Poetry

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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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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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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Celebrate 30 years of of A Squash and a Squeeze, the first ever picture book written and illustrated by the bestselling partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, with this special anniversary edition featuring the much-loved classic story plus special content.

“Wise old man, won’t you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.”

A little old lady lives all by herself in her house but she’s not happy – it’s just too small, even for one. Whatever can she do? The wise old man knows: bring in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals. When she pushes them all out again, she’ll be amazed at how big her house feels!

A Squash and a Squeeze 30th Anniversary Edition features the classic story from the creators of The Gruffalo with a stunning foil cover as well as extra-special content including a letter from the author and some early sketches from the illustrator to celebrate the anniversary year.

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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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Introduce little ones to classic nursery rhymes including Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo-Peep and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in this delightful book. Babies will love listening and singing along to the tunes, looking at the pictures, lifting the flaps and running their fingers over the touchy-feely patches including Baa Baa Black Sheep’s woolly coat.

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How the cat purred and how the witch grinned,
As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind.

A very funny story of quick wits and friendship, Room on the Broom is another smash hit from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. Luckily, they are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, who are all keen for a ride on the broom. It’s a case of the more, the merrier, but the broomstick isn’t used to such a heavy load and it’s not long before . . . SNAP! It breaks in two! And with a greedy dragon looking for a snack, the witch’s animal pals better think fast!

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, The Gruffalo’s Child, 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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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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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.

Read more

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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Greg the Sausage Roll stars in this hilarious twist on everyone’s favourite Christmas rhyme!

Greg, Gloria and the mini sausage rolls are rounding up all their friends –

11 elves a-wrapping,
8 reindeer munching,
6 six baubles bouncing . . .

Join the festive countdown as they get ready for Christmas Eve – and the best Christmas party EVER!

Packed with laughs and festive silliness, this sturdy board book is the perfect gift for Greg’s youngest fans, introducing little learners to their first numbers in a fun and entertaining way. With colourful illustrations throughout and a surprise gatefold ending, this book is a joyful addition to the Greg the Sausage Roll Christmas collection!

Developed and written by the social media phenomenon that is LadBaby – the king and queen of Christmas and of sausage rolls – and creators of the hilarious No. 1 bestsellers Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper, Greg the Sausage Roll: The Perfect Present and Greg the Sausage Roll: Wish You Were Here

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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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**A Christmas treat – Daily Mail**
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THE BUNNY ADVENTURES: OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD!
DISCOVER THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES
_______________

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.
_______________

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 heartwarming modern classic from the number one bestselling author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog – perfect for sharing at Christmas.

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three.’

But it’s dangerous being a Stick Man.

A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire!

Will he ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Perhaps Santa can help…

• Shiny foil highlights on the cover makes this a special gift for toddlers
• A modern classic picture book about family, courage and adventure 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
• This perfect gift book is a journey through the seasons with a gloriously festive Christmas Eve ending
• From the creators of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog, which have all been made into animated films
• Stick Man has been adapted into a popular animated film starring voices from Martin Freeman (Stick Man), Jennifer Saunders (Narrator), Sally Hawkins (Stick Lady), Russell Tovey (Dog) and Hugh Bonneville (Santa)
• 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.

‘A cracker of a book’ FT

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Lift the flaps and join in the winter fun with Squirrel’s Snowman, a story in the Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo – perfect for sharing at Christmas!

It’s snowing in Acorn Wood, and Squirrel wants to build a snowman. Will she and her friends find everything they need to build? Lift the flaps to find out in this wonderful wintry tale.

With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Squirrel’s Snowman joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.

Enjoy more lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood with Dormouse Has a Cold, Mole’s Spectacles and Badger’s Band.

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Little ones can join in the fun On the Farm by pulling out the sliders, moving the animals and making all the different noises! Quack along with the ducks, moo with the cows and neigh with the horses.

Young children will love playing with this bright and colourful board book with gentle rhyming text and beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Axel Scheffler. On the Farm has been endorsed and recommended by Dr Amanda Gummer’s Good Toy Guide.

Discover more animal books from the illustrator of The Gruffalo with In the Jungle and Lizzy the Lamb.

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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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Count down to bedtime with your littlest fairy in this new board book edition of Ten Minutes to Bed Little Fairy, part of the no. 1 bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series.

Poppy the fairy wishes she could fly as high as all of her friends, but there’s just one thing – her wings are very small!

When Poppy spots a lost gnome far from his glade, she is determined to use her wings and get him to safety. But can this little fairy fly to the rescue and still get back home before bedtime?

Weaving a journey from lively beginning to gentle end, this enchanting, heartwarming tale is perfect for little readers everywhere and will help them settle down for bed.

Now available as a gorgeous board book, this sturdy format is perfect for younger fans of the Ten Minutes to Bed series.

This bestselling bedtime series has sold one million copies worldwide! Do you have all the books in the Ten Minutes to Bed series?
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dinosaur (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dragon (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn’s Christmas (also available as a board book)
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn’s Birthday
Ten Minutes to Bed: Baby Unicorn
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Dinosaurs Big Race

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Relive the magic of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs in this newest picture book adaptation!

Is this love? Is this love that I’m feeling? Bob Marley’s music has captured the hearts and souls of families around the world. This sweet adaptation of one of his best loved songs is a heartwarming tale of an older child’s love for a younger sibling. From the moment she sees her baby sister, big sister knows just what she’s going to do: love her and treat her right, every day and every night. Playing together, watching over her, standing by her through thick and thin . . . big sister does it all, because yes, this is love that she’s feeling.

Adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s eldest child, and exuberantly illustrated by Alea Marley, Is This Love is a joyful ode to the unshakeable love shared by all those who call one another family.

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Lift the flaps to join in the fun with Frog’s Day Out, a story in the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

All aboard for a fun day at the seaside! Lift the flaps to join in the fun as Frog and his friends pack their sunhats, buckets and spades, then head to Acorn Wood station to board the special steam train to the beach.

With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Frog’s Day Out joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.

Enjoy more lift-the-flap adventures from Acorn Wood: Cat’s Cookbook, Squirrel’s Snowman, Badger’s Band, Dormouse Has a Cold and Mole’s Spectacles.

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