Recreation

Children’s New Titles December 2012 (arrived in November)

Audio Visual

Aesop. The lion and the mouse and other stories [sound recording], Aesop.
Great children's poems [sound recording].
An anthology of over fifty classic children's poems, read by some of our finest actors.
Thomas & friends. Blue Mountain mystery (DVD) : the movie.
When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends. While shunting and hauling, he catches a glimpse of a small engine trying to hide, yet no one will provide any clues to the engine's identity. Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Will Thomas be able to save his new friend? Or will the mysterious engine be sent away from Sodor forever?
Dr. Seuss' the Lorax (DVD), directed by Chris Renaud and co-directed by Kyle Balda.
Twelve-year-old Ted will do anything to find a real live Truffula Tree in order to impress the girl of his dreams. As he embarks on his journey, Ted discovers the incredible story of the Lorax, a grumpy but charming creature who speaks for the trees.
Celebration! (DVD), the Wiggles.
"Here in your hands is a piece of Wiggles history! The celebration tour of the original Wiggles line-up, Greg, Murray, Jeff and Anthony, travelled all around the world. This is one of those magical shows filmed live in Ireland!" - Container.
Fun & games (DVD), Hi-5.
Big Elmo fun (DVD).
Get ready for some really, really Big fun when Elmo is accidentally turned big and towers over Sesame Street! While Abby tries to figure out how to get Elmo small again, kids will learn all about measuring in this extra tall tale. Then, Elmo makes friends with a Monarch butterfly and cooks up even more big fun in a silly cooking competition! Featuring three full length stories, two engaging new songs with Elmo.
Dinosaur train. Have you heard about the herd? (DVD).
Dinosaur train. One big dinosaur (DVD).
Dinosaur train. The lost bird (DVD).
Dinosaur train. The wing kings (DVD).
Dora the Explorer. Dora's fantastic gymnastics adventure (DVD).
Help Dora start the Fantastic Gymnastics show, win a ribbon with Pinto in the Big Horse Show, and find Swiper's favorite things in these three big adventures!
Dora the Explorer. Dora's royal rescue (DVD).
Ride to the rescue and share a love of reading books along the way with Lady Knight Dora, in these two knightly adventures, featuring the legendary Don Quixote!
Dora the Explorer. First bike (DVD).
Dora loves helping Boots... from riding his first bike to finding his missing boots and more!
Go Diego go! Diego's great iguana adventure (DVD).
Nickelodeon's popular cartoon series Dora the explorer has charmed little girls everywhere with the fun-filled escapades of its adorable bilingual heroine. Preschool boys get their own chance at excitement with the spinoff series Go Diego go! which centres on Dora's cousin, Diego, as he engages in swashbuckling adventures with the same brand of interactive learning that made the parent show such a success.
Go Diego go! Diego's Ultimate Rescue League (DVD).
Join the animal rescue league! Help Diego and his friends earn their world rescue patches! Travel underwater and up tall mountains to save more animals. Team up with Diego's animal rescue to save more desert, river, sea and mountain animals.
Go Diego go! Journey to the great pyramids (DVD).
Help Diego, his friend Medina, and Jamal the Camel on an Egyptian journey to the Great Pyramids to find the Golden Cloud that will bring rain to the thirsty camels of the desert.
Play school. Putting on a show (DVD).
"Join Abi, Teo, Leah, Karen, Andrew and Sofya as they enjoy the fun of putting on a show! See them create costumes and props, and set up a theatre as they act out some favourite nursery rhymes and songs. There are plays with puppets, magic tricks and lots of fun and and games with the Play school toys" - Container insert.
SpongeBob SquarePants. Ghouls fools (DVD).
Take a hauntingly hilarious dive into Bikini Bottom and sing along to some ghostly good tunes from the double-length episode, Ghoul Fools! Plus, go on a treasure hunt, learn to tie a whole boatload of nifty knots, and board the ship of the most inept ghost ever to try and haunt the Seven Seas, the Flying Dutchman himself. It's a collection of episodes so good, it's scary!
The Garfield show. Volume 1 (DVD).
"Everyone loves Garfield, the star of his own syndicated newspaper comic strip read all around the world and two big screen movie features! Garfield is a lazy, selfish, overweight, orange tabby whose main hobbies are chilling out, pizza, watching TV, pizza, having fun… and pizza. Whether he's scarfing down lasagne (or pizza), or tricking Nermal the kitten, Garfield is guaranteed to crack you up. But remember: he hates Mondays!" - Container.
The Garfield show. Volume 2 (DVD).
The Garfield show. Volume 3 (DVD).
The penguins of Madagascar. Operation : Blowhole (DVD).
Skipper and the penguins must stop Dr. Blowhole's diabolical plans for revenge.
Timmy time. Timmy's seaside rescue (DVD).
It's the nursery's first ever coach trip and they are off to the seaside! But while Timmy and his friends are busy having fun on the beach, Timmy's teddy and Bumpy are swept out to sea. They need a hero to rescue them - and Timmy's the lamb for the job!
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Best of Wubbzy, Volume 1 (DVD).
We asked Wubbzy fans - especially parents - to choose their favourite episodes via Facebook, and these are the winners! Enjoy six of your favourite Wubbzy adventures.
Angelina ballerina. Tummy butterflies (DVD).
Angelina and her friends get an opportunity to show everyone the latest dance they've learnt. Nervous "tummy butterflies" take over one member of the group. Can Angelina help her friend through her troubles and onto the stage?
Guess how much I love you. Scents of spring (DVD) : the adventures of Little Nut Brown Hare.
Based on the bestselling picture book this gentle animated series is about the love and friendship between father and son. In these stories Big and Little Nutbrown Hare and friends play and laugh as they explore the wonders of the natural world around them. Guess How Much I Love You is a timeless classic for a new generation.
The red dragons of Gressingham [sound recording], Philip Ardagh.
The Green Men of Gressingham are struggling to find things to do now that they are no longer outlaws. But just when things are getting boring, Lord Dashwood sends them on a very unusual mission! Can the Green Men complete it without setting their bottoms on fire?
A Blossom promise [sound recording], Betsy Byars.
In the aftermath of a big flood in Alderson County, the Blossom family continues coping in their rare family style.
Butterfly summer [sound recording], Anne-Marie Conway.
When Becky and her mum move to the tiny village of Oakbridge, Mum is hoping for a new beginning. But when Becky discovers an old photo of her mum in hospital clutching a baby, twelve years before Becky was born, Becky becomes haunted by the thought that her mum is keeping something from her. The only place Becky finds comfort is at the beautiful Butterfly Garden with her new friend, the wild-spirited Rosa May. But Becky can't shake off many unanswered questions. As the two girls spend more time together however, Rosa May's unpredictable temper suggests that she is hiding something too. And in the heat of the sundrenched summer, it seems that Becky is the only one in the dark.
The Spook's sacrifice [sound recording], Joseph Delaney.
As the Spook's apprentice Tom's first duty is to protect the County from the dark. But now Mam needs his help in her homeland of Greece. One of the most dangerous of the old gods, the Ordeen, is about to return there, bringing slaughter and devastation. Meanwhile, the Devil himself is still loose and if he and the Ordeen join forces, a new age of darkness will descend. Mam has summoned a powerful group to her side but among them are Tom's old enemy, the Pendle witches, including the assassin Grimalkin, and the cunning clan leader Mab Moldheel. Can Tom go against all the Spook has taught him and ally himself to the witches? What is the secret that Mam is keeping from him? And what sacrifices must be made in the battle against the dark?
The abominables [sound recording], Eva Ibbotson.
