Julia Donaldson (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) - Children's Picture Book Biography 1993-2024

Book One: A Squash and a Squeeze - Published by Methuen Children's Books - 1993 (Hardback No Dust Jacket?) 

The very first picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, before they went on to become international stars for their beloved picture books. 

A goat on the bed and a cow on the table tapping out a jig? My readers collapsed in heaps and then had to have it read again. And again.'' Vivian French in the Guardian'Wise old man, won't you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.''What can you do if your house is too small? The wise old man knows: bring in a flappy, scratchy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals. When you push them all out again, you'll be amazed at how big your house feels!

Book Two: The Gruffalo - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 23 March 1999 (Hardback (1500 First Editions/First Printing - No Dust Jacket ?)

A mouse walks through a wood and encounters three predators—first a fox, then an owl, and finally a snake. Each of these animals invites the mouse into their home for a meal, the implication being that they intend to eat the mouse. The mouse declines each offer, telling the predators that it plans to dine with a "gruffalo". The mouse then describes the gruffalo's frightening features, such as "terrible tusks, terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws".  The mouse tells each predator that the predator is the gruffalo's favourite food.

Book Three: Monkey Puzzle - Published by Alison Green Books - 24 March 2000 (Hardback) 

"I've lost my mum!"
Where is Monkey's mummy? It's not too much fun being lost in the jungle, and little monkey wants his mum. Kindly butterfly is keen to help, but they don't seem to be having much luck and keep finding the wrong animals! But eventually, they find . . . Dad! It's just as well that he knows exactly where mum is, and she's waiting with a well-deserved cuddle.

Book Four: Room on the Broom - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 27 August 2001 (Hardback)

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. They are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, and each animal asks for a ride on the broom. They climb on, one after the next, until the broom is so heavy that it snaps in two! What will happen next as they tumble into a bog and meet a greedy dragon?

Book Five: The Smartest Giant in Town - Published by Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 1 January 2002 (DJ Hardback)

George didn't like being the scruffiest giant in town, so when he sees a new shop selling giant-size clothes he decides it's time to update his image. With smart trousers, a smart shirt, stripy tie and shiny shoes, George is a new giant. But on his way home, he meets various animals who desperately need his help. . . and his clothes!

Book Six: The Snail and the Whale - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 5 September 2003 (DJ Hardback)

When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands.  It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before.  But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?

From the creators of Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo comes this touching tale of adventure and friendship.  With vibrant illustrations and rhymes that are both playful and lyrical, here is a story that shows us that even the smallest creatures can help others in a big way.

Book Seven: The Gruffalo's Child - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 3 September 2004 - (DJ Hardback) 

One night, the Gruffalo’s child wanders into the woods to search for the Big Bad Mouse. But instead, she comes upon a small mouse in the woods . . . and decides to eat him! But wait, what is that? A shadow of a very large, scary creature falls on the ground. Could it be the Big Bad Mouse after all?

Book Eight: Charlie Cooks Favourite Book - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 2005 (DJ Hardback) 

Charlie Cook is reading a book about a pirate captain, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading about a knight, who is reading about a frog . . . From kings and queens to aliens and ghosts, there's something for everyone in Charlie's amazing book!

Book Nine: Tiddler - Published by Alison Green Books -  2007 (DJ Hardback) 

The smallest fish can tell the tallest tales ... "Sorry I'm late, Miss. I set off really early but on the way to school I was captured by a squid. I wriggled and I struggled till a turtle came and rescued me." "Oh, no, he didn't." "OH, YES, HE DID." Tiddler is a little fish with a BIG imagination! What ever will he come up with next?

Book Ten: Stick Man - Published by Alison Green Books -  2008 (DJ Hardback) 

'Stick Man lives in the family tree 
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three.'

But it's dangerous being a Stick Man.

A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! 

Will he ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Perhaps Santa can help...

Book Eleven: Tabby McTat - Published by Alison Green Books -  2009 (DJ Hardback) 

"Me, you and the old guitar.

How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.

MEEE-EW and the old guitar.

How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!"

Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker. But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated. Will they ever find each other again?

Book Twelve: ZOG - Published by Alison Green Books -  20010 (DJ Hardback) 

Zog is the keenest dragon in school - and the clumsiest. Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by to patch up his bumps and bruises. But will she be able to help Zog with his toughest test yet: capturing a princess? And will Zog ever manage to win a gold star?

