Go back to the Space Race with No.1 bestselling author David Walliams for a breathless cinematic adventure full of mystery, action, laughs and surprises – and a secret that could change the course of history…

America. The 1960s. Ruth loves climbing trees, making a mess and throwing stones. But the thing she loves most is SPACE.

The girl is OBSESSED. She spends her days reading comics about alien invasions, doodling UFOs, watching B-movies about Earth being invaded by creatures from Mars… and gazing at the stars through her old, battered telescope.

Until one night, Ruth creeps out of bed in the attic room of her rickety old farmhouse to watch the stars – and is just dozing off when she spots something blazing across the sky. Something that looks like a flying saucer! Is she dreaming? No! And the flying saucer is on fire…

But when the UFO crash-lands in the cornfield, and Ruth rushes to help, she finds a mystery – and an adventure – beyond her wildest dreams…

As a teenager in today’s crazy online world, you may think you’ve got it all sussed out. But even YOU don’t know about all the legal pitfalls, hidden dangers and future implications of what you do, see and post online.

Selfies, Sexts And Smartphones is the book every teenager (and their parents) should read. It covers all of the major issues teenagers face in the digital age, including cyberbullying, sexting, addiction, internet safety, porn, anxiety, depression, privacy and reputation, and does so within a South African context. Accessible, informative and even fun, this book will help guide you to a happy, rewarding and, most importantly, safe online life.

A wolf and a sheep fall in love. They have a son that they call Woolf: he's half wolf, half woolly sheep! This is Woolf's story.

It's not easy being different, not quite fitting in with one group or another. When Woolf tries to impress the wolves, he finds it fun for a while, but they're a bit too wild. When he tries to follow the sheep, he finds it all a bit, well, boring.

Can Woolf find his own way in life and make his own friends that like him for who he is, not who he's trying to be?

Meet Wanda with her beautiful head of hair. She is brave and strong, but she's unhappy because of the endless teasing by the boys at school. After a particularly hard day at school, feeling confused, forlorn and hopeless, Wanda's grandmother lets her in on a few secrets. Through these hair secrets and stories, she finds the courage to face her fears and realise that her hair is a crown and something to be proud of. This book stands at the intersection of identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over the generations. This book encourages young children to love themselves for what they are born with, despite what society may say or think.

Ontmoet vir Wanda, met haar pragtige bos hare. Sy is dapper en sterk, maar sy is ongelukkig omdat die seuns by die skool haar genadeloos terg. Deur Makhulu se haargeheime en stories leer sy egter om haar hare as 'n kroon te sien, en iets waarop sy trots kan wees. Hierdie boek gaan oor identiteit en skoonheid, en is 'n viering van hoe kultuurtrots deur generasies heen geleer en oorgedra word.

Welcome to the Midnight Gang! Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for… the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning…

When Tom gets hit on the head by a cricket ball, he finds himself at Lord Funt Hospital, and is greeted by a terrifying-looking porter. Things go from bad to worse when he meets the wicked matron in charge of the children’s ward… But Tom is about to embark on the most thrilling journey of a lifetime!

The Midnight Gang tells an extraordinarily heartwarming and, of course, funny story of five children on a hospital ward – and on a quest for adventure! It is a story of friendship and magic – and of making dreams come true. Readers are set to be utterly spellbound by this heartfelt story that will bring magic to everyone.

Nick Brooks's Promise Boys is a trailblazing, blockbuster YA mystery about three teen boys of colour who must investigate their principal’s murder to clear their own names. For fans of Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, and Karen McManus. The Urban Promise Prep School vows to turn boys into men. As students, J.B., Ramón, and Trey are forced to follow the prestigious "program's" strict rules. Extreme discipline, they’ve been told, is what it takes to be college bound, to avoid the fates of many men in their neighborhoods. This, the Principal Moore Method, supposedly saves lives. But when Moore ends up murdered and the cops come sniffing around, the trio emerges as the case's prime suspects. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. But is the true culprit hiding among them? This gripping thriller shines a glaring light on how the system too often condemns Black and Latinx teen boys to failure before they’ve even had a chance at success. 'Thrilling . . . Promise Boys will stay with you long after the last page' – Karen M. McManus, author of One of Us Is Lying

