YLG News – June 2010



YLG News –January 2020- Part 2 Publishers

WELCOME

Here is where you will find all the publishers' news, offers and exciting titles to look out for. Keep reading

FEATURED PUBLISHER OFFER

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLISHER

NEWS FROM CHILDREN’S PUBLISHERS

FEATURED PUBLISHER OFFER

ANDERSEN

#Goldilocks: A Hashtag Cautionary Tale (February, picture book)

#Goldilocks will be published in paperback in February, just in time for Safer Internet Day 2020! Goldilocks is a vlogging superstar, but sometimes she can go too far in the quest for likes, in this witty introduction to the dangers of social media.

This is the third in the series of hilarious cautionary tales for a new generation of young internet-users from the prize-winning partnership of Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross, following on from Chicken Clicking and Troll Stinks.

To mark the occasion, Andersen Press have teamed up with CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) to create teaching resources to help schools use these books to discuss online safety, cyber bullying and the dangers of social media.

Download the teaching resources here:



The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (January, picture book)

Asiya's hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave.

It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?

An uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

A teaching resource for this title, created by CLPE, are available to download here:



Deep Secret by Berlie Doherty (January, 12+)

Deep in a Derbyshire valley live two girls, twins, so alike that even their family can't tell them apart. But tragedy is waiting. When the valley is sold to be flooded for a huge dam, the villagers are forced to leave their homes. Deep secrets are uncovered. New characters enter their lives and desires, love and grief come to the surface.

A story of love and loss, from twice Carnegie-Medal winner, Berlie Doherty. Reissued with a beautiful new cover.

Competition: For a chance to win a copy of #GOLDILOCKS, THE PROUDEST BLUE or DEEP SECRET, please email andersenpublicity@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk using the subject line YLG COMPETITION + the title of the book you would like to win.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLISHER

UCLAN

The Light Hunters by Dan Walker £7.99 (9781912979103)

For centuries, energy-wielding Light Hunters battled the creatures, rescuing the townspeople of Daven from a terrible fate. Then, a single, disastrous mistake turned the people against Light. Now, this powerful and ancient force is mostly gone, all but a memory.

Meet Lux, the boy with Light in his eyes. On the surface he looks like a normal 12 year old, but Lux has a secret. No only can he wield light, he might be the finest Light-healer the world has ever seen. When Lux uses his power to save his best friend Maya after a terrifying attack, his Light draws a strange, shadowy figure to town, aiming to use his powers for evil.

As he is catapulted into the world of the Light Hunters, Lux and his friends race against time to locate a roaming Monster and stop it before it destroys his hometown.

But is the Monster the real terror, or is there a greater danger lurking in the shadows, waiting for its moment to strike?

To celebrate the publication of The Light Hunters, we're giving away 3 finished copies. To enter email hholmes3@uclan.ac.uk with The Light Hunters in the subject. Please include your name and postal address. Winners will be selected at random after 31st January.

NEWS FROM CHILDREN’S PUBLISHERS

All publisher offers have deadlines of 31st January unless they say otherwise (and some do, so read carefully and don’t miss out!)

WALKER BOOKS

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II by Michael Rosen

A personal, powerful and resonant account of the Holocaust by one of this country's best-loved children’s authors.

By turns charming, shocking and heart-breaking, this is the true story of Michael Rosen’s search for his relatives who “went missing” during the Second World War – told through prose and poetry. When Michael was growing up, stories often hung in the air about his great-uncles: one was a clock-mender and the other a dentist. They were there before the war, his dad would say, and weren’t after. Over many years, Michael tried to find out exactly what happened: he interviewed family members, scoured the internet, pored over books and travelled to America and France. The story he uncovered was one of terrible persecution – and it has inspired his poetry for years since. Here, poems old and new are balanced against an immensely readable narrative; both an extraordinary account and a powerful tool for talking to children about the Holocaust.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu

Tola may be small, but she's very determined

Three delightful stories about Too Small Tola, a young girl who, though small, is very determined. Tola lives in a flat in Lagos with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmummy, who is very bossy. Tola proves to be stronger than she seems when she goes to market with Grandmummy and manages to carry home a basket full of yams and vegetables, chilli peppers and fish. When the taps in the flat don't work, it's Tola who brings water from the well, and it's Tola who saves the day when Mr Abdul, the tailor, needs his goods to be delivered quickly. Too Small Tola is a wonderful new character in the world of children's books by multi-award-winning children's writer and storyteller Atinuke.

