Poetry

Meet the wiggliest, squiggliest superhero in the world in the funny picture book by the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

“Superworm is super-long.

Superworm is super-strong.

Watch him wiggle! See him squirm!

Hip, hip, hooray for SUPERWORM!”

Super-long and super-strong, Superworm is always on hand to help animals and insects in need.

From rescuing Baby Toad from a busy road or fishing Beetle out of a well – do not fear, Superworm is here!

But who will come to Superworm’s rescue, when he’s captured by the wicked Wizard Lizard and Crow?

Luckily, all of Superworm’s friends have a cunning plan…

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• The fabulously funny bestseller from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Friendship, bravery, teamwork and everyday heroism are at the heart of this story
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films

• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies, the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for Superworm

‘The energetic rhyme will keep the audience squirming with pleasure’ Observer

‘Riotous rhyme and glorious illustrations’ Irish Daily Mail

‘There are lessons here about friendship and the effectiveness of joint action, but it’s the sheer imaginative force of Donaldson’s jaunty rhyming narrative and Scheffler’s brilliantly funny illustrations that will have this book wriggling into your affections’ Herald

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The heart-warming picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

“Me, you and the old guitar.
How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.
MEEE-EW and the old guitar.
How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!”

Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker.

But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated.

Will they ever find each other again?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A heartwarming and charming story from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Friendship and loyalty are at the heart of this story
• Perfect for cat lovers!
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for Tabby McTat:

‘Absolutely purr-fect’ The Times

‘Scheffler’s detailed drawings have an optimistic allure and Donaldson’s soothing rhymes make this perfect for bedtime’ Daily Telegraph

‘It has the same old fashioned, long-lasting magic as Mary Poppins; and it’s also absolutely accurate about the real nature of cats’ The Times

‘Donaldson’s lovely bounding rhymes make Tabby McTat a pleasure to read out loud to children of three or four and up. Scheffler’s richly detailed illustrations are warm and witty’ FT

‘Donaldson’s rhythmic text carries the reader through this urban fairytale of friendship, singing – and kittens’ Yorkshire Post

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“Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the Lennon and McCartney of children’s publishing” Sunday Times

This fabulous picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a riot of slapstick fun and silliness.

The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land.

They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst.

When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can’t wait to scare her out of her wits.

But the little girl quickly shows them that you don’t have to be big to be brave, and baddies don’t always win.

• A brilliant paperback edition for new and old fans alike
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Julia and Axel are the team that have created picture book favourites such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Zog and The Smeds and The Smoos – all of which have been made into animated films premiering on BBC1 Christmas Day

More praise for The Baddies:

‘[The Baddies] is every bit as charming and wonderful and funny as you’d imagine’ Nihal Arthanyake, BBC Radio 5 Live

‘A mean ghost, witch and troll try, yet hilariously fail, to frighten a girl in this brilliant new tale from the superstar picture book duo’ The Bookseller

‘Keeps little ones grinning and guffawing from the first colour-soaked page to the last hilarious line of this fresh, funny and exuberant rhyming story … With Donaldson’s heartwarming, inspirational messages about being brave and standing up to bullies, a wise and enchanting story in a rhyme perfectly created for reading aloud, and Scheffler’s stunning and richly detailed illustrations providing lots to spot on every page, this is a creative partnership made in children’s reading heaven!’ Lancashire Evening Post

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The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems is a hilarious anthology of the most giggle-worthy children’s poems from one of the nations most celebrated children’s poets, Brian Moses.

Perfect for gifting and for reading aloud, you’ll be chortling along with Brian as he shows you the funniest poems in the world! Explore chucklesome poems about pets, funny creatures, school, family, fantasy and fairy-tales, dinosaurs and dragons, space, and just plain SILLY poems.

With poets such as Brian Bilston, Sue Hardy-Dawson, Pie Corbett and Paul Cookson next to Liz Brownlee, Mike Jubb, James Carter and Rachel Rooney, this is the ultimate collection of rib-tickling poems guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

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A magical picture book for Christmas, written in perfect, heartfelt rhyme by Julia Donaldson, bestselling creator of Zog and Superworm.

“Magical . . . as well as paying tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other things close to Julia’s heart: the power of children and song”
Good Housekeeping

Deep in a snowy wood stands a little pine tree with a special destiny: when it grows up, it’s going to be the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square!

This is the perfect picture book to snuggle up with and share at Christmas. Gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations whisk you from frozen forests to the sparkling city square in a beautiful, moving story of festivity and hope.

