THE FIRST BEHIND-THE-SCENES HISTORY OF THE BELOVED GIRL DETECTIVE
"Through the history of Nancy Drew, Rehak sheds light on perhaps the most successful writing franchise of all time and also the cultural and historic changes through which it passed. Grab your flashlights, girls. The mystery of Carolyn Keene is about to begin." -- Karen Joy Fowler, author of THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB
* The original proposal for Nancy Drew suggested that her name be Stella Strong, Nell Cody, Helen Hale, or Diana Dare.
"GIRL SLEUTH is meticulously researched, elegantly written, and riveting. Melanie Rehak juxtaposes teen sleuth Nancy Drew's omnipotence with the all-too-real struggles of her creators." --Susan Kandel, author of NOT A GIRL DETECTIVE
* When Nancy Drew was introduced she wore cloche hats and gloves whenever she was out in public. In the 50s she changed to sport dresses and rompers and even -- gasp -- pants.
"Witty, fast-paced, and smart, Girl Sleuth makes the story behind Nancy Drew as much fun to read as the mystery novels themselves. It's superb."
--Jean Strouse, author of "Morgan, American Financier"
* Nancy and her boyfriend Ned Nickerson never once kissed, although in "The Secret of the Old Attic" she does "faint into his strong arms."

An illustrated volume of all of Carl Sandburg's books for young readers: "Rootababa Stories, Early Moon, Wind Song, Prarie-Town Boy, "and "Abe Lincoln Grows Up." Introduction by Paula Sandburg.

Roald Dahl's personal stories together in one edition

Where did Roald Dahl get all of his wonderful ideas for stories? From his own life, of course Boy includes tales of sweetshops and chocolate, mean old ladies, and the Great Mouse Plot. And then "Going Solo" tells of how, when he grew up, Roald Dahl left England for Africa and later went flying with the Royal Air Force.

The story of Frankenstein's creator is a strange, romantic, and tragic one, as deeply compelling as the novel itself. Mary ran away to Lake Geneva with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley when she was just sixteen. It was there, during a cold and wet summer, that she first imagined her story about a mad scientist who brought a corpse back to life. Success soon followed for Mary, but also great tragedy and misfortune. Catherine Reef brings this passionate woman, brilliant writer, and forgotten feminist into crisp focus, detailing a life that was remarkable both before and after the publication of her iconic masterpiece. Includes index.

What do Philip Pullman and J.K. Rowling have in common that has made both of their stories so successful? What does Pullman listen to while he writes - and who, or what, is Dust? Pullman's award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials has been appreciated by readers of all ages. It is now set to welcome new fans as it is adapted for television by the BBC, and his new trilogy at last sees publication. Nicholas Tucker, a leading authority on children's literature, writes about the man he knows as a friend. Unpacking and examining Pullman's life and the sources he drew on for his masterpiece, he explores the world of science, theology, imagination and adventure that Pullman has created. Including a personal interview with Pullman himself, Darkness Visible offers a unique exploration of the author's work - and its controversies. "Enigmas from His Dark Materials are unraveled. Unmissable for all Pullman readers" Sussex Express

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl's birth, this book traces his life from his childhood, to his time in Africa and as a fighter pilot and his early writing - leading to Roald becoming one of the funniest, most famous and best-loved children's authors of all time. The book also includes information about his legacy. A fun quiz and brief summaries of four of Roald Dahl's best-loved books (James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG) are included to inspire children to read them. Every page features easy-to-follow text and a black-and-white line drawing to help bring Roald Dahl's adventures to life. Accessible to readers aged 6 and up.

Roald Dahl's Quiz Book is full of fascinating facts. Guaranteed to challenge, delight and amuse Roald Dahl enthusiasts everywhere. There are over 300 questions and answers based on six of Dahl's best-loved titles: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, George's Marvelous Medicine, Fantastic Mr Fox, Esio Trot, The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me and Matilda. With Quentin Blake's illustrations throughout. No fans should be without this quiz book! Listen to Roald Dahl audiobooks read by some very famous voices, including Kate Winslet, David Walliams and Steven Fry - plus there are added squelchy soundeffects from Pinewood Studios! Look out for new Roald Dahl apps in the App store and Google Play- including the disgusting TWIT OR MISS! inspired by the revolting Twits.

Discover limericks, narrative poems, acrostics and haiku with the World's NUMBER ONE Storyteller!

Float off with James and his insect friends and learn how to use poetic language in stories and poems.

These super fun activities will help you to:

· Improve language and vocabulary skills
· Develop the tools you need to write your own stories
· Learn how to write with rhythm and rhyme, and practise performing your very own poems.

Roald Dahl's Creative Writing will spark your creativity, build your confidence and inspire you through the wonderful worlds of Roald Dahl's best loved stories!

Filled with top tips and ideas boxes, each book introduces techniques and methods to help you plan and write a phizz-whizzing story of your own!

After two years travelling the length and breadth of the country, visiting schools, libraries and festivals, and meeting thousands of children, Travels with My Sketchbook provides a glimpse of the incredible journey Chris has been on during his time as Children's Laureate. Full of sketches, doodles and pages from The Laureate Log - his daily record of his time as Laureate - it includes: * Train doodles * Key events and prizes in the world of children's books * Early sketches (including handwritten manuscripts and cover roughs) from the books he has worked on during his time as Laureate including Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright and The Hunting of the Snark * Political sketches or roughs for the Observer cartoon, reminding us of the major events that have punctuated his time as Laureate * Birthday sketches, impromptu portraits, posters and Christmas cards, sketches for poems and song lyrics With its cloth quarter binding, ribbon marker and beautiful end papers his truly is a book to treasure.