From the author of The Last Chance Hotel comes a brand new magical mystery ... 'Blending magical adventure with Golden Age crime mystery, this delightfully atmospheric spin-off from the author of The Last Chance Hotel confirms Thornton's place as one of the most original children's writers around.' WATERSTONES on book 1 Is Oakmoss Hornbeam the unluckiest boy in the world? Or has someone cursed him? When a black cat crosses his path, mysteriously blown in by a storm, Oakmoss believes it's his worst omen yet. But Nightshade, a cat of considerable talents, knows when it's game on or game over. With the help of newshound Veena Vale and magical crime investigator Dexter Stormforce, she sets out to become a lucky charm for one very unlucky boy ... A magical murder mystery story perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Harry Potter By the author of The Last Chance Hotel, chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award Follows on from The Howling Hag Mystery, a series starring fan-favourite Nightshade the cat as the star of her very own mystery! Praise for THE LAST CHANCE HOTEL: 'A jolly, atmospheric mystery.' THE TIMES 'All kinds of fun' THE OBSERVER '[A] mash-up of murder mystery and fantasy ... full of great characters, plot twists and intriguing detail.' METRO 'Featuring magical antics, a talking cat and a locked-room murder mystery, Seth's story reads like an old-school whodunnit with added wizards and spells' BOOKTRUST

This is the perfect book to calm little sleepy dragons everywhere, just in time to go to bed.

Soaring high in the skies to find adventure, little dragon siblings Flicker and Flash are doing their best to avoid going to bed.

But then they spot a lost egg that they need to get back to its mother - will they get back in time?

There Was a Young Zombie Who Swallowed a Worm is a spooky Halloween extravaganza - packed with toads, witches, bats, trolls and a VERY hungry little zombie - watch out! From award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen and rising star Kaye Baillie. Everyone's heard about the old lady who swallowed a fly, but now it's time to meet a little zombie, who's swallowed . . . a worm. We don't know why he swallowed the worm - it made him squirm. Perfect for Halloween, this gruesome tale is guaranteed to have children cackling with laughter.

Join the unicorns and their fairy friends as they splash through waterfalls, explore crystal caves and play in the enchanted forest. Add sparkly stickers to bring the fantastical scenes to life.

What should you do if you meet a unicorn or a phoenix? Where would you look if you want to see a griffin or a hippogriff? How do you defend yourself if a minotaur or harpy attacks you? These mythical beasts may not be real, but what if they were? This handy field guide gives you everything you need to understand these fantastic creatures of the imagination.

This cult classic delves into mysteries such as whether the Loch Ness monster exists, and tells stories of dragons and monsters from around the world. It also looks at some of the most frightening creations of myth and legend. First published in 1977, this is the third book from Usborne's beloved World of the Unknown series to be brought back by popular demand. With a brand-new foreword by comedian, actor and writer Robin Ince, the book remains otherwise unchanged from the original.

Build 11 of the biggest, fiercest, most powerful dragons from the land of Ravenhold in this exciting activity book. Fantasy lovers will have hours of fun adding stickers of claws, teeth and armour to dragons including Stalagar the ice dragon and Magaloki the three-headed dragon, and comparing each dragon's powers.

Military men and others employed in government agencies have known the truth about UFOs for decades. Dan Salter, now in his '80s, reveals the story behind government attempts to suppress, as much as they can, all knowledge of contact with extraterrestrials. He says that the extraterrestrials have been waiting for the government to come forward with information about contact, and if that doesn't happen, they will take a more public role in the disclosure. He lays out the case for a web of conspiracy and tangled interactions ranging across continents, through time and space and into the innermost workings of world politics, religion and economics.

A New York Times bestseller! Coco meets Stranger Things with a hint of Ghostbusters in this action-packed supernatural fantasy adventure! For Lucely Luna, ghosts are more than just the family business. Shortly before Halloween, Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine. Together, they must join forces with Syd's witch grandmother, Babette, and her tubby tabby, Chunk, to fight the haunting head-on and reverse the curse to save the town and Lucely's firefly spirits before it's too late. With the family dynamics of Coco and action-packed adventure of Ghostbusters, Claribel A. Ortega delivers both a thrillingly spooky and delightfully sweet debut novel.

