Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

Joseph Delaney

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David Roberts

Stewart Ross

Twelve fascinating tales about the adventurers who travelled all over the globe, finding new plants and the amazing things they produce. Join Joseph Banks as he gets stranded on the Australian Great Barrier Reef whilst searching for new botanical specimens. Battle with the Mexican Emperor Montezuma against the invading Hernando Cortes - and watch as Cortes introduces chocolate to the rest of the world! Struggle with other travellers as they fight starvation, bears, strange diseases and tropical storms. 
 
Exciting, witty and wacky, these true-life tales span centuries and the globe, feature famous historical figures such as Captain Bligh, Darwin and Columbus and put the origins of 'everyday' plants into perspective.

Pirates, Plants And Plunder!

Dick King-Smith

Laura is amazed when her baby brother George starts talking to her when he's only four weeks old, particularly as he sounds like a grown-up! It's a big secret to keep from their parents and the rest of the family and leads to all sorts of comic confusion until George's first birthday - when he makes a speech to his startled family.

George Speaks

Adam Larkum

Danielle Brown

"For all those finding it difficult: the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away. Remember that tomorrow will be a good day." 
 
Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the hearts of a nation, as he walked 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS. Captain Sir Tom wished to celebrate many other inspirational stories from this uncertain time, and with his blessing, these one hundred stories make a book of hope for the future. This is a book of gratitude for his inspiration, and a celebration of incredible everyday heroes from across the UK. 
 
These beautifully illustrated true stories of everyday heroes across the nation is introduced by Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore. During the pandemic we have found hope in unexpected places, and these one hundred stories of hope - written by Paralympian Danielle Brown MBE - show just how extraordinarily we can work together. We feature well-known stories such as Joe Wicks' family workouts, as well as equally astonishing stories of everyday heroes, such as dancing binmen and fancy-dress postal workers, who brought joy to their neighbourhoods. 
 
These are stories of courage and community, of everyday kindness and perseverance. From the scientists racing to find a vaccine, to frontline workers putting themselves at risk, from clapping together to celebrate keyworkers, to breathing cleaner air, discover one hundred hopeful stories from an uncertain time. With lively and engaging illustrations, these are stories that will help you hope that tomorrow will be a good day. 
 
£1 donation will be made to The Captain Tom Foundation (now called ‘1189808 Foundation’) for all hardback sales in the UK and Ireland.

One Hundred Reasons To Hope

True stories of everyday heroes

Humphrey Carpenter

Fun and magic combine as usual in this new Mr Majeika story. The pupils in Class 3 at St Barty's School are not impressed when their headteacher imposes strict rules of behaviour for Halloween. Mr Majeika uses a little magic to make the evening memorable but nasty Hamish Bigmore tells the local press and gets the wizard-teacher the sack. School without magic seems rather boring and Mr Majeika doesn't last long in the other jobs he tries. His long-time enemy, Wilhelmina Warlock is clearly behindall the trouble; she and the dreaded Hamish must be defeated before life can return to normal.

Mr Majeika and the Lost Spell Book

Anthony McGowan

Ludo, Noah, Jamie, Phillip and Jennifer are THE BARE BUM GANG! They have an embarrassing name but a cool Gang Den, so things could be worse. 
 
Ludo leads the Bare Bum Gang on a raid through the Valley of Doom, deep in enemy territory. But as they are approaching their target, the BBG are ambushed by the Dockery gang. It looks like they are about to be annihilated (or pelted with mud really hard), but then they are rescued by a strange boy called Alfie. When they get back to their den, they find that their sweet stash has been plundered. The wrappers turn up in Ludo's binocular case. Added to the military fiasco in the Valley of Doom, the sweet theft is the final straw. Can Ludo keep his position as leader of the Bare Bum Gang? Or will he have to resort to desperate measures?

The Bare Bum Gang and the Valley of Doom

Ruth Rendell

A charming story of a cat and a dog who live on the same street for younger readers, from bestselling author Ruth Rendell. 
 