The Tale of a Toothbrush: A Story of Plastic in Our Oceans by M. G. Leonard Illustrated by Daniel Rieley

A brilliantly topical and delightfully funny picture book from internationally bestselling author M.G. Leonard, that shows children what happens to their plastic toothbrushes after they're thrown away.

Children use their toothbrush each morning and evening, and get new ones every few months. That's billions of toothbrushes! What happens to them all when they're no longer needed? And if toothbrushes never break down, what does that mean for our planet? With a fun cast of plastic characters, from the yellow toothbrush Sammy to pirate-ship bottles and dancing shampoos, The Tale of a Toothbrush is a positive and heart-warming story to help children explore the impact their choices have on our planet.

Would You Like a Banana? by Yasmeen Ismail Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail

Award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail's delightfully funny picture book featuring a very stubborn gorilla will have everyone laughing!

Gorilla is hungry but there is absolutely no way he’s going to eat a banana. Not even a teeny taste. Not with some bread or standing on his head. Even if you eat one too, which is something you might do.

This brilliant and hilarious picture book from award-winning illustrator Yasmeen Ismail will have everyone laughing at this all-too familiar family situation!

Competition 1: to have the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of this fabulous picture book, simply quote these lyrics from Bananarama in the e-mail heading: “Goddess on the mountain top, Burning like a silver flame, The summit of beauty and love, And Venus was her name” – and e-mail with your address to Peter peter.smith@walker.co.uk

Love from Alfie McPoonst, The Best Dog Ever by Dawn McNiff Illustrated by Patricia Metola

Dear Izzy, I’m a Sky Dog now. I live in Dog Heaven, because I died...

When Alfie the dog dies, he sends his owner Izzy letters in the post from his new address: The Nicest Cloud, Dog Heaven, The Sky. He wants her to know that he misses her – so much! – but his new home in heaven is BRILLIANT. There are postmen to chase, angels to tickle his tummy, and he never even has to take a bath! Can his letters comfort Izzy, who is is feeling lost without him?

Sensitively balancing humour and raw emotional truth, this is a beautifully observed tale sure to reassure children experiencing loss and grief for the very first time.

Beware of the Crocodile by Martin Jenkins Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

A Nature Storybook about one of the world's most dangerous animals, with text by top non-fiction author Martin Jenkins and pictures by Satoshi Kitamura.

A witty Nature Storybook about crocodiles, with words by award-winning author Martin Jenkins and playful pictures by Satoshi Kitamura. The main thing about crocodiles is they’re really scary – or at least the big ones are. They’ve got an awful lot of teeth and they’re not at all fussy about what they eat, as long as it’s got a bit of meat on it. When it comes to hunting down their dinner, they’re very determined and very cunning ... so better beware. But you might be surprised to hear that there's more to crocodiles than just their appetites: crocodiles make wonderful mothers! This is a fascinating, rounded look at crocodiles, with Martin's wry text brought to life by Satoshi's lively watercolour paintings. The back matter includes notes on species, an index and a bibliography.

Competition 2: to be in with a chance to win 1 of 3 copies of this wonderful book it’s Walker Quiz time!! Answer these two questions in the heading of an e-mail to peter.smith@walker.co.uk with your address 1) Who sang the 1994 hit song Crocodile Shoes? 2) Which part of Crocodile Dundee’s anatomy was purported to have been eaten by a crocodile before he crawled hundreds of miles through the Australian bush to safety? And for a random bonus prize, tell me a crocodile fact!

