Twelve-year-old Luca Verani has his future all mapped out: who needs school when he's going to take over his family's ice cream cafe? But then his aunt announces she's selling the struggling business and Luca realises that his nonna's memory is disappearing. Plus, he's starting high school and one of his best friends Sitara is being targeted by racist bullies. As Luca's worries pile up, will his dreams melt away?
Ice Cream Boy is a heart-warming novel from Lindsay Littleson, author of Carnegie-nominated Guardians of the Wild Unicorns. Full of authentic dialogue, gentle humour and true-to-life characters, this engaging middle-grade novel explores the thoughts and feelings of children affected by dementia.
Dear Friends,
I may be a small classroom hamster, but even I'm amazed at how many unsqueakably exciting adventures I've had.
I've had a spooky mystery to solve on Halloween, nighttime escapades at school and even gone to Winter Wonderland. I've had so many HO-HO-HO hilarious adventures I've put some more of them into this big book to share with you!
Your friend,
Humphrey
What happens when a tale with real magic, that was supposed to be finished, never was? This is a story about one of those stories . . .
Midge loves riddles, his cat, Twitch, and – most of all – stories. Especially because he's grown up being read to by his sister Alice, a brilliant writer.
When Alice goes missing and a talking cat turns up in her bedroom, Midge searches Alice’s stories for a clue. Soon he discovers that her secret book, The Museum of Unfinished Stories, is much more than just a story. In fact, he finds two of its characters wandering around town.
But every tale has its villains – and with them leaping off the page, Midge, Gypsy and Piper must use all their wits and cunning to work out how the story ends and find Alice. If they fail, a more sinister finale threatens them all . . .
A rich and twisting tale of magic, riddles and the power of imagination, from a classic author.
Laugh-out-loud funny for girls in this hilarious new series from TV and radio comedy writing talent Nigel Smith.
The Most Embarrassing Dad in the world is back and embarrassing Nat even more than ever! This time they’re on holiday in France but everything is far from ‘bonne’!
A follow-up to the international bestseller and multiple award-winning The Barnabus Project.
In a world where pets are perfectly designed and expertly trained, Barnaby seems like the ideal companion. He’s part mouse, part elephant, and proud to be the newest arrival at the Perfect Pet Shop. When a little girl chooses him, Barnaby’s dream of being loved at last comes true – until someone new appears who seems even more perfect than he is.
Cast out and alone, Barnaby sets off on a wild journey through the city in search of somewhere to belong. Along the way, he meets others who have been overlooked or cast aside, and learns that being perfect isn’t what makes you special – being yourself is.
Barnaby Unboxed is a magical, moving and visually rich picture book from the award-winning Fan Brothers, joined by their brother Devin Fan. Full of heart, hope and surreal imagination, it’s a story about friendship, resilience and finding your place in the world.
A gorgeous full-colour coming-of-age novel, perfect for fans of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Katie Kirby’s The Mega Complicated Crushes of Lottie Brooks and The Babysitters Club graphic novels
‘READING THIS WAS LIKE A WARM HUG’ – ALICE OSEMAN
Tuva is starting seventh grade, and her checklist of goals includes: writing a diary, getting a cool look, building the best fort in the woods with her BFFs, and sharing EVERYTHING with her best friends. But when she starts school, nothing is how she hoped it would be.
Seventh grade has split her friends into rival factions: Team Linnea and the girls who fall in love and Team Bao and the girls who are still playing. Linnea has a boyfriend, Bao hates everything related to feelings. Worst of all, Tuva is expected to choose a side!
Then Mariam shows up and suddenly things begin to make a little more sense. But with all her friends fighting, this is one part of growing up that Tuva isn’t quite sure how to share . . .
SHORTLISTED FOR INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2025
‘Doku’s fairytale-inspired story is a warm hug of a book. Unashamedly feel-good, with gorgeous artwork and a romantic love story that readers can lose themselves in’ Bookseller Highlights of Autumn 2024
A wonderfully romantic love story perfect for teen readers – the first in a full-colour graphic novel series
Fairytale Rule No.1: All the best fairytales start with ‘Once upon a time . . .’
First-year student Brielle, a daydreamy book lover, knows everything there is to know about fairytales. Returning to the city of Rosebridge four years after moving away, she attends Once Upon a Time University, with the intention of living her fairytale dream. And when she meets Bear, shy vice-captain of the Princes rugby team, at the bookshop where she works, Brielle’s dream is off to a good start.
Determined to forget the past, and with an unexpected new relationship blossoming, Brielle feels she’s finally living the dream. That is, until she discovers that she’s not the only one hiding something . . .
Readers love the world of Farrowfell:
'Very exciting. I love the edible magic.'
'I absolutely adored it.'
'Highly recommended.'
'A very entertaining, well plotted and fast paced story.'
'The idea of edible magic was original and inspired.'
'Hugely imaginative.'
Welcome to a fantasy world where edible magic is the hottest commodity, traded between those who can pay or - in the case of Jude Ripon, the youngest thief in Farrowfell - those who can steal it!
An epic debut series from a FAB Prize winner and British Book Award shortlistee. The Beast of Farrowfell is coming in May 2024!
Twelve-year-old Jude Ripon has never been taken seriously by her family of magic-stealing masterminds. To them, she's just the youngest, only good for keeping watch while they carry out daring heists.
Desperate to prove her worth, Jude decides to steal valuable magic from the fanciest house in town . . .
But Jude's stolen prize was protected by a curse which threatens to wreak havoc on the family business.
While attempting to untangle the mess she's made (and wondering why anyone would want to curse an honest thief trying to earn a living), Jude discovers just how far her family will go to stay at the top of the criminal world.
Suddenly, her quest to become a true Ripon isn't straightforward any more . . .