Book Thirteen: The Highway Rat - Published by Alison Green Books -  20011 (DJ Hardback) 

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel - he even steals his own horse's hay. Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

Book Fourteen: Superworm - Published by Alison Green Books -  20012 (DJ Hardback) 

Never fear, Superworm's here! He can fish Spider out of a well, and rescue Toad from a busy road. But who will come to Superworm's rescue, when he's captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard? Luckily, all of Superworm's insect friends have a cunning plan...

Book Fifteen: The Scarecrow's Wedding - Published by Alison Green Books -  20014 (Poster DJ Hardback) 

The Scarecrow's Wedding is a fabulous love story, with drama, humour, originality - and a happy ending! Two scarecrows, Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, are planning the perfect wedding. But wicked scarecrow, Reginald Rake, has other ideas and almost ruins their special day. Harry must become a hero before he and Betty can have the wedding of their dreams.

Book Sixteen: Zog and the Flying Doctors - Published by Alison Green Books -  20016 (DJ Hardback)  

Meet the Flying Doctors: Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and, of course, their trusty 'air ambulance', Zog the dragon, as they fly around the country, tending to a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn, and even a sneezy lion. Zog and the Flying Doctors is a fabulously original sequel to the bestselling ZOG.

Book Seventeen: Ugly Five - Published by Alison Green Books -  20017 (DJ Hardback)  

Who's that singing on the savannah? It's the top-five ugly animals in Africa! The wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena and marabou stork swagger proudly across the savannah, rejoicing in their ugliness - and delighting their babies, who think they're perfect just the way they are. Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's brand-new picture book is a jubilant celebration of animals who are often rather unloved. The funny, heart-warming rhyme is a joy to read aloud, while bold, comical illustrations bring the savannah spectacularly to life.

Book Eighteen: The Smeds and the Smoos - Published by Alison Green Books -  September 20019 (DJ Hardback)  

Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk! The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There's even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!
With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this book is literally out of this world!

Book Nineteen: The Baddies - Published by Published by Alison Green Books -  20022 (DJ Hardback)

The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land. They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can’t wait to scare her out of her wits. But the little girl quickly shows them that you don’t have to be big to be brave, and baddies don’t always win.

Book Twenty: Jonty Gentoo - Published by Alison Green Books -  12 September 20024 (DJ Hardback)

Join a plucky little penguin on the journey of a lifetime, in this fabulous new picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole. 

One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (with an accidental detour to the North Pole!)

Children will be cheering Jonty on as he finally finds his way, in this captivating story of bravery, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

 

The Best Children's Book Picks SEPTEMBER 2024 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Philip Reeve - Mortal Engines: Thunder City - Published by Scholastic (26 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0702335471 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An epic, thrilling, action-packed city-eat-city adventure starring brave fighter Tamzin Pook, who must travel from the spectator sport combat arena in Margate to the Thunder City, where a chilling, ruthless villain has seized power. She will face Revenants - animal/machine hybrids with ferocious appetites - dangerous mercenaries and must learn to trust a group of oddballs whose eccentricities mask their huge hearts and steadfast courage.

Lindsay Galvin - The Great Phoenix of London - Published by ‎Chicken House (12 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915026972 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An exciting new middle-grade historical adventure from the bestselling author of Darwin's Dragons.

London, 1666

When fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky.

As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix . . .

Helena Duggan - The Light Thieves and the Terrifying Dawn - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (12 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1474991124 - Paperback - Age: 8 

The third and final action-packed eco-techno-adventure in The Light Thieves series from Helena Duggan, bestselling author of A Place Called Perfect.

People know that the sun is being stolen by tech-billionaire Howard Hansom, who's been spinning everyone a massive lie.
The only person who can stop him from plunging the world into darkness is the mysterious White Rose. She must keep her identity a secret, so she's been sending out coded letters hoping good people will find them and work out what's going on. Young heroes, Grian, Shelli and Jeffrey have been deciphering her letters and are close to solving all the puzzles. But they need one more set of clues to help them in their quest. 
Can they find the White Rose before it's too late?

Anne Fine - ON THE WALL - Published by Old Barn (5 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1910646991 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?

