A high-energy, laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated adventure story by much-loved actor Stephen Mangan and talented artist Anita Mangan. 'Just read the title... that will draw them in. It's a bit naughty, a bit silly, a bit funny but you start reading and it's an adventure Holly Willoughby A sure-fire way for kids to entertain themselves. What's more, it's also excellent for reading aloud LoveReading4Kids 'Laugh-out-loud stuff' Ray D'Arcy It's the most important day of the year for King Fabian as he is hosting all the neighbouring rulers. Everything simply must go perfectly. King Fabian wakes up, stretches, and... farts. His wife's fury is so huge that he panics and blames the butler, who is carted off to the dungeons. Leaving behind a big problem: Fabian isn't really the brains behind the crown: it is the butler... how will dithery Fabian manage to pull off this high-pressure event alone? His small and smelly fart looks like it will kick off a crisis... Frank - a kitchen boy with a big imagination - is drafted in as an emergency butler. As the banquet descends into a food fight and processions catapult out of control, Frank finds himself in an all-out farty farce. Can he save the day? Wildly funny and endlessly surprising, this is delightfully imaginative, surreal storytelling with a message that small events can trigger big change, and children can be heroes! Packed with pictures by Stephen Mangan's sister Anita Mangan. Escape the Rooms is one of the most loved and bestselling children's debuts of 2021. Praise for Stephen Anita's first book, Escape the Rooms: "A brilliant, clever, kind of genius book" Graham Norton, Virgin Radio 'Richly imagined and deeply heartfelt' Hadley Freeman, Guardian 'Manages to feel both classic and modern at the same time' Good Housekeeping 'A beautiful and exciting adventure that ignites the imagination' Edith Bowman Stephen Mangan is an author, script-writer and actor with huge range across TV, radio, film and theatre. From classic comedy such as Green Wing, Episodes and I'm Alan Partridge and acclaimed drama such as The Split, Stephen also presents Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year and regularly appears on stage, most recently as a highly praised Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Stephen also voiced the title role in Postman Pat: The Movie. He has been a member of the judging panels for the Costa Book of the Year prize and The Laugh-Out-Loud Awards (The Lollies). His first children's book was the bestselling Escape the Rooms. Anita Mangan is a celebrated graphic designer and illustrator who has designed over 60 books including for Leon Restaurants, Gizzi Erskine and Fearne Cotton. She illustrated the best-selling Be a Unicorn series. Her first children's book was the bestselling Escape the Rooms.

Het jy al ooit gewonder hoe die wereld was voordat daar skole bestaan het? Wat het mense van hulle wereld geleer? Het hulle gese dat die engeltjies piepie as dit reen? Het hulle geweet van mense soos Napoleon en Paul Kruger? Was kinders regtig veilig teen 'n onvoorbereide toets?'n Skreeusnaakse boek vir kinders wat verwag dat dinge beter moes wees voordat daar skole was. Die skrywer neem die leser terug na prehistoriese tye waar wiskunde, geskiedenis, musiek en fisika nie regtig saakgemaak het nie. Terselfdertyd herinner dit die leser op humoristiese wyse waarom kinders skool toe moet gaan. Met groot illustrasies, waterverf met bruin potlood en gepaste raak sinne en uitdrukkings wat die illustrasies telkens aanvul en ironiseer.

ONLY BLUE ALLOWED, by Blue government demand. Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned. In a very blue house on a very blue street, sits a little boy who feels as blue as the world around him. For this little boy has a BIG secret: he loves the colour yellow. In a world where only one colour is allowed, will he be brave enough to tell his dad? And will they be able to defy the rules and create a world where EVERY colour is welcome? One boy and his dad are about to come OUT OF THE BLUE and into life in technicolour! A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in ALL the colours of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy. Championing difference, diversity and pride, this gloriously illustrated picture book is perfect for fans of Perfectly Norman, Grandad's Camper and Julian Is a Mermaid.

