's a major catch: her slow old wheelchair with its broken wheel. When Amy finally gets a new electric one, it's exciting... at first. But standard engines only have so much power. And that's where Rahul comes in - Amy's best friend and genius inventor. Soon Rahul turns a wheelchair into... a supercar! And so the Taylor TurboChaser is born. But when it all goes suddenly wrong Amy is going to have to hit the road - and drive...
A brilliantly bonkers story about an octopus who lives on the roof, by two award-winning and bestselling picture book creators. When a giant octopus arrives, the children LOVE their new friend; he makes the perfect slide and is fantastic at football! But some of the grown-ups aren't so pleased. Will they drive him away . . . or will they realise just how helpful an octopus can be? A warm and witty rhyming story about welcoming newcomers. Sunglasses at the ready - this book has zingy fluorescent ink on the cover and inside illustrations. Peter Bently has won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and his book with Helen Oxenbury, King Jack and the Dragon, was named an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year. Steven Lenton is the illustrator of the Shifty McGifty series by Tracey Corderoy, and also illustrates books by David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. His books have won awards such as the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award and have been selected for the WHSmith's Children's Book of the Year and Tom Fletcher Book Club. Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free Stories Aloud audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
From million-copy bestselling author David Baddiel comes a laugh-out-loud and inspiring new adventure for all readers of 8 and up that is ahead of its time - 1,001 years ahead, to be precise... The year is 3020. Pip@256X#YY.3_7 is lonely and bored: she goes to virtual school on her G-Glasses, she only has a talking cat and parrot to hang out with, and she can't even leave her LivingSpace due to the extreme heat and floods outside. Until the day that Pip explores a glowing ring in a lab and finds herself in a warehouse, in 2019. Where she meets boy-inventor Rahul - who is also lonely and bored. Together, Rahul and Pip are no longer lonely. But they have a whole load of new problems, including hiding talking animals from Rahul's parents, and finding a way back to the future. Plus - just maybe - saving the world... Future Friend is a terrifically entertaining time-slip adventure that combines action, laugh-out-loud humour and the importance of friendship, in a story that asks the question - what would happen if your best friend came from the future?
It's the latest Brilliant Blockbuster from bestselling Baddiel! A non-stop thrill-ride adventure that will have readers young and old racing to the finishing line. The Taylor TurboChaser is a road-trip rollercoaster... with a twist. At its heart is the unforgettable Amy Taylor. Amy loves cars, and dreams of being a driver. But there's a major catch: her slow old wheelchair with its broken wheel. When Amy finally gets a new electric one, it's exciting... at first. But standard engines only have so much power. And that's where Rahul comes in - Amy's best friend and genius inventor. Soon Rahul turns a wheelchair into... a supercar! And so the Taylor TurboChaser is born. But when it all goes suddenly wrong Amy is going to have to hit the road - and drive...
Meet Dilly the wonky donkey in this joyous, fun-filled, sun-drenched book that's packed with positive values. Written by Elli Woollard and illustrated by Steven Lenton, this delightful story puts age and wisdom before beauty, encourages self belief and shows that no matter how old and wonky you may be, you can still be exceptional! Dilly the Donkey may be little and wonky - and not as young as she used to be - but each day she lovingly carts the children to school. That is until her owner replaces her with a flashy young horse! Is poor Dilly too old and bent to be of any use? Of course not! She's kind, brave and smart too, so when the new horse catches the eye of two sneaky thieves, it's up to Dilly to halt their dastardly plan and save the day. Could this be the start of a whole new career? A third fabulous story from creators of the The Great Gran Plan and Dinosaurs Don't Draw.
Alfie likes hanging out at the airport - it looks like everyone has someone waiting for them and they all seem so happy when they arrive back from their holidays . . . he wishes he had someone as excited to see him. So when he finds Eric, a one-legged robot in need of a friend, at the airport Lost Property counter, he decides to take him home with him. Runaway Robot is a hilarious and heartwarming tale of friendship from Carnegie medal-winning author, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
Three more slapstick early readers from our favourite doggy detectives, all set in the summer sun. And things are HOTTING UP! Someone is CHEATING in the SANDCASTLE competition! There's something FISHY about the new CAFE! But it's the ALIEN INVASION that REALLY makes Shifty and Sam lose their COOL! Anyone for an ICED bun?! Brilliant stories hilariously told by Tracey Corderoy and beautifully brought to life by Steven Lenton's illustrations in deliclous two-colour. Have you read Shifty and Sam's other fiction adventures? The Spooky School Up, Up and Away! Jingle Bells!