Amid the chaos of breaktime, Finley Tandy sits peacefully on the wall. Mr Goodhew, watching from the staffroom, is in awe of the boy's gift for stillness, and his seemingly cast-iron happiness. But tranquility may be catching. Because gradually everyone in the school comes to appreciate what Finley's long silences can offer. Even Juliet finds answers to her crushing worries when she's close to Finley, up on the wall.

A warm and witty novel, with a lot to say about the value of silence and self-acceptance, this new young teen story from Anne Fine is the perfect 'transition read' for those approaching the new challenges and joys of the first year of secondary school.

The Best Children's Book Picks AUGUST 2024 US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Tracey Baptiste - Freedom Fire: Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos - Published by Freedom Fire (August 6, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1368074377 - Hardback - Age:8+ 

From the best-selling author of the Jumbies series comes an Afro-Caribbean-inspired story about three cousins who discover they are mokos--protector spirits--during carnival season in Brooklyn

Weirdness and wonders abound in this colorful celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture by the author of the beloved Jumbies series.

Twelve-year-old Misty and her mother have just moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn, New York, in time for the annual carnival celebrations over Labor Day weekend. Misty has plenty to deal with getting used to living with her cousins Aiden and Brooke in her new surroundings. On top of that, her mom is too busy trying to find a job and her aunts and uncles are too preoccupied with carnival preparations to pay any attention to her. 

Then really strange things begin to happen. A ball of feathers in the basement turns into a creature that squeaks and rolls around. When Misty and her cousins eat pieces of mango anchar, flames shoot out of their mouths. Most disturbing of all, Misty begins to see visions of the future--scary visions that soon come true.

Misty discovers that she and her cousins come from a long line of mokos, people who have special powers meant to help them protect their community. Misty can see impending danger, Aiden can heal, and Brooke has crazy physical strength. The trio is just learning about their skills when Misty senses something watching her. And then each of the carnival events is disrupted by a different disaster. Some kind of evil force is clearly trying to stop the festivities. But why? And will moko magic be enough to save the day?

Kate J. Armstrong - Fyrebirds - Published by Nancy Paulsen Books (August 27, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593463307 - Hardback - Age:12+ 

With tensions rising and their powers no longer a secret, the Nightbirds must decide for whom and for what they are willing to fight for and how far they will go in the spellbinding sequel to the international bestseller Nightbirds.

The Nightbirds were once their city’s best-kept secret, but now the secret’s out. What’s more, they can do feats of magic no one has seen in centuries. They’re like the Fyrebirds of old: the powerful women who once moved mountains, parted seas, and led armies. Some say that when four join together, they become a force that shakes the earth and sends magic rippling through it. It does seem as if something has awoken in Eudea, but the four girls responsible don’t want the world to know the full extent of what they can do—at least not yet.

As the new leader of Eudea works to lift the prohibition on magic, the churchmen who do not support it—and the gang lords who profit from it—whisper rebellion. The secret resistance who once sheltered the Nightbirds is rallying, too. Smelling blood in the water, an ambitious Farlands king threatens to take Eudea. As war looms, and the empire’s fate hangs from a knife’s edge, the Nightbirds have to decide if becoming more than that are—Fyrebirds—to protect Simta is worth losing themselves entirely and the lives and loves they might have had.

Joan Reardon - The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters - Published by Aladdin (August 20, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665929561 - Hardback - Age: 7+ 

Netflix’s Wednesday meets Jodi Lynn Anderson’s The Memory Thief in this creepy and high-stakes middle-grade adventure about a girl’s quest to save her cursed brother who takes her through perilous, monster-filled woods.

The Grimsbane women have been hunting witches and monsters for generations—ever since the Watcher, the most powerful witch in the Midwest, cursed the Grimsbane men to die untimely and unusual deaths. Part-time skater, full-time troublemaker Anna Grimsbane may be only twelve, but she’s been learning about hunting her whole life and is tired of waiting to do the real thing. She and her twin brother Billy are about to turn thirteen, the age the curse takes hold, and Anna wants to be on the front lines fighting to break it.

Only hours before he’ll become an accident-prone walking disaster, Billy runs away to find the Watcher himself. The Grimsbane women are all out on patrol, leaving it up to Anna and her friends Suvi and Rosario to find Billy before his recklessness hastens his demise. But the woods are crawling with cryptids, most of whom hate humans, and all of whom hate the Grimsbanes, and the deeper Anna gets into the forest, the clearer it is that reading about witch hunting is no replacement for practical experience.

