Book Sorter

A Library of Lemons

Jo Cotterill

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

A poignant story about dealing with grief through the magic of reading and friendship. Calypso's mum died a few years ago and her emotionally incompetent Dad can't, or won't, talk about Mum at all. Instead he throws himself into writing his book A History of the Lemon. Meanwhile the house is dusty, there's never any food in the fridge, and Calypso retreats into her own world of books and fiction. When a new girl, Mae, arrives at school, the girls' shared love of reading and writing stories draws them together. Mae's friendship and her lively and chaotic home - where people argue and hug each other - make Calypso feel more normal than she has for a long time. But when Calypso finally plucks up the courage to invite Mae over to her own house, the girls discover the truth about her dad and his magnum opus - and Calypso's happiness starts to unravel. 'A story of great warmth and emotional wisdom' LINDA NEWBERY

The Closest Thing to Flying

Gill Lewis (, Somerset, UK)

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (36 reviews)

Present day: Semira doesn't know where to call home. She and her mother came to England when she was four years old, brought across the desert and the sea by a man who has complete control. Always moving on, always afraid of being caught, she longs for freedom. 1891: Hen knows exactly where to call home. Her stifling mother makes sure of that. But her Aunt Kitty is opening her eyes to a whole new world. A world of animal rights, and votes for women, and riding bicycles! Trapped in a life of behaving like a lady, she longs for freedom. When Semira discovers Hen's diary, she finds the inspiration to be brave, to fight for her place in the world, and maybe even to uncover the secrets of her own past Gill Lewis is the multi-award-winning and best-selling author of novels including Sky Hawk, White Dolphin, and A Story Like the Wind. This is her unforgettable tale of friendship, hope, and finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

Mortal Engines

Philip Reeve

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (32 reviews)

The first book in the award-winning Mortal Engines quartet. In a dangerous future, huge motorized cities hunt, attack and fight each other for survival. As London pursues a small town, young apprentice Tom is flung out into the wastelands, where a terrifying cyborg begins to hunt him down. Mortal Engines launched Philip Reeve's brilliantly-imagined creation, the world of the Traction Era, where mobile cities fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic future. Mortal Engines won the coveted Gold Smarties Award. Now a feature film of the same name, starring Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan and Hugo Weaving. Produced by Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson.

The World of Norm: May Contain Buts: Book 8

Jonathan Meres

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (17 reviews)

The eighth hilarious title in the award-winning, laugh-out-loud series, The World of Norm. Perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Norm knew it was going to be one of those days when he went to the toilet, just for something to do... But things can only get better, right? WRONG! If only Brian and Dave hadn't found Dad's million year old aftershave. If only Mikey wasn't feeling lower than a snake's backside. If only Chelsea would hurry up and move! It's all ifs and buts though. Or should that be whiffs and butts? Either way it's just so flipping unfair! With brilliantly funny illustrations throughout from Donough O'Malley. Praise for Jonathan Meres: 'Hilarious stuff from one of my comic heroes!' - Harry Hill 'Jonathan Meres is flipping funny!' - Eddie Izzard

Barbara Throws a Wobbler

Nadia Shireen

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (29 reviews)

Barbara is in a very bad mood. She won't admit it, but she is. She has a problem with a sock, and at lunchtime there's a strange pea... And even though she's at the park with her friends, it all just gets a bit much. Suddenly Barbara's WOBBLER is out of control! But what if Barbara and her Wobbler can work together, so she can be cheerful again? Winner of the UKLA Award and shortlisted for the Oscar's Book Prize and the FCBG Children's Book Award, Barbara Throws A Wobbler is a brilliantly funny and sensitive way to understand and deal with tantrums. ""These are the most brilliant, beautiful and silly picture-books out there at the moment. Little doorways of joy."" Caitlin Moran ""This book is AMAZING. It will be a modern classic!"" - Richard Osman

Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City: from the creator of Draw with Rob

Rob Biddulph

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (37 reviews)

Superstar, author and illustrator Rob Biddulph dazzles in Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City, the first title in an adventure series for children 8+. Fizzing with magic, danger, friendship and art, this exciting, funny, middle-grade debut is from the bestselling creative genius behind #DrawWithRob. Perfect for boys and girls aged 8 to 12. 'A thrilling journey into a magical world packed with Rob’s brilliant humour.' – David Walliams Some legends are born, some are drawn . . . Drawing feels like magic to Peanut Jones. But art can't fix her problems. Her dad has gone missing, and she's stuck in a boring new school. Until the day she finds a unique pencil turbo-charged with special powers. Suddenly she's pulled into a world packed with more colour, creativity, excitement and danger than she could ever have imagined. And maybe, just maybe, she might find out what happened to her dad. 'Peanut Jones is AWESOME. I loved this book from start to finish - the story is packed with twists and turns, and Rob’s illustrations are full of wit and warmth . . . I need to know what happens next!' – Nadia Shireen 'A wildly imaginative, big-hearted celebration of creativity' - Anna James, bestselling author of the Pages & Co series 'Look at this utter beauty . . . This book is EPIC' - Laura Ellen Anderson, bestselling author of Amelia Fang

