When a small platypus visits the zoo, the animals all assume he has come about the vacancy and he is swiftly taken through a rigorous interview process.

But the platypus is far too bland for the chameleons, not nearly graceful enough for the flamingos, and his tricks will never impress the monkeys. So, he leaves. The animals soon regret being so unkind, but . . . what's this? The platypus has left an invitation! Oh dear - it seems he had actually come to the zoo to invite them all to his party. Uh-oh!

But with all forgiven and forgotten, the platypus welcomes his new zoo friends to a fantastic party on his Platypus!

This rollicking rhyming picture book, from the award-winning creator of There's a Bear on My Chair, combines comic misunderstandings with a heartfelt story about acceptance and belonging. "There's a touch of Tim Minchin about Collins . . . his tone is funny but heartfelt and a little bit rock'n'roll" - Guardian

Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the creators of The Gruffalo and Stick Man. The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove.

But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There’s even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!

• With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this book is literally out of this world!
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and ZOG, which have all been made into animated films shown on BBC1
• Zog and the Flying Doctors animation will be shown on BBC1 December 2020.

Will Hughes is the first author/illustrator picture book to be published under our new imprint . Little Door Debuts was set up to bring new, exciting and talented illustrators to a wider audience and assist them on their journey into the publishing world. Will's wild and wacky sense of humour is brought to life through his fun, quirky, vibrant illustrations.

Join Mother Goose and her three little goslings as they enjoy over fifty classic nursery rhymes, traditional lullabies and favourite action songs, beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout by the award-winning Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo. The rhymes are linked together by enchanting original stories about Mother Goose and her goslings as they learn to waddle, swim and more, giving a unique and fresh twist to these traditional favourites. From Humpty Dumpty to Jack and Jill, and from Baa Baa Black Sheep to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, there's something for everyone in this beautiful gift treasury - a must for every family bookshelf.

An enchanting and magical story of kindness, from the highly regarded creator of Blue Kangaroo. When Bella opens her front door and finds an other-wordly, little stranger on the doorstep, her life changes forever! Cold, hungry and lost, the only word the stranger can say is 'Toot!', so Bella and her children, name him Mister Toots, before giving him something to eat and a comfy bed. Soon Mister Toots becomes a much-loved member of the family and neighbourhood. But one terrible day, he disappears into the sky... Will anyone ever see him again? Beautifully illustrated, this poignant, moving story about the power of kindness and compassion, and accepting and welcoming others, will touch the hearts of adults and children alike.

Can YOU find the mermaids in this super-fun and sparkly picture book? When a little girl is told there's no such thing as mermaids, she doesn't believe it for a second. Mermaids MUST exist - after all, they're always in books and films! But if she has any chance of proving that mermaids are real, the little girl needs proof! So starts a wonderful journey. And DO mermaids exist? There's only one way to find out... With a super-sparkly foil cover, this is the perfect gift for children who love mermaids A fun rhyming text that children will love, written by bestselling author Lucy Rowland Colourful illustrations with so much to see on every page - and hidden mermaids that children will love finding! Also available: There's No Such Thing as Unicorns and There's No Such Thing as Elves

Marney's Mix Up shows the pitfalls of Marney, a grey squirrel who ventures beyond his home to gather nuts in autumn. His pre-conceptions of what it means to be 'squirrel' come into play after several awkward encounters with a red squirrel from the other side of the park. Marney's Mix-Up shines a comedic light on the pre-conceived judgements we all make about 'perceived difference', often leading to misguided prejudice and allows for conversation with young chlidren about racial bias. It does this in a light-hearted and engaging way that will introduce pre-school and early years children to the idea of how we can explore and celebrate similarities and differences, without misjudging or mistreating other people.

It's time for Grandma's dog to go for a walk. The eager pooch tugs the boy's hand, excited to get going. But where will they end up? This is a dog walk like no other, through amazing fairy-tale worlds, paintings come to life, Escher-esque castles, an intricately cluttered antique shop, and past countless delights: walking teapots, miniature steamboats, giant hedgehogs and islands with sails. This fantastical story of a dog and a boy is told simply through weird, whimsical and often hilarious illustrations. Children will pore over each page, delighting in the incredible details. Each reading will bring fresh discoveries and new twists to the tale. Beloved Swedish children's illustrator Sven Nordqvist unleashes his endlessly inventive talent in this funny and satisfying wordless book. Walking the dog will never feel the same again.

A selection of original fiction and traditional stories. Kids will love the snowy adventures of animals such as Panda, Bear and Owl, as well as exciting Christmas tales including The Nutcracker and the Night Before Christmas. This really is the perfect collection for cosy bedtime reading in winter.

A pitch-perfect rhyming celebration of mums! Amazing mums are all around! They find your lost treasures. They celebrate your achievements. They never let you down. Some mums juggle. Some snuggle. Some fuss. Some drive a bus! They can be chatty, practical, silly, sporty . . . and everything between. But there's just ONE mum who gives the best big hugs of all. Can you guess who it is? A joyfully inclusive celebration of ALL mums - perfect for Mother's Day gifting!

