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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Ursula Williams

A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.

When Aunt Lily marries the lodger and goes to America, orphaned Samantha is packed off to her Aunt Daisy, who lives in a grand house at the Park. Snooty Lady Daisy Clandorris has no time for children. Lucky for Samantha, then, to discover the small, furry creature living in the cellar; a bogwoppit - believed extinct - up till now...

Bogwoppit

Accidentally transported from his remote Scottish castle to the bright, fast-moving, hi-tech city of Toronto, the highly mischievous Boggart simply can't resist the opportunity for pranks, and wreaks havoc for the Volnik family, inheritors of his distant castle home. But the Boggart doesn't mean any real harm, and when he begins to pine for the rolling Scottish mists and the sound of bagpipes, he turns to his two young friends, Emily and Jessup Volnik, for help. 
 
A delightfully funny and moving story for children.

The Boggart

Tove Jansson

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Finn Family Moomintroll complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
Cheerful Moomintroll lives in the magical Moominvalley with his mother, Moominmamma, his father, Moominpappa and all of their friends. One spring he wakes up to find a big hat - a magical Hobgoblin hat, no less, that mysteriously transforms anyone or anything that falls into it. . . 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

Finn Family Moomintroll

Mary Norton

The Borrowers live in the secret places of quiet old houses - behind the mantelpiece, inside the harpsichord, under the kitchen clock. Everything they have is borrowed from the 'human beans', who don't even know they exist. But then young Arrietty makes friends with a boy - a 'human bean' - and from that moment danger is never far away for, above all else, they must avoid the great disaster of 'being seen'. 
In The Borrowers Afield the Pod family escape to the fields where their cousins live, but it's a long and dangerous journey. In The Borrowers Afloat Arrietty looks forward to a life away from the dark country cottage, to one full of sunshine. In The Borrowers Aloft: the family are now living in the model village of Little Fordham. All they have to do is avoid being seen by the visitors . . . In The Borrowers Avenged Pod, Homily and Arrietty have managed to escape with the help of Spiller. They move into the old rectory where they live happily until the Potters come looking for them. 
Poor Stainless: Young Stainless, a Borrower boy, goes missing on a mission to borrow some parsley and an enormous search ensues.

The Complete Borrowers

Pod, Homily and Arrietty are a family of tiny people who live beneath the floor, behind the grandfather clock in the old rectory. They own nothing - everything they have is borrowed from the 'human beans' who don't even know they exist. Arrietty's father, Pod, is an expert borrower. He can scale curtains using a hatpin and bring back a doll's teacup without breaking it. Girl's aren't supposed to go borrowing, but as Arrietty is an only child, Pod breaks the rules. But when she is in the house borrowing, something happens which changes their lives. Arrietty makes friends with 'the boy upstairs'.

The Borrowers

Robert C. O'Brien

They are not like other rats. They work at night, in secret . . . 
 
Time is running out for Mrs Frisby. She must move her family of mice before the farmer destroys their home. But her youngest son, Timothy, is too ill to survive the move. 
 
Help comes in the unexpected form of a group of mysterious, super-intelligent rats. But the rats are in danger too, and little by little Mrs Frisby discovers their extraordinary past . . .

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Katherine Paterson

Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the class, but when a girl named Leslie Burke moves into the neighbouring farm his life changes forever. Even though she runs faster than him, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay - she's clever and funny and not a bit soppy. And it is Leslie who invents Terabithia, the secret country on an island across the creek where he can escape his troublesome family.The only way to reach Terabithia is by rope-swing where Jess and Leslie become King and Queen, defeating giants, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against their enemies. They are invincible - until tragedy strikes. It is more dreadful than anything Jess had ever dreamed of, but as he struggles to cope with his grief and anger, he finds that his family value him more than he'd thought and that, still King, he could even save Terabithia for the future.

Bridge to Terabithia

On holiday in Cornwall, Simon, Jane and Barney Drew discover an ancient map in the attic of the Grey House, where they are staying with their mysterious Great-Uncle Merry. They know immediately that it is special. But it is much more than just a map. It is the start of a quest to find a grail, a source of great power that could contain - or resurrect - the powerful, age-old forces of evil in the world. And the Drews are not the only ones searching for it. 
 
The first thrilling book in the highly acclaimed Dark Is Rising sequence.

Over Sea, Under Stone

The Dark is Rising sequence

Rosemary Sutcliff

Rooted in folklore, medieval ideals of chivalry, and the last gallant struggles of the British against the Saxon invaders, the legends of King Arthur have been told in song and story since the middle ages. 
 
The Sword and the Circle tells of the birth of Arthur, the gift of Excalibur, the forming of the Round Table and the first noble quests of its knights until the arrival of Percival . . .

