Poetry

A playful picture book that urges readers to bop, bounce, and shake from the author of Fraidyzoo

There are so many ways to dance! You can jiggle or wiggle or stomp. You can bop or bounce or go completely nuts. You can dance at the market or the bus stop, with your fingers or your face. You can dance because you’re happy or even because you’re sad.
But, what’s the best way to dance?
Exactly how you want to!
In How Do You Dance?, author-illustrator Thyra Heder explores dance in all of its creativity, humor, and―most of all―joy, in a picture-book celebration of personal expression that will inspire young and old readers alike to get up and get moving.

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The powerful tale of a girl who feels broken, and the dolphin who makes her whole. A story of friendship, hope and self-discovery, perfect for readers aged 9+, and beautifully illustrated in black and white by George Ermos.

Ró finds school impossible. She knows people think she’s shy – and stupid. But when she goes to the bay each afternoon to watch the dolphin leap through the water, she finds the strength to keep going. Then the dolphin disappears, and everything starts falling apart.

Can Ró overcome her fears to find him?

I watch each rise and dip of wave
know Sunny must be out there
somewhere
wonder if he’s missing me.
I remember that moment
when I touched his skin
and know that finding him
is the only thing
that can make
the aching stop
make me feel
not broken.

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Little ones can push, pull and slide the tabs to join in the celebrations in Busy Chinese New Year! Make the Lion and Dragon dance, enjoy a family banquet and watch the spectacular fireworks.

Perfect for toddlers who like to play as they read, they will love this bright and colourful board book with lots to spot, a gentle rhyme and wonderful illustrations by Ilaria Falorsi.

Discover the seasonal Busy Book titles such as Busy Party, Busy Halloween and Busy Christmas.

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Push, pull and slide the tabs to play in the Busy Football match! Block the ball from entering the net, pass to your teammate and score the winning goal. Meet 12 famous football heroes too, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Lloris and Lucy Bronze!

Young children will love playing with this bright and colourful board book with gentle rhyming text, lots to spot and talk about, and wonderful illustrations by Jayri Gómez.

Discover more activities in the Busy Book series: Busy Bikes, Busy Swimming and Busy Baking.

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Celebrate the 20th birthday of the bestselling classic The Snail and the Whale, with this special anniversary edition of the story, including bonus content.

“How I long to sail!” said the tiny snail.

One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it’s the tiny snail’s big plan that saves the day! This is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

The Snail and the Whale 20th Anniversary Edition features the classic story with a stunning foil cover as well as extra-special bonus content including a letter from the author and some early sketches from the illustrator to celebrate the anniversary year.

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Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

‘By a loobular lake on a far-off planet
There lived a young Smed, and her name was Janet.
Not far away, on a humplety hill,
There lived a young Smoo by the name of Bill.’

The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue).

So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove.

But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories.There’s even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator is literally out of this world!
• Friendship, love, adventure and togetherness are at the heart of this joyful story
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• Superworm is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (narrator), Matt Smith (Superworm) and Rob Brydon (Crow)
• New for September 2022 – look out for The Baddies,the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

‘Blast off with the most exciting book yet from the creator of The Gruffalo. Get ready for a wild and wonderful journey through space in a book that is perfect for reading together.’ The Sun

Collect the whole Scholastic picture book series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler:

• • Stick Man
  • Superworm
  • Tabby McTat
  • The Highway Rat
  • The Scarecrows’ Wedding
  • The Smeds and the Smoos
  • Tiddler
  • Ugly Five
  • Zog
  • Zog and the Flying Doctors

Also available in hardback, board book, book and CD and early reader formats.

Each title also has a sticker activity book with over 300 stickers and pages of activities for hours of extra fun.

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The funny and joyful picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

‘Morning had dawned on the African plain.
The lion lay grooming his glorious mane.
The kudu looked cool and the rhino looked fine.
The bright pink flamingos looked simply divine.
The zebra looked graceful; the leopard look great.

Oh what a picture of beauty – but wait!’

Who’s that singing on the savannah?

The wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena and marabou stork swagger proudly across the savannah, rejoicing in their ugliness – and delighting their babies, who think they’re perfect just the way they are.

Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, this gorgeous picture book is a celebration of animals who are often rather unloved.

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A funny and comical picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Full of fabulous animals!
• Celebrates being yourself, family and friendship
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for The Ugly Five:

‘Donaldson’s exuberant verse and Scheffler’s strong, inimitable style are splendidly suited to these underrated, cheerful grotesques, and evoke the love between parents and children of every species’ Guardian

‘Another fabulous story for two- to eighty-year olds . What bliss from the creators of The Gruffalo’ The Oldie

‘Funny, catchy and gleeful . it’s irresistible rhymes trip off the tongue . Axel’s pictures are witty and full of character’ BBC Wildlife Magazine

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The funny and fabulous rhyming picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

The smallest fish can tell the tallest tales …

‘”Sorry I’m late, Miss. I set off really early But on the way to school I was captured by a squid.

