The Only Monster
Author: Matt Coyne
Illustrator: Brendan Kearney
Publisher: Quarto
Out 20 March
It’s PHOTO DAY at monster school – time to mess up your monster hair and dangle your very best bogies from your nose, to get the perfect shot. But as all the monster brothers and sisters line up for pictures, one little monster realizes . . . she’s the only one who’s an only one.
That’s when Daddy monster steps in to reassure her that no one family is the same – and just because their monster family isn’t as big as all the others, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t just as special or full of love. In fact, if she measured her family by LOVE, it would be bigger than the earth, the moon and the stars above!
Bear
Author & Illustrator: Natalia Shaloshvili
Publisher: Quarto
Out 13 March
Bear is all set for a perfect day. The sky is blue, there’s not a cloud in the sky and he has all of his most favourite things in the world by his side – a cookie to nibble on, a book to get lost in, a bright balloon to keep him happy and the perfect bench to take a rest on.
But no sooner has Bear made himself comfortable, than along comes Fox who wants to share the bench too. Bear agrees, begrudgingly. But no sooner has he overcome the idea of sharing his bench when Wolf pops up to ask for a bit of cookie . . . and then Rabbit jumps up to read his book . . . and then Elephant lumbers along to play with his balloon. And before Bear knows it, it’s all become too much for him! AAAAAARGH! yells Bear.
Messi Mania
Author: Luis Miguel Echegaray
Publisher: Quarto
Out 6 March
Messi’s career has been built on hard work, resilience, teamwork, and determination, but his early years in Argentina were tough with many setbacks, including personal challenges that almost ruined his dreams of being a pro football player. Written by a top sports journalist, commentator and life-long fan, discover how Messi overcame these setbacks and went on to become one of the most successful, celebrated and decorated players of all time. Following his inspiring journey from Barcelona’s youth academy to World Cup triumph with Argentina and then to MLS club Inter Miami, Messi Mania is the one-stop, ultimate guide to a motivating and inspiring global football icon…
Star Quest Academy
Author: Adrian Lynch
Publisher: The Book Guild
Out 28 February
For centuries, trillions of life forms throughout space have allowed humanity to believe we’re alone in the Universe. Any alien who dared to befriend us has met an unfortunate end, eaten, squashed, sent to a zoo, or even planted in a garden pot. But our advances in space exploration now threaten every civilisation across the Cosmos.
Amelia, a savvy, street-smart orphan, is one of four exceptional children selected from around the globe to represent humanity in the Human Inclusion Programme at the intergalactic Star Quest Academy. Here, they’ll unravel the Universe’s wonders, explore strange new worlds, and encounter magical creatures. Earth’s safety from invasion hinges on their success as cadets, but if any of them fail, Earth will be invaded by ruthless warlords.
When a series of sinister incidents jeopardise their mission, it becomes clear that someone – or something – wants them to fail. To save their world, the cadets must overcome their differences and combine their unique skills.
Surviving Vesuvius
Author: Christopher Harrisson
Illustrator: Beth Waters
Publisher: Quarto
Out NOW
The year is 79 AD. Seventeen-year-old Roman student Pliny the Younger is at his home across the bay from the bustling town of Pompeii, where people are going about their daily business. The tremors that sometimes shake the ground are coming more frequently than usual, but all are unaware of the cataclysmic event that is about to unfold. Meanwhile, underground, pressure is building beneath the mountain that looms over the surrounding towns and villages. What follows is one of the most extraordinary and frightening natural disasters in recorded history.
This dramatic retelling is based on letters written by Roman historian Pliny the Younger after the event, and is reimagined featuring characters from the town of Pompeii who are known to have existed, such as the businesswoman Julia Felix and politician Julius Polybius.
The story describes the various stages of the eruption, as well as detailing how the history of Pompeii was later uncovered by archaeologists. A timeline and glossary provide extra information, ideal for history enthusiasts.
Unruly Julie
Author: Alan Moss
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Out NOW
Ages 4-7
She put something smelly behind the telly and rotten fruit in her uncle’s best suit. Like all the characters in the Silly Kids series of rhyming picture books, Unruly Julie lives up to her name. She gets up to cheeky things kids will love to hear about, with infectious humour that adults will enjoy too. Until, like most children, she tires of being Unruly and wants to be something else. It’s a very silly story with a very clever twist.
Children introduced to Unruly Julie love to read her story again and again. She gives them licence to laugh out loud and an eagerness to read that parents and teachers love.
