September 1939.

When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn't be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place.

But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.

Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.

A mesmerising mystery about bravery and brotherhood from an outstanding new voice.

The first book in Philip Pullman's classic Sally Lockhart quartet in a beautiful new edition. Soon after Sally Lockhart's father drowns at sea, she receives an anonymous letter. The dire warning it contains makes a man die of fear at her feet. Determined to discover the truth about her father's death, Sally is plunged into a terrifying mystery in the dark heart of Victorian London, at the centre of which lies a deadly blood-soaked jewel. Philip Pullman's ever-popular, action-packed Victorian melodramas are rejacketed for the bicentenary of Charles Dickens in 2012. Don't miss Philip Pullman's incredible HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy, now a thrilling, critically acclaimed BBC/HBO television series.

Six best-loved novels by award-winning author of ‘War Horse’, brought together in a beautiful box. Tales of animals, wartime, and the spirit it takes to survive will enchant readers young and old. A perfect introduction to Michael Morpurgo’s enthralling storytelling for new readers and a classic collection for fans. WAR HORSE In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story. THE BUTTERFLY LION When Bertie is a little boy, he rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African veld. They are inseparable until Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. Bertie swears that one day they will see one another again, but it is the butterfly lion which ensures that their friendship will never be forgotten. KENSUKE’S KINGDOM Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up and closes his eyes ready for the end. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone … PRIVATE PEACEFUL Young Thomas Peaceful looks back over his childhood memories from the battlefields of the First World War. But the clock is ticking, and every moment Tommo spends remembering means another moment closer to something that will change his life forever. SHADOW Never has Aman needed a friend more than when a springer spaniel appears before him one day. The dog becomes a constant companion, a shadow, and that's what Aman decides to call her. But life in Afghanistan is becoming more dangerous by the moment, and eventually Aman and Shadow must find the courage to leave. But how far can Shadow lead them? And in this terrifying new world, is anywhere really safe? AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN It’s 1945, and the bombing of Dresden is imminent. Before the bombs start to fall, Lizzie’s zookeeper mother brings home the one animal she can’t bear to lose: Marlene, the elephant. When Lizzie and her family join the thousands of other refugees fleeing the city, they end up with more than one unusual companion …

What is Acha's Choice? Princess Acha, daughter of Saxon King Aelle, and sister of newborn Prince Edwin, must decide what to do to protect herself and Edwin when an enemy king kills their father and seeks to remove any heirs to the throne. With the help of friends, Acha takes Edwin and other refugees to the western lands of the Britons. These kind people take the band in and shelter them, in spite of the fact that they are Saxons, and therefore, enemies of the native Britons. Here, in the deep, mysterious woods, Acha finds someone to love. But, her relationship threatens the safety of her party, and Acha must decide if she can surrender her brother and others she loves to return into danger, alone. Only then can she find a way to guarantee young Edwin's safety, by a choice at once breathtaking and final. What will Acha decide?

Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire will whisk you away on a fabulous adventure, full of daring action and delicious cakes! Baker by day, spy by night - Alice Eclair leads an exciting double life! Inventors and artists have gathered in Paris for the World Fair. All eyes are on the aeroplane exhibition - these incredible machines will take humanity to new heights! Alice suspects that some of these inventors are in terrible danger, but no one will believe her. Surrounded by enemy spies, Alice will need to use every trick in the recipe book if she's to keep her friends safe and stop France's greatest invention from falling into the wrong hands. With a half-baked plan and a dash of daring, Alice must foil the enemy's plot before the whole thing boils over... A Spoonful of Spying is Alice's second adventure and can be read as a stand-alone novel, or enjoyed as part of the Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire series. Look out for Alice's first mission, A Recipe for Trouble! Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens' Murder Most Unladylike series and M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman's Adventures on Trains series.

Krygsperd (War Horse in die oorspronklike Engels) vertel die aangrypende verhaal van die dapper Joey, 'n perd wat in 1914 verkoop word en kort daarna as oorlogsperd in die middel van die choas en ontbering van die Eerste Wereldoorlog beland. Die boek het aanleiding gegee tot Steven Spielberg se gewilde gelyknamige rolprent, wat in 2011 op die grootskerm vrygestel is.

