Anita Desai

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Simran Jeet Singh

Baljinder Kaur

The inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, the oldest person to ever run a marathon. 
 
Fauja did not listen and Fauja did not stop. 
He knew it was time for him to take a step in a new direction... 
 
When Fauja Singh was born in a village in Punjab, his legs were so weak that no one thought he would walk. But Fauja was determined - and he amazed the world with what he could do. At 81, Fauja entered his first race. Then he went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete a marathon. 
 
With inspiring text by Simran Jeet Singh and beautiful illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh shows us that anything is possible.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Sathnam Sanghera

This is the story of the British empire for readers aged 9+, told through the monumental journeys that shaped it - by award-winning, bestselling author of Empireland, Empireworld and Stolen History Sathnam Sanghera. 
 
The British empire is the biggest thing we ever did as a country. Bigger than winning both World Wars, bigger than winning any number of World Cups in any number of sports, bigger than inventing James Bond, Peppa Pig and Lord of the Rings combined. Yet, we don’t talk about it much. And it's barely taught in schools. 
 
But how do we even begin to tell this massive story? 
 
In his second children's book on the British empire, Satham Sanghera tells us all about the empire through the epic and monumental journeys that shaped it. From the rebellious pirate queen who sailed the seas on perilous adventures, to the tragic true story of Pocahontas, and Gandhi's extraordinary Salt March, this collection of 10 journeys takes readers on a voyage through Britain's imperial history, and shows how it continues to impact the entire world today.

Journeys of Empire

British voyages that changed the world forever – and the rebels who resisted

William Shakespeare

With a foreword by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, author of Ace of Spades 
 
‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.’ 
 
When Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, discovers his father was murdered, he swears vengeance against the killer: his father’s brother, Claudius, who has married Hamlet’s mother and taken the throne. 
 
Furious at this betrayal, Hamlet devises a complex plot to reveal the truth and enact his revenge. But Claudius has a devious plan of his own. Together, they will bring devastation to the entire court. 
 
Offering the complete and unabridged text, set in a dyslexic-friendly font and introduced by renowned YA authors, this beautifully designed collection is the perfect way to introduce YA readers to Shakespeare's most iconic stories.

Hamlet

Staged: the origins of YA’s greatest tropes

‘The course of true love never did run smooth …’ 
 
Hermia loves Lysander. But she must marry Demetrius or be condemned to life in a convent. Together, they plan to elope to escape their fate. But Helena, Hermia’s best friend, secretly loves Demetrius and, hoping to win his heart, tells him about the plan. 
 
Soon, the four unlucky lovers cross paths with Oberon, the jilted fairy king. When a powerful, love-inducing flower is put to nefarious use, a case of multiple mistaken identities sets in motion a night of magic and mayhem that could change all of their lives forever. 
 
Offering the complete and unabridged text, set in a dyslexic-friendly font and introduced by renowned YA authors, this beautifully designed collection is the perfect way to introduce YA readers to Shakespeare's most iconic stories.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

This vibrant mini-hardback celebrates the reign of one of Britain's most iconic rulers. Filled with beautiful illustrations, early photographs and details from throughout her reign. She guided Great Britain through a period of immense change and invention. This book explores the lasting legacy Victoria and her devoted husband, Prince Albert, had on the world. 
 
The latest in the popular V&amp;A Introduces series which celebrates icons of the art and design world.

V&A Introduces: Queen Victoria

Jeremy Dronfield

The extraordinary true story of the sisters who saved each other. 
 
Friedel and Gina, twins and best friends, live happy enough lives. Their world is cycling trips, visits to their father’s shops, and first-day-of school excitement. 
 
But this is a world that is about to fall apart. 
 
It is the 1930s, and the Nazis are on the rise across Germany. They hate anyone who is different – anyone who is Jewish. 
 
Friedel and Gina and their family are Jewish, and before long they are forced to journey to Poland, where terrible hardships await in a prison-like ghetto. Soon separated from loved ones, as the Second World War rages around them Friedel and Gina are eventually taken to a Nazi prison camp – a place of danger and fear, where they must do everything they can to survive. 
 