A hundred years ago, in the Himalayan peaks of Nanvi Dar, the daughter of an English earl is kidnapped by a huge hairy monster. In a secret valley Agatha Farley is introduced to a family of motherless yetis and devotes her life to their upbringing. She teaches them to speak, tells them stories and insists on polite manners. But as the decades pass, tourists come to the mountains, a hotel is built and yeti-hunters arrive. Agatha knows that there is one place in the world where they would be protected her ancestral home at Farley Towers. When a boy and his sister stumble upon her hidden valley, she knows she has found the courageous people who will carry out her plan. The excited yetis are smuggled into the bridal suite at the hotel. A freezer lorry is waiting to put them into semi-hibernation on the long trip home. But the baby yak that has fallen in love with the youngest yeti foils the refrigeration plan and they set off on a hugely entertaining road trip half way across the world. In the Sultan of Aslerfan's kingdom the yetis release all the animals from his zoo. In the Alps they rescue a lost child in a blizzard. In Spain, the yak creates chaos at a bullfight. But when they arrive in England, a terrible shock awaits them at Farley Towers. This early novel, never submitted for publication, contains all the trademark qualities that made Eva's subsequent books so successful; comedy, loveable and eccentric characters, perfectly-crafted plotting, and inspiring themes of tolerance, kindness to animals, and the defeat of cruelty.
Martin the warrior. Book one, The prisoner and the tyrant [sound recording], Brian Jacques.
Badrang is a stoat with dreams of his own empire, an army of slaves, and an impregnable fortress. Martin is a young mouse who stands up against cruelty and oppression - and is hurled into prison. He and his friends Brome and Felldoh are determined to escape and one day free their fellow slaves and defeat the tyrant …
Fox friend [sound recording], Michael Morpurgo.
Wings (MP3), Terry Pratchett.
Masklin, one of a race of beings four inches high who live secretly among humans, tries to use the portable computer known as Thing to summon back the spaceship in which his ancestors came to Earth.
A boy and a bear in a boat [sound recording], Dave Shelton.
A boy and a bear go to sea, equipped with a suitcase, a comic book and a ukulele. They are only travelling a short distance and it really shouldn't take long. But then their boat encounters 'unforeseeable anomalies'. Faced with turbulent stormy seas, a terrifying sea monster and the rank remains of The Very Last Sandwich, the odds soon become pitted against our unlikely heroes. Will the Harriet, their trusted vessel, withstand the violent lashings of the salty waves? And will anyone ever answer their message in a bottle? Brilliantly funny and tender, this beautiful book maps the growth of a truly memorable friendship and tells the story of how, when all becomes lost, the most unexpected joys can be found.
The Clumsies. Omnibus 2 [sound recording], Sorrel Anderson.
From the moment when Howard Armitage first finds two talking mice under his desk - the inimitable and hilarious Purvis and Mickey Thompson - his life, and his belongings, are turned forever upside down. Obsessed with biscuits and forever playing incomprehensible games of their own devising, the Clumsies are not your average mice - and though they're desperate to help Howard get out of trouble with his evil boss, they're only really good for one thing - making a mess.
Super Soccer Boy and the raging robots [sound recording], Judy Brown.
There's a tournament at Wembley and Harry Gribble, also known as Super Soccer Boy, can't wait - loads of top players will be taking part. He's very disappointed when his favourite footballer is sent off, for the first time ever. When other footballers start behaving weirdly, Harry is sure something odd is going on - but what?
Amelia the silver sister [sound recording], Amber Castle.
Morgana Le Fay has spirited the Spell Sisters of Avalon away from the magical island and trapped them throughout the kingdom. Amelia the Silver Sister is imprisoned in a castle and Gwen and Flora want to rescue her. But when Morgana attacks the castle with a hurricane, the girls become trapped too! Can they escape and return Amelia to Avalon.
Raccoon rampage [sound recording], Andrew Cope.
The Hole-in-the-Tree gang, led by Quickpaw Cassidy and The Sunshine Cub, is the most daring group of raccoons in town. But when these cheeky chancers carry out the biggest, boldest heist of their lives, they push the neighbourhood too far. The heat is on and the gang goes on the run in a wild adventure that ultimately teaches them that there's no place like home.
Teacher's pet [sound recording], Andrew Cope.
Sophie's new teacher is having some bad luck - first her house is broken into, and then the school! But this is a robbery with a difference - the thieves don't steal anything! Super Spy Dog Lara has an A in catching criminals … can she solve the mystery of the break-ins before the baddies strike again? With her pups Spud and Star by her side, it's Lara to the rescue!
Your dad's a monkey [sound recording], Judy Corbalis.
Uninvited ghosts and other stories [sound recording], Penelope Lively.
A Martian comes to stay, and Peter's gran knits him a sweater. A family of ghosts pester the life out of the Brown children, until they find them a new home. A clock gets the better of a boy who tries to win some time back from it. A boy has a battle of wits with a dog who turns out to be a thoroughly reprehensible character. A dragon living under the floor of an old house poses a few problems for the brothers who discover him. The Hancock household is taken over by mushrooms.
Booom! [sound recording], Alan MacDonald.
Old Grumbly, a massive volcano that looms over the Urk valley, has begun to rumble and many Urks fear The End of the World is nigh. They agree that the only way to avoid catastrophe is for someone to climb the volcano and make an offering to the ancestors. Preferably, this someone should be the Urk selected to succeed Chief Hammerhead at the momentous Anointing Ceremony.
The pirate uncle [sound recording], Margaret Mahy.
Well-behaved Nicholas and Caroline try to reform their pirate uncle when they spend a holiday at his New Zealand beach.
The enchanted forest mystery [sound recording] ; &, The princess & the dragons, Sue Mongredien.
In 'The enchanted forest mystery', the evil Sorcero has put a spell on the Fairy Queen - and why is the ogre keeping all the animals prisoner? In 'The princess & the dragons', Megan is sent to the Kingdom of Golden Spires, where she is kidnapped by some terrifying dragons who have mistaken her for the willful young Princess Paloma.
Tilly Tiptoes and the grand surprise [sound recording], Caroline Plaisted.
The dancers of the Grand Ballet are practising for the opening night of Giselle.
Polly and the wolf again [sound recording], Catherine Storr.
The wolf is after Polly again! He wants to eat her up and is determined to outwit her this time - and he nearly does when he disguises himself as Father Christmas. But by now even Polly's little sister is too clever for the wolf, so he has to work very hard indeed if he is to have Polly for tea.
Rascal the star [sound recording] : &, Rascal and the wedding, Holly Webb.
Ellie is thrilled when her friend Lucy is picked to star in a TV commercial. The only problem is that the ad is for dog food and Lucy is terrified of dogs. Ellie and Rascal team up to help out - but whenever Rascal is about, trouble is never far behind.
Auntie Gemma is getting married and Ellie is going to be a bridesmaid. She'd love for Rascal to be part of her auntie's Big Day, too. But will Rascal be able to stay on his best behaviour long enough to get himself an invite?
A monster surprise! [sound recording], Ian Whybrow.
When a mysterious set of plastic dinosaur cards appear on his key-ring, Harry discovers he can call on an army of Back-Up Dinosaurs for some monster-sized muscle! Harry and his friends are having a kayaking adventure! But when they discover someone is stealing rare birds' eggs, Harry is determined to help. There's a monster surprise in store for the thief!

Into Reading

The talent shown : a Mr. and Mrs. Green adventure, Keith Baker.
Mr. and Mrs. Green, a loving alligator couple, try their hand at participating in the town talent show. Mr. Green is a singing sensation in the shower at home. In the talent show he cannot sing a note until Mrs. Green comes up with a splashing idea.
The ghost teacher, Tony Bradman ; illustrated by Peter Kavanagh.
Class 3 are the worst class ever. They do lots of crashing and bashing, nose-picking and flicking, fighting and fidgeting. No teacher can control Class 3. Until Miss Shade the Ghost Teacher pays them a visit.
