Written by Carnegie and Costa Award-winning author Sally Gardner, beautifully illustrated throughout with stunning illustrations from Greenaway-shortlisted artist Chris Mould, and filled with heart, humour, and imagination, Pernickety Boo is the unforgettable, magical story of a very unusual umbrella. 'Hello,' said the umbrella. 'Gosh,' said the boy. The umbrella's handle was carved in the shape of a dog’s head, with a very long snout and a shiny nose and ears that flopped back. 'You can talk.' 'I suppose I can,' said the umbrella. 'Do you have a name?' asked the boy. 'No,' said the umbrella. 'Do I need a name?' 'Yes,' said the small boy. 'You need one for someone to let you in at the front door, and another name to be let out the back door.' Brought to life by a careless sorcerer, Pernickety Boo is a well-educated umbrella with unexplored magical powers – and after he is left behind on the London Underground by his forgetful creator, Pernickety must find an owner: someone who will truly love him. So when Pernickety meets young Sylvie Moonshine and is welcomed into her home, he thinks that all of his prayers have been answered. But there are plenty of other people who are also interested in the magical umbrella, and who threaten to separate Pernickety from his beloved Sylvie, unless he can find a way to stop them. Perfect for fans of A Bear Called Paddington, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Winnie-the-Pooh, this instant classic is a book for the whole family to share.

After Billy Brute burns down his old school - and gets away with it - his parents have to find him a new one. St Lemons say they'll take him, but little does Billy know that St Lemons have a secret weapon: Enter Miss Wanda . . . Her glasses are spectacular. Her dress so prim and neat. But what big eyes, and what big ears... And what big hairy feet! Perhaps Billy won't get away with EVERYTHING after all. With gloriously gothic illustrations from bestselling Chris Mould, and an alternative back-to-school message, this fabulously dark tale is perfect for parents looking for the picture book equivalent of Roald Dahl's twisted tales.

Pull back the curtain and enter a world where mystery and magic take centre stage in a gloriously gothic adventure from Jenni Spangler, illustrated by Chris Mould. Twelve-year-old Tig works at Manchester's Theatre Royale, cleaning, selling tickets and doing anything else that is asked of her by her tyrannical boss, Mr Snell. Tig will do whatever it takes to get closer to her dream - to become a Stage Manager and spend her days inventing new ways to imagine and build the intricate machinery and props that bring the exciting productions to life! But when a strange new act - a talking machine - arrives at the Theatre Royale, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can't work out. It's as though it's alive somehow . . . And when the machine appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever. A Victorian adventure full of ghost, gadgets and shifty villains, from the critically-acclaimed Jenni Spangler, who's debut The Vanishing Trick, was selected as Waterstones Book of the Month. Praise for THE VANISHING TRICK: A thrilling, original, evocative and eerie tale - I adored it!' Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic 'A thrilling page-turner. Madame Pinchbeck is a gloriously Dickensian villain' Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song 'Ghosts, gadgets, likeable villains and unlikely heroes: The Vanishing Trick is a dark and dazzling adventure' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse 'A completely enthralling tale, oozing with atmosphere and originality' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island

Stunning illustrations by Chris Mould make this one of the most exciting editions of The Iron Man to be published. The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff. Where had he come from? Nobody knows. How was he made? Nobody knows. Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world. 'Stunning.' WRD Magazine 'Whether you're already a fan of this classic children's story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat.' BookTrust 'Gripping . . a classic.' Phillip Pullman 'A visionary tale.' Michael Morpurgo 'One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.' Observer

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC?

It is Christmas Eve and all is not well. Amelia Wishart is trapped in Mr Creeper's workhouse and Christmas is in jeopardy. Magic is fading. If Christmas is to happen, Father Christmas knows he must find her.

With the help of some elves, eight reindeer, the Queen and a man called Charles Dickens, the search for Amelia - and the secret of Christmas - begins . . .

The first magical book in Matt Haig's festive series - now a major new film!

BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE

You are about to read the TRUE STORY of Father Christmas.

If you believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away.
(Because this book is FULL of impossible things.)
Are you still reading? Good.

Then let us begin . . .

NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . . Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent. With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould.

BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE

You are about to read the TRUE STORY of FATHER CHRISTMAS.

If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away.
(Because this book is FULL of impossible things.)
Are you still reading?
Good.

Then let us begin...

