Michael Symmons Roberts’s fourth book of poetry, Corpus, was the winner of the 2004 Whitbread Poetry Award, and was shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize, the Forward Prize, and the Griffin International Prize. His sixth collection, Drysalter, was the winner of both the Forward Prize and the Costa Poetry Prize in 2013. He collaborated with Paul Farley on Edgelands (Cape/Vintage) and will do so again in The Deaths of the Poets (Cape, 2017). He has also worked many times with the composer James MacMillan. He has published two novels, and is Professor of Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Michael Symmons Roberts

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Quentin Blake

An exuberant and artistic adventure from the nation's favourite illustrator, Quentin Blake! 
 
Corky and Loopy are two perfectly normal girls. They like chocolate biscuits, fizzy drinks, screaming at each other and drawing. But they are also a little bit special . . . because they are angels. One day they visit Sid, a pavement artist. Sid is sad because he wants to take part in the big drawing competition but can't work out how the judges will ever get to see his work. Corky and Loopy decide to help and give him a very special pencil from their collection. So begins a bright and colourful adventure. 
 
"Blake is beyond brilliant . . . I've never met a child who doesn't love Quentin Blake" - Daily Telegraph 
 
Quentin Blake is one of Britain's best-loved and most successful author-illustrators, and was made the first Children's Laureate in 1999. He has won the Whitbread Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, and the Kate Greenaway Medal. among others.

Angel Pavement

Part of the BBC’s Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures

Watch Quentin Blake's Clown, a major new TV animation narrated by Helena Bonham-Carter, this Christmas on Channel 4. 
 
The perfect gift for sharing with friends and family all year long. 
 
When a box of toys is thrown away, a determined clown sets out to find a new loving home for himself and his friends. 
 
Told entirely through pictures, this award-winning and heart-warming adventure starring one of Sir Quentin Blake's own favourite characters is filled with hope, joy and friendship. 
 
Sir Quentin Blake is one of Britain's best-loved and most successful author-illustrators, and was made the Children's Laureate in 1999. He has won the Whitbread Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, and the Kate Greenaway Medal among others. 
 
Praise for Clown: 
"I was gripped all the way through to the happy ending" Daily Telegraph 
"Quentin Blake, a master of graphic eloquence..." Guardian 
"An astonishing tour de force" Margaret Clark in Books for Keeps

Clown

Colin Thompson

Colin Thompson's books are mystical and complex, they will appeal to children and adults alike and demand to be returned to as there is always a new image to see . . . something more to catch the eye. Peter and his family live among the Quinces in the cookery section of a mystical library, and at night, when the library comes to life, Peter ventures out of his home to find a missing volume: How To Live Forever

How To Live Forever

John Burningham

Steven is sent out for groceries on to the mean street of the city with only a shopping basket for protection. There are several shady characters about who are offering to lighten the load of the basket by helping themselves to his provisions! Stephen's having none of it and with the help of some of the city's less attractive sights he outsmarts all of them and makes it home in time for tea. With the pictures telling as much of the story as the text, children and adults alike will appreciate the humour and observations from this well known children's author.

The Shopping Basket

On a day trip to the seaside Mum and Dad settle down in their deckchairs to snooze the day away while for Shirley it is a chance to set sail for uncharted seas, adventure and buried treasure. But not before her Mum has warned her off the dangers of tar, stray dogs and cold water. . . . With the alternative pictures giving both sides of the story, children and adults alike will appreciate the humour and observations from this well known children's author.

Come Away From The Water, Shirley

A tale of imagination and friendship, from the nation's favourite illustrator, Quentin Blake! 
 
When two bold adventurers climb over the wall to explore the overgrown garden next door, the discover a ship made of bushes, with tall, thin trees for masts. They also meet marvellous Mrs Tredegar, who turns them into a fully trained crew, and with their imaginations at the ready, they embark on a series of glorious voyages. 
 
"Blake is beyond brilliant . . . I've never met a child who doesn't love Quentin Blake" - Daily Telegraph 
 
Quentin Blake is one of Britain's best-loved and most successful author-illustrators, and was made the first Children's Laureate in 1999. He has won the Whitbread Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, and the Kate Greenaway Medal. among others.