I wriggled and I struggled till a turtle came and rescued me.”

“Oh, no, he didn’t.”

“OH, YES, HE DID.”’

Tiddler is a little fish with a BIG imagination!

Every day he tells a tall tale.

But did he really ride a seahorse? Did he really meet a mermaid?

And who will believe him when he really does get captured in a net?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• The fabulously funny bestseller from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• The ideal gift for children starting school
• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films

• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for Tiddler:

‘Picture book perfection . It’s got laughs, drama and great rhymes . Beat that for a happy ending” Independent

‘A delightful rhyming tale . a potential classic of the future, with a little hero that all children will identify with’ Derby Evening Telegraph

‘Great illustrations. Wildly imaginative. Utterly absorbing . Just perfect’ Liverpool Echo

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Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

‘By a loobular lake on a far-off planet
There lived a young Smed, and her name was Janet.
Not far away, on a humplety hill,
There lived a young Smoo by the name of Bill.’

The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue).

So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove.

But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories.There’s even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator is literally out of this world!
• Friendship, love, adventure and togetherness are at the heart of this joyful story
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• Superworm is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (narrator), Matt Smith (Superworm) and Rob Brydon (Crow)
• New for September 2022 – look out for The Baddies,the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

‘Blast off with the most exciting book yet from the creator of The Gruffalo. Get ready for a wild and wonderful journey through space in a book that is perfect for reading together.’ The Sun

Collect the whole Scholastic picture book series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler:

• • Stick Man
  • Superworm
  • Tabby McTat
  • The Highway Rat
  • The Scarecrows’ Wedding
  • The Smeds and the Smoos
  • Tiddler
  • Ugly Five
  • Zog
  • Zog and the Flying Doctors

Also available in hardback, board book, book and CD and early reader formats.

Each title also has a sticker activity book with over 300 stickers and pages of activities for hours of extra fun.

Read more

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake… and a hungry Gruffalo!

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo!

This handy board book format is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans!

Also available in board book format and with striking redesigned covers are:
The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, The Smartest Giant in Town, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.

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Lift the flaps and join in the winter fun with Squirrel’s Snowman, a story in the Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo – perfect for sharing at Christmas!

It’s snowing in Acorn Wood, and Squirrel wants to build a snowman. Will she and her friends find everything they need to build? Lift the flaps to find out in this wonderful wintry tale.

With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Squirrel’s Snowman joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.

Enjoy more lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood with Dormouse Has a Cold, Mole’s Spectacles and Badger’s Band.

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The one and only Cat in the Hat from the iconic Dr. Seuss gets a brand new look, introducing his roller-coaster ride of mayhem to a new generation of readers.

When Sally and her brother are left alone, they think they’re in for a dull day – until the Cat in the Hat steps in on the mat, bringing with him mayhem and madness! This is the classic book that every child should have the joy of reading.

The perfect book for early readers, the new style brings a worldwide favourite to a whole new generation.

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The rollicking adventurous picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

‘Give me your buns and your biscuits!
Give me your chocolate eclairs!
For I am the Rat of the highway,
and the Rat Thief never shares!’

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel – he even steals his own horse’s hay.

Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, ‘The Highwayman’, from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Adventure, friendship and learning to be kind are at the heart of this story
• The Highway Rat has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from David Tennant (Highway Rat), Nina Sosanya (Duck), Rob Brydon (Horse), Tom Hollander (Squirrel) and Frances de la Tour (Rabbit)
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
  • Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

  Praise for The Highway Rat:

  ‘A classic picture book . great to read aloud’ BBC Radio 4 ‘Front Row’ ‘Donaldson’s ear for rhyme is unequalled and Scheffler’s busy, funny illustrations make this ideal for reading aloud’ Daily Mail

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The heart-warming picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

“Me, you and the old guitar.
How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.
MEEE-EW and the old guitar.
How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!”

Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker.

But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated.