Archie the cat and Archie the dog live next door to each other on a street full of feline friends and foes. Read about their adventures - including Archie the cat spending a scary night trapped in a neighbour's attic - in this gentle, lyrical, completely charming book for younger readers. Perfect for all animal lovers.

Archie and Archie

Susie Day

It's Pea's birthday, and all the family are gathered around to celebrate. But there's one person missing - her dad. She has never known him, but is the story Mum always told her (the one about Dad being a pirate) really true? What is this mysterious Piratical Father doing now? So begins Pea's quest to track down her dad once and for all . . .

Pea's Book of Birthdays

When old Mr Jenks retires, St Barty's School advertises for a new caretaker. Unfortunately there's only one applicant - Hamish Bigmore's Uncle Wilf who is just as rude and bad-tempered as Hamish. When Mr Majeika is hurt in an accident it becomes clear that Uncle Wilf is working for the wickedest of witches, Wilhelmina Warlock! It's up to Mr Majeika to work his magic and put things right again.

Mr Majeika and the School Caretaker

Ghillian Potts

"You're a frog, Ryan James, you're a frog. Slimy and jumpy, bug-eyed and lumpy . . ." 
 
Abigail is thrilled when she discovers that she's a witch - at last she can get her own back on her bullying classmate, Ryan. 
 
With help from her pet rat, Gnasher, Abigain turns Ryan into a frog, but that's when disaster strikes - she can't change him back! And suddenly Abigail discovers that she's not the ONLY witch in the classroom . . .

A Witch In The Classroom!

Jeremy Strong

Sigurd, the Viking from the tenth century, is still stuck in the twentieth century. He lives with his friends the Ellis family in a seaside hotel and constantly causes chaos. When Tim and Zoe Ellis take him to school with them a series of seriously funny disasters results.

Viking at School

Ludo, Noah, Jamie, Phillip and Jennifer are THE BARE BUM GANG! They have an embarrassing name but a cool Gang Den, so things could be worse. Join the gang in a new adventure as they battle the forces of the evil Dockery Gang, guard with their lives the secrets of their underground sweet stash, and still get home in time for tea. 
 
Ludo and Noah go to the aid of an old tramp who has collapsed after being hassled by the Dockery gang. Everyone thinks he's a little bit crazy as he dresses in home made armour - his nickname is King Arthur. King Arthur asks Ludo to retrieve his 'treasure' and so the gang have to sneak past security guards and overcome various obstacles to help the old man. But can they get to the treasure before anyone else?

The Bare Bum Gang and the Holy Grail

Wendy Holden

When Haatchi was injured by a train, he lost one of his legs and his tail - a huge problem for such a big dog. He needed some serious love; he needed to find his perfect Forever Home. 
 
And then Haatchi met Owen. 
 
Owen was finding life hard too. He also needed some love. And, like Haatchi, he had a lot of love to give . . . 
 
This is the inspiring true story of the best friends who can overcome any problem together. 
Because, after all, it doesn't matter how many legs or wheels you have, it's who journeys with you.

Haatchi and Little B - Junior edition

Class 3 are sure that something is very wrong when Mr Majeika leaves school without saying goodbye. When they find a message from him saying he's been arrested by the Silly Crime Squad, they are determined to rescue him. To do this they must outwit Hamish Bigmore and Mr Majeika's old enemy, Wilhelmina Worlock. They succeed and Wilhelmina is punished with a 'spell' on earth as a Supply Teacher!

Mr Majeika Vanishes

Eleven-year-old Pea and her wonderfully wacky family are back for their second adventure in this fabulously funny series. 
 
After securing herself a best friend and settling into London life, Pea is now contemplating her future and what exactly she should be when she grows up. Should she be a writer (like Mum)? An artist (like their crazy new au pair Klaudia)? A footballer? A pet therapist? Join Pea as she attempts to find out the answers - with hilarious results!

