New Titles Children’s December 2014 (arrived in November)

• Audio Visual
• Into Reading
• Non-Fiction
• Older Fiction
• Picture Books
• Younger Fiction

Audio Visual

Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy (DVD) : original movie.

Velma discovers she's inherited her great-great-uncle Dr. Von Dinkenstein's cursed castle in the terrifying town of Transylvania, Pennsylvania. Just when the gang persuades Velma to go claim her inheritance, the ghost of Dinkenstein Castle blows up the Mystery Machine as a warning! Now the crew must spring back into action, but this time it's personal! Who's responsible for the Dinkenstein monster? What family secret has Velma been hiding?

101 golden nursery rhymes & songs [sound recording],

Flick, the little fire engine [sound recording] .

Frozen : the songs.

Hits for kids. 6 [sound recording].

Music play date [sound recording].

Another stimulating and sensational children's music release from Disney that will please parents and keep their kids entertained for countless

The voice kids.

Capitalising on the success of The Voice, The Voice Kids is taking the world by storm with the 'The Voice Kids 2014' showcasing the talents of Australia's Top 6 best young voices over 12 tracks of popular cover songs. Aussie kids between the ages of 8-14 will compete to impress their superstar coaches: Benji & Joel Madden, Mel B and Delta Goodrem.

Wake up, Lachy! (DVD), the Wiggles.

A collection of episodes from Series 1 of the TV series Ready Steady Wiggle! as picked by Lachy!

Puff the magic dragon [sound recording], Neva Eder.

Dinosaur train. Halloween special (DVD).

Learn about all different types of dinosaurs in this spooky special. Join Buddy and his family aboard the wondrous Dinosaur train to travel and explore the world inhabited by these amazing creatures.

Scooby-Doo! Field of screams (DVD).

When it comes to solving mysteries, Scooby-Doo and the gang are professionals. When it comes to playing sports, not so much… Whether it's playing baseball, football or tennis, watch the gang tackle demons, ghouls, monsters and more.

The jungle warrior, Andy Briggs.

When a baby gorilla is snatched from its family by the world's most infamous hunter, Tarzan will stop at nothing to track him down.

Wednesdays in the tower, Jessica Day George.

After discovering a giant egg in the magical Castle Glower, Princess Celie agrees to care for the egg and what creature it hatches.

The glass bird girl, Esme Kerr.

Orphan Edie is sent by her art dealer guardian to Knight's Haddon School on a secret mission to find out whether Anastasia, a Russian princess, is being persecuted by the other girls. But what Edie uncovers instead is a dangerous mystery that only the girls themselves can solve.

Dream on, Amber, Emma Shevah.

Amber Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto. As if her name made up for being tiny, half Japanese and half Italian, and starting a new school with a caveman phone. Dream on! But the hardest bit about being Amber is that a part of her is missing. Her dad. He left when she was little and if he isn't coming back, she'll have to sort things out another way. And Amber has a big imagination.

Animal opposites.

An introduction to opposites and the animal kingdom.

Harry the poisonous centipede goes to sea, Lynne Reid Banks.

Harry the Poisonous Centipede is now quite brave, but nothing can prepare him for this next adventure! He and best friend George are lost in a new and even scarier no-top world. Far from home, across the no-end puddle, they must negotiate a strange treeless cold desert, a Nest of Hoo-Mins, lots of noise-hurt and terrifying hairy-yowlers!

Stop! There's a snake in your suitcase, Adam Frost.

The Nightingale family live on a barge on the canal near London Zoo, and Mum is a vet. When Tom and Sophie find a bag of snakes dumped at the gates of the zoo, a great and exciting adventure begins. Soon they are finding out about the trade in illegal animals and learning how to care for these wonderful creatures. The snakes are carefully housed in the zoo and, just as they are about to be introduced to the many visitors to the reptile house, a desperate race begins to collect some precious anti-venom.

Bad luck bridesmaid, Poppy Harper.

Maisie Mae and her best friend Bethany-next-door like pink, unicorns and heart-shaped cushions. Maisie Mae's five stinky brothers like worms, football and CHAOS! When Maisie Mae is asked to be a bridesmaid it's a dream come true! Because weddings mean flowers and cake and, most importantly, BEAUTIFUL dresses. But things never run smoothly in Maisie's house and disaster is followed by more DISASTER! Can best friend Bethany-next-door help to save the day?

Into Reading

The three little magicians, Georgie Adams ; illustrated by Emily Bolam.

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Meet the Three Little Magicians, Miranda, Maisy and Max! Can they use a very special book of magic tricks to win the Best Magic Show, help their friend Mr Marzipan and defeat the evil Zigzag?

Kragos & Kildor : the two-headed demon, Adam Blade.

Avantia's precious Cup of Life has been stolen. Tom must get it back, or the kingdom will be destroyed but he is in terrible danger from Kragos and Kildor's deadly secret power.

Frog's lucky day, written by Eve Bunting ; illustrated by Josee Masse.

A beginning reader book containing two stories in which Frog and his friends try to find the end of the rainbow and Frog looks for a new pond when an unwelcome visitor won't leave his.

Little Lucy goes to school, Ilene Cooper ; illustrated by John Kanzler.

When Mom and Lucy the beagle go to school to deliver Bobby's forgotten lunch, Lucy gets loose.

Zog, Julia Donaldson ; illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's bestselling picture book, ZOG, is now available in an appealing read-alone format. This Early Reader edition contains the complete classic story and pictures, in a pocket-book format, and with an extra-clear font and layout, to support children who are gaining confidence in reading.

What's my name?, Tony Ross, Wendy Finney.

The King and Queen realise they need to call the Little Princess by her real name now that she's actually not so little any more. But there's trouble the Princess' real name is so awful that nobody can pluck up the courage to tell her what it is! The Princess is determined to find out her true name. But what will happen when she does?

Splat the cat makes Dad glad, text by Alissa Heyman ; cover art by Rick Farley ; interior illustrations by Robert Eberz.

Hoping to cheer up his dad after a disappointing soccer game, Splat enters a Cat School Picnic father-son six-legged race that does not turn out quite as expected.

Seed to plant, Kristin Baird Rattini.

Introduces a plant's life cycle, explaining how seeds grow into flowers and trees.

Mr. Putter & Tabby turn the page, Cynthia Rylant ; illustrated by Arthur Howard.

Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry bring Tabby and Zeke to the library for a special storytime.

Waiting is not easy! : an Elephant & Piggie book, Mo Willems.

Piggie tells Gerald she has a surprise for him, but it is not there yet so Gerald must be patient.

Non-Fiction

3D modeling, Theo Zizka.

Learn how to create computer-generate 3D models like the ones used in video games and animated films.

Eye benders : the science of seeing & believing, Clive Gifford ; consultant, Professor Anil Seth.

A collection of optical illusions, including mad moving shapes, wacky 3D trickery, cool colour puzzles, freaky invisible faces.

Say no to bullying, written by Louise Spilsbury ; illustrated by Mike Gordon.

Bullying comes in many different forms, from name-calling, insults and threats to cyberbullying by mobile phone or online via social networks. Even if you yourself are not being bullied, we all need to know how to make a stand and say no to bullying.

Micronations : invent your own country and culture with 25 projects, Kathy Ceceri ; illustrated by Chad Thompson.

Takes readers through the process of creating imaginary realms with their own laws, history, culture, and currency, explaining how to create authentic-looking artefacts while inventing unique languages, food, holidays, and clothing.

The kids' book of great cities, Charles Conway.

Explore the greatest cities of the world and find out what makes them tick.

Jet the rescue dog and other extraordinary stories of animals in wartime, David Long ; illustrated by Peter Bailey.

As mascots, messengers, rat-catchers and even spies, animals have long marched into war alongside servicemen and women. Dogs, horses, cats (even birds, camels and elephants) have saved thousands of lives through instinct, intelligence, courage and devotion.

Motiti Blue and the oil spill : a story from the Rena disaster, Debbie McCauley ; na Tamati Waaka i whakamaori.

Tells the story of a little blue penguin who was covered in oil as a result of the oil spill from the Rena shipwreck. Describes his rescue, the treatment he had at the Te Maunga Oiled Wildlife Response Unit and his release back into the wild.

Plastic, ahoy! : investigating the great Pacific garbage patch, Patricia Newman ; photographs by Annie Crawley.

A team of scientists explore the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where millions of pieces of plastic have gathered, having drifted there from rivers, beaches, and ocean traffic all over the world.

Every day is Malala day, Rosemary McCarney with Plan International.

Malala Yousafzai is an inspiration. A young girl living in Pakistan, she was shot by the Taliban simply because she wanted to go to school. Since that moment, she has captured the attention of the world with her bravery, becoming a voice for the rights of girls everywhere.

The big fat Christmas book, Terry Deary ; illustrated by Martin Brown.

The Big Fat Christmas Book is full of festive things that go bump in the night the perfect read on a cold winter's night when you're waiting for Santa to bring a sleigh full of goodies. Christmas will never be the same again.

The king and the magician, Jorge Bucay ; illustrations by Gusti.

A mighty ruler discovers someone in his kingdom has more power than himself. But when the king sets out to destroy this fearsome enemy, a humble magician, the tables are turned, and an unexpected journey begins.

Hansel & Gretel, Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti.

Two abandoned children come upon a gingerbread cottage inhabited by a cruel witch who wants to eat them.

Snow White & Rose Red, The Grimm Brothers as retold by Kallie George ; illustrated by Kelly Vivanco.

Illustrated with modern, evocative paintings, an interpretation of the classic Grimms' fairy tale finds two very different but loving sisters sharing a peaceful existence in a woodland cottage before rescuing an enchanted prince.

Never say a mean word again : a tale from Medieval Spain, written by Jacqueline Jules ; illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard.