The Sword and the Circle

The Borrowers live in the secret places of quiet old houses; behind the mantelpiece, inside the harpsichord, under the kitchen clock. They own nothing, borrow everything, and think that human beings were invented just to do the dirty work. Arrietty's father, Pod, was an expert Borrower. He could scale curtains using a hatpin, and bring back a doll's teacup without breaking it. Girls weren't supposed to go borrowing but as Arrietty was an only child her father broke the rule, and then something happened which changed their lives. She made friends with the human boy living in the house...

Barbara Sleigh

This is the story of a cat, a broomstick and an ordinary schoolgirl called Rosemary.  She bought them both in the market, quite cheaply. Of course, neither the cat nor the broomstick were just what they seemed, and they turned up just when Rosemary badly needed something nice to happen to her. A good cat is apt to be independent, so she did not have things all her own way, and as Carbonel proved to be a Royal cat in a very special sense, that was understandable. Between the cat and the broomstick, Rosemary picked up some useful spells and magic, and the adventures they brought about turned a dull-looking holiday into one long to be remembered for its unexpected excitements and rewards.

Carbonel

Witi Ihimaera

In every generation since the legendary 'whale rider', a male descendant inherits the title of chief. But now there is no male heir-there's only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. 
 
But Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle, she has a unique ally: the ancient whale rider himself. With a fierce determination and the power of her gifts, Kahu may be able to strengthen her tribe's ancestral connections, earn her great-grandfather's attention-and lead her community to a bold new future. 
 
Can she embrace her destiny and become the next whale rider?

The Whale Rider

Penelope Farmer

It is Charlotte's first night at boarding school. Before she goes to sleep, she sees from the window a corner of the new building. But when she wakes up, instead of the building there is a huge, dark cedar tree, and the girl in the next bed is not the girl who slept there last night. She calls Charlotte 'Clare', and says she is her younger sister Emily. Somehow, Charlotte has slipped back forty years to 1918 and the end of the First World War. Charlotte and Clare swap places ever night until one day Charlotte becomes trapped in 1918 and must find a way to return to her own time before the end of term.

Charlotte Sometimes

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Moominpappa at Sea complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
Moominpappa is feeling at a loss. He has no idea what to do with himself - it seems everything has already been done! So he takes his family off to start a new life in a lighthouse on a tiny, rocky island far out to sea. It's rather lonely at first, but it isn't long before the Moomins discover some funny and surprising new things about themselves. 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

Moominpappa at Sea

M M Kaye

Crustacea, Prince Amy's cross Fairy Godmother, gave her goddaughter a curious christening present. 'You shall be ordinary!' she cried. But Her Serene and Royal Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne grew up to have the most extraordinary adventures . . .

The Ordinary Princess

Dick King-Smith

Discovered as a foundling in a lambing pen, Spider Sparrow grows up surrounded by animals. From sheep and horses to wild otters and foxes, Spider loves them all, even the crows he must scare away from the newly sown wheat. Crowstarving is the ideal job for Spider - he is on his own, yet never alone for all around him are animals of one sort or another. Amazingly, every animal who meets Spider implicitly trusts the young boy. This magical rapport is Spider's unique gift, but nothing else in his tough life is so easy.

The Crowstarver

Following a serious illness, Will is sent to stay with his uncle in the wild, bleak mountains of Tywyd. He is troubled by vague memories until he meets the mysterious Bran - and suddenly Will knows the task that lies ahead. With Bran's help, Will set outs to find the golden harp and awaken the six sleepers who must join the final battle between the Dark and the Light. But Will is about to encounter his most terrifying opponent yet: the Grey King. 
 
The fourth powerful book in the highly acclaimed Dark is Rising sequence.

The Grey King

Catherine Storr

Originally published as Last Stories of Polly and the Wolf, the wolf is back again and determined to eat Polly. He sets up all kinds of traps to try and get her into his clutches, but Polly is just too clever for him - until one day when things take a very unexpected turn - perhaps the stupid wolf is not quite so stupid after all...!

Moominland Midwinter

In their desperate quest to find the grail, stolen by the forces of the Dark, the Drew children have returned to Trewissick. One night, in a strange ceremony, Jane watches the village women construct the Greenwitch: an ancient offering to the sea. Overcome by the Greenwitch's power, Jane makes a perilous wish - one that will tip the balance in the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Greenwitch

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Moominsummer Madness complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
It all begins on a hot day in June, and a volcano dropping black ash on Moominmamma's washing. A crack appears in the ground, and Moomintroll's toothbrush slips straight down into it! When a great flood wave comes crashing through Moomin Valley, the Moomins find themselves in a brand new home . . . 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

Moominsummer Madness

Clive King

Clive King's wonderful classic, Stig of the Dump, is now available to download, read by the brilliant Tony Robinson. 
 
