Join one tiny bird on a hilarious adventure to save his sister – and his country! An action-packed tale of courage, adventure and a smattering of bird poo, from the bestselling children’s author of Toto the Ninja Cat, Dermot O’Leary, with glorious illustrations throughout by Claire Powell. Royal Bird Force recruit Linus can’t wait for his big adventure. He’s out to prove that swifts can be just a brave as falcons, with a combination of teamwork, talons and of course poo! But with his sister missing and rumours of a spy amongst their ranks, can Linus become the hero he dreams of? Featuring courageous loop-the-loops, top-secret plans and a smattering of bird poo, this heroic tail will keep young readers entertained and giggling from start to finish. “A wonderful, heartwarming read that captures the feel of camaraderie” Parent of a reader aged 8 (Toppsta) “I loved this book about Linus who is a very brave tiny bird… [it] is very exciting and made me laugh at the poop bits.” Reader aged 7 (Toppsta)

An inspiring story about the incredible things that can happen when you give something a try, from award-winning author Catherine Emmett and bestselling illustrator Claire Powell.   Delilah did not often talk of her dream, in case others laughed at how daft it might seem. For like all those others, this small dodo knew, there never had been any dodos who flew.   Meet Delilah. She’s on a mission to be the first dodo to take flight – and she won’t let what any of the other dodos say stand in her way. This heart-warming story of perseverance, from the Oscar’s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Pet, will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever dared to dream. Brought to life with fabulous artwork from the illustrator of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. This empowering story is perfect for fans of Rachel Bright.  

'A stunning debut . . . laugh-out-loud funny' - Observer Discover the hilarious New York Times bestselling mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket. On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas. So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants - pirate, explorer or even detective. Which is lucky, really, because when one of the Family tries to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude, someone has to work out whodunit. With the help of her sisters and cousin, Shenanigan grudgingly takes on the case, but more murders, a hidden treasure and an awful lot of suspects make thing seriously complicated. Can Shenanigan catch the killer before the whole household is picked off? And in a Family where definitions are so important, can she learn to define herself? 'Murder most splendid' - The Telegraph.

The second instalment in a brilliantly clever, funny and highly illustrated murder mystery series The most troublesome thing about being a detective is that it is almost impossible to go on holiday. When Bonnie Montgomery finally gets a break from cracking cases as her alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, something terribly fishy happens the moment she and Grampa Banks arrive on Odde Island for half-term – and it's not just the smell of the harbour. There's been a mysterious death at Leerie Lighthouse, and what everyone assumed was an accident is setting Bonbon's moustache all a-quiver: a sure sign that something is Highly Suspicious. When a second death takes place on the other side of the island, Bonnie is sure the two are connected. But can she solve this case alone, or will she need double the detectives to solve double the murder?

The second book in the New York Times-bestselling series - a gleeful gothic mystery perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Robin Stevens. Having solved the mystery of Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude's non-murder and uncovered the location of Grand Uncle Vile's long-lost treasure, Shenanigan Swift might just be in the running for junior detective of the year. But when robbers target Swift House, her sleuthing skills are tested like never before. The trail leads Shenanigan and her sisters to Paris and the Hotel Martinet, home of the estranged French branch of the Swift family. From there, the girls must venture into the spooky catacombs below the city to track down Ouvolpo, a gang of daring thieves who design each of their crimes as audacious pieces of performance art. What links Ouvolpo and the Swifts? Who kidnapped Cousin Pomme? And why has Uncle Maelstrom taken to wearing an earring again? All will be revealed . . .