HARPERCOLLINS

The Kid Who Came from Space by Ross Welford

A small village in the wilds of Northumberland is rocked by the disappearance of twelve-year-old Tammy. Only her twin brother, Ethan, knows she is safe – and the extraordinary truth of where she is. Together with his friend Iggy and the mysterious (and very hairy) Hellyann, Ethan teams up with a spaceship called Philip, and Suzy the trained chicken, for a nail-biting chase to get his sister back…

A remarkable story of sibling connection, friendship and interstellar adventure from the bestselling author of Time Travelling with a Hamster.

We have five signed copies of The Kid Who Came from Space to giveaway. Please email Jessica.dean@harpercollins.co.uk by January 31st with your name and address and YLG Giveaway in the subject line.

Tad by Benji Davies

New in paperback from the award-winning author and illustrator of The Storm Whale, I Love You Already and The Grotlyn, Tad, is the stunning new picture book from Benji Davies.

Sometimes the biggest stories come from the smallest beginnings… Meet Tad, she’s the smallest tadpole in a big pond and lives there with all her tadbrothers and tadsisters. But it seems something else lives there too… BIG BLUB! And when everyone else starts to disappear, Tad starts to wonder if Big Blub will get her too....

BONNIER BOOKS UK

Upcoming children’s titles – January 2020

Hot Key Books

A Throne of Swans by Katherine and Elizabeth Corr – January 9th 2020

When her father dies just before her birthday, seventeen-year-old Aderyn inherits the role of Protector of Atratys, a dominion in a kingdom where nobles are able to transform at will into the bird that represents their family bloodline. Aderyn's ancestral bird is a swan. But she has not transformed for years, not since witnessing the death of her mother - ripped apart by hawks that have supposedly been extinct since the long-ago War of the Raptors.

With the benevolent shelter of her mother and her father now lost, Aderyn is at the mercy of her brutal uncle, the King, and his royal court. Driven by revenge and love, she must venture into the malevolent heart of the Citadel in order to seek the truth about the attack that so nearly destroyed her, to fight for the only home she has ever known and for the land she has vowed to protect.

Written in rich detail and evocative language, this is the start of an irresistible, soaring duology about courage, broken loyalties and fighting for your place in the world.

Bookshop Girl in Paris by Chloe Coles – January 23rd 2020

The third in a hilarious series that will make you want to rush out and take shelter in your nearest bookshop.

Paige Turner is at work at Bennetts Bookshop when her manager makes an exciting announcement: 'An amazing opportunity has arisen! Some of you may have heard of the famous "Books Are Magic" bookshop in Paris . . .

OMG yes! Paige knows all about it and her mind flickers with dreams of those iconic sights, all based on old films, black and white Instagram posts . . . and French GCSE textbooks. Just THINK of all the arty-farty culture she'd get to soak up!

There's just a slight problem: everybody who works in Bennetts is desperate to be picked, including Holly. So just how much is Paige willing to compromise in order to go?

Big Picture Press

Viking Voyagers by Jack Tite - January 23rd 2020

Around 1,200 years ago the legendary voyaging Norsemen set sail to raid and trade - the Viking Age had begun. Step back in time to find out what Viking life was like, how they travelled, where they traded and their rich mythology. Come face to face with a fearsome berserker, explore inside a Viking longhouse and learn how these expert boat builders made their fleets.

Bold graphic illustrations of vibrant Viking characters, incredible artefacts and stunningly detailed scenes by author-illustrator Jack Tite showcase the Viking Age in full brilliant colour. Lively, engaging text throughout is informative and easy to read, and big fold-out pages allow you to discover the Vikings in exciting detail.

Studio Press

Be Positive! Mindful Kids by Sharie Coombes January 9th 2020

The encouraging and simple activities and exercises tackle the feelings of low self-esteem, body acceptance and confidence; children will enjoy using their creativity to combat negative feelings and work out how to cope with these emotions through writing, colouring, doodling and drawing.

The quirky illustrations will keep the reader entertained and focused as they work through the book, or simply dip into the pages for ten minutes of calm colouring.

Part of Mindful Kids a thoughtful range of activity books for children from Studio Press that includes No Worries, Hello Happy, Stay Strong and Be Brave.

