New May Picture Book Releases

Check out a selection of our May releases below! 

No Nancy No: A Seaside Adventure
by Alice Tait

Nancy is visiting her cousin Jack at the seaside, when his cheeky pet parrot flies away. “After that parrot!” cries Nancy, and sets off in hot pursuit, racing across the bustling beach, the colourful funfair and even the foaming sea. But … uh-oh! There’s lots of mischief to be had beside the sea … and Nancy is VERY mischievous!

With plenty of flaps to open, a fold-out map, and an exciting pop-up pirate ship, this is an interactive read-aloud for all the family.

Puddling!

by Emma Perry and illustrated by Claire Alexander

Pull on your wellies and button up your coats for this playful, interactive story all about children delighting in the joy of splish-splash-sploshing in muddy puddles with their friends, and cherishing snuggles on the sofa afterwards. Emma Perry's debut on the Walker list encapsulates the joy of being outside whatever the weather, and is paired perfectly with Claire Alexander's watercolour artwork to recreate splashing puddles and raindrops!

The Queen: Panorama Pops
Illustrated by Liz Kay

Queen Elizabeth II's iconic reign will reach the 70 year mark in 2022, with celebrations all over the world for her Platinum Jubilee. This beautiful novelty book is packed with information about the Queen's stately duties as well as fascinating trivia about her personal life. For example, did you know that the Queen was nicknamed "Princess Auto Mechanic" during World War Two, when she joined the women's branch of the British army? Or that she named her first corgi Dookie? Or that she is the most widely travelled monarch in the world? Learn all this and more in this exquisite cut-paper souvenir.

Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep
by Elaine M. ALexander and illustrated by Fiona Fogg

Deep in the darkest part of the ocean where no ray of sunlight can reach, Anglerfish makes her home. Resources are scarce, and fellow inhabitants scarcer. Still largely a mystery to scientists, the deep-sea anglerfish is a true source of fascination and awe. This mesmerizing picture book shines a light on the fascinating fish, pairing a captivating text with stunning artwork.

Grandma's Story
by Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Salvatore Rubino

"All the grown-ups you know have their own story. They were all babies once. Then they grew, just like you..."

This charming picture book is all about grandparents, grandchildren and connections between the generations. The two important messages at its heart are, first, that older family members often play a HUGE part in a child's life, which is something to celebrate, and, second, that we each have our own "life story" – a fundamental point for developing empathy in young children. With characterful artwork throughout, and an end-note packed full of suggestions on how to use this book with a child, Grandma's Story is a perfect choice for grandparents, grandchildren and everyone in-between to share.

Ernest the Elephant
by Anthony Browne

Ernest is a happy baby elephant. But when his curiosity gets the better of him and he leaves the rest of his herd to explore the alluring and dangerous jungle, he becomes very lost indeed. Amongst the undergrowth, he meets a rude gorilla, a weary lion, an impolite hippo and an uncaring crocodile. Will anyone help Ernest find his way out of the jungle and home to his mum? From the international phenomenon, Anthony Browne, comes a heartfelt, visually stunning picture book, about finding help in unexpected places.

Now out in paperback.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James

The barber shop is where magic happens! Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty, aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good. Their grades improve, they get noticed, they feel good about themselves. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair. It's a tradition that places a figurative crown on their heads that perfectly confirms their brilliance and worth. 

Now out in paperback.

Just in Case You Want to Fly
by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Just in case you want to fly
here's some wind and here's the sky...

What else might you need? A song. Your favourite giraffe. And a map to find your way home again.
This tender, contemplative picture book is about growing up. It’s about parents giving their children the gifts, no matter how quiet or small, to succeed and to navigate the world on their own. And it’s about the connection that binds a parent and child … because no matter how far they fly or who they become, they will always have home. Now out in paperback.

How to Be Cooler than Cool
by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Jean Jullien

Cat has found a pair of sunglasses. She thinks they are going to make her look COOL. “I’m not just any old cat at the playground," she says. "I’m a real cool cat, gliding backwards down the slide, looking cooler than cool ... WITH EXTRA COOL ON TOP!” She pops on the glasses … confidently struts forwards and – Meooaaaooow! – falls down the slide. Oh, how UNCOOL. Can Pig or Cockatoo do any better?

