The Shell Keepers

An enchanting and sunny seaside adventure, for ages 8+.

Corrine loves treasure hunting on the beach, just as she did with her grandfather before he passed away.

One day, her eye is drawn to a beautiful conch shell. To her shock, a pin-sized girl peers out. Kauri is a Democonch, a tribe of tiny people who criss-cross the world with the tides, protecting nature.

But now they’re under threat. What they need is a human child to help them, a shell keeper . . .

• A cosy middle-grade debut from Truly Johnston, winner of the Bath Children’s Novel Award 2022.
• A heart-warming tale about a family of miniature people cast adrift in the human world.
• Shades of The Borrowers in a coastal seaside setting.
• Themes of belonging, identity, environment and activism, wrapped up in a sunny adventure and treasure hunt.

The Scream of the Whistle

New middle-grade paranormal adventure from 2024 Branford Boase-longlisted author of The Witchstone Ghosts, Emily Randall-Jones.

Ruby is miserable. Her parents have split up, and now she’s stuck in a run-down old village. She decides to hurry home, following an old train track and the eerie scream of a whistle in the dark.

When an ancient steam train appears, Ruby can’t resist stepping aboard.

But it’s May Day Eve, when the veil between worlds is thin, and she soon realizes she’s on the ghost ride of her life . . .

• Packed full of spooky ghosts, child-friendly horror, time-travelling steam trains and ancient English mythology.
• The Witchstone Ghosts was the 2021 winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition and The Times Children’s Book of the Week. 

PRAISE FOR THE WITCHSTONE GHOSTS:

‘It’s exciting and original, warm and funny and gothic’ KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

‘A twisting, churning, tide-turning adventure!’ LUCY STRANGE

‘Pace and plot twists a-plenty … an ideal read for young, independent readers who may be bored of witches of the cackling, cauldron kind this Halloween and are ready for witches who can summon up storms instead.’ THE TIMES, CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Aliya and the Shop of Second Chances

A sparkling and magical story, for fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace and The Kingdom Over the Sea!

Aliya is looking forward to the Infinite City’s time-travelling flying carpet race.

But when her fellow locksmiths vanish on the course and the power source for time travel is left unguarded, she has to delve into her past to save her world from arch-villain Dorian Darke and his shapeshifting shop of darkness.

• The third and final instalment in this stunning middle-Eastern inspired series.
• Aliya to the Infinite City was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children’s Competition 2021.
• Set in a parallel Egypt, Aliya and the Shop of Second Chances is packed full of adventure, with a focus on teamwork and friendship.

 

PRAISE FOR ALIYA TO THE INFINITE CITY:
‘An epic adventure packed with richness and history and a brilliant new magical school’ ZOHRA NABI, AUTHOR OF THE KINGDOM OVER THE SEA

A Better Nightmare

A dark and spectacular contemporary fantasy, packed with adventure. 

Emily Emmerson has the Grimm. A disease nobody wants.

Removed to a facility, she becomes property of the state, a pale shadow of her former self. Here she meets a boy, Emir, who tells her she’s not sick – she’s just different. Only by dreaming, he says, can they break out of the world that’s keeping them imprisoned.

And perhaps make a better future . . .

• A story of friendship and a group of teens fighting for their right to exist.
• Full of heart-racing twists and turns.
• Beautiful Creatures meets Sarah J. Maas.

All the Lost Souls by Amie Jordan

A razor-sharp YA crime romantasy, perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, with a touch of Rivers of London. 

Sage and Oren are sent to investigate rising tensions between witches and werewolves in the Jura Mountains.

After dealing with murder, this case feels tame – punishment for their undeniable connection.

But neither expects to find evidence of worse: traces of old magic, tortured lost souls and a deadly fog that kills everything it touches.

• The perfect sequel to All the Hidden Monsters, set in both in Downside (the magical city existing beneath Manchester) and the French mountains. 
• Think addictive slow-burn romance, twisty crime and heart-warming friendships. 

