Special Collections

Blue Bottle Mystery

The well-loved adventure story about a boy with Asperger's who finds a mysterious magic bottle...This is a warm, fun-filled fantasy story for children with a difference: the hero is Ben, a boy with Asperger Syndrome. When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, they little realize the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along.Blue Bottle Mystery is a delight to read that is more than just another kid's book. For the first time, the issues and frustrations that a child may have with Asperger Syndrome are explored within a fictional format especially for children. Its portrayal of Ben as the central character offers other children with autistic spectrum disorders and their peers a positive role model. It is a valuable teaching tool that demystifies children with Asperger Syndrome, justifying their individuality as valid and interesting.In Blue Bottle Mystery Kathy Hoopmann has combined her love of children with her passion for fantasy literature to produce a delightful read for anyone who loves an adventure and wants a unique insight into the mind of an Asperger child.(P) 2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 06/06/2022

Winnie The Pooh & House at Pooh Corner

An award-winning production, with an all-star cast including Stephen Fry and Judi Dench, brings to life one of the best-loved children's books of all time.Packed full of fun and adventure with Winnie-the-Pooh and all his friends in the Hundred Acre Forest. This is a wonderful dramatisation of Winnie-the-Pooh with original music. This captivating adaptation conveys all the magic and humour of AA Milne's classic stories.The cast includes the following stars:Pooh - Stephen FryPiglet - Jane HorrocksEeyore - Geoffrey PalmerKanga (and Narrator) - Judi DenchRoo - Finty WilliamsRabbit - Robert DawsOwl - Michael WilliamsChristopher Robin - Steven WebbDramatisation by David BenedictusMusic composed and played by John Gould(P) Hodder Children's Books 1997

Date Added: 03/30/2022

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Emily Windsnap lives on a boat, but her mother has always been oddly anxious to keep her out of the water. It is only when Emily has her first school swimming lesson that she discovers why: as soon as she gets into the water, she grows a tail! Soon Emily discovers a glorious underwater world of fishes, coral, shipwrecks and mermaids, and, best of all, she finds a best friend! With mermaid Shona Silkfin by her side, Emily uncovers a surprising family secret and embarks on a quest to reunite her mum and dad. This enchanting fantasy deals with universal themes of family, friendship, love and justice - all handled with the lightness of touch for which Liz Kessler is so well known.Read by Teresa Gallagher(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 04/14/2022

Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman

Building a snowman brings out Henry's competitive streak; he sets up his Monstrous Makeovers business to rival Moody Margaret's Miraculous Makeovers; things go badly wrong when a famous author comes to school; and he thinks 'You'll all be sorry when I'm dead' and spends a rainy day writing his will.Read by Miranda Richardson(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Early Reader: The Three Little Witches Storybook

Zara, Ziggy and Zoe are three little witches who live together in Magic Wood, where anything can happen. Cups and saucers wash themselves up, letters sprout wings, a calendar sings a song, the signpost changes direction, and Wizard Wink's school moves from place to place. These seven stories show the little witches' daily doings and their preparations for a Hallowe'en party with Baby Dragon, the Troll family, two little wizard boys and a horrid little witch called Melissa.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Stories for Every Season

A beautiful treasury of stories for every season from one of the world's best-loved storytellers. This audiobook collection will delight at any time of the year and makes the perfect gift.

Step into a world of magic and nature, where elfin tailors make clothes from autumn leaves and a spring lamb remembers a kind little girl.

Join a fawn as it shelters from a summer storm, learn how to help birds keep warm in cold weather and share the wonder of the seaside, where you might just meet a fairy in a seashell . . .

Divided into four sections to reflect the seasons, this treasury contains 28 timeless stories from Enid Blyton's archives—plus a bonus extra story for Christmas. Some of these wonderful tales are collected in book form for the very first time.

Look out for these other gorgeous Enid Blyton gift books: Treasury of Bedtime Stories, The Famous Five Treasury

*Enid Blyton ® and Enid Blyton's signature are Registered Trademarks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trademark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trademark and copyright owner.

Date Added: 05/26/2022

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse

Kiki Kallira can bring her drawings to life… but when a mysterious curse threatens her newly-created kingdom and friends, how can she use her powers to save them?

A fantasy adventure inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own strengths. For 8+ fans of Abi Elphistone and The Land of Roar.

Fresh from the exciting discovery that the beautiful kingdom and band of rebel kids she drew in her sketchbook exists in another world, Kiki Kallira has an unexpected visitor. One of the rebels has come into the real world to ask for her help—the river Kaveri that is Mysore's only source of water has suddenly vanished! With no water to drink or grow food, Kiki's kingdom is doomed. When drawing a new river doesn't work, Kiki returns to Mysore and stumbles upon the origin of the Kaveri: a princess from long ago who was transformed into water by a terrible curse!