From daring recues to incredible acts of kindness, this is the story of the sisters’ love for each other, and of friendships found in the darkest of places.

For the Ones You Love

A true story of sisterhood and survival during the Holocaust

Gerald Durrell

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.

Ten-year-old Gerald doesn't know why his older brothers and sisters complain so much. With snakes in the bath and scorpions on the lunch table, the family home on the Greek island of Corfu is a bit like a zoo so they should feel right at home... 
Gerald joyfully pursues his interest in natural history in the midsts of an unconventional and chaotic family life - all brilliantly retold in this very funny book.

My Family and Other Animals

Morris Gleitzman

For three years and eight months Felix has lived in a convent orphanage high in the mountains in Poland. But Felix is different from the other orphans. He is convinced his parents are still alive and will come back to get him. When a group of Nazi soldiers come and burn the nuns' books, Felix is terrified that his Jewish, bookseller parents will also be in danger. After escaping from the orphanage, Felix embarks on a long and dangerous journey through Nazi occupied Poland, befriending a little orphan girl called Zelda and a kindly dentist, Barney, who hides and cares for Jewish children. But when the Nazis discover them, Barney makes the ultimate sacrifice for the children.

Once

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Rekha Salin

Little Sheku LOVED music. He loved to hear the beautiful sounds that flowed from his cello as his bow danced across the strings. And he loved finding music in unexpected places... 
 
Little Sheku can't wait to play his cello in a concert with the animal orchestra. But when they discover a dragon has stolen the conductor, Little Sheku and the animals must embark on a music-filled adventure to the dragon's cave. Will they rescue the conductor in time to finish the concert? 
 
From globally renowned, award-winning cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, comes this magical, musical picture book adventure that will inspire a love of music in readers of three and up. 
 
Sheku's lyrical writing weaves musicality into every sentence, drawing on his life-long love of the cello to tell his tale. Rekha Salin's stunning illustrations send music springing and singing from every page.

Little Sheku and the Animal Orchestra

David Ziggy Greene

When everything is taken away from you, love and courage are all you have left. 
 
In 1938, the Nazis come to Vienna. They hate anyone who is different, especially Jewish people. 
 
Fritz and Kurt's family are Jewish, and that puts them in terrible danger. 
 
Fritz, along with his father, is taken to a Nazi prison camp, a terrible place, full of fear. When his father is sent to a certain death, Fritz can't face losing his beloved Papa. He chooses to go with him and fight for survival. 
 
Meanwhile, Kurt must go on a frightening journey, all alone, to seek safety on the far side of the world. 
 
In this extraordinary true story, Fritz and Kurt must face unimaginable hardships, and the two brothers wonder if they will ever return home . . .

Fritz and Kurt

Meghan The Duchess of Sussex

Christian Robinson

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex's first children's book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother's eyes. The book's storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion. 
 
This is your bench 
Where you'll witness great joy. 
From here you will rest 
See the growth of our boy. 
 
In The Bench, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family. 
 
Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Bench gives readers a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons - moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and lasting comfort. 
 
Working in watercolour for the first time, Caldecott-winning, bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson expands on his signature style to bring joy and softness to the pages, reflecting the beauty of a father's love through a mother's eyes. 
 
With a universal message, this thoughtful and heartwarming read-aloud is destined to be treasured by families for generations to come.

The Bench

Roald Dahl

Sibéal Pounder

Paul King

Simon Farnaby

Before Charlie, before the Chocolate Factory, comes a story of invention and imagination . . . 
 
Ever since he was a child, Willy Wonka had dreamed of making chocolate and sharing it with the world. 
 
As a young man, he arrives at the world-famous Galeries Gourmet, determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. 
 
But hounded by a trio of jealous chocolatiers, and tricked into a lifetime of washhouse drudgery, Wonka will need a little luck and a whole lot of magic – along with some help from a few friends – to fulfil his destiny. 
 
Because if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible. 
 