From the team behind Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise and I Want to Be in a Scary Story comes a gloriously slapstick title that celebrates friendship, play and being yourself (no matter how goofy). Now out in paperback.

Click here for our How to Be Cooler than Cool activity sheets.

 

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All of our May releases are now available from all good booksellers!

One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond's first collaboration: a spell-binding tour of Planet Earth and an important rallying cry.

Where on Earth are you, right now? It’s late where I am and almost everyone’s asleep, but I’m awake, looking out into the night. Wondering…

As the clock starts striking midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world – discovering that, in some time zones, creatures have just started their day, where in others they’re already busy hunting for food. Combining fascinating biology, spectacular artwork and an important climate message, Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond’s first book together is a magnificent celebration of life on Earth ... and a powerful call to action.

“Nicola Davies is one of the best children’s writers in the business.” Huffington Post
“Jenni Desmond knows just how to make children’s precious imaginations soar.” Guardian

“The subject of the environment continues to dominate children’s publishing, and this uplifting piece of narrative non-fiction brings fresh air to a crowded field." 'The best new children’s books to buy for Easter 2022', The Daily Telegraph

“This narrative non-fiction picture book is a soaring love-letter to our planet, showcasing both its beauty and fragility in a gentle and truthful way" ‘Editor’s Choice’, The Bookseller

Click here for our One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth Teacher's Notes.

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One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies & Jenni Desmond is now available from all good booksellers.

New April Picture Book Releases

Check out a selection of our April releases below! 

Oh No, George! 10th Anniversary

by Chris Haughton

In this hilarious read-aloud by the multiple award-winning author-illustrator of A Bit Lost and Shh! We Have a Plan, Harris is off to do some shopping. "Will you be good, George?" he asks his dog. George hopes he can. He really wants to ... but chocolate cake is just so very delicious and he does love to chase cat... What will George do now? Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Chris Haughton's distinctive artwork perfectly accompanies the innocent charm of affable George, a dog trying to be good – with hilarious results!

Maybe...

by Chris Haughton

Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sitting high up on their branch in the forest canopy. “OK, monkeys! I’m off," says the big monkey. “Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there.” Mmm … mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ... maybe … maybe they could just look at the mangos? That’d be OK, right? Now available as a paperback.

One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth
by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

“Nicola Davies is one of the best children’s writers in the business.” Huffington Post

“Jenni Desmond knows just how to make children’s precious imaginations soar.” Guardian

Where on Earth are you, right now? It’s late where I am and almost everyone’s asleep, but I’m awake, looking out into the night. Wondering… As the clock starts striking midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world – discovering that, in some time-zones, creatures have just started their day, wherein others they’re already busy hunting for food. Combining fascinating biology, spectacular artwork and an important climate message, Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond’s first book together is a magnificent celebration of life on Earth ... and a powerful call to action.

I'm a Neutrino
by Dr Eve M. Vavagiakis and illustrated by Ilze Lemesis

Before you finish reading this sentence, trillions upon trillions of neutrinos will have passed through your body. Not sure what a neutrino is? This dazzling picture book from a renowned cosmologist introduces young readers to the smallest bits of matter known to exist. And they exist everywhere! Filled with fascinating, full-bleed illustrations that swirl and splash the cosmos to life, this incredible STEM title shows us the wonders of our universe, encouraging children and future Nobel Prize-winners to dream of their own groundbreaking discoveries.

A Best Friend for Bear
by Petr Horacek

Black Bear is feeling lonely, so he decides to look for a friend. Luckily, he meets Brown Bear, who is in the same situation! The bears decide to search for a friend together. They search everywhere, but their elusive friend is nowhere to be found. Or have they been right there all along?
With stunning artwork and heart-warming text, this is a beautiful picture book from the Kate Greenaway Medal-shortlisted Petr Horácek.