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The first book in the new bestselling fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Amari and the Night Brothers. 'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week 'Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.' - Louie Stowell, author of Loki and Otherland 'A dazzling feat of imagination. I loved every breathless moment of it!' - Cat Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island and co-author of Twin Crowns 'The best book I've ever read.' - Patrick, age 10 Thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. To be one of the lucky few selected to hatch a unicorn. To bond with it for life; to train together and race for glory; to be a hero. But just as Skandar's dream is about to come true, things start to take a more dangerous turn than he could ever have imagined. A dark and twisted enemy has stolen the Island's most powerful unicorn - and as the threat grows ever closer, Skandar discovers a secret that could blow apart his world forever . . . Get ready for unlikely HEROES, elemental MAGIC, sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and FEROCIOUS UNICORNS, in this EPIC ADVENTURE series that will have your heart soaring. Praise for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief: 'My book of the year. Not since Harry Potter have I felt this excited about a series. Readers are sure to be clamouring for the next book. You'll never look at unicorns the same way again, nor will you want to!' - Dominique Valente, author of the Starfell series 'Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!' - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey 'A magnificent book. I raced through it - at turns enthralled, delighted, amazed. It's everything I could have wanted and more. No doubt this book is going to fly.' - Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear 'Skandar and the Unicorn Thief brims with wild adventure, fierce sky battles, elemental magic, ferocious unicorns and a terrifying enemy. Steadman's cinematic writing draws you in from the very first page, creating a hugely compelling, unforgettable read. Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.' - Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn 'A. F. Steadman has created a stunning new world that feels both familiar and fresh, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.' -Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun

Mo Willems meets Bob Shea in this uproariously funny picture book about Gilbert the Goblin from the creator of Unicorns Are the Worst!. Gilbert the Goblin is absolutely, definitely, one-hundred-percent certain that dragons are the worst. They burn down everything in sight and they hoard all the gold. They melt every ice cream cone within a mile radius, and everyone is afraid of them. But really, it's the dragons who should be afraid of Gilbert and his tremendous goblin power! ...right?

Nelly isn't scared of monsters. In fact, she babysits for them. From the bestselling author of the OI FROG! and DAISY books comes the third book in this hilarious, action-packed series for fans of THE BOLDS and BARRY LOSER.

'If monsters are real, how come I've never seen one?'
'Because they never go out.'
'Why don't monsters ever go out?'
'Because they can never get a babysitter.'

Ever swum with a Water Greep, or played hotscotch with a Hott Hed? Every time Nelly rings on a new monster family's doorbell she's up for a new challenge. Come on her monster-sitting adventures in this laugh-out-loud funny third book in the NELLY THE MONSTER SITTER series.

Kes Gray is one of the Independent's top ten children's authors, and winner of the Red House Children's Book Award.

This is a brand-new story in the Nelly the Monster Sitter series, never before published, and illustrated by the hugely talented Chris Jevons.

See the Grishaverse come to life on screen with Shadow and Bone, now a Netflix original series. From bestselling author of SIX OF CROWS, Leigh Bardugo, comes a lavishly illustrated collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice and love. Inspired by myth, fairy tale and folklore, THE LANGUAGE OF THORNS will transport you to both lands familiar and strange that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse. Love speaks in flowers. Truth requires thorns. Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price. Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, no. 1 New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love. Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans of the Grishverse. This collection of six stories includes three brand-new tales, all of them beautifully illustrated with art by Sara Kiplin that changes with each turn of the page, culminating in six stunning full-spread illustrations as rich in detail as the stories themselves.

Be careful what pet you wish for in the newest picture book from fan-favorite author Ame Dyckman and rising-star illustrator Liz Climo. When a little boy throws a coin in a well asking for a pet unicorn, he has no idea what kind of trouble he's in for. Unbeknownst to him, unicorns make the absolutely worst pets: they shed, they poke holes in your ceiling, and they make a big mess. With a knowing wink from Ame Dykeman, creator of Wolfie the Bunny and cheerful illustrations from Rory the Dinosaur creator and Tumblr star Liz Climo, this rollicking story shares all of the ways a pet unicorn can ruin your life, and is sure to have readers in stitches.