• Julia Donaldson’s perfect rhyme is a joy to read aloud. This is a classic to treasure for generations
• Victoria Sandøy’s exquisite, atmospheric illustrations are full of gorgeous details to point out and share
• A paragraph on the final page of the book explains the true story behind the tree
  

  The Christmas Pine is based on a true story. It celebrates a special tradition that stretches back over seventy years. Every year, the Mayor of Oslo in Norway presents the British people with a spectacular Christmas tree. The tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, and a thank you for the UK’s support during World War II.

  Each year, the UK Poetry Society asks a poet to write a poem to welcome the tree. Julia Donaldson originally wrote The Christmas Pine to celebrate the 2020 Christmas tree. The poem was performed by London schoolchildren, and displayed in Trafalgar Square.

  Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved children’s books ever written. She has been awarded a CBE for services to literature, and is the most celebrated children’s writer in Britain today.

  Many of Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas.

  Superworm animation will premiere on BBC Christmas 2021

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See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand

sayin see ya later to his mate?

That’s me:

Nathan Wilder

Nate.

10 years old

and a week away from the end of Year 5.

Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side – they’ve been inseparable since Nursery.

But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate’s world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital.

His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?

A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.

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A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-witted mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake… and a hungry Gruffalo!

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come. No home should be without The Gruffalo!

This handy board book format is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans!

Also available in board book format and with striking redesigned covers are:
The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, The Smartest Giant in Town, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.

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Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo and Stick Man.

‘By a loobular lake on a far-off planet
There lived a young Smed, and her name was Janet.
Not far away, on a humplety hill,
There lived a young Smoo by the name of Bill.’

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!

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator is literally out of this world!
• Friendship, love, adventure and togetherness are at the heart of this joyful story
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• Superworm is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (narrator), Matt Smith (Superworm) and Rob Brydon (Crow)
• New for September 2022 – look out for The Baddies,the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

‘Blast off with the most exciting book yet from the creator of The Gruffalo. Get ready for a wild and wonderful journey through space in a book that is perfect for reading together.’ The Sun

Collect the whole Scholastic picture book series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler:

• • Stick Man
  • Superworm
  • Tabby McTat
  • The Highway Rat
  • The Scarecrows’ Wedding
  • The Smeds and the Smoos
  • Tiddler
  • Ugly Five
  • Zog
  • Zog and the Flying Doctors

Also available in hardback, board book, book and CD and early reader formats.

Each title also has a sticker activity book with over 300 stickers and pages of activities for hours of extra fun.

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Look out – there’s a Ticklemonster about! And he’s off to tickle all his animal friends, from the pigs on the farm to penguins at the zoo. Join Tom and Bear as they follow him on his adventures, but watch out – you might get tickled too!

This fun board book features a laugh-out-loud text by Ian Whybrow that is full of witty rhymes and silly scenarios, and illustrations by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo. Bursting with funny details, The Tickle Book has a flap to lift on every page, so children can join in the fun!

Also from Axel Scheffler and Ian Whybrow: The Bedtime Bear and The Christmas Bear.

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The funny and joyful picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.

‘Morning had dawned on the African plain.
The lion lay grooming his glorious mane.
The kudu looked cool and the rhino looked fine.
The bright pink flamingos looked simply divine.
The zebra looked graceful; the leopard look great.

Oh what a picture of beauty – but wait!’

Who’s that singing on the savannah?

The wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena and marabou stork swagger proudly across the savannah, rejoicing in their ugliness – and delighting their babies, who think they’re perfect just the way they are.

Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, this gorgeous picture book is a celebration of animals who are often rather unloved.

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A funny and comical picture book from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Full of fabulous animals!
• Celebrates being yourself, family and friendship
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
• Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Praise for The Ugly Five:

‘Donaldson’s exuberant verse and Scheffler’s strong, inimitable style are splendidly suited to these underrated, cheerful grotesques, and evoke the love between parents and children of every species’ Guardian

‘Another fabulous story for two- to eighty-year olds . What bliss from the creators of The Gruffalo’ The Oldie

‘Funny, catchy and gleeful . it’s irresistible rhymes trip off the tongue . Axel’s pictures are witty and full of character’ BBC Wildlife Magazine

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From Number One bestselling picture book duo, David Walliams and Tony Ross, comes this ssssspectacularly funny picture book for children of 3 and up.

Miranda loves to be different, and on Bring-your-pet-to-school Day she introduces everyone to her very DIFFERENT pet…

Penelope the snake.