KNIGHTS OF

Sunny by Jason Reynolds

When Sunny stops running in the middle of a race, Coach asks him what he wants to do instead. His answer is dance, but you can't be on a track team and dance... can you? With his dad's expectations weighing down on him, Sunny finally finds a track event that feels like dancing. But as he practices for this new event, can he let go of everything that's been eating him up inside?

READ THE RUN SERIES: Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school running team - a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose and a lot to prove. Not only to each other, but to themselves.

NOSY CROW

The Girl Who Stole An Elephant Written by Nizrana Farook

Published 2nd January 2020

Age 9+ 

Thief. Rebel. Bandit. Hero?

Chaya, a no-nonsense, outspoken hero, usually has an answer for everything. But stealing the Queen’s jewels, even for the best of reasons, is not something she can talk her way out of and soon she has to escape. On the back of a gorgeous stolen elephant Chaya leads her friends through the jungle where revolution is stirring and leeches lurk...

Will stealing the queen's jewels be the beginning or the end of everything for the intrepid gang?

Full of adventure, jewels, jungle creatures and bandits, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is a thrilling, joyous adventure of friendship, flight and righting wrongs from debut Sri Lankan author Nizrana Farook.

For your chance to be one of five winners, email press@ with the subject line ‘YLG – The Girl Who Stole An Elephant’.

 

Orion Lost Written by Alastair Chisholm  

Published 9th January 2020

Age 9+ 

They’re millions of miles from home. And someone is lying to them. 

The colony ship Orion is four months out of Earth when catastrophe strikes — leaving the ship and everyone on board stranded in deep space. 

Suddenly it’s up to thirteen-year-old Beth and her friends to navigate through treacherous and uncharted territory to reach safety. But a heavily damaged ship, a mysterious alien species, space pirates, and an Artificial Intelligence which Beth suspects may be lying to her mean that getting home has never been so difficult...

 With incredible twists and turns and an action-packed story, this is a thrilling, unputdownable science fiction adventure from Alastair Chisholm, an exciting new voice in middle-grade fiction.

 

For your chance to be one of five winners, email press@ with the subject line ‘YLG – Orion Lost’.

 

CHICKEN HOUSE

Two fantastic new books are coming from Chicken House this February!

 

Demelza & the Spectre Detectors by Holly Rivers - £6.99 PB, publishing 6th Feb, ages 9+ 

Full of warmth, eccentricity, humour and plenty of action, Demelza & the Spectre Detectors  is the debut novel from the multi-talented Holly Rivers, who played Drusilla Paddock in ITV’s original Worst Witch series! 

Demelza loves science – she loves it so much that she stays up late to work on her inventions. But

she soon discovers she’s also inherited a distinctly unscientific skill: Spectre Detecting. Like her

grandmother, she can summon the ghosts of the dead. When Grandma Maeve is kidnapped,

Demelza and her pasty-faced best friend, Percy, must leap into action to solve the deadly mystery …

 

The Pure Heart by Trudi Tweedie - £7.99 PB, publishing 6th Feb, ages 14+ 

Susan Hill meets Jane Eyre with a YA twist in this stunningly atmospheric Elizabethan chiller, set in the Scottish Highlands – the first-ever YA winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. 

When seventeen-year-old Iseabail is employed by a wealthy merchant to be his daughter’s companion, her life changes for ever. Transported from her remote island home to the Scottish borderlands, Iseabail is unnerved both by her precocious, unpredictable young charge and the house’s secrets: a hidden chapel, servants who speak in a foreign tongue, a mute stableboy … and an unsettling worship-like loyalty to the merchant, Plaustrell. And then Plaustrell returns home with a mysterious cargo which changes everything. Why has Iseabail really been summoned here? And will she ever make it back home?

 

We have five sets of our February reads to give away. For your chance to win, email competitions@ with the subject line YLG FEB 20 by 5pm 25th Jan 2020 (UK only). Five winners will be chosen at random. T&Cs can be found here: terms

 

BLOOMSBURY

A Heart So Fierce and Broken – Brigid Kemmerer 

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from the curse that almost destroyed his kingdom. But all is not well; rumours are rife that there is a rival heir with a stronger claim to the throne and that ‘Princess’ Harper of Disi is nothing but a fraud. 

