Hohoho! Christmas is coming and we have just the perfect books for your little ones' presents! From the beautiful illustrations of William Joyce to the charming tales about Santa, happy shopping!

But first, let's start with a couple of new additions to our selection of books for parents and teachers...

Read more here. 

It's the June holidays and here's our selection of summer reads to keep your child happy and well-occupied. Enjoy!

Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Books for Children Aged 2+

2. Maisy Goes To The Museum by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

There’s so much for Maisy and her friends to discover in the museum: collections of old toys, dinosaurs, cars, costumes … even a large mammoth – a favourite of Eddie’s. “Now for the food collection!” says Charlie, as he leads them to his favourite room … the café.

3. Quack and Count by Keith Baker (Paperback)

Slip, slide, leap, and dive with a family of seven lively ducklings as they get ready to fly for the very first time. Keith Baker's playful, rhyming text and bold collage illustrations capture the excitement of a day's adventures--and gently introduce counting.

Books for Children Aged 3+

1. Mister Magnolia by Quentin Blake (Paperback)

Mister Magnolia has only one boot - he has an old trumpet, two sisters, a pond, green parakeets, some fat owls, a scooter, a swimming pool; he's a juggler, a general, the owner of a dinosaur... But only one boot - until a wonderful parcel arrives with the most glamorous boot you ever saw. Quentin Blake has created a wonderfully lovable comic character which will crease every child with laughter.

Books for Children Aged 4+

1. This Book Belongs To Aye-Aye by Richard Byrne (Paperback)

Richard Byrne has taken an obscure lemur-type animal and placed him at the heart of a quirky children's picture book which carries a simple message about being different. This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye is a story within a story about an unconventional animal who would love to star in his own right but is consistently upstaged by a pair of cute and fluffy bunnies. With appealing illustrations and a sparky story, This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye is sure to become a bedtime favourite.

2. AlphaOops!: The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis (Paperback)

It's backwards! It's inside out! It's every letter for itself! This laugh-out-loud romp is not your average alphabet book!

Z is tired of always having to be last when the alphabet family lines up. He is demanding fair and equal treatment! The letters (more or less) agree to go backwards, but it's not long before P has some ideas of his own. And so does H, for that matter. In fact, it seems as if almost every letter has a different opinion about how the alphabet should be arranged. It's chaos! It's pandemonium! And it's definitely not as easy as A-B-C! Filled with visually humorous details, Bob Kolar's colorful illustrations are the perfect foil for Alethea Kontis's snappy story about the comic confusion that comes when the letters of the alphabet, like a class of unruly children, step out of order and show that each one has a mind of its own.

Books for Children Aged 6+

1. Where's Wally? In Hollywood by Martin Hanford (Paperback)

Join the hunt for Wally in Hollywood. Wally and his friends are in the land where dreams are made, and they're hidden in every scene. This is the fourth Wally adventure.

Books for Children Aged 7+

1. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Paperback)

Roald Dahl was a champion of the underdog and all things little—in this case, an orphaned boy oppressed by two nasty, self-centered aunts. How James escapes his miserable life with the horrible aunts and becomes a hero is a Dahlicious fantasy of the highest order. You will never forget resourceful little James and his new family of magically overgrown insects—a ladybug, a spider, a grasshopper, a glowworm, a silkworm, and the chronic complainer, a centipede with a hundred gorgeous shoes. Their adventures aboard a luscious peach as large as a house take them across the Atlantic Ocean, through waters infested with peach-eating sharks and skies inhabited by malevolent Cloudmen, to a ticker-tape parade in New York City. This happily ever after contemporary fairy tale is a twentieth-century classic that every child deserves to know. 

2. Sinbad The Sailor by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

Share in the adventures of Sinbad in this wonderful re-telling of his travels. The stories of Sinbad the Sailor are some of the best loved tales from "The Arabian Nights". Travel over the seas and follow Sinbad's adventures retold in Marcia Williams' vivid comic-strip style. These seven stories are presented in an entertaining and accessible way packed with hilarious creatures and spectacular feats! Also publishing this month are "God and His Creations" and "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table".

Books for Children Aged 8-9

1. Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy Who Ran Away From The Circus (and joined the library) by A.F.Harrold (Paperback)

'There are many boys in the world, all slightly different from one another, and most of them are referred to by names. These are often John or Jack or Desmond, but sometimes they are James or Philip or Simon. Once, and once only, there was a boy whose name was Fizzlebert.'

