David Bennett picks his "book to watch 2019".
Month: June 2021
"A more detailed picture in colours reminiscent of Van Gogh depicts the friends as they wend their way home." – CLPE
"Fifi Kuo's illustrations bring such warmth and humour to the story of learning to appreciate and love what we already have in our lives." – BookTrust
"Penguin and Panda are engaging and delightful, the book encourages everyone to enjoy what we have." – Dolphin Books
Congratulations again to Fifi Kuo! 'I Can Fly' is one of twelve shortlisted titles for the Huckepack (Piggyback) Picture Book Prize. Winner announced 11 May.
Give away and review of The Perfect Sofa by Books for Topics
"…Fifi's playful illustrations and funny text will win little ones over with a superb little story and two hilarious characters too." – Read it, Daddy
"This is a bright and expressive book and I look forward to seeing what the future stories in this series looks like as this book is a lot of fun to read, as two friends hunt for the perfect sofa. Expect lots of giggles and shrieks of laughter with this book." – Let them be small
"…a genuine sweetness that's hard to resist.." – Kirkus
I can Fly is on the short list for the Read it Again! Picture Book Award
The new titles and backlist catalogue is now available.
Congratulations to FIFI KUO on being on the longlist for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2019. Fabulous news. We're very proud!
Look the finished copies of I can fly have arrived!! One happy author / illustrator. Congratulations to Fifi Kuo!
"Playful, descriptive language and the naive, faux printmaking style of the digital art create an engaging tone…" – Kirkus.
"…bright and cheery…" – Kirkus.
"A gentle and reassuring story, full of love and determination." – Parents in Touch.
"A superbly illustrated book…" – Parents in Touch.
"…fact-filled and playful…"
"A terrific introduction to the ups and downs of measurement as well as relative scale."
The Chuffa Chuffa Choo Choo board book has been longlisted for the Bookstart Baby & Treasure programme. Congratulations to Emma Garcia. Fingers crossed!
Alison Limentani is launching her new book, How Tall Was a T. rex? with an hour of fun craft activities for children. May 26th, 2-3pm Heffers, Cambridge.
The new rights catalogue is now available.
We are very excited about Bologna. The rights catalogue is due to press today, so we are all working very hard! Some simply stunning artwork has been arriving this week.
Celebrate by dressing like mummy!
A super review in Booklist for 10 Blue Butterflies: "Big, bold and inviting…"
Our new titles catalogue is now available.
Panda and Penguin love their old sofa – but when the springs poke through and the cover tears, they realise it is time to go shopping! They look at all sorts of sofas – too big, too small, too hard, too soft and even too 'arty'! And, of course, they end up with their 'perfect' sofa.
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 1st June 2023
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-57-2
RRP £7.99
- Publication date: 11th April 2019
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 9781910716410
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"...bright and expressive ... a lot of fun to read ... Expect lots of giggles and shrieks of laughter with this book."
– Let them Be Small
"This is a beautifully presented picture book with incredibly charming characters and an ostensibly simple story with hidden depths that you can explore through discussion."
– Books for Topics
"Fifi's playful illustrations and funny text will win little ones over with a superb little story and two hilarious characters too."
– Read it Daddy
"Fifi Kuo in a few pages manages to make us fall in love with this book. Penguin and Panda will tear your heart with their tenderness. An illustrator not to be missed!"
– On printed paper
"A superbly illustrated book with minimal text that manages to convey so much to children - to make the most of what we have, to share and talk about things; and to recycle. "
– Parents in Touch
"...such warmth and ... effortless text ... great book to read aloud."
– Booktrust
"... hilarious ... colours reminiscent of Van Gogh"
– CLPE
"This perfect picture book is a delight with plenty of opportunities for discussion on making choices, likes and dislikes, favourites, feelings and even recycling."
– Carousel
"...bright, bold and bursting with colour ...Who doesn't love the picture of modern family life complete with pot plants, fairy lights and slippers... just enjoy sharing the story, characters and illustrations."
– The English Association
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Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards
In rollicking rhyme, an adventurous kitty invites his friends for a night-time romp in the busy city.
We'll swoon to the moon if the moon is out.
We'll have a night to sing about.
We'll catercall upon the wall
And never worry if we fall.
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 2nd April 2020
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-83-1
RRP £7.99
- Publication date: 3rd October 2019
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-13-8
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"... a vibrant nocturnal adventure ..."
– Kirkus
"Williams and Hunt depict the nocturnal lives of urban felines in this jazzy rhyming story."