When Samuel's father, the grand vizier, hears Hamza call Samuel names and tells his son to make sure Hamza never speaks an unkind word to him again, Samuel knows he must obey but has a hard time finding the right means to do so.

A children's treasury of lullabies, illustrations by Linda Bleck.

An illustrated collection of well-known lullabies.

A children's treasury of nursery rhymes, illustrations by Linda Bleck.

An illustrated collection of well-known nursery rhymes.

My first dictionary, written by Michael Robin.

Defines over five hundred words using simple sentences and illustrations from classic DC Comics art.

Discover the mega world, contributors, Simon Adams and 4 others.

Hundreds of incredible facts and breathtaking photographs showcase everything enormous about our world.

Utterly amazing science : packed with pop-ups, flaps, and incredible facts, Robert Winston.

Professor Robert Winston unravels the mysteries of science alongside pop-ups, pull-outs, flaps, sliders and incredible science facts to make learning about science fun and interactive.

Professor Astro Cat's frontiers of space, written by Dr. Dominic Walliman ; designed & illustrated by Ben Newman.

Professor Astro Cat explains everything he knows about the solar system and outer space, including the Big Bang, manned missions to the Moon, and the night sky throughout the months of the year.

Physics : investigate the mechanics of nature, Jane Gardner ; illustrated by Samuel Carbaugh.

Provides an introduction to physics, explaining how skateboarders use force and motion to perform tricks, how gravity determines the path of a baseball throw, and how electricity is used to power toasters and put on rock shows.

A beginner's guide to the periodic table, Gill Arbuthnott ; illustrated by Marc Mones.

A Beginners Guide to the Periodic Table is a mind-blowing guide to the elements that make up the periodic table. By linking each element to a story, wacky science analogy or fascinating fact, Gill creates a unique first reference to the periodic table. From smelly sulphur and exploding hydrogen to why Stevie Wonder is blind and everything in between, Gill seamlessly explains the mind-boggling 92 elements which will make you look at the periodic table in a whole new light.

Creature features : 25 animals explain why they look the way they do, Steve Jenkins & Robin Page.

Packed with many cool facts and visuals on where certain animals live and what they eat, this book captures twenty-five humourous and very true explanations of why animals look the way they do in order to exist in this world.

Under the ocean : explore & discover the seas around New Zealand, Gillian Candler ; illustrated by Ned Barraud.

Introduces young children to the creatures that live in the seas around New Zealand. The book describes different habitats: underwater reefs, the sea floor, the open ocean and the deep ocean. Animals featured in the fact pages include octopus and squid, sharks and rays, whales, dolphins, penguins and many others.

Nasty nature, Nick Arnold and Tony De Saulles.

Nasty nature is packed with the deadliest, most disgusting and nastiest things that nature has to offer. Only read on if you're ready to find out: how vampire bats slurp blood, how to dodge a man-eating tiger and which Japanese fish dish can kill you.

Animalium, illustrated by Katie Scott ; written by Jenny Broom.

Welcome to Animalium. This museum is open all hours. It houses an astonishing collection of more than 160 animals for visitors of all ages. Learn how animals have evolved, see inside the dissection laboratory, and discover the amazing variety of habitats on Earth.

Hippos can't swim : and other fun facts, Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot ; illustrated by Pete Oswald.

A book of fun facts about animals of all sizes, shapes, and species!

Funny homes, Dr Mark Norman.

Some animals live in funny places prickly cactuses, dark caves, high treetops strange places humans would not survive in for five minutes. Find out why these animals have such funny homes.

Operation Nest Egg chick : a kiwi story, written by Maria Gill ; illustrated by Bruce Potter ; edited by Christine Dale.

Deep down in a dark burrow, a father kiwi snorts and snuffles in his sleep. Underneath him, a large creamy egg lies snug and safe from pilfering predators. Will it meet a fateful end or will the kiwi chick become part of the BNZ Operation Nest Egg Programme?

Hope for winter : the true story of a remarkable dolphin friendship, told by David Yates and 3 others.

Details the experiences of a dolphin who was rescued five years after the tailless dolphin, Winter, was rehabilitated by the same group, describing the efforts made by the Clearwater Marine team to save the injured animal they named Hope.

Fox talk : how some very special animals helped scientists understand communication, L.E. Carmichael.

Looks at what scientists have learned about how foxes communicate by domesticating them and discusses how domestic foxes make good pets.

Kali's story : an orphaned polar bear rescue, Jennifer Keats Curtis ; photography by John Gomes.

Follow the photographic journey of orphaned polar bear Kali (pronounced Cully) as he is rescued and whisked away to the Inupiat village of Kali (Point Lay in English). Villagers care for him until a plane flies him to the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. There, he grows and learns skills from zookeepers filling in for his mother. Since young cubs need companionship, animal experts find a friend for Kali, Luna, a female polar bear, at the Buffalo Zoo in New York.

Ivan : the remarkable true story of the shopping mall gorilla, Katherine Applegate ; illustrated by G. Brian Karas.

The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta.

The ultimate book about me, Richard Platt.

Explores what makes a person a person, including their genes, body, brain, memory, emotions, gender, and ancestors.

Special boys' business, written by Heather Anderson, Fay Angelo & Rose Stewart ; illustrated by Jeff Taylor.

This book has been written for boys with special needs, including intellectual disability, physical disability, communication disorder and autism. It supports boys their parents and carers through the changes experienced at puberty. Information is presented simply, with clear pictures and limited text.

Treasure hunter's handbook, Liza Gardner Walsh ; photography by Jennifer Smith-Mayo.

Treasure hunting is a fun family activity that encourages kids to get outside and discover the world around them. With this book young explorers can learn about geocaching, how to pan for gold, use metal detectors to find buried treasure, and search for arrowheads and gemstones. Wonderful bits of pirate lore, rock and mineral facts, and some fun pirate and treasure-hunting craft activities are also included.

James Herriot's Treasury for children, illustrations by Ruth Brown and Peter Barrett.

A collection of the author's stories for children, including "Moses the Kitten," "The Market Square Dog," and "Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb."

Underwater puppies, Seth Casteel.

The world fell in love with swimming canines in Seth Casteel's first book, Underwater Dogs. Now, in more than 80 previously unpublished portraits of underwater puppies, we see man's best friends at their most playful and exuberant. Each vibrant and colourful underwater image shows off the wild and sublime range of emotions of puppies, cute and irresistible to the very last.

Super sniffers : dog detectives on the job, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent.

A dog's nose is 300 times more powerful than a human nose, so it's no wonder that dogs use their incredibly advanced sense of smell to do some very important jobs. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent explores the various ways specific dogs have put their super sniffing ability to use: from bedbug sniffers to explosive detectors to life-saving allergy detectors and more. This dynamic photo-essay includes first-hand accounts from the people who work closely with these amazing dogs.

LEGO Ninjago, masters of spinjitzu : the visual dictionary, written by Hannah Dolan.

Presents facts about the heroes, enemies, weapons, and vehicles of the LEGO Ninjago universe, sharing behind-the-scenes information about the creation and stories of every minifigure and set, in a reference complemented by a limited-edition minifigure.

3-D art lab for kids : 32 hands-on adventures in sculpture and mixed media, Susan Schwake ; phototgraphy by Rainer Schwake.

An inspiring collection of ideas and projects for encouraging an artistic spirit in children! 3D Art Lab for Kids includes 36 kid-friendly fine art projects in paper, clay, textiles, sculpture, and jewellery. Each project is inspired by the work of a prominent artist and is illustrated with step-by-step full-colour photographs of the process as well as finished samples and variations.

Māori art for kids, Julie Noanoa ; with photography by Norm Heke.

This collection of 15 projects offers children aged 7 and over a range of unique Māori art experiences. Practical skills cover sculpture, photography, design, paint, mixed media, collage and more. Examples of taonga (treasures) created by leading contemporary artists are shown alongside each project with a brief explanation of the object, its purpose and use in the past and present.

13 buildings children should know, Annette Roeder ; translation, Jane Michael.

Through activities such as games, quizzes, drawings and other activities, this book presents the history behind each of the buildings, and presents fascinating facts about the design, historical use, and construction techniques.

Origami birds and butterflies, Lisa Miles.

An overview to common folds and origami techniques used to creat swans, doves, and butterflies out of coloured paper.

Origami farm animals, Lisa Miles.

Learn basic folding techniques and common bases while creating ducks, pigs, roosters, and more out of paper. Fun tidbits about each animal accompany the step-by-step instructions and colourful photographs of each real animal - and its origami lookalike.

Origami sea creatures, Lisa Miles.

This overview of origami features step-by-step guidelines for making whales, seals, and other sea creatures.

Origami wild animals, Lisa Miles.

Learn basic folds and common paper-art bases used in origami while making origami wild animals. Ranked from easy to hard, the projects include cool facts about each featured animal and amazing full-colour photographs.

Peanuts, Schulz ; a scanimation book by Rufus Butler Seder.

Good grief! The newest addition to the New York Times bestselling Scanimation family features Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang in ten memorable scenes.

Learn to draw horses & ponies : step-by-step instructions for more than 25 different breeds, illustrated by Robbin Cuddy.

Children everywhere will love learning to draw the selection of breeds featured in Learn to Draw Horses & Ponies. Detailed step-by-step instructions start with a basic shape, such as a square, a circle, or an oval, and progress to a finished coloured piece of artwork, making it easy for children to follow along. Along the way, engaging text provides fun and interesting facts about each breed, allowing for an educational, well-rounded drawing experience.

Learn to draw pets : step-by-step instructions for more than 25 cute and cuddly animals, illustrated by Robbin Cuddy.