From the million-copy bestselling author of THE PARENT AGENCY and BIRTHDAY BOY comes a wildly entertaining wish-fulfilment adventure that asks the question: what would happen if the strictest head teacher swapped bodies with the naughtiest kid in school? Strictest head naughtiest boy = chaos. Bracket Wood is about to be visited by the school inspectors. But there's one big problem: Ryan Ward. The maestro of practical jokes, Ryan has played so many tricks that in the end the Head Teacher just walks out. And then the new Head Teacher, Mr Carter, arrives. A man so strict even the teachers are scared of him. So imagine his surprise - and Ryan's - when they swap bodies. Now Ryan is Head Teacher - and his mortal enemy is one of his pupils. It's every naughty kid's dream! But soon Bracket Wood School is in a total mess - and only its worst ever pupil can fix it...
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have made it to the magical streets of Paris, baking a spectacular gingerbread Eiffel Tower for a VERY important art exhibition at 'Galerie Bonbon'. But - quelle horreur! - a sneaky fox has made off across the Seine with the precious masterpiece. Will Shifty and Sam EVER catch the dastardly Cunningham Sly and dish up their tasty tower in time?
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have made it to the magical streets of Paris, baking a spectacular gingerbread Eiffel Tower for a VERY important art exhibition at 'Galerie Bonbon'. But - quelle horreur! - a sneaky fox has made off across the Seine with the precious masterpiece. Will Shifty and Sam EVER catch the dastardly Cunningham Sly and dish up their tasty tower in time?
Dinosaurs aren't known for their drawing - they're known for their stamping and stomping and ROARING! All except for one creative young dinosaur who just can't seem to stop! He transforms rocks, chalk, sticks and mud into the most wonderful works of art - much to the confusion of his fierce, fighting dinosaur family. But when everyone hears the THUD of a terrifying T-Rex, they soon see just how effective art can be. Especially art in the form of an even bigger dinosaur! Another brilliant rhyming story from this exciting pairing; author, Elli Woollard and illustrator, Steven Lenton. A vibrant and uplifting story about the joy and the power of art - and daring to be different. Dinosaurs Don't Draw is a visual treat and a delight to read aloud.
Dinosaurs aren't known for their drawing - they're known for their stamping and stomping and ROARING! All except for one creative young dinosaur who just can't seem to stop! He transforms rocks, chalk, sticks and mud into the most wonderful works of art - much to the confusion of his fierce, fighting dinosaur family. But when everyone hears the THUD of a terrifying T-Rex, they soon see just how effective art can be. Especially art in the form of an even bigger dinosaur! Another brilliant rhyming story from this exciting pairing; author, Elli Woollard and illustrator, Steven Lenton. A vibrant and uplifting story about the joy and the power of art - and daring to be different. Dinosaurs Don't Draw is a visual treat and a delight to read aloud.
The Blythes are a big, warm, rambunctious family who live on a small farm and sometimes foster children. Now Prez has come to live with them. But, though he seems cheerful and helpful, he never says a word. Then one day Prez answers the door to someone claiming to be his relative. This small, loud stranger carries a backpack, walks with a swagger and goes by the name of Sputnik. As Prez dithers on the doorstep, Sputnik strolls right past him and introduces himself to everyone in the household. Prez is amazed at the response. The family pat Sputnik on the head, call him a good boy and drop food into his mouth. It seems they all think Sputnik is a dog. It's only Prez who thinks otherwise. But Prez soon finds himself having to defend the family from the chaos and danger unleashed by Sputnik, as household items come to life - like a TV remote that fast-forwards people: 'Anyone can do it, it's just that people don't read the instructions properly'; and a toy lightsaber that entertains guests at a children's party, until one of them is nearly decapitated by it - and Prez is going to have to use his voice to explain himself. It turns out that Sputnik is writing a guidebook to Earth called Ten Things Worth Doing on Earth, and he takes Prez on a journey to discover just those ten things. Each adventure seems to take Prez nearer to the heart of the family he is being fostered by. But they also take him closer to the day that he is due to leave them forever . . .
