At just three months of age, he had seen more than anyone should ever have to see. He was the offspring of two champions in the bloody, sadistic world of dog-fighting. An American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the pup was bred to be a killer, trained in violence and fear by the brutal Leroy "Big-Un" Keller. One night it becomes too much, and the young dog runs away. The pup escapes into the arms of another survivor, Rick Simpson, the man who finally gives him a name: Billy Bob. With Rick, Billy's world opens up to friendship and love. Billy is able to connect with those in need of comfort and help people in trouble. However, Billy is pursued by the savage Keller clan as well as animal control forces who cannot look beyond the stereotypes of Billy's breed to see the loving, loyal animal underneath. The bond between Rick and Billy runs strong and true, but will it be enough to put an end to Keller's vicious cycle of abuse so Billy can live free?

A magical picture book for Christmas, written in perfect, heartfelt rhyme by Julia Donaldson, bestselling creator of Zog and Superworm. "Magical . . . as well as paying tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other things close to Julia's heart: the power of children and song" Good Housekeeping Deep in a snowy wood stands a little pine tree with a special destiny: when it grows up, it's going to be the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square! This is the perfect picture book to snuggle up with and share at Christmas. Gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations whisk you from frozen forests to the sparkling city square in a beautiful, moving story of festivity and hope. Julia Donaldson's perfect rhyme is a joy to read aloud. This is a classic to treasure for generations Victoria Sandoy's exquisite, atmospheric illustrations are full of gorgeous details to point out and share A paragraph on the final page of the book explains the true story behind the tree The Christmas Pine is based on a true story. It celebrates a special tradition that stretches back over seventy years. Every year, the Mayor of Oslo in Norway presents the British people with a spectacular Christmas tree. The tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, and a thank you for the UK's support during World War II. Each year, the UK Poetry Society asks a poet to write a poem to welcome the tree. Julia Donaldson originally wrote The Christmas Pine to celebrate the 2020 Christmas tree. The poem was performed by London schoolchildren, and displayed in Trafalgar Square. Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved children's books ever written. She has been awarded a CBE for services to literature, and is the most celebrated children's writer in Britain today. Many of Julia Donaldson's beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas. Superworm animation will premiere on BBC Christmas 2021

From standout author, Alex Latimer, and bestselling illustrator, David Litchfield, comes a beautiful picture book about finding - and holding on to - friendship. One bright afternoon, Pip met Egg. Pip is a seed from a glorious tree, and Egg is a bird's egg from a nearby nest. When Pip and Egg first meet, they are almost the same size and shape - like two peas in a pod. But as their friendship grows, so do they - for Pip this means growing roots, but for Egg? Well, Egg grows wings, and she can't wait to use them. Though Pip wishes he can follow Egg on her adventures, his roots are strong. So he watches his friend fly away. But true friends always find their way back to one another, and there are no truer friends than Pip and Egg. And if there's one thing they learn, it's that the circle of life will always lead them back to each other. David Litchfield is the award-winning author/illustrator of The Bear and the Piano Lyrical, reassuring story that children will love Lush illustrations filled with warmth and emotion Teaches children about the value of friendship

Seventeen years in the making, this novel is intended for all ages. It is about two hamsters trapped in their plastic prison known as a chummery, Oliver Fluff and his comrade, Smudge McDuff, far from content at their fate long to escape their mundane and monotonous existence so common to pet hamsters everywhere, in search of freedom in the outside world. They escape into an unexpected underworld of terror, horrible evil and nasty villains, but in the process discover the value of friendship, the commitments and sacrifices required, as well as the ultimate satisfaction in achieving their motivating dream.