Anna feels in over her head, especially as she starts to suspect she knows much less about her family history than she’d thought. As she races against the clock to find Billy before midnight, it becomes all too evident that he isn’t the only Grimsbane at risk for a grisly death tonight.

Brandon Hoang - The Crossbow of Destiny - Published by 

Scholastic Press (August 6, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338789843 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

Author Brandon Hoang takes readers on a high-stakes adventure through Vietnam in search of an ancient magical crossbow in this debut middle-grade fantasy that Michael Dante DiMartino, co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender calls "a must-read"!

When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she's not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes; she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese; and she can't help but feel like she just isn't Vietnamese enough. Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai -- or grandfather -- who is receiving a big award.

That's when Ong ngoai reveals his secret: He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow, one with the power to decimate armies -- and he's hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil. But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it's up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands.

In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, readers will travel through Vietnam -- from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang -- as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero.

Alex Atkinson - Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In a world where the living and the dead intertwine with unsettling ease, debut author Alex Atkinson takes us on a thrilling ride through the shadowy corridors of a funeral parlour and beyond. This is a tale where the urn serves as the catalyst for the heady chaos to come. Spooksmiths Investigate will be published by Usborne Publishing on 10 October 2024. 

Indigo and Rusty are two-spirited siblings who, despite their unusual home, have always dismissed the notion of the supernatural. However, when an innocent accident sends an ancient urn crashing to the floor, they inadvertently unleash the Cinderman — a nightmarish ash monster determined to blanket their town in a suffocating layer of dust and despair. What follows is a race against time that is as heart-pounding as it is humorous.

This story has a fantastic blend of humour and horror, breathing life into a cast of spine-chilling characters. The Blasted Banshee, with her wailing wisdom, and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler, who somehow manages to be both adorable and eerie. Each ghost is a testament to Alex's creative flair, providing both comedic moments and unexpected depth as they confront their own struggles.

The writing is sharp and vibrant as it dances jigs between playful banter and moments of genuine tension. As the clock ticks down to sunset, the stakes escalate, leaving readers breathless with anticipation. The quest for the Cinderman’s true name is not just a matter of survival; it’s a journey of self-discovery for Indigo and Rusty, who must embrace their newfound Spooksmith skills and rally the living and the dead alike in a battle against apocalyptic ash.

This tale is a heartfelt reminder that courage comes in many forms—even if it means teaming up with a ghostly toddler to save the day. So, prepare for a hauntingly good time that will leave you laughing, gasping, and perhaps a little more open to the idea of ghosts lurking in the shadows. Grab your flashlight, settle in, and dive into this enchanting tale of adventure and friendship—before the Cinderman claims your town!

The Best Children's Book Picks July 2024 US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Christopher Lincoln - The Night Librarian - Published by Dial Books (July 30, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593617663 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Night at the Museum meets The Land of Stories in this thrilling new graphic novel adventure series in which two siblings, a mysterious Night Librarian, and a motley cast of book characters try to save the New York Public Library

Twins Page and Turner know about the magic a library holds—they’ve been going to their beloved New York City public library for years, especially since their parents are always traveling for work.

But a secret mission involving their dad’s rare and valuable edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula uncovers a world they’ve never known, featuring a mysterious Night Librarian, famous heroes (and villains) that have broken free from classic books, and an epic battle to save the library from total destruction.

William David Thomas - Hum - Published by Charlesbridge Moves (July 16, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732213722 - Hardback - Age: 9+

A chance encounter with an old llama astonishingly reveals a language Allen didn’t know he could speak in this captivating and one-of-a-kind middle-grade novel.

Eleven-year-old Allen has a recurring nightmare, a persistent habit of humming, and difficulty connecting with other people. Making a fresh start, he and his grandmother move to a small village in northern New York. But when he meets an old llama at a winter festival, the encounter reveals a language he didn’t know he could speak and unveils repressed memories that contradict what he has long believed about his earliest years and his parents’ deaths.

When the llama’s life is threatened, Allen vows to free it. Together they begin a desperate trek through a snowy wilderness, a journey on which Allen must wrestle with lies about his past while struggling against the elements to survive.

