In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Sir Lenny Henry, the multi-talented comedian, actor, writer and activist.   Ever since he was small, Lenny Henry wanted to be a comedian. At home in Dudley, England, he would pretend to be the characters he watched on TV, copying scenes from his favourite shows to entertain his six brothers and sisters. But life wasn't always easy, and at school Lenny found himself the subject of racist bullying – until he figured out a way to beat the bullies using humour. This was when he realised he had a gift: he could make people laugh. He shot to fame aged 16 and the following decades were full of great successes, such as his hugely popular TV programme The Lenny Henry Show. Lenny co-founded the charity Comic Relief in response to a terrible famine in East Africa. Over 25 years later, Lenny and the charity remain committed to creating a just world, free from poverty, and have raised millions of pounds. An actor, a comedian, an author and a champion of inclusivity, Lenny is a much-loved figure whose story encourages us to keep smiling.   This inspiring 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 incredible comedian and activist's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores 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 of books 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 and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal 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!  

Can Squirrel hide the big acorn?

A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen. Every family is different. Every family is special. Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister - they're all the best and they all look different. But people always seem to ask Josie "Is that YOUR mama?", and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same. When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters. Heartfelt and empowering words by Patrice Lawrence, multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy Bright, gorgeous artwork from Diane Ewen, winner of the Jericho Prize and The Queen's Knickers Awards, 2021

Keep Smiling is a celebration of the most universal symbol of hope, joy and positivity - a smile! Created by the bestselling team behind Coming to England: the inspirational Dame Floella Benjamin, and award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen. Vina's Mum has always told her that a smile is the best gift you can give someone. And as Vina loves smiling more than anything else, she gives the gift of her smile to anyone who needs it. But on her first visit to her new school, Vina's own smile gets a bit . . . lost. She can't find it under the slide, or on the climbing frame. Then, a smile appears, in the most unexpected place!

Keep Smiling is a celebration of the most universal symbol of hope, joy and positivity - a smile! Created by the bestselling team behind Coming to England: the inspirational Dame Floella Benjamin, and award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen. Vina's Mum has always told her that a smile is the best gift you can give someone. And as Vina loves smiling more than anything else, she gives the gift of her smile to anyone who needs it. But on her first visit to her new school, Vina's own smile gets a bit . . . lost. She can't find it under the slide, or on the climbing frame. Then, a smile appears, in the most unexpected place!

A story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords. Follow ten-year-old Floella as she and her family set sail from the Caribbean to a new life in London. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected . . . What will her new school be like? Will she meet the Queen? Filled with optimism and joy, yet deeply personal and relevant, young children will follow Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends. Alongside vibrant illustrations by Diane Ewen, this powerful story shows little people how courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

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.

A first book of positive affirmations - perfect for building confidence and self-esteem in very young children. Every morning, we look into the mirror with Daddy. Together, we say words to help us feel proud and brave, powerful and strong... Brimming with positivity, I Love Me! is a fun and empowering book of affirmations to help little ones stand tall. Written by Marvyn Harrison (founder of Dope Black Dads) and with art by Diane Ewen (the award-winning illustrator of Floella Benjamin's Coming to England), this upbeat book is perfect for sharing, easy to put into practice, and celebrates the very best in all of us! With joyful, uplifting statements for each day of the week, it provides an enjoyable routine to help prepare young children for the wider world of nursery and school. The book also includes a bright, fold-out ending and tips for parents and carers.

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords. When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected. Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

A laugh-out-loud Christmas cracker of a story, There Was a Young Reindeer who Swallowed a Present from Kaye Baillie and award-winning illustrator Diane Ewen is the perfect festive gift! Everyone's heard about the old lady who swallowed a fly, but now it’s time to meet a little reindeer who, on the most important night of the year (Christmas Eve!), swallows a present. And he doesn't stop there! Soon he's gobbled down an elf, a bauble, a tree . . . what will he swallow next? A funny, cumulative rhyming story children will love, packed with elves, stockings, a very full sleigh full of gifts and, of course, Santa Claus! And one very hungry little reindeer — keep an eye on the presents under your tree!

From beloved picture book author Eve Bunting, a playful story set in a magical swamp about overcoming greed with the power of love, nature, and music. On the sunny river dock, people pack onto the big tourist boat, waiting for their chance to see the alligators. What they don’t know is that down in the swamp, the alligators are waiting for them too! Jim and his dad run this tour, and Jim has a special talent to share with the people and creatures of the swamp alike. Animals flock to him to hear his flute-playing—it even makes the alligators dance! His music is so remarkable that a greedy passenger decides he must have Jim's flute. Will one person’s selfishness ruin the magic of the swamp for everyone?

From the creators of Never Show a T-Rex a Book - WINNER OF THE QUEEN'S KNICKERS AWARD A laugh-out-loud 'what if . . .?' adventure... What would happen if you showed a diplodocus how to draw? One day she'd be messing around with crayons and paint - and the next she'd be a global art sensation! Full of fun - get drawing with Dippy!

