Publication Day for Gina Blaxill
October 2022
Good Enough To Eat is out today! This is the second title in the Tales at Midnight series. Written by Gina Blaxill, this is a dark and twisting retelling of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale.
There is a witch in the woods and she likes to kidnap boys...
The village of Westerleen has been suffering a harsh winter, food is scarce and if you end up lost you may find yourself in the witch's cottage and no one leaves there alive.
When Hansel and Gretel return from the woods, unharmed, everyone believes Hansel to have been the hero who has saved his sister. But it was Gretel who pushed the witch into the fire.
Gretel has never been accepted in her village, will she finally be rewarded?
Available now!
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker out now!
October 2022
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker publishes today! This is J.P. Rose's debut title in the YA space and has its roots in dark Jamaican folklore.
After a shocking event leaves Tyrese struggling with grief, he’s taken to visit family in Jamaica. From the first night, strange things start happening: impossible visions, blackouts, swarms of insects, and the discovery of a grave hidden deep in the forest… Tyrese can’t explain what’s going on and he’s scared that he’s losing his grip on reality.
Then Tyrese is warned he’s being hunted by the mysterious Shadow Man. Under threat, Tyrese and his friends set out on a terrifying journey across the island to try and uncover the Shadow Man’s sinister history. Who can Tyrese trust when his own mind is falling apart and there’s nowhere left to hide?
Available now in paperback!
Latest picture book publication day for Rashmi Sirdeshpande
August 2022
Today marks the publication of Never Let A Diplodocus Draw, the latest in the fun series written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Diane Ewen.
A laugh-out-loud 'what if . . .?' adventure... What would happen if you showed a diplodocus how to draw? One day she'd be messing around with crayons and paint - and the next she'd be a global art sensation!
Full of fun - get drawing with Dippy!
Out now in paperback.
UK publication for PAWS
August 2022
PAWS, the debut novel by Kate Foster, is out today in the UK. Published in Australia in 2021, this gentle and charming story is set to also be released in the US in 2023.
Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he’s devised a plan – impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park ... right?
Available in the UK and Australia!
Puppy Club out today
August 2022
Catherine Jacob's latest book, Puppy Club: Lulu's Big Surprise, publishes today! This is the first title in a brand new series for young readers that is perfect for animal lovers and follows the success of Catherine's recent picture book publications.
Jaya, Willow, Harper and Elsa all dream of having a dog. So when Jaya’s aunt, who runs Underdogs Rescue Centre, tells Jaya that new dog Lulu is expecting puppies it feels like the girls’ best chance to get their parents to agree. It’s time for Operation Paw-fect Puppy!
Along with new Puppy Club members, Arlo and Daniel, the children set about trying to prove to their parents what responsible owners they’d be. But will it be enough to persuade them?
Out now in paperback!
Publication Day for Polly Ho-Yen
July 2022
The Day No One Woke Up is out today! This middle-grade adventure is the latest by Polly Ho-Yen, the award-winning author of Boy In The Tower and How I Saved The World In A Week.
Something strange is happening in Ana’s city . . . she’s the only one awake. Confused and curious, Ana sets off to explore, bumping into the one other person who’s been able to rouse themselves – her ex–best friend, Tio. On a mission to discover what’s happening, Ana and Tio journey through the city looking for clues, their friendship mending with every step. When a mysterious creature suddenly materialises in front of them, Ana realises they’ve found the answer they’ve been looking for. But one question still remains: Why them?
Available now!
Can You Feel the Noise? out today!
July 2022
Can You Feel the Noise? publishes today! Drawing on the author's own hearing impairment, this powerful and moving story about inner strength and perseverance in the face of a life-changing event is the latest middle grade novel by Stewart Foster, author of the award-winning The Bubble Boy and Check Mates.
Life is going well for Sophie. She’s getting by at school, has some pretty awesome friends, and their band have made it through to the semifinals of the Battle of the Bands competition.
But when Sophie wakes up completely deaf one morning, the life she once knew seems like a distant memory. With lessons replaced by endless hospital appointments, and conversations now an exercise in lip-reading, Sophie grows quieter and quieter. Until she discovers the vibrations of sound through an old set of drums and wonders whether life onstage is actually still within reach.
Out now!