Sarah Tolcser - Majestica - Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (July 2, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-059369654 - Hardback - Age: 7+

Jurassic Park meets Skandar and the Unicorn Thief in this page-turning middle-grade fantasy adventure set at a nature preserve for magical beasts, where two girls find themselves on a wilderness expedition gone disastrously wrong.

Hattie Swift is a maid-in-training at Majestica, a resort and nature preserve where visitors come face-to-face with rare magical flora and fauna. She’s thrilled to be invited along on the park’s famous wilderness train excursion for the first time, but there’s a catch: She has to accompany Evelyn Ridgewell, the hotel owner’s haughty niece, who wants nothing to do with her.

Soon after embarking, Evelyn overhears a man who aims to hunt the park’s creatures for sport, and Hattie meets Jacob Threadborne, an apprentice magician sent by a foreign government on a top-secret mission. Then the magical fences keeping guests safe stop working, and the train breaks down in the most treacherous part of the jungle. Faced with poachers, man-eating trees, and a dragon on the loose, Hattie, Evelyn, and Jacob must stick together to figure out what’s gone wrong at Majestica . . . that is, if they want to make it out alive.

Features a richly illustrated map of the expansive nature preserve, as well as a bestiary with all the magical—and dangerous—creatures at Majestica.

R. L. Stine - Shark Night - Published by Blackstone Publishing (July 2, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8874712341 - Hardback - Age: 8+

From bestselling and award-winning author R. L. Stine, Shark Night is a terrifying seafaring adventure that will leave readers gasping for more.

After an accident with the original diver, Carlo finds himself alone in a giant water tank holding a camera. A twenty-foot-long hammerhead shark is about to be lowered into the tank with him ...

Carlo is helping his mom film a documentary for the Danger Channel. A twelve-year-old battling a shark! It'll be a sensation! But don't worry, the hammerhead is the gentlest of sharks, and this one is old and nearly toothless, so he should be fine.

But Carlo is still paralyzed with fear, and as the shark is lowered into the tank he realizes something isn't right ...

They sent down the WRONG shark!

Liz Hyder (Author), Tom de Freston (Illustrator) - The Twelve - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Strap in readers for a mind-bending journey through time with Liz Hyder's thrilling new book. "The Twelve" will be published in hardback by Pushkin Children's Books this coming October (2024). It has been illustrated throughout by Tom de Freston, and I expect it to be a marvel just like the book cover which gives an excellent insight into the story. 

"Someone is sneaking around in my bedroom". Dark shapes start to grip the reader's fantasy imagination from the very first page of this compelling story. As the Winter Solstice casts an ethereal glow over the land, siblings Kit and Libby venture towards a mysterious white tower to unlock a prophecy that transcends the boundaries of time. But when Libby vanishes into the depths of history, Kit is left to navigate a world where her sister has been erased from existence itself.

 Kit teams up with the enigmatic character, Story, to unravel the secrets behind Libby's disappearance. Together, they travel a landscape steeped in ancient folklore. They encounter dangers and a past that challenges the harmful damage to the planet that has been caused by the human race. Their very understanding of reality changes beyond belief. As they confront personal and political responsibilities as well as the true power of love and family, their friendship emerges as a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the edge of chaos and earthly magic. 

"The Twelve" is a mesmerising and thought-provoking narrative that will captivate readers. Prepare to be spellbound by this brilliant story of loss, resilience, and the enduring quest for truth in a universe where anything is possible. This is one of the best books showing ways to enlighten the plight of nature and friendship that will shape many readers to come. This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of the year. Make sure you seek this dazzling exploration into fantasy, buy this book, and give it a read. You will not be disappointed! 

The Best Children's/Kids Book Picks JULY 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Emma Carroll - The Houdini Inheritance - Published by Faber & Faber  (4 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571341412 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Magic shows and mysteries abound in this showstopping new standalone from a bestselling author who has sold close to a million copies of these middle-grade adventures! 

The English seaside, 1920s

A world-famous escape artist . . .
A suitcase full of secrets . . .
And a death-defying stunt . . .