Do Lions Hate Haircuts?
by Bethany Walker and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Nobody, NOBODY, can cut Leonard’s hair to his liking. That is, until he meets Marvin. Marvin is just a mouse but, oh, what wild and whacky styles he can whip up with his teeny-tiny comb and scissors… Soon, Leonard and Marvin are best buddies. The problem is, Leonard wants Marvin to cut his hair and HIS HAIR ONLY. So when Leonard sees Marvin giving Zebra a new hairdo, Leonard struggles with a spot of jealousy... A comedy of little and large, this high-energy story of friendship, sharing, and working together will have readers laughing out loud – and gently reassure any child who fears the hairdresser’s chair.

Snakes on a Train
by Kathryn Dennis

Snakes on a train? Yes, indeed! These colourful, wriggly passengers are going on a fabuloussss journey. They slither onto the train and the adventure begins, travelling through dark tunnels, racing up and down hills and chugging across a bridge above a river of fish. Until finally night falls; it's time for the train to rest and for the snakes to tuck in their tails for a good night's sleep. From the switcher snake that gets the locomotive on the right track to the "brakesnake" who brings the journey to a necessary halt, this is a funny, unforgettable feast for fans of snakes and trains alike.

Penny and the Little Lost Puppy
by Emily Sutton

Moving home can feel a bit lonely, so Penny can’t believe her luck when she finds a new friend right in her garden: a puppy who wants to play all day long! But the next morning, Penny's playmate is nowhere to be seen ... wherever can she have gone? To find out, Penny and Dad will have to get to know their new town a little better.

With this charming tale, the award-winning artist behind The Christmas Eve Tree and the critically acclaimed Tiny series makes her debut as an author-illustrator: here is a story about making friends and finding ways to belong, matching a gentle text with spectacular, detailed artwork. The result is a book to pore over – perfect for any young dog fans.

Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive
by Oti Mabuse and illustrated by Samara Hardy

It’s time for Oti’s dance class! Join Oti in her dance studio and learn “The Bird Jive” in ten easy steps.
There are lots of children in Oti’s dance class – and lots of feelings, too. Meet Fikile in her sparkly new shoes and Naira who is SUPER excited to get started! Gan is feeling a little worried about joining in whilst Martin can’t wait to show his parents what he can do! But in the middle of their dance routine, an unexpected visitor disrupts the class. Not to fear, Oti is here! Soon they are back on track, getting ready for the performance of their lives.

Written by Strictly Come Dancing superstar Oti Mabuse, this debut picture book will dance into the hands of families who have loved watching Oti on-screen.

 

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All of our April releases are now available from all good booksellers!

It's Mine! by Emma Yarlett - The perfect book for Easter!

A hilariously funny, read-aloud story with cut-through reveals, from internationally celebrated author- illustrator, Emma Yarlett.

Once there was a mysterious thing. Nobody knew how it got there, it just was. “It’s mine, all MINE!” say Mouse, Frog, Fox and Bear. But is it a piece of fruit, a wheel, a ball, a chair or something else altogether? And who will get to keep it in the end?

Click here for our activity sheets!

Also from Emma Yarlett...

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Available from all good booksellers.

Perfect books to celebrate mummies

Mother's Day is just around the corner and we have selected some of our favourite books that celebrate mums and grandmas! 

Mum, Me and the Mulberry Tree

by Tanya Rosie and illustrated by Chuck Groenink

As the sun starts to rise, a mother and daughter head out, hand in hand, on their annual outing together. A special tradition, just the two of them. They’re leaving the town behind and going to the wild fields, where their mulberry tree is waiting. There’s juice on their hands and stains on their shirts as they collect berries and share a picnic; then it's home to savour crumbly, sticky slices of fresh mulberry pie...

Brought to life by Chuck Groenink’s soft and vivid illustrations, this is a deeply resonant story, warm with the joy of tradition and the sweetness of moments spent with people we love.

Little Fish and Mummy

by Lucy Cousins

This heart-warming story follows Little Fish and Mummy on a rhyming adventure under the sea! Join them on their special day as Mummy Fish teaches Little Fish how to swim, blow big bubbles and say hello to all their friends. Little ones will love to read this story about the special bond between mother and child, perfect for Mother's Day gifting. This sturdy fish-shaped board book is ideal for tiny hands.