How I Live Now meets Exodus – a startling YA dystopia that imagines London as the epicentre of the refugee crisis, from critically acclaimed author Clare Furniss.   In the near future, in a world that could be, but is not quite, ours, sixteen-year-old Clem is happy. Celebrating her birthday surrounded by friends, family and a warm summer evening, there’s nothing that could ruin this day. But by morning, everything has changed . . . After years of a growing totalitarian regime, civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high, and it’s no longer safe to stay in the city. Fleeing with nothing but her half-sister Billie, a notebook filled with stories and memories of home, Clem must make the treacherous journey to Edinburgh, first by road and then by boat. What waits for the sisters on the other side – the start of a new life, or a mirror held up to the past? PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS: ‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses    ‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series  ‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times  ‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail   ‘Beautifully written’ Stylist

I am a CURIOUS brown boy.
I explore the world around me ...
I am an ACCEPTING brown boy.
I respect people who are different from me.

Remarkable me is an empowering book of positive affirmations for brown boys. This book teaches boys to embrace and celebrate their unique talents and interests, while encouraging them to dream big and to be creative.

Build confidence and resilience from a young age with easy-to-follow rhyming text and bright inclusive illustrations that reflect proudly South African children.

Also available in Sesotho, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans

The enchanting second novel from the author of The Last Bear: the bestselling debut hardback of 2021 and The Times Children’s Book of the Week, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award ‘An irresistible ocean-loving yarn’ The Times Winner of the Edward Stanford Children’s Travel Book of the Year 2023 THEIR BOND COULD SET THEM FREE . . . Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital. All Rio wants is for Mum to get better so he can return home. But everything changes when he joins a whale-watching trip and meets White Beak, a gentle giant of the sea. Rio forms an instant bond with the whale, and for the first time in ages he feels a spark of hope. Then White Beak goes missing and Rio may be the only person who can help. Can Rio draw on their special connection to somehow find and save his whale . . . ? Perfect for readers of 8+, beautifully illustrated throughout by Levi Pinfold

Adapted for younger readers from Born a Crime: And Other Stories- the #1 South African and New York Times bestseller

‘If my mother had one goal, it was to free my mind. My mother spoke to me like an adult. She was big into Psalms. I had to read Psalms every day. She would quiz me on it. “What does the passage mean? What does it mean to you? How do you apply it to your life:” That was every day of my life. My mom did what the school didn’t. She taught me how to think.

In Born a Crime, Trevor Noah shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child to exist. But he did exist and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his quick wits and humour to navigate a harsh life.

This edition of Trevor’s fascinating memoir blends drama, comedy and tragedy to depict the day-to-day trials that turned a mischievous young boy into a restless young man. Against all the odds, and supported his mom’s unwavering love and indomitable will, Trevor overcame many obstacles and created a promising future for himself.

Born a Crime provides a fascinating and honest perspective on South Africa’s racial history and it will also inspire readers looking to improve their own lives.

TREVOR NOAH is a much-loved South African comedian, who is currently the host of The Daily Show.

Meet Maysa and Musa Malik. They might be twins but they are total opposites. And together they make an unstoppable team, especially when trying to solve a mystery! Maysa Malik has got herself into trouble yet again and this time she's forgotten to post her dad's passport application before his SUPER IMPORTANT work trip. Then Imam Abdullah goes missing, and Maysa and her twin brother Musa have a new mystery to solve with the help of their neighbour, Norman, of course. But, as they search for clues around the neighbourhood, Maysa will have to find a way to save her dad's trip too!

Sara’s first day of school is full of surprises, but the biggest one of all is that she discovers she doesn’t understand what the other children are saying and she wonders how she will make friends. Her teacher encourages her to find out the many ways one can say hello.

This delightful story of rhyming verse, accompanied by charming illustrations, is a must for all young South African children. And if parents/grandparents/carers aren’t sure how to pronounce ‘hello’ in all 11 official languages, there is a CD of the text, narrated by the author herself, to guide with authentic pronunciation.