Step into Sleeping Beauty. This exquisite board book introduces the classic story to the youngest children with playfully layered pages, engaging text and beautiful, colourful illustrations. Once upon a time, in a far-off land, a royal baby was born. The King and Queen hosted a great party, inviting friends and neighbours from all over the kingdom... Sleeping Beauty combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction. Delight in the increasingly expansive spreads as the story grows and grows with each page! Keep the magic of Sleeping Beauty alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling. The Layer-by-Layer series of interactive board books introduces the youngest children to classic stories through beautifully layered pages featuring bright, contemporary illustrations, die cuts and gentle text. The illustrations, and wonders, expand as each new layer is revealed. Step into even more classic stories with: The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book.

Oona is one determined little mermaid, but she faces her biggest challenge yet in trying to make friends with Stanley the shark. Whatever will she do? A fun-filled and gorgeously illustrated celebration of friendship, creativity and perseverance. Oona loves to share her inventions with her friends. They're big and bold and loud - just like her! But there's one underwater creature who doesn't seem to enjoy Oona's company, or her creations. And that's Stanley the shark! Oona's latest hopping, chopping and popping inventions just make him angry. Oona may not know what Stanley likes, but she does know what he doesn't. And maybe that's a good place to start. Because mermaids never stop trying . . . not when there's a friend out there to make. From the New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and featuring the extraordinary illustrative talents of Raissa Figueroa, the dynamic partnership behind Oona.

You can be late for many things in life, but you should never keep an adventure waiting...

In Griselda Bone's gloomy orphanage, daydreaming is banned, skipping is forbidden and Christmas is well and truly cancelled. But for Phoebe and her sausage dog Herb, is it possible that, just when things seem at their bleakest, magic awaits in the swirling, snow-filled air?

Join them on an enchanting adventure in this beautifully moving story by the bestselling author of Sky Song and The Unmapped Chronicles, Abi Elphinstone, and renowned illustrator Fiona Woodcock.

This first experiences series uncovers the worries and fears associated with big life changes that young children might experience and provides reassurance by explaining how they might feel and shows ways that children can learn to cope with these feelings. The sensitively written story provides guidance not only for children, but also for adults who want to help their child through these unsettling times in their lives. Children can read the books on their own or can discuss the books with an adult. Notes for teachers and parents at the back of the books provide related advice and information to help them guide and support children.

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.

The Highway Rat paperback picture book is now available with a high-quality audio CD for children to listen along. The Highway Rat rides along the highway stealing all the travellers' food. But a crafty duck and her mysterious sister soon put an end to his crooked ways! Brilliantly performed by award-winning actress, Imelda Staunton, the CD contains the full story with music, the Highway Rat Listening Game and the brand new "Highway Rat" song, which was written specially for this CD by Julia Donaldson. The Highway Rat animated film premiered on BBC Christmas 2017 Watch out for the The Smeds and the Smoos animation debuting on BBC Chrismtas 2022

Bat just wants to make friends, but everyone is scared of him! When other animals see Bat's shadow at their window, they're terrified and think he's a monster. How can Bat show them that he just wants to share some cake? This is the perfect snuggle-up bedtime story, with rich, glowing pictures, and a gentle, reassuring story. Children will fall in love with little Bat, who longs to share his baking with some friends A gorgeously illustrated picture book, full of sweet, endearing characters and a story that children will ask for again and again I'm Not Scary would make a great non-scary gift for Hallowe'en! I'm Not Scary is the fabulous debut picture book by hugely talented illustrator, Raahat Kaduji. Raahat loves creating gorgeous, atmospheric scenes and sweet, endearing characters. Her work is inspired by nature, wildlife and the English countryside where she lives. She especially likes to create pictures that are gently comforting - but with a touch of adventure!

Op 'n dag stel meneer Venter vas dat hy stadig maar seker besig is om deurskynend te word! Geen dokter kan hom help nie en dit word elke dag erger! Meneer Venter se hond Snorrie het geen probleem daarmee dat sy baas al hoe minder sigbaar word nie, en mevrou Eloff, wat twee keer per week sy huis kom skoonmaak, nog minder. Want terwyl sy skoonmaak, gaan sit sy dikwels op 'n kombuisstoel. Net om ’n bietjie te rus. Maar dit kan ook gebeur dat meneer Venter reeds daar sit...

Once upon a time in Scotland, a young prince had lost his smile. It seemed nothing could raise a smile from Prince Donald, not the baker's treats or the bard's songs. The court magician tried to make a new magical beast for the prince, but it was so awkward he let it go. Hana, the magician's granddaughter, was still determined to help Donald. Using her grandfather's magic, she invented a majestic creature with the body of a horse and the horn of a gazelle, and called him 'a unicorn'. Hana and Donald playfully chase the unicorn through the forest, and it seems that this magical animal might hold the key to the prince's smile. But then they discover a darker beast, lurking in the trees. The unicorn, magical and strong, is Scotland's national animal and heraldic symbol. Renowned Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves an enchanting tale, inspired by local folklore, about the origins of the unicorn. A perfect companion to bestselling picture book The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, this stunning and authentic tale is atmospherically brought to life by Nata a Ilincic's rich illustrations, and is destined to become a classic.