Pea's Book of Big Dreams

'Sometimes, ' whispered Jody. 'I think school dinners would be alright if it wasn't for her.' 
 
Mrs Chipchase, the nasty dinner lady, makes lunch hour at St Barty's really unpleasant. That is, for everyone but her 'favourite friend', Hamish Bigmore. Up to his usual tricks, Hamish is allowed to eat chocolate instead of ghastly school dinners! 
 
Mr Majeika decides it's time to sort out the menu...

Mr Majeika and the Dinner Lady

&lsquo;Do you think I should ask him out, Nicholas, or is that a bit forward?&rsquo; 
 
&lsquo;GRANNY!&rsquo; We all stared at her. Dad had to sit down. 
 
Nicholas&rsquo;s granny has fallen in love &ndash; with the elderly Hell&rsquo;s Angel next door! Yurrrgghhh. Nicholas&rsquo;s dad isn&rsquo;t happy about it &ndash; but Granny won&rsquo;t let him get in the way. She has a few tricks up her sleeve . . . and Granny on a motorbike could be a very dangerous thing . . .

My Granny's Great Escape

Bali Rai

Dal, Chris, Abs and Jason have made the squad for the local youth club under-11s football team. And after their first match (not as successful as they'd have liked), they are determined to prove that they've got what it takes to be winners. 
 
Jason, Dal, Abs and Chris are about to be famous! A TV documentary is being made about their team and everyone wants the chance to shine in front of the cameras. But what is more important - looking like a star, or playing well as part of the team? When Abs takes his posing a bit too far, is he getting too big for his boots?

Soccer Squad: Stars!

Steven Butler

Chris Fisher

One night, Neville Brisket wakes up from a strange dream - a dream that there is a horrible, stumpy finger stuck up his nose. Then he finds his room in a mess, and his dog in the laundry basket. 
 
Neville's investigations end sposhily, when he is whooshed down the toilet to the land of Under! In a case of mistaken troll-dentity, he finds himself part of a disgusting new family. Will anybody help Neville get back to Over, or will he be stuck eating rat patties and left sock stew forever? 
 
This hilariously delivered tale will delight and disgust parents and children alike.

The Wrong Pong

Ann Cameron

Your wildest dreams can come true! 
 
Julian and Huey want to give their dad the best birthday present ever – something he has always dreamed of. But what could that be? They watch Dad while he’s sleeping to find out. 
 
It’s hard to read someone’s thoughts, but Julian finds a way. And it seems that Dad’s biggest dream is . . . two big snakes! Or is it . . . ?

Julian, Dream Doctor

Tony Lightspeed is always bringing home sick and injured animals, so when he turns up with an unconscious man dressed from head to tie in rather stinky bandages, his family aren't too surprised. But then they discover that the man is an ancient Egyptian pharaoh named Sennapod, who has been dead for over 4,000 years. Brought back to life by two dastardly grave robbers, Sennapod is on the run. Can he persuade the Lightspeeds to help him?

There's A Pharaoh In Our Bath!

'I really am quite useless as a wizard.' 
 
But Class Three thinks Mr Majeika is an excellent wizard, particularly when his spells go wrong! First Hamish Bigmore ends up on TV, then a real giant appears in the school play. And finally Mr Majeika gets the whole class lost on a magic carpet! There's always an adventure with Mr Majeika around...

Mr Majeika and the School Play

Malorie Blackman

Poor Fangs, the tarantula, is terribly lonely and bored with her life in the pet-shop. So when Nathan takes her home, she's more than excited about her new life. But before Nathan can introduce his new pet to his family, he's going to need her help to convince them that spiders aren't just creepy and crawly . . . They're beautiful and brave too! 
 
This funny story from the Children's Laureate, Malorie Blackman, is perfect for building confidence in young readers - whether reading aloud or reading alone.

Fangs

Flora was born on the first day of term in the new school year, which might be why she's a very special mouse indeed - a mouse who has taught herself to read! 
 