Fizzlebert Stump lives in a travelling circus. But although he gets to hang around with acrobats, play the fool with clowns, and put his head in a lion's mouth every night, he's the only kid there - and he's bored. But then Fizz decides to join a library, and life suddenly gets a lot more exciting, when a simple library card application leads to him being kidnapped by a pair of crazed pensioners! Will he ever see the circus again?

Books for Children Aged 10-12

1. Three Cheers For Inventors by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, this latest wonderful offering from Marcia Williams is full of her characteristic humour. Packed with cartoon-strip illustrations and short biographies, it looks at the discoveries of many famous - and not so famous - inventors from around the world, including Leonardo da Vinci, Antonio Meucci, Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird, Thomas Edison, James Watt and many of their predecessors. Three cheers for inventors!

We have refreshed our collection of books for children aged 2+ and 3+! There's a wonderful variety of picture books by authors like Caryl Hart and Julia Jarman. Enjoy!

Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Books for Children Aged 1+

From tiny ants to enormous elephants, there’s a kiss for everyone in this warm and cozy feel-good book. Find out if worms kiss underground, with the soil all around, or if fish kiss with a splash and a splish. With an irresistible text that begs to be read aloud and adorable illustrations, parents and grandparents will love sharing this collection of affection with the youngest of readers.

Books for Children Aged 2+

1. Stormy Weather by Debi Gliori (Paperback)

Story-time will be eagerly anticipated when you read this wonderful lullaby picture book, populated with a rich cast of animals, from rabbits and bears to owls and seals, as every parent and child prepares for a safe night's sleep. With boundless energy, the text takes a ride through a night-time of possibilities as stormy weather assails the characters. Each fearful moment is calmly laid aside with warm cuddles and sweet caresses of reassurance. Combining soothing text that gently addresses bedtime fears with adorable art that will be familiar to Debi's many fans, this picture book will become a firm family favourite along with hot milk and bedtime kisses.

3. Big Blue Train by Julia Jarman (Paperback)

Toot toot! Hold tight! Ben and Bella are off on another adventure! This time with the Big Blue Train! They set off for the seaside, with various animal friends jumping, leaping and squashing aboard along the way, but will everyone manage to squeeze on, and just why is everyone heading for the seaside? A brilliant second title from Julia and Adrian, the team that brought you the bright and bouncy award-winning Big Red Bath.

In a cave in the woods,

in his deep, dark lair,

through the long, cold winter

sleeps a great brown bear.

7. Gilbert The Hero by Jane Clark (Paperback)

It's great fun having a new baby brother, right? Well, not for Gilbert the Great White Shark. His new baby brother, Finn, is too small to join in with any games and is no fun at all. So when Gilbert's friend Mallett suggests a game of skating, Gilbert decides to leave Finn alone and join in. But what a mistake! Soon an enormous orca appears and it has Finn in its sight. Can Gilbert reach Finn in time to save him from the jaws of the orca. An exciting third book in the Gilbert series where Gilbert discovers that being a big brother can sometimes be fun after all.

8. William and the Night Train by Mij Kelly (Paperback)

William and the Night Train is just the ticket for bedtime reading when you're keen to settle a restless youngster! William is wide awake and far too excited to sleep, he's so looking forward to tomorrow, but Mum has a clever solution up her sleeve...With dreamy illustrations by Alison Jay and a spellbinding story by Mij Kelly, William and the Night Train is a first-class bedtime tale!

Books for Children Aged 3+

1. Big Red Bath by Julia Jarman (Paperback)

Ben and Bella are having such a lovely, splashy time in the big red bath that soon everyone wants to join in the fun! But will there be room for all the animals . . . even Hippopotamus? A riotous story - brought to life by young, bright, friendly illustrations from a bestselling, award-winning artist.

2. I Love You, Little Monkey by Alan Durant (Paperback)

What do you get when a little monkey grows bored? A giant mess of squashed figs, a bounced-on bed...and a very cross Big Monkey! But although Big Monkey doesn't always like Little Monkey's behaviour, one thing is clear: Big Monkey never stops loving Little Monkey. Katharine McEwen's warm, exuberant illustrations bring this delightful story to life, creating a perfect book for parents to share with their own naughty little monkeys.