 

PRAISE FOR ALL THE HIDDEN MONSTERS:

‘This is the most wonderful debut novel. Anyone who’s enjoyed series like Ghosts or Being Human will absolutely love this . . .’ BBC 4 FRONT ROW

‘I adored this book! It was the perfect blend of a twisty mystery, found family and inventive world building. Think Legends and Lattes with murder.’ AMY MCCAW, AUTHOR OF MINA AND THE UNDEAD

The Hive

A thrillingly original YA murder mystery, perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

Justice is merciless in The Hive, a monarchy of tomorrow, where young bodyguard Feldspar awaits execution, guilty of being alive when her charge is dead.

The girl has one defender – Niko, a royal maverick. Together they have three days to prove the impossible.

Three days to question everything Feldspar knows about the world that raised her and discover who the real murderer is . . .

• A dystopian story featuring a dangerous future monarchy and a richly imagined world based on the society of bees.
• With themes of ecology, science, politics and class hierarchy.

School of Doom

Eddie can eat a wheelie bin as easily as a cheeseburger – a talent that gets her sent to the School of Doom with its motto: Be the Worst.

Now Eddie may be beastly, but she’s not evil. When her new friends are plunged into danger, can she be the Best of the Worst and save them?

• The hilarious debut middle-grade adventure from Sarah Harrison, winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2022.
• Explores themes of friendship and belonging.
• A unique monster-filled twist to a classic school adventure.
• Perfect for fans of The Beast and the Bethany.

Rebel Heart

A rip-roaring historical adventure from bestselling author Ally Sherrick.

England, 1645.

Merriweather Pryce is the daughter of a nobleman fighting for King Charles I in a war that divides the country. When her home is besieged by Cromwell’s army, Merri sets out to get help.

But in a land full of enemy soldiers, turncoats, and spies, who can she really trust?

• Another beautifully written life-and-death quest, packed with history and adventure from bestselling author of Black Powder. 
• Set during the English Civil War before the pivotal Battle of Naseby.
• Explores themes of family, loyalty, friendship and courage.
• Think Rosemary Sutcliff, Geoffrey Trease and Leon Garfield made modern.

Island of Influencers

Funny, dramatic and sometimes dark, this thrilling YA novel is perfect for those who love a Black Mirror twist.

Harper wants to be an influencer. Badly. She’ll do anything to be like her famous Tubeify-star cousin, Bellee.

When Bellee is the latest victim in a string of influencer kidnappings, Harper discovers the kidnappings are fake – ‘victims’ are put on an island for a new reality show.

Island of Influencers pits the greatest internet talents against each other, and Harper is added at the last minute. With the constant pressure of a live audience judging their every move, it’s not long before cracks begin to appear in the influencers’ shiny veneers . . .

• The thrilling contemporary debut from Guppy Open Submission shortlistee T. M. Turner.
• A Hunger Games concept exploring the negatives and positives of internet culture and idol worship.
• Highly relatable for a YA market. Love them or loathe them, influencers are at the forefront of many young people’s internet experiences.

The Wilderness of Girls

While hiking, Rhi discovers four young women living wild and guarded by wolves.
The girls tell her that they are lost princesses raised by a man called Mother.

Shocked, Rhi takes them to hospital, all the while haunted by memories of her family trauma. Surely, the girls have been abducted, misled or abused? Yet she can see a bond between them that blurs fantasy and reality.

As media hysteria surrounding the young women grows, Rhi comes to a decision that will change all of their lives forever.

• An unflinching and ambitious novel by debut author Madeline Claire Franklin, an outstanding new talent.
• Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.
• A gripping exploration of trauma and the pressures placed on young women in a modern society.