Splat the Cat. The rain is a pain, based on the books by Rob Scotton ; cover art by Rob Scotton ; text by Amy Hsu Lin ; interior illustrations by Robert Eberz.
Splat the Cat can't wait to try out his new roller skates but must stay inside because it is raining.

Non-Fiction

Haunted histories : creepy castles, dark dungeons, and powerful palaces, J. H. Everett and Marilyn Scott-Waters.
Shares facts about the locations where calamitous historical events occurred, covering topics ranging from the Tower of London and the torture methods used there, to dungeon life for prisoners, and the most popular poisoning methods.
I'm feeling angry, Lisa Regan ; illustrated by Christiane Engel.
We all feel angry sometimes. When things do wrong, it can make you feel really cross. This book shows you some of the things that might make you angry, and helps you think of ways to make the feelings go away.
I'm feeling jealous, Lisa Regan ; illustrated by Christiane Engel.
We all feel jealous sometimes. Your friends may have things you want, or your parents may have to share their time with other families. This book shows you some of the things that might make you jealous, and helps you think of ways to make the feelings go away.
I'm feeling scared, Lisa Regan ; illustrated by Christiane Engel.
We all feel scared sometimes. It can be hard to be brave if you don't like the dark, or going to new places. This book shows you some of the things you might find scary, and helps you think of ways to make the feelings go away.
I'm feeling shy, Lisa Regan ; illustrated by Christiane Engel.
We all feel shy sometimes. Life is full of new people and places. It can make you feel shy if you don't know how to act. This books shows you some of the things that make you shy, and helps you think of ways to make the feelings go away.
Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber with pictures by Quentin Blake.
Based on the smash-hit musical that has become one of the most popular children's plays of all time, this beautiful book retells in verse and illustrations one of the most action-packed stories of the Old Testament. The lively lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and the humourous illustrations by Quentin Blake are a delight for children of all ages. A book to be treasured! Age range: 6+ years.
Disaster relief, Nick Hunter.
Part of the "Heroic Job" series, this book reveals the stories, people, and equipment behind the world's most dramatic rescues. It features the photographs that capture the drama and excitement of the rescue missions. It looks at the essential skills required by the rescuers.
My first book of transport, Charlotte Guillain ; illustrated by Nigel Chilvers.
From red buses to rickshaws this interactive book takes the reader all around the world looking at the different ways people get about.
My first book of Christmas, Charlotte Guillain ; illustrated by Anna Jones.
With lots to look for in the illustrations and accompanying informative text, this book is a must for anyone whose young child wants do discover more about what's behind our Christmas traditions and customs!
The annotated Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm ; edited with a new preface and notes by Maria Tatar ; translations by Maria Tatar ; introduction by A.S. Byatt.
Publication of the Grimms Children's Stories and Household Tales in 1812 brought the great European oral folk tradition into print for the first time. The Annotated Brothers Grimm returns in a deluxe and augmented 200th-anniversary edition commemorating that landmark event. Adding to such favourites as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and Rapunzel, Maria Tatar includes six new entries, among them Four Clever Brothers, The Water of Life, The White Snake, and The Old Man and His Grandson. The expanded edition features an enhanced selection of illustrations, many in colour, by legendary artists such as George Cruikshank and Arthur Rackham; annotations that explore the historical origins, cultural context, and psychological effects of the tales; and a biographical essay on Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. A perennial favourite in the acclaimed Norton Annotated series, this magnificent volume will draw both children and adults into the enchanting world of fairy tales.
Sindbad's secret : [from the tales of the thousand and one nights], retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman.
Sindbad the Sailor has escaped death many times and is planning to live the rest of his life on dry land. But the sea beckons and he sets out for one final adventure. As he sails from a beautiful far-off land where people drink scented tea, a storm destroys the ship. Sindbad finds refuge on an island, but it holds little safety for him as ivory traders make him their slave and it seems that he will live out his days in servitude. But the power of love and his compassion for a baby elephant give him the strength he needs for survival. His voyage holds many answers.
Big book of nursery rhymes, [illustrations, Kali Stileman].
From the creator of Big Book of My World comes this collection of favourite nursery rhymes. Kali Stileman brings the action rhymes, songs and lullabies to life with her characteristically quirky, fun illustrations. These traditional, staples of early childhood are an essential part of developing a love of words and books, and this is a fun, fresh way of introducing them. A real treat to share with every baby and toddler - and the padded cover makes this the perfect gift!
Classic nursery rhymes : 100 best-loved childhood songs, [compiled by Nicola Baxter] ; illustrated by Cathie Shuttleworth.
This is an irresistible collection of 100 classic nursery rhymes, delightfully illustrated by a leading children's artist. It includes popular rhymes such as "Old King Cole", "Three Blind Mice", "Pat-a-Cake", and "Little Bo Peep". Bright, colourful and lively drawings bring the familiar characters to life across the page. Every page has a special secret too - at least one little mouse is hiding in each illustration, for the reader to spot! This is a charming book that can you can enjoy reading together with your child. Children love the rhythm and repetition of nursery rhymes. This heirloom volume of 100 memorable rhymes has all the traditional rhymes collected together, grouped into chapters on "Animal Rhymes", "Nursery Rhyme People", "Action Rhymes and Bedtime Rhymes. Indexed for easy use, all the best-loved rhymes are here, such as "The North Wind Doth Blow", "There Was an Old Woman", "Ring-a-ring O'Roses", and "Rock-a-Bye Baby". The rich illustrations on every page are full of intricate and enticing detail.
How we make stuff : the story behind our everyday things, written by Christiane Dorion ; illustrated by Beverley Young.
Where do our clothes come from? What's the link between gorillas and mobile phones? Does chocolate grow on trees? Answering these questions and many more, How We Make Stuff is an engaging exploration of the way we use Earth's natural resources.
Awesome autumn, Bruce Goldstone.
The author compiles all kinds of sights, sounds, and scents of the autumn season.
Counting on fall, written by Lizann Flatt ; illustrated by Ashley Barron.
Journey into the natural world in the fall and discover that numbers, patterns, shapes and much more can be found by observing everyday plants and animals.
Recipe for perfect planet pie, Kim Michelle Toft.
Whip the wind and sprinkle the seedlings, add a pinch of butterflies and stir in 4 baby turtles, just cracked from their eggs. These are just some of the delicious 'green' ingredients to create Perfect Planet Pie.
3-D Earth, written by John Woodward ; consultant, Kim Bryan.
Interactive 3-D animations bring this fact-packed book to life to show you planet Earth in all its glory. Watch the birth of a twisting tornado, see how glaciers sculpt our planet, and witness ancient landmasses colliding to create the continents we know today.
Oceans & seas, Margaret Hynes.
Oceans & seas is an underwater adventure, travelling from the seashore to the deepest depths, looking at coral reefs, shipwrecks, sharks, whales and much more along the way.
Dinosaurs, David Burnie.
Dinosaurs' journeys around the world, delving through layers of fossil evidence to uncover the secrets of prehistoric life. Step back in time and unearth some of the most awesome dinosaur specimens yet discovered. Find out about fierce fighting dinosaurs and horned dinosaurs, and discover how dinosaur hunters build pictures of the lives of these amazing beasts.
Apatosaurus, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the long-necked Apatosaurus, highlighting its size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable Apatosaurus fossils.
Pterodactyls, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the flying pterodactyls, highlighting their size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable pterodactyl fossils.
Stegosaurus, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the armored Stegosaurus, highlighting its size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable Stegosaurus fossils.
Triceratops, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the horned Triceratops, highlighting its size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable Triceratops fossils.
Tyrannosaurus rex, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex, highlighting its size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable T. rex fossils.
Velociraptor, Kate Riggs.
A brief introduction to the speedy Velociraptor, highlighting its size, habitat, food sources, and demise. Also included is a virtual field trip to a museum with notable Velociraptor fossils.