3. How To Grow A Dinosaur by Caryl Hart (Paperback)

Albie is a normal little boy who has extraordinary adventures. When he helps his mum in the garden by planting some seeds, he can't quite believe his eyes the next morning. The garden has grown beyond all belief and these are not just any old plants - oh, no - Albie's seeds have grown into great big jurassic jungle! He rushes outside to discover what else has grown - a fantastic mix of real live DINOSAURS! A colourful, funny follow-up to Supermarket Zoo.

4. Supermarket Zoo by Caryl Hart (Paperback)

Every little boy knows that going shopping with Mum is the most boring thing in the world. But for little Albie, one trip to the supermarket opens a whole new world of fun! Because this isn't just any supermarket - it's the supermarket zoo - and with a whole trolley full of animals on his list, Albie will never see shopping the same way again.

5. When The Dragons Came by Lynne Moore (Paperback)

When a family-load of boisterous, bumbling dragons burst into peaceful Poppledown Town, there's sure to be trouble! Before long, the whole town is thrown into chaos. The local market is turned upside down, the library is louder than ever and the local playgroup has never experienced such disruptive pupils! Will Poppledown Town EVER be the same again?

6. Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp (Paperback)

Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He doesn't do dog stuff like peeing on lampposts, scratching his fleas or drinking out of toilets. If you throw him a stick, he'll just look at you like you're crazy. No, Biff is no ordinary dog. Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn't think he's a dog, Biff thinks he's a ballerina, which is all very well ...But dogs don't do ballet - do they? The hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams!

7.The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord (Paperback)

One hot summer in Itching Down, Four million wasps flew into town ... and so begins this laugh-out-loud picture-book classic. If you've never come across the bouncy rhyming verses and zany humour of The Giant Jam Sandwich, then now's your chance to catch up! When four million wasps invade Itching Down, the villagers come up with a crazy and imaginative solution to get rid of them. Can they make their ambitious plan work, or will they come to a sticky end? Don't miss this timeless treat!

8. The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr (Paperback)    

A voracious guest makes a surprise visit in this ferociously popular tale, first published more than forty years ago.

ONCE THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL CALLED SOPHIE,
AND SHE WAS HAVING TEA WITH HER MUMMY IN THE KITCHEN.
SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A RING AT THE DOOR.

When the doorbell rings unexpectedly one afternoon, Sophie and her mummy can’t imagine who might be there. Much to their surprise, a tiger with a very large appetite has come to tea! What will they tell Daddy when he returns home and finds all the cupboards bare? First published in 1968, this classic and whimsical picture book from beloved children’s author and illustrator Judith Kerr is a delightful (and delicious!) story about the best way to entertain an unexpected houseguest, even when that guest just so happens to be a tiger.

9. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers (Paperback)

Chaos ensues when a young boy gets his kite stuck up a tree in this laugh-out-loud new picture book from award-winning, internationally best-selling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers! Floyd gets his kite stuck up a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that got stuck, along with...a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orang-utan and a whale, amongst other things! Will Floyd ever get his kite back? A hilarious book with a wonderful surprise ending.

Books for Children Aged 4+

1. The Trouble With Dragons by Debi Gliori (Paperback)

The world is populated by some beastly dragons who care nothing for how much they pollute the oceans, chop down the trees, gobble up all the food and use everything up without stopping to think. Those dragons need to wake up to what they are doing to their world before it is too late ...An energy-filled picture book that addresses concerns about the environment in the most child-centric and delightful way possible.

2. Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman (Paperback)

It's a totally zany story with some of the silliest illustrations to appear in many seasons--which is to say that Aliens Love Underpants will be a surefire hit among toddlers and beginning readers. When little aliens fly down to Earth, they don't come to visit because they want to meet the Earthlings. They simply want to steal everybody's underpants! They like them large or small, they like them red or green--and they like them in all other sizes and colors, too. They think that Mom's pink, frilly panties are a perfect place to hide. And Grandpa's woolly long johns make a super-whizzy slide! The text is in verse, the illustrations are big and bright, and kids who open this book will giggle from first page to last.

3. What The Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

From the creator of The Gruffalo comes a witty and noisy picture book that is perfect for parents who love practising their farmyard impressions. What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson has a bouncy, rhyming text and tiny glittering ladybirds to spot on each page. The noisy animals give plenty of opportunities for parents and toddlers to moo, baa and cluck to their hearts' content.

