Young Fiction
Jeremy Strong
The Battle for Christmas
@ It's Christmas! Laugh your socks off with the first in a brandnew series from the king of comedy!
When Ellie puts on her new pyjamas, strange things start to happen. She and her little brother, Max, are whisked off to the Christmas Shop where a battle is raging between a valiant troop of toys and the scaaaarry Christmas Tree Fairy and her army of angels. Can Ellie and Max save Christmas for the world — or will they be arrested for being mince spies? This is the first book in a new series about the Cosmic Pyjamas. They're magical and they're dangerous. You have been warned!
Praise for Jeremy Strong: 'Accept no substitutes' — Observer 'Strong's books are hugely popular with young children with their breezy, daft exuberance' — Sunday Times
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141324630 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 176pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BCKZ US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: DHA
Jeremy Strong is one of the most popular children's writers today. He has written well over seventy books and has sales of around four million. He won the Children's Book Award with The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog, his books about Sigurd the Viking have been made into a TV series, and his series about the children at Pirate School was featured on Richard and Judy. He lives in Wiltshire.
Young Fiction
Jeremy Strong
Jeremy Strong's Laugh-Your-Socks-Of f Joke Book
@ The firstever Jeremy Strong Joke Book featuring HundredMileAnHour hilarity, vagrant Vikings, famous bottoms, alien invasions, dippy dinosaurs, seasonal silliness and PHEW!
Is it time to pause for breath? No because there’s also Streaker the dog, indoor pirates, trolls and superheroes AND karate kicking and time-travelling AND mad grannies and so much more. Featuring a brand new short-story by Jeremy, the Laugh-Your-Socks-Off Joke Book is jam-packed with jokes, quizzes, puzzles and games, plus extracts from all your favourite stories. Warning! No Knock-knock’s were used in the making of this book.
Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141325132 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 128pp Illustrations: 100 Black-and-white illustrations Territory: 1W US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: DHA
With sales of almost three million copies, Jeremy Strong is immensely popular with children, particularly boys, who love his unique brand of silliness. He won the Children's Book Award in 1997 with The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog and his books about Sigurd the Viking have been made into a TV serial. He lives in Wiltshire.
Young Fiction
Jill Murphy
The Worst Witch to the Rescue
@ The sixth story in the muchloved classic Worst Witch series. It's Mildred Hubble's best adventure yet!
All I will say is — prepare to be astounded! Mildred Hubble has always been the worst witch at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she just knows this term will be different. She's done the best holiday project ever and she's sure that her form teacher, the fearsome Miss Hardbroom, will be impressed. Even her arch-enemy, Ethel Hallow, is being friendly to her! But is it all too good to be true — will disaster strike again for the Worst Witch? Mildred may be the worst witch at the academy but she's the best friend you could ever have. Millions of readers love her. And so will you . . .
'These gentle, lavishly illustrated books are perfect for witches and wizards of 5+' — The Times 'Millions of young readers have fallen under the spell of Jill Murphy's Worst Witch' — Sunday Express 'A lovely, sparky book' — Observer 'Hurray for Jill Murphy . . . little girls will love the antics of Mildred Hubble and her hopeless tabby cat' — Independent 'Mildred Hubble makes a welcome return' — Guardian
Age Range: 9-11 Years Pub Date: October 2008 ISBN: 9780141321523 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 192pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Pamela Todd Translation Rights: Pamela Todd Film Rights: Pamela Todd
Jill Murphy started putting books together (literally with a stapler) when she was six. The Worst Witch was first published in 1974 and this much-loved classic has been enjoyed by readers for more than 30 years. The Worst Witch series has sold over four million copies. Jill Murphy has also written and illustrated several award-winning picture books for younger children.
Young Fiction
Sue Bentley
Magic Puppy: School of Mischief
@ A world of magic, adventure and cute puppy antics from the bestselling author of the Magic Kitten series.
Freya and her family have moved to be nearer her grandma and Freya is really missing her friends. Even new neighbour Isaac and his naughty puppy, Teddy, can't cheer her up. But when Old English sheepdog puppy Storm arrives, Freya's world becomes filled with magical fun!
Magic Puppy: A Twirling Tale
@ Bark for joy at this grrreat magical new series! A sequel to the bestselling sensation Magic Kitten.
Kirsten loves being in the Limelight Majorettes with her best friend, Tracy. But when only Kirsten is chosen to be in the town parade, Tracy doesn't seem to want to be friends any more. Can the appearance of Storm, a honey-coloured Border Terrier puppy brighten up Kirsten's days?
Magic Puppy: Snowy Wishes
@ A fabulously festive Magic Puppy Christmas special.