The skull in the rock : how a scientist, a boy, and Google Earth opened a new window on human origins, Lee R. Berger and Marc Aronson.
In 2008, Professor Lee Berger with the help of his curious 9-year-old son discovered two remarkably well preserved, two-million-year-old fossils of an adult female and young male, known as "Australopithecus sediba;" a previously unknown species of ape-like creatures that may have been a direct ancestor of modern humans. This discovery of has been hailed as one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history. The fossils reveal what may be one of humankind's oldest ancestors. Berger believes the skeletons they found on the Malapa site in South Africa could be the "Rosetta stone that unlocks our understanding of the genus Homo" and may just redesign the human family tree.
Out on the prairie, Donna M. Bateman ; illustrated by Susan Swan.
Discusses several plants and animals that live on the prairie in Badlands National Park, including the pronghorns, meadowlarks, rattlesnakes, and prairie dogs, to the traditional rhyme scheme of "Over in the Meadow."
Citizen scientists : be a part of scientific discovery from your own backyard, Loree Griffin Burns ; photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz.
Anyone can get involved in gathering data for ongoing, actual scientific studies such as the Audubon Bird Count and FrogWatch USA. Just get out into a field, urban park, or your own backyard. You can put your nose to a monarch pupa or listen for raucous frog calls. You can tally woodpeckers or sweep the grass for ladybugs. This book, full of engaging photos and useful tips, will show you how.
Animals and their families, Barbara Nascimbeni.
What sea creature is this?, Nancy Kelly Allen ; illustrated by Gloria Brown.
Not only are there more fish than can be dreamed of but there is more than fish living in the sea. The book's charm and humour open up children's eyes and imaginations to the animals they may spot at the beach, in a sea park, aquarium, puddle or small tank.
The Usborne big book of sea creatures, written by Minna Lacey ; illustrated by Fabiano Fiorin ; designed by Stephen Wright ; animal experts, John Rostron and Margaret Rostron.
This title features: Point Big fold-out pages that open up into massive 4-page scenes; two fun concertina pages to open up too; and, stunning watercolour illustrations by Fabiano Fiorin. It includes huge sharks, whales, squid and lots of fish with key facts about each creature.
The Usborne big book of big bugs : and a few little ones too, written by Emily Bone ; illustrated by Fabiano Fiorin.
This title offers a fascinating look at the world's biggest bugs, including spiders bigger than a dinner plate, a stick insect longer than your arm, a beetle the same size as a rat, and moths and butterflies larger than a small dog. All bugs in the book appear life-size so you can see how big they really are! This title also features the biggest swarms and colonies, the deadliest bugs, and the bugs that are best at camouflage. It includes 4 huge fold-out pages.
Puffling patrol, Ted and Betsy Lewin.
Ted and Betsy Lewin detail the annual rescue of baby puffins by the children of Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands off the coast of Iceland. Includes additional information about puffins and the Westman Islands, glossary, and further reading.
Manukura : the white kiwi, story by Joy Cowley ; illustrated by Bruce Potter.
The story of Manukura, the rare white kiwi which was born in captivity at Pukaha Mount Bruce in 2011. Māori recognised this as something very special, a treasure and a sign of new beginnings. Includes facts about kiwi, and information about Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.
World's greatest lion, Ralph Helfer ; illustrated by Ted Lewin.
Follows the famous lion's life from Africa to the United States and recounts the events of the 1969 flood in which Zamba led the other animals to safety.
The ultimate guys' body book : not-so-stupid questions about your body, Walt Larimore.
Presents answers to questions about boys' bodies, including talking to parents, information about steroids, and how to deal with acne.
Will puberty last my whole life? : real answers to real questions from pre-teens about body changes, sex, and other growing-up stuff, Julie Metzger and Robert Lehman ; illustrated by Lia Cerizo.
This flip book for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 has questions asked by girls in one half of the book; flip it over and questions asked by boys are on the other side. Contains honest, informative, and reassuring answers to questions pre-adolescents have about puberty, friends, feelings, sex, pimples, babies, body hair, menstruation, bras, and much more. Straightforward, age-appropriate answers to REAL questions from pre-teens are provided by an experienced nurse-and-physician team who have been giving popular seminars to mums and daughters, and dads and sons, in Seattle and Palo Alto for more than twenty years. Each of the questions in the book has been asked, many of them frequently, by kids during their seminars. Filled with fun, full-colour illustrations throughout.
Invincible microbe : tuberculosis and the never-ending search for a cure, Jim Murphy and Alison Blank.
This is the compelling, suspenseful, down-to-earth story of a killer that has been stalking and doing away with people for thousands of years: Tuberculosis. For centuries TB in many forms was treated with everything from poultices and potions to the king's touch. The microorganism that causes the disease was eventually identified, more effective treatments were developed, and the cure for TB was thought to be within reach. But the TB germ simply will not die; drug-resistant varieties continue to plague and panic the human race. The "biography" of this deadly germ, an account of the diagnosis, treatment, and "cure" of the disease over time, and the social history of an illness that could strike anywhere but was most prevalent among the poor are woven together in an engrossing narrative supported by 70-plus archival prints and photographs. Includes bibliography, source notes, and index.
The Usborne big book of big ships, written by Minna Lacey ; illustrated by Gabriele Antonini ; designed by Stephen Wright ; ships expert, Steve Robinson.
This is a fantastic big book crammed with the world's biggest ships that ever sailed the seven seas. Young boat enthusiasts will love learning about all the warships, supertankers, Arctic ice breakers, aircraft carriers, hovercrafts and ocean liners featured in this great big book, with lots of stats and facts. Each themed double page is gorgeously illustrated. This title includes four gatefold spreads which open out to reveal the truly stunning size of some of the world's ships.
The Usborne big book of big trucks, written by Megan Cullis ; illustrated by Mike Byrne ; designed by Stephen Wright ; truck expert, Steve Williams.
A big book of big trucks (and some little ones too) perfect for machine-mad boys. From enormous heavy hauler dump trucks to towering mobile crane trucks, children can discover the biggest and most powerful machines ever made. Really huge trucks are displayed with extra fold-out pages.
It's a dog's life : how man's best friend sees, hears, and smells the world, Susan E. Goodman ; illustrated by David Slonim.
A whimsically illustrated guide to the inner life of dogs shares lighthearted insights into dog evolution and behaviour while profiling common breeds and explaining what a dog experiences while looking at a sunset and smelling the ground.
A dog is a dog : and that's why he's so special, Clarice Rutherford.
A Dog is a Dog is an excellent book for young children to read, especially if they are interested in having a dog. The author, Clarice Rutherford, brings her many years of experience with dogs into this book, and explains dogs, why they are the way they are and how to understand and train them. The book is written for the middle grade school level. The reader will learn the basic history of dogs and their relationship to the wolf. How the dog's brain develops and the importance of early socialisation and basic training is explained, as well as how the genetics and instincts of the wolf play an important role in the behaviour of the dog to some extent. Establishing one's self as a leader is discussed. Training the dog to be a well-mannered companion is also explained, with good advice on why dogs do some of the things they do, and what can be done to correct those actions.
The garden cook : grow, cook and eat with kids, Fiona Inglis.
Former MasterChef Australia contestant Fiona Inglis is passionate about food, whether she's growing, cooking or eating it. As a primary school teacher working within the framework of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, Fiona is also passionate about sharing her enthusiasm, knowledge and skills with her students and with children everywhere. This beautifully photographed and illustrated book, with more than 70 easy-to-follow recipes, is aimed for 8 to 13-year olds, their parents and anyone interested in growing and cooking good food.
The Mayo Clinic kids' cookbook : 50 favorite recipes for fun and healthy eating.
100 yummy things to cook and eat, written by Fiona Watt … et al.