4. The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Allan Ahlberg (Hardback) 

Best-selling author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg will capture your child's imagination with The Jolly Postman's familiar faces and intriguing back stories! There's a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma, and more! Fans of the Ahlberg's Each Peach Pear Plum will love this.

Books for Children Aged 5+

1. Noah's Ark and other Bible Stories by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

Eleven favourite tales from the Old Testament brought to life in Marcia Williams' vivid comic-strip style.

In the beginning there was only God … then he started creating! The last and most troublesome of all his creations were men and women. God was forever having to give them a helping hand, as these brilliant stories reveal. Read all about the adventures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and his ark, Joseph and his fabulous robe, David and Goliath, and many more.

Books for Children Aged 6+

1. Greek Myths by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

"Even reluctant readers (let alone closet classicists) will be drawn to pore over these entrancing pages. -School Library Journal

Greek myths are among the most exciting stories ever told. In this collection, Marcia Williams offers a fun but faithful retelling of eight myths using simple language and her signature comic-strip format. Panels and spreads brimming with color, decorative detail, and nonstop action make each tale a pleasure to look at, and speech bubbles add modern humor. This indispensable collection is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the power of myth.

We have been out of action for a while but we're back with some wonderful treats! And we've finally rounded up our collection with books for children aged 10-12! 

Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Books for Children Aged 1+

Books for Children Aged 2+

Books for Children Aged 3+

1. It's Ok To Be Different by Todd Parr (Paperback)

It's okay to need some help.
It's okay to be a different color.
It's okay to talk about your feelings.
It's okay to make a wish...

It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format featuring Todd Parr's trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence.

Books for Children Aged 4+

1. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (Paperback)

If food dropped like rain from the sky, wouldn't it be marvelous! Or would it? It could, after all, be messy. And you'd have no choice. What if you didn't like what fell? Or what if too much came? Have you ever thought of what it might be like to be squashed flat by a pancake?

2. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell (Hardback)

Molly Lou Melon may be tiny, clumsy, buck-toothed, and with a voice "like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor," but she doesn't mind. Her grandmother has utmost confidence in her, and tells her at every turn to believe in herself. "Sing out clear and strong and the world will cry tears of joy," Grandma says. But Molly Lou's self-assurance is put to the test when she moves to a new town, away from her friends and beloved grandmother. During her first week of school, Ronald Durkin taunts Molly Lou Melon in the dull-witted but sharp-edged manner of career bullies, calling her "shrimpo" and "bucky-toothed beaver." Our heroine barely flinches as she systematically sets out to prove herself, and Ronald Durkin ends up feeling pretty foolish.

3. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont (Hardback)

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.

At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart. 

Books for Children Aged 5+

1. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (Paperback)

Virginia Lee Burton won the Caldecott Medal in 1943 for her memorable picture book The Little House, a poignant story of a cute country cottage that becomes engulfed by the city that grows up around it. The house has an expressive face of windows and doors, and even the feelings of a person, so she’s sad when she’s surrounded by the dirty, noisy city’s hustle and bustle: “She missed the field of daisies / and the apple trees dancing in the moonlight.” Fortunately, there’s a happy ending, as the house is taken back to the country where she belongs. A classic!

2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Paperback)

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed....

Books for Children Aged 6+

1. Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (Paperback)

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.

And it got worse...

His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!

This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

2. The Amazing Bone by William Steig (Paperback) Winner of 1977 Caldecott Honor

Can Pearl, a pig, and her new friend, a small talking bone, outwit a band of robbers and a hungry fox?

The Amazing Bone is a 1976 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1977 Caldecott Honor Book, and a 1977 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books.

 

Books for Children Aged 7+

1. The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base (Paperback)

When Horace the elephant turns eleven, he celebrates in style by inviting his exotic friends to a splendid costume party. But a mystery is afoot, for in the midst of the games, music, and revelry, someone has eaten the birthday feast. The rhyming text and lavish, detailed illustrations each provide clues, and it's up to the reader to piece them together and decide whodunit! "The fun of poring over the pictures is matched by the enjoyment derived from the textwitty, ingenious verses.

Books for Children Aged 8-9

1. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Paperback)

Illustrated in black-and-white. This ingenious fantasy centers around Milo, a bored ten-year-old who comes home to find a large toy tollbooth sitting in his room. Joining forces with a watchdog named Tock, Milo drives through the tollbooth's gates and begins a memorable journey. He meets such characters as the foolish, yet lovable Humbug, the Mathemagician, and the not-so-wicked "Which," Faintly Macabre, who gives Milo the "impossible" mission of returning two princesses to the Kingdom of Wisdom.