Miss Bloat the headmistress doesn’t think snakes should be allowed in school. But Penelope has other ideas…

Introducing a spectacularly slithery new picture book packed with mischief and mayhem from two superstars!

David Walliams’ book ‘The World’s Worst Monsters’ was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 18-09-2023.

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**A Christmas treat – Daily Mail**
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THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD!
DISCOVER THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES
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We’re going on a sleigh ride,
HO! HO! HO!
Can you find the hidden gifts?
Whoosh! Off we go!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Climb aboard Santa’s sleigh and join the fun as four bunnies set off on a thrilling festive adventure. With ten presents to find hidden under the flaps, it’s an action-packed treasure hunt! You’ll need to watch out for the obstacles along the way – snowy clouds, church spires, flocks of flying geese – and help the sleigh back to the North Pole in time for Christmas!

The perfect Christmas gift, full of festive fun and winter magic, from the bestselling author of We’re Going on an Elf Chase.
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The Bunny Adventures series is the perfect collection for young children, full of exciting adventures, fun lift-the-flap pages, and made of very sturdy paper for little hands. Collect them all for a wonderful gift to be read, re-read, and treasured for years to come.
_______________

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The powerful tale of a girl who feels broken, and the dolphin who makes her whole. A story of friendship, hope and self-discovery, perfect for readers aged 9+, and beautifully illustrated in black and white by George Ermos.

Ró finds school impossible. She knows people think she’s shy – and stupid. But when she goes to the bay each afternoon to watch the dolphin leap through the water, she finds the strength to keep going. Then the dolphin disappears, and everything starts falling apart.

Can Ró overcome her fears to find him?

I watch each rise and dip of wave
know Sunny must be out there
somewhere
wonder if he’s missing me.
I remember that moment
when I touched his skin
and know that finding him
is the only thing
that can make
the aching stop
make me feel
not broken.

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The magical and exciting picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Zog and Stick Man.

‘Madam Dragon ran a school, many moons ago.
She taught young dragons all the things that dragons need to know.
Zog, the biggest dragon, was the keenest one by far.
He tried his hardest every day to win a golden star.’

Zog is the keenest dragon in school. He’s also the most accident-prone, flying into trees and even setting his own wing on fire.

Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by and patches up his bumps and bruises.

But will she be able to help him with his toughest test: capturing a princess?

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A magical picture book about dragons, knights and princesses from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• The perfect story for children starting school with bravery, kindness, friendship and perseverance at the heart
• Zog has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from Sir Lenny Henry (Narrator), Hugh Skinner (Zog), Tracy Ullman (Madame Dragon) and Kit Harrington (Sir Gadabout).
  • The Smeds and the Smoos is on BBC One at Christmas with voice artists including Bill Bailey (comedian and Strictly winner), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton), Sally Hawkins (Paddington movies) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey).
    • Look out for The Baddies the wickedly funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

      Winner of the Galaxy National Book Award 2010

      Praise for Zog: ‘Heartwarming and hilarious. A book to make your heart soar and ‘zigzag through the blue’ Daily Mail

      ‘Humour, heart and a worthy heroine earn this story its own star’ New York Times

      ‘A delightful bedtime read with Donaldson’s witty versification and Scheffler’s usual assortment of lushly coloured, winsomely boggle-eyed characters’ FT

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Everyone’s favourite dragon, Zog, returns in this magical adventurous picture book from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Smeds and the Smoos and Stick Man.

‘Meet the Flying Doctors – a dragon, knight and girl.
Their names are Gadabout the Great, and Zog, and Princess Pearl.’

Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and their trusty ‘air ambulance’, Zog the dragon fly around tending a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn and a sneezy lion.

But should princesses really be doctors?

Pearl’s uncle, the King, doesn’t think so – until he himself falls ill, and only Pearl knows how to cure him.

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A fabulous picture book about dragons, knights and princesses from the UK’s number one picture book author and illustrator
• The sequel to the much-loved Zog is also a stand-alone story
• Perfect read-aloud rhyming text and stunning pictures on every page with lots of details to spot
• Bravery, kindness, friendship and perseverance are at the heart of this heartwarming story
• Zog and the Flying Doctors has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from Sir Lenny Henry (Narrator), Hugh Skinner (Zog), Patsy Ferran (Princess Pearl) and Rob Brydon (The King).
• Tabby McTat will be on BBC One, December 2023
• Look out for The Baddies, the wickedly funny latest picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

‘Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the Lennon and McCartney of children’s publishing’ Sunday Times

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