As the third title in the line-up to refresh Walter Foster's successful Learn to Draw series, Learn to Draw Pets features 64 pages of drawing instruction for a variety of domestic animals children love-from a kitten and a puppy to a guinea pig, bunny, box turtle, and many more. With a mix of art instruction and engaging information, Learn to Draw Pets is the perfect way for children to discover more about their favourite animals and pets, in addition to expressing their artistic side.

Learn to draw sea creatures : step-by-step instructions for more than 25 ocean animals, illustrated by Robin Cuddy.

Simple step-by-step instructions make it fun and easy to draw lifelike ocean creatures. Just start with basic shapes and follow the illustrated examples, and you'll be creating your own amazing masterpieces in no time at all!

Polar animals : draw more than 25 favourite Arctic & Antarctic wildlife critters, illustrated by Robbin Cuddy.

Learn to Draw Polar Animals engages and educates children as they learn to draw their favourite Arctic and Antarctic animals, including a polar bear, a penguin, a killer whale, and more.

Drawing baby animals, Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason.

Provides instructions on drawing baby animals and discusses the basic equipment and supplies needed.

Draw-a-saurus : everything you need to know to draw your favourite dinosaurs, James Silvani.

Walt Disney and Dreamworks illustrator James Silvani encourages young artists to mix the latest dinosaur facts with their imaginations, using step-by-step lessons showing how to draw a variety of dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts.

Drawing dragons, Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason.

Readers will learn the fascinating lore of dragons as they create colourful drawings by following step-by-step directions. Each section highlights a different kind of dragon and features a finished, full-colour drawing for readers to find inspiration in. As they draw water dragons and flying dragons, readers imaginations are sure to take flight!

Drawing fairies, mermaids, and unicorns, Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason.

Fairytale creatures might be the most fun to draw! Through step-by-step instructions, readers will learn to draw colourful fire fairies, incredible flying unicorns, and several more fantastical subjects.

Drawing knights and castles, Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason.

Even though knights who fought battles and defended castles lived long ago, they're still a symbol of honour today. Incredible, true facts about the lives of knights and the castles they lived in and defended accompany step-by-step instructions that guide readers through drawing these brave defenders, including their armour and weapons. Readers will learn basic artistic concepts while drawing different kinds of castles, too.

Drawing pirates and pirate ships, Jorge Santillan and Sarah Eason.

Provides instructions on drawing ships and pirates and discusses the basic equipment and supplies needed.

Epic rubber band crafts : totally cool gadget gear, never before seen bracelets, awesome action figures, and more!, Colleen Dorsey.

Packed with original ideas for both girls and boys, Epic Rubber Band Crafts shows how to use a Rainbow Loom, Cra-Z-Loom, or FunLoom to make stylish bracelets, necklaces, headbands, accessories, and action figures that will have everyone in school saying wow!

Hooked on rubber band jewellery : 12 off-the-loom designs for bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories, Elizabeth M. Kollmar.

Inside you'll find: how to make dazzling rubber band bracelets without a loom ; innovative techniques and totally cool designs ; clear how-to photos & easy-to-follow diagrams ; twelve awesome designs with endless colour variations ; hours of creative fun!

Usborne Christmas carols to play, Anthony Marks ; designed and illustrated by Candice Whatmore ; edited by Kirsteen Rogers.

A collection of Christmas carols and other festive music, with simple arrangements that are suitable to be sung or played on the piano, keyboard, recorder, flute or violin plus indications for simple guitar chords.

Where's Kiwi?, illustrated by Myles Lawford.

Spot Kiwi amongst iconic locations around New Zealand, including the Bay of Islands, Auckland city, the zoo, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Waitomo caves and more. Lead character Kiwi is joined by friends Gunboot Guy, Sporty Sheep, Wacky Wizard and Tricky Tuatara.

Can you find 1001 dinosaurs and other things?, illustrators, Emiliano Migliardo, Javier Blanco Belvisi

Terry T-Rex and Stegosaurus Stan love playing with the other dinosaurs in Dinoland. Join in the fun and complete in the Reptile Races, go shopping in the Jurassic Jumble and have fun at the Fossil Fair. With over 1000 dinosaur things to spot, from woolly mammoths to Triceratops and cavemen clowns to bone-shaped surf boards, you will love to play in Dinoland!

Doodle Bug, Bruce Potter.

Extremely detailed doodles draw children into the weird and wonderful world of Bruce Potter's own imagination. Can you find Doodle Bug hiding in the doodles? A sophisticated picture book.

Wild things! : acts of mischief in children's literature, Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson and Peter D. Sieruta.

Did Laura Ingalls cross paths with a band of mass murderers? Why was a Garth Williams bunny tale dubbed "integrationist propaganda"? For adults who are curious about children's books and their creators, here are the little-known stories behind the stories. Secret lives, scandalous turns, and some very funny surprises these essays by leading kids' lit bloggers take us behind the scenes of many much-loved children's books.

I carry your heart with me, E. E. Cummings ; illustrated by Mati McDonough.

In this tender interpretation of E.E. Cummings' beloved poem, "i carry your heart with me", a mother carries her child and introduces her to the wonders of the world, its seasons and storms, and together, they discover the root of the root and the bud of the bud, life's secret.

Winters bees : & other poems of the cold, Joyce Sidman & Rick Allen.

Discover how animals stay alive in the wintertime and learn about their secret lives happening under the snow.

New Zealand bedtime treasury : favourite stories and poems to tuck you in and say goodnight.

This enchanting collection brings together much-loved stories and poems by New Zealand's most popular authors and illustrators. It's time to plump your pillows, tuck in teddy and snuggle up close for your favourite night-time treat.

This is the world : a global treasury, M. Sasek.

A compilation of abridged versions of M. Sasek's most popular children's travel books.

Anne Frank in her own words, Caroline Kennon.

Looks at the life and importance of Anne Frank, supplemented with excerpts from her diary to give direct examples of her thoughts.

The iridescence of birds : a book about Henri Matisse, Patricia MacLachlan ; pictures by Hadley Hooper.

If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of colour and art? Full of lines and dancing figures? Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world's most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper.

Little author in the big woods : a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Yona Zeldis McDonough ; illustrations by Jennifer Thermes.

Many girls in elementary and middle school fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they don't always realise is that Wilder's books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura's real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys.

Dogs of the vastness : Lyttelton and the ice dogs of Antarctica, Ben Brown ; illustrated by Trish Bowles.

A story in picture book format interspersed with a timeline and factual anecdotes tell of the role played by dogs in the discovery and exploration of Antarctica, and the role of the port town of Lyttelton.

Older Fiction

Beyond the stars, compiled by Sarah Webb.

A collection of short stories from a stellar line-up of Irish authors and illustrators, edited by bestselling author Sarah Webb. The anthology is completed by a final winter-themed tale from the winner of HarperCollins' competition for young writers, illustrated by Irish Children's Laureate, Niamh Sharkey.

Starfire, Jennifer Lynn Alvarez.

Star is prophesized to become the most powerful winged horse in Anok on his first birthday, but he must first overcome his malformed wings that make him unable to fly and threats from the leaders of the five herds.

The Grunts in a jam, Philip Ardagh ; illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

The gloriously grubby Grunts family head to a country fair so Mrs Grunt's mother can enter her homemade jam in the Preserves, Jams and Jellies Competition. There's nothing in that plan to suggest they'll encounter sabotage, bad poetry and prison, is there? Hmmm. This is The Grunts we're talking about.

Dreamtreaders, Wayne Thomas Batson.

Fourteen-year-old Archer Keaton discovers he has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a "dreamtreader," one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord, who wreaks chaos in the Dream World. But as Archer's dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life. Archer must face two foes in two worlds, but he cannot succeed alone.

The potato chip puzzles, Eric Berlin ; drawings by Katrina Damkoehler.

Winston and his friends enter an all-day puzzle contest to win fifty-thousand dollars for their school, but they must also figure out who is trying to keep them from winning. Puzzles for the reader to solve are included throughout the text.

The puzzler's mansion, Eric Berlin ; ink drawings by Katrina Damkoehler.

Winston attends a weekend of puzzles at a famous musician's mansion, but when he and other young guests pursue a thief, they find themselves in big trouble. Puzzles for the reader to solve are included throughout the text.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Russell Brand ; illustrated by Chris Riddell.

'Once upon a time, a mysterious time that exists through a window in your mind, a time that seemed, to those present, exactly like now does to us, except their teeth weren't so clean and more things were wooden, there was a town called Hamelin.' In the first in his series of Trickster Tales, Russell Brand retells the classic children's story The Pied Piper of Hamelin. You'll be enchanted and revolted in equal measure by the host of characters you meet along the way: the anarchic rats, the arrogant townspeople, sharp-eyed Sam and of course the Pied Piper himself, all brought to life in Brand's inimitable style and with the illustrations of Costa Award-winner Chris Riddell.

Heap house, written and illustrated by Edward Carey.

Young Clod is an Iremonger. He lives in at Heap House, his family's mansion at the centre of the Heaps, a vast sea of lost and discarded items whose ever-shifting masses have been known to swallow people alive. Clod is on the cusp of being 'trousered' and married off (unhappily) to his cousin Pinalippy when he meets the plucky orphan servant Lucy Pennant, with whose help he begins to uncover the dark secrets of his family's empire.

Through the looking glass : and what Alice found there, Lewis Carroll ; illustrated by Sir John Tenniel and with sixteen plates coloured by John Macfarlane ; with a foreword by Philip Ardagh.

Alice's second adventure takes her through the looking-glass to a place even curiouser than Wonderland. She finds herself caught up in the great looking-glass chess game and sets off to become a queen. It isn't as easy as she expects: at every step she is hindered by nonsense characters who crop up and insist on reciting poems. Gloriously illustrated with the original line drawings by John Tenniel, colour plates and a foreword by Philip Ardagh.

