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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Raj Kaur Khaira

Discover the inspirational lives of fifty women from across South Asia - the perfect present for all supergirls in the making 
 
Through the fascinating, empowering life stories of 50 famous and under-celebrated women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, South Asian girls will have a chance to dream about lives for themselves that radically differ from the limited narratives and stereotypes written for them by their culture, wider society and the mainstream media. 
 
Brigng together the stories of leading entertainers (Meera Syal, Jameela Jamil, Mindy Kaling), pioneering business leaders (indra Nooyi, Anjali Sud, Ruchi Sanghvi) and a whole host of other equally remarkable but less well known figurers - from British Muslim spy Noor Inayat Khan to fearless activist Jayaben Desai - this book seeks to redress the imbalance for young girls of colour by empowering them to break new ground for themselves and inspire others along the way. 
 
Beautifully illustrated with striking portraits by ten international South Asian female artists, this is truly a book for all ages - a gift to be treasured by parents and children alike.

Stories for South Asian Supergirls

Linda Elovitz Marshall

Ilaria Urbinati

Beatrix Potter created one of the world's most enduring characters, Peter Rabbit, and found inspiration in the world of nature. From her childhood she would sketch the world around her and wanted to make sure the nature she loved was there for everyone to enjoy for years to come. 
 
 
A pioneering author and illustrator, her work is a celebration of British nature and countryside. Her global success allowed her to protect and conserve her beloved Lake District home for generations to enjoy and celebrate. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Beatrix's life and the countryside she cherished.

Beatrix Potter's Countryside

Jeremy Strong

It's the first day at PIRATE SCHOOL for Ziggy, Smudge, Carkella and Flo and they have lots of new things to contend with.  Their headteacher is the scary Patagonia Clasterbotton and they have to take lessons include walking the plank and hand-to-hand fighting.  When out on the pirate ship a storm blows up, resulting in the children having to rescue Patagonia when she's swept overboard, and they learn that really  Patagonia is not so scary after all!

Pirate School: Just a Bit of Wind

William Steig

Doctor de Soto, a dentist who also happens to be a mouse, is the best dentist in town. He treats animals of all shapes and sizes - that is, except for "cats and other dangerous animals". When a fox appears in his surgery with bad toothache, kind-hearted Doctor de Soto agrees to help. But is he foolish to trust a fox? Could a small mouse outwit the foxiest of animals? This modern classic is full of mischief, warmth and humour.

Doctor De Soto

Roald Dahl

Quentin Blake

Billy's biggest wish is to turn a weird old wooden house into a wonderful sweet shop. But then he finds a giraffe, a pelly and a monkey living inside - they're the Ladderless Window Cleaners! Who need ladders when you've got a giraffe? They become best friends and when they meet the richest man in all England, there's a chance Billy's scrumptious-galumptious dream just might come true . . .

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me (Colour Edition)

Allan Ahlberg

Mr Tick loves teaching his six children at their little school. But then they hear news that all small schools must close, so Mr Tick starts teaching some rather unusual lessons - in how to trick stern school inspectors. 
 
Based on the classic 'Happy Families' card game, this highly entertaining series is ideal for reading and sharing at home or at school. It is guided by the Education Adviser, Brian Thompson, and written by the award-winning author, Allan Ahlberg. 
 
'The best thing to happen to beginner readers since Dr Seuss' Children's Rights Workshop.

Mr Tick the Teacher

Mrs Lather is getting quite worked up in her laundry. She hates washing socks, she hates washing vests, she really doesn't much like washing trousers or dresses either. But her job gets rather more difficult when her customers start bringing in more unusual washing loads ... 
 
The 'Happy Families' series is designed for use at home or at school. It is guided by the Education Adviser, Brian Thompson, and written by the award-winning author, Allan Ahlberg. 
 
'The best thing to happen to beginner readers since Dr Seuss' Children's Rights Workshop.

Mrs Lather's Laundry

Ian Cunliffe

A very funny story about the children at Pirate School. Fourth in the series within Colour Young Puffins. The children are planning to raid Patagonia Clatterbottom's food store - but grown-up pirates, the Woppagobs, are trying to steal the goodies as well. But the children outwit them all, particularly when Ziggy brings out his bun gun - a cannon that fires sticky buns and doughnuts.

Pirate School: The Bun Gun

Tim Burton

Jack Skellington is the most important figure in Halloween Town and for years he has delighted in organising macabre tricks and frights for Halloween. But this year he doesn't feel right - there must be more to life than scaring people? Then Jack stumbles upon a cheerful, colourful place called Christmas Town and he knows what he must do - he will bring Christmas to Halloween! 
 
