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Publisher: Oxford University Press

Picturebook

A gorgeous Christmas picture book that’s destined to become a festive classic. Fox and Hare were born in spring, grew up in summer, and were best friends by autumn. When winter comes, they can’t wait to jump, leap and, bounce in this thing called snow. But what exactly is snow? Join fox and hare on an Arctic journey as they ask all their friends to help them find out.

This is a charming and classic-feeling Christmas picture book with a heartfelt message about seeing the wonder of the natural world. Families will love sharing the story and talking about kindness, community, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Award-winning author of books such as The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, Yuval Zommer puts the living world at the heart of his powerful storytelling.

Twins Ali and Tulip have grown up with a surgeon mother and so have picked up lots of knowledge of first aid, medicine, and the ways of the hospital-they even know where the secret biscuit drawer in A&E is. When their mother becomes unnaturally sleepy and forgetful, they become suspicious of her new boyfriend. With help-and a watchful eye-from their mysterious wheelchair-bound gran, they set out to crack the mystery. Will they succeed? They’ll need a combination of fast talking, quick thinking, rule breaking, medical investigation, and determination-plus a good dash of ‘that spooky twin thing’-to cure this crime. A fun fresh take on the detective genre, full of excitement, humour, and medical know-how!

Chapter book

Astra’s family are all snoring in their sleeping pods, but Astra is WIDE AWAKE. With her friend, Pilbeam, she goes off exploring and soon finds out the ship is in deep trouble. It’s been knocked off course and invaded by a gang of Poglites, an alien salvage crew searching for spoons. But even the Poglites need Astra’s help when they discover something far more sinister lurking in the canteen… Sure, they’re cakes; but no one would describe them as sweet! Another splendiferous adventure from dynamic duo, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.

Short story collection

The Jungle Books can be regarded as classic stories told by an adult to children. But they also constitute a complex literary work of art in which the whole of Kipling’s philosophy of life is expressed in miniature. They are best known for the `Mowgli’ stories; the tale of a baby abandoned and brought up by wolves, educated in the ways and secrets of the jungle by Kaa the python, Baloo the bear, and Bagheera the black panther.

The stories, a mixture of fantasy, myth, and magic, are underpinned by Kipling’s abiding preoccupation with the theme of self-discovery, and the nature of the `Law’.

ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World’s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Chapter book

Brilliant new young fiction from comedy genius, Elys Dolan, creator of Steven Seagull, Weasels, and Nuts in Space. High in the mountains are the Dragon Caves, and inside the deepest, darkest dragon cave, lives the most terrible dragon. And his name is Dave. Dave’s terrible (as in rubbish) at all dragony things. So when he finds a book called Knighthood for Beginners he decides to learn how to be a knight instead. Dave sets out on a quest with his trusty steed, Albrecht the goat (all the best horses were taken), to be brave, chivalrous, and knightly in all ways. He’ll be up against Sir Gnasty, who scoffs at the idea of a very small, strangely green knight and has an absolutely massive sword. Hilarious fiction for young readers and fans of dragons, knights, and quests!

Chapter book

Bored of the same old routine? Longing for a bit of adventure in your life? Love living life on the edge?

Then join Alfie Fleet and discover a whole universe of wonders (and things that are not so wonderful too, but we won’t go into that now). From giant sand lobsters on planet Maureen and the Twang Bears of Mumsy, to the eerie (yet oddly quite boring) brains in jars on Brains-in-Jars World – there is something for everyone. And if danger’s your thing you won’t want to miss Outlandish, with its gold-hoarding dragon, take-your-life-in-your-hands cuisine, and welcoming locals who’ll fire lightning bolts at you. Thrills and adventure await, just hop on board the slightly old and rusty moped of infinity! More than funny fiction – this story does for travel guides and maps what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.

Chapter book

Are you stuck in a holiday rut? Need a change from your usual two weeks in Boredom-on-Sea? Want to explore more far flung destinations but not sure where to start? Well look no further because Alfie Fleet’s Guide to the Universe will show you the best and worst holiday destinations that are literally out of this world! Enjoy a flight around the bird-planet of Winspan, enjoy a cocktail on beautiful planet Blyssss, or rent a giant hollowed-out mushroom to sleep in on planet Nomefulch – the universe is yours for the taking. And if you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer then head for Solstice and join the pirates on a cruise around the planet – but watch out for the hostile mermaids and the strange recluse who inhabits the Isle of Sheds . . . Alfie Fleet and the Professor are on a planet-hopping quest-keep up if you can! More than funny fiction – this story does for travel guides what Wimpy Kid did for diaries and Tom Gates did for doodle books. With amazing illustrations by Chris Mould throughout, this book is a visual feast and will appeal to readers everywhere.

Chapter book

Minnow is different from the other girls in her town and there’s plenty to set her apart: the blossom of pale scars which lie beneath Minnow’s delicate ears, the fact that she has an affinity with the water which leaves people speechless, and that once – she is sure – in deep, deep water, her body began to glow like a sunken star. When her mum gets into trouble and is taken from their boat in the dead of night, Minnow is alone with one instruction: sail to Reykjavik to find your grandmother, she will keep you safe. Minnow has never sailed on her own before, but the call of the deep is a call she’s been waiting to answer her whole young life. Perhaps a girl who is lost on land can be found in the Wild Deep. The stunning middle grade debut from Cerrie Burnell

Chapter book

Brat has always lived in the isolated castle on the island, taking care of the vicious creatures that his master creates, waiting in terror for the moment when they are ready to be put to use. But then the unthinkable happens. The monsters get out. Now Brat must overcome his fears, and venture into the world he has hidden from his whole life. For the fate of everyone rests on his shoulders alone. . . A thrilling new standalone adventure from Lorraine Gregory.

Chapter book

Bonnie is scavenging on a beach when she finds a battered old row boat. And under the boat, a bare-footed boy-cold, hungry, and in need of help. The authorities have already been troubling Bonnie and Granda for breaking rules, but how can she leave this boy when he has no-one? Bonnie does her best to keep the boy hidden from the border guards, but as their suspicions grow, she wonders if it’s time to escape the life she’s always known. Under cover of darkness they set sail to the ‘house of light’ in search of a new beginning, and a sense of hope.

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