Eren, Simon P. Clark.

People are keeping secrets from Oli. His mum has brought him to stay with his aunt and uncle in the countryside, but nobody will tell him why his dad isn't with them. Where is he? Has something happened? Oli has a hundred questions, but then he finds a secret of his own: he discovers the creature that lives in the attic.

Anybody shining, Frances O'Roark Dowell.

In a series of letters to her cousin, twelve-year-old Arie Mae relates her life in a mountain valley of North Carolina in the 1920s.

Out on the water : twelve tales of the sea, Tessa Duder ; illustrated by Bruce Potter.

Ten short stories and two longer historical ones by one of New Zealand's leading writers for young people bring to life the thrills and challenges of sailing, paddling and travelling on the seas around New Zealand.

The badger knight, Kathryn Erskine.

In England in 1346 Adrian has three problems: he is small for his twelve years, he is an albino, so people are suspicious of him, and his father wants him to be a scribe, while he wants to be an archer but when he runs away to join his friend in the fight against the invading Scots, he learns that war can be a lot more complicated then he imagined.

Archie Greene and the magician's secret, D.D. Everest.

Archie Green receives a mysterious present on his birthday. Deep within an ancient wooden box he finds an old book, written in a language he doesn't recognise. With the book comes a Special Instruction Archie must travel to Oxford to return the book to the Museum of Magical Miscellany.

The Grimjinx rebellion, Brian Farrey ; illustrated by Brett Helquist.

When the Palatinate Mages unveil their plot to take over the Five Provinces, thirteen-year-old Jaxter Grimjinx and his family of thieves must lead the rebellion to overthrow them.

The key that swallowed Joey Pigza, Jack Gantos.

Everything goes topsy-turvy for Joey as he becomes the man of the house, looking after his new baby brother, taking care of his troubled mother, and seeking out his missing father.

Space case : a Moon Base Alpha novel, Stuart Gibbs.

Dashiell Gibson, who lives on Moon Base Alpha, has to solve a murder of one of the moon's most prominent doctors.

The island of lost horses, Stacy Gregg.

Two girls divided by time, united by their love for some very special horses - an epic Caribbean adventure! On a remote tropical island, twelve year-old Beatriz is about to embark on an epic journey, through hurricanes and across the high seas and back to the time of Christopher Columbus - when Beatriz stumbles across a wild mare with strange markings in the jungle she can't believe it is real. Yet from that moment on the strongest connection grows between them, and she begins to uncover an incredible history. Based on the extraordinary true story of the Abaco Barb, a real-life mystery that has remained unsolved for over five hundred years.

Gabriel Finley & the raven's riddle, George Hagen.

Eleven-year-old Gabriel, with the help of the young raven Paladin, which whom he has a magical bond, travels to the foreboding land of Aviopolis, where he must face challenges and unanswerable riddles to rescue his long-missing father.

Where I belong, Mary Downing Hahn.

Alienated, bullied, a classic under-achiever, 12-year-old Brendan retreats into his fantasy world and then faces the long and demanding journey to a real world where he belongs.

Shooting at the stars : the Christmas truce of 1914, John Hendrix.

In 1914 France, a British soldier writes to his mother about the strange events of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when German and Allied soldiers met on neutral ground to share songs, food, and fun. Includes historical notes and glossary.

Shadows in the ice, Des Hunt.

When something falls into the ice, it takes seven years to reappear. As it comes closer you can see its shadow in the ice. Seven years ago, a hunter was killed in a tragic accident. His body disappeared, some say into the ice, while some wonder if it was an accident. When Tony Hogan-White arrives in the tiny township of Fox Glacier, it isn't long before the stories surface about his odd new friend and his wacky kea. They draw him in, into mystery, adventure and into danger. But this time Tony is on his own, and it's not long before he starts to wonder if this time he's in too deep.

The Blazing Star, Erin Hunter.

After facing their first battle, the remaining mountain cats must seek the Blazing Star in order to survive a new threat: a deadly disease sweeping through their territory.

Mountwood School for Ghosts, Toby Ibbotson from an original idea by Eva Ibbotson.

Fredegonda, Goneril, and Drusilla are Great Hagges, much more important and much rarer than regular old hags. They think that ghosts these days are decidedly lacking and that people haven't been scared of ghosts for years. So one day they decide that something needs to change it's time for these ghosts to learn a thing or two about being scary. And what better way to teach them than to set up their very own school for ghosts?

The life and times of Benny Alvarez, Peter Johnson.

As his English teacher focuses on poetry during the month of October, Benny faces down the smartest girl at school while also navigating his friendships and a difficult family life after his grandfather's multiple strokes.

The bungalow mystery, Carolyn Keene.

While trying to help a friend out of a difficulty, teenage detective Nancy Drew has a perilous experience in and around a deserted bungalow.

The hidden staircase, Carolyn Keene.

Teenage detective Nancy Drew uses her courage and powers of deduction to solve the mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion.

The mystery at Lilac Inn, Carolyn Keene.

Teenage detective Nancy Drew finds herself in danger when she sets out to track a jewel thief.

The long haul, Jeff Kinney.

Greg Heffley and his family hit the road in author-illustrator Jeff Kinney's latest instalment of the phenomenal bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Not much to go on? You know it's going to involve Greg being the daft idiot we all love, and his family driving him nuts, and his friend-issues so buckle-up, it's going to be a side-splitting ride!

The Doll people set sail, Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin ; illustrated by Brett Helquist.

Annabelle Doll, Tiffany Funcraft, and their families journey far from home.

The blunder years, Chris O'Dowd & Nick V. Murphy ; illustrated by Walter Giampaglia.

Martin Moone is eleven and fed up with being the only boy in a family of girls. With three elder sisters, he's desperate for a sidekick to help him fight his corner. When best mate Padraic suggests getting an imaginary friend, he decides to give it a go. His first attempt is Loopy Lou, who loves practical jokes and is a dab hand at balloon-modelling. But Martin soon gets fed up with Lou's clowning around, so selects Sean 'Caution' Murphy instead. Sean is much more up Martin's street and full of advice about how Martin should negotiate day-to-day life, from dealing with his sisters' pranks to beating the bullying Bonner Boys. But getting rid of Lou is not that easy, and two imaginary friends is a recipe for trouble!

We meet again, Stephan Pastis.

His name is Failure. Timmy Failure. And his detective agency is on the verge of global domination. Global riches. Global fame. And yet the gods are throwing him curve balls: for starters, he's on a trial period in school and to keep his place he has to get good grades and really behave. The fabled Miracle report will be the key to his success.

Save Rafe!, James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts ; illustrated by Laura Park.

After a rough summer, Rafe is heading back to the dreaded Hills Village Middle School, the site of the very worst years of his life. And as if that's not bad enough, Rafe's learned that he's going to be held back a year unless he can prove himself on an outdoor survival excursion.

Pathfinder, Angie Sage ; illustrations by Mark Zug.

13-year-old Alice TodHunter Moon goes in search of her friend Ferdie, who has been kidnapped by the malevolent Lady, encountering Septimus Heap, ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and awakening her own Magykal potential.

Five children on the Western Front, Kate Saunders.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Five Children and It characters when the First World War began? Cyril is off to fight, Anthea is at art college, Robert is a Cambridge scholar and Jane is at high school. The Lamb is the grown up age of 11, and he has a little sister, Edith, in tow. The sand fairy has become a creature of stories until he suddenly reappears. The siblings are pleased to have something to take their minds off the war, but this time the Psammead is here for a reason, and his magic might have a more serious purpose.

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop, Kate Saunders.

Nightmares!, Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller ; illustrated by Karl Kwasny.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Laird is desperate for a good night's sleep or even just a nap. Ever since he moved into his stepmother's mysterious purple mansion, Charlie's life has become a living nightmare. A terrifying witch haunts every second of his sleep and now the dread that fills his dreams is creeping into the waking world. As President Fear and his fellow Nightmares feed off the unease that is spreading rapidly across the town, the Nightmare world threatens to take over. Only by finding the courage to face their deepest, darkest fears can Charlie and his friends conquer the creatures of the night and save the day.

The whispering skull, Jonathan Stroud.

London's smallest, shabbiest and most talented psychic detection agency is back. Life is never exactly peaceful for Lockwood & Co. Lucy and George are trying to solve the mystery of the talking skull trapped in their ghost jar, while Lockwood is desperate for an exciting new case.

Avaiki Tautau : homeland beneath the stars, Keith Tonkin ; illustrated by Spike Wademan.

A story set 8-900 years ago when Polynesian navigators made their last and most spectacular journeys to settle the last habitable landmass on Earth, Avaiki Tautau, later to be known as Aotearoa (New Zealand). The story follows Teipe, a boy otherwise destined to be a warrior had not he, his family and friends been chosen by his chief, Tamatea to accompany himself and others leave their native Rarotonga and begin again in the new avaiki, a future homeland that dangled beneath stars far to the southwest.

Awful Auntie, David Walliams ; illustrated by Tony Ross.

Aunt Alberta is on a mission to cheat the young Lady Stella Saxby out of her inheritance Saxby Hall. But with mischievous and irrepressible Soot, the cockney ghost of a chimney sweep, alongside her Stella is determined to fight back. And sometimes a special friend, however different, is all you need to win through.

Still life, Jacqueline West ; illustrated by Poly Bernatene.

An old magic resurfaces in twelve-year-old Olive's house, and in order to save herself, those she loves, and all of Elsewhere, she must uncover the complex history of this eerie, painted world, its magical origins, and its creator.

Les miserables, retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams ; based on the novel by Victor Hugo.

