Unmorrow Curse (publication date: May 2022)
Age Range: Middle grade
Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: UCLan Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1912979882
Two friends awaken a world of myth and magic in this epic middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan. It’s not every day that you find a famous weather woman bound by magic to a tree deep in the woods. Or discover that the weatherwoman is in fact Sunna, the Norse Goddess of the Sun, and one of the seven day guardians who keep time in order. But that’s just what happens to new friends Buzz and Mari–and it’s only the start of their adventure. Now, as humanity are forced into a lockdown called the Unmorrow Curse and are forced to repeat the same Saturday over and over again, Buzz and Mari must journey to collect the Runes of Valhalla and awaken the other day guardians, before vengeful god Loki can get to them first.
Jumbled (publication date: July 4th 2022)
Age Range: 7+
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (Collins Big Cat)
ISBN-10: 0008479100
ISBN-13: 978-0008479107
Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.
When Omari takes his great-grandmother’s journal of Caribbean folktales into school, he doesn’t expect to come face to face with one of the creatures from it! Can Omari and his class get rid of the Baccoo – and get their real teacher back?
Age Range: 7+
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Knights Of Media
ISBN-10: 1913311163
ISBN-13: 978-1913311162
Exploring themes of joy, home and family through a wide range of genres and styles, this anthology features stories and poems by 10 Black British authors. Each author has been paired with a different illustrator to spotlight Black British artistic talent. With stories by Dean Atta, Joseph Coelho, Kereen Getten, Patrice Lawrence, Theresa Lola, E.L. Norry, Jasmine Richards, Alexandra Sheppard, Yomi Sede and Clare Weze.
Age Range: 7+
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN-10: 0702311758
ISBN-13: 978-0702311758
Destiny is Calling…
When Jarell discovers that the fantasy world he is obsessed with doodling is actually real, he is launched into an incredible adventure. Ulfrika, the land of his ancestors, is in trouble and he is the hero they need. With the help of brave and wise-cracking Kimisi, Jarell must stop the evil Ikala. The future of Ulfrika depends on it…
Age Range: 7+
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN-10: 0702311782
ISBN-13: 978-0702311789
The second book in a major new series: FUTURE HERO – featuring high-octane adventure, perfect for fans of Black Panther!
When Jarell discovers that the fantasy world he is obsessed with doodling is actually real, he is launched into an incredible adventure. Ulfrika, the land of his ancestors, is in trouble and he is the hero they need. In this second book, he must return to Ulfrika to prevent the rise of the sorcerer Ikala. Kimisi takes him to the court of the river goddess and they strike a deal. If they help her by finding a cure for a terrible curse, she will give them the Iron Crocodile for the staff of Kundiata. The path ahead will not be easy. A dangerous foe lies in wait for them in this Underwater Kingdom…
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
ISBN-10: 152906385X
ISBN-13: 978-1529063851
Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door is the first title in an inclusive magical adventure series from debut author Lola Morayo: the pseudonym for Tọlá Okogwu and Jasmine Richards.
A mysterious gift arrives on Aziza’s birthday. It is a secret fairy door that will whisk her away to Shimmerton, a magical world with princesses, naughty fairies, shapeshifters, unicorn shopkeepers and mischief around every corner. But when the precious jewelled doorknob is taken, Aziza is trapped. Will she ever see her home and family again? Maybe her new friends, Peri and Tiko, can help…
Packed with mischief, friendship and magic, Aziza is perfect for fans of Isadora Moon. Look out for the second title in the series Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Ice Cat Mystery coming soon!
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
ISBN-10: 1529063957
ISBN-13: 978-1529063950
Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door and the Ice Cat Mystery is the second title in a fun and inclusive, young magical adventure series. This magical story is inspired by fairies and magical creatures from world mythology and is gorgeously illustrated in black and white throughout, by Cory Reid.
Aziza can’t wait for the Holidays when the flat is filled with pretty tinsel and delicious smells. It’s warm and cosy in Aziza’s bedroom, so when she notices that her Secret Fairy Door is covered in ice and frost, it’s a sure sign that she’s about to go on a new adventure.
Aziza crosses the threshold and finds Shimmerton covered in ice and snow, even though it is supposed to be high summer there. Everything is muddled up – even the Yule Lads have been spotted causing mischief! Ccoa the Ice Cat has gone missing and Aziza, her fairy friends and even the naughty Gigglers, must team up if they are to track him down and put everything right again.
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
ISBN-10: 1529063973
ISBN-13: 978-1529063974
Aziza notices that the Secret Fairy Door in her bedroom is covered in a cute ribbon, tied In a very messy bow. It’s a sure sign that she’s about to go on a new adventure.
Aziza opens the door and finds herself in the Palace just in time for Princess Peri’s birthday party. Tiko is organising the party and wants everything to be just right for his friend. There are party games, delicious food and lots of friends ready to celebrate. It’s very exciting! But Peri needs Aziza’s help when some special presents go missing…
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
ISBN-10: 152906399X
ISBN-13: 978-1529063998
Aziza is excitedly packing her suitcase ready to go on holiday when she finds sand and seashells from the fairy door all over her room! Before long, she is stepping through the door and out onto Shimmerton’s beach, where naughty fairies, the Gigglers, are causing havoc by accidentally awakening an ancient shell-walker who has been asleep for many years under the sand. Everyone scatters as the shell-walker grows bigger and bigger. What can be done? Aziza’s new mermaid friend might just know someone who could help.