A love letter to learning and the power of numbers from exciting talents, Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Diane Ewen. A laugh-out-loud 'what if . . .?' adventure that celebrates maths being fun in this riotous read. If a Stegosaurus knew how to do sums - well, what would happen? Maybe she'd learn to code, to invent, to fly to the moon! From the creators of Never Show a T-Rex a Book!

What would happen if you showed a T-Rex a book? Well, she wouldn't know what to do with it . . . would she? A madcap, super silly adventure story rooted in the transformative power of books, created by incredible new picture-book duo Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Diane Ewen

Explore green issues through engaging stories with relatable characters who show children what they can do to help the planet. In this environmental education story, Molly wants to have a clear-out of her toys and finds out why it's not a good idea just to put them in the bin, and what she can do instead. The story is a great resource for helping children understand what happens to waste and how we can reduce, reuse and recycle. Good to be Green is a series of six environmental education books that help children aged 6+ explore green issues and find out what they can do to help the planet. Each book features the story of a child who is exploring their world and learning why it's important to think green. Alongside the stories are fact boxes with extra information and at the end of each story there are activity ideas, teaching notes and a quiz. Each story is accompanied by bright illustrations by Diane Ewen.

"It distils the fierce heartache of racist injustice as well as a passionate sense of joy and hope for the future." The Guardian "From the pain of systemic racism to the hope of the future, it's an honest but largely uplifting read, aimed at children particularly." Evening Standard "A series of clever and witty illustrations matched with informative text guides the reader through a series of situations where they might encounter prejudice, and how to form strategies to overcome a situation before it becomes a problem." The Independent "This beautiful book also serves as a brilliant directory of work from black illustrators." BookTrust This groundbreaking picture book is a lyrical, inspirational exploration of growing up Black, written by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, and brought to life by some of the most exciting Black illustration talents working today. Remember to dream your own dreams Love your beautiful skin You always have a choice This book addresses - honestly, yet hopefully - the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope for the future, delivering a powerful message to a new generation of dreamers. It's a message that is both urgent and timeless - and offers a rich and rewarding reading experience for every child. To mirror the rich variety of the Black diaspora, this book showcases artwork from Dapo and 18 incredible Black illustrators in one beautiful, powerful, and cohesive reading experience.

This environment education story follows Tia who is always being told by her mum to turn off the tap to save water - but why is this important? Through the story, Tia learns why water is precious and the small steps she can take to help to save it.

Good to be Green is a series of six environment education books that help children age 6+ explore green issues and find out what they can do to help the planet. Each book features the story of a child who is exploring their world and learning why it's important to think green. Alongside the stories are fact boxes with extra information and at the end of each story there are activity ideas, teaching notes and a quiz. Each story is accompanied by bright illustrations by Diane Ewen.

In this environmental education story, Leo finds out what happens to animals when their habitats disappear and, with the help of his class, he holds a wildlife action day to help. The story is a great resource for helping children understand why habitats disappear and looks at topics such as global warming, and endangered animals and habitats such as rainforests and coral reefs.

Good to be Green is a series of six environment educational books that help children age 6+ explore green issues and find out what they can do to help the planet. Each book features the story of a child who is exploring their world and learning why it's important to think green. Alongside the stories are fact boxes with extra information and at the end of each story there are activity ideas, teaching notes and a quiz. Each story is accompanied by bright illustrations by Diane Ewen.

Dragons can be great friends . . . most of the time. Dragons always know the best games to play, the perfect way to toast a marshmallow, and how to get that cookie out of a cookie jar undetected. While dragons can be good friends, they sometimes forget how. They can yell, stomp their feet, shoot flames out of their mouths, and not be a very good listener. It can be hard to be friends with a dragon, but with some deep breaths and calming words, you and your dragon can learn how to be best friends forever.

Celebrate and express the special bond between loved ones--family and friends, young and old--with this heartfelt children's picture book that reminds you that life is sweeter when you have someone to share it with. You're the jelly to my donut. You're the blue to my sky. You're the laces to my sneakers. You're the twinkle to my eye. With whimsical, read-aloud rhymes, this delightful story will appeal to readers (and listeners) of all ages and remind you to enjoy all that you have in common with your loved ones. You're the Hugs to My Kisses is a perfect gift for: kids ages 4-8 years old a best friend your Valentine! your kids' teachers couples celebrating engagements, weddings, anniversaries and Valentine's Day that certain someone who makes your life better just by being in it

Understand the importance of saving water with this engaging story presented alongside important factual information. This environment education story follows Tia who is always being told by her mum to turn off the tap to save water - but why is this important? Through the story, Tia learns why water is precious and the small steps she can take to help to save it. Good to be Green is a series of six environment education books that help children aged 6+ explore green issues and find out what they can do to help the planet. Each book features the story of a child who is exploring their world and learning why it's important to think green. Alongside the stories are fact boxes with extra information and at the end of each story there are activity ideas, teaching notes and a quiz. Each story is accompanied by bright illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Diane Ewen.