It's Christmas but it won't be a happy time for Storm, the amazing magic puppy. He's all alone and needs a friend to help him hide from the evil lone wolf, Shadow. Who will be Storm's forever festive friend? Complete with extra-magical content.
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141323824 Price: £3.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 128pp Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Rupert Crew Ltd Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: Puffin UK
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141323817 Price: £3.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 128pp Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: Rupert Crew Ltd
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141323831 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 128pp Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: Rupert Crew Ltd
Sue Bentley is the author of a bestselling sensation, the Magic Kitten series, which has already sold over three quarters of a million copies. Magic Puppy is her exciting and magical sequel. She has met and owned many cats and dogs, and each one has brought a special kind of magic into her life. Sue lives in Northamptonshire.
Young Fiction
Magic Kitten & Magic Puppy Winter Wonderland Bumper Activity Book
@ A spellbinding mix of Magic Kitten and Magic Puppy in this supersparkly bumper activity book.
A magical full-colour bumper activity book, crammed with fabulous ideas to make, do, colour and draw. A purrfect stocking-filler for Magic Kitten and Magic Puppy fans everywhere.
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141325354 Price: £4.99 Format: 297 x 210 mm pb Extent: 128pp Territory: 1W US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK
Young Fiction
Sue Bentley
Magic Kitten Duos: A Summer Spell and Classroom Chaos
@ Two fantastic Magic Kitten books in one! A gorgeous sparkly bindup of A Summer Spell and Classroom Chaos.
Two sparkling Magic Kitten stories in one book! In A Summer Spell Lisa's boring summer is transformed when tiny marmalade kitten Flame comes into her life. In Classroom Chaos a lonely time at boarding school is brightened up for Abi when fluffy black-and-white kitten Flame magically appears. Discover the purrfect friend in Flame and join him on these fantastic two adventures!
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: July 2008 ISBN: 9780141324487 Price: £5.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 256pp Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: Rupert Crew Ltd
Sue Bentley made a magical debut with the charming young series Magic Kitten. She has met and owned many cats and kittens herself, and lives in Northamptonshire. The Magic Kitten series has sold three quarters of a million copies.
Young Fiction
Linda Chapman
Unicorn School: The Pet Show
@ Join Willow for a magical adventure at Unicorn School, from the bestselling author of My Secret Unicorn.
Life is set to become even more exciting at Unicorn School when the head teacher announces that there's going to be a pet show! Willow can hardly wait — but Storm has been behaving very strangely. Willow is sure it is something to do with the show. What can the trouble be? This is the fifth title in the Unicorn School series where young unicorns not only learn magic but how to be good and honest friends.
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141322513 Price: £3.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 144pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BEKZ US Rights: Working Partners Ltd Translation Rights: Working Partners Ltd Film Rights: Working Partners Ltd
Linda Chapman lives in Leicestershire with her young family and two Bernese mountain dogs. She is the author of the phenomenally successful My Secret Unicorn series, and the Not Quite a Mermaid and Stardust series. Over 1.5 million copies of her books have been sold. For more about Linda's books, visit lindachapman.co.uk
Young Fiction
Linda Chapman
My Secret Unicorn: Twilight Magic and Friends Forever
@ A bindup of two favourite adventures from the bestselling My Secret Unicorn series.
Two exciting adventures from the My Secret Unicorn series, together in one volume. In Twilight Magic, Snooty Jade Roberts is jealous when Lauren makes friends with the new foal at Orchard Stables, and she is determined to cause trouble. But when Jade gets into danger, only Lauren and her magical pony, Twilight, can help her. In Friends Forever, Lauren can't wait to go to pony camp with her best friend, Mel. It's going to be so much fun sharing a cabin, riding ponies an dhaving picnics. But when she gets there everything goes wrong.
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141325149 Price: £5.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 336pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BEKZ US Rights: Working Partners Ltd Translation Rights: Working Partners Film Rights: Working Partners Ltd
Linda Chapman lives in Leicestershire with her family and two Bernese mountain dogs. She is also the author of the Unicorn School series, Stardust series and two novels for Puffin — Bright Lights and Centre Stage. Over 1.5 million of Linda's titles have been sold. Find out more about Linda's books at lindachapman.co.uk
Young Fiction
Anne Fine
The Killer Cat's Birthday Bash
@ Tuffy the Killer Cat is back, and he's even funnier.
It was my birthday. How was I supposed to know it wouldn't be the only party around town on that dark and dreary Halloween night? So things ended up in a bit of a mess. (Well, more than a mess, really. A complete disaster.) But it was not my fault so don't blame me . . . Another laugh-out-loud Killer Cat adventure, by the award-winning and celebrated Anne Fine. Perfect for readers of 5+.