Age Range: 7+ years
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins (Collins Big Cat)
ISBN-10: 0008446431
ISBN-13: 978-0008446437
Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds features exciting fiction and non-fiction decodable readers to enthuse and inspire children. The 7+ books are designed for those children who need more practice to acquire phonics skills. They have age-appropriate content, more mature images, and are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 3–5.
On a school trip to a museum, Lucas sees a Tudor painting of a boy who looks just like him. As he looks at it longer he is transported into the painting! He finds himself alongside a young African free diver who has come to the Tudor court to salvage treasures from the king’s best ship that recently sank. This thrilling historical adventure story is written by Jasmine Richards.
Age Range: 0 – 5 years
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN-10: 0192744291
ISBN-13: 978-0192744296
After a traumatic bauble-related incident when he was a baby, Mouse has decided that getting in the festive spirit is far too dangerous – from sharp pine needles on the Christmas tree, to paper cuts from wrapping paper, to sneeze-inducing clouds of icing sugar for decorating the gingerbread biscuits. How will the other animals in Jingle Bell Forest persuade him to loosen up? Find out in this warm and comical Christmas tale!
The festive spirit triumphs over petty rules and box-ticking in this funny and feel-good story. Children will love the sheer silliness of the humour while parents will laugh at its satirical dig at the health-and-safety obsessions of modern life. But ultimately there’s a warm and engaging message: like Scrooge or the Grinch, Mouse is an anti-hero saved by the power of Christmas!
“This is a really cute idea for a book: a mouse who had a bad experience on a past Christmas now worries about all the potential safety issues of the season and tries to stop his friends celebrating. I think it’s a great concept for any little kids who are anxious about safety, getting hurt, change or new occasions.” – Amazon Reviewer
Age Range: 6 – 11 years
Grade Level: 2 – 4
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408313154
ISBN-13: 9978-1408313152
Sanpao the Pirate King has sent Bloodboar the Buried Doom to tear Avantia’s capital city apart! Tom must destroy the Beast, find the Tree of Being and defeat Sanpao. If he fails he will never see his mother again. Has Tom finally met his match?
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. There are SIX thrilling adventures to collect in the Beast Quest: The Pirate King series: Balisk the Water Snake; Koron the Jaws of Death; Hecton the Body Snatcher; Tomo the Hurricane Dragon; Kronus the Clawed Menace; Bloodboar the Buried Doom. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
“My son of 11 has got every book from the Beast Quest series so far and can’t wait for the next book to be published!” – Amazon Reviewer
Age Range: 6 – 11 years
Grade Level: 2 – 4
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408307316
ISBN-13: 978-1408307311
Evil Wizard Malvel is steering the land of Tavania towards total destruction. Tom must stop him by defeating six rampaging Beasts and sending them back to their rightful homes. Krestor the Crushing Terror awaits him…
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. There are SIX thrilling adventures to collect in the Beast Quest: The Lost World series: Convol the Cold-Blooded Brute; Hellion the Fiery Foe; Krestor the Crushing Terror; Madara the Midnight Warrior; Ellik the Lightning Horror; Carnivora the Winged Scavenger. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
“My grandson adores these books and takes them to school so that the teacher can hear him reading in the classroom” – Maude, Amazon Reviewer
Age Range: 6 – 11 years
Grade Level: 2 – 4
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408340860
ISBN-13: 978-1408340868
Tom has a rival for his title of master of the Beasts! The only way to settle the dispute is to complete the legendary Trial of Heroes. First in this new challenge, Tom must come fact to face with the terrifying Krytor the Blood Bat…
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. Tom and Elenna have tackled many Beast Quests before, but now there is a challenger for his title of Master of the Beasts! Join them as they fight a new set of Beasts and battle to save the kingdom…
There are FOUR thrilling adventures to collect in the Beast Quest: The Trial of Heroes series: Krytor the Blood Bat; Soara the Stinging Spectre; Drogan the Jungle Menace; Karixa the Diamond Warrior. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
Age Range: 7 – 9 years
Grade Level: 2 – 4
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408343371
ISBN-13: 978-1408343371
The wicked pirate Ria has taken control of another terrifying Beast. Tom and Elenna must tackle Larnak the giant locust and stop Ria from getting to the magical Elixir Wells!