From the amazing author and illustrator team behind the incredible Octopants series comes this hilarious, rhyming retelling of Sleeping Beauty – with added bite! Expect a toothsome crocodile, groovy grans and an EPIC 80s party . . . A little baby princess and a fancy royal ball . . . ONE fairy not invited, and she wasn’t pleased AT ALL! She cast a spell – and now the sleeping princess looks like THIS . . . Will ANYONE be brave enough to wake her with a kiss? Who needs a prince? This fabulously twisted tale will delight children with its funny hijinks and important message of female empowerment. Who Will Kiss the Crocodile? will make fans of The Dragon with the Blazing Bottom, Waking Beauty and Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig laugh out loud! Also available from this author and illustrator: Octopants, Octopants: The Missing Pirate Pants

Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He's the world's greatest Warlock (don't call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and he's about to create a whole load of trouble for Rose, aged 12.

Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family.

Bubbles is Rose's guinea pig. He just poos a lot.

When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it's a TOILET, so definitely DON'T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.

Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose's mum noticing, track down Merdyn's magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong...?

From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories, this hilariously silly, heartfelt adventure with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel.

The second book in the New York Times-bestselling series - a gleeful gothic mystery perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Robin Stevens. Having solved the mystery of Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude's non-murder and uncovered the location of Grand Uncle Vile's long-lost treasure, Shenanigan Swift might just be in the running for junior detective of the year. But when robbers target Swift House, her sleuthing skills are tested like never before. The trail leads Shenanigan and her sisters to Paris and the Hotel Martinet, home of the estranged French branch of the Swift family. From there, the girls must venture into the spooky catacombs below the city to track down Ouvolpo, a gang of daring thieves who design each of their crimes as audacious pieces of performance art. What links Ouvolpo and the Swifts? Who kidnapped Cousin Pomme? And why has Uncle Maelstrom taken to wearing an earring again? All will be revealed . . .

An inspiring story about the incredible things that can happen when you give something a try, from award-winning author Catherine Emmett and bestselling illustrator Claire Powell.   Delilah did not often talk of her dream, in case others laughed at how daft it might seem. For like all those others, this small dodo knew, there never had been any dodos who flew.   Meet Delilah. She’s on a mission to be the first dodo to take flight – and she won’t let what any of the other dodos say stand in her way. This heart-warming story of perseverance, from the Oscar’s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Pet, will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever dared to dream. Brought to life with fabulous artwork from the illustrator of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. This empowering story is perfect for fans of Rachel Bright.  

The perfect pants are hard to find for someone shaped like me. Could Octopants be just the job? Why not dive in and see . . .? There are all-in-ones for urchins and slipper-socks for eels... but will Octopus ever find a pair of pants to fit? A hilarious rhyming romp, packed with underwater underwear!

The long-awaited second book in the best-selling Octopants series from the hilarious and hugely talented Suzy Senior and Claire Powell! Pufferfish has lost his pants! Where COULD those undies be? Ahoy there, Pirate! Step aboard - Let's join the search and see! Join Octopants, Pufferfish and their underwater pals on a pant-tastic adventure filled with pirates, parties and plenty of PANTS! With its eye-catching, shiny purple cover this joyous story makes a perfect gift for fans of Pirates Love Underpants, Pants and Barry the Fish with Fingers.

A 2022 BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR for THE TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, RED, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING AND CRITIC 'The kind of rare story you want to nosedive into on a hot hungover weekend and slurp down like iced coffee - cold, sweet and quenching . . . a summer read to devour with suncream and spilt rose - and then lend to your mum or your daughter' The Times 'At the Table is a hugely intelligent, emotionally astute novel about family dynamics, and Claire Powell is an incredible new talent' Marian Keyes 'An assured, exquisitely drawn novel that fans of Sorrow And Bliss will adore' Sarra Manning, Red magazine To Nicole and Jamie Maguire, their parents seem the ideal couple - a suburban double act, happily married for more than thirty years. So when Linda and Gerry announce that they've decided to separate, the news sends shockwaves through the siblings' lives, forcing them to confront their own expectations and desires. Hardworking - and hard-drinking - Nicole pursues the ex she unceremoniously dumped six years ago, while people-pleasing Jamie fears he's sleepwalking into a marriage he doesn't actually want. But as the siblings grapple with the pressures of thirtysomething life, their parents struggle to protect the fragile facade of their own relationship, and the secrets they've both been keeping. Set in 2018, Claire Powell's beautifully observed debut novel follows each member of the Maguire family over a tumultuous year of lunches, dinners and drinks, as old conflicts arise and relationships are re-evaluated. A gripping yet tender depiction of family dynamics, love and disillusionment, At the Table is about what it means to grow up - both as an individual, and as a family. 'Painfully funny, acutely well-observed, powerfully resonant in its humanity and emotional accuracy. I missed this book whenever I wasn't reading it' Luke Kennard 'A brilliant, coruscating depiction of dysfunctional family life. SO astute, on so many levels. I loved it' Hannah Beckerman