Second publication for Efua Traoré
July 2022
The House of Shells is out today! Set in the Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology, this is the second novel by Efua Traoré, the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands.
Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku. Her destiny is not to die young!
Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in at her new school.
One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined with giant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadows and scattered sea shells. And in the fading light, she meets a girl called Enilo.
They become friends – the best of friends.
Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery ...
My Friend the Octopus out now!
June 2022
Today marks the publication of Lindsay Galvin's second historical middle-grade novel, My Friend the Octopus, following the success of her first book, Darwin's Dragons. Her latest book once again combines STEM topics and natural history themes with adventure and mystery.
England, 1893, and aquarium fever is at its height.
Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means ...
Available now!
Double Whammy for the Darley Anderson Agencies!
May 2022
Today marks publication day for The Boy Who Grew A Tree, written by Polly Ho-Yen and illustrated by Darley Anderson Illustration Agency client Sojung Kim-McCarthy!
Nature-loving Timi is unsettled by the arrival of a new sibling and turns to tending a tree growing in his local library. But there is something magical about the tree and it is growing FAST… and the library is going to close. Can Timi save the library and his tree, and maybe bring his community closer together along the way? A charming early reader for ages 5-8, filled with black-and-white illustrations.
Congratulations to Polly and Sojung!
Wind In The Willows Re-Telling Out Today
April 2022
Rashmi Sirdeshpande's retelling of the classic tale The Wind In The Willows is out today! This fully illustrated picture book hopes to bring this perennially popular story to a new, younger audience.
Enter the mischievous world of Toad of Toad Hall, and join Moly and Ratty on their riverside adventures. When Moly gets lost in the Wild Wood, Ratty and kind old Badger are there to rescue him. But when Mr Toad is sent to prison and his beloved Toad Hall is taken over by stoats and weasels, will his friends be able to save the day?
Available now in paperback!
Publication Day for Gina Blaxill
April 2022
Gina Blaxill's latest YA novel, You Can Trust Me, is out today! A bold feminist read, this thriller takes a head on look at privilege, bias and sexual assault within teenage circles.
When Alana's best friend is found drowned in a pool, the forensic reports discover date-rape drug GHB in her blood. GHB from a drink Alana knows was meant for her.
Despite the swirling rumours, the suspected group of boys seem untouchable. To investigate, Alana allows herself to be pulled into their glittering orbit.
But among shifting alliances, changing alibis and buried secrets, can she pinpoint which of the boys is responsible before she becomes their next target?
Available now!
World Book Day publication for Rashmi Sirdeshpande
February 2022
Think Like a Boss, Rashmi Sirdeshpande's World Book Day title, is out today. Written as part of World Book Day's £1 books initiative, this title aims to teach children the ins and out of business and looking after their finances, and is packed with tips and tricks from industry experts.
* Ever thought making money was just for adults?
* Or that business was boring?
* And that inventing stuff was only for super clever people?
Think again.
Though this book may be small, it's bursting with BIG ideas for budding entrepreneurs. From understanding money and looking after it, to the nuts and bolts of setting up a business, making your big ideas a reality and using your cash for good.
Don't have a big business idea just yet? Don't fear. Being a boss isn't just about making money. It's about building confidence, thinking outside of the box, problem solving and being fearless. Which isn't a bad place to start, right?
So don't leave everything to the grown-ups. It's time to boss it.
Diary of An Accidental Witch Sequel Out Today
February 2022
Diary of An Accidental Witch: Flying High, the sequel to the wonderfully fun Diary of An Accidental Witch by Honor and Perdita Cargill flies on to the shelves today!
Bea Black is all settled into her new life in Little Spellshire, a town with a magical secret. She’s made tonnes of friends at witch school, learned how to levitate frogs (just about) and been working hard on polishing up her broom skills. So when the Winter Solstice Grand Tournament rolls round, she’s ready to rise to the next challenge and fly high.
But then Ms Sparks decides that this year’s tournament will be a bit … er … different. That is, it won’t be an Extraordinary Grand Tournament at all, but rather a very ordinary sports day with Spellshire Academy! With magic firmly forbidden and rivalry reaching new heights, who will emerge victorious? And more importantly, will Bea’s friendship with her best non-witchy friend Ash survive the competition?
Out now!
Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Martyn Ford in Faber Bedtime Stories collection
October 2022
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories is now out! Featuring contributions from Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Martyn Ford, this collection of classic bedtime stories aims to promote inclusivity, acceptance and bravery in the face of adversity.
Stories that are full of hope and courage brimming with positivity as an antidote to the at times challenging world we live in.
A gift of great beauty to be treasured for years to come.
Available now in hardback.
Publication Day for Caroline Crowe
September 2022
Today marks the publication of Our Incredible Library book, written by Caroline Crowe. This picture book celebrates the magic of libraries and the joys of reading and sharing books with others.
This is the story of one incredible library book and all the children who've borrowed it. It's been hugged, lost, torn, chewed by a dog and soaked in the rain. It's been read in apartments and in tents, in the park and in the classroom; by children in costumes and pyjamas, reading alone or with their friends, their siblings and their parents. Each time it returns to the library it's a little more worn, but a lot more loved. For every rip, scribble or stain there's a child who has found adventure or escape, comfort or excitement in its pages. That's the magic of a library book!
Out now in hardback!
The Case of the Runaway Brain out now!
August 2022
The Case of the Runaway Brain publishes today. This is Nick Sheridan's first fiction title, following the success of his non-fiction book, Breaking News.
When a child escapes Madame Strang’s Academy for Incredibly Irritating Children in the dead of night, Madame Strang, her cool and calculating right-hand man, Mr Grule, and her overweight sausage dog, Mangler, will do anything to track him down. But friends Riz and Olly know a good story when they see one, and with the help of runaway Drew Hill, the trio are soon on a mission to uncover the secret that Madame Strang is so desperate to keep . . . one that involves a dastardly brainwashing invention and an academy full of plain and perfectly behaved children.
Available now!
Third outing for Perdita and Honor Cargill's Diary Of An Accidental Witch series
August 2022
Diary Of An Accidental Witch: Ghostly Getaway, book three in Perdita and Honor Cargill's fun chapter book series, is out today!
Monday 17th January
It’s finally time for the school trip! And we’re off to the SPOOKIEST castle I have EVER seen!
Bea Black is in her second term at witch school and she can’t wait for the Year Seven residential trip to the haunted Cadabra Castle. The students are excited to fly around the famous GO pitch, explore the ancient turrets and have a magical time … if they can just stop arguing! Except Ms Sparks has other plans – this isn’t a holiday, it’s a team-building exercise for a class who desperately need to learn to work together.
But with rumours of a ghost terrorizing the castle, Bea has a lot more to contend with than scavenger hunts and hikes! Not least being paired up with Blair Smith-Smythe, her ULTIMATE frenemy! Will the class learn anything from their time at Cadabra? And more importantly, will Bea and Blair manage to avoid hexing each other for long enough to solve the spooky mystery?
Grab your copy now!
Publication day for Tom Ellen sequel
August 2022
The Cartoons That Saved The World is out today! Written by Tom Ellen, this is the sequel to The Cartoons That Came To Life which was published by Chicken House in 2021.
When best friends and comic strip creators Finn and Isha discover a group of 'lost toons' stranded in the real world, they vow to help them get back home.
But a mistake sees the pair zapped into Toon World themselves!
With the help of their own characters – Arley, Tapper and Jenny Weatherlegs – Finn and Isha must defeat two of the worst baddies ever created, while navigating the biggest bump in their friendship. And make it back to the real world before it's all too late ...
Out now!
The Fairy Dogmother paperback publication day
July 2022
Caroline Crowe's latest picture book, The Fairy Dogmother, is out today in paperback! Published in hardback in 2021, this fresh and funny fairy tale is all about finding your forever family.
Cinders LOVES living at Woofington's Dog Shelter. He has fantastic food and fabulous friends. So when, one day, his Fairy Dogmother appears, whatever will he wish for?
Now available in paperback.
Publication Day for Dadaji's Painbrush
July 2022
Today marks publication day for Dadaji's Paintbrush, the latest picture book by Rashmi Sirdeshpande! This heartwarming picture book deals with the theme of bereavement and aims to help children cope with grief in a gentle and sensitive way.
Dadaji loves to teach others to paint, especially his grandson. But after Dadaji passes away, the boy can’t bear to use the favourite paintbrush his grandfather left for him. When a little girl knocks on the door, the boy discovers how many lives Dadaji touched with his art, and finds a way to continue his legacy.