This delicious tale of dreams, friendship and chocolate is based on the major motion picture, Wonka, directed by Paul King, who created the story and wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby. The story is brought to the page by bestselling author Sibéal Pounder.

Wonka

Stephen Hawking

Lucy Hawking

"A glorious scientific gaze at our world, and the universe beyond in a fact-filled volume that will keep curious kids occupied for ages" - ReadItDaddy blog 
 
"An excellent book that will do wonders to raise enthusiasm for science among young and old readers alike" - Jonali Karmakar, Blogger 
 
"Despite it's scientific content the essays are written in a very accessible style and the many topics investigated which range from the physical explanations of the universe to earth science to robotics and future predictions. Highly recommended for curious minds from around 10 years upwards" - Sue Warren, Blogger 
 
Have you ever wondered how the universe began? Or what it takes to put humans on the moon - or even on Mars? What would you do if you could travel through space and time? 
 
*NOW WITH BRAND NEW CONTENT FOR 2021* 
 
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful collection of up-to-the-minute essays mind-blowing facts and out-of-this-world colour photographs, by the world's leading scientists including Professor Stephen Hawking himself, curated by the brilliant Lucy Hawking.

Unlocking the Universe

Lauren Beard

Abie Longstaff

Join Kittie Lacey, as she faces her most hair-raising challenge - an evil witch, a tall tower, and a girl called Rapunzel who is having a very bad hair day. Will Kittie manage to tame unruly locks that go on for miles, rescue a princess and create a happily ever after? 
 
A refreshed edition of this fabulously fun story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel

New Edition

Michael Rosen

Quentin Blake

Just how did Roald Dahl get into writing? Where did he get his ideas from? What ingredients in his life turned him into the kind of writer he was? Michael Rosen - poet, broadcaster and former Children's Laureate, comes up with some of the answers to these key questions in his lively biography of the world's No.1 storyteller. Full of stories and funny anecdotes from Roald Dahl's school days and family life, Michael Rosen's fascinating observations creates a vivid picture of one of the most famous writers of all time.

Fantastic Mr Dahl

With a foreword by Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places and Breathless 
&lsquo;For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.&rsquo; 
 
A bloody feud. A tangled love. A senseless tragedy that brings two families to their knees. 
 
After a chance meeting at a ball, young Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall desperately in love. But their families are locked in a bitter rivalry, their love forbidden. When blood is spilled, Romeo is banished, forcing Juliet to take desperate measures that spell tragedy for the star-crossed lovers. 
 
Offering the complete and unabridged text, set in a dyslexic-friendly font and introduced by renowned YA authors, this beautifully designed collection is the perfect way to introduce YA readers to Shakespeare's most iconic stories.

Romeo and Juliet

Robin Stevens

Shortlisted for the Edgar Award for juvenile fiction 2018! 
 
Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are taking a holiday on the world-famous Orient Express - and it's clear that each of their fellow first-class passengers has something to hide. Even more intriguing: there is rumour of a spy in their midst. 
 
Then, during dinner, there is a scream from inside one of the cabins. When the door is broken down, a passenger is found murdered, her stunning ruby necklace gone. But the killer has vanished - as if into thin air. 
 
Daisy and Hazel are faced with their first ever locked-room mystery - and with competition from several other sleuths, who are just as determined to crack the case.

First Class Murder

Gina Chadderton

A heartwarming graphic novel memoir for middle grade readers – a special book about neurodiversity and acceptance. 
 
You might be wondering who I am and why my brother doesn’t seem to talk, puts his fingers in his ears and shakes his arms around… 
 
Gina’s little brother Rob is a huge fan of Vegemite and Disney movies, and he hates wearing shoes. He’s also non-verbal with severe autism. 
 
There’s a lot going on with Gina too: she starts high school, gets her first period, and her anxiety is making it tough to find new friends. Most people at school know her as the girl who doesn’t shave, but she strikes up a friendship with Callie, the only one who makes an effort with her. 
 
But when Rob’s meltdowns lead to him destroying Gina and Callie’s school project, Gina is worried that the friendship will never recover… 
 
This moving graphic novel explores Gina Chadderton’s experiences growing up with her younger brother Rob. It is a story of friendship, family and of love - and most of all, it is a story intended for other siblings.