Features one hundred simple recipes for delicious things to make and eat. In this title, each recipe has a 'You will need' list, simple instructions, clear step-by-step illustrations and a photograph of the end result. It includes both sweet and savoury recipes such as: muffins, salads, pasta dishes, soups, cakes, cookies and sweets.
The Beano annual. 2013.
The 2013 edition of the annual collection of the Beano comic.
Young artists draw animals, Christopher Hart.
"Young Artists Draw Animals" shows budding artists how to draw all their favourite animals, familiar household pets, as well as exotic animals from around the world.
Crafts with kids : over 40 fun and fabulous projects, Susie Johns.
Features over forty projects using recycled materials for parents and children to work on together. Includes chapters on papercraft, recycling, painting and printing, needlecraft and naturecraft.
The wreck of the Diddley, Fatcat & Fishface ; illustrations by Stephen Templer.
Fatcat and Fishface are New Zealand musicians who write and record witty, highly original and wonderfully catchy songs for children. Often naughty, always funny, they have built up a strong following among parents and children who appreciate their unique and high quality music. The Wreck of the Diddley was originally a song, a devilishly dark pirate's tale, that winds up badly off Island Bay. Inspired by the success of an animated version of this song, Fatcat and Fishface enlisted acclaimed illustrator Stephen Templer to turn this song into a book, which he has done in his exuberant and marvellously colourful way. Accompanying the book is a DVD of the animated version of The Wreck of The Diddley, so that all readers, young and old, can enjoy this musical tale. This is a superb and original production, blending world-class illustration with the best in children's music.
Songs in the shade of the flamboyant tree : French Creole lullabies and nursery rhymes, song selection, notes and vocal coordination, Chantal Grosleziat ; illustrations, Laurent Corvaisier.
This collection of lullabies and nursery rhymes celebrates life's passages and various island rituals in the tropical isles of Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, and Reunion.
The official LEGO annual. 2013.
Bursting with brilliant games and activities about all your favourite LEGO ranges, this awesome annual is a must-have for LEGO fans.
I spy 4 picture riddle books, riddles by Jean Marzolo ; photographs by Walter Wick.
Simple text challenges the reader to find objects hidden in the photographs. Four I spy riddle books bound in a single volume.
Where are Santa's pants?, Richard Merritt.
The hunt is on to find Santa's pants before Christmas! Have you decorated the tree? Wrapped the presents and sent the cards? Good because now you have to find Santa's pants! Christmas can't go ahead if Santa's got no pants, so drop the baubles, forget the carols and join the worldwide search. There is a different pair of pants on every spread. And that's not all! Santa's reindeer are so embarrassed they have started behaving strangely. Find all eight reindeer on every page, round them up and send them back to the North Pole in time for Christmas! And don't forget to look for the lucky sixpence. There's one on every page.
Spot the differences : art masterpiece mysteries. Book 3.
Kids can take a close look at 25 of the world's most famous paintings in this challenging puzzle book. Identical-looking full-page colour reproductions of each masterpiece appear side by side, but a careful search will reveal 6-14 differences. Artists include Renoir, Seurat, David, and Vermeer. Includes fun facts about each painting and solutions.
The Kingfisher book of soccer skills : from warmup to final whistle : the essential guide, Clive Gifford.
Teaches soccer moves, defending techniques, types of passes, and more with photographs and easy-to-follow instructions.
Freestyle BMX, Isabel Thomas.
The high-adrenalin thrill of freestyle BMX is creating a stir on the extreme sports scene. Make sure it's on your radar! Look inside to find the real life story of young BMX pro, a 5-minute interview with a biking expert who provides the low-down on this awesome sport, plus step by step guides to super BMX stunts and moves! Are you on the radar?
Guy-write : what every guy writer needs to know, Ralph Fletcher.
Practical guidance and advice on writing from professional authors.
National Geographic book of animal poetry : 200 poems with photographs that squeak, soar, and roar!, J. Patrick Lewis.
Combines photography with lyrical text celebrating the animal world, in a compilation that includes works by such poets as Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and Rudyard Kipling.
Last laughs : animal epitaphs, J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen ; illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins.
Offers morbidly-humourous, pun-filled, illustrated epitaphs for animals that poetically describe how they met their ends.
A river of stories : tales and poems from across the Commonwealth, compiled by Alice Curry ; illustrated by Jan Pienowski ; foreword by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
From tiny island to vast territory, each of the member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations has a vibrant heritage of storytelling. With a central theme of water, this glorious collection brings together a tale or poem from each of the fifty-four countries of the Commonwealth.
Easter = 'Eseta, written by Fiti Leung Wai ; illustrated by Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Samoan translation, Ainslie Chu Ling-So'o and Taumuli Seulata Saena-Papalii = Tusia 'e Fiti Leung Wai Fiti Leung Wai ; Tusua ata 'e Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Fa'aliliuina 'e
Independence day = Aso 'o le sisigafu'a, written by Fiti Leung Wai ; illustrated by Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Samoan translation, Ainsley Chu Ling-So'o and Taumuli Seulata Saena-Papalii = Tusia 'e Fiti Leung Wai Fiti Leung Wai ; Tusua ata 'e Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Fa'aliliuina 'e
My first day at school = 'O lo'u aso muamua 'i le a'oga, written by Fiti Leung Wai ; illustrated by Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Samoan translation, Ainslie Chu Ling-So'o and Taumuli Seulata Saena-Papalii = Tusia 'e Fiti Leung Wai Fiti Leung Wai ; Tusua ata 'e Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Fa'aliliuina 'e
Teuila festival = Aso fa'ailogaina 'o le Teuila, written by Fiti Leung Wai ; illustrated by Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Samoan translation, Ainslie Chu Ling-So'o and Taumuli Seulata Saena- Papalii = Tusia 'e Fiti Leung Wai Fiti Leung Wai ; Tusua ata 'e Sinavaiana Ulberg-Leuluaialii ; Fa'aliliuina 'e
O le supo a pepe.
Introduces children to the vegetables used in cooking a traditional Samoan soup.
Taumafa Samoa.
Introduces children to the preparation of traditional Samoan foods.
My father's islands : Abel Tasman's heroic voyages, Christobel Mattingley.
It is the 1640s and Claesgen lives in Batavia with her stepmother, Jannetje, waiting weeks, and sometimes months, for her father, Abel Tasman, to come back from his sea voyages. When he returns, Tasman delights his young daughter with tales of treacherous oceans and relentless wild weather, hazards of unseen coral reefs and endless days of empty ocean, encounters both friendly and hostile with indigenous peoples, murder and theft, and the threat of smugglers and pirates. Inspired by a 1637 painting of the Tasman family by Jacob Cuyp and meticulously researched, My Father's Islands is a fictional story told through the voice of Claesgen. Tasman's young daughter's curiosity about her father's life takes the reader on his voyage on the unchartered seas of the Pacific Ocean, in the search for unknown lands and new sources of riches for the powerful trading company, the Dutch East India Company. My Father's Islands opens up to children a significant, but little known, part of Australia's history the European discovery of parts of the Unknown South Land by the heroic explorer and navigator, Abel Janszoon Tasman.
Barefoot books world atlas, written by Nick Crane ; illustrated by David Dean.
Divided by geographical region, the Barefoot Books World Atlas looks at the way in which communities and cultures across the world have been shaped by their natural environment, and at the ideas and initiatives which are shaping the future. An atlas for the twenty-first century, it shows how all parts of the planet are interconnected and looks at the challenges which face us all in creating a sustainable future.
One dream, One direction : 100% unofficial, written by Ellen Bailey ; edited by Philippa Wingate ; designed by Zoe Bradley.
Follow the five coolest guys in pop from their solo performances on the UK's The X Factor to superstardom as the world's number one heart-stopping, chart-topping, record-breaking boy band. Packed with gorgeous photos of the boys, this book will make you feel closer to One Direction than ever before.