King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third
had SO many clothes it was simply absurd …

So when two seemingly well-meaning fabric merchants promise to make an outfit of only the very BEST and most special cloth, King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third simply cannot resist. He MUST have these new clothes! Surely, the unquestionably charitable and not-at-all-suspicious-looking tailors are genuine, and the King won't end up looking red-cheeked … ?

This funny and timely retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable 'The Emperor's New Clothes' will not only make children laugh, but also encourage them to think and speak up for what they believe.

Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He's the world's greatest Warlock (don't call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and determined to wreak vengeance on his nemesis.

Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family.

Bubbles is Rose's guinea pig. He just poos a lot.

When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it's a TOILET, so definitely DON'T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.

Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose's mum noticing, track down Merdyn's magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong...?

From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories, this hilariously silly, heartfelt adventure with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel.

**A triumph - Daily Mail** **Laughter, action, colour, rhyme, silliness, chaos, a king, a feast and a fairytale setting - The Royal Leap-Frog has all these - Sunday Times** ----------------- When a flea, a grasshopper and a frog compete to show the King who can jump the highest, it causes CHAOS in the royal dining hall. Who can jump the highest? Can the clever leap-frog use his wits to win? And will the Emperor's dog EVER get rid of the flea? This funny and irresistible retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable, 'The Leap Frog', will make children laugh - AND show them that brains are sometimes better than brawn. With a pitch-perfect rhyming text by bestselling Peter Bently, and gloriously detailed illustrations by award-winning Claire Powell, this is an unmissable treat for all ages!

A joyful, rhyming celebration of finding your voice and not judging others by their appearance, written by the bestselling author of the Aliens Love Underpants series. It's time for the jungle talent show, and all the animals want to show off what they can do! The acrobatic lion, dancing gorilla and juggling monkey are all determined to impress the judges. But up against the mighty beasts of the jungle, what can Tiny Ant do? Find out in this hilarious, rollicking story by Claire Freedman, paired for the first time with dazzling illustrator, Claire Powell, illustrator of The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Kes Gray (Hodder) and Daddy Hairdo by Francis Martin (S&S UK).

A brilliantly funny young murder mystery from a rising stand-up comedian, podcaster and filmmaker - and exciting new talent in children's fiction. Many people go their whole lives without noticing anything that is afoot, amiss, or even untoward; without ever experiencing that toe-tingling, stomach-twisting sensation that a mystery is about to unfold. Not Bonnie Montgomery - the world's best detective. Not that anyone (other than Grampa Banks) has heard of her... But they might have heard of the great Montgomery Bonbon, the well-dressed gentleman detective who (apart from the hat and moustache) looks suspiciously like a 10-year-old girl. Their newest case: solving the mystery surrounding a highly suspicious death at the Hornville Museum. Together they'll interview some dodgy witnesses, scour the scene for clues and - above all - hope no one notices that Bonnie and Montgomery are never in the same room at the same time...

Did you know that they don't give away goldfish at the fairground anymore? You can win a giraffe instead. So much better! Although, you might come across a few problems when you bring your cute new pet home. Giraffes tend to be big and clumsy, so here is a handy guide of all the best places to hide them... In this gorgeous book by award-winning author Michelle Robinson, with illustrations from the brilliant new one-to-watch picture book talent Claire Powell, learn what to do when you find yourself with a pet giraffe in need of a hiding place!