Oh Brother

A Graphic Memoir

Roald Dahl wasn't always a writer. Once he was just a schoolboy. Have you ever wondered what he was like growing up? 
In BOY you'll find out why he and his friends took revenge on the beastly Mrs Pratchett who ran the sweet shop. He remembers what it was like taste-testing chocolate for Cadbury's and he even reveals how his nose was nearly sliced off. 
Then in GOING SOLO you'll read stories of whizzing through the air in a Tiger Moth Plane, encounters with hungry lions, and the terrible crash that led him to storytelling. 
Roald Dahl tells his story in his own words - and it's all TRUE.

Boy and Going Solo

Bill Bryson

Ever wondered how we got from nothing to something? 
Or thought about how we can weigh the earth? 
Or wanted to reach the edge of the universe? 
 
Uncover the mysteries of time, space and life on earth in this extraordinary book - a journey from the centre of the planet to the dawn of the dinosaurs, and everything in between. 
 
And discover our own incredible journey, from single cell to civilisation, including the brilliant (and sometimes very bizarre) scientists who helped us find out the how and why.

A Really Short History of Nearly Everything

Sabina Radeva

The first ever picture-book retelling of Charles Darwin's On The Origin of Species; this accessible work brings evolution to the younger generation through stylish illustrations and a simple, easy-to-understand text. 
 
On The Origin of Species has been the definitive explanation of the theory of evolution since it was first published in 1859. Now molecular biologist and illustrator Sabina Radeva unites her two passions to create a 64-page retelling of this seminal text. 
 
Pulling together Darwin's observations from his travels around the world and his groundbreaking - and controversial - explanation of how species form, develop and change over hundreds of thousands of years, On The Origin of Species is as relevant and important now as it ever was.

On The Origin of Species

‘We that are true lovers run into strange capers.’ 
 
Banished from her ambitious uncle’s court, the lovesick Rosalind flees to the forest with her cousin, Celia. Disguised as shepherds, they soon meet the dashing Orlando – forced into hiding by a plot against his life, heartbroken at the separation from his beloved Rosalind. 
 
Oblivious to her identity, Orlando grows close to Rosalind. But a local shepherdess has also fallen for Rosalind. 
 
As their hopes and dreams entangle, can everyone get what they want? 
 
Offering the complete and unabridged text, set in a dyslexic-friendly font and introduced by renowned YA authors, this beautifully designed collection is the perfect way to introduce YA readers to Shakespeare's most iconic stories.

As You Like It

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

Alexis Snell

There was once a bear, a great, white bear - Queen of Beasts. Her kingdom was a beautiful, cold, glistening place. But over the years the ice disappeared, slipping away like sand through an hourglass. Slowly, slowly, one by one, the other animals moved on. 
 
The Great Bear has no choice but to leave her snowy realm to search for food, friends and a new home. She soon discovers a world that is growing hotter whilst hearts grow colder - until one small act of kindness changes everything. 
The Bear in the Stars is a story about loss, kindness and new beginnings. 
 
A beautiful and inspirational story for readers of all ages.

The Bear in the Stars

Simon Squibb

Do you want to be an astronaut? A politician? A footballer? 
 
Well, you can! DREAM BIG! 
 
In this exciting and innovative children’s workbook, viral-sensation entrepreneur and bestselling author Simon Squibb will help kids to unwind from exam and school pressures and help them to dream BIG! 
 
With inspiring real-life celebrity stories and journal pages, this book is packed with tips and tricks to help children feel comforted and supported as they realise their dreams, map out what they truly love and build happier and more fulfilling lives in the future. 
 
This is the perfect book to help children navigate the tricky perils of growing up, especially during the transition to secondary school, unlocking their potential and creativity. 
 
So, pick up a pencil and let’s begin. . . what’s your dream?