Hands around the library : protecting Egypt's treasured books, Susan L. Roth and Karen Leggett Abouraya ; collages by Susan L. Roth.
Documents the inspiring January 2011 story about how thousands of Egypt's students, library workers, and demonstrators joined hands around the great Library of Alexandria to protect the building and the freedom it represents.
Maumahara ki tera Noema, na Jennifer Beck ; raua ko Lindy Fisher ; na Kawata Teepa i whakamaori.
"It's almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November - the invasion of Parihaka in 1881" - Publisher information.
Remember that November, written by Jennifer Beck ; illustrated by Lindy Fisher.
"It's almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November - the invasion of Parihaka in 1881" - Publisher information.
Shackleton Bear goes south, story & photography, John McCrystal ; additional photography, Mike Wilkinson and Bob Zuur.
"Ever since he learned that he is named after a Famous Polar Explorer, Shackleton Bear has wanted to travel to Antarctica to see what his namesake saw. Come with him as he learns and experiences the wonders of the subantarctic islands, the Southern Ocean and, of course, Antarctica" - Jacket.

Older Fiction

Whirlwind : the third magnificently secret diary of Martha Grimstone, Asphyxia.
In this third magnificent adventure for Martha Grimstone, Martha decides to use her fledgling magic to control a whirlwind, but she ends up with too many rabbits instead. Can she find a way to turn the rabbit fur into something useful?
Unlocking the spell : a tale of the wide-awake princess, E.D. Baker.
Princess Annabelle, who is immune to magic and can temporarily reverse spells put on others, encounters various fairy tale characters when she embarks on an expedition into the woods to find a dwarf responsible for turning Sleeping Beauty's prince into a bear.
Iron hearted Violet, Kelly Barnhill ; illustrations by Iacopo Bruno.
Princess Violet is plain, reckless, and quite possibly too clever for her own good. Particularly when it comes to telling stories. One day she and her best friend, Demetrius, stumble upon a hidden room and find a peculiar book. A forbidden book. It tells a story of an evil being called the Nybbas imprisoned in their world. The story cannot be true - not really. But then the whispers start. Violet and Demetrius, along with an ancient, scarred dragon, may hold the key to the Nybbas's triumph or its demise.
Will Sparrow's road, Karen Cushman.
In 1599 England, twelve-year-old lying, thieving Will Sparrow runs away, meets many colourful characters on the road, and then reluctantly joins a traveling "oddities" exhibit, where he learns to see beyond appearances.
The ACB with Honora Lee, Kate De Goldi ; drawings by Gregory O'Brien.
"Perry's mother and father are busy people … they're impatient, they're tired, they get cross easily. And they think that only children, like Perry, should be kept busy. On Saturday mornings Perry and her father visit her gran, Honora Lee, at the Santa Lucia rest home, but Gran never remembers them. 'Who is that man?' Honora Lee asks when Perry's father leaves the room. After movement class is abruptly cancelled, Perry is allowed to go to Santa Lucia on Thursday afternoons. She discovers her Gran has an unconventional interest in the alphabet, so Perry decides to make an alphabet book with the help of Honora and the others. Soon everyone is interested in Perry's book project. Kate De Goldi's The ACB with Honora Lee unfolds with characteristic warmth, quirky, surprising humour and a rich cast of 'residents'. The story is a meditation on kindness and patience and acceptance; that of the very young and the very old. It's a story that will resonate with echoes of recollection for many - from Perry's endearing perspective on the adult world to the embracing kindness of those who care for the elderly" - Publisher information.
Slither's tale, Joseph Delaney ; interior illustrations by David Wyatt.
Far from the Wardstone, a new darkness is rising. Slither is a haizda mage who preys upon humans, drinking their blood to feed his dark urges. So when a local farmer dies, it's only natural that Slither should want to feast on his lovely daughters. But then the farmer offers him a deal, and extracts from Slither a promise that will take him on a journey to the City of the Petrified Tree, to a fallen star-stone that holds great power, and straight into the path of Grimalkin, the Witch Assassin.
Earth and air : tales of elemental creatures, Peter Dickinson.
Changelings, gryphons, and gods get in the way of us mortals who are struggling to find someone to fall in love with, something interesting to do, somewhere to run to.
Yellowfang's secret, Erin Hunter.
Yellowfang is a loyal ShadowClan cat through and through but she is haunted by a dark secret from her past that could threaten the future of the warrior Clans.
Starry river of the sky, Grace Lin.
The moon is missing from the remote Village of Clear Sky, but only a young boy named Rendi seems to notice! Rendi has run away from home and is now working as a chore boy at the village inn. He can't help but notice the village's peculiar inhabitants and their problems - where has the innkeeper's son gone? Why are Master Chao and Widow Yan always arguing? What is the crying sound Rendi keeps hearing? And how can crazy, old Mr. Shan not know if his pet is a toad or a rabbit? But one day, a mysterious lady arrives at the Inn with the gift of storytelling, and slowly transforms the villagers and Rendi himself. As she tells more stories and the days pass in the Village of Clear Sky, Rendi begins to realize that perhaps it is his own story that holds the answers to all those questions. Newbery Honor author Grace Lin brings readers another enthralling fantasy featuring her marvelous full-colour illustrations. Starry River of the Sky is filled with Chinese folklore, fascinating characters, and exciting new adventures.
The maelstrom, written and illustrated by Henry H. Neff.
With the return of the sorcerer Bram, and the disappearance of Asteroth, Rowan Academy must prepare to battle the demon Prusias.
The mark of Athena, Rick Riordan.
The phenomenally successful Rick Riordan is back with the next thrilling installment of the "Heroes of Olympus series". Can Percy Jackson and the Half-blood Heroes succeed on their quest to find The Doors of Death or will the Greek Gods of chaos win their battle to stop them? Percy and his fellow demi-gods face the most important quest of all - the Prophecy of Seven.
Lance of truth, Katherine Roberts.
The quest for Camelot's survival continues. King Arthur's secret daughter, Rhianna Pendragon, has faced mortal danger, ice-breathing dragons and dark magic to win Excalibur, the Sword of Light. But the sword is just one of four magical Lights that she must find to restore Arthur's soul to his body and bring him back to life. Now Rhianna must head into the wilds of the North, to find the second Light, the Lance of Truth, before her evil cousin Mordred claims it. But Mordred is holding her mother Guinevere captive - can Rhianna stay true to her quest for the Lights and save the mother she's never known, before Mordred wreaks his terrible revenge?
Bright Island, Mabel L. Robinson with decorations by Lynd Ward.
When sixteen-year-old Thankful Curtis must leave Bright Island, Maine, for the first time in 1937, she has trouble adjusting to life on the mainland, new people, and "proper schooling," and yearns for her days of farming with her father and sailing.
Divide and conquer, Carrie Ryan.
When thousands of Viking warriors descend on medieval Paris, Dak is captured and forced to work with the invaders while Sera and Riq defend the city, a situation that places them on opposing sides.
Who could that be at this hour?, written by Lemony Snicket ; art by Seth.
Author Lemony Snicket is a broken man, wracked with misery and despair as a result of writing A Series Of Unfortunate Events. He spends his days wandering the countryside weeping and moaning, and his evenings eating hastily-prepared meals. But what was he like when he was thirteen years old?
The fire chronicle, John Stephens.
It's been six months since Kate, Michael and Emma confronted the Dire Magnus, but the trail to their long-lost family remains cold. Then Michael and Emma find the man who was the last person to see them. He knows about a secret map of a distant, mysterious land maybe this is the clue that will lead them to their parents. Meanwhile, Kate's connection to 'The Book of Time' grows ever stronger, and when a dangerous trick traps her in the past, she must find new friends to help her return home. Once more the children must embark on a daring and perilous quest to find the second 'Book of Beginning' and harness its power. But will it be enough to save them all?