– Publishers Weekly
"This is a superb book for early years, full of fabulous rhymes and two completely engaging and lovable brave cat characters who join us on a journey across the night-time urban landscape."
– Read it Daddy
"Delivered in jaunty rhyming couplets and Matt Hunt's alluring art showing the cat's journey against the inky dark sky, this will surely please early years listeners."
– Red Reading Hub
"An ideal class book to share at story time."
– Just Imagine
You might also like
Meet little Mole on an epic adventure to discover just how big the world really is.
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: February 2008
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 285mm x 228mm 40 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-62-9
RRP £7.99
- Publication date: September 2007
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 285mm x 228mm 40 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-51-3
RRP £10.99
Reviews
"Large, vibrantly coloured double spreads and an absorbing story help make this an imagination stretching picture book."
– Books for Keeps
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Tap Tap Bang Bang is full of bright and colourful tools. What can they all be making? Find out as we cree craw cut with the saw and tappety tap in the nails. Children will love joining in with the sounds in this fun, read-aloud text as they watch the tools work together to make a go-kart. Perfect for sharing with little builders!
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 5th September 2013
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 170 mm x 170 mm 26 Pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907967-66-5
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: April 2012
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907152-56-6
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: June 2010
- Age range: 2-4 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-906250-99-7
RRP £11.99
You might also like
Shortlisted for Read It Again, the Cambridgeshire Libraries' Picture Book Award, the Huckepack (Piggyback) Picture Book Prize and the Klaus Flugge Prize 2019.
A small penguin sees all the birds in the sky and wants to fly like them. Penguin tries everything he can – but to no avail. But he soon learns from his mum and dad that he can fly – underwater!
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 6th February 2020
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-61-9
RRP £7.99
- Publication date: 4th October 2018
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1910716-43-4
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"I Can Fly is a sweet read sharing Little Penguin's perseverance and makes a fun read aloud with wonderful backdrops of arctic landscapes throughout."
– Mamma Filz
"A classic picture book where the words and pictures work beautifully together. A fantastic achievement for a first book."
– Anthony Browne
"Kuo is a major talent to arrive on the picturebook-making scene."
– Books for Keeps
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Shortlisted in the Bookstart Early Years Awards 2009
Toot Toot Beep Beep is a fun, bright book for young children. Colourful cars zoom across the page, each making their own special noise. Follow the busy, noisy vehicles and find out where they are all going. Little ones will love joining in with the sounds, making this book perfect for reading aloud. Toot Toot Beep Beep is the follow up to the highly successful Tip Tip Dig Dig, which has been shortlisted for the Read It Again! Picture Book Award for an outstanding debut picture book, and the Southampton Favourite Book to Share Award.
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 5th September 2013
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 170 mm x 170 mm 26 Pages
- ISBN: 978-1-906250-83-6
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: 7th May 2009
- Age range: 2-4 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1906250515
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: October 2007
- Age range: 2-4 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-906250-18-8
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"It has cars, trucks, a variety of noises and loads of colours. What's not to like?"
– Ham & High
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New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids 2016
Have you ever wondered how much a ladybird weighs? What about the weight of a snail, a bird or even a swan? In Alison Limentani's extraordinary and original picture book she introduces us to a fascinating world of numbers, weight and wildlife.
An extraordinary counting book from an extraordinary new talent!
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 7th July 2016
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 245mm x 245mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 9781910126981
RRP £7.99
- Publication date: 3rd March 2016
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 245mm x 245mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 9781910126615
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"Shortlisted for Read it Again!"
– The Cambridgeshire Children's Picture Book Award
Baby Owl is out for a moonlight stroll through the woods, but each animal he bumps into tells him not to be scared! Can Baby Owl convince them that owls are meant to be out at night, and, more importantly, that he is not scared?
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: October 2008
- Age range: 0-3 years
- Dimensions: 180mm x 140mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-87-2
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: January 2008
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-28-5
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: September 2007
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-27-8
RRP £10.99
Reviews
"An ideal bedtime story."
– Newsday
"Delightful"
– Nursery World
You might also like
In clear language and with fun-to-do experiments, Mia, Isla, Oscar and Seb introduce fascinating subjects just right for pre-schoolers. Where does the sun go? is a first look at the concept of day and night.
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Hardback
- Publication date: 2nd May 2019
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 230mm x 230mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-01-5
RRP £9.99
Reviews
"We all want children to grow up with enquiring minds: this series with Harriet Blackford's clear, concise narrative and Mike Henson's bold, bright amusing illustrations should help them on their way to becoming young investigators themselves."