Praise for the Killer Cat books: 'Infectiously funny and highly readable' — Independent 'Hilarious' — Guardian 'A brilliant tale of catastrophe and pussy pandemonium' — Daily Telegraph
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141384467 Price: £8.99 Format: B format hb Extent: 96pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BCKZ US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: DHA Film Rights: DHA
Anne Fine has written numerous highly acclaimed books for children and adults. The Tulip Touch won the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award; Goggle-Eyes won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award and the Carnegie Medal; Flour Babies won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year; and Bill's New Frock won a Smarties Prize. Anne Fine was named Children's Laureate in 2001 and was awarded an OBE in 2003.
Young Fiction
Andrew Cope
Spy Dog: Superbrain
@ Winner of Richard and Judy's 'Developing' 7+ reader category, the bestselling spy dog is back for her fourth brilliant adventure!
She drives cars. She's a PlayStation champ. She's got a black belt in karate . . . Readers aged 7+ will love this fast-paced adventure with its witty illustrations! The first three books in the Spy Dog series have sold over 150,000 copies so far in the UK alone! A gang of villainous head teachers are plotting to make their school the very best. They're creating a secret formula, and the final ingredient is the brain of a child. They'll stop at nothing (even BANNING playtime) to get what they want. Can anyone stop their dastardly plot? Canine super spy Lara sniffs out her most dangerous mission yet — when adventure comes calling, what's a Spy Dog supposed to do?
'We love LARA' — Kraze Club
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141322445 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 160pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BCEKZ US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: PFD
Andrew Cope lives with his wife and two children in a small town near Derby. He really does have a dog called Lara, who has one sticky-up ear and came from the RSPCA. He suspects she could be a secret agent but she hides her identity well.
Young Fiction
Dan Lee
Tangshan Tigers: The Lightning Sting
@ Masters of martial arts. Fighters of Crime. Matt, Olivier, Catarina, Shawn – together they're the Tangshan Tigers!
London is the location for the next Tangshan Tigers tournament and they can't wait to arrive. But their excitement turns to intrigue when a mysterious black-clad figure sneaks into their welcome party — and steals a priceless diamond. Who is the elusive jewel thief and how will the Tigers hunt him down? A thrilling chase is on . . .
Tangshan Tigers: The Silver Shadow
@ Masters of martial arts. Fighters of Crime. Matt, Olivier, Catarina, Shawn – together they're the Tangshan Tigers!
The Tangshan Tigers are back in training and ready for a break from solving crimes. But when their head teacher, Mr Wu, starts acting suspiciously, the Tigers smell a rat and know it's up to them to solve the sinister case. Can they uncover the mystery of Mr Wu before the school's reputation is ruined . . . forever?
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: July 2008 ISBN: 9780141324883 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 176pp Territory: 1BEKZ US Rights: Working Partners Ltd Translation Rights: Working Partners Ltd Film Rights: Working Partners Ltd
Age Range: 9-11 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141324890 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 160pp Territory: 1BEKZ US Rights: Working Partners Ltd Translation Rights: Working Partners Ltd Film Rights: Working Partners Ltd
Dan Lee is the pseudonym for Working Partners, the team behind the bestselling Rainbow Magic and Beast Quest.
Young Fiction
Frank Rodgers
Pirate Penguins and the Nostrils of Neptune
@ Captain Paisley and the pirate penguins return for a third hilarious swashbuckling adventure!
Search for Neptune where the Ice Wind blows. My treasure lies hidden right under his nose . . . The pirate penguins are on the hunt for treasure! But disaster strikes when Paisley is blown overboard by the fierce Ice Wind. And Paisley isn't the only one in trouble. A group of friendly whales are in danger, and need the penguins' help. Can the pirate penguins find their captain, save the whales AND find the hidden treasure chest? Warm, funny fiction, with a subtle environmental theme and gorgeous colour illustrations by the author throughout. Perfect for developing readers aged 5+.
Age Range: 5-7 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141322889 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 64pp Illustrations: Full-colour illustrations throughout Territory: 1W US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: Caroline Sheldon
Frank Rodgers has written and illustrated a wide range of books for children. As well as the Pirate Penguins series, his work for Puffin includes the bestselling Witch's Dog series and the Robodog books. He was an art teacher before becoming an author and illustrator, and lives in Glasgow with his wife. He has two grown-up children.
Young Fiction
Linda Chapman
Not Quite a Mermaid: Mermaid Promise
@ The tenth title in the magical underwater adventure series from the author of the bestselling My Secret Unicorn books.
Electra has had a great idea. It's been a year since her best dolphin friend, Splash, came to live on Mermaid Island — so she's going to throw him a party! But when Splash meets some other wild dolphins, Electra is scared that he will want to swim away with them for ever. How can Electra make Splash stay?