The Green Ship

Mini Grey

When Horace bakes a biscuit in the shape of a bear, little does he know that his edible treat is going to turn into Biscuit Bear! For in the middle of the night, when all is quiet, that is exactly what happens, and Biscuit Bear decides that it is time he made some friends of his own. So, with flour, sugar and butter he does just that. In fact, he makes a whole circus of friends and the fun begins . . .

Biscuit Bear

Pippa Goodhart

Nick Sharratt

Just imagine what it would be like to be as little as a mouse; or as big as a house. Imagine what it would be like to explore the depths of the ocean, to travel into the past or the future - or something even stranger. In this sequel to the classic You Choose, Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt celebrate the power of the imagination. 
Just Imagine is now available in an exclusive interactive edition - simply tap any object on the page to hear what it's called! There are hundreds of words to explore and discover.

Just Imagine

A classic story celebrating the power of babies... and avocados! 
 
The Hargraves family want their new baby to grow up big and strong. But the puny mite will hardly eat a thing... until Mrs Hargraves finds an avocado in the fruit bowl and the baby gobbles it up. Soon, the baby gets incredible strength, and the strangest things start to happen! 
 
This classic story from the bestselling author and illustrator John Burningham has been delighting families for over 40 years. 
 
“Amusing for adults, impressive for toddlers, good for greengrocers” The Observer 
 
“John Burningham is one of the most outstanding author-illustrators of children’s books today . . .” Twentieth-Century Children’s Writers 
 
John Burningham is the much-loved creator of Mr Gumpy's Outing and Would You Rather.

Avocado Baby

It's time to get out of the bath but Shirley's not listening. She's floated away to a secret watery land beyond the plughole - to where knights ride white horses, and kings and queens float in moats around their castles. . .

Time To Get Out Of The Bath, Shirley

The Paperbag Prince is an old man living in a railway carriage on a rubbish dump. But he knows that even rubbish can sometimes contain treasure, and that if he stays long enough, gentle nature will heal the countryside and make the green come again. 
 
'Thompson's finely drawn, intricately bordered pages are as crammed with detail and small treasures as the dump itself.' - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 
 
'The pictures are astonishing' - THE TIMES 
 
'This is a book to be read in ten minutes and lost in for hours' - TES

The Paperbag Prince

Georgie has got a new bed, but it's not like other beds. For each night, Georgie says the magic word and it whisks him away on a fantastic adventure. He loves his bed, but one day he and his family go on holiday, and when they come back, Granny has a big surprise for Georgie . . .

The Magic Bed

Anthony Browne

Four different voices tell their own versions of the same walk in the park. The radically different perspectives give a fascinating depth to this simple story which explores many of the author's key themes, such as alienation, friendship and the bizarre amid the mundane. 
 
Anthony Browne's world-renowned artwork is full of expressive gorillas, vibrant colours and numerous nods to Magritte and other artists, while being uniquely Browne's own style.

Voices in the Park

Traction Man and Scrubbing Brush are at the beach! Traction Man even has his special Squid-Proof Scuba Suit, perfect for exploring the secret crevices of the Rockpool. But there are adventures in store for our intrepid hero as he faces the thrills of Operation Picnic, the tribulation of being buried in sand and - worst of all - being washed away by a giant wave... 
 
Join the daring duo as they meet new challenges ... and new friends.

Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey

Traction Man is back! And so is Scrubbing Brush, his brave and rather bedraggled pet. But one night Scrubbing Brush myseriously vanishes and in his place is the utterly hygenic Turbodog, in indestructible Purple Plastic with Flashing Eyes, Electronic Bark and three AA batteries. But it's not the same without Scrubbing Brush. Where can he be? Traction Man sets out on his greatest rescue mission yet. Can he save Scrubbing Brush from? And is there room in his life for two pets?

