Steve Roud was Local Studies Librarian for the London Borough of Croydon and served as Honorary Librarian of the Folklore Society for over fifteen years. He has been researching British folklore for over thirty years and is the joint author of the Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore, plus other books on traditional drama and folk song, and the Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland, which won the Katharine Briggs Folklore Award in 2004. His publications include London Lore (2008) and The Lore of the Playground (2010). He also compiles the Folk Song Index and the Broadside Index, two internationally acclaimed computer databases of traditional folk and popular song. He lives in Sussex.

Steve Roud

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Roald Dahl

Quentin Blake

From advice on finding magic and thinking nice thoughts, to the importance of frequent whizzpopping, the writing of Roald Dahl is filled with wit and wisdom and advice for little people growing up - and big people growing down.

How Not To Be A Twit and Other Wisdom from Roald Dahl

Invent terrific heroes and revolting villains to star in your story! Describe believable characters with Charlie and Mr Wonka. 
 
These fun activities and writing tasks help to develop language and vocabulary skills, giving you the tools you need to write your own story. Learn how to create heroes and villains with their own interests, behaviours and backstories. 
 
Roald Dahl's Creative Writing sparks creativity, builds confidence and inspires young writers through the wonderful worlds of these best-loved stories. Filled with top tips and ideas boxes, each book introduces techniques and methods to help you plan and write a phizz-whizzing story of your own!

Roald Dahl's Creative Writing with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: How to Write Tremendous Characters

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

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 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.

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

Michael Rosen

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

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

Puffin

Perfect for reading aloud or reading independently at bedtime, this wonderful collection features brand new stories, poems and illustrations from Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman, Jamie Littler, Tom Fletcher, Sam Copeland, Ed Vere, Nadia Shireen and many more! Plus, rediscover carefully curated extracts from Puffin's classic family favourites like Eric Carle, Allan Ahlberg, Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl. 
 
 Includes quotes from brilliantly inspiring leaders, scientists and actors on their own big dreams. 
 
 5% of the RRP from this book will go towards helping the National Literacy Trust continue their life-changing work. This includes Puffin World of Stories, a programme which aims to give primary schools the tools they need to help re-vitalise their school library.

The Puffin Book of Bedtime Stories

Big Dreams for Every Child

Michelle Porte Davies

Jim Peacock

George Kranky created his own Marvellous Medicine to deal with his grizzly old grunion of a Grandma. You definitely can't do that at home (so don't even try!), but here's some amazing science that you can do! 
 
From concocting home-made slime to creating your own volcano, these fun experiments are all easily done, following simple step-by-step instructions and using everyday household objects. 
 
Inspired by Roald Dahl's terrific tale, this is the book for budding young scientists everywhere!

Roald Dahl: George's Marvellous Experiments

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

Stories to spark your imagination - a celebratory collection of stories, poems and illustrations to mark Puffin's 80th birthday. 
 
 Perfect for reading aloud or reading independently at bedtime, this wonderful collection features brand new stories, poems and illustrations from well-loved and exciting new Puffin talent including Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman, Anne Fine, Jamie Littler, Jeremy Strong, Tom Fletcher, Sam Copeland, Ed Vere, Nadia Shireen and many, more! 
 
Plus, rediscover carefully curated extracts from Puffin's classic family favourites like Eric Carle, Beatrix Potter, Allan Ahlberg, Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl. 
 
 Includes quotes and motivational pieces from brilliantly inspiring leaders, scientists and actors on their own big dreams. 
 
 5% of the RRP from this book will go towards helping the National Literacy Trust continue their life-changing work - from carrying out vital research, to delivering transformational programmes on the ground. 
 
 This includes Puffin World of Stories, a programme funded by Puffin which aims to give primary schools the tools they need to help re-vitalise their school library as a hub of creativity and imagination.

The Puffin Book of Big Dreams

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

Join James, The Centipede, The Earthworm and the rest of the gang in this bug-packed journey around the world of insects. It's packed with fascinating facts about creepy-crawlies, and fun activities to try at home such as making an ant farm and building your very own bug hotel!

Roald Dahl's James's Giant Bug Book

Eric Hill

It's time for bed - but Spot has lots of "Goodnights" to say before he can settle down to sleep... 
 
This classic picture book will help toddlers wind down for sleep as they follow along with the fun of Spot's night-time routine through sturdy interactive flaps for little hands. 
 
This set includes a board book edition of the bestselling original story, together with a cuddly Spot soft toy to hug at bedtime. 
 
For more Spot lift-the-flap adventures, why not try: 
Where's Spot? 
Spot Goes to the Farm 
Spot Goes to the Beach 
Spot Goes on Holiday 
Spot Bakes a Cake 
Spot Visits his Grandparents 
Spot Goes to School 
Spot's First Christmas 
Spot's Birthday Party

Spot Says Goodnight: Book & Toy Gift Set

Allan Ahlberg

Andre Amstutz

In a dark dark street 
There is a dark dark house . . . 
 
In this FUNNYBONES story, the skeletons go sledging - WHEE! - and crashing - BANG! 
 
They can't see their bones in the white snow but they can see a black cat . . . until she slips into their dark, dark cellar . . .

Funnybones: The Black Cat

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

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

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

Tom Fletcher

Dougie Poynter

Garry Parsons

Join Danny and Dino at the zoo in this pooptastic lift-the-flap story! With rip-roaring rhyme and laugh-out-loud silliness, the Dinosaur that Pooped has sold over 1.5 million copies around the world! 
 