Grey has fled the castle carrying a terrible secret. When he is discovered by soldiers and returned to Ironrose by force, Grey’s allegiances begin to shift. And as he grows closer to an enemy princess, he is forced to decide whether he will stand against Rhen for the crown he never wanted … 

To celebrate the release of this heavily-anticipated follow-up to A Curse So Dark and Lonely, email your name and address to childrenspublicity@ with the subject line A HEART SO FIERCE for your chance to win one of ten very special proofs. Winners will be chosen at random.

Welcome to my Crazy Life : Josh Seigal

Packed full of silly, funny, or downright hilarious poems (with some serious ones mixed in), this new collection is perfect for fans of Michael Rosen. With poems on every topic from demon cats to why you should NEVER forget your trousers, this is a must-have new collection from Joshua Seigal, whose books I Don't Like Poetry and I Bet I Can Make You Laugh have been shortlisted for the 2017 and 2020 Laugh Out Loud Awards respectively. 

Get ready for the craziness to begin!

We have 1 copy of the book to give away along with some bookmarks! To enter, just send over your delivery address to bloomsburyeducation@ with ‘Crazy Life’ in the subject line.

 

OUP

News from Oxford University Press

A Double Dose Detectives Medical Mystery: Cure for a Crime Author Roopa Farooki

PB ● 978-0-19-277359-3 ● £6.99 ● 9+

Medical mysteries – solved by twins with attitude!

When Ali and Tulip's mum becomes unnaturally sleepy and forgetful, the twins become suspicious of her new boyfriend. Luckily they've picked up lots of medical knowledge from their mum, who works at the local hospital, so they are totally on the case to solve this medical mystery!

Attack of the Smart Speakers Written and illustrated by Tom McLaughlin

PB ● 978-0-19-276692-2 ● £6.99 ● 9+

Our smart speakers are listening, and they’re trying to take over the world!

There’s a new smart speaker called ‘Nova’ and everyone in town has got one. At first the speakers seem super helpful, but Tyler and her friends soon start to get suspicious. It’s like Nova is really is the one in control – but no one seems to notice. It’s not long before the smart speakers become mobile, attaching limbs so they can crawl around like weird spider robots. Spiders are bad enough but robot spiders trying to enslave humanity? That’s a problem that needs to be squished, fast!

Picture Books

Winnie and Wilbur at Chinese New Year Author Valerie Thomas and Illustrator Korky Paul

PB ● 978-0-19-277237-4 ● £6.99 ● +2

A perfect picture book for the New Year

Winnie and Wilbur are having a Chinese New Year party! Winnie's magic brings sparkle and spectacle to the occasion but when Wilbur goes missing just before it's time for the fireworks, where can he be?

This month we are giving away FIVE FREE COPIES of A Double Dose Detectives Medical Mystery: The Cure for a Crime to YLG members. For your chance to win please email tradepublicity.uk@ with your name, address and the name of your school or library. Winners will be selected at random after 5pm on 31st January 2020. Good luck!

LITTLE TIGER

Trailblazers: Beyoncé by Ebony Joy Wilkins

9781788952163|Paperback|£6.99| 8+ years

Be inspired by the lives of trailblazers past and present in this fun and factual biography series! How did Beyoncé find her voice and become an international superstar? As a child, she may have been shy in the classroom, but when Beyoncé stepped out on stage she transformed into a powerful performer. After singing and dancing in local talent shows, Beyoncé went on to front best-selling girl band Destiny’s Child, before setting out on a solo career that has inspired and empowered millions of people around the world. Singer, songwriter, record producer, activist and icon – discover the extraordinary story of Beyoncé’s rise to fame! TRAILBLAZERS biographies are packed with little-known trivia, fascinating facts and lively illustrations.