'Lush and lavish, Sing Me Forgotten hit all the right notes' Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrow 'A deliciously magical feminist twist on the beloved classic The Phantom of the Opera' Kester Grant, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Court of Miracles Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house. Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house's owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high-and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives. But Isda breaks Cyril's cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she's ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison. Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place. 'Enchanting, lush and decadent' Adalyn Grace, author of All the Stars and Teeth Also by Jessica S. Olson: A Forgery of Roses

Late one day, in the summer of 782 A.D., young Adalinda is startled to come upon a Saxon family in the forest where she lives with her father. Their tribe had been captured by Charlemagne's soldiers and brought to France after they refused to convert to Christianity, but when Godrith's wife and children grew too weak to continue marching, the family had been abandoned. Godrith is suspicious of Adalinda's kindness, remembering how the "Christian" soldiers had burned his village and killed or captured so many of his people, but as she and her father offer shelter to these Saxon strangers, Godrith begins to see a new picture of Christianity, and her small acts of service have a greater impact that Adalinda could have ever imagined.

A thrilling World War II adventure set in occupied France, featuring an Indian RAF pilot. Great for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne, and those who want diverse historical fiction. Thirteen-year-old Joelle Breton stumbles across Indian-born RAF pilot Mohinder Singh when his plane crashes in occupied France and it's up to her and her parents to hide him from the Nazis. After all, her parents are brave members of the French Resistance and will do everything they can to help get Mohinder back to Britain. But when they are betrayed and tragedy strikes, Joelle and Mohinder will have to act fast if they are ever to evade the enemy. Flashbacks offer dramatic stories set in key moments of history, perfect for introducing children to historical topics. Book Band: Dark Red Ideal for ages 10+

In the autumn of 1525, a peddler visits the Castle of Thorn in Germany, and inspires young Fritz with tales of Martin Luther who fights against sin and ignorance with the truth of God's Word. Fritz wants to follow in Dr. Luther's footsteps and be a soldier for the Lord, so he chooses the Bible from the peddler's pack as his birthday gift. Shortly after his father, the Count, goes off to war, however, he and his mother and little sister are forced to flee to the forest to escape being thrown in prison for their new faith. Disguising themselves as commoners, they must trust the Lord as they wait and hope for the Count to rescue them. Through his many trials and struggles, Fritz learns what it means to be a true soldier for the Lord Jesus Christ.

'A real treat for bookworms.' - Lucy Strange, children's author of The Ghost of Gosswater Join young, budding detective Jane Austen in her second investigation to uncover a devious diamond thief at the glitziest, most scandalous ball of the year! Inspired by Sense and Sensibility. When the headmistress invites her past favourite pupil to attend their end of term ball, Cassandra brings her younger sister, Jane, along too. Cassandra plunges into the feverish excitement of preparing for the biggest event of the year - the dresses, the dances and the boys expected from the neighbouring school. Feeling rather excluded, sharp-witted Jane unearths the reason for the fuss - the headteacher wants to impress a rich family returned from India as the school is at risk of going bankrupt. Jane also befriends the dancing master's assistant, a former slave, called Brandon, who is as quick to notice things as she. At the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen from a locked room and they are propelled into a race to uncover the burglar and save Brandon from gaol. With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth.

From the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted author of Our Castle by the Sea comes a gorgeously gothic story, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Frances Hardinge ... 'My book of the year. This is storytelling so secure and shining that you can almost feel the glow.' HILARY MCKAY, COSTA BOOK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE SKYLARK'S WAR 'I absolutely love this book ... Lucy Strange is a wonderful, accomplished writer whose books stay with you long after you have finished reading.' NATASHA FARRANT, COSTA BOOK AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF VOYAGE OF THE SPARROWHAWK Life is hard for Willa, Grace and Freya, and their three younger sisters. Six motherless girls working a farm, living in fear of their cruel father and the superstition that obsesses him - The Curse of Six Daughters. With the arrival of the mysterious Full Moon Fayre, there's a chance for the eldest girls to steal a moment's fun, but the day the fayre moves on, Grace vanishes. Willa goes after her, following a trail that leads into the dangerous Lost Marsh, where it is said a will-o'-the-wisp lures lost souls into the dark waters of the mire. If Willa is to survive and reunite her family, she will need to unravel the secrets her father has kept hidden, and face her own deepest fears ... The spellbinding new novel from Lucy Strange, author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood, The Ghost of Gosswater and the Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Our Castle by the Sea Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll, Frances Hardinge and Sophie Anderson Combines dreamy magical realism with a thrilling mystery