NOMINATED - CILIP KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. It's just an ordinary farm - until the animals revolt. They get rid of the irresponsible farmer. The other animals are sure that life is improving, but as systems are replaced and half-truths are retold, a new hierarchy emerges . . . Orwell's tale of propaganda, power and greed has never felt more pertinent. With an exciting new cover and inside illustrations by superstar Chris Mould. 'Heartily recommend.' Just Imagine 'Never been so timely . . . simply striking illustrations.' Armadillo Magazine 'Atmospheric and deliciously macabre.' Lancashire Post 'Perfectly pitched.' WRD Magazine

With a focus on building phonics skills, this collection includes seven fun stories with colourful illustrations. It is ideal for children who are developing early reading skills. Find out what's so important about Ron Rabbit's egg, what happens to the Doll in the in and learn about animals in the Animal Quiz! Tips for reading together explain the letter patterns that each story focuses on and identify any words children may find tricky, helping you to get the most out of the collection. Former Children's Laureate and author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson, has captivated children all over the world with her lively and engaging stories. Songbirds is a phonics programme carefully created by Julia to support children who are learning to read and is used in schools to inspire a love of reading. There are eight Songbirds story collections for you to enjoy. Featuring much-loved characters, great authors, engaging storylines and fun activities, Read with Oxford offers an exciting range of carefully levelled reading books to build your child's reading confidence. Find practical advice, free eBooks and fun activities to help your child progress on oxfordowl.co.uk. Let's get them flying!

BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE

You are about to read

THE TRUE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS

If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away.

(Because this book is FULL of impossible things.)

Are you still reading?

Good.

Then let us begin...

Brandon is a boaster - he says he is brilliant at lots of things. Then he is challenged to count up to ten million. So Brandon starts: one, two, three . . . and before long he is up to one thousand. Everyone around him is bewildered and annoyed: his friend Waris, his teachers and Miss Hexx, the head. But Brandon can't stop counting. And the higher he counts, the more everyone takes an interest, when Brandon reaches 30,000 he goes viral, by the time he gets to one million, he has a manager and a stadium full of fans counting with him. And then strange, impossible things start happening. The numbers are taking over everything . . . A fun and contemporary story about rise and fall of celebrity, and ultimately staying true to yourself.

After Billy Brute burns down his old school - and gets away with it - his parents have to find him a new one. St Lemons say they'll take him, but little does Billy know that St Lemons have a secret weapon: Enter Miss Wanda . . . Her glasses are spectacular. Her dress so prim and neat. But what big eyes, and what big ears... And what big hairy feet! Perhaps Billy won't get away with EVERYTHING after all. With gloriously gothic illustrations from bestselling Chris Mould, and an alternative back-to-school message, this fabulously dark tale is perfect for parents looking for the picture book equivalent of Roald Dahl's twisted tales.

THE EPIC ADVENTURE OF A TEENY-TINY HERO

Miika just wants to belong. Living with elves and trolls and pixies can make a mouse feel like the odd one out.

When he makes friends with a fellow mouse, Miika thinks he can relax. But really, his quest is just beginning . . .

A hilarious tale of derring do and needing the loo from the brilliant Greg Gormley and Chris Mould! Prince Freddie is off to save a castle from a ferocious dragon, when he realises he really, REALLY needs a pee. But what with scary ogres, damsels in distress, and massive queues for the only toilet in the forest, it doesn't look like Freddie will ever get to go . . . So when the dragon blocks his path, and accidentally sets fire to the castle, things don't look too good. Luckily, Prince Freddie is able to have a pee AND put out the fire in one go! This funny, fast-paced story is a visual feast, perfect for any child aged 3-6 who loves fairy tales or has ever asked: "Are we nearly there yet?" Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

Jackson LOVES football. He plays it. He watches it. He eats it. He sleeps it! Jackson lives and breathes football - he knows all the players, the fixtures, the scores. Then, one grey stormy day, Jackson kicks his ball, and it goes up ... and up ... and UP! All the way to the moon! Overnight, Jackson becomes an international footballing sensation, and before you know it, he's kicked ALL of the Earth's footballs into space. The moon-folk - the aliens! - don't know the rules of the game, but they become football mad all the same. It's up to Jackson to bring football home...

Let the battle for Christmas begin . . .

Amelia lives in the magical town of Elfhelm, newly adopted by Father Christmas and Mary Christmas. When the very jealous Easter Bunny launches an attack to ruin Christmas, it's up to Amelia, her family and the elves to fight off the forces of evil.

But can they keep Christmas alive?

Step into a world of secrets, folklore and illusions, where nothing is as it seems and magic is at play…

Madame Augustina Pinchbeck, travels the country conjuring the spirits of dearly departed loved ones... for a price. Whilst her ability to contact ghosts is a game of smoke and mirrors, there is real magic behind her tricks too - if you know where to look.

Through a magical trade, she persuades children to part with precious objects, promising to use her powers to help them. But Pinchbeck is a deceiver, instead turning their items into enchanted Cabinets that bind the children to her and into which she can vanish and summon them at will.

When Pinchbeck captures orphan Leander, events are set into motion that see him and his new friends Charlotte and Felix, in a race against time to break Pinchbeck’s spell, before one of them vanishes forever…

#TheVanishingTrick

A historical adventure with a magical twist from an outstanding debut talent. Perfect for fans of Michelle Harrison, Sophie Anderson and Emma Carroll.

The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff.
Where had he come from? Nobody knows.
How was he made? Nobody knows.

Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world.