Author & Illustrators

Elisa Paganelli Books

A Year of Fairy Tales

Short story collection

Journey through the seasons and celebrations of a child’s year in this stunning collection of fairy tales from the bestselling, award-winning author of The House with Chicken Legs, Sophie Anderson.

Brimming with magic and extraordinary adventure, the stories are all inspired by fairy tales that have been passed down for generations. Some are twists on classics, such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, while others are original stories inspired by folklore, such as The Bear and the Dragon and The Sleeping Forest.

Packed with colourful illustrations by Elisa Paganelli, this gorgeous gift book brings Sophie’s lyrical storytelling to life.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas

Ben Miller & Elisa Paganelli

Chapter book

This is a lovely story about the bond between a boy called Alfie and his dog called Bear. Alfie lives in a busy family with lots going on and Bear is his best friend. He is quite shy and goes along with the hectic nature of his family until his dog gets stolen. Alfie jumps off the train, leaving his family behind to go on an adventure to find his dog, rescue an entire village worth of dogs and create the best family Christmas. He makes a friend along the way who helps him to develop his confidence and tackle new challenges.

This would be a lovely read in the run up to Christmas. There are lots of themes of friendship, bravery and courage that could be discussed with the children. As well as the theme of Christmas running through out.

The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away

Elisa Paganelli & Sophie Anderson

Chapter book

Marinka, Benjamin and the House with Chicken Legs are back in a fabulous sequel to the original The House with Chicken Legs.

Marinka and her House have finally stopped wandering and settled down to live near her best friend, Benjamin. But all is not well with the House; it seems tired and distant. In an effort to help the house regain some of its sparkle, Marinka and Yaga Tatyana decide to host a guiding but it goes disastrously wrong, plummeting Marinka and Benjamin into a breathtaking adventure which makes Marinka question her past, her future and everything she thought she knew. Testing her friendships to the limit, can Marinka save her House? Can she get Benjamin safely back to his family? And will she finally find out who she really is?

I usually find that sequels are rarely as good as the original, but this is most definitely an exception. Fast-paced and as well-written as we have come to expect from Sophie Anderson, this is a welcome addition to any bookshelf and an exciting return of a much-loved story.

Code Name Foxtrot

Anton Du Beke & Elisa Paganelli

Chapter book

With gorgeous illustrations by Elisa Paganelli, Code Name Foxtrot is perfect for fans of Ben Miller, Emma Carroll and Michael Morpurgo.

A MYSTERY TO SOLVE. A SPY TO CATCH. A SHOW TO SAVE.

Maybe by Christmas, the war will be over and we’ll be back with Mum and Dad . . .

London, 1940: the world is at war and 10-year-old twins Harry and Rosie are evacuated to live with their mysterious great uncle on the stormy Lancashire coast.

Missing home, they throw themselves into the local dance show – determined to do their bit and maybe even dance at the famous Blackpool Winter Gardens.

But when Harry sees strange lights out on the rocks one night, he and Rosie realize their new home is hiding some huge secrets. Racing to uncover the truth, the twins learn that bravery comes in many forms and even in the worst of times, the show must go on . . .

The Night I Met Father Christmas (Picturebook)

Ben Miller & Elisa Paganelli

Picturebook

Come on a magical Christmas Eve journey in Santa’s sleigh and meet the man himself, in an enchanting picture book from bestselling author, actor and comedian, Ben Miller, beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli.

It was quarter to midnight on Christmas Eve. The lights were out all over the land, and children everywhere were asleep in their beds, dreaming of the big day to come. Well, almost everywhere . . .

Jackson is determined to stay awake until Father Christmas arrives, but on the stroke of midnight when a jolly red-dressed figure whooshes down the chimney, he is in for the most magical surprise! Join Jackson on the night he met Father Christmas and travelled the world in an adventure he will never forget.

This enchanting adaptation of Ben Miller’s beloved and bestselling debut novel, is exquisitely illustrated by highly acclaimed artist Elisa Paganelli. Turn the page, share the adventure in a festive classic to treasure – the perfect gift for Christmas Eve.