Paddington Bear has been delighting adults and children alike with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures for over sixty years. Four of Paddington’s hilarious London adventures are brought together in this volume.

Paddington Bear had travelled all the way from Darkest Peru when the Brown family first met him on Paddington station. Since then their lives have never been quite the same… for ordinary things become quite extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is around.

This fun-filled treasury brings together four of Paddington hilarious London-based picture book adventures for the first time.

An enchanting bedtime story for toddlers, perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers' How To Catch a Star.

Up high, in the dark, dark sky . . . a message: LOST, ONE SMALL STAR.

When a little boy stumbles across a special star, he puts it in a jar and takes it on adventures. Together with his big sister, he takes his special treasure with him everywhere – to the cinema, to the swimming pool and even to the toilet!

But the poor star is sad and misses its home . . .

Can the little boy and his big sister find a way to send the star safely back?

Sarah Massini's artwork glows with warmth and humour and perfectly captures the friendship between the two siblings in this warm-hearted bedtime book.

Told from the perspective of the big sister, this is the perfect picture book for siblings to share and read together. The short text and warm tone is ideal for toddlers aged 2 years and up.

Sam Hay grew up in Scotland in a family of bookworms. She always wanted to be a writer and filled endless notebooks with stories and poems. She trained as a journalist in Edinburgh and went on to work in newspapers for the BBC, before deciding to move to Wales and write her first children’s book. Since then she’s had more than 30 children's books published including Do Not Wash this Bear, Princess Ice Palace and Dinosaurs United and the Cowardly Custard Pirates for Egmont UK.

Drawing has been a life-long habit for Sarah Massini which has seen her through careers in corporate design, children’s book design and now as an illustrator. She has illustrated several picture books including Books Always Everywhere, Zac and Zeb and the Make Believe Birthday Party and, most recently, a stunning edition of The Velveteen Rabbit. Sarah lives in Sussex with her husband, young son and her utterly mad terrier Tess, who keeps guard as she draws.

Meet Josephine Baker, the world-famous entertainer, activist and French Resistance agent in this true story of her life! Part of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this inspiring and informative little biography follows the incredible life of Josephine Baker, from growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation to defying expectations and performing on the stage in Paris, where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine Baker was born for the stage. But growing up in segregated St. Louis, she didn't have the same opportunities as white entertainers. So, she moved to Paris where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine worked as a dancer, an actor and even a spy. She then spent the rest of her life spreading the word that people of all colours can live together in harmony. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the entertainer's amazing life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

"Kom-kom-kom!" miaau 'n eenoog-afbeenkat. " Ek is die berrroemde Kolonel Klou, hoogleraarrr-professorrr-grootkokkedoorrr van die Landelike Universiteit vir indrukwekkende spogkatte! Op die prrrogram vir die week: Maandag, waagmoed en aptyt! Dinsdag, higiene en vryheid...” Kolonel Klou is op sy stukke. Een of ander tyd breek die dag aan waarop alle klein katjies in die wereld hulle ouerhuise moet verlaat om die kuns van katwees te gaan leer. Dis die lot wat klein Hansie Slim een Sondagmiddag in Desember te beurt val. 'n Skreeusnaakse prenteboek oor al die stoute goed wat klein katjies by L.U.I.S. (Landelike Universiteit vir Indrukwekkende Spogkatte) gaan leer voordat hulle in 'n mens se huis kom woon.

Meet LONG JOHN McRON, SHIP'S COOK . . . and the most unusual babysitter you've ever seen.

Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and – for two intrepid children – he's about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It's time to make some PIRATE STEW.

Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew!
Pirate Stew for me and you!
Pirate Stew, Pirate Stew
Eat it and you won't be blue
You can be a pirate too!

Marvellously silly and gloriously entertaining, this tale of pirates, flying ships, donut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old. With a deliciously rhyming text from master storyteller Neil Gaiman, and spellbinding illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Riddell, three-times-winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, this is the picture book of the year! Joyful, quirky and action-packed, it makes a spectacular and magical gift.