2. The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren (Paperback)

A charming story about the everyday life of six children living on the three neighboring farms that everybody calls "noisy village" because of its "high spirits."

Books for Children Aged 10-12

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 1

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?

Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society.

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 2

The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are forced to go on an unexpected search--a search to find Mr. Benedict. It seems that while he was preparing the kids' adventure, he stepped right into a trap orchestrated by his evil twin Mr. Curtain. 

With only one week to find a captured Mr. Benedict, the gifted foursome faces their greatest challenge of all--a challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and will require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.

3. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 3

Reynie, Kate,Sticky and Constance are back - but so is Mr Curtain, with another devious scheme! Can the Mysterious Benedict Society thwart Mr Curtain's plans, even whilst held prisoner? Join them on their adventure as they face all sorts of dilemmas, in a bid to save Stonetown. The third book in the New York Times bestselling series.

4. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

5. The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson—a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any “normal” friends.

But things don’t stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: the magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia—only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name…the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends—Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson—must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family—one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon’s son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

6. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped. And now it’s up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess?  They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared—a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.

Chinese New Year is coming! We have brought in a special selection of Chinese New Year-related books so you can share with your children the stories behind this traditional holiday!

And February arrivals are here! Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Chinese New Year Books

3. Bringing In The New Year by Grace Lin (Paperback)

This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud.

4. Chelsea's Chinese New Year by Lisa Bullard (Paperback)

Chelsea's family is celebrating Chinese New Year! Chelsea gets to stay up late. She watches fireworks and a parade with a dragon! She and her family have a big feast. Find out the different ways people celebrate this special day! 

Learn the history behind the days people celebrate in the Holidays and Special Days series, part of the Cloverleaf Books™ collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

Books for 0+

1. Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text. Singing songs and rhymes is the perfect way to bond with your baby and share quality time. It also aids language development by introducing them to the natural sounds and patterns of speech. Combining these with actions also stimulates the brain and helps muscle development.

2. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text. Singing songs and rhymes is the perfect way to bond with your baby and share quality time. It also aids language development by introducing them to the natural sounds and patterns of speech. Combining these with actions also stimulates the brain and helps muscle development.

3. Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal (Board Book)

Look, look! Children run, fish swim, stars shine . . . all for baby's eyes to see. This sturdy board book, full of high-contrast black-and-white cut-paper art perfect for staring at, is just the thing for the eyes of the youngest babies. A few words in curving red type on each spread describe the scenes -- a car races, a cat stretches, flowers bloom-- and extend the book's age appeal so that it will be fascinating to older babies, too. Striking and stylish, Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. Peter Linenthal is an illustrator who has taught art in elementary schools for twenty years.

Books for 1+

1. Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller (Board Book)

The arrival of a new sibling can be a confusing and frustrating time for a toddler. This book offers help to prepare them for the downfalls and delights of having a younger brother or sister.

2. My New Baby by Rachel Fuller (Board Book)

There is so much to find out when a baby is born! What does it smell like, and when will it walk? When does it sleep, and what does it like to eat? A new addition to any family is exciting, but the experience can alsobe worrying and confusing for siblings. Coping with the new situations and emotions that arise can be very challenging. This series of four board books deals with the anticipation of waiting for the new baby, the excitement of the arrival itself, and the beginnings of the special relationship that develops between siblings. The simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.

3. Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.

4. Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book Of Moods by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

Are you HAPPY AS A HIPPO?

Or ANGRY AS A DUCK?

Maybe SAD AS A CHICKEN?

(Can you sadly say "CLUCK CLUCK"?) 

Bestselling author Sandra Boynton is back in this all-new board book about moods. Boynton's clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings. Young readers are sure to giggle as interactive text asks them if they are "grumpy as a moose or excited as a dog?" Maybe they're "worried as a rabbit or contented as a frog?"

This new Boynton board book covers the first concept of moods with her charming, trademark sense of humor.

Books for 2+

1. I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole (Hardback)

First published in 1997, this clearly written, reassuring picture-book text has been newly illustrated with paper-collage artwork that is a bit cluttered but cheerful. A girl with a new baby in the house contrasts what babies do with what she can do, then talks about how special she is to her parents. An appended note advises parents on encouraging good sibling relationships. 