 This is the first book written and illustrated by the incomparable visionary Tim Burton.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The third very funny story about the children at pirate school. The children hide a stray dog on board, while Patagonia Clatterbottom, the head teacher, is plagued by school inspectors, who are not impressed by the lessons. So, the children decide to sail the school away. The inspectors give chase, but the children fire on their boat and take it over - full marks for the lessons they have learnt about being pirates. And they're allowed to keep the dog!

Pirate School: Where's That Dog?

Amos the mouse and Boris the whale are friends who have very little in common. Boris rescues Amos, who has set out to sail the seas - but might there be a time when Boris needs rescuing too? 
An awardwinning fable and New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year from classic creator, William Steig.

Amos & Boris

Claire Freedman

Shaw Davidson

Rediscover the magical story of Mary Lennox, who arrives in the wild and windswept Yorkshire a sickly and miserable girl - until she discovers a forgotten, Secret Garden. 
 
As Mary works hard to bring the garden back to life, its magic begins to work on her too . . . 
 
This classic and beloved story has been beautifully retold by Claire Freedman and brought to glorious visual life by new illustration talent Shaw Davidson

The Secret Garden

Wizzil the witch is bored stiff and out to cause trouble at Frimp Farm. Little does she know that she will meet her match in Mr DeWitt Frimp. As the two compete in the battle of revenge, they soon realise that there's more to life . . . 
 
 
Two masters of picture books, William Steig and Quentin Blake, have collaborated to create a brilliantly funny tale about an unlikely friendship. You will not be disappointed.

Wizzil

Natalia O’Hara

Lauren O'Hara

"O Bandit Queen!" the bandits cried. 
"Little horror! Poison weed! 
We'll give you everything a queen could ever need..." 
 
The bandits give their queen treasure, tigers, mischief and mayhem. But sometimes a little girl needs something more... 
 
A book about finding family in unexpected places, from the creators of Hortense and the Shadow.

The Bandit Queen

A collection of (mainly) grisly beasts out for human blood, ranging from Crocky-Wock the crocodile to Stingaling the scorpion. Described in verse with all Dahl's usual gusto and illustrated in a suitably wicked style by Quentin Blake. 
 
Was that CROCKY-WOCK galumphing up the stairs? 
Is STINGALING hiding in your bed? 
And what foul fate has PIGGY planned for Farmer Bland? 
 
WARNING! This book contains wickedly funny verse, prickly surprises and the most despicable creatures you could ever hope (not) to meet.

Dirty Beasts

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make all his wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish with unexpected consequences. Will Sylvester find his way back to his family? Winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal, this modern classic is full of warmth, humour and joy.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Rob Brydon

Ellie Snowdon

From actor, comedian and writer Rob Brydon comes a warm and witty picture book chronicling the adventures of Crumble the cat... 
 
“The cat in the cupboard 
is sat in the cupboard, 
for that is where 
his home is found. 
He lives there with pride – 
it's his route to outside, 
to the place where adventures abound…” 
 
In this adventure, Crumble embarks on a rescue mission into the garden of his arch-nemesis to seek out his beloved lost toy. But it’s dangerous in enemy territory for our plucky feline…Written in humorous, playful rhyme and brought vividly to life by Ellie Snowdon’s gorgeous illustrations, this is a story to be treasured by children and adults alike.

The Cat in the Cupboard

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Jojo Clinch

"I am Toad of Toad Hall. Motor car-snatching, prison-breaking Toad!" 
 
Enter the mischievous world of Toad of Toad Hall, and join Moly and Ratty on their riverside adventures. When Moly gets lost in the Wild Wood, Ratty and kind old Badger are there to rescue him. But when Mr Toad is sent to prison and his beloved Toad Hall is taken over by stoats and weasels, will his friends be able to save the day? 
 
A story of friendship and making amends, this classic children's book is one of the most famous animal stories of all time. Now beautifully abridged, fully illustrated and retold for a younger, modern audience, this edition will delight children from age 5 years and above.

The Wind In The Willows

This book is filled with revolting rhymes. 
(Be warned: It's no ordinary Once upon a time). 
 
There's poor Cindy whose heart was torn to shreds, because her Prince, he chops off heads! 
 
Snow White's dwarfs although awfully nice, are guilty of one shocking vice . . . 
 
And what becomes of Goldilocks, that nasty thieving little louse, when she goes sneaking around the three bear's house . . .

Revolting Rhymes (Colour Edition)

Christopher Wormell

When Molly wakes up in the middle of the night, she hears the sound of a step on the stairs. It could be a crocodile creeping up to catch her . . . Or a giant giraffe outside on the landing . . . Or an enormous elephant turning the doorknob and opening the door . . . Or even a night monster come to gobble her up . . . 
 