A wonderful introduction to Victor Hugo's epic tale of injustice, love and heroism in 19th century France. The story follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, as he tries to put his criminal past behind him. Will he manage to escape from the ruthless Police Inspector Javert, who is determined to see him behind bars again? Can he build a life with Cosette, an orphaned girl he has rescued from poverty and neglect? When Cosette grows up and falls in love with the handsome Marius Pontmercy, will Jean Valjean let Cosette go? Or will the revolution that is sweeping through the streets of Paris tear all their lives apart?

Opal Plumstead, Jacqueline Wilson ; illustrated by Nick Sharratt.

Opal Plumstead might be plain, but she has always been fiercely intelligent. Yet her scholarship and dreams of university are snatched away when her father is sent to prison, and fourteen-year-old Opal must start work at the Fairy Glen sweet factory to support her family.

Centaur rising, Jane Yolen.

In 1965, a year after Arianne thinks she sees a shooting star land in the fields surrounding her family's horse farm, a baby centaur's born, and the family, already under scrutiny because Arianne's six-year-old brother has birth defects, struggles to keep the colt a secret.

Picture Books

Animal colours.

A perfect introduction to colours and the animal kingdom.

Animal opposites.

An introduction to opposites and the animal kingdom.

Christmas.

Turn the pages to feel some Christmas sensations.

First 100 animals : lift-the-flap.

With over 100 animals to discover and lots of fun flaps to lift and explore, this board book is perfect for your little one.

Nanny Fox and the three little pigs, Georgie Adams & Selina Young.

Arnold Fox the Nanny to Mrs Buff Orpington's chicks is back in the follow up to the charming 'Nanny Fox'. When Nanny Fox and the chicks visit their friends the three little pigs, they dress up just for fun until Arnold's hungry family come hunting. Will the Big Bad Wolf come to their rescue?

Fix-it Duck and other stories, Jez Alborough.

Three hilarious stories from the bestselling Duck in the Truck series by highly-regarded author/illustrator Jez Alborough are now brought together in one volume!

Snowy the doganaut, Diego Albuquerque ; illustrated by Felipe Vellozo ; translated by Peter Dowling.

When Snowy the dogonaut arrives on Earth in a UFO, Marco the vet is concerned that Snowy should look like a normal Earth dog and operates on him to make Snowy fit in. But when Marco leads an expedition to Snowy's planet he's shocked to find himself operated on to fit in there!

A lion in Paris, Beatrice Alemagna.

A curious young lion decides to leave the grasslands and visit the city of Paris. The lion in this story was inspired by the statue of a lion in the Place Denfert-Rochereau in Paris. Parisians are very fond of this lion. The statue was erected by the architect Frederic Auguste Bartholdi between 1876 and 1880. It is a smaller version of his famous Belfort Lion sculpture in Belfort, in eastern France.

Betty goes bananas, Steve Antony.

Betty is hungry. She sees a banana. She wants to eat it. But the banana will not open! Poor Betty she just can't cope and her frustration quickly becomes a big tantrum. Luckily, Mr Toucan swoops by to show Betty how to peel the fruit and the banana-drama finally comes to an end. But what will happen when Betty spots another banana?

Please Mr. Panda, Steve Antony.

Panda has a tray of doughnuts. Animal after animal tells him the one they want, but it's only when Lemur says 'please' politely that Panda will give any out! A witty and stylish lesson that manners will get you everything. Even a trayload of doughnuts.

Happy birthday Madame Chapeau, words by Andrea Beaty ; pictures by David Roberts.

When a crow flies off with her birthday bonnet as she walks to dinner, Madame Chapeau chases the thief through the streets of Paris while admirers offer her replacement hats, but none seem quite right until someone offers a special gift.

Polly Parrot picks a pirate, Peter Bently, Penny Dann.

Polly the parrot is fed up of her tree. It's a life on the ocean she needs! For this she'll need a pet pirate, but finding the perfect one isn't easy. This picky parrot might just end up with more than she expected.

The big question, Leen van den Berg & Kaatje Vermeire ; translated by David Colmer.

How do you know you love someone? Elephant has this difficult question on her mind and she can't stop thinking about it.

Blown away, written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph.

Come on an unexpected journey with a fearless blue penguin in the most captivating picture book debut of the year! Meet Penguin Blue! It's a windy day, and he has a brand new kite but where's he going on this maiden flight? Penguin Blue and his friends go on a gloriously illustrated adventure full of good ideas, homesickness and the perils of kites, from the sparkling new talent Rob Biddulph.

In the air, Brian Biggs.

An interactive picture book that introduces early readers to different forms of transportation that can be found in the air.

On land, Brian Biggs.

A young boy learns about land vehicles from bicycles to subways and trolleys as he and his father travel to the train station.

Little Bo Peep and more … favourite nursery rhymes, illustrated by Donavan Bixley.

Hop on board for a hay ride of fun with four favourite sheepish nursery rhymes.

The monkey goes bananas, C.P. Bloom ; illustrated by Peter Raymundo.

Monkey, having spied a banana tree across the water, will stop at nothing to get a snack.

Paddington and the Christmas surprise, Michael Bond ; illustrated by R.W. Alley.

Paddington has saved enough money to take the Brown family to Barkridges store to visit Santa's Winter Wonderland, but trouble has a way of finding the lovable bear, so when Paddington decides to lend a hand, the whole store is suddenly in chaos.

The line, Paula Bossio.

A little girl stumbles onto a line and endless possibilities for fun! With a twist and a shake of the line, it becomes a slide, a giant bubble or even a jungle vine. But what or who could be at the other end?

Frank!, Connah Brecon.

Try as he might (or might not), Frank is a bear who is always late. And when he starts school, the trouble really begins. Frank has very good reasons, like rescuing a family of bunnies from a huge, smelly ogre. However, his teacher has heard enough of his excuses. Sometimes there is truth to the most unusual of circumstances.

Miffy in the snow, Dick Bruna ; English translation, Tony Mitton.

It's snowing and Miffy wants to go and play. She rides her sledge, skates on the frozen river and even makes a snowman. In the snow she finds a little bird who is too cold so Miffy helps him to build a little house to keep him warm.

Babar's world tour, Laurent de Brunhoff.

Babar and his family take a trip around the world.

Auntie Ellie's beach house, Raewyn Caisley & Lisa Allen.

Leyla loves everything about Auntie Ellie's beach house - the boat, the climbing tree, the old rainwater tank, the driftwood on the beach and the family times there together. She thinks she would be lost without it, but then the moon shows her the way.

Hello from nowhere, Raewyn Caisley & Karen Blair.

A moving celebration of the Australian outback and the special connection between grandparent and grandchild. Eve thought that living in the middle of nowhere was better than living anywhere else in the world. Only one thing made Eve sad. She hadn't seen Nan since they left the city long ago.

The Word Burglar, Chris Cander ; illustrations by Katherine Tramonte.

When his family discourages reading and learning, Word Burglar becomes angry and steals words from bedtime stories.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas 123, Eric Carle.

Join the Very Hungry Caterpillar for some Christmas counting fun from 1 to 10 in this delightfully festive board book. Features Eric Carle's bright, distinctive artwork of 1 Father Christmas, 2 Christmas trees, 3 Christmas puddings, all the way up to 10 presents. Children will love to spot the Very Hungry Caterpillar making an appearance with every number.

Excuse me, have you seen a flashing light? : follow the firefly ; Run, Rabbit, run! : follow the rabbit, Bernardo Carvalho ; edited by Frith Williams.

A wordless picture book which allows the reader to follow either the firefly or the rabbit through the jungle and city, beginning either at the front or back cover.

Bears don't read!, Emma Chichester Clark.

A magical story of friendship to power the imagination and encourage children (and bears!) towards a lifelong love of reading. "That's just silly!" said his sister. "Bears don't read!" George isn't happy doing the usual bear things like chatting and fishing. But what else is there? Then one day, he finds a book beneath a tree and knows. More than anything he wants to learn to read! But, arriving in town, George soon discovers that it's not easy to be a bear at school! If only he could find someone to teach him the alphabet and change his life forever. Perhaps a little girl called Clementine can help? A feel-good story of determination and friendship sure to encourage a lifelong love of books

Little penguin, written by Hannah Cockayne ; designed by Kimberley Faria.

A new edition to the Baby Touch And Feel series. With photographs of little penguin and his other frosty baby animal friends including a seal pup, polar bear cub and more.

Draw!, Raul Colon.

In this wordless picture book, a boy who is confined to his room fills his sketch pad with lions and elephants, then imagines himself on a safari.

Just right for two, Tracey Corderoy ; illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.

"Dog's big blue suitcase is the perfect fit for all the little treasures he has collected. He is sure that he is happy with just himself and his suitcase. Until one night when Mouse comes along, and Dog discovers that his big blue suitcase is actually just right for two. Dog has everything he needs in his big blue suitcase. Or does he?

Snow day, Richard Curtis with illustrations by Rebecca Cobb.

When Danny goes to school one quiet, snowy morning, the last thing he expects to find is a deserted school and his least favourite teacher. But that's exactly what he does find. And what starts as the worst day imaginable, ends as the most life-affirming and magical day of the year.

The little school bus, Margery Cuyler ; illustrated by Bob Kolar.

A happy little school bus and Driver Bob wake up early to pick up children, drop them off at school, then head to the garage for some minor repairs.

Jojo's first word book, Xavier Deneusc.

Jojo and Lulu present words for all the things they see around them at home and when they go outside.

All aboard!, Rebecca Kai Dotlich ; illustrated by Mike Lowery.

Illustrations and rhyming text show two boys who meet on a train ride as they pass through various landscapes and by other hard-working trains on their way to camp.

The sheep go on strike, written and illustrated by Jean-Francois Dumont ; translated by Leslie Mathews.

When the sheep on a farm go on strike rather than having their warm coats sheared off, the other animals begin taking sides until, at last, a compromise can be reached.