I Dare You, Tracy Beaker: Originally published as The Dare Game

Jacqueline Wilson

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (37 reviews)

I'M TRACY BEAKER, THE GREAT INVENTOR OF EXTREMELY OUTRAGEOUS DARES - AND I DARE YOU TO READ A MORE BRILLIANT STORY THAN THIS! I've bought a big fat purple notebook for writing down all my mega-manic ultra-scary stories in. But especially for my own story. Of how my foster-mum, Cam, has turned out to be a real meanie. No designer clothes, when I really need them. A pokey flat, and a horrible new school. No wonder I bunk off . . . Still, it will have to do until my real mum comes and gets me. And until then, no-one is going to be better at the Dare Game than Tracy Beaker! Previously published as bestselling book The Dare Game.

The Midnight Guardians

Ross Montgomery

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (34 reviews)

Discover a world of magical storytelling with Ross Montgomery. SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH HIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH TOPPSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH “One of our finest children’s writers.” Phil Earle “A master storyteller.” Aisling Fowler “Another absolute triumph from one of my favourite children’s authors.” Catherine Doyle Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightest… When Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight – Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister. But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything. PRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS ""Montgomery's latest is an enthralling, Narnia-flavoured novel with the folkloric feel of a Christmas classic."" Guardian ""Beautifully drawn fantasy characters ... a story of hope and love underpinned by witty humour.” Daily Mail ""A magical slice of historical fantasy fiction.” i Newspaper ""This lovely adventure story has the feel of a classic children's book."" Book of the Week, The Week Junior “Ross Montgomery’s beautiful writing and epic storytelling weave together a magical adventure set against the backdrop of World War Two.” WRD Magazine ""Spectacular. A story of real and rare power - The Midnight Guardians is one of the best books I've read in years."" Kiran Millwood Hargrave ""The Midnight Guardians is torch-under-the-duvet, can't-stop-reading magic. British folklore rebooted … in an edge-of-your-seat, heart-filled search for hope in the darkest hour."" Piers Torday ""Embark on a mythic, comic, classic adventure with the finest fellowship since Frodo set a hairy foot beyond the Shire.” David Solomons “Glorious! I think this is Ross Montgomery’s best book yet: an adventure across WWII wintry Britain with a Kindertransportee, a boy dressed in shorts and his three imaginary friends. A joy of a joy of a thing.” Katherine Rundell ""A gem of book, jam-packed with heart and humour and one utterly unique set of friends."" Peter Bunzl “Pure magic. Storytelling at its very best.” Abi Elphinstone ""Brilliant! The Midnight Guardians is the perfect blend of humour, adventure and emotion. Simply beautiful."" Lisa Thompson ""Funny, thrilling, moving ... everything that is brilliant about children's literature. A triumph."" Sophie Anderson “Brimming with imagination and warmth, and powered by the strongest magic of all - hope. Fantastic from first page to last.” Catherine Doyle ""Beautiful. A magical, big-hearted adventure full of wit and warmth. One of the best children's books I've read for ages."" Anna James “A tale of enchantment and friendship … all the warmth of a timeless story, told between friends round a winter fire … funny and true in the way all good stories are.” Thomas Taylor “The adventure whisks you through wartime trouble and mythical danger like riding a giant tiger through falling snow … A magical story.” Jack Noel “With the spirit of Narnia, but a heart of its own. The Midnight Guardians is totally enchanting. I gobbled up every word.” Aisha Bushby ""I inhaled this wonderful book in one sitting ... humour, beautiful writing, heartbreak, hope, and a fat badger in a waistcoat. I'll be recommending it to everyone."" Katya Balen ""A real triumph of the imagination, blending the appeal of a classic adventure with Montgomery's heart and humour, and a hint of Narnia."" Editor's Choice, The Bookseller

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun: A superhero adventure perfect for Marvel and DC fans!

Tolá Okogwu

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (38 reviews)

Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed superhero series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers. Soon to be a feature film with a major streamer! Check out the complete series – Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels is out now and Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn is out March 2024. And don't miss Onyeka and the Secret Superhero, the special World Book Day story coming February 2024! ‘Onyeka is the superhero you’ve been waiting for.’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars Onyeka has a lot of hair – the kind that makes strangers stop in the street. When she makes the important discovery that she can control her hair with her mind, she's whisked off to the Academy of the Sun, a school in Nigeria where Solari – children with superpowers – are trained But Onyeka and her new friends at the Academy soon have to put their powers to the test as they find themselves caught up in an epic battle . . . one that puts the future of all Solari at risk. Praise for Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun: ‘Brilliant characters, action-packed plot, heartfelt themes of identity, family and friendship. A DAZZLING story about finding your power.’ Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs ‘An incredible story that reinvents the concept of a school for magical kids. So inspiring and creatively original.’ L. D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency ‘Fast-paced, action-packed and empowering. Tọlá Okogwu’s storytelling shines so bright you’ll want the next instalment immediately.’ A. F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief ‘An inspiring, original and exciting roller coaster of a book.’ Katie Tsang, co-author of Dragon Mountain ‘A rich and gripping story of discovering that your greatest power can come from within. I loved it!’ Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy ‘Brilliant, witty writing and spot-on characterisation.’ Louie Stowell, author of Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good ‘A thrilling, magical page-turner. Children will fall in love with this story.’ Jenny McLachlan, author of The Land of Roar 'Wildly fun and a huge breath of invigorating fresh air.’ Sam Copeland, author of Charlie Changes Into a Chicken ‘A thrilling, action-packed adventure full of heart. Onyeka is sure to be everyone's new favourite superhero.’ Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear

Broken Heart Club

Cathy Cassidy

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (29 reviews)

Andie, Eden, Ryan, Tasha and Hasmita love being part of the Heart Club. They've promised to stay best friends forever and nothing can tear them apart. But sometimes things happen that you couldn't ever have expected and forever might not be as long as you think. Now, two years later, Eden and Ryan are haunted by memories of the past. Can they find a way to bring the club back together or is it too late to mend a broken heart? A gorgeous new story from the bestselling author of The Chocolate Box Girls series.

Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really)

Liz Pichon, Liz Pichon

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (28 reviews)

The seventeenth laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated Tom Gates adventure! Tom's doing everything possible to stay out of trouble but somehow he's got THREE sad faces :( :( :( on the school achievement chart! And getting another sad face means Mr Fullerman won't let him go on the SCHOOL TRIP! Moany Marcus Meldrew is making things worse and now Tom's annoyed his grumpy sister Delia. Can his best friend Derek help? Will Rooster the dog stop eating his homework? ABOUT THE SERIES: Written in diary form Full of Tom's doodles and pictures & his amazing sense of humour The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize! Perfect gifts for boys & girls who love to laugh themselves silly The first series of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates won the Scottish BAFTA for Entertainment! Love Tom Gates? Don’t miss Liz Pichon’s spectacular Shoe Wars, a laugh-out-loud, gadget-packed adventure!

Mic Drop

Sharna Jackson

Subjects

Funny Stuff - rib ticklers to make you fall off your chair
Animal Tales - bundles of fur, fluff and fun
Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Sporty Stories - games, goals and gold medals

Average rating

5 out 5 (33 reviews)

It's October half-term and pop star, TrojKat is filming a music video in the The Tri, the high-rise block home to slueths Nik and Norva. When tragedy strikes the famous singer under mysterious circumstances, Nik and Norva set out to solve the case, with their friend George, and their impressive detective skills. The sequel to HIGH-RISE MYSTERY, another whodunnit in the phenomenal mystery series by Sharna Jackson.

Book Sorter

Books sorted! Take a look at these top recommendations, or...

A Library of Lemons

Jo Cotterill

A Library of Lemons

Subjects

Average rating

The Closest Thing to Flying

Gill Lewis (, Somerset, UK)

The Closest Thing to Flying

Subjects

Average rating

Mortal Engines

Philip Reeve

Mortal Engines

Subjects

Average rating

The World of Norm: May Contain Buts: Book 8

Jonathan Meres

The World of Norm: May Contain Buts: Book 8

Subjects

Average rating

Barbara Throws a Wobbler

Nadia Shireen

Barbara Throws a Wobbler

Subjects

Average rating

Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City: from the creator of Draw with Rob

Rob Biddulph

Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City: from the creator of Draw with Rob

Subjects

Average rating

I Dare You, Tracy Beaker: Originally published as The Dare Game

Jacqueline Wilson

I Dare You, Tracy Beaker: Originally published as The Dare Game

Subjects

Average rating

The Midnight Guardians

Ross Montgomery

The Midnight Guardians

Subjects

Average rating

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun: A superhero adventure perfect for Marvel and DC fans!

Tolá Okogwu

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun: A superhero adventure perfect for Marvel and DC fans!

Subjects

Average rating

Broken Heart Club

Cathy Cassidy

Broken Heart Club

Subjects

Average rating

Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really)

Liz Pichon, Liz Pichon

Tom Gates: Spectacular School Trip (Really)

Subjects

Average rating

Mic Drop

Sharna Jackson

Mic Drop

Subjects

Average rating

Top Tips

Great reads to try this winter

Halima, Superhero Princess

Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their Stories

Jacob’s Music

Recycle and Remake: Creative Projects for Eco Kids

Shu Lin’s Grandpa

For grown-ups

Home Zone

Library Zone

School Zone

Pre-School Zone

View our other programmes