The Piano at the Station

Elisa Paganelli & Helen Rutter

Chapter book, Dyslexia-friendly

Constantly in trouble at school with little encouragement at home, Lacey’s future looks bleak until she discovers a love of music in this compelling tale by bestseller Helen Rutter.

Lacey’s smart tongue and quick temper are constantly getting her confined to isolation at school. But there’s a lot more to her that most people never see, and when Lacey gets sent to lunch-time music lessons to keep her out of trouble, she discovers a love and talent for the piano that opens up a whole new world for her.

Just as she’s really beginning to make progress, her music teacher has to leave, which throws Lacey back into turmoil. Will she go back to her self-destructive ways or will music offer her a way to save her from herself?

Diary of a Big Bad Wolf

Ben Miller & Elisa Paganelli

Chapter book

Lawrence, a big, bad, wolf, has just emerged from his den after a long, hard winter. He’s weak, tired and hungry and so embarks on a mission to get fit and find the ultimate, delectable treat: Little Red Riding Hood. But it’s not as easy as he thinks, for Lawrence is a lone wolf, without a pack and there is a pesky group of characters who keep getting in the way of his nefarious dinner plans… three little pigs, a woodcutter, a grandma and a mysterious old woman who brews concoctions in her gingerbread house all get in his way, tricking or outwitting him!

This is a fun and easy read that children will love. It’s funny, silly and the outcomes of Lawrence the Wolf’s actions are always hilariously predictable, making the story highly enjoyable. You can’t help but like and feel sorry for the misguided Lawrence, who struggles to see what is right in front of him.

The illustrations are endearing and add to the fun element of the story. There is a mixture of fonts and page layouts, which make the book appealing to reluctant readers.

A really enjoyable read which I would recommend to all pupils.

Sabotage on the Solar Express

Elisa Paganelli & M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman

Chapter book

A full-steam-ahead adventure series that had us hooked from the get-go. This series contains middle-grade mystery stories set on train journeys around the world.. With a high spirit of adventuring and a good-and-proper mystery that unfolds with clues and red herrings along the course, this is a brilliantly fun story that is sure to be on track to find itself set among the very best in the children’s mystery genre.

Sabotage on the Solar Express can be read as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as part of the series. Join Hal and Uncle Nat alongside train enthusiast August Reza on the maiden voyage of the Solar Express, which hurtles passengers into a heart-stopping, action-packed, thrill ride across the Australian Outback. Themes explored include eco-friendly travel, environmentalism and traditional aboriginal values versus modern technology.

It’s a full-throttle mystery with likeable characters and a well-paced plot that is especially full of treasures for anyone who loves trains or adventures in different countries.

Once Upon a Legend

Ben Miller & Elisa Paganelli

Chapter book

The GIGANTIC magical new adventure from Ben Miller, the bestselling author of The Night We Got Stuck in a Story.

Marcus has just started Merlin’s, a very unusual school…

He doesn’t like it and is doing everything he can to get into big trouble and be sent home. When a midnight prank accidentally wakes a sleeping giant called Crom, things take a turn for the magical.

But there are other giants on the move, bigger and angrier than Crom. Realising that Merlin’s and the whole country are in danger, it’s a race against time for the two new firneds to find the magic of their own bravery.

Hello Me!

Dr Naira Wilson & Elisa Paganelli

Picturebook

Sometimes I think my mind is like a house.

Just like a house, I need to treat my mind with love and care . . .

Written by a child psychologist, this beautiful book follows a young boy as he learns to love and accept himself, with all his flaws! Relatable characters and a gentle storyline introduce little ones to the concept of mental health in an accessible and engaging way, encouraging them to think about how to look after themselves and accept themselves for who they are. Featuring exquisite illustrations and tips on how to foster a life-long sense of wellbeing, this is a stunning addition to any library.

Be yourself in the world. Don’t give up! And love yourself for who you are.