2. Excuse Me! A Little Book of Manners by Karen Katz (Hardback)

"Please" and "thank you" are fun and easy to remember with Excuse Me!. Simple and repetitive, it's the perfect way to introduce those magic words that all little ones should know. From burping to breaking a sibling's toy, toddlers will love seeing these appealing babies in situations they know all about, and they'll have fun lifting the flaps to discover the right words to say-"Excuse me!" and "I'm sorry!"

Books for 4+

1. Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard (Paperback)

The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling.  Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.

So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!

2. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (Paperback)

The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. Full color throughout.

Books for 5+

1. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka (Paperback)

A spoof on the three little pigs story, this time told from the wolf's point of view. Lane Smith also illustrated Hallowe'en ABC which was one of The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year.

Books for 7+

1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Paperback)

Celebrating 40 years of a Judy Blume classic!

Millions of fans young and old have been entertained by the quick wit of Peter Hatcher, the hilarious antics of mischevious Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all Sheila Tubman in Judy Blume's five Fudge books. And now, Puffin Books honors forty years of the book that started it all, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, with a special edition--featuring a new introduction from Judy--to celebrate this perennial favorite.

Books for 8-9

1. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary (Paperback)

What's Ramona up to?

Big sister Beezus Quimby tries to be patient with her four-year-old little sister, Ramona, but it isn't easy, not when Ramona powders her nose with marshmallows and invites her nursery school class to a party without telling her family. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona, but the girls are sisters and that means they will always love each other—just not every single minute.

2. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary (Paperback)

Trouble in the Quimby house

When her father loses his job, Ramona decides to help out. Maybe she could earn a million dollars making a TV commercial, or get her father to stop smoking to save money (and his lungs)—she is full of ideas. Some work, some don't. But when her father says he wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows all is right in her world.

Books for 10-12

1. Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume (Paperback)

Eleven-year-old Cornelia is the daughter of two world-famous pianists—a legacy that should feel fabulous, but instead feels just plain lonely. She surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world. But when a glamorous neighbor named Virginia Somerset moves next door with her servant Patel and a mischievous French bulldog named Mister Kinyatta, Cornelia discovers that the world is a much more exciting place than she had originally thought.

An unforgettable story of friendship and adventure that takes readers around the world and back again, Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters is a dazzling first novel by Lesley M. M. Blume.

Here are our new arrivals sorted according to age groups! (To read the reviews and get more information about each book, just click on the title of the book below)

Books for 1+

1. Dr Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! by Dr Seuss! (Board Book)

BIG R, little r,
what begins with R?
Rosy's red rhinoceros.
R...r...R

From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Rosy's red rhinoceros to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, learning the alphabet is bound to be fun with Dr. Seuss. And with this small, sturdy board-book version of his classic ABC book (Dr. Seuss's ABC), even the tiniest tots can indulge in a little alphabetical education. Each letter is featured with Dr. Seuss's unmistakably nonsensical illustrations and text: "Lion with a lollipop," "Camel on the ceiling," "Uncle Ubb's umbrella and his underwear, too." The youngest readers-to-be will get lots of letter practice with the repetitive use of each letter and the easy-to-memorize rhythmic rhymes. Soon your favorite preschooler will be reading this book aloud to you! (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter

2. Elmer by David McKee (Paperback)

Elmer the colourful patchwork elephant has been a nursery favourite since this first book was published in 1989. A modern classic, this picture book is known to millions, and continues to be the strongest seller of the whole series, having sold over 2 million copies around the world. The subtle message is that it is OK to be different, and combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, this large format edition is a celebration of its continued popularity.

3. The Potty Book: For Boys by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Hardback)

Every little boy's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a very important moment--and one to make both parents and toddlers proud! In The Potty Book, Henry needs to have his diapers changed so he can go out and play. Then mom and dad bring home a big box, and Henry is anxious to open it up and see what's inside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which means that it's time for Henry to graduate from his diapers. This gentle and humorous little story is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little boys will enjoy looking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'll start getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Henry. So that at last, they'll be able to say--"I'm off the potty!"