A special 32 page picture book adaptation of Dodie Smith's much-loved classic story, perfect for children aged 3 years and up. When Missis and Pongo's darling Dalmatian puppies are stolen, they know just who to suspect ... the evil Cruella de Vil! She's enough to scare the spots off a pup and she would love nothing more than to turn them into a spotty fur coat! With the help of some fearless furry friends, the parents set off on a brave rescue attempt. But can the Dalmatian parents rescue their precious pups in time? This classic tale about a hundred and one spotty dogs has been adapted for the first time ever as a picture book. Peter Bently's fun adaptation of Dodie Smith's original text will introduce the story to a new generation, with gorgeous artwork from bestselling illustrator, Steven Lenton. Fan's of Dodie Smith's original story will love this new take on an old favourite - the perfect Christmas gift and classic bedtime story to enjoy together. Dodie Smith was an English children's novelist and playwright best known for the novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956), which was adapted into a 1961 Disney animated movie version. Peter Bently is the award-winning bestselling picture book author of Shark in the Dark, Lark in the Ark, The Great Dog Bottom Swap and Cats Ahoy! He won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2011. StevenLenton is the illustrator of the bestselling Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam series (Nosy Crow) which was both the Waterstones picture book of the month and The Times Children's Book of the Week. Steven is originally from Congleton in Cheshire and now lives in London.
A fun-filled seaside caper full of favourite fairytale characters, with a positive message about overcoming worries and anxiety. When Fairytale Frankie meets a worried mermaid, a wizard lifeguard, a surfing prince and a talking parrot, she knows it's going to be an unusual day at the beach. Everyone needs Frankie's help - the scary sea monster is coming, and no one knows what to do! Can the fairytale friends learn to be big and brave together? This funny, fast-paced story is a visual feast - a real treat from one of the most exciting contemporary artists working today, illustrator of the much-loved top seller Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam.
The first title in a two-colour fiction series, ideal for children growing in confidence as readers and beginning to read alone. Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam don't just make amazing cakes. These two brave bakers solve wacky mysteries too! Halloween at St Spectre's school brings out the cheekiest of ghosts! And who is to blame when the weather goes CRAZY? A power-grabbing red panda, maybe? Certainly not the raccoon gang fixing the museum's toilets - they've got dastardly plans of their OWN! Look out for Shifty and Sam's other chapter book adventures: Up, Up and Away! The Aliens are Coming! Jingle Bells!
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have swapped their life of crime for a career in cupcakes. But when they're asked to bake for a seriously swanky party, they find themselves caught up in the middle of a robbery. Somebody has taken Lady Kate's tiara. Can they catch the culprit?
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have swapped their life of crime for a career in cupcakes. But when they're asked to bake for a seriously swanky party, they find themselves caught up in the middle of a robbery. Somebody has taken Lady Kate's tiara. Can they catch the culprit?
Beneath this glitter-tastic cover is a page-turning hide-and-seek adventure full of favourite fairytale characters from princesses to unicorns to knights, with a magically funny and reassuring twist at the end. Fairytale Frankie is a fearless tomboy who wakes up one morning to find a princess hiding under her bed and a frog in the cornflakes . . . all the characters appear to be hiding from a baddie and Frankie is determined to keep them safe. This funny, fast-paced story is a visual feast - a real treat from one of the most exciting contemporary artists working today, illustrator of the much-loved top seller Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam. Superbly imaginative and wonderfully illustrated with joy and verve - Parents in Touch
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have swapped a life of crime for baking cakes in their cafe. But now there's a new robber in town - the infamous Kitty-le-Claw! When there's a midnight robbery at the bank, can the two baker dogs save the day?
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam have swapped a life of crime for baking cakes in their cafe. But now there's a new robber in town - the infamous Kitty-le-Claw! When there's a midnight robbery at the bank, can the two baker dogs save the day?
Einstein, Bounce and Puzzle are thrilled to be back at Sandcliff Lighthouse for another holiday. There are lots of other pups staying there this time which means fun for everyone! But when the local beach is covered in dog poo, the pals find themselves in a sticky situation. It gets so bad that even the puffins - who visit every year - are staying away! And then the local people start to blame the kennels, even though the pups know that Jackie and Trevor always clean up after them. Who is behind the smelly secret of Sandcliff Beach? Can the pups uncover the stinking truth in time to save Trevor's kennels and persuade the puffins to come back?