Mother's Day 

by Shirley Hughes

In this stunning gift edition of a classic story by Kate Greenaway-winning author, Shirley Hughes, Katy and her little brother Olly tell us about their day with Mum. From the fun of waking Mum and Dad up in the morning, getting the bus into town with Mum or even stories all together at bedtime, this joyous tale gives readers a snapshot into a child's day and celebrates the special bond between a mother and child.

Five Minutes' Peace: Books and Toy Gift Set

by Jill Murphy

"If you are not familiar with these stories, you really have not lived ... you just couldn't get better." Guardian

Mums everywhere will understand the plight of poor Mrs Large. All she wants is five minutes' peace and quiet away from her boisterous children! So, taking refuge in the bathroom, she fills herself a hot, foamy bubble bath and takes in a tray of her favourite breakfast and the morning paper. But there’s never a dull moment with the Large family, and it soon becomes clear that mum's quiet time is to be very short-lived! Family life is beautifully observed in this warm and funny modern classic from Jill Murphy, now available in this book and toy gift set! 

Baby, Sleepy Baby

by Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank

A beautiful and lyrical book that celebrates the warmth and tenderness of wrapping baby in night-time's embrace. Based on a Nigerian lullaby sung to Atinuke by her father, this story delights in the magical moments shared with a whole family and their baby at bedtime.

My Grandma and Me 

by Mina Javaherbin and Lindsey Yankey 

While Mina is growing up in Iran, the centre of her world is her grandmother. Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip around the planets, Mina and her grandma are never far apart... At once deeply personal and utterly universal, this story is a love letter of the rarest sort: the kind that shares a bit of its warmth with every reader.

Heather Has Two Mummies

by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Laura Cornell

Heather's favourite number is two - she has two arms, two legs, two pets and two lovely mummies. But when Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy... and Heather doesn't have a daddy. But then the class all draw portraits of their families, and not one single drawing is the same. Heather and her classmates realize - it doesn't matter who makes up a family, the most important thing is that all the people in it love one another very much.

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Available from all good booksellers!

10 years of Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

 

The hilarious read-aloud story by the multiple award-winning author-illustrator of A Bit Lost, Shh! We Have a Plan, Goodnight Everyone, Don't Worry, Little Crab, and Maybe.

 Harris is off to do some shopping. "Will you be good, George?" he asks his dog. George hopes he can. He really wants to ... but chocolate cake is just so very delicious and he does love to chase cat... What will George do now?

Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Chris Haughton's distinctive artwork perfectly accompanies the innocent charm of affable George, a dog trying to be good – with hilarious results!

Click here for our activity sheets! 

   

The 10th Anniversary Edition of  Oh No, George! is now available to buy from all good booksellers, click here to find out more!

New March Picture Book Releases

Check out a selection of our March releases below! 

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair
by Jarvis

David is the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle, just like his petals. But when David’s flowers begin to fall – a single petal at first, then every last blossom – his best friend never leaves his side. And through kindness and creativity, he even finds a way to give David his colour back…

Beautifully illustrated and sensitively told, this story is about being there for someone when they are at their most vulnerable, and brings to life a pure and poignant friendship that children will never forget.

Bunnies in a Boat
by Philip Ardagh and illustrated by Ben Mantle

It's time for another wild bunny-tastic adventure! And this time, the bunnies have commandeered a BOAT! All across Sunnytown Beach, the Bunnies are dashing and a-splashing on a speedboat frenzy. They whoosh past the sail-boats, and zoooom across the sand, then it's up on to the jetty where silly billy Bunnies get all covered in spaghetti! But, oh no, where are the bunnies off to now? To the airport, across the tarmac ... it's bunnies on the PLANE. Here we go again...

A Good Place
by Lucy Cousins

Four insect friends are looking for a place to live – one that has flowers for Bee, leaves for Ladybird, a pond for Dragonfly and dead wood for Beetle. But – oh no! – with dangers all around, a good place is not so easy to find.

This brand new picture book from internationally acclaimed author-illustrator Lucy Cousins sees new depth and contrast to her familiar vivid colour palette. The story has a gentle, environmentally-conscious message that brings the natural world to joyful and vibrant life for young readers, inviting them to consider what they can do to help make our planet a good place for all living creatures.

Mum, Me and the Mulberry Tree
by Tanya Rosie and illustrated by Chuck Groenink

Will there be many and will they be ripe?