4. The Potty Book: For Girls by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Hardback)

Every little girl's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a very important moment--and one to make both parents and toddlers proud! In The Potty Book, Hannah needs to have her diapers changed so she can go out and play. Then mom and dad bring home a big box, and Hannah is anxious to open it up and see what's inside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which means that it's time for Hannah to graduate from her diapers. This gentle and humorous little story is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little girls will enjoy looking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'll start getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Hannah. So that at last, they'll be able to say--"I'm off the potty!"

5. The Wheels on The Bus by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

Bouncy illustrations, innovative die cutting and popular rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child. Suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom.

6. A Book Of Sleep by Il Sung Na (Board Book)

When the sky grows dark
and the moon glows bright,
everyone goes to sleep . . .
except for the watchful owl!

With a spare, soothing text and beautifully rich and textured illustrations of a starry night, this is the perfect “book of sleep.” Join the owl on his moonlit journey as he watches all the other animals settle in for the night: some sleep standing up, while some sleep on the move! Some sleep peacefully alone, while others sleep all together, huddled close.

Il Sung Na makes his American debut with this gorgeous bedtime offering. While each animal rests in its own special way, little ones will also drift off to a cozy sleep.

Books for 2+

1. Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg (Paperback)

"Each Peach Pear Plum. I spy Tom Thumb!" In this engaging, interactive book for the very young, familiar nursery-rhyme characters such as Mother Hubbard and Baby Bunting sneak their way into the gentle drawings. Even young children who might not know all the fairy-tale stars can find them lurking in the cupboard, on the stairs, or deep in the woods. In the happy finale, the whole cast meets up for plum pie in the sun, where the little one on your lap will gleefully find everyone. An American Library Association Notable Book. (Baby to preschooler)

2. There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly by Pam Adams (Paperback + CD)

An old favorite as you've never seen it before!

 

Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who's ever seen what's going on inside the old lady's stomach? 

Books for 3+

1. Maisy Goes To Nursery by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

Maisy loves going to nursery. There's so much fun to be had, with all her friends and their teacher – singing at Music Time, a nap a Quiet Time, listening at Book Time and then Play Time in the Garden. What a day!

2. Maisy Goes To The Library by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

Maisy's plan to have a quiet read is put to the challenge by her giggling friends in this picture book ode to the pleasures of the local library.

Maisy likes going to the library. She loves to read a book in a nice, quiet place.

Today, Maisy wants to read a book about fish, but she can only find books about birds or tigers. So she explores some of the other things to do in the library, like using the computer, making copies, listening to music, or looking at fish in the aquarium. Aha! finally Maisy finds a sparkly book all abut fish. But just as she settles into a corner to read, along came Cyril, Tallulah, Eddie, and Ostrich - and they all have noisier activities on their minds!

3. Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

On his first trip to the dentist, Charley gets lots of moral support from Maisy and friends in a full-length story readers will be eager to sink their teeth into.

Maisy's friend Charley has a wobbly tooth! He's going to the dentist for the first time, and he’s a little nervous. Luckily, Maisy, Tallulah, Eddie, and Cyril are happy to accompany their toothy friend to the dentist’s office, where they make some fun discoveries: a twirly chair that goes up and down, a special cup to spit in, and a proper tooth-brushing demonstration. Charley gets an x-ray, a smiley button, and a book to take home, but what will happen with his wobbly tooth?

4. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (Paperback)

'Twas the night before kindergarten,
and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.

It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.

5. Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr (Paperback)

‘Bother that cat!’
Mog always seems to be in trouble. She forgets that she has a cat flap and she forgets that she has already eaten her supper. But, one night, Mog’s forgetfulness comes in very handy… 

6. The Tickle Tree by Parragon Books (Hardback)

A phantasmagorical flight of fantasy is at your fingertips in this vibrant book with clever, intricate illustrations and fun rhymes! Ideal for beginning readers and perfect for the whole family, this read-along book is an imaginative tale that will soon become a family favorite.

7. The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

Poor old Rhyming Rabbit is feeling lonely and left out. None of his fellow rabbits appreciate his carefully thought-out poems. And as for the other animals he meets? They just tell him to be quiet! Then one starry night he meets someone who shares his enthusiasm for poetry . . .

8. Richard Scarry's Please and Thank You Book by Richard Scarry (Paperback)

The animal residents of Busytown learn useful lessons about manners, thoughtfulness, and caring in this perky, funny paperback.

Books for 4+

1. Doctor de Soto by William Steig (Paperback)

“Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work.” With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.