Will they ever find each other again?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A heartwarming and charming story from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Friendship and loyalty are at the heart of this story
• Perfect for cat lovers!
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for Tabby McTat:

‘Absolutely purr-fect’ The Times

‘Scheffler’s detailed drawings have an optimistic allure and Donaldson’s soothing rhymes make this perfect for bedtime’ Daily Telegraph

‘It has the same old fashioned, long-lasting magic as Mary Poppins; and it’s also absolutely accurate about the real nature of cats’ The Times

‘Donaldson’s lovely bounding rhymes make Tabby McTat a pleasure to read out loud to children of three or four and up. Scheffler’s richly detailed illustrations are warm and witty’ FT

‘Donaldson’s rhythmic text carries the reader through this urban fairytale of friendship, singing – and kittens’ Yorkshire Post

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**A Christmas treat – Daily Mail**
_______________

THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD!
DISCOVER THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES
_______________

We’re going on a sleigh ride,
HO! HO! HO!
Can you find the hidden gifts?
Whoosh! Off we go!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Climb aboard Santa’s sleigh and join the fun as four bunnies set off on a thrilling festive adventure. With ten presents to find hidden under the flaps, it’s an action-packed treasure hunt! You’ll need to watch out for the obstacles along the way – snowy clouds, church spires, flocks of flying geese – and help the sleigh back to the North Pole in time for Christmas!

The perfect Christmas gift, full of festive fun and winter magic, from the bestselling author of We’re Going on an Elf Chase.
_______________

The Bunny Adventures series is the perfect collection for young children, full of exciting adventures, fun lift-the-flap pages, and made of very sturdy paper for little hands. Collect them all for a wonderful gift to be read, re-read, and treasured for years to come.
_______________

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Little ones can join in the fun On the Farm by pulling out the sliders, moving the animals and making all the different noises! Quack along with the ducks, moo with the cows and neigh with the horses.

Young children will love playing with this bright and colourful board book with gentle rhyming text and beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Axel Scheffler. On the Farm has been endorsed and recommended by Dr Amanda Gummer’s Good Toy Guide.

Discover more animal books from the illustrator of The Gruffalo with In the Jungle and Lizzy the Lamb.

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“Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the Lennon and McCartney of children’s publishing” Sunday Times

This fabulous picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a riot of slapstick fun and silliness.

The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land.

They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst.

When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can’t wait to scare her out of her wits.

But the little girl quickly shows them that you don’t have to be big to be brave, and baddies don’t always win.

• A brilliant paperback edition for new and old fans alike
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Julia and Axel are the team that have created picture book favourites such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and The Smeds and The Smoos – all of which have been made into animated films premiering on BBC1 Christmas Day

More praise for The Baddies:

‘[The Baddies] is every bit as charming and wonderful and funny as you’d imagine’ Nihal Arthanyake, BBC Radio 5 Live

‘A mean ghost, witch and troll try, yet hilariously fail, to frighten a girl in this brilliant new tale from the superstar picture book duo’ The Bookseller

‘Keeps little ones grinning and guffawing from the first colour-soaked page to the last hilarious line of this fresh, funny and exuberant rhyming story … With Donaldson’s heartwarming, inspirational messages about being brave and standing up to bullies, a wise and enchanting story in a rhyme perfectly created for reading aloud, and Scheffler’s stunning and richly detailed illustrations providing lots to spot on every page, this is a creative partnership made in children’s reading heaven!’ Lancashire Evening Post

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Count down to bedtime with your littlest fairy in this new board book edition of Ten Minutes to Bed Little Fairy, part of the no. 1 bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series.

Poppy the fairy wishes she could fly as high as all of her friends, but there’s just one thing – her wings are very small!

When Poppy spots a lost gnome far from his glade, she is determined to use her wings and get him to safety. But can this little fairy fly to the rescue and still get back home before bedtime?

Weaving a journey from lively beginning to gentle end, this enchanting, heartwarming tale is perfect for little readers everywhere and will help them settle down for bed.

Now available as a gorgeous board book, this sturdy format is perfect for younger fans of the Ten Minutes to Bed series.

This bestselling bedtime series has sold one million copies worldwide! Do you have all the books in the Ten Minutes to Bed series?
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dinosaur (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dragon (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn’s Christmas (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn’s Birthday
Ten Minutes to Bed: Baby Unicorn
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dinosaurs Big Race

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Push, pull and slide the tabs to zoom about town in Busy Cars! Lower the convertible’s roof, swish the windscreen wipers and charge the car at the end of the day in this book about fun, fast, four-wheeled vehicles.

Perfect for toddlers who like to play as they read, they will love this bright and colourful board book with gentle rhyming text and wonderful illustrations by Mel Matthews, which is part of the popular Busy Book series.

Keep little ones busy with more of the Busy Book series: Busy Garage, Busy Tractor and Busy Ambulance.

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From Number One bestselling picture book duo, David Walliams and Tony Ross, comes this ssssspectacularly funny picture book for children of 3 and up.

Miranda loves to be different, and on Bring-your-pet-to-school Day she introduces everyone to her very DIFFERENT pet…

Penelope the snake.

Miss Bloat the headmistress doesn’t think snakes should be allowed in school. But Penelope has other ideas…

Introducing a spectacularly slithery new picture book packed with mischief and mayhem from two superstars!

David Walliams’ book ‘The World’s Worst Monsters’ was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 18-09-2023.

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