Mermaids Rock: The Coral Kingdom Written by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega

9781788951944| Paperback | £5.99 | 7+ years

Welcome to Mermaids Rock! The entrance to the mermaid realm in the deep, blue ocean…Marina is new in Mermaids Rock, having travelled the world with her scientist dad, and she can’t wait to make friends! She meets a group of mermaids who love animals and the environment as much as she does and the new friends soon face their first challenge… The beautiful coral caves nearby have been damaged. Who, or what, could have caused the destruction? And why? From the author of Star Friends comes the first in an exciting new series about the wonders of the ocean, perfect for fans of Rainbow Magic, Barbie Dolphin Magic and Holly Webb.

Little Bird Lost written by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Sebastiaan Van Doninck

9781788951173|Hardback|£7.99|5-8 years

A range of simple stories for new readers, with beautiful colour illustrations. Little Bird Lost is a charming story about helping others to overcome obstacles. Deer is grazing in the forest, minding his own business, when he hears someone calling out for help. Little Bird has injured his wing in a fall and has been separated from his flock, who are flying away to another, warmer land. Deer is keen to help Little Bird and introduces him to his forest friends, who tell them that Little Bird needs to follow the sun in order to find his flock. But how can he do that when he can no longer fly? Deer offers to journey with him and they set off on an adventure through the forest and the seasons...

The Moonlight Zoo by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Karl James Mountford

9781788814027|Hardback|£12.99|3+ years

Eva has looked everywhere for her missing cat, Luna. Then she discovers the Moonlight Zoo – a magical place for all lost animals. There amongst lions and elephants she sees parrots, dogs, even guinea pigs...But can Eva find Luna before the zoo fades at dawn?

A shiny, foil-covered peep-through adventure from the creators of Last Stop on the Reindeer Express. A magical adventure with incidental inclusion of a hard of hearing young girl with a hearing aid.

For your chance to win a fabulous bundle including all the above books, please email Charlie Morris at cmorris@littletiger.co.uk with ‘JANUARY LITTLE TIGER BUNDLE’ in your subject line. Good Luck!

USBORNE

Win a school visit from Peter Bunzl

We're offering a UK school the chance to win a free school event with Peter Bunzl. Visit cogheartadventures to find out how your class could host the author of the Cogheart Adventures series in your classroom!  

Deadline to enter is the 14th February 2020, UK only. T&Cs apply.

The adventure ends January 2020, but the voyage starts now…

Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Plastic

What's plastic made of? How does it get into the ocean? Can we live without plastic? Learn all about plastic, recycling and how plastic affects the environment in this revealing book with over 60 flaps to lift. There are also tips on how we can make a difference, and Usborne Quicklinks to specially selected websites for video clips and activities.

The Shark Caller - proof copies available

"I want to be able to call the sharks. You know this. Teach me the magic and show me the ways." 

Desperate to become a shark caller to avenge the death of her parents, Blue Wing is instead charged with befriending the island’s infuriating newcomer, Maple Hamelin. At first they are both angry, each harbouring a secret and resentful of the other’s world. But when the tide breathes the promise of treasure, can they overcome their differences to find friendship and brave the deadliest shark in the ocean? 

Coming July 2020, The Shark Caller is a spell-binding story of friendship, forgiveness and bravery, set against the beautifully-woven backdrop of Papua New Guinea, inspired by Zillah Bethell’s childhood. 

Contact stevieh@usborne.co.uk to request a proof.

 

Lift-the-Flap Biggest, Fastest

Have you ever wondered... What was the biggest dinosaur? What's the fastest plane ever built? Where's the tallest waterfall in the world? Lift the flaps to climb the tallest mountain, explore the depths of the ocean, peer into our solar system, and more. With links to specially selected websites for videos, photos and virtual tours.

See Inside Atoms and Molecules

Marvel at the mind-boggling world of atoms and molecules - the building blocks of EVERYTHING everywhere (including you). Lift over 90 flaps to learn about atoms, molecules, compounds and electrons, and chemical reactions and explore the Periodic Table. With links to specially selected websites for activities and videos.

