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Format: Chapter book

Chapter book

Beautifully moving and breathtakingly original, this is a story of bravery and second chances, for readers aged 9+.

When 12-year-old Eleanor Newton dies in an accident, she finds herself journeying down a mysterious river that takes her to The Underworld. She apprehensively embarks on her “afterlife” at Eventide House, a boarding school of sorts for children who have died.

The Underworld is captivating: always sunny and warm but also fractured. Strange things have been happening to Ellie since she arrived: she knows something isn’t right, and she doesn’t want to be there. She desperately wants to get back to the world of The Living to meet her new baby brother, even if it means being a ghost.

Can Ellie find a way out of the Underworld? And who – or what – will she be if she does?

The Lovely Dark is another breathtakingly original story from Matthew Fox, author of The Sky Over Rebecca. Set in the modern world, it features themes of life after a pandemic, mental health and grief, all handled with real lightness of touch.

Chapter book

Join three sporting detectives as they race around the world in the brand new mystery adventure series from multi gold medal-winning Paralympian, Ellie Robinson.

Hannah, Maria, and Seb are at the World Championships in Tokyo, bonding over their excitement at watching their favourite athletes compete. But Jesse Marks, a star runner on the US relay team has had his gold medal stolen! The sport park is alive with gossip and as the three new friends begin to investigate, several suspects begin to emerge. With time running out before the final race is run, can the detectives uncover who is out to sabotage the team?

The race to solve the case is on in this twisting, action-packed look-behind-the-scenes at the world’s biggest sporting event, with clues and illustrations throughout from James Lancett.

Chapter book

Join three sporting detectives as they race around the world in the brand new mystery adventure series from multi gold medal-winning Paralympian, Ellie Robinson.

Hannah, Maria, and Seb are at the World Championships in Tokyo, bonding over their excitement at watching their favourite athletes compete. But Jesse Marks, a star runner on the US relay team has had his gold medal stolen! The sport park is alive with gossip and as the three new friends begin to investigate, several suspects begin to emerge. With time running out before the final race is run, can the detectives uncover who is out to sabotage the team?

The race to solve the case is on in this twisting, action-packed look-behind-the-scenes at the world’s biggest sporting event, with clues and illustrations throughout from James Lancett.

Chapter book

It’s competition time! The Hercules Hopefuls are at the International Championships at last – but how will Fergus cope with the competition pressures now that his best friend Daisy has moved away? Mum and Jambo are distracted by their upcoming wedding, Grandpa and Choppy Wallace are having problems with the team’s sponsor, who is demanding ludicrous things like banning the team from eating bananas and making them scoff biscuits instead. Manchester is starting to feel a long way from home. But when Fergus escapes to Nevermore to see some friendly faces, it’s no better there – Princess Lily is cross with her brother, and there’s a bet on which cycling team will win that could see King Woebegot lose his kingdom…

Another fabulous, fun and fantastical cycle adventure for Fergus and his friends.

Chapter book

There’s more than one way to find your voice . . .

Lenny Brown is eight years old and can’t talk. Except to his mum and his dog, Rocky.

When Lenny has to move house and start at a new school, it feels like his whole life is changing, and not for the better. Will he be able to make friends and find a way to fit in?

But when Lenny finds a different way to express himself, everyone is in for a big surprise as they find out just how amazing he can be . . .

Chapter book

Discover the power of true magic in this funny, exciting, big-hearted story by Caryl Lewis, the award-winning author of Seed and The Magician’s Daughter. Perfect for boys and girls of 8 to 12. Illustrated throughout by George Ermos.

After one hilarious, disastrous magic show too many, Abby’s dad decides it’s time to give up showbiz. Until the day Abby finds a mysterious, dusty old book of spells among her mum’s things. Mum had always been the dazzling magician, after all. As Abby practises, each new spell brings wonder and joy, not only to Abby and her dad, but also to the whole community.

Nothing lasts forever, though, and after each public performance another spell vanishes from the book. So before the magic disappears forever, Abby and Dad plan one final, spectacular, impossible show . . .

Chapter book

A rip-roaring Roman adventure from the acclaimed author of Princess BMX, Marie Basting.

Silvia’s dad loves re-enacting Roman battles on Hadrian’s Wall – unfortunately, he’s stumbled through a one-way portal back to ancient Rome and dragged the whole family along for the ride.

Now, the fate of the world rests on Silvia’s shoulders …

Readers will go on a time-travel adventure – with a LARPing twist – as Livi and her family are catapulted back to Ancient Rome Perfect for ages 8 and up; sure to be a hit with KS2 readers, as Romans are a staple on the curriculum.

Chapter book

Calling all Dirty Bertie fans! Dirty Bertie – the boy with nose-pickingly disgusting habits – is back for another helping of comic chaos! More disgusting than ever, with crazier plans and increasingly madcap schemes, Bertie continues to delight his legions of fans who revel in his revolting ways.
Join Bertie in Zombie! his 21st adventure, as he finds himself on the run from a zombified Eugene, discovers a new dance craze, and gets caught up in some monkey business on a trip to the zoo.
Dirty Bertie is a hugely popular series created by David Roberts. With each hilarious story approximately thirty pages long and split into chapters, Dirty Bertie is ideal for reluctant boy readers or readers in search of hilarity but with a short attention span.

Chapter book

The hilarious adventures of everyone’s favourite bear, Paddington, now a major movie star!

“Oh dear!” said Paddington, “I’m in trouble again.”

Somehow trouble always comes naturally to Paddington. What other bear could catch a fish in his hat, or cause havoc in the Browns’ kitchen just by trying to be helpful?

For more than sixty years, Paddington Bear has touched the hearts of adults and children worldwide with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures.

Chapter book

Don’t panic, but you’re in danger.

At least, you would be, if Jack Beechwhistle wasn’t around to protect the world from alien attacks, zombie sweet-shop owners, and exploding conkers – with a bit of help from his trusty sidekicks, Colin and Harry (as long as it’s not past Colin and Harry’s bedtime). Their missions are daring, dangerous, and deadly. They even have top-secret headquarters (the shed by the rhubarb patch).

But now Jack’s about to face his most challenging challenge yet. The Attack of the Giant Slugs.

And they’re on their way to Jack’s school – right in the middle of maths!

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