Zeki is never daunted by new experiences. Daddy and Mummy prepared him well, so he's excited to show the doctor all the things he can do now he's a big boy: drinking from a cup; standing; clapping; playing; eating and being ever so brave. He well deserves the book and sticker he gets at the end for being such a good boy! In this third title in the Zeki books series, the author brings attention to the importance of preparing little ones for a doctor visit captured by the beautiful and reflective illustrations. She points out a baby's developmental milestones and creates awareness of what needs to be observed. It is a family guide for baby's first doctor visit as well as being entertaining.

A funny, charming story about the magic of books from the co-creator of the hit Cbeebies series, Olobob Top. 'Leigh Hodgkinson's delightful picture book about the very real perils of being a much loved and re-read book is both hilarious and adorable.' BookTrust Have you ever wondered what it's like to BE a book? The BEST bits are getting to hang our with your friends and tell amazing stories, but sometimes a good book can end up in the wrong place at the wrong time... And then they might get scribbled on, nibbled on or even lose their last and most important page... And when that happens, it's time to go to... Book Hospital! This funny, reassuring story is a celebration of books and the magic of reading. Because when you love your books, when you're kind to your books and when you read your books, they will take you on a magical journey that you'll never forget... Other books by Leigh Hodgkinson: Pencil Dog Goldilocks and Just the One Bear Troll Swap Goldilocks and the Three Potties Colin and the Snoozebox Limelight Larry

'Lara is a llama. Nothing will alarm her Whatever the drama, Lara just gets calmer!' This charming board book features a simple story about a fabulous llama called Lara. The brightly coloured, cheerful artwork and simple, rhyming text will mesmerise young children and stimulate their early literacy development.

An old woman wants to bake an apple cake. She has everything she needs, except apples. So she sets off to market, taking a basket of plums to trade along the way, just in case... This is a classic story of sharing, trading and caring. Children will love guessing what the woman will acquire next, and how, and seeing how her journey brings her a full circle as her kindness is repaid.

Learn about opposites with some amazing animals in this bright and fun board book. Meet a short crocodile and a long crocodile, a small elephant and a big elephant and a happy dog and a sad dog, as these fantastic animals introduce you to simple opposite terms! This entertaining and characterful board book from Emmy award-winning visual artist, illustrator and author Nikolas Ilic will bring a smile to the faces of adults and children alike, with cartoon-style illustrations introducing readers to a host of vibrant animals. These eye-catching illustrations will help kids have fun as they learn about opposites in this wonderfully fun book. A great book for parents to read with children or for kids to entertain themselves with, this bright and bold title is the perfect way for early learners to master opposites! This book is from Nikolas Ilic's First Concepts, a series of bright and bold children's picture books which introduce young readers to important first concepts in a fun and accessible way. Other titles available include: Animal Colours, Animal ABC, Animal 123, and Animal Shapes.

The bestselling children's books series for over 50 years! Drum roll please... the new Little Miss chosen by the public is Little Miss Brave! Get ready to meet a new Little Miss who is fearless in the face of danger and proud to stand up for what she believes in. Little Miss Brave is not afraid to speak out and her inner strength and confidence is inspiring, particularly for Little Miss Shy. Will she give her the courage to challenge expectations too? Fifty years after Mr Tickle, the very first Mr Men book was published, the public voted for the next two new characters from Little Miss Brave, Mr Calm, Little Miss Energy, Mr Brilliant and Little Miss Kind. A rather excited Little Miss Brave held her nerve and was selected alongside Mr Calm, as one of the two most popular characters. The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?