A spooky, cosy romance to curl up in front of the fire with - perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Gilmore Girls. 'Perfect for Heartstopper fans, this cute and spooky ghost story is deliciously romantic and it has the best characters. I loved it!' AMY MCCAW, AUTHOR OF MINA AND THE UNDEAD 'A thoroughly enjoyable queer teen romance filled with mystery, Halloween fun, and tender moments.' THE SUN Sal hates standing out. But he lives in a haunted house - and everybody knows it. His oldest friend, Dirk, tries to help ... but he wants to stay popular, and Sal isn't helping. Elsie was popular - until recently. Now she's on the outcast's table too ... and she doesn't want to talk about it. Then there's the new boy, Pax, who won't leave Sal alone. His idea of a good time is hanging out in graveyards. And, for some reason, Sal just can't stay away. Meet The Other Ones. Can they banish their ghosts together? A cosy, contemporary romance and ghost story with spooky Gilmore Girls vibes Winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice Prize, 2020 An LGBTQ+ romance between two very different boys, who readers will quickly root for and grow to love For fans of Heartstopper - with a spooky twist

A thrilling paranormal mystery about biracial twin sisters separated at birth, following the brutal murder of their parents, perfect for fans of The Vanishing Half When Charlie and Magnolia's parents are brutally murdered, their black grandmother brings the twins home to raise as her own. However, Charlie is obviously black, while Magnolia is light-skinned and can "pass" as white. As a result, Magnolia is stolen away by her white grandmother, and raised as the heir to the Gatewood cotton plantation, knowing nothing of her twin sister or racial heritage. Elsewhere, their black grandmother flees Jim Crow, raising Magnolia in a tiny apartment in Harlem. But when Nana falls ill, her final wish is to be buried back home in Georgia-and, unbeknownst to Charlie, to see her long-lost granddaughter, Magnolia Gatewood, one last time. Set in 1959, in a deeply haunted, rural Georgia town, both girls are visited by the angry spirits of their parents and other specters of the town's tragic past. When the sisters finally reunite as teenagers, they are worlds apart. But they will need each other to put the ghosts of the past to rest-and to discover where they truly belong.

Howl with laughter and squeal with delight at this monstrously funny picture book and audio CD from number one bestselling author David Walliams, illustrated by the awesome Adam Stower! Performed by David Walliams - perfect for sharing at Halloween! Howler is a SMALL werewolf with a BIG problem. He is just not SCARY! And that makes him the odd one out at Monster School... But when Howler finds some new friends, he discovers that being the ODD one out might just make him the COOLEST one of all... With giggles on every page, this hilarious new picture book is perfect for ALL little monsters.

From Julie Murphy, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin', comes a hilarious and creepy middle grade summer camp story that takes a bite out of fat camp and diet culture. Perfect for fans of Spooky Stories and Starfish. Magnolia "Maggie" Hagen is determined to be in the spotlight . . . if she can just get over her stage fright. This summer, though, she has big plans to finally attend Camp Rising Star, the famous performing arts camp she's been dying to go to for three whole summers. But on the last day of school, her parents break the news: Maggie isn't going to Camp Rising Star. She's being shipped off to fat camp-and not just any fat camp. She's going to Camp Sylvania, run by world-famous wellness influencer Sylvia Sylvania, who is known for her soon-to-be-patented Scarlet Diet. When Maggie arrives at camp, things are . . . weird. There are the humiliating weigh-ins and grueling workouts, as expected. But the campers are also encouraged to donate blood-at their age! The cafeteria serves only red foods and the oddly specific rules change every day. There are even rumors of a camp ghost. Despite these horrors, Maggie makes friends and starts to actually enjoy herself. There are even tryouts for a camp production of The Music Man! This place might not be so bad . . . until campers start going missing and other suspicious things begin happening-especially after dark. The camp ghost might be the least scary thing about this place. . . .

The Junior Monster Scouts celebrate The Village's 150th birthday in the hilarious second chapter book of the Junior Monster Scouts series! It's The Village's 150th birthday celebration! And that means bright lights, popcorn machines, a marching band, and a musical merry-go-round. But not if Baron Von Grump can help it! If he shuts off The Village's electricity, there won't be any noise or merriment. Meanwhile, in Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, Igor Jr. was specifically told not to touch anything, especially "that lever." But Igor Jr. didn't listen, and now the lab is a clunking, clanking, crackling mess of gears, electricity, and lightning. Can Vamprya, Franky, and Wolfy--the Junior Monster Scouts--fix Igor's mess and save The Village party? Or has the Baron ruined the fun for everyone?