This compelling and important history of the British Empire, told from the perspective of 20 people who lived through it, tells the story of one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history. At one time, the British Empire ruled over almost a quarter of the world’s population. Men, women and children from all walks of life and from across the globe were affected in big and small ways, from the clothes they wore, the food they ate and the languages they spoke to the work they did and the rights they held. This legacy and impact is still evident all over the world today. This book shines a light on the human aspects of the ‘Empire where the sun never sets’, introducing readers to a host of figures, both powerful and modest, who lived through, challenged, and influenced the course of the British Empire. But how did this empire come to be? And what happened to the people whose lands were colonised? The people whose lives were touched? This book tells their stories and reclaims this chapter in history by giving voice to 20 real figures whose perspectives have often been ignored, overlooked or sidelined. Their stories are told in a first-person narrative style, allowing readers to see through the eyes of these inspiring history-keepers. From leaders and activists to poets and freedom fighters, the book features a range of figures from across five continents, shining a light on the human aspect of the British Empire. Meet Queen Nanny, the escaped slave who led a fight for freedom against the British in Jamaica.  Hear the story of Rani of Jhansi, a key figure in the Indian resistance movement against British colonial rule.  Learn about Tejonihokarawa, the Mohawk leader who travelled to London on a diplomatic mission.  These engaging true stories of resistance, community, struggle and hope will spark conversations, foster a broader, decolonized understanding of the reaches and impacts of colonialism and ultimately leave readers inspired. After all, understanding our past and its echoes in our lives today is a step towards a better future.

Tumi Letsatsi is a 15-year old melanin kween living in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Her favourite colour is yellow, she's still trying to figure out how not to dent her afro on the bus, and how one goes about (ahem!) “french kissing”. She’s a little awkward and a lot uncertain about her future, friendships and how to put together a cool outfit! But then she stumbles across the magic of coding and creates an app called “Project Prep” that goes viral and rockets her and her friends to fame. Then everything starts to fall apart, as she deals with a catfish who befriends her and steals her code, nasty rumours at school and the newfound attention of a crush.

The New Girl Code (by Niki Smit, locally edited by Buhle Ngaba) is about the wonders of working in tech, aimed at girls and young women aged 9-15. The project is an initiative of Inspiring Fifty and based on an idea by Janneke Niessen.

A second novel from the bestselling author of Branford Boase-shortlisted and Carnegie-nominated Witch. An engrossing story of fathers and sons, death and grief, and unexpected bonds, new and old, forged by dark and benign magic. When Sam, grieving the death of his father, finds a silver-flecked stone, ice-cold to the touch, strange and eerie things begin to happen. Myth, legend, magic and witchcraft mingle on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has galloped for centuries. Ravens wheel. Wolves prowl. As Halloween draws close, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors to his side. Only the mysterious new girl, Oona, can heal Sam's heart, revealing tarot secrets with her bewitching ways. Reviews for Witch: 'A book filled with enchantment, in every sense. Dark, exciting and pacy, Witch brilliantly balances magic and realism' Anthony McGowan, author of Carnegie-winning Lark 'There is real magic here... Perfect reading for a dark, stormy night' Irish Times Weekend

Sequel to the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers! Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy, soon to be a major movie starring Marsai Martin. Perfect for 8+ fans of Percy Jackson and Nevermoor. After finding her brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze. But between the fearsome new Head Minister’s strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quinton’s curse steadily worsening, Amari’s plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. She’s got enough to worry about! But her refusal allows someone else to step forward, a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will become the Night Brothers’ successor and determine the future of magiciankind. The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winner’s magical rewards is Quinton’s last hope . . . so how can Amari refuse?

A beautifully illustrated story celebrating sibling relationships, encouraging patience and understanding as a little elephant learns what it truly means to be a big brother. The perfect gift for families to share. When little Henry meets his new baby sister Celeste, he can't wait to show her everything he's already learned about being an elephant. But Celeste doesn't seem to be interested in Henry's lessons - she wants to explore and play! As Celeste's curiosity leads them both away from the herd, the two little elephants find themselves lost and afraid. Can Celeste use what she's learned from her big brother to help get them to safety? With stunning charcoal illustrations and a hint of yellow, Jo Weaver brings this heart-warming tale of love and friendship beautifully to life. From the award-winning creator of Little One, Little Whale, Little Tigers and Bibi.