Alice in Wonderland Graphic Novel

When Alice journeys down the rabbit hole, she finds herself in a strange and magical world. A mad hatter, an invisible Cheshire cat and a crazy caterpillar are just some of the extraordinary characters Alice encounters in this fantastical land. Follow Alice's amazing adventures in this beautiful graphic version of Lewis Carroll's timeless fantasy.

Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt

Izzy’s family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. With everything she thought she knew hanging in the balance, Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy has always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what’s right? 

A touchingly honest story about family life for 9+ readers, tackling an important LGBTQ+ narrative told in a gentle and accessible voice that inspires discussion, understanding, and acceptance. Out 9th January 2020. 

We have discussion notes and bookmarks available, please contact joannao@usborne.co.uk to request a pack.

BARRINGTON STOKE

 Happy New Year from Barrington Stoke! We’re kicking off 2020 with some brilliant new titles.

For primary-aged readers, we have Monster Slayer, a stunning prose retelling of Beowulf from author-illustrator dream-team Brian Patten and Chris Riddell. One dark night, the music and singing wake a monster from a swamp … Warrior after warrior comes to slay the monster, but no one can outwit Grendel. Only the great hero Beowulf stands a chance.

Gillian Cross is back with another touching tale of friendship, understanding and finding the confidence to be yourself in Five Ways to Make a Friend. It’s Ella’s first day at her new school and that can only mean one thing: making new friends. But the challenge is even tougher than Ella thought and when she stumbles across the book Five Ways to Make a Friend in the library, it’s like all her prayers have been answered. But what if things don’t quite work out as planned? And what if the friend Ella really needs has been there all along?

And for teens, don’t forget that Tanya Landman’s brilliantly realised and truly accessible retelling of Jane Eyre is out now. Poignantly and powerfully retold in this stunning edition, this classic story is the tale of a spirited heroine’s search for love, independence and belonging – now for readers of all abilities.

For your chance to win a copy of Monster Slayer, please email kirstin.lamb@barringtonstoke.co.uk with the subject line YLG MONSTER. Deadline January 30th. Five copies to be won.

HACHETTE

Hodder Children’s Books welcomes Agent Weasel and the Abominable Dr Snow by Nick East

Meet Agent Weasel: woodland super-spy. Can he save the Big Freeze winter games from disaster? And will there be enough marshmallows for another hot chocolate? Perfect for reading alone or sharing together, for fans of The Bolds and Toto the Ninja Cat.

It's the opening night of the Winter Whopper Games, but all is not well in the United Woodlands. Top animal athletes are disappearing, and there are whispers of a silent snow beast on the prowl.

It's time to call Agent Weasel, woodland super-spy. Can he and his trusty dormouse friend Doorkins find out the secrets of Blanche, their mysterious team-mate? Will Weasel be able to compete for a golden fir cone without falling over his own feet? Will there be enough marshmallows and sprinkles for another hot chocolate? Who knows?

But rest assured: even on the darkest and snowiest of nights, Agent Weasel always gets his animal.

This is the second in the rib-ticklingly funny Agent Weasel series, with glorious illustrations throughout. Check out book one: Agent Weasel and the Fiendish Fox Gang.

Orion Children's Books presents Tiger Heart by Penny Chrimes

The magical tale of a bold young chimney sweep and a remarkable tiger, a dangerously hypnotic ruby and a mystical land found across an ocean and through a storm. Perfect for fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars and Pax.

Fly never meant to end up in a cage with a man-eating tiger. And though she's sure she's no princess, when the tiger addresses her as 'your majesty', she can't help but vow to free him and return him home.

But the bird-filled jungles and cloud-topped mountains of the tiger's homeland are an ocean away. And not everyone wants the tiger - or Fly - to get there alive.

With dark and dangerous forces working against them, will Fly be able to fulfil her promise and maybe - just maybe - become the queen her tiger knows her to be?

Orchard Books presents Whoa! I Spy a Werewolf by Justin Davies

A celebrity shapeshifter takes the werewolf world by storm in this frightfully funny read, perfect for fans of Pamela Butchart and David Solomons.