It's up to Kiki and her friends to restore the river without sacrificing the princess again. With her mounting anxiety, enemies seeking to stop her and a city growing weaker by the minute, Kiki's confidence falters. Will she be able to unravel the curse and save her kingdom before it's too late?

(P) 2022 Listening Library

Date Added: 05/12/2023

The Night Bus Hero

From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart. Told from the perspective of a bully, this book explores themes of homelessness, while celebrating kindness, friendship and the potential everyone has to change for the good. Inspired by Onjali's own childhood experiences of growing up in London and seeing the impact of homelessness on those around her, The Night Bus Hero follows an unlikely friendship between our narrator and Thomas - who lives in the park. Can they get to the bottom of some unusual thefts taking place across the city, and discover what it takes to be a real hero?

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Ghostcloud

Twelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma shovels coal under Battersea Power station. He keeps his head down, hoping to one day earn his freedom and return to his family, while avoiding the wrath of the evil Tabatha Margate. When he tries to help new girl Jess, Luke is punished and sent to clean the sewers of the haunted East Wing, a place from which few return. Whilst serving his punishment, Luke realises he can see things others can't in the Power Station: ghostly things. He befriends a ghost-girl called Alma, who can ride clouds through the night sky and bend their shape to her will. But when Luke discovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha Margate is kidnapping children and forcing them to work in the Power Station, Alma agrees to help him and his friends escape. Will Alma convince the Ghost Council to help their cause? Will Luke's discovery about who he really is threaten their plans for freedom? And can Luke find his voice, while trying to find a way home?

Date Added: 04/25/2022

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy

Four hilarious unabridged stories with really horrid music and sound effects:Horrid Henry tries to fool the Tooth Fairy into giving him some money despite the fact that his teeth appear to be "superglued to his gums".He creates havoc as a pageboy at a wedding.He gets rid of Moody Margaret, an unwanted guest.He "breaks in" the new teacher.Read by Miranda Richardson

Date Added: 03/30/2022

The Colour of the Sun

One hot summer morning, Davie steps boldly out of his front door. The world he enters is very familiar - the little Tyneside town that has always been his home - but as the day passes, it becomes ever more mysterious. A boy has been killed, and Davie thinks he might know who is responsible. He turns away from the gossip and excitement and sets off roaming towards the sunlit hills above the town.As the day goes on, the real and the imaginary start to merge, and Davie knows that neither he nor his world will ever be the same again. This an outstanding novel full of warmth and light, from a multi-award-winning author.

Date Added: 05/23/2022

This Book Will (Help) Make You Happy

Discover how you can cut the stress, catch up on sleep and breathe a little easier with 50 practical tips to really make you feel happier! The world is a pretty stressful place, and we all need some help reminding us to take care of ourselves. But the good news is that there are loads of easy tips and tricks to keep yourself feeling happy, from customising your own bedtime ritual to how to resolve arguments with your parents. Complete with simple breathing exercises, yoga poses and even advice on the best food to eat when you're feeling down, this is a one-stop guide to transform worried kids into happy, confident ones. Author Suzy Reading, a mum of two as well as being a chartered psychologist and yoga teacher, knows that the emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. Funny, engaging and practical - and brought to life with illustrations by Alex Paterson - this is the ideal book to help readers cope with their emotions and face each day raring to go.(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/31/2022

Stonebird

When ten-year-old Liam moves house to be closer to his dementia-suffering grandma, he's thrown into an unfamiliar place with a family that seems to be falling apart. Liam doesn't remember what his grandma was like before she became ill. He only knows the witch-like old woman who snaps and snarls and eats her birthday cards. He wants to fix it, but he can't. Walking his dog one day, Liam discovers an old stone gargoyle in a rundown church, and his life changes in impossible ways. The gargoyle is alive. It moves unseen in the night, acting out Liam's stories. And stories can be dangerous things... Seeking revenge against the bullies at his new school, Liam tells a story about the gargoyle attacking them. When one of them ends up in hospital, a regretful Liam vows never to go near the gargoyle again. But his grandma's illness is getting worse, his mum isn't coping, and his sister is skipping school... What if the gargoyle is the only thing that can save Liam's family?(P)2015 WF Howes Ltd