What's Your Dream? The Workbook

As a boy, all sorts of unusual things happened to Roald Dahl. 
There was the time he and four school friends got their revenge on beastly Mrs Prachett in her sweet shop. 
There are stories of holidays in fishing boats, African adventures and the days of tasting chocolate for Cadbury's. 
You'll hear tales of horrible school bullies and the motor-car accident when Roald's nose was nearly sliced clean off . . . 
Roald Dahl vividly shares his memories; some are funny. Some are painful. Some are unpleasant. All are true.

Tales of Childhood

As a boy, all sorts of unusual things happened to Roald Dahl. 
There was the time he and four school friends got their revenge on beastly Mrs Prachett in her sweet shop. 
There are stories of holidays in fishing boats, African adventures and the days of tasting chocolate for Cadbury's. 
You'll hear tales of horrible school bullies and the car accident when Roald's nose was nearly sliced clean off . . Now you can discover even more about Roald Dahl's childhood, including some secrets he left out. Some are painful, some are funny, but all of them are TRUE.

More About Boy

‘It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.’ 
 
On a bleak, stormy night, three witches prophesy: Macbeth will be a lord twice-over, Macbeth will be king, Banquo’s sons will be kings. 
 
When their predictions start to come true, the ambitious Lady Macbeth vows to help her husband become King of Scotland and hold on to the throne – by any means necessary. But as the pursuit of power leads them down a dark and bloody path, the Macbeths begin to unravel. 
 
Offering the complete and unabridged text, set in a dyslexic-friendly font and introduced by renowned YA authors, this beautifully designed collection is the perfect way to introduce YA readers to Shakespeare's most iconic stories.

Macbeth

Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels fans will love this awesome graphic novel with two new stories based on the hit Netflix show, Hot Wheels Let's Race! 
 
With full-colour art from the new animated series on Netflix on every page, this graphic novel is the ultimate format for Hot Wheels fans. 
 
Join racers, Coop, Axle, Brights, Spark, Sidecar, and Mac and their chosen Hot Wheels cars as they race to save Hot Wheels City! 
 
First, in Trashed Tracks, the racers are cleaning up the Crash Pad but, when the trash cart is overfilled, all the trash is launched onto the track builder and into Hot Wheels City! Can Coop find a way to clear up the trash, and fast? Challenge Accepted! 
 
Then, in Mini Coop join Coop, Mac and Spark after they’ve been zapped and shrunk by Dash’s Shrink-o-Tron! Can they avoid the falling nuts and bolts, being mistaken for an anchovy on a pizza, and being sucked up by a vacuum? 
 
This 64-page, colourful graphic novel includes two Hot Wheels stories filled with turbo charged challenges, supreme speed races and epic stunts! 
 
Don’t miss these other epic Hot Wheels books: 
Hot Wheels: Let’s Race: Racers to the Rescue!: Graphic Novel 
Hot Wheels: The Big Race: Search and Find 
Hot Wheels: Collector’s Guide

Hot Wheels: Let’s Race: Revved Up and Ready!: Graphic Novel

Cathy Reay

A warm, funny and empowering guide to what you can expect growing up disabled, written by disabled journalist and mum Cathy Reay. 
 
Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere? 
 
Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you? 
 
Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do. 
 
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are. 
 
In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity. 
 
This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the move from primary to secondary school, voicing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy examines the challenges faced by disabled children, touching gently on issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times. 
 
How To Be Disabled and Proud empowers disabled readers to value and appreciate themselves for who they are, exactly as they are, and acts as a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children to advocate for a more accessible, more understanding world. 
 
Featuring interviews from a wide range of disabled changemakers and friends, including Ellie Simmonds, Jameisha Prescod, Nina Tame, Dr Shani Dhanda, Ellie Middleton, Elle McNicoll, Simon Wheatcroft and even a couple of disabled kids. 
 
This is the essential guide to growing up disabled, perfect for children aged 9+ to read together with their families.

How To Be Disabled and Proud

(or at least kinda sorta okay with it...)

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The Count of Monte Cristo

White Nights

Here, from Anita Desai to Salman Rushdie, are five books about families, India, marriage and the rest, to keep you going as the series moves on.

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