Picture Books

The tree that bear climbed, Marianne Berkes ; illustrated by Kathleen Rietz.
Through rhyming text reminiscent of "The House that Jack Built", 'The tree that bear climbed' tells of a tree, from the roots that anchor it in the soil to the bear who climbs its trunk to snack on honey from a beehive high in its branches. Includes facts about plants.
Me and my dragon, David Biedrzycki.
A boy tells all the reasons a small, fire-breathing dragon would make an excellent pet, and the ways he would take proper care of it if he had one.
Stupid baby, Stephanie Blake ; translated by Linda Burgess ; edited by Penelope Todd.
There is a new baby in the household and older brother, Simon, is feeling jealous. But when there are scary sounds in the night, Simon decides he must protect the baby.
Whoosh and Chug!, Sebastien Braun.
All aboard for high-speed railway adventure! Hold on to your seats for a brand new story full of danger and excitement from Sebastien Braun, the creator of Toot and Pop! and Digger and Skip! Chug the little engine works hard, carefully carrying heavy cargo. Whoosh, the passenger train laughs at Chug and calls him a slow coach. But one day, going too fast leads Whoosh into terrible danger. Can Chug come to the rescue? Go, Chug, go! A fast paced adventure, perfect for young rail enthusiasts!
Inside the books : readers and libraries around the world, Toni Buzzeo ; illustrations by Jude Daly.
I love to look inside the books. They beckon me from wooden shelves that guard the stories hidden there. All across the world, on every continent, there are libraries filled with books. Some libraries are big, and others small. Some libraries sit on land, others float on water, and still others nestle amidst ice and snow. Some libraries even bump along in wheel barrows!
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, Jane Cabrera.
A variety of baby animals are lulled to sleep by a version of the familiar lullaby tailored to their environment.
A flower in the snow, Tracey Corderoy, Sophie Allsopp.
In an icy kingdom far away lived the very best of friends: Luna and Bear. When a beautiful flower pops up in the snow, Luna is delighted! But soon the flower fades, and with it, Luna's smile. Bear sets off on an adventure to find another sunshine flower, sailing the seven seas, trekking through jungles and crossing hot, sandy deserts but will Bear ever find what he is looking for? And will Luna and Bear ever be reunited again?
What happens next?, Nicola Davies ; illustrated by Marc Boutavant.
'What Happen Next?' looks at animal behaviour in an enjoyable and friendly way with strong text from writer and biologist Nicola Davies accompanied by stunning artwork and simple life-the-flap spreads. It is a fresh, stylish alternative to other books in the genre.
Who lives here?, Nicola Davies ; illustrated by Marc Boutavant.
'Who Lives Here?' looks at where animals live in an enjoyable and friendly way with strong text from writer and biologist Nicola Davies accompanied by stunning artwork and simple lift-the-flap spreads. It is a fresh, stylish alternative to other books in the genre. A spread at the back encourages children to revisit what they have learned throughout the book.
The paper dolls, Julia Donaldson ; illustrated by Rebecca Cobb.
A string of paper dolls go on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. They soon escape the clutches of the toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, but then a very real pair of scissors threatens.
Tell me about your day today, Mem Fox ; illustrated by Lauren Stringer.
What could be more wonderful than sharing bedtime with beloved friends? The little boy in this gentle and fun story loves to talk to his stuffed animals each evening and share with them all the things that happened to him that day and loves to hear about their days, too.
Pirates love underpants, Claire Freedman & Ben Cort.
Ahoy me hearties! Join the Pants Pirates on a special treasure hunt. Grab your cutlass and sail on the Pirate Ship Black Bloomer past angry crocs, sharks in fancy pants and through gurgling swamps on a quest to find the Pants of Gold! This hilarious new addition to the phenomenally successful 'Underpants' series will not disappoint. You'll be yo-ho-ho-ing until the sails come down!
Mice, written by Rose Fyleman ; illustrated by Lois Ehlert.
Simple, rhyming text celebrates what is nice about mice.
I like old clothes, Mary Ann Hoberman ; illustrations by Patrice Barton.
A child who likes wearing hand-me-downs imagines in verse the history of these clothes.
The old man and the cat, Anthony Holcroft ; illustrated by Leah Palmer Preiss.
This is a stunningly illustrated story told in the style of a traditional fairy tale. An old man who lives near a forest looks and wonders at a tree full of birds on the river bank. He longs for them to come near him but they always stay away. When the old man makes a magic flute, all the birds of the forest flock to him accompanied by insects, lizards and the fish from the lake. But magic has a way of tricking those who are unwary and the cunning of a cat soon gets the better of him. Originally published in 1984, this stunning edition of Holcroft's magical story has been newly illustrated by renowned American artist Leah Palmer Preiss.
Hello Oscar, Chloe & Mick Inkpen.
Zoe has found a guinea pig at the bottom of the garden. And a tortoise, and a chameleon, and now there's a noisy parrot! Where have they all come from? The hole in the fence could be a clue, but who lives on the other side?
Two shy pandas, Julia Jarman, Susan Varley.
Panda longs to play with Pandora next door, but he's too shy. Whenever he sees Pandora he runs away. Meanwhile Pandora longs to say "Hello Panda!", but she's much too shy, too. Will these two shy pandas ever muster up the courage to speak to each other?
Kiwi the engine and friends and the railway rabbits, written by Karalyn Joyce ; illustrated by Helen Applegate.
Kiwi the engine and friends find a little brown egg, written by Karalyn Joyce ; illustrated by Helen Applegate.
Creatures, Orla Kiely.
These gorgeous board books follow-up the successful launch of Orla Kiely's baby and toddler books. Orla Kiely is a world-famous designer who has blended her iconic designs with soft learning and first concepts to create stylish and rewarding books for both parent and child. They will make very special Christmas gifts that will be treasured for years to come. These are books of the highest quality fully cloth bound and beautifully presented to show case this iconic artwork.
Shapes, Orla Kiely.
These gorgeous board books follow-up the successful launch of Orla Kiely's baby and toddler books. Orla Kiely is a world famous designer who has blended her iconic designs with soft learning and first concepts to create stylish and rewarding books for both parent and child.
This is not my hat, Jon Klassen.
From the creator of the bestselling and award-winning "Want My Hat Back" comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue top hat (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it's a good thing that enormous fish won't wake up. And even if he does, it's not as though he'll ever know what happened, will he. Visual humour swims to the fore as the bestselling Jon Klassen follows his break-out debut with another deadpan-funny tale. This is a second thought-provoking musing on the nature of crime and punishment.
Ruby Red Shoes, Kate Knapp.
Ruby Red Shoes lives in a colourful caravan with her grandmother. Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things, including plants and trees, animals and people. Ruby is also particularly fond of strawberry jam and peppermint tea.
Monkey colours, Darrin Lunde ; illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne.
Displays the different colours of several species of monkeys and explains what they are and where they come from.
Mister Whistler, Margaret Mahy ; illustrated by Gavin Bishop.
"Absentminded Mister Whistler always has a song in his head and a dance in his feet. In a rush to catch the train, he is so distracted he loses his ticket. Is it in the bottom pockets of his big coat or the top pockets of his jacket? Perhaps he slipped it into his waistcoat. Where is Mister Whistler's ticket?" - Publisher information.
Elmer, Rose and Super El, David McKee.
The pink elephant herd, along with Elmer's friend Rose, are celebrating Old's one-hundredth birthday. But the celebrations take an unexpected turn when Old becomes stranded on a dangerous cliff top. Rose rushes to Elmer, maybe he knows a certain Super El who can come to the rescue?
Dinosaur countdown, Nicholas Oldland.
Count down from ten striding velociraptors to a ferociously funny end in this counting book for dinosaur lovers of all ages!
Hello Baby : a high contrast book, created by Roger Priddy ; art director, Robert Tainsh.