Date Added: 04/25/2022

The Year the Maps Changed

'A gorgeous book ... it's timeless and beautiful and it deserves to be read by people of all ages.' MELINA MARCHETTAOne extraordinary year will change them all...Sorrento, Victoria, 1999. Fred's family is a mess. Her mother died when she was six and she's been raised by her Pop and adoptive father, Luca, ever since. But now Pop's had to go away, and Luca's girlfriend Anika and her son have moved in. More and more it feels like a land-grab for family and Fred is the one being left off the map.Even as things feel like they're spinning out of control for Fred, a crisis from the other side of the world comes crashing in. When a group of Kosovar-Albanian refugees are brought to a government 'safe haven' not far from Sorrento, their fate becomes intertwined with the lives of Fred and her family in ways that no one could have expected.A middle-grade coming-of-age story inspired by true events about the bonds of family, the weight of grief and the power of compassion for fans of THE BONE SPARROW, WOLF HOLLOW and THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH.'A brilliant gem that will make you see the world - and your place in it - in a new way.' EMILY GALE'This timely and beautiful story reveals the invisible lines of kindness and empathy that connect us all.' SALLY RIPPIN

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Paradise on Fire

From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age survival tale set during a devastating wild fire.Haunted by a tragic fire that killed her parents and best friend, Addy has grown up in the Bronx with her grandmother, who enrolls her in a summer wilderness program. There, she joins five other city kids of colour to spend a summer out West.Deep in the forest, the kids learn new skills: camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more. They overcome their suspicion of their white guides and mentors. Most importantly, they learn to depend upon each other for companionship and survival. Then comes the great Camp Fire of 2018 and Addy comes face-to-face with her destiny. Remembering her origins and grandmother's teachings, will Addy be able to use her street smarts, wilderness skills, and spiritual intuition to survive?From NYT bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes, another poignant and gripping story about how the complexities of race and racism in today's world.(P) 2021 Hachette Audio

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Floodland

A gripping, prizewinning novel about a girl surviving in a devastated world.

Imagine that a few years from now England is covered by water, and Norwich is an island. Zoe, left behind in the confusion when her parents escaped, survives there as best she can. Alone and desperate among marauding gangs, she manages to dig a derelict boat out of the mud and gets away to Eels Island. But Eels Island, whose raggle-taggle inhabitants are dominated by the strange boy Dooby, is full of danger too.

The belief that she will one day find her parents spurs Zoe on to a dramatic escape in a story of courage and determination that is handled with warmth and humanity.

This book was the winner of the Branford Boase Award 2001 and marked the start of author Marcus Sedgwick's multi-award-winning career.

(P) 2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited and Listening Library

Date Added: 05/12/2023

You Got This

'A book that every teenage girl needs to read ... and every grown woman will wish she had read' Fearne Cotton'Bold. Brilliant. Bryony! This is the ultimate guide to growing up happy' Dr Max PembertonI wanted to be a unicorn. I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be an astronaut. But the thing I really wanted to be, more than anything else, was a little less like me.It was only recently that I realised not wanting to be me was at the heart of every dumb decision I ever made. And so now I am writing this book containing all the life lessons I wish someone had taught me. A book for the teenage girl in me. And for every teenage girl out there. Because the most powerful thing you can be when you grow up is yourself.-------Frank and fearless, You Got This openly explores topics like self-respect, body image, masturbation and mental health, making it the perfect companion for young women.

Date Added: 05/25/2022

Horrid Henry's Krazy Ketchup

The 23rd Horrid Henry storybook containing four brand new stories - including Horrid Henry's Ketchup, Horrid Henry's Chicken, The Revenge of the Bogey Babysitter and Horrid Henry Tells It Like It Is.Discover the one thing Horrid Henry is scared of, watch out for the return of Rabid Rebecca, find out what happens when Henry makes a film about his family and lots more in the most hilarious and horrid storybook yet. Horrid Henry is illustrated by Tony Ross, who also illustrates David Walliams' children's books, as well as his own picture books.Read by Miranda Richardson. Miranda Richardson has appeared in films such as THE HOURS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE CRYING GAME, EMPIRE OF THE SUN and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. TV work includes A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME, JACKANORY, Queen Elizabeth in BLACKADDER and Queen Mary in THE LOST PRINCE. She has won two Spoken Word awards for her inspired readings of HORRID HENRY AND THE SECRET CLUB and HORRID HENRY'S STINKBOMB audiobooks for Orion.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

St Clare's: Claudine at St Clare's & Fifth Formers at St Clare's

Schooldays at St Clare's are never dull for twins Pat and Isabel O'Sullivan in Enid Blyton's much-loved boarding school series.Claudine at St Clare's Eileen's mother is the new Matron and Mam'zelle's niece, Claudine, joins St Clare's and causes havoc wherever she goes. The twins are enchanted by rebellious Claudine and her mad-cap plans, but will she last the term?Fifth Formers at St Clare'sThe girls are in the fifth form, about to reach the sixth, but they are not too old for tricks and escapades, jokes and excitement. Especially amusing is French girl Antoinette who, like her sister Claudine, doesn't always understand the ways of St. Clare's.Expect more mischief at St Clare's!Between 1941 and 1946, Enid Blyton wrote six novels set at St Clare's. This audio download is abridged and dramatised with a full cast and makes wonderful listening for all St Clare's fans. Each story is one hour. (P) Hodder Children's Books 2006

Date Added: 03/30/2022

Wilder

A desperate town. A child who emerges from the marshes. A hawk that helps her save them all.