A cat's-eye view of history! Discover secrets, stories and facts about history’s most fascinating felines! Young historians may never look at the past - or cats! - in quite the same way again. Cats have prowled Earth for millennia, yet the history of the world has always been told through the eyes of humans. But now it's time to - finally! - set the record straight and uncover the key role that cats have played in shaping the course of history. Did you know that ancient Egyptians loved cats so much that they had special laws to protect them? Or that Isaac Newton's cat helped him develop the theory of gravity? How about that Féliette, a French street cat, was the first cat to go into space in 1963? A History of the World (According to Cats!) introduces us to fur-raising facts and adventures from around the world and across the centuries. Discover unknown stories about real-life felines, including WWII heroes, courageous adventurers and even an astrocat that travelled in space (and made it back to Earth to tell the tale), this book places cats as the heroes of their own stories. Full of real-life stories, with all the boring stuff left out, this book takes a look at the world's history through feline eyes.

The next action-packed FIREBORN adventure ‘The best kind of children’s fantasy story: thrilling and imaginative’ B. B. Alston, author of Amari and the Night Brothers ‘The perfect balance of high adventure, breathless action and eerie wonder’ Jonathan Stroud, author of the Bartimaeus trilogy HOPE GROWS FROM THE ASHES . . . Twelve has chosen a Hunter name to reflect her new elemental powers: Phoenix. When she and her friends learn that the witch-palace of Icegaard is in grave danger, they must battle frightening new monsters and find a way to defeat the evil force. But as Phoenix learns to control her new powers, the faceless Croke begins to haunt her dreams and she will have to fight with everything she’s got to save Icegaard and all of Ember.

The Raven’s Song alternates between the stories of Phoenix, who lives in a near-future world impacted by climate change and a devastating pandemic; and Shelby, one hundred years in the future in a post-pandemic, post-pollution, post-city world where each community is exactly three hundred and fifty people sustainably subsisting on seven hundred hectares. The story of a world that is beginning to fall apart, and a chance to see it all put back together, The Raven’s Song is a vision of hope for the future, seen through the eyes of the young people who will fight for it.

Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate with each other? Well they can. Recently, scientists have discovered that forests communicate via underground networks of fungal threads knows as 'the wood wide web'.  In this picture book for young children, we meet a little fir tree sapling who is stretching her first leaves into a dark ancient forest full of huge trees. She feels very lonely and she can't reach any light or water. Her worried feeling sinks down to the tips of her roots, which little does she know, are connected to the wood wide web. The fungal network sends her message all over the forest! "little tree needs help!" The message reaches mother trees who can't spare the energy from their own little ones, others who are sick and can't help but ultimately, one friendly paper birch tree helps her in her time of need. When the winter comes and birch tree needs help in return, the strong, not so little fir tree withe her evergreen leaves can come to the rescue. Our little tree learns that she is part of a loving, caring community, filled with family and kind strangers of entirely different species.  She learns all the ways that there are to care and be cared for, and most importantly that she is not alone. After all, the forest is only as strong as its smallest tree.  Trees can communicate using up to '50 words' and can send messages of distress, warn each other about incoming danger in the form of disease or pests, learn which trees are their parents and which are their offspring. If a tree is in danger, others can send spare sugars and water via the network and even sabotage trees they see as a threat. And they do it all via the wood wide web.  This is a powerful book, that teaches children about a hugely important discovery in contemporary science, about a secret world beneath our feet and most importantly, about the strength that comes with asking for help, and discovering that you are not alone. 

"A gripping, glamorous page-turner." DAILY EXPRESS Totally addictive and packed full of glamour, scandal and romance, Royal Blood is The Princess Diaries with murder, for fans of One Of Us Is Lying, Red, White And Royal Blue and The King Is Dead. Kicked out of her American boarding school, Evan is sent to live with her estranged father, the King of England. Her existence as his illegitimate daughter is top secret - until someone leaks it to the press. Suddenly she's the focus of a thousand lurid headlines, plus the hatred of her stepmother the Queen and half-sister Princess Maisie. Then the royal scandal intensifies... After Evan is seen disappearing with a journalist's son at a party, he is found dead and she becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation. Did "the Killer Princess" really do it? It seems that only the Queen's gorgeous nephew Kit will help Evan clear her name. But can she really trust anyone at the palace? "A slick, addictive page-turner and, quite simply, a hell of a lot of fun." The Bookseller