An introduction to silly opposites and the world of Dr. Seuss, perfect for babies and toddlers! Flip the flap - what can you see? Full of Dr. Seuss's craziest characters and wittiest rhymes, this brilliant board book explores the world of silly opposites. Bright, vibrant and with interactive flaps throughout, the Flip-the-Flap books are brilliantly designed for introducing early concepts to babies and toddlers and offer a perfect first step into the wonderfully wacky world of Dr. Seuss.

Walter, the Mr Men worm, has now got his very own story! Not any old story, but a story all about Walter. No Mr Men to cramp his style, or Little Miss to take the attention. But a story all about Walter the Worm - and the early bird of course!

The Mr Men and Little Miss have been delighting children for generations with their charming and funny antics. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience for children aged two up. Have you met them all?

Hip hip hooray! It's Miffy's birthday and her friends have all bought her lovely presents. Grandpa and Grandma Bunny give her a very special present. Award-winning UK poet, Tony Mitton, has worked closely with Dick Bruna's Dutch publisher to create new translations for the classic Miffy stories that are true to the books' original voice, and yet have a contemporary feel to the language that makes them appealing to the modern young audience. The translations beautifully convey the warmth and friendliness of the original Dutch whilst maintaining a style that is inimitably Miffy.

Oh, Armadillo! is a hilarious tale exploring the endlessly humorous mishaps of an Armadillo who wants to host the most amazing party. Armadillo sets out to please the jungle animals with classic party treats and games, but everything turns out a little peculiar... like a sponge cake made of sponges and an actual musical chair! Children will roar with laughter at the silly scenarios and very funny mishaps that Armadillo creates whilst planning his party. He misinterprets the most popular party games, like Pass the Parcel, in the funniest ways. Oh, Armadillo! combines laugh-out-loud humour with teaching a gentle lesson that there's nothing wrong with thinking differently. The jungle animals declare that Armadillo's party is wrong because everything is a little unusual, but what the animals learn is that being creative and inventive can lead to fun and laughter! This bold, bright, hilarious picture book is brought to life by talented illustrator Rob Starling. Oh, Armadillo! will provide hours of laughs for little readers, whilst reminding us that thinking differently is good and can lead to the most fun of all!

Bella Loves Bugs tells the story of a day in the life of a girl who is passionate about bugs, as she goes off to Forest School where she always has many creepy crawlie adventures with her fellow nature hero friends! The book is packed with facts about bugs, some of which Bella regularly spots, but also includes the bugs she dreams about seeing one day - different insects from all over the world. Bella makes a magical moth trap, spies a butterfly laying an egg and shows her friends how to hop like a grasshopper! Follow Bella as she shares her love of bugs - discover how many bugs might be lurking in a pond, see how awesome ants are, and be amazed by mighty stag beetles. With an engaging and lively narrative from Jess French and fun, and warm illustrations from Duncan Beedie this book will help ignite a love and appreciation for nature, right on our doorsteps. TheNature Heroesseries focuses on a group of friends who are passionate about nature and the great outdoors. Each book features a different child who has a favourite topic that they are fascinated by: Billy Loves Birds, Bella Loves Bugs, Ava Loves Animals, and Pedro Loves the Planet! Playful text and funny relatable illustrations makes this an accessible series, which provides an entertaining introduction to the natural world.

An exciting adventure featuring global sensations The Octonauts. With glow in the dark ink, a surprise page to fold out - and lots of exciting detail - this is the ultimate gift book for Octonauts-crazy children! Enjoy the original books that inspired the hit animated TV series, broadcast around the world! The Octonauts are a crew of cute animals who love to explore the big blue ocean. From their underwater base, the Octopod, the eight intrepid friends are always ready for fun and excitement! The Octonauts are researching underwater habitats around the world, when Tunip the Vegimal starts to wonder where he comes from. So begins another underwater adventure full of fun and surprises as the Octonauts take Tunip and his Vegimal friends on an exciting trip around the world, on a quest for his true home. An action-packed nautical adventure with pages crammed full of additional information about each of the eight intrepid explorers - guaranteed to delight Octonauts fans all around the world!