   
My
children's book of the month this month is the first illustrated
edition of Philip Pullman's classic fantasy-adventure novel Northern
Lights...
David Walliams: Mega Monster
Published
24th June 2021
The
new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – a
timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.
On
a volcanic island, in the middle of shark-infested waters, stands The
Cruel School. The lessons are appalling, the school dinners are
revolting and the teachers are terrifying – especially the mysterious
Science teacher Doctor Doktur.
When
Larker is sent to the school, she quickly realises something very odd
is going on… something involving Doctor Doktur, a pair of strange
spectacles, and a ‘Monsterfication Machine’. And ultimately she finds
herself face to face with a real life Megamonster.
There seems to be no escape – but for Larker, nothing is impossible…
Jenny McLachlan: The Battle for Roar
Published 8th July 2021
The
final book in the epic and bestselling children’s fantasy series that
will make you believe in magic … Perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon, Michelle Harrison's A Pinch of Magic, as well as classic children's fantasy adventures, Narnia and Jumanji.
Rose and Arthur are back in Roar, on a voyage that takes them further than they’ve ever been before: beyond The End.
It’s an amazing adventure – full of secrets, surprises and fairies with fangs – but then a mysterious storm changes everything.
Shipwrecked on a strange island, they make a shocking discovery … Could this be the end of Roar?
Jenny McLachlan is the author of several acclaimed teen novels including Flirty Dancing, Stargazing for Beginners and Truly, Wildly, Deeply.
Before Jenny became a writer, she was Head of English in a secondary
school; she now loves visiting schools as an author and delivering
funny and inspiring talks and workshops. The Land of Roar series is Jenny’s debut for readers of 8-12.
Ben Mantle began
his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local
library colouring-in competition aged seven. Ben has illustrated a
number of children’s books and is the creator of the award-winning The Best Birthday Present Ever! . Ben lives and works in Brighton.
Jamie Smart: Bunny vs. Monkey
Published
1st July 2021
This
brand new remastered book collects together Bunny vs Monkey 5:
Destructo and Bunny vs Monkey 6: Apocalypse for the first time. Since
he crash-landed to Earth in a rocket, Monkey has been causing absolute
mayhem! Bunny and the gang (Squirrel, Pig [the Pig], Action Beaver, and
Skunky the Inventor) have almost had enough. Monkey's eternal struggle
for world domination is getting more ridiculous every day, and it's
impossible to predict which bizarre plan he's going to put into action
next... In this comic extravaganza, the pint-sized friends must face a
giant robot whale, a pig cannon, a camping trip that goes wrong... oh,
and the actual end of the world! Can Bunny and Co stop the apocalypse
before it's too late?!
Ryan Dykta: Big Day At The Park
Published 8th July 2021
Follow
the dynamic doggy duo - chatty collie Casper and his loyal friend Daisy
as they head off to the park and learn all about the power of kindness
and friendship!
Casper
is not like other dogs. He doesn't care about chasing woolly sheep or
gnawing on tasty bones. Instead all Casper has ever dreamed of doing is
speaking, so he can chat away to his owner. An eventful trip to the
park leads to fun and frolics with a mysterious alphabet ball. In this
magical moment, all Casper's dreams come true!
Packed
with stunning illustrations and a heartwarming rhyming story, little
ones will learn about the importance of being kind to others and being
a caring friend. Whether you want a memorable picture book to share
again and again or a sweet story for sleepy bedtimes, Casper and
Daisy's Big Day at the Park is the perfect choice.
The
first of a soon to be series that follows Casper and Daisy on their
epic escapade of fun and friendship, Casper and Daisy's Big Day at the
Park is a delightful story that teaches everyone young and old what it
really means to be kind.
Robin Stevens: Once Upon A Crime
Published 5th August 2021
 A brand-new short story collection in the number-one bestselling, award-winning Murder Most Unladylike series.
Featuring four thrilling original, never-before published stories!
Discover The Case of the Second Scream, set aboard the ship carrying Daisy and Hazel back from Hong Kong, and The Case of the Uninvited Guest, where Uncle Felix and Aunt Lucy's wedding is the target for an unlikely threat. The Hound of Weston School sees
the Junior Pinkertons lead the detecting, and Hazel's little sister May
Wong shows her ambition to be the greatest spy ever in The Case of the Deadly Flat.
The perfect book for all Detective Society fans and avid readers of the Murder Most Unladylike series.
Rachel Bright & Jim Field: The Whale Who Wanted More
Published 29th April 2021
 A stunning undersea tale of friendship, community and discovery from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.
Under glittering waves of a vast ocean blue, a beautiful world is hidden from view.
And there, in the cool and the quiet of the deep, a great, gentle giant was stirring from sleep . . .
Humphrey
the whale is on a quest: to find the one perfect object that will make
him feel complete. He roams far and wide, gathering endless undersea
treasure as he goes. Yet, no matter how many goodies he accumulates,
Humphrey still doesn't feel content. Could it be friendship, not
possessions, that will really make Humphrey's heart sing?
A
sparkling rhyming tale that encourages sharing and kindness, this
heartwarming story of friendship is perfect for reading aloud.
Dara McAnulty: Wild Child
Published
by 8th July 2020
Join brilliant young naturalist Dara McAnulty – winner of the 2020 Wainwright Prize for his book Diary of a Young Naturalist – on a nature walk and experience the joy of connecting with the natural world on your multi sensory journey.
This
beautiful gift book, illustrated in full colour by Barry Falls, is
divided into five sections: looking out of the window, venturing out
into the garden, walking in the woods, investigating heathland and
wandering on the river bank.
Dara
pauses to tell you about each habitat and provides fantastic facts
about the native birds, animals and plants you will find there –
including wrens, blackbirds, butterflies, tadpoles, bluebells, bees,
hen harriers, otters, dandelions, oak trees and many more.
Each
section contains a discovery section where you will have a closer look
at natural phenomenon such as metamorphoses and migration, learn about
categorization in the animal kingdom or become an expert on the
collective nouns for birds.
Each
section finishes with an activity to do when you get home: plant wild
flowers, make a bird feeder, try pond dipping, make a journey stick and
build a terrarium.
Dara ends the book with advice for young conservationists.
Joyce Dunbar & James Mayhew: Mouse and Mole
Published 30th June 2021
What
will Mouse and Mole find to do tomorrow? They set out their plan: a
picnic of cheese and cucumber sandwiches if it is a fine day, or
roasted chestnuts and toasted muffins in front of an apple wood fire if
it is wild and wintry. But what will they do if it is an in-between
sort of day?
The two cohabiting animals are characters that stand alongside the greats of children's literature Sunday Times
One in a series of gentle and humorous story collections by acclaimed author and illustrator team Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew.
A new edition of these classic stories returns them to print for the enjoyment of a further generation of readers.
Perfect for shared reading with younger children and for older children to read independently.
The
small print: Books
Monthly, now well into its 24th
year on the web,
is published on or slightly before the first day of each month by Paul
Norman. You can contact me here.
If you wish to submit something for publication in the magazine, let me
remind you there is no payment as I don't make any money from this
publication. If you want to send me something to review, contact me via
email at paulenorman1@gmail.com and I'll let you know where to send it.
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