Archie McBudge knows his lucky underpants must really work, because when he and his mum are summoned to Honeystone Hall in the remote Scottish village of Dundoodle, they find Archie has inherited not only the enormous hall, but the whole of the world-famous McBudge Confectionery Company from Great-Uncle Archibald. That's a new home, a fortune and a lifetime's supply of treats rolled into one!

But all is not well in Dundoodle, and when Archie reads the mysterious letter his great-uncle left him, he finds himself on a quest to save his family's company from ruin. With the help of his new friends Fliss and Billy, Archie has to try to figure out the puzzles of Honeystone before his sweet future melts away like an ice lolly in the sun!

Fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Tilly and the Time Machine will be hungry for this delicious mystery full of weird clues, strange creatures, malevolent relatives and lots and lots of SWEETS!

Archie McBudge's lazy summer has just turned into a magical meltdown! The second adventure in this madcap magical mystery series is perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon, amateur detectives and anyone who loves SWEETS!

Archie McBudge was planning a sweet summer at Honeystone Hall. Picnics by the loch, watching the honeydragons flying around the hillsides, chasing ghosts through the shadowy castle hallways, and of course, testing out all the new sweets from the McBudge Confectionery Factory. But now the Wyrdie Tree, source of all the magic in the town of Dundoodle, is dying, and the guardian must save it before Dundoodle's magic is gone for good. And who's the guardian, you ask? That's right, Archie McBudge. With enemies on every side, puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover - not to mention a very scary dentist to avoid - Archie's summer's looking less like a strawberry marshmallow dream and more like a super-sour sherbet lemon with exploding bits that make your mouth go numb for a week!

The follow-up to David O'Connell's The Chocolate Factory Ghost, this is a must read for anyone who loves ghosts, monsters, toffee, marshmallows, and wants to explore more of the weird and wonderful town of Dundoodle.

'Murder most splendid' - The Telegraph Discover the hilarious New York Times bestselling mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket. On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas. So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants - pirate, explorer or even detective. Which is lucky, really, because when one of the Family tries to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude, someone has to work out whodunit. With the help of her sisters and cousin, Shenanigan grudgingly takes on the case, but more murders, a hidden treasure and an awful lot of suspects make thing seriously complicated. Can Shenanigan catch the killer before the whole household is picked off? And in a Family where definitions are so important, can she learn to define herself?

Merdyn is the greatest wizard of the Dark Ages. Obviously. Rose is his 21st-century descendent. Lucky her. And Vanheldon the vandal warrior is FURIOUS! After all, last time they met, Merdyn turned his army to stone. Seeking revenge, Vanheldon comes up with a way to kidnap Rose and transport her back to Dark Ages Transylvania, set on luring Merdyn into a terrible trap. Except - whoops! - his magical minion kidnaps Rose's teenage brother Kris instead. Rose, Merdyn and Bubbles the guinea pig must team up to save the day. But can they rescue Kris without creating historical mayhem? Will Rose's wizard ancestor even remember her? (And want to help them?) And will Bubbles ever stop pooing? From the writer of the Paddington 2 movie and writer and star of Horrible Histories and Ghosts, this hilariously silly, heartfelt comedy of errors with a historical twist is perfect for fans of David Walliams and David Baddiel. The follow-up to The Wizard in My Shed.

Fish have fins and gills and tails. All fish swim and most have scales. But not all fish act or look the same. From zapping, stinging, even singing, Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd Facts about Fascinating Fish is an adorable picture book with a scientific-and child-friendly-underpinning. With examples of different fish for each description, as well as extensive backmatter explaining the fascinating science behind these variety of fish, this funky book captures the wonder of our ecosystem.

The perfect pants are hard to find for someone shaped like me. Could Octopants be just the job? Why not dive in and see . . .? There are all-in-ones for urchins and slipper-socks for eels... but will Octopus ever find a pair of pants to fit? A hilarious rhyming romp, packed with underwater underwear!