This picturebook is based on the true story of the amazing Lilian Bland, the first woman to design, build and even fly her own airplane in 1910. Lilian’s story is one of bravery, tenacity, and the absolute refusal to give up on herself, even when everyone else had. Her indomitable spirit yearned to be as free as the birds in the sky, and her intelligence and drive made it possible for her to fly along with them.
School sports day is approaching, and Luna is apprehensive: she doesn’t think she is good at sport. As Luna and her friend Abiola try out lots of different sports, they discover that it is not all about being the best, that just participating can be lots of fun. This story shows there can also be a magic to sport, for instance when a lesson in a pool turns into swimming with dolphins and diving for treasure.
Dusty and her little sister Poppy might not have the easiest life being in care and constantly moving home, but at least they have each other. Until suddenly, they don’t. After a breakdown in their foster placement, Dusty is sent to a children’s home away from everything she knows and – worst of all – away from her sister. It’s there that Dusty meets Cooper, a boy who is familiar with Dusty’s pain and is willing to help her get back to Poppy, even if it means running away together.
There are moments where the difference between the worlds adults and children live in become clear. Adults are focused on moving forward, whereas children exist in a world filled with imagination all around them. This picturebook demonstrates how a simple walk for adults can transform into an imagination-filled adventure for children, and reminds us that maybe we should take the time to join them on their journey.
Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a fast moving and, at times, bewildering rollercoaster of a tale. Part fantasy, part science fiction, it’s a modern adventure that raises many issues around trust, truth and power.
Young Nigel isn’t the only one in the house who has overstepped the mark – donkey, tiger, mole, firefly and others are also facing the consequences of being a little bit naughty. Frog is on the Naughty Pad, shark is in the Naughty Cave and poor beetle finds himself somewhere particularly whiffy! But even Dad agrees that it’s hard to be good all the time …
Splitting Hairs is the hilarious new Hugh Dunnit Mystery opening with a reluctant trip to Mr Popczyk’s ‘Hair Goes Nothing’ hairdressers for Hugh’s annual school photo haircut.
The birth of a new baby is a life-changing event for all the family, but in particular for older siblings as they must learn to adjust to a new routine, sharing parental attention and affection. Told from the perspective of the baby, Tagholm’s story is a realistic, yet positive account of life with a newborn, making a fitting picturebook to gift to a young child to prepare them for becoming a big brother or sister.
Fourteen-year-old Minny has a lot going on in life. Besides facing a boring summer, her older sister Aisling, who is Autistic, needs Minny’s assistance and friendship and she is growing apart from her best friend, Penny. Minny’s grandmother has also taken in a classmate from primary school who needs a stable home, which means that Minny kind of has a new family member too. If those are not taxing enough, Minny’s father, who abandoned their family three years ago, shows up again — with a pregnant girlfriend in tow — expecting everyone to be thrilled to see him.
This engaging picturebook offers a unique and funny perspective by positioning fish as inherently untrustworthy, with some outlandish but hilarious conspiracy theories included to back it all up.