Danny, his schoolfriends and Dinosaur too, 
were on an exciting school trip to the zoo! 
They wanted to see something scaly or hairy 
(but Danny hoped none of the creatures were scary). 
 
Danny and Dino are enjoying a school trip to the zoo... until a cheeky monkey steals their packed lunch! They chase the monkey past parrots, zebras and rhinos, but soon get stuck in an enclosure with some VERY hungry lions! Can Dino's quick thinking and rumbly tummy save the day? 
 
This hilarious addition to the lift-the-flap series features a host of hidden surprises. The poop-filled adventure is written by bestselling author duo Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, and brought to life by the proposterously talented Garry Parsons. 
 
More POOPTASTIC adventures: 
The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas! 
The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet! 
The Dinosaur that Pooped the Past! 
The Dinosaur that Pooped the Bed! 
The Dinosaur that Pooped a Princess! 
The Dinosaur that Pooped a Pirate!

The Dinosaur that Pooped a Zoo!

Sharna Jackson

Margot, Wesley and Josephine have got an awesome weekend mapped out for the end of the holidays before they start high school – and they don’t want anything to stand in the way of their BIG plans in London. But when they are staying with Margot's mum and her new boyfriend Teddy in Notting Hill, something happens that they just can't ignore… 
 
Join the kids as they follow the case across wild West London, following the trail of a super creative murderer as well as some epic street art. From skate parks, tower blocks and canal towpaths they end up on a float at the colourful Notting Hill carnival - the biggest party of the year! How will they piece together the evidence to solve the mystery at the heart of London's coolest sights? 
 
Praise for Sharna Jackson: 'I utterly loved The Good Turn; it's bone-deep brilliant; a joy to the very end. It's so warm and so funny, and so ferociously on the side of justice and of hope. I adored it.' - Katherine Rundell

The Street Art Mystery

Shoo Rayner

Let your imagination run riot and laughter fill your belly as you explore traditional poems, rhymes with a twist, and subversive playground favourites in this playful treasure chest of verse.

Michael Rosen's Book of Very Silly Poems

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

It's time for bed - but Spot has lots of "Goodnights" to say before he settles down to sleep... 
 
Perfect for bedtime, this adorable gift set contains the classic Spot Says Goodnight board book and a soft and snuggly blanket. 
 
The lift-the-flap Spot story will help toddlers wind down as they follow along with all the fun of Spot's night time routine and play with the sturdy flaps that are perfect for little hands. The super-soft Spot-themed blanket is perfect to keep little ones warm as they drift off to sleep. 
 
Loved this? Why not try these: 
Where's Spot? 
Where's Spot: Book and Toy 
All About Spot 
Spot Loves Bedtime 
Spot's Birthday Party 
Spot's Treasure Hunt Surprise 
Spot Goes to the Farm 
Spot Goes to the Beach

Spot Says Goodnight Book & Blanket

Eric Carle

A small chameleon is living an ordinary small chameleon&rsquo;s life &ndash; changing colour and catching flies on his sticky tongue &ndash; when he comes across a zoo full of fantastic animals like white polar bears, and big strong elephants. But when he wishes he could be just like them, all sorts of strange things start to happen, showing why it&rsquo;s important not to wish yourself away but be happy with just who you are.

The Mixed-up Chameleon

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

Beatrix Potter

Join Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends as they get up to all sorts of Christmas adventures and festive fun in this jam-packed sticker book. Based on the classic tales by Beatrix Potter, this busy sticker book will keep little paws entertained for hours, featuring beautiful artwork from Ellie Taylor and over 300 stickers. 
 
Having fun completing the word search, finding the jigsaw puzzles pieces to finish a picture, playing spot the difference and colouring Peter and his friends with your favourite pencils. Merry Christmas from Peter and all his friends!

Peter Rabbit Christmas Fun Sticker Activity Book

Join Spot on the farm with this tractor-shaped board book for babies and toddlers, featuring brightly-coloured pictures and moving wheels! 
 
Rumble rumble beep! 
 
Spot is having a great day out on the farm, riding in the tractor and helping out with lots of jobs. 
 
But when Spot comes across a lost lamb, will he be able to save the day and find its mother? 
 
This tractor-shaped board book with interactive wheels is the perfect way to entertain your little one! 
 
Look out for more fun-filled Spot books: 
Where's Spot? 
Spot's Tractor 
Spot's Fire Engine 
Spot's Magnet Fun 
Spot Goes to the Farm 
Spot Goes to the Park 
Spot Goes to School 
Spot Says Goodnight

Spot's Tractor

An interactive board book for babies and toddlers

Ed Vere

Meet Max - the mighty kitten and New York Times bestseller! Witty and heart-warming, stylish and beautifully illustrated, Max the Brave is now ready for a nighttime adventure. 
 
This is Max. Max is very sleepy. It's way past Max's bedtime. Max has drunk his milk. Max has brushed his teeth. Max has cleaned behind his ears. Now Max just needs to say goodnight. . . 
 
Max is tired and all ready for bed, but when he can't find the moon to say goodnight to, he sets out to find it. But that's not as easy as Max had hoped...

Goodnight, Max the Brave

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

Hatchimals

This complete guide to the Hatchimals Colleggtibles features every single little Hatchimal out there. Fans of the collectible toys can find out more about each of the characters, learn about their magical world, and keep track of their collection with the comprehensive collector's list. 
 
Also includes exclusive collector cards!

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