A very first high contrast book to share with your baby. Features high contrast colours, shapes and patterns for early visual stimulation. Has a handle in lower right corner.
Hello baby : a high contrast mirror book, created by Roger Priddy.
Each page features a bold, geometric design primarily in black and white, with the addition of strong, bold red, yellow or blue to stimulate baby's vision further.
The snowy day, Axel Scheffler.
Pip and Posy love going out in the snow, but they just can't agree on what kind of snowman to build.
Move!, Liesbet Slegers ; [English translation from the Dutch by Clavis Publishing Inc.].
Six animals demonstrate their preferred methods of locomotion with help from rectangular flaps that lift up or to the side. "Hi, fish, hiding behind the seaweed," reads a typical line. "How do you move?" "I swim!" shouts the orange fish, bursting out from behind the thickly painted kelp when the flap is lifted.
Surprise!, Liesbet Slegers ; English translation from the Dutch by Clavis Publishing Inc.
As this entertaining book teaches children, all animals have babies, but they keep them in different places. This simple concept is strengthened by storytelling flaps on each page, allowing toddlers to discover these differences through a game of hide-and-seek. Different animals such as a kangaroo, a pig, a monkey, and more are included, providing a fun and educational activity on parents and children in the animal kingdom.
I love lemonade, words by Mark Sommerset ; illustrations by Rowan Sommerset.
After being tricked into eating Little Baa Baa's 'smarty tablets', Quirky Turkey decides to take sweet revenge on the sheep. He offers him a glass of lemonade on a hot day, that might not be quite what it seems.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the tale of two treasures, Kristina Stephenson.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks embarks on a truly terrifying quest to bring back not one but TWO bits of long, lost treasure. Following a musty, dusty map Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, his faithful cat Envelope and of course his good grey mare, enter a scary underground world with all manner of tricks, traps and medieval puzzles. Sir Charlie must use all his cunning and wit to get the others through. But what has happened to Sir Charlie Stinky Socks? All of a sudden our trusty hero can't get anything right. Has someone bewitched him? Or stolen his socks? Or maybe this bold brave knight (the one with the shield and wearing the helmet) isn't Sir Charlie at all? Yikes! A fraud! An impostor! A fiendish foe who might be after the treasure!
Find a cow now!, Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel.
Tired of hearing Dog yipping at chairs and trying to round up rugs, Bird tells him to go to the country to find a cow, but this is one cattle dog who does not know a cow when he sees one.
Pipimoomoo, written and illustrated by Justine Summers.
Pipimoomoo always wore jeans, until one day her friend lent her a skirt. Delighted by this, she persuades her mother to make one especially for her. After visits to the fabric shop, and then helping her mother to sew it up, Pipimoomoo finally gets a skirt of her own.
Belle & Boo and the goodnight kiss, Mandy Sutcliffe.
It's bedtime for Belle and Boo. Time for a bath, time for milk and cookies, time for a story. But when Boo decides it's time to hide, he almost misses the most important part of bedtime. This is the second delightful picture book starring Belle and Boo, a bob-haired little girl and her adorable bunny friend. Follow their adventures as they explore the simple pleasures of childhood, drawing the reader into a magical world of imagination and discovery.
A boot, a hat, now who is that?, [illustrated by] Nick Sharratt ; [text by] Sally Symes.
Lift the flaps and join the fun. See if you can guess who's in disguise in this exciting board book from the "Baby Walker" range. Turn the pages, lift the flaps and see if you can guess who's hiding. Colourful and fun with Nick Sharratt's bold, bright illustrations, this is a simple novelty board book for the very young. With lively rhythmic read-aloud text, little children will love guessing who's hiding over the page.

Younger Fiction

Milly-Molly-Mandy's Spring, Joyce Lankester Brisley.
Milly-Molly-Mandy has lots of friends, but her favourite companions are Little-Friend-Susan and Billy Blunt. Together they have lots of exciting adventures and even get into trouble sometimes! Read about Milly-Molly-Mandy and her friends as they run races, pay visits, rescue little rabbits and play tricks on one another. These classic tales are as fresh and lively as when they were first written. Young readers will love discovering Milly-Molly-Mandy for the first time in a dainty, accessible format and they're sure to want to collect other titles in this charming series.
Milly-Molly-Mandy's winter, Joyce Lankester Brisley.
Milly-Molly-Mandy has lots of friends, but her favourite companions are Little-Friend-Susan and Billy Blunt. Together they have lots of exciting adventures and even get into trouble sometimes! Read about Milly-Molly-Mandy and her friends as they run races, pay visits, rescue little rabbits and play tricks on one another. These classic tales are as fresh and lively as when they were first written. Young readers will love discovering Milly-Molly-Mandy for the first time in a dainty, accessible format and they're sure to want to collect other titles in this charming series.
Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi; illustrated by Fulvio Testa ; translated from the Italian by Geoffrey Brock ; introduction by Umberto Eco.
Pinocchio, a little wooden puppet carved out of a piece of wood by the old carpenter Geppetto, longs to be a real boy. But Pinocchio has a lot to learn as he embarks on many naughty, mischievous and challenging adventures, before he can truly become a good little boy.
Pearlie and the flamenco fairy, Wendy Harmer ; illustrated by Gypsy Taylor.
Put on your dancing shoes and join Pearlie for a Spanish adventure! Pearlie is visiting sunny Spain! Her new fairy friend Florentina is throwing a fabulous flamenco party in her honour. But Pearlie is a little worried. She doesn't know how to dance the flamenco. Can the famous Se or Philippe teach her some magical moves so all the fairies will shout 'Ol'?
Vile visitors, Diana Wynne Jones ; illustrated by Marion Linsay.
Two hilarious stories from the bestselling and well-loved author Diana Wynne Jones, about the worst visitors in the world coming to stay. In Vile Visitors, we meet Angus Flint and Chair Person the worst guests in the world. In Who Got Rid of Angus Flint? We meet a man so mean, he even insults the furniture! Despite the children's best pranks, he just won't leave. But when the furniture has had enough, it's time to rise up and get rid of this most vile of visitors. In Chair Person, that old armchair with the broken crystal ball spilled on it has been locked in the shed. But then the children find a mysterious visitor. Transformed into the most annoying visitor ever, they are desperate to get rid of him. But can they turn him back into a chair before he ruins them forever?
Footsteps through the fog, written by Margaret Mahy ; illustrated by Gavin Bishop.
When Anthea and her brothers and sisters walk down to the sea, a thick fog rolls in. It's up to Anthea, who is blind, to lead her family to safety.
Judy Moody and the bad luck charm, Megan McDonald ; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.
The lucky penny in Judy Moody's pocket sure does seem to be working. She can't stop winning - at bowling, spelling, the unbeatable Prize Claw, everything! Then the lucky penny has an unfortunate accident.
The journey to Atlantis, Geronimo Stilton ; text by Thea Stilton ; illustrations by Barbara Pellizzari and Chiara Balleello ; translated by Julia Heim.
When Paulina, one of the Thea Sisters, finds a strange blue-skinned boy unconscious on the beach, the sisters set out to solve the mystery of who the boy is and where he comes from and how to return him to his home.
Lulu walks the dogs, Judith Viorst ; illustrated by Lane Smith.
Lulu needs help from a boy named Fleischman if she is to earn money walking her neighbours' dogs, and she finds out that if she wants her business venture to succeed, she has to be nice.
Gobbolino, the witch's cat, Ursula Moray Williams ; illustrated by Catherine Rayner.
No one could mistake Gobbolino for a simple kitchen cat, with his sparky whiskers and magic tricks, but that's just what the witch's kitten wants to be. Instead of learning how to turn mice into toads for the witch's brew, Gobbolino sets out on an adventure to find a family and a home of his own. Reissued for its 70th anniversary, this classic tale has been loved by generations of children.