Out now!
Big day for Small!
June 2022
Today marks publication day for Hannah Moffatt's debut novel, Small!, published by Everything With Words.
Harvey is a small boy in a giant world. On stilts! When Harvey accidentally sets fire to his headteacher's trousers, Mum decides it's time for a BIG change and packs him off to Madame Bogbrush's School for Gifted Giants. But Harvey's not a giant. He's a boy on stilts. And if his classmates find out, they'll stomp him into a sandwich!
Out now in paperback.
Publication Day for Olivia Hope
May 2022
Today marks the publication of Olivia Hope's debut picture book, Be Wild, Little One. Illustrated by Daniel Egneus, this beautiful book celebrates nature in all its forms and encourages children to get out and be wild!
This gorgeous, uplifting picture book celebrates the wildness in all of us, and the beauty of the world all around us. Prepare for a heart-lifting journey through the beauties of nature: from pine forests to awe-inspiring mountains, and from sparkling seas to starry skies, each page is full of wonders. Fly across oceans, run with wolves through the mountain snow, dance with fireflies, and prepare to BE WILD!
Out now in hardback.
Second Publication for Kate Foster
May 2022
The Bravest Word celebrates its Australian publication day today! This rescue story of love and trust between a boy and an abandoned dog is Kate Foster's second novel following the success of her debut PAWS, and deals with the important theme of childhood depression.
When eleven-year-old Matt finds Cliff, a hurt, neglected dog abandoned in the bush, he knows the brave little pup needs saving. He wants to help. But can he?
Lately, Matt has had way more bad days than good days. The pieces of his life just don’t seem to fit together any more and he doesn’t understand why. He’s finding it impossible to concentrate at school and has lost interest in the activities he used to love. Plus, he’s tired all the time.
Matt’s too afraid to share what’s really going on in his own head with anyone. His friends and family will never understand . . . maybe it’s not only Cliff who needs saving.
Available now in Australia.
The Drama Llama out today!
April 2022
Rachel Morrisroe's latest picture book, The Drama Llama, is out today! Her second book with Puffin, The Drama Llama is a hilarious and heartwarming tale offering practical advice about dealing with anxiety while taking the reader along on Alex and his mischievous llama's high jinks!
Alex Allen, like lots of children, sometimes worried about things - like dancing badly or getting an answer wrong in class. But unlike lots of children, every time he worries a real-life llama appears! And the more Alex worries, the bigger Llama grows... which starts getting him into all sorts of trouble!
Will Alex ever learn how to control his worries and get rid of this pesky llama?
Available now in paperback.
Publication Day for New A.M. Howell Title
March 2022
The Secret of the Treasure Keepers, A.M. Howell's latest historical mystery, is out today! Set in the immediate aftermath of World War Two, this thriller is all about stolen treasure, friendship and deep courage.
February 1948.
Ruth has been whisked off to the lonely Rook Farm to investigate the discovery of long-buried treasure with her mother. But at the farmhouse, she finds secrets lurk around every corner. Joe, the farmer's son, is hiding something about the treasure, while land girl Audrey watches their every move.
But before Ruth can find out more, the treasure is stolen... With a storm coming, Ruth must race to uncover the secrets of the treasure keepers before all of their lives are changed forever.
Available now in paperback.
Waterstones Children's Prize shortlisting for Efua Traoré
February 2022
Children of the Quicksands, the debut novel by Efua Traoré, has been shortlisted for this year's Waterstones Children's Prize. The Prize is one of the most prestigious book awards in the calendar, with the shortlist decided by booksellers. The winner will be announced in a ceremony in March, with each category winner receiving £2,000 and the overall Children's Book of the Year winner being awarded an additional £3,000.
Publication Day for Yes You Can, Cow!
February 2022
Yes You Can, Cow! is out today. The latest picture book title by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, this heartwarming story about believing in yourself and doing your best is based on the perennially popular nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle'.
It's the Nursery Rhyme's big performance, but Cow is having second thoughts. She's too scared to jump! What if she crashes? Will everyone laugh?
The curtain's almost up and the audience are waiting. Can Cow overcome her fear of failure and become the star of the show?
Available now in paperback!