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. There are FOUR thrilling adventures to collect in this series – don’t miss out! Menox the Sabre-toothed Terror; Larnak the Swarming Menace; Jurog, Hammer of the Jungle and Nersepha the Cursed Siren. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
“If you have a reluctant reader then give these a try, although be prepared to invest in an extra bookshelf” – Southern Daily Echo
Age Range: 6 – 11 years
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 9781408307267
ISBN-13: 978-1408307267
The land of Kayonia is descending into chaos! Everywhere Tom looks he sees decay and destruction: all the work of Wizard Velmal. Tom must now face not only Murk the Swamp Man, but also a deadly assassin sent to kill him…
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. There are SIX thrilling adventures to collect in the Beast Quest: The World of Chaos series: Komodo the Lizard King; Muro the Rat Monster; Fang the Bat Fiend; Murk the Swamp Man; Terra Curse of the Forest; Vespick the Wasp Queen. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
“Another great Beast Quest book, much enjoyed by my 9-year-old son, who can’t get enough of this series of stories!” – Crafty Tots, Amazon Reviewer
Age Range: 6 – 11 years
Grade Level: 2+
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408340801
ISBN-13: 978-1408340806
Tom and Elenna have tracked Emperor Jeng and the Evil Witch Kensa as they search for the second weather-controlling crystal. But Thoron the Walking Storm is unlike any Beast they’ve faced before…”
Battle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. There are FOUR thrilling adventures to collect in the Beast Quest: The Broken Star series: Gryph the Feathered Fiend; Thoron the Living Storm; Okko the Sand Monster; Saurex the Silent Creeper. If you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade’s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!
“Wonderful book to encourage young readers.” – Susan Lang, Amazon Reviewer
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group (Orchard Series Books)
ISBN-10: 1408323648
ISBN-13: 978-1408323649
Enter a magical world full of friendship and fun! Ellie, Summer and Jasmine are the very best of friends. One day they find a magic box that whisks them away to a fantastical world! Can the friends help Trixi the pixie save King Merry’s 1000th birthday party from Queen Malice’s spiky thunderbolt?
Secret Kingdom is a series full of the things girls love most: special friendships, secrets and magical adventures. Newly confident readers will be swept away by the magical stories of three children whose courage and resourcefulness save a fantastical land from disaster.
Full of all the things little girls love best: special friendships, secrets and magical adventures, all set in an incredible kingdom! Eye-catching illustrations throughout. Become best friends with Ellie, Summer and Jasmine – plus Trixi the pixie! Help Ellie, Summer and Jasmine save the Secret Kingdom from wicked Queen Malice and her naughty storm sprites. A new, exciting adventure in each and every book.
“Friendship, magic and adventure combine to make this an ideal story for newly confident readers to enjoy.” – Parents in Touch
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (US edition)
ISBN-10: 0062010077
ISBN-13: 978-0062010070
Sorcerers, Cyclops, Djinnis . . . Magic.
Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone who is caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan—a terrifying tyrant who, even with his eyes closed, can see all.
When her own beloved sister is captured by the evil ruler, Zardi knows that she must risk everything to rescue her. Along with Rhidan, who is her best friend, and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the infamous Captain Sinbad, Zardi ventures forth into strange and wondrous territory with a seemingly impossible mission: to bring magic back to Arribitha and defeat the sultan once and for all.
– S. Grant
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (US edition)
ISBN-10: 0062010107
ISBN-13: 978-0062010100
Two friends awaken a world of myth and magic in this epic middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Anne Ursu.
It’s not every day that you find a famous weatherwoman bound by magic to a tree deep in the woods. Or discover that the weatherwoman is in fact Sunna, the Norse Goddess of the Sun, and one of the seven day guardians who keep time in order. But that’s just what happens to new friends Buzz and Mary—and it’s only the start of their adventure.
Now, as the people of Earth are forced to repeat the same Saturday over and over again, Buzz and Mary must journey to collect the Runes of Valhalla and awaken the other day guardians, before vengeful god Loki can get to them first.
“Readers will clamor for more, especially those who loved Rick Riordan’s Norse-themed The Sword of Summer.” –ALA Booklist
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (US edition)
ISBN-10: 0062010123
ISBN-13: 978-0062010124
Magic and myth collide in this fast-paced middle-grade fantasy, a sequel to the adventure Booklist said will make readers “clamor for more, especially those who loved Rick Riordan’s Norse-themed The Sword of Summer.”
Ever since Buzz and his friend Mary returned from their quest to save the Runes of Valhalla, Buzz has been wishing something more exciting would happen in his sleepy town of Crowmarsh.
Buzz’s wish is about to come true. Strange people are arriving in Crowmarsh, and it turns out that these visitors aren’t people at all—they’re mythological gods! They’ve come to kidnap Buzz’s best friend, Sam, whose newfound power makes him the key to granting the wishes of the gods.
When the gods kidnap Sam, Buzz and Mary must set off on a dangerous adventure to find a mysterious being known as the Keeper of the Myths. Only the Keeper is strong enough to help them save Sam, unlock their own powers, and banish the gods back to their realms—before it’s too late.
Age Range: Teen
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1405258179
ISBN-13: 978-1405258173
Mash up Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist with a teen horror story and what do you get? Oliver Twisted.
“FLESH,” the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black. “FLESH” came another moan, and he turned to see two more behind. They began to shuffle towards him, barefoot. The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever. On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more beast than man. But will Oliver Twisted be the world’s salvation, or its downfall?!
Like your books for teens to be edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a dollop of literary heritage? Oliver Twisted is the young adult horror mash-up for you.