PRAISE FOR THE WILDERNESS OF GIRLS:

‘A compelling, thoughtful, and original debut.’ KIRKUS

‘Tender and raw, this debut isn’t afraid to dig into the agonizing interior lives of teen girls, the ways our world tries to break them, and the bonds they create to survive it.’ BOOKLIST

 

Mission: Manta Ray

Jurrasic Park meets Wimpy Kid, packed with humour, supsense and adventure!

Finn, Milo, and new girl, Tasi – together with Arty, the microraptor – are sent to investigate deep-sea disturbances.

Soon they are plunged into danger when their research ship is torpedoed by a vast submersible shaped like a manta ray.

Once again, the junior agents are face to face with an enemy that has bottomless ambition . . .

• The second in the all-action adventure series from Philip Kavvadias – with added environmental themes.
• Features brilliantly charming illustrations from Euan Cook throughout.

 

PRAISE FOR MISSION: MICRORAPTOR:

‘Fast, funny and fabulous.’ MAZ EVANS

‘It’s funny and fast-paced with more twists and turns than a microraptor in flight.’ MO O’HARA

The Zombie Project

The action-packed and horrorful zombie adventure from debut author Alice Nuttall, with an original environmental twist . . .

In a world without bees, death-flies are needed to grow food. But death-flies need bodies – lots of them. And bodies mean zombies.
Merian understands this, but others are afraid. Can one girl prove that zombies are the future?

• The action-packed debut novel of MSLexia Children’s and YA 2023 winner, Alice Nuttall.
• An original idea that turns the usual zombie story on its head – save the zombies, don’t kill them!
• With environmental themes packaged alongside age-appropriate horror and scares.

 

PRAISE FOR THE ZOMBIE PROJECT:

‘It’s really sparky – an original idea and an original talent. I liked the environmental message too’ CRESSIDA COWELL

The Notwitches

 

Hotel for Cats: No Room for Trouble

A charming Parisian animal story for ages 7 and up!

Help! Magda’s nephew Georges is coming to stay at the Hotel for Cats – and Mulot is terrified. When Georges last came to visit, he teased the poor cat so much that Mulot has developed a terrible phobia. His loyal friends, Bobine, Couscousse and Carpette, with the help of new cat Ciboulot, work on a plan to help their friend. But can he face his fear before Georges arrives?

• The second charming tale following the sweet and loveable group of feline friends.
• From the bestselling series, translated from the original French by Anna Brooke and with delightful illustrations throughout.
• Delightful and funny – a classic little gem for readers aged 7 and up.
• Perfect for fans of Paddington and Mango and Bambang.

 

PRAISE FOR HOTEL FOR CATS:

‘Voyelle’s enchanting illustrations bring extra life and laughter to Pavlenko’s gorgeous Gallic gem as the captivating cast of cats wend their witty and wicked way into every young reader’s heart!’ LANCASHIRE EVENING POST

Inkheart 4: The Colour of Revenge (HB)

Return to the world of INKHEART . . .

After five happy years, Meggie, her father Mo and the fire-eater Dustfinger, along with a host of new friends, feel safe and settled.

But arch-villain Orpheus has found an unexpected way to wreak his revenge on the Inkworld! He has corrupted an artist to create bewitched portraits that will see the heroes fade to grey.

Dustfinger, his brave stepson Jehan, and a striking young witch Lila, the Light Reader, must come together to find a way to save them all!

This is the Colour of Revenge . . .

• A brilliant new stand-alone novel that returns to the beloved world of the Inkheart trilogy – a series with worldwide sales of over 6 million copies.
• The Colour of Revenge is already a Spiegel number one bestseller in both adult and children’s lists in Cornelia’s native Germany.
• With gorgeous new illustrations from Cornelia Funke herself.

PRAISE FOR THE INKHEART SERIES: 

‘I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that conveys so well the joys, terrors and pitfalls of reading’ DIANA WYNNE JONES

‘… a rollicking good tale that pulls you swiftly through its pages.’ THE TELEGRAPH

 

The Great Phoenix of London

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 . . .