Barney is a solitary little boy, given to wandering off by himself. One day he is lying on the edge of a disused chalk-pit when it gives way and he lands in a sort of cave. Here he meets 'somebody with a lot of shaggy hair and two bright black eyes' wearing a rabbit skin and speaking in grunts. He names him Stig. Of course nobody believes Barney when he tells his family all about Stig, but for Barney cave-man Stig is totally real. They become great friends, learning each others ways and embarking on a series of unforgettable adventures. 
 
Cover illustration by Edward Ardizzone

Stig of the Dump

T H White

Ten-year-old orphan Maria lives in her ancestors' crumbling mansion. Exploring the grounds one day, Maria discovers a wild, half-forgotten island in the middle of a neglected lake - and an extraordinary secret. For the island is home to a community of tiny people - the Lilliputians that Gulliver first met on his famous travels. 
But as Maria grows closer to her new friends, her own life is in grave danger. Her wicked governess and the cruel vicar are plotting to steal her rightful inheritance - and they will stop at nothing. How can Maria keep the Lilliputians safe, while protecting herself?

Mistress Masham's Repose

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of The Exploits of Moominpappa complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
Here is Moominpappa's promised life story - from the days when he was abandoned in a newspaper parcel on the doorstep of a Moomin orphanage, to when he ran away to see the world and met Moominmamma. 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

The Exploits of Moominpappa

Federico Ivanier

When ordinary, lonely Martina Valiente discovers a mysterious golden box in a forgotten room at her grandmother’s house, she is drawn into the fantastical world of Novrogod – where magic thrives and the balance between Wizardry and Darkness must be carefully maintained. 
 
But now, Novrogod is threatened by Voraz, a wizard of Darkness, and Martina learns that she is ‘The Sent One’ - a guardian of Novrogod that is destined to return to the land when it needs them the most. 
 
Along with her stepbrother Matias, Martina sets out to collect the magical items that will aid them in restoring peace and balance to Novrogod. But can she defeat Voraz once before dark magic consumes this new world?

Sword of Fire

Philip Ridley

Ruskin Splinter is small and thin, with knock-knees, thick glasses and a squeaky voice, and the idea of him taming a dragon makes the whole class laugh. Big, strong Elvis is stupid but he looks like a hero. So who is more likely to get the big part in the school play? But when the mysterious beast, Krindlekrax, threatens Lizard Street and everyone who lives there, it is Ruskin who saves the day and proves he is the stuff that heros are made of after all.

Krindlekrax

Rosemary Manning

Constance Marshall

Rediscover this magical story of a little girl and the dragon she finds in a cave in Cornwall, in this classic new edition. 
 
She heard a noise very like a loud sneeze, and a little puff of green smoke came out of the cave and floated away into the air. 
 
On holiday in Cornwall, while exploring along the coastline, Susan discovers something something quite different from anything she had ever seen before. It would be more polite to call him Someone rather than Something. Out of a cave comes a green scaly dragon, with yellow horns and a charming smile...

Green Smoke

A second book of stories written for the author's daughter, who was scared of the wolf under the bed. The blundering, endearing wolf is still determined to prove himself cleverer than Polly - but the resolute and affectionate Polly outwits him every time! 
Skilfully blending fantasy and reality, these stories are bursting with humour, originality and charm.

Polly And the Wolf Again

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Tales from Moominvalley complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
If you found a tiny golden dragon would you know what to do with it? Moomintroll thinks he does, but when he takes his new-found pet home, things don't quite go to plan. And suppose Too-ticky brought you an invisible child, would you know how to make her visible again? Meet new and delightful characters and re-encounter old friends, such as Snufkin and Little My in this entertaining collection of stories about life in Moominvalley. There are some new characters to meet, such as the Fillyjonk and the Hattifatteners, as well as old friends, namely Snufkin and Little My - and not to mention dear Moominpappa, Moominmamma and Moomintroll of course! 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

Tales from Moominvalley

Rediscover the A Puffin Book series and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this magical edition of Comet in Moominland complete with a charming new cover design. 
 
A comet is speeding towards Earth - will it destroy everything and everyone? Moomintroll decides to investigate. So, with Sniff, he sets off on an expedition to ask the Professor about the comet. On their way they meet Snufkin and the Hemulen who rescues them from a secret underground tunnel - but can they escape the dangerous crocodiles that lurk. . . 
 
They seem to grow in wisdom and delight every time I read them - Philip Pullman

Comet in Moominland

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