Since he’s a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat “dangerous” animals—that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn’t give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.

 

Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.

2. Jack and the Flumflum Tree by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

Jack’s Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! And the only cure is the fruit of the fantastic flumflum tree which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It’s a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail, with a motley crew of only three -- and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items from chewing-gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey? Follow Jack across the ocean in this irresistible story from the creators of TYRANNOSAURUS DRIP and THE TROLL.

Books for 5+

1. Where's Wally? by Martin Handford (Paperback)

An activity book that features Wally, who along with his friends, are fiendishly hidden in every intricately-detailed scene. It features hours of fun and games.

2. Where's Wally? The Incredible Paper Chase by Martin Handford (Paperback)

The search for Wally and his friends continues through more astounding scenes in this new classic title in the Where's Wally? series. Featuring a fold-out Muddy Swampy Jungle Game, with press out counters and tongue-twister forfeit cards, and a press-out circus for Wally fans to put on their very own show. This is the most interactive Where's Wally? title ever.

3. Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey by Martin Handford (Paperback)

Wow! Face the most fiendish and fantastical Wally challenge yet! Join Wally on his quest through magical and bizarre fantasy lands. Hidden in every intricately-detailed scene are Wally and his friends - so let the hunt begin! Full of eye-boggling extras and hours of fun, this third classic Wally adventure comes with a striking new cover. Amazing!

4. This is the House That Jack Built by Simms Taback (Paperback)

What happened in the house that Jack built? It all started with the cheese that lay in the house that Jack built. And then came the rat that ate the cheese and the cat who killed the rat. Caldecott Medal winning author and illustrator Simms Taback brings his distinctive humor and creativity to the beloved story of Jack and the house that he built. 

Books for 6+

1. Amos & Boris by William Steig (Paperback)

Amos the mouse and Boris the whale: a devoted pair of friends with nothing at all in common, except good hearts and a willingness to help their fellow mammal. They meet after Amos sets out to sail the sea and finds himself in extreme need of rescue. And there will come a day, long after Boris has gone back to a life at sea and Amos has gone back to life on dry land, when the tiny mouse must find a way to rescue the great whale.

 

Amos & Boris is a 1971 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Notable Children's Book of the Year, and Outstanding Book of the Year.

2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (Paperback) Winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal

On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results.

How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere.

Selected as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association.

 

Books for 7+

1. Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl (Paperback)

Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!

Someone's been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief—it's Fantastic Mr. Fox! Working alone they could never catch him; but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don't know is that they're not dealing with just any fox—Mr. Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now.

2. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy (Paperback)

The Worst Witch is a classic children's story by Jill Murphy

Jill Murphy's classic, much-loved The Worst Witch series is the original story of life at a magical boarding school, perfect for 5-9 readers. Loveable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble is possibly the worst witch ever to go to Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches . . .

'Oh no . . . You've done it now Mildred!'

Mildred Hubble is a trainee at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she's making an awful mess of it. She keeps getting her spells wrong and crashing her broomstick. And when she turns Ethel, the teacher's pet into her worst enemy, chaos ensues...

'Millions of young readers have fallen under the spell of Jill Murphy's Worst Witch' - Sunday Express

 

Books for 8-9

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Paperback)

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

2. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol (Paperback)

Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville neighborhood’s ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids through his own detective agency. But his dad also happens to be the chief of the Idaville police department, and every night around the dinner table, Encyclopedia helps him solve his most baffling crimes. And with ten confounding mysteries in each book, not only does Encyclopedia have a chance to solve them, but the reader is given all the clues as well. Interactive and chock full of interesting bits of information—it’s classic Encyclopedia Brown!

3. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch by Donald J. Sobol (Paperback)

4. The Doll People by Ann M. Martin (Paperback)

Annabelle Doll is 8 years old--and has been for over 100 years. Nothing much has changed in the dollhouse during that time, except for the fact that 45 years ago, Annabelle's Auntie Sarah disappeared from the dollhouse without a trace. After all this time, restless Annabelle is becoming more and more curious about her aunt's fate. And when she discovers Auntie Sarah's old diary, she becomes positively driven. Her cautious family tries to discourage her, but Annabelle won't be stopped, even though she risks Permanent Doll State, in which she could turn into a regular, nonliving doll. And when the "Real Pink Plastic" Funcraft family moves in next door, the Doll family's world is turned upside down--in more ways than one!