The lonely sea dragon, Helen Dunmore ; illustrations by Rebecca Cobb.

Callum and Amy discover a sea dragon in a cave along the beach. The sea dragon is lost and cannot find his friends and relatives. They buy the sea dragon ice cream, chips with curry sauce and a balloon to play with. As the summer ends it's time for the sea dragon to find other sea dragons.

Morgan goes to Sleep, written by Richard Fairgray, Tara Black & Terry Jones ; illustrated by Richard Fairgray ; colours by Tara Black.

Morgan cannot sleep, so embarks on an epic mission to find Sleep, collecting snores, counting sheep and yawning along the way.

The other day I met a bear, adapted by John M. Feierabend ; illustrated by Julia Love Miller.

The beloved echo song "The Other Day I Met a Bear" is beautifully rendered in this illustrated picture book. A favourite camping song for generations, this whimsical work is paired with a history and notation of the song as well as a link to a free download of two audio versions of the song one with singing and an instrumental.

Hey baby, it's Christmas, Corinne Fenton.

Hey Baby, hold on tight, Christmas is coming. Countdown to baby's first Christmas.

Sleepytime me, Edith Hope Fine ; illustrated by Christopher Denise.

From the great expanse of the darkening sky filled with stars, to the softening sounds of city and farm quieting down for the night, the perspective comes closer to reveal the end of day at home and then the child snuggling into bed.

The farmer and the clown, Marla Frazee.

A wordless picture book in which a farmer rescues a baby clown who's bounced off the circus train, and reunites him with his clown family.

Dragon Jelly, Claire Freedman ; illustrated by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

Ta-dah! It's Dragon Jelly time, A sizzling scrumptious treat. It's red. It's wobbly. Best of all, It's scary hot to eat! Max is having a monster party. They play all sorts of yucky games then cool down in a fruitbat drool paddling pool! Then it's tea-time, with termite tarts, ear-wig rolls and eyeball birthday cake. But the real treat is the red-hot dragon jelly! Dragon Jelly is monstrously gloopy, gunky fun from the bestselling Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra.

Monsters love underpants, Claire Freedman & Ben Cort.

There are prowly monsters howling loudly and drooling monsters from the steamy swamp. There are wild, woolly mountain monsters and spiky, spooky monsters from outer space. And they all have one thing in common they love underpants!

One big pair of underwear, Laura Gehl wrote the words ; Tom Lichtenheld made the pictures.

Progressively larger groups of animals try to share a limited number of scooters, cookbooks, nap mats, and underwear.

The three little fish and the big bad shark, Ken Geist ; illustrated by Julia Gorton.

In this spoof of The three little pigs, Mama tells her three little fish that it's time to seek their fortunes. Jim builds a house of seaweed and Tim builds a house of sand, but it's up to Kim to find the house that will stop the big bad shark's munching and crunching.

Time for a bath, Phillis Gershator ; illustrated by David Walker.

No matter what kind of messes a little bunny experiences through the day, bath time makes things fresh and new.

Scary night, Lesely Gibbes and Stephen Michael King.

Once upon a scary night three friends set out on a journey. Hare with hat. Cat with a cake and Pig with Parcel. But where were they going in the dead of the night, tip-toe creeping in the pale moonlight? It was a mystery!

Outside, Deirdre Gill.

When his brother refuses to come outside, a child plays by himself in the snow and creates an imaginary world.

Go to sleep, Jessie!, Libby Gleeson & Freya Blackwood.

If only Jessie would lie down. If only she would go to sleep. But nothing will settle her except maybe a little sisterly know-how.

Dragon's extraordinary egg, Debi Gliori.

A dragon finds an abandoned egg and lovingly raises the hatchling as her own, although Little One is very different from the baby dragons, and when disaster strikes it is the small, feathered hatchling that saves the day.

Counting on letters : from A to Z and 1 to 26, Mark Gonyea.

Provides an introduction to the alphabet in which each letter is accompanied by a number and alliterative text.

Cats are cats, Valeri Gorbachev.

Miss Bell loves her cat Tiger, despite his tendency to act like a tiger.

Seen and not heard, Katie May Green.

A truly original picture book full of atmosphere and magic that is perfect for children with wild imaginations and anarchic spirits!

The little train, Graham Greene ; illustrated by Edward Ardizzone.

Early one morning the little train wakes up in his home town, Little Snoreing, and decides to go on an adventure. He chugs and puffs his way through villages, past castles and over bridges. But soon he gets tired, and the big city is a bit scary. There's only one thing for it; he'll have to head back.

William & the missing masterpiece, Helen Hancocks.

Who can have stolen the Mona Cheesa? William, international cat of mystery, is on the case, in this action-packed tale of cat and mouse and cheese.

Snow Bunny's Christmas gift, Rebecca Harry.

From the creator of the highly-acclaimed Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish, comes this brand new tale about the little bunny with the big heart, and the true gift of friendship.

Snow Bunny's Christmas wish, Rebecca Harry.

One snowy Christmas Eve, a small bunny goes in search of Santa to ask him to make her Christmas wish come true. She packs everything she might need for the journey, leaves her cosy burrow and sets out through the snow on her quest.

Whiffy Wilson : the wolf who wouldn't go to school, Caryl Hart, Leonie Lord.

There was a wolf called Wilson Who couldn't count to ten. He wouldn't learn to write his name. He never used a pen. Whiffy is certain that school isn't as fun as watching TV all day. But his best friend, Dotty, takes him by the paw and shows him just how wrong he is. Whiffy Wilson doesn't know how to hold a pen and has never looked in a book, but fortunately his friend Dotty is on hand to show him that school is fun. Soon, Whiffy is in his element, and when he gets a gold star for all his work he realises that school is the best thing ever!

Mine!, Sue Heap.

Amy snuggles on her blankie with her three toys. "I love you all," she says, "because we're together, and because you're mine." When Jack and Zak want to play and they grab Bear and Bunny, Amy grabs them back. "Mine!" she says. When Baby Jo picks up Bird and kisses it, Amy takes it away. "Mine!" she says. But then she realizes that what she's done has made Baby Jo very sad. He's all alone, without a toy and suddenly Amy has a difficult decision to make. What will she do?

Where bear?, Sophy Henn.

Tells the story of a little boy and his bear and finding a place called home.

Twinkle, Katharine Holabird and Sarah Warburton.

From the author of the global success Angelina Ballerina, comes the first title in this brand new series for all those who love fairies, friendship and pink! It's Twinkle's first day at The Fairy School of Magic and Music, and she can't wait to make spells like all the big fairies. But Twinkle keeps forgetting the magic words and her spells go from bad to worse!

Twinkle thinks pink!, Katharine Holabird and Sarah Warburton.

Twinkle makes a wish to add more pink ones! Not only do the roses turn pink, but the whole garden turns into a candyfloss paradise! With sparkling glitter on the cover and last spread.

Fall leaves, Loretta Holland ; illustrated by Elly MacKay.

Wordplay with homonyms puts autumn on display and captures the art and science of season change.

Sally in the snow, written and illustrated by Stephen Huneck.

Sally, a black Labrador retriever, enjoys many fun activities at a ski lodge, including sledding, snowboarding, and having dinner with friends.

Kipper's little friends, Mick Inkpen.

Kipper and Arthur are talking about baby animals. A baby owl must be an owlet, so a baby frog is a froglet and a baby hedgehog can only be a hoglet. But what is a baby dog called? Do you know? A charming tale about animals and growing up.

Big bouncy bed, Julia Jarman & Adrian Reynolds.

Ben and Bella on the big bouncy bed, Boing! Boing! Boing! Boing! Mind your head! Ben and Bella are back, and this time they're off on a brilliant bouncy adventure with all their animal friends. Join Ben and Bella as they bounce all the way to outer space and back again - just in time for bed. This exuberant, lively rhyming story from the creators of the bestselling Big Red Bath is perfect for reading aloud.

You are (not) small, Anna Kang ; illustrated by Christopher Weyant.

Two fuzzy creatures can't agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all!

The crocodile under the bed, Judith Kerr.

A magical new classic in the making from the creator of the beloved favourite, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Once there was a little boy called Matty, and he was very sad.

The Judith Kerr treasury.

Five classic stories from Judith Kerr, the creator of the iconic The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Judith Kerr OBE is one of the most beloved creators of children's books in the world. This delightful treasury brings together five of her bestselling stories in one very special collection, including classics such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat.

Who's next door, written by Mayuko Kishira ; illustrated by Jun Takabatake ; translation by Shana Rieko Shimizu.

When Owl moves in next door to Chicken, they must find a find a creative way to enjoy each other's company despite their different schedules.

You can do it, Bert!, Ole Konnecke ; translated by Catherine Chidgey.

Bert has been preparing for this for a long time. He is ready. Mentally and physically. But before he takes the plunge, he might need a bit of encouragement from his friends. You can do it, Bert!

This is me, dressing up!, Neal Layton.

A first concept book that is designed to stimulate early development and literacy by describing everyday routines in a funny and accessible way. It features Googly eyes on the front cover and a transforming flap surprise at the end.

This is me, eating!, Neal Layton.

A first concept book that is designed to stimulate early development and literacy by describing everyday routines in a funny and accessible way. It features Googly eyes on the front cover and a transforming flap surprise at the end.

Baby days, Alison Lester.

Baby Days is the perfect collection for little children who are discovering a world of things they love to do. Bibs and Boots, Bumping and Bouncing, Crashing and Splashing, Happy and Sad. By the much-loved and bestselling picture-book creator Alison Lester, these four classic stories have delighted children and parents for many years.

Hattie Peck, written and illustrated by Emma Levey.