Mum whispers, "Just wait and see."

As the sun starts to rise, a mother and daughter head out, hand in hand, on their annual outing together. A special tradition, just the two of them. They’re leaving the town behind and going to the wild fields, where their mulberry tree is waiting. There’s juice on their hands and stains on their shirts as they collect berries and share a picnic; then it's home to savour crumbly, sticky slices of fresh mulberry pie...

Brought to life by Chuck Groenink’s soft and vivid illustrations, this is a deeply resonant story, warm with the joy of tradition and the sweetness of moments spent with people we love.

Arabic Folktales

by Rodaan Al Galidi, illustrated by Geertje Aalders and translated by Laura Watkinson

The twenty fables and folktales in this illustrated storybook have taken a long journey. Many have roots that stretch across Europe, Asia and Africa, but when award-winning writer and gatherer of tales Rodaan Al Galidi learned them in his homeland of Iraq, it was as Arabic folktales and as part of the Arabic storytelling tradition. When he migrated to the Netherlands, he shaped twenty of those tales into his debut book for children, which was translated to English by Laura Watkinson.

Filled with wisdom about love and acceptance, and warnings against folly, these elegantly translated stories of donkeys and roosters, kings, sheikhs, and paupers are exquisitely illustrated by cut-paper artist Geertje Aalders.

Beautifully packaged, Arabic Folktales is a rich and varied introduction to the world of Middle Eastern folklore.

Five Minutes' Peace
by Jill Murphy

"If you are not familiar with these stories, you really have not lived ... you just couldn't get better" Guardian

Mums everywhere will understand the plight of poor Mrs Large. All she wants is five minutes' peace and quiet away from her boisterous children! So, taking refuge in the bathroom, she fills herself a hot, foamy bubble bath and takes in a tray of her favourite breakfast and the morning paper. But there’s never a dull moment with the Large family, and it soon becomes clear that mum's quiet time is to be very short-lived! Family life is beautifully observed in this warm and funny modern classic from Jill Murphy.

Available for the first time with the cutest soft toy version of the Little One, this is the perfect present for your own little ones!

Ada and the Galaxies
by Alan Lightman & Olga Pastuchiv and illustrated by Susanna Chapman

There is so much for Ada to do while visiting her grandparents on an island in Maine, but no amount of beachcombing and kayaking during the day can take the place of looking at the bright and beautiful stars at night. She can hardly wait for the sun to set, but will a thick fog spoil her stargazing plans?

Photographs taken from the Hubble telescope are seamlessly layered with charming illustrations to beautifully bring to life this enchanting story of a curious child and her caring grandfather, who share a love for our incredible night sky and the mysteries it holds.

It's Mine!
by Emma Yarlett 

Once there was a mysterious thing. Nobody knew how it got there, it just was. “It’s mine, all MINE!” say Mouse, Frog, Fox and Bear. But is it a piece of fruit, a wheel, a ball, a chair or something else altogether? And who will get to keep it in the end?

Now out in Paperback!

Click here for our It's Mine! Activity Sheets.

Not That Pet!
by Smriti Halls and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Hooray! Mabel and her family are getting a pet! There's no time to lose! But which kind of animal should they choose? Not the snake – it's too scary. The elephant's too big. The worms are too wriggly and the hyena too giggly. Then Mabel has a perfect idea. But will her family agree? A laugh-out-loud rhyming story about finding the perfect pet – with plenty of hilarious twists along the way. Now out in Paperback!

Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small
by Smriti Halls and illustrated by Ben Mantle

"We need more beautifully illustrated and involving non-fiction like this. Wade and Castrillón introduce nanoscience with perfect clarity and inviting pictures." The Sunday Times

Everything is made from something ... but the way we make things, from the materials we use to the science and technology involved, is changing fast. Nano offers a fascinating narrative introduction to this cutting-edge area of STEM, better known by the name "nanotechnology". With words by Dr Jess Wade – a highly skilled physicist and trailblazing campaigner for diversity in STEM fields – and beautiful, dynamic pictures by award-winning artist Melissa Castrillón, this is the perfect book for budding young scientists and engineers.

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All of our March releases are now available from all good booksellers.