Traction Man Meets Turbodog

Cicely Mary Barker

Relive the magic of Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies of the Autumn with this beautiful new edition - the perfect gift. Since the publication of Cicely Mary Barker's first book in 1923, the Flower Fairies have been ethereal companions to readers around the world. Her charming poetry and delicate illustrations have sparked the imaginations of children for over ninety years and continue to inspire a lifelong love for fairies and all things magical.

Flower Fairies of the Autumn

"It was Beauty that killed the Beast" 
 
King Kong is a giant gorilla, a massive monster of an ape who lives on a remote island. The mighty beast falls for a beautiful girl, Ann Darrow, and desperate to have her he finds himself lured into captivity. He is brought to civilisation and put on show, but when he sees Ann he breaks his heavy chains and begins to wreak havoc on the streets of New York . . . 
 
The enthralling story of King Kong involves battles with dinosaurs, daring rescues and incredible escapes - endless thrills lead up to one of the most famous climaxes of all time!

King Kong

Little human beans will love this original collection of stickers and activities, all based around Roald Dahl's classic children's book, The BFG.

The BFG's Gloriumptious Sticker Activity Book

Dyan Sheldon

Gary Blythe

Lily's grandmother tells her all about the mysterious whales out in the bay, and Lily longs to hear their magical song. Gary Blythe's richly evocative artwork creates an incredibly atmospheric world for a timeless tale of wildlife and wonder. 
 
This stunning, award-winning picture book has been refreshed and redesigned in a new edition, making it perfect for a new generation to share and fall in love with.

The Whales' Song

In this fantastical world there are castles in space, floating castles, castles in the sky and castles made of glass. Each one hides a royal family and there are all the usual mazes, puzzles tricks and messages waiting to be discovered. Colin Thompson's wonderfully detailed artwork reaches new heights of ingenuity and invention in this brilliant new book.

Castles

Zoë Armstrong

Shelly Laslo

Psst! Calling all super-cunning spies. Yes, I mean YOU. 
 
Can you find the real-life spies hidden throughout this book? With 8 fiendish spotting scenes, only the most cunning reader will be able to find these spies. 
 
Discover the true stories of 8 fascinating spies: one who crawled across the rooftops of Paris, one who hid secrets in her wooden leg, and even the grandma-next-door who turned out to have been a spy . . . 
 
Along the way you'll learn top-secret skills such as the art of disguise, coding secret messages and writing in invisible ink. 
 
With spotting scenes, real-life incredible stories from throughout history, and devious spy skills to learn - this book will keep all budding spies busy. Published in partnership with the experts at the Imperial War Museums.

Find The Spy

Piñata Smashlings

Enter the Piñataverse and search for your favourite Piñata Smashlings characters! 
 
Find wise Piñatas, scheming Meañatas, bitter Bashlings and there's LOTS of adorable, cheeky Smashlings for you to spot. Search the magical Rainbow River and the dark and dingy Swamplands in this jam-packed search-and-find activity book. 
 
With over 140 things to spot, this book is perfect for keeping the biggest Piñata Smashlings fans busy. 
 
Don't miss these other Piñata Smashlings books: 
Piñata Smashlings: Smashlings Collector's Guide 
Piñata Smashlings: The Official 2025 Annual 
Piñata Smashlings: Super Stickers

Piñata Smashlings Where’s that Smashling?: A Search-and-Find Book

Barack Obama

Loren Long

In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped his nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all children. 
 
Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. 
 
This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from the nation's founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths.

Of Thee I Sing

A Letter to My Daughters

Ian Whybrow

Ladybird

When Harry finds a bucketful of dinosaurs in the attic, they soon become inseparable. But when the dinosaurs get lost, how will Harry get them back? 
 
Read it yourself with Ladybird is one of Ladybird's best-selling series. For over thirty five years it has helped young children who are learning to read develop and improve their reading skills. Now, for the first time, each title is also available as an ebook with synched audio. 
 
Each Read it yourself book is very carefully written to include many key, high-frequency words that are vital for learning to read, as well as a limited number of story words that are introduced and practised throughout. Simple sentences and frequently repeated words help to build the confidence of beginner readers and the four different levels of books support children all the way from very first reading practice through to independent, fluent reading. 
 
Each book has been carefully checked by educational consultants and can be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. 
 
Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs is a Level 3 Read it yourself title, suitable for children who are developing reading confidence and stamina, and are eager to start reading longer stories with a wider vocabulary.

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs - Read it yourself with Ladybird

Level 3

Get ready for the new Warner Bros movie WONKA with the whipple-scrumptious Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sticker activity book! This fun collection of activities includes full colour stickers and classic Quentin Blake artwork. 
 
Head inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, where Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt and the rest await! 
 
In this fun collection of puzzles, you can complete the Oompa-Loompa's favourite songs, help lead Violet Beauregarde to the juicing room, and find all of Mr Wonka's finest products.

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Whipple-Scrumptious Sticker Activity Book

Chuck Whelon

Can't get to the sea? Escape with this sunny adventure book suitable for kids and adults in search of fun. 
 
Follow Meria, her mer-friends and Mer-Pug, and a host of colourful characters, on an global adventure to 16 detailed locations. From the Mer-King's birthday parade to an under-water rock concert via the circus, a sushi bar and a paradise beach, there are loads of fun scenes to explore. 
 
This great book for all ages from 5 years+ includes a special Arctic spread and extra challenge to find 10 pieces of dangerous plastic. You might even spot David Attenborough.

Where's the Mermaid

A Mermazing Search-and-Find Adventure

Join the students of Ladybird Class as they learn problem-solving skills! 
 
Your little learner will join the diverse characters of Ladybird Class as they practice new skills every day. Packed with activities and games, Maths Problem-Solving is developed and written by primary educators, making it the perfect book to support your child's education. 
 
Join Zara Penguin, Tao Meerkat, Ali Lion, Olivia Crocodile, Noah Panda and Nia Hedgehog as they learn all the key skills your child needs to start solving maths problems. From introducing measurements and sequences to numerical patterns, this is the perfect introduction to problem-solving skills for your little one. 
 
Packed with helpful notes for grown-ups to support your child's learning and extension activities to bring learning to life in day-to-day activities, Maths Problem-Solving is perfect for encouraging children to use their early maths skills. 
 
Looking for another school-bag bestseller? Discover: 
Addition and Subtraction: A Learn with Ladybird Activity Book 5-7 years. 
First Multiplication: A Learn with Ladybird Activity Book 5-7 years.

Maths Problem-Solving: A Learn with Ladybird Activity Book 5-7 years

Ideal for home learning (KS1)

Would you rather drink snail squash or eat mashed worms? Help a witch make stew? Tickle a monkey? Or maybe - if you could really be anyone or do anything in the world - would you rather just be . . . you? 
 
With plenty of scenarios to choose from, every reading experience is different - creating a classic book that children will enjoy again and again! 
 
John Burningham is a bestselling author and illustrator whose books have been delighting families for over 40 years. 
 
"The language of children is Burningham's." - TES 
"He is one of the best writers in the business." - Financial Times

Would You Rather?

What happens when you leave your toys out in the garden at night? They get beamed into space - that's what! Join our plucky band as they explore the cosmos, and help out one lonely alien along the way...

Toys in Space

Join the students of Ladybird Class as they discover multiplication! 
 
Your little learner will join the diverse characters of Ladybird Class as they practice new skills every day. Packed with activities and games, First Multiplication is developed and written by primary educators, making it the perfect book to support your child's education. 
 
Join Zara Penguin, Tao Meerkat, Ali Lion, Olivia Crocodile, Noah Panda and Nia Hedgehog as they learn all the key skills your child needs to multiply and divide. From multiplying and dividing in 2s, 5s and 10s to using number sentences in different contexts, this is the perfect introduction to multiplication for your little one. 
 
Packed with helpful notes for grown-ups to support your child's learning and extension activities to bring learning to life in day-to-day activities, First Multiplication is perfect for encouraging children to use their early maths skills. 
 
Looking for another school-bag bestseller? Discover: 
Maths Problem-Solving: A Learn with Ladybird Activity Book 5-7 years. 
Addition and Subtraction: A Learn with Ladybird Activity Book 5-7 years.

Showing results for: ‘Michael Symmons Roberts’

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