– Red Reading Hub
"The TechTots Stem Science range includes a brilliant mix of colourful titles exploring all aspects of science. Fun and engaging illustrations complement the easy-to-understand text..."
– Read it Daddy
"This is a series with a great deal of potential - young children have so many questions to ask and this is the ideal way to answer them, and to develop a love for learning."
– Parents in Touch
In clear language and with fun-to-do experiments, Mia, Isla, Oscar and Seb introduce fascinating subjects just right for pre-schoolers. Why do we poo? is a first look at digestion, what happens when we eat and to the waste left over.
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Hardback
- Publication date: 2nd May 2019
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 230mm x 230mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-03-9
RRP £9.99
Reviews
"We all want children to grow up with enquiring minds: this series with Harriet Blackford's clear, concise narrative and Mike Henson's bold, bright amusing illustrations should help them on their way to becoming young investigators themselves."
– Red Reading Hub
"The TechTots Stem Science range includes a brilliant mix of colourful titles exploring all aspects of science. Fun and engaging illustrations complement the easy-to-understand text..."
– Read it Daddy
"... an excellent way to convey information ..."
– Parents in Touch
In clear language and with fun-to-do experiments, Mia, Isla, Oscar and Seb introduce fascinating subjects just right for pre-schoolers. Why do things fall down? is a first look at gravity and what stops us from floating away!
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Hardback
- Publication date: 2nd May 2019
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 230mm x 230mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-07-7
RRP £9.99
In clear language and with fun-to-do experiments, Mia, Isla, Oscar and Seb introduce fascinating subjects just right for pre-schoolers. What is a rainbow? is a first look at colours and light.
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Hardback
- Publication date: 2nd May 2019
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 230mm x 230mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-05-3
RRP £9.99
Jo Lodge is a master of simple, interactive novelty books, with great child appeal. All toddlers love dinosaurs and this book explores them in a simple, fun way. Bright colours, actions to copy, simple extra value information and plenty of onomatopoeia! Great for sharing.
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Board Book
- Publication date: 4th July 2019
- Age range: 2-4 years
- Dimensions: 178mm x 178mm 4 spreads
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-85-4
RRP £6.99
Reviews
"This should be a hit."
– Kirkus
You might also like
Shortlisted for the Southampton Favourite Book to Share Award 2007
Shortlisted for the City of Discovery Picture Book Award 2008
Blue Ribbon 2006 from the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Cat, Dog, Pig and Duck all want to climb aboard Mr Horse for a ride. But when they get bored with the slow pace, they ask Mr Horse to go faster and faster… But will "faster" lead to disaster? A delightful rhythmical text with adorable illustrations that will enthral every child.
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: September 2007
- Age range: 0-3 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x170mm 28 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-61-2
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: August 2006
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-04-9
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: May 2006
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-03-2
RRP £10.99
Reviews
"This laugh-out-loud picture book is first-rate."
– School Library Journal
"It's a beautiful and winningly simple book, and the illustrations are a real treat."
– School Librarian
"Smee has created a book full of fun... it just has to be enjoyed all over again, once the end is reached. And again... and again!"
– Books for Keeps
"Even youngest readers will appreciate the animals' exuberant chorus of "Again!""
– Publishers Weekly
"Listed in 50 Of The Best Kids' Books Published In The Last 25 Years"
– Huffington Post
You might also like
Big Smelly Bear never washes or brushes his fur. Everywhere he goes he is followed by a big smelly stink. He is so smelly that none of the other animals in the forest want to go near him. One day, Big Smelly Bear gets an itch which he cannot reach. Luckily, Big Fluffy Bear comes along and offers to help him, but first, she tells him, he must take a bath. When Big Smelly Bear eventually agrees, a warm friendship begins to develop. A fun-filled story with a sweet-smelling ending.
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 3rd October 2013
- Age range: 0-3 years
- Dimensions: 180mm x 140mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907967-64-1
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: June 2007
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 316mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-43-8
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: March 2007
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 316mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-36-0
RRP £10.99
Reviews
"Perfect for sharing with young children"
– Kirkus
"One adorable, irresistible, stinky bear."
– San Jose Mercury News
"This should engender roars of approval."
– Kirkus Reviews
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The whole gang from Clip-Clop and Jingle-Jingle are back, and this time they're taking to the high seas. But the water's looking choppy, and the waves are getting bigger! Will the farmyard friends manage to stay dry, or will they tumble out of their little boat and in to the deep blue sea?