Jake’s Tails presents Jake goes to the Pawlympics
Author: Jake Growling & Jackie Brown
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Out NOW
JaKe Goes To The Pawlympics tells the story of a disabled dog who has dreams to run as he used to before his accident. Now with only three legs JaKe had given up all hope of running again until his friend Charlie took control of the situation and inspires JaKe to try again, and train.
Charlie is a very intelligent Crow. He is JaKe’s best friend but has only one leg himself which makes his landings a little scary. Charlie teaches JaKe that anything is possible, you just have to believe in yourself. As JaKe’s self-appointed trainer, Charlie teaches JaKe to rest but not quit and other important skills like how to deal with bullies.
Throughout this heart-warming story of two best friends, they show what can be done when you work as a team, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved. This unlikely duo shows the importance of friendship no matter what your differences.
The Soul Collector
Author: Helen Fairley
Publisher: The Book Guild
Out NOW
When siblings Sam and Jude are forced to leave London for a quiet village in the countryside due to their mother’s illness, they expect boredom and isolation. But the village isn’t as peaceful as it seems. Next to their new home is an old graveyard with dark secrets.
One night, Sam sees strange flashing lights in the graveyard. He realises the village has mysteries waiting to be solved. Sam and Jude team up to uncover a mystery that has haunted the village for centuries.
Can they help the spirits that wander the village? Can they stop the monster who’s collecting souls?
With time running out, Sam, Jude, and their friends must act quickly to solve the puzzle before the Soul Collector claims his next victim.
Phantasmagorical
Author: Terry McManus
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Out NOW
Ages 5-7
A fabulous combination of wildlife and superheroes brought together with lots of beautifully painted illustrations. A story aimed at the 5-7 age group but will be popular with both children and adults.
All is about to change as ghost like visitors bearing fantastic gifts for each of the four big cats. Rocky the patriotic Canadian Cougar. Stripes the beautifully handsome Bengal tiger. Rosa the strong noble jaguar filled with dreams of Balam. Leo-pard the thoughtful captive bred Leopard.
Join them again as the final piece of this amazing magical puzzle falls into place. The third in the trilogy ‘Phantasmagorical’ is a full colour children’s picture book. Set in the grounds of ‘My Zoo’ This richly illustrated story introduces children to the importance of friendships, teamwork and how using our own special gifts wisely can make such a difference to others. My zoo is a great home to all its animals being a warm, safe haven with plenty of treats and doting staff.
The only problem being all bar Rosa have tasted freedom and wanted more. Leopard had safely led the way out on the first trip to spend just one more night under the glorious stars as his ancestors had in Africa. Its time again, this time can all four make it and will they get help?
Clever Trevor
Author: Alan Moss
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Out NOW
Ages 4-7
He could juggle with soap and dance on a tightrope. He could make snails faster and outrun his schoolmaster. Like all the characters in the Silly Kids series of rhyming picture books, Clever Trevor lives up to his name. He gets up to all sorts of cheeky things that kids love to hear about, with infectious humour that adults will enjoy too Until, like most children, he tires of being clever and wants to be something else.
Children introduced to Clever Trevor love to read his story again and again. He gives them licence to laugh out loud and an eagerness to read that parents and teachers love.
Clever Trevor and Unruly Julie are the first Silly Kids books to launch with lots more on the way to keep them entertained, engaged and educated in a fun way.
The Adventures of Snuffle Truffle & Friends
Author: Paul Taylor
Illustrator: Ashleigh Rose
Publisher: Troubador Publishing
Out NOW
Paul’s love for educating people and his affinity with wildlife shine through in this collection of rhyming stories. Through them, he seeks to educate others as to the behaviours and characteristics of some of our furry/feathered friends.
‘a most charming and heart-warming collection of children’s animal stories, beautifully written and very well suited for a young audience.’
‘….. the dynamic, engaging, and accessible language and a playful rhyming scheme make for a lively read equally well suited to being enjoyed alone or shared aloud with others.’
Austin Macauley Publishers
Billy Bookley and My Book of Magic Tricks
Author: Simon Register
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publlishers
Out NOW
Billy Bookley and His Book of Magic Tricks is a fantastically fun story, full of warmth, adventure and the rising of an underdog. Billy Bookley is a poor and lonely young boy, whose long school days are cruelly spent being teased and bullied by the horrible boys and girls in his class just for the way he looks. Then one day, a magical twist of fate and fortune gives him the opportunity to finally turn the tables on his bullies – once and for all! This will change both his and their lives forever. Will he triumph against the odds? Will Billy take advantage of this chance at glory? Will he risk being brave? Will he dare to grasp this chance to take revenge on his bullies? Or will it all prove too much for this one quiet young boy to handle alone? Only time will tell what the future holds for Billy Bookley!