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Age Group: KS2

Picturebook

A heartfelt and humorous adventure from the bottom of the sea and beyond, following one fish on an epic journey.
Deep, deep, deep under the sea … lives Blobfish! Blobfish loves telling jokes, although he has no one to share them with, so he sets off on an adventure to find a friend. But sometimes friends turn up in the most unexpected places, even at the bottom of the ocean. This heartfelt and humorous story gently introduces children to themes of friendship, belonging and the issue of plastics in our oceans.

Chapter book

In a daze, I take it all in: the wind, the leaden skies, the churning moody sea.

And, far in the distance, a misty outline.

Skelsay.

Wilderness haven. Building-site. Luxury-retreat-to-be.

And now, home.

When her father’s construction work takes Em’s family to the uninhabited island of Skelsay, she is excited, but also a little uneasy. Soon Em and her friend Zac realise that the setbacks, mishaps and accidents on the island point to something altogether more sinister: the wilderness all around them has declared war.

Danger lurks everywhere. But can Em and Zac persuade the adults to believe it before it’s too late?

Chapter book

Time for another Little Badman adventure. This time, Humza, Umer and Wendy must face . . . THE UNDEAD.

Welcome to Big School.

Humza Khan – aka Little Badman, Eggington’s greatest rapper – might have finally met his match.

Evil teacher geniuses and giant killer hamsters (see previous Little Badman adventures for details) are nothing compared to starting a new school.

He’s already been out rap-battled by the school bully, laughed at by his classmates. Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the ancient magical orb causing havoc and very possibly leading to world destruction.

At least Humza has found someone to help with his homework. It’s just a shame this friend isn’t exactly . . . alive.

Chapter book

I’m Rani Ramgoolam – roving reporter. And I think I’ve found the perfect story for the junior journalism competition run by the local paper. An eccentric millionaire has created a treasure hunt with a reward for the first person who figures out the clues.

Luckily, my mischievous Nani is visiting from Mauritius. She’s promised to help me work out what a priceless painting, a minotaur and a glass eye have in common.

“Murder, murder! Call the cops!” Oh, and that’s Cookie, my parrot. I’m not sure he’ll be much use.

But the race is on and I’ll need all the help I can get. Especially when some people are resorting to sneaky tricks to get their hands on the prize…

Non-fiction

The Himalayas are probably the most magical place on Earth. About 50 million years ago, a colossal clash between India and Asia resulted in the tallest landform on earth, with 14 peaks reaching over 8,000 meters above sea levels as it journeys through Nepal, India and Tibet.

This book helps you discover the towns that inhabit its rugged lands, its legends and colours in an extraordinary way and features information on the culture and spirituality that lies in this beautiful part of the world.

Non-fiction

Mount Everest is undoubtedly one of the most famous mountains on Earth. Hundreds of people clamber to its summit every year, following in Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s footsteps… but there is so much more to this mountain than the people who climb it. With sumptuous and stylish illustrations by Lisk Feng, this dynamic book reveals the great mountain’s ancient origins, the flora and fauna that thrive upon its great flanks, and the rich mythology of Sagarmatha, the Goddess of the Sky.

Chapter book

A highly illustrated fiction series about a determined young inventor, from award-winning author Vashti Hardy.

Join Harley, her robot dog Sprocket and best friend Cosmo for problem-solving adventures and mysteries in Inventia, a world where science rules and technology grows in the forest; and where exploding science projects, giant slugs and runaway robots are all part of a normal school day.

The Iron Forest near Harley’s home is unlike any other – plants and trees grow cogs and hinges and other mechanical parts – and all of Inventia depends on it. So when a strange fungus is discovered, there’s a race to find a solution. Without essential parts for inventions, the town is quickly falling apart…

But just who or what is behind the mysterious infestation? Harley decides it’s up to her to save the day – with chaotic results!

Perfect for fans of Amelia Fang and Isadora Moon, this is a rollicking adventure that celebrates STEM learning!

Heavily illustrated with lively, humourous illustrations by George Ermos.

Vashti Hardy is an award-winning author of children’s books. Her novel Wildspark won the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story 2020, and Brightstorm was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize.

Chapter book

The perfect gift for any child this Christmas. From Alex T. Smith, bestselling author of festive favourites How Winston Delivered Christmas, How Winston Came Home for Christmas and The Grumpus, comes a gorgeous retelling of children’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker – a Christmas Story in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters.

The Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans.

The night before Christmas, he steals the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and sets out to cause as much festive mayhem as he can!

Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him. But when a magical curse is put on Fritz, it’s a race against time to make it to the Kingdom of Sweets and find the Sugar Plum Fairy – the only one who can break the spell!

Can the adventurers stop the Mouse King’s naughty plan and save Fritz, before it’s too late?

With irresistible colour illustrations, a festively foiled cover and a chapter to enjoy each day in December, this gorgeous hardback is the perfect gift for any child at Christmas.

Chapter book

The Christmasaurus is back and ready to soar into a new festive magical adventure!

Have you ever heard of Ebenezer Scrooge? The most miserly, miserable Christmas-hating miser from that very famous old book? The man who is more BAH HUMBUG than HO HO HO?

Well, what if I told you that he was about to step out of HIS story and into this one? And I’m afraid he’s got some grand plans . . . he wants to CANCEL CHRISTMAS!

But don’t panic – William Trundle and his very best friend, the Christmasaurus, are on the case. They’re determined to track down Scrooge and save Christmas from total Scrooge-ification! And they’re not alone; the whole Trundle family, William’s new friends Eddie and Lucy and, of course, Santa himself are here to help!

Can this Christmas crew stop Scrooge before it’s too late and Christmas is BAH HUMBUGGED for good?

Graphic NovelNon-fiction

The ancient Egyptian myths are some of the oldest and most famous stories in the world. This striking new comic book collection will be the perfect introduction to the world of the ancient Egyptians – containing six tales full of mythical creatures, gods, pharaohs and adventure.

With striking illustrations by Núria Tamarit, this retelling of the Egyptian myths will delight readers of all ages.

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

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