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: July 2008 ISBN: 9780141322322 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 96pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1BEKZ US Rights: Lucas Alexander Whitley Translation Rights: Lucas Alexander Whitley Film Rights: Lucas Alexander Whitley
Linda Chapman lives in Leicestershire with her young family and two Bernese mountain dogs. She is also the author of the phenomenally successful My Secret Unicorn series, the Stardust series and two novels for Puffin — Bright Lights and Centre Stage. Over 1.5 million of Linda's titles have been sold. Find out more about Linda's books at lindachapman.co.uk
Young Fiction
Michael Broad
Jake Cake: The Pirate Curse
@ A gloriously funny mix of real life and magical mayhem in this popular series for younger readers.
The fifth book about Jake Cake and his EXTRAORDINARY adventures. Here are three more hilarious stories, written in Jake Cake's own notebooks and embellished with his very funny comments and illustrations. It's not Jake's fault that he gets cursed by the ghost of Old Crusty, the fierce pirate (get those decks swabbed!), meets an alien pretending to be his granny and rubs up against a really mean genie!
Jake Cake: The Football Beast
@ The sixth book about Jake Cake's wild and unbelievable adventures – written and illustrated by Jake himself!
Have you ever met a yeti playing football, a very tricky sea monster or a REAL phantom on the ghost train at the funfair? Jake has, and here's what happened when he met them! (Nobody believed him, of course.)
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141323695 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 144pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1W US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: PFD
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: August 2008 ISBN: 9780141323701 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 144pp Illustrations: Black-and-white line drawings throughout Territory: 1W US Rights: Puffin UK Translation Rights: Puffin UK Film Rights: PFD
Michael Broad used to work in animation, but is now a writer and illustrator. The first four Jake Cake books, also published by Puffin, are: The Werewolf Teacher, The Robot Dinner Lady, The School Dragon and The Visiting Vampire. He also has two picture books on the Puffin list – Broken Bird and The Little Star Who Wished. Michael lives in London.
Young Fiction
Roald Dahl, Illus. by Quentin Blake
Esio Trot
@ Brandnew rejacketed edition from the world's no. 1 storyteller to coincide with Roald Dahl Day on 13 September.
The wonderful warm-hearted story of Mr Hoppy, Mrs Silver and the tortoise who brings them together. This edition has a great new Quentin Blake cover as well as some new biographical facts about Roald Dahl.
Roald Dahl, illus. by Quentin Blake
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
@ Brandnew rejacketed edition from the world's no. 1 storyteller to coincide with Roald Dahl Day on 13 September.
The giraffe, the pelican and the agile monkey set out to prove that they are the best window-cleaning company around. This edition has some new facts about Roald Dahl, and a great new cover featuring Quentin Blake's illustrations.
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141322797 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 96pp Illustrations: B/W line drawings Territory: 1BCEKZ2A US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: DHA Film Rights: DHA
Age Range: 7-9 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141322780 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 112pp Illustrations: B/W line drawings Territory: 1BCKZ2A US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: DHA Film Rights: DHA
Roald Dahl is the world's no. 1 storyteller — despite his death in 1990. His books continue to be bestsellers, and total UK sales are 55 million worldwide! Quentin Blake is one of the best-loved children's illustrators. He was awarded the OBE in 1988 and became the first Children's Laureate in 1999.
Young Fiction
Roald Dahl, Illus. by Quentin Blake
The Magic Finger
@ Brandnew rejacketed edition from the world's no. 1 storyteller to coincide with Roald Dahl Day on 13 September.
The story of a little girl with magical powers. When someone makes her angry she zaps a punishment on them with her magic finger! This edition has a great new cover, illustrations by Quentin Blake, and some new facts about Roald Dahl and his world.
Roald Dalh, illus. by Quentin Blake
The Enormous Crocodile
@ Brandnew rejacketed edition from the world's no. 1 storyteller to coincide with Roald Dahl Day on 13 September.
The Enormous Crocodile is very greedy and loves eating children! But the other animals plan to ruin his wicked schemes and teach him a lesson. This edition has a great new Quentin Blake cover and a new author biography. The illustrations are in colour throughout.
Age Range: 5-8 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141322681 Price: £4.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 96pp Illustrations: B/W line drawings Territory: 1BKZ2AC US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: DHA Film Rights: DHA
Age Range: 5-8 Years Pub Date: September 2008 ISBN: 9780141323756 Price: £5.99 Format: B format pb Extent: 64pp Illustrations: Full colour Territory: 1BKZ2AC US Rights: DHA Translation Rights: DHA Film Rights: DHA
Roald Dahl is the world's no. 1 storyteller — despite his death in 1990. His books continue to be bestsellers, and total UK sales are 55 million worldwide! Quentin Blake is one of the best-loved children's illustrators. He was awarded the OBE in 1988 and became the first Children's Laureate in 1999.
Young Fiction