• The fourth middle-grade historical adventure by hugely successful and critically acclaimed Lindsay Galvin.
• A unique spin on the infamous tragedy with Galvin’s original mix of mythology, history and science.
• The Great Fire of London is a favourite National Curriculum teaching topic.
• A touching animal friendship at the heart of the story.

Oh What a Knight!

Join the Gods Squad in the third and final hilarious new installment of the Oh Maya Gods series!

Vesper and Aster need Excalibur to save the world. At the top of Glastonbury Tor, they find an elevator down to the enchanted realm of Camelot, where Arthur has been waiting for this day.

The elderly King and his loyal knights snap to attention – at last they have a quest! But Excalibur will only serve its chosen master. What would anyone do with such power?

• The third and final instalment in the laugh-out-loud bestselling series.
• Over half a million copies of Maz’s books sold.
• Ties in neatly with KS2 curriculum as readers learn about mythology and Arthurian legend.
• Full of epic adventure and big laughs!

 

PRAISE FOR THE SERIES:

‘Proves again that Maz is one of the very finest storytellers we have.’ PHIL EARLE

‘Maz Evans reigns supreme as queen of godly comedy. Oh Maya Gods! is hilarious, whip-smart and full of heart.’ AISLING FOWLER

‘Hilarious with a bolt of genius – her best yet’ M. G. LEONARD

The Dark Within Us

The Dark Within Us brings an inventive, funny and quirky reimagining of a modern version of hell.

When homeless schoolgirl, Jenny, meets demon, Luc, they make a dangerous pact. Both have been scarred by the same childhood event – the day Jenny’s soul was stolen by Luc’s father.

Now Luc has promised to return it, but can a demon be trusted? Jenny must find the courage to follow Luc into Hell and save him from the darkness that waits.

• The stunning debut novel from the Times/Chicken House Children’s Competition 2022 Chairman’s Choice Prize winner, Jess Popplewell.
• Draws on the author’s own experience of homelessness, making this a powerful authentic story.
• Dante’s Inferno meets Euphoria in this fresh contemporary YA.

Auntie Medusa and Me

An action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny Greek mythology adventure from the author of My Family and Other Romans!

Hiya! I’m Silvia, an ordinary kid just like you.

At least, I was ordinary until I wound up in Ancient Rome as a demi-goddess. Yeah, that took me by surprise too.

But seriously, travelling back in time is nothing compared to what’s happening now: Medusa the gorgon wants her head back – and she’s chosen me to find it!

• Packed full of Roman and Ancient Greek mythology – as you’ve never seen it before!
• A laugh-out-loud funny family caper full of excitement and heart: perfect for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Who Let the Gods Out? 
• Readers will go on a time-travel adventure – with a LARPing twist
• Perfect for ages 8 and up; sure to be a hit with KS2 readers, as Romans are a staple on the curriculum

 

PRAISE FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHER ROMANS:

‘Perfect funny escapism with added Roman mythology … Charming and mischievous!’ LOUIE STOWELL, author of LOKI

‘Full of fun and adventure, this time-travel tale will show you the Romans as you’ve never imagined them before.’ THE WEEK JUNIOR

‘Pure chaotic hilarity’ S. J. WILLS

Aliya Aboard the Time Train

The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City. 

When sinister magic threatens Aliya’s world once more, she is sent away on a school trip for her own safety aboard the time-travelling Silver Express.

But what is supposed to be an educational journey through Egyptian history becomes a deadly race to save it from evil time-twister and master of disguise, Dorian Darke.

• A stunning adventure story for readers aged 9 and up 
• Book 1 was shortlisted for the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2021
• For fans of Nura and the Immortal Palace and The Kingdom Over the Sea

 

PRAISE FOR ALIYA TO THE INFINITE CITY:

‘An epic adventure packed with richness, history and a brilliant new magical school!’ ZOHRA NABI, Author of The Kingdom Over the Sea