When Harry Houdini comes to visit the seaside town of Sidford-on-Sea, Glory and her friend Dennis are first in-line to see him. He is there to perform a daring trick: he will jump off the town pier in chains, pitching himself into the water below. But when Glory outsmarts the infamous Houdini, she is suddenly sucked into his world, and finds herself tasked with looking after his precious trunk - the one that contains all his secrets. 

With Houdini in danger, Glory and Dennis are thrown deep into an adventure that takes them all the way to Coney Island in America, and the dark underbelly of its amusement parks . . .

Alastair Chisholm (Author), George Caltsoudas (Illustrator) - Reek - Published by Barrington Stoke (18 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800902589 - Paperback - Age: 8

Climate catastrophe leaves the people of Earth fighting for oxygen in this gripping dystopian thriller from bestselling sci-fi author Alastair Chisholm.

Sparrow lives in the world after the Reek. The atmosphere is toxically polluted, and Axel Brodie, the tech billionaire behind Zephyr Industries, is cashing in as the only supplier of clean air. Sparrow is struggling to help her family survive until her brilliant inventor friend, Miriam Fenn, comes up with a new form of technology that could break Zephyr’s stranglehold on the air supply. But men like Brodie are hard to defeat, and he will do everything in his power to stop Miriam and Sparrow. Who will triumph in this battle to breathe?

Eve Wersocki Morris - Forest of Forbidden Magic - Published by Hodder Children's Books (4 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444973686 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Dare to stray off the path into a spooky supernatural adventure of dark twists and creepy turns? The magic of Grimmhart Forest awaits...

Never go into the forest at night 
Only trust a map written by your own hand
And, above all, do not show the trees your fear . . . 

A mysterious letter containing ominous hints and strange silver charms of a howling wolf and a malevolent fairy leads Tig and Elsa deep into Grimmhart Forest, a dark enchanted world of sinister secrets and creatures unknown. A place where the magical powers of ancient animals are unleashed. The place into which their grandfather has vanished...

Tig and Elsa must stray far from the forest path if they are to outwit those who wish them harm. But trouble lurks in the shadows and danger does not always come from outside. Can Tig resist the lure of his Ice Wolf charm or will his newfound courage spell out his destruction?

Jennifer Killick - Dread Detention (Creatures & Teachers) - Published by Yearling Books (30 July 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593652282 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The Breakfast Club meets Stranger Things in this middle-grade horror novel for fans of Goosebumps! Detention turns even scarier when a group of classmates discover dangers lurking in their school.

When classmates Hallie, Angelo, Gustav and Naira are forced to come to school on a Saturday, they think things can't get much worse. But they're wrong. Things are about to get seriously scary. 

What has dragged their teacher underground? Why do the creepy caretakers keep humming the tune to Itsy Bitsy Spider? And what horrors lurk in the shadows, getting stronger and meaner every minute . . .? Cut off from help and in danger each time they touch the ground, the gang's only hope is to work together. But it's no coincidence that they're all there on detention. Someone has been watching and plotting and is out for revenge . . .

Fiona Longmuir - Freya's Gold - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

This is a captivating tale of mystery and adventure. Set in the picturesque and quaint seaside town of Edge, the story follows young Freya and her best friend, Lin. Together, they uncover the secrets hidden within the cliffs and caves of their beloved town. With the wind and rain crashing down on your senses and the biting salty sea captivating your imagination, you really are in for an ice cream treat of a story. 

The author weaves together really well a tale of mystery, buried treasure, smugglers' tunnels, and a race against time to save Edge from an unknown threat. The graphic descriptions of the coastal landscape and the eerie atmosphere of the tunnels create a sense of suspense as Freya has to fight her fears to save her beloved home and town from the devious stranger, Ms Oleander.

With relatable characters, unexpected twists, and a lovely bright and breezy narrative, 'Freya's Gold' is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling adventure. The amazing storytelling really shines in this contemporary tale of courage, friendship, and the power of facing your fears. 

Published by Nosy Crow Books in June 2024, 'Freya's Gold' is a shining example of quality children's literature that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book. Don't miss out on this brilliant adventure that is sure to capture the hearts of readers everywhere."

The Best Children's/Kids Book Picks JUNE 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome everybody to our June 2024 edition of children's book picks! As we enter the summertime, we are delighted to present a curated selection of enchanting and captivating stories that will spark the imagination of young readers. Join us on a literary adventure as we explore magical lands, brave heroes, and heartwarming tales that are sure to inspire and delight children and adults of all ages. Let's dive into our handpicked selection of must-read children's books for June! What are you looking forward to reading this month? 