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Andrea Reeces's Pick of the Year 2015 - Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2016 Best Story - April 2015 Book of the Month This is Frank Cottrell Boyce’s first standalone novel since Cosmic in 2008 and it’s been well worth the wait. The smallest and weakest boy in his class, Rory Rooney makes an unlikely superhero. But all that seems set to change when he suddenly and inexplicably turns green, surely the markings of a superhero. Stuck in a hospital isolation ward with two other remarkably green children – including his nemesis, school bully Grim Kommissky – Rory discover his superpowers and becomes Astounding. The adventure that follows is by turns hilarious and heart-warming, further proof if it were needed that Cottrell Boyce is one of the wittiest, warmest and most inventive children’s authors of today. ~ Andrea Reece
3, 2, 1... Time for some Christmas fun! Count the silly snowmen as they bounce and race and zoom into space! A hilarious Christmassy counting book with super fun illustrations and silly snowman scenes. This is a perfect winter-themed book to read together and an ideal Christmas present for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to count. With a shiny, squishy cover for little hands! From the illustrator of the best-selling Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam!
When a bag stuffed full of money falls out of a train and into their camp, Damian and Anthony are suddenly rich. Very, very rich, to be precise. But, there is a problem. They only have a few days in which to spend the money. When the Euro arrives, it’ll be worthless. A thrilling story about the real value of money but Millions is more than an adventure as the boys have recently lost their mother and their search for happiness is tinged with the sadness that, however much money they have, they’ll never be able bring her back. The bestselling novel from Frank Cottrell Boyce - screenwriter and writer of the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony - now with a fantastic new cover to celebrate its ten year anniversary.
Meet the Puppies Online! Einstein the brainy dachshund, Puzzle the snoozy sheepdog and Bounce the speedy spaniel spend their holidays at a very special kind of kennels - a lighthouse by the sea! But there's no time for sunbathing. The woof-tastic trio meet the evil Mike Dodger, discover an ancient treasure map and find themselves caught up in a race against time. Luckily the pups are equipped with all the latest online gadgets and tech know-how. But will their super skills be enough to sniff out the treasure before Mike does?
When a truly terrifying sound wakes the inhabitants of a fairytale kingdom, clever Princess Daisy soon figures out the problem but her father the King just won't listen. After all, what can a princess do? When the knights who come to the rescue prove to be a big bunch of nincompoop scaredy-cats, things start to look rather bad. But what's this? Riding a cow and armed with a book rather than a sword, a fourth mystery knight dares to entree the dragon's den. Whoever can it be? Why it's Plucky Princess Daisy . . . of course!
1, 2, 3 ... party! Five cheeky penguins are getting ready for the best celebration of the year - it's Christmas! A Christmas counting book with super-snazzy illustrations! Get your toddler excited about Christmas as they count the cheeky little penguins throughout. With a lovely squishy and shiny cover and fabulously festive scenes, this jolly little book makes a wonderfully festive present for toddlers and preschoolers. From the illustrator behind the best-selling Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam.
Shortlisted for the 2010 Blue Peter 'Book I Couldn't Put Down' Award. Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs. What the Carnegie Award judges said: 'Frank Cottrell Boyce has a wonderful ear for dialogue and is a master of comic pathos. The off-the-wall humour and comic language he employs here makes this a very funny book. He manages to make a bizarre premise seem quite plausible, the characters develop well and the result is an astute and profound book about childhood and the father-son relationship.'
Comic and cosmic, this is a roller coaster adventure that takes Liam Digby up into space with a handful of other children and their parents. It’s an hilarious journey of discovery as Liam hurtles around the world finding out exactly what makes children and adults different. Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2008 and the Carnegie. The Lovereading Comment: This is the eagerly awaited third novel from an author who has already won and been shortlisted for numerous prestigious awards including the Carnegie with his debut novel Millions and his second novel Framed. This latest triumph is both bittersweet and hilariously down-to-earth. It’s a heart-warming exploration of a father-son relationship in a world where everyone wants to grow up fast, and then stay young forever. A wonderful story about life’s ups and downs. What the Carnegie Award judges said: 'Frank Cottrell Boyce has a wonderful ear for dialogue and is a master of comic pathos. The off-the-wall humour and comic language he employs here makes this a very funny book. He manages to make a bizarre premise seem quite plausible, the characters develop well and the result is an astute and profound book about childhood and the father-son relationship.'