Flora lives in a classroom, and is determined to learn all sorts of things that no mouse has ever learned before. Her family is horrified at first, but then Flora's reading saves their lives ...

The Schoolmouse

John Dougherty

WHAT A LOUSE! Jim is a head-louse, newly-hatched from a nit on Gregory's head. But as Gregory is a good listener and it's 'in his blood', Jim's breakfast turns him into a good listener too and suddenly school storytime changes from Literacy Hour to Niteracy Hour. And can Jim help Gregory do something about Duncan, the class bully? He's the real louse in the class-

Niteracy Hour

Linda Newbery

Tomas wants to be like his father – strong, brave and fearless. Pappi is a mountain guide, often away from home. He has taught Tomas to love the mountains, but also to fear their dangers – the winds and blizzards, the treacherous paths, the giddying slopes. 
 
Above all, Tomas fears the Brockenspectre – a huge, shadowy creature that lives alone in the heights, waiting for unwary climbers. Its looming figure haunts his thoughts and his dreams. 
 
When Pappi goes out one day and fails to return, Tomas knows it’s up to him to search – up on the high mountain passes, where dangers await. 
 
Will Tomas find his father . . . or will the Brockenspectre find him?

The Brockenspectre

Jill Murphy

Puffin audio presents brand new recordings of the one and only Worst Witch, read by Gemma Arterton. 
 
Mildred Hubble is the worst witch at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches - she's always getting her spells wrong. But she manages to get by until she turns Ethel, the teacher's pet, into her deadly enemy . . 
 
This audiobook collection includes: 
 
The Worst Witch 
The Worst Witch Strikes Again 
A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch 
The Worst Witch All at Sea

The Worst Witch; The Worst Strikes Again; A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch and The Worst Witch All at Sea

Melissa Wareham

Melissa Wareham loved her job at Battersea Dogs &amp; Cats Home, caring for lost and abandoned animals. When Gus - elderly, smelly and poorly - arrives at the Home one day, she knows that she has found the dog for her - and that he has found the human for him! 
Life with Gus takes some getting used to... from him insisting on drinking out of the toilet bowl, his sleep-destroying snores and his bath-aversion tactics... but Gus is a funny, gentle, loving dog and Melissa and he quickly become completely inseperable. 
This is a funny, sad, wise and kind tale of the joy that adopting a rescue animal brings.

Rescuing Gus

Jacqueline Wilson

Nick Sharratt

You're invited to the ultimate sleepover! 
 
Amy, Bella, Chloe, Daisy and Emily are friends at school and have their own Alphabet Club (just look at their initials!). Daisy is the newest member and is desperate to fit in, even though Chloe is very unfriendly to her at times. 
 
When the girls begin planning sleepover parties for their birthdays, Daisy is dreading her own - she doesn't know what her friends will make of her older sister . . .

Sleepovers

Roald Dahl

Quentin Blake

"A stodgy parent is no fun at all. What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is sparky" 
 
Danny has the most marvellous and exciting father anyone ever had. He can repair any car or machine that people bring to him, loves going on adventures with Danny and tells him incredible stories around the stove in the cozy caravan they call home. 
 
The land around them belongs to Mr Hazell, a rich bully who NOBODY likes, not one-little bit. So, Danny and his father concoct a daring plot that will give Mr Hazell the greatest shock of his life. 
 
But can they pull off this level of mischief-making without getting caught...?

Danny the Champion of the World

Theo Walcott

TJ's friend Jamie is the heart and soul of the Parkview football team, but although he's a great tackler his passes are dangerously random - and he can't resist the stodgy food that his mum and the school cook love to tempt him with. Jamie becomes so unfit that Mr Wood drops him from the team, so his friends and their parents organize a World Food and Football day to try and change his eating habits - and to impress the Inspectors who seem to think Parkview is not a very good school. Jamie works really hard to get fit, and finally regains his place in the team, but only when he accepts his true vocation as a goalie.

T.J. and the Penalty

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