Little Hattie Peck loved eggs big ones, small ones, speckled ones. All she wanted was an egg of her own. One day, Hattie left her cosy coop to go on an adventure to find all the abandoned eggs in the world. And find them she did!

Something missing, Jill Lewis & Ali Pye.

All the Little Somethings, and all the Big Somethings, are having a picnic to celebrate Trippety Doodah Day. But there is one missing Little Something. No-one knows where Little Hogwash can be. So everybody searches for him. Meanwhile, Big Something Trunky puts the finishing touches to the scooter he is converting for the trip.

Ug-a-lug : four cavemen and a prehistoric pencil, written by Jill Lewis ; illustrated by Simon Rickerty.

A little boy is doodling cavemen. He gives them all names Colin, Clive, Carlos and Flint and then goes to get a drink. As he leaves, he accidentally knocks over his pot of pencils. And that's when something amazing happens. One of the pencils drops into his picture, where the cavemen have now come to life! What do cavemen do with a giant pencil? Make a stone-age car, of course.

The fairytale hairdresser and Father Christmas, Abie Longstaff & Lauren Beard.

It's Christmas Eve, but someone has stolen all the presents Christmas will be ruined! Can Kittie Lacey help Father Christmas save the day and melt a certain Snow Queen's icy heart?

Hasel and Rose, written and illustrated by Caroline Magerl.

Rose feels alone in the new town. Everything is different and strange. She wishes but she's not sure what she's wishing for. She searches, but she's not sure what for. Then from somewhere far away, someone else begins a journey. And maybe, just maybe, Hasel and Rose can find the courage to begin again. Together. A magical story of hope and new beginnings for anyone who's ever loved and lost. Hasel and Rose celebrates the power of imagination and resilience, even when things seem too hard.

Squinty the seagull, Janet Martin ; illustrated by Ivar Treskon.

Squinty the cheeky one-eyed seagull loves trying out new tricks. One day he watches some surfers having fun on the waves. Find out what happens when he decides to join in!

When Aunt Mattie got her wings, Petra Mathers.

When Aunt Mattie dies, best friends Lottie and Herbie console each other and celebrate Aunt Mattie's life by scattering her ashes and preparing her favourite snack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (with bananas).

One night, written by Penny Matthews ; illustrated by Stephen Michael King.

On the very first Christmas Eve, so the story goes, the animals were given a very special gift to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Since then, at midnight on Christmas Eve the animals remember. A beautiful retelling of an old Christmas folktale.

A perfectly messed-up story, Patrick McDonnell.

Louie becomes angry when the story in which he appears is ruined by messes from jelly, peanut butter, and other things that do not belong in books.

Brothers, David McPhail.

Although two brothers are different in many ways, they are alike, too most importantly, in their love for each other.

Peter loves Penguin, David McPhail.

On a snowy day, Peter takes his stuffed penguin and throws snowballs, makes a snowman, and comes back inside for hot cocoa.

Peep inside night time, written by Anna Milbourne ; illustrated by Simona Dimitri.

A very simple, lift-the-flap book for small children, packed with holes to peep through, flaps to peep beneath and snippets of factual information about what happens when night falls.

The big princess, Taro Miura.

A king, a queen and one very big princess. A witty, wonderful and warm-hearted prequel to The Tiny King by acclaimed picture book maker, Taro

The adventures of Mr Toad, Kenneth Grahame's The wind in the willows as retold by Tom Moorhouse ; illustrated by David Roberts.

A beautifully illustrated picture-book ediiton of one of the greatest stories ever told for children.

I am a witch's cat, Harriet Muncaster.

A "special witch's cat" is certain her mother is a witch because she keeps special potions in the bathroom, grows magical herbs in her garden, and whirls her broomstick around the room once a week.

Love you forever, written by Robert Munsch ; illustrated by Sheila McGraw.

A boy grows into adulthood with the support of his mother's love.

Hunters of the great forest, Dennis Nolan.

A band of tiny hunters goes off on a mysterious but worthwhile expedition, evading predatory birds and animals along the way, in this wordless picture book.

E hoki Flash, na Ruth Paul i tuhi ; na Ngaere Roberts nga kupu i whakamaori.

Follows the adventures of mischievous dog Flash who escapes from home and gets up to all sorts of antics, chasing cats, sneaking into cars, rolling in rubbish.

Go home, Flash, Ruth Paul.

Follows the adventures of mischievous dog Flash who escapes from home and gets up to all sorts of antics, chasing cats, sneaking into cars, rolling in

Bubble trouble, Tom Percival.

Rueben and Felix are best friends, and what they like doing best is blowing bubbles the bigger, the better! It all starts to go wrong when Rueben challenges Felix to a bubble-blowing competition. When they sabotage each other's bubble machines, the results are disastrous. It's time to stop fighting against each other and pull together! A charming story about friendship, fights, and making up.

Christmas treasure hunt, written by Sarah Powell ; designed by Emma Jennings.

Christmas treasure hunt will amuse and delight your little one for hours.

Sloth slept on, Frann Preston-Gannon.

A group of children find a sloth snoring away in a tree in their garden. Not knowing what it is, they set out to find out. While the two older children dream up increasingly outrageous possibilities, from a ballerina to a pirate, to a space creature, the youngest little girl investigates books and a globe and discovers what it really is and where it lives. But how can the children help the sloth to get home if it won't wake up?

City, created by Roger Priddy ; illustrated by Holly Jackman.

With words to learn and interactive novelties to explore, this busy board book will teach your child about the world around

Farm, created by Roger Priddy ; illustrated by Holly Jackman.

Learn about life on the farm including farm animals, farm vehicles, and more!

Seaside, created by Roger Priddy ; illustrated by Holly Jackman.

What things can you see by the sea? This new series of illustrated board books provides an ideal introduction to the seaside for toddlers who are just beginning to discover the world around them. The pages feature die-cut holes for young readers to look through, so that they can see part of what is happening on the next out-and-about scene.

Zoo, created by Roger Priddy ; illustrated by Holly Jackman.

Illustrated board book introductions to the exciting things that can be found in big cities, in a zoo, at a farm and at the seaside feature die-cut holes for toddlers to look through so they can peek at what is happening on the next out-and-about scene.

Before after, Anne-Margot Ramstein & Matthias Aregui.

Everyone knows that a tiny acorn into a mighty oak grows, and a caterpillar emerges into a butterfly. But in this clever, visually enchanting volume, it's also true that a cow can result in both a bottle of milk and a painting of a cow, and an ape in a jungle may become an urban King Kong. Just as day turns into night and back again, a many-tiered cake is both created and eaten down to a single piece. With simple, graphic illustrations sure to appeal to even the youngest of children, this smart exploration of the fascinating theme of before and after will please the most discerning adult readers, too.

Buggy Bug, Chris Raschka.

Buggy Bug has something very important to say.

Clammy Clam, Chris Raschka.

Clammy Clam refuses to open his shell to say hello.

Doggy Dog, Chris Raschka.

Simple words and illustrations detail some of the things that Doggy Dog is not, including a cat, a lampshade, and a potato.

Moosey Moose, Chris Raschka.

Moosey Moose wants his long pants.

Lulu loves noises, Camilla Reid, Ailie Busby.

It's a lovely, bright morning and Lulu is just waking up. There's a noise outside her window. Join Lulu as she listens to her favourite noises and has lots of fun along the way! From the tweeting birds to the ding-a-ling of Lulu's tricycle, little ones will love picking out familiar sounds in this brilliantly interactive book. With a flap to lift on every spread, these perfectly-sized board books with rounded corners are just-right for little hands.

Goodnight Santa, Michelle Robinson ; illustrated by Nick East.

It's Christmas Eve, and time to go to sleep. But while children all over the world snuggle up and close their eyes Santa is getting everything ready for his busiest night of the year.

The first snowfall, Anne Rockwell ; illustrated by Harlow Rockwell.

A child enjoys the special sights and activities of a snow-covered world.

Bedtime : a slip-and-slide book, Maureen Roffey.

Uni the unicorn, Amy Krouse Rosenthal ; illustrated by Brigette Barrager.

Uni the unicorn believes that little girls are real.

Rita's rhino Tony Ross.

When Rita's mum refuses to get her a pet, Rita goes to the zoo and soon returns with a rhinoceros in tow. But keeping a pet rhino a secret in a small flat and taking care of him, prove to be much trickier than she ever imagined! It is a hilarious take on the responsibilty of pet ownership.

On Sudden Hill, Linda Sarah and Benji Davies.

Birt and Etho are best friends. Together they play on Sudden Hill, making marvellous contraptions out of cardboard boxes. But then a new boy, Shu, wants to join in too. Etho is happy to welcome him. Birt isn't so sure. Eaten up with jealousy, he goes home and refuses to come out to play. Until Etho and Shu come to his house with the most marvellous cardboard contraption so far. A compelling story about accepting someone new, from the Benji Davies, the bestselling illustrator of The Storm Whale.

100 things that make me happy, Amy Schwartz.

From beloved author Amy Schwartz, an endearing tribute to 100 everyday things that make us happy.

The moon dragons, Dyan Sheldon, Gary Blythe.

When a king discovers that there are still singing moon dragons high up on the mountainside, he offers a room full of gold to anyone who can bring one to him.

Foxy and Egg : a book, Alex T. Smith.

Egg rolls up to the house of the wicked Foxy DuBois. Foxy is always very kind to strangers and invites Egg in, but she's got a glint in her eye, and has devilish plans. The clues are there: recipe books, and pictures of fried eggs adorning her walls. Be careful, Egg!

Pumpkin Hill, Elizabeth Spurr ; illustrated by Whitney Martin.

The townspeople must decide what to do with thousands of pumpkins that roll down a hill and into their midst just before Halloween.

The pirate's curse, Kristina Stephenson.