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2007 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down.'9 - 12 years. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. What the judges said: Cottrell Boyce’s second children’s novel is original, charming and funny. A choice of Guest Editors Philip Ardargh and Joanna Nadin.It is a poignant and pacey adventure with a tightly structured plot full of humour, wisdom and excitement. Even the most minor characters are portrayed with effortless depth and accuracy. May 2010 Guest Editor Philip Ardagh: Reviewing children's books for a national newspaper on a fairly regular basis means that I have to read a goodly number of books I might never otherwise have made the time to do. Stumbling upon books such as Framed is one of the perks of the job. I could tell you that it's about the redemptive power of art but I'm not absolutely sure how to spell 'redemptive' and, anyway, what it's really about is a boy and his dad... and families, and what makes them tick, stop ticking and then tick again. Frank Cottrell Boyce is a craftsman. I can't recommend this book highly enough. September 2009 Guest Editor Joanna Nadin on Framed by FRANK COTTRELL BOYCE Frank Cottrell Boyce writes boys with humour, irony and compassion. Although best known for Millions, it is his second novel, Framed, that I go back to time and time again: the laugh-out-loud funny and try-not-to-cry story of nine-year-old Dylan Hughes, man of the house, boss of the failing family business, and the only boy left in Manod. Reading Guide available to download for this title.
Two brothers, Damian and Anthony, are unwittingly caught up in a train robbery during Britain's countdown to join the Euro. Suddenly finding themselves with a vast amount of cash, the boys have just one glorious, appalling dilemma - how to spend it in the few days before it becomes worthless. Torn between the vices of buying a million pizzas and the virtues of ending world poverty, the boys soon discover that being rich is a mug's game. For not only is the clock ticking - the bungling bank robbers are closing in. Pizzas or World Peace, what would you choose?
Dylan is the only boy living in the tiny Welsh town of Manod. His parents run the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel garage - and when he's not trying to persuade his sisters to play football, Dylan is in charge of the petrol log. And that means he gets to keep track of everyone coming in and out of Manod - what car they drive, what they're called, even their favourite flavour of crisps. But when a mysterious convoy of lorries trundles up the misty mountainside towards an old, disused mine, even Dylan is confounded. Who are these people - and what have they got to hide? A story inspired by a press cutting describing how, during WWII, the treasured contents of London's National Gallery were stored in Welsh slate mines. Once a month, a morale-boosting masterpiece would be unveiled in the village and then returned to London for viewing. This is a funny and touching exploration of how Art - its beauty and its value - touches the life of one little boy and his big family in a very small town. Dylan is the only boy living in the tiny Welsh town of Manod. His parents run the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel garage - and when he's not trying to persuade his sisters to play football, Dylan is in charge of the petrol log. And that means he gets to keep track of everyone coming in and out of Manod - what car they drive, what they're called, even their favourite flavour of crisps. But when a mysterious convoy of lorries trundles up the misty mountainside towards an old, disused mine, even Dylan is confounded. Who are these people - and what have they got to hide? A story inspired by a press cutting describing how, during WWII, the treasured contents of London's National Gallery were stored in Welsh slate mines. Once a month, a morale-boosting masterpiece would be unveiled in the village and then returned to London for viewing. This is a funny and touching exploration of how Art - its beauty and its value - touches the life of one little boy and his big family in a very small town.
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. What the judges said: Cottrell Boyce’s second children’s novel is original, charming and funny. It is a poignant and pacey adventure with a tightly structured plot full of humour, wisdom and excitement. Even the most minor characters are portrayed with effortless depth and accuracy.
Two bothers, Damian and Anthony, are unwittingly caught up in a train robbery during Britain's countdown to join the Euro. Suddenly finding themselves with a vast amount of cash, the boys have just one glorious, appalling dilemma - how to spend it in the few days before it becomes worthless. Torn between the vices of buying a million pizzas and the virtues of ending world poverty, the boys soon discover that being rich is a mug's game. For not only is the clock ticking - the bungling bank robbers are closing in. Pizzas or World Peace, what would you choose? Two bothers, Damian and Anthony, are unwittingly caught up in a train robbery during Britain's countdown to join the Euro. Suddenly finding themselves with a vast amount of cash, the boys have just one glorious, appalling dilemma - how to spend it in the few days before it becomes worthless. Torn between the vices of buying a million pizzas and the virtues of ending world poverty, the boys soon discover that being rich is a mug's game. For not only is the clock ticking - the bungling bank robbers are closing in. Pizzas or World Peace, what would you choose?
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