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Picturebook

Buster is the big fish in a small pond: he is the bully of his fish tank who terrorizes all the smaller fish. But when he gets kicked out and sent to the ocean for his bullying behaviour, a shark bullies him! Buster quickly finds a safe hiding spot and as he catches his breath, he reflects on how it feels to be on the receiving end of a bully’s bashing. So, when Buster sees another little fish in danger of being eaten by the same shark, he comes to the rescue and saves them both. Having gone from bully to bullied to brave, Buster discovers the error of his previous bullying ways and vows to change for the better.

This rhyming picture book shows the perspective of both the bully and the bullied, within the same character, and clearly shows how someone could have a change of heart through experience and empathy.

Picturebook

Peggy is an apologetic pigeon. She always assumes she’s in the wrong. Even when she’s the one getting bullied. But Joan, an older female seagull, gives her the necessary skills to stand up for herself. This hilarious tale from award-winning author Wendy Meddour contains an important message about the importance of being assertive. Carmen Saldana’s illustrations are full of personality and humour.

Picturebook

An uplifting and empowering picture book about finding your inner strength when school life gets tough, from the winner of The Great British Bake Off and national treasure, Nadiya Hussain, beautifully illustrated by Ella Bailey.

I love to go to school. Well, most days I do.
There are some days when what I really want
is to stay at home with you.

A touching story about building the courage to overcome bullying, with a powerful reminder to always be kind.

Picturebook

Riku’s family have all achieved something special – and Riku wants to be special too. His dream? To be the world’s first ever flying tiger!

Only Riku’s friend Jim has doubts . . . Tigers don’t have wings. (And Jim should know – he’s a parrot!) But Riku is one determined little tiger. With help from Jim and some feathered friends, will Riku make it off the ground and into the air?

This hilariously funny book from Rikin Parekh celebrates dreams, determination and the power of friendship. It’s a must-read for any little person with BIG ambition!

Picturebook

A funny rhyming story about dealing with change and overcoming worries, from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.

In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free … A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree.

Meet Kevin. A koala who likes to keep things the same. Exactly the same. But sometimes change comes along whether we like it or not… And, as Kevin discovers, if you step outside your comfort zone and try new things, you might just surprise yourself!

Picturebook

Idris is a child refugee, born into a world of tents and fences. He has known no other life than this. He has no memories of the world outside.

Then the Wisp arrives, floating in on the evening breeze. Everyone who holds it finds their memories reawakened, their hopes of freedom reborn. But what about Idris, who has no memories? What will happen when he holds the magical Wisp?

Storytelling and imagination have the power to offer hope in this extraordinary picture book from the Amnesty CILIP Honour-winning author of The Bone Sparrow, Zana Fraillon, and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning illustrator Grahame Baker Smith.

Picturebook

A beautiful, moving and sensitively told picture book about language barriers, communication and a very young child’s immigrant experience.

When Ronnie moves to a new house, in a new country, he’s excited to make friends. But when he introduces himself to everyone at nursery – “My name is four. I am Ronnie years old.” – the other children can’t help but giggle. His words are all mixed up! Ronnie misses home and laughing with his old friends. But new doesn’t stay that way for long…

This authorial debut from Bulgarian author-illustrator Vyara Boyadjieva is honest and uplifting, with Ronnie ultimately discovering that kindness, and laughter, are universal.

Chapter book

Ted thinks there’s something fishy going on. Ever since his birthday when he got a special loyalty card at the local shop, all his great ideas are being thought of by the new Prime Minister too. Now there’s laws about walking to school and everyone has Mondays off! Could the shop’s market research lady have anything to do with it? And if Ted has become a Leader, shouldn’t he start thinking up proper laws to save the world…

A hilarious comedy caper from Frank Cottrell-Boyce, now in a format particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+.

Chapter book

My Story: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh – the thrilling story of the princess and suffragette.

Born in Britain to Indian and Egyptian parents, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a prominent suffragette and campaigned for the women’s right to vote.

Explore Sophia’s incredible life with My Story.

Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history’s untold stories

Great background reading for Key Stage 2 & 3

My Story: exciting stories with reliable and accurate historical detail

Experience history first-hand with My Story.

Picturebook

Reds love being red. Yellows love being yellow. And Blues love being blue. The problem is that they just don’t like each other.

But one day, along comes a different colour who likes Reds, Yellows and Blues, and suddenly everything starts to change.

Maybe being different doesn’t mean you can’t be friends …

A very special picture book that supports the adage that there is more that unites us than divides us. Along Came a Different just goes to show how much better we can all be when we come together to find common ground as friends. Every bookshelf should have a copy.

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