NEW format for a hugely successful picture book
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 7th April 2016
- Age range: 0-3 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x170mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 9781907967085
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: April 2012
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907967-23-8
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: May 2011
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907152-72-6
RRP £11.99
You might also like
It is cold for early winter. Snow begins to fall – first slowly – big flakes softly falling, melting fast. The discovery of winter's first snow is beautifully told by Bernette Ford, with cosy illustrations by Sebastien Braun. Now available as a paperback with shimmering silver glitter on the cover.
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 6th September 2018
- Age range: 0-5 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x170mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910126-71-4
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: October 2007
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-905417-14-8
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: October 2005
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-0-954737-33-7
RRP £10.99
Reviews
"Ford's artful text is both fluid and evocative, yet it's right at a child's level in both word choice and premise."
– Booklist
"Ford's text has a poetic rhythm that emphasizes the senses as the rabbits explore their wintry world... Braun's illustrations, especially of the bouncing bunnies with their floppy ears, are particularly engaging and complement the story wonderfully."
– School Library Journal
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Little Yak lives high up in the mountains with his mum. The cold weather is coming, and he is excited about seeing snow for the very first time. All of Little Yak's friends are busy preparing for winter – Pika gathers grass to feed him through the cold months, Blue Thrush flies away to a warmer home and Brown Bear has a long winter sleep. But what do little yaks do when the snow comes? This delightful new picture book from best selling author and illustrator Jonathan Allen is the perfect cosy, winter read.
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Board Book
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Paperback
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Hardback
- Publication date: 5th October 2017
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 180mm x140mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 9781910716335
RRP £5.99
- Publication date: October 2011
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907967-13-9
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: October 2010
- Age range: 3-6 years
- Dimensions: 280mm x 215mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-907152-53-5
RRP £11.99
You might also like
Let's look in the music box. What can we find? A triangle, a drum, a ukulele. Ting, ting, boom, boom, plinka, plinka! Can we play a tune? A perfect introduction to the fun of musical instruments for toddlers.
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Board Book
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Hardback
- Publication date: 3rd March 2022
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x 170mm 26 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-69-5
RRP £6.99
- Publication date: 4th April 2019
- Age range: 0-3 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-35-9
RRP £11.99
You might also like
A simple pre-school picture book that explores all kinds of friends, and encourages the youngest child to make and value friends. Rhythmic text and adorable artwork.
It's fun to find an old friend.
It's great to make a new friend.
And when you're feeling sick,
I'm your feel-better-soon friend
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Hardback
- Publication date: 17th September 2018
- Age range: 0-5 years
- Dimensions: 230mm x 230mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-25-0
RRP £9.99
You might also like
Polar Bear's Story is the 4th title in this successful series. Tiger's Story was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2007. Polar Bear's story follows the story of a little polar bear as he learns about life. Perfect for young children.
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Hardback
- Publication date: 5th September 2019
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 254mm x 284mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-912757-09-1
RRP £11.99
Reviews
"Suspenseful moments heighten the drama, urging readers to feel Polar Bear's plight. Tight, close-up perspectives further create an emotional connection. A science primer for the youngest environmentalists."
– Kirkus
One by one Little Pumpkin is joined by his friends, including Little Ghost and Little Bat, for a Trick-or-Treat romp through a "not so spooky" old house to find the Halloween party.
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Board Book
- Publication date: 5th September 2019
- Age range: 3-5 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x 170mm 18 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-66-3
RRP £5.99
Reviews
"A cheerful addition to the holiday bookshelf that might even last longer than the Halloween candy."
– Kirkus
"...cheerful evidence that Halloween tricks and treats-and sights and sounds-aren't just for big kids."
– Publishers Weekly
You might also like
Poppy loves to dress like mummy especially when she can choose all her favourite colours. A beautiful, large format book with a synthetic fabric cover.
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Hardback
- Publication date: 22nd February 2018
- Age range: 2-5 years
- Dimensions: 273mm x 250mm 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-45-8
RRP £11.99
You might also like
Join Little Darling as he learns the scent (red roses) and taste (yummy chocolates) and sound (sweet music) of love. Then he discovers the best way to spread love: oodles and oodles of cuddles and snuggles.
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Board Book
- Publication date: 3rd January 2019
- Age range: 0-5 years
- Dimensions: 170mm x 170mm 18 pages
- ISBN: 978-1-910716-70-0
RRP £5.99
Reviews
"...a genuine sweetness that's hard to resist."
– Kirkus