But when Molly surprises the tiptoeing beast, she gets an even bigger surprise of her own! 
 
This edition is a beautiful reissue of a children's modern classic.

Molly and the Night Monster

Anna Kemp

Natelle Quek

Rediscover the story of the Little Mermaid, who dreams of a world above the waves . . . 
 
In Anna Kemp's powerful reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, Princess Coral saves the life of Prince Eldo and falls in love with the world of humans. Disregarding her father's wishes she seeks out the Sea Witch who gives her a vial of potion that will enable her to walk on two legs. But magic comes at a terrible price - what will Coral have to give up to realise her dreams? 
 
This beloved story has been reimagined for a new generation with magical illustrations from debut talent Natelle Quek, inspired by her Chinese-Malaysian heritage.

The Little Mermaid

A magical reimagining of the beloved story for a new generation

Read the book that inspired the famous film franchise in this wonderfully funny picture book. 
 
Before Shrek made it big on the silver screen, there was William Steig's SHREK!, a book about an ordinary ogre who leaves his swampy childhood home to go out and see the world. Ordinary, that is, if a foul and hideous being who ends up marrying the most stunningly ugly princess on the planet is what you consider ordinary.

Shrek!

Elli Woollard

Dorien Brouwers

From tiny dots of microscopic bacteria to enormous dinosaurs, through Ice Ages and the gallop of evolution, Elli Woollard's lyrical text is a pitch-perfect blend of storytelling, science and wonder. Life will fascinate and entertain the curious child, with Dorien Brouwers' immersive artwork heightening the beauty and inspiring awe in readers young and old.

Life

The beautifully illustrated natural history book for kids

Kristina Stephenson

Hoang Giang

"Bah humbug! What do I care for Christmas?" sniped Scrooge. 
 
This is the snow-laden story of Scrooge, a mean miser, who is determined to think only of himself - and his money. 
 
That is, until he is visited by three Christmas spirits, and the true meaning of Christmas starts to work its magic on him, too . . . 
 
This classic and beloved story has been beautifully retold by Kristina Stephenson and atmospherically illustrated by Hoang Giang.

A Christmas Carol

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

Barack Obama

An inspirational picture book for young readers from former President of the United States, Barack Obama. 
 
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, former President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to the ideals that have shaped his nation and thirteen groundbreaking Americans, including: 
 
The artistry of Georgia O'Keefe 
The courage of Jackie Robinson 
The patriotism of George Washington 
 
Barack Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children and within all children. 
 
Evocative illustrations by the award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans, and the innocence and promise of childhood. 
 
This book celebrates the potential within all of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths.

Of Thee I Sing

Ellie Wharton

Tamara Macfarlane

Ciara Ní Dhuinn

This story and activity book is full of magical discoveries, waiting to be explored. Meet the unicorns of the world, bake some of their favourite food and uncover the facts about these secret, magical creatures. Read about their secret skills, their favourite hairstyles and how to spot a unicorn in the big wide world. 
 
Join Celeste, Unicorn Seeker and head of the Secret Society of Mythical Creatures, and learn how to look after your unicorn companion and protect their secrets. 
 
With unicorn stories to read, secrets to learn and much more, this is the perfect book for unicorn believers everywhere.

My Secret World of Unicorns

lockable story and activity book

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

Raymond Briggs

It's time for a bloomin' holiday in this hilarious sequel to the beloved festive classic, Father Christmas. 
 
In this brilliant funny sequel from Raymond Briggs, author of The Snowman, a still rather grumpy Father Christmas decides to go on holiday. Of course, no-one needs a holiday more than Father Christmas . . . but where can such a well-known and easily recognized person go? 
 
As Father Christmas sets off in search of his ideal holiday spot. he travels to France, Scotland and Las Vegas - but as he soon discovers, there's really nowhere like home. 
 
More brilliant Raymond Briggs stories: 
Father Christmas 
The Snowman - a wordless picture book

Father Christmas Goes on Holiday

Annabel Tempest

Could you and your friends change the world? This book will inspire you with 15 true stories of groups of amazing humans who've changed the world. 
 
Discover the astonishing things humans can achieve: from the campaign for women's votes, to the efforts to heal the ozone layer. Or travel back to the start of democracy in Ancient Greece, and into space to see the incredible teamwork on the international space station. 
 
Above all, uncover just some of the MANY ways we can work together to change our world - all brought to life with astonishing story-telling and illustration. 
 
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this book contains images and names of deceased persons.

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