In Help! I Smell a Monster, Alice MacAlister saves the world and finds out that she's a monster. Now, the twelve-year-old werewolf is back and thrilled to be nominated for a Nessie award in the Bravest Monster category. She can't wait to meet the ceremony's host, celebrity werewolf vlogger, Kiki. But Kiki isn't at all how Alice imagined she'd be. In fact, she doesn't seem like a werewolf at all . . .

Alice and her new friend, a young French werewolf named Louis, smell a rat. But when an ancient shapeshifter steals Alice's body and goes on a crime spree, she finds herself in trouble with the human police AND vampire secret agents!

Can Alice and her monster friends prove her innocence and stop the shapeshifter from destroying the world?

Wren & Rook present the This Book Will (Help) Cool the Climate by Isabel Thomas

Discover how YOU can cut greenhouse gases, and tread more lightly on the planet. Become an eco-warrior, not an eco-worrier, with 50 practical tips to really make a difference!

Our planet is in peril and it needs your help! But the good news is that there are loads of easy ways that you can make a difference. From lift-sharing to switching body sprays, there are so many things you can do to help fight climate change. Complete with myth-busting boxes and counter arguments to put climate-deniers in their place, this is a one-stop guide to transform eco-worried kids into eco-activists. Funny, engaging, practical and timely, it's the ideal book to help readers navigate the world in the greenest possible way, and to really make a difference.

Pat-A-Cake presents the First 100 Animals

Introduce essential first animal words to curious toddlers with this fantastic BIG board book.

First 100 Animals helps busy, curious toddlers explore their world and develop their vocabulary. There are questions to answer on every page, lots to spot and giggle at and a lift-the-flap matching game to play. Arranged by familiar themes like pets, on the farm, in the wild and under the sea, essential first animal words are placed in engaging contexts that prompt further talking and interaction between parents, carers and little ones.

This month we have 10 copies of Tiger Heart by Penny Chrimes to give away. To enter, email pr@hachettechildrens.co.uk with the subject header ‘YLG January Comp’. The Competition closes on the 31st January 2020.

PENGUINRANDOMHOUSE

DK

The Bat Book Written and illustrated by Charlotte Milner

6th February 2020 | Price: £12.99 | Age: 5+

Take an amazing journey through the upside-down world of bats with The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner. Bright, bold, and beautiful illustrations accompany fascinating facts about these furry flying mammals and their importance to the world we live in.

From the way they fly, to how they communicate with each other, how they hunt, and why they sleep upside-down, each of the world’s 1,300 types of bat is unique and utterly fascinating. Bats are also incredibly important to the environment. As well as gobbling up pests and spreading seeds through the forests, they also pollinate over 500 different species of plants throughout the world, including some of our favourite fruits such as mangoes and bananas.

Following in the footsteps of The Bee Book and The Sea Book, Charlotte Milner continues to highlight important ecological issues faced by our planet to children, this time focusing on the world’s only flying mammals. The Bat Book teaches young animal-lovers all about these clever creatures who do so much for our planet. Discover how much bats matter, why they are declining, and what we can do to help. This charming celebration of bats shows children just how extraordinary these animals are and is a reminder that it is up to us to care for our planet and its creatures.

DAVID FICKLING BOOKS

Set of Lisa Williamson’s novels: The Art of Being Normal, All About Mia, Paper Avalanche

Bestselling, award-winning author Lisa Williamson’s novels are out as brand new paperbacks with a bold new look! Lisa’s books capture the teen experience and themes of belonging, best friendship and the importance of finding your tribe. Three winners will receive all three novels - to be in with a chance, email pr@ 

Big Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans

Magic, mystery, and a very dangerous quest… A fantastically funny, fast-moving novel by the bestselling author of Wed Wabbit! Stuart Horten is now the owner of a Magician’s workshop! But he needs to act fast to prove the workshop - and the magic inside - is really his. Can he solve the puzzles and claim what’s rightfully his before it’s too late? Or will the looming danger ruin his friendships for good? For a chance to win one of three copies, email pr@ 

THE BIT AT THE END

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