Once upon a time, a message in a bottle said someone needed help; help from a certain bold, brave knight! So the brilliant Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, his cat Envelope and his good grey mare must find a ship so they can set sail and rescue the messenger. But, who needs their help, and what fearsome sea dangers and frightful pirates might they encounter on their voyage?

Steampunk City : an alphabetical journey, Manuel Sumberac ; text by Benjamin Mott.

Steampunk, with its irresistible combination of Victorian-era style and futuristic sensibility, is beautifully illustrated in this stunning alphabet. Brilliantly colourful paintings and rhyming text illustrate each letter of the alphabet, inviting the reader on a voyage through a quirky steampunk fantasy world, where things are not quite what one might expect. Children will love the ingeniously detailed depictions of the machines and objects that exemplify each letter, while older steampunk fans (from tweens to parents) will enjoy poring over these gorgeous retro-futuristic dreamscapes.

If you were a dog, Jamie A. Swenson ; pictures by Chris Raschka.

Easy-to-read text invites the reader to imagine life as a dog, a cat, a fish, a bird, and even a dinosaur.

The toy fairy, Stephanie Thatcher.

Jo knows there is no such thing as a toy fairy. So why do his toys keep going missing? Joe's cunning plan to get the toys back takes him on an unexpected adventure.

What a wonderful world, based on the song by Bob Thiele & George David Weiss ; illustrated by Tim Hopgood.

A truly special book featuring the lyrics from What a Wonderful World, accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Tim Hopgood.

The spectacular tale of Peter Rabbit, Emma Thompson ; illustrated by Eleanor Taylor.

It was high summer and a travelling fun-fair had come to the village. Peter Rabbit and Benjamin were forbidden to attend. But even the best-behaved rabbit can't keep away from a fun-fair; and Peter is far from being the best-behaved rabbit.

Mimi and Bear in the snow, Janee Trasler.

Bear is Mimi's constant companion until one busy day, when Bear is not there.

10 times 10, Herve Tullet.

How many ways can you count to 10? With numbers, fingers, paints? How about with racing cars or with a fairy tale? In fact, you can do it almost any way you like! Herve Tullet, who has established an international reputation for creating dynamic books for young children, brings us this smart and silly counting book that will teach and entertain in equal measure. Counting has never been so much fun!

Clothes, Nicola Tuxworth.

Experts agree that preschool children respond more immediately to photographs than to illustrations. This boardbook shows a great variety of garments. It features clothes for keeping warm when it is cold outside, clothes for staying dry when it is raining, clothes for doing sports, clothes for our top halves and clothes for our bottom halves.

Snow, Sam Usher.

There's a surprise in store for one little boy and his granddad on their extraordinary snow day.

The misadventures of Sweetie Pie, Chris Van Allsburg.

Sweetie Pie escapes the confines of her hamster cage and a series of insufferable owners to find a new home in the

And two boys booed, Judith Viorst ; pictures by Sophie Blackall.

A boy is nervous about a presentation he has to give at school.

I heart holidays, Clara Vulliamy.

Martha and her Bunny Brothers are back, and they're going on holiday! The third title in the exuberant, feel-good new series from Clara Vulliamy. Pure fun in picture book form!

The first hippo on the moon : based on a true story, illustrated by the artistic genius Tony Ross.

Two big hippos. One enormous dream. Who can make it to the moon first? 3, 2, 1 Blast Off! Introducing a wonderfully charming and funny new picture book from two superstars!

Meg and the pirate, Jan Pienkowski and David Walser.

Over forty years after their first appearance, much-loved characters Meg and Mog are back in a brand new adventure! After landing with a BUMP on a treasure island, Meg makes friends with a peg-legged pirate called Jack and casts a magic spell to help him find buried treasure!

Sally Snickers's knickers, Lynn Ward & Anthea Stead.

There's something very special about little Sally Snickers, for Sally never wears a hat, she'd rather wear her knickers!

Me & dog, Gene Weingarten ; illustrated by Eric Shansby.

For one dog, a boy is his everything.

Max & Ruby at the Warthogs' wedding, Rosemary Wells.

Shortly before the Warthogs' wedding is set to begin, ring-bearer Max loses the ring and he, Ruby, and their friend Louise search the Ritz Hotel from bottom to top trying to get it back in time.

Whale in the bath, Kylie Westaway, Tom Jellett.

Bruno can't wash when there is a whale in the bath! Why won't anyone believe him? An irresistibly sweet read-aloud story perfect for those imaginative 3-6 year olds and their parents.

He iti ranei ahau?, Philip Winterberg ; Nadja Wichmann.

A picture book that tells children, no matter what your size, you are perfect the way you are. Tamia asks the question: Am I small? Tamia is not sure and keeps asking various animals that she meets on her journey. Eventually she finds the surprising answer.

Doug unplugs on the farm, Dan Yaccarino.

Doug the robot takes a hands-on approach to learning about farm life when the family car gets stuck in a ditch on the way to visit the grandbots.

Dog loves fairytales, Louise Yates.

Dog loves books, and Dog especially loves books with fairy tales in. But this particular book of fairy tales has an unlucky imp inside. Dog must help his new friend by going deep into the Enchanted Forest, full of familiar characters, as they search for the witch to break the curse.

Tap to play, Salina Yoon.

Blip asks the reader to help him reach the goal and win the game.

Younger Fiction

Sage, Victoria M. Azaro.

When Sage, the younger sister of Saffron, brings home the class toy Mr Floppy Ribbon she gets into some tricky situations but then manages to solve them in her own particular way.

Sleuth on skates, Clementine Beauvais ; illustrated by Sarah Horne.

Precocious eleven-year-old self-made-supersleuth Sophie "Sesame" Seade investigates the disappearance of Jenna Jenkins, a student at Cambridge University, where Sophie's father is chaplain and her mother is Head of Christ's College.

The magic faraway tree, Enid Blyton ; illustrations by Mark Beech.

When Joe, Beth and Frannie climb up to the top of the Faraway Tree, they meet Silky, Moon-Face and the Saucepan Man. Their new friends show them an exciting secret how to visit lots of strange and magical lands, where they have many thrilling adventures. Readers will delight in brand-new, full-colour illustrations from the fantastic Mark Beech.

Emma and the blue genie, Cornelia Funke ; translated by Oliver Latsch ; illustrated by Kerstin Meyer.

Eight-year-old Emma and her little dog Tristan take a magic carpet ride to the distant land of Barakash to help a genie recover his stolen magical nose ring.

The sleeper and the spindle, Neil Gaiman ; illustrated by Chris Riddell.

A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish. On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems.

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny, written and illustrated by John Himmelman.

Although she can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anyone else at school, Isabel, aka Bunjitsu Bunny, never hurts another creature unless she has to.

A year of stories and things to do, Shirley Hughes.

A collection that takes you right through the year with best-loved stories and poems for every month and mood.

Tea and Sugar Christmas, Jane Jolly and Robert Ingpen.

'The Tea and Sugar train only came once a week on a Thursday. But the special Christmas train only came once a year. Today was Sunday. Four more days without sugar. Four more days until the Christmas train. Please, please be on time. Please don't be late.'

Anna and the whale, Susannah Kenton ; illustrated by Isis and Demeter Kenton-Dau ; cover and graphic design by Aaron Kenton.

Surrounded by grown-ups who have lost their faith, Anna has a gift for imagining life better. When a baby humpback whale's life is on the line, Anna's imagination is put to the ultimate test. Can her ability to dream overcome impossible odds and save her doomed friend? This is a story for the child in all of us, and a call to believe in the power of our dreams.

Edward and the great discovery, courageously written and illustrated by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme.

Although he comes from a long line of archaeologists, Edward has never discovered anything. Then one rainy night, he stumbles upon what could be his first great discovery.

Once a shepherd, Glenda Millard & Phil Lesnie.

"Once there was a shepherd, a very special coat and hope." A moving tale that will help grandparents connect personal experiences of war with young children.

Nancy Clancy sees the future, written by Jane O'Connor ; illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.

Third-grader Nancy tries her hand at fortune-telling but quickly learns it is a bit more complicated than she thought.

The rabbit and the shadow, Melanie Rutten ; translated by Sarah Ardizzone.

Enter the wonderful world of the following curious cast: the Rabbit who wants to grow up, the anxious Stag, the Soldier at war, the Cat and his recurring dream, the Book that wants to know everything, and the Shadow. Over the course of ten short chapters they grow up, learn how to live together and to deal with their fears. A sophisticated picture book.

The super amazing adventures of me, Pig, Emer Stamp.

Pig couldn't be happier. Life with the vegetarian farmers is perfect, and best of all, he has a new friend, Kitty. Kitty is a fellow vegetarian, she purrs over Pig's every move, laughing at his jokes and encouraging him to fart as much as he can. She even gave him his new diary! Of course, only Duck can see Kitty for the cunning, jealous, killing cat she is. Pig won't believe she's up to something until he's eaten the entirety of the farmers' prize crop and is half way to the pie factory.

A child's Christmas in Wales, Dylan Thomas ; illustrated by Peter Bailey.

All the Christmases roll down toward the two-tongued sea, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street; and they stop at the rim of the ice-edged, fish-freezing waves, and I plunge my hand in the snow and bring out whatever I can find.

Violet and the Pearl of the Orient, Harriet Whitehorn.

Meet Violet Remy-Robinson, an amateur Sherlock Holmes in the making. When a new family move in next door, Violet is sure there's something strange about them. Then her eccentric, but lovely neighbour, Dee Dee Derota, has a precious jewel stolen. Could the new family be to blame? Violet is on the case to uncover the truth. With a beautiful hardback package complete with two colour illustrations throughout by emerging talent, Becka Moore, everyone is bound to fall in love with Violet and the colourful characters that make up her world.