The child—if child it was—came out of the wild-ness. It came out of the sparse bleak marsh where few dared go and none came back. And though the town grew accustomed to the creature they did not forget from whence it came. And they whispered that there was no knowing whether she was sent as a blessing or a bane.

When the child emerges from the wilderness, no one in the town knows what to do with her. She is odd—half-wild, without speech and seems to have an unnatural bond with animals—especially the falcon, who is always circling above her. The wise-woman of the town takes her in, and names her Rhodd, but the rest of the town remain suspicious.

Over the years, as Rhodd grows, the town realises that the river, which is their connection to the wider world, is beginning to die, and eventually a dark sickness begins to spread. Soon, too soon, the townspeople turn their suspicion on Rhodd and her falcon.

And so, Rhodd sets out to discover what - or who—is causing the river to dry up…to protect her mother, her falcon and herself…

A beautiful and enthralling adventure about love, belonging, the delicate balance of nature—and the wildness within us all, for fans of The Last Wild.

(P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023

When I See Blue

New town, new school, but the bully is in Ben's head…

There are 4 things you should know about Ben: 1. He's 12 years old. 2. He's the new kid at school. 3. His special number is 4. 4. He has a bully in his brain.

Sometimes Ben's brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.

An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and The Goldfish Boy.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023

Five On A Treasure Island

Meet Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy. Together they are THE FAMOUS FIVE.'There was something else out on the sea by the rocks - something dark that seemed to lurch out of the waves . . . What could it be?'Julian, Dick and Anne are spending the holidays with their tomboy cousin George and her dog, Timothy. One day, George takes them to explore nearby Kirrin Island, with its rocky little coast and old ruined castle on the top.Over on the island, they make a thrilling discovery, which leads them deep into the dungeons of Kirrin Castle on a dangerous adventure. Who - and what - will they find there?(P) Hodder Children's Books 2013

Date Added: 04/14/2022

Horrid Henry's Revenge

Wickedly subversive, hilariously funny and bang up to date, Horrid Henry's fame is spreading. In this collection, enhanced by Miranda Richardson's inspired reading and really horrid music and sound effects, Henry accompanies his father to the office, hacks into his parents' computer, meets the Demon Dinner Lady and plans the ultimate revenge on Perfect Peter.(P)2004 Orion Publishing Group.Ltd

Date Added: 03/30/2022

How to Train Your Dragon

The story continues in the ninth volume of Hiccup's How to Train Your Dragon memoirs read by David Tennant.Bad times have come to the Archipelago. Ever since the woods of Berserk burned down, it is almost as if the world is cursed. Dragons are starting to revolt against their Masters. The waters have risen, flooding fields and washing whole villages away. But worse still, the wicked witch Excellinor has returned. Can Hiccup find the King's Things and win the sword-fighting contest to stop Alvin the Treacherous from becoming King of the Wilderwest?How to Train Your Dragon is a DreamWorks film starring Gerrard Butler, America Ferrera and Jonah Hill, out on DVD adapted from the best selling How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell. Listen to the rest of Hiccup's exploits in How to Train Your Dragon, How to Be a Pirate, How to Speak Dragonese, How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse, How to Twist a Dragon's Tale, A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons, How to Ride a Dragon's Storm and How to Break a Dragon's Heart. Check out the website for games, downloads, activities and sneak peeks! Hear all about Hiccup and all of your favourite characters, learn to speak Dragonese and train your own Dragon to do tricks!(P) Hodder Children's Books 2013

Date Added: 03/30/2022

The Story of Greenriver

The animals of Greenriver are in danger. Can Sedge and Silken find their way along the river to each other in time to save their home? A compelling adventure story that listeners aged 8+ will treasure.

Last spring, the otters' home flooded. Now the water is high again. Young otter Sedge believes he can save his holt from another flood—but he has to be brave enough travel downstream for help.Downriver, the beaver lodge is also at risk. Silken—who is too small and weak to do the work needed to strengthen the beavers' dam—feels something calling her up the river.

As the two animals unknowingly swim towards each other, they are drawn to the spirit of Greenriver, who takes the form of a snow-white otter, Lady River. But will Lady River hear their plea for safety?

From million-copy selling Holly Webb comes a modern classic—a lyrical epic journey about two animals and their against-the-odds journey to find each other. Perfect for fans of Pax.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Date Added: 05/12/2023