A. D. Downton - The Cavern Under the Lake - Published by A.D. Downton (11 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068661600 - Paperback - Age: 9+

 

The best explorers speak of a power in nature. Not everyone can see it, not everyone can feel it, but it’s there, and it’s dying...

Seeing is believing. That was the world as Levi understood it. But when a young boy goes missing around a mysterious frozen lake, the lone cartographer gets drawn to the edge of a hidden world. A world of stubborn townsfolk, ruthless industry and a stream that never freezes.

Meanwhile, the missing boy, Sigmund, attends a journey of his own. At the hands of a frozen Viking come to life, Sigmund is shown the power of his ancestral inheritance. But that power is fading, and the terrible mark of frostbite is closing in.

The age of exploration is still very much alive in the 1800s, but Levi and Sigmund must both put their convictions aside if their Arctic world stands any hope of surviving…

A.D. Downton’s clean-fiction debut novel is aimed to bridge the gap between Adventure and Christian fiction, whilst keeping its key theme of caring for the natural world at its core. Its omniscient nature, mixed with its cinematic scene-setting and dialogue, creates a historical fantasy universe that children, teens and adults can all feel a part of.

An inspiring and uplifting low-stakes fantasy novel suitable for those who enjoyed such adventures as The Last Bear or The Chronicles of Narnia.

Patrick Gallagher - Transcendent - Published by Orion Children's Books (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510112421 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

JOIN THE TEAM. SAVE THE WORLD. Twin geniuses Jacob and Kira are recruited to take part in a high-tech mission to protect the planet ... but will their dreams of adventure come true, or is the threat too great to handle?

Jacob and Kira live in the heart of Mbale, Uganda with their conservationist mother and navigate life as unsuspecting geniuses; Kira with hopes to explore outside the hot terrains of Uganda, and conspiracy theorist Jacob, whose fear often holds him back from the answers he so desperately wants to uncover.

But when they discover that someone has been watching their every move in the hopes of enlisting them in a top-secret agency called Transcendent, their lives are turned upside down.

Soon the twins are hurtled from the luscious landscapes of Mbale, to the sleek streets of London, where - alongside other selected protegees - they must undertake three rigorous trials, each more difficult than the last, to be accepted into Transcendent. If they are successful, they will be launched into space to complete a high-stakes mission to fight the greatest threat the world has ever seen.

Only, the twins soon realise they have more to contend with than they bargained for ... is there a more sinister reason they have been chosen?

Two kids, one top-secret agency and an epic mission to save the world. 

Clare Povey - The Wednesdays: Journey TO Fantome Island - Published by Usborne Publishing (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803708089 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Are you brave enough to join the Wanderdays in their first thrilling adventure? They're off on an edge-of-your-seat underwater quest to find out what's really happening on the secret Fantome Island. 

Meet Flo and Joseph Wanderday.

Their mum is one of the world's greatest explorers, but she's gone missing on her latest expedition. When a mysterious stranger appears, they discover the sinister reason for Mum's trip.

This was no ordinary expedition and Mum was trying to uncover crimes committed by Sir Frederick Titan, a much-loved TV presenter who claims to be a protector of the natural world.

Flo, Joseph and their friends Funmi and Isaac find a map and follow clues taking them to a secret island to save Mum and expose Titan's fishy plans...

An exciting watery adventure packed with brilliant baddies, bravery, friendship and real passion for protecting the natural world.

Lucy Strange (Author), Julia Moscardo (Illustrator) - The River Spirit - Published by Barrington Stoke (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800903258 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Trapped within the oppresive warrens of the city’s chimneys, young sweeper Tom longs for fresh air and freedom in this atmospheric and ghostly tale from Lucy Strange.

Young chimney sweep Tom has started seeing strange, supernatural things – fairies in the flowers by the river, a soot monster crouching in the darkness of a chimney, and then the mysterious river spirit Elle. Elle joins Tom and the other children apprenticed to cruel master sweep Mister Crow. Together, they shimmy up the town's narrow, filthy chimneys. But Tom has an ominous feeling in his bones, and when he faces